Drama Classes for children in Southsea and Portsmouth is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Pamela’s Swimming School is a friendly, well established swimming school with an excellent reputation for delivering high quality lessons that see children gain in confidence and ability. Class sizes are small, typically between 4 and 6 children, and lessons run for half an hour. All teachers are experienced and fully qualified to ASA Level 2. One to one lessons for children and adults are also available – please enquire. All swimmers progress by ability rather than age and the approach is one that mixes teaching with fun activities, particularly among the younger pupils. We are an Amateur Swimming Association school and pupils are encouraged by gaining the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Plan awards.

We teach all four strokes, personal survival and a wide range of water skills from non-swimmer to advanced.We offer lessons after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the UKSA pool in Cowes. Please enquire about session times.For more information and to talk through your child’s swimming needs, please contact Pamela Ainslie on 01983 294014 or 07732 641125.

References and testimonials are available on request.

Pamela’s Swimming School Cowes Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Meet The Archers at Priory Bay on 8 October 2011

A real treat for fans! Come and meet Brian Aldridge and Shula Lloyd (nee Archer) at Priory Bay on 8 October (7.30pm for 8pm – cost: £39.00 includes talk and three course dinner including coffee) – fresh from Ambridge! Well, Charles Collingwood and real-life wife Judy Bennett, who play the much loved characters in the legendary BBC Radio Four drama - The Archers. Enjoy Saturday night dining in their company and listen to Charles chat about his life and role as Brian in the hugely popular radio show. He’ll also be signing copies of his book “Brian and Me” (the perfect personalised Birthday or Christmas gift!).

Guests who stay Friday and Saturday night (B&B) at the hotel, can also enjoy a complimentary night (B&B) on Sunday 9 Oct. The dinner is open to Residents and Non-Residents. To book, please call 01983 613146.

www.priorybay.co.uk

Meet The Archers at Priory Bay on the Isle of Wight. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

‘Takeaways’ in the Café features a selection of affordable work by local and regional artists and allows buyers to purchase and take away artwork on the same day. The display will evolve throughout the year and will focus on supporting artists who want to sell their work.

Currently on display are Justine Wall’s shabby chic cut-out vintage maps, Chris Adams’ topographic meets typographic prints, Chris Avery’s geometric boat assemblages and Stewart Orr’s travel influenced mixed media works and limited edition prints. Just tell us which one you want and we can have it wrapped and ready to go on the same day. Perfect for an inspiring gift or to dec the walls at home.

If you would like your work to be considered for ‘Takeaways’, please email g.newman@quayarts.org attaching a selection of your work with dimensions, medium and wholesale prices. Although we are not seeking artists to display work for the current ‘Takeaways’ display we welcome submissions at any time and will keep your details on record for future reference.

Takeaways, Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, Isle of Wight PO30 5BD

For further information and high-res images please contact:

Georgia Newman, Exhibitions Organiser

01983 824160 / g.newman@quayarts.org        

www.quayarts.org

Quay Arts’ Café Wall exhibition space has changed to…. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

OPEN MORNING

Observing a busy, active and engaged class of children can tell you far more about a school than simply browsing a website or reading a prospectus, which is why Hordle Walhampton School in Lymington encourages parents to come along to their Open Morning (Monday 3^rd October) to see for themselves pupils at work and at play.

Guided by senior pupils, who are encouraged to describe their experiences of life at Hordle Walhampton, visitors view a wide variety of lessons, sports and activities as well as visiting the boarding house, the large, purpose-built sports hall, the performing arts centre and the riding stables.

Hordle Walhampton is proud of its strong association with Island families. Many of our pupils travel across daily, we escort the Lymington/Yarmouth ferry, whilst others make good use of our highly flexible boarding arrangements.

