At last week’s Ventnor Town Council (VTC) meeting, Cllr Gillian Jenner told the meeting about a forthcoming exhibition to be held at the Winter Gardens.
Taking place between 12-19 September, the exhibition tells the story of the south coast entertainments venue from its launch in the 1930s until the present day.
The event forms part of a wider consultation that the VTC are running in order to secure the best possible future for the Winter Gardens.
Local collaboration
Ventnor Town Council is working with the Ventnor and District Local History Society to compile archive materials from the early days of the Winter Gardens. There should be some fascinating material on display, through the ages of the venue.
Share your past memories
Prior to the exhibition opening, the exhibition organisers are keen to hear your memories of the Winter Gardens. Perhaps you have stories to share or pictures you can dig out?
We’re told the best will be included in the exhibition and contributors invited to a private VIP opening.
The present and future
We’re all aware that the Winter Gardens has suffered it’s fair share of problems over the years.
The exhibition hopes to explain the issues in more detail, so that users of the venue can understand the difficulties those in custody of the venue face.
Your feedback and ideas wanted
As well as enjoying the informative exhibition, it’s hoped that visitors will be willing to provide feedback on the Winter Gardens’ future.
Expect questions about how you want to use it, the facilities you want and the types of activity that would attract you back to the venue.
Feedback forms will be available from the Winter Gardens and at supporting venues around Ventnor. Suggestions and comments from exhibition visitors will be compiled and presented at the October Ventnor Town Council meeting.
English Heritage Open Days
As Cllr Jenner explained last week, in order to maximise on the number of people attending the exhibition and providing feedback for the consultation, the Winter Gardens will also be participating in the English Heritage Open Days programme to open up properties of cultural, historic and architectural interest on Saturday and Sunday 12-13 September.
Your Winter Garden Memories
If you have a favourite story to tell about an event or activity at the Winter Gardens, and can also provide a picture to be copied or other memorabilia, contact Ventnor Town Clerk, David Bartlett by email [email protected] or in writing at the Winter Gardens, Pier Street, Ventnor, PO38 1SZ
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Isle of Wight Historic Postcards
