Beacon Magazine

If you live in Cowes, your home may once have been one of the many small independent schools to be found around the town between 1785 and 1950.

The Island's young heroes have been crowned at Isle of Wight Radio's Child of Wight Awards 2023.

Men Only IOW knows how much easier it is for some men to open up when out and about. That’s why the charity has set up a weekly walk, from Puckpool, which gives men here on the Island the opportunity to get outdoors and get any stresses they’re experiencing off their chests.

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots on our beloved Island, the Isle of Wight has a history of famous figures who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating people…

Islanders will have the chance to soar through the skies as part of the Isle of Wight’s very first wing-walking event next March. 

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots on our beloved Island, the Isle of Wight has a history of famous figures who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating people…

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots on our beloved Island, the Isle of Wight has a history of famous figures who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating people…

A service held at St John’s Church last month marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Newport during World War II.

When it comes to beauty routines, many of us tend to be creatures of habit. This is all well and good in terms of being rigorous with cleansing rituals and factoring time for pampering sessions, but when it comes to our actual make up it’s good to be a little more flexible.

Sponsored by WightFibre the Isle of Wight Radio Child of Wight Awards are back for 2023. It's the chance to celebrate the achievements of the Island’s most precious asset: its children.

This year's Isle of Wight Mardi Gras carnival parade will take place on Saturday, July 8th, starting at 3pm from Simeon Recreation ground in Ryde.

Situated on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight, overlooking Sandown Bay, Brading Roman Villa stands as a magnificent testament to the Island’s rich history.

Some call her fashion outlook unique, others suggest she pays the ultimate tribute to some of the style icons of the past. But for Sophie Ellis-Bextor, her immaculate image comes naturally.

New Carnival will stage a three-day programme of walks and community arts events on the Island this weekend, highlighting the Tennyson Heritage Coast – and celebrating ‘2023 National Year of the Coast’.

As a popular Isle of Wight business celebrates its 50th anniversary, its sole proprietor hands the keys to the generation below.

Pack up a picnic and find somewhere beautiful on the Island to enjoy it with family and friends.

East Cowes Town Council and Red Funnel have opened a new Community Orchard to Isle of Wight residents, after coming together to create a safe and relaxing space for members of the local community.

An iconic Isle of Wight landmark is set for upgrades later this year.

If you head to the Royal Victoria Arcade on Union Street this summer, you’ll discover a quaint little museum which pays homage to Donald McGill — the king of the saucy seaside postcard.

Put some homemade ingenuity into your pet’s mealtimes, with these freshly made fish dishes.

This recipe by Mary Goodsell is delicious eaten straight from the freezer. It is an easy, protein filled snack that will also hit that sweet spot!

As another academic year begins, we’ve been giving our lunchbox ideas a refresh.

Some like it hot, so sizzle your ribs and chicken with these BBQ sauces. I hope you find these recipes melt-in-your-mouth incredible!

Turn an average summer’s day into a fun ice cream parlour adventure with this fun and easy homemade ice cream in a jar recipe, says Sara Whatley.

This cheesecake uses coconut yoghurt and plenty of zesty lemon for a healthier, lighter version of what tastes like a very decadent dessert

Mary Goodsell’s salad makes a scrumptious summery lunchtime meal and is also a great option if catering for lots of people. It’s perfect with leftover roasted chicken, making it very quick to assemble.

Griddled courgettes pair beautifully with tinned beans and any kind of lemon dressing and look so impressive on a summer’s barbeque table. This salad by Mary Goodsell is full of flavour and very purse friendly with seasonal ingredients

The beauty of this loaf cake is that all the ingredients go into one bowl, so there’s minimal washing up. The zesty lemon flavours with the seasonal sweetness of blueberries elevates the tastiness of this recipe by Mary Goodsell

If you're looking to give the classic lemon drizzle cake a little twist, this loaf bake is the perfect adaptation thanks to the addition of ground almonds, make it ever so light and palatable.

