HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Isle of Wight recently and following visits to Island businesses and charities he celebrated the re-opening of Newport Minister after the Minster’s multi-million-pound refurbishment.
Prince Edward attended a service with 400 worshippers from across the Island to mark the completion of the final £2.6million project which included the external restoration and refurbishment of its interior. Newport Minster now has new flooring, toilets, kitchen facilities and meeting rooms. Victorian pews have been removed with chairs replacing the seating.
The Prince has been the Royal Patron of the campaign to renew Newport Minster since it started in 2006 and in a brief address to the congregation, prior to a Bible reading, mentioned that the scheme had taken some time.
Included in the 400 worshippers at the special service were local clergy, community groups, choirs, uniformed organisations and schoolchildren. The Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and the High Sheriff were among the island dignitaries attending.
Members of Girlguiding IW attended the service with the Brownies helping with the retiring collection in aid of The Minster and Community Action Isle of Wight. Following the service the Girlguiding IW members were photographed with the Bishop of Portsmouth.
Two days after the Duke’s visit the Minster was open to the public to enable all residents and visitors to view the changes.
Visitors were welcomed by volunteers and it is volunteers that the the Minster seeks for its Meet and Greet as well as volunteers to help with running its new kitchen and serving refreshments.
Young people undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards will also be welcomed as volunteers and will have the chance to undertake the many duties that running a Minster church has to offer.
Anyone wishing more information on volunteering please contact:
