The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras is a wonderful themed parade and was held this year on Saturday 30th June 2018.
This year the theme was Global Biospheres in support of the Island's bid to become a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Equals IW was represented through the work of the Equals IW Women’s Friendship Group with their entry themed around Komodo Island, Indonesia.
The very colourful parade brought joy to those watching in the streets of Ryde as the town basked in summer sunshine.
The event was a collaboration between Island-based event organisers, the New Carnival Company and the IW Area of Outstanding Beauty Unit.
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Main Points of General Interest
Equals IW continues to make progress on several organisational fronts
- Providing opportunities for students to gain experience in our voluntary sector
- Fund raising documentation has been prepared
- Efforts are being made in widening Committee membership to broaden our activities
- The website is now compliant with GDPR rules
The Women's Friendship Group activity for the period was focused on preparing for the Mardi Gras event.
Most of the other activity by members was in support of the Isle of Wight Asian Day event. Unfortunately this was cancelled due to atrocious weather on the day.
The next committee meeting will be held in September 2018 after the summer break.
This is a very brief abstract from the minutes of the meeting.
A copy of the minutes is available on
Equals IW is appealing for funds to help in its vital work on the Isle of Wight. Here is the text of a letter being sent out to local institutions seeking support.
You have probably never heard of us, and you wouldn't unless you are newly arrived on the Isle of Wight, you are a woman, possibly from another country, a person with little or no family support, do not speak good English, member of one of the LBGT communities, or a man with similar problems.
That was why the Equals IW group was formed, to provide a solution for those who have found integrating in British society to be difficult.
Our vision is that the Isle of Wight will become an even more inclusive, supportive and friendly place to live, work and visit for all people. We want the Isle of Wight to be a place of true equality of opportunity, with peace and respect for all.
We are working together with other organisations and individuals to achieve this vision. As you will gather from ensuing pages we have been fulfilling this task and following the original objectives. Our activities have encompassed disparate ethnic and cultural groups and notably we have been able to encourage many foreign born women to step forward and participate in traditional British community activity.
All our active members are volunteers and we have no professional workers. Our expenses revolve around hall hires and costs most of which are defrayed by contributions but we still need some top-up finance to keep us going. We are presently preparing a celebration of United Nations Diversity Day in May 2019 and this would involve at least a dozen national and cultural groups on the Island. We are already committed to working with the Mardi Gras and Pride events.
We would welcome your financial support and sponsorship.
The Totland Bay Mosaic Arts Company and Heart in my Mouth are working with Equals IW to Support Asian Day 2018.
The Isle of Wight Asian Day 2018 is a free event for everyone.
We would love you to come along and visit our stand where you can have ago at Indian Printing, Asian Arts, Glass Painting to create your own Asian Style Tea Light.
You can also have ago at Glass Painting to create your own Asian Style Tea Light.
Whilst visiting us why not take a look at lovely handmade craft items made by Helen and Lesley, include some special craft items with an Asian theme on sale just for this special day.
Treat yourself or buy as a gift for someone special to you.
Come and see the best in Asian Culture in a fun family day out on Sunday 29th July at Arreton Barns. Entry is free and there will be plenty to see and things to do with Asian food, dancing, costumes and entertainment.
Programme for the Asian Day Sunday 29 July 2018
- 10:00 - DJ Ann Abi Dance Vibez introduces the Hosts Cristy Arago and Theo Fernandez who will welcome Sponsors, Guests and Participants
- 10:30 - Costume Parade
- 11:00 - Uk National Anthem
- 11:10 - Opening Remarks by Asian Day organiser Aireen Gauntlett
- 11:15 - Speech by Gerry Panga for Philippine Tourism
- 11:25 - Speech by Mayor Rajesh Patel
- 11:40 - Entertainment with a song by Susan Lovejoy of Voice Uk
- 12:20 - Dance Vibez
- 12:50 - Speech by Isle of Wight Councillor Ian Ward
- 13:00 - Special number by Shanelle Gauntlett
- 13:25 - Igorot Dance
- 13:45 - Filipiniana Dance
- 14:00 - Mrs Asian Beauty Pageant
Voice over by Kaycey Colleen Lim and Theo Fernandez
Welcome to the beauty pageant guest Judges
National Costume
Casual Wear
Talent 3 minutes per candidate
Evening Gown
Interview
Serenade Song by Andy Gio
Award Ceremony - 16:00 - Song by Ela Hidalgo
- 16:30 - Harry Smith
- 17:00 - Live Band Introders from London
- 17:30 - Thai Dance with Nit Cook
- 18:00 - Young Singer 3 Sisters Miss Sumang
19:00 - Bollywood DJ Dr Gos Jilani - 19:30 - Harmonix Team Group
- 20:00 - The End
The 2018 Isle of Wight Asian Day due to take place on the 29th July 2018 was cancelled due to the weather.
The organisers would like to apologise to all who were inconvenienced.
The next Equals IW July 2018 Committee Meeting details are
- Date: Wednesday 18th July 2018
- Time: 6.15pm to 8.00pm
- Location: Seeds4change Family Therapy Ltd, 42 Quay Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BA
Seeds4change Family Therapy Ltd is located in Quay Street, Newport on the same side as the church at the top of Quay Street, High Street End. It is about half way along Quay Street just up and opposite the Island Courts.
Entrance is through the black gates that lead you into a small court yard car park. Take the first door on the right into the building.
This is the same venue as the last Committee Meeting.
Free Car Parking in Quay Street as of 6pm.
Please make every effort to attend as the following meeting will not be until September 2018.
Find out more on Wikipedia or read the article in the Metro.
Main Points of General Interest
Equals IW has made progress on several organisational fronts
- Operational procedures around privacy
- Links to other Isle of Wight organisations
- Fund raising
- Trustees and the Charity Commission
- Finance
- Equals IW Membership
The Women's Friendship Group membership has been falling so the group are considering a marketing drive after the summer. The issue was raised that having Mardis Gras workshops in a venue restricted to Women, while cost effective, prevents male participation. Also the timing of workshops during the day prevents those in paid work from joining in.
The Men's Friendship Group has been dormant due to work commitments. The committee discussed whether focusing future meetings on a specific activity would increase interest.
Activities are currently being planned for
- Mardis Gras Parade. Kimmy the dragon's framework has been created during a series of Women's Friendship Group meeting. Work continues on Kimmy and the costumes for the parade.
- Asian Day. A gazebo has been promised for Equals IW promotion.
This is a very brief abstract from the minutes of the meeting.
A copy of the minutes is available on
The May Committee meeting will be held as follows
- Date:- Saturday 19th May 2018
- Time:- 10am to 11.30am
- Venue:- Seeds4change Family Therapy Ltd, 42 Quay Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5BA.
The venue is on the opposite side to the court about halfway up/down Quay street.
Parking charges apply in Quay Street.