13 Apr 2012 Last updated at 00:00

Chine to shine for Diamond Jubilee

Public spaces near Shanklin Chine have been spruced up ahead of this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Co-ordinated by one of the Isle of Wight Council’s environment officers, the probation service carried out weeding and painting thanks to funding from Shanklin Chine and discounted materials supplied by Jewson Moreys in Ryde.
 
The area will be used for Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Shanklin later this year and provide an improved public space for the community and visitors all year round. Railings were repaired and painted black and gold in keeping with noticeboards and fences elsewhere in the town. A number of benches were repaired and painted green to complement the area. Among events planned for the Shanklin area is the Hospice Jubilee Tea Party at Shanklin Chine on Sunday 3 June (free entry all day with donations to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice).
 
Although not a Diamond Jubilee event, the newly improved space was recently used as part of the final Service of Remembrance of 40 Marine Commando (1942-46) Association on Sunday 1 April. Their standard was laid up in the Shanklin Chine Heritage Centre.
 
Anne Springman of Shanklin Chine, said: “I am delighted with the work that has been carried out, it makes a real difference to the area.”
 
Chairman of the Isle of Wight Diamond Jubilee Organising Committee, Councillor David Williams, said: “It is wonderful to see communities working together to improve their public spaces ahead of this year’s Diamond Jubilee. The work undertaken by Shanklin Chine with the help of the probation service, local businesses and council officers is of real benefit to the local community, especially with plans for so many events to mark the Diamond Jubilee this June.”
 
More information about Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the Isle of Wight can be found at www.iwight.com/jubilee

Many events are being planned to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Many events are being planned to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Factfile
  • The Queen came to the throne in 1952.
  • 40 Royal Marine Commando trained at Shanklin Chine in preparation for the Dieppe raid in 1942.
 
Shanklin Isle of Wight