Arts for All

Ventnor hosts the Isle of Arts Festival over the weekend of April 19^th to 21^{st -} a real smorgasboard of comedy, drama, literature, music, magic and much, much more. Big names this year include comedian and actor Alan Davies with his surreal observational story telling, the humourous Sarfraz Manzoor on how the ‘Boss’ (Bruce Springsteen) influenced his life and best selling author and raconteur (and ex international drug dealer) Howard Marks on his intriguing dealings.

The eclectic line-up includes illusionists Barry and Stuart, children’s storytelling from The Nosey Pacas, Lloyd Lee as Charles Dickens and a talk on Benjamin Britten.There’s a blues brunch on Saturday with JC and the Dance Preachers with cool cajun food from Phileas Fogg and a Jazz Brunch on Sunday with jazz singer and clarinetist Jacqui Kicks accompanied by top notch food from Robert Thompson from the Hambrough. Other musical offerings include edgy rock/pop from The Voice winner Adam Issac, ska from the Skatonics, jazzy pop from the up and coming Miss 60 or if you’re a mod at heart there is music with From The Jam who will be playing hits such as Going Underground, Town Called Malice, Down in the Tube Station at Midnight featuring the Jam’s former guitarist Bruce Foxton.

Isle of Arts is spread between over seven venues throughout the town that include the beautiful East Dene, former home of the poet Swinburne where a ‘Regency Ball’ is to be held on the Sunday night with period dress encouraged, dance cards, period dances from the Bath-based Jane Austen Dancers and the opportunity to learn the moves in a Regency Dancing workshop earlier in the day.

Growing and Eating

Gold-medal winning mainland plant-nurseries that you would see at Chelsea Flower Show and the cream of Isle of Wight garden businesses converge upon Robin Hill Country Park for a superb Spring Garden Show every April and this year it falls on April 27^th and 28^th. Star of the show will be Kate Goodman, the fresh new face of the BBC’s recently re-launched Food & Drink programme who will host the Spring Garden Show’s ‘World of Wine’, with tastings each afternoon for vistors to enjoy. This will complement the Southern Co-operatives ‘Finest Flavours pavilion’ hosting a range of tantalising food stalls and the popular food theatre with guest local chefs who this year will be offering a ‘Follow the Chef’ cook-a-longs where visitors can learn how to fillet a mackerel or prepare asparagus to perfection.

Other attractions include a petting farm for children, laser clay pigeon shooting and falconry displays and the perennially popular IW Chainsaw Carving competition will be bigger than ever in 2013 with no less than seven national and international carvers taking part.

Walking on the Wild Side

Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and has over 500 miles of public footpaths, many of which are included in the annual Walking Festival held for a fortnight at the beginning of May. This year marks the 15^th anniversary of the festival which runs from 4^th – 19^th May and includes over 250 walks that will be trodden by over 20,000 festival-comers from all over the UK and indeed the world.

Some of the walks are free, others ask for a donation to charity and some have a small charge of between £2 and £5. All have themes and you get to learn something of the countryside, the wildlife, the former illustrious residents or even the extinct dinosaurs that lived here long ago.

Family Frolics

Blackgang Chine is possibly the oldest theme park in the country and is celebrating its 170^th anniversary this year with a big party over the weekend of May Bank Holiday 27^th to 30^th. Postman Pat and Jess his cat will be travelling to the Isle of Wight on Red Funnel ferries to make a special visit to this well-loved attraction; making an appearance on the ferry and then spending two days around the park meeting visitors. Added to this there will be other ‘Blackgang characters’ coming to life, especially pirates who will be encouraging you to join in their pirate games – ooh argh! Live music and other activities such as balloon modelling are on offer and the park will be staying open until 7.30pm each night over the celebratory weekend.

I didn’t have any particularly Chinese looking flags, so decided to create some new ones at short notice. February is just about viable for sewing by solar power, though the studio was freezing, despite a wood burner raging away, so I relied on multiple thermal layers and the rich red and gold colours of the fabric to warm myself up!

The woods were already looking pretty as a picture when we arrived to rig the banners, with hundreds of red lanterns strung on festoon across all the pathways, and little wooden lotus flowers in the carp pond. We left at dusk, deciding to come back with the children to see the woods come alive at night.

The Electric Woods were a new feature to Robin Hill last year, where their ancient woodland is brought to life by creative lighting, sound and special effects, but we were so busy last summer that we hadn’t managed to see them lit up yet.

With fortune cookies and tokens for a “red envelope” lucky dip given to us at the entrance the kids felt we were on a winner from the start. We’d arrived in time for the kids to climb in the tree fort, razz through the 4D cinema, ride the Colossus and have fun in the play areas before dark, when we made our way to the Treehouse for tea-sampling and the lucky dip.

The sounds of Chinese music floated gently on  the air as we walked past a glowing dragon and chimney pots which puffed out smoke, along a pathway lined with lanterns, which were just starting to show their light against the darkening sky. Our 6 year old son, obsessed with Kung Fu Panda and Lego Ninjago, was now happily transported to a kind of Kung Fu/Ninja paradise.

Fortified against the cold with some Iron Buddha tea (and Jasmine, Blue Oolong and Rose – we had to try them all!), we set off to watch a mesmerising Lion Dance, performed in the Ampitheatre.

This was absolutely brilliant, two stunning authentic costumes – imagine a cross between a Chinese dragon and exotic lion animated in the same way as a pantomine horse – locked together in a delicate dance of red and gold, complete with huge blinking eyes and audience interaction. Hats off to the Ryde Extreme Performers, who choreographed and performed it, and who did the fire show that followed.

After the Lion Dance the kids had opted to take the huge Chinese dragon in procession around the woodland, and so missed the spectacle of Ryde Extreme swallowing, breathing and juggling fire with plenty of banter thrown in. This was fine by them as they were buzzing from being the mini-heros in the big dragon, delighting other kids on their travels through the woods, which looked amazing at night.

Flags, giant apples and pears, lotus flowers and bridges were all illuminated with beautiful colours, and we followed winding paths of red lanterns past the ponds, and back up to the exit, where we said goodbye to our friends, by a row of stone warriors and put two tired and happy children into the car.

Lots of outdoor exercise and fun, with added sparkle, colour and activities meant that Spirit of The Orient was a hit with us all.

Primarily a wine merchant, as well as over 750 wines on display in their cavernous shop, they also supply cider, beer and spirits, all by the case.  But nowadays it seems a case is six bottles, not 12, which makes things a lot more accessible, especially if you’re after something lovely to drink with your picnic or BBQ.

All Majestic staff have completed the Wine Spirits Education Trust’s Advance Certificate so that they all have fundamental training. “You usually do that within the first nine months,” said manager Paul Percival (32) who has been with the company for 2 ½ years.

“We’re here to advise our customers to pick the appropriate wines and we have a tasting counter that is always available. Sometimes we have customers who come in and say “I like white wines,” and they don’t know anything else, but we make an effort not to be at all pretentious.

“We may talk about the tastes we can taste but they’ll all be things that people are familiar with. Sauvignon, our best seller, is known for tasting of gooseberries and grapes – those are classic New Zealand tastes. The French wines are more citrus and have flintiness.

“We talk about wines being stony because that evokes the senses and reminds you of something. A lot of people come in and say “I want the Ned Sauvignon Blanc; it’s been our biggest seller for the past three years. But if they wanted to try something different I might suggest the Vavasour or Goldwater that are also from New Zealand but have slightly different characteristics from the Ned.

“At the moment Provencal Rosé is very much in fashion. This year we have lots more Rosé as the Isle of Wight has a lot of Rosé drinkers – people on the beach and having barbecues.

