Industry News

Wightlink reveals the name of its new flagship

Wightlink’s new £30million environmentally friendly car ferry for the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route will be named Victoria of Wight.

The name was chosen by a panel of staff who considered 186 suggestions from 73 members of staff.

Work is well underway on the new ship at the Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey and Victoria of Wight will be officially handed over to Wightlink early in 2018. It has not yet been decided when she will enter service.

The new ship is part of a £45million investment in the route. New two-tier boarding ramps are already in use at Portsmouth and Fishbourne and have made loading and unloading of the ferry St Clare faster and more efficient.

Victoria of Wight will be a hybrid vessel, powered by batteries as well as low sulphur marine gas oil. Environmentally friendly features will include the recycling of hot water from the engines to heat the passenger areas and low energy LED lighting. There will be a Costa Coffee store on board as well as a shop selling high quality Isle of Wight produce.

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield comments: “Victoria was clearly a popular choice among staff. We were very happy to endorse their selection and feel Queen Victoria, as a regular visitor to the Isle of Wight, would have been amused.”

Five staff members submitted the winning suggestion for the naming. They have all won a trip to the Cemre shipyard to watch the launch of Victoria of Wight later in 2017.

The new ship will be launched at the end of 2017 and arrive in the Solent next summer.

For more information, contact Karen Woods 07775 694266 karenwoods@wightlink.co.uk

 

Festival Isle

ISLE OF WIGHT GARLIC FESTIVAL – 19th/20th AUGUST 2017

BBC Bake Off Star Jane Beedle and Valentine Warner are just two of the big names appearing at this year’s Garlic Festival, held at Fighting Cocks Crossroads, Newchurch on 19/20th August.

Jane will be baking in the festival theatre kitchen, and promises some of her TV showstoppers – as well as demonstrating some simple savoury dishes. Valentine will be signing copies of his bestselling book, ‘What to Eat Next’ and will also cook two fish recipes, with the fresh from the boat fish coming from Captain Stan’s at Bembridge.

On stage this year are chart-toppers Marmalade, whose top ten hits include Reflections and Oh Bla Dee oh Bla-Da! The Sunday headliner is The Quo Experience, as part of a nationwide tour, this band are considered THE Quo tribute by the Official Status Quo fan club. They were invited to the Island after festival Chairman David Holmes, a personal friend of the late Rick Parfitt, was called upon to repatriate Rick from Spain last Christmas and carry out his funeral wishes in Woking. Both bands are supported by some excellent local Rock, Pop and Punk bands, and our very own Derek Sandy.

The Garlic show arena will feature The Vander Brothers – for the first time ever on the Isle, with their Quad Wheel – walking outside and inside it, one slip and, it doesn’t bear thinking about. They share the arena with an array of talented animals, including falconry, Wight Wizards dogs. On Saturday we welcome Extreme Bike Battle and Sunday Bob Hogg with his sheepdogs, duck and geese. Also back by popular demand is TITAN, the robot. Once seen, never forgotten, he’ll be performing two shows daily.

We have the wonderful arts and crafts marquees, dozens of food stalls – selling everything from local breads, meats, cheeses, honey and everything else you can imagine. The variety of hot food on offer continues to be the focal point – and of course GARLIC remains the theme, both to eat there or to take home. As ever, thousands of people are expected to attend, locals and summer visitors. Whatever the weather, after 34 years the Garlic Festival remains as popular as ever, it’s fun, food and fund raising and it’s not to be missed!

David Holmes 07813 890221  |  @IOWGarlicFest  | www.garlicfestival.co.uk

Headline News

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is coming to OSBORNE, ISLE OF WIGHT on Thursday 14 September

What story will you bring?

It’s time to dust off your treasures for a great, free day out as BBC One’s ever-popular Sunday evening programme Antiques Roadshow comes to Osborne, on the Isle of Wight, on Thursday 14 September.

Many of Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who are invited to raid their attics and bring along their family heirlooms, household treasures and car-boot sale bargains for inspection by the experts.

