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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.

The programmed activities are now complete but work continues so for the latest details please see our Facebook page.

Mardi Gras Activities 

Here is a list of the activities involved with Mardis Gras costumes, there is a cost this year to attending the workshops and limited places.

We have started making costumes for Mardi Gras at Wow. Please anyone who would like to join the parade let Sandra know.

Apologies for the poor display of this table on a mobile phone.

For further detaills please contact Sandra Trigg by email at

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The committee meeting planned for Thursday 12th April 2018 at the Newport Police Station has been CANCELLED.

Date and Time of Next Meeting and Venue to be announced shortly.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held at the Riverside Centre in Newport (11.30am - 2pm) on Saturday, 24th March 2018.

Would You Like A New Exciting Challenge for 2018 then come and join the Equals IW Committee.

We are looking for people to volunteer and develop the work of Equal’s IW:

• Secretary – work includes typing committee minutes, organising committee meetings, taking meeting minutes, organising meeting venues, replying to Website and Facebook enquires, sending official correspondence on behalf of Equals IW.
• Press Secretary – work includes promoting Equals IW's local meetings, activities and events in the local press, local magazine publications, online and on the local radio. Also prepare and issue statements about relevant affairs on behalf of Equals IW.
• Grants and Funding Co-ordinators – to work in a team to seek out and propose funding sources and make funding applications.
• Education and Training Co-ordinators – to work in a team to promote equality and diversity in the community and the work of Equals IW. Deliver awareness training of equality and diversity, facilitate and deliver talks and presentations on equality and diversity in the community. Delivery of formal and informal programmes involving equality and diversity activities to schools, colleges, community groups, adult learners and staff associated with businesses.
• Fundraising Co-ordinators – work in a team to plan, organise, facilitate and run fund raising activities and events for Equals IW.
• Equals Development Co-ordinators – work in a team to develop new opportunities for Equals IW, develop partnership working opportunities, identify, suggest and co-ordinate events for Equals IW to be involved in.

To find out more contact Mark via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can learn more about Equals IW on Facebook or

download and display our flyer.

Equals IW is recruiting now for 20 Mardi Gras Team Members

• We need people to join the Creative Team to create the costumes, Komodo dragon, Flowers and Flags.
  • Be available to attend some of the workshops shown in the programme to make the costumes and the Komodo dragon.

• We need Dancers and Performers to join the Parade Team and take part in the parade.
  • You must be available to take part in the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 30th June 2018
  • Be available to attend some of the dance workshops to practice the dance routines. These details will be sent out in due course.

Here is a list of the activities involved with Mardis Gras costumes, there is a cost this year to attending the workshops and limited places.

Apolgies for the poor display of this table on a mobile phone. We are working to correct this.

For further detaills please contact Sandra Trigg by email at

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The next few meetings of the Equals IW Ladies Friendship Group are planned for

• 20th February 2018 at the WoW centre in  Newport 6pm to 8pm
• 21st February 2018 at the Cowes Scouts Hut 10am to 12pm
• 28th February 2018 at the Cowes Scouts Hut 10am to 12pm Mardi Gras Meeting