April Fun

Dawn sets off

Having been stuck in the office during the beautiful sunshine of the last week in March we were delighted to see Sunday 1st April dawn bright and sunny, if a bit cold. Up early to take full advantage of our day off we set off to Gurnard Sailing Club for the first race of the Spring Series.

It was a lovely morning with a gentle breeze and after some close racing Dawn gained top spot on the podium much to her delight. Lunch in the club followed prepared by the all-volunteer crew. What a wonderful club Gurnard SC is.

When I grow up I want to be a Lion

In the afternoon we decided on a walk around the old village of Godshill up to the Worsley monument. We parked in the old village and saw this cat lazing in the sunshine.






Then we set off along the footpath behind the Griffin pub. This take you through the meadows and a bluebell wood out onto the lower slopes of the downs.

There is a steep climb up the steps but the view is fabulous. Why would you want to go abroad when you have such stunning scenery right here in the Isle of Wight?

Almost at the top - do you think we will reach the moon?

Back down through the woods past the Freemantle gate to the Appuldurcombe estate. It is very spooky to find this huge structure beside the footpath and it makes you realise how grand the estate must have been on the old days.

Then we came to a farm with some rather unusual animals. The Llama with her lovely long eyelashes and the pigs that look like sheep!

Finally, back through the Bluebell woods. We just had to have a play on the rope swings and climb the fallen trees.

What a great day!

The Isle of Wight is beautiful all year so why don't you come and see for yourselves?

Half Term on the Isle of Wight

February half term is fast approaching, and where better to spend it than on the Isle of Wight? There is certainly no shortage of events happening on the Island throughout February, to keep the whole family entertained.

For a great family day out, hop on a train at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway: as part of their half term open week, steam locomotive No. 192 ‘Waggoner’ is running alongside diesel locomotive D2059, taking passengers on a trip through some of the Island’s most treasured spots. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even get off at Ashey to explore some of the Island’s beautiful countryside.

Everyone loves a good story, and Ryde Library is running an ‘I Love You’ story-time for 4-8 year olds on the 13th and 14th February, from 2:30-3:45pm. It’s free, with no need to book, and includes stories, games and a crafts session, making it the perfect, stress-free outing for young families.

For all those aspiring explorers, there is a Natural Wight and Wildlife Trust Mini Explorers Day for 8-13 year olds at Bouldnor Forest on Thursday 16th February. The event runs from 10am -3pm, and pre-booking is recommended on 01983 404344.

To get a taste of Island history, join Tony Gale as he explores smuggling on the Island at the Classic Boat Museum Gallery in East Cowes. The talk starts at 7pm, and admission is only £2 – a bargain!

Step back even further in time and go along to Newport Roman Villa’s ‘Clay Day’ on Wednesday 15th February. It costs just £1 and runs from 10:30am – 4pm; more information is available on 01983 823433.
Or go right back to the age of the dinosaurs with the Island’s popular attraction, Dinosaur Isle. Fossil walks are happening daily throughout half term, and booking is essential.

If music and entertainment are more your thing, Medina Theatre is offering a wealth of events for every taste. Bookending the half term week are award-winning local group The Wight Strollers with their pantomime ‘Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood’, a show bursting with live music and laughter for all. There are performances on Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th and Saturday 18th February.

Not quite in half term, but definitely worth a mention, are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Fleetwood Bac, who are returning to Medina Theatre on Friday 24th February. Endorsed by the legendary Mick Fleetwood, Fleetwood Bac create a mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry in a show that is truly magical: a must for all music fans!

Whatever your family loves to do, the Isle of Wight promises to delight adults and children alike at half term with its local charm.