A total of 13 Isle of Wight organisations have been awarded a share of the National Lottery’s £123,000 heritage fund to uncover, preserve and celebrate hidden stories from the Island’s past.
Creative Island and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation have announced the successful projects in the second round of the Past Futures Heritage Fund, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The latest round more than doubles the number of organisations supported by the scheme, following the 6 projects funded in the programme’s first year.
The initiative focuses on preserving the Isle of Wight’s ‘everyday heritage’ – from oral histories and traditional crafts to forgotten collections and community memories.
Gavin Stride, Director of Creative Island said:
“This is a further reminder of the depth and variety of extraordinary stories that make up the Isle of Wight.
“It has been a real privilege to work with people from every part of the Island on helping them share their stories, and we’re grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the trust and support that they’ve shown us in making this happen.”
Among the organisations receiving support are Brading Roman Villa, which will record memories from people involved in archaeological digs at the site, and Carisbrooke Castle Museum, which plans to bring Second World War oral histories to life through a local theatre group.
The Classic Boat Museum will explore the untold stories behind Cowes Week and the people who helped sustain the town’s sailing heritage, while the Wight Aviation Museum will collect and preserve personal memories linked to its collection.
Other projects include documenting the history of Whitecroft psychiatric hospital, preserving the experiences of blind and partially sighted Islanders through Sight for Wight, and celebrating more than 150 years of music hall entertainment with Time Nor Tide Players.
Young people will also be involved in several projects with Vectis Radio’s 4Ps Training School helping participants create heritage podcasts, while the Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society will invite younger generations to help curate an exhibition using items from its archive.
Ventnor Enhancement Fund will restore a traditional telephone box as a heritage display, with additional installations planned during Ventnor Fringe.
Jacqui Scott, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see the Past Futures grant programme continuing to grow, with this second round of funding supporting even more Island communities to share their stories.
“These projects are a reminder that heritage is not just about the past, but about how people connect, find pride in where they live, and shape their future together.”
As the projects progress, their findings will form part of a growing digital archive designed to ensure the Island’s stories remain accessible for future generations.
