Out On An Island

Bendy Book Club - 1979 by Val McDermid @ Bar 74, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-06-26 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Bar 74, 74 Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2LN, United Kingdom
Bendy Book Club will be meeting at Bar 74 in Ryde from 3pm to discuss 1979 by Val McDermid.

She’s on the hunt for a killer story . . .
1979. It’s the winter of discontent, and Allie Burns is chasing her first big scoop. One of few women in the newsroom, she needs something explosive for the boys’ club to take her seriously.
Soon Allie and fellow reporter Danny Sullivan are making powerful enemies with their investigations – and Allie won’t stop there. When she discovers a terrorist threat close to home, she devises a dangerous plan to make her name.
But Allie is a woman in a man’s world . . . and putting a foot wrong could be fatal.
They will be discussing the book for the first hour followed by a relaxed social meeting. Come along even if you haven’t read the book but would like to socialise and meet friendly folk.
Join the Bendy Book Club Facebook group to stay up to date.
Date: Sunday 26 June
Time: 3 pm
Location: Bar 74, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free
June’s Book Selection: 1979 by Val McDermid

Rainbow Island - Meeting @ Bar 74, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-06-26 13:00 - 2022-07-06 15:00 | Bar 74, 74 Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2LN, United Kingdom
Meet up for parents of LGBTQ+ young people followed by Rainbow Island LGBTQ+ Youth Group.
For more information contact caroline@stonecrabs.co.uk or 07786 080203
Date: Sunday 26 June
Time: 1 pm
Location: Bar 74, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island & Isle of Wight Pride - Pop Up Café @ Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
2022-06-25 10:30 - 12:30 | Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BD, United Kingdom
Out On An Island’s June pop up café will meet along with Isle of Wight Pride for a morning social chill-out and chat. There will be the opportunity to discuss what’s coming up for the LGBTQ+ community on the Island over the next few months, as well as opportunities to volunteer, share stories and get involved.
For more information, please contact caroline@stonecrabs.co.uk or 07786080203.
Date: Sunday 26 June
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Location: Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island Celebrating Pride: Arts & Wellbeing Workshop @ Department, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-06-23 04:00 - 18:00 | Department, 29-30 Cross Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2AA, United Kingdom
Out On An Island Celebrating Pride
Arts and wellbeing workshops for LGBTQ+ folk and allies of all ages
Supported by Isle of Wight Council and Southern Water

Led by visual artist Sydney Cardew, join us for three free workshops and help us to create a window display celebrating ‘Out On An Island’ and Pride 2022. All materials are supplied.
About Sydney
Sydney Cardew is a visual artist and poet from the Isle of Wight. She has a background in education, having worked in a variety of school roles, and currently teaches art and creative writing to young people and adults for Independent Arts. As well as the visual arts, she has a keen interest in theatre and roleplaying, having acted on stage and screen. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Date: Thursday 23 June
Time: 4 – 6pm
Location: Department, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island Celebrating Pride: Arts & Wellbeing Workshop @ Department, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-06-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Department, 29-30 Cross Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2AA, United Kingdom
Out On An Island Celebrating Pride
Arts and wellbeing workshops for LGBTQ+ folk and allies of all ages
Supported by Isle of Wight Council and Southern Water

Led by visual artist Sydney Cardew, join us for three free workshops and help us to create a window display celebrating ‘Out On An Island’ and Pride 2022. All materials are supplied.
About Sydney
Sydney Cardew is a visual artist and poet from the Isle of Wight. She has a background in education, having worked in a variety of school roles, and currently teaches art and creative writing to young people and adults for Independent Arts. As well as the visual arts, she has a keen interest in theatre and roleplaying, having acted on stage and screen. She is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Date: Thursday 16 June
Time: 4 – 6pm
Location: Department, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island – Book Tour & Networking with The Ventnor Darlings @ Babushka Books, Shanklin, Isle of Wight
2022-04-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Babushka Books, 67 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AE, United Kingdom
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents:
An entertaining evening of music, readings and space to share ideas and network with like-minded folks.

with music by The Ventnor Darlings
Date: Wednesday 27 April
Time: 7pm – 9.30pm
Location: Babushka Bookshop, Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Price: £3* (available from Medina Books)
To book phone: 01983 300044
*Tickets refundable on the purchase of a book on the evening

Bendy Book Club - Fingersmith by Sarah Waters @ Bar 74, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-04-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Bar 74, 74 Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2LN, United Kingdom
Bendy Book Club will be meeting at Bar 74 in Ryde from 3pm to discuss Fingersmith by Sarah Waters.

