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Articles by Paul R. Blackley
Freshwater skatepark and pump track receives £1,000 donation from Rapanui/Teemill
Freshwater Parish Council is delighted to announce a generous £1,000 donation from Rapanui/Teemill towards the new Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track project at Stroud Recreation Ground. The Parish Council would like to extend its sincere thanks to Rapanui/Teemill for their continued support and generosity. Their contribution is another fantastic example of local businesses getting behind a project that will provide lasting benefits for the whole community.
Freshwater Parish Council grant sends West Wight children sailing on the Medina for the first time
Freshwater Parish Council is delighted to support local young people through a grant awarded to UKSA, enabling children from the West Wight to take part in the charity’s inspiring Test the Water programme. The funding helped a local children participate in the programme during April, giving them the opportunity to experience sailing and powerboating on the River Medina while developing valuable life skills.
More than 70 Islanders take to Sandown Bay in sewage clean-up call
More than 70 water users gathered at Sandown Bay on Saturday as part of the nationwide Surfers Against Sewage Paddle-Out Protests calling for urgent reform of the UK’s broken water system. Surfers, swimmers, paddle boarders and kayakers stood together in solidarity to demand cleaner waters, an end to sewage pollution, and meaningful action to protect public health and the environment.
Freshwater skatepark fundraiser passes £7,000 mark after skate deck art auction
Freshwater Parish Council would like to thank everyone involved in the hugely successful Skate Deck Art Auction, which, together with donations made during the run-up to the event and on the closing night itself, has now raised more than £7,000 towards the proposed new Freshwater Skatepark.
Freshwater skatepark fundraiser: 43 art decks up for auction with bids closing 9th May
Don’t miss the opportunity to support the proposed Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track by bidding for some of the 43 skateboard decks turned into works of art by local artists. Bidding closes 8pm on Saturday 9th May The amazing creations are currently being auctioned to raise funds for the skateboard park with the hammer finally coming down at 8pm on Saturday 9th May 2026.
Freshwater skatepark fundraiser launches with packed opening night and skate deck art auction
Freshwater Parish Council successfully launched its Skate Deck Art Auction with a vibrant and well-attended Opening Night on 2nd April at Newport and Carisbrooke Community Centre, marking an exciting step forward for the proposed Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track. The funds will support the new facility for skaters, riders, and families across the Isle of Wight. Place bids via the website A night to remember The opening event drew a packed crowd throughout the evening.
Local artists to auction painted skateboard decks to support Freshwater skatepark
Freshwater Parish Council is proud to announce a creative fundraising initiative supporting the proposed Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track on the Isle of Wight. Local artists have transformed blank skateboard decks into original works of art, creating a vibrant and diverse collection that will be auctioned online to raise funds for the project.
Parish Council Chair supports skatepark project with £500 donation
Freshwater Parish Council Chair, Frances Turan, has given a personal boost to the Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track campaign with a £500 donation, helping bring the long-awaited project closer to reality. The project, which has captured the imagination of the local community, will deliver the Isle of Wight’s first-ever pump track alongside a modern, inclusive skatepark.
Freshwater Parish Council opens new play equipment at Stroud Recreation Ground
Freshwater Parish Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the brand-new play equipment at Stroud Recreation Ground. To celebrate the occasion, children from Freshwater and Yarmouth C of E Primary School were invited to test out the exciting new features – and their enthusiasm said it all.
Freshwater Parish Council thanks Bay Wailers for successful anniversary concert
Freshwater Parish Council would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Bay Wailers for organising and hosting a truly special event on Saturday 17th May at Christ Church, Totland, in celebration of their tenth anniversary and the 150th anniversary of Christ Church. 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.
Trant Engineering Ltd’s generous donation propels Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track forward
Freshwater Parish Council is delighted to express its heartfelt thanks to Trant Engineering Ltd for their generous donation in support of the proposed Freshwater Skatepark and Pump Track. This vital contribution represents a meaningful step forward in bringing the long-anticipated facility to life, offering a dynamic, inclusive space for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor activity, community engagement, and physical wellbeing.
