A Cowes heritage and community group facing closure earlier this year is now looking forward to a brighter future, after new volunteers answered the cry for help.
Thanks to publicity in local media, important historical documents and photographs are now safe and its popular art and history sessions will continue. Thanks to the CP appeal, Cowes Heritage and Community Group (CHCG) has three new trustees and plus extra volunteers to ensure the group’s future.
On the brink of closure
The registered charity, which is based at the Beckford Centre and holds thousands of photos and historical documents relating to the history of Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood, was facing closure this year with the resignation of key trustees due to health and personal reasons.
A heart-warming response
CHCG chairperson Lin Hayward said,
“Since the start of 2026, Cowes Heritage and Community Group had been on the verge of closure.
“All activities at our Beckford Centre hub would cease and long-standing members would lose their much-enjoyed social groups. But following local media reports, we received heart-warming offers of help.
“This led to a new team of volunteers, who have made it possible to open the Centre on two mornings a week, rather than two a month and resume the mountain of delated archive recording.
“We also have three new trustees with valuable expertise, who will bring fresh ideas and support and whose introductions to CHCG have saved the charity from closure.”
Lin went on to add,
“We now plan more guest speaker presentations, craft workshops and our popular heritage exhibitions.
“We are grateful for the positive response, words of support and new volunteers.
“What seemed hopeless has been turned around and we hope CHCG can continue to thrive and bring more visitors and members.
“We still hope to open the Centre more often and if you have considered volunteering, please get in touch. [email protected].”
News shared by Mary on behalf of CHCG. Ed
