By Isle of Wight Observer
Anne Springman, who celebrated her 95th birthday in August, has been named the Bay area’s latest Heritage Hero.
For more than 60 years, Mrs Springman has been involved with Shanklin Chine, the Island’s oldest tourist attraction, as owner, manager and now trustee. Her contribution has been recognised by Building the Bay, a group representing local councils and the community.
In 2014, she was awarded an MBE by the late Queen for services to the Island community.
Bay Heritage Champion, Paul Coueslant, said: “We’re thrilled that Anne has accepted our invitation to be a Heritage Hero. Born in Shanklin between the Wars, she has always had the town in her heart and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Chine is maintained for us to visit and enjoy.”
Opened to the public in 1817, Shanklin Chine is now a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and home to around 200 species of wild plants, including rare mosses and liverworts.
Mrs Springman said: “It’s part of my life. The Chine has got something very special about it, it’s just with you. It’s got this atmosphere and I can sit there for a long time, it’s a magical place.”
She has also helped preserve the Chine’s wartime history, including its role in D-Day preparations and the top-secret PLUTO pipeline, which carried fuel across the Channel to Allied forces.
She also helped establish the charitable trust that now manages the Chine.
Mrs Springman becomes Building the Bay’s second Heritage Hero, following Sandown photographer James Dore, who received the accolade last year. She added: “I’m very proud to accept.”