RECORD TURNOUT FOR THE ANNUAL VERNON SQUARE SUMMER PARTY

With the weather firmly on its side, the annual Summer Party in Vernon Square, Ryde attracted around 200 attendees, generating much-needed funds for the continued upkeep of the gardens. Queues started to form at the entrance before the 14:00 start as enthusiastic supporters were keen to set out their chairs and rugs before the first notes were struck up by the Vectis Brass Band, the first of 3 popular musical performances taking place during the afternoon. Vectis introduced their youth band as their finale extra, before The Rug Band took the stage, keeping the mood upbeat with their eclectic range of music. Then the ever-popular raffle draw took place, with 15 top prizes ranging from The Duck restaurant vouchers, local produce and delicacies from The Vegetable Cart and Pickle & Dill, crafts and accessories from Cloth & Comfort and The Wool Shop, Mermaid Gin and Rum, even a Cut and Blow Dry with Kayleigh at Twenty One Salon, all generously donated by local businesses and residents. The afternoon closed with Steve Love on guitar with his medley of amusing songs about Island life. As the sun stayed out for the entire event, temperatures rose into the heady 20s creating brisk takings at the Pimms and Prosecco Bar. However, the food and hot beverages on offer were not left out of the limelight, as all the tempting cakes and savouries had been prepared by the Vernon Square Conservation Society volunteers. The Vernon Square Gardens, created in 1830, once nearly lost by plans for a car park, has been safely rescued by the Vernon Square Conservation Society whose volunteers regularly meet up to tend to the lawns, pathways and borders. All funds generated at the Summer Party will be used for any professional services required such as insurance, green waste, tree surgery, equipment hire, and general maintenance, to ensure that all visitors can continue to use these unique gardens safely in what is the Island’s only garden square.