Beacon Magazine

Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming to screens in September...

Four intrepid souls are taking on the final day of a 114km trek today (Sunday) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

East Cowes author, Magnus Wheatley, has uncovered one of the last great secrets of the America’s Cup in his new book ‘There is no Second’. That is the definitive account of the first race around the Isle of Wight on the 22nd August 1851.

Looking for a way to drag the kids away from their tablets and screens this summer holiday? Hanna Prince has a few suggestions…

A special exhibition will run from Friday, August 16th to Sunday, August 18th at the Beckford Centre, Cowes, PO31 7SE.

Twenty years after setting up shop in Cowes High Street, The Plaza Ices have evolved to become the Island’s eco-friendly ice-cream parlour on wheels – now operating from two battery/solar serve vans.

Portsmouth actress Lorraine Stanley will be starring in this year’s Pompey Panto at The Kings Theatre Portsmouth – playing the role of Queen Rat in Dick Whittington.

The IW Marlins Masters Swim Club hosted its 70th Pier2Pier Sea Swim Challenge from Sandown Pier to the site of the old Shanklin Pier on Saturday (July 20).

Five young dancers from the Isle of Wight have brought home gold, silver and bronze medals – after they joined Team England in a prestigious global dance competition in The Netherlands.

Top literary names from television, politics, history and the world of food and drink are among headline authors who will be appearing at this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

With support from the experts involved in Isle of Wight Radio’s Perfect Pitch competition, the Snacks and Ladders team are now offering comprehensive team building packages, along with delicious refreshments, to help increase morale, build trust and improve communication in the workplace.

From once-a-day sailing-boat crossings, to the innovation of steam, the history of cross Solent travel offers a fascinating glimpse into life before the introduction of the maritime technology Wightlink use today. John Hendy tells all in his book, Solent Seaways.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival celebrates 25 years this year with the launch of the Spring Walking Festival on Saturday May 11.

The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, based in Sandown is embarking on another ambitious animal rescue, this time of two European Brown Bears, Benji and Balu, from Azerbaijan.

This year marks the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s 200th anniversary – and to celebrate, events will go on all year.

More than 80 years after eight Luftwaffe planes dropped bombs on Newport, a campaign to have one man officially recognised as a victim, has finally been successful.

Five young dancers from the Isle of Wight have been chosen to represent England in a prestigious dance competition in The Netherlands this summer.

To celebrate National Pet Day Today (April 11), we're offering you the chance to win a luxury hamper of treats for your pet - just have a go at our Facebook competition!

After a record-breaking year, Walk the Wight is back for 2024 on Sunday 12 May 2024.

As people become more and more conscious about the products they buy –and how it might affect the environment, we take a look at a popular Ryde shop, which makes it easy for buyers to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Vecta House Care Home in Newport recently hosted it’s annual culture celebration party, an event dedicated to honouring the rich tapestry of culture and diversity within the home.

Local cyclist, endurance coach and nutritionist, Joe Staunton, recently competed in the Haute Route Alps, a 7-day mountain stage race through the French Alps, which is considered to be the worlds hardest amateur cycling stage race.

Shaping Newport partners are celebrating the resounding success of Newport Heritage Day held on Saturday (September 7).

An annual ride, set up after a horse was killed as a result of reckless driving, will take place this Sunday (September 15).

Breeze, the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) app serving the Solent area, has announced the addition of Wightlink ferries to its growing list of transport options.

Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests.

This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

This delicious recipe, courtesy of JBs Cowes, makes the perfect summer dish served with new potatoes.

The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

This simple but delicious cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals

Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.

This is a great way to feed the family as the chicken and veg are all cooked in one very large tray in the oven. It takes only minutes to put everything together then it sits in the oven for under an hour with no fussy finishing off to do and only one pan to wash up.

Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again

The dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter is indulgent and decadent so the perfect treat for Easter. These little beauties contain only a few ingredients (with a vegan option) and are quick and super easy to make

As a master baker and judge of ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, Peter Sidwell knows a thing or two about hot cross buns, as this fragrant and delicious recipe testifies.

Named after the King of Rock, Elvis Presley – as they contain his favourite ingredients of bacon, bananas and peanut butter – these pancakes are packed with protein and nutrients. They’re also very easy to make.

Elevate your pancake game with these five irresistible toppings that will add a burst of flavour and excitement to your pancake day...

Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?

Want something that combines supreme comfort with a little decadence? Well look no further than this divine truffled macaroni dish with an extra boost from smoked haddock

We’re getting to that time of the year when rustic food comes packed with extra appeal.

If you fancy something a little different on Christmas Day and don’t want to be bothered with cooking a whole turkey, this one-pot twist by Mary Goodwell is a vibrant, zesty dish that will delight your guests.

The countdown to Christmas is officially on and the creativity is pouring out with everything from delicious desserts to eye-catching cocktails.

This simple recipe by Adele Trathan virtually cooks itself, but it is deliciously succulent and flavoursome. It’s ideal for a wholesome meal when you don’t want to be slaving over a hot stove.

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.

If your garden fences or walls are looking a bit shabby it might be time to find a cover up solution. Read on for Sara Whatley’s transformation ideas.

