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The I.W. Grand Opera Company, during the week, 5th till 11th June 1950, had staged for the Island’s first opera week at the Commodore Theatre, Ryde, Bizet’s “Carmen” and Smetana’s “The Bartered Bride.”
At Brigstocke Terrace, before 1907, there were two tennis courts facing East to West with a croquet lawn below in what was known as the Terrace Gardens, Ryde.
On Monday 11th July 1898, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, saw the official opening of the Diamond Jubilee organ in Ryde Town Hall.
In the early days, the Island was a very good place for smuggling; with its many bays and inlets, contraband could easily be brought ashore undetected.
On a Wednesday afternoon, 22nd August 1877, at Yelf’s Hotel, our townsman, Mr. W. H. Wallis, the well-known auctioneer, brought under the hammer the Eagle Brewery, and a number of public houses.
The Ponda Rosa horse with its cowboy and cart, was a masterpiece by Mr Jack Whitehead, internationally re-known master-carver.
Built in the 1860's the Partlands had a chequered history, with many changes of landlord and brewery ownership.
On the 18th April 1936, a most serious fire occurred at the Isle of Wight Times newspaper and stationary premises, 72 Union Street, Ryde.