New Isle of Wight County Press newspaper opinion columnists

There's a weekly column space and a rota of writers eager to pen their thoughts on the quirks of Island life, and wider subjects.

Joining the existing rota from next week are three new faces.

They are introduced below.

Josh Barry. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Josh Barry: "For the past six years I’ve been the writer and creator of the entertainment podcast Beyond the Title, graduating from Bournemouth University in 2010 with both an MA in Writing for the Media and a BA in Scriptwriting.

"I spent the next decade attempting to crack the entertainment industry through film script submissions and a radio documentary on theatrical agents.

"I worked closely with the legendary John Hannam and was lucky enough to witness first-hand his incredible rapport with the great and good of entertainment.

"I’m looking forward to continuing John’s legacy by writing for the Country Press. 

"As I have cerebral palsy, I write 90 per cent of my work on a touchpad using my nose." 

Joe Plumb. (Image: Joe Plumb)

Joe Plumb: "Born and bred on the Isle of Wight, I am a theatre maker and award-winning comedy performer.

"My smash-hit show The People’s Republic of the Isle of Wight charted my campaign for Island independence.

"My follow up show Born to be the Weather Wizard launched my quest to become a local celebrity.

"I used to host The Political Soapbox on Vectis Radio and hosted a number of hustings events around local and national elections. 

"I am incredibly excited about being a columnist and sharing my bonkers take on Island life." 

Imogen Tew. (Image: Imogen Tew)

Imogen Tew: "I am an Islander who learnt the ropes of journalism and the newspaper industry at the County Press, having grown up reading (and sometimes featuring in) the paper.

"I then moved to London, working for the Financial Times Group and The Times and Sunday Times, specialising in financial journalism.

"Last year, I left the city to go travelling with my husband. I love the beach, Arsenal, musical theatre and food, and insist that Gurnard is the best village in the world."

The County Press is also working with some local sixth form colleges and youth organisations to encourage young people to write their own opinion columns.

We are already signed up the the Young Reporter scheme, in which pupils from Christ the King College get to publish articles on our website.

Existing columnists are:

Matthew Chatfield. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Matthew Chatfield: "I am an unapologetic Isle of Wight enthusiast, raised in Sandown and now living in Ryde.

"I have been a County Press columnist since 2017, writing with a particular interest in landscape and wildlife, and reflecting on the quirks and foibles of Island life.

"I've worked as a countryside ranger, nature reserve manager, media officer and even professional spider-catcher.

"These days I make websites for a living, when I'm not indulging my other great interest - enjoying a good meal out (and being the Matt half of Matt and Cat)."

Jim Gibbons. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Jim Gibbons: "Gentle reader: So did the writers of an earlier age address their readers, and I am so nearly of that vintage I might as well do the same.

"I was born in Stockton-on Tees on the North Island in 1936, detested my schooling, did two years National Service in the RAF and worked as an accountant in London thereafter.

"I had the very good fortune to meet and marry my Josephine, honeymooning in Sandown (where else? Millions did). We crossed the Solent in a paddle-steamer ferry.

"My first column appeared in the CP in 2017 after I was invited (possibly to stop me from bombarding the editor with letters); it was about a mathematical curiosity."

Catherine James. (Image: Catherine James)

Catherine James: "I was thrilled when, in 2017, the County Press invited me to write my own column (I am also published as a restaurant critic - the Cat half of Matt and Cat).

"My brief was to write light-hearted articles. There's so much local joy to celebrate; my discourses range from cherishing invertebrates, bingo, vintage fashion, and the correct way to circumnavigate the Island.

"I am passionate about sustainability, women's issues, digital surveillance, climate emergency and societal fairness - so a little bit of topical politics has definitely crept in to my writing! I also delight in performing my essays at spoken word events." 

Rebecca Roncoroni. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Rebecca Roncoroni: "I have written a monthly column for the County Press for over seven years, contributing insightful, thought-provoking and fearless pieces on topics that leave no doubt I am a passionate advocate of free speech.

"Importantly, not only do we have the right, but the duty to speak truth to power and deserve nothing less in return. I am not afraid to take on controversial issues and ask difficult questions, always with a view to providing readers with a better understanding of the topic in hand.

"I can trace my family’s IW roots back to the 15th century and have a deep love for what I call my spiritual home."

Got an opinion yourself? Why not write a letter to the editor. Send it to editor@iwcp.co.uk and mark it as "letter to the editor". Aim to keep it to 350 words or fewer.