The Wight Brainy Bunch

The End of Summer Event
2023-09-10 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
We’re delighted to be attending ‘The End of Summer’ event in aid of Mad-Aid om the 10th September at Smallbrook Stadium.
The event will see a host of stalls and entertainment come together to raise funds for Mad-Aid whilst also supporting To be in her Shoes, IOW Defibrillators, Blue Sea Protection, Haylands Farm, Haven Falconry, The Veterans Hub and The Wight Brainy Bunch.
With bingo on the grass, a raffle and kids area, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic event.
Donation on entry

Dog Show
2023-09-09
Dog Show at Arreton Barns
Details to follow…

Behind the Curtain ...
2023-08-09 19:30 - 2023-08-13 22:30
The award-winning Medina Community Choir presents the new musical “Behind the Curtain” from 9th to 13th August in the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre at Ryde School, benefitting two charities.
The story is centred around the on- and off-stage lives and loves of a travelling troupe of singers, Chorus-line, who tour the country rehearsing and performing whenever a backing choir is needed. Behind the Curtain includes smash hits from Broadway shows like Matilda, Rent, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Evita, Jekyll & Hyde and Everybody’s Talking about Jamie.
The show is written and directed by Medina Community Choir director Hannah Brear and its stars include island youngsters Tom Thorne, Ella Brear, Ellie Warne and Tilly Grimshaw, backed by the choir. Accompanying are “The Orchestra of the Gods”, led by James Longford (piano) and featuring the talents of Jon Thorne (bass), JC and Kathy Grimshaw (guitar and violin) and Rufus Reader (percussion).
“We’re hoping to deliver a breathtaking show for our audiences and for our 85-strong cast,” says Hannah.
“Behind the Curtain is comic, tragic, heart-breaking, life-affirming and inspirational in equal measure and it will be raising money for two charities, The Wight Brainy Bunch (providing emotional support and financial assistance to island families affected by brain tumours) and BEAT (the UK’s Eating Disorder Charity).
“Medina Community Choir is for all ages and I wanted to give our talented young people an unforgettable experience that they’ll be able to treasure forever, before they go their separate ways now that GCSEs and A levels are over and the next exciting chapter of their life begins.”
The choir was founded by Hannah in 2006 and now has more than 100 members. As well as its popular Isle of Wight concerts, it has performed at prestigious venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall and Le Mans Cathedral and provided backing to stars including Fat Boy Slim and acclaimed tenor Russell Watson.
All ticket information and details about the choir can be found on its website: www.medinacommunitychoir.org.uk
Running from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th August at 7.30pm and a Sunday matinée on 13th August at 3pm, tickets for Behind the Curtain are available now at £10 each or a family ticket for £36 from the box office at mcctickets.co.uk

Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra Concert
2023-07-01 19:00 - 22:00
The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra will be holding their next concert on Saturday 1st July at Medina Theatre.
The orchestra will round off the season with a July extravaganza, featuring a host of orchestral favourites, as well as some less familiar work, including the music of two British titans, Benjamin Britton and Jonathan Dove. There will also be music from one of the most iconic musicals of all time, West Side Story, a contemporary interpretation of Romeo and Juliet
We are delighted to be their chosen charity for 2023 and look forward to attending, with a bucket collection in the interval.
Tickets; Adults £15 / Under 18’s £6
Box Office Tel; 01983 823884

Quiz Night at Caffé Isola
2023-06-30 18:30 - 22:00
Quiz Night at Caffé Isola in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch
Teams of 4-6 people
£5 per person entry
Doors open: 6.30pm
Quiz starts: 7.00pm
Enjoy coffee and cake or a glass of wine and grazing platter which can be pre-ordered.
Book your team today by calling 524800 or by popping into Caffé Isola.

Quivers at the Bargeman's Rest
2023-06-08 19:15 - 22:30
Are you ready for a night of laughs?!

If so, head over to the Bargeman’s Rest on Thursday 8th June, when the hilarious Quivers will be entertaining the crowds in the Sail Loft!

Doors Open 7.15pm Show Starts 8pm

Tickets £7.00 (Booking Required)

25% of all ticket sales will be donated to the Wight Brainy Bunch to continue supporting Isle of Wight families affected by brain tumours.