 “Our job is not to up sell – we want our customers to come back. Our wine starts at behind the £5 mark and we can also get wines in three figures – even four figures if customers want them.

“We help our customers in terms of quantity for party planning, offer free glass hire, sell ice and can deliver for free anywhere on the Island from one case upwards (6 bottles)with a £40 lower limit. We have a complete sale or return policy as long as the labels and seals are intact and we normally advise customers to buy slightly more than they need

“We run tasting evenings/wine courses that are an extension of our tasting table, which take a couple of hours, for groups of up to 10 people around a table. It’s very relaxed and informal, nobody should feel pressurised or know much about wine. Just say your name and what wine you like.

“There is no assumption of prior knowledge. If people do know more we can raise the level a bit but the idea is to keep everyone involved.  People are also warned that they have enough wine on the table to put them over the limit – the wine is free so why not book a taxi?

“We never tell customers what they should and shouldn’t drink but we may illustrate to them how things taste. On our wine tasting course we match red wine with salmon and see people’s reactions – you can’t taste the fish! It tastes of metallic saltiness.

“We keep a customer list and you’re not obliged to go on it but if you do we have a record of your wines. Then if you come back and say that you had a lovely wine last week we can look up what you bought and if, by any chance, you have a wine that corks we have a record of it and can make a refund. It’s totally private.

For more information on wine courses call the store on 01983 884 765.

For starters there will be a world record attempt at carol singing outside St Thomas’s Church in St Thomas’s Square in the Newport on December 16^th from 7pm. Churches from across the country, and indeed the world, will be joining in this massed carol service. Last year the Guinness World Carol Singing Record was broken with 18,000 people from around the world singing together and organisers Premier Christian Radio aim to break this record again. Assemble outside St Thomas’s Church for a rousing chorus from 7pm.

Inside St Thomas’s Church there are several services over the Christmas period with a Family Communion and Nativity Play on Sunday 23rd December 2012 at 11am and a Christmas Carol Service on the same day at 4pm. On Christmas Eve, Monday 24^th December, there is a Christingle Service at 3pm and at 11.30pm the midnight mass kicks off.

All Saints Church is one of the largest churches on the Island and  is sometimes referred to as the Island’s cathedral because of its imposing stature above Ryde and they are holding their Christmas Carol Service on December 23^rd at 6.30pm. On Christmas Eve there are two services at this church: at 4pm there is a family service by candlelight with fancy dress and a mystery worshipper at the Crib and then at 11.30pm the midnight Choral Communion begins and runs over into Christmas Day.

Holy Trinity in Cowes has Carols by Candlelight at 6.30pm on Sunday 16th December and The Nativity on Monday 24^th December at 5pm, in which everyone is encouraged to come along and take part. Holy Communion begins at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve and runs into Christmas Day.

Another great community carol singing event is Carols in the Square at Yarmouth on December 15^th  from 6pm to 7pm. This carol singing performance will be led by the ‘Slipshod Singers’ and children from the Yarmouth and Shalfleet primary schools and accompanied by the Isle of Wight Salvation Army Band. There will be a Lights of Love Service in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice incorporated into the event and the Christmas Tree lights will be turned on at 6pm by Yarmouth town mayor, Mr Stephen Cowley.

Perhaps the most unusual Christmas services are those at Niton and Whitwell Parish Churches where the congregation are encouraged to not only dress up for the nativity but to bring their pets along to join in the services.  Known locally as the Jesus Shows, they are held on Christmas Eve and the first is at 3pm at Whitwell Church and the second at 5pm at Niton Parish Church. Simple dressing up clothes are provided for those who don’t have any and animals are very welcome – this year a Shetland Pony may be joining in the proceedings.

There is also a carol service at Whitwell Parish Church on Sunday 16^th December at 6pm and Niton Parish Church has a carol service after Christmas on Friday 28^th December. Both Niton and Whitwell have Holy Communion by candlelight beginning at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

For the very best in local Isle of Wight produce plus a great selection of individual gifts from local Isle of Wight businesses this special Christmas Food and Gift Fair will be hard to beat – plus it is all going to be in a large heated marquee to keep things nice and cosy.

Talented local chefs and home-cooking experts will be showcased in the interactive food theatre and there will be a bar selling mulled wine and Island Ales. Roasted chestnuts will be on sale along with locally grown fayre such as organically grown tomatoes, oak smoked garlic, freshly baked artisan bread and delicious dairy ice cream.

There will be festive entertainment including carol singers and a jazz trio and in his Christmas Grotto will be Father Christmas himself.

Gifts from local Isle of Wight businesses range from cool eco friendly clothing from Rapanui, great glass art from Glory Art Glass and rustic ornaments and gifts from Wightwood to Contemporary Prints from Chris Adams and scarves and wraps from Wrapped in Colour.  In total there are more than 20 local gift producers.

Entrance is free and the show runs from 9am till 5pm. The timetable for the food theatre is as follows:

10.00 – Louise Hart (Isle of Wight Milk Campaign)
Learn more about Isle of Wight Milk, Dairy Farmers and the campaign for the Wight Stuff.

10.30 – Ben Brown, Farmer Jack’s Farm Shop
Farmer Ben from Farmer Jacks cooking up some local food.

11.10 am – Rachel Brown, Incredible Edible Wight
Learn about eating well, eating local and all this on a budget.

11.50 pm – Adam Fendyke, Tramezzini Deli
Adam will be cooking up some festive treats from his Deli in Ventnor.

12.30 pm – Zoe Stroud, Tutti Fruitti
Home baking expert and WI rep Zoe will be baking something special using local sourced ingredients.

1.20 pm – Mince Pie Awards Judged by Cowes WI
Go on, do your best at making some mince pies!!  The WI experts will be there to pick the best and dish out the prizes.

2.00 pm – Clare Goble, The Garlic Farm
Cooking up some delicious food with some of their Isle of Wight Garlic produce.

3.00 pm – Oliver Stephens, The Priory Bay Hotel
Oliver is lover of all things local, last time the only non-Island product was the salt.

4.00pm – Close
The show is open for another hour, so plenty of time to grab some food or a gift for someone special.

Set in the West Wight and inspired by Norse Mythology, the spectacle will tell the story of the god Thor and an encounter with his age old enemy Loki. Thor’s favourite possession is his mighty hammer and Loki plans to steal it. He has enlisted the help of various fantastic creatures to carry out his evil deed including a pack of hungry Bob-the-Dogs and the dastardly Norbert the Nose.

Battle ensues. Thor enlists an army of Skellies, Rock Monsters and the fire breathing Jackalwack to get his hammer back. Will it all go up in flames as they attack Loki’s Fort on the Hill?

The procession of characters who are to tell this story and a whole host of lanterns will leave St Saviours School at 6pm and all are welcome to join in.  The Fireshow takes place at Totland Recreation Ground at 7pm with a fireworks finale at 7.30pm and it’s all completely free.

Workshops for lantern and giant puppet making are happening over the weekend of November 24^th and 25^th. Lantern making is at All Saints School in Freshwater and at West Wight Nursery in Totland on Saturday 24^th from 11am till 3pm. Cost is £3 per lantern or £5 for two and its suitable for adults and young people, although children under 10 must be accompanied.

Adults and over 12s can help to make the giant puppets for Thor’s Revenge, including his hammer, at St Saviours School, Totland on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th from 10am till 4pm.