Antiques Roadshow celebrates a special anniversary this year. On May 17 1977, the cameras rolled at Hereford Town Hall, as presenter Bruce Parker and expert Arthur Negus welcomed the first visitors to the very first recording of Antiques Roadshow.

Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce, who marks her tenth year presenting the programme, said: “The best part of working on Antiques Roadshow is that we never know who or what is going to turn up on the day. The visitors, the objects they bring, their stories and the location all viewers. If you are a fan of Antiques Roadshow, curious to see behind the scenes, or just fancy a day out, I would urge you to dig out your treasures and come along – we’d love to see you!”

Antiques Roadshow Executive Editor, Simon Shaw said: “We are looking forward to coming to see us at the magnificent Osborne on Thursday 14 September. It’s the first time we have held a Roadshow at Osborne, and our experts are excited about what finds may come to light on the day.

“Our team of experts and Fiona love nothing better than hearing people’s stories and seeing what items they bring, so we hope as many people as possible come to Osborne and enjoy what our visitors consistently tell us is a fantastic day out. Even after 40 years, the magic formula of surprising some lucky guests with exciting news about their treasures is still a thrill for us, the visitors and the viewers.”

The doors open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm. Entry to the show is free, everyone is welcome, and no tickets or pre-registration is required. For parking arrangements at the venue, please check our website.

Visitors are welcome to just turn up on the day, but if they have an item with a particularly unusual story attached, or perhaps an interesting collection, or large items of furniture, they can let us know in advance via the Share Your Story link on www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow Alternatively, email: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk or write to Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR.

Please note this is an exterior event, so we advise all visitors to dress accordingly. More information on planning your visit can be found at: www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow

ENDS

Note to editors: Highlights of our 2016 Roadshows included a ‘lost’ masterpiece by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema, worth £200,000-£300,000, an 18th century doll’s house of national importance worth £150,000-£200,000, and the moment we reunited the belongings of a World War Two air ace with members of his family.

Follow us on Twitter: @BBC_ARoadshow

Like us on Facebook: BBC Antiques Roadshow

Pamela Parkes

Publicist – Antiques Roadshow

E: pamela.parkes@bbc.co.uk

 

Industry News

Hearts for tigers fundraising campaign launched

Help The Wildheart Trust provide safe sanctuary on the Isle of Wight for a rescued tiger 

“We can’t change the world for every tiger in need but together we can make the world of difference for this one. Every penny will all add up to provide a much richer life for this animal.” Chris Packham – broadcaster, author and trustee of The Wildheart Trust.

The Wildheart Trust is based at the Isle of Wight Zoo. The zoo has long been known and respected for its provision of lifelong refuge for unwanted, confiscated and mistreated big cats and is committed to the care and conservation of these wonderful animals. During the Isle of Wight Zoo’s 40 year lifetime more than 60 big cats have been given safe haven here. From tigers to lions and jaguars, the dedicated specialised team have worked tirelessly to ensure they have had a safe, loving and enriching place to call home. Currently the zoo’s big cat family totals 8 individuals who have come from a variety of unfortunate backgrounds.

Every year countless big cats end up in temporary rescue centres across Europe, all with a tragic story to tell. Whether they have been abandoned by private owners (who no longer want them after they outgrow the cute and cuddly phase) or have been subjected to cruelty or bad welfare in circuses, they all need a permanent home. Until they find one, other desperate animals must wait their turn to be saved.

In March of this year the zoo sadly lost one of its beloved tigers, Lola, an elderly ex-circus cat. Lola left behind her good friend Simi, also an ex-circus tiger. In many ways Lola’s loss was bittersweet, because as much as she is still missed, there is now space to rescue another tiger. However, in order to facilitate this major re-development of the old outdoor enclosure complex, work must be undertaken to ensure it meets the highest standards for this next era of rescue work. Unfortunately, at this time the zoo does not have the funds in its operating budget to cover the cost of this renovation work and therefore must fundraise.