Hordle Walhampton has an outstanding record of achievement in Scholarships and Common Entrance examinations, plus strong associations with many of the well-established and popular senior schools. Further details of the Open Morning are available from Mrs Suzanne Wright on 01590 672013 or by e-mailing: registrar@hordlewalhampton.co.uk

Open Morning For Hordle Walhampton School in Lymington is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

School Holiday Karate Classes on the Isle of Wight is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Magic in the Skies at The Needles Park Isle of Wight. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Island Coastal Landscapes

Becky Samuelson SWA HS

Rope Store Gallery

Sat 18 Jun – Sat 23 Jul 2011

Drinks Reception: Sat 25 Jun 12 – 2pm All Welcome

Becky Samuelson launches a new, exciting, style, working acrylic on sailcloth. The unique features of the sail are integral to the picture which has open and expressive brushstrokes, accents, lines and bold colour. Becky will also exhibit other paintings in watercolour and acrylics on varied textures.

Island artist Becky Samuelson has been painting professionally for twenty three years with her studio based in St Helens. Inspired by the rich and diverse coastline and countryside and great natural light of the Isle of Wight, Becky has a particular interest in seascape, landscape and architectural subjects. She paints with acrylic, watercolour and pastel and spends a great deal of time sketching in her preferred method of pen and wash, mainly for its immediacy and the impressionistic style that can be achieved.

Becky is a member of The Society of Women Artists and The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists and has exhibited widely in major galleries both on and off the Isle of Wight. She has also taught in adult education since 1994, running courses and workshops, has tutored on painting holidays since 2008 and has been a regular contributor to The Leisure Painter Magazine.

Many of the paintings in Island Coastal Landscapes depict her love of painting seascapes and sailing subjects. Becky is fascinated by the working/painting process and over the past few years has been introducing texture through various modelling mediums; by changing the paint consistency or by varying the surface. Through the manipulation of paint, a new dimension has been added to her work and by painting on gritty grounds such as Fisher 400 or colour fix papers, add extra ‘bite’ to the paint. Over recent years her paintings have become more impressionistic with a lively sense of colour.

More recently Becky has been exploring other unusual surfaces and a substantial part of this collection explores Golden Fluid Acrylics on old sail cloth; a complete contrast to the textured surface. The transparent and sturdy nature of the cloth works well as a reclaimed surface and these paintings create a new sense of energy within her work.

By primarily using fluid paint, the brushstrokes are easy, not laboured and often allows parts of the cloth to show through. Where she has used old Redwing sail cloth, the sails within the painting itself are left to allow the red cloth to come through. The paint is worked negatively around the red sails and incorporates the stitch work into the design. The design plays an important part in all her painting; considering the balance of shapes and harmony of colour and tone.

www.beckysamuelsonfinearts.co.uk

This exhibition is sponsored by Glanvilles

Island Coastal Landscapes Rope Store Gallery Quay Arts Newport is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

MP – Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy

The recent publication of the Government’s Tourism Strategy will free up local businesses from red tape and ensure the tourism industry is central to helping rebuild the UK economy according to Island MP Andrew Turner.

The Government’s proposals include a consultation on moving the first Bank Holiday in May to create a new St George’s Day holiday in England or a Trafalgar Day Bank Holiday in the autumn half term. Either of these proposals would have the effect of extending the holiday season.

The Government is also embarking on a £100m marketing campaign to attract visitors to the UK, co-funded by the private sector. This is designed to attract 4 million extra visitors to Britain over the next 4 years, leading to £2bn more spending in the economy and creating thousands of new jobs. The

campaign will build on events such as the Royal Wedding, the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and theCommonwealth Games – when the eyes of the world will be on Britain.

.

Commenting on the new strategy, Andrew Turner said,

“The new Tourism Strategy will have a huge impact on the local

economy on the Isle of Wight, encouraging visitors all year round to experience the Island’s natural beauty and everything we haveto offer. The importance of tourism to the country’s economy has been ignored for too long and the industry has been stifled withred tape. The Government recognises that this needs to change.“I particularly welcome the idea of consulting on moving the Mayday Bank Holiday to extend the season. I hope that Island tourism businesses will consider the strategy carefullyto make sure we make the most of the opportunities it presents.

