Island Update June 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 

VE Day Street Party Success 

Residents of 22 Argyll Street, Southern Housing’s care home for residents with learning disabilities, came together on Thursday 8th May to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 

Residents were invited to join a full day of activities at a lively mini street party in the garden, filled with nostalgia and community spirit. Taking a step back in time, the garden was decorated with flags and bunting, and music from the 1940s played throughout the event. 

Staff ensured there wasn’t a dull moment, hosting a variety of activities throughout the day, from singalongs to wartime classics and traditional garden games, to bingo and even a visit from The Falconry Experience. They also served up a hearty BBQ and homemade cakes, keeping residents fed throughout the fun. 

Manager Ashley Barrier, said, “The VE Day celebration was such a lovely memorable event; it brought everyone together for both reflection and revelry and served as a reminder of how strong our community spirit is here.” 

Jack’s Charity Swim 

This Father’s Day, 15th June, Jack Holmes, 28, will take on the Arla Great North Swim, in memory of his dad and to raise money for Mountbatten Isle of Wight. 

Osteopath Jack will swim 10k across beautiful Lake Windermere, in the Lake District – the equivalent of over six miles and the official open water Olympic distance. After he was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer in July 2018, Jack’s father, Chris Holmes, was cared for by Mountbatten, until he died at home in December 2018. 

“I’ve always been a swimmer,” said Jack, following in his father’s footsteps – Chris also loved watersports and was a keenwater skier. 

Jack meanwhile, has twice swum The Solent, from Hurst Castle and from Ryde, as well as completing an eight kilometre challenge along the River Arun, in Sussex. Jack says the Arla Great North Swim is the largest challenge he’s undertaken but he’ll be thinking of his dad all the way. 

Donate at: Mountbatten.org.uk 

Local Heroes 

Osborne Proms are excited to announce their 25 Local Heroes campaign, inviting Island residents to nominate individuals whose kind and selfless deeds, no matter how small, are making a big difference to the community.

25 local heroes will be treated to a free ticket for them and a guest to attend the concert, where they can enjoy a selection of Proms classics performed by the esteemed Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. 

Nominations need to be emailed to info@osborneproms.co.uk by 11pm on Friday 6th June 2025, and the 25 winners will be announced on their website (www.osborneproms.co.uk) and Facebook on Monday 16th June. 

Award for Eminent Professor 

Isle of Wight resident and retired Lancaster University Professor Colin Ockleford has been awarded the Harold Ellis Prize by The Royal College of Surgeons of England for his ‘exceptional’ work as an examiner. 

At the College’s annual Court of Examiners Day, he was presented with the prestigious prize by the chairman of the Court Yasser Mohsen and the President of the College, Tim Mitchell. The award is a medal awarded to a basic Sciences Examiner who has demonstrated ‘exceptional commitment and contribution’ over the past two years. 

Professor Ockleford lives in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight where he and his wife Liz are keen sailors and members of Brading Haven Yacht Club. 

He said, “It was a great pleasure to receive this award. I have really enjoyed my time on the Court of Examiners carrying out a very worthwhile role in ‘retirement’ – particularly since Covid, helpingto clear the exams backlog, when many young doctor’s career plans took a back seat. The institutional effort that this has taken is a fine example of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s professional, caring and responsive qualities.” 

Fun On The Green 

St Helens Village Fayre, Ryde, will once again be taking part on the Village Greens on the 15th June. The Fayre will be opened by Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band at 10am. 

On the greens you can find stalls, entertainment and vintage cars. There will be a children’s raffle with prizes including a Lego hamper;paddling pool; toys; metal detector; magnetics; and a jar of lollies.

For the adults there is a big raffle with loads of superb prizes, including: £100 cash! Two- man inflatable kayak; Ninja blast; barbeque and tools; fire pit; solar light; Dinosaur Isle voucher; Ryde Superbowl voucher, and loads more. 

Children of St Helen’s Primary school did a fantastic job of designing the front and back covers of the programme, and the poster. 

The winners of the design competition are: 

(pictured above, left to right)

Front Cover: Alexis, year 6

Back Cover: William, year 2

Poster: Clara, year 5 

What a Walk the Wight! 

Over 9,300 people took part in Walk the Wight 2025 with Mountbatten Isle of Wight on Sunday 11th May. Early fundraising totals show a massive £410,000 has already been raised overall, with more money due to be paid-in in the coming weeks.

The day itself was super sunny and it spurred on walkers over four different routes, including the main 26.5 miles, from Bembridge to Alum Bay. Schools Walk participants rocketed, and an estimated 1,000 dogs also set off from the start lines. 

Walkers from Canada and South Africa were among those to take part, while one even walked the distance on board a cruise ship!

The time has now come to pay in your sponsorship, if you are yet to do so. You can do this online, via the website, in person and by post. 

Find more details at:

mountbatten.org.uk/appeal/pay-in-your-walk-the-wight-2025-sponsorship 

Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley, MBE who has walked eleven times and recorded his best time this year, said, “Thank you. Just thank you.” 

Celebrating Our Folktastic Isle 

Excitement is building as New Carnival prepares to bring the streets of Ryde to life with this year’s IW Mardi Gras on Saturday 5th July. With 26 local schools and community groups taking part, the event promises to be a vibrant celebration of ‘Our Folktastic Isle – The Wheel of the Year.’ 

Each group will represent seasonal traditions and festivities once observed across the Island, connecting communities with nature, heritage, and cultural history.

The spectacular parade will begin and end at Simeon Street Recreation Ground, travelling a lively route through The Strand, Dover Street, Melville Street, Cross Street, Union Street, and the Esplanade from 3pm. 

Before the main event, families can enjoy Mini Mardi Gras – a host of creative activities for younger children from 11am to 3pm.From colourful costumes to joyful performances, this year’s Mardi Gras celebrates the Island’s folklore with energy, imagination, and community spirit.

For more information visit: newcarnival.co.uk/annual-events/mardi-gras/