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 The Isle of Wight village of Brighstone is a caring and inclusive community and villagers jump at any opportunity to come together. Fun events such as the local horticultural show, a summer fete or the Christmas tree festival are just as popular as the more serious parish plan consultations or conservation activity. Villagers are kept up to date with activities and events via a parish newsletter – which is delivered by volunteers to every household in the parish, a village section in the local newspaper, noticeboards and a community directory.
In particular, Brighstone’s young people are well catered for, and they are nurtured by the very active and caring village community. For example, a few years ago the village’s old Scout Hut was condemned. Rather than sitting back and accepting this, the local community pulled together in a massive fundraising effort to build a new facility on the existing site. This involved local fundraising events such as auctions and jumble sales, as well as many hours of work applying for grants etc. The new Scout and Community Hall is now well used by many local groups and also serves as a Youth Hostel during the summer holidays.
The village school is also a keystone for activity and interaction between young residents and older villagers. A thriving school council meets every two weeks and discusses issues put forward by pupils. The parish plan is also due to be updated shortly and young people will be asked to take the lead in consulting their peers on the development of services and facilities for the future.
Brighstone, with a population of about 1,200, is a vibrant rural community situated just off the south west coast of the Isle of Wight.
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