Local Community News

Ryde grandmother Mo Martin this week launched her first-ever exhibition at the Monkton Arts Café in East Street. Dozens turned up for the opening night on Monday, including Ryde Mayor Cllr Michael Lilley, Cllr Phil Jordan and Carol Jaye, former...

Wightlink was quick to step in to help Isle of Wight company Wyatt and Jack in its sustainable mission to recycle old inflatables into stylish and hardwearing bags. The ferry company transported more than 20 broken bouncy castles, inflatable pools,...

Wightlink is celebrating 2 years of partnership with Briddlesford Farm Dairy at Wootton on the Isle of Wight. Over that time, the farm’s award-winning pedigree Guernsey cows have produced close to half a million litres of milk for customers of...

A popular art shop and studio in Ryde is closing after 5 years, with owners Izi and Mike Evans deciding not to renew the lease. The People’s Gallery in the High Street, which has displayed and sold much homegrown artistic...

A record amount of money was raised at the Mountbatten Gift Fair in November, with the event’s organising committee handing over more than £20,000 to the hospice this week. It means the fair at Bembridge Sailing Club, sponsored by Spence...

Origins Theatre is gearing up for the premiere of a fast-moving, thought-provoking new play by new Island writer, Tilly Winford, which is already attracting interest from the mainland. Using short scenes, action, song and dance, Tilly's unique play - Underneath...

A new Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been established in a busy residential area of Ryde. Local resident Stuart Brown, a former member of the Metropolitan Police, has just launched the scheme in the Ryde West ward - which covers the...

Michael Portillo, former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and Conservative politician turned broadcaster, visited the Isle of Wight on Saturday to officially open the refurbished Shanklin Theatre bar. Mr Portillo retired from the House of Commons and from active politics...

Network Ryde has won a national award for its work tackling underage drinking as part of the Ryde Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP). Maiya Dixon and India Dale of Network Ryde received the CAP Innovation Award from Elizabeth Fairhurst, CEO of...

An amateur photographer from Shanklin has scooped a prize in a competition designed to raise awareness of protected winter birds. Bird Aware Solent – a local partnership of conservation groups and Solent councils – created the ‘Great Solent Birdwatch’ to...