Alistair Elliott, Freshwater Bay:

Dear editors, I wanted to make your readers aware of a recent joyous, uplifting episode of Radio 4's Open Country programme where Anneka Rice, who has a home on the Island, met artists from across the Island and celebrated the vibrant arts culture here. 

She visited Quay Arts, Freshwater Bay, Binnel Bay and St Helens and talked to current artists and also talked about the Island's artistic heritage.

One of Jane Austen's characters is quoted: "She thinks of nothing but the Isle of Wight, and she calls it the island, as if there were no other island in the world." 

The programme is available on BBC Sounds and for anyone feeling a bit a fatigued by the world news, I hope it brings a smile to your face and hope to your heart as it did to mine..