Isle of Wight Observer

14/12/2025

Freshwater residents, businesses, and community groups turned out in force for the village's late-night Christmas shopping evening, on Friday December 5, despite relentless rain.

Freshwater residents, businesses, and community groups turned out in force for the village's late-night Christmas shopping evening, on Friday December 5, despite relentless rain. Shops opened, stallholders set up, artists stayed the course, and councillors worked

14/12/2025

Last weekend saw young cyclist, Finley Manser-Grundy, make his debut in the mini-downhill racing scene, in the Forest of Dean.

Last weekend saw young cyclist, Finley Manser-Grundy, make his debut in the mini-downhill racing scene, in the Forest of Dean. Finley, aged just 7, was racing on the same track used by Jordan Williams, World Cup

14/12/2025

A £4 1/2 million upgrade, at Calbourne Wastewater Treatment Works, has been completed, bringing improvements to the quality of treated water entering the Caul Bourne stream.

A £4 1/2 million upgrade, at Calbourne Wastewater Treatment Works, has been completed, bringing improvements to the quality of treated water entering the Caul Bourne stream. The project is expected to benefit the local environment by

13/12/2025

Ryde School pupils have been crowned national school quiz champions for the second year running.

https://iwobserver.co.uk/back-to-back-wins-for-ryde-school-quiz-team/

13/12/2025

Isle of Wight libraries have brought a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth to a close, with two events marking the final weeks of the programme.

Isle of Wight libraries have brought a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth to a close, with two events marking the final weeks of the programme. The first took place at Lord

13/12/2025

Families and friends gathered at the IW Crematorium chapel, for a Lights of Love service held in memory of loved ones during what can be a difficult time of year.

Families and friends gathered at the IW Crematorium chapel, for a Lights of Love service held in memory of loved ones during what can be a difficult time of year. Organised by the IW Council’s bereavement

13/12/2025

The King’s Award for Enterprise 2025 has been jointly presented to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and HTP Apprenticeship College, recognising the success of the Careers for Young People (CfYP) programme. Founded in 2022, the initiative offers 16- to 18-year-olds the chance to build careers in health and care on the Isle of Wight, including within the NHS.

https://iwobserver.co.uk/kings-award-honours-careers-for-young-people-programme/

12/12/2025

The founder of Blackgang Chine, Richard ('Dick') Francis Dabell, has died aged 101.

Read the obituary in full below ⬇️

The founder of Blackgang Chine, Richard ('Dick') Francis Dabell, has died aged 101. Dick was the fourth-generation owner of Blackgang Chine, the United Kingdom’s oldest theme park, after his great-grandfather, Alexander Dabell, founded the attraction in

12/12/2025

Click the link below to read this week's sport fixtures ⬇️

(Saturday 2pm unless stated otherwise) Football Cowes v Portland (3pm), East Cowes Vics v Baffin Milton Rangers (3pm), Blackfield & Langley v Newport (3pm), Bembridge & Vectis v West Wight, High Park v Whitecroft & Barton, Oakfield

12/12/2025

WE HAVE A GRAND WINNER! 🤩

One incredibly lucky person has taken home all 12 GIFTS in our spectacular Isle of Wight 12 Days of Christmas Competition!

Want to know who won this amazing bundle of prizes?

➡️ WATCH THE VIDEO NOW to find out the winner!

Thanks to all the businesses below for donating prizes and thanks to everyone who took part. More competitions to come soon.

1: Amazon World Zoo Park / Entry to Zoo and Sloth Experience for 2 people (minimum 8 years old).
2: Farmhouse Fayre / Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Hamper Box.
3: Character Inns: One overnight stay for two including breakfast the following morning at a Character Inn Pub.
4: Quarr Abbey Teashop & Farm Shop: Lunch for Four people at Quarr Abbey Teashop.
5: Chessell Interiors : £30 voucher to spend in store.
6: Bayliss and Booth: Christmas Tree Shaped Sharing Board, Laguiole cheese knife, Charcuterie and cheese book and mini decorative tree.
7: Flower Garden: A Christmas Flower bouquet in water
8: Curtain Call Creative: A Pair of tickets to see Matilda in 2026
9: The Castle Inn - Newport: A Roast Dinner For Two
10: Bembridge Flower Shop: A Handmade Christmas Wreath With Traditional Fruits And Berries
11: Koko's Bear Shop: STEIFF PLUSH BAMBI
12: Goddards Brewery: Brewery Tour For Two, With Beer - Cheers To Christmas

12/12/2025

More than 130 Island pupils gave up their Saturday to take part in the annual inter‑school Mock Trial competition, at Newport Crown Court. Teachers, supporters, and court staff joined them at this busy time of year, with the event held by kind permission of His Honour Judge Michael Bowes KC.

More than 130 Island pupils gave up their Saturday to take part in the annual inter‑school Mock Trial competition, at Newport Crown Court. Teachers, supporters, and court staff joined them at this busy time of

12/12/2025

IW Observer Issue 358 - Read, Share and Enjoy!

In this week’s IW Observer…

There’s some great news for Island jobs on page 5.

On page 6, not all councillors agree with the Council Leader’s claim that the new committee system isn’t working – read the views of one who doesn’t.

Find out who’s won the King’s Award for Enterprise on page 10.

Holmsey's away on his holibobs, but his stand‑in has plenty of controversial opinions to share – let us know what you think after you've read them on page 25.

All this and much, much more in the Island’s favourite newspaper.

Click here to read it >
https://iwobserver.co.uk/i358
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