The idea to produce Wight Crystal was formulated when a new Island Charity, Osel Enterprises Limited was established in 1988. There were very few work opportunities at that time for people with a disability and new projects were needed to provide hope to those normally excluded from the workforce by the very nature of their physical or mental condition. Wight Crystal therefore took a natural Island resource together with a workforce with disabilities and in 1989 began producing bottled water for the first time. The water source at Knighton lies at the foot of chalk downland at the very heart of the Island and was first exploited in the 1800’s. Since its inception Wight Crystal has continued to grow adding carbonated products, flavours and water coolers to its portfolio of products along the way. Our parent Charity, Osel Enterprises Limited, has also grown to encompass a café, care support and employment advice services as well as other small businesses. In 2010 Osel restructured to encompass the newly introduced Government funding for personal budgets. At the present time Osel, via its Wayforward Programme, provides a variety of support services to over 300 Island people with a disability. Income from Wight Crystal supports The Wayforward Programme which provides these 24/7 care support services for people with a learning disability across the Island. Thus, money from every bottle of water sold stays on the Island and supports the expansion of care services to those in our community who need such help.
2013 marks a significant milestone for Wight Crystal. Having added many new clients to our sales portfolio, we have installed a new bottling line which was operational as of March of this year. To help raise money for this and to celebrate our milestone 25th Anniversary, we held a two day family party in August. Jack Up The 80′s was an 80′s themed music festival to mark the beginning of production in 1988 and attracted thousands of visitors from both the Island and much further afield. Please visit the website to view photographs from the event which was a tremendous success in terms of bringing about an increased awareness of Wight Crystal and The Way Forward Programme.