A dedicated crowdfunder page has been set up to assist the zoo in raising the vital funds and donations are now starting to roll in ,every donation made will take the zoo one step closer to reaching its goal.

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/heartsfortigers

Message from CEO and trustee of The Wildheart Trust – Charlotte Corney

“Without the support of our friends we would never have evolved into the specialist centre that we are today. Once we have completed the renovation, the team will be ready and waiting to welcome another tiger into The Wildheart family where he or she will be provided with exemplary day to day care”

How much will the project cost?  

The project will be undertaken in two phases and will cost a total £50,000.

Phase 1 (£38,000) will include:

  • Demolition and removal of old enclosure
  • Replacement of exterior fencing
  • Construction of a new dividing fence
  • Planting and soft landscaping
  • Creation of two ponds
  • Building of resting platforms

Phase 2 (£12,000) will include:

  • Building of two heated rocks with caves

In the unlikely event that the project should come in under budget we will ensure that any surplus funds raised be put into a ‘Tiger Pension Plan’ for the rescued tiger. These funds would help towards the future care of the individual cat. 

The aim is for Phase 1 of the work to be completed by the end of the summer, with sufficient funds raised to enable the zoo to embark on Phase 2 by the autumn of 2017. The sooner the facility is completed, the sooner the zoo can welcome a tiger into its care.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries: Karen-Jane Dudley, Marketing & Events Officer, Isle of Wight Zoo
marketing@isleofwightzoo.com  01983 403883 http://www.isleofwightzoo.comNotes to editors:

The Isle of Wight Zoo aims to promote the survival of endangered species through first class educational and recreational experiences, exemplary animal management, conservation and research. The Zoo is best known for its work with exotic cats. As a centre for surplus or rescued big cats, all have come to the Zoo at different stages of their lives and from a variety of backgrounds. The Isle of Wight Zoo is currently home to 4 tigers, 3 lions and 1 jaguar

Headline News, Heritage

Dresses worn by Dame Judi Dench as Queen Victoria go on display at Osborne ahead of new film ‘Victoria & Abdul’

Costumes worn by Dame Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard and Ali Fazal in the forthcoming feature film ‘Victoria & Abdul’ will go on show for the first time at Osborne, Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight home on Monday 24 July, 2017.

The English Heritage property where much of the film was shot will present a stunning array of costumes worn by the principal characters: Dame Judi Dench as Queen Victoria, Eddie Izzard as Bertie, Prince of Wales, and Ali Fazal who plays Abdul Karim.

Designed by the Oscar nominated costume designer Consolata Boyle, the costumes pay meticulous attention to historical detail even down to the Queen’s V&A monogrammed shoes.  Formal and informal attire worn by Dame Judi can be seen including the black silk gown with gold front piece the Queen wears while waiting for Abdul’s return to Osborne after a long trip away.  Amongst Ali Fazal’s costumes is the faithfully recreated scarlet and gold livery, complete with peacock blue striped silk turban, which was designed for the Queen’s Indian servants who waited at table in her new Indian inspired dining room.

English Heritage Curator at Osborne, Michael Hunter says: “Osborne was Queen Victoria’s private family home which means visitors can step straight into Queen Victoria’s world when they get here.  Victoria & Abdul is the first film to ever use the interiors of Osborne as a location and these costumes add an extra layer to the rich experience of a visit here. We can’t wait to see it in all its glory on the big screen; in particular the story of how an Indian man servant won the Queen’s respect and trust.”

Costume Designer, Consolata Boyle said: “The thought that my costumes for Victoria & Abdul, through this Exhibition, and our imaginations, will inhabit the same rooms and gardens where Queen Victoria walked and lingered, makes it a particular honour and joy for me.”

The exhibition opening tomorrow (24 July) and set to run until the 30th September 2017 – is located in the Queen’s Indian inspired Durbar Room which itself features in the film, along with the newly renovated Lower Terrace, the Grand Corridor and the Queen’s sitting room.

