December 1876
Isle of Wight Observer:
Dec 2nd 1876: RYDE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY – The first concert of this new society will be given in the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening the 19th, when Haydn’s “Creation” will be performed complete, with full orchestra and chorus of 100 performers. The orchestra, led by Mr. A. BURNETT (Royal Italian Opera), will number 29, and will include many professionals and well-known amateurs. Mr. F. H. SIMMS, organist of All Saints’ Church, will conduct. This will be the first occasion in Ryde on which an oratorio has been given with a full orchestra.
Dec 2nd 1876: THE RYDE CLUB – The committee of this club have secured very convenient premises at 33 High-street, and these were formally opened on Thursday evening. The club already consists of 60 members, and we have no doubt will number many more. The entrance fee is one guinea, and the yearly subscription one guinea, and the hours during which the club will remain open will be for the present the same as licensed houses.
Dec 2nd 1876: APPOINTMENT – We are extremely pleased to hear that Mr. J. C. BEAZLEY, of Alum Bay Cottage, Swanmore-road, has been appointed organist of the George-street Congregational Church, in the room of the late Mr. JENKINS. There were several applicants, but Mr. BEAZLEY was elected by a large majority.
Dec 2nd 1876: ACCIDENT – On Friday morning, a man named DALLIMORE, who was at work on the scaffolding of the new Board Schools now being built in Bettesworth-road, Swanmore, fell to the ground, a distance of 30ft. It was at first thought that his thigh was broken, and he was conveyed to the Infirmary, where it was found that the poor man had received injuries of a less severe character than was at first anticipated.
Dec 9th 1876: CHRISTMAS NOVELTIES – Amongst those who have made early preparation for Christmas is Mr. C. F. TURNER, of Pier-street, who had laid in a stock of novelties for Christmas presents which could not well be beaten out of London. So large and varied are the assortments that the front shop would not hold them, and Mr. TURNER has displayed them in tasteful array in one of the adjoining rooms.
Dec 9th 1876: POSTAL COMMUNICATION – A gentleman has drawn our attention to an un-successful endeavour which he has recently made to get the postal authorities to establish an additional post between Cowes and Ryde. Any one would hardly believe that in the present state of our postal communication the towns of Ryde and Cowes, situated only seven miles apart, should only have one post a day.
Dec 16th 1876: DECEASED WIFE’S SISTER – The Mayor read a letter from the Society which is seeking the abolition of the present law forbidding marriage with a deceased wife’s sister, enclosing a petition supporting the views of the Society, which the Council were requested to adopt.
Dec 16th 1876: NEW AUCTION ROOM – Since the Baptist community in this town have discarded their old place of worship in John-street for a building of more pretentious appearance, it has passed into various hands and used for a show room and other purposes. The room has now, however, been taken by our enterprising young townsmen, Messrs. A. J. and W. COOMBES, who have converted it into an auction room, for which it is well adapted from its form and central position.
Dec 30th 1876: SERVANTS BALL – On Tuesday the establishment of George YOUNG, Esq., of 7 The Terrace, held their annual ball, when a party of about 45 had a most agreeable evening, nothing being spared that could in any way contribute to their enjoyment.
Dec 30th 1876: DISAPPEARANCE OF WELL-KNOWN TRADESMAN – A sad occurrence which has thrown a heavy gloom over the family of an old and respected tradesman, when no little excitement was created on Christmas day by the report that Mr. Samuel MOSES, who for 40 years had carried on the business of a tailor, outfitter, &c., in Pier-street had disappeared. A porter was going down the steps on the Pier, from which the boat starts for Portsmouth, when he observed a hat and coat that belonged to Mr. MOSES.