Latest news with #IsleofWight
BBC News
14 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Isle of Wight swimmer, 104, says 'sewage' stops him going in sea
A centenarian who puts his longevity down to daily swims in the sea has said he will probably never enter open water again because of Smith, from Cowes, is celebrating his 104th birthday and has been swimming off the beaches of the Isle of Wight for more than 50 in a film made for conservation charity the Blue Marine Foundation, he said reports of sewage in rivers and the sea had put him off and he will restrict himself to using swimming pools from now Environment Agency said all of the island's beaches had bathing waters rated as good or excellent, while Southern Water said it was committed to making further improvements. The film featuring Mr Smith's comments is part of the charity's multi-million pound Solent Seascape Project to restore nature to the waters of the Solent."I look at the sea, how lovely it is, but regrettably I feel I won't be able to swim here again," Mr Smith said. Explaining his concerns about pollution, he said: "That makes me more worried about swimming in the sea, it's worrying to think that pollution is there. The sea now is not what it used to be."Mr Smith, who was born in Bedwas, south Wales, first started swimming aged three and has attributed his long life to swimming and exercise in general. A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "While huge progress has been made in creating healthier rivers and seas here over the decades, we are committed to working together with all Island partners to go further – reflecting the myriad of factors which can impact water quality, including farming, industrial and road run-off." Kate Donlon of the Environment Agency said: "All of the Isle of Wight's 15 bathing waters are classed from 'Good' to 'Excellent' and we test the waters regularly between May and end of September to give swimmers like Mr Smith confidence in their bathing water of choice." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Bears kept in cage in Azerbaijan arrive at Isle of Wight sanctuary
Two brown bears previously kept in cage near a restaurant in Azerbaijan have arrived at their new home - an animal sanctuary on the Isle of being flown almost 3,000 miles to Glasgow, Benji and Balu travelled to Portsmouth before crossing the Solent to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown on the island's south-east sanctuary fundraised almost £218,000 over a year to build a new home and pay for travel costs to rehome the bears, who arrived on the island late on Wednesday morning, were "keen to explore their new surroundings", the sanctuary said. But it added the pair would remain out of public view in their new surroundings while they settled in. The sanctuary said their new enclosure with "grass, trees, ponds and dens for be a massive departure from the life the two brothers have endured previously"."We will provide them with bespoke care plans to ensure that they recover from the trauma they have experienced, with a forever home that will allow them to be bears again," they were moved by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan from the restaurant where they were kept to attract customers about two years ago to a temporary shelter. The sanctuary said: "We will provide them with bespoke care plans to ensure that they recover from the trauma they have experienced, with a forever home that will allow them to be bears again."Wildheart Animal Sanctuary started fundraising to rehome the bears having become aware of their plight in May 2024. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
First wedding held at 19th century folly Appley Tower
A beautiful and recently refurbished 19th century tower on the Isle of Wight is now available for weddings. The first wedding was held at Appley Tower in Ryde on Sunday, May 25. Paulo and Lois from Buckinghamshire were the happy couple. Celebrant Elaine Cesar said it was a "complete honour and privilege taking the ceremony for this gorgeous couple". She explained: "Lois and Paulo approached me last summer, wanting a romantic beach wedding. "Quite by coincidence, I found out that the tower was refurbished and had recently opened. "I contacted Dawn and Jenna from Monkton Arts, and they were over the moon with the idea of a wedding. "After sending photographs, Lois and Paulo were so very excited and visited their 'castle' and the deal was done! "A magical dream come true for them." Lois, previously a professional dancer, and Paulo, a Globe of Death artiste, first met in 2019 during the pantomime season in Edinburgh where they were both working on a Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Then, Covid struck and Paulo returned to Brazil, but returned five months later. In a whirlwind romance, they now have four children. Monkton Arts provided decorations at the tower, and canapes at the mini reception. Other suppliers were Roxanne Chatburn Photographer, Grace Captured Films, Wight Ribbon, Centrepiece Cake Design, Cathy's Bloomers and Isle of Wight Beauty Lynsey Marie. The couple celebrated at Appley Tower and later at Ryde Castle, and returned later in the evening to have a dip in the sea - kitted out in their wedding refinery for a magical photo shoot. For more about weddings at Appley Tower contact Dawn or Jenna on 07490 486356 or monktonarts@ Celebrant Elaine Cesar is on or 07814 120610.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Teenage Muslim-convert who plotted Isle of Wight Festival terror attack and has knifed TEN prison officers since being jailed is named for the first time
