Beacon Magazine

Your community news, achievements and feel-good stories. Please do continue to send them in to editorial@iwbeacon.com and remember, more local news and information is available on our website www.iwbeacon.com

Ryde Rotary are proudly celebrating their centenary year with a whole host of events and connecting more than ever with their local community, as Sara Whatley found out

Fusing calming Scandi style and earthy textures with edgy industrial notes, Olivia and Mark have lovingly restored their Victorian terrace to bring together everything they love

Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming to screens in January....

Your guide to the best local events happening near you this month...

The kind-hearted and beloved founder of an Isle of Wight charity has died following a battle with cancer.

This winter, be among the first to sign up for an epic once-in-a-lifetime challenge in support of Mountbatten Isle of Wight — husky sledding in Sweden's Arctic Circle with the Lapland Husky Trail.

Designer and builder duo Emma Jane and Steve Betsy, doubled the size of their property to create a spacious family home filled with unique finds

Help is available for Islanders to save money on rising energy bills.

Your community news, achievements and feel-good stories. Please do continue to send them in to: editorial@iwbeacon.com

Robert Thompson’s former restaurant in Newport is the new home of Citizens Advice Isle of Wight (CAIW).

You wouldn't find these gifts in a stocking – but they’re sure to brighten up Christmas day. Ethical, fun and brimming with Yuletide spirit, here’s Hanna Prince’s pick of the best alternative presents

 A Cowes family has launched a fundraising campaign to help their compassionate, fun-loving 16-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with a rare type of brain cancer.

From the return of Feathers McGraw to a new season of Squid Game, here's your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming in December

Warm your heart with this remarkable story of friendship between a robin and a gardener, as told to Sara Whatley

A Memorial Quilt to raise awareness of people with living experience of suicide and bereavement arrived on the Island today (Monday). 

“A Christmas Murder”, the latest book by Island author Mary Grand has hit number one in the Amazon kindle best seller list.

Here's a gallery of some of our favourite images from across the Isle of Wight!

A stunning collection of birds of prey are taking flight once more at Robin Hill after new owner and CEO, Lee Priddle, came to the rescue of Island company, the Falconry Experience, who were facing an uncertain fate.

Your community news, achievements and feel-good stories. Please do continue to send them in to editorial@iwbeacon.com and remember, more local news and information is available on our website www.iwbeacon.com

The deadline for submitting entries for the Vectis Radio Community Awards 2025 is coming up fast.

Entries for the 2025 Cowes Week Regatta are now open.

January brings new beginnings, and for five Cowes locals, this means starting their time as fully qualified shore crew at Cowes RNLI Station.

MAN v FAT Football clubs in Cowes and Sandown have helped local men from across the Island lose over one tonne of excess weight in 2024.

An Isle of Wight wellness expert has come up with some top tips to help people combat 'Blue Monday'.

This comforting chicken ramen soup is like a hug-in-a-bowl, with immune boosting properties, its perfect to help fight off colds and flu this winter

‘Tis the season to be Jolly! So why not indulge in a cocktail for some festive frivolity? Here is a cocktail and mocktail recipe so everybody can enjoy a special treat this Christmas

Entertaining can be stressful but there are plenty of ways to make it easy on yourself with some prior preparation as Adele Trathan explains

These scrumptious fudgy cookies are a decadent treat for the whole family – delicious after a brisk autumn walk with a warming cup of cocoa

These warming and hearty fillers have succulent chicken, chestnut mushrooms and artichokes in a delicious creamy sauce flavoured with mustard – topped off with puff pastry. Tasty!

This is the perfect, homely dinner to look forward to as the autumn nights draw in. Adele Trathan explains how to make this delicious casserole that is baked and served straight from the pumpkin

Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...

Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests.

This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

This delicious recipe, courtesy of JBs Cowes, makes the perfect summer dish served with new potatoes.

The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

This simple but delicious cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals

Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.

