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  • Culture
    Culture
    joe bone portrait

    Isle of Wight writer Joe Bone lands script for Mackenzie Crook’s debut feature film

    Art On Your Doorstep painting in Newport

    National Gallery’s Art On Your Doorstep trail brings 18 world-class paintings to Newport streets

    Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powel of the Power Station project seen here during their 28 days living on the family house in London, 25th November 2022

    Community energy film Power Station comes to Ryde with open forum for local projects

    Heidi Perks standing on a beach

    Psychological suspense author brings Isle of Wight-set thriller to Cowes bookshop this June

    Josef Krista concert

    Cowes-raised composer Josef Krista hears his work performed by Philharmonic Orchestra

  • What’s On
    What's On

    Below you’ll find the latest features highlighting the upcoming events here on the Isle of Wight.

    If you would like to promote an event to OnTheWight readers, find out more.

    Art On Your Doorstep painting in Newport

    National Gallery’s Art On Your Doorstep trail brings 18 world-class paintings to Newport streets

    Dan Edelstyn and Hilary Powel of the Power Station project seen here during their 28 days living on the family house in London, 25th November 2022

    Community energy film Power Station comes to Ryde with open forum for local projects

    PS Medway Queen at Gillingham Pier

    Medway Queen Club marks 60 years with East Cowes book signing

    children playing at Newport Roman villa

    Roman half term fun at Newport Villa marks 100 years since landmark Isle of Wight discovery

    Heidi Perks standing on a beach

    Psychological suspense author brings Isle of Wight-set thriller to Cowes bookshop this June

  • Community
    Community
    Organisers of the skate art auction

    Freshwater skatepark fundraiser passes £7,000 mark after skate deck art auction

    Ryde rescue crew in boat on water

    Sign up for the Lifeboat Lotto to support our local independent lifeboat – and win cash

    illustration of people buying things from a garden sale

    Preloved treasures and village charm on offer at St Lawrence Spring Sale Trail

    Mountbatten nurses and carers celebrate winning gold at the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026

    Mountbatten Isle of Wight wins gold at national charity film awards thanks to public vote

    Freshwater Lifeboat crew and boat

    Join the Lifeboat Lotto for your chance to win up to £5,000

  • News
    News
    joe bone portrait

    Isle of Wight writer Joe Bone lands script for Mackenzie Crook’s debut feature film

    Organisers of the skate art auction

    Freshwater skatepark fundraiser passes £7,000 mark after skate deck art auction

    Stephen Kinnock MP and Richard Quigley MP

    NHS dentistry on the Isle of Wight improving as new measures expand access and capacity

    A field flooded in the winter in Gunville

    Fishing club warns Alvington Manor View homes face flood risk from diverted stream

    three children out on a walk in country holding hands

    Isle of Wight Council calls for more foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight 2026

    Art On Your Doorstep painting in Newport

    National Gallery’s Art On Your Doorstep trail brings 18 world-class paintings to Newport streets

    PS Medway Queen at Gillingham Pier

    Medway Queen Club marks 60 years with East Cowes book signing

    GP giving consultation to patient

    NHS asks Isle of Wight residents to help shape future urgent care services in new survey

    children playing at Newport Roman villa

    Roman half term fun at Newport Villa marks 100 years since landmark Isle of Wight discovery

    Red Funnel awards winners with their trophies and certificates

    Red Funnel opens public voting for 2026 Isle of Wight Awards

    the front of county hall

    UNISON welcomes Isle of Wight pension policy as Palestine solidarity group raises scrutiny concerns

    Daffodils outside County Hall in Newport by Simon Haytack

    What happens next for Isle of Wight Council after no overall control election result

    Heidi Perks standing on a beach

    Psychological suspense author brings Isle of Wight-set thriller to Cowes bookshop this June

    road closed sign laying flat on the road

    Daytime closure of road between Brading and Ryde this week

    Josef Krista concert

    Cowes-raised composer Josef Krista hears his work performed by Philharmonic Orchestra

    illustration of people buying things from a garden sale

    Preloved treasures and village charm on offer at St Lawrence Spring Sale Trail

  • Travel
    Travel

    Our Travel section is the place to check for fast and accurate travel updates from all the ferry companies, bus, train and hovercraft operator.

    In this section, we’ll also let you know about road closures and diversions.

    Below are articles relating to Isle of Wight travel.

    road closed sign laying flat on the road

    Daytime closure of road between Brading and Ryde this week

    Electric cars lined up in the car park

    Wight Community Energy brings Going Electric back to Newport for fifth year

    Class 444 Train Platform 18

    Faulty radio system causes widespread train disruption across southern England

    Red Jet coming into harbour at night

    Red Funnel launches late-night Red Jet charter service for Isle of Wight travellers

    Hale common road junction from google maps

    Pedestrian safety improvements planned for Hale Common

    road closed sign laying flat on the road

    Parish councillor reveals 37 road closures on single day as Isle of Wight frustration mounts

    ian dore by closed sign at firestone copse

    Independent review of highways PFI contract sought following Isle of Wight Council elections

    roadworks on fairlee road

    Councillor calls for full committee review of Isle of Wight roadworks disruption

    Lane closed on start of Fairlee Road

    Visit Isle of Wight CEO warns roadworks crisis is causing measurable damage to Island businesses

