FUTURE OF WELL-KNOWN LANDMARK IN CALBOURNE SECURED THANKS TO RESTORATION PROJECT

Residents in Calbourne recently gathered to celebrate the completion of a refurbishment project that has preserved the village’s historic water pump and canopy. The Isle of Wight’s High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas, cut a red ribbon at the well-known local landmark to mark the occasion. The pump on Lynch Lane was manufactured in 1894 with a canopy placed above about 120 years ago – around the return of the century. Sadly, the original pump wheel vanished a few years ago but thanks to the action of local residents, money has been raised to replace the wheel structure. The skilled team at The Forge in Whippingham carried out the metal work. Councillor John Angel, Chairman of Calbourne, Newtown and Porchfield Parish Council, thanked the High Sheriff for presiding over the completion of the village project. He also thanked the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team for giving the Parish Council a grant towards the cost of the restoration, with villagers also thanked for leading the fundraising efforts for the replacement pump wheel. After the ribbon cutting, parishioners headed over to Calbourne Sports and Recreation Hall for tea, coffee and cakes.