Freshwater Parish Council approves new play equipment for Stroud Recreation Ground
Freshwater Parish Council is thrilled to announce that they have approved the purchase and installation of new play equipment for Stroud Recreation Ground, with the aim of enhancing the community space for residents and visitors of all ages. Emma Cox, Chair of Freshwater Parish Council, expressed her excitement, “We are absolutely delighted to be able to share this wonderful news with the local community.
Niton Primary School raises funds for Freshwater Skatepark with 'Green House Day'
Freshwater Parish Council would like to extend its sincere thanks to Niton Primary School for their outstanding fundraising efforts to support the building of the new Freshwater Skatepark. On Friday, 28th March, the school hosted ‘Green House Day,’ where the entire school came together to raise money for the house captains’ chosen charity—the Freshwater Skatepark project.
The Hut Restaurant donates £500 for Colwell Bay Buoys
Freshwater Parish Council would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to The Hut Restaurant, Colwell, for their generous donation of £500 towards the upkeep of the Colwell Bay Buoys. The donation from The Hut Restaurant will go directly towards the maintenance, laying and retrieving of the buoys and any future replacement buoys, ensuring that the safe swimming area continues to be accessible to all.
Isle of Wight pickleball players triumph at English National Championships
Five pickleball players from the Isle of Wight travelled up to Bolton Sports Arena last weekend, to take part in the English Pickleball National Championships. Sarah Howell from Yarmouth and Andy Hill from Poole won gold in the over 50s mixed doubles, category 4.0, convincingly beating Sharon Tinsley and Owen Budd in the final, 11-7, 11-4; the winning pair didn’t lose a single game throughout the competition.
Charity fashion raises £2,400 for Ability Dogs for Young People
The woof was raised at charity fashion show! Over 200 people enjoyed an autumn winter fashion show from Bellissima and Sugar and Spice Lingerie last week. Needing a bigger venue due to demand for the biannual event, the two Ryde boutiques relocated their event to the Ocean View Hotel in Shanklin. The chosen charity this time was Ability Dogs for Young People.
Freshwater Parish Council awards £3,000 grant to West Wight Churches Youth Project
Freshwater Parish Council were very pleased to approve a community grant of £3,000 to West Wight Churches Youth Project. West Wight Churches Youth Project bring young people together and connect them with others their own age. West Wight Churches Youth Project has been running for ten years. A passion to see young people’s lives change As a partnership between Churches Together West Wight and Isle of Wight Youth for Christ, they are passionate about seeing young people’s lives changed by Jesus.
Hose Rhodes Dickson donates £1,000 to Freshwater's new Skatepark project
Freshwater Parish Council is delighted to accept another donation of £1,000 from Hose Rhodes Dickson towards the new Skatepark and pump track which was recently given planning approved. Peter Barfoot, Hose Rhodes Dickson Sales Manager said, “We are delighted to continue to sponsor the Freshwater Skatepark which will be a real asset to the West Wight, providing a dedicated place for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Freshwater Parish Council awards £5,000 grant to support vital FYTbus service
Freshwater Parish Council were so pleased to be able to once again support the FYTbus with a Community Grant of £5,000. The Parish Council have been supporting the FYTbus for many years, believing it provides a vital service to the local community. FYTbus was founded to fill a gap in local transport left by the withdrawal of some Southern Vectis local services in the west of the Isle of Wight in 2008/9. Improving access for residents FYTbus is a registered charity and not-for-profit company.
Afton Marsh and Golden Hill flourish through Freshwater Parish Council's funding
Freshwater Parish Council has a long-standing tradition of supporting Gift to Nature (Natural Enterprise) through community grants, having contributed over £50,000 over the years. In the year 2023-2024 alone, the council awarded an £8,000 grant to this valuable organisation. This funding plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing local natural sites that are beloved by the community.
Freshwater Skatepark project moves forward with granted planning permission
Freshwater Parish Council are thrilled to announce that the planning permission for Freshwater Skatepark has been officially granted. This marks a significant milestone for our community and brings us one step closer to providing a fantastic new facility and community space for people of all ages. “Unwavering support and dedication” A spokesperson for the council said, “We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.
