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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75th Anniversary Commemoration

On Friday 5th May at 11 o’clock, a very moving 75th Anniversary Commemoration took place at Ryde Cemetery, to pay tribute to the two Ryde Firefighters, Leading Fireman Herbert Dewey and Fireman Colin Weeks, who lost their lives in the Cowes Blitz on that date during the Second World War.

The Reverend Canon Graham Morris opened the address, and also spoke about the Cowes Blitz, together with CM Damon Corr, who read the poem, On The Run. Two Buglers of the Vectis Marching Band played the Last Post when the standards of the Fire Brigade and the Royal British Legion were dipped, and two minutes’ silence was observed.  After Reveille was sounded, the Reverend Morris spoke the Act of Remembrance. Then a rendition of Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes by Dr Kieron Cooney, during which members of Ryde Fire Station placed wreaths on the two graves which are side by side.  The Reverend Morris gave a blessing and the Parade was dismissed.

Afterwards most people retired to the Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. After the cold biting wind outside, the warming drinks and light snacks supplied by Ryde Social Heritage Group members, were very welcome and there was a lot of conversation and reminiscing.

 

 Photographs by David Bushell & Tracy Welstead