Charity and community channel on VTV - The home of good news on the Isle of Wight!

VTV followed the popular Isle of Wight based wood sculptor for three months filming him create one of his large sculptures. The fairy sculpture featured in this film now resides in the gardens of the Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight. This film is an edited version of the final film.

Filmed and produced by Jamie Williams for VTV.

Ventnor Sea Breeze Park

When we sent our camera crew along to the new Sea Breeze Park in February 2010 we were lucky enough to find Evelyn Knowles from the Ventnor Enhancement Fund who was checking up on the recently installed equipment. Evelyn was kind enough to provide us with an interview about how the park developed from the inspiration of one young mother to a full-blown community project.

We can confirm that the Sea Breeze Park lives up to its name as the wind that day was rather fresh, but that didn't stop local children and families from enjoying themselves. One little boy in particular seemed to be having fun: four year old Alex gives up his opinion of the park.

We are sure that the Sea Breeze Park must be unique, as where else in the world can you find a park in a location like this? The spectacular views are not to be missed!

Reporter: Luisa Hillard
Camera/Direction: Matt Steen and Luisa Hillard
Editing: Rez Collingwood and Luisa Hillard

Can't see the video? Click here to watch it on our YouTube channel (opens in new window).

Ventnor Mosaics

There's something new to look at in Ventnor, where there was something very old!

Ventnor Enhancement fund unveiled their improvements to the back wall of the central car park, on Friday July 24th.

This project, which has taken several months, includes new planting, refurbishment of the old church wall (formerly a WW2 bomb site) and a colourful mosaic which depicts life in Ventnor. It has been sponsored by the IOW Council through millions in bloom; Ventnor Town Council; CSV (action earth) with Morrison's.

It has been made possible by the Volunteer Mosaic Artists, gardener through the proceeds of several collections and events organised by the Ventnor enhancement fund.

The VEF identified the need for the rear of the car park to be improved. Over several weeks they cleared away all the rubble and weeds. The back wall was crumbling away and they had to get builders to support it and render it. It was suggested that a small plaque would be good and Alison Knapman from Community Arts set up a group which was originally for six weeks. However their enthusiasm led them to continue long after and the result is this magnificent mosaic panel. Plants were bought from the Botanic Garden and committee members spent a day and a half getting them all set in. Another member from the committee built the support for the mosaic but it was a joint effort. It was a Ventnor Enhancement project with superb contribution from the mosaic group.

Ventnor Skate Park

When freelance editor John Cattle was alerted that the skate park was to be demolished he was spurred into action. A group of supporters came together to save the much-loved park. The park is situated sea front under the East Cliff of Ventnor.

John has been a skater now for over 20 years and with his mates Paul and Aaron from the band “The Bees” came up with the idea of a CD of local bands. They called the CD “Transitions One” and they recorded it in The Bees’ studio, ‘The Steam Room’. When the money ran out it was time to compile “Transitions Two”. John and his friends trawled MySpace looking for Island bands- they found 53!

The project would like to thank Chris Dixie for power floating the concrete, Jim and Rob Homes of Jackson Analogue, and Boe Weaver for tweaking the songs for the CD. The project manager is John Baldery a retired builder, who has volunteered his time and skills.

Featured music:
Schtrax- More Love
The Operators- The Knife
Goodbye Stereo- Light Years Away
Jackson Analogue- The Mexican
Mouly- Brooklyn Rain
Kaf-tan featuring Kieran Radford- Curious George
The Shutes- I.C. Sky
Thee Waxworks- Kim Gordon on 14th Street
Cooly Haste- Military Industrial Complex
Holy Calibre- Do Me Wrong

Stills courtesy of:
Wight Light Orchestra, Magic Photography, Hugo Frusslinky, Electromagnetic Workshop, Shanklin Freakshow, Peter Hill, Alastair Mitchell, The Peas, Julian Winslow, The Chancers, Wight Trash, Julio Peculio, Jackson Analogue.