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Bonchurch

Bonchurch photos (26 available)

Old photo of Bonchurch

Bonchurch maps (2 available)

Old map of Bonchurch

Bonchurch books (3 available)

Bonchurch memories

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You can also read memories of nearby places in Isle Of Wight below.

Isle Of Wight memories

Ventnor

Ventnor, Esplanade 1892

I was born in Ventnor and although I have lived in Kent for many years Ventnor will always be "My home".
A memory of Ventnor contributed by valerie hickman

Grandmother's abode

Wroxall, High Street c1955

At the bottom of the hill on the right I believe that tall building belonged to the local bakers. The low building next to it - this side of the bakers - is a thatched cottage where my grandmother lived. My mother grew up here. The cottage housed around 3/4 families but it has now been made into one home. Over the years the thatched cottage has also been a restaurant. I visited my grandparents many times at this cottage.
A memory of Wroxall contributed by M Allen

Summer Holidays

Sandown, the Beach c1950

Many of my childhood summer holidays were spent at Sandown.  We usually stayed at Mrs. Woodnutt's hotel in Carter Street.  Mr. Woodnutt hired out the deck chairs on Sandown Beach.  He also kept ferrets and I was allowed to go and help him look after them.  One of our family's favourite places was the miniature golf course pictured.  It was called Brown's as was the canoe lake next door.  Browns made the most delicious ice cream, very welcome after following the grown-ups around the pitch and putt course. Oh the joy when I was deemed old enough to have a putter, ball and score card of my own!
A memory of Sandown contributed by Eileen Hammond

Grandad's war days and our family hols

My grandfather was stationed on the island "During the War"and was very friendly with a family from Arreton called Hendy. The mother's name was Lil and the father was affectionally called"Tit" (because he was quite small). After the war, my gramps and all the family visited Aunt Lil and Uncle Tit quite frequently. Tit grew his own veg in a back garden, I remember picking pea swads for him when I visited. They had a daughter called Ena (can't remember her husband's name) and a grandson called Ralph. Ralph, my mum said, worked for a garage somewhere in Sandown when he got older. The last address I have for Ena is at Arreton, near Newport, I.O.W. They were always very friendly ...read more here
A memory of Arreton contributed by joanne fisk

Extracts From Bonchurch & Isle Of Wight books

Bonchurch, the Pond 1890

Bonchurch is a charming suburb of Ventnor, its rich plant life a joy to behold. The pond, a favourite scene for the Victorian visitor, was overhung with huge arbutus trees, scarlet geraniums, and fuchsias with trunks as thick as a man’s wrist.
An extract from from"Isle of Wight Photographic Memories Pocket Album".

Bonchurch, Jacob's Ladder 1918

One early visitor to Bonchurch was Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who loved the local walks. Not all of his perambulations were without incident. On one occasion the poet was mobbed by a group of lady fans, who cut his hat to pieces as souvenirs.
An extract from from"Isle of Wight Photographic Memories Pocket Album".

Bonchurch, the Beach c1955

This later view of the pond is worth comparing to the earlier photograph of the same scene. Horses have given way to the ubiquitous motor car, and the village is catering for the car-borne tourist. But the pond and the wooded nooks around Bonchurch are as great an attraction as they were for the Victorian visitor.
An extract from from"Isle of Wight Photographic Memories Pocket Album".

Bonchurch, the Pond and Cafe c1955

This later view of the pond is worth comparing to the earlier photograph of the same scene. Horses have given way to the ubiquitous motor car, and the village is catering for the car-borne tourist. But the pond and the wooded nooks around Bonchurch are as great an attraction as they were for the Victorian visitor.
An extract from from"Isle of Wight Photographic Memories Pocket Album".

Yarmouth, the Ferry c1960

Passengers disembark for their holiday on the Isle of Wight. Many return - as Queen Victoria did - year after year. Exploring the dramatic coastline, pastoral countryside and delightful towns and villages never fails to make for a memorable holiday.
An extract from from"Isle of Wight Photographic Memories Pocket Album".