Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
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In the Victorian ‘Language of Flowers’ the snowdrop is called the flower of hope, its little shoots and snowy buds peeping through in the depths of winter, bringing a promise that spring is on the way. It was also associated with fresh hope as the old year ends and the new one begins.


Several friends of the Campanologists of the town, assembled at the long room at Stratton's Hotel Tap, and with a merry peal ushered in the new year.


The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.