Four More Island Groups Boosted By WightAID Cash

A music group, a youth sports initiative, a knitting club and an Isle of Wight event, have all benefited in the latest diverse round of grants from WightAID.

The biggest winner in the £5,317.60 handout was Medina Marching Band, which received £3,317.60 towards restoration of its instruments ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Medina Marching Band’s goal is to make music accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.

They have a membership of 100 from as young as eight years old.

The WightAID grant will enable the band to fully restore 15 of their instruments.

This includes replacing drum skins and snares.

A spokesperson for the band said:

“This restoration will allow their musicians to perform with renewed pride and professionalism, celebrating their legacy with instruments worthy of the milestone.”

The Isle of Wight Cricket Board was granted £1,000 towards the cost of putting on

summer cricket camps for children.

They want to develop the offer of camps for children aged 11-14.

This will include children who may already be involved at clubs as well as children new to cricket.

Wroxall Woolies run coffee and craft mornings in the village and have been given £500 to run a sandwich bar offering homemade sandwiches, hot drinks and biscuits to members.

The club’s members create items with new wools and patterns, which are able to be donated to places such as children’s wards, foodbanks, RSPCA etc.

In the winter months they provide a warm space and lunch club.

This has proven so popular that people have requested they stay open during the summer season and provide a lighter lunch.

Shanklin Regatta is a free, family fun filled day which is back for its 172nd year on August 14, offering sports, magicians, music, dancing and a beach firework display.

It was given £500 toward the costs of putting on the event.

Founder of WightAID, Geoff Underwood, said:

“Our regular cheque presentation meeting with charities is a great opportunity for the recipients of grants to get together and meet with donors, The WightAID Team and talk and exchange ideas with each other.

“This month the IW Cricket Board got chatting with Wroxall Woolies about setting something up in Wroxall.

“It’s this kind of interaction that makes our format for the cheque presentation such a fun and rewarding experience“.

Join WightAID at www.wightaid.org/donate