WITH Shanklin celebrating the re-opening of the town’s £1 million cliff lift next month, its town council has joined forces with Southern Vectis to link it with the launch of an innovative virtual history trail.
The trail will link all 20 bus stops along the town’s Southern Vectis Breezer route with major events and famous people in its past.
It is expected to open on Friday, June 23 — the same day as the lift and two of Shanklin’s refurbished public toilets.
Shanklin mayor Cllr Jon Gilbey said: “The heritage project will link the lift, Shanklin Chine and the revetment, as well as the Esplanade, Old Village, town centre and Shanklin Railway Station.
“Working with Southern Vectis, the cultural trail can be extended in Shanklin and replicated across the Island.”
Schools and residents have been involved in the development of the heritage project, which includes reference to the pop group Take That, who filmed I Found Heaven, Anneka Rice recording Treasure Hunt in Big Meade in the 1980s, the Queen’s visit to Shanklin in 1965, as well as stays at local hotels made by illustrious visitors, such as Keats, Dickens, Darwin, Marx and Elgar.
The Breezer trail will include a special gold bus stop in tribute to gold medal rower Louis Attrill, as well as contributions from former residents Dickie Davies and Sheila Hancock and a link to the Beer, Buses and Walks event this autumn.
There will be a short commentary by pupils of St Blasius Shanklin CE Primary Academy on the route.
Cllr Wayne Whittle, IW Council’s executive member for tourism and business development, added: “This is a tremendous initiative for Shanklin — and the Island.”