Local Community News

Hovertravel has unveiled its 2024 charity Christmas card, with £1 from every sale going to Wessex Cancer Support.

Nettlecombe Farm has been awarded the Gold Award in the Isle of Wight Green Tourism Awards.

Former Hampshire left arm spin bowler Danny Briggs will join Hampshire Hawks for the Global Super League.

A stunning collection of Eucalyptus held at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, have now been secured for the future.

Storeroom 2010’s Cowes Men’s Shed now has a potentially lifesaving addition: a new community defibrillator, made available for public use in case of emergencies.

A former popular Isle of Wight chocolate shop building could once again be used for retail purposes.

It is an exciting time for South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY).

Visit Isle of Wight is thanking the local volunteer walk leaders for the success of this year’s Isle of Wight Walking Festivals which celebrated 25 years in 2024.

An Isle of Wight company has gained national recognition at a prestigious business awards event in London.

The finals for Burlesque Chair Dance’s Best of Burlesque competition took place in Blackpool on Saturday (November 16) at the iconic Viva Centre, next door to the famous Strictly Come Dancing venue.

With International Men’s Day - Tuesday 19 November - fast approaching, Southern Vectis is highlighting the challenges faced by local boys and men when it comes to education and work.

Orchard House Care Home marked Remembrance Day this week with a heartfelt ceremony honouring those who have served and sacrificed.

Here to Help is the name of the brand new Ryde Information and Support Service based at Ryde Library to offer support, reassurance and a helping hand all in one place.

Isle of Wight Open Studios continues to grow as a cornerstone of the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar and following the success of this year’s much-loved IW Open Studios - which saw over 120 artists participating – along with artists valuable feedback, new dates and a bold vision are being set for 2025.

The Dairyman’s Daughter pub in Arreton took home the top prize for the ‘Best Pub’ at last week's Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards.

Yarmouth Bridge is due to reopen to road traffic on schedule tomorrow (Friday) following work by Island Roads to install a new deck.

A new study has looked at which UK supermarkets are the cheapest for purchasing Christmas dinner ingredients, with Aldi crowned top. 

Mountbatten Isle of Wight is inviting people to celebrate the memory of those they hold dear at its annual Light up a Life event next month (December).

Snows Motor Group, which represents some of the car industry’s most prestigious brands throughout the South of England, has chosen Wessex Cancer Support as its charity of the year for 2025.

Dinosaur Isle's popular Blast from the Past event makes a welcome return this weekend (16-17 November).

Isle of Wight Tomatoes has announced its certification as a B Corporation (or B Corp).

Artswork, which works across the Isle of Wight, has been shortlisted at this year’s Children & Young People Now Awards.

Age UK Isle of Wight has announced the launch of its 2024 Christmas Raffle, offering participants a chance to win incredible prizes, including up to £25,000 or a brand new car.

After some fierce competition East Cowes Town Council have now awarded the contract for the rebuild of the Skatepark to Betongpark Ltd.

This Saturday (November 16) the Isle of Wight College is inviting adult learners and school leavers to take part in its opening day.

More than 480 people attended the Isle of Wight Council’s Your Future event last week at The Isle of Wight College.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People has announced the launch of its new clothing and accessories line through Teemill, just in time for Christmas shopping.

A new Thai restaurant has opened in Newport, following a successful launch last week.

Red Funnel held its fifth annual Isle of Wight Awards at Northwood House in Cowes last night (Thursday).

Veterans crossing the Solent as foot passengers to join Remembrance ceremonies will be able to travel for free with Wightlink.

Local web and design studio, Brightbulb, has launched their annual charity event in support of the Wight Brainy Bunch.

A talented cricketer from the Isle of Wight has made waves down under with a match defining and unbeaten maiden First Class century.

The Isle of Wight has narrowly missed out on being crowned Most Desirable Island in Europe in the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

Five pickleball players from the Isle of Wight travelled up to Bolton Sports Arena last weekend to take part in the English Pickleball National Championships.

