The countdown is on for the 19th annual Isle of Wight Pickle Wars, which will take place on Sunday January 26 at the Woodvale Hotel, Gurnard. The event has raised over £79,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) over the years, a cause which is close to the heart of organiser, Terry Ashdown.

“We first found out about CLDF when my grandson Daniel was diagnosed with a rare liver disease when he was just a baby,” he explains. “The charity was there for us with information and support at a really difficult time and they continue to do the same now for many other families coping with this situation. Happily, Daniel is now 17 years old, enjoying college and showing a real talent for music but we’re keenly aware that childhood liver disease is a lifelong condition and we need to know that CLDF will always be there. The Pickle Wars is our way of giving something back and it’s fantastic to get such support from the local community.”
Two weeks out from the event, Terry has sold out of the 15 kilos of pickled onions he had prepared although no-one is revealing any details of their entries until the big day. As well as a bumper crop of entrants, the contest has received great support from the local community in terms of raffle prizes and auction lots, with donations ranging from a powerboat racing session to a set of bagpipes!
“We’re all set for a great event and planning to boost our fundraising total even further” continues Terry. “We’d like as many people as possible to join us. It’s a fun way to spend a winter’s afternoon and raise much needed funds for a fantastic cause!”

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we’re delighted to hear the Pickle Wars is taking place once again. I know from experience what a fantastic event this is ,and we are so grateful to Terry and the local community for their hard work in making it happen.”
The Pickle Wars tasting will take place at the Woodvale Hotel on Sunday January 26 from 12 noon. If you would like to take part or donate a raffle prize or auction lot, please call the Woodvale Hotel on 01983 292037 or Terry Ashdown on 07726297359.