Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Society objects to “intrusive” Guardhouse shower block plans in East Cowes
The Isle of Wight Society has joined growing calls to refuse what it describes as an “intrusive” plan to install…
Read MoreMountbatten urges Islanders to vote again as £13,000 Smiley award prize opens up
Mountbatten Isle of Wight is urging Islanders to vote again in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026, following changes to…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: A welfare system that punishes work
I used to be resentful of those who chose not to work. That resentment largely diminished when I asked myself…
Read MoreBeloved soldier carving Stanley returns to Fort Victoria after winter restoration
The much-loved carving of a soldier, ‘Stanley’, has returned to Fort Victoria country park. The statue was originally made by…
Read MoreEast Cowes writer Ayad Andrews lands BBC Radio 4 drama Follow the Money
Mal ButlerA new radio play, entitled ‘Follow the Money’ by East Cowes scriptwriter, Ayad Andrews, is to be broadcast on BBC…
Read MoreVectis Historic Vehicle Club raises £1,000 for Mountbatten after Easter fundraiser
After Vectis Historic Vehicle Club’s December 2025 Christmas Collection was cancelled, members decided to stage an Easter fund-raising event instead.…
Read MoreBallyrags Comedy launches show at Ocean View Hotel with Nathan Caton opener
Ballyrags Comedy has announced a brand-new regular run of shows for 2026 at the Ocean View Hotel, bringing top-tier stand-up…
Read MoreWho wants your vote on May 7?
There are 164 candidates contesting the 39 seats on the Isle of Wight Council on May 7. Nine areas will…
Read MorePlanning application lodged for Cowes Banking Hub and ATM
A planning application has been submitted to transform the former Poundland store at 6 High Street, Cowes into a new…
Read MoreWould you like to wish Alec a happy 101st birthday?
WWII veteran Alec Penstone will celebrate his 101st birthday this Thursday, April 23 – a milestone that falls, fittingly, on…
Read MoreA “truly inspirational gentleman”
WW2 veteran Alec Penstone is a familiar face on the Island, and he will shortly celebrate his 101st birthday. A…
Read MoreOutgoing High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard thanks supporters at Bembridge celebration
The Island’s outgoing High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard, held a private celebration on Friday to thank those who supported her throughout…
Read MoreShanklin Men in Sheds opens new headquarters after six months of work
The new headquarters of Shanklin Men in Sheds was opened last week, after six months of hard graft. The Shanklin…
Read MoreIW OBSERVATIONS: Questions raised over pre‑election reporting
The IW Observer is in an unexpected dispute with the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) after raising concerns about…
Read MoreWet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale joins Joe Wilkinson for Channel 4 train trip home to Isle of Wight
Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale appears in an unlikely pairing with comedian, actor, and screenwriter, Joe Wilkinson, in the second episode…
Read MoreTapnell Farm Park announces death of well-known wallaby Bear
Tapnell Farm Park has announced that its loveable Wallaby, Bear, has passed away. A spokesman confirmed yesterday (Thursday): “After recently…
Read More