Report from I.W. Councillor Roger Mazillius

Posted by Admin on 19 June 2010, 12:00 am

COUNCILLOR ROGER MAZILLIUS
I.W. COUNCILLOR FOR COWES SOUTH & NORTHWOOD
21 OXFORD STREET, NORTHWOOD
ISLE OF WIGHT PO31 8PT
Tel: 01983 295556
Email: roger.mazillius@iow.gov.uk

REPORT – JULY/AUGUST 2010

NORTHWOOD HOUSE
In 2002, in response to local requests supported by Cowes Town Council, the I.W. Council obtained permission from the Charity Commissioners to transfer responsibility for this historic property from the Council to local Trustees. The Council has recently served notice on the Trustees which finalises this legal situation.

The next step is for a new feasibility study to be commissioned to show the way ahead for the Trustees. The Council has agreed to provide £2,500 towards the Study cost with English Heritage funding the balance. Council representatives are meeting with the Trustees to clarify their respective positions and I am hopeful that a mutually agreed way forward will result.

NORTHWOOD CEMETERY
Stabilisation works to protect the right side chapel / mortuary are nearing completion. The Friends of Northwood Cemetery, of which Jill and myself are Members, are keenly interested in ensuring the protection of both these historic chapels. There will be a number of Northwood residents who will recall funeral services at the left side main chapel, which still contains an altar and pews.

The Friends would like to see this chapel restored back into use both as a chapel and for community purposes. New Friends are always welcomed to assist in the wide variety of restoration and conservation of the grounds of the cemetery or just to add to our membership. The Membership Secretary is John Matthews at 23 St Andrews Street, Cowes, PO31 7DF.

NORTHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
The school is sending four young tennis players to the Primary School Island Games at Sandown Fairway Sports Centre on 26th June. This increasingly popular Islandwide annual sporting event mirrors the International Island Games which will be held on the Island next year. The Primary Schools event gives our sporting youngsters an early opportunity to experience the thrills of a major sporting event and I have no doubt many will go on to excel in the sport of their choice as the years go by.

Why not pop over to Sandown and see for yourselves!

ALLOTMENTS
There is now just one plot left for local residents (there are a number of non-locals who are interested) so if you would like to take this before it goes please contact Allotment Association Chairman Paul Morris on 01983 209024. In the meantime members of Northwood Village Produce Association have visited the new allotment site and met with members of the Allotment Association Committee and toured the site.

We were most impressed with the work achieved so far to transform this grazing land to productive allotments. Produce Chairman Ron Willis and myself are sharing one of the plots and the sense of camaraderie and purposefulness amongst the keen horticulturalists bodes well for the successful future of these village allotments.

NORTHWOOD VILLAGE SHOW
Which leads me nicely to remind residents that the 65th Annual Village Show takes place at the W.I. Hall on Saturday 14th August from 2pm. The show is open to all and entry forms/programmes can be obtained from Ron Willis at 3, Uplands Road – Tel: 01983 200452. This year we have our own small marquee in the grounds of the hall to accommodate what we hope will be a bumper number of entries. You do not have to be a keen grower as in addition to the usual fruit, floral and vegetable there are classes for cookery, painting and handicrafts as well as separate classes for children.

We look forward to seeing you on the day!

NATIONAL ARMED FORCES DAY
This important day when we recognise and acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices made on our behalf by our present and past armed forces takes place on Saturday 26th June. As last year the Island holds an open day at Appley Park and beach in Ryde featuring a march-past by veterans and service men and women; displays by various branches of the armed forces, bands, music in the park, fireworks etc. This is a great day out for all the family and there is no admission charge although I think collection buckets will be available to assist in support work for veterans.
The Council will be flying the special Armed Forces Day flag from our flagpole behind County Hall and on the County Hall roof to help show our support for our armed forces.

COLD CALLING ALERT
Residents may have seen the recent court case brought by our Trading Standards Department against two con-men who “cold called” an elderly lady in Freshwater offering to do work on her roof. After quoting her what appeared to be a reasonable £70 for the work they returned to say that more work was needed which would end up costing over £700. Fortunately neighbours were alerted and cheques were stopped. An investigation proved that the claimed works were not necessary and had not been done.
The Council successfully prosecuted the two men and obtained an appropriate Community Service Order, fines and costs penalties. So please remember, do not accept any quotes from any person who just arrives on your doorstep. They will be unreliable at best and crooks at worst. I also am sure that Northwood residents will keep a lookout for their elderly neighbours if they are alone or in any other way vulnerable.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
On a much happier note, as we approach the holiday season, Jill and I send our best wishes to all for a happy holiday with as much relaxation as you can manage!

As this is the usual two month issue of Northwood News, may I remind residents that I am of course available during July and August to assist with any matters you wish to bring to my attention.