August 1925
Isle of Wight County Press:
Aug 1st 1925: LOCOMOTIVES – Electrification has left the Southern Railway with a number of unwanted steam locomotives on its hands. The best of the tank engines, after complete overhaul at Ashford works, have been brought to the Island to replace other less efficient engines. A few will be hauling special excursion trains, and about 25 have been scrapped.
Aug 1st 1925: NEW LANDING PLACE – The work of dredging the channel and turning place at the entrance to Wootton Creek for the new landing place of the Southern Railway boats, is now proceeding at a great pace. Dredging has been going on day and night, and it is hoped that the new route would be available for August. However, the soft sand has been slipping and filling in the dredged portions causing some delay in the completion of the scheme. Prolonged dredging may have to be continued regularly before the Fishbourne landing is practicable.
Aug 1st 1925: THE CANOE LAKE – The roadway south of the Canoe-lake is to be paved with concrete between the existing paving and the kerb, and extending from Cornwall-street slipway eastwards to the borough boundary. The work, is to be carried out in two sections.
Aug 1st 1925: HIGHLANDERS’ BAND – The band of the 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders will give a grand concert on the Esplanade tomorrow (Sunday) evening, and again on Monday August 9, prior to their departure for New Zealand. Among other entertainments on the front, arranged by the Parks and Amusements Committee, is a grand gala, including firework displays, to be held at the eastern Esplanade on Thursday next.
Aug 1st 1925: AFTER CLOSING TIME – Harry FRANKS and Arthur MORRIS, fruiterers, of Ryde, were summoned in respect of an alleged breach of the Shops (Early Closing) Act. The defendants are jointly in business at 61 Union Street. At 8.55 p.m. on Sunday July 19, the defendants were seen selling cherries, greengages and apples from the shop. A fine of 15s. was imposed in each case.
Aug 8th 1925: THE BANK HOLIDAY – August opened in record fashion, and throughout the week-end the town and front were thronged with visitors. About 64,000 people were brought from the mainland to the Island, via Ryde, between Saturday morning and Monday evening. This huge influx was handled by the Southern Railway Company’s steamers without mishaps, special boats being run until a late hour.
Aug 8th 1925: AILING CHILDREN – A carnival was held at the Western-esplanade on Friday week in aid of the Hostel for Ailing Children of the Island, with Mr. A. J. WILLIAMS as M.C. and REED’s band to provide the music, the affair went with a swing.
Aug 8th 1925: VISIT OF THE QUEEN – Her Majesty made her usual visit to Ryde on Saturday afternoon. Accompanied by her lady-in-waiting, she called at the premises of Mr. G. FIELD, the well-known antiques dealer, in Union-street, where she made purchases. A small crowd rapidly gathered in the vicinity and a loyal cheer was raised. Her Majesty smilingly acknowledged as she drove away.
Aug 8th 1925: BINSTEAD – On Tuesday it was reported that work was to commence almost immediately on raising the pavement outside the Institute. Final plans for acquiring an additional site as a cemetery were made, and subject to the approval of the Minister of Health, it was decided to purchase the land with a frontage on Upper Arnold-road.
Aug 22nd 1925: OUTBREAK OF FIRE – A mild sensation was caused in St. Thomas’s square during Thursday evening, when a small outbreak of fire occurred in the basement of Messrs. Pack and Co’s drapery establishment. Two persons noticed smoke emitting from the upper storey’s and immediately made their way into the building, to find that a heap of rubbish had ignited. Their prompt action in pouring water over the fire averted what might have been a worse conflagration.