Features & Stories
A baby show, under the patronage of a Princess, must have lifted the mood for mothers whose husbands were far from home in the summer of 1917.
Many thanks to Patrick Heigham for sending fond memories of his earlier years in Ryde.
The Isle of Wight Observer ran a column entitled 'Pictorial Humour' which, during the dark days of the First World War, must have brought smiles to people's faces.
For many in the mid nineteenth century, new inventions meant little and life remained unchanged.
In mid-Victorian England ice skating was a most popular and enjoyable form of entertainment. There were seasonal outdoor rinks and modern technology led to the development of indoor rinks.
Alan Clarke, grandson of Andrew Midlane, contacted us recently and was happy to share some of his memories of visiting Ryde in the 1940s and 50s.
What a variety of Christmas gifts there were in1899. From a Pompadour jewel case or a skunk fur necklet to scent and handkerchiefs. News also of gifts from Councillor Whittaker and the Queen.
Silks, satins and wispy shawls were very popular in the mid to late 1830s, where better to buy them than at S. Stephens' in Union Street, Ryde. Their range of Parisian goods were particularly desirable.