Sue Trinder is an orphan, left as an infant in the care of Mrs. Sucksby, a “baby farmer,” who raised her with unusual tenderness, as if Sue were her own. Mrs. Sucksby’s household, with its fussy babies calmed with doses of gin, also hosts a transient family of petty thieves—fingersmiths—for whom this house in the heart of a mean London slum is home.
One day, the most beloved thief of all arrives—Gentleman, an elegant con man, who carries with him an enticing proposition for Sue: If she wins a position as the maid to Maud Lilly, a naïve gentlewoman, and aids Gentleman in her seduction, then they will all share in Maud’s vast inheritance. Once the inheritance is secured, Maud will be disposed of—passed off as mad, and made to live out the rest of her days in a lunatic asylum.
With dreams of paying back the kindness of her adopted family, Sue agrees to the plan. Once in, however, Sue begins to pity her helpless mark and care for Maud Lilly in unexpected ways…But no one and nothing is as it seems in this Dickensian novel of thrills and reversals.
Join the Bendy Book Club Facebook group to stay up to date.
Date: Sunday 24 April
Time: 3 pm
Location: Bar 74, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free
April’s Book Selection: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Out On An Island - Book Tour & Networking @ Medina Bookshop, Cowes, Isle of Wight
2022-04-12 19:00 | Medina Bookshop, 50 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7RR, United Kingdom
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents:
An entertaining evening of music, readings and space to share ideas and network with like-minded folks.

Date: Tuesday 12 April
Time: 7pm
Location: Medina Bookshop, Cowes, Isle of Wight
Price: £3* (available from Medina Bookshop, Cowes)
To book phone: 01983 300044
*Tickets refundable on the purchase of a book on the evening

Out On An Island - Book Tour with Giulio Cantore @ October Books, Southampton
2022-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 | October Books, Meon House, 189 Portswood Road, Southampton, SO17 2NF, United Kingdom
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents:
Join the Out On An Island project for a celebratory launch of their long-awaited book from Medina Publishing: Out On An Island – The Isle Of Wight’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History: People, Places And Real-Life Stories. This event includes a talk by Out On An Island’s Franko Figueiredo and Caroline Diamond.

with music by Giulio Cantore
Please register via Eventbrite for instructions to join and to help manage numbers in the shop. October Books are operating with Covid caution, so please respect your fellow attendees by maintaining some distance. They are requesting that people attending events/gatherings in the shop please wear a face covering, and take a lateral flow test on the day of the event – to ensure all people feel safe.

Date: Saturday 26 March
Time: 11am
Location: October Books, Southampton
Price: Free

Out On An Island – Book Tour & Networking with Giulio Cantore @ Boojum & Snark, Sandown, Isle of Wight
2022-03-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Boojum & Snark, 105 High Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8AF, United Kingdom
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents:
An entertaining evening of music, readings and space to share ideas and network with like-minded folks.

with music by Giulio Cantore
Date: Tuesday 22 March
Time: 7pm – 9.30pm
Location: Boojum & Snark, Sandown, Isle of Wight
Price: £3* (available from Medina Bookshop, Cowes)
To book phone: 01983 300044
*Tickets refundable on the purchase of a book on the evening

Cowes Community Day & Out On An Island – Book Tour @ IOW Community Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight
2022-03-19 11:00 - 15:00 | IOW Community Club, IOW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6RA, United Kingdom
To celebrate the launch of Out On An Island – The Isle Of Wight’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History: People, Places And Real-Life Stories by Medina Publishing, Out On An Island will be at Cowes Community Day to discuss the book as well as volunteering with the project.
Cowes Community Day will shine a spotlight on those groups and organisations that support the communities and residents in the Cowes area. Find out about volunteering opportunities and new projects happening locally.

