Ventnor Blog

If you are a lover of folk music, then this forthcoming gig at St Mary’s Church in Brading will be right up your street.

At the end of the month, Lily Neill, ‘a rising star in the world of harp playing’ will be crossing the water (from the US) to take part in this fund raising concert in aid of St Mary’s Church.

Lily combines traditional music from Scottish, Irish and other folk repertoires with her own style creating a sound that is ‘unique and melodious’.

(more…)

Thanks to Marc Morgan Huws from
Southern Vectis for sending in the following information to VentnorBlog (see update st the bottom)

Routes 2 and 3 are subject to significant disruption following the emergency closure of Brading High Street.

Customers are advised where possible to use Islandline trains between Ryde - Brading - Sandown - Lake - Shanklin, who are accepting Southern Vectis tickets and passes for travel while the road closure remains in place.

UPDATE from Southern Vectis: (more…)

If you’re planning to head anywhere near Brading today - you’ll need to change your plans. Certainly for the next couple of hours anyway.

Apparently at 8am this morning, one lorry unfortunately lost a load of fuel outside the Post Office in the High Street and following that, a bus travellling from Brading to Shanklin discovered that it too, had been losing fuel on route.

(more…)

Thanks to County Councillor Patrick Joyce for sending through this response to a report in the County Press last week that he had not returned his annual report for last year. He disputes this allegation and you can read his Annual Report below. Ed

Reference article in last week County Press. I would like to clarify two points I am no longer a member of the Conservative group in County Hall and to rebuke the outright lie that I did not forward my annual report telling my constituency what had happened in the last year, unfortunately I assume Chairman Pugh did not like it so it was not published.

I attach a copy for my constituents (see below), they can decide at next year’s election if they believe I am carrying out my duties or not.

(more…)

If you have some free time and would like to put it to good use, why not consider being a volunteer driver? Janet Short from the IW Rural Community Council has been in touch, looking for help in recruting volunteer drivers. Ed

Driving voluntarily for the Optio Voluntary Car Service is rewarding and fulfilling; you can tell us how much time you are able to give and we can co-ordinate this through the Optio Helpline in Newport.

(more…)

This planning to go along to the open air cinema at Brading Roman Villa tonight wil be keeping their fingers crossed for dry weather.

The forecast looks okay, so we’re sure there will be plenty of people will be taking a picnic and enjoying watching Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr Ripley in the open air.

Book your tickets (£10 each) by calling the Brading Roman Villa on 406223.

Image: Salon

If you saw the TV news (or BBC Online) yesterday, you will’ve seen footage of a whirlwind whoosing across the car park on Brading Downs.

The video footage was taken by Gary Morrow, of Ryde and can be seen on the BBC Web site.

It’s quite extraordinary to watch.

(more…)

Being friends of the Brading Roman Villa, we’re always happy to help promote events for the Villa.

Next week Pyjama Pictures of Bath will be back at Brading Roman Villa setting up for another evening of open air cinema.

In a nod to the late Anthony Minghella, this year they will be showing his award winning thriller ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law.

Organisers recommend bringing along a picnic and a blanket

Book your tickets (£10 each) by calling the Brading Roman Villa on 406223.

Image: Salon

Following our news yesterday of the smashing of the SuperLoo in Brading, we spoke to Patrick Joyce, IW councillor for the Brading and St Helen’s, who reflected the feeling of many, “What would drive people to carry out mindless vandalism like this?”

The IW Council has confirmed the damage included the local artwork as well as the urinals, days after they had opened.

(more…)

We’ve heard from a reliable source that the new superloo in Brading has been completely destroyed.

The mindless vandals have apparently done a real job on it with a serious intent using hammers and other gear. (more…)

If swinging is your thing, then this event organised by the Friends of Brading Roman Villa should be right up your street.

But you can forget about dropping your car keys into a bowl on the coffee table, for it is the dancing form of swinging that we’re talking about.

Singing and Swinging is a fundraising event in the grounds of the Villa and aims to raise funds and awareness for the Friends of Brading Roman Villa and St Lawrence Churches.

From 7pm you can enjoy (if that’s your thing) the favourites of Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by the very able Island Savoyards. Then to really get you going, the Unity Stompers will have you swinging your hips and thumping your fingers from 8pm for at least two hours.
(more…)

We see in the The Times today that Adgestone Vineyard is up for sale.

(more…)

Matthew Chatfield, editor of award-winning Naturenet, regular restaurant reviewer on Matt & Cat’s Isle of Wight eating out guide, Parks and Countryside Manager for the Isle of Wight Council and occasional poster to the Ventnor Blog Forum (When does he get the time!) is hosting a Geocaching game tomorrow.
(more…)

A school that provides a good standard of education where pupil’s personal development, support and guidance are outstanding. That is one of the findings of a September Ofsted inspection at Brading Church of England (controlled) Primary School, which has been given a Grade 2 ‘Good’ rating.
(more…)

Don’t forget what’s on tonight ….

Hardened swingers should head for Brading Roman Villa for the Singing and Swinging fundraising event. Enjoy the sounds of Gilbert and Sullivan bought to you by the Island Savoyards, and bump your bottoms to the beats of the Unity Stompers Samba band. Take a picnic and possibly an umbrella. Money is being raised for Friends of Brading Roman Villa and St Lawrence Churches.

Hipper swingers should head for Ryde. The Liquid Lounge is the location to be if you want to catch two of the best island bands on the circuit at the moment. Recently signed to 1965 Records, Niton lovelies, The Motion Pictures will be gracing the stage and playing some of their new material. Another VB favourite, The Chancers will be getting your hips swinging and from over the water, we welcome Masters of Disguise.

Only £3 for three superb bands, kicks off about 9ish. Liquid Lounge, Union Street, Ryde.

Of course, you could just pop down to your local pub.

If swinging is your thing, then this event organised by the Friends of Brading Roman Villa should be right up your street.

But you can forget about dropping your car keys into a bowl on the coffee table, for it is the dancing form of swinging that we’re talking about.

Singing and Swinging is a fundraising event in the grounds of the Villa and aims to raise funds and awareness for the Friends of Brading Roman Villa and St Lawrence Churches.

From 7pm you can enjoy (if that’s your thing) the favourites of Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by the very able Island Savoyards. Then to really get you going, the Unity Stompers will have you swinging your hips and thumping your fingers from 8pm for at least two hours.

Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the gate, there’s a licensed wine bar and you can chance your luck in the raffle. If you want to take the kids along, any under 8 go free.

Why not take a picnic too and cross your fingers for warm dry weather!

The event is sponsored by TL Risk Solutions.