Call 01983 525828 to book and pay via phone or pop in the pub!

Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra Concert
2023-05-13 19:00 - 22:00
The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra will be holding their next concert on Saturday 13th May at Medina Theatre.
May’s concert will feature the return of Charlie Lovell-Jones, who will perform Glazunov’s exciting Violin Concerto. Following the interval, the orchestra will perform Rimsky-Korsakov’s suite Scheherazade, inspired by the major character and storyteller in the Middle Eastern collection of tales known as ‘One Thousand and One Nights’
We are delighted to be their chosen charity for 2023 and look forward to attending, with a bucket collection in the interval.
Tickets; Adults £15 / Under 18’s £6
Box Office Tel; 01983 823884
Further dates for 2023;
July 1st

A Right Royal Race Night !
2023-05-06 18:30 - 23:00
Join us on Saturday 6th May for our Right Royal Charity Race Night …. and what better place to celebrate the King’s Coronation than in a Castle!
We invite you to enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival, before entering the Royal Enclosure and placing your bets on a noble steed or your favourite filly.
Bar snacks available (not included in ticket price)
So dust off your tiara’s and reserve your tickets for a fun filled night at the races!
Tickets £5.00 – To book your place click HERE (Tickets must be purchased in advance)
Doors open 6.30pm / First Race 7.30pm
Ryde Castle Hotel, The Esplanade, Ryde
The Wight Brainy Bunch provide emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra Concert
2023-03-18 19:00 - 22:00
The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra will be holding their next concert on Saturday 18th March at Medina Theatre.
March’s concert features a new soloist to the IWSO, oboist Fergus McCready. Fergus will perform Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto, one of the composers last works. Alongside Brahms’ St Anthony Variations, the Symphony Orchestra will also perform Tchaikovsky’s 3rd Symphony, nicknamed ‘The Polish’, which is both cheerful and boisterous, perhaps even balletic, as it was composed around the same time as Swan Lake.
We are delighted to be their chosen charity for 2023 and look forward to attending, with a bucket collection in the interval.
Tickets; Adults £15 / Under 18’s £6
Box Office Tel; 01983 823884
Further dates for 2023;
May 13th
July 1st

Friendly Frolic 2023
2023-03-05 10:00 - 12:00
The Friendly Frolic is a low pressure, fun and sociable running event, which is this year in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch – There will also be a donation to the Bargemans Rest, who are fundraising to be able to have a defibrillator installed at the pub.

You choose how many of the predefined loops you wish to run – so go and do a short run with friends and enjoy a coffee (or something stronger) or spend all day pounding out the miles .. its up to you!

Register at the Bargemans Rest at 9:15 to register, to start running at 10am.

There is no fee to enter, but you are asked to make a charity donation.

The 5 Loops…

Loop A – Cycle Path – 6.94 miles – https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2363688121

Loop B – Stag Lane – 4.04 miles – https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2363700088

Loop C – The Woodvale – 11.38 miles – https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2363717827

Loop D – Mountjoy – 5.34 miles – https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2365317997

Loop E – Island Harbour – 4.46 miles – https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2365323406

Bargemans Rest Quiz!
2023-03-01 19:45 - 22:00
The Bargemans Quiz Night will be held on Wednesday the 1st of March in aid of The Wight Brainy Bumch!
The quiz will start at 7.45pm – teams should be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 with a £5 entry fee for each team!
Booking is essential, so please call 01983 525828 to book your place.

Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra Concert
2023-01-21 19:00 - 22:00
The Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra will be holding their next concert on Saturday 21st January at Medina Theatre. Saturdays concert will showcase the young talent of Thomas Luke, piano, and James Thomas, conductor. The concert features Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto, one of the greatest works in the repertoire.
We are delighted to be their chosen charity for 2023 and look forward to attending, with a bucket collection in the interval.
SOLD OUT
Further dates for 2023;
March 18th
May 13th
July 1st

Winter Wonderland Christmas Market '22
2022-12-03 10:00 - 16:30 | Ryde Fire Station, Nicholson Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
We are super excited to be returning to Ryde Fire Station for our 2022 Wight Brainy Bunch Christmas Market on Saturday 3rd December from 10am – 4pm
We will once again offer a wonderful array of seasonal stalls and entertainment to get you in the mood for the Christmas festivities.
There will be plenty of festive refreshments available, including enjoying a bratwurst BBQ or hog roast, or relaxing on Candy Cane Lane with a mulled wine, luxury hot chocolate, mince pie or sweet treat, while the kids play in our inflatable snow globe.
Our naughty elves are already busy preparing the “Elf Workshop”, where the little ones can enjoy a range of craft activities, face painting, and of course don’t forget a visit to our wonderful Santa’s Grotto!
Fun for all the family .. so make sure this is a firm favourite in your diary!
With special thanks to Care at Home and the Occasion Station for generously sponsoring this event.
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra Concert
2022-11-19 07:00 - 22:00
The first of the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra concerts supporting The Wight Brainy Bunch is being held on Saturday 19th November at Medina Theatre. We will be attending with a bucket collection in the interval.
Tickets; Adults £16 / Under 18’s £7
Box Office Tel; 01983 823884

Further dates for 2023;
January 21st
March 18th
May 13th
July 1st

Diamonds & Ice Charity Ball
2022-11-12 18:30 - 2022-11-13 01:00
Frost yourself with diamonds and join us for this gem of a ball as we return to Gurnard Pines on Saturday 12th November.

Enjoy our sparkling drinks reception, excellent two course dinner and brilliant live music from Spike Oatley, Mr Mojo and The Strand.

*18:30 – 01:00 (Doors open 18:00hrs)
* Dress Code: Black Tie / Posh Frocks
* Over 18’s only

Tickets just £40

Maximum 10 persons per table

With special thanks to Care at Home for generously sponsoring this event.

In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

General Knowledge Quiz
2022-10-21 19:00 - 22:00
Join Tracy Asher for another of her fabulous Quiz Nights in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch at Newclose Cricket Ground on Friday 21st October.

* Doors open 7pm for 7.30 start.
* Max 4 per team.
* Prize for winning team
* £2.50 entry per person.
* Charity Raffle

To enter please email; tracy71pete57@hotmail.co.uk or telephone; 01983 527957

But be quick.. spaces are limited and these quizzes always get booked up really quickly!

In addition to doing the quiz face to face there is also the opportunity to sign up to the quiz by email, in exchange for a minimum donation of £2.50 per person taking part. This is ideal for people who are not available on the night, do not feel comfortable in attending a face-to-face quiz or if the face-to-face version is fully subscribed.

Great South Run
2022-10-16
Looking for a new challenge this year? Then why not sign up for this year’s Great South Run and raise money for The Wight Brainy Bunch?
Whether you’re a novice taking on your first challenge or an experienced runner, The Great South Run is the perfect challenge and a firm favourite with our Wight Brainy Bunch Team!
If you are still considering taking on the worlds leading 10 mile race or have already booked your place, we would love you to join our team and be wearing a Wight Brainy Bunch vest as you join 20,000 other runners along this famous route.
Starting on Clarence Esplanade in Southsea, the fast and flat course takes you through Old Portsmouth, home of the Portsmouth Cathedral, before entering the Historic Dockyard, home of HMS Victory, past Spinnaker Tower, and finishing on the seafront with beautiful views of the Isle of Wight.
The course is steeped in history dating as far back as 1212 and features bands on the run and unrivalled support from local residents and spectators.
Please contact us on: info@thewightbrainybunch.org.uk to confirm you intend to run for The Wight Brainy Bunch and we can support you with fundraising, sponsor forms and a running vest and our spectator team will be there to cheer you on, on the day.
To book your place please visit; http://www.greatrun.org/great-south-run
There is still plenty of time to trains to train …. so dust off the trainer’s, grab yourself a WBB vest and we’ll see you at the start line!