Osborne is open daily from 10am – 5pm, and the costume exhibition is included in the standard admission ticket.  Further details are at www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborne

Victoria & Abdul is released in cinemas in the UK on 15 September 2017.

-ends-

IMAGES can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8eq6o4uex3jvlqs/AABDx_TBtYbHpk4hYDRDvWXea?dl=0 © English Heritage

For further information or images please contact:  Isobel Cooley PR Manager, South East on 01304 209891 or email Isobel.cooley@english-heritage.org.uk

Notes to editors:

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic monuments, buildings and sites – from world famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of empire to Cold War bunkers. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million visitors each year.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1140351

Victoria & Abdul: From Working Title comes the extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favour with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.  Victoria & Abdul is distributed by Universal Pictures International.

Industry News

Wightlink’s £45million investment in the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route reaches another milestone

The first vehicles have embarked and disembarked Wightlink’s flagship St Clare using the company’s new two-tier upper and lower boarding ramps at Portsmouth and Fishbourne.

From now on, cars and small vans will use the upper ramp and lorries, coaches and other larger vehicles will use the lower ramp.

The two ramps allow staff to load and unload the ship faster and more efficiently, they will also be used on Wightlink’s new vessel when she comes into service in 2018. Wightlink’s other car ferries on the route, St Faith, St Cecilia and Wight Sun will continue to use the lower ramp only.

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield was among the first people to drive on board St Clare using the upper ramp and joined customers and staff on board.

“This marks a milestone for Wightlink Ferries as the first stage of our £45million investment in future services. Our new port redevelopment will offer customers better facilities and smoother crossings to and from the Isle of Wight,” says Keith.

The first customers to board the 11:00 sailing in Portsmouth using the upper ramp were Ian and Brigitte Park from West Malling, Kent. They were on their way to Ventnor for the weekend to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. “We’re very excited to be making history as part of Wightlink’s new development, it has been an amazing start to our holiday on the Isle of Wight,” says Ian.

The first customers to board the return 12:00 sailing in Fishbourne were John Stewart, Susan Ford and 15 year old Emily Ford, 15, from Billericay, Essex. The family had been on the Isle of Wight for a six day break staying with friends who had recently moved to the Island. John says: “We had a great time – the Island is a lovely place and we will certainly come back again.” Before driving the first car on the new ramp, John adds: “We knew that the facilities here were new but not quite that new!”

Work began on the new boarding ramps in September 2016 as part of Wightlink’s £45million investment in future services.

For more information please contact Karen Woods 07775 694266 karenwoods@wightlink.co.uk<mailto:karenwoods@wightlink.co.uk

M: 07775 694266

 

Headline News, Seasonal Events

HRH THE PRINCESS ROYAL TO VISIT COWES WEEK 2017

HRH The Princess Royal will be visiting Cowes Week this year, for two days; from 31 July to 1 August 2017.

During her stay, in her role as President of Riding for the Disabled, she will visit the Isle of Wight Riding for the Disabled at Osborne House. She will also visit the offices of Cowes Week Limited, as Admiral, attend a Reception at the Royal London Yacht Club, and attend dinner as an Honorary Member of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

On the following day, she will start the Triple Crown Yacht Race from the Royal Yacht Squadron Battlements, before as Patron, visit the United Kingdom Sailing Academy.

HM Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Martin White CB CBE JP said: “I am very pleased to welcome back to the Island HRH, particularly during Cowes Week when she will also have an opportunity to see other aspects of life in our community.”

Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said: “We are delighted that HRH is visiting and continuing the Royal presence for Cowes Week.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For further information contact:

Riding for the Disabled:  Julie Elliston 07790 791057

Cowes Week Limited, Kate Johnson 01983 248003

Royal London Yacht Club, Secretary Kate Paris 01983 299727

Royal Yacht Squadron, Secretary Trisha Lewington 01983 292191

United Kingdom Sailing Academy – Rosie Peckham 01983 294941 ext 177

Issued by:
Helen Wheller, Media Team Leader

Email: helen.wheller@iow.gov.uk

 

Heritage, Seasonal Events

120th anniversary celebrations of first radio transmission is highlight of summer at The Needles Landmark Attraction, Isle of Wight

A day of celebrations to mark the 120th anniversary of the first radio transmission from The Needles is the highlight of five weeks of free summer fun at the Isle of Wight’s landmark attraction.

Marconi’s Day on Monday, August 14 will mark the achievement of Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi who successfully sent the first long-distance radio transmission from his base at The Needles more than a century ago.

To celebrate, staff at the attraction will be wearing clothing from the era with a Victorian theme throughout and live music from the award-winning Macclesfield Youth Brass Band.

There will be live theatrical re-enactments of Marconi’s feat, with the great man himself putting in an appearance, while expert marksmen will demonstrate a range of Victorian guns.

The IW Radio Society will also be setting up a station at the Landmark Attraction giving visitors the opportunity to gain an insight into how Marconi’s transmissions were really sent in the 19th Century.

And throughout the rest of the summer holidays there will be a party atmosphere at The Needles with stilt walkers, dancers, magicians, pirates and princesses greeting visitors along the main street

Marino Zanti, general manager at The Needles Landmark Attraction, said:  “We wanted to mark Marconi’s groundbreaking achievement as part of our five weeks of family fun for visitors to enjoy during the summer holidays.

There’s so much planned, including live music from island artists like Groove Union, Brando and the legendary Derek Sandy.

“Marconi’s Day will be a fantastic party, transforming the Landmark Attraction for 24 hours, while our Thursday night fireworks spectacular promises a feast for the eyes and ears while supporting worthy causes.

“Visitors only have to pay for parking and any activities they want to enjoy – the entertainment itself is all free of charge.”

Needles’ Music & Magic in the Skies fireworks extravaganza, takes place every Thursday in August with each of the weekly pyrotechnic events supporting a different island charity.

This year, the evening will include entertainment from circus acts to live music and the fireworks show will finish with an unmissable trip down memory lane, featuring some favourite childhood memories from much-loved films.

The summer of free family fun at The Needles runs from Thursday, July 27 to Thursday, August 31.  Supersaver tickets to rides and attractions at The Needles are available online, giving a 25% discount.

For more information about The Needles Landmark Attraction visit the website: www.theneedles.co.uk, follow on Twitter @VisitTheNeedles or at facebook.com/visittheneedles

Ends

For further information, please contact Paul Baker or Richard Clein on 0151 304 7017.

About Guglielmo Marconi

In early December 1897, to investigate and experiment with transmission to ships at sea, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi set up his revolutionary wireless equipment in the Royal Needles Hotel, above Alum Bay, and sent the very first wireless transmission.

Little now remains of Marconi’s experimental stations, as the hotel and masts have long since gone, however a monument to him stands on the cliff top within the park and information lecterns provide a detailed history of radio, Marconi and the role played by Alum Bay in this truly historic event.

About Summer 2017 at The Needles

The Isle of Wight’s world-famous landmark attraction has prepared five weeks of free family fun, kicking off on July 27 and running through to the end of August.

Music & Magic in the Skies fireworks events take place every Thursday throughout August.

The following Isle of Wight charities will be supported on these specific dates:

Thursday 3rd – Needles Coastguards

Thursday 10th – Challenge & Adventure

Thursday 17th – Ability Dogs for Young People

Thursday 24th – Beaulieu Respite

Thursday 31st – Earl Mountbatten Hospice

A timed schedule of summer events will be available from The Needles’ website, Facebook page and Twitter account. Southern Vectis will be putting on a special timetable for buses to and from the site during the summer holidays.

About The Needles Landmark Attraction

The Needles Landmark Attraction gives visitors access to wonderful views of The Needles, the Isle of Wight’s world famous chalk stacks.

