Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2015 | Page 108
Protecting
your
property
W
ith thieves targeting rural
properties on the Island,
it’s worth checking that your own
security measures are up to the job
says John Heather, Agent at NFU
Mutual.
As rural life changes, farming
families no longer make up the
majority of the population; in
their place are families whose
breadwinners may be on the
mainland, and retired people who
have moved here to enjoy the rural
lifestyle.
The UK motorway network
and links to Channel ports enable
thieves to quickly move stolen
machinery and other goods across
the country and abroad – and while
living on the Isle of Wight provides
some protection from this scenario,
it still pays to protect property by
taking basic precautions, and being
aware of suspicious activities.
NFU Mutual is helping country
people fight crime by supporting
rural crime initiatives and liaising
with police and local farm,
countryside and horse watch
groups.
To help promote good security
practice and deter thieves, it is
also offering a range of premium
discounts of up to 27.5% to farmers
who fit approved security measures.
Ron Bird & Son
Wisteria Gallery
Old Station Road, Ventnor, PO38 1DX
t. 01983 867007
e. [email protected]
w. www.pianos.gb.com
22 High Street, Wootton Bridge, PO33 4PE
t. 01983 882980
e. [email protected]
w. www.wisteriagallery.co.uk
W
P
hatever your piano problem, there’s a
family business in Ventnor that is sure to
hold the key. Whether you need a re-tune
or repair, new strings or general maintenance - or
perhaps are looking to buy a new or used instrument,
then specialists Ron Bird and Son can help.
The large showroom and well-equipped workshops
carry a wide range of nearly-new, reconditioned and
as-bought pianos - all thoroughly checked by the
resident experts prior to sale and delivery.
And when it comes to maintenance and repair
work, the name of Ron Bird guarantees quality
workmanship. Ron has been working with pianos
for almost half a century, having decided in1959 to
follow his piano-maker and tuner grandfather into
the profession. After studying Piano Technology
in London, he worked for several prestigious
companies, and opened a workshop and showroom
in Cornwall.
He was constantly in demand at major venues,
including Wembley Arena, The Dominion Theatre
and The Albert and Festival Halls.
Now, Ron heads his own team of tunertechnicians, covering the whole of the Island as well
as Plymouth, Torbay and Brighton.
Among the team is his son Simon Bird, an
Associate of the Institute of Musical Instrument
Technology and a Student of the PTA, who has now
joined the Music Services arm of the business.
Ron and Simon are both Renner Recognised
Technicians, having completed advanced courses at
the Renner factory in Germany – so customers can be
sure their beloved pianos will be in the best hands.
recious pictures deserve the perfect frame –
and one Island company has built a reputation
for expertly mounting and framing all kinds of
treasured pieces – from tapestries and embroideries
to keepsake sports shirts, medals and coins, baby
shoes and other 3-dimensional objects, as well as
the more usual paintings and photographic images,
and full conservation framing.
Established in 1977, Wisteria Gallery has become
known for its exceptional service, and has a whole
army of satisfied customers.
The business is built on offering value for money
with the highest of standards – which explains why
many customers return time after time. Indeed, the
gallery still has some of its original customers, who
return on a regular basis.
It constantly updates its equipm V