Beacon Magazine
Features
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What to Watch in December 2024
From the return of Feathers McGraw to a new season of Squid Game, here's your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming in December
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Memorial Quilt To Be Displayed On The Island
A Memorial Quilt to raise awareness of people with living experience of suicide and bereavement arrived on the Island today (Monday).
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Island Author Celebrating Amazon Number One
“A Christmas Murder”, the latest book by Island author Mary Grand has hit number one in the Amazon kindle best seller list.
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Amazing Isle Of Wight: Listener Photo Gallery
Here's a gallery of some of our favourite images from across the Isle of Wight!
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Falcons Fly Again At Robin Hill
A stunning collection of birds of prey are taking flight once more at Robin Hill after new owner and CEO, Lee Priddle, came to the rescue of Island company, the Falconry Experience, who were facing an uncertain fate.
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Island Update: November 2024
Your community news, achievements and feel-good stories. Please do continue to send them in to editorial@iwbeacon.com and remember, more local news and information is available on our website www.iwbeacon.com
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Home Style: Creative Style
Joy and Steve Jolliffe work and play in their light-filled home, with its paired back Scandi style and fun pops of colour
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Calling All Art Lovers!
From telephone box to art gallery, this classic red K6 in Ryde may be tiny, but it has huge ambitions. Sara Whatley shares the story of Re:Box
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Homes Extra: Restore, Repair, Recycle
Delve into the world of pre-loved furniture and upcycling projects with Sara Whatley, plus industry expert tips and advice from The Salvage Sister
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Entertainment Guide: November 2024
Your guide to the best local events happening across the Island in November...
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Robin Hill Issues Apology For Halloween Traffic Issues With Operations Manager Returning
A spokesperson for Robin Hill has explained the issues that affected last night's (Thursday) Halloween event at the country park.
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Raccoons On The Run: Animals Escape From Amazon World
Can you help Amazon World to find four escaped raccoons?
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Isle Of Wight Toy Appeal Returns For 2024
Can you help bring festive cheer to a child's Christmas Day?
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What to Watch in November 2024
Your guide to all the best new films and TV shows coming to screens in November...
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O-No? Oh-Yes! Island Couple In Rare Isle Of Wight Festival Photo Charity Shop Find
A couple from the Isle of Wight were shocked when a charity shop frame purchase resulted in the discovery of a legendary Kodak snap.
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Island Boy Has Pick Of Grammar Schools
A multi-talented Isle of Wight boy has had the pick of some of the country’s top state-funded grammar schools after excelling in 11-plus exams across the country.
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A Perfect Point of View: The History of the Albion Hotel
From a smuggler’s inn to a luxury hotel, Sara Whatley tells the story of the Albion in Freshwater Bay
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Homes Extra: Let it Shine
Let your windows sparkle and shine with some special window TLC. Sara Whatley finds out more
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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...
Local Community News
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Gurnard Roads Revolution To Cut Storm Overflows
An Isle of Wight village is going green to help reduce storm overflow activity.
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Mental Health Professionals Here To Help During Festive Period
The Christmas and New Year period can be a stressful and difficult time for many and there are a number of mental health services available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that are available 24 hours a day to provide professional support for anyone who needs it.
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KissyPuppy Shop Marks Eleven Years In Newport
KissyPuppy (The Sophie Rolf Trust) which funds hospice facilities for children at Mountbatten Isle of Wight, is celebrating 11 years of its popular kids’ shop in Newport.
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Fantastic Upcycled Christmas Display In Cowes
This December shoppers in Cowes are being treated to a real feast for the eyes, the length of its long and mostly pedestrianised high street is festooned with a multitude of wonderfully creative festive displays in the windows of its many shops, restaurants and bars.
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Ryde Academy Named Recipient Of ‘Trees Of Hope’ Sycamore Gap Sapling
The National Trust has announced Ryde Academy as one of the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK.
Food and Drink
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Recipe: Chocolate, Banana & Pecan Cookies
These scrumptious fudgy cookies are a decadent treat for the whole family – delicious after a brisk autumn walk with a warming cup of cocoa
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Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pies
These warming and hearty fillers have succulent chicken, chestnut mushrooms and artichokes in a delicious creamy sauce flavoured with mustard – topped off with puff pastry. Tasty!
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Recipe: Hearty Beef & Pumpkin Stew
This is the perfect, homely dinner to look forward to as the autumn nights draw in. Adele Trathan explains how to make this delicious casserole that is baked and served straight from the pumpkin
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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
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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Blooming Times: Winter Wonders
Flowering in the coldest months may seem counter- intuitive, but from a plant’s perspective, there is a distinct advantage – a lack of competition. Flo Whitaker picks six of the best winter- scented shrubs
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Blooming Times: The Answer Lies in the Soil
Soil is the gardener’s greatest asset. Understand it, look after it – and many of your horticultural problems will resolve themselves, writes Flo Whitaker
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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.
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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Kids Zone: Spooky Spider's Webs
Get crafty with the kids this Halloween and make these spooky spider’s webs with Sara Whatley
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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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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.
Lifestyle
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Five Best UK Christmas Attractions To Visit
The festive season is a magical time in the UK, where towns and cities transform into winter wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and enchanting attractions. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or a romantic Christmas escape, these five Christmas attractions offer unforgettable experiences:
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Five Horror Christmas Films For Adults Only
The holiday season may be synonymous with cheer and goodwill, but for those who enjoy a darker twist to their Christmas festivities, horror films set during this time of year provide the perfect blend of chills and yuletide thrills. Here are five standout horror Christmas films made exclusively for an adult audience. These movies are filled with gore, suspense, and twisted humour—definitely not suitable for children:
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Five Strange Christmas Legends From Around The World
Christmas is celebrated with joy, lights, and heart-warming traditions, but not all the stories surrounding this festive season are cheerful or ordinary. Across the globe, strange and fascinating Christmas legends have evolved, blending cultural beliefs and folklore to create tales that are as eerie as they are intriguing. Here are five of the most unusual Christmas legends from around the world:
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Five Amazing Christmas Desserts From Around The World
Around the world, different cultures embrace the festive spirit with sweet treats that are as diverse as they are delicious. Let’s take a look at five amazing Christmas desserts that bring festive cheer to tables worldwide:
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Five Underdog Films We Absolutely Adore
In the world of cinema, there's something uniquely captivating about underdog stories. They inspire us, tug at our heartstrings, and remind us that perseverance and courage can defy the odds. Whether it's a tale of personal triumph or a group banding together against adversity, underdog films resonate universally. Here are five underdog films we absolutely adore for their powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters:
Hidden Island
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Win A Christmas Tree From Shide Trees
We've got FIVE Christmas trees (5-7ft spruce trees) to give away, thanks to Newport-based Shide Christmas Trees!
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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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ENTRIES CLOSED: 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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ENTRIES CLOSED: Win A Family Pass To Isle Of Wight Steam Railway Wizard Week
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...