It’s that time of year again when several gardens in Bonchurch will open to the public.
If you fancy a good nose around someone else’s pansies, then head over to Bonchurch on either Saturday or Sunday between 2-5pm.
There are usually around 11 gardens open and you can buy a programme from either the Post Office (that quaint little one opposite the pond) or from St Boniface Church where you can also stop for a cream tea - open between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.
The Bonchurch Village Singers will be holding a concert at St John’s Church in Wroxall next month.
This is a free concert and there’ll be refreshments available on the night, plus a retiring collection.
Programme
There’s a wide selection of music being covered by the Bonchurch Village Singers including West Side Story, The Music’s always there with you, Shenandoa, I Believe, I’m always Chasing Rainbows, Moonriver, Sing a Song of Sixpence, Unchained Melody, Boehemian Rhapsody and Irish Blessing. (more…)
Many thanks to Mike Vokes from the Ventnor and District and Local History Society for getting in touch to let us know about a blue plaque unveiling that takes place next week.
The latest “historical plaque” to go up in the Ventnor area will be at Seaside House, Shore Road, Bonchurch which was a popular destination for many well known early watercolour artists during the 19th century – with the area dubbed as “the St Ives of the Isle of Wight”. (more…)
The weather might be a bit grey, but 2,000 (yes, that’s 2,000) easter eggs have been hidden in the woods at East Dene and are just waiting for the kids to come and find them.
But the fun doesn’t stop there.
Throughout the fun packed day there will be prizes galore.
As usual expect face painting, a raffle, egg decorating, egg & spoon races, Easter bonnet competition (hopefully you haven’t forgotten to prepare your Bonnet in advance) and a Tombola.
Some of those who visited the exhibition might not have realised that the space which housed Julian Winslow’s fantastic photography, is normally home to The Tiffin Room. (more…)
A big Thank You from us to everyone who contributed to the success of VentnorBlog Presents … held at the glorious Bonchurch Manor Hotel over the weekend.
Shuba and Mark, owners of the hotel, not only lent the much-praised venue for the event, but provided a huge amount of help, as well as staff, to ensure the event went smoothly. Thanks also to Shuba for her fabulous peanut pakoras, which went down a storm on Friday - not to mention the teas and coffees to keep us all going over the weekend. (more…)
You all know how much we love Island talent (natch) so we felt it was about time we helped showcase some of it in the real world, rather than just online.
If you missed the previous posting of details, take a look at it now, but the jist of it is that Shuba and Mark from the Bonchurch Manor Hotel (and Tiffin Room) have very kindly invited us to use their hotel to host the exhibition in. (more…)
Our regular readers will be well aware that here at VentnorBlog we love celebrating all the great talent that this Island produces and attracts.
Over the years we’ve come across some superb artists, many of which we’ve seen at shows at the Quay Arts, which does a great job of promoting Island talent.
Given how far away Newport is (:)), we thought it might be a jolly wheeze to put on an exhibition way down South. We’re calling it — VentnorBlog presents … — a name which took us … oooo, minutes to come up with. (more…)
A delightful locally made short with an intriguing and unexpected finale.
It concerns a man with an illness who’s given up on life. Despite his wife’s valiant efforts the curtains seem to be closing on her husband’s will to live.
The previous retreats have been wonderful experiences and the intensity of the rounding sessions in a close environment with other meditators provides great energy. (more…)
Steve, who runs the excellent Isle of Wight Historic Postcards website wrote to us today asking for help to identify the location of the steps in this postcard.
We’re pretty sure the photo is of the steps that lead up to The Pitts from Bonchurch Village Road, starting by the public toilets.
Having been up and down them a few times now, from memory we think there are 102 steps in total.
They do look slightly different in this postcard, but it was taken a long time ago.
If you believe they are from another location in Bonchurch, do let us know and we’ll pass the info onto Steve.
His website is well worth a look by the way. He has a great collection of historic postcards from all over the Island.
Quick note to let you know that there are still places available on the forthcoming TM Retreat.
If Transcendental Meditation is something you’ve been considering, but never got around to sorting out, why not seize the opportunity and give TM teacher, Will Treend a call (404560)?
The practice of Transcendental Meditation is a wonderful experience, bringing huge health benefits and greater inner peace.
Welcome back to PCSO, Rebekah Brewer after her five week stint up in Newport and thanks for sending through details of the next beat surgery in the area.
It takes place in Bonchurch at East Dene Hall next Thursday 24th January between 1-3pm and is your opportunity to meet Rebekah and PCSO Pete Downing and discuss any problems or issues that you have.
When Clive Aslet, the Editor of Country Life magazine recently visited the Bonchurch Manor Hotel, he came away so impressed with the food and service that he claimed in his article for The Times last week ….
“If the Michelin Guide cared about proper food, rather than the degree of starch in the napkins, it would give Bonchurch Manor Hotel a star”.
