Taste of the Wight, the previously-part-council-funded magazine that has done more to improve the standing of Island food than just about anything else, has lost its funding from the Isle of Wight Council today.
Created on the Island, using Island talent, the creatively-produced magazine, printed on high quality stock, took an interesting, fresh approach to food on the Isle of Wight, not only in the layout and photographic style, but also in the way it was written.
It focused on the sustainable Island producers making world-class products that get sold around the world including producers such as the Isle of Wight Cheese Co, Dunsbury Farm and Captain Stans.
The premium magazine was distributed around the world as well as in London and on the Wight.
The latest Spring issue was fully prepared and was waiting at the printers, when the team heard that they were going to lose their budget – with only a few weeks notice, before the 1 April 2009 budget started.
They’ve been in negotiations with the IW council to try and cover the costs, but this now appears to have failed.
Update: It should be pointed out that the magazine was only part funded by the council, other funders were WightLink, Southern Vectis, SEEDA and Co-op.
We’ve also been informed that after the next issue, the magazine would not have cost the Isle of Wight Council a penny.
Is this wise?
While it’s obvious that the IW Council feel that they have to tighten their belts, cuts to projects like these that were doing a great job of promoting the Island, surely shouldn’t be included, should they?
We contacted the press office for a statement, but at time of publishing one was not forthcoming.
