ISLAND LIFE MAGAZINE
Harbour revival continues
B
embridge Harbour continues
going from strength to strength,
following its rescue in 2011 and
the subsequent ambitious programme of
regeneration.
Apart from dredging the harbour,
refurbishing old pontoons and adding
new ones, there has also been the
introduction of a Safety Management
System, a brand new website and new
software management systems.
Then there’s the electronic live-feed tide
height gauge, re-engined Water Taxis,
Galley Locker provisions and pre-bookable
finger pontoons - to name just a few of
the ongoing improvements to date.
This summer will see the fourth annual
Bembridge Harbour Family Fun Weekend
from July 22 - 24, plus the revival of Jazz
on the Quay - an event last held in the
late 80s and throughout the 90s. The
2016 version on June 18th at the Duver
Marina featured one of the original
bands - the Unity Stompers - along
with younger talent in the form of Cat
Skelington and their old time Gypsy Jazz.
Both events are in support of the
Harbour’s nominated charity, Ryde
Inshore Rescue, which is celebrating
its 60th anniversary. Run entirely by
volunteers, the RIR independent lifeboat
service relies solely on donations for its
£30,000 annual costs.
Outline planning permission, granted
by the IoW Council in December 2015, is
currently being progressed with further
detailed information, and will enable
amalgamation of the berthing and
admin staff at the Duver, together with
new shower, toilet and laundry facilities
for visiting boats, replacement of the
current defunct bio-treatment plant, and
creating improved facilities at Bembridge
Marina and a new larger car park.
Plans also include 13 sensitively
designed and environmentally aware
houses at the Duver and the Marina, to
be constructed following completion of
the harbour improvement works.
All in all, Bembridge Harbour is rapidly
rebuilding its reputation as both a
quality destination and a permanent
mooring location.
Making animals happy
M
onkey Haven is an award-winning
attraction that makes animals
happy… and people happy. Come and see
us at our special sanctuary near Newport.
You’ll meet the family including
singing gibbons, mischievous monkeys,
awesome owls, incredible reptiles and
the naughtiest meerkats ever! We’re a
charity that cares for rescued animals,
and your visit will support all the
creatures you’ll see.
Monkey Haven is the Island’s No 1
attraction, according to TripAdvisor, and
2016 is a very special time for us, as it’s
the Chinese Year of the Monkey.
To celebrate, we’re giving children a
free booklet with a fortune cookie trail
around the Haven. There are keeper
talks and animal feeds throughout the
day, where you can find out all about our
amazing animals and how they came to
be here. You can even get up close and
personal with a few of our hand reared
owls, including our baby owlets - they’re
so cute! Plus meet the new arrivals: the
gorgeous Grivet monkeys. They’ve settled
in really well and love an audience.
There’s lots of fun for everyone… so
swing by and see us soon!
Plus don’t miss…
• The lovely tearoom
• The ice cream shack
• Two play areas for children
• The great little gift shop
www.visitilife.com
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