Features

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.

A number of activities are taking place over the Easter holidays for children and families on the Isle of Wight.

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.

The IW Story Festival, which took place over half term, attracted many hundreds of children and families from all parts of the UK and, indeed, the world – with participants coming from places as diverse as the Netherlands, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.

As Lockdown across England puts an even greater emphasis on the health and wellbeing of older people in isolation, the Goldies Charity is increasing its weekly online content to include gentle chair-exercise at home.

In November 1897 a twenty-three year old Italian took up rooms at the Royal Needles Hotel overlooking Alum Bay. It was just out of season and Guglielmo Marconi's proposal to experiment from the hotel over the winter was welcomed by the hotel's proprietors. For the next two and a half years the world's first permanent wireless radio station would be operated from the hotel.

Around a half a kilometre of rope is now providing creature comforts for two Isle of Wight wildlife projects thanks to Wightlink.

Plant Heritage calls for garden enthusiasts across the UK to enter competition which celebrates rare and unusual plants.

Love exploring new places and really missing that sense of adventure in your life while we're in lockdown? We've found 15 fascinating places that you can explore from the comfort of your own home instead.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) launched the Surviving Winter 2020-2021 campaign to help tackle fuel poverty for older and vulnerable people struggling to keep warm at winter time.

It’s not easy to juggle fitness and home schooling during a lockdown – but according to Hanna Prince, by combining the two you can keep everyone happy.

New book, Rocking The Isle of Wight, by Alan and Tom Stroud focuses on the original Isle of Wight festivals that were put on by three Totland brothers, Ronnie, Ray and Bill Foulk.

In this travel history documentary, husband and wife team Greg and Felicity, from the Isle of Wight, set off across Romania in search of ‘Dracula’s Castle’, and a deeper understanding of the history and legend surrounding Vlad Dracula III of Wallachia, better known as Vlad the Impaler!

Despite a difficult year, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary are ending on a high, after completing their first international rescue — ten donkeys from France.

A dog friendly, hilly walk with fantastic views along the way.

Make your Christmas Day a little easier by planning your cooking schedule ahead of time.

​​​​​​​Despite the official annual Santa Dash being cancelled earlier this month, Mountbatten nurses, volunteers and their families walked, ran, or cycled a combined total of over 90km to raise funds for the Island's hospice.

One place most of us are familiar with is Newport Quay. Perhaps we use the Quay Arts Centre or the Riverside Centre, meet at the Bargeman's or just saunter along the peaceful waterside.

Before the outbreak of coronavirus, we were already facing a loneliness epidemic amongst older people. But as a result of the pandemic, this crisis has intensified.

Enriching the quality of our daily lives, community wellbeing is all about building a vibrant and caring community in which we can all thrive and flourish writes Lisa de Silva

St Vincent’s Retirement Home in Ryde has built a grotto for families to visit their loved ones over Christmas in a safe and secure way.

At low tide, the sea off the coast of Ryde is nearly half a mile away. Though its proximity to Portsmouth makes it the shortest Solent crossing — so in times gone by, the inconvenient half mile slog across the sands was seen as a price worth paying.

Looking for something special for your other half this Christmas? Check out our picks for the festive season, as well as a few for yourself...

A local funeral co-ordinator is hoping to rally the community spirit to help families in need of support this winter.

With approximately 1 in 15 people in the UK living with diabetes, Adele Trathan looks at the history of this complicated condition

Cowes Floating Bridge has been a hot topic of late, so we've searched our archives to bring you this great history piece, by John Medland, which delves into the life and times of the Floating Bridge and its many predecessors.

Winter can be hard on skin, with cold winds and the drying effects of central heating leading to a dull and dehydrated complexion. Yet maintaining a healthy glow is possible with a few small changes to your skincare regime, writes Lisa de Silva,

Looking for some great discounts ahead of Black Friday? Amazon are offering deals on a range of products all week until Monday November 30 - here's our picks for you...

The prestigious Royal Hotel, in Ventnor, was built more than a hundred and fifty years ago as a coaching house to accommodate both travellers and people who had come to Ventnor for the sake of their health.

On Remembrance Day we honour the lives lost and human sacrifice of war. Here, Ruth Lawrence discovers how animals also played their part working alongside soldiers and civilians.

Following a popular Endangered Advent campaign last year, where she produced an imaginative, festive-themed wildlife illustration each day in the lead-up to Christmas, island-based artist Jen Parker is starting a new advent series in December – this time focusing on British wildlife in collaboration with People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). The original illustrations will be sold and all profits donated to PTES. 