Take an unforgettable chairlift ride from the cliff-tops to the multi-coloured sands of Alum Bay, where you can take a pleasure boat out to The Needles.

The Needles offers a range of attractions including a Sand Shop where visitors can make their own souvenir using the multi-coloured sands from Alum Bay, glassmaking at Alum Bay Glass, the Sweet Manufactory, 4D Cinema, Jurassic Golf, plus a range of children’s rides and amusements.

Refreshments are available at the 250-seat self-service Marconi’s Restaurant and fully-licenced Marconi’s Tea Rooms. These newly-refurbished eateries are named after the pioneering inventor who sent the very first wireless transmission from his base at Alum Bay.

 

Paul Baker
PR Account Manager

Boxed Off Communications Ltd
Box Studios, 17 Boundary Street,
Liverpool, L5 9UB

0151 304 7017 | 07757 943147
www.boxedoffcomms.co.uk
Connect on Twitter Linkedin

Headline News

Queen Victoria’s Private Garden Terrace Revealed

A garden terrace where Queen Victoria sat and painted watercolours at Osborne, her Isle of Wight home, will open to the public for the very first time after a major conservation project, English Heritage announced today (Tuesday 27 June).

The terrace’s panoramic views across the Solent – compared by Prince Albert to the Bay of Naples – can now be enjoyed by the public for the first time as they would have been by the royal couple over 150 years ago. In a project worth over £600,000, the terrace’s centrepiece Andromeda fountain, bought by Queen Victoria during the Great Exhibition in 1851, has been returned to working order and the elaborate Shell Alcove, decorated with thousands of seashells from the beach below, has been painstakingly restored to its former aqua blue and vivid red glory. The public will also be able to experience the terrace’s Victorian planting scheme and the famous royal myrtle plant, given to Victoria by Prince Albert’s grandmother, up-close. The myrtle, traditionally included in royal wedding bouquets since the marriage of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, has been used by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and more recently by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

English Heritage has also reinstated the classic ‘Osborne yellow’, inspired by the warm Italian sun, to the terrace walls which once again match the golden hue of the rest of the house and restore Victoria and Albert’s original vision.

Samantha Stones, English Heritage’s Properties Curator at Osborne, said: “Queen Victoria loved to be outside in the fresh sea air and the terrace was a place of peace. Opening up this previously closed space to visitors gives them another glimpse into the private lives of the royal couple. Our conservation project now reinstates Albert’s original vision of Osborne.

“Matching the yellow of the walls, restoring the beautifully decorated shell alcove with its aqua blue canopy, and seeing the Andromeda fountain with her surrounding sea monsters in working order has truly brought the terrace back to life.”

The Lower Terrace was designed by Prince Albert as a key part of his overall vision for the royal couple’s family home away from the hustle and bustle of court life. Dubbed ‘Albert the Creator’ by Victoria, her husband was very much at the forefront of creating their new residence, enlisting the help of his ‘Adviser in Art’ Ludwig Gruner to create the magnificent Italianate terracing as the crowning glory of their new house.

The Garden Terrace at Osborne will open to the public on Wednesday 28 Jun 

With thanks to the Friends of Osborne and an individual donor for their most generous support of this conservation project.

-ends-

For further information or images please contact:

Emma Gough, National PR Assistant at emma.gough@english-heritage.org.uk or call 020 7973 3390

Notes to editors:

Queen Victoria’s Journals

Queen Victoria often wrote about the terrace in her journals:

  • (Of the Shell Alcove) – Tuesday 3rd August 1852: There is a most charming tame magpie at Barton, which is most amusing, & has been here the last few mornings, pecking at our shoes & boots, running after us, & taking away all the shells from the workmen, who are ornamenting the Alcove below. It is most mischievous having gone into several people’s rooms & carried things away, proving itself quite a “Gazza Ladra”.

