By Isle of Wight Observer
This week, we mark 80 years since VE Day and the end of WWII in Europe.
This is both a time of celebration of our nation’s greatest victory and finest generation, but also a time of solemn remembrance, for those who gave so much and those who never returned.
Across the Isle of Wight this week, there have been many moving and joyful celebrations to remember our heroes. I attended a special service last Sunday at Christ Church in Sandown, where Bishop Jonathan (Bishop of Portsmouth) delivered an inspiring sermon. I was honoured to meet Island resident and World War Two veteran submariner, Alec Penstone, at the service.
I am pleased to report a positive update to Balu and Benji’s story, the two brown bears due to find a new home at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary. After meeting with Lawrence at the Sanctuary last winter, to hear their plans to rescue and re-home two beautiful brown bears from Azerbaijan, I was concerned to later learn that it all might be derailed by red tape and additional cost.
I took up the issue in person with DEFRA Minister, Susan Hayman, and she was persuaded to let the bears land in Scotland and come straight to the Island, which Lawrence and the team have been planning for.
The Government’s vets have given formal approval of the Sanctuary’s facilities in Sandown, so Balu and Benji will be in their wonderful new home on the Island very soon.
I was pleased to attend and support the launch of the Bay Business Association at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, bringing together businesses from across Sandown, Shanklin and Lake. Among many things, it will help deliver on the Bay Place Plan by sharing expertise across the Bay area.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the three new Isle of Wight councillors – Caroline Gladwin, David Maclean, and Becca Cameron – who were elected last week, together with all those elected to town and parish councils.