Published 3:50 pm Yesterday
Sal
You may remember the short blip we put out last week when the Ventnor Town Council (VTC) meeting was brought to a halt.
We had hoped to publish a full report of the meeting the next day, other things got in the way, but here it is now.
As a town meeting has been called on the basis of what happened at this meeting and having seen and heard of a number of inaccuracies in reports doing the rounds, we thought it was best to clarify.
Published 8:04 pm 20, March 2010 (2 days ago)
simon
There are rumours flying around that comedy writer, James Cordon, is on the Isle of Wight.
We’ve heard from a few people (Thx Noni + James) that he was spotted in Tesco in Ryde (of all places!)
Hayleigh Fuller was lucky enough to get a shot with the well-known funny man.
James was doing his thing last night on Sports Relief, so may well have popped over to the Island for a little R+R. Shame the weather isn’t up to its usual fabness, as it was earlier in the week.
Published 4:41 pm
Sal
Coming to you slightly later than usual, for those who have been enjoying our weekly news podcasts, here’s our latest edition.
We are very grateful to Mick Smith, Director of Quay Arts and Lois Prior from the Big Green Project for taking time out to join in our discussion about the weekly news.
Minghella Film Festival
We started by sharing our experiences of the Minghella Film Festival that took place last weekend.
Published 3:37 pm
Rachael Brooks
Wightlink inform us that owing to operational requirements all sailings on the Portsmouth/Fishbourne will be delayed by approximately 30 minutes until further notice.
Published 3:08 pm 19, March 2010 (3 days ago)
Rachael Brooks
If you followed the live coverage of the Scrutiny Committee last month when the proposed budget was discussed, you’ll have picked up the news that there are changes afoot for kerbside rubbish collection.
We were oblivious to the fact that some people have their rubbish collected from their ‘back doors’, thinking that everyone did as we’ve been doing for years and putting our bags of rubbish out on the street on the morning of collection.
Published 2:46 pm
Sal
News reaches us that a group of local residents who campaigned to stop development along Petticoat Lane in Newport by supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, will be holding a vigil at the site this weekend.
From noon on Sunday, residents who fought to stop the development will be saying farewell to the grand old Chestnut trees that line the path.
The campaign to stop the route along the quiet and scenic path, taken by many, being moved to a busy main road, had the support of the Open Spaces Society.
However, objectors lost their battle at a public inquiry to protect the historic route, which dates back 1793.
Image: nikoretro under CC BY 2.0
Published 1:31 pm
Rachael Brooks
If you’re on the Isle of Wight this weekend and haven’t made plans yet, there are loads of things happening over the next couple of days.
We have at least 22 events listed for today over on Events on the Wight not to mention the 25 events taking place tomorrow.
Published 1:11 pm
Sal
Blues fans don’t forget that this Saturday night the Winter Gardens will come along to the sound of Big Joe Louis and his Blues Kings.
The award-winning “Jamaican Blues guitar supremo” will be dishing up some real down-home Blues with his band and bringing the venue to life.
Published 12:50 pm
Sal
Next Tuesday morning, if you happen to be taking a walk along Cowes Esplanade you might notice something different about the famous lions that look out onto the Solent.
Apparently, campaigners from LION AID, a charity which aims to highlight the plight of the lions and to fund effective programmes to reverse their drastic decline, will be temporarily shrouding the famous stone lions in Cowes.
Published 12:29 pm
Daft Old Duffer
I’ve got an HD ready television. It’s got all the right dillmans and pokolocs plugged in the right way round, yet I can’t get HD programmes on it.
The screen doesn’t even flicker when I try.
And I think I’ve found out the reason.
A Dutch research team recently sat a group of punters down to watch a telly show on an ‘ordinary’ TV set. Then they took them into another room and told them to watch the same programme in High Def. and say if they could see any difference.
Published 11:53 am
Rachael Brooks
More Island words defined by the excellent series, Mr Caulkhead’s Isle of Wight colloquialism (background).
Charm: A group of people talking confusingly together.
Have a listen …
Continue reading…
Published 11:19 am
Rachael Brooks
The campaign to introduce changing places toilets on the Island hits a high note today, as the first is officially opened in Newport.