    Dementia UK cheque presentation

    Dementia UK leaders visit Isle of Wight as Hovertravel backs Admiral Nurse fundraising

    car loading on to the floating bridge on the first day of service

    Letter: ‘Temu’ Floating Bridge 6 wastes £1 million a year of your council money

    roadworks sign

    Councillor Price reassures residents over access during Fairlee Road roadworks

    Roadworks lights and signs

    Councillor questions Fairlee Road diversion plan as two-week closure looms

    General highway maintenance signage

    Fairlee Road to close for two weeks from 20th April for utility works

    Ryde Pier Head train station canopy

    Asbestos canopy among works proposed for Ryde Pier Head station (updated)

    Karl Love with the hovercraft propellor

    Isle of Wight councillor shares story behind hovercraft propeller plan for East Cowes

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  • 13, May 2026
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Mary Ellis, WWII Pilot

Mary Ellis had her first flying lesson in August 1938 and was later trained to fly fighters and bombers. She served as a First Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during the Second World War.

Flying over 400 Spitfires and Seafires, Mary achieved an impressive record of aircraft flown and was also Commandant of Sandown Airport for twenty years from 1950.

In February 2017, Mary celebrated her 100th birthday by going for a ride in a Spitfire (and taking the controls).

January 2018, Mary was awarded the Freedom of the Isle of Wight.

Sadly Mary passed away on 24th July 2018. Below are some of the articles about her.

Mary Ellis in a spitfire - Cam-Ara
3, May 2022·1 min read

Mary Ellis featured on BBC R4 as new Royal Mail stamps celebrating the ‘Spitfire Women’ launched

The Isle of Wight's Spitfire heroine, Mary Ellis, was featured on BBC R4 today in advance of the release of four Royal Mail stamps celebrating the ‘Spitfire Women’
mary ellis
5, September 2018·1 min read

Mary Ellis to be honoured at Memorial Service with Spitfire flyby

She delivered over 1,000 aircraft on her own during WW2 to the RAF – including Spitfires and Wellington Bombers – equipped with only a compass, stopwatch and map to find the airfields. Later this month, the amazing Mary Ellis will be remembered at a Memorial Service with Spitfire Flyby.
Mary Ellis talking to Stan Baker by Graham Reading Photography
26, July 2018·1 min read

Who was Mary Ellis? WW2 Spitfire pilot (Video)

Mary Ellis, one of the last WWII 'Spitfire Girls', was a truly remarkable woman. Read about her considerable achievements.
mary ellis
26, July 2018·3 min read

Mary Ellis, WW2 Spitfire pilot, passes away aged 101 on the Isle of Wight

Thoughts go out to Mary's family and friends at this very sad time. She was an inspiration to many and her legacy will continue as her memory lives on.
Benedetta and Hurricane 2 - cropped
9, July 2018·1 min read

Time for Benedetta to be recognised as one of first women to get RAF Wings

Benedetta Willis of Bembridge was one of the first five ex-ATA women pilots who their full RAF Wings in the 1950s. A documentary is planned to highlight this fantastic achievement.
Wight Aviation Museum - Design Concept
6, March 2018·4 min read

‘The Beagle has landed’ at the Wight Aviation Museum

The Scottish Aviation Beagle Bulldog 120 G-CCOA has become the first exhibit at the new Wight Aviation Museum, opening this summer at Sandown Airport. Find out how to share your aviation memorabilia.
mary ellis in the council chamber
17, January 2018·2 min read

Mary Ellis, WWII Pilot, given Freedom of the Isle of Wight: Watch Video

The extraordinary former WWII pilot, Mary Ellis, has been granted to the Freedom of the Isle of Wight. The long campaign to honour her has paid off.
mary ellis
17, January 2018·2 min read

Council consider Freedom of the Wight for former WWII pilot Mary Ellis

In a remarkable - and very welcome - u-turn on what OnTheWight had been told by the Isle of Wight council's Head of Legal, members will tonight consider granting Mary Ellis with Freedom of the Isle of Wight.
mary ellis
22, November 2017·2 min read

Mary Ellis ‘Freedom of the Isle of Wight’ campaign looks like it’s winning!

It's fantastic to see that the OnTheWight campaign to award Wartime Spitfire pilot Mary Ellis the Freedom of the Isle of Wight looks like it is coming to fruition.
Mary Ellis and Alison Hill
26, September 2017·1 min read

Mary Ellis, Isle of Wight centenarian WWII pilot, receives more honours

The honours keep coming for Isle of Wight Centenarian, former WWII Spitfire pilot, Mary Ellis.
mary ellis
23, February 2017·1 min read

Let’s give Mary Ellis, former WWII pilot, Freedom of the Wight: Sign the petition now!

We all remember the love that went out to Mary Ellis, Isle of Wight's inspirational former WWII pilot, when she turned 100. She gave so much - Now there's something we can all do for her: Sign this petition to have her honoured with the Freedom of the Island.
Mary Ellis Air Pilots cert 3A cropped
2, February 2017·1 min read

Birthday wishes to Isle of Wight centenarian, Mary Ellis (updated)

Many happy returns to the inspirational WWII female pilot, Mary Ellis, who celebrates her 100th birthday today.
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