By Isle of Wight Observer
Halls across the Island hosted heritage and historical events, including an open day at Alverstone Village Hall, featuring a collection of photos and artefacts from Nick Rayner, who lived in the village for more than 60 years. The exhibition included details of the railway line and station, from where he caught the train to the local school.
The village hall was named after Lord Alverstone, who donated the grange, for the location of the local hunt, and the hall was given to the parish, with a ‘no alcohol’ provision. Lord Alverstone is also remembered as the Lord Chief Justice who sentenced Dr Crippen to death at Pentonville Prison in 1910. Crippen, who murdered his second wife, Cora, was the first person to be captured following the use of Marconi’s wireless telegram system.
Nick said: “There’s been a steady flow of residents and visitors to the exhibition, thanks to the volunteers who have made this possible, and the event has evoked many memories of boating on the local river, as well as the rich history of the parish.”
At St John’s Church in Sandown, church warden, Brenda Ellison, welcomed the event: “Many visitors have been new to the church and it was good to open the doors to the wider community and share some of the stories of yesteryear.”
Brading’s St Mary’s Church and adjacent church hall took part in England’s largest festival of history and culture, supported by the National Trust, with the church home to a fun exhibition of scarecrows.
In addition to a programme of talks and presentations, the open day included cream teas and stalls, as well as a performance from the community choir.
One of the organisers, Joan Soloman, said: “We are all witnesses through heritage, and volunteers have made this, and other events, the success that it has been. We look forward to organising similar events in the future.”
