Beacon Magazine
Features
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Denistry At The Root Of Isle Of Wight Health Concerns
Concerns about the Isle of Wight’s dentistry services still stand out in feedback on the Island’s health and social care services, a report has shown.
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Island Update: October 2024
Your monthly round-up of local news from across the Island...
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What to Watch in October 2024
Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows to get stuck into in October...
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Well-Known Dyslexia Influencer Hosts Isle Of Wight’s First Ever Dyslexia And Dyscalculia Conference
Islander, dyslexia assessor and social media star, Jo Rees is the brains behind the exciting new event taking place later this year.
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Saturday Night Fever - Newport Nightclub To Close After Weekend Send-Off
Newport's Fever & Boutique nightclub is to host a farewell party this weekend before closing its doors for good.
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Island Authors at the Literary Festival
This year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival will be supporting the Island’s own talented authors
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What to Watch in September 2024
Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming to screens in September...
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Coping with Bereavement
Coping with bereavement is an intensely personal journey, marked by a range of emotions and challenges.
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East Cowes Esplanade Celebrates its Centenary Year
In June 1924, a grand opening was held for the “magnificent” East Cowes Esplanade.
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Isle of Wight Walking Festival
Celebrating 25 years, the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival takes place 5-13 October, with a range of new walks and favourites from years gone by
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Roll out the Magic Carpet!
Disney’s hit Broadway and West End musical, Aladdin, lands in Southampton this month – and two Isle of Wight based Costumiers have been busy making outfits for the show
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British Heart Foundation Walk Taking Place In Memory Of Natalie
Four intrepid souls are taking on the final day of a 114km trek today (Sunday) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
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East Cowes Author Decodes the Island's Most Famous Yacht Race
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.
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10 Ideas for a Screen-Free Summer
Looking for a way to drag the kids away from their tablets and screens this summer holiday? Hanna Prince has a few suggestions…
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Couture to Coffee Shops: A History of Shops in Cowes
A special exhibition will run from Friday, August 16th to Sunday, August 18th at the Beckford Centre, Cowes, PO31 7SE.
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The Big Scoop: Twenty Years of Plaza Ices
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.
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An Interview With Eastenders' Lorraine Stanley
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.
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Splash Made At 70th Pier2Pier Swim Challenge
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).
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Island Dancers Bring Home Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals From Prestigious Competition
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.
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Headline Authors Announced As 2024 Isle Of Wight Literary Festival Launched
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.
Local Community News
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Winston Churchill Cowes Yacht Photos Set To Go Under The Hammer
A photo album from the early 1900s showing Winston Churchill relaxing on the yacht Oceana in Cowes is going under the hammer at Charles Miller Ltd in London on Tuesday 12 November and is expected to fetch £600-800.
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Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Fire Service Celebrating 'Heroes In Headsets'
This international Control Room Week (21- 27 October) sees the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service celebrating its heroes in headsets.
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Rise Of The Friendly Robot For Isle Of Wight Author Gareth
Young children are being invited to hear tales of Mojo the Friendly Robot tomorrow (Saturday)
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Runaway Train: Islanders Invited To Take On 5k Choo-Choo Challenge
Runners of all abilities are being challenged to take on a race with a difference.
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Island Schools Welcome Top Authors During Literary Festival
The joy of books and reading was brought into 28 Island schools during this year’s Isle of Wight Literary Festival.
Food and Drink
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Recipe: William Shatner’s Cappuccino Muffins!
Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...
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Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes
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.
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Recipe: Saffron & Lemon Chicken Joojeh Kebabs
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
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Recipe: Raspberry Blancmange
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
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South Carolina BBQ Chicken Thighs
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.
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Recipe: Local Lemon and Thyme Sea Bass
This delicious recipe, courtesy of JBs Cowes, makes the perfect summer dish served with new potatoes.
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Recipe: Sizzling Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce
The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!
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Recipe: Olive Oil, Pistachio & Lemon Cake
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
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Recipe: Salted Caramel Praline Brownie
Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.
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Mary Berry's Mediterranean All-in-One Chicken
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.
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Recipe: Simple Fish Curry
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
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Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Buttercups
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
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Recipe: Prune and Orange Hot Cross Buns
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.
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Elvis Pancakes: With Bacon, Bananas & Peanut Butter
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.
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Five Pancake Toppings You Need To Try For Pancake Day
Elevate your pancake game with these five irresistible toppings that will add a burst of flavour and excitement to your pancake day...
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Recipe: Choux Hearts with Berries
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?
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Recipe: Truffled Macaroni & Smoked Haddock Bake
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
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Recipe: Nigel Slater's Lamb Hotpot
We’re getting to that time of the year when rustic food comes packed with extra appeal.
