NEWS FROM RYDE JANUARY 1863
Isle of Wight Observer:-
Jan 3rd 1863: ST. MARIE’S – As the dampness of the church had completely spoiled the instrument intended to have been played by Mr. CONDUIT at the above church on Christmas Day, he was unable to do so.
Jan 3rd 1863: WATCH NIGHT – Praying the old year out and the new one in was observed at the Wesleyan chapel, Nelson-street, and also at the Primitive Methodist chapel, Oakfield, on the eve and morning of New Year’s Day.
Jan 3rd 1863: TOKEN OF RESPECT – Messrs. NUTLEY and DYER, late pupil teachers at the National School, whose term of servitude has expired, were each presented with a purse of money and the best wishes of their fellow teachers and scholars, upon leaving, as a token of the esteem in which they were held by them.
3rd Jan 1863: ROYAL EAGLE – In accordance with custom usual at this time, the habitues of this hotel were liberally treated to a plentiful supply of eatables and old ale on Wednesday and Thursday last.
Jan 3rd 1863: SOMEWHAT SIMILAR – Mr. LOVEGROVE, the landlord of the Nelson Tavern, Bellevue-road, entertained his friends to a spread at the above-named hostelry on Wednesday evening.
Jan 10th 1863: MOTHERBANK – Not for a very lengthened period have we noticed such a fleet of vessels as have been laying at this roadstead during the week, the stress of weather for which the earlier portion of the week, is noticeable being the cause thereof. We would suppose that no less a number than a hundred vessels had sought shelter here.
Jan 17th 1863: COMMISSIONERS – That the offer to Mr. KENT to give up the land near the cemetery for £35, including the cost of pulling down the mangle-house, be accepted. That Mr. DENHAM’s tender for house drains be accepted. That the tender of Mr. NICHOLS of £40 for scavenging be accepted. That the tender by Mr. MEADER of £200 for erection of a lodge for the cemetery superintendent be accepted. All the above were seconded and carried.
Jan 17th 1863: THE RAIL – The new iron hand-rail that has lately been erected in Dover-street gives that street a curious appearance. Upon turning the corner the resemblance to a place railed off for a beast market strikes one forcibly, but as it will, perhaps, prevent a leg or arm being broken, an ankle sprained, or head bruised, it must be looked upon as a decided improvement.
Jan 24th 1863: FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE – The Duchess de STACKPOLE has arrived at Richmond House, Strand; Mr. and Mrs. RATCLIIFE gave a ball to a large distinguished party at Busbridge Lodge on Wednesday last; Mr. William H. Eugene PADMAN (10th company H.A.C.) and Mr. and Mrs. E. CORDEREY have arrived at Sivier’s Hotel.
Jan 31st 1863: GRANNY WOOD – Our obituary this week, the oldest inhabitant, known by every middle aged native of Ryde, is that of Mrs WOOD, wife of Johnny WOOD. This venerable lady was born in White-cottage, on the shore at Ryde in 1766; and, when a blushing maiden of “sweet 16,” witnessed the capsizing of the Royal George and “twice five hundred men” lives lost, upwards of 80 years ago.