On Sunday 28th September 2025, OnTheWight celebrated its 20th birthday!
For two decades (more than 1,000 weeks) we’ve been publishing trusted, independent news about the Isle of Wight – keeping distractions out and keeping readers informed.
We want to say a heartfelt “Thank you” to everyone across the Island and beyond who have ever read the site – it’s you that we’ve done this for.
Arrived with a boom!
It was 20 years ago today, that Simon and I decided to start what was then called VentnorBlog with a post about the Bomb Disposal Unit detonating a mine in Ventnor Haven.
It was the start of journey that we never imagined would have ended up here, 20 years later. And boy, what a journey (read more about it here)!
Humble beginnings
What began as a local blog championing the arts, sharing news of exhibitions, gigs and opportunities, quickly attracted a loyal readership, many of whom encouraged us to share reports from other parts of the Island – and then move into harder news coverage.
Over the years we have won awards for our journalism, whilst continuing to build a solid readership, with thousands of readers from all over the world visiting the publication every day.
We’re proud to have given a voice to thousands of writers and contributors whose articles we’ve published – plus all those who have commented, with readers’ comments getting on for 1/4 million.
What readers say
We’ll be sharing more about our 20-year journey over the coming weeks, looking back at some of our favourite moments.
In the meantime, we share below some of the heart-warming comments we’ve recently received from readers.
Stanbridge: The mighty VentnorBlog
Isle of Wight musician, Riccardo Stanbridge, said,
“The mighty VentnorBlog, what an arrival, what a force. The Island’s music was buzzing but under-represented, I was heavily into promoting and championing Island talent whilst keeping up my own endeavours. It was the days of myspace and there was real feeling that with the Internet, people could take back control and input into the local community with their fingertips and brain, instead of the old school contacts and money.
“Sally and Simon were a tremendous galvanisation with their brilliant platform. Not only did they help promote and preserve the wonderful Ryde Theatre and local arts, they also assisted unwaveringly on the plight of Asa Singleton, a wonderful local lad who inspired a whole community with his bravest of battles against Neuro-fibromatosis 2. Keeping our local council under scrutiny and pressure was a bonus for us all living under nationally ridiculed corruption within the ranks.
“Thank you sincerely OnTheWight and best of the future to you, Simon and Sally.”
Holofcener: I am in awe of what you have accomplished
Former Bembridge resident, Julia Holofcener, wrote to say,
“Sally and Simon, I can’t believe it’s been 20 years! I am in awe of what you have accomplished. Your website has kept me informed of Island affairs and events as I travel between the UK and the States. Thank you!
“My company, Island Partners, created the Island’s first website, WightOnline, in 1995 with the desire to market the Island. It still manages to do this, but your website provides all of us with great insight and much needed information. Well done!
“Here’s to another 20…at least!”
Knapman: Always carried out its journalism with great dignity
Former Ventnor resident, now residing all the way over in Godshill, Ken Knapman, got in touch to say,
“VentnorBlog/OnTheWight, has always carried out its journalism with great dignity and well researched bonafide information at its core.
“It has been appreciated with coverage of key moments such as: Vestas, education and schools are memorable. Democratic standpoint and coverage of local authority have been a feature too. Isle of Wight culture and events have had continuous promotion.
“Congratulations, Simon and Sally. Always reliable.”
Robinson: OnTheWight updates make it feel almost like being there in person
Former Island resident, David Earle Robinson, wrote to say,
My wife and I lived on the Island from 2002 -2012, while I was working in Portsmouth (I really miss commuting with my bike and fast cat!).
“That’s when I discovered OnTheWight (probably when you began!) and I’ve been with you daily ever since – even though we unfortunately have not managed to visit the island since September 2014.
“We still keep in touch with friends there though and the OnTheWight updates make it feel almost like being there in person – indispensable! We moved to the Island from Denmark – my wife is Danish – and we’re back living in Jutland again now, close to our Danish family. But we still really miss the IW! Hope to get back and see friends next year!
“Congratulations on the 20 years! Keep up the good work – you do a great job! Many thanks and all best wishes!”
Jordan: Twenty years of fairness, professionalism and integrity
Leader of Isle of Wight Council, Phil Jordan, said,
“Simon and Sally, a great commitment and dedication to provide truly balanced reporting of important issues for our Island.
“The changes and development of OnTheWight has been remarkable and your continuation a great testament to your values and aspirations.
“Thank you for all you do and for the twenty years of fairness, professionalism and integrity. May you enjoy success and longevity into the near and far future. Very best regards.”
If you have memories you’d like to tell us about, you can leave a comment under this article, email us, or message via our social channels.
Long-time supporters and readers
It’s been fantastic over the years to have the financial and moral support of Islanders, who tell us they appreciate our approach to journalism.
As long-time readers will know, we made the decision to not plaster the website with ads and pop-ups, but it doesn’t mean our costs are any less than other news publications.
If you’d like to show your support for everything we do here at OnTheWight, why not make a celebratory donation by clicking on the button below.
Thank you for your continued support – it means a lot to us.