There are just a few weeks left to enjoy a striking sci-fi dominated art exhibition, featuring work by Island-based artist and Mountbatten Isle of Wight patient, Clive Redfern Burrows.

A heavily criticised application for a 127-residential unit development in the west of the Isle of Wight will be decided by the planning committee at County Hall today (Tuesday).

A slew of Isle of Wight businesses are shortlisted for recognition in the south-east’s largest celebration of tourism, the Beautiful South Awards.

The search for a final missing raccoon continues this week, with Amazon World now having located three of the four who escaped from its park last week.

Islander Sian Grove narrowly missed out on a prestigious national farming accolade, after being shortlisted in the ‘Young Farmer of the Year’ category at this year's National Young Farmers Achiever Awards.

All day café/bar operator Loungers has announced it will withdraw from plans to transform a disused Cowes church into a new social hub in the town.

An Isle of Wight podcaster known for his high-profile celebrity interviews is celebrating a landmark edition today (Friday).

In honour of Remembrance Sunday (10 November) and Remembrance Day (11 Nov) Red Funnel is offering past and present serving UK Armed Forces free foot passenger ferry travel to and from the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Crematorium has donated just under £4,000 to Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent).

A charity that helps Island families in poverty to have a much-needed holiday is the biggest beneficiary of the latest round of giving by WightAID.

For more than 20 years, Des Jarvis has been at the heart of the Ryde community, running his traditional butcher shop, DW Jarvis Family Butchers.

Sandown's Bay CE School has achieved a Bronze RRSA: Rights Committed School accreditation.

An Isle of Wight tanning business is celebrating the opening of its second location, having moved into Ryde High Street.

Southern Water and delivery partner executives have raised thousands of pounds from a charity bike ride around the Isle of Wight, covering over 65 kilometres in total.

A teenage Isle of Wight angler has been recognised for showing respect for the fish he catches, his surroundings and the people he fishes alongside on Ryde Pier.

Islanders are being urged to keep an eye out for hedgehogs this Bonfire Night (Tuesday November 5).

Canvas10, the renowned Isle of Wight nail salon known for its creative and precise nail artistry, is thrilled to announce its shortlisting for three national awards at the 2024 Beauty & Aesthetics Awards.

A wreath laying ceremony is to take place next Wednesday to honour six men who died in waters off the Isle of Wight during the Second World War.

Shops across Sandown took part in a fiendishly fun and family friendly window dressing competition.

Vectis Radio has announced its third annual Isle of Wight Community Awards, this time at a new venue.

A stray cat which adopted Isle of Wight Radio's HQ in Newport as its home this summer, has given birth to a litter of kittens after being taken in by the RSPCA.

The winners of this year's Active Travel Challenge have been revealed.

The drilling of boreholes in the Leeson Road area of Bonchurch is designed to help protect the future of the area but fossils discovered during the work are also giving a fascinating glimpse back into its distant past.

The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service provided 670 people with lifesaving skills this year on World Restart a Heart Day (RSHD).

The Island's older cats are overlooked in favour of kittens and young cats, an Isle of Wight animal charity has reported.

A photo album from the early 1900s showing Winston Churchill relaxing on the yacht Oceana in Cowes is going under the hammer at Charles Miller Ltd in London on Tuesday 12 November and is expected to fetch £600-800.

This international Control Room Week (21- 27 October) sees the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service celebrating its heroes in headsets.

Young children are being invited to hear tales of Mojo the Friendly Robot tomorrow (Saturday)

Runners of all abilities are being challenged to take on a race with a difference.

The joy of books and reading was brought into 28 Island schools during this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

Hovertravel has retained its Green Marine Europe certification for the second consecutive year.

Award-winning ice cream parlour, Crave has joined forces with the Ventnor-based St Catherine’s School and College to raise awareness of Development Language Disorder (DLD) day tomorrow (Friday 18 October).

Age UK Isle of Wight (AUKIW) has announced the departure of its beloved Men In Sheds group as the charity complete their move to a new location.

