BROUGHT up in Russia’s remote far northeast in the frigid port town of Magadan, more than 3,000 miles north of Moscow, an Island resident is now on a mission to connect the UK’s Russian language speakers.

During lockdown, Melinda Henry – the owner of Trendy 10 Beauty Salon & Foot clinic – founded and curated a not-for-profit Russian Library in Ryde.

She has lived in the town for the past 12 years and was recently granted UK citizenship.

She has now reached out to other Russians in the UK, and is in the process of trialling a series of groundbreaking, bespoke visits to the Isle of Wight.

The first arrivals are due on July 4.

Melinda says her Russian visitors can expect an eclectic intercultural experience during their stay, including looking at the close historical links between the Island and Russia.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Romanov monument in East Cowes.The Romanov monument in East Cowes.

She said: "The Isle of Wight formed a crucial link between Romanov Imperial Russia and Britain, with many famous Russian people visiting and enjoying the Island during the Victorian Era."

Melinda has taken inspiration from a new book describing links between the Island and Russia, Isle and Empires: Romanov Russia, Britain and the Isle of Wight by Stephan Roman.

Melinda and Stephan, also of Russian descent, and Island-based Medina Publishing are creating bespoke Russian-themed walks.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Far flung. Melinda was brought up in Magadan, Russia but has lived in Ryde for over a decade.

Melinda added: "As well as visiting iconic local sites, I will be guiding my Russian groups through the places and stories of previous Russian visitors featured in Isle and Empires.

"I am certain it will be a thrilling experience walking in their footsteps.’’

One significant event addressed in Isle and Empires is the Russian Imperial visit to the Island in 1909, intended to seal an Anglo-Russian alliance that would be short lived as revolution and discord escalated.

Melinda names Alexander Pushkin as her favourite author and plans to organise Russian language classes for the beginners in the future.