Beacon Magazine

The family of the late Ray Scovell — otherwise known as the Isle of Wight's 'Mr Athletics' have launched a fundraising appeal in his memory.

It's all change at Totland Pier - as the new and refurbished cafe is expected to open next month (May) - but sadly it won't be run by local couple Mike and Cath anymore.

For almost 40 years, Mountbatten has supported our community through death, dying and bereavement. With a gift in your Will, you can ensure they will still be here for future generations of Island people.

Think you know the Isle of Wight like the back of your hand? We're going to put you to the test by giving you ten Isle of Wight road names to unscramble.

Shanklin Summer Theatre was constructed on the Esplanade in 1921 – opening later that year with the first Sunshine Concert Party, which went from success to even greater success.

A Totland woman is aiming to raise £2,000 for Wessex Cancer Trust by shaving her head on her 54th birthday on April 20th.

The Island’s Zoo, which was called Sandown Zoo in the 1950s before becoming The Isle of Wight Zoo in the 70s - will now be called The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

The Warrior Trail is a stunning walk bursting with history, forest strolls and sea views. Its name comes from famous war horse, Warrior, who fought in World War One alongside General Jack Seely – and incredibly, its path forms the shape of a horse head.

So why is there still so little awareness? Islander Georgia Day speaks out about her experience with this chronic illness, during Endometriosis Awareness Month.

The Isle of Wight Foodbank is marking ten years in operation.

Sensual and evocative, fragrance plays a powerful role in our lives. Lisa de Silva explains how nothing can stir senses and memories like fragrance, with its ability to take you back to another time, place or loved one.

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Sara Whatley has been learning how we can all get involved in raising awareness and assisting with fundraising.

The idea of slowing down, as a way to tire out the kids may seem an oxymoron, but Hanna Prince has found a way to educate, entertain and enlighten, so grab some wellies and take a walk in the woods

Island Line has said a final farewell to its Class 483 trains, ahead of a three month closure and £26million upgrade.

Research conducted by Island Cottage Holidays reveals the top islands to visit in Britain for 2021 — and the Isle of Wight has been crowned the ‘most Instagrammable’ British island.

The delight of awaking refreshed after an undisturbed eight hours’ sleep is what Lisa de Silva would like everyone to enjoy, so here’s her guide to navigating the latest mattress and bedding options.

Beryl, the British bike share operator, and Jobcentre Plus have announced a partnership to support young people on the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme with an affordable, sustainable and enjoyable transport option. 

Newport may be the Island’s county town, but there’s plenty of off-road walks waiting to be discovered just on the outskirts. During the latest lockdown, I have been exploring these more than ever before, since the Government advised we only exercise within our local area. And boy am I glad I did — I’ve found so many hidden gems right on my doorstep.

Happy World Book Day! To celebrate, we've brought you a list of our favourite children's books from Isle of Wight authors. Support local and enjoy a story with your little ones at the same time. Just click the link to find out where to buy it.

Sixty years after spending the summer season acting at Shanklin Theatre, Janet Sandys-nee-Derry returns as a guest.

This mouth-watering barbecue recipe is perfect for spring in the garden!

This sweet Easter Bread is a traditional recipe baked in Italy and Greece, which tastes similar to brioche.

Arguably one of the best things about the Easter season is enjoying warm hot cross buns, slathered in butter. So we've brought you a tasty recipe for cranberry and orange flavoured buns to bake at home. After all, we've all become pretty good at baking from scratch over the past year!

There’s nothing like a tasty breakfast to start your day off well — and this French toast with fresh berries is easier to throw together than you might think.

Author of the new Plant Based Cookbook, Brad Roe, shares his delicious recipe for Pine Nut Cornbread with Sweet Potato Puree, Sundried Tomato Cream and Crispy Pak Choi.

Schools are now open, so we've brought you one of our favourite lunchbox recipes, enjoyed by kids and grown ups — simple Lunchbox Lasagnes!

When it's cold and wet outside, we love to brighten a day stuck indoors with a few home comforts. How about these home-made Pork and Cranberry Sausage Rolls, served fresh from the oven.

Traditional pancakes with lemon and sugar are always a winner, but what about something a little different this year? We love thick, fluffy pancakes with fried banana and bacon, drizzled in maple syrup. Sounds so wrong, but we think it's so right!