Harris Fowler, The Personal Injury Solicitors, have helped to raise £8,500 for Smile 4 Wessex by sponsoring the Fundraiser of the Year Award at a recent Gala Dinner held at Botleigh Grange Hotel.

“Ferocious family fun” is on offer at two Island museums this Half Term in events organised by Organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.

Island friends Georgia Day and Sarah Howes have been nominated for the highly regarded IOW Woof Awards, recognising their local dog-inspired business, Wight Dog.

New Carnival, in partnership with Ryde Town Council, has announced the return of the much-anticipated Merry and Bright - Festival of Light.

Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, has launched a competition to design his 2024 Christmas card.

Nine students from The Bay Church of England school in Sandown on the Isle of Wight enjoyed a VIP trip to Portsmouth, including a two-hour tour of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and a visit to Henry VIII’s 16th century flagship Mary Rose.

With a career spanning six decades, Fred Dinenage has earned his place as one of Britain's most beloved broadcasters.

Cowes Enterprise College has again been awarded the prestigious Optimus Education Wellbeing Award in recognition of its support for wellbeing.

Local creative Adam Brown has filled Ryde’s smallest art gallery with caricatures of well-known people, all of whom have an Isle of Wight connection.

Monthly open mic nights are returning to Mermaid Gin's Wishing Well bar for October and beyond.

The stars certainly brought out the bookworms for this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is celebrating 25 years of encouraging visitors to the Island with a gate unveiled on a path in Brighstone, as part of the Isle of Wight Ramblers Donate-A-Gate scheme, aimed at providing a fully accessible route for walkers.

The Isle of Wight will Go Yellow for Mountbatten today (Friday).

Orchard House Care Home marked World Mental Health Day today (Thursday) with a joyful morning coffee gathering, bringing residents and staff together for a light-hearted celebration of mental well-being.

Cherry Godfrey, an independent financial services company, is excited to announce the launch of its new Mortgage Health Check, a service designed to help homeowners assess whether their current mortgage remains the best fit for their financial circumstances.

The months of October and November are traditionally the time of ghosts and ghouls, witches and wizards.

Ability Dogs 4 Young People is actively seeking compassionate Puppy Parent Volunteers to join their growing team and help transform the lives of disabled people on the Isle of Wight.

Wednesday morning (October 9) saw a local resident’s dog was rescued after a fall from the cliffs at Tennyson Downs in Freshwater Bay.

A trio of Ryde shops have joined forces to raise money to aid two brown bears' planned relocation to the Isle of Wight from Azerbaijan.

Successful adult learners who completed courses with the Isle of Wight Council were celebrated at an awards event last week.

Island Roads is pleading with landowners to help keep the Island’s highway network clear of water.

Southern Vectis is turbo-charging its support for Mountbatten Isle of Wight by gifting the charity £23,000.

Forty-six brave islanders have raised £25,000 to support local people affected by cancer by taking part in either a 10,000ft skydive or a 160ft bungee jump challenge at Sandown Airport organised by Wessex Cancer Support.

Nominations have opened for the first ever Woof Awards Isle of Wight, with dog owners invited to vote for for those involved with canine care.

This month's Emerging Artist is a singer whose function band "Forever to Go" have been making a name for themselves across the Isle of Wight in the past couple of years.

The Isle of Wight Distillery is set to host burlesque for the first time next month.

Isle of Wight punk duo, The Pill, have released their highly anticipated second single ahead of festival appearances and shows around the UK.

Members of Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat Crew collected King Charles III Coronation Medals, commemorating the coronation of the King, from the Island High Sheriff, Graham Biss BEM, in a ceremony at Sandown's Broadway Centre, attended by friends and family of the crew.

Wightlink has been awarded Best Ferry Operator 2024 at the National Transport Awards in London.

The official unveiling of an information board commemorating the historic sailing in 1633 of the Ark and the Dove, carrying the first settlers to Maryland, took place on Cowes Parade yesterday (Thursday).

The shortlist for the 2024 Community Radio Awards has been revealed.

