Brought up in Russia’s remote far northeast 3,600 miles from Moscow in the frigid port town of Magadan, an Isle of Wight resident recently granted UK citizenship, is now on a personal cultural mission to connect the UK’s Russian language speakers.
During the second lockdown, Melinda Henry, owner of Trendy 10 Beauty Salon and Foot clinic, founded and curated a not-for-profit Russian Library in Ryde, her home for the past 12 years.
Henry: People pulled together and had become kinder and more thoughtful
As she built her new venture, she was surprised by the demand for Russian culture and identification. She said,
“I was surprised how many books donations I received. Russian speaking people have posted books to me from all over England. I offered to pay postage, but many refused to take any money towards delivery.
“I realised that during these uncertain times people had pulled together and become kinder and more thoughtful.
Readers can choose anything from the classics to the latest 2021 releases. They may wish to either read in Russian, or to learn the language.
Trialing series of ground breaking, bespoke trips to the Island
Encouraged with the results from her Russian library initiative Melinda is now embarking on a new project.
She has reached out to other Russians in the UK, and is now in the process of trialing a series of ground breaking, bespoke trips to the Isle of Wight.
An eclectic intercultural experience
The first arrivals are due on 4th July. Melinda’s Russian visitors can expect an eclectic intercultural experience during their stay. Part of this will involve looking at the close historical links between the Isle of Wight and Russia.
Melinda explained,
“The Isle of Wight formed a crucial link between Romanov Imperial Russia and Britain. Many famous Russian people visited and enjoyed the Island during the Victorian Era.”
Bespoke Russian themed walks for visitors
Russians on the Isle of Wight, then, are not a new phenomenon. Melinda has taken inspiration from a new book describing the links between the two. Isle and Empires: Romanov Russia, Britain and the Isle of Wight by Stephan Roman, is due for publication in less than a month.
Now, with a common goal to celebrate and bring these historical links to light, Melinda Henry, author Stephan Roman, himself with Russian descent, assisted by Island-based Medina Publishing have come together to create a number of bespoke Russian themed walks for visitors, which emphasise key Anglo-Russian landmarks and stories on the Island. These walks are due to commence in July.
Guiding visitors through the places and stories of previous Russian visitors
Melinda said,
“As well as visiting iconic Isle of Wight sites, I will also be guiding my Russian groups of visitors through the places and stories of previous Russian visitors featured in Isle and Empires.
“I am certain it will be a thrilling experience walking in their footsteps.”
One significant event addressed in Isle and Empires is the Russian Imperial visit to the Isle of Wight in 1909, intended to seal an Anglo-Russian alliance that would be short lived as revolution and discord escalated.
Today, it is individuals like Melinda who aim to re-ignite this fond closeness.
News shared by Krissy on behalf of Medina Books. Ed