Given that Shuba Rao has only been cooking professionally since 2004, this is quite an accolade. We’ve eaten at the hotel’s restaurant, The Tiffin Room and have to agree that the food is really rather wonderful.
Following the presentation of medals to the Isle of Wight Youth Athletics Team last week at County Hall, Simon popped along to chat with Bonchurch lass, Brogan Percy.
You will remember that Brogan bought home a Gold in the 400m sprint and Bronze with her fellow team mates for the 400m relay.
She didn’t have much time to talk, as she was busy preparing for more games at the weekend, but was able to spare ten minutes for VentnorBlog readers.
Her determination to succeed and the support she’s received over the years from family, team mates and coaches has helped her achieve the title of best female 400m sprinter across all the Islands who take part in the World Island Games.
We hope you’ll find it inspiring and interesting to listen to.
Bonchurch lass, Brogan Percy has beaten her personal best time in the ladies 400m at the Island Youth Games this week and will be bringing home a GOLD medal.
Exceptional news for the Island and wonderful news for Brogan who has been training hard for the games being held in Corsica, which includes 20 other Islands from around the world.
She told Solent TV last month that she was extremely thankful to everyone on the Island who has helped her get to this point.
The Isle of Wight will, of course, be hosting the Island Games in June/July 2011, by which time, Brogan would’ve left the junior class to join the adults.
Look out on the blog for a profile of Brogan and her brother Nicholas, who is also an accomplished junior athlete in the next few weeks.
As part of the Transcendental Meditation retreat at East Dene this coming weekend, those lucky enough to attend will be treated to a demonstration of yogic flying.
I’ve been wanting to see this in the flesh for ages, so really looking forward to it. We hope to get some photos and will post them in the next review.
Don’t forget to confirm your place on the retreat which kicks off from 4pm this Friday by calling Zoe or Will on 01983 404560 or 07950 216374.
Prices are £99 for the weekend including all food and drink if staying in dorms (note that you’ll get a whole dorm to yourself as the place is huge) or £140 if you wish to stay in a smaller room.
If you are unable to attend for the entire weekend, but would like to attend for just one day, this can be arranged at a reduced fee.
Don’t forget to confirm your place on the Transcendental Meditation Retreat at East Dene coming up in two weeks time (20th April). Places are going fast and deposits required asap.
If you have previously been initiated and require a mantra check, this can be arranged prior to the weekend.
There are bound to be plenty of Easter activities happening this weekend, but the one that you shouldn’t forget about is being held at East Dene in beautiful Bonchurch this Saturday from 11.30am.
There’ll be a massive egg hunt, prizes galore, egg decorating, egg and spoon races, face painting (yipee cries Alpha), a raffle, Easter Bonnet competition (don’t forget to prepare yours in advance), plenty of food and drink, a tombola and a cake stall.
Raw Samba will be doing their stuff to get your hips bumping, so if the weather holds out, it should be a brilliant day.
If you need to drive, park in Shore Road public car park and walk along via the sea front to East Dene.
Tickets: adults £3.50, kids £2.50 (under 15s), under 5s free and OAPs £2.50
It’s that time of year again when several gardens in Bonchurch will open to the public.
This is a free concert and there’ll be refreshments available on the night, plus a retiring collection.
The latest “historical plaque” to go up in the Ventnor area will be at Seaside House, Shore Road, Bonchurch which was a popular destination for many well known early watercolour artists during the 19th century – with the area dubbed as “the St Ives of the Isle of Wight”.
The weather might be a bit grey, but 2,000 (yes, that’s 2,000) easter eggs have been hidden in the woods at East Dene and are just waiting for the kids to come and find them.
Anyone who came along to 
A big Thank You from us to everyone who contributed to the success of VentnorBlog Presents … held at the glorious 
Over the years we’ve come across some superb artists, many of which we’ve seen at shows at the Quay Arts, which does a great job of promoting Island talent.
It concerns a man with an illness who’s given up on life. Despite his wife’s valiant efforts the curtains seem to be closing on her husband’s will to live. 
Just putting a last call out to all Transcendental Meditators, off and on the Wight.
Steve, who runs the excellent 
Quick note to let you know that there are still places available on the 
“If the Michelin Guide cared about proper food, rather than the degree of starch in the napkins, it would give Bonchurch Manor Hotel a star”.
Taking place over 14th and 15th July between 2-5pm, why not buy a programme in the Post Office and wander round some wonderful gardens.
Following the presentation of medals to the Isle of Wight Youth Athletics Team 
Exceptional news for the Island and wonderful news for Brogan who has been training hard for the games being held in Corsica, which includes 20 other Islands from around the world. 
I’ve been wanting to see this in the flesh for ages, so really looking forward to it. We hope to get some photos and will post them in the next review.
Don’t forget to confirm your place on the 
There’ll be a massive egg hunt, prizes galore, egg decorating, egg and spoon races, face painting (yipee cries Alpha), a raffle, Easter Bonnet competition (don’t forget to prepare yours in advance), plenty of food and drink, a tombola and a cake stall.