Chris Jarman for Totland & Colwell

26/09/2026

Double events to enjoy in Totland today.

Our local craft event at Totland Village Hall.

Last Car-Boot of the season at Colwell Common.

25/09/2026

Guess where?

Ok- enough suspense!
Answer is Colwell Bay at sunset eating fish and chips with Barbara - my own little slice of heaven on our beautiful Island.

I’ll give you a clue…
With Barbara.
Fish and chips in the paper with plenty of vinegar.
Sunset.
Gentle incoming tide with lapping waves.
Sounds of happy children playing nearby.
Streams of friendly people stopping for a chat (and to smell the fish and chips!).
Nothing to rush away for.

25/09/2026

MacMillan fundraiser at Freshwater’s Wight Hart Bakery is open until 4pm - or earlier if everything sells out!

24/09/2026

𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘

MacMillan Cancer Support are the most caring professional body and unceasing in their dedication to those suffering from cancer.

They deserve all the support we can offer so that they, in turn, may support others in their diagnosis, treatment or end of life journey.

Friday 25th September our community is hosting two fundraising coffee mornings.
- in Totland at the bowl club.
- in Freshwater at The Wight Hart Bakery.

Please find the time to generously support these events.

24/09/2026

CEO of Southern Water filmed being placed under citizen's arrest under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)

24/09/2026

Southern Water confirm Isle of Wight Hosepipe Ban to Continue.

“While we can all feel the seasons beginning to change, the River Test, which supplies around 30% of the Island’s water, remains below the level needed before restrictions can be lifted.

The chalk stream needs consistent rainfall to recover, so we're continuing to monitor conditions closely, and hope to share another update soon.”

23/09/2026

Such a great shame to lose our local branch of Pittis - best wishes to all the team.

It seems the inexorable tide of online has taken another victim, and the convenience and vibrancy of community business suffers another blow.

"Pittis Estate Agents closed three of its Isle of Wight high street branches—Freshwater, Sandown, and Shanklin—on Monday 21 September 2026.
Remaining open are offices at Newport and Ryde."

22/09/2026

How clean is the our local Freshwater/Totland water?

Barbara and I took part yesterday in the Freshwater Watch water quality testing.

Results for our garden well:
Nitrates 2-5
Phosphates 0.2-0.5

Results for our kitchen tap on mains water:
Nitrates 5-10
Phosphates 0.2-0,5

19/09/2026

My pleasure today participating in the 50th anniversary fundraising event at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

A spectacular celebration of their work rescuing animals from often appalling conditions and providing an unsurpassed level of care.

Lights, music, singing and dance brought enormous vigour to the event that included displays, talks and colourful exotic animal costumes from carnival groups.

A real WOW event!

The article attached in comments from Debbie Flack includes glorious images of the animals and displays - far better than I could ever achieve.

19/09/2026

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

"We have been fundraising over the past year for the work on the hedge laying project along the Queen's Walk. We're pleased to say this project can now complete all the way to the toilet block thanks to a generous grant from Freshwater Parish Council."
Freshwater Bay Residents' Association

Thank you Freshwater Parish Council!

We have been fundraising over the past year for the work on the hedge laying project along the Queen's Walk. We're pleased to say this project can now complete all the way to the toilet block thanks to a generous grant from Freshwater Parish Council.