Congratulations to the Historic Ryde Society for winning this large grant. We know they’ve worked hard for it. Ed
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of nearly £50,000 to Historic Ryde Society (HRS). The society formed in October, 2009, to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Royal Victoria Arcade, Union Street, Ryde, in July, 2011.
As things developed, HRS became committed to creating a permanent heritage centre in the town, in the basement of this historic building.
Grant secured building
A grant from Ryde Townscape Heritage Initiative helped to secure the fabric of the building and refurbishment work is nearing completion.
The HLF money will go towards building a photographic and film archive, creating a ‘Ryde Memory Bank’ and delivery of an education programme, involving local schools and other community groups, to complement the many varied artefacts of local historic interest on display.
Diana Wood, secretary of HRS, said “This is the icing on the cake, although it marks the start of fifteen months of very hard work. We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant, as it will help us to fulfil our dreams of a permanent display of Ryde’s wonderful past. This building has played a part in Ryde’s history, as members of the Royal family walked into the arcade over many years, visiting the Royal Photographers who worked here.”
For further details, please contact Diana on 01983 617110.
