August 1920
Isle of Wight Observer:
Aug 7th 1920: TRAIL OF COPPERS – In connection with the County Hospital Pound Day the public were asked to add four-pence each to form a trail in Union-street, in charge of St. John’s Boy Scouts under the Rev. Cyril BLAKE. This novel form of aiding a good cause was liberally patronised and there was soon a long trail of pence fringing the pavement opposite the leading drapery establishments and down the street.
Aug 7th 1920: BOWLING DRIVE – The drive organised by the Bowling Club during the holiday and open to all comers proved very popular and there were about 38 players on the green on Bank Holiday. The visitors expressed themselves well satisfied with the arrangements and the enjoyable play amid such splendid surroundings, immediately facing the sea.
Aug 7th 1920: THE BURLESQUES – Record business has been done at the Pier Pavilion and we are informed by Mr Bert CHAPMAN that Bank Holiday night witnessed the largest crowd known in the building for many years. Mr Norman HILL, the able stage manager, has won hearty congratulations upon the completely successful manner in which the programmes are carried out.
Aug 14th 1920: DANCING INSTRUCTION – Mrs ROLPH resident teacher, Ryde, and member of the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers, reports that at a recent assembly of nearly 200 dance teachers in London, and who met for conference, a resolution was carried to standardise steps in One Steps or Fox Trot and to try to stamp out Freak steps which impede the progress of following couples, being present in our ballrooms today.
Aug 21st 1920: TRANSFER – At the Borough Police court on Monday, a temporary transfer of the beer license of the “Hand in Hand,” was granted from Harry MAYO, deceased to his widow, and that of the “Prince of Wales” High Street from Henry SWEETMAN to Henry BARTLETT.
Aug 21st 1920: BALLOON’S JOURNEY – The revival of the sale of toy air balloons has led Mr. E. E. BOWLES of Union-street, to make experiments as to how far they will travel intact. Despatching a large-sized balloon from the Pier Head, on Friday afternoon with label attached, he on Monday received a postcard, stating that it safely reached Fort Mahon, on the Somme, at seven o’clock the same evening.
Aug 21st 1920: TAMASHA AT ST. JOHN’S – People who had been asking “What is a Tamasha?” were let fully into the secret of that mysterious phenomena at the Scouts entertainment which took place in the grounds of St. John’s house, High Park, on Monday. The public flocked to the pleasant grounds where a first-class programme was carried out by the 8th and 9th Chichester Troupes of B.P. Scouts who have been enjoying a summer camp at Bullen.
Aug 21st 1920: NO RUSH – The public are showing great interest in the excursion trains from London, the first of which came to Ryde on Thursday. There was as we expected no “rush” the majority of the excursionists remaining at Portsmouth and Southsea as the time at their disposal was not worth the journey from the mainland and back.
Aug 21st 1920: TENNIS – Much interest is taken in the Juvenile Tennis Tournament which will commence on Tuesday next in the Mead ground in Church-lane. The Committee are giving some nice prizes and there are excellent entries. Competitors are coming from all parts including France and Holland (except Germans and enemy aliens).
Aug 28th 1920: FIRE – Considerable excitement was caused in the vicinity of High Street on Thursday afternoon through the outbreak of a fire in the slaughter house at the rear of the premises of Mr. J. EYNON, pork butcher, 161 High Street, which at one time looked serious but which, thanks to the prompt action of the police, fire brigade and civilian assistance, did not spread to the surrounding property. The brigade worked hard, but the loft which was used as a store by Mr. RUMSEY, cycle dealer, was entirely burnt out.