Thanks to a grant of £10,000 from the Isle o Wight council, the new facility for severely disabled children and adults opens at the Riverside Centre today.
The facility features a powered hoist, centrally located toilet pan, height adjustable changing table, grab rails and alarm system.
Published 9:56 am
simon
This in from Ryde Inshore Rescue – Ed
Published 8:59 am
simon
If you haven’t already noticed, many parts of the Isle of Wight are covered by some pretty thick fog this morning.
Ventnor is thick with the stuff, as is Ryde we’ve been told.
Those on the ferries have told VB that the Solent is pretty well covered too, but we haven’t heard of this causing any cancellation.
Published 11:55 pm 18, March 2010 (4 days ago)
simon
Isle of Wight Council Leader, David Pugh, has been referred for investigation in connection to incidents at and after the council Chairman’s Valentine’s Ball, where the widely-distributed video of Cllr Pugh shouting profanities at another guest was recorded.
Following the complaint made by Cllrs Jonathan Bacon, Geoff Lumley and Chris Welsford, six potential breaches of the Code of Conduct for Elected Members have been identified by the Assessment Sub-Committee of the Ethical Standards Committee.
“Seeking to bury the story”
The summary of the complaint compiled by the sub-committee has included the “involvement of the Council’s communications department in seeking to bury the story, compromising the impartiality of Council officers and failing to react and respond appropriately to this matter.”
Published 5:49 pm
simon
Back in September 2008 VB broke the story of the tragic death of an Isle of Wight resident who had picked and eaten some mushrooms growing wild at the Botanic Gardens in Ventnor.
It’s a story that once reported, swept around the world.
Today, at the Island’s Coroner’s court the circumstances were discussed in detail.
The inquest had originally opened and adjourned back in Sept 2008 (Video report).
Published 5:16 pm
Sal
An article on the BBC News Website today claims that a beach in Devon is hoping to replenish its stocks by buying in sand from the Isle of Wight.
Not aware that we had large stocks to sell off, we contacted the council press office, who informed VB that they had not been contacted about the matter.
Be vigilant this summer
Will we need to keep our eyes open for sand smugglers this summer?
Will we see an influx of holiday makers from the Devon town of Dawlish with large buckets and spades?
Read the BBC article in full
Image: Lin Pernille under CC BY 2.0
Published 5:01 pm
Rachael Brooks
A cupcake tea break in aid of Ovarian Cancer hopes to raise funds and much needed awareness later this month.
Taking place at St Wilfred’s Primary School in Ventnor, organisers of the event are appealing to local residents and businesses to donate prizes for the raffle as well as cakes.
Published 4:31 pm
Sal
This in from WightLink. Ed
Owing to operational reasons the following sailings have been cancelled
Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde 19.45
Ryde to Portsmouth 20.15
Published 3:18 pm
simon
You probably know that there are some pretty impressive video game developers on the Isle of Wight in the guise of Stainless Games.
Well, the Island now has another game developer that it can be proud of – Team Mango, which yesterday, released its game, Dysnomia.
They’re on a very different scale to Stainless, as there is but one in Team Mango – Gareth Williams.
Written on the Island
In an amazing feat of persistence and programming skills, Gareth has created a very slick looking video game, all coded by himself on the Island, from start to finish, in ten months.
Published 12:37 pm
Liam Madden
If you fancy a night in watching a DVD, then take a look at the selection available at Island Libraries. At just £1 per night, they’re a great bargain. Ed
In 1997, Melbourne Australia, I was intrigued to review a film called ‘Gross Point Blank’, starring John Cusack and Minnie Driver, Joan Cusack and Dan Ackroyd.
A fusion of dark sarcasm, excellent soundtrack and strong character acting, this film revealed a side of enthusiastic, intelligent, madness that John Cusack portrayed extremely well.
Published 11:46 am
Sal
Regular readers will remember VB reporting on new Girls’ Only football clubs being set up across the Isle of Wight for 8-11 year olds.
The take up has been pretty successful and girls across the Island have been training hard over the last few months.
