A stone plaque celebrating the Queen’s Coronation almost 70 years ago has been discovered in a disused bus shelter in a front garden in Rookley.
Retired couple Marian and Robert Jackson came across the well preserved shelter and plaque when they purchased their bungalow in the village.
Special Jubilee event
Now there are plans to put up bunting and invite guests to visit the plaque at a special event to mark the Jubilee celebrations in June.
Isle of Wight Bus and Coach Museum President and Archivist Richard Newman, a former bus driver with Southern Vectis, remembers when the shelter, then part of the main road, was last in use more than 40 years ago.
Jackson: “We’ve been lucky to have such a brilliant Queen”
Marian said,
“The Jubilee is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the Queen’s longevity and to thank her for her stoicism in putting up with so much in her life. We’ve been lucky to have such a brilliant Queen.”
Authenticity confirmed
The Jacksons approached a stonemason who confirmed the plaque’s authenticity and that it was hand carved and made of Portland stone.
Marian added,
“Our objective would be to open the shelter for official events, including perhaps the Tour of Britain Bike Road Race in September.”
Concerned about overdevelopment
She also hoped the shelter and plaque might provide a symbolic historical structure in the local campaign to reduce the spread of overdevelopment.
“Like a lot of people I’m worried that developers are building too many new properties which in time could ruin the village image.”
The Jacksons purchased their home last year, but have still not discovered how, why and when the shelter with the plaque ended up in their front garden, which is just off the Main Road.
Newman: Built for the Coronation in 1953
Historian Mr Newman recollects when the bus stop was in its original position adjacent to the shelter.
“The stop was moved for safety reasons because of road widening.
“I believe the shelter and a similar one also no longer in use at Godshill were built for the Coronation in 1953.”
*The Bus and Coach museum, at the former Park Road Bus Depot at Ryde, is holding a Running Day in October when visitors can travel on old historic buses around the Island
News shared by Peter, in his own words. Ed
