Everything Isle of Wight: isle of wight

Showing posts with label isle of wight. Show all posts

Showing posts with label isle of wight. Show all posts

Saturday, 7 March 2009

Credit Crunch? Isle of Wight - Sainsburys

While some companies will always undoubtedly fall in hard times others come to the fore and take the opportunity to expand. Sainsburys are fortifying their presence on the Island by purchasing the Somerfield stores in Cowes and Freshwater. These stores will undergo major revamps to carry the Sainsburys brand. Based on information from the Sainsbury's site it is also believed stores will be opened in Sandown and Shanklin. With ex Woolworths shops being great locations. The reason for the closure of the Somerfield stores in Cowes and Freshwater is due to the takeover of Somerfield by the CO-OP group it makes sense for them to sell off these locations rather than rebranding as we already have those stores in town.

Friday, 27 February 2009

Bestival lineup News

Great news for Bestival fans is an awesome line up for 09

Massive Attack will headline the Friday night while Kraftwerk will take care of proceedings on the Saturday. Other bands confirmed are as follows:

MGMT, Fleet Foxes, The Klaxons, Bat For Lashes, Michael Nyman, The Beat, Squarepusher, Future Sound Of London, Little Boots, Seasick Steve, Friendly Fires, Florence & The Machine, Bjorn Again, Fujiya & Miyagi, Metronomy, Dub Pistols, James Yuill, Free Peace, VV Brown, Chase & Status, Golden Silvers, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, The Cuban Brothers, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Ebony Bones, Altern8, Passion Pit, 65 Days of Static.

I think you will agree it's an amazing lineup and i'm sure the few tickets that are left will be snapped up pronto.

Sunday, 15 February 2009

Vesta's striving in turbulent times - Recession - Isle of Wight

Vesta's Technology UK are still striving to build on their foothold in the marketplace. Amidst a recession we need companies like Vesta's to thrive and bring stability back. They are proposing a multi million pound expansion plan on the West Medina Mills site. Not only will it build it's own facilities but will give a much needed upgrade to Stag Lane, they would also carry out improvements to the quayside to enable transport of the blades by barge. Not only will jobs be created by the development but the wind turbine company will need 100's of skilled workers to operate the plant. Newport town council have given their support for the plans but several Stag Lane residents have objected.

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Rain, Rain, Rain and more Rain - Isle of Wight

Last night the Island took a battering from some pretty hefty rainfall. Parts of the Island recieved a months worth of rain overnight. This has left parts of the Island inaccessible, the tunnel on the Ryde section of the train line is flooded so is shut off with trains only going as far as St Johns Station. Wightlink are not running their Fast Cat service and 2 picks ups will be made by the car ferry from the Pier head. Be careful out on the roads too as some roads have been closed due to the flooding.

Saturday, 7 February 2009

GOWIGHT.COM - The Review

A diluted look at the Isle of Wight in my opinion, lack of content or knowledge of that content has made a lackluster attempt at boasting about the Isle of Wight. For the people that don't have time or access to watch a small video there is little content to keep the viewer amused. I know from this website when people are looking for something they will find it, absorb the content and then browse the other sections that seem appealing. It appears with the switch from Council to Chamber involvement that Tourism has suddenly become a numbers game that unless you are willing to spend X amount of funding on you apparently don't exist. The pocket guide is essentially in the same situation with less content regarding the Island and more advertisers. I can see what's happening an elitism will be formed with the big players, leaving everyone else to feed off of what's left over. I feel that someone has somehow missed the point though and firmly believe that in this situation more information is what is required. Access to lower grade advertising options for smaller businesses would have created more revenue and a better all round site in my opinion.

Content wise there is some point going on about White Air when it is now irrelevant with us losing it to Brighton.

Why use www.gowight.com in all your advertising and then use the .co.uk extension to hold all the content? You go through a divert which you actually notice, at least blank the .com page off.

Tourism should be greeted with open arms, we are in the midst of an economic downturn and the Island COULD quite happily favour greatly from it, if it were marketed correctly. People from the UK will be less inclined to holiday in Europe in fear of the £ being so weak, which in turn should favour the seaside resorts. Furthermore Europeans should reap the benefit against the £ and holiday in Europe. Surely an advertisement even without the star spangled video should have been offered to the other hoteliers and attractions?