Week after week the young girls are taught the skills and tactics to take them onto the pitch and at the end of the month the Isle of Wight Sports Unit are holding a Girls Football Tournament.
For two hours the teams of 6-a-side will battle it out on the pitch at Medina Leisure Centre, practising the skills many have only been learning for a few weeks.
Image: Nine Matthews under CC BY 2.0
Published 10:39 am
A Roving Reporter
As well as our Alex’s article regarding the stakeholders meeting at the Riverside Centre on Saturday, we also have a report from a stakeholder who attended the meeting. Ed
More than 80 people attended the Stakeholders meeting at the Riverside Centre on Saturday.
Several councillors were there, Geoff Lumley, Ian Stevens, Reg Barry, Vanessa Churchman, John Howe among them. Andrew Turner gave his support as well as Jill Wareham and Mark Chiverton.
But most of all, it was a chance for the users of the Riverside to voice their opinions and ask questions.
Published 9:54 am
Alex Varley-Winter
Forlorn felines are filling up the Cats’ Protection League.
The Adoption Centre in Marlborough Road, Ryde is crawling with 54 cats and kittens in need of owners, including ten that have been in care for more than four months.
Still waiting are Boots the spirited tortoiseshell, and Archie, who is vulnerable after his years as a stray.
Published 7:54 pm 17, March 2010 (5 days ago)
simon
Thanks very much to VB reader Ian who sent through the fab VB logo adaptation after he read the little bit at the start of the John Hurt article about how some IW Conservatives have labeled us ‘The Communists’.
We completely love the logo.
Make the most of it being at the top of the page tonight … we’ve heard there may be a revolution and those darn Commies will get overthrown overnight.
Update: 18.Mar.10 9:45pm – Order has returned and the logo has returned to its original state but for those who missed it ….
Published 4:16 pm
Sal
Ha ha. Do you know what VentnorBlog is called by the inner circle of the ruling Conservative council? Not VentnorBlog, the blog, or even that bloody blog as you might expect, but we hear on good authority, VB is simply referred to as ‘The Communists’.
Makes you laugh doesn’t it? Anything slightly to the left of Attila the Hun = Communists.
Oh well, what can you do?
Well if some of the lovely Tories weren’t already concerned about our lack of enthusiasm for Capitalism, they’ll be chocking on their dry sherries when they hear what John Hurt has to say when we chatted to him at the recent Minghella Film Festival.
Published 3:40 pm
Rachael Brooks
At least 20 Islanders must have found work last month leaving the statistics for the number of unemployed claimants on the Isle of Wight.
The total number of claimants for February 2010 was 3,813.
This 20 less than January 2010, but 305 higher than the same month last year and represents a rate of 6.5% of the economically active population.
Published 3:05 pm
Alex Varley-Winter
Trying to keep her children together, a Ryde mother of two is among a number of Island parents appealing the council’s placement of siblings at different schools.
Elaine Begg’s six-year-old son Josh has been thriving at Binstead Primary for the past three years.
Her younger son Thomas is currently at Stepping Stones, the Binstead pre-school, but for the coming year he was offered a place at Oakfield.
Published 3:02 pm
simon
For those of you unfortunate enough to remember the 80s track, BMX Boys Have A Lot Of Fun, it’ll bring to mind the heady early days of BMX in the UK.
“Of course, it will just be a fad,” was said widely. Guess that’s another prediction that’ll be chucked in to the bin of history.
To prove it’s very much alive, there’s going to be a display of BMX skills by Joe Sinclair from Bournemouth, doin’ ‘is ting in Ryde this Saturday.
Published 1:26 pm
Rachael Brooks
If you were unable to get into the ’sold out’ Tom Priestley talk that took place in Brook last year, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’ll be a repeat performance in May.
Tom Priestly, son of the famous writer and broadcaster, J B Priestley, will be returning to the Island for an informal evening of memories and a film he made about his father, who lived at Brook Hill House in the 1950s and 60s.
Tickets are reasonably priced at just £2.50 but will go quickly.
See details of how to get yours on Events On The Wight
Published 12:54 pm
Brian Harris
Here’s another from Ryde councillor Brian Harris. Ed
If you’re over 50, and have concerns about living in Ryde that need resolving, come and air your views to Ryde Older Voices.
