April 1974
Isle of Wight County Press:
Apr 6th 1974: FITTING FINALE – I am writing to express my gratitude, on behalf of the council, to all who took part in the memorable and historic civic service of thanksgiving for the Borough of Ryde, held in All Saints’ Church this afternoon (March 31st). It is impossible to mention everyone individually and all the organisations and members of the general public, who attended in great numbers. It made me proud to be the last mayor of Ryde, and I feel it was a most fitting and moving finale to the existence of the borough. R. V. BOURNE, Mayor of Ryde.
Apr 6th 1974: £1000 RAISED – A hard-working group of ladies have raised £1000 in three years towards the new Ryde Reformed Church, to be built on the “Beechgrove” site at the corner of Corbett and Upton Roads, Haylands. The result of opening a “church shop” in town exceeded all their expectations. We sell everything we are given, including books, china, clothing, furniture, prams and even flowers and vegetables. We also serve tea and coffee.
Apr 6th 1974: NEIGHBOURS – Ryde St. John’s County Primary School conducted a successful experiment recently when between 35 and 40 residents in the vicinity responded to a letter addressed to “Dear Neighbour.” The idea was to afford people, other than parents, an opportunity to look round the school on a typical working day. Some of the older pupils showed the visitors round. Senior citizens were particularly interested in what the younger children were doing.
Apr 6th 1974: METHODIST CHURCH – Mothering Sunday was celebrated with a special family service in the morning, conducted by the Rev. P. K. PARSONS, who baptised two babies during the service. The evening service was attended by members of the Darby and Joan Club and friends from Easthill Home for the Deaf.
Apr 13th 1974: ARTISTIC TALENT – Open on weekdays until May 4th at the Ryde Gallery, George Street, Public Library, Ryde, is an impressive exhibition of sculpture, ceramics, drawings and paintings by Mr. Kenneth BRIGHT. The exhibition is on a high artistic level, demonstrated by dynamic sculptures of horses, and others of a fox and birds. The drawings similarly reflect the artist’s talent.
Apr 13th 1974: GARDENS – Nineteen gardens on the Island will be open to the public this summer under the National Gardens Scheme. Since the gardens scheme was started in 1927, it has raised over £1 million for the Queen’s Institute of District Nursing.
Apr 13th 1974: BAND CONCERT – Under their new conductor, Mr. Dennis ELLIOTT, the band (previously known as Ryde Borough Band) has made great progress. So much so that they feel they can present a new sound, certainly an improved standard. The band has been busy during the winter months rehearsing for the forthcoming season.
Apr 20th 1974: CELEBRITY VISIT – Disk Jockey Ed STEWART ((“Stewpot” of Junior Choice) took part in a presentation at the Commodore Social Club, Ryde, on Monday. On behalf of members he presented to Mr. ROWE, of Castle View Hostel for Mentally Handicapped Children, about 100 Easter eggs and £10 in cash. He judged an Easter bonnets competition. The same day about 2000 residents and holidaymakers gathered at Ryde Esplanade Pavilion bandstand area for Mr. STEWART’s live Roadshow broadcast.
Apr 20th 1974: STREET LIGHTS – Although the power crisis is officially “over,” Island roads will remain in semi-darkness for the next few months unless £25,000 can be found. This has coincided with a rise in the price of electricity of 30 per cent and there is not enough money available to completely restore street lighting.
Apr 20th 1974: THEFT – A quantity of antique jewellery was stolen from Mrs. Jean BURKE’s antique shop at 11 Union Street, Ryde, early yesterday. A brick was thrown through the plate glass window.