Many who grew up on the Island have a memory, or have heard stories, about Elizabeth Packs from a relative.

The team at Department, Ryde want to hear your Packs stories, so they can gather them to share with future generations.

Join them at Ryde Library on Saturday 27th April (between 11am-2pm) to share your stories, photos and memorabilia about the former department store.

Do you have fond memories of browsing the aisles or finding the perfect outfit at Elizabeth Packs?

Perhaps you were even fitted for a bridesmaid dress, or modelled at one of their fabulous fashion shows, or were a regular at the in-store café?

Did any of your family members work at Woods & Wilkins, the hardware store that once occupied the building before Elizabeth Packs? Perhaps you’re related to the Woods or Wilkins families and have keepsakes or stories passed down through the generations. The Department team would be thrilled to see any photos or hear any anecdotes you might have.

This is the starting point of a year-long project led by Shademakers UK and generously supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund which leads towards opening exhibitions and events at the iconic department store on Cross Street in Ryde.

The former department store is now being transformed in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, Arts Council England, Historic England and will open as an arts and cultural space for the whole community in 2025.

Joe Plumb, Department’s Creative Programming and Operations Manager, said,

“Ryde’s history is full of fascinating tales, and Elizabeth Packs is no exception. We’ve heard stories of staff modelling the latest looks and parading through the cafe in fur coats to tempt customers to explore the latest collections.

“Did you witness this inventive retail strategy? Or maybe you have other unforgettable memories of Elizabeth Packs? We’d love to hear them all!”

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, IWC Portfolio Holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, added,

“This is a fantastic opportunity which promises to unlock stories and memories from yesteryear that will help us better understand the special place the Packs store occupied in local people’s lives.

“It will be a valuable part of the Department project which, the Isle of Wight Council is delighted to be supporting as part of its commitment to the delivery of the Island’s Cultural Strategy.”

Help the Department team document a cherished piece of Ryde’s past at the Help Centre, Ryde Library, 101 George Street, Ryde PO33 2JE.

They’d love for you to join them at the first public open day on Saturday 27th April 2024, from 11am to 2pm at the Help Centre in Ryde Library, or on future dates:

• Wednesday 29th May 11am – 2pm

• Friday 28th June 11am – 2pm

If you can’t make it along on those days there will be a special book at the library where you can add your memories to.