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Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs with Cranberries and Oranges
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.
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10 Eye-Catching Cocktails to Try This Christmas
The countdown to Christmas is officially on and the creativity is pouring out with everything from delicious desserts to eye-catching cocktails.
The John Hannam Archive
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John Hannam Meets Annette Badland
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.
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When John Hannam Met Jane McDonald
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
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John Hannam meets Bill Wyman
Fifty one years after I first saw Bill Wyman appearing at a Rolling Stones concert at Ryde Pavilion, I finally managed to meet him.
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When John Hannam Did the Corrie Tour
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.
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A Day to Remember with Sheridan Smith
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.
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A Day to Remember with Barbara Windsor
Back in 1988, John Hannam interviewed Barbara Windsor – and this was long before Albert Square.
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John Hannam meets Shaun Williamson
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.
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John Hannam meets Joe McFadden
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.
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Gwen Taylor: An interview with Beacon's John Hannam
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.
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David Calder tells John Hannam why he loves the Isle of Wight
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.
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Tessa Peake-Jones: An interview with John Hannam
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?
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Celia Imrie: An Interview with John Hannam
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.
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Fred Dinenage: An Interview with John Hannam
Famous radio DJ Annie Nightingale has helped numerous popstars enhance their careers by playing their music.
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Dame Judi Dench meets John Hannam
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.
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Call the Midwife's Helen George meets John Hannam
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.
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Marti Pellow: An Interview with John Hannam
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.
Home and Gardens
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How to Cover Up Shabby Garden Walls and Fences
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.
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Homes Extra: Shed Space
Are you thinking of a new shed, greenhouse or garden room? Sara Whatley gives you some food for thought on all three
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Gardening: Choose a Clematis for Every Month of the Year
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
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Blooming Times: Top of the Pots
How are your patio pots? Show-stopping, or lacklustre? Time to try some different planting combinations, suggests Flo Whitaker
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Kids Zone: Get the Kids Growing
Read on for some green fingered ideas to get the kids involved in the garden from Sara Whatley
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Blooming Times: Wisteria Hysteria
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
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Blooming Times: Dahlia Mania
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
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How to Create 3D Walls in Your Home
Create walls that look incredible and feel amazing too with the use of 3D wall panels. Sara Whatley looks at this feature wall phenomenon.
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Blooming Times: Spring Fever
February is often labelled the cruellest month in the horticultural calendar. However, Flo Whitaker suggests there is still plenty of opportunity for growth
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Blooming Times: What's in a Name?
Botanical Latin may seem daunting, but it’s designed to be helpful and informative, says Flo Whitaker
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Top 10 Garden Birds to Spot on the Isle of Wight
Alice Johnson from the RSPB describes some of the species of birds you might see during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January.
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The Best Christmas Gifts for Gardeners
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.
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Gardening: The Benefits of Hedges
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.
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How to Create a Happy Home Workspace
Getting the right home office set up can be key to productivity and happiness. Sara Whatley shares her workspace ideas.
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Now's the Time to Plant Alliums for a Spectacular Display Next Year
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...
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Gardening Facts or Fictions?!
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?”
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Fill The Gaps in Your Garden With Stunning Shrubs
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.
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Summer in the Garden: The Alan Titchmarsh Column
This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses an array of wildlife we may not expect to see in our gardens over the summer months.
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Grow Your Own Strawberries
Nothing evokes summer more than the scent and taste of strawberries. Their botanical name is ‘Fragaria’ – how utterly perfect, writes Flo Whitaker.
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How to Make a Garden Sofa Out of Pallets
The trend for upcycling raw materials into garden furniture is coming to a back garden near you.
Animals
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Top Tips: Keep Your Pets Safe this Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is just around the corner. A night of fireworks and celebrations, it's fun for us, but not always for our pets.
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Ten Ways to Help Hedgehogs
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.
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Hedgehogs on roads: new review assesses problems and solutions
A new review outlining the impact of road mortality on native European hedgehogs has been published in the online scientific journal Animals.
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Critically endangered eel found in Wightlink’s Lymington oyster nursery
Wightlink’s oyster nurseries are already proving a haven for rare marine wildlife.
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Wildlife charity launches Living with Mammals survey this autumn
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.
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The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2021
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.
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Natural Living: A Flock of Long-Tailed Tits
A flock of wheeling long-tailed tits capture this author's imagination as she takes a stroll in the countryside
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Natural Living: The Sparrowhawk on the Isle of Wight
Sparrowhawks are now fairly common throughout the country and more of us can enjoy the breathtaking sight of these spectacular, small birds of prey.