For more information contact The New Carnival Company on 01983 717868

Cowes Christmas Fair

Cowes Yacht Haven is hosting their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday November 17^th from 10.30am till 4.30pm. This cavernous venue will be full of over 60 stalls selling festive gifts and wares. There’s a bar, food, free parking and free entry. One of the earliest Christmas Fairs on offer but always a good one – get your gifts from local arts and crafts people along with others who come from further afield.

Christmas Pottery Weekends

Chessell Pottery Barn will be open every weekend from Friday November 16^th until Sunday December 23^rd from 10am till 5pm daily for you to paint your own personal gifts and tree decorations. Last day to paint Christmas pottery is Sunday 16th December.

The Christmas Gift Barn is full to the brim with wonderful Christmas goods including tree and room decorations, table pieces and candles. It’s also an Aladdin’s cave of fair trade, traditional and wooden toys, puppets, trunkis and some interesting stocking fillers and stocks Emma Bridgewater pottery including Emma’s new ‘Snowstorm’ range.

The Courtyard Café is open throughout the Christmas events serving home-made seasonal soups, and sweet treats, including Christmas cinnamon spiced scones, home-made Christmas cake, mulled wine and freshly ground espresso coffee.

YMCA Festive Christmas Market

At the YMCA at Winchester House on the top of the cliff on Sandown Road just before the railway bridge as you leave Shanklin and head towards Lake there will be a Festive Christmas Market on November 24^th from 10am till 2pm. There will be arts and crafts, stocking fillers, food and drink, entertainment and a raffle draw. Plus Santa’s Little helpers – young carers who are supported by YMCA -  have opted to bake and sell some tasty Christmas biscuit treats to help raise funds for the charity.

On behalf of YMCA Children’s Targeted Services (part of YMCA Fairthorne Group charity number 1090981); all market stall holders have donated a minimal amount to this charity to sell their goods at this festive event. Individuals attending can choose to make a small donation on entry (50p is suggested) and/or purchase a raffle ticket. Parking is free

Quarr Abbey Festive Saturdays and Art Gallery

Saturdays throughout December are something special at Quarr Abbey this year with a tour of the Abbey at 11am, festive carol singing, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies. Festive arts and crafts will include wreath making and jewellery making and there will be fun for the kids on the squirrel trail (activities from 11am till 2.30pm). Father Luke will be signing his book, ‘A Deep And Subtle Joy and there will be an art display by Brother Luke in the bookshop where there will be special reductions. The café will be offering festive lunches and there will be a ten per cent reduction on all the Christmas gift ideas.

Christmas Craft goods and items are available in the art gallery with Lis Toft, Pauline Evans and other artists exhibiting from November 22^nd to 27th. Steve Fox , Roland Glaysher and Kerry Bishop will be exhibiting from December 6^th to 11^th and there will be glass art by Brian Marriott from December 13^th to 18^th.

Isle of Wight Christmas Market

At the Isle of Wight Military Museum, next to the County Showground on the Newport to Cowes Road there will be a traditional German/Austrian style Isle of Wight Christmas Market in residence from December 1^st to 23^rd and they have an open air synthetic ice rink! Entrance to the market is free and skating costs £6 per adult, £4 per child and family tickets are £18 with skate hire 50p.

Christmas gifts will be on sale from traditional wooden trading cabins, there will be an authentic purpose built indoor Dickensian High Street, Santa’s Grotto and a heated outdoor garden. Live music from Island marching bands will get you in the Christmas mood and you can join in carol singing with Island choirs. There will be live music on the bandstand, DJ sets on the Friday nights, traditional hog roasts, German bratwurst, hot chocolate vendors and fully licensed bar. Santa will be in his grotto giving out gifts to children on Thursday and Friday evenings from 3pm to 8pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Mr Bubbles the Magician will be entertaining and there will be face painting on offer too.

Newport Football Club Christmas Gift and Craft Fair

A fundraiser for the club and the Hampshire and IW Air Ambulance who will be bringing Father Christmas to his grotto at the Fair – hopefully by helicopter if they aren’t out on a shout. The annual Newport Football Club Gift and Craft Fair is on Sunday December 2^nd and runs from 10am till 4pm. There are over 40 stalls selling everything from Christmas wreaths and plants, jewellery, fudge, cosmetics, and perfumes to toys, photographic prints, pottery and Christmas cards and wrapping papers. Carisbrooke Choir will be singing carols and kids can have their photos taken with Santa. Food and drink will be available from the licensed bar and mince pies and hot chestnuts on sale from the stalls.

Rookley Country Park Christmas Fayre

Rookley Country Park also have a Christmas Fayre on Sunday December 2^nd from noon till 4pm, so you could even Christmas Fair crawl from Newport Football Ground to here or vice versa. Santa Claus will be attending here too and there’s entertainment and a Christmas menu in the restaurant. Free entry and free parking.

For starters there was snow – a real ice snow machine gave intermittent falls of snow over the courtyard where all of the food stalls and the Dickens characters were presenting their performances. It was just like walking back in time to a Dickensian street in winter.

Jack Black, Rat Catcher by appointment to her majesty was demonstrating the tricks of his trade and ladies were offering Christmas food from the era. This year you will be able to take a turn at the laundry and stir a plum pudding as Osborne’s own ‘Mrs Beeton’ provides ideas and recipes to try at home and talented Victorian chocolatier will be sharing secrets about the origins and history of chocolate.

Last year a chimney sweep was wandering around with his brushes and Scrooge was sneering at the assembled gathering. Even Father Christmas was in one of the old coach houses in a specially constructed grotto, giving out presents to the children who visited him and this year he is returning and will be in his grotto on both days.

Opposite the main entrance to the house is the merry go round – a beautifully restored original fairground horse ride that plays a pipe organ as you merrily circumnavigate it on horseback. You can ride around and round as many times as you like, all for free. * Plus adding a real bang to this year’s fair will be zany performers ‘What a Palaver,’ astonishing everyone with amazing fire-breathing and thrills and spills on a bed of nails.

Nearby was a marquee full of people demonstrating Victorian pastimes and skills: Victorian cookery, wood turning and bookbinding were being shown last year. This year young visitors will be captivated by Victorian toy makers and have the chance to make their own balancing toy to take home.

Horse and carriage rides take you from the entrance hall to the house and there are tours around Osborne as it would have been decorated when the Victorian royal family were in residence. In fact Queen Victoria is on the premises on these two enchanted days – if you’re lucky you will catch a glimpse of her as she wanders past you with her retinue.

Inside the house there are many beautifully decorated Christmas trees and when you see them you might remember that it was Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who introduced the custom of decorating a spruce tree at Christmas to England. In fact the first Christmas tree to be decorated and placed inside a home may have been at Osborne House when the royal family moved to their Island home.

Osborne will ring with music and laughter, as it did when Queen Victoria and her children enjoyed intimate family celebrations here – although this year’s acts may be too lively for Her Majesty, especially Music Hall versions of The Twelve Days of Christmas and Ding Dong Merrily on High!  The musical programme also includes a traditional brass band and rousing carols.

Around the back of the house there is an area where traditional Victorian games are set up such as a coconut shy and hoopla. The chestnut man was here last year too – roasting chestnuts over a brazier that you can buy piping hot to warm your hands and feed your bellies. Other food stalls offer sweet and savoury tit bits or you can wander on through to the restaurant for a proper lunch or afternoon tea, overlooking the terraces and the sea below.

Plus this year visitors can also take a walk down to the recently opened private beach where they can see Queen Victoria’s restored bathing machine and enjoy the views across the Solent from her beautifully restored alcove.

This event is absolutely enchanting and incredibly well organised. Kids and adults alike will be entranced by it – just let your imagination go and you’ll be back in the mid-nineteeth century enjoying the Christmas that Queen Victoria and her family would have had.

