VECTIS VIEW: Alec Penstone – WWII veteran and centenarian
Isle of Wight ObserverReflecting 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…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Martyn Pearl – Outgoing Chief Executive of Vectis Housing
Most people draw circles around dates as they look forward to retirement, but my feelings are mixed as I approach…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Sir Paul Kenny – Chairman of new ferry board
I first arrived on the Island just over a decade ago. It was meant to be a short holiday with…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Jen Hughes – Parent representative at Oakfield School
Oakfield C of E Primary School enjoys far reaching views over the Solent and is one of the largest sites…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Sam Smith – Member of Ventnor Town Council
I am an 18-year-old in Ventnor, and I am a town councillor. I’d like to talk about why I wanted…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Rev Chris Bradish – team rector for Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe
Have you been to a nativity play this year? You know the sort – shepherds wear tea-towels, angels wear coat-hangers…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: By a monk of Quarr Abbey
“I Won’t Go to Quarr Abbey” There has been, I have been told, some discussion in heaven this year. Where…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Paul Martin – Island representative for Dignity in Dying
Over many years I have seen the trauma for those at the end of their lives, and I am passionate…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Dean Terrett BEM – Chairman of WightSAR
I am immensely proud to be the founder and chairman of Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (WightSAR), who recently…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Joanna Richards – Chairman of SWAY trustees
The charity South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY) has, this week, received news of a great reason to celebrate. The…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Ian Ward – President of the Isle of Wight branch of the Royal British Legion
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Lawrence Bates, Chief operating officer – The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
I cannot begin to describe how I felt this week when I got to announce that we have hit our…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Karl Hart – Founder of Men Only IOW
My name is Karl, and I started ‘Men Only’ four years ago, because I knew there was a need to…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Sophie Nixon – BA (Hons)
As a former student of Sandown Bay Academy (many readers will know it as the Fairway), and then the Island…
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