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 2026

Ryde Cemetery South Chapel

RSHG hosted the annual Service of Remembrance in the South Chapel at Ryde Cemetery on Saturday 7 November.  It was well attended, when about 30 guests, including the Mayor Karen Lucioni, and Councillors Les Kirkby and Owen Potter, were welcomed for the 3pm service.  The Rev Kerry Birch, Minister of Ryde Baptist Church, 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. The cadets were piped aboard and again at the end of the service when they left the chapel. It was a great privilege to have these smart young people in attendance, and having their support at the service was very much appreciated.

During the service the Rev Birch showed those present, the plaque that was given to his family as a memorial to his Great-Grandfather, after the First World War.

The Memorial Plaque was issued after WWI to the next-of-kin of all British Empire service personnel who were killed as a result of the war.  The plaques (which could be described as large Plaquettes) about 120 mm (4.7 in) in diameter, were cast in bronze and came to be known as the Dead Man’s Penny, Death Penny, or Widow’s Penny

Ryde Sea Cadets TS Royal George

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

I should like to thank everybody who came along to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Wars and Conflicts, it was good to see you all.

Thanks! must also go to the RSHG volunteers who helped with preparation for, and on the day.

 

Ann Barrett (Mem. Sec.)
Research & Publications Co-ordinator

Images by Colin Hunt