The Isle of Wight’s Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff have unveiled new reading and heritage projects at Shanklin Community Library.
The Island’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon JP, and High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard, visited Shanklin Community Library to launch a new Bay Book Bank initiative and unveil a special ‘Play in the Bay’ information panel.
The visit also included a surprise farewell for retiring Shanklin Community Library co-ordinator Maria Darbon.
Researched by students at local schools, the new information panel features details about sports personality Dickie Davies, the development of Shanklin since the 1860s and the town’s heritage.
Mrs Sheldon’s visit marked a return to a project she has long supported, having attended Falcon Cross Hall for the planning stage of the community library, later returning to officially open the facility. She also took part in VE Day 80 events there in 2025 and even joined volunteers for a netball match.
Speaking during the visit, Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon said:
“It’s always a delight to pop back to Shanklin, particularly to see the work of volunteers promoting the National Year of Reading, including school readers, library helpers and those, across the generations, that use Libraries for an imaginative and innovative range of services and resources.”
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High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard added:
“There is so much going on at the Library, and in Falcon Cross Hall, using these community locations to celebrate local heritage, display designs for the school book bag project, or donate books, is an invaluable and inspiring use of the amenity – with the information panel highlighting the history of the site.”
The Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff were joined by local councillors, volunteers from the community library, Shanklin VYCC and Scouts to spring a surprise on Maria Darbon, who is retiring from her role as volunteer co-ordinator.
She was presented with a specially made book complete with a return-by sticker, a retirement card made by pupils from Gatten & Lake and Elsie the Literacy Champion gonk, as well as a book-themed cake.
Mrs Sheldon concluded:
“The Island’s community are fortunate to have wealth of volunteers that make a real difference, and seeing baby Lola Biddlecombe visiting the children’s section, is really heartening for the future, with reading, in all of its forms, bring joy and knowledge to all.”