Newport's Orchard House Care Home has celebrated the extraordinary life of Marie, a remarkable resident who turned 102 years old yesterday (Wednesday).

A number of scam warnings have been issued for the Isle of Wight today (Thursday).

Community centres across the Isle of Wight can apply for funding from Southern Water to help keep people warm this winter. 

A new, all-day fitness and wellbeing event will take place on the Isle of Wight in October. 

Disabled sailors and swimmers, as well as a scheme to protect an Island stream from invasive Himalayan balsam, were among the latest good causes to be supported by WightAID.

Shanklin mother Angela Turner has been named as a winner in the prestigious national 2024 WellChild Awards, having been nominated by her sister Lisa Whitaker.

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.

Red Squirrel Awareness Week gets underway today (Monday).

Ryde Swim Club master swimmers Kim Holmes and Matthew Sussmes, who both coach at the club, took part in the annual short course SE Region Masters swim competition at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley.

A mammoth effort by volunteers, saw the project to repaint all the railings on the Sandown esplanade finish last Thursday.

Hovertravel has announced a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with one of its iconic vessels at its Ryde terminal.

Isle of Wight rock group, 5 Degrees North, have released their latest single, Carvel Lane.

Are you ready to lace up your walking shoes and explore the stunning beauty of the Isle of Wight?

Cowes Enterprise College proudly hosted the annual Isle of Wight Science Festival this summer, an event dedicated to igniting students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Plans to bring fire crews back to East Cowes are taking a step forward with proposals for the site being drawn up and the old building set to be demolished.

Crys O'Connell, Cowes RNLI volunteer and RNLI administrator, swam across the Solent on Saturday morning to raise money for West Wight Sports & Community Centre.

Wightlink’s annual programme of maintenance for its eight-strong fleet is underway.

The Phoenix Choir will be performing in Holy Trinity Church Bembridge on Saturday October 5 at 7.30pm and are delighted to support the above appeal.

Home and Road safety charity, the Blue Lamp Trust welcomes a new CEO at the end of September.

An Islander Christened the 'Hungarian Hulk' has successfully qualified for the prestigious 2025 English Bench Press Championship.

Southern Vectis is calling on Isle of Wight based women to consider a new career as a bus driver.

Local cyclist, endurance coach and nutritionist, Joe Staunton, recently competed in the Haute Route Alps, a 7-day mountain stage race through the French Alps, which is considered to be the worlds hardest amateur cycling stage race.

Shaping Newport partners are celebrating the resounding success of Newport Heritage Day held on Saturday (September 7).

Breeze, the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) app serving the Solent area, has announced the addition of Wightlink ferries to its growing list of transport options.

There is less than a month to go until this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival - and tickets are going fast.

Fears will be conquered and personal challenges achieved when over 50 swimmers take part in the fourteenth West Wight Sports and Community Centre Solent Swim on Saturday (September 14.)

The Isle of Wight has paid tribute to emergency services on the Island and across the UK at a flag raising ceremony to mark national Emergency Services Day today (9 September), also known as 999 Day.

A fundraising concert in Cowes by Abbey Brass will include the world premiere of a new composition about life on the Isle of Wight.

This September, local community group, Planet Aware, are calling for Islanders to get involved in a global plastic pollution survey: “THE GREAT NURDLE HUNT”, ahead of the United Nations (UN) Global Plastic Treaty negotiations.

As the new school year begins, the residents of Orchard House Care Centre in Newport have been spreading joy and wisdom to the children of our local community.

Snap Fitness Isle of Wight has been shortlisted in the National Fitness Awards. and are in the running for a prestigious national award.

Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot, and Sandown Town Councillors, organised an end of season thank you and presentation of certificates to Lifeguard & Beach Manager Todd Miller and the team of Lifeguards that provided a beach safety service for residents and visitors to Sandown during the summer.

To celebrate the Island’s reputation as the home of top-quality produce, Wightlink is showcasing several of its Isle of Wight suppliers at a special event this weekend (September 7-8) on Ryde Pier.

