Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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RYDE FIRST WORLD WAR CHARACTERS VISIT ELIM SENIOR CIRCLE

Ryde Characters visit Elim Senior Group
Ryde Characters visit Elim Senior Group

Wednesday 11th March saw our ‘Ryde Characters’ make a return visit to the Elim Church in Albert Street, Ryde, to entertain the Elim Senior Circle Group.

Last year we provided Victorian characters but this year Narrator Kate asked the audience to travel back 100 years to 1915 and be the visitors, invited by Mrs Fetherstonhaugh, to see how well the War Effort is being organised in Ryde.

Shelagh, as always, provided much merriment mentioning “my husband, the Major General “, and was keen to tell us that she was sporting a new hat sent from Harrods, especially for the occasion. Jo Dodd joined the cast for her debut as Red Cross VAD Commandant Kleo Friend and was as formidable, capable, efficient, disciplined but also caring and compassionate etc., as Janette who usually plays this part. Ann performed as Mrs Eddis, the vicar’s wife and had Kate snivelling into her lace handkerchief at the distressing wartime stories. Thank goodness Mrs Eddis ended by inviting us all to tea at the vicarage to cheer us up.

What a wonderful spread the Elim provided for us – cream teas for everyone and strawberries! They had also had a whip round, which we knew nothing about and presented us with a donation of £13.30 towards RSHG funds which was a lovely surprise.

Carol took along a First World War display board with information on recruitment, volunteers, fund raising, Red Cross etc. which the audience took time to view after tea.

All in all a successful and fun afternoon and the Elim Senior Circle would really like us to come again.