Freshwater Parish Council grants over £250,000 in support of local community centre
For about a decade, Freshwater Parish Council has financially supported West Wight Sports & Community Centre (WWSCC), providing over £250,000 in grant funding. In 2023/24, the Parish Council continued its support with four grants: £10,000 for the Community Connector role, £10,000 for a Changing Places facility, £8,500 for a new chemical dosing system for the learner pool, and £10,000 for installing photovoltaic panels to heat the swimming pools.
Over £2,000 raised for Freshwater Skatepark through community-driven event
The Freshwater community came together in an extraordinary display of solidarity and support at the Freshwater Memorial Hall this week, hosting an event that was both a celebration of local talent and a fundraiser for the much-anticipated Freshwater Skatepark. The evening featured the thrilling adventure film “Savage Waters,” captivating the audience with tales of daring and exploration.
Savage Waters screening, plus Wight Trash films and live music at Skatepark and Pump Track charity night
A fundraiser for the new Skatepark and Pump track in Freshwater is being held later this month. Movie and Music night in aid of Freshwater Skatepark and pump track takes place on the 22nd March 2024, starting at 6:30pm at Memorial Hall, Freshwater. Come and see the movie Savage Waters currently in cinemas and skate movies from Wight Trash.
Freshwater's Joe Crockett seeks support for World Scooter Championship journey
Freshwater scooter rider Joe Crockett came third in the European Finals in Thuringia, Germany and has qualified for the 11th Annual World Scooter Championships which take place in Sydney, Australia between October 19th to 22nd October. Donate to Joe’s GoFundMe Joe will be competing in the Junior Open (non-professional riders, 15 years old or younger) division. Up to 20 riders have qualified from around the world for the 2023 World Scooter Championships in each division.
New Isle of Wight skatepark and pump track moves to the next stage
Freshwater Parish Council’s plans to build a new Skatepark and pump track has now moved to the next stage. One tender was received from Gravity Engineering Ltd and it was agreed to accept the tender. Further consultation There will be further consultation with residents, site visit for councillors and some local riders to other parks built by the Gravity, design adaptation to meet the requirements of local riders, meeting with the Gravity designers and securing the required funding.
Urgent £5,000 fundraiser for Isle of Wight scooter rider to compete in World Skate Games next month
Isle of Wight Local scooter rider, Joe Crockett from Freshwater, has been selected to compete in the World Skate Games in Argentina at the end of October. 14-year-old Joe recently came fourth in a National Competition and is one of the country’s top riders. £5,000 needed to take part In order to travel and take part in the World Skate Games in October, Joe needs to raise around £5,000. He also has to confirm he is able to take part by 6th October, so desperately needs our help.
Skateboarders of all ages turn out in force for Freshwater skatepark's community skate jam (photos)
Freshwater skatepark’s community skate jam which took place last month was held to raise funds and awareness for the new skatepark, pushing to create bigger and better facilities for this ever growing now popular Olympic sport in Freshwater. The weather was looking awful and had heavily rained all night and morning, but organiser, Hamish Fleming, was convinced it would clear.
New skatepark and pump track for Freshwater: More details revealed
An ambitious scheme has been unveiled for a state-of-the-art skatepark in Freshwater — including the Island’s first pump track. Freshwater Parish Council has committed £120,000 over two years towards the project at The Stroud. With the current skatepark nearing the end of its life, and repairs and upkeep costing more and more, the aim is for a long-lasting asset to the community, with something for all riders and ages to enjoy.
Medical Marijuana and Crime: Further Evidence From the Western States
State medical marijuana programs have proliferated in the United States in recent years. Marijuana sales are now estimated in billions of dollars per year with over two million patients, yet it remains unlawful under Federal law, and there is limited and conflicting evidence about potential effects on society. We present new evidence about potential effects on crime by estimating an economic crime model following the general approach developed by Becker.
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