Date: Saturday 19 March
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: IOW Community Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

CANCELLED - Out On An Island - Book Tour & Networking with DJ Spike @ Dimbola Lodge, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
2022-03-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Dimbola Lodge, Terrace Lane, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9QE, United Kingdom
DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.
If you have already booked your ticket, this can be transferred to our upcoming event at Boojum & Snark on 22 March or you can contact Medina Books for a refund.
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents:
An entertaining evening of music, readings and space to share ideas and network with like-minded folks.

with music by DJ Spike & special performance by Krysia Mansfield
Date: Saturday 12 March
Time: 7pm
Location: Dimbola Lodge, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Price: £3* (available from Medina Bookshop, Cowes)
To book phone: 01983 300044
*Tickets refundable on the purchase of a book on the evening

Our Stories Matter - Documentary Screening @ Newport Methodist Church, Newport, Isle of Wight
2022-03-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Newport Methodist Church, Newport Methodist Church, Quay Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BA, United Kingdom
This event is for National Trust Association Members only.
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island presents a special viewing of:
Our Stories Matter
This documentary highlights inspiring LGBTQ+ people and places, all with an Isle of Wight connection.
Meet feisty lesbian Joe Carstairs – the “fastest woman on the water” – who raced in the Solent in the 1920’s. Learn about renowned architects and partners Paget and Seely, who made their home at Mottistone Manor.
The Island has a rich and poignant LGBTQ+ history. Like lifting a stone on the beach, we were unsure of just what we would find in our research, but the courage and achievements of our creative community and the resilience of ordinary people is unmasked for all to see.
Date: Friday 11 March
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: Newport Methodist Church, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Words Over The Water & Out On An Island - Poetry Line Up @ Royal Victoria Arcade, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-03-05 14:00 - 14:45 | Royal Victoria Arcade, Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2DA, United Kingdom
To celebrate the launch of Out On An Island – The Isle Of Wight’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History: People, Places And Real-Life Stories by Medina Publishing, StoneCrabs will present poems from the book with Ryde poet Peter Woodnutt as our special guest.
Date: Wednesday 23 February
Time: 2pm – 2.45pm
Location: Royal Victoria Arcade, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Words Over The Water & Out On An Island - Book Tour @ Monkton Arts, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2022-03-05 10:30 - 12:30 | Monkton Arts, 11 East Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1JP, United Kingdom
StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books and Monkton Arts presents:
Meet the publishers and editors of Out On An Island – The Isle Of Wight’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History: People, Places And Real-Life Stories at Monkton Arts‘ Authors Market.

Date: Saturday 5 March
Time: 10.30am – 12.20pm
Location: Monkton Arts, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - Book Launch with Clare Summerskill & Laila El-Metoui @ London Metropolitan University, London
2022-03-02 18:30 - 20:30 | London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London, N7 8DB, United Kingdom
StoneCrabs in collaboration with CREATURE (Centre for Creative Arts, Cultures and Engagement) at London Metropolitan University presents:
Join StoneCrabs Theatre’s Out On An Island project for a celebratory drink for the launch of their long-awaited new book published by Medina Books: Out On An Island – The Isle Of Wight’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History: People, Places And Real-Life Stories.

Free event – booking is essential

The event includes an introduction by comedienne, a singer, writer and playwright Clare Summerskill, followed by a short address by the publishers along with Franko Figueiredo and Caroline Diamond, editors of Out On An Island. There will be an address by special guest Laila El-Metoui, an award winning Equity Educator with over 30 years experience in Education and Inclusion in the public and private sector. The founder of Pride in Education and Educating Out Racism, she’s been honoured as Stonewall’s Lesbian Role Model of the Year (2020) and named on the Guardian’s Pride Power List (2021).
You’ll be treated to a brief preview of a new play in development from StoneCrabs Theatre exploring the life and adventures of the fabulous gender-bending Joe Carstairs, an enigmatic lesbian who raced boats in the Solent and had a boatyard in East Cowes.

Date: Wednesday 2 March
Time: 6.30pm
Location: London Metropolitan University, London
Price: Free (booking is essential)

To book, click here.