This one-pot supper by Mary Goodsell is a real crowd-pleaser. The tender chicken has all the comforting flavours and aromas of Italy. Serve it up with some rice or roasted garlic new potatoes

A quiche works for every occasion; quick fridge-raid lunch, easy summer entertaining or a protein-filled breakfast alternative. This crustless asparagus quiche by Mary Goodsell is the perfect naturally gluten-free dish.

Sausage rolls are often enjoyed as a quick snack, fresh from the oven – or make the perfect addition to any summer picnic, when chilled.

If you are hosting friends in the garden this summer, this strawberry, yoghurt and poppy seed cake by Mary Goodsell is a delicious twist on a classic sponge cake.

Nothing says you’re in Britain better than freshly cooked battered fish and chips, eaten from paper at the seaside.

This savoury scone recipe from Mary Goodsell works perfectly alongside a bowl of hearty soup, or simply with salty butter and a smear of marmite.

When Mary Goodsell was a young girl she was astonished that a vegetable could be made into tasty cake! Her traybake version couldn’t be simpler and can be made nearly all year round using British carrots

In celebration of Coronation Big Lunches taking place this month, The King and Queen Consort have shared a recipe for a Coronation Quiche – made with spinach and broad beans.

I’ve been planning some tea-time treats and decadent desserts. This easy seasonal rhubarb and ginger cake hits the spot on all accounts, it’s moist, not overly sweet and has a crunchy topping. The perfect crowd pleaser.

Back in 2020, Queen Elizabeth’s royal pastry chefs released the family’s sacred ‘Spiced Easter Biscuits’ recipe. What better way to honour her late Majesty, than by baking these delightful and delicious Easter treats?

This healthy take on the classic banana bread is definitely one to try if you're avoiding refined sugars or want to make a dairy free alternative to the classic!

Back in 1981 when Bergerac first came to BBC TV, it was no surprise when John Nettles received sack loads of fan mail. I, like millions of other men, rather fell for the more rubenesque charms of the Bureau receptionist Charlotte, played by the gorgeous Annette Badland.

There are days in your life that you will never forget. One of mine was September 26th, 2006, when I met up again with Jane McDonald. Her welcoming hug and comforting words were just what I needed

Fifty one years after I first saw Bill Wyman appearing at a Rolling Stones concert at Ryde Pavilion, I finally managed to meet him.

Back in 2001 I took an exciting 21 hour day trip to Weatherfield. I was expecting to undertake a couple of interviews with two of Coronation Street’s lesser known characters. Thankfully, it didn’t go to plan. Once the two interviews were completed and the press office girls had left, I was told to sit tight for a few minutes and see who might come in. Over the next hour, six of the most famous faces in Britain came in and were all eager to chat.

Saturday June 30th, 2012, was rather special in my 47 year career as a showbiz writer and broadcaster. I still call it my Sheridan Smith day.

Back in 1988, John Hannam interviewed Barbara Windsor – and this was long before Albert Square.

When Shaun Williamson was filling shelves in a Maidstone supermarket his ambition was to be like Richard Burton. Eventually, via Pontins in Wootton, 1986, he became Barry Evans, who for eight years was one of EastEnders’ most popular characters.

Life has been wonderfully unpredictable for Scottish actor Joe McFadden. Before winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, he’d been a rock star in Sex, Chips & Rock ‘n’ Roll, cast as maverick cop, Joe Mason in Heartbeat and surgeon Raf di Lucca in Holby City.

Gwen Taylor is one of those actors known for a wide variety of names — Amy Pearce from Duty Free, Barbara Liversidge in Barbara, Heartbeat’s Peggy Armstrong, Rita Simcock from A Bit Of A Do or even murderer, Anne Foster, from Coronation Street.

