Bembridge Heritage recently held its annual exhibition, which this year was sponsored by the Bembridge Harbour Trust and was entitled ‘Bembridge Then and Now’.
Ken Orchard, 1 of the Bembridge Heritage Trustees, took the concept of comparing Bembridge of yesteryear with modern Bembridge and ran with it, putting in a great deal of hard work selecting historical photos and then putting the legwork in to take the modern equivalent for comparison.
The old photographs, alongside their modern equivalent with relevant historical facts, were displayed on boards exhibited in the hall across 12th and 13th August.
A database held by the Trust containing thousands of images was made available during the exhibition; this same database is available to visitors at the Bembridge Heritage Centre during opening hours. Also on display were maps from the 19th and 20th century.
The exhibition drew several hundred visitors over the weekend. The overwhelming feedback from attendees was very positive with many of them taking the time to thank the Trustees and let them know that the subject of the exhibition was fascinating. They enjoyed the chance to see how the village has developed from Victorian times to the present day.
For a long time, Bembridge has been a popular holiday destination. A number of people commented on the happy times they had spent in Bembridge in the 50s and 60s, and it was evident that many families returned here year after year.
Anyone wanting to help preserve Bembridge’s rich heritage for future generations is asked to contact Bembridge Heritage on [email protected].
The mode of presentation is itself a trip back in time! Very 1970s!
A boat leaves every half hour if it’s not to your liking.