Alexandra Gardens: Open Heritage Days

Following on from our article yesterday on the launch of a new Website about the history of Alexandra Gardens, we’re pleased to hear that two of the properties in the road will be open to the public during the Open Heritage weekend.

Number 3 and Number 5 Alexandra Gardens are the only two houses on the road which remain as single unit dwellings.

On 12th and 13th September, as part of the English Heritage Open Heritage Days they join a number of other properties around the Island which will be open to the public free of charge.

We understand that these two particular properties are in fact the only two that are non-regular attractions opening for the event on the Island

Number 3, Bermuda House is of course well known as the property that famous composer Edwards Elgar spent his honeymoon at in 1889. Listen to a podcast with Andrew Neill, Chairman of the Elgar Society at the unveiling of an historical Blue Plaque at the property.

Number 5, The Windsor Carlton Hotel has changed hands many times over the years since it started life as a lodging house in 1888.

During the two days you’ll be free to explore the houses, as well as learn interesting facts about Sir Edward Elgar’s honeymoon, see the feature film shot in the street, hear the story of Ventnor Mill, find out how the houses came to be built and learn all about the street whilst enjoying afternoon tea in Victorian splendour.

Further details visit the Alexandra Gardens or call (01983) 852543

Check the Heritage Open Days Website for full details of all Open Heritage Day events on the Isle of Wight.

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Steve The YAK
8, September 2011 5:20 pm

I just love seeing island people stuck in traffic jams while they rant, rave, and moan! I just speed past them on my 50 year old BSA!! Ha hahaha.

Steve The YAK
Reply to  Steve The YAK
8, September 2011 5:25 pm

I followed an elderly man driving his island car the other day (DL) along Fairlee. He very nearly got up to 28 mph! I could hardly believe it! ..any faster and he would have had to put the car into 5th gear. (Probably for the first time in it’s life!)

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Steve The YAK
8, September 2011 5:44 pm

Years ago, a friend told me why Island was given the suffix DL. Apparently it was especially given for the Caulkhead drivers. It stands for Dopey Local!

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Steve The YAK
8, September 2011 5:50 pm

You’ll come unstuck one of these days Steve my boy. Either a driver won’t see you or will emerge from a side street as you are doing your “speeding past”

Steve The YAK
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
8, September 2011 6:01 pm

Speeding on the island means 31mph! ..and anyway us retired silly old sods love taking chances. It brightens up our day speeding to the OAP’s lunch at The Cedars… I’m too old to die young, anyway!

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Steve The YAK
8, September 2011 6:29 pm

Retired eh? Well you ought to have more sense gadding about on motorcycles at your age! Get a nice bus pass and behave yourself!

Steve The YAK
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
8, September 2011 7:04 pm

Oooh, Gadding…no. Us old Rockers could never do that! Before I reach the ‘chequered flag’ I want to get reported for ‘riding furiously’! That’s more like it!

Sailor Sam
8, September 2011 5:24 pm

It’s chaos in Ryde atm… the que is half way up the pier and the buses don’t seem to be coping too well. I’ve heard that the average wait is about 2 hours to get on a bus. Seems worse than festival weekend!

Nayim
8, September 2011 7:24 pm

This situation is ludicrous. This is pure evidence that the Bestival is held in totally the wrong place! What with what has gone on in Cowes, its about time its licence is reviewed.

Steve The YAK
Reply to  Nayim
8, September 2011 7:40 pm

Disgusted. Tunbridge Wells.

Don Smith
Reply to  Nayim
8, September 2011 7:48 pm

All festival sites should be located a mile South of Sandown Pier. It appears that the general public must put up with these commercial enterprises week after week, just to make ££££s for a minority. It’s time the council started to regulate better, but then they would miss out on their complimentary tickets. Time for a permanent site to be constructed; why these festival goers want to… Read more »

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Don Smith
8, September 2011 9:15 pm

I have to agree with you there Mr Smith. Over 9o% of the Island population have no interest in Bestivals, festivals, carnivals, motorbikes, scooters, road races or any other organised entertainment. They are unable to go about their lawful business without being delayed or diverted. What makes it worse on the Island is that the venues are all within the bounds of housing, unlike the big cities… Read more »

theholyneutron
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
8, September 2011 9:59 pm

Welcome to the Isle of Wight.

Steve The YAK
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
8, September 2011 10:02 pm

Oh Paul! You’ve fallen into the trap. There’s a nice bungalow for sale on the Isle of Lundy with NO neighbours for miles, and definately no festivals, bestivals, motorbikes, gypsies, tramps, or theives…..shall I send you the details?

