Beacon Magazine

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!

Following a year out due to the closure of Robin Hill last year, it has been confirmed that The Woodland Sessions will relaunch this summer as The Big Beach Weekender.

Easter is a particularly good time to look for red squirrels on the Isle of Wight as natural food sources are becoming more abundant and they are anxious to build up their strength and fat reserves after winter.

This year's Aspire duck race will take place on Saturday March 30 at Shide Trees, Newport, with a 1pm start time.

It's fair to say everyone deserves a treat right now, so we've got a £50 M&S voucher for someone to enjoy - just give us a like or follow on our Facebook page...

Adele Trathan explores understanding and recognising mental health issues and ways to access help.

The Freshwater & Totland Archive Group is a self-funded voluntary group set up in 2010. Its aim is to establish an easily accessible archive to encourage public interest in our local history and provide a valuable community resource.

An Isle of Wight bookshop has made the shortlist to win a prestigious national award.

The Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival organisers have announced that the 2023 event raised a total of more than £6,000, with donations to be made to selected charitable causes, across the Island.

A prominent figure in the Isle of Wight charity sector has celebrated receiving an accolade for his contributions to the local community.

A poignant gathering was held in Newport's Church Litten on Valentine’s Day to remember ‘The Little Sweep’ Valentine Gray.

Newport’s dedicated running shop, Love Running, started a social running group a decade ago, initially aimed at less confident runners who wanted to take on a regular run with other like-minded people in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The Island Sailing Club (ISC) has announced entries are now open for the 2024 edition of Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race, the Round the Island Race, which is being held on Saturday June 15.

As part of the Walking Festival, Aspire volunteer, Julie Croydon, leads the ‘Lost Crypt’ history walk around Ryde dressed as Florence Chandler Maybrick.

‘Feed a Family’ – an initiative by Aspire Ryde, with support from Isle of Wight Radio – will relaunch next week.

Long Lane’s iconic Christmas lights display, organised by Islanders Terry and Sue Ramplin, will switch on this month — accompanied by a marching band and (with your help) Father Christmas.

Members of the Heart Care Club voted to rebrand and rename the group on Saturday (April 20).

A charity football match will take place in Brading next month to raise money for Mountbatten.

A blind veteran from the Isle of Wight has organised a fundraising walk with a difference to raise money for Blind Veterans UK.

Ryde's Monkton Arts will bring its first Gypsy Jazz Festival to the the town next month.

St Helens chose its Carnival Royalty for the 2024 season last Saturday.

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.

This recipe by Mary Goodsell takes banana bread to a new level with the added flavours of chocolate and coffee. Soft and moist, it's a delicious mid-morning snack with a cup of coffee.

Packed with veggies, this delicious vegan option offers the best of both flavours with its sweetness from the pineapple and tang from the vinegar.

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.

This Sunday (22nd) marks Chinese New Year. So we’re tucking in to a traditional Chinese dish, to celebrate the year of the rabbit!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, curry has evolved and adapted to different cultures, resulting in a diverse array of delicious dishes. From creamy Thai curries to fiery Jamaican jerk chicken, here are five incredible curries from around the world that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

Television has long been a platform for storytelling, captivating audiences with its ability to transport viewers to other worlds and challenge their perceptions. Mind-bending TV shows take this to the next level, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists that redefine the entire narrative - here's five which left our jaws on the floor...

While many films leave a lasting impression with their compelling characters and breath-taking visuals, it's the unexpected twists that truly elevate the cinematic experience. From jaw-dropping revelations to mind-bending plot turns, here's five of our favourites:

Sara Whatley spoke to Melanie Hodson, Head of Information Support at Hospice UK about how to talk openly and honestly about death and dying

From delicate pastries to indulgent cakes, desserts come in countless varieties, each reflecting the unique flavours and traditions of its place of origin. Let's embark on a delectable journey around the world to explore five incredible desserts that are sure to tantalize your senses:

We've got a great chance for you to win this exceptionally delicious treat for two worth £160* at this beautiful restaurant on Ryde's coastline!

We're delighted to offer THREE bottles of this beautiful sparkling wine courtesy of Highweald Wine Of England - for April it's a lovely Ghyll Valley white...

We've got a weekend pass for two to the return of this fantastic Island festival this Spring...

We've got TWO pairs of tickets up for grabs to this fab 90s battle of Brit Pop - have a go at our random draw to win!

Enjoy a lovely day out with the family this Easter with the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway!