THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING LETTERS TO FIND A COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS
The story we know so far....
THE WESTBOURNE ARCADE 1898
Hidden among the elegant streets of Westbourne lies a secret that has been carefully guarded for more than a century! During the height of the Victorian age, Westbourne became a place of imagination, invention and refinement. Beneath the grand glass roof of the magnificent Victorian Arcade (built in 1884-85 by Henry Joy) shoppers, craftsmen and curious explorers gathered beneath its Gothic arches to discover new creations, unusual treasures and remarkable inventions.
It was said the Arcade once housed a mysterious collection of extraordinary artefacts - inventions, discoveries and treasures representing the very best of Victorian ingenuity.
But on the eve of The Great Westbourne Exhibition, the collection vanished.
The inventor responsible, known only as the Clockwork Curator, feared that his remarkable creations would be lost for ever. So he entrusted a letter to various shop owners as custodian's within Westbourne Village, who swore to protect their letters until a new generation of explorers was ready to rediscover them.
That day has arrived, 12th September 2026.
There is also a curious little clue, Atticus, a resident black cat of Westbourne, has long wandered the village and is said to have discovered an important letter. Is he reincarnated or just travelled through time? Whether he knows where the remaining artefacts are hidden is another matter - cats, after all, are rather good at keeping secrets! Find him and an extra letter is at hand.
THE WESTBOURNE EXPLORERS MISSION
Your mission is to explore the Village, meet the custodians and find the gold letters. Participating shops will have a letter in their front window or door, so you will know which to go to. Please only go to those displaying the small gold letter in their window.
Collect at least 5 different seals from participating venues. Each letter represents a lost piece of the Great Westbourne Collection.
Those who collect 5 or more letters, will gain a raffle ticket to be entered into a raffle for a grand prize. Gain 10 or more for a second raffle ticket, a third for the highest letter score/ most difficult
BUT BEWARE...
The Clockwork Curator only rewards those with curiosity, imagination and a true appreciation of the unusual. You can only collect one of each letter - two of the same is instant disqualification.
WESTBOURNE'S EXTRAORDINARY CONNECTIONS
Your journey takes place in a village rich with Victorian character. Westbournes beautiful Arcade remains at the heart of village. A Grade ll listed Victorian shopping arcade with its distinctive Gothic architecture, glass roof and Independent boutique shops.
Perhaps it was the atmosphere of Victorian Westbourne - a place of creativity, invention and discovery that inspired such remarkable imagination.
THE FINAL CHAPTER
Once you collect enough gold letters, your mission is complete, and when checked - A raffle ticket is issued for each category, to go into the raffle.
Raffle at 3:30 at the Westbourne Rotary Station
You may keeep the letters
REMEMBER
The greatest discoveries are not always hidden in distant lands...Sometimes they are waiting to be found just around the corner, only in Seamoor road or Poole road shops with a small letter displayed in the window.
A shop of travel, one of gluttony, one for every day needs, decorated curiositys and finding the cat may, bring its rewards. Sweet 8L and those in a reflective mood may be surprised, as charity, may give up their just rewards
Story by Kathy