Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2008 | Page 7

FOREWORD
Keith Dyer
AFFETON
An historical novel about the
French invasion of the Isle of
Wight in the fourteenth century. By – Keith Dyer

The 2008 Annual Hedgelaying
competition
This years popular hedgelaying
competition is being held on
Saturday 23rd February, along
the main road at Arreton,
next to the Fighting Cocks
Pub, by kind permission
of A. E. Brown Farms.
Hedgelaying is steadily
growing in popularity with
more hedges around the
island being managed in
this traditional way. It
not only rejuvenates the
hedge making it look more
attractive, but will increase
its habitat value for small
birds, mammals and insects.
The three sections; open
(professional), novice and
team will again be judged by
Alan Ashby a hedgelayer from
Kent and a previous National
Champion, along with Paul
Sivell a former hedgelayer, now
known for his international
chainsaw sculptures.
Peter Trunks a Supreme
National Champion will
also be travelling over from
the mainland to give a
demonstration and answer
any questions that budding
hedgelayers may have.
This is a great opportunity
for spectators to witness a

country craft at first hand,
getting up close and speaking
with the competitors, who
are always only too pleased
to pass on their knowledge.
Warm clothing and
stout boots are the order
of the day, as it can get
very cold and heavy under
foot. Help is on hand in the
marquee with hot drinks
and food being available.
For more information or to
support this non-profit making
event through sponsorship,
please contact Tony Ridd,
740067 or email tony@
landscapetherapy.co.uk.

Island Life - www.isleofwight.net

This is a novel based on
genuine historical characters
about the 14th century French
invasion of the Isle of Wight.
Into a series of events
during the summer of 1377,
the author has woven an
action-packed story. Hero
Robert de Affeton returns
from the war to find his
father dying, he falls in love
with his enemy’s daughter,
then has to cope with the
invasion of the French. Thank

goodness for the sanctity
of Carisbrooke Castle . . .
Affeton by Keith Dyer
is available from www.
amazon.co.uk and any good
quality local bookshop.

7