WIGHT IN WESTMINSTER: Richard Quigley MP — Labour MP for IW West
Isle of Wight ObserverIt might be the start of a new year, but my priorities haven’t changed. My resolution for 2026 is to…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Sometimes we don’t realise how lucky we are!
We shared some of our grown-up kids with their partners’ families this Christmas. Those giant get-togethers of years gone by…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Susie Sheldon – His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight
At this time of year, it is always good to look back at what is good, as well as looking…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: Christmas cards: easy pickings?
Dear Editor, A couple of weeks before Christmas I posted five Christmas cards to the mainland. Three were received in…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 5 January 1901
This message to readers which appeared in the Isle of Wight Observer, published on 5th January, 1901, with the exception…
Read MoreWIGHT IN WESTMINSTER: Joe Robertson MP – Conservative MP for IW East
Learning to read is critical for giving children the best start in life, and I was delighted to welcome the…
Read MoreMICKEY’S MUSINGS: Death, grief and why can’t we be more private?
“Die, my dear? “Why that’s the last thing I’ll do! I intend to live forever, or die trying.” I smile…
Read MoreGREEN FINGERS: Looking back at the year
Seasons’ Greetings to you all. We are now into the season of winter, when gardens would, in the past, have…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: Good tidings from a grateful reader
Dear Editor, As Christmas approaches, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the IW Observer and…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Fr Steven Restori – Island Parish Priest
The angel of the Lord told the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for…
Read MoreNEWS FROM COUNTY HALL: Cllr Andrew Garratt – Deputy Leader of the IW Council
In his column two weeks ago, council leader Phil Jordan put forward a gloomy view of the committee system that…
Read MoreMICKEY’S MUSINGS: The nation’s farmers fight back
My late father had a line he adapted from Groucho Marx: “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 16 December 1854
We thought this report of some innovative ideas for dealing with sewage would amuse our readers. It appeared 171 years…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Oscars and Grammys – we can do it!
In 1996, Anthony Minghella lifted his Oscar. I told my kids, “If a boy from Ryde can do that, you…
Read MoreIW OBSERVATIONS: What will it take to ‘regain trust’?
Njord Partners has finalised its acquisition of Red Funnel. Jakob Kjellberg, for the new owners, has promised to “work hard…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Ginnie Orrey – Publicity manager for the Apollo Theatre Players
The King’s Award for Voluntary Services, or KAVS, is an award equivalent to the MBE for individuals. It is given…
Read More