All in all i'm dissapointed that the Chamber of Commerce now seemingly has control over tourism and looking at the evidence only in the best interest of their members and not the Island in general.

Monday, 2 February 2009

Red Jet sevice disrupted

The red jet service from Cowes to Southampton is today on an hourly service, this is not due to the weather conditions. I hear that one of the Jet's broke down last night and others are in for servicing leaving only one Jet in action. The Jet will now leave on every Quarter past the hour in an hourly fashion. Parts for the stricken Jet are apparently on their way from Germany.

Thursday, 29 January 2009

Isle of Wight Walking Festival - Events

9th - 24th May 2009

Still getting bigger and better the Walking Festival boasts over 300 walks in it's extensive programme. Last year saw over 24,000 people involved and things will only get bigger and better for this great event. With something for everyone, from Ghost Walks to Speed Dating Walks, i'm sure you will find an event that suits you.

For more information:

http://www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/

Have you entered before and want to pass on any advice? Please leave your comments/feedback.....

Walk the Wight - Events

Mark this one on the Calender May 17th 2009 is the date for this years walk the wight, but unlike in previous years don't leave it til the day to get involved! No entrants are being taken on the day for this years event due to the number of marshalls that were tied up in last years event. Last year over 8400 people walked over the 3 courses to raise over £350,000 for the Isle of Wight Hospice. Your entry must be recieved by the 1st May.

More information can be found at:

http://www.iwhospice.org/walk-the-wight.aspx

Fort Victoria - Isle of Wight Attractions

Built on the north shore of the Isle of Wight to guard the Solent the remains of Fort Victoria now house a Marine Aquarium, a Sea Bed Archaeology Exhibition, a Planetarium and a Model Railway. The surrounding Country Park offers Seashore and Woodland walks and the site is one of the best vantage points for watching the Solents boats and shipping.

For more information: http://www.fortvictoria.co.uk/

Have you been to Fort Victoria? Then leave your feedback, reviews or comments on the blog......

Classic Boat Museum - Isle of Wight Attractions

The Museum opened in 1996, and currently houses an exciting collection of sailing and power boats, of both local and national interest and importance. They are a Charity and a Registered Museum, and we are run entirely by volunteers.

For more information: http://www.classicboatmuseum.org/

Have you been to the Classic Boat Museum? Then leave your feedback, reviews or comments on the blog......

Carisbrooke Castle & Museum - Isle of Wight Attractions

The fascinating story of Carisbrooke Castle is brought to life through a brand new visitor experience using hands on interactive and dramatic film.
Discover why it was famous as a royal prison to Charles I; see the room from which he tried to escape – twice! The most famous residents today, however, are the Carisbrooke Donkeys. Watch them happily at work on the sixteenth-century tread wheel in the well house and visit them in the donkey centre where you can find more about their personalities!

For more information:
http://www.carisbrookecastlemuseum.org.uk/

Have you been to Carisbrooke Castle or Museum? Then leave your feedback, reviews or comments on the blog......

Brading Roman Villa - Isle of Wight Attractions

Brading Roman Villa is one of the finest Romano-British archaeological sites in the UK. Award-winning Exhibitions and Visitor Centre offers a unique insight into Roman life in Britain, from beautifully preserved mosaic floors to extensive collections of Roman archaeology, including coins, pottery and tools.

For more information: http://www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk/

Have you been to Brading Roman Villa? Then leave your feedback, reviews or comments on the blog......

Rosemary Vineyard - Isle of Wight Attractions

Stroll around the vines, enjoying the surrounding views, and discovering the different varieties we grow, and the way that Traditional Vineyards are planted.
Watch 'Vine to Wine' video, showing a typical year in the vineyard.
Tour around the winery, reading our display boards, and seeing the different equipment that we use.
Allow friendly staff to give you a tasting of our quality wines, juices, liqueurs, and cider.

There is a small charge for Guided Tours. Booking in advance necessary.