This is a great way to feed the family as the chicken and veg are all cooked in one very large tray in the oven. It takes only minutes to put everything together then it sits in the oven for under an hour with no fussy finishing off to do and only one pan to wash up.

Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again

The dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter is indulgent and decadent so the perfect treat for Easter. These little beauties contain only a few ingredients (with a vegan option) and are quick and super easy to make

As a master baker and judge of ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, Peter Sidwell knows a thing or two about hot cross buns, as this fragrant and delicious recipe testifies.

Named after the King of Rock, Elvis Presley – as they contain his favourite ingredients of bacon, bananas and peanut butter – these pancakes are packed with protein and nutrients. They’re also very easy to make.

Back in 1981 when Bergerac first came to BBC TV, it was no surprise when John Nettles received sack loads of fan mail. I, like millions of other men, rather fell for the more rubenesque charms of the Bureau receptionist Charlotte, played by the gorgeous Annette Badland.

There are days in your life that you will never forget. One of mine was September 26th, 2006, when I met up again with Jane McDonald. Her welcoming hug and comforting words were just what I needed

Fifty one years after I first saw Bill Wyman appearing at a Rolling Stones concert at Ryde Pavilion, I finally managed to meet him.

Back in 2001 I took an exciting 21 hour day trip to Weatherfield. I was expecting to undertake a couple of interviews with two of Coronation Street’s lesser known characters. Thankfully, it didn’t go to plan. Once the two interviews were completed and the press office girls had left, I was told to sit tight for a few minutes and see who might come in. Over the next hour, six of the most famous faces in Britain came in and were all eager to chat.

Saturday June 30th, 2012, was rather special in my 47 year career as a showbiz writer and broadcaster. I still call it my Sheridan Smith day.

Back in 1988, John Hannam interviewed Barbara Windsor – and this was long before Albert Square.

When Shaun Williamson was filling shelves in a Maidstone supermarket his ambition was to be like Richard Burton. Eventually, via Pontins in Wootton, 1986, he became Barry Evans, who for eight years was one of EastEnders’ most popular characters.

Life has been wonderfully unpredictable for Scottish actor Joe McFadden. Before winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, he’d been a rock star in Sex, Chips & Rock ‘n’ Roll, cast as maverick cop, Joe Mason in Heartbeat and surgeon Raf di Lucca in Holby City.

Gwen Taylor is one of those actors known for a wide variety of names — Amy Pearce from Duty Free, Barbara Liversidge in Barbara, Heartbeat’s Peggy Armstrong, Rita Simcock from A Bit Of A Do or even murderer, Anne Foster, from Coronation Street.

Over the years, top actors like Celia Imrie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Penelope Keith and Geoffrey Hughes have all fallen in love with the Island. The latest to join them is David Calder, whose credits include The World Is Not Enough, The Hatton Garden Job and The Lady In The Van.

During the final ten days before the lockdown, I’d been lucky enough to have pre-arranged five interviews. It was in Guildford on a very wet and miserable March day. Would she be like Raquel in Only Fools And Horses or Mrs Maguire in Grantchester?

John caught up with the star of stage and screen, who talks of recent film projects and fond memories of when the Island was her home.

Famous radio DJ Annie Nightingale has helped numerous popstars enhance their careers by playing their music.

On July 7th, completely out of the blue, I received an unexpected email from a guy called Neil Chandler, the venue and artistic director of the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, which was re-opening following a £42 million redevelopment.

Helen George has millions of fans as Trixie Franklin in hit television series, Call The Midwife. She's just been seen in the show's Christmas Special and is all set to appear later this year in the ninth series.

Back on Sunday, February 17th 1991, I had the thrill of having the Beverley Sisters live on IW Radio's John Hannam Meets. At the end of their slot, I asked them to choose a record by their favourite current singer. In total harmony, they all said Marti Pellow and predicted a long and successful career for him. At that time he was the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet. How right they were.