Steve The YAK
Reply to  Steve The YAK
8, September 2011 10:04 pm

(Sorry about the typos, but I’ve had a drink!)

Don Smith
Reply to  Steve The YAK
9, September 2011 12:54 am

Who came over here first? The festivals, bestivals, motorbikes, gypsies, tramps, or thieves.[Rule out the prisons]. The island was seen as a place to make ££££s and that was the reason. I first came here in 1964 and it was not unlike Lundy in many places here; even now if you visit the Newtown area you just may agree with me, and there’s a nice bungalow for… Read more »

Simon Haytack
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
8, September 2011 11:52 pm

90% of the island’s residents may have no interest in going to the Festival/Bestival, but that doesn’t mean they are against it being held. It does so much for the island’s economy, creates jobs and helps put the island on the map nationally. Admittedly when traffic is at the levels it was at today it causes some delays but it’s really only a very small percentage of… Read more »

Steve The YAK
Reply to  Simon Haytack
9, September 2011 12:16 am

Yeah, right. Tunbridge Wells.

Don Smith
Reply to  Simon Haytack
9, September 2011 12:43 am

Only those in businesses benefit from all this disruption and chaos. The IoW is best known as a tranquil tourist destination; however, it is getting a very bad reputation with all these commercial festivals and other events taking place week in and week out. Many of my relatives (I have a lot) now just pop over for a day, or we meet them on the mainland and… Read more »

No.5
Reply to  Simon Haytack
9, September 2011 12:54 am

90% of the under 30’s are interested in attending the Bestival and some 20,000 do.

Course I don’t expect the over 70’s to enjoy the thought of it, but they love to spoil everything.

Sailor Sam
Reply to  Simon Haytack
9, September 2011 10:52 am

Most of the financial benefit from these events go to the transport operators (non of whom are Island based anymore except the local taxi firms)and the places which sell alcohol so I don’t think the Island Tourist industry on the whole benefits too much. Those having to travel to work by public transport from Ryde yesterday must have found it hard going!

PAUL MULLERY
9, September 2011 9:38 am

The fact remains that they can’t entertain themselves without some sort of organised mass event at the inconvenience of others. When I go out for the evening, I require no roads blocked, diversions, police and ambulance overtime for my entertainment. These festival goers will be old one day. They will be in bed with some painful complaint and trying to sleep and, hopefully, a few hundred inconsiderates… Read more »

Steve The YAK
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
9, September 2011 9:43 am

Oh Paul, come round my house and we’ll have a smoke, and hey, calm down man! peace and all that.

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Steve The YAK
9, September 2011 10:39 am

That’s very kind of you Steve. I don’t smoke, but if I did and started out now, I would probably be in some jam or diversion for ages and you would have probably given up waiting for me. I am forming a mental picture of you Steve. I think of you as a hippy on a Harley with 1960’s long hair, beard, moustache and John Lennon spectacles.… Read more »

Steve The YAK
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
9, September 2011 12:59 pm

Sorry Paul, you’re way out. I’m sixty years old and have been a Rocker for 48 of them, combed-back hair (still got it all!)and side-boards. I have three old BSA 650cc motorbikes, one Royal Enfield, one Triumph, and one Yamaha. I don’t smoke and never have. Play piano in a rock’n’roll band, and lead a decent life. No moustashe, no glasses, no beard, don’t like music festivals,… Read more »

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Steve The YAK
9, September 2011 2:09 pm

Good on yer Steve. I am also 60, never owned a motorcycle, can’t play a note, balding, glasses and generally unfit. Try to do my best for anyone who needs help. Keep on rocking mate!

Don Smith
Reply to  Steve The YAK
9, September 2011 11:36 pm

Will you be playing at the Bestival Mr Yak? Or will you be riding around it on one of you bikes. You’re not at the Bestival now or you would not be posting all your cr*p on here. Iv’e been sixty and I was as fit as a fiddle – You will mellow, I promise you. Now nip home on your M/bike and post another…Dig the gist?… Read more »

Steve The YAK
Reply to  Steve The YAK
10, September 2011 12:09 am

Well Don, I can hear the Bestival loud and clear here in Wootton, but no, I’m not playing there. Mind you, I’ve played some good venues in my time, and with some well known artistes that even you would have heard of. No motorbike riding today, but I’ll be riding my Royal Enfield on Sunday for a trip around the island with my fellow CROWs (Classic Riders… Read more »

playingthenumbers
9, September 2011 10:41 am

I hope the organisers of bestival aren’t stuck. I would hate it if they couldn’t get down to Terminus Road in Cowes & pick up the 2 skips worth of rubbish left by their patrons.

