LIFESTYLE


Jan Toms Rogues, Rascals and Reprobates


Have you heard about the customs officer who had both his hands severed by smugglers? Or the ‘naked protest’ of the women prisoners of Parkhurst, after a visit from Queen Victoria. Or the clergyman who permanently put an end to his wife’s nagging, then failed to kill himself?


You may think you live on an idyllic island but it was once renowned for being a place to dump criminals. Jan Toms, one of the Island’s most prolific authors, has uncovered a fascinating array of stories about the seedy side of this Island’s past. Entertainingly written and illustrated with amusing sketches, Isle of Wight Villains is stuffed full of reprobates. A bit like our three prisons, really.


Jan is the author of 13 novels, as well as other books of fascinating facts. “I become intrigued with snippets I hear and start delving,” says Jan. “Although my previous book, The Cruellest Month, was fiction it was full of personalities from the Island’s past.”


It is often just a word in conversation that sets Jan’s antennae going. “I started thinking about murderers – there’s been a surprising number on the Island when you start looking – as well as smugglers. Then I started getting interested in how the law worked. There was a court still working here in the 18th/19th centuries which worked a bit like a magistrates court. In fact it had been abolished in the17th century, but nobody took any notice of that and went on using it to sue others for debt. All very Isle of Wight!”


Look out for Isle of Wight Villains by Jan Toms at Waterstones.


Night Walk for Charity ISLE OF WIGHT


WALKING FESTIVAL Now in its fourteenth year, the festival boasts 16 days


of unbeatable, informative and healthy walks.For 2012, organisers have compiled a full programme of walks for all abilities and ages, from toddlers to the more mature, from hikers to casual walkers join us on a mission to get fit and healthy, while having a lot of fun and enjoyment, there couldn’t be a better place than the stunning Isle of Wight. Walks are led by very knowledgeable and popular leaders who share their stories and history of the Island.


This year’s Isle of Wight Walking Festival got off to an adrenaline-fuelled start with a firewalk and glasswalk. Mark King from Level 42 led the way. The point of it all was to increase confidence and self-esteem, release fears and doubts, transform fear to positive action.


10 www.styleofwight.co.uk


A Jubilee Charity Night Hike will take place on 3rd June – under the full moon – to raise money for outdoor play areas for Yarmouth and Shalfleet Primary Schools and their Pre-Schools. Beginning at 10.30pm it is expected that adults will outnumber the children – but who knows? As large sums of money are needed, large numbers of people are invited. The Night Walk starts at Yarmouth School between 10.30pm and Midnight, goes up over the Freshwater Downs, cuts down through Wellow and finishes at Shalfleet School. If you wish to be part of this memorable occasion please register your interest at www. nightwalkw


estwight.


co.uk, or call Joanna Minchin on 07790 401 036.


Advertising Call (01983) 861 007


5 – 12 MAY 2012


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