At its closest point the Isle of Wight lies less than a mile from England's bustling south coast. However, the separation afforded by this tiny stretch of water, coupled with a fascinating history, distinct geology and infamous characters, gives this tranquil island a unique ambience all of its own. Feature writer June Elford and specialist photographer Steve Gasgoigne both know the Island in all of its moods. Steve's superb photography and June's highly informative text combine to create a vivid, colourful portrait of this diamond-shaped island, a true Gem of the Solent.
June Elford and Steve Gascoigne’s latest collaborative work contains nearly 80 full colour photographs of stunning scenes of the Isle of Wight, ensuring that its title Gem of the Solent is justified. June Elford’s laidback personal writing style makes for easy reading through (as she puts it) an “armchair journey” of the Island.
Starting in Ryde on the North-East coast of the Island, Chapter One takes us on a leisurely bus tour towards Cowes in the North. On our way we visit the impressive Ryde pier, quirky Appley Tower and abandoned paddle steamer ‘Ryde’ at the Island Harbour.
During Chapter Two we are led ‘Westward-Ho’ through the ghost town of Newtown, the red squirrel territory of Cranmore and on towards Yarmouth, Alum Bay and the most westerly point of the Island, The Needles.
‘Fossils, Wrecks and Smugglers’ takes us round the ‘back of the Wight’ to (as the title suggests) an area rich in historical intrigue. Compton Bay is home to the fossilised remains of various prehistoric creatures, including a “trail of footprints left by a young 20 foot tall iguanadon”…
Through the next two chapters we explore the remaining coastline of the Island, as well as more inland areas such as Carisbrooke, and eventually arrive at the Eastern tip of the Island, where we began.
You can also visit Steve Gascoigne's CHP page to see his other publications, including a 2008 calendar to complement this book.