Over the years, top actors like Celia Imrie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Penelope Keith and Geoffrey Hughes have all fallen in love with the Island. The latest to join them is David Calder, whose credits include The World Is Not Enough, The Hatton Garden Job and The Lady In The Van.

During the final ten days before the lockdown, I’d been lucky enough to have pre-arranged five interviews. It was in Guildford on a very wet and miserable March day. Would she be like Raquel in Only Fools And Horses or Mrs Maguire in Grantchester?

John caught up with the star of stage and screen, who talks of recent film projects and fond memories of when the Island was her home.

Famous radio DJ Annie Nightingale has helped numerous popstars enhance their careers by playing their music.

On July 7th, completely out of the blue, I received an unexpected email from a guy called Neil Chandler, the venue and artistic director of the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, which was re-opening following a £42 million redevelopment.

Helen George has millions of fans as Trixie Franklin in hit television series, Call The Midwife. She's just been seen in the show's Christmas Special and is all set to appear later this year in the ninth series.

Back on Sunday, February 17th 1991, I had the thrill of having the Beverley Sisters live on IW Radio's John Hannam Meets. At the end of their slot, I asked them to choose a record by their favourite current singer. In total harmony, they all said Marti Pellow and predicted a long and successful career for him. At that time he was the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet. How right they were.

The horticultural world abounds with bad advice and old wife’s tales, but some pronouncements are scientifically sound, says Flo Whitaker, as she asks, “True, or false?”

If your garden’s looking parched and bare, why not invest in a few shrubs to fill the gaps. Flo Whitaker picks six of the best for late summer colour.

This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses an array of wildlife we may not expect to see in our gardens over the summer months.

Nothing evokes summer more than the scent and taste of strawberries. Their botanical name is ‘Fragaria’ – how utterly perfect, writes Flo Whitaker.

The trend for upcycling raw materials into garden furniture is coming to a back garden near you.

Having a creative Christmas at home is about more than just a tree and a few bits of tinsel.

Some plants have got the lot – they look good and do you good. Flo Whitaker recommends planting some handsome vegetables in your flower borders.

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the most common mistakes we make in our gardens.

This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the changing seasons, and why he ventures out into his garden in any weather.

This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the next generation of green-fingered gardeners.

Got a shady garden? Assume you can’t grow anything interesting? Not so, says Flo Whitaker. Many plants prefer life in the shade.

If you think you suffer from the heat as far as summer goes, think how that sun-baked fares without even so much as a dash of sun lotion.

There’s a secret universe right underneath our feet. Welcome to the magical, wonderful world of soil, writes Flo Whitaker.

If you’re looking for easygoing, heat-tolerant plants with a long-flowering season, (and who isn’t?) you can do no better than salvias, writes Flo Whitaker

Towards the end of August, on the lawns of the Isle of Wight an inconspicuous species of wild orchid, the last British orchid of the season, appears for just a few weeks, heralding the end of the summer.

Dinosaurs ate them, and the Victorians obsessed about them; ferns are astonishing survivors from the prehistoric world and still have the power to enchant us, writes Flo Whitaker.

Property, equity and retirement can be a complex topic, so we asked Peter d’Aguilar to shed a little light on some of the options currently available

In the UK right now the average house price is estimated at just over £245,000 (as of February 2021). But that figure obviously varies from region to region. So if you're a first-time buyer or looking to move to pastures new, which areas should you be looking at to get the best value for your money?

Nothing says ‘summer’ more than home-picked fruit. Raspberries are easy to grow — and now’s the perfect time to plant them, writes Flo Whitaker.

It’s all go on the veg patch this month. Sow hardy winter greens and plant garlic for a tasty crop later in the year.

To celebrate its 10th birthday, nationwide campaign, Hedgehog Street, is asking members of the public to do 10 things to help hedgehogs throughout 2021. The campaign launched by wildlife charities People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) aims to encourage people to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly, in order to help stop the ongoing decline of Britain’s favourite mammal.