At Your Leisure
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Entertainment Guide: September 2024
Your guide to the best local events happening across the island in September...
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September Book Reviews: 6 of this month's best new reads
This month brings us murder, mythology, meals and maturing child-fiction characters
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August Authors: Four Books to Read on the Beach this Summer
A mixture of comedy, politics and thriller to keep you intrigued and engaged, this month.
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Britain’s Got Talent winner to play Dick Whittington in this year’s Pompey Panto
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.
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A Walk Around Carisbrooke Castle
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.
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February Fiction to Enjoy this Month
As the year fully gets into its stride, why not immerse yourself in a new yarn from this selection of great offerings…
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The Wizard of Oz a 'Visual Feast'
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.
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A Circular Walk to Woodside Beach
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.
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Four Books to Tuck in to This New Year
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!
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"Fabulous, Funny and Festive": Snow White Arrives at Mayflower Theatre
Mayflower Theatre knows how to put on a panto – and this year has to be my favourite so far.
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Walking with Nordic Poles
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.
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Chaotic Fun at This Year's Pompey Panto
There’s nothing quite like a Pompey Panto to start the festive season in style.
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An Interview with Southampton Panto Star Christopher Biggins
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.
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All Aboard as The Kings Theatre Portsmouth Launches 2023 Panto
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!
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October Puzzle Solutions
Here are the solutions to the Puzzle Page problems in the October edition of the magazine – how well did you do?
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Walking the Isle of Wight: Wroxall Woodland
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.
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Four Books to Read on the Beach
For August, a selection of relaxing reads, perfect company for time spent relaxing on beach somewhere.
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Interview: The Drifters Girl Arrives in Southampton
Direct from the West End, The Drifters Girl arrives at Mayflower Theatre this month, ahead of a tour of the UK and Ireland.
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Just the ‘Golden’ Ticket: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Arrives in Southampton
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.
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Step Back into Cowes Past at 'School Days' Exhibition
Did you or a relative attend school in Cowes, Northwood or Gurnard? Or maybe you were a teacher?
Lifestyle
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Five Random Islands You Can Visit
When most people think of island getaways, famous destinations like Hawaii, the Maldives, or the Greek Islands come to mind. But beyond the usual tropical hotspots, there are countless lesser-known islands waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer unique landscapes, fascinating cultures, and unforgettable experiences, all with a fraction of the tourist crowds. Whether you're looking for serenity, adventure, or something completely out of the ordinary, here are five random islands you can visit that promise an escape unlike any other:
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Five Of The Highest UK Villages To Visit
The UK is home to some of the most picturesque villages, nestled in valleys or perched on hilltops. But for those seeking altitude along with beauty, a few stand out for their impressive elevation. These high-altitude villages offer breath-taking views, fresh air, and a sense of serenity:
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Five Old-School Desserts From Our Childhood
While today's dessert trends lean toward gourmet creations and intricate flavours, there’s something undeniably special about the old-school desserts from our childhood. These humble, comforting delights remind us of a simpler time when sugary happiness was just a spoonful away. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit five beloved desserts from the past:
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Five Incredible Acoustic Gigs That Transcended Time
Over the years, there have been several acoustic performances that have stood out for their beauty, emotion, and impact. Here are five incredible acoustic gigs that have left a lasting mark on music history:
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Five Delicious Chicken Wing Recipes Worldwide
Chicken wings are a beloved snack and meal enjoyed across the globe, each culture bringing its unique twist to this finger-licking favourite. Whether they're fried, grilled, baked, or smoked, chicken wings can be a canvas for a variety of flavours—from sweet to spicy, tangy to savoury. Here are five incredible chicken wing recipes from around the world that are sure to excite your taste buds:
Hidden Island
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Win An Overnight Stay At The Albion Hotel In Freshwater
We've teamed up with the newly refurbished Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay, to give one of our lucky Hidden members the chance to win an overnight stay with breakfast, plus a £100 voucher towards lunch or dinner in The Rock Restaurant!
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NEW FOR 2024: Win A Family Pass To Isle Of Wight Steam Railway Santa Specials
We've got a family pass to give away for this annual festive event - have a go at our random draw and you could be treating the kids!
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50% OFF: The Mediaeval Baebes Magical Christmas Concert - The Ceremony (Ryde)
The Mediaeval Baebes are delighted to be working with Hidden once again to provide a limited number of half-price tickets for their ‘The Ceremony’ Christmas concert on the Isle of Wight this festive season...
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Win A Three/Four Night Break For Two At Four Lakes Retreat
We've got an amazing opportunity for you to win a three or four night break for two adults at this stunning Island retreat!