Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2012/January 2013 | Page 5

ISLAND LIFE Editor's letter Isle of Wight MP ANDREW TURNER Welcome to this latest edition of your FREE Island Life. We talk to Seaview-based Lord Fowler, who as MP Norman Fowler served under Prime The Riverside Centre, The Town Quay, Newport IW Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.islandmp.org Minister Margaret Thatcher, and recalls his ‘baptism of fire’ with the Iron Lady. Discover how former world-record holder David Bedford – organiser of the London Marathon - embarked on his athletics career after running around the Island as a teenager. And peep into the past in West Wight as we go behind the Buster did me proud at Dog of the Year Show doors at the Ferguson Museum which celebrates the life and achievements of inventor Harry Ferguson, grandfather of Freshwater farmer Jamie Sheldon. On a personal note, I reveal what it was like to have a full hip replacement – but without a full anaesthetic! And with the festive season looming we give a few hints for an alternative Christmas lunch. Of course we also include all the usual features - motoring, health and beauty, food and drink, countryside, gardening and much more. So enjoy your favourite lifestyle magazine, please support our loyal advertisers, and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We will be back with more must-read editions in 2013! Peter White Editor View seven years of back issues at: I was very pleased to have the opportunity to take part in the 20th Westminster Dog of the Year show. This annual competition’s title is hotly fought over. More than just an opportunity for MPs and Lords to enter into friendly cross-party rivalry, the competition, which is jointly organised by the Kennel Club and the Dog’s Trust, celebrates the unique bond between man and dog, promotes responsible dog ownership and highlights canine welfare issues. This year I did not enter my own rescue dog, Pickle. I decided instead to highlight the work of the excellent RSPCA rehoming centre in Godshill and the need for so many dogs to find loving, permanent homes. That is particularly true for ‘staffies’ Staffordshire Bull Terriers often get a bad press, but can make great family pets. Four-year-old Buster travelled up to London and won praise from organisers, spectators and other competitors alike. Although he narrowly missed out on winning the title he clearly enjoyed the day – not least because canine competitors were given tasty cakes made of tasty dog treats. If there had been prizes for wolfing down those I think Buster would have taken the title easily. We are very fortunate in having the RSPCA centre in Godshill. They deal not only with dogs and cats but often also have more exotic pets looking to be adopted. They do not get any national funding – they are a separate charity and every penny has to be raised on the Island. Please contact them on 840287 if you think you can offer a pet a new home and a fresh start in life. www.visitislandlife.com www.visitislandlife.com 5