Random

IW Hidden Heroes

Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes shines a light on those who have achieved innovative, fascinating, life-changing or awe-inspiring things whilst on the Island.

With the initial seven Hidden Heroes we delved into the past to bring them to life and tell the story of the Island, from the Dinosaur Age right through to the Facebook Age.

As the project developed, curators of museums and members of the public added their ‘heroes’ too, from disability campaigners to firefighters, from fundraisers to inventors, and from skateboard legends to champions of the Arts.

5, January 2018·1 min read

Discover more about the fascinating lives of Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes

Find out more about some of the remarkable people who did remarkable things. There's something for everyone at these informative and illuminating talks.

18, October 2018·1 min read

It’s not too late to share your very own Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes

You can submit as many Hidden Heroes as you like – that way, the pride you have in your ancestors can be shared with the rest of the Isle of Wight. OnTheWight has the details of this project that celebrates remarkable people who have done remarkable things.

22, April 2018·1 min read

Last Jutish King of the Isle of Wight celebrated on St Arwald’s Day

Did you know that Arwald was the last Jutish pagan King in England? He lived on the Isle of Wight, way back in 686 AD and is celebrated today, Sunday 22nd April, on St Arwald's Day. He died defending the Island from a merciless Anglo-Saxon barbarian.

7, March 2018·1 min read

Learn more about these fascinating Hidden Heroes at the last few talks

There are three more talks from experts as part of the Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes series at Quay Arts, along with a panel discussion at the end of the month. All talks so far have been fascinating!

30, January 2018·2 min read

Thrust 2 inventor John Ackroyd is amazing. Shouldn’t he have the Freedom of Ryde?

John Ackroyd has been involved with some amazing projects in his 80+ years alive. In one, he and his small team of Islanders designed and built Thrust 2 in a shed in Fishbourne. It became the fastest vehicle in the world, breaking the land speed record. Would you support him being given the Freedom of Ryde?

12, March 2018·1 min read

Historian beats death to talk on Hidden Heroes and raise money for air ambulance

After collapsing suddenly a month ago and being airlifted to Southampton Hospital, Mei Trow has bounced back and is raring to go. Hear him talk on Wednesday about his Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes.

28, February 2019·1 min read

Bruce Laker / Phaedra Kelly: Transgender campaigner, poet and musician passes away

A campaigner for the rights of those in the trans community, a musician, artist and poet, Bruce Laker/Phaedra J Kelly passed away earlier this month. The funeral service takes place on Friday. Our thoughts are with all Bruce/Phaedra's family and friends.

25, January 2018·2 min read

Have you got an Isle of Wight Hidden Hero? They could become part of a major exhibition

You can submit as many Hidden Heroes as you like - that way, the pride you have in your ancestors can be shared with the rest of the Isle of Wight. OnTheWight has the details of this project that celebrates remarkable people who have done remarkable things.

Rev Legh Richard and coversheetRev Legh Richard and coversheet of Annals of the Poor of Annals of the Poor

29, January 2018·1 min read

Discover the fascinating story behind the Dairyman’s Daughter

Isle of Wight historian, Richard Smout, will be giving a fascinating talk this Wednesday evening at Quay Arts on Rev Legh Richmond, author of Annals of the Poor.

20, October 2017·2 min read

Two unique events taking place on the Isle of Wight this half term

Step aboard the Travelling Museum and uncover remarkable stories of kings, inventors, racers and artists as we go from dinosaurs to Facebook, discovering the Islanders who helped to shape this unique place! At the end of the week there's a magical night-time adventure, exploring by torch-light. All events are free!

Enfiled 8000 going tinto Quay Arts - Feb 2018

9, February 2021·3 min read

Washing-up liquid and a forklift: Squeezing the World’s first electric city car into Quay Arts (photos and video) (updated)

It took a forklift and some clever use of washing-up liquid to manage to squeeze the World’s first electric city car (designed and built on the Isle of Wight) into the top floor of Quay Arts three years ago. Here are the pics and a video of the delicate process

23, February 2018·1 min read

Discover more Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes and share your own

There are another three expert talks at Quay Arts as part of the Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes project, along with a panel discussion, several exhibitions around the Island and a way for you to share your Hidden Heroes.

Free daily newsletter