Following her work experience with On The Wight in the summer, journalism student Rosie Saban, returns for our 2012 recap. Ed
May saw swarms of both bad weather and bees, with weather warnings and bee advice becoming regularly proffered.
Island police officers marched to parliament to protest the 20% cut in their budget.
Foodbank efforts recognised
The IW Food Bank fought off stiff competition to win the Local Communities award at the Community Action Awards.
There were 44 worthy entries from voluntary and community groups with a number of them receiving accolades.
Insight into care work
Independent Councillor Jonathan Bacon, and three other Independent Councillors stepped up to care worker John Luckett’s challenge to shadow a care worker for the day to gain a better insight into adult social care.
Isle of Wight Independent Lifeboat Lotto celebrated its first birthday, having already raised a massive £36,000 for Ryde, Freshwater and Sandown lifeboat stations.
Raising money with the use of nought but a bra is generally frowned upon, but the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has turned this concept on its head as they organised their annual Bag a Bra Day which raises money for them through the recycling of unwanted bras.
Good beach guide
The Isle of Wight is a shore winner as ten beaches feature in Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide.
20 young Isle of Wight athletes competed in the World Island Youth Games in Sardinia, competing in sailing, swimming, athletics and tennis. The team brought home a record-equalling nine medals, and placed ninth overall, our highest placing to date.
Three primary schools were awarded with the national Artsmark Gold Award for their broad range of arts.
Farewell to Island Coroner
Coroner John Matthews retired after nearly 20 years at the island helm, and was replaced by new to the Island coroner Caroline Sumeray.
