Island Update: April 2025

Your community news, achievements and feel-good stories. Please do continue to send them in to editorial@iwbeacon.com and remember, more local news and information is available on our website www.iwbeacon.com 

International Scottish Country Dancing comes to Shanklin 

On Valentine’s Day 2025 it was grey and bitterly cold when over 100 dancers descended on the Shanklin Hotel. People from France, Switzerland, Spain and Germany, as well as from all four home nations, had come for the annual Isle of Wight Scottish Country Dancing Weekend School. 

Teachers, Helen Russell, from York & North Humberside Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and a past society Chairman, and Andrew Nolan from Edinburgh Branch who also plays piano for Scottish Country Dancing, were inspiring and challenging, providing clear and excellent instruction. One of the local attendees said, “I learnt so much” and one of the guests from Hamburg commented, “This group is such fun, and you have made us feel so welcome!” 

Many guests attended just for the social dances (or as non-dancers) in order to keep in touch with the friends they’ve made through Scottish Country Dancing over the years. The atmosphere was exhilarating and it was a very successful weekend. 

The renowned Craigellachie Scottish Country Dance Band from the south of England played for the two evening dances and provided the musicians for the classes, giving some wonderfully uplifting music. 

If you want to learn Scottish Country Dancing there will be a beginners and improvers workshop run by local teachers and a musician at 10am on Saturday, 17th May 2025 at Gurnard Village Hall. Any age welcome and you don’t need a partner. Come and find out what you’ve been missing!

For details contact Judy on 07587179570 

Footprint Trust Gets Grant 

Local energy charity, The Footprint Trust is excited to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant for 1000 thermometers to support Island residents in monitoring and managing the heating of their homes. This vital funding will help empower locals to take control of their energy usage, save money, and stay warm during the winter months. 

With this grant, The Footprint Trust is introducing a simple, yet powerful tool:a temperature gauge that allows clients to easily assess whether their heating is set to an optimal level. 

“We are thrilled to have received this grant and are excited to help residents reduce their energy bills,” said Petra Saunders, Senior Energy Guide at The Footprint Trust. “Thanks to the fantastic supportfrom Wight Aid, we can now provide this valuable resource to every client, raising awareness of energy efficiency and sustainability.” 

For more information, please contact: The Footprint Trust 

01983 82 22 82 

Burns Night Celebrations 

Saturday 25th January saw the Isle of Wight Caledonian Society celebrating Burns Night at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes, 266 years since Robert Burns was born. 

Guests were piped to their places by Piper extraordinaire Dr Kieron Cooney, welcomed by President Lin Patey, and the Selkirk Grace was recited by Melinda Measor. The haggis was duly piped in and addressed in fine style by Burns’ own Address to a Haggis given by Aileen Napper. 

A very enjoyable meal then followed which included the inevitable haggis, neeps and tatties, songs and amusing toasts to the lassies and a reply. The evening carried on with Scottish country dancing encouraged and led by Aileen Napper and came to an end with a rousing rendition of Burns’ most famous song, Auld Lang Syne accompanied by Dr Cooney on the pipes. 

Please email duncankeithcambell@icloud.com for further information. 

New Quaker Oaks 

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of their founder, George Fox, Isle of Wight Quakers have planted two oak trees in Church Litton in Newport. These are to replace two oaks that were cut down some years ago. The planting took place on Wednesday 26th February in the early afternoon in sunshine after a wet morning. As well as local Quakers, the occasion was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon, and the High Sheriff, Graham Biss. Directly helping with the planting were Council Tree Officers Tony Gillingham and Dave Kalaker. 

Local resident and Quaker Jane Edmunds remembered the two previous oak trees and described how the former cemetery transformed into the park and play area it now is. 

The Isle of Wight Quakers meet in the Rope Store at Quay Arts on Sundays, from 10.45am until 11.45am followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. A half hour meeting is held on Wednesday at 12.30pm. Visitors are welcome.

Phone 01983 759024 for further information or go to www.isleofwight.quakermeeting.org 

Paragon Charity Show 

On Saturday 5th April, Paragon Isle of Wight is welcoming everyone to their fundraising show, Together We Stand, presented by Joanne Everson. Expect an evening of amazing people all giving their time for free, with acts including Own It! Dance Divas, a local dance group; Ben Stubbs, a local singer; and Pete Walkden, a local DJ and MC. The show is held at Newport Social Club and doors open at 7pm. 

Paragon was established in 1985 as a domestic abuse charity. Over the years it has grown from strength to strength and now works with adults of all genders, families and partners, and children, who have been through some form of abuse. Teams are based along the south coast in Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, along to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset and Somerset. 

“I can’t thank all the acts enough,” said Joanne Everson. “Let’s make this a successful evening.”

For tickets call Joanne on 07483 818194. 

Employee Of The Year! 

Hollie Wilson, a care practitioner at the Highfield nursing home in Ryde, has scooped the prestigious Employee of the Year accolade at Hartford Care’s annual awards ceremony. In addition, Margaret Stoffell was recognised for her commitment as a volunteer at the home. Residents, family members, visitors and team members across the company’s homes, as well as the team from central support, voted for their winners. Dozens of positive comments were received to support the nominees. 

Hollie took the prize for her unrelenting work on care planning and risk assessments, while Margaret was recognised for her “dedication to all of the residents at Highfield even during a time of personal loss of her husband, who resided at Highfield for a long period. Margaret cares for and supports multiple residents and gets involved in activities and lunches, where she dedicates time to residents who have fewer visitors.” 

Shanklin Chine Named Hidden Gem 

Isle of Wight’s 10,000-year-old gorge, Shanklin Chine, has taken the top spot in a recent survey of UK outdoor hidden gems. Known for its aesthetic beauty and scenic walking trails, Shanklin Chine is one of the Island’s oldest visitor attractions, having been attracting visitors for 200 years. 

Expect to be impressed by the main waterfall, tumbling 45 feet down the cliff edge, and as dusk falls enjoy the splendour of Shanklin Chine Illuminations when hundreds of lights illuminate the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls of this natural wonder. 

Work For RNLI 

Applications are now open to become a RNLI face-to-face fundraiser on the Isle of Wight. Face-to-face fundraisers help the RNLI reach thousands of people every year, sharing important water safety messages with beachgoers and visitors to some of the summer’s most popular events. It’s also vital in helping the RNLI continue its lifesaving service, encouraging new supporters to sign up to make a donation.

The charity’s face-to-face fundraising team is looking for people to join their lifesaving team on the Isle of Wight. Fundraisers receive full, high-quality training and competitive rates of pay, whilst also developing valuable professional and personal skills.

This year, the lifesaving charity is looking to recruit around 200 face-to-face fundraisers across the UK, with part- time, full-time, seasonal and year-round opportunities available.

To apply or find out more visit: www.rnli.org/FundraiserJobs