The Beckford Centre in Cowes was officially opened by the Lord- Lieutenant Susie Sheldon on Friday evening (27th May).
Jon Matthews, Chairman Cowes Heritage and Community Group, welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant and other guests and gave a resume of the centre’s history.
2 years ago, the site was vacant. Cowes Voluntary Community Group had been in situ but ailing, as was Cowes Heritage, so the 2 concerns merged.
The building was redecorated and an extension was added, which will eventually house the Cowes Heritage archive. This part of the building bears a plaque honouring the late Chairman of Cowes Heritage, John Groves, who did much for this organisation. Maureen Groves was present at the opening and said that she was very pleased that her late husband was honoured in this way. John’s brother Barry was also present and had been responsible for getting much of the new exhibition together including research into past Royal Visits.
Susie Sheldon said that it gave her much pleasure to open the new extended centre, which was a story of 2 groups coming together for a mutual benefit, and she was pleased to open the first new exhibition to be housed there.
This exhibition detailing the 5 royal visits by HM the Queen – 1965, 1968, 1987, 2004 and 2012 – was particularly enjoyed by the Lord-Lieutenant.
In 1965, the Royal Visit included the investiture at Carisbrooke Castle of Lord Louis Mountbatten as Governor of the Isle of Wight. Most Island towns have been included in visits over the years.
Also featured are previous Royal visits to the Island, including one in July 1938 when a young Princess Elizabeth and even younger Princess Margaret-Rose visited here with their grandmother Queen Mary. Dating back to 1899 is a photo of the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert.
For those wishing to delve deeper into Royal visits, there are several folders on display, which can be viewed at leisure.
This exhibition is open daily to the public until Saturday 11th June, covering the 4-day Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.
Admission is free. Opening times will be 10:00 to 16:00, although on the 2 Mondays, it will open at 13:00, and on the 2 Thursdays it will open between 16:00 and 20:00.