The UK’s biggest citizen science project has been recording the winners and losers in the garden bird world for over four decades with the help of half a million people, and now the RSPB is counting on Island residents to join in too.

A new review outlining the impact of road mortality on native European hedgehogs has been published in the online scientific journal Animals.

​​​​​​​Wightlink’s oyster nurseries are already proving a haven for rare marine wildlife.

Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is, for the first time, running its Living with Mammals survey during autumn, from Monday 31st August until Sunday 29th November.

A flock of wheeling long-tailed tits capture this author's imagination as she takes a stroll in the countryside

Sparrowhawks are now fairly common throughout the country and more of us can enjoy the breathtaking sight of these spectacular, small birds of prey.

Direct from the West End, The Drifters Girl arrives at Mayflower Theatre this month, ahead of a tour of the UK and Ireland.

For August, a selection of relaxing reads, perfect company for time spent relaxing on beach somewhere.

This route will take you along village pathways and through woodland for a gentle stroll, with some stunning views. Perfect for getting some fresh summer air in your lungs.

We got a golden ticket to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Mayflower Theatre this summer – and what a treat we had in store.

Did you or a relative attend school in Cowes, Northwood or Gurnard? Or maybe you were a teacher?

Take a summer stroll around the beautiful Newtown Creek, passing by the historic Town Hall and the iconic Newtown bridge.

For June, five releases that combine romance, rock, and restorative justice.

This month we’re walking Queen Victoria’s Town Trail through East Cowes, which is funded by the East Cowes Community Partnership.

For March, Adele Trathan has selected four new book releases that will entertain, engage and heal the soul.

Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the March edition of the magazine – how well did you do?

This month, we’re taking advantage of the promise of sunshine – and heading down the seafront in East Wight!

We take a look at four books that will weave a fictional spell this month...

Dating is not easy, and even when you think you’ve found the right person, trying to organise the perfect first date to sweep them off their feet can be a stressful ordeal.

There's two great new movies coming to your tellybox this weekend. Here's what to watch and where to watch it...

Audition applications are now open for the 2023 Easter production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at Kings Theatre.

Here's the latest movie and TV releases coming to a screen near you in the next few days...

This gentle riverside walk is perfect for a Sunday afternoon — finishing with a warm drink, or pub lunch at the newly renovated Folly Inn.

Christmas hasn’t officially begun until you’ve been to panto – and Pompey knows how to do pantomime in style. 

Join Tapnell for Spooky Farm Fun this October Half Term...with additional fun activities in the Farm Park to keep your little ones entertained.

Following the success of their first Isle of Wight show earlier this year, My Darling Clementine is coming back to the Island by popular demand.

Television shows have the power to captivate audiences, create lasting connections with characters, and leave a void when they come to an end.

Music has a way of capturing our hearts and stirring our emotions, but sometimes - just sometimes - we find ourselves drawn to certain songs that might not align with our usual preferences.

American television has produced an abundance of exceptional comedy shows that have entertained audiences for decades.

For many, our younger years are a time of exploration and self-discovery, including in our musical tastes.

The 1970s was a decade of bold fashion experimentation, marked by a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.

To celebrate the launch of their new brand, we've got a lovely hamper up for grabs, courtesy of Grampy's at Care In The Garden!

We want to help you to spice up your evenings with chilli and tequila, so we’ve teamed up with the global Rooster Rojo Tequila brand, to give each of three lucky Hidden members a bottle of this fine Mexican spirit!

Chart-topping choir The Mediaeval Baebes are delighted to be working with Hidden to provide a limited number of half-price tickets for their ‘The Procession’ Christmas concerts this festive season!

We've got an amazing sweet hamper with over 2kg of scrumptious goodies to enjoy, courtesy of local confectioners Isle Love Sweets, plus two complimentary Cineworld tickets for a film of your choice!

We've got a fantastic prized experience available for two people to enjoy this summer worth nearly £300!