Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2010 | Page 61

feature Island Life - August/September 2010 a hugely popular location for adult only serves to holidaymakers. enhance the Then of course to complement its community spirit famous harbour, there are house boats rather than full of charm and character, as well damage it. as Bembridge Sailing Club, dating We asked a few back 1886, and now with one of the business owners most attractive club houses to be seen why they thought anywhere. Bembridge was The harbour itself is surprisingly busy, just that little bit bearing in mind those who come and different, and go are ruled by the low tides. But that why it is such a doesn’t deter pleasure craft as well as popular location fishing boats from ensuring a constant for locals and flow to and from The Solent. visitors alike. And you don’t have to dig too much Andrea Lesley, deeper to find a magnificent array of who runs her shops, a string of high quality business soft furnishings outlets that include a dental practice, business from her a motor showroom, vehicle repairers, unit at Weavers cafes and chiropractor. Yard, said: “It Come to think of it, there’s not much is special that that Bembridge hasn’t got. Many who the community live there reckon that if the village was do make an cut off from the rest of the Island for effort and try any reason, it would be able to survive to support local – at least until the suppliers had to businesses. It make their way back in. is part of the But there is no point in having all the community spirit, Photo: Chris Littleworth - Bembridge Flower Shop magnificent facilities, if there is no and businesses that support, especially in what have one to use them. And that’s another do appreciate it. been difficult times for everyone.” thing that tends to make Bembridge a “I find not just with my business, but bit special. The locals are loyal and the the likes of the village butcher and the Bembridge Flower Shop for the past six annual influx of mainlanders to their delicatessen are well supported, and and half years, said: “The great thing holiday homes, hotels or guest houses obviously they couldn’t survive without about Bembridge is that you don’t have Chris Littlewort, owner of the bembridge bembridge bembridge BEMBRIDGE GARDEN MACHINERY TIM WOODCOCK BOOKEEPER BEMBRIDGE SAILING CLUB For all your Garden Machinery Needs BOOKKEEPING FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS Tim Woodcock specialises in general bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and charity accounts. Tim offers a professional friendly service and is fully qualified. Reasonable rates and flexibility. Can work from your premises or his own premises. (Treasurer for Founded in 1886, not only is the Club one of the oldest sailing clubs on the Solent, but it also boasts an attractive Clubhouse with impressive function facilities nestling right on the edge of picturesque Bembridge Harbour. Visiting yachtsmen from RYA affiliated clubs always welcome. Lunches available every weekend. Rallies by prior arrangement. Lawnmowers, Bushcutters, Chainsaws and Tractors. SALES - PARTS - SERVICING - HIRE  Bembridge Lifeboat Station for many years.) Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] High Street, Bembridge m. 07737 315116 [email protected] Visit our new website - www.visitislandlife.com Tel: [phone] email: [email protected] www.bembridgesailingclub.org 61