The nostalgic, fun-filled family event runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November. Adults £13.60, Concessions £12.30, Children £8.20 and Family Ticket just £35.40. Reduced entry price for English Heritage members. Tickets can be pre-booked by calling 0870 333 1183 or visiting the English Heritage website.

Other exciting Christmas events at Osborne this year include Wreath Making on Friday 16 November and an exclusive English Heritage members-only tour with Osborne’s Curator on Friday 7 December. Both events must be pre-booked in advance.  For more information, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or call 0870 333 1181.

*entrance charges apply.

Its all about the birds…

For a great introduction to the birds that visit the downs on the far east of our Island make sure you book a place upon the Bembridge Down Autunm Bird watch on Monday October 27^th. This is a family friendly stroll around Bembridge and Culver Downs to admire the views and look and listen for migrant birds both on the ground and up above. Sturdy boots are recommended; this is a moderate walk with some stiles and steps and you meet outside of Bembridge Fort (SZ 625 860). Dogs on leads are welcome.

And then make sure you don’t miss the Winter Bird Walk on Saturday November 10^th. This five mile guided walk around Newtown National Nature Reserve will introduce you to the overwintering birds, both resident and migrant that are passing through. It may well be wet underfoot so wellingtons are recommended and you are advised to bring binoculars if you have them. Meet in the visitor point car park opposite Newtown Old Town Hall (SZ 423 906) at 10am. Assistance Dogs only are welcome.

Landscape heritage…

New to the National Trust is the beautiful sheltered valley of Wydcombe,  and the Guided walk: the hidden delights of Wydcombe lets you discover the landscape history and wildlife of this secluded valley on Tuesday October 29^th from 9.30am. Meet at Niton Church lych gate at the bottom of Pan Lane, Niton (please park in Niton village). This is a walk over a gentle, rolling landscape on paths with good to average surfaces. Some stiles and steps are to be expected on the route which is up to 5 miles long.

For a different view of Culver Down why not join the Guided Walk: Discover Culver Down on Friday November 2^nd that will take you on a circular guided walk exploring local history and heritage.  You meet outside of Bembridge Windmill at 10.30am, but as parking is very limited, the NT suggest you park in the Steyne Road car park. Dogs on leads are welcome and this a moderately strenuous walk with a short but steep slope and it lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is 3 1/4 miles long. There are 2 stiles.

Finding Fungi…

Always wanted to know what those weird fungi growing on trees are called and what you can do with them? The Fungus Foray on Thursday November 1^st at 10am in Borthwood Copse will be top of your list in this case. Join a local expert and discover the fascinating variety of fungi that burst forth from these ancient woodland soils and decaying wood each autumn. Meet at Newchurch Parish Council car park (SZ 565 843).

One for the children…

On Saturday November 10^th on the Mottistone Estate you can turn your gaze to the heavens on the WILDZONE: Mottistone Down Star Gazing Night, where you’ll get to learn more about the night sky with a local expert who will help you to get a closer look through telescopes. The Wildzone is a programme of hands-on activities for accompanied children aged 5-13, introducing them to wildlife and nature.  Activities last 2 hours and all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. You are asked to dress warmly, bring your own telescope or binoculars if you have them and a torch with a red filter. Meet in the National Trust Jubilee car park (SZ 420 846) at 5pm and cost is £3 per child or adult (Booking essential).

The second Cowes Food Show will see numerous food producers from across the Island congregating in Fountain Yard, Cowes, where you board the Red Jet, to showcase their seasonal and delicious Isle of Wight fare. Did you know that we now have Isle of Wight Espresso? You’ve probably heard of Ventnor Bay Fishery, but they now have sister company Crab on Chips. The Tomato Stall sells a wonderful range of Isle of Wight grown tomatoes, some of which are very unusual like the stripy tiger tomatoes or the black cherry tomatoes that are almost black.

Brownrigg Crepes are a new addition, made with their fresh free range eggs and The Garlic Farm have all things garlicky and much more. Sharon Orchard are bringing their apple and other juices, Island Ales bring ales of course and Isle of Wight Cheese have their award winning Island Blue, Island Soft and Gallybagger cheeses along with a few limited editions. Hamiltons have their fine foods that include home-grown meats, Freshwater bakery have a wide range of breads and pastries and The Dairy Deli will have their own Calbourne Classic lines along with many other Island products. These and many more will be there to let you sample and buy their top quality local food and drinks.

While all the guzzling and chomping is going on around the stalls the Red Funnel Food Theatre will be providing free entertainment from top Island chefs who will be showcasing their skills and experience with live recipe demonstrations. Robert Thompson of The Hambrough, Adam Fendyke of Tramezzini Deli plus Oliver Stephens from The Priory Hotel will all be showing off their extensive culinary abilities to the audience giving time for questions and answers during and after the shows.

Opening the show on the Food Theatre will be the IW Milk team, showing you why IW Milk Matters and why everyone ought to “Love Isle of Wight Milk”!

Timetable:

10.30  Isle of Wight Local Food – Intro to the event
11.00   Four Seasons Cooking Academy
12.15   Adam Fendyke – (Tramezzini Deli)
13.45   Robert Thomson (The Hambrough)
15.00   Oliver Stephens (Priory Bay)
16.00   The Garlic Farm
Close

Bring your kids because there will be children’s entertainers and competitions to carve the most mean and menacing monster faces into a pumpkin for Halloween with the prize of a Real Island Food Halloween Hamper to the first adult (12+) and a four person Robin Hill family day pass including Electric woods and the ‘Spine Tingle Halloween trail’ for the first child (under 12).

Plus there will be a prize for the most creative recipe using pumpkin with first prize for adult (12+) being a Red Funnel Car (+7) Day Return and for the first Child (under 12) a four person Robin Hill family day pass including Electric woods and the ‘Spine Tingle Halloween trail’.

Come along to one of the few remaining events on the Isle of Wight’s Social Calendar that is FREE to attend and offers something for everyone. The Food Show is produced by Red Funnel Ferries, Widget Productions and the Real Island Food Website.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth has a spectacular Guy Fawkes Night on Monday November 5th from 6pm onwards. There’s a Guy competition in the Square from 6.30pm followed by a torchlight parade through the town. Then at 7.30pm the firework display begins on the common. There will be music, mulled wine, hot chestnuts, toffee apples and a collection to help pay for the fireworks.

Newport

‘The Islands Family Firework Party’ organised by Newport Parish Council and sponsored by Isle of Wight Radio is at St George’s Park on Saturday November 3rd. Gates open at 5.30pm, Isle of Wight Radio will be playing great tunes and there will be live entertainment from rising young singer Marlee King and local band Cornerstone. Fireworks light up the sky at around 7.30pm.

Family tickets cost £10 (2 adults and 2 children) and are available from Isle of Wight Radio or the Riverside Centre in Newport or you can pay on the night. Individual tickets are £2 per child (12 and under) and £4 per adult with fives and under going for free.

Arreton Old Village

If you want a huge bonfire with your fireworks then Arreton Old Village have their annual bonfire party and fireworks on Monday November 5th. There’s a great firework display along with the bonfire and a barbecue – and the nearby Dairyman’s Daughter pub of course. Parking is by donation to charity, although entrance to the party is free and there’s also a Guy Fawkes competition.

Sandown

Perhaps the biggest bonfire night extravaganza is Sandown’s Illuminated Carnival and Lantern parade, live beach-side entertainment and firework finale from Sandown Pier on November 5th. 103.2 Capital FM is Sandown Carnival Association’s official media partner for this year’s event and will be providing the live musical backdrop for the event down on the Esplanade, playing lots of crowd pleasers and announcing other acts and attractions, which will include Ryde Extreme Performers fire stunt show.

