My name is Noela Slater (nee Warren). I was born on the Island (Cowes) in 1950, and I am now living in Australia. I remember the cold winters walking to school in Denmark Road, with my boots on and gloves, coming home to hot soup and open fire.

My Mother (Peggy Ridgley) was born on the Island, and many of her family still live there. I have re-visited the Island a few times since 1970 and still regard it as my home. We left the Island in 1962 to live in Somerset for five years, and then on to Australia. I love the Island, and hope it never changes; I feel at home when I'm there. I loved the double decker bus as a kid, sitting up the top at the front, and I loved Cowes sea front, with the yachts and the smell of the sea. I am coming back at the end of August for another visit to see my brother Graham Warren.