Category: News

On Friday 12th July, the Lord-Lieutenant presented the voluntary Crew and Coxswain of Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

The presentation, at Sandown’s Broadway Centre, included  an audience of almost 100 including newly elected East Wight MP Joe Robertson, Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot, former Mayors Heather Humby MBE, Paddy Lightfoot and Gary Young, Chair and Vice-Chair of IW Council Karl Love and Vanessa Churchman.

The Lord-Lieutenant said ‘The selfless dedication and commitment of Mark Birch, the Crew and the support team of fundraisers and volunteers, more than deserve recognition with the Award of the Kings Award of Voluntary Service.’

Coxswain Mark Birch added ‘It was a great honour to accept the Award on behalf of the crew and all involved with Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, especially from the Lord-Lieutenant who has been incredibly supportive since coming into post.’

Lifeboat Volunteers also enjoyed a specially made Kings Award cake, cut by the Lord-Lieutenant, with all members receiving special Kings Award badges in recognition of their individual contribution and service to the community of the Bay and the Island.

Mrs Sheldon concluded ‘The Independent Lifeboat Team are only 1 of 262 recipients nationally, and it was a delight to see the importance of the award to Mark and all involved.”

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the Award, now the Kings Award, shines a light on the fantastic work of Voluntary Groups across the Country, and is equivalent to the MBE, and is the highest award given to local voluntary groups.

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On Sunday 30th June 2024, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Brigadier Maurice Sheen CBE QVRM TD DL attended Armed Forces Day on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant.

The day started with a display from the Red Arrows followed by Brigadier Sheen taking the Salute during the Parade. After the opening ceremony, the crowds were entertained by marching bands, singers, Royal Navy Parachute Display Team and many more.

The event concluded with the closing ceremony.  Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Sergeant Maisie Henderson and D Day veteran Alec Penstone joined Brigadier Sheen on the stage.

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Three people from the Isle of Wight were recognised with honours from HM The King, in the Birthday Honours List:

Dr Philip Edward Charles LEWIS, lately President, Mouth Cancer Foundation
has been awarded a MBE for services to the Detection of Oral Cancer.

Hazel Jean BRITTON
has been awarded a BEM for services to the community in the Isle of Wight, particularly during Covid-19

Stephen Alexander Neil DOUBLE
has been awarded a BEM for services to the community in Ryde

On Wednesday 12th June, HM Lord-Lieutenant presented the Isle of Wight Literary Festival with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.  IW Literary Festival chairman Maggie Ankers received the award on behalf of the volunteers.
Volunteers also received commemorative pins to mark their contribution.

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On Saturday 8th June the Lord-Lieutenant took the salute at a D-Day 80 commemoration event at the Victorian Recreation Ground, Newport.

The parade with three bands formed up in Drill Hall Road under the direction of the parade Marshall, Mr Simon Tutton. The Lord-Lieutenant took the salute as the parade entered into the arena. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, the High Sheriff and other dignitaries were also present.

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On Wednesday 5th June, HM Lord-Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutenants and the High Sheriff joined the community in the lighting of a beacon on Culver Cliff to  commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.

The event was organised by Bembridge Parish Council.  The Royal British Legion standard bearers were in attendance with members and instructors of the Ryde Sea, Army and Air cadets. The Parade Marshall was Simon Tutton.  A D-Day Community choir performed. The Archdeacon, Steve Daughtery with Rev David Plumb held the service.

The last post and reveille were sounded.  The Lord-Lieutenant pushed the lever to ignite the basket beacon with a bang as the sun set in the west.

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On Sunday 19th May, the Lord-Lieutenant attended a DDay 80 commemorative service at Christ Church in Sandown.  The Bay Primary School unveiled the Ships Bell from HMS Sandown and Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely planted a commemoration tree.

On Thursday 16th May 2024, HRH The Princess Royal visited the Island.  Her first visit was to Bembridge National Coastwatch Station.  As patron of the National Coastwatch Institution she met the volunteer watchkeepers at the station, which is shared with HM Coastguard.

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Her Royal Highness then went on to visit t0 Sea View Yacht Club where she  met children, accompanied by parents and teachers from the various Island primary schools that have benefitted from the Seaview Sailing Trust (SST) training programme.  As president of the Royal Yachting Association she officially opened their new training centre and boat park.

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