A teenage terrorist who has stabbed ten prison officers since being locked up has been moved to an NHS unit where he can enjoy board games and film nights. Nathan Ruth, who can now be named for the first time after turning 18, was jailed for seven years in 2024 after being convicted of plotting an attack at the Isle of Wight Festival. Then aged 15, he had researched weapons, vehicles and stab vests. Prison sources at Feltham Young Offenders institute in south-west London warn that staff at his new NHS mental health unit are not safe from the Muslim-convert extremist, who tried to slice one guard's ear off and stabbed another with a makeshift weapon known as a 'shank'. A leaked intelligence report on Ruth, who was snared following a tip-off from the FBI, reveals he has a history of improvising weapons and attacking staff and that he intends to kill a prison officer. Between his arrest in July 2022 and sentencing in April last year, he had already attacked prison personnel on 18 occasions. But Ruth will now be able to take advantage of sports facilities, quizzes, arts and crafts and movie nights after being moved to Bluebird House mental health facility in Hampshire. The centre's website states that staff provide 'a friendly, welcoming and therapeutic environment for our young people'. The unit's three wards care for up to 20 young people and include a relaxation room, sports hall, games room, fitness suite and all-weather sports area. Patients are provided with their own 'homely and comfortable' bedroom with an en-suite. Its website continues: 'During evenings and weekends we plan activities such as sports, boardgames, quizzes, arts and crafts and film nights.' Guards at Feltham would wear full riot gear when they delivered food or allowed him out to shower or exercise, and staff are shocked he has been transferred to a hospital that 'looks more like a five-star hotel', a source said. 'He has stabbed so many officers while in Feltham – and openly boasts to staff that we will see him on the news one day,' the source added. 'We can't believe they have let him go. He has 100 per cent manipulated the system to get himself sent somewhere more comfortable.' The source said that once it had been decided that Feltham was detrimental to his health, the terrorist began boasting about his luxurious new quarters and how the facility would be easier to escape from. 'What really annoys staff is that he has received no further prison time for all the stabbings against staff,' they said. 'They just want to focus on his rehabilitation. Well, tell that to the officer who nearly lost an ear. He is a stone-cold psychopath, the scariest I have ever seen. 'He will not stop until he has killed someone. Staff at that place do not know what they are letting themselves in for.' A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'Prisoners can be transferred for treatment in mental health hospitals, based on assessments by expert clinicians, but will return to prison once they are fit to do so. 'We do not tolerate violence against our hard-working staff and will always push for the strongest possible punishments for those who break the rules.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Choir's concert success raises hundreds for good causes
A community choir has raised almost £1,000 for good causes through a charity concert. The Bay Wailers, based in Freshwater, raised £975 during their tenth anniversary event, held on May 17 at Christ Church in Totland. The concert also marked the 150th anniversary of the church and featured a special performance by the West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir. The funds raised will be shared between the West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir, Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, and the Freshwater Skatepark Project. Paul Blackley, project lead for the Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track, said: "We're so grateful to the Bay Wailers and everyone who contributed. "This donation takes us even closer to reaching our target and starting the build." Freshwater Parish Council also praised the choir's efforts. A spokesperson said: "We have heard wonderful feedback and would like to publicly acknowledge the community spirit, generosity, and musical talent that made the evening such a success." The Bay Wailers will next perform at All Saints Church in Calbourne during The Sale on the Green on June 21 at 4pm. The choir rehearses on Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm at Freshwater Parish Hall and welcomes new members.