Out On An Island – Book Launch @ Waterstones, Newport, Isle of Wight
2022-02-26 12:00 | Waterstones Isle of Wight, 118 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1TP, United Kingdom
Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents
A chance to learn about Out On An Island – The Isle Of Wight’s Hidden LGBTQ+ History: People, Places And Real-Life Stories, as well as the research behind the book.
with poetry readings by Peter Woodnutt
Date: Saturday 26 February
Time: 12pm
Location: Waterstones, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

IW Pride - Volunteers Drop-In Session @ Riverside Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight
2022-02-25 12:30 - 18:30 | Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QR, United Kingdom
Volunteers are being sought for this year’s Isle of Wight Pride event.

IW Pride is back and planning to hold a parade, community village and activities on Saturday 16 July.

However, along with many organisations that rely on volunteers to function, the impact of the Covid pandemic has seen a decline in people coming forward to get involved. To rekindle interest and welcome new volunteers, IW Pride is holding a drop-in session for anyone interested in helping out. Discover the plans for 2022 and find out how to take part in the event and the build-up to it.
Trustees and supporters will be on hand to answer questions and talk about opportunities.
Everyone is welcome, from within the LGBTQIA+ community or allies.
Anyone unable to drop-in on the day is invited to email info@iwpride.org for further information.

Date: Friday 25 February
Time: 12.30pm – 6.30pm
Location: Riverside Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - Book Tour & Networking @ Independent Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
2022-02-22 18:30 | Independent Arts, 48-49 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1SE, United Kingdom
Out On An Island in partnership with Medina Books presents
An entertaining evening of music, readings and space to share ideas and network with like-minded folks.
with music by The Ventnor Darlings
Date: Tuesday 22 February
Time: 6.30pm
Location: Independent Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: £3* (available from Medina Bookshop, Cowes)
To book phone: 01983 300044
*Tickets refundable on the purchase of a book on the evening

