Congratulations to the organisers and all who took part in the recent event celebrating the Isle of Wight’s village halls and community spaces.
Spearheaded by Sandy Ciccognani from Community Action Isle of Wight (CAIW), the event at Mottistone Manor Gardens, was opened by Susie Sheldon, the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight.
Despite the dark skies and some heavy showers, more than 600 people attended the day-long event, which was organised as as part of a national campaign led by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) called Village Halls Week.
Bringing groups together
The free community event was planned in partnership with the National Trust, to bring together voluntary sector organisations and village hall committees to offer an informative and interactive day out for the whole family.
More than 30 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) groups, were involved with the successful event and Sandy explained to News OnTheWight that plans are already underway for a return of the event in 2025.
The event was a chance for not only for the voluntary custodians of community spaces to showcase what they can offer to the public, but also proved useful for making connections between different community groups.
Community engagement
There were boards and stalls from 11 village halls, including:
- Niton
- Whitwell
- Brook
- Chillerton
- Gurnard
- Yarmouth
- Arreton
- Rookley
- Porchfield
Information was sent by Upper Ventnor, Freshwater Parish Hall, Brighstone, Shalfleet and Bembridge sent a representative too.
There were stalls from nine other VCSE groups, including:
- Footprint Trust
- Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust
- National Trust
- Future IOW
- Biosphere Festival
- Freshwater Horticultural Society
- Spinners and Weavers Guild
- IW Asian Hornet Awareness Group
- Keert Sustainable Transport
In addition there were talks from seven organisations, including,
- Stephen Cockett – Wight Community Energy
- Vince Wedlock-Ward – Future IW
- Elaine Heathcote – Footprint Trust
- Tina Whitmore and Katy Froud – HIWWT
- Louise Buckner – Island Riding Centre
- Leigh Jackman – IW Gin
- Robin – National Trust
Lots to see and do
There were a range of activities offered with the help of Wilder Learning for children’s nature based activities, the National Trust provided a mini-Landrover and sheep, whilst Sarah Evans offered a silk painting trail.
Entertainment was provided from three community groups and one professional folk band: Chillerton Clarinets Players, Porchfield Drumming Group, Bay Wailers representing Freshwater Village Hall and Chasing Scarlett.
Visitors and those promoting their spaces were able to stay topped up with refreshments from the NT Cafe and Van, as well as the Scarrots Lane Bakery Van, which is backed by CAIW.
Well done to all involved and we look forward to returning for more of the same in 2025.
