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.
  • MENU

Primary School Visits to Ryde Cemetery 22 & 23 November 2016

Haylands Primary School Year 3

Ryde Social Heritage Group were very busy last week as a quick clearance of the Remembrance Event was required, to be replaced by Victorian Christmas in preparation  for two school visits. This was the third year running that Haylands Primary School brought both of their Year 3 classes to Ryde Cemetery as an introduction to their Victorian studies. On Tuesday 22 November the first class arrived as the storm from the night before was just settling. What a relief, although we had an alternative indoor activity ready in case we couldn’t do our outside walk with follow up mapping activities. Wednesday was a much brighter and sunnier day when the second class came but it was perhaps a little colder.

img_1403David Earle (the retired Admiral) and Dave Bushell (the Longshoreman) were able to guide groups around the oldest parts of the cemetery and talk about the Victorian era in Ryde. Cherry (the scullery maid) and Mr. Mc Neal (the butler) were also able to accompany the groups on their walks.

Ann (Mrs. Young from Appley Towers) and Arthur (the Groom) were on hand to conduct the Winter Forest and Stained Glass Windows activities. The lolly stick trees this year were the best ever and we trialled a new design in stained glass windows which were very successful. Shelagh (Lady Clifford from Westfield), Hilary (Mrs. Rendall from the Royal Pier Hotel) and  Mrs. Higgin & Mrs Mc Neal (housekeepers from nearby big houses)  were all willing assistants in the proceedings. Kate (Colonel Cradock’s wife from The Castle) kept an eye on things and all ran smoothly, although it can be a bit hectic at times, especially when  the groups swap activities. We still found time to have squash and biscuits at half time and the adults enjoyed tea or coffee. 23-nov-16

Mrs. Cradock also conducted the ‘Guess the Artefact ‘ activity. This always proves entertaining but from previous experience we know that many things are thought  to be  teapots so this year we had a Victorian style teapot to demonstrate what they actually look like. The shaving mug was thought to be a watering can or a sieve and the hot water bottle had a rather clever suggestion that it might be an iron. The carpet beater is usually compared to a fly swat and a pizza tray but a new idea was that it might be used for herding animals.

dscn1361The children enjoyed a rest whilst having their packed lunches and afterwards there were calmer colouring and puzzle sheet activities and story time. Both chapels looked very festive with Christmas displays and decorations, nativity scenes and a beautiful lighted tree. The children always enjoy the ‘Hunt the Elves’ activity when they try to find the 12 Elves of Christmas which are hidden in various nooks and crannies.

Huge thanks to all the members of Ryde Social Heritage Group who gave their time, energy and expertise during these visits. Also many thanks to John Martin, Ryde Cemetery Sexton, who ensures the Learning Centre and cemetery grounds are clean, tidy and safe and always supports us and lends a hand. Finally, thanks to the staff, helpers and children of Haylands Primary, delightful as always and a credit to their school.

 

Photographs by David Bushell and John Martin