Open Day Saturday 23rd September 2017
On Saturday 23rd September the Ryde Cemetery Learning Centre was open in conjunction with Isle of Wight Days, the theme for the day being “Property Sales”. The bulk of the sale information was sourced from the RSHG Roy Brinton Collection and the existing research material of Ryde Social Heritage Group.
It was expected that because of the many other events occurring during the day attendances would be low, especially after lunch and this proved to be the case with visitor numbers dropping off by early afternoon. However, an attendance totalling 32 enjoyed the displays and information on offer.
The South Chapel featured displays of property sales information relating to some of the more important Ryde dwellings and maps of proposed property developments from the mid 19th and early 20th centuries. This was presided over by a mannequin dressed as an auctioneer complete with gavel and bowler hat.
In the North Chapel as well as displays and albums containing photographs of old Ryde streets and houses the computer suite was available for those wishing to indulge in the ever popular research into their ancestors buried in the various local cemeteries.
The fine weather accompanied by unseasonably warm temperatures allowed visitors to take self-guided walks or merely to sit and enjoy the sun and a wide range of light refreshments was available throughout the day.
The large double-sided display can now be seen in Ryde Library and will remain there until 21st October.
Photographs by Arthur Williams