February 12th marks the beginning of the Chinese year of the Ox! Why not celebrate with your family at home, by making and baking your own Fortune Cookies. After all, we could all do with a little luck in 2021!

These pretty cupcakes have a delicate lemon flavoured sponge with strawberry buttercream icing. They’re ideal for the kids to enjoy at home while the lockdown continues!

It's Friday — and while the pubs and restaurants might be shut, we won't be deterred from making the best of it. How about sticking some music on and becoming a mixologist for the evening. We recommend this recipe for Toasted S'mores Martini.

What better way to celebrate Burns Night on Monday 25th January than serving this tasty twist on the traditional Scottish supper.

Fancy something sweet to eat now the Christmas supply is long gone? There’s no need to wait until your next essential shopping trip, you can make this quick and easy Chocolate Mug Cake with ingredients likely to be in your cupboard already.

One mouthwatering meal which is guaranteed to give you your five a day is a Buddha Bowl. You can make these with anything you like really — the more colourful the better! But here we're making a healthy and flavoursome grilled chicken and rice Buddha Bowl, packed with fruits and vegetables.

Herbs are a great natural way to help beat stress, boost the immune system and get your skin glowing as local herbalist Sarah Hillyer explains.

Chinese Steamed Buns or Bao Buns take party food to a new level this New Year. And they’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

Don't throw out the leftovers from your Christmas dinner — use them to create this delicious pie.

Create your own winter wonderland with this gingerbread house recipe. It makes plenty of dough for a medium sized house and lots of trees. You can keep the decorations elegant and simple or go rather over the top if you wish, like I did! Whatever you do, it’s lots of fun for the whole family to get involved with over Christmas.

Nothing beats a warm mug of Mulled Wine on a cold winter’s day. And enjoying your own home-made batch is even better!

Chocolate truffles make the perfect homemade gift to give at Christmas, or to enjoy yourself while snuggled up in front of a festive film.

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.

There are some years you just never want to end. In my case, it was 2019. I became the grandfather of twin boys, was privileged to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and had interviewed Dame Judi Dench live on stage, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of London. That honour led me directly to my last major interview of the year — Sir Ian McKellen.

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.

On a cold January day I headed for Ludlow to meet up with Boycie, that notorious second-hand car dealer from Only Fools and Horses.

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

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

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

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

There’s a lot more to holly than spiky green leaves and a few red berries. Peter Erridge explains all things historical and prickly.

January doesn’t have to be gloomy after the Christmas decorations come down, it can be the ideal time to revamp the home as Adele Trathan explains.

The euonymus genus contains over 150 varieties in the form of shrubs and trees, so there should be one type available to brighten every garden throughout the year.

A selection of berried shrubs will bring colour to your garden during the dreariest time of year, writes Flo Whitaker

As the first frosts of winter bring a chill to the darkness, Robert Veitch takes a look at some ways to bring a little light into your life this season

In today’s climate, home offices have never been more desirable. We've got this advice for designing your own stylish workspace

Versatile and long-lived, no plants give better fiery autumnal colours than acers.

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

The right window dressing can transform the look and feel of a room without the need for a complete interior revamp. Take inspiration from the latest trends to redesign your window space,

Coming in every shade from darkest inky purple to purest white, no summer garden is complete without the extraordinary blooms of Agapanthus.

Hedging is an important feature in many domestic and agricultural settings, designating boundary, providing habitat for wildlife and privacy for humans, and actually being a thing of beauty. Peter Erridge tells us more

Add plenty of extra space to your home, with the addition of a light-filled garden room, conservatory or orangerie.

Were you gifted a houseplant at Christmas? Wondering what to do with it now? Hippeastrum (amaryllis) are extraordinary plants. Their huge bulbs can develop flowering spikes 60cms tall within six weeks. They are often sold as a kit, complete with flowerpot and compost.

Steaming coffee and the aroma of freshly baked bread does not guarantee a sale, considering that the majority of buyers will view several properties, every little bit counts to help your's fall top of the shortlist.

Garden centres are gearing up for the great seed-sowing season, but there are so many different types of seeds to choose from. What to buy? Flo Whitaker explains...

