Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
  • MENU

December 1919

Isle of Wight Observer:

Dec 6th 1919:  ASHEY RACES – The hearts of the racing fraternity rejoiced on Thursday morning when the sun made its appearance and the bookies turned up ready for business, not forgetting our old friends Alf MACK and Partner. “Alf” remarked that it was like old times again to meet his friends in Ryde, demobbed and otherwise.  A friend in a reminiscent mood, recalled the busy scenes that used to be witnessed the day before the races some years ago.

Dec 6th 1919:  WITHHELD – Some of the local “boys” released from the Army are complaining of the holding back of money due to them.  The local Pensions Committee are always anxious to help them as far as they are able.

Dec 6th 1919:  ABOLISH – The new Vicar of Holy Trinity says it is his intention, if possible, to abolish pew rents, a reform that will meet with great satisfaction.

Dec 6th 1919:  DAMAGE – During the heavy storm early on Tuesday morning slates were blown off roofs in various parts of Ryde, a sign-board near George-street, being also demolished besides other damage in the district.

Dec 13th 1919:  RYDE LADY INJURED – We regret to learn that Mrs MEARES, of “Elvington” Belvedere Street, Ryde was badly injured as the result of a collision between taxi-cabs at Southsea on Saturday afternoon, in one of which she and her husband, Major J. N. MEARES and two daughters, were riding after coming from Clarence Pier.  The impact caused their car to turn right over.  Mrs MEARES sustained a severe fracture of the right collar bone.  Both daughters had cuts and bruises and Major MEARES was badly shaken.

Dec 20th 1919:  FREE – There was a gratis distribution of jam outside a shop in High Street on Thursday morning caused by a large pot coming to grief. The youngsters were there as usual.

Dec 20th 1919:  A BOAT – In last week’s gale a boat belonging to Mr. George JEFFREY, broke its cable near the Pier and split literally in halves.  Some of the boat owners are learning the wisdom of insuring their craft.

Dec 20th 1919:  DANCE – Miss BUCHANAN is to be congratulated on her successful dance held at Trinity Hall on Thursday the 11th. There were about 75 dancers.  The floor was in a splendid condition and the hall was illuminated with scarlet lanterns and the platform was decorated with pot plants and ferns.

Dec 20th 1919:  MELVILLE THIFT CLUB – The annual distribution of the Melville Thrift Club, took place at the “Melville Arms” on Thursday evening, when 67 members were paid out to the amount of £317. 7. 6d.  One of the largest amounts distributed.

Dec 27th 1919:  CHURCH – The report of the observance at the ancient church of St. Thomas’ last Sunday, of the 200th anniversary, will be read with much interest by the older generation.  Nobody can fail to be impressed by a visit to the ancient fane, the memorials to the BRIGSTOCKE family forming an interesting feature, as well as the old fashioned pews where one can enjoy a quiet “nod” if the pulpit oratory is dull.

Dec 27th 1919:  NEW BANDMASTER – Mr. R. P. O’DONNELL’s appointment as successor to Capt. GREEN, m.v.o., as conductor of the Royal Marine Artillery Band has afforded much satisfaction in musical circles.  He is one of the well-known trio of musicians, his brothers being also conductors of military bands.

Dec 27th 1919:  “DADDY LONGLEGS” – A good deal of interest will be taken in the screen version of “Daddy Longlegs” in which Mary PICKFORD will be seen at the Theatre on January 5th. One of the most effective incidents deals with a comparison of the rearing of Judy ABBOTT, the orphan asylum girl and Angelina, a spoiled rich child.