Members of the Vectis 40s Vintage group have presented a cheque for £200 to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown following a weekend of fundraising back in September.
Vectis 40s Vintage is a group of like-minded people who enjoy the 1940s era, including its music and fashion.
Group members recently headed back over to the sanctuary to hand over the cheque. On behalf of Vectis 40s Vintage, Alan Williams presented the cheque to Matt Ritches of the Wildheart Animal Trust. Other cheque presentations will take place in the coming weeks, including to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Following the presentation, Tim Wander gave a talk on Christmas. Tim’s talk described how Christmas, as we know it today, has evolved over the centuries. He showed how various traditions for this time of year date from the ancient people celebrating the Winter solstice at Stonehenge. The Romans also celebrated midwinter with their Saturnalia and in the Middle Ages the tradition of the Green Man was established. Bringing holly, ivy and other greenery into dwellings date from the Green Man traditions and in Tudor times celebrations centered around large feasts led by the Prince of Misrule.
With the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary based in the old Fort at Sandown, it was inevitable that Tim mentioned the Christmas celebrations over the years that have taken place at the Fort including large meals that were served to the servicemen and officers in Victorian times. He also recalled the first Royal Christmas message and how the festivities were celebrated during the war years.
Coming up to date, Tim showed slides of recent activities at Christmas and concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a good New Year.
well done to all off you