A memorial mosaic has been returned to its rightful home of Spring Hill Gardens following an extensive refurbishment by local volunteers.
The ‘Skimbo’ mosaic, placed in memory of James White, the former leader of the Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, was placed after his death in 2004. Time and weather had taken their toll and severe damage had been caused to it by the elements.
Members of the Ventnor School of Mosaics decided to take up the task of refurbishing and repairing the mosaic to save it from being lost. Using specialist techniques and with support from local businesses, the memorial was soon refurbished to its original condition.
Members have thanked Cheetah Marine for supplying marine ply for the backboard, Ventnor Community Shed for framing the mosaic, Ventnor Town Council for its support and manpower in the shape of James Toogood and Brian Roberts who fixed the mosaic to the wall, and to the owners of Hill House Bakery for giving permission for it to be mounted there.
The repairs were funded by the former Spring Hill Gardens Group who donated towards the cause and an additional grant from WightAID has since helped the Ventnor School of Mosaics further their work in the community.
That’s great news. I was in Ventnor jazz band – or, to give it its proper name, The Isle of Wight underground camel corps during the 1980s and have fond memories of those “better” times, with many local characters participating, -not least Skimbo and his kilt!
“Carry on the great work” Skimbo lived at niton for many years happy days