Gardening to help sustain our garden birds isn’t just a philanthropic gesture. It’s immensely beneficial to the health and biodiversity of your garden - and also to the wider environment, writes Flo Whitaker

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

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

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

Colder weather and longer nights make Adele Trathan long to cosy up at home and shut the world away. Some animals don’t have quite the same luxury and must hibernate during winter. Adele suggests some ways we can help these creatures survive, to emerge again in the spring

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

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

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

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

Teddy may be starting to look like a Wookiee on a bad hair day, but it hasn’t stopped him from staying positive during lockdown. His human interpreter writes his account of life at home and the reality of spending more time with ‘Them Indoors’.

What may seem to us to be natural waste, could be an invaluable asset for a whole range of garden species and benefit the natural environment.

Things seem to be heading back to a sense of normal for ‘Them Indoors’, but there’s only one thing on Teddy’s mind: getting a decent haircut

Fancy a movie night? How about one of these popular new releases, available to watch via most streaming services.

Heart-warming comedy, Made in Italy, is set in glorious Tuscany. Bohemian London artist Robert (Liam Neeson) who returns to Italy with his estranged son Jack (Michael Richardson) to make a quick sale of the house they inherited from his late wife. Neither expects to find the once beautiful villa in such a state of disrepair...

It is well known that the Island has a history of great music and bands, whether it is Dancer, The Waltons or Reminder — and of course there’s Level 42 and Thin Lizzy’s Snowy White.

Always feeling like they have to say no to their kids and co-workers, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a Yes Day — where for 24 hours the kids make the rules.

Feel like you need a new series to get you through the next few weeks in lockdown? Here's the lowdown on six of the most talked about shows on Netflix this week.

A beautiful story about a feisty 86-year-old, desperate to embark on one final great adventure.

There's plenty of TV drama to get stuck in to while we're indoors this winter. Here's our list of what's on and when.

Over Christmas, due to the lack of a Sky subscription and the need to find out what was getting everyone so worked up in the office, I devoured the book behind HBO's latest television thriller, The Undoing.

Want to keep the kids entertained during lockdown? Hanna Prince offers some suggestions with these family-friendly indoor activities.

You may remember Beacon Magazine running a feature on Island author, Crawford Ivin, at the launch of his debut novel The Story of Four Islands.

Find out the answers to last month's Spot the Difference competition — and check whether you're one of our lucky winners!

In need of a little light-hearted humour to pass the next few weeks? Then grab a copy of Bits and Blogs by Island author, Poppy Fields.

Looking forward to December? Get the fire going, pour yourself a hot chocolate and curl up with these festive favourites...

Earlier in the year, I switched over from a manual bike to an electric, not really knowing what to expect.

With current restrictions in place, it may be more difficult to get out trick and treating with the family this year. So make sure you get on the sofa with the blankets ready to hide behind, and check out these classic shows and films as the haunting hour approaches...

You might be feeling disappointed at the recent temporary closure of Cineworld, but don't forget you can still head over to Ryde and support your local independent Commodore Cinema, or snuggle up at home for a family movie night.

We give our top tips on the colours to wear for the season ahead.

Find out the answers to last month's Spot the Difference competition — and check whether you're one of our lucky winners!

We’re making the most of this beautiful Island by getting out into the great outdoors. And what better excuse could there be to gather up the family for a crisp winter walk, than having a finish point with a cosy fireplace, a list of real ales and roast dinners. And this Island has them in abundance.

This one starts with a leaving party. Irritatingly perfect Eloise is leaving the bright lights of the London she loves to move to Dartmouth.

Tell us about your pet pooch and be in with a chance to win this luxury prize for them to enjoy!

Ever thought of taking the leap into the modern world of electric vehicles? Our experts will be showing you the benefits of such vehicles, as well as dispelling some of the surprisingly common myths around them...

We've got a selection of images here of Island streets, each in a local town or village. But can you guess which?

Enjoy an afternoon for two at this beautiful vineyard, with wine tasting and a ploughman's lunch to feast on following an elegant tour of the vineyard and winery. Half price tickets available for gold tours - one voucher entitles TWO guests to attend! Hurry, we've got less than 50 to sell!

For April's e-magazine, we bring to you our favourite selection of John Hannam's interviews over the years, with an exciting insight into the lives of these celebrities...