Bembridge
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Bembridge is a village located on the easternmost point of the Isle of Wight. It had a population of 3,567 according to the 1991 census of the United Kingdom, leading to claims by residents that Bembridge is the largest village in England.
Bembridge is a local service centre, hosting both a primary and middle school (see Education on the Isle of Wight for more information), a post office, several shops, a [local airport] (with concrete runway), and Catholic, Methodist and Anglican Churches. It is also the location of a local fire and lifeboat station.
The RNLI station is particularly important, as extending into the sea to the east of the village lies the notorious "Bembridge ledge", a large rocky outcrop which poses a major threat to passing boats. Although it is private sailing yachts which are most at risk, a wide variety of boats commonly run aground here, especially in the often stormy weather conditions which affect the Solent during winter months.
Close to the lifeboat station lies a coastguard outlook. Positioned at a high elevation this offers views of the Solent meeting the English Channel to the east of the Isle of Wight. Boating enthusiasts can observe a range of shipping - most of it keeping a safe distance from the Bembridge ledge - here, especially during the summer. Adjacent is the Crab & Lobster pub, popular for its locally-caught seafood.
Bembridge Windmill, the only remaining windmill on the Isle of Wight is located to the west of the village. Dating from around 1700, it is a National Trust property generally open from April to October.
The Britten-Norman aircraft factory is located near Bembridge.
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