Andrew Turner Tourism Strategy will Boost Island Economy is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

West Wight Sports Centre, Freshwater is hosting a Senior Moments Day on Wednesday March 23rd. All it’s activities for ‘older’ people will be free of charge that day and there will be an opportunity to stop and have a complimentary drink and snack afterwards. On offer free of charge through the day will be :- swimming- gym inductions and gym sessions- ‘easy does it’ exercise class- ‘special care’ swimming session- use of courts for badminton or short tennis The day has been supported by the Rural Community Council through their programme to improve access to rural services. Physical activity in later life is an important factor in keeping healthy and mobile. There are also huge benefits to people’s social and emotional well-being and West Wight Sports Centre prides itself on offering a welcoming and friendly environment that people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable joining. Regular users of the Centre include a 94 year old Rosalie Colledge who has just taken up swimming this winter. She now attends the weekly ‘special care’ swimming session at 12 on Wednesdays. More information about the Senior Moments Day can be found on the Centre’s website or by phoning 01983 752168

West Wight Sports Centre, Freshwater is hosting a Senior Moments Day is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

‘Nova Lifestyles is delivering a FREE Wellbeing Day for employees whoare at risk of or facing Redundancy Nova Lifestyles is delivering a FREE Wellbeing Day, specifically targeted atemployees who are at risk of or facing Redundancy but also open to the generalpublic, including those currently unemployed and seeking work. The day will include a diverse range of services – from advice on Financial Matters,information on personal Health and Lifestyle choices, including Emotional Wellbeing– to some interesting Career Opportunities and Options. In addition, a number of practitioners from the Island’s Wellbeing Sector will beon hand, providing information and ‘taster sessions’ in a variety of therapies andservices to help and support people in dealing with the anxiety and stress relatedwith these difficult times. Every effort has been made to provide a broad range of information and activities tomeet individual needs of anyone affected by redundancy or unemployment issues,both within the private and public sector. Jobcentre Plus and the IW Council will be supporting this event by ensuring thatpublic sector employees and relevant job seekers are aware of the opportunityprovided. Sara Mousley, Director of Nova Lifestyles said ‘We hope as many people as possiblewill take advantage of what is being offered and will pass this information on tofriends, family or work colleagues who might benefit by visiting us on the day’ This event is to be held at the Riverside Centre, Newport on Friday March 25thfrom 10.00am – 4.00pm’ www.novalifestyles.co.uk

‘Nova Lifestyles is delivering a FREE Wellbeing Day is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Quay Arts’ cinema lovers will thoroughly enjoy the forthcoming screening of The Thorn in the Heart (12A) on Thu 24 Mar, 8pm in the Anthony Minghella Theatre.

This film by groundbreaking filmmaker, Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) sees him propel his filmography into yet another new realm with this latest film, an eye-opening look at the life of the Gondry family matriarch.

This autobiographical film about his family is in his usual homespun and beloved style. The film explores the relationship with his Aunt Suzette who encouraged watching of home movies in a family projection room, she talks to Gondry about her life, her unhappy son and cousin to Gondry, Jean-Yves, also a film makers albeit unsuccessful and raises the question over his success and her son’s pain, his breakdown and her subsequent ‘thorn in the heart’.

All films start at 8pm and are screened in the Anthony Minghella Theatre. Tickets cost £4 and can be booked by calling Box Office on 01983 822490.

www.quayarts.org

Sea Street

Newport

PO30 5BD

Quay Arts’ cinema lovers is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel invites locals to Portsmouth’s Big Day Out

Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, is offering Isle of Wight residents a 10% discount on Hovertravel tickets for Portsmouth’s Big Day Out on the 12^th and 13^th March 2011*.

