Island Update: November 2025

Your community news, achievements and feel-good stories. Please do continue to send them in to editorial@iwbeacon.com 

Island Scouting News 

The Isle of Wight Scouts Annual General Meeting (AGM) was a celebration of the many successes of the year. A short presentation was given from the team that attended the Essex International Jamboree in 2024, including feedback from the young people about their highlights. 

A number of awards were presented on the evening, including an Isle of Wight County neckerchief presented to the High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard, who joins Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon as an Isle of Wight Scout Champion. Congratulations to Liam Downer on receipt of the highest award in Scouting, the King’s Scout Award. 

Long service awards were announced for Tim Fallick for 50 years service to Scouting and 60 years awarded to Geoff Brown. But the highlight of the evening was the presentation of 70 year service awards to both Don (90) and Val (89) Sambrook. The couple each received a certificate and a special heartfelt acknowledgement from the UK’s Chief Scout Dwayne Fields. 

Val and Don didn’t start their service to Scouting on the Island, although they have been part of the Isle of Wight team since 1967. The couple were married in 1957 – cited as the ‘Jamboree wedding of the year’ by the local press – as the whole wedding party were in Scouting! 

Their enthusiasm for Scouting has not dimmed, as Chief Scout Dwayne noted in his letter to them. Long may their association with Isle of Wight Scouts continue. 

St Catherine’s Charity Run 

Pauline Stirling entered the Great South Run this October in aid of St Catherine’s School in Ventnor. They are raising funds for a much- needed outdoor education area. 

Pauline started running 4 years ago, at the age of 58, with Couch to 5K. In April this year, she ran the ABP Southampton marathon in aid of St Catherine’s. 

With over forty years of experience, St Catherine’s is the only day and residential education and therapy provider in the UK specialising in working with children, young people and young adults (aged 9 to 25) who have speech, language and communication needs. 

St Catherine’s provides an integrated programme tailoredto each student incorporating speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan that states they have a significant language disorder. 

Please donate directly to St Catherine’s School via Pauline Stirling’s JustGiving page. 

Search: Pauline’s fundraiser for St Catherine’s. 

NATS Announces Island Charity Partnerships 

NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, is proud to announce two new local charity partnerships in the Hampshire region. Spearheaded by employee-led, site-based ‘charity panels’, Sophie’s Legacy and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) will receive NATS funding and hands-on support, so both charities can continue with and develop the vital work they provide in the area. 

Sophie’s Legacy aims to improve the experiences of children in hospital, and their families, and advocate for changes in childhood cancer care. In addition to this, the charity also provides essential food and toiletries to parents, ensuring they have the necessary support during their child’s hospital stay. 

“Sophie’s Legacy is incredibly proud to be chosen as a NATS charity partner,” explained Charlotte Fairall, founder and Sophie’s mum. “This partnership means more than just fundraising; it’s about creating real change for children and families at their most challenging times, and we are so grateful to NATS for joining us on this journey.” 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance provide life-saving critical care for patients in need across the region. “Partnering with NATS is transformational for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance,” said Natalie Russell, Supporter Engagement Officer. “We look forward to an exciting calendar of activities that will help deliver critical care when every minute counts. This partnership will allow us to help more families and increase awareness of our work and mission.” 

The air traffic provider, which manages some of the busiest and most complex airspace in Europe, also supports a range of local and national causes and community groups through their internal funding scheme, the NATS Community Fund. 

Charity Christmas Drive-In Cinema 

By popular demand, Wessex Cancer Support’s Christmas Drive-In Cinema will return to the Island this December for three days (12th, 13th and 14th December) at Robin Hill Adventure Park. Christmas favourites, such as Home Alone, Love Actually, Elf and The Holiday will be among the eight festive films shown on the giant LED screen. 

“We’re really excited to bring back the Christmas Drive- In Cinema this year,” said Lorraine White, Wessex Cancer Support’s Head of Community, Events and Partnerships. Tickets for the Christmas Drive-In Cinema are available now. The suggested minimum donation is £25 per car. 

Money raised from the event will help the charity continue to support local people affected by cancer. 

For the full film schedule and to get tickets, visit: www.wessexcancer.org.uk/event/christmas-drive-in-cinema-2025 

New Banking Hub for Ryde 

LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, has confirmed that a new banking hub will be delivered in Ryde as a result of the closure of a bank branch in the town. 

This is one of 11 banking hubs recommended today across the UK. Banking hubs are shared banking spaces, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to all banking customers. The hub will provide a counter service operated by Post Office employees, enabling customersto withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and carry out regular transactions. 

Private consultation rooms will also be available, where customers can meet with community bankers from their own bank to discuss more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy. The banks work on a rotational basis, with staff from different banks available on different days. 

Ryde marks the second hub to be recommended on the Isle of Wight, joining the hub operating in Cowes.