In the last couple of days there have been an number of interesting news stories on the Isle of Wight.
Red Funnel sale
On Monday, it was revealed that Red Funnel had been acquired by Njord Partners, “a leading investment manager”.
Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, said,
“This is a bad day for the Island. Yet another sale to a private equity group who exist for the ‘uncompromising pursuit of capital preservation’ for foreign investors – their words not mine. They have not even had the courtesy of contacting local elected representatives to hear our concerns on behalf of Islanders before structuring this deal. While cross-Solent ferry connections are treated purely as a revenue generator for investors in an unregulated framework, Island residents and visitors will continue to pay over inflated prices. The Government must step in. Enough is enough.”
Meanwhile, Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley, said,
“If the new owners are interested in solving the worsening problems around reliability, frequency, and especially pricing, then I’ll happily work with them. The new owners would have to have gone out of their way not to have heard Islanders’ concerns. And they’d have to go some way to do a worse job than is currently the case- but time will tell. I look forward to hearing their plans to address these very real concerns, felt by everyone across the Island. And I will continue pressing home the point that ferries are a lifeline service for Islanders, and we aren’t just a cash machine for private equity.”
Isle of Wight Festival
Also on Monday, Isle of Wight Festival announced several acts for the 2026 lineup.
They include Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure as headliners, but more importantly Isle of Wight global sensation, Wet Leg, will be gracing the Main Stage in 2026!
West Acre Park
On Tuesday evening, members of the Isle of Wight Planning Committee conditionally approved the West Acre Park planning application.
Captiva Homes received consent on revised plans for a 473-home estate at West Acre Park in Ryde, including commercial space, a doctor’s surgery and a cafe. Seven councillors voted for the application, whilst four voted against.
Mermaid Winter Gin
If you OnTheWight on Facebook and Instagram you would have seen that Isle of Wight Distillery launched a new Mermaid Gin this week.
Crafted in small batches and available only during the Autumn/Winter period, the limited edition spirit is designed to capture the spirit of the season.
A velvety, spiced reimagining on Mermaid’s signature gin, it’s infused with locally-sourced Isle of Wight honey, coastal figs, vine-ripened grapes, cassia and orange peel – ingredients that celebrate the island’s harvest and unique microclimate.
Off the Island you can only purchase the new gin through the exclusive partnership with John Lewis, either in their stores or through their App. Those on the Island can purchase through usual retail outlets or direct from the Distillery.
Solent Devolution
This evening, Wednesday 1st October, will see Isle of Wight Councillors come together at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Full Council to vote on Solent Devolution plans.
You can follow the meeting live, by clicking on the link in the agenda papers.
There’ll be an update tomorrow for those unable to follow the meeting online.
Three cheers for George
After 22 years as volunteer press officer, first for the independent lifeboat in Cowes and then the RNLI station once it was established, George Chastney stepped down with honours.
You can read all about it on the Cowes RNLI website.
Celebrate Appley Day this Sunday
The popular Appley Day community event is back this Sunday 5th October. Everyone is invited to celebrate the beautiful green space of Appley Park, Ryde from 11 am to 3pm.
Some of what’s on offer includes:
- Free taster paddleboard sessions with Ryde Town Council
- £10 tree climbs with Goodleaf
- Silent Disco Appley Groove with Groove IOW
- Open day at Ryde Rowing Club – with fun rowing machine competition – and tea, cake and book nook upstairs in the club
- Big Bubbles and outdoor games with 2nd Ryde Sea Scouts and Cubs.
- Woodland crafts and forest school with Oakfield Primary School
- Clay tree faces with Zoe
- Wildlife information from Bird Aware Solent, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Isle of Wight Hedgehogs
- Walks include a Tree i.d. walk and a bat walk at dusk
Find out more on the dedicated Facebook page.
Join the Great Nurdle Hunt
The Great Nurdle Hunt is running from the 1st to the 31st of October. Organised by environmental organisation FIDRA, Planet Aware is continuing to champion the cause and is running several nurdle hunts.
They are keen to hear from any youth groups or work groups that might like to get involved and help collect nurdles. The collected nurdles will then be used by IW creatives to help raise awareness of the impacts they cause and volunteers and also keen to hear from any artists and creatives who can help.
For more info and dates of Nurdle Hunts, see the Planet Aware website.
