Thanks to Maxine for news of this unveiling taking place next week. In her own words. Ed
To celebrate the life of the famous seismologist John Milne, Newport Parish Council has commissioned an interpretation board in the Shide area near to his former residence and observatory.
The board will be unveiled on Tuesday 30th July at 4pm by Professor Teruyuki Kato – President of the Seismological Society of Japan and Dr William Twycross – John Milne’s great great nephew.
Residents’ idea
The idea was brought to the Parish Council by local residents keen to see a physical memorial to Milne erected in the area.
Cllr Geoff Lumley, as parish and IW Councillor for the ward, lead a steering group made up of local historians and residents to develop the project.
Board and plaques
In addition to the board, plaques at the location of the observatory and also Shide Lodge have been put in place. John Milne’s wife, Tone, was Japanese and Newport attracts many overseas tourists interested in Milne’s work, so to familiarise visitors to the area a ‘Milne Trail’ has been produced to show the points of interest that John Milne would have known 100 years ago.
Thanks to a successful Heritage Lottery bid and funds from Newport Parish Council, this project has been completed in time for the centenary of his death on 31st July. It is hoped that the permanent commemoration will raise the profile of this important figure for the current and future generations.
Lumley: “Project has been a pleasure to lead”
Cllr Lumley said:
“This project has been a pleasure to lead. Initially local historian Brian Greening and then some Shide residents suggested it and the latter have been closely involved.
“My thanks to all who have helped deliver it on time and within budget.”
Further thanks
The Parish Council would like to thank local historian Patrick Nott, Richard Smout, IW Heritage Service Manager, Mike Bishop, former curator of Carisbrooke Castle Museum and Giles Standing from Carisbrooke Castle Museum, for their invaluable help with the text for the board, plaques and Trail.
Grateful thanks are also given to the residents who are hosting the plaques on the gateways of their properties.
