Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
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February 1968

Isle of Wight Times:

Feb 1st 1968:  FIRST OFFENDER – One of the first motorists in the country, and the first in the Isle of Wight, to be charged after a breathalyser test on Thursday received his third driving ban for an offence concerning cars and drink, he admitted driving while his blood level was above the prescribed limit, and also driving without a licence.

Feb 1st 1968:  COACHES TOO BIG – Due to increased trade, and governed by the size of coaches operated by mainland contacts, we have to get coaches of larger seating capacity each year. We wonder if we have reached the maximum so far as the Island is concerned.  Our Island roads, certainly near some of the most beautiful areas, will not take anything much bigger.

Feb 1st 1968:  YOUTH CLUB DANCES – The Friends of Ryde Youth Club on Saturday held another in a series of dances at the club to raise money to provide transport.  Mr. Bill ROSS was M.C., and there was a good attendance.  The previous evening, The Outlaws provided the music at a club “pop” dance.

Feb 1st 1968:  SURPLUS OF FIVE YEAR OLDS – An unusually large increase in the Island’s population in 1962 is posing a major problem this year for the County Education Committee.  An increase of 600 births five years ago has presented the authority with 600 more children than usual to accommodate in schools.

Feb 1st 1968:  PROBLEM – The news that British Rail has given the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club and Ryde Rowing Club notice to vacate their club premises on Ryde Pier came as a shock to all, and threatens the actual existence of clubs which have been part of the amenities of Ryde Pier since the late 1800’s.

Feb 1st 1968:  SUCCESS STORY – When they were forced to vacate their historic premises at Ryde and move to new headquarters at Fishbourne a few years ago, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club lost about 40 members and numbered some 260.  Now, the membership is more than 600, and last season saw more races and competitors than ever before.

Feb 8th 1968:  NEW CLUBROOM – Enthusiasm brought the desired result for members of the Ryde Post Office and Sports Club.  In order to save unnecessary expense members of the club put a great deal of spare time and energy into converting a building at the rear of 25 Cross Street, Ryde, into brand new headquarters.

Feb 8th 1968:  SOLENT TRIALS – First demonstration trial runs of a new class of hovercraft—the HM-2 Sidewall type—were taking place in the Solent yesterday.  British Rail Seaspeed has ordered three of the 35-knot craft, which accommodate 65 passengers, for its service between Portsmouth and Ryde.  Propelled and lifted by conventional marine diesel engines and water screws, the HM-2 is the result of two years’ intensive development by Hovermarine Ltd.

Feb 8th 1968:  END OF THE A.F.S. – “An absolute tragedy” was the comment on Saturday at the Government decision to end the Auxiliary Fire Service on economy grounds.  The Chairman of the I.W. County Defence and Fire Brigade Committee, thus summed up the situation, when addressing 100 Island A.F.S. members, parading for the last time.

Feb 15th 1968:  PUSS IN BOOTS – The Young Vectis Players scored an outstanding success with their annual pantomime, “Puss In Boots,” at Ryde’s Esplanade Pavilion last week.  A total of 900 attended the four performances, and the talented cast provided a colourful, and fast-moving show.

Feb 22nd 1968:  EMPTY PREMISES – “Blanks,” in Ryde High Street, between Well Street and St. Thomas’ Square, are causing concern to Ryde Professional and Businessmen’s Association.  There are 12 of these “blanks” (empty shop premises) in this area, plus three more in Union Street.  They are the “fly in the ointment,” of the association’s High Street improvement scheme.