With another lockdown currently upon us, it's not particularly nice having to stay at home all the time. But there's no need to live in discomfort, with plenty of options to enhance your home, especially as winter approaches. Here's our picks to get the perfect set-up...

From cubs in the caravan to strolling with snakes, the Corney family have lived a unique family life, surrounded by exotic animals.

Now’s the time to support local shops and eateries, when independent businesses need our custom more than ever before. Despite many having to close their doors throughout November, lots of local businesses are offering home delivery and collection services throughout their temporary closure. We find out how you can still shop local throughout lockdown...

The Island is blessed with an abundance of exceptional youngsters — and Isle of Wight Radio’s Child of Wight Awards recognise their wonderful achievements.

With many public firework displays set to be cancelled this year due to Covid-19, and the likelihood that more people will host private displays in their back gardens, Dogs Trust is issuing top tips to owners to help their dogs cope with these potentially distressing events.

Can you believe it's nearly Christmas?! And after the year it's been, it seems like we all deserve a treat. Here's our picks for the best gifts on offer for your children this year...

The team at Beacon Magazine and their families have been carving pumpkins ready for Halloween this weekend...and we’ve decided to get you lot involved. So we’ve teamed up with Eat Street IOW to give one lucky winner a £20 voucher to spend on their DELICIOUS takeaway street food.

We take a look at all things pumpkin, its origins and its surprising number of uses.

A mysterious and seductive colour, Lisa de Silva tells us why black remains one of the most popular choices in the fashion world.

A few months after Bob Dylan performed at IW Festival 1969, American musician Gene Vincent performed for one night only at the Island’s Royal York Hotel in Ryde.

From pom pom pumpkins to homemade outfits, here's how to make this Halloween your most creative one yet

Originally built as a private residence in 1845, Freshwater Bay’s Alexandra House has been in the hands of the Orchard family for more than 150 years.

West Wight Nursery manager Kim Tyrell has raised an incredible £1,274 for the nursery, having had her head shaved on the school/nursery playground earlier this month.

We find out more about the Isle of Wight Public Green Spaces project, supported by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and The Southern Co-op.

We look at the coming season’s makeup trends to enhance your features.

Now's the perfect time to wrap yourself up on the sofa, forget about the darker nights and get stuck into these feel-good classics...

Brown’s Golf Course was created in 1931 by Alexander Kennedy and his wife Violet Kennedy, the owners of a chain of successful south London sausage and pie shops.

Hanna Prince shares the challenges — and the unexpected rewards — of home parenting during lockdown.

‘Wight Spirit’ marks the 50th anniversary of the 1970 IW Festival with new sculptures, a feature length-documentary and never-seen-before photographs.

A new book based on the diaries of a police officer who served in the earliest days of policing is being published by award-winning police volunteer, John Greenfield.

We note some of the great items to buy locally, at a time when independent businesses need our custom more than ever before.

Zesty orange, sherbet lemon and exotic saffron: we go through the essential colours of the season.

When the lockdown was announced earlier this year, Solicitors all across the country were hard at work, writing Wills for people who, fearing the worst, wanted to make sure their affairs were in order should they fall ill.

First opening its doors in 1936, The Commodore in Star Street, Ryde has had a fascinating past.

With years of festival experience behind him, building bars at festivals across the world, landlord Jay Chapman decided that to survive post-coronavirus, he needed to come up with something completely new, using the space that they did have. And so, the Olde Village Inn Backyard Fest was born.

Some advice for those who may be facing work struggles during these uncertain times

As the global Covid-19 pandemic means many Brits may be hesitant to travel abroad, ‘staycations’ are set to become even more popular.

Direct cremation is an affordable alternative to a traditional funeral. The cremation takes place without any service at the crematorium, and without mourners or a minister present.

A striking new mural named ‘Less Flapping, More Flying’ has been painted at The Sundial Cafe, in memory of Norman Abram, who died in 2017.

Beacon Magazine caught up with iconic illustrator, Nick Sharratt, who is best known for his work with Jacqueline Wilson and Julia Donaldson, among many others.

The Isle of Wight has one of the oldest carnival traditions in the UK. Ryde Carnival began in 1888, and chances are you’ve seen or taken part in at least one of the many colourful and uplifting parades that bring our streets to life every year.

Elizabeth Missing Sewell was born on Newport High Street on the 19th February 1815. ‘Missing’, a rather odd choice in middle name, is said to have been her godmother’s surname.

Filmmaker Bill Bristow has teamed up with a wealth of local talent to produce a documentary about the incredible history of the Isle of Wight.

The history of the Isle of Wight is often treated as a closed book which has meant that some of the most talented Islanders who made a name for themselves are pretty much unknown today.