Great things have been happening for Ryde’s Department in the last couple of weeks.
As well as the scaffolding coming down from the front of the building, and being featured in a national report, this week also saw the launch of Packs’ People, the first in a series of heritage projects connected to the former Packs department store.
Capturing the memories of those who worked or shopped at Packs
Situated at the top of Union Street and latterly on Cross Street, Packs reigned supreme on the Isle of Wight during the golden age of department stores – a time that, sadly, will never be repeated.
For this reason it felt important to capture the memories of those who worked and shopped there. Department commissioned OnTheWight’s sister company, Meeja, to carry out the Oral History project and build a Website, so everyone could share in the memories, now and in the future.
Delve in and feast on more than 150 snippets
As well as full-length interviews, Islanders’ will be fascinated to hear more than 150 snippets from those involved, giving an intimate insight into the hallowed store – working; shopping; the legendary fashion shows; the bridal department and of course, The Coffee Bean.
As well as hours of audio to listen to, there are collections of over 200 photos to browse through, including many never previously publicly seen.
Simon Perry of Meeja, said,
“We’re tremendously proud to have been entrusted to capture the memories from this cherished Isle of Wight institution.
“It’s been great working with the whole team – a real Isle of Wight effort.
“We’re sure many Islanders will find something of interest to them and their families and friends.”
The Packs’ People website has been created to make it as easy as possible to access the full length interviews, or dive into 150+ snippets covering a range of topics.
Don’t forget to check out the 200+ photos, which include portraits shot by Isle of Wight photographer, Julian Winslow. Many thanks to Bex and Jo from Network Ryde (below) for use of this super new youth facility.
The photo collections have been shared by former staff or family members, as well as some kindly loaned from Historic Ryde Society.
Art at its Heart’,
Although Department is due to officially open in mid-March 2025, programming kicks off from 14th February onwards.
With ‘Art at its Heart’, this new cultural centre will transform creative life for the local community on the Isle of Wight and offer new opportunities for people engage in theatre, visual arts, digital and carnival activities.
DEPARTMENT – RYDE is one of the Phase 2 DCMS Cultural Development Fund projects, and has the support of Arts Council England, Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and was initiated with the support of the Ryde High Street Action Zone.
Department will offer a new theatre space, workshops, performance and rehearsal areas, a foyer exhibition and gallery area, and a cafe/bar ‘The Office’.
Local arts partners Stitch Department, Horse Box Theatre and Ryde Arts are interwoven into the fabric and plans for the new building and, along with Shademakers UK, will provide exceptional new opportunities for the whole community, and nurture the next generation of professional creative talent.
