Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2016

Check out our website visitilife.com A WORD FROM THE EDITOR As winter starts to close in, it’s time to dig out the woollies, stoke up the fire and generally get cosy for the season. But don’t hibernate totally, because there’s still plenty to enjoy on the Island, both in the great outdoors and in some of our brilliant pubs, restaurants and venues. What could be more enjoyable than a brisk Sunday walk on the beach or downs, followed by a traditional roast or pint of ale? And don’t forget those great winter festivals of Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night, which offer exciting parties and great opportunities for getting out and about with the whole family. When you get back home, there’s no nicer winter pastime than snuggling up in a cosy armchair with a good old-fashioned book – those e-books don’t seem to have quite the same comfort factor! This month we talk to the remarkable Gail Downey-Middleton – also known as Mrs Middleton, owner of the quirky and award-winning bookshop-cum-tea-room at Freshwater – who tells us how being around books seems to magically make people talk to each other. Certainly a skill that needs encouraging, with so many people losing the art of everyday conversation, despite (or because of?) the explosion of new-tech communications. CONTENTS ISLAND LIFE OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 INTERVIEWS GARDENING p18 Talking Books: Gail Middleton p71 p28 COUNTRYSIDE A view of life behind the lens: Graham Reading p34 A wheely good time had by all p38 Living the dream as a racehorse owner LOCAL SCENE p25 Charity Gala Success p32 A Wight Brainy Bunch p37 Isle of Wight Day p47 A wedding day message for all to see p55 Bestival looks to the future ON THE WATER p42 The changing colours p63 Sam Biles: From Princesses to Tsars p64 Countryside News: Tony Ridd p66 Ten things you never knew about bats p68 Fabulous autumn fungi EQUESTRIAN p73 Training Horses: Robert Booth p74 Equestrian goodies p77 Farrier champions p78 Dawn Norris: Island girl Rough waters for Cowes race Let’s keep talking, and keep reading – especially your favourite free Island magazine which as usual, comes packed with all your favourite features, plus lots of photos of events across the Island this autumn. Enjoy - and please continue to support the advertisers who make it all possible. Jackie McCarrick, Editor 6 www.visitilife.com Oct/Nov 2016_MASTER NEW.indd 6 14/10/2016 14:47

Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2016 | Page 6