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 3 August 1852 (Princess Beatrice’s copies)

  • Wednesday 5th December 1849: It cleared sufficiently in the afternoon, for us to take a walk, & watch the proceedings on the lower terrace, which is what is truly called “a great job”

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 5 December 1849 (Princess Beatrice’s copies)

  • Sunday 2nd June 1850: We walked about on our 2 Terraces, & sat in the alcove, beyond the clock tower. We both said how we daily rejoiced in the purchase of this dear place, & what we had laid out upon it, for it certainly is quite perfection for us & our Children & we enjoy it more & more. This evening, after our little “tête à tête” dinner, we went out for a little on the Terrace, & nothing could have been more enchanting. — the calm sea stretched out before us, & innumerable birds singing, the only sounds to interrupt the quiet of the place.

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 2 June 1850 (Princess Beatrice’s copies)

 Wednesday 30th July 1851: The outer wall of the terrace round the foundations of which ruins a walk, is surrounded by a bed of flowers, the greater part of which are trained up the wall & I cannot describe the brilliancy of the effect.

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 30 July 1851 (Princess Beatrice’s copies) 

  • Sunday 17th July 1853: Everything in great beauty. The roses out in profusion on the lower Terraces. The new fountain there is beautiful. —

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 17 July 1853 (Princess Beatrice’s copies)

  • Sunday 23rd July 1854: We afterwards spent the evening on the Lower Terrace, walking & sitting in the Alcove, the air perfumed with the smell of honey suckle, jasmin, roses, magnolias, &c. —

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 23 July 1854 (Princess Beatrice’s copies)

  • Sunday 2nd August 1857: Sitting in the lower Alcove from 5 to 7, reading & writing. Such a glorious day & evening; the deepest blue sky & sea, the Terrace brilliant with every colour of flower, the air quite perfumed, — so enjoyable.

RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 2 August 1857 (Princess Beatrice’s copies)

Osborne is the royal family home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Isle of Wight. Designed by Prince Albert, it reflects the couple’s passions, tastes and style. Ornate furnishings and artefacts from The Royal Collection fill rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, inventors, princess and princesses and ruled the vast British Empire.  “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” said Queen Victoria of Osborne and the stunning views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/osborne/

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic monuments, buildings and sites – from world famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of empire to Cold War bunkers. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million visitors each year.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Registered charity no. 1140351

 

Headline News

The Isle of Wight is dancing to a different beat this summer

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place from June 8 to 11 this year at Seaclose Park, Newport, on the Isle of Wight.  And, due to popular demand, 2017 sees the return of Day Tickets in addition to Weekend Tickets.

2017 will be the 16th Isle of Wight Festival since it was successfully re-launched in 2002 to become one of the most popular weekends of the summer, with a proud heritage of show-stopping headliners such as Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Blur and Fleetwood Mac.

A full range of ticket, travel and camping/accommodation options are available for The Isle of Wight Festival from www.isleofwightfestival.com.  Pricing options include: Weekend with / without Camping – £195; Day Ticket: Friday – £60 / Saturday and Sunday – £80; Student – £175; Teen – £145; Children Under 12: Free; Disabled Access – must be purchased via the Ticketmaster Special Access Number 0800 998 440.

A variety of travel options including ferry, speed boats, river crossing, Big Green Coach Company and National Rail, and details can be found here:  https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/isle-of-wight-festival-2017-p904681

The Isle of Wight quite rightly has a reputation for being “Music Isle”.  Other upcoming events in 2017 include:

Classic Isle, July 8/9

Classic Isle is back in 2017 with a new venue, a new format and renewed vigour for what promises to be a festival to remember.  Operating from Barton Manor in Whippingham the venue offers a new and intimate setting in the expansive grounds, with a secluded lake as a centerpiece, and one of England’s finest Jacobean Mansions as the backdrop to a Classical Music Festival which prides itself on providing World Class Musicians and local talented prodigies performing on a single stage.  Lawn tickets have remained at a £35 a head for this year which allows guests to bring a hamper and rug or chair and sit on the lawn nestled directly in front of the stage.  VIP tickets are also available.

