VECTIS VIEW: Mark Langford – Mark’s story marks World Mental Health Day
Isle of Wight ObserverMy name is Mark. I have been in recovery since 2013. Before I began my recovery journey, I was in…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Barry Jackman – Alzheimer Café volunteer
It’s now September 2025, and I still wear the orange shirt – I still volunteer at three Alzheimer Cafés across…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Vix Lowthian – local teacher and Green Party spokeswoman for lifelong learning
The leaves are falling; it’s back to school – and fittingly the supermarket aisles are now stacked with Haribo (for…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Steampunk organisers – Donna Jones & Billy Asbo the dog
Well I never — never thought that the 5-day coach holiday from Sheffield in 2012 would result in me moving…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Susie Sheldon – HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight
A couple of months ago we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. In 1945 this was a day of…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Stephen Crockett – Wight Community Energy
It’s 25 years since the first mass production car with an electric motor rolled off forecourts – the Toyota Prius.…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Ian Dore – Organiser of IW Armed Forces Day
sle of Wight Armed Forces Day aims high, to deliver excellence. It’s what the armed forces community deserves and is…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: John Hobart – supporter of King Charles III Coastal Path
The latest proposal, to direct the King Charles III Coastal Path via public highways in East Cowes, is not acceptable,…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Ian Ward – President of the IW Branch of the Royal British Legion
As President of the Isle of Wight Royal British Legion, I continue to value the respect given, across the generations,…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Dr David Isaac – Island GP and clinical lead for the IW Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign
As a GP, I routinely see all sides of life on the Isle of Wight. In the past week, I…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Toby Beardsall – Founder of Facebook Page – Newport Rd Protest Group
Having lived on the Island my entire life I understand and accept the limitations imposed by its natural wonder. One…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight – Jacqueline (Jacque) Gazzard
Just one month in, and this extraordinary job is an utter privilege and has exceeded any expectations I may have…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Vectis VE Day 80 – Anne Springman MBE
Looking back on life pre-war has been reflective, including my memories of D-Day and then VE Day in 1945. May…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Alec Penstone – WWII veteran and centenarian
Reflecting on a life well lived, I remember that my father was seriously injured by ‘friendly fire’ in the First…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Hugh Street – Chairman IW Branch Parkinson’s UK
Most people will know of someone who has, or had, Parkinson’s disease. However, they probably won’t be aware of the…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Karl Love – Chairman of the IW Council
The Isle of Wight faces big challenges in sustaining its economy and community. From ferry operations to housing shortages, we…
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