This being the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edward Elgar, it’s highly appropriate that yesterday saw the unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating Elgar’s honeymoon stay in Ventnor.
Around 15-20 people braved the cold winds and gathered at 3 Alexandra Gardens in Ventnor today to hear Graham Bennett, the walking encyclopaedia of Ventnor history, deliver a short introduction about Elgar and Ventnor. He handed over to Andrew Neill, Chairman of the Elgar Society who completed the picture of Elgar’s stay and how his musical career really came together following his marriage … and trip to Ventnor. Elgar musical output was formidable, as you can see in his Wikipedia entry.
Once the plaque unveiling was complete, John Allen, the owner of the house said a few words and invited those present inside for tea and nibbles.
Background on Elgar
Viewed by some as Britain’s greatest composer, the music you’re likely to know of his include the Enigma Variations (his first major orchestral work … apparently)
and his Pomp and Circumstance Marches.
One of which is better known as Land of Hope and Glory, much loved by Rugby fans and fans of the last night of the Proms.
If you’re not sure what Elgar looked like, open you wallet/purse and have a look at the £20 in there.
Chances are you’ll see Elgar’s moustachioed face looking back at you – not to be confused with the Queen.
Many thanks to Graham Bennett and Fay Brown for organising the event.
Here’s a chat we had with Andrew Neill, Chairman of the Elgar Society [audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/Elgar-Blue-Plaque-Unvieling.mp3]
The Elgar Society
Ventnor and District Local History Society
