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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The Flamettes

The Flamettes at Partlands Recreation Ground 1983

A well-known Ryde youth organisation.

3 May 1975
The local press  stated that, at the first attempt the Ryde majorette team, the Flamettes, had won through to the national majorette’s finals to be held in London in July that year.

The southern area championships on Saturday at Eastleigh when the 14-strong team, aged between 12 and 14, beat all other competitors in a competition organised by the British Majorettes’ Association.

Although the Flamettes would compete in the novice class of the national finals, next year 1976, because of their success in the southern area competition, they would be eligible for the senior championship class.

The Flamettes, who were all members of Ryde United Reformed Church, were formed about a year ago 1974, and, since then, according to Mr Paul Dorrow, organiser, enthusiasm had increased to such an extent that there were over 50 members of all ages.  He said that plans were in hand to form a boys’ band to accompany the majorettes and the church were seeking musical instruments.

The Flamettes proved popular the previous year 1974, at carnivals and other functions, and that in the present year 1975, their popularity had increased.

A photograph of the winning team was published in the IW County Press on the 10th May 2025 page 24.

Note:
If anybody recognises themselves or other members in this photograph, perhaps they would be good enough to contact RSHG so that we can add the names to our archive.

Sources:  RSHG & IW County Press
Image: by Ann Barrett
Article: Ann Barrett