Island golf favourite battles visitor decline and warns of ‘big decisions' ahead
Browns Golf and Cafe said it is taking 'each day as it is' as it tackles an increasingly difficult situation.
Owned by the IW Council and leased by operator Paul Saville since summer 2023, the attraction is a summer favourite on Culver Parade in Sandown.
Taking to social media to share the concerning news, Browns Golf explained that the course and the cafe had been 'absolutely dead for the fourth day in a row.'
Browns Golf Course and Cafe (Image: IWCP)
In a post on Facebook, the business said: 'Bloody tough going at the moment, but it's likely shared everywhere.
'Many difficulties at this moment with 'one body' who are causing Browns such a headache."
Browns Golf said this body was not learning from "historic issues," adding that the business needs to be supported by them.
The post continued: 'Taking each day as it is and see what happens by the end of the year - big decisions to be made.
Islanders took to the comments to offer support for the popular venue, with some saying they would come and visit today (Sunday, June 8).
The post follows a serious incident on May 28, when police were called to the golf course at 3.40am after an alleged violent assault resulted in a man being found with serious puncture wounds to his back.
A boy from Newport was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and burglary and bailed.
Read more:
Seafront golf venue targeted by thieves in overnight break-in
Teen arrested after man suffers puncture wound in serious golf course assault
The cafe at Browns Golf (Image: IWCP)
Replying to comments, Browns Golf voiced broader concerns about the economic climate for small businesses on the Island.
"This is an Isle of Wight thing more so than the mainland. I feel for every business here.
"The big concern is the rapid decline over recent years.
'The government need to support small businesses like other big countries are doing.
'We seem to have no idea how to deal with such problems.'
Thankfully, it appears business picked up this afternoon following Browns Golf's post, with live music from Tommy Burnham drawing more visitors to the cafe.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
34 minutes ago
- Washington Post
More than 20 arrests at protest in support of Palestine Action after UK ban comes into effect
LONDON — More than 20 people were arrested Saturday on suspicion of terrorism offenses after protesters gathered in central London in support of Palestine Action . The protest in Parliament Square came hours after the pro-Palestinian activist group was banned in Britain under anti-terrorism laws. The group lost a last-minute court battle late Friday seeking to block the British government's ban, which came into effect at midnight. Activists and their supporters have said the group is non-violent and advocates civil disobedience, and condemned the government decision as authoritarian.
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
UK police arrest over 20 supporters of now banned Palestine Action group
LONDON (Reuters) -British police arrested over 20 people on suspicion of terrorism offences after they showed support for the newly banned Palestine Action group in London, officials said on Saturday, hours after the proscription came into effect. The government moved to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws last month after its activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two planes in protest against what the group said was Britain's support for Israel. Late on Friday, the campaign lost an urgent appeal against the parliamentary decision to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation, with the ban coming into force from midnight. Under UK laws, offences include inviting support, expressing approval, or displaying symbols of a banned group and are punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine. Britain has proscribed 81 groups under anti-terrorism laws, including Hamas, al-Qaeda and ISIS. On Saturday, supporters gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster, some holding placards that said "I OPPOSE GENOCIDE. I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION." Sky News footage showed some being led away in handcuffs from a statue of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in the square, as they shouted their support. United Nations experts have accused Israel of carrying out "genocidal acts" against Palestinians in the conflict in Gaza, which began after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly dismissed such accusations. Palestine Action has targeted Israel-linked companies in Britain in its protests, with interior minister Yvette Cooper saying that violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest and that the group's activities justify proscription. Critics of the decision, including some United Nations experts and civil liberties groups, have argued that damaging property does not amount to terrorism. At another protest on Saturday, the police arrested five pro-Palestine protesters from the Youth Demand group who threw red paint over a truck involved in London's Pride parade and glued themselves to the vehicle. The parade has since resumed.
Associated Press
41 minutes ago
- Associated Press
More than 20 arrests at protest in support of Palestine Action after UK ban comes into effect
LONDON (AP) — More than 20 people were arrested Saturday on suspicion of terrorism offenses after protesters gathered in central London in support of Palestine Action. The protest in Parliament Square came hours after the pro-Palestinian activist group was banned in Britain under anti-terrorism laws. The group lost a last-minute court battle late Friday seeking to block the British government's ban, which came into effect at midnight. Activists and their supporters have said the group is non-violent and advocates civil disobedience, and condemned the government decision as authoritarian. A small group of protesters stood beneath a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and held placards reading, 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.' Police surrounded them and several people were taken away. One woman seen lying on the ground in handcuffs was carried by officers to a police van. 'Palestine Action is a proscribed group and officers will act where criminal offences are committed,' the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The designation as a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act 2000 means that membership of the group and support of its actions a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Some 81 organizations are already proscribed under the UK act, including Hamas and al-Qaida. The government moved to ban Palestine Action after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, on June 20, damaging two planes using red paint and crowbars in protest at the British government's ongoing military support for Israel in its war in Gaza. Police said that the incident caused around 7 million pounds' ($9.4 million) worth of damage. Four people between 22 and 35 years old were charged Thursday with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the U.K. No pleas were entered at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London and the four are scheduled to appear on July 18 at the Central Criminal Court.
