By Isle of Wight Observer
Newport Minster is asking Islanders to delve into their family photo albums and memories, as it prepares a new exhibition focused on life events held at the church.
The exhibition, part of a National Lottery Heritage Funded project, will be launched in September during Newport Heritage Day, and will centre on the themes of births, deaths and marriages.
Hannah Griffiths, community engagement co-ordinator, said: “We would love to share some of the stories of these big life events. We’re especially looking for photographs of weddings, baptisms and even funerals that took place at Newport Minster or the former Church of Saints Thomas.”
The team is also keen to gather oral histories from people who have marked key moments of life at the Minster. “We’d like to record the memories of those who were married here, had a child christened, or said goodbye to a loved one in this space,” added volunteer exhibitions assistant, Jodie Whitton. “Our aim is to build an archive that captures the personal history of the church for future generations.”
Newport Minster, granted its title in 2008, remains a central civic space for the Island; the exhibition will highlight its role in community life over the decades.
Anyone interested in contributing photographs or memories can contact Hannah at cec@cofeheartofwight.org or call/WhatsApp 07563 247758.