'Re-Dress' Pre-loved Clothes Event
2022-09-29 18:00 - 21:00
We are delighted to be the chosen charity for this months I Love Wight pre-loved clothes sale event at the Garlic Farm on Thursday 29th September from 6-9pm.
Join us and find a few good quality bargains whilst supporting The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Isle of Wight Gin Festival
2022-09-24 - 2022-09-25
The Isle of Wight Gin Festival returns to Quay Arts for its 6th year this September, celebrating some of the country’s finest small batch artisan gins and a GIN-TASTIC raffle in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.
Enjoy the tasting tables from visiting distillers. Each entry ticket will include 4 tasting tokens.
Each tasting session is 3 hours long for you to taste the gins on offer, eat, relax and enjoy the live music.
A combi ticket is available for £20 which includes entry, 4 tasting tokens and either a meat or vegan platter – Booking for these is essential.
Saturday 24th September
Session One: 12.30 – 15.30pm – Live music from Greg Barnes
Session Two: 16.00 – 19.00pm – Live music from JC Grimshaw
Sunday 25th September
Session One: 12.30 – 15.30pm – Live music from Greg Barnes
Session Two: 16.00 – 19.00pm – Live music from JC Grimshaw
Tickets available HERE

Wight Brainy Bunch Skydive 2022
2022-08-10
We will be taking to the skies once again on Wednesday 10th August for our annual Charity Skydive in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch!
There is no better way to see the Isle of Wight, than jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet from Sandown Airport .. so if this has been on your bucket list… now is the time to get onboard!
The total cost of one of our places is £300. A deposit of £50 will be required to secure your place, with the remaining balance to be paid 4 weeks prior to the jump. Obviously any sponsorship over and above this is an added bonus, for which we are very grateful.
Please email: info@thewightbrainybunch.org.uk for more information or to reserve your place.
Now who’d like to join us ??
The Wight Brainy Bunch provide emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

Warrior Festival 2022!
2022-07-30 12:00 - 23:00
The Warrior Festival is back… and we are super excited to announce the date of next years event is ….. Saturday 30th July 2022
The family friendly festival invites everyone to come and enjoy a fun-filled day with local food options, local bands in association with a local charity supporting local people, with Early Bird tickets priced at £10 and under 12s going free, camping also available (priced per pitch).
All proceeds will be going to The Wight Brainy Bunch who provide emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families affected by brain tumours
Anyone who wishes to get in touch can message via the Facebook event page Warrior Festival IOW or email hello@warriorfestiow.uk

Green Vs White Shoreline Challenge
2022-07-22 - 2022-07-24
Green Watch’s Watch Manager at Ryde Fire Station, Chaz Wright is retiring from HIWFRS next year. He has supported Mark right through his second surgery in 2019 and subsequent treatments and has continued to do so.
He said he wanted one final challenge before he retires, and decided he wanted to raise money for The Wight Brainy Bunch, due to its close connection to Green Watch, and Ryde Fire station as a whole.
As a station we have carried a ladder around the island in 36 hours, run in a human hamster wheel for 48 hours, climbed mount Everest 8 times up and down a 10 meter high ladder non-stop for 24 hours…. However, we think this is likely to be just as or more difficult and physically challenging than the other event we have taken so far. This will be 60 miles of contending with sand, shingle, stones, rocks, mud, clay, blue slipper, the Needles and of course, tides!
Please follow their challenge and support them by donating HERE
Your friends and family can also donate £5 by texting GREEN to 70460 …. or if you’d like to donate more, add your donation amount after GREEN, Example: GREEN20 (will donate £20).

Tesco Vs HIWFRS Charity Football Match
2022-06-26 14:00 - 17:00
On the 26th June, the staff of Tesco will take on the Hampshire & IOW Fire and Rescue Service in a charity football match in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.
The clash will kick off at 2pm at Sandown and Lake Football Pitch, along The Fairway, Lake.
With craft stalls, tombola and raffle, there is fun for all.
Entry donations welcome.

