Projects

CELEBRATING 'ISLANDNESS' 

"There are often things in our local environment and neighbourhoods that we take for granted that make it different and special.  Very often we only notice their value when they are lost.  For example, plaques giving the date and initials of builders on houses from the grant to the small; faded adverts from years ago painted on the side of shop buildings; old street signs; lamp posts; milestones; way marks; a style of gate; and kerbstones all adding to the patina of place.  This project is looking to capture these 'placemarks' and the value that they bring to our lives."                                        John Brownscombe, AONB Lead Officer

The Isle of Wight AONB Partnership and the Isle of Wight Council Conservation and Design Team, are inviting people to help us with a project to record the small but all important details of our Island's wonderful environment.  The aim is to publish a miscellany to celebrate the physical 'placemarks' and the wealth of interesting but often overlooked detail evident across the Island.  This particular book will not focus on the wider landscape, buildings, animals or people, but is about appreciating the minutiae of our familiar places and those ordinary or quirky things that contribute to 'Islandness'.

We are asking you to take a fresh look at places you enjoy every day, and to show and share with us what connects you to your homes and why.  We will be collecting photographs from participants as mementoes and collating them, together with excerpts or memories and explanations of what makes an object/detail special.  A pocket book of 'Islandness' will then be published in the Spring.  This miscellany of small details and fragments of places will be widely available to visitors, locals and professionals alike.  It will highlight what connects us to our Island.

The project was launched on Thursday 17th January 2008 with an inspiring talk by Sue Clifford of Common Ground www.commonground.org.uk on the 'Importance of Local Distinctiveness'.  Please click on the link below for an information sheet on how to join in with the project or contact Fiona Hanna at the AONB Unit.

 Celebrating Islandness - Information Sheet (pdf)