Carisbrooke Priory and Aspire in Ryde will be set Ablaze over the weekend of 14 and 15 September as the Christian Arts festival returns to the Island.

Medina Theatre came alive to the sound of music, dance, and applause at the weekend.

Local people and visitors to the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to find out how easy and convenient it is to travel by bus.

A garden for young people to enjoy while in hospital has been transformed thanks to the generous support of the local community.

The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight has praised a local homecare provider for organising a “brilliant” event aimed at supporting older people on the Island to live well at home for longer.

Four intrepid souls are taking on the final day of a 114km trek today (Sunday) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

A crime novel set on the Isle of Wight will have its hardback release next month.

Cowes Enterprise College Students celebrated long into the night after receiving excellent GCSE results yesterday (Thursday).

Young people on the Isle of Wight have set out ambitious plans to tackle important issues raised at this year’s Isle of Wight Youth Voice Conference.

Freshwater Parish Council were so pleased to be able to once again support the FYTbus with a Community Grant of £5,000.

Ryde School is celebrating another year of successful GCSE results.

Carisbrooke College students and staff were celebrating today (Thursday) as talented teenagers at the faculty collect their GCSE results.

Students from Ryde Academy are celebrating their GCSE results today.

An Isle of Wight band known for their high octane live performances have released their debut single.

Live music will come to the Quay Arts next month to raise money for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's rescue bears - Balu and Benji.

Ventnor recently made waves with its first-ever Pirate Festival.

Artists across the Isle of Wight are being invited to take part in this year's annual Open Studios event.

Isle of Wight based WRS Systems has been named a finalist in the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards.

A kind-hearted seven year-old girl is raising money for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's rescue bears by keeping Isle of Wight streets and parks clean.

Isle of Wight charity, the Footprint Trust, has received a grant of £25,000 to help islanders on low incomes.

Ballyrags Comedy Club returns to Fubar in Ryde this week for another night of top-notch comedy, with Bobby Mair (as seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind The Buzzcocks & Russell Howard's Good News) headlining.

Thousands flocked to Sandown for the annual Regatta on Sunday (August 11), with organisers hailing the event one of the town’s 'biggest for years'.

A 10-year-old pupil of Arreton C of E School has been named the winner of a design competition run by local company IDML which received more than 300 entries.

Newport's Orchard House celebrated a special ‘Cuddle Day’ on Friday (August 9), with the event bringing smiles and warmth to our residents.

RSPCA Isle of Wight has announced the opening of its new charity shop located at 168 High Street, Ryde.

Wednesday evening (August 9) saw the West Wight Road Runners host a Let's All Run Together (LART) event.

The Isle of Wight's own Phoenix Pro Wrestling will make its first appearance at GG’s Bar and Restaurant in Newport tomorrow (Saturday) in what promises to be a match made in heaven.

Isle of Wight based Eldridges Solicitors is celebrating the appointment of highly decorated Joshua Gallop to its conveyancing team.

West Wight Sports and Community Centre unveiled its new Changing Places Toilet this week.

Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) have purchased twelve goals to be enjoyed free of charge throughout the summer holidays. 

Six years ago (Friday 10 August 2018) Wightlink’s £30million flagship Victoria of Wight arrived at her home port of Portsmouth after a voyage of more than 3,000 miles from the Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.

Some unusually dressed holidaymakers were spotted disembarking the ferry at East Cowes on Monday (August 4).

Age UK Isle of Wight has announced their upcoming move to St Thomas House in St Thomas' Square, as part of a shift towards a more community-focused approach.

Isle Access has announced the appointment of Steve Wells as its dedicated Cycling Coordinator.

Ryde Carnival are delighted to announce that a wheelchair accessible viewing platform will be available at Eastern Gardens again this year for the Main Carnival and the Illuminated Carnival.

We’re being urged to get behind the Isle of Wight in a bid to win the title of ‘most desirable island’ in a prestigious travel magazine.

Islanders are being encouraged to join the conversation on school place planning on the Isle of Wight.

