Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2009 | Page 47

ISLAND HISTORY

unhappily north, erecting
the sign as some sort of
consolation. To date, other
milestones have been located
at Ningwood, East Cowes Old
Road, Shanklin, Luccombe
and Havenstreet. There is also
a borough marker on a bend
along the Forest Road. There
just may be many more hidden
away beneath the brambles.
The Milestone Society was
founded in 2001 with the aim
of promoting the historical
significance of these modest
symbols. The Society would
like to see branches in every
county but at present the Isle
of Wight is not represented.
So, if there happens to be
someone looking for a new
hobby and who would enjoy
exploring the Island’s byways
for evidence of any as yet
unidentified stones, then please
don’t hold back. The mission
does however come with a
health warning. As many old

life

tracks have now evolved into
major roads, there is a very
real danger when it comes to
lurking on bends to admire
this piece of history that a ten
ton lorry might come careering
around the corner so do have
a care. Perhaps winter is the
safest time to venture out.
The world milestone has
taken on another meaning in
our language, representing
those important rites of
passage when we pass from one
phase of life and onto another
- school, teens, marriage,
promotion, parenthood and
so on. In general they seem
to mark positive occasions
so the next time you pass