Out On An Island - Book & Exhibition Launch @ Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight
2022-02-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Castle Hill, Newport, Isle Of Wigh, PO30 1XY, United Kingdom
Out On An Island – Book Launch & Exhibition
at Carisbrooke Castle on Saturday 19 February from 3.30pm
Join us in a celebration of LGBT History Month to mark the launch of StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island project’s long-awaited book, published by Medina Books. This evening will also mark the opening of the An Untold Heritage exhibition at Carisbrooke Castle Museum.
3.30pm – Arrive at the lower gallery for drinks. There will be an opportunity to view the exhibition on the upper floor and to buy the book from Medina Publishing.
Please note that the Castle closes its gates to the public at 4pm.
4pm – Join us for drinks in front of the large fireplace to hear an introduction by Paul Armfield on behalf of Medina Books, followed by a short address by Out On An Island’s Franko Figueiredo and Caroline Diamond along with an extract from the book.
4.30 – Enjoy a short preview of The Fastest Woman On Water, a new show in development by StoneCrabs Theatre about the life and adventures of Joe Carstairs, an enigmatic lesbian who raced boats in the Solent and had a boatyard in East Cowes.
If you cannot make this date, check our calendar of events as we’ll have other launches across the UK throughout the year for you to attend.
Click here to order the book.
Date: Saturday 19 February
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Location: Carisbrooke Castle Museum, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island & Staying Afloat - Our Stories Matter @ Freshwater Library, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
2022-02-05 10:00 - 14:30 | Freshwater Library, 41 School Green Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9AP, United Kingdom
Presented by Stonecrabs Theatre, Isle of Wight Council and Friends of Freshwater Library
Celebrate LGBT+ History Month
with Out On An Island and Staying Afloat
Come along to enjoy a coffee and croissant while you chill-out and chat about all things LGBTQ+. Find out about LGBTQ+ groups Out On An Island and Staying Afloat, and watch StoneCrabs’ new documentary about the Isle of Wight’s LGBTQ+ history.
10am to 12pm – Connect with project members to find out about opportunities to meet with like-minded individuals.
1.30pm – Out Stories Matter documentary screening (60 mins)
Out On An Island is hosting an exhibition at Carisbrooke Castle Museum (Feb – Aug 2022) and launching their project’s book which looks at the Isle of Wight’s hidden LGBTQ+ history.
Staying Afloat is supporting LGBTQ+ people of all ages with their mental health, using the opportunity to connect with others, free counselling and activities which participants can choose.
Date: Saturday 5 February
Time: 10am – 2.30pm
Location: Freshwater Library, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - Pop Up Café @ Ryde Library, Ryde, Isle of Wight
2021-11-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Ryde Library, George Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2JE, United Kingdom
Join our Out On An Island Pop Up Café experience!
Enjoy a coffee, chill-out and chat, enjoy the project’s fascinating documentary film, Our Stories Matter, check out our digital exhibition and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0okA2MzJ80
Journey across the Island looking at LGBTQ+ historical figures and connected places, including Virginia Woolf at Dimbola Lodge, Paget and Seely at Mottistone Manor and ‘the fastest woman on water’, Joe Carstairs in East Cowes.
Date: Saturday 27 November
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Location: Ryde Library, Ryde, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - Pop Up Café @ Freshwater Library, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
2021-11-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Freshwater Library, 41 School Green Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9AP, United Kingdom
Join our Out On An Island Pop Up Café experience!
Enjoy a coffee, chill-out and chat, enjoy the project’s fascinating documentary film, Our Stories Matter, check out our digital exhibition and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0okA2MzJ80
Journey across the Island looking at LGBTQ+ historical figures and connected places, including Virginia Woolf at Dimbola Lodge, Paget and Seely at Mottistone Manor and ‘the fastest woman on water’, Joe Carstairs in East Cowes.
Date: Saturday 6 November
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Freshwater Library, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - Pop Up Café @ Sandown Library, Sandown, Isle of Wight
2021-10-30 10:00 - 12:30 | Sandown Library, 119 High Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8AF, United Kingdom
Join our Out On An Island Pop Up Café experience!
Enjoy a coffee, chill-out and chat, enjoy the project’s fascinating documentary film, Our Stories Matter, check out our digital exhibition and much more!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0okA2MzJ80
Journey across the Island looking at LGBTQ+ historical figures and connected places, including Virginia Woolf at Dimbola Lodge, Paget and Seely at Mottistone Manor and ‘the fastest woman on water’, Joe Carstairs in East Cowes.
Date: Saturday 30 October
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Location: Sandown Library, Sandown, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - Pop Up Café @ Lord Louis Library, Newport, Isle of Wight
2021-10-16 10:00 - 12:30 | Lord Louis Library, 44 Orchard Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1LL, United Kingdom
Join our Out On An Island Pop Up Café experience!
Enjoy a coffee, chill-out and chat, and LGBTQ+ quiz.
Date: Saturday 16 October
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Location: Lord Louis Library, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free

Out On An Island - An Untold Heritage Exhibition @ Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
2021-06-19 - 2021-07-17 | Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BD, United Kingdom
Out On An Island – An Untold Heritage will exhibit in Quay Arts’ Clayden Gallery
Out On An Island celebrates LGBTQ+ history with the first ever exhibition entirely dedicated to LGBTQ+ heritage on the Isle of Wight.
Listen to oral histories from local LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages, gaining a new perspective of the Isle of Wight’s past. Mindful that it is only 54 years since homosexuality was partially decriminalised in the UK, the project celebrates queer love, queer desire and gender diversity, while showing the challenges of being LGBTQ+ on the Island. Recordings have captured harrowing accounts of how people have dealt with change, due to both external factors such as politics and the law as well as internal personal struggles as they strove to be their authentic selves. There are uplifting, inspiring and soul-searching journeys from some who found acceptance and true happiness on the Isle of Wight.
The exhibition features an enlightening documentary film, Our Stories Matter, which shines a light on local heritage and looks at the notable LGBTQ+ people connected with the Island. Photographer Jon Haben’s portraits skilfully reflect local people and the oral histories they shared with us, while artworks commissioned from Island artists Karl Stedman and Sydney Cardew show a unique response to the project. We also have noteworthy memorabilia collected by the curating team, featuring the Sailing and Cruising Association, WightOut newsletters and IW Pride.

Dates: Saturday 19 June – Saturday 17 July
Days: Monday – Sunday
Times: 10am – 4pm
Location: Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free