The first set of walks have been released for the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival.

Ventnor will host its first-ever Pirate Festival from August 14-17, coinciding with Ventnor Town Carnival.

The 16th Cowes Classics Week took place to great fanfare in Cowes between 7 and 12 July. 

Families are being invited to join the Isle of Wight Council's ranger at Fort Victoria for a host of fun rock pooling and fossil hunting activities this summer.

Orchard House Care Home hosted a delightful cheese and wine afternoon, which was met with enthusiasm and joy by the residents.

This summer will see the grounds of Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House come alive with characters from history.

Community Defibrillator Champion, Steve Read, saw his latest project unveiled by IW High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM and Lake Parish Council Chair, Paul Brading, outside of the Shanklin County Ground Clubhouse, as part of their summer programme of renovation.

Isle of Wight Pride celebrated a return to the beach in style with a weekend of entertainment, community involvement and a parade.

A Newport Nail salon has launched its revolutionary new app today (Wednesday)..

Isle of Wight visitors and residents alike may have been startled by the sight of two bears on Penny Farthings at the weekend.

With a strong sense of nostalgia visitors to Sandown Airport enjoyed the 1940s vibes of the "Flying Forties" weekend.

Saturday August 3 will see members from Ryde's CrossFit Incursion perform 60,000 Burpees for charity on Appley Beach from 9.30am.

Cowes Week Limited (CWL), the organisation behind the world's premier sailing regatta Cowes Week, today announced that world-renowned yacht chartering company, Sunsail becomes their Official Charter Sailing Partner for the 2024 Regatta.

The leading establishment for music education on the Island recently took Wight Noize winner Marnie Marie to perform at 23 schools.

The results of the annual Wight in Bloom competition, organised by Visit Isle of Wight were revealed yesterday (Thursday) at a ceremony at Albert Cottage in East Cowes.

A yachtsman who received a head injury aboard a classic yacht became the object of a rescue operation by Cowes RNLI lifeboat yesterday (Thursday).

The MAD-Aid DOT in East Cowes is the place to head for some inexpensive summer fun for all the family.

The Friends of Northwood Cemetery are celebrating after being awarded a coveted Green Flag Award.

This Saturday (July 20) Isle of Wight Pride celebrates a return to the beach with a weekend of entertainment, community and a parade through Ryde.

Island residents are being encouraged to take small steps to make a big difference this Plastic Free July.

Sandown High Street has welcomed the arrival of a new, innovative and sweet enterprise.

At the Annual General Meeting of the International Island Games Association (IIGA) held in Orkney on 13 July the Faroe Islands were confirmed to be the Host Island of the 2027 Island Games.

A new film about childhood, made by students from the Island Learning Centre and artists Teresa Grimaldi, aims to start conversations between different generations and make a difference to local communities.

A free to attend Showcase Exhibition of a selection of more than 120 Isle of Wight Open Studios 2024 artists who are participating in this year’s event, opened with a spectacular launch on Friday (July 12) in the Café and Clayden Gallery at Quay Arts.

The 1,700-year old image of a cockerel-headed man discovered at Brading Roman Villa will be the theme of a spectacular hat created for next month’s Sandown Bay Regatta.

Ryde Academy held its annual Awards Ceremony yesterday (Thursday). 

Cowes based Van Mossel Esplanade has welcomed a new and pristine example of a classic Volvo to its fleet of vehicles on the Island.

Isle of Wight Marlins Swim Club is organising and running the iconic Pier2Pier swim race on Saturday July 20.

A lighthouse inspired art trail is set to light up Cowes for the summer months.

Newport based charity Natural Enterprise is asking keen gardeners and potential volunteers to visit them in the Garden and Outdoor Living Area at this weekend’s Royal Isle of Wight County Show to help combat 'alien' plants.

An original performance is to be staged at Newport's Mountbatten by young people from leading performing and creative arts centre, The BRIT School.

Residents at Old Charlton House recently took a day out sailing off the coast of Cowes and East Cowes.