For the weekend of 12th and 13th March 2011, there will be many offers for Portsmouth and Isle of Wight residents, treating them to a Big Day Out in Portsmouth to celebrate British Tourism Week. Discounts include 50% off entry to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 50% off entry to Spinnaker Tower and special offers and discounts from many of the restaurants & shops at Gunwharf Quays.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, residents just need to bring a utility bill and photo ID with them on the day and purchase their tickets from the respective attractions’ visitor centres. For more details visit www.hovertravel.co.uk/offer/portsmouth-big-days-out

*Terms and Conditions

• The tickets are only valid for the day they are purchased
• Only available on standard adult and child singles, period returns and day return tickets
• Offer is only available in the terminals on the day and not in advance
• Travel must originate from Ryde and customers must provide evidence of Island residency
• Cannot be sold with any other offers including attraction tickets and family offer
• Travel is for the 12th & 13th March 2011 only

Hovertravel invites locals to Portsmouth’s Big Day Out is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Portsmouth’s BIG Day out!

Saturday 12th to Sunday 13th March 2011

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is joining forces with Gunwharf Quays and Spinnaker Tower to treat residents living in a PO postcode to a ‘BIG Day Out’ on Saturday 12^th to Sunday 13^th March, to celebrate British Tourism Week.

Over the weekend there will be 50% off entry to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 50% off entry to Spinnaker Tower and special offers & discounts from many of the restaurants & shops at Gunwharf Quays. Plus, Isle of Wight residents will also receive discounted travel across the Solent from Wightlink and Hovertravel.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, residents just need to bring a utility bill and photo ID with them on the day and purchase their tickets from the respective attractions’ visitor centres and visit the Visitor Information Centre at Gunwharf Quays for the full list of retail and catering participants and terms and conditions.

This promotion has been arranged to celebrate the fifth annual British Tourism Week (12^th – 20^th March 2010). HRH the Prince of Wales is once again Patron for this series of inter-related events. The Week is organised by VisitBritain with the support of the Tourism Society, the Tourism Alliance, the UK’s national and regional tourist boards, and an Executive Committee comprising a number of public and private sector organisations. Visit www.britishtourismweek.com for more information. Visit: www.portsmouthbigdayout.co.uk

Portsmouth’s BIG Day out! is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

Hovertravel teams up with Brittany Ferries to offer luxury mini cruises

Hovertravel, the fastest Isle of Wight passenger service across the Solent, has partnered with Brittany Ferries to create some amazing offers, including relaxing mini cruises to St. Malo, France or Santander, Spain from Portsmouth International Port, from only £34.95 per person. All the offers include Hovertravel to and from the Island.

For a two night weekend break to St. Malo, customers can book from now until 17 March for departures every Friday at 20h30, until 18 March 2011, priced from £34.95 per person. You can spend the evening enjoying the onboard facilities, with plenty of time to relax in the bar and get something to eat. The ship docks near the historic walled town. Visitors can walk round the ramparts of the city’s 20-foot thick walls for one mile to get splendid views of the town and the harbour and have a full day to wonder around the area and visit the local attractions and beautiful sandy beaches before departing at 22h00, arriving back in Portsmouth at 08h30.

The fantastic offer to Santander includes travel departing Portsmouth on Sundays and Wednesdays at 11h00, with 24 hours on board to enjoy facilities such as a stylish shopping mall, a leisure bar area, a luxury pool and a wide choice of restaurants. Customers will spend two days and nights on board Pont Aven, Brittany Ferries largest ship and the company’s flagship.  Customers will arrive in the heart of Santander, within easy walking distance of the bustling town centre and can spend four and a half hours exploring the fabulous shops, tapas bars and restaurants. With elegant plazas and beautiful parks, it offers a great taste of the delights of northern Spain.  The ship departs Santander at 16h30, arriving back in Portsmouth at 17h00 the following day. Book from now until 19 March for travel between 09 February and 20 March 2011, prices start at £59.95 per person.

To book these fantastic offer visit www.hovertravel.com or purchase tickets at the Ryde or Southsea hoverports.

Hovertravel teams up with Brittany Ferries to offer luxury mini cruises is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk

40th Anniversary event At The Isle of Wight Steam Railway. is a post from: Isle of Wight - WightBlog.co.uk