Island Groups
The Island has a multitude of groups and societies whose members give many hours of their time for the benefit of their local communities. They have been formed by people with an interest in a wide range of subjects which deserve individual attention. Bembridge Heritage Society Formed in 1996 to record the rich history and heritage of Bembridge and surrounding areas. Cowes Heritage Heritage group recording and exhibiting the history of Cowes The Friends of East Cowes The Friends of Frank James Working to preserve the former hospital building and save it from destruction. The Friends of Northwood Cemetery Society aiming to restore the cemetery, its chapel, mortuary buildings, and monuments, and to preserve its records and wildlife. Ryde District Heritage Centre The Centre opened in 2011. Run entirely by an ever increasing body of volunteers, the Centre won awards from the Isle of Wight Community Action group in 2012 and 2013. Ryde Social Heritage Group Formed to research, document and share information about the history of Ryde, its development, people, businesses and entertainments. The Ventnor Heritage Centre Brading Roman Villa Overlooking Sandown Bay, with a visitor centre and museum. Brading Community Archive Group Collection of heritage documents and photographs of Brading www.bradingcommunityarchive.com Shanklin History Society Group organising events and exhibitions on the history of Shanklin The Island Branch of the Historical Association A registered charity who support the teaching, learning and enjoyment of history at all levels and bring together people who share an interest in and love for the past. Down to the Coast Conserving and celebrating the things that make the Isle of Wight a fantastic place to live work and play. National Poo Museum Museum at Sandown dedicated to poo, with exhibits. Isle of Wight History Centre Website dedicated to IOW history St Helens Historical Society Facebook page for posting historical items about St Helens www.facebook.com/St.HelensHistoricalWight/ The IOW Local Records Centre A biological record centre hosted by the IOW Council to collect information on wildlife for decision making on projects, helping to preserve habitats for the future. http://www.wildonwight.co.uk/lrc/ Folk on Wight Isle of Wight folk songs, dialect, legends and customs. https://folkonwight.wordpress.com/island-folk-history/
Some aim to preserve certain aspects of the Island's heritage or environment, others groups form to gather together information or items that may otherwise be lost. These like-minded people may be few in number but they play an important role in preserving or highlighting lesser-known aspects of the Isle of Wight.
Listed below are a range of groups and societies with Island interests;
www.friendsofeastcowes.co.uk
www.friendsofnorthwoodcemetery.org.uk
For all those who want to research their ancestors. Members include people with Island ancestry who live on the UK mainland or elsewhere in the world as well as those who live on the Isle of Wight but whose families came from elsewhere.
www.isle-of-wight-fhs.co.uk
Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society
The Society studies, records and publishes on all aspects of natural history, geology and archaeology and acts as the local record centre for the County.
iwnhas.org
Houses the Ventnor Heritage Museum and the Ventnor & District Local History Society, both entirely managed and run by volunteers.
