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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Service of Remembrance November 2025

Ryde Sea Cadet Corps

RSHG hosted the annual Service of Remembrance in the South Chapel at Ryde Cemetery on Saturday 8 November.  It was well attended, when almost 30 guests, including the Mayor, Diana Conyers, were welcomed for the 3pm service.  The Rev Kerry Birch of the Baptist Church, Ryde, led the worship.

A contingent of the Ryde Sea Cadets, TS Royal George, with their Standard, took a prominent and impressive part in the proceedings. It was a great privilege to have these very smart young people in attendance, and having their support at the service was very much appreciated.

During the service Derek Warman read five letters from  Rifleman Arthur J Watson (Art) to his mother, that he sent from the Front in 1915.   At first the letters portrayed the excitement of being with the Isle of Wight Rifles.  He sailed with the regiment on the Aquitania to Gallipoli. The last letter was written two days, before he was killed in action on 12 August 1915 aged 19.  They were very poignant to listen to.   This one young soldier represented all Military and civilians, who served and died, at home or abroad, in all wars and conflicts.

After the service, refreshments were served in the North Chapel, when people were able to catch up and chat with friends.  Donations towards the refreshments, amounting to £50, went to the funds of the Ryde Sea Cadet Corps.

 

Ann Barrett (Mem.Sec.)
Images by: Barbara Hunt