Important historical documents and photographs detailing the history of Cowes could be lost unless new organisers step forward to run the Cowes Heritage and Community Group (CHCG).
The registered charity, based at the Beckford Centre, holds thousands of images and records relating to Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood.
However, the group is now facing closure this year following the resignation of key trustees due to health and personal reasons.
Lin Hayward, Chairperson, Treasurer, has said:
“The future of the heritage collection is at risk unless we can find people to take over the running of the CHCG.”
CHCG has played a key role in preserving local history, producing a wide range of books and hosting exhibitions at the Beckford Centre. Its predecessor, Cowes Heritage, also staged annual exhibitions for many years at venues across Cowes.
The Beckford Centre itself serves as an important community hub, offering space for arts and crafts groups, Isle of Wight history sessions and public talks by guest speakers. It also hosts regular drop-in sessions for those wishing to research local history or simply connect with others.
Following a merger between Cowes Heritage and the Cowes Voluntary Group, storage space at the centre was significantly extended to house the growing archive.
The future of both the heritage collection and the Beckford Centre is now uncertain, with organisers warning that closure is possible without fresh support from volunteers and trustees.
Anyone interested in helping to keep the group running is asked to email [email protected] or visit www.chcg.org.uk for more information.
Problem is, the native population of Cowes is getting replaced. Nobody as any interest in it’s history.