Island Update: February 2025

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

Celebrating Success

In an inspiring evening of celebration, Network Ryde Youth Service proudly recognised the achievements of 16 young people who have successfully completed their Bronze, Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards. The award ceremony was held at Network Ryde’s new youth centre (formerly St. Thomas’ Church), and was attended by proud parents, family, friends of Network Ryde, and Ryde Town Council Councillors. Graham Biss, the Isle of Wight’s High Sheriff presented the awards, and Richard May, Ryde’s Mayor, spoke enthusiastically at the event.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an incredibly important part of Network Ryde’s youth provision. Bex Swan, Network Ryde’s Youth Work Manager commented, “We are so proud of all of our young people for completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s

Awards at Network Ryde. As a team, we work hard to provide an inclusive youth service and love the time we spend supporting our young people. We send huge congratulations to all of our 2024 achievers and look forward to this year’s award!”

The Award equips young people with lifelong skills, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose.

www.networkryde.co.uk

Short Break Tester Competition

Sykes Holiday Cottages is calling on avid travellers in the Isle of Wight to apply to become its first-ever UK Short Break Tester.

One lucky person will be able to explore some of the UK’s most desirable weekend destinations for free throughout the year and all they need to do in return is report back to Sykes on their experiences.

The lucky winner will experience four two-night stays, each complete with bespoke itineraries, ensuring each trip is perfectly planned just for you. You will also win a Sykes holiday voucher for the remaining prize value, to spend on additional Sykes bookings of your choice, with the total prize worth exceeding £7,000.

James Shaw, Managing Director, said, “One lucky winner will go on an incredible journey to some of the most desirable destinations for weekend breaks to experience and share what makes these locations so special.”

Staycation enthusiasts can apply by submitting a 200-word cover letter to www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/best-uk-short- breaks/ detailing why they deserve the role, with applications open from now until 17th February 2025.

Dream Summer Job

Ryde Beach Lifeguards has already begun its search for new beach lifeguards to get paid to do the Island’s best summer job.

RBLG operate on the Island’s most popular beaches, Ryde and Sandown. Successful applicants will obtain comprehensive training, and skills for life, as well as having one of the most rewarding and enjoyable summer jobs in the UK.

Todd Miller (Beach Manager) said, “We are extremely proud of the contribution RBLG makes to drowning prevention on the Island, with our education programmes, Sea Safe schools programme, training and of course our amazing Beach Lifeguards. The experience you gain as a Beach Lifeguard is like no other and will stay with you for life.”

Do you think you have what it takes?

• Be 16-years-old or over

• Have a high level of fitness

• Competent at swimming in the sea

• Swim 400 metres in eight minutes or less

• Great team player

• Strong communication skills

• Caring, responsible and mature • Passion for beach safety

You must be available for training in April as well as good availability to work in May, July and August.

Please email rydebeachlifeguards@gmail. com for an application form.

New Trustees Wanted

The Footprint Trust, a charity dedicated to helping Islanders reduce their carbon footprint, is looking for passionate individuals to join its Board of Trustees.

Since its founding in 2002, the Trust has empowered thousands of Isle of Wight residents to reduce their energy and water usage, tackle fuel poverty, and stay warm and well. Over the past 22 years, the Trust has become a cornerstone of the community, supporting sustainable living while making a real difference in people’s lives.

New trustees will have the opportunity to serve the Island community by playing a vital role in guiding the organisation’s direction and supporting its dedicated staff.

“We’re looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about making a difference,” said manager, Laura Stichbury. “This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future for the Isle of Wight and help us continue to support residents in need.”

Children’s Library Refurbishment

The Lord Louis Library in Newport will fully reopen on Monday 3rd February after completing essential maintenance work and refurbishment. A highlight of the refurbishment is the newly decorated children’s library, which now boasts vibrant new carpets and a fresh paint scheme.

Joanna Cooke, library supervisor, said, “It’s been really lovely to choose bright new colours to go with our forest theme, and we can’t wait to welcome children back into their library.”

The much-loved children’s Rhyme Time sessions, which were suspended during the maintenance works, are set to resume on Friday 7th February, with sessions at 10am and 11am. These engaging sessions, featuring songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers, are free to attend and require no prior booking.

For the latest updates on library services, visit the library’s website at www.iow.gov. uk/thelibrary and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iwlibraries

Congratulations Pan Together

Multi-award-winning Island charity, Pan Together, exists to support and provide a community hub for the residents of East Newport, which includes the Isle of Wight’s most disadvantaged area, Pan.

The charity’s community support and anti-poverty services are, sadly, increasingly essential as the cost-of- living crisis continues to bite so hard for so many local residents. At the heart of the centre, however, is the warm and welcoming community cafe - which has just been awarded Five Stars in its latest food hygiene inspection, for the second time in a row. The cafe is open to everyone each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 2.30 pm. It offers freshly-prepared, wholesome food at affordable prices whilst also acting as a social hub.

Rachel Thomson, Pan Together’s Community Centre Manager, said, “Under the leadership of our fantastic cafe supervisor, Wendy Parsons (pictured above), our community cafe has gone from strength to strength. Huge congratulations on this tremendous achievement.

www.pantogether.org.uk

Isle of Wight Writers Jamboree

The Isle of Wight Writers Jamboree is the first of what will hopefully be an annual get-together of Island writers. A chance to meet, celebrate and check in with each other.

As well as a jolly, it will also be an opportunity to hear briefly from various sources who can paint a broad picture of the Island’s cultural landscape including the creative sector’s objectives and goals and what opportunities there may be for writers.

Organised by Medina Bookshop in collaboration with Creative Island and their talent development programme the IW Creative Network, there will also be representatives from the likes of Naked Figleaf Press, Brevity and other groups and organisations offering opportunities for Island literary talent.

Several writing competitions will also be launched on the evening including the IW Book Awards and the IW Biosphere Writing Competition.

Tickets available at www.medinabookshop.com

The Big Knit is Back!

The much-loved Big Knit campaign is back for another yarn-spinning year, and Age UK Isle of Wight in partnership with Innocent Drinks is calling on knitters and crocheters across the Island to join the fun and help make a big difference to the lives of older people.

Crafters have until the 1st July 2025 to send their hats, so there’s plenty of time to get involved. There are exciting hat designs, from monkeys to unicorns, as well as more simple patterns depending on your experience level. These designs can be found on Age UK Isle of Wight’s website www.ageuk.org. uk/isleofwight/activities-and-events/ the-big-knit/ – or if you’re offline give them a call at 01983 525282.

For more information on The Big Knit, contact Age UK Isle of Wight. To ensure that your contributions stay local please send completed hats along with your contact details to: Age UK Isle of Wight 17 St Thomas Square, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SL

Tennyson Down Named Best Run

With searches for ‘running plans’ increasing by nearly 20% since last year, running is set to be one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2025.

With that in mind, experts from Kudos Run have named the best scenic runs in the UK for new runners, and Tennyson Down takes first place as the best scenic run for people just starting their running journey. The 4.87km route is perfect for those starting programmes such as ‘Couch to 5k’, and offers beautiful coastal views. Its easy grading means that it is great for new runners who don’t want to push themselves too hard.

Georgina Eastabrook, author and running enthusiast at Kudos Run, commented, “A good running route is one that makes you want to run and one that you find entertaining. I would recommend starting with an easy-grade run mixed with intervals of slow walks. As you become more confident, you can increase the amount of time and length of your runs.”