They meet for an hour every month in the Methodist Church Hall, Garfield Road; the March meeting is on Wednesday 24th, at 1.45pm.
Ryde Older Voices is one of the IW Older Voices Circles that have been established across the Island specifically to try to improve things for the more mature of our residents; Brian Harris, on 563603, has further details.
Published 12:27 pm
Sal
Back at the end of last year (seems so long ago now) you might remember VB reported of four islanders who were named on the Queen’s Honours list.
Last week Chief Executive of the Riverside Centre, Richard Priest, was joined by his wife Jane and their son Adam for a trip to Buckingham Palace.
Their jaunt to London wasn’t to see the sights, but for Richard to collect his OBE, for services to the Island, from none other than HRHHM The Queen.
Published 11:50 am
Rachael Brooks
More Island words defined by the excellent series, Mr Caulkhead’s Isle of Wight colloquialism (background).
Footeren: Idling or trifling, busy about nothing.
Have a listen …
Continue reading…
Published 11:22 am
Alex Varley-Winter
Leader of the Council David Pugh and his cabinet colleagues were conspicuously absent from the Riverside Centre’s meeting for stakeholders on Saturday.
Senior officers and councillors were invited to the meeting, called in acknowledgment of ‘the need for direct dialogue, that is not conversation through the media’ on the impact of cuts to adult social care.
“They made their apologies and went elsewhere,” said Cllr Ian Stevens (Independent). “I don’t know if all of them were invited, but I know the Leader of the Council was.”
Published 11:04 am
Sal
More acts announced today for the 2010 Bestival.
Joining the already bumper list of music talent will be Jonsi from Icelandic post-rock giants Sigur Ros.
He’s described as one of the most inventive and evocative artists around and we hear that this year he’ll only be appearing at two UK festivals, so make sure you catch him at Bestival.
Published 10:23 am
simon
Thanks to Newport Parish Council for send this in to VB. We’d be happy to receive articles and press releases from other Island parish councils as well – Ed
Newport Parish Council has been approached by a number of residents concerned about the seemingly unnecessary use of sirens, particularly at weekends.
Although the parish council did not wish to make any criticism of the excellent work carried out by the emergency services, it was felt this needed further investigation. Cllr Craven, as lead Member, arranged a meeting with Chris Smith Head of Ambulance and Dean Haward, Station Manager, Fire and Rescue. Kevin Fripp Head of the Police Driving Standards was unable to attend but supplied his guidelines.
Published 8:42 am
Brian Harris
If you’re a fan of the Ryde Regatta, or perhaps you feel it could be improved, read on for this message from Ryde Councillor, Brian Harris. Ed
Ryde Town Council has set up a Regatta steering group to organise the event, which will run from Friday evening to Sunday evening, 2nd – 4th July, on the Eastern Gardens.
It will be family-orientated fun, especially in the daytime.
Published 6:01 pm 16, March 2010 (6 days ago)
simon
This in from Wightlink – Ed.
Please be advised that owing to operational reasons on the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head service the following sailings have been cancelled on Tuesday 16 March:
From Portsmouth Harbour: 1915
From Ryde Pier Head: 1945
An additional service will operate from Ryde Pier Head at 2015 (by a charter vessel)
Wightlink would like to apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Published 5:49 pm
simon
An A4 piece of paper in the window of a shop in Ventnor town is calling for a Town Meeting to discuss the future of Ventnor Town Council – in effect calling for a vote of no confidence.
It states that it’s “pursuant of the Local Government Act 1972 schedule 12 Para 15(1)(d) to be held at the Holly (sp) Trinity church.”
It’s signed by six people who state that they are ‘local government electors.’ They are (in alphabetic order) Christine Benson; Robert Chuter; N Gibbs; Graham Morris (Vicar); P.R. Noble; K.J. Pratley and M Snipps.
Published 5:48 pm
simon
Remember that we gave you the heads up about the Car Free Scheme launching on the Isle of Wight?