The timetable is as follows: 5.30pm the carnival starts to assemble with vehicles on Royal Street and pedestrians at the Town Hall on Grafton Street; 6pm the carnival judging is done and the procession leaves Melville Street and at the same time there is live entertainment on the Esplanade with the Capital FM Street Stars, which continues throughout the event with music and competitions; 6.30pm the fire stunt show with Ryde Extreme Performers begins on the beach; 7.10pm the Flaming Strait Jacket and Acrobalance with Ryde Extreme Performers begins on the beach; 8pm the Firework Finale from Sandown Pier.

Ventnor

In Ventnor the Spyglass Inn on the seafront are having their usual fireworks display on the beach, which includes fireworks that look as if they are actually coming out of the sea – a trick that involves bouncing them from the surface of the water. It’s all happening on Monday November 5th, there’s a barbecue at the pub and the evening begins at 6.30pm with the display at around 7.30pm.

 And Now For Something Completely Different…

Why not do something different for bonfire night and do a sponsored abseil down Carisbrooke Church tower?  You can enjoy the stunning views across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire from the top of the tower if you dare to look down!  You get yourself sponsored and the money raised goes to Christian Aid, to help some of the world’s poorest communities out of poverty, for good. Once registered, you can choose whether to abseil during the day or to increase the heart rate further by abseiling in the dark, potentially with a few fireworks in the background. Friends and family are welcome to come along to cheer you on – minimum age is 11.

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up soon to secure your place .Register at www.christianaid.org.uk/abseil or call 01395 222308 for more info. Cost: Register for £15 and raise a minimum of £60 sponsorship.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road…

Make sure you take your little munchkins to see The Wizard of Oz at Shanklin Theatre from November 1^st to 3^rd. In fact book early to reserve your seats at our only period theatre on the Island.

You’ll be ‘Over the Rainbow’ as soon as Dorothy clicks her little sparkly red heels in this production of The Wizard of Oz by the South Wight Youth Theatre. Follow her adventures with her little dog Toto (played by a real dog) as she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and then the Cowardly Lion and they all make their way along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz.

Look out for the Wicked Witch of the West, the Munchkins and the Jitterbugs in this wonderful journey through the magical Land of Oz. Each character is hoping that the Wizard will solve their problem: the scarecrow wants a brain, the tin man wants a heart and the lion wants to be as brave as a lion. Dorothy just wants to go back to Kansas with her darling dog.

Performances are at 7.30pm on Thursday 1^st, Friday 2^nd and Saturday 3^rd November with a matinee performance on Saturday 3^rd at 2.30pm.

Get Creative at Chessell Pottery

Chessell Pottery is celebrating the striking ‘Colours of Autumn’ at their ceramic studio in the heart of the West Wight this half term. The studio is introducing a fantastic new palette of seasonal paint colours to help you capture the beautiful autumnal colours around us at the moment on their plates, bowls or other clay items.

The easy-to-use autumn-inspired decorating sponges will also be out, and they feature everything from leaves and acorns, to toadstools and blackberries. Try selecting just one or two leaf sponges and painting them in an array of autumn colours; a simple yet beautiful way to make a very eye catching piece of pottery that you will treasure forever, especially if its been made by one of your kids.
The Studio fee of £5.50 per person (not per item) covers all materials, a demonstration, plus glazing and firing of all items decorated that session. Choose from an extensive range of blank pottery, which includes Chessell’s own cream ware blanks, as well as Emma Bridgewater’s items.

Chessell has been awarded ‘Best Island Cream Tea 2011/12’ from the Wight Good Food Guide for the third year running so, while the children are busy decorating, treat yourself to an ‘Ultimate Island Cream Tea’; totally home baked using all Island produce. Or why not stay for lunch? The café always has a warming, homemade, seasonal soup on offer, perfect for those chilly autumn days.

The Gift Barn stocks the largest range of Emma Bridgewater pottery on the Island plus cards, local arts and crafts and locally made preserves. It is also home to a beautiful range of Fair Trade, traditional and wooden toys as well as a selection of pocket money items.

Get Arty at the Quay

There are loads of lovely workshops and classes to join in down at Quay Arts this half term. First of all on Saturday October 27^th artist Tim Johnson will be leading The Big Draw. Anyone of any age can join in to help create a large work of art and the theme this year is ‘lines’.

Then on Monday October 29^th artist Chris Jenkins teaches a workshop on how to make monsters at Jubilee Stores, a converted warehouse on the town quay that is affiliated with Quay Arts. If you are over the age of ten you can design and make outlandish and wonderfully creepy monsters out of wood, junk and old machines. On Tuesday October 30^th Chris will be teaching mask making, also at the Jubilee Stores and for ages eight to 12 years.

On Thursday there’s a clay workshop with Clair Robinson, also for eight to 12 year old people.The theme is scary animals such as witches cats and bats and maybe even a frog or toad.  Work will be glazed, fired and ready to collect two weeks after the workshop. Finally on Saturday November 3^rd there is a ppppick up a penguin workshop, to get you in the mood for the afternoon’s puppet show!

Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult to drop-ins.

Halloween wild card

Oh go on then..for a spooky option checkout the children’s Halloween party at Gatcombe Manor – site of the former Whitecroft Hospital near Newport. There’s a pumpkin carving competition with first prize a £50 voucher for Amazon – bring your carved pumpkin or have a go while you’re at the party as there are hundreds to be carved! Or take part in the ‘Be the Ghost with the Most’ fancy dress competition with another £50 Amazon voucher up for grabs. There’s a witches cauldron with mulled wine potion for the adults and the party begins at 4.30pm and runs through till 7pm. For details call 0845 034 2123.

There will be activities to keep the children amused while you lounge around on straw bales drinking your ale. Traditional music from the Island’s folk band the Dollymopps will be played for you to enjoy. The Guith Morris will be dancing and offering dance workshops on the Saturday – maybe you’ll want to join in after a few sips of ale – and Tim Hollis and Clive Thomas will also be playing over the weekend.

The Friends of Ventnor Botanic Gardens will be having a plant sale – these are always very good and full of plants you might not find elsewhere, so make sure you bring some extra pennies with you. Traditional carpentry skills will be demonstrated by our Island’s skilled wood workers and they too may have some items for purchasing on offer so make sure you check them out for early Christmas present ideas. The IW Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers will be beavering away with their wool and may also have some lovely things on sale  that have all been hand made on the Island, and even produced from Island sheep and other animals.

The Bat Man from the IW Bat Hospital will be at the festival with his cute little friends – some of them may have even come from the gardens. Graham and his wife do a sterling job of rescuing injured and sick bats and returning them to the wild and they need all the money they can raise to help save these wonderful creatures. Ditto the Red Squirrel Project run by Helen Butler who will also be there, answering queries on all things red and furry and raising money to improve habitats and the lives of our indigenous red squirrel population.

The Hop Festival runs from 11am till 4pm on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of October and entrance is free, although normal admission charges to the garden apply.

Jhelisa Anderson and Robert Mitchell

For starters there is an amazing jazz offering in a concert by American-born singer/songwriter Jhelisa Anderson and British pianist and composer Robert Mitchell on Friday October 19^th in the Anthony Minghella Theatre.