Race for Stace!
2022-05-01
Early last year, good friends of one of our WBB families planned a 66 mile, round the Island cycle ride to raise funds for The Wight Brainy Bunch … Sadly Covid put a stop to this challenge… but on the 1st May they will join approx 2500 cyclists for the 2022 IoW Randonnee, following cycle routes clockwise around the Island to finally complete their personal challenge and ‘Race for Stace’

A huge thank you to Claire Louise Compton for the incredible fundraising she has already done over the last year… You can read their story and support them with their challenge below

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/claire-compton-249

Easter Egg Run
2022-04-10 12:00 - 17:00
Join the Island Rider’s for their annual Easter Egg Run, on Sunday 10th April.
Meet at Dave Deaths at 12pm.
Entry is a donation of £1 plus an Easter Egg.
The Easter Egg Run is open to anybody on 2 or 3 wheels. You will visit up to 5 Care Homes and give each resident an egg, plus of course a few for the staff
Following the Easter Egg Run, there will be a buffet and charity raffle in aid of the Wight Brainy Bunch, at the Waverley.

Charity Race Night
2022-04-02 18:30 - 23:00
Join us for our next Charity Race Night at Ryde Castle, on Saturday 2nd April.
We invite you to enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival, before placing your bets for a flutter on the horses.
Bar meals available (not included in ticket price)
So dust off the fascinators and reserve your tickets for a fun night out and the chance to win some fab prizes.
Tickets £5.00 – To book your place click HERE
The Wight Brainy Bunch provide emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.

Medina Marching Band Spring Concert
2022-04-01 19:30 - 22:00
On Friday 1st April, Medina Marching Band are hosting a Spring Concert at Christ the King College, in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, with special guests, the IOW Highland Pipes & Drums.

£8.00 per ticket

Concert starts at 7.30pm

Free Parking

Tea & Coffee served during interval.

To book tickets, please call Medina Marching Band on 07837 792 518 or email: medinamarchingband@gmail.com

March Through March!
2022-03-01 08:00 - 2022-03-31 17:00
Following the success of last year’s lockdown event … We are pleased to announce that March through March will return for 2022!
Exercise is not just for pandemics… So set yourself a challenge to march across the Island, walking the approximate equivalent of:
A) Point to point – 25 miles /40.2km
B) Round the Island – 70 miles / 112.6km
C) Challenge yourself -100 miles / 160.9km
To enter, please email: info@thewightbrainybunch.org.uk to request a registration pack, including sponsor forms, links to setting up an online fundraising page, ideas for walking trails/routes to discover across the Island and details on how to log your activity/distance.
So, dust off the walking boots, get the whole family active and ‘March through March’ in aid of the Wight Brainy Bunch.

Baking News ... The Mince Pies are back!!!
2021-12-08
Brightbulb’s Mince Pie Marathon is back .. on Wednesday 8th December!
This year, the generous folks at PC Consultants are sponsoring the event and preparing to deliver mince pies to your door.
Join the fun by donating and getting yourself on the Mince Pie Marathon leader-board….. Who will top the charts this year as mince pie royalty?
Every order will come with a free 200g bag of Christmas Coffee, courtesy of the team at the Island tea and Coffee company. In addition the top 3 will be provided with enough Christmas Coffee for the entire business!
Last year Brightbulb raised over £6,415 for us by selling more than 6,415 mince pies! This year we want to break that record!
Be quick, the cutoff is the 3rd December. On the 8th December we will race against the clock to deliver all the mince pies
Order yours HERE

Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
2021-12-04 10:00 - 16:00
We are optimistically planning the return of our Wight Brainy Bunch Christmas Market on Saturday 4th December at Ryde Fire Station.
We will once again offer a wonderful array of seasonal stalls and entertainment to get you in the mood for the Christmas festivities.
There will be plenty of festive refreshments available, including bratwurst BBQ and hog roast, or relax on Candy Cane Lane with a mulled wine, luxury hot chocolate, mince pie or sweet treat, while the kids play in our inflatable snow globe.
Our naughty elves are already busy preparing the “Elf Workshop”, where the little ones can enjoy a range of craft activities, face painting, and of course don’t forget a visit to our wonderful Santa’s Grotto!
Fun for all the family!
All our plans are subject to the successful easing of lockdown restrictions, and whilst we are hopeful that we will be able to proceed with this event this year, we will be keeping a close eye on on government guidelines and acting accordingly.
In aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch, providing emotional support and financial assistance to Isle of Wight families whose lives have been affected by the devastating effects of brain tumours.
