Members of Sandown & District Historical Society met to enjoy a special showing of two films, which chronicle important local events and characters, on Wednesday.

The first of the productions commemorated the three HMS Sandowns. Guests included the Island’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant – Brigadier Maurice Sheen, President of IW Royal British Legion – Ian Ward, Sandown town councillors, and other members of the local community.

Local residents contributed anecdotes and personal memories about the history of the three ships named after the town, including vital roles played in the evacuation of Dunkirk, and 80 years ago at Normandy. The Bell, from the third HMS Sandown, is on display in the foyer at the Broadway Centre. It was unveiled by the Island’s Lord-Lieutenant to commemorate D-Day earlier in the year.

The film showing the roles the HMS Sandowns played during war is available on the ‘Growing Up In The Bay’ YouTube channel, and can be found via iw.observer/three-sandowns.

Ian Ward said: “I enjoyed both films, especially the one about HMS Sandown. They represent our town with old friends contributing to both films, and it is timely to reflect on the events of 80 years ago.”

The 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, which created an Allied invasion route into northern Germany, is on September 17. The second film, launched to mark the anniversary, chronicles the life of former Shanklin and Seaview resident, Donald Canadine Bate, and the role he played in the military operation. Donald was a local journalist, who went on to become sports editor at the Daily Mirror. The film is narrated by Island actor, Dominic Pope, who reads out the daily diary Donald kept at Arnhem. It also includes references to his brother, actor, Anthony Bate.

Brigadier Sheen added: “These are both absolutely superb films, well researched and professionally presented – both films give important stories to posterity and put the Island on the map.”

The evening included a special thank you to Adrian Simons, who led the renovation of a commemorative bench, and commissioned unique mugs which were presented to those who made the films possible.

The ‘Operation Market Garden’ film will premier on September 17, and can be watched from then via iw.observer/operation-market-garden.