Start as you mean to go on by creating your very own home sanctuary, a place to relax and enrich your life, says Sara Whatley

Considering a New Year’s Resolution for your garden? Grow more pansies, says Flo Whitaker

From designer florists to petrol station forecourts, cyclamen are everywhere at this time of year. They are uniquely different to other flowers – yet have become so ubiquitous, we’re in danger of forgetting how extraordinary they are, says Flo Whitaker

Flowering in the coldest months may seem counter- intuitive, but from a plant’s perspective, there is a distinct advantage – a lack of competition. Flo Whitaker picks six of the best winter- scented shrubs

Soil is the gardener’s greatest asset. Understand it, look after it – and many of your horticultural problems will resolve themselves, writes Flo Whitaker

If your garden fences or walls are looking a bit shabby it might be time to find a cover up solution. Read on for Sara Whatley’s transformation ideas.

Are you thinking of a new shed, greenhouse or garden room? Sara Whatley gives you some food for thought on all three

The clematis family offers flowers in a wide array of colours and shapes, and there are varieties for nearly every month of the year, says Flo Whitaker

How are your patio pots? Show-stopping, or lacklustre? Time to try some different planting combinations, suggests Flo Whitaker

Read on for some green fingered ideas to get the kids involved in the garden from Sara Whatley

With its exquisitely fragrant, show-stopping blooms, wisteria is the queen of spring climbers – yet it can be frustratingly sulky and thuggish. Flo Whitaker offers a quick troubleshooting guide to floral success

Inexpensive, hardworking plants with blooms in a vast array of colours and shapes - no flower is perfect, but dahlias come pretty close, says Flo Whitaker

Create walls that look incredible and feel amazing too with the use of 3D wall panels. Sara Whatley looks at this feature wall phenomenon.

February is often labelled the cruellest month in the horticultural calendar. However, Flo Whitaker suggests there is still plenty of opportunity for growth

Botanical Latin may seem daunting, but it’s designed to be helpful and informative, says Flo Whitaker

Alice Johnson from the RSPB describes some of the species of birds you might see during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January.

Thinking about a Christmas present for a gardening friend? Or perhaps you’re anticipating a gardening gift voucher and fancy treating yourself? Flo Whitaker suggests some essential hand tools that won’t break the bank.

Gardeners are a flower-obsessed lot, greedily seeking out the latest, brightest blooms. That’s all very well, but ephemeral flowers need a stage to perform on. Plant a hedge - they add structure, benefit wildlife and look good all year round.

Getting the right home office set up can be key to productivity and happiness. Sara Whatley shares her workspace ideas.

Easy-going and beloved by bees – now’s the perfect time to plant allium bulbs for a spectacular display next year. Flo Whitaker picks some of her favourites...

Bonfire Night is just around the corner. A night of fireworks and celebrations, it's fun for us, but not always for our pets.

To celebrate its 10th birthday, nationwide campaign, Hedgehog Street, is asking members of the public to do 10 things to help hedgehogs throughout 2021. The campaign launched by wildlife charities People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) aims to encourage people to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly, in order to help stop the ongoing decline of Britain’s favourite mammal.

A new review outlining the impact of road mortality on native European hedgehogs has been published in the online scientific journal Animals.

​​​​​​​Wightlink’s oyster nurseries are already proving a haven for rare marine wildlife.

Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is, for the first time, running its Living with Mammals survey during autumn, from Monday 31st August until Sunday 29th November.

The UK’s biggest citizen science project has been recording the winners and losers in the garden bird world for over four decades with the help of half a million people, and now the RSPB is counting on Island residents to join in too.

A flock of wheeling long-tailed tits capture this author's imagination as she takes a stroll in the countryside

Sparrowhawks are now fairly common throughout the country and more of us can enjoy the breathtaking sight of these spectacular, small birds of prey.