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  playingthenumbers
9, September 2011 11:00 am

Stop being cynical playingthenumbers, all this is good for the Island economy. It must be because our council representatives have told us so it must be true.

No.5
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
9, September 2011 1:48 pm

The Bestival is brilliant for the Island…it raises our profile, introduces our lovely Island to a generation who would never see it normally.

The rubbish ( which is abysmal) is down to the organisors and the council who need ‘a good ticking off’

Asite2c
Reply to  No.5
9, September 2011 3:09 pm

Doesn’t the organising by the Council have something to do with drinking in a brewery?

Don Smith
Reply to  playingthenumbers
10, September 2011 8:07 pm

The Yak: You appear to enjoy life. Never take all I write seriously – No5 has me weighed up to a ‘T’.

Have a nice weekend; and never put off today, what you may not be able to do tomorrow. (DAS – Circa 2011.

witchfinder general
9, September 2011 3:38 pm

Don’t worry the tailback is under control, otherwise why would the traffic police be parked in a layby near the Blacksmiths arms this morning. The most unlikely road to be used by Bestival goers, in fact the most unlikely road to be used by anybody except for buses going to Wellow. I really wondered why these police who are payed for out of our rates should be… Read more »

theholyneutron
9, September 2011 9:37 pm

it really is extraordinarily inconsiderate of these people to pay a load of their own money, turn up to an event that is licenced, advertised and provided quite specifically and openly to lay on late and loud music and then actually have the impudence to join in. If only they were more like us, they’d lock themselves in the cupboard of their own dismal, mean spirited resentment… Read more »

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  theholyneutron
10, September 2011 9:06 am

What I find annoying, is the concept that public roads may be closed or diverted for the benefit of specific people’s entertainment. As another contributor has poined out; what about those trying to go to work on buses? Don’t they have rights too? I wager, a proportion of those attending the Bestival are football fans and may be season ticket holders. I pose this question to you… Read more »

witchfinder general
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
10, September 2011 9:39 am

I expect their attitude would be the same as mine when a match is on, roads get closed, shops pull down the shutters and if you are stupid enough to get caught in the crowd you get herded by the police to where they want you to go before you can carry on with your lawful business.

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  witchfinder general
10, September 2011 10:56 am

You have misunderstood the question witchfinder. You are going to the match and the roads are closed, not because of the match, but for some unrelated event. Because of this you are stuck in the car and arrive at the ground just as the crowd is leaving after the game. A game for which you have paid and not seen owing to a group of inconsiderates who… Read more »

witchfinder general
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
10, September 2011 11:20 am

Nope didn’t misunderstand, you can’t make an example of football matches that can sometimes cause roads and businesses to be closed resulting in the same mayhem as the bestival or other large events. It just seemed a silly comparison to make.

PAUL MULLERY
10, September 2011 11:27 am

Re-read my last comment. it is NOT the football match which is causing the blockage. It is a totally UNRELATED event which prevents you from reaching the match.

PAUL MULLERY
10, September 2011 11:33 am

Let’s make it simpler for you. You have paid for a football match in advance. Five miles from the stadium you encounter a road race/pageant/procession or something similar. As a result you are stuck in traffic because of the road race/pageant/procession and arrive at the ground when the match has finished. You have been delayed, NOT because of the match but due to a totally UNRELATED event

witchfinder general
10, September 2011 12:43 pm

Um, Ah, I think I now understand your post. I am going to an event that I have paid for in advance and I have been held up by, let me quote you. “A group of inconsiderates who think it is acceptable to disrupt the public for their pleasure” I cannot get to the event on time because, Ah, let me quote you again, ” The roads… Read more »

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  witchfinder general
10, September 2011 5:47 pm

I assume you are either trying to wind me up or you are feeble of intellect. I clearly state it is the race/pageant or procession and nothing to do with the football match which causes the delay. I shall not reply again however I guarantee sometime in your life you will need to travel urgently to a destination or someone will need to meet you. You will… Read more »

Steve The YAK
Reply to  PAUL MULLERY
10, September 2011 6:25 pm

Hey boys! w.g.a.f.?

PAUL MULLERY
Reply to  Steve The YAK
10, September 2011 6:43 pm

Hello Steve my man. I am most impressed with your piano-playing ability to professional level. Are you self-taught or did you have lessons? Are you playing any venues after your sojourn in Belgium?

I went to the Cedars some time ago and saw a motorcycle there. Bet it was yours. Anyway, have a nice time in Belgium and I hope the weather stays fine for you.

witchfinder general
Reply to  Steve The YAK
10, September 2011 6:47 pm

Yeh, why? Supposed I was bored, should have been at Bestival but got stuck behind a Nissan Micra for a few hours on the middle road.