Newport Minster is celebrating conservation and local craftsmanship made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Churches Trust.
It is transforming the Minster Church of the Island into a modern place of worship and an arts venue for the whole Isle of Wight community. It is also offering Islanders a chance to try new skills in a range of activities from conservation to stonemasonry.
Undergoing a transformation
Dubbed the Church at the Heart of the Island, Newport Minster is uniquely well placed to serve the needs of every age group in the growing Island community and, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players; the church is wrapped in scaffolding as it undergoes transformation to secure a vibrant future for the building.
Noah’s Ark mural
To celebrate, local graffiti artist Not Dead Yet has created a carnival of chaotic and colourful animals, walking two by two, around the outside of the Minster and visitors are already starting to notice their favourite animals as they pass the church.
It will be linked to free family trails available from Whitsun Week, from the Minster Cafe.
Roof and stained glass repairs
Elsewhere, work is already well underway to repair the roof and stained glass, clean the monuments and mend the stone facades.
It is already providing a great opportunity for young Islanders to learn more about the skills involved in working on buildings like this.
‘Meet the Experts’
As part of the project, a series of free talks entitled ‘Meet the Experts’ offers a chance to get to know the team working on conservation of monuments, stained glass and stonemasonry.
Anyone, including students interested in studying history or looking for experience for a career in conservation are encouraged to come along.
Who Do You Think We Are?
The Minster needs volunteers interested in investigating the Minster and its history here in Newport. Working with project partners the Isle of Wight Heritage Service, there are free workshops on how to use historical records, as well as tips on managing and interpreting evidence.
Richard Smout, Service Manager for the County Record Office and a member of the PCC, will lead sessions on handing original records and sharing what they can teach us.
How to take part
The first sessions are on 7th and 12th April and run for two hours.
They will be held at Isle of Wight County Record Office, 26 Hillside, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2EB. There is council parking on the Quay.
Attendance is free, but numbers are limited to ten people per session, so tickets must be booked in advance.
To attend the talks please contact us on [email protected] or call (01983) 559257.
News shared by the Newport Minster Project Team. Ed
