Isle of Wight News on Ventnor Blog

Uber-cool Island musicians, Jules Dent and Sam Woodford, aka Council Estate Super Models, have just announced a fantastic offer for their fans.

The lads have been busy working on a new track called “Slave To The Beat” and are planning an eclectic video to accompany it.

They’re calling on their fans and friends to contribute to the video by sending in video clips of them dancing to the new track.

Check out the Facebook page for full details and if you get involved, drop us a line to let us know.

It’s been a pretty heavy week for some, so we imagine there are plenty out there who could do with a laugh.

Check out Failblog’s latest offering of two unfortunate workers stressing the importance of a strong safety rope.

Video after the click (more…)

Footprint Trust’s Ray Harrington-Vail is a pretty forward thinking chap – not surprising really given he’s been banging on about the importance of eco-friendly living for donkey’s years.

So, we weren’t in the least bit surprised when we heard that he has embraced the power of the Internet and is using YouTube to help spread the word to a younger audience.

Working with Ventnor-based Utility Films, the two minute short film, The Running Man, tells a romantic tale from the Isle of Wight featuring local comedian and actress Hannah George.

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Having learnt to drive in London, we’re used to tight parking spots but this one takes the biscuit.

We guess this is what after years of driving you can achieve.

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If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drive IslandLine train from Ryde Esplanade to Brading – your dreams have been answered.

Someone called Hyperen has created a video using a railway simulator of the journey between Ryde Esplanade to Brading, with the view alternating between the driving position in the cab, inside the carriage and floating around in the air.

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Don’t worry, it’s almost the end of the week. Just a few more hours to go until the weekend begins.If you can’t wait until then for your T.G.I.F. fix check this out.

Had you noticed that it snowed last week?

What do you do if you’re a snowboard fan and nature comes along and dumps a load of snow in the place that you live?

You do what Islanders Mike Forrest and Loui Soteriou did – grab your boards and head to the nearest, biggest hill.

Watch it after the jump
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We love this wonderful snow video from VB friend and regular, AuntieP, shot on Wednesday whilst she was out and about in Newport.

By way of a distraction to the snow, here’s a video of an amazing footballer, whose accuracy with the ball is way beyond anything we’ve ever comprehended.

Grab yourself a hot cup of tea/coco, settle down and prepare for your jaw to drop.

Video after the jump
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If you’re on a sinking ship, what else would you do but get into your suitcase?

Probably not.

On Saturday morning, despite the raging winds and pouring rain, a good number of people turned out for the tradition that is, The Ventnor Boxing Day Swim.

VB reader, Nigel sent us a link to his annual video of the event.

Well done to all the brave souls, young and old (including the bikini clad lady pictured here) who made the decision to run into icy cold water the day after Christmas, all for the sake of charity.

Three cheers for you all.

Video after the click ….

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Oh boy, there’s always one who kicks off (scream alert for those listening on headphones)

It’s been a while since we ran a T.G.I.F. vid, so here’s a compilation of Failblog’s Top Ten for 2009. There are some real lip-curling corkers in there.

It’s not like we need to hear a simulation of rain storms at the moment, but we were just reminded of this brilliant rendition on YouTube of the Perpetuum Jazzile performing Toto’s Africa.

Check out their brilliant storm simulation at the beginning. Worth watching all the way through and playing really loud!

Many thanks to Tyler Frankling for writing up a review of his time at the BBC Blast when it was recently on the Island. He’s a 16 year old currently at Ryde High – Ed

As many of you may know, BBC Blast was down on the Island last week hosting free workshops to 13 to 19 year olds.

I took part in two sessions – for the first session the BBC Blast team visited my school to do workshops (Radio and Film), for the second, I attended the main workshops held at the Quay Arts Centre.

Film in 2 Days
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We were fortunate enough to catch a one of the music acts performing at the V-Bay Festival during the half term holiday – a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Sadly we missed out on most of the other activities taking place, but luckily VentnorTV managed to capture it on film.

Once again they have excelled themselves in filming and post production, creating a lively and informative snippet of the festival which will do wonders for its promotion next year when the event returns to Ventnor.

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If you need more than a few kids dressed up in Hallowe’en gear to spook you out, perhaps this latest DVD from a group of Islanders could be just the ticket.

It’s been three years in the making, but a new Charity Ghost DVD titled Haunted History and based upon the Royal National Hospital in Ventnor, has just been launched.

The team behind the ‘Myths, Ghosts & Legends’ Website are responsible for the DVD, which uses state of the art computer effects as well as real-life ghost investigations of the area to bring you the story of the hospital.

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Looking for a little project over the weekend?

How about getting your brain around how the heck you would go about making a pop-up book made out of Lego?

Crazy, crazy project.

Get ready to have your chin hit the table, after the jump.

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On 24th October disco group, Supernature will be boogie-ing across the Solent for a live show In Ryde.

The Black Sheep Bar is the venue hosting the event and will feature authentic disco from between 1973-1983. As well as vinyl selections, there will also be a live performance from Supernature.

It’ll only cost you £3 to get in and goes on til late.

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Today is a special day for us here at VentnorBlog.

Can you guess what it is?

Because we think you’re so fab, we’ve decided to award the first person who correctly guesses the answer with a prize.

Step forward this fabulous original iPod Shuffle – boxed, unused and brand new!

Being the original model, this is fast becoming a collector’s item as Apple release a new version every five minutes, so if you’ve already got one yourself, it would make a great present for a loved one.

Check out this classic moment of British comedy below for a sneaky clue and leave us a comment with your guess as to why today is so special for everyone at VB.

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We are in no way fans of bull fighting, so this video is a definite win.

Kraftwerk headlined Saturday night at Bestival. It was a gig of a lifetime – and we loved it. Amazing, amazing, amazing.

Why so much enthusiasm? Well, Kraftwerk’s influence is hard to over-estimate.

If that’s news to you, here’s a little background.

It’s arguable that if Kraftwerk hadn’t ever existed, over half of the bands that played at Bestival might not have existed or sounded like they do today.

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If you’re heading off to Bestival today or tomorrow you won’t need much to help build your excitement levels, but if for some reason you still need motivation, check out these two VB films from previous years.

First up is our good friend, Lucho Limpo’s film from 2007.

Lucho’s film is a perfect window into the wonderful world of Bestival and a lovely stumble down memory lane for those who’ve been up close and personal with the Best Medium Sized Festival going.

Videos after the click.

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It’s not at all like us to repeat articles, but with the sun shining and the excitement building for Bestival 09, as soon as we put on Lucky Elephant’s new album Star Sign Trampoline this morning and heard the opening cords to ‘Lucky Elephant’ we just had to share it with you, dear reader.

We defy you to listen to this track below from Lucky Elephant and not feel happier by the end of the song.

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Yes folks, it’s that time of year again when a dozen or so individuals brave one of the busiest shipping lanes in the UK to swim across to the Solent and help raise cash for charity.

This year, the Swim to Bestival team features twelve swimmers who will make the journey across the water to raise cash for Ventnor’s very own St Catherine’s charity, Christopher’s Smile and with continued support for African charity Imibala.

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