Well, this morning it happened at The Mission in Chale and the scheme is something for Island businesses, as well as visitors. Easy to join, with many potential benefits.
Published 2:45 pm
Sal
At the end of the Minghella Film Festival we caught up with Gioia Minghella, the founder of the Minghella Film festival.
Gioia told VB how thrilled she was that the festival was once again, a huge success.
Gioia played tribute to her daughter Sophie, who was prolific in programming the festival and working all hours for weeks running up to the festival. She also thanked the businesses who have supported the festival, particular the Quay Arts Centre for playing host to the weekend.
Published 1:42 pm
Rachael Brooks
Next month Robin Hill will be be playing host to a fantastic weekend of entertainment as brave teams of water lovers battle it out in ‘It’s A Knockout 2010′.
This fundraising event, in aid of the Hospice, guarantees a weekend of fun and excitement as teams of 10 compete to take the title.
We hear from organisers that it’s not too late to enter your team (of 10) into the competition.
Published 12:39 pm
Sal
It’s amazing to hear that the annual Speed Dating Walk, which is part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, is now in its fifth year.
The previous walks have been hugely successful in bringing together like minded people and have even resulted in three marriages as well as long lasting friendships.
This year the walk starts from the Fisherman’s Cottage on Shanklin Esplanade at the foot of Shanklin Chine.
Published 8:17 am
Sal
It’s only Tuesday, so normally way too early to start thinking about VB Picture of the Week, but we spotted this shot today and couldn’t resist handing out an award.
Published 4:42 pm 15, March 2010 (1 week ago)
Alex Varley-Winter
A Jim Henson family fantasy for television seems an unlikely contender at a film festival, but at its screening in the Anthony Minghella theatre, The Storyteller drew heartfelt appreciation.
The series starred John Hurt, prematurely aged, rushing from one Grimm’s fairytale to the next in a pair of prosthetic ears and a false nose. He insists this was ‘nothing, really’, given his previous transformations.
Do children like ‘Art’?
According to Hurt, people are surprised when they find out who the series’ writer was. “When you say Anthony Minghella, they say, what?”
Initially, even Henson had his doubts about bringing Minghella into the project.
Published 4:26 pm
Rachael Brooks
Children from Niton Primary School who’ve been learning Mandarin will be amongst those greeting Chinese teachers and education officials when they arrive on the Isle of Wight tomorrow.
Members of the Carisbrooke High School Jazz Band will also be welcoming the contingent by creating a jazzy atmosphere when they arrive at Ryde Pier at around 7pm tomorrow evening.
Published 3:13 pm
Sal
This coming weekend sees the sixth annual Spring Blues concert take place on the Island.
On Saturday night, the Ventnor Winter Gardens will play host to some amazing blues talent, as Jamaican born Big Joe Louis makes his way to the south of the Island.
He’ll be bringing with him his band, The Blues Kings, and promising to deliver their special kind of real down-home Blues.
These guys have been touring the world for 18 years and have worked with the likes of Mississippi Delta Blues legend David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Van Morrison and Jools Holland, making this one gig you should not miss out on
Published 2:30 pm
Rachael Brooks
More Island words defined by the excellent series, Mr Caulkhead’s Isle of Wight colloquialism (background).
Ridgty: A chain passing over a horses back to support the shafts of a cart or wagon.
Have a listen …
Continue reading…
Published 1:47 pm
Rachael Brooks
This week’s prices in the South Wight area for fuel.
Cheapest non supermarket stations within 5 miles of PO38 for Diesel
121.9p Sandford Garage
Godshill, Sandford, Ventnor, PO38 3AL
Texaco, last updated on 13 March
Published 12:50 pm
Rachael Brooks
Check out the Sunday league results below.
Don’t forget that you can see next week’s fixtures over at Events On The Wight.
14, March 2010 (2 weeks ago)
13, March 2010 (2 weeks ago)
12, March 2010 (2 weeks ago)
11, March 2010 (2 weeks ago)
10, March 2010 (2 weeks ago)
9, March 2010 (2 weeks ago)
www.flickr.com
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Thank you for putting our story up. We’ve already had a great response from people who have seen it on VB and got in touch, so it was a great help.
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