https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/classic-isle-p1388911

Rhythmtree Festival, July 14 to 16

Rhythmtree Festival will be returning to Three Gates Farm from July 14 to 16.  The Isle of Wight’s most original, fun-filled, family friendly festival returns to Calbourne for its 8th consecutive year. With a reputation for bringing together a diverse mix of high quality music and family entertainment, Rhythmtree Festival 2017 will showcase a range of music by musicians from the Island, UK and beyond.  This safe, friendly, family oriented festival is held in beautiful, tree surrounded farmland, close to the West Wight Heritage Coast and free camping and parking are included in the weekend ticket price.  Adult day ticket costs from £27.50, adult weekend tickets cost £80.

https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/rhythmtree-festival-2017-p1426111

V-Dub Island, August 11 to 13

A family-friendly camping event, the annual V-Dub Island festival is part music and part meeting place for VW enthusiasts.   There are three stages and over 80 bands and DJs – and the chance to take part in a range of activities, including a Drive-Out on Saturday where festival-goers will be guided through the heart of the beautiful ‘Back of the Wight’ and have the opportunity to take part in the popular ‘Run to the Surf’ competition at Compton Bay, one of the Island’s award-winning beaches.    And there’s plenty to do for the kids too with Little Dubbers at V-Dub 2017.  A main stage will showcase acts and entertainment, games, competitions, interactive classes, performances and even an opportunity for them to take to the stage as part of a mini open mic session.  A Family Weekend ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costs £80 and includes camping on site at South Fairlee Farm, Newport.

https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/vdub-island-2017-p1371361

 Jack up the 80s, August 12/13

International-selling pop group S Club have been announced as the latest act to join the Jack Up The 80s party, taking place on August 12 and 13.  Everyone knows “there ain’t no party like an S Club party”, so who better to capture the party spirit of the 80s than one of the UK’s best-loved pop acts?  Original members Jo, Bradley and Tina will be performing all their hits, including the Number 1’s Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, Don’t Stop Movin’ and Have You Ever, as well as Reach and S Club Party on Sunday August 13.  Known worldwide for their feel-good music and party vibes, S Club have recorded over 10 million album sales and won 2 BRIT Awards and will now take to the stage at Smallbrook Stadium, treating Jack Up The 80s fans to what is expected to be just one of the many highlight performances of the weekend.  Day tickets will cost £38, weekend tickets £50.

https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/jack-up-the-80s-p988491

Eklectica @ Robin Hill, September 9/10

Robin Hill Country Park will host a new, boutique music festival – Eklectica – on September 9 and 10 this year.  Described as a festival with a twist, Eklectica is a combination of acts that promise to be diverse, quirky and creative – headlined by internationally renowned, show stopping tribute bands – all set within the woodland setting of Robin Hill.  The Amphitheatre boasts the idea of turning quirky into an art form by showcasing all kinds of entertainment.  From circus to poetry, comedy to fine art, theatre to burlesque, it includes a line-up including The Victorian Circus Duo, Professor Elemental, The Mime Guys, Vintage Comedy Duo, The FB Pocket Orchestra, Dave Sharp’s Speed Painting and The Ventnor Darlings.  Adult day tickets costs £35, or £30 for those aged 10 to 17, £20 for children (5-9), infants (4 and under) are free.

https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/eklectica-robin-hill-p1409381

For further tourist information, and accommodation details, visit https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk.

-ENDS-

For further information about The Isle of Wight, please contact:

Sue Emmerson,  Tel: 07766 705672, Email: sue@visitwight.org

Notes to Editors

Working in partnership with Visit England, Visit Isle of Wight Ltd (VIOW) is responsible for developing tourism and attracting more visitors to the Isle of Wight.   As well as the consumer website www.visitisleofwight.co.uk the DMO also operates a small industry website containing recent research and tourism news along with links to Visit England reports and opportunities www.visitwight.org

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