Ascension : Heritage Notes
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 11.12.2008 (Article Archived on 25.12.2008)

It has been another busy week for Heritage Island volunteers. The Johnsons continue their important work in the Archives, sorting through the vast collection of photographs, printed material and other important parts of Ascension history.

It has been another busy week for Heritage Island volunteers.  The Johnsons continue their important work in the Archives, sorting through the vast collection of photographs, printed material and other important parts of Ascension history.

            Last Tuesday evening we all got together at the Obsidian for a farewell evening for Ed Kerslake, one of our hard-working volunteers.  His contributions will be missed, although as I mentioned last week, he will be continuing to help by doing research at the UKHO archives.  Good luck, Ed and Nicky, and family.  Thanks for all your help over the time you shared with us on Ascension.  Best of luck in the future!

            The memorial for Jack Bowen, a PanAm employee who was swept off the rocks while fishing back in 1962 is in disrepair.  It was originally placed at the site near the rocket launching pads at the time by his friend Charles Elgas.  Mr. Elgas contacted us via the Islander to ask that the memorial be repaired.  We paid a visit to the site, and unfortunately the original memorial is beyond repair.  Plans are underway for the construction of a new memorial plaque, and preservation of the remains of the original in the museum.

            And now for the big news, the winning designs for the new Letterbox stamps.  It was a tough job for the judges, since so many wonderful designs were submitted by the students of Two Boats School.  While we could only chose one design for the stamps, a number of the other great designs will be displayed in the museum in the Letterbox exhibit!  We need to share them!

            The designs that will be made into the stamps for the new letterboxes are:

       Shelly Beach                            Kieran Yon                    Year Nine

       Water’s Edge                            Brooke Harris               Year Three

       Bird Cave & Lava Tunnel           Michael Yon                  Year Nine

       Goat Hole Ravine                      Daniel Hiorns                Year One

            The Heritage Society would like to extend thanks to all the students who participated, and shared their artistic talents with us.  It is great to have the young people involved in Island heritage and conservation.  Thanks also to the parents and teachers who encouraged them, and to Ms. Matthews for organizing this event.  We will keep everyone informed as to the progress with inaugurating the new Letterbox walks!

Letterbox Design – Winning Entries