By Isle of Wight Observer
By A & S Whitewood
Back in September, members of the Vectis 40s Vintage group attended the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown, for a weekend of fund raising. Vectis 40s Vintage is a group of like-minded people who enjoy the 1940s era, including its music and fashion.
Having raised several hundred pounds for a number of Isle of Wight charities, a £200 cheque presentation took place recently at the sanctuary. Members of the Vectis 40s Vintage group will be presenting cheques to more organisations in the coming weeks, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Following the presentation, Tim Wander gave a talk on Christmas. He described how Christmas, as we know it today, has evolved over the centuries and how various traditions for this time of year date from the ancient people celebrating th Winter solstice at Stonehenge. The Romans also celebrated midwinter with their Saturnalia, and in the Middle Ages the tradition of the Green Man was established. Bringing holly, ivy and other greenery into dwellings dates from the Green Man traditions and in Tudor times, celebrations centered around large feasts led by the Prince of Misrule.
As the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is based in the Old Fort at Sandown, it was inevitable that Tim would mention the Christmas celebrations that have taken place at the site over the years, including the large meals that were served to servicemen and officers in Victorian times. He also recalled the first royal Christmas message and how the festivities were celebrated during war years.
Coming up to date, Tim showed slides of recent activities at Christmas and concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a good New Year.
On behalf of Vectis 40s Vintage, Alan Williams presented the cheque to Matt Ritches of the Wildheart Animal Trust.
