Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2017 | Page 4

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A WORD
FROM THE
EDITOR
So that was the summer of 2017! Hardly
one of the best we’ve ever had, what with all
those showers and grey skies - but Islanders
are notoriously hardy types, so most of the
outdoor events went ahead with brollies
and waterproofs at the ready.
And, because every disappointment has
its up-side, this autumn is already proving
glorious, with amazing shows of fruit
and berries to be seen everywhere. Our
orchards are weighed down with fruit,
while the hedgerows are bursting with
a stunning crop of berries, all thanks to
the weather combination of a cold winter
followed by a long hot spring, and then
summer rains.
There will certainly be a lot of blackberry
and apple crumbles on our tables this year!
As we all retreat indoors to enjoy such
comfort foods and log fires, there’s nothing
better than curling up with a good book or
a copy of your favourite magazine.
Inside this issue of Island Life you can
read profiles of our latest selection of
fascinating local characters.
There’s Newport car dealer Roger
Sixsmith, who tells us about the huge
changes in the motor trade over the past
50 years and reveals a passion for WWII
Army vehicles, while another veteran
businessman, Ryde pet shop owner
Graham Ruthven, has some entertaining
tales about his years as an animal breeder
and supplier of offbeat pets to rock stars
and politicians.
Meanwhile, veteran horsewoman Diana
Bown gives us the low-down on a big event
that’s set to put the Island, and Osborne
House, on the UK equestrian map next
summer.
Enjoy your complimentary issue, and
please do continue to support our loyal
advertisers who help bring the magazine
to you.
Jackie McCarrick, Editor
4
www.visitilife.com
C ONTENTS
I SLAND L IFE
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2017
INTERVIEWS
p33
Jumping for Joy!: Diana
Bown
p48
The Exotic World of ‘El
Gringo’: Graham Ruthven
DAYS OUT
p47
Featured Property:
Jobsons Farmhouse
A Driving Force: Roger
Sixsmith
p40
p20
Wolverton Manor Garden
p29
Ideas for the Living Room
COUNTRYSIDE
p77
Matt Noyce: The Seasonal
Switch
p78
Ten things you didn’t know
about Barn Owls
p79
Sam Biles: The Disappearing
Vernacular
Fair 2017
p53 Oktoberfest - a real success p80 The Magic of Ivy
p54 Basu and the Damask Drum p82 Tony Ridd: Countryside News
p60 Rewarding Aspiration p84 Migratory Birds
p62 Teeing for Charity
PROPERTY
p14
Featured Property:
Seagulls
EQUESTRIAN
p89
Robert Booth:
Training Horses
p90
Emily’s Riding High on
Olympic Star Horse