This is a rare collaboration of Jhelisa Anderson’s deep, blues, soul, jazz, vocals blended with Robert Mitchell’s phenomenal jazz piano.  The duo will explore the powerful and timeless classics of Nina Simone as well as new original compositions. “Robert Mitchell is a piano orchestra unto himself and this is a rare opportunity to listen and watch these two leaders in Jazz come together as they create something truly rare and powerful,” say the Quay.

Jhelisa launched her jazz career with the critically acclaimed solo album, Galactica Rush (Dorado Records 1994). Her music has been recorded by Chaka Khan and Incognito’s Maysa Leake. She has worked with Courtney Pine and Steve Williamson and has supported James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Roy Ayers and Mavis Staples.

Robert has released seven albums and played with artists Greg Osby, Omar Puente, Steve Coleman, Norma Winstone, Matana Roberts, Jose James and Ty among others.

Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm with tickets priced at £13 in advance or £15 on the door.  Call Quay Arts’ box office on 01983 822490 or buy online www.quayarts.org

One Island Life Well Lived

On the following afternoon/early evening of Saturday October 20^th local historian, Brian Greening, will present a nostalgic storytelling of the life of Island character, Bill Shepard – ‘One Island Life Well Lived’ – also in the Anthony Minghella Theatre. The talk and slide show will cover key moments in Bill’s amazing life and history: his ancestors on Newport Quay in 1370,his schooldays, his job working on the Quay, his five years in the RAF and the horrors he experienced, his return to the Island and his country pursuits – rabbiting, bird watching, flowers and fauna, his local history studies, his job as a rat catcher and his twenty three years working at the Crematorium!

Bill Shepard published his first book – Newport Isle of Wight Remembered – back in 1978.  Since then he has written collaboratively and published many other works, sharing his encyclopaedic knowledge of local history.  Along the way, Bill has won awards for his writing and gained a reputation as one of the Island’s true characters.

Doors open at 4pm, the talk starts at 5pm and tickets are available for a suggested voluntary donation of £3.

Suki Chan ‘A Hundred Seas Rising’ – Artist’s Talk

The current exhibitor in the large Michael West Gallery is Suki Chan and she will be talking about her latest exhibition ‘A Hundred Seas Rising’ at 5.30pm on Thursday October 25^th.

Suki Chan was born in Hong Kong, graduated from Goldsmiths in 1999 and went on to complete an MA in Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art in 2008. She   now lives and works in London and her recent solo shows include: Utopia on the Horizon, Tintype, London; and Sleep Walk Sleep Talk, a major video installation commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella, shown at Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of London.

‘A Hundred Seas Rising’ is inspired by Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities and the Hundred Flowers Movement in China. The work explores how literature might be implicated in the imagination and trajectories of revolutions, referencing the Hundred Flowers Movement in China. The movement invited a variety of views and solutions to national policy issues, the name of which originated from a poem: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.”

The talk is free.

JC Grimshaw

Well known,very well liked and extremely skilful local musician JC (Grimshaw) will be launching his new album ‘For What You Seek’ on Monday October 29^th from 7.30pm (doors at 7pm) at the Quay.

JC is a self-taught genius of guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and Ukelele and a very familiar face on the Island music scene. His exceptional musicianship and unique vision captivate audiences and have won him international renown.

JC, supported by his band ‘The Supernumaries’ will be playing the whole album in the café/bar and there will be copies on sale to buy, although the gig is completely FREE.

The Brading Bash was created last year with the sole aim of bringing focus back to the ancient town of Brading following the closure of the Wax Museum. It is a ‘not for profit’ event and loads of local people and businesses have been getting in on the act, with others from around the Island pitching in to make the weekend a great success. The bash is to be held at 12 venues across the town and is a festival of music, dance, arts and crafts; all accentuating the town’s heritage and wealth of talent.

Live Music

Second Time Around and Beachcomber will be at the New Town Hall and Lucid at the Bugle Inn on Friday with loads of great tunes.  Jesus, Jen Greenwoood and JC and Angelina will play at the Yarbridge Inn on Saturday night, Tommy Burnhams will entertain at the Wheatsheaf Inn and Karen Tweed will be in St Mary’s Church with her spellbinding accordion numbers – all on Saturday night. Then on Sunday Dave Graham of The Tornadoes plays at the Dark Horse Inn and at Brading Roman Villa on there will be a sitar band with guitar and vocals starring Anna Sacchini (sitar), Mirco Vignali (guitar) and Johnny Sacchini (vocals), which sounds like something really special.

Around the Town

At St Mary’s Church there will be an art exhibition with six local artists displaying their work, Brading Bell Ringers will be holding an open tower and there will be talks on the 1804 organ, its history and the restoration appeal. In the New Town Hall there will be a real Tea Dance with live music and an organist on Sunday afternoon.

In the four pubs there will be loads of live music, a hog roast and a mini beer festival and outside the hostelries more Morris dancing sides than you can shake a stick at will be dancing for their ale, including Men Of Wight, the Guith Carnival Morris, Wight Bells and Bloodstone Border Morris; named after a local wood where allegedly there was once a bloody battle.

Fancy a walk? Then join the historical, story and ghost walks (Marc Tuckey) that will take you on an informative trip around the town. Mosey on up to Brading Roman Villa, St Mary’s Church Hall or the new Town Hall and there will be workshops you can join in lantern and kite making (lantern parade on Sunday and fly your kite afterwards at the Roman Villa), mosaics, floral art, yoga, Kung Fu and health and wellbeing. Why not sample the accordion/instrument/ voice workshop, presented by leading accordion player Karen Tweed who will also be giving a concert on the Saturday night (see above).

‘Crimefighters to Crime Writers’ is a talk being given by ex-senior detective Dominic Bridgestock who now writes novels with wife Carol. An introduction to writing and publishing children’s books is being given by Jules Marriner and you can get ‘Sad, Serious and Humorous’ poetry and song from Just John in the New Town Hall on Saturday afternoon.

FaT Samba Band will be livening everyone up and stilt walkers will be strutting their stuff around the town. There will be busking at the  railway station and the Roman Villa has a variety of events and even a film night.  The best way to see what is happening over this exciting weekend is to visit  the website  for a programme of events, participants,  and venues, which is updated on a regular basis.  Or follow the event on Facebook.

Marc Tuckey and his faithful crew of shady characters will fill your evenings with shrieks and spooks if you opt for one of these horrific Halloween themed events. Wrap up warm and keep your wits about you.

Nightly Hauntings at Northwood House

This year is the last chance to wander the corridors of Northwood House after dark and Halloween themed tours are running from Monday 29^th October to Friday 2^nd November at 7pm and 9pm each evening and cost £10 per head.

Perhaps the most spooky and atmospheric evening will be on Wednesday 31^st October when there will be a house investigation from 11pm till about 2am, again at Northwood House. You will be guided by Marc Tuckey and his in-house team of mediums and there will be equipment available to use with instructions from your guides. Book through Marc on 520695.

“You may be too old to trick-or-treat, but there’s still plenty of ways you can celebrate Halloween,” says Marc. “For those who crave the terrifying thrill of adrenaline, haunted houses are a great way to have fun and quite a few frights too.” This year will be the last Ghost Island visit to Northwood House, with its underground cellars and tunnels for some scary special ‘tours’ of what they say is a very haunted house.

Gruesome Gumball’s Circus at Arreton Old Village 

If the posters are anything to go by the clowns that are visiting Arreton Old Village in Gumball’s Travelling Circus of Horrors are decidedly nasty – all those teeth! Do they eat children, we wonder?