For more information: www.rosemaryvineyard.co.uk

Have you been to Rosemary Vineyard? Then leave your feedback, reviews or comments on the blog......

Thursday, 22 January 2009

Isle of Wight Tourism Branching Out

The 2009 Isle of Wight tourism train has now hit the tracks running, £340,000 will be spent this year on advertising the Island in key area's. The campaign running under the title 'Just Add Water' will be for all to see throughout key area's. London and the Midlands where custom is already generated are going to be the main areas targeted and it is hoped this splash of cash will only add to the success. The adverts will be shown on the tube in London and across the bus network throughout the midlands. Advertising campaigns will also be found across the national papers and magazines in an attempt to bring people to the Island. With the economic downturn it is forecast that many more people will stay in the UK for their holidays this year. Making the Island the perfect destination for a great holiday.

However will all this be fruitful with an all new setup at the helm that is struggling to juggle the needs of the existing platforms? If you didn't already know the council has removed the tourism team from the Westridge centre and the 'Pocket Guides' have been passed to the Chamber of Commerce. On inspection of the Winter Pocket Guide all I can say is too much advertising and not enough content make for a poor publication. People used to hang onto the guides as a resource to the Island but these new guides do little to make you want to hold onto them. No more town guides, no longer a section on cycling it seems the content has been sucked out in favour of making more money from the guide. Gowight.com the new initiative that was planned to be launched back end of 2008 is still not live. With people already planning their 09 breaks and Easter not as far away as you imagine this really should be right in the spotlight.

All in all I think it's great that the money is still being spent to promote the Island but if people don't get the right information before they get here or while they are here they may well be very disappointed.

Saturday, 17 January 2009

Yarmouth is the oldest town on the Island, It is a busy yacthing area and serves as the docking area for Wightlink's Car Ferry from Lymington. The pier is also a great place to go fishing.
A major landmark in the town centre is Yarmouth Castle, which was built in 1547 and commissioned by Henry VIII. It is now owned by English Heritage. Tourists should make a point of visiting the attractive town square, flanked by the old 18th century town hall.

Freshwater - Isle of Wight

Freshwater really has two seperate area's the town and Freshwater Bay, Freshwater is a small town on the western tip of the Island that has good mixture of shops, cafe's and restaurants.
Freshwater Bay is a small cove that opens onto the channel so takes the brunt of the prevailing winds during the winter but is much calmer during the summer months.
Totland Bay is also only a stones throw away and home to the world famous Needles which is a must see for any visitor.

Ventnor - Isle of Wight

Ventnor is said to be one of the sunniest spots on the Island, often overlooked by it's couterparts Sandown & Shanklin, Ventnor still has a lot to offer. With a long sandy coastline it's a great place to catch some rays. The high street is only a few minutes walk up the hill too, giving you access to shops, restaurants and cafe's. I can also recommend the walk from Ventnor Beach all the way to Bonchurch which is also worth mooching around whilst your there.

Things to do:
Ventnor Botanical Gardens

Shanklin - Isle of Wight

Shanklin is really divided into two sections Shanklin and Shanklin Chine (referred to as Shanklin Old Village)

Shanklin's main town has a plethora of shops, restaurants and cafe's with 2 sections of 'High Street' further up the town is Shanklin Old Village which is aesthetically pleasing with it's thatched cottages and more boutique shops.

Sandown - Isle of Wight

Sandown is a great place for the family, the beach is only a stones throw away from the high street. A lovely sandy beach complimented by Sandown Pier at one end.

Some great places to visit while in Sandown:

Isle of Wight Zoo

Browns Putting Green's

Car, Van & Cycle Hire is available from 1st Call Car, Van & Cycle Hire

East Cowes - Isle of Wight

East Cowes is separated from Cowes by the River Medina. East Cowes is best know for its industrial heritage and for the fact that Queen Victoria lived at Osborne House which is not far from the centre of the town. The town is also the destination of Red Funnel's Car ferry from Southampton
The town's industrial heritage is dominated by J.S.White's shipyard.

The floating bride (chain ferry) connects East to West Cowes.

Where to go:

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

© Blogger templates The Professional Template by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP