About
We’ve been bowled over by the way Ventnor has embraced the blog, way beyond anything we’d imagined at the outset.
It was started at the end of September 2005. By coincidence, that day there was much kerfuffle in the Haven and our first post ended up covering the detonation of an old WW2 bomb down by the seafront (the video we shot was picked up by the BBC and used on their website).
The blog was originally created to highlight the success of Ventnor based musicians, artists and writers. We started off by posting details of all the great events happening around Ventnor and over time this has grown to cover Island-wide events.
However, it’s not just all about the creative, there is also a serious side to it as well. We highlight many issues of concern to the local residents, such as the various controversial planning applications that directly affect the town.
Here’s just a handful:
Cheetah Marine’s Plans to Build on Public Car Park
Councillors Involvement in Planning Application
Mill Bay Plans 6 Storey Seafront Building
Undercliffe Drive Scheme
It’s really satisfying to see the success of local businesses. Such as Suzes Room and The Ventnorian.
As an example of how the blog helps local artists, we recently had contact from a gallery in Dorset who wish to get in touch with a potter whose exhibition we publicised. The gallery are keen to stock his pieces. Another great Island export! [Update: The gallery now have a long waiting list for this Island potters work].
New business went in the direction of Goodleaf after we wrote a piece on their brilliant tree climbing course and Owners of the Bonchurch Manor Hotel saw the posting and took their kids along for the day. In return, Goodleaf, have sent business their way too.
We’re always keen to review and promote things happening around the Island, such as Simon’s trip to London on WightAirlines
We also have a pretty strong Flickr group with over a 1000 photos on the VentnorBlog pool and have some of the best Island photographers as members, including IW Photographer of the Year 2006, Kevin Mitchell, Julian Winslow, Dave Yates and Patrick Eden.
There have been a number of videos broadcast through the blog and many podcasts of events and interviews,
We have over 2.5 million page views per year and are viewed from over 30 countries worldwide, although the majority of our readers are on the Island. We have received a number of emails from people abroad looking for info about Ventnor and are always happy to point them in the right direction.
There is also a discussion forum where people can come on to have their say about issues relating to Ventnor. Obviously in a small town such as this, it clearly happens on the street everyday, but by using the forum, our member’s views get a much wider audience. Not only are members of the public contributing, but members of the Council too.
The blog is constantly evolving and we’d had some interesting guest writers contributing in the past. For the future, we’re looking forward to having weekly guest editors, lots of new features, more reviews and profiles highlighting Island talent.
If you’ve got something to say about any of the entries, you can add a comment by clicking on the Comments link (just under the title) or take part in the forum.
Alternatively, get in touch with us by emailing ventnorblog(at)gmail(dot)com