25/07/2026
***A MASSIVE THANK YOU***
Island Quirkies Unearthed may be over, but we’re still dizzy with excitement about the huge impact it had on everyone who visited last weekend.
Since Sunday, we’ve received some amazing reviews and requests, for which we are hugely grateful.
We couldn’t finish this project without thanking those who made the event possible and evidenced just how amazingly supportive, talented and passionate Portland's community is.
Firstly, the ICA team. Project lead Katy Pascoe, alongside Georgina Bolt, Jackie Carpenter, Nicky Turrell and Holly Benham (curation). You worked so hard for so long, and it really did pay off. You delivered a truly magical experience that you can all be massively proud of.
Also, the Portland Youth Council, whose energy, passion, and determination have been phenomenal. And the hugely talented Charlie Pascoe Art, who worked with our Youth Councillors throughout to develop and deliver our 12 iconic Portland species, Quirky Workshops, and more.
Then there are the amazing children from St George’s Primary School - Portland Events and Atlantic Academy Portland who, after a short session on evolution and climate change, created their stunning, thoughtful (sometimes scary and hilarious) creatures. And our 75 talented Community Crafters, whose creativity and tenacity turned 130 of our children’s imaginings into something wonderful.
Huge thanks also to our ICA volunteers, including those who helped in the kitchen, with cake baking, marshalling, and putting everything up and taking it all down: Andy McNally, David Pead, Di Bedford, Ginny Duxbury, Glenda Allen, Keith Bedford, Linda Gallie, Liz Duckworth, Pat Kennedy, Paul Bedford, Paul Oakden, Pete Turrell, Sarah Scard, Sheelagh Donovan, Tam McHale + Jayne Urquhart-Sims and Jo Way (The Island and Royal Manor of Portland Rotary Club).
Our three excellent work experience students also deserve a special mention: Callie Jones (All Saints), who helped with setting up the exhibition and welcoming our VIPs. Lillian Jones (Weymouth College), who spent months logging, tagging, and making posters, and also welcomed our VIPs. Seren Jones (Atlantic Academy), who supported poster creation and event preparation.
Thank you as well to those who managed and delivered activities, walks, and talks: Anita Busby-Wilcocks, Andrew Cowling, Bridget Rod, Hannah Sofaer, Laura Baldwin (Portland 4 the Planet), Laura Lake (Whispers from the Wood), Lisa Stone, Louise Keeling, Matilda Busby-Wilcocks, Sebastian Brooke, (MEMO Portland), Sharon Stanton, Steve Christmas, Paul Crabtree and Stephen Yates Artist + the organisations who supported us, including Barracuda Embroidery & Printwear, Portland Sculpture & Quarry Trust, Hannah's Kitchen and Houseworks Dorset CIC.
And finally, last but not least, our gratitude goes to all those who visited the exhibition over the weekend, and those that part-funded the two-year programme of activities and the event itself – Dorset Council, Portland Town Council and The National Lottery Community Fund.
If I’ve missed anyone out, I apologise profusely. Please let me know and I’ll add you to the list.
For anyone that interested, here's an overview of the project from start to finish:https://islandcommunityaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ICA_Quirkies_Summary_2026.pdf