Using a few everyday store cupboard ingredients Sara Whatley and the kids make playdough for the perfect chilly winter afternoon activity

Get crafty with the kids this Halloween and make these spooky spider’s webs with Sara Whatley

Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows to get stuck into in October...

Your guide to the best local events happening across the island in September...

This month brings us murder, mythology, meals and maturing child-fiction characters

A mixture of comedy, politics and thriller to keep you intrigued and engaged, this month.

The Kings Theatre are delighted to announce that Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson is to play the title role of Dick Whittington in this year’s Pompey Panto.

The ground that surrounds Carisbrooke Castle is a popular walk with dog owners and locals – and connects to lots of onward walks around rural Carisbrooke, with its stunning views and watering holes.

As the year fully gets into its stride, why not immerse yourself in a new yarn from this selection of great offerings…

There’s no place like Mayflower Theatre when it comes to putting on a production to wow audiences. And this adaption of The Wizard of Oz, fresh from The London Palladium, is no exception.

This is one in a series of five walks, by Wootton Bridge Parish Council, designed to help you explore some of Wootton Bridge’s history and beautiful surroundings.

If you’re finding a bit more time on your hands after a busy Christmas and New Year, January’s book selections have a selection of murder, the monarchy and healthy new recipes!

Mayflower Theatre knows how to put on a panto –  and this year has to be my favourite so far.

Nordic Pole Walking (NPW) is quite unique in that it provides benefits for everybody, from those with medical problems to the super fit. Whatever your age, fitness level or goal, Nordic Pole Walking is suitable, effective and enjoyable.

There’s nothing quite like a Pompey Panto to start the festive season in style.

Ahead of Mayflower Theatre's 2023 pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, we found out what panto means to The Man in the Mirror, Christopher Biggins.

This year’s Pompey Panto was officially launched onboard the HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as the cast arrived on a vintage Pompey bus!

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the October edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

This route will take you along village pathways and through woodland for a gentle stroll, with some stunning views. Perfect for getting some fresh summer air in your lungs.

For August, a selection of relaxing reads, perfect company for time spent relaxing on beach somewhere.

For centuries, humanity has dreamed of stepping beyond the veil of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Fantasy worlds, born from the minds of imaginative storytellers, offer tantalizing glimpses of what could be. From magical kingdoms to futuristic utopias, these fictional realms inspire awe, adventure, and wonder. Here are five fantasy worlds that we’d give anything to explore in real life:

Whether or not you believe in Blue Monday and the January blues this week, there’s no denying that a comforting meal can elevate your mood. Food has the power to transport you across the globe, even if you're sitting at your kitchen table. Here are five amazing dishes from around the world to brighten your week and add some flavour to your day:

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time out for self-care is more important than ever. Spas offer a sanctuary of tranquillity, combining luxurious treatments with stunning settings to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Here are five incredible spas around the world that redefine relaxation and elevate wellness to an art form:

January can be a challenging month. The festive buzz has faded, and the cold, dark days can feel endless. But it’s also the perfect time to prioritise your wellbeing. Why not embrace the new year with a rejuvenating escape? Here are five fabulous UK destinations ideal for a January wellness boost:

January might be known as the month of healthier living, but you'd have to be quite brave to give some of these wellbeing delicacies a go!

The stunning Royal Hotel is offering one lucky Hidden member the chance to win a fabulous overnight stay on February 14 with a romantic dinner for two and a full English the next morning!

We've got FIVE Christmas trees (5-7ft spruce trees) to give away, thanks to Newport-based Shide Christmas Trees!

We've got a family pass to give away for this annual festive event - have a go at our random draw and you could be treating the kids!

The Mediaeval Baebes are delighted to be working with Hidden once again to provide a limited number of half-price tickets for their ‘The Ceremony’ Christmas concert on the Isle of Wight this festive season...

We've teamed up with the newly refurbished Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay, to give one of our lucky Hidden members the chance to win an overnight stay with breakfast, plus a £100 voucher towards lunch or dinner in The Rock Restaurant!