Island Update: November 2024

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

Maritime Careers Fair

The Isle of Wight Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) unit, supported by the MVS City of Portsmouth unit, recently took part in the Maritime Careers Fair hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight. Now in its second year post- COVID, the event aims to inspire secondary school pupils and college students to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

The fair attracted numerous leading maritime organisations and educational institutions, including the Royal Navy, BAE Systems, Warsash Maritime Academy, Wightlink, and Red Funnel.

Commenting on the event, Martyn Sharp, Chief Volunteer Officer of the MVS, said: “It’s heartening to see so many young people, including a strong representation of females, exploring opportunities in this traditionally male-dominated field. Together, we are contributing to the future of the sector.”

Keep Safe From Flooding

Those who have experienced flooding or water damage before know how devastating it can be. Island Roads are calling for support to help keep the network safe this autumn and winter.

Island Roads will be concentrating on street cleaning to remove fallen leaves, which can clog waterways and drains. This is something that can be done by homeowners as well – clear drains in your garden and driveways to keep water flowing freely.

Roadside ditches are also being inspected by Island Roads, making sure they are clear from debris and their capacity is not reduced. Again, this is something home and land-owners can keep an eye on.

Other things homeowners can do to prevent flooding include making sure gutters, gullies and drains are clear, and water butts are in place to catch rain run-off.

www.islandroads.com/our-highway-service/autumn-update/

Christmas Charity Ball

Isle of Wight Cooperative Funeral Care are organising a Festive Charity Gala Ball to support local charities across the Island, and they invite YOU to join the fun and make a difference this festive season!

This festive fundraiser will be held on Saturday 14th December from 6.30pm - midnight at The Lakes, Rookley. Tickets are £40 and include: a delectable 3-course sit-down meal; bubbles on arrival; raffle entry; entertainment and dancing all night long. Black Tie – dress to impress and sparkle!

This special night is all about bringing the Island together to support local good causes. A perfect event for friends, families, and colleagues to celebrate the season.

Beneficiaries of the event are:

• Home Start IOW
• Ability Dogs 4 Young People IOW • Community Spirited
• Men Only: Let’s Talk
• West Wight Dementia Choir
• Freshwater Independent Lifeboat
• Free Food in the Bay

Tickets are on sale now at Cooperative Funeral Care Homes in Lake, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, East Cowes, and Freshwater.

Remembrance Day

This Remembrance Day and the surrounding days will see towns and villages across the Island coming together in remembrance of those brave souls who lost their lives in war.

Joining together at a Memorial Service or taking time to pay your respects personally at one of the war memorials on the Island is a fitting way to mark the occasion. There are numerous memorials to choose from on the Isle of Wight, including the easily accessible Sandown War Memorial on the Esplanade in Sandown, Shanklin War Memorial, and Hoy Monument in South Wight.

Newport War Memorial in St Thomas’ Square, Newport has recently undergone a transformation with thanks to the Victoria Cross Trust. In September this year they visited the island and after a request from Gary Newman from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, they obligingly cleaned the memorial with the help of Newport and Carisbrooke Heritage Society. “Like many, I have several family members whose names are on the memorial, including my grandfather who was killed on The Somme in 1916. To see it returned to its former glory was quite emotional,” said Gary.

Festive Favourites Concert

Wessex Cancer Support is inviting Islanders to get the festive season started at Newport Minster on Saturday 30th November with its Music at the Minster: Festive Favourites concert. The night will feature a variety of local talent including Jay Eatwell, finalist of Channel 4’s The Piano, and Bella Brown, international award-winning harpist, with all proceeds going to support local people affected by cancer.

Amongst the evening of talent will be festive readings and classic Christmas hymns for all to enjoy, led by the Minsters’ own talented organist. Hannah Griffiths, Community Engagement Coordinator for Newport Minster said: “We are delighted to welcome Wessex Cancer Support and their talented performers to the new look Minster for their Festive Favourites event.”

Tickets are £15, concert starts at 7.45pm. Limited VIP tickets are also available for £20 and include a VIP drinks reception at The Wheatsheaf Hotel.

For more information, and to book, visit: www.wessexcancer.org.uk/event/minster-2024/

Local Mother Wins WellChild Award

Shanklin mother Angela Turner has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards, in association with GSK, having been nominated by her sister Lisa Whitaker. The Awards are run by WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children.

Angela campaigned tirelessly to improve care for children like her daughter, Chelsea, who sadly lost her battle with complex medical conditions last year at the age of 11. Angela was picked from 100s of nominations from across the UK to win the category of Parent Carer in these Awards which celebrate the resilience of children and young people living with serious illnesses or complex medical needs and honour the dedication of those individuals who go the extra mile to help them.

WellChild Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex said: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs. These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”

Pop’s Wood Nature Reserve

Phillip Sard paused his bike ride in Love Lane, Bembridge to look at a beautiful little woodland, when suddenly he saw an electric box with a water pipe showing. Fearing for more land being destroyed, Phillip decided to create a nature reserve. He found an investor, Imogen Baden-Powell, who is a relative of boy scouts’ founder Robert Baden-Powell. Imogen loved the idea and they come up with the name Pop’s Wood; lots of families now enjoy relaxing there.

Then Pop’s Wood Two was created on the old cycle track between St Helen’s and Brading. And now Phillip and Imogen are embarking on their third venture and are looking for volunteers. Pop’s Wood Nature Reserve can be found on Facebook.

Phillip wants to create safe places for people to go and find peace, to bring awareness of our environment by education, and to connect with nature.

(image: Josh Thomas)

Top 10 Best Islands

The Isle of Wight has proudly earned its spot as one of the Top 10 Best Islands in the UK in the highly esteemed Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. Famed for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and endless list of things to do, the Isle of Wight stands out as a favourite escape for visitors.

Will Myles, Managing Director of Visit Isle of Wight, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award. The fact that this award comes directly from travellers themselves makes it even more special.”

Merry and Bright Festival of Light

New Carnival, in partnership with Ryde Town Council, is excited to announce the return of the much-anticipated Merry and Bright - Festival of Light. Taking place on Friday 6th December from 5pm to 8pm, this year’s event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever! The heart of the festival will be the enchanting Lantern Parade from 6 to 7pm, inspired by the theme ‘The 12 Days of Christmas.’

The parade will set off from Dover Street outside Aspire, go along Park Street, Star Street, the High Street and Union Street before finishing with a traditional Wassailing inspired ceremony at Western Gardens. Much more too, including an immersive digital graffiti workshop, a main stage hosting a lineup of talented local musician, craft market, late-night shopping, plus free face painting.

www.newcarnival.co.uk

Going Green

Queensgate Foundation Primary School achieved the International Eco Schools Award with Distinction and have received their Green Flag in school. The Eco Committee, supported by two members of staff, completed an in-depth Environmental Review covering ten topics, such as biodiversity, energy, and healthy living. The Committee chose energy, water and marine for their three topics.

The whole school took part in an Eco Day with children dressed to represent the earth and oceans, an assembly, workshops, and local artist Helen Goodman helped to produce a mural made with discarded plastic, which was signed by every child. Children ate a ‘green lunch’, took part in eco poster competitions and eco orienteering.

After an anxious wait, the school received the news that it had been awarded the Green Flag, with Distinction! Work continues this year with the school applying for the 2024/2025 award.