Are you thinking of a new shed, greenhouse or garden room? Sara Whatley gives you some food for thought on all three

The clematis family offers flowers in a wide array of colours and shapes, and there are varieties for nearly every month of the year, says Flo Whitaker

How are your patio pots? Show-stopping, or lacklustre? Time to try some different planting combinations, suggests Flo Whitaker

Read on for some green fingered ideas to get the kids involved in the garden from Sara Whatley

With its exquisitely fragrant, show-stopping blooms, wisteria is the queen of spring climbers – yet it can be frustratingly sulky and thuggish. Flo Whitaker offers a quick troubleshooting guide to floral success

Inexpensive, hardworking plants with blooms in a vast array of colours and shapes - no flower is perfect, but dahlias come pretty close, says Flo Whitaker

Create walls that look incredible and feel amazing too with the use of 3D wall panels. Sara Whatley looks at this feature wall phenomenon.

February is often labelled the cruellest month in the horticultural calendar. However, Flo Whitaker suggests there is still plenty of opportunity for growth

Botanical Latin may seem daunting, but it’s designed to be helpful and informative, says Flo Whitaker

Alice Johnson from the RSPB describes some of the species of birds you might see during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January.

Thinking about a Christmas present for a gardening friend? Or perhaps you’re anticipating a gardening gift voucher and fancy treating yourself? Flo Whitaker suggests some essential hand tools that won’t break the bank.

Gardeners are a flower-obsessed lot, greedily seeking out the latest, brightest blooms. That’s all very well, but ephemeral flowers need a stage to perform on. Plant a hedge - they add structure, benefit wildlife and look good all year round.

Getting the right home office set up can be key to productivity and happiness. Sara Whatley shares her workspace ideas.

Easy-going and beloved by bees – now’s the perfect time to plant allium bulbs for a spectacular display next year. Flo Whitaker picks some of her favourites...

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.

Bonfire Night is just around the corner. A night of fireworks and celebrations, it's fun for us, but not always for our pets.

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.

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.

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 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.

A mixture of comedy, politics and thriller to keep you intrigued and engaged, this month.

The Kings Theatre are delighted to announce that Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson is to play the title role of Dick Whittington in this year’s Pompey Panto.

The ground that surrounds Carisbrooke Castle is a popular walk with dog owners and locals – and connects to lots of onward walks around rural Carisbrooke, with its stunning views and watering holes.

As the year fully gets into its stride, why not immerse yourself in a new yarn from this selection of great offerings…

There’s no place like Mayflower Theatre when it comes to putting on a production to wow audiences. And this adaption of The Wizard of Oz, fresh from The London Palladium, is no exception.

This is one in a series of five walks, by Wootton Bridge Parish Council, designed to help you explore some of Wootton Bridge’s history and beautiful surroundings.

If you’re finding a bit more time on your hands after a busy Christmas and New Year, January’s book selections have a selection of murder, the monarchy and healthy new recipes!

Mayflower Theatre knows how to put on a panto –  and this year has to be my favourite so far.

Nordic Pole Walking (NPW) is quite unique in that it provides benefits for everybody, from those with medical problems to the super fit. Whatever your age, fitness level or goal, Nordic Pole Walking is suitable, effective and enjoyable.

There’s nothing quite like a Pompey Panto to start the festive season in style.

Ahead of Mayflower Theatre's 2023 pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, we found out what panto means to The Man in the Mirror, Christopher Biggins.

This year’s Pompey Panto was officially launched onboard the HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as the cast arrived on a vintage Pompey bus!

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

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.

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

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

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.

From medieval battles to infamous executions, the UK has witnessed countless tragic events, leaving behind a legacy of haunted sites that continue to fascinate and terrify. For those with a taste for the paranormal, here are five of the most haunted sites in the UK:

Comeback tours are more than just performances; they are a chance for fans to relive the magic of a bygone era, reconnect with the music that defined moments of their lives, and experience a sense of unity with others who share that nostalgia. Over the years, some comeback tours have transcended mere performances, becoming cultural events that remind us of why we fell in love with certain bands or artists in the first place. Here, we take a look at five that delivered the ultimate nostalgia:

British sitcoms have a special place in the hearts of TV audiences, blending sharp wit, memorable characters, and a unique sense of humour that has made them beloved around the world. While some of these shows ended on a high note, others left us with lingering questions or unresolved storylines. Many of these iconic comedies left fans yearning for just one more episode to catch up with old favourites and see what they’ve been up to since we last saw them. Here are five British sitcoms we’d love to see return for one final episode:

As the kids go back to school this week, now's a good time to remember some of the most iconic movies in cinema history on the halls of education. From classic comedies to heartfelt dramas, here are the five greatest high school movies of all time that have captured the essence of this unique stage of life:

Autumn is a season that seems to weave magic into the air. As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, the world around us begins to transform. The lush green of summer fades, giving way to a rich palette of reds, oranges, and golds. It’s a time of reflection, change, and comfort, making it a favourite season for many. Here are five things we always love about autumn:

We've got an amazing opportunity for you to win a three or four night break for two adults at this stunning Island retreat!

You know the spooky season is upon us when it's Wizard Week - and we've got a family pass to give away for this annual event...

We've got an amazing opportunity for you to win a beautiful lunch or dinner for six people at this brilliant eatery, who recently won Best Pub Award for the Island!

We`ve got an incredible rib trip around the Solent for up to SEVEN people to view the island's stunning coastline, and get up close to the Napoleonic Sea Forts this summer...

Two new bears are arriving the island's Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, and to celebrate, we've got TWO VIP Bear Experiences so you can be one of the first to see them...