Further Suggested Improvements 1895

A letter to the Editor of the Isle of Wight Observer that appeared in the issue 7 September 1895, made a few positive suggestions and some thanks as well, unlike most letters that were usually complaints.

Dear Sir,—I have been residing on the Strand where I can see all that goes on in the Esplanade Gardens, &c., so I want you to allow me to call the attention of the Town Council to the urgent necessity of providing some sort of shelter in the neighbourhood of the Boating Lake.  They have put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak—I mean they have overdone the Gardens with shelters, while, in the immediate neighbourhood of the Canoe Lake there is not one.

Seats in Spencer Road, Ryde

My idea is that they should construct a shelter like the bathing stage behind the wall near the groyne (where there are already some steps leading over the wall) and place comfortable seats therein where visitors could rest sheltered from the sun and the rain (if need be), and, at the same time, keep an eye on their youngsters gambolling on the sands below.  I am sure such a shelter would be greatly appreciated, especially if the police would look in occasionally and drive off any rough boys.  In the winter the floor, steps, &c., might be removed, the same as the bathing stage.  They might also put another small shelter on the plot of ground at the eastern end of the Canoe Lake, and an additional one in the “Birdcage.”  I would not advise the Council to erect these shelters in the same style as the cowhouse-looking things now in the gardens, but take those to be found at Southsea and other places as a model.  A third shelter in the midst of the green stuff at the side of the Lake would also be appreciated.  This season has been remarkable for its sudden and heavy showers, and I have seen scores of people, who have gone as far as Appley, flying for shelter to the Esplanade Gardens, and many of them with children get wet before they get to the Esplanade Gardens.

I venture to write to you because I think permanent residents in a place do not see its defects so much as those who travel a bit and see what other places do.  By the way, I think public thanks ought to be given to the Town Council for providing the extra seats in Spencer-road.  I for one appreciate them very much.  I thank you, Messieurs of the Town Council and Madam the Lady of the Manor (I mean Miss Brigstocke) who, I understand, kindly gave her consent to the improvement in this beautiful part of the town.

Note:
Were those particular shelters with seats  ever built?  There have been many types erected over the years along that stretch of the Esplanade, wooden ones that have suffered from the elements  or been destroyed by vandals.  The metal style have faired better, but the benches made from strips of metal are not the most comfortable, and a person doesn’t linger very long.

Source: IW Observer
Images: Postcards Ann Barrett & Paul Kingswell
Article: Ann Barrett