By IW Galleries
A historic bell from HMS Sandown was discovered during the recent renovation of the Broadway Centre, as well as other artefacts, and they will form part of a feature commemorating and celebrating the 75th Anniversary of VE Day in May.
Sandown Town Mayor Gary Young said: “The Bell was found when we looked through our archives, and we are grateful that Town Councillors and local volunteers are putting together an exhibition for later in the year.”
HMS Sandown has a longstanding link to the town, including being the Freedom of the Town, and other artefacts highlight links to Dunkirk and Normandy, and will also feature in the exhibition.
Paul Coueslant, founder of the online history group Our Sandown, said: “It’s great that the town was entrusted with the safekeeping of these treasures from HMS Sandown when it left Royal Navy service, and good news that the Council is looking for opportunities to display historical items like this for us all to see.”
Cllr Heather Humby MBE added: “It’s really good for the community to get involved with this initiative, and hopefully we can launch it in May with a Church Service as well.”
Picture (l to r): Cllr Ian Ward BEM, Mayor Gary Young, Cllr Heather Humby MBE and Historian Paul Coueslant.
Isle of Wight Observer