Gumball’s Travelling Circus of Horrors will be in residence at Arreton Old Village from Friday October 26^th to Sunday October 28^th giving a great fairground atmosphere tinged with terror. Lots of scares and surprises are in store for visitors: join ringmaster Marc Tuckey on an organised walk at 7pm or 9pm every night to meet the witch and wizard, followed by a tea party with jelly and ice-scream (sic) and a prize for the best Halloween themed fancy dress outfit every day.

All Aboard the Ghostbus

In addition to all these ghostly goings-on, thrill seekers are invited to board the Ghostbus at Newport bus station for a 90-minute tour of ghostly sights/sites of the Wight.

“Discover some friendly and not-so-friendly ghosts on this spine-tingling tour out of Newport this Halloween,” say the operators. “Your guide will try not to scare you witless, but be prepared to see sights you never thought you would, and for some shocking truths about some of the Island’s phantoms and poltergeists, about monks up to no good, noises in the night, unfortunate maidens and strange horsemen, and some decidedly dark deeds. “Did you know about the ghost in County Hall, or the strange goings on where a servant was burned to death in the old lace factory in Staplers Road,” asks Marc. “What about the murderous woodcutter at the Hare and Hounds? Or how the village of Godshill got its name? And watch out for that horseman riding by. And why is a man in a raincoat waiting at a bus stop? Has it just gone icily cold or are you just imagining things?”

The Isle of Wight Ghost Experience has joined forces with Island bus operators Southern Vectis, to bring you the Halloween Ghost Bus Tours and there will be two runs on Wednesday October 31^st, leaving the bus station at 8pm.  Booking is essential as seats on each Ghostbus are very limited – contact Marc Tuckey on 520695.

Bring a camera, come in (warm) fancy dress and your driver and ghostly guide will be in costume too. In fact you are encouraged to dress up for all of these activities.

Get Outdoors

October sees the return of our annual Autumn Walking Weekend, which hosts many great walks that you can get involved in. Or take a walk on the wild side with a Natural Wight Wild Food Walk and taste sea buckthorn, harvested hazel nuts and learn how to eat an acorn. Discover what wild and wonderful food nature has to offer on our seashore, downs and towns – walks on Ventnor Downs on 7 October 2-4pm and West Wight 14 October 2.30-4.30pm with foraging expert Rowan Adams. Stay up late on 12 October to experience the natural world after dusk with Natural Wight and the Wildlife Trust’s Night Safari and explore Bouldnor Forest looking for all sorts of amazing nocturnal wildlife. Starts at 7pm. For more details on either walk email claire.hector@medinahousing.co.uk or call 01983 824275.

Something different

Yarnstorm Bootcamp takes Ventnor by storm this month (19-21 October) with lots of Guerrilla knitting going on. Or for those wanting to learn how to make thread pasta ribbons rather than wool ones – Pasta Making with Robert Thompson at the Pond Café on 10 October 12.00pm is a must. Spend your lunch with the Island’s Michelin chef Robert Thompson and learn how to create delicious fresh pasta from scratch. This will include a set 2 course lunch menu at The Pond Cafe. Tickets including lunch cost £30 per person and it starts at 12pm prompt.

A free weekend event on 13 October is the Hop Festival and Traditional Skills Fayre at Ventnor Botanic Garden at 11.00am. The festival will see the launch of Tropicale brewed from hops grown at the Botanic Garden and feature demonstrations and displays of traditional skills.

Plenty of Arts

New for this year are two fantastic cultural events; the Isle of Wight Literary Festival (12-14 October)and Visioncea (27-28 October). It also sees the return of Cafe Scientifique on 8 October at 7.00pm with Professor Heather Viles speaking on the conservation of World Heritage Sites from pristine Eco-Islands to prehistoric art, at the Conservative Club in Shanklin. Professor Heather Viles is from the School of Geography & the Environment at Oxford University.

Mid Wales Opera presents Mozart’s Don Giovanni on 24 October at 7.30pm at Medina Theatre. Following last year’s stunning production of Madam Butterfly, Mid Wales Opera brings you this tragic tale of love, lust, betrayal and revenge. Tickets: Adults £16.50 / Concessions £15.50

Kids fun

And we can’t forget the children as October brings half term and Halloween. This October half term Chessell Pottery is celebrating the striking ‘Colours of Autumn’,  introducing a fantastic new palette of seasonal paint colours; enabling you to really capture the beautiful autumnal colours on your pottery designs. The easy-to-use autumn-inspired decorating sponges will also be out, everything from leaves and acorns, to toadstools and blackberries. An ideal creative activity for the children this half term.

Or for those wanting to be spooked and scared – Carisbrooke Castle are hosting their Time Travellers Go on 27 October, where you can let your little horrors scare themselves silly with creepy crafts, spooky activities and ghost hunting galore! Take part in the spooky quest, create your own terrifying decorations in our craft area and wander the grounds with our very own ghost hunter as he tells gruesome tales of times gone by. Or take part in the Garlic Farm’s Thrilling Tractor Trailer Tour with Spooky Sausage Supper on 27 October. Tours starts at 6.30pm and family tickets (2 adults & 2 children) costs £30. Call 01983 865378 to book.

The marathon has been run continuously since 1957, there are 500 places in total and registration closes on September 29^th with the marathon being run on Sunday October 7^th 2012 from 11am.

The race is described as ‘undulating’, as are most of the races that are run on the rolling landscape of our Island, and it takes in both town and rural roads. Two loops make up the route, with a large loop that incorporates a smaller one three to four miles in from the start, which is in Ryde at the boating lake near the Appley end of the Esplanade. The time limit is 3 hours 10 minutes at 15 miles and 6 hours at Finish.

The marathon heads out to Binstead, on to Quarr Hill and Wootton and runners then loop back along Firestone Copse and Newnham Lane, back to Binstead and on into Wootton again. The it’s on through Wootton Common, Staplers, Pan, Shide to Arreton, Lake, Sandown and Brading before arriving back in Ryde. Each mile is marked on boards on the way round.

Entry for unaffiliated runners is £15 and UK Athletics Affiliated runners pay £12 with all runners advised to contact their chosen charity and arrange sponsorship for their runs. Presentation of awards is at Ryde Rowing Club at around 4pm.

For more information contact the race secretary (marathon) Steve Lee, Ryde Harriers, PO box 152, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1BH. Tel: 01983 616497. Email: races@rydeharriers.co.uk website: www.rydeharriers.co.uk

Everyone knew the old stories that had been passed down by oral tradition, but nobody laid claim to having seen a ghost in print until Gay started to prompt them. But once the gates were open, stories began to flood in and these were some of the ‘Most Haunted’ locations that came out of her interviews.

The Hare and Hounds & Arreton Manor

The Hare and Hounds and nearby Arreton Manor had long been quoted in tales of the unexpected. The ghost of Michael Morey who had killed his nephew, burnt down the house around the body to cover his tracks and gone to ground in a cave in Burnt House Lane (named after the deed) was rumoured to have been spied on the downs road where his body hung from the gibbet for months after his execution.

Over a few bevvies in the back bar of the pub the stories of his headless torso startling unsuspecting motorists would be told to scare those who were intending to drive home, often encouraging them to take a different route. But Gay Baldwin managed to find quite a few who had seen him on his nocturnal wanderings or had had the disconcerting experience of having their engine and their lights cut out for no apparent reason whilst driving past the gibbet site along that downs road.

Down at the Arreton Manor car park canoodling couples had seen some strange apparitions when the lights were dimmed. Some thought it was just friends playing tricks in the dark, but those concerned vowed never to trespass there again after dark. In the house there were reports of a little girl in blue crying for her mother – apparently a young girl was thrown from an upstairs window by her brother after coming upon him as he murdered their father.

