The 4th Vectis Radio Isle of Wight Community Awards ceremony was held at Caffe Isola on Friday (27th March). Over 90 people were in the Newport restaurant to witness the awards being presented by The High Sheriff, Jacqueline Gazzard.
Interval entertainment was provided by Huxley Magic adding to the overall fun of the evening.
Currie: “Truly humbling to see the level of support”
Maggie Currie, who organised the event, said,
“This year’s awards were once again a fantastic success. The atmosphere was energetic and uplifting, and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves. It was truly humbling to see the level of support different organisations showed for one another.”
She added,
“I’m delighted with how successful the event has been in raising awareness of so many organisations—some of which were completely new to me. I’d also like to thank our panel of independent judges, who had the difficult job of selecting the winners, as well as Stef Burgess from Caffe Isola for sponsoring the event.”
Award winners in full
The Awards Winners were:
Village Hero of the Year
Gold – Gold – Tim Gibbs -Yarmouth Pharmacy.
Silver – Lesley Wheeler – Vectis Wombles
Bronze – Rodney “Worzel” Walmsley – Entertainer
Volunteer of the Year
Gold – John Steele – Stenbury Hall – Wroxall Community Association
Silver – Janet & John Strickland – Supporting Older People
Bronze – Mark Wheeler – IW Cat Centre
Fundraiser of the Year
Gold – Peter May – To Be In Her Shoes
Silver – Sally Faulkner – Community Spirited Cafe
Bronze – Stephanie Jeffery – Sandown Family Events
Sports Coach/Leader of the Year
Gold – Colin Jackson – Man vs Fat Football
Silver – Kay Howard – Vocal Coach.
Bronze – Mark Powell – Brading Town FC
Community Project of the Year
Gold – Mindset Bros
Silver – Baby Box
Bronze – East Cowes Carnival
Island School/Club Achievement of the Year
Gold – Creationz Dance Academy – East Cowes
Silver – Dance-Vibz – Sandown
Young Person of the Year
Gold – Thomas Young – Vectis Corps of Drums
Silver – Harry Day – Community Spirited Cafe
Bronze – Darcy Weedall – Sandown Canoe Lake
Good Neighbour of the Year
Gold – Cheryl Burtwell
Silver – Kathy Barter
Judges Choice Award
Double portion Church – Newport
Vectis Radio Community Personality Award
Michele Newton – Daisy Ring Bus
Overall Community Champion (Voted for by the public)
Mindset Bros.
Taylor: “This is for every single person who has been part of the journey”
Mindset Bros Founder, Ross Taylor, spoke after the awards, expressing both humility and pride in what has been achieved:
“Winning these awards is an incredible honour, but for me, it’s about so much more than that. Sitting around that table with the team, seeing the passion, the unity, and the emotion, that’s what it’s all about.
“I feel incredibly humbled and proud of what we’ve built together. This is for every single person who has been part of the journey.”
The awards serve as recognition of the impact Mindset Bros continues to have within the community, but also as a reminder of the importance of connection, support, and showing up for one another.
As the organisation continues to grow, moments like this reinforce the purpose at its core, building a strong, supportive community where no one has to face things alone.
Mac: “Without them, the Island simply wouldn’t function”
Ian Mac, Vectis Radio Station Manager and co-host for the evening, said,
“Once again, I felt truly humbled to be among so many people who dedicate themselves tirelessly to supporting our Island community.
“It’s so important that we continue to recognise and support their efforts all year round —without them, the Island simply wouldn’t function.”
He added,
“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to our headline sponsors this year, Caffe Isola. Their incredible support made it possible for us to host such a fantastic evening.”
News shared by Kelvin on behalf of Vectis Radio. Ed
