Cowes Heritage’s annual exhibition, which opened at Regatta House last Saturday, has received warm praise from the first visitors through the door.
The exhibition is being held in memory of the late local historian Charles ‘Charlie’ Taylor (1937-2017). Charlie’s lifetime Collection of photographs and postcards, including aerial views of Cowes, was gifted to Cowes Heritage in his Will.
Some pictures collected by the late Bernard Taylor (1935-2016) – of no relation to Charlie – also feature. Bernard was a very talented jeweller employed by Benzies in the town.
George Chasney, the new Chairman of Cowes Heritage, welcomed everyone to Saturday’s preview and praised the previous Chairman John Groves, who with his wife Maureen were founder members of this Cowes organisation.
2 notable Island historians, Bill Shepard and Brian Greening, were invited by the Chairman to open the exhibition. Bill, who is able to trace his ancestors on Newport Quay back to 1370, will renew his bus pass in 3 years time when he becomes a centenarian. They spoke of how important it is to keep old items which document the history of a town before Bill declared the exhibition open.
Cowes Parade, a major feature of the maritime town, first appeared in the early 1800s before being improved in 1826. A new version was opened on 22nd June 1897.
One well known building, the Globe Hotel, which is situated just off the Parade, was established in 1847. It was refurbished in the 1930s and again in 2001, although it has not always been known by its current name.
That also applies to another hotel, the New Holmwood, originally known in 1870 as the Upper Holmwood. Come the mid 1950s the Holmwood Hotel came into being. Extensive renovation work in 1990 saw the dawn of the New Holmwood now part of the Best Western Hotel Group.
Weather features prominently in the exhibition with gales, storms, heavy snow and various floods, notably one on Boxing Day, 1912. A whirlwind/tornado in 1876 badly damaged the afore mentioned Globe Hotel.
Notable fires in Cowes are also well documented. A huge fire at J. S. Whites on 4th February 1911 destroyed the workshops and premises. On 7th December 1929 there was a large fire at the Royal Yacht Squadron. Therefore, it is appropriate that the 51 year career with the Cowes Fire Brigade of Ernest Willstead is featured.
Cowes Castle, home of the RYS, has seen a number of changes through the years.
Photographs document Cowes Camera Club circa 1905 and Capt. H.J. Ward handing over the deeds of Northwood House.
With the centenary of the end of WW1 in mind, this exhibition runs until Sunday 11th November. It is open daily from 10:00-16:00 and admission is free.
Report by Alan and Suzanne Whitewood
