December 1872
Hampshire Advertiser: – Agents the Misses GIBBS, Royal Marine Library, Union-street, Ryde
Dec 7th 1872: RYDE SCHOOL OF ART – The president of the school of art (Mr. B. BARROW) gave a conversazione on Thursday evening, at the Town Hall, on the occasion of the presentation of prizes to the successful students. The South Kensington Exhibition sent a number of pictures, and the inhabitants of Ryde and its neighbourhood, as well as Cowes, Bonchurch, &c., sent contributions for the occasion, so it was the finest selection of works of art we have seen in Ryde.
Dec 7th 1872: ROYAL IW INFIRMARY – For the week ending Wednesday – Patients admitted, 8; discharged, 4; died, 2; remaining in the house, 24; out-patients on the books, 100-of whom 26 were visited at their own homes. Medical officer in attendance for the week, Mr. B. PINNIGER. House Surgeon, Mr. A Law WADE, M.B.
Dec 11th 1872: RYDE FOOTBALL CLUB – A match was played at St. John’s on Saturday, against the Ventnor club, which ended in favour of Ryde. The two sides were very equal, and the Ventnor men made up in activity what they lacked in weight. The only goal obtained during the afternoon was kicked by Mr. P. BARRON of the Ryde Club.
Dec 14th 1872: CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION – The usual weekly meeting of this association was held at the Anglesea Tavern on Wednesday evening. Mr. STAMP officiated as chairman, and Mr. SERLE as vice-chairman. Several new members were elected. Mr. Vivian A. WEBBER, who, on rising, was received with loud and long continued cheers, then read an interesting paper “On Conservatism,” which was listened to with much attention.
Dec 14th 1872: SUDDEN DEATH – An inquest was held at the Gem Inn, Hill-street, on Tuesday afternoon, before Mr. E. F. BLAKE, deputy-coroner, on the body of Emily Grover, a widow, aged 41. A verdict that death resulted from heart disease was returned by the jury.
Dec 18th 1872: RYDE BOROUGH COUNCIL – The seal of the board was affixed to the appointment of Mr. John MORANT, as borough treasurer, the Mayor and other members having spoken highly of that gentleman’s qualifications.
Dec 25th 1872: CONGREGATION DISAPPOINTED – On Sunday morning the worshippers at St. Thomas’ Church assembled as usual, but up to a quarter before 12 no clergyman arrived. It appears that the rev. gentleman who at present does his duty at this church resides at Sandown, and on Sunday morning some mishap occurred to the engine, so that the train could not be started at the proper time.
Dec 25th 1872: CHRISTMAS SUPPLIES – The butchers of Ryde seem to have vied with each other in their efforts to provide good cheer for their customers. There are magnificent displays of meat at Messrs. MINTER’s, ISAAC’s, DUFFETT’s and others in Ryde. Messrs. LOCK and MORGAN, pork butchers, also have fine displays; in fact, grocers, poulterers, and tradesmen of every class seem determined to prove the truth of the old adage that “Christmas brings good cheer.”
Dec 28th 1872: YOUTHFUL TRAVELLERS – On Thursday afternoon two little girls, respectively aged 7 and 3, wandered on board the steamboat at Ryde, and were conveyed to Cowes. The steward, when going round with the tickets, made enquiries and found that they had come on board because they saw others come, but it was evident, they had no idea where they were going to. They were then very kindly taken charge of by the officials, and sent back by the next boat.
Dec 28th 1872: CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – The churches in Ryde are most beautifully decorated for the Christmas festival, foremost among which may be mentioned Swanmore and St. Marie’s Catholic Church. Those who lived half a century ago, when religious worship was cold as ice, certainly would not understand the present system.