Knighton Gorges

Off of the Downs road further east are the gateposts of the former Knighton Gorges – an enormous stately home dogged by a curse of phenomenal proportions that followed its inhabitants down through the ages. It’s said that this started when Sir Hugh de Morville(d.1202) fled to the house that stood there after being one of the four knights who murdered Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canturbury on December 29, 1170.

Death and dishonour dogged the owners and tenants of the house down through the ages until the last owner George Maurice, deliberately destroyed the manor in 1821. This deed was done out of spite because his daughter was marrying a clergyman, against his wishes, and he therefore prevented her from ever owning the manor.

A ball is said to have been held at the house every New Year’s Eve and it is on this night that ghost hunters gather to maybe hear music echoing across the fields and in the hope of seeing the statues of the dogs that were once on the gateposts reappear. Nothing remains of the house but more than one person has claimed to have seen it, lit up with a thousand candles. Be aware that the land is privately owned and there is no access to the general public if you’re thinking of joining in the ghost vigil at the turn of the year.

Whitecroft

Just to the south of Newport and in the process of being converted into luxury apartments, the former asylum Whitecroft Hospital is another huge haunted site. Many of the former inmates are thought to inhabit its walls, screaming in mental or physical pain. Perhaps unsurprisingly the flats are not selling particularly well and the development has had a few starts and stops in the past ten years.

In the former nurses’ block behind the hospital, doors open and close on their own. Workers on site sometimes feel a ghostly hand tap them on the shoulder; they also complain that tools vanish, or are moved by unseen hands. One of the worst places for this is the base of the clock tower. Some of the men refuse to work there; others just treat it as a laugh.

A misty white figure moves across an old car park near the laundry. This ghost, believed to be a former doctor, stops to peer into one of the empty rooms before vanishing. The figure of a young man in his twenties has also been seen running nearby by several people. Another doctor or senior member of staff has been seen in one of the patient blocks. This smartly-dressed spirit in a dark suit and cravat, and an unkempt mop of hair, moves quickly through the first floor wards, followed by an assistant who hurries behind.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens

When it came to the time to demolish the Royal National Hospital for Chest Diseases, that stood where the car park for Ventnor Botanic Gardens now sits, there were loads of reported sightings from the demolition men. In 1969 as they were attempting to destroy the former operating theatre a young man was seen in the room and the workmen downed tools and ran.

The hospital treated the killer disease tuberculosis and thousands of patients died there – a tunnel leads out through the cliff from the Botanic Gardens. It was said to be for getting rid of medical waste and in 1980 I smelled the distinct scent of ether at the garden end, when nobody had used the tunnel for over ten years. A sickly, consumptive-looking ghost, and phantom nurses in old fashioned uniforms walking the gardens and ghostly weeping and groaning have been seen and heard by others.

Golden Hill Fort

Golden Hill Fort, just outside Freshwater and high on a hill, is a former barracks that is now a top end apartment complex. But ghosts have been seen, heard and smelled in the days before it was developed and, who knows, they may live there still. In the eighties the fort was used for large rave style parties and there were lots of weird things going on amongst the walls – some of them of a spiritual nature it seems.

There is said to be a phantom of a treacherous sailor who was hanged after trying to sell secrets to the enemy and the ghost of a WWI Sergeant Major who was so hated by his men that he ‘accidentally’ fell down one of the fort’s spiral staircases, breaking his neck. Locked doors have opened of their own accord, long-gone pipe smoke is smelt and strong cold spots are felt among the 2 metre thick walls. Apparently you are never completely alone at Golden Hill Fort!

There are many more haunted houses and locations across the Island, but these are just a few that have come up over and over again when people share their spooky stories. If you wish to visit any of these sites it is a good idea to read up on the stories first or to go with a group of like-minded seekers, and if it’s private land, don’t trespass without permission.

Ghost Walk organiser Marc Tuckey, pictured above in his Victorian costume, and ghost book writer Gay Baldwin make this claim on their website, which is the best place to check out all things ghostly on the Isle of Wight. You can also find out about Marc’s walks, Gay’s eight books and the special ‘overnighters’ that they organise at haunted venues.

The goriest ghost is perhaps that of Michael Morey, who was hanged for killing his grandson back in 1737. His corpse was left to rot on Downend gibbet at Gallows Hill near the Hare and Hounds pub until it became “an offence to eye and nostril”. You can follow the story on the walls of the pub and see the gibbet crossbeam. His restless spirit is said to roam Gallows Hill carrying a large axe.

Just down the road is Arreton Manor, reputedly haunted by a young girl who was pushed from a window to her death and who is seen in a blue dress crying ‘Mama, Mama’. Although the manor is not currently open to the public it does have bed and breakfast accommodation.

Other haunted places where you can stay are the Priory Bay Hotel, haunted by a sweet, gentle ghost; the spirit of a young girl and the pet dog she loved beyond the grave. Her beloved spaniel was stuffed and put in a glass case and the girl’s ghost is seen running down corridors, calling and sobbing, “What have you done with my dog?” according to Gay Balwin’s second ‘Ghost’s of the Isle of Wight’ book.

Also the fairy themed Enchanted Manor Hotel at Niton boasts the ghosts of a gentleman in Edwardian dress, mischievous ghost-boys and the ghost of Mrs Prendergast who keeps an eye on her old home. From here you can take a walk down to St Catherine’s lighthouse where a ghostly figure has been seen and photographed right at the top when nobody was on the premises.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens is said to be one of the most haunted places on the Isle of Wight, and is also the venue for one of Marc Tuckey’s evening Ghost Walks. Many tuberculosis sufferers died at the Old Royal National Hospital that once stood here and apparently the ghosts of some linger, weeping and groaning. There are smells of ether, sightings of a consumptive looking ghost and phantom nurses in old fashioned uniforms walk the gardens.

But the most haunted of locations is Knighton Gorges ( pronounced Kay-nighton by locals to avoid confusion with Niton on the Island’s south coast), and the house that once stood at this spot – local ghost hunters gather at midnight on New Year’s Eve to see the house reappear. People have also seen stone creatures appear on the weathered gateposts that are all that remain of the house, seen a coach and horses driving by, and heard laughter and music from the house.

The old manor house is the subject of Gay Baldwin’s book ‘Ghosts of Knighton Gorges’, and it is said to have “a blood-red history a testament to murder, suicide, insanity, malice, and a gallery of ghosts.”

The portal to all of these ghostly goings-on was opened back in 1977 when, as a young reporter at the County Press, Gay was asked to write a Christmas feature. As she lived near to Billingham Manor she decided to base her article on the ancient house that once boasted a visit from Charles I. Recounting the apparition of the King’s severed head, ‘shining with a phosphorescent glow’ had readers writing in to the paper with their own ghostly tales, and Gay and her colleague Ray Anker realised they probably had enough material to turn all of these stories into a book.

Marc Tuckey suggested making some of the stories into a guided walk and the first walk around Newport was so popular that he has extended his repertoire to five walks per week during the summer season, using Gay’s gathered stories as the basis for his spine tingling tales. Meanwhile Gay has published eight ghost books, and is working on her ninth, based on Island hospitals. Readers continually contact her with new sightings and visitors to the Island often see ghosts too.

Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House, Appuldurcombe House, Fort Victoria, Brading Roman Villa and the Royal Yacht Squadron all have ghosts, along with many other locations, and there are even ghost ships seen out at sea.

Other haunted pubs include The Castle and Wheatsheaf Inns in Newport, which is part of the Newport Ghost Walk and The Dairyman’s Daughter at Arreton Barns where you can meet the resident ghosts in the area.