December 1924
Isle of Wight County Press:
Dec 6th 1924: ST. JOHN’S MEN’S CLUB – To revive interest in this Club a social evening and concert was held at the Parish-hall (St. John’s), on Thursday. Songs were given by Messrs. E. TUTTE, B. HOLBROOKE, H. CHAPMAN, and G. ADAMS, and Major DENNIS. The rendering of some of Harry LAUDER’S well-known songs by the last-named, was very effective. Rev. Gillson GILL gave a lantern lecture on “Egypt and the upper Nile.”
Dec 6th 1924: ST. MICHAEL’S – Writing in the Parish Magazine, the Vicar (the Rev. A. C. DURHAM) says: “Mr. C. B. HAIR completed 25 years’ service as organist and choirmaster on St. Andrew’s Day. I believe that except for 10 Sundays of holiday he has not missed a Sunday during all this period.”
Dec 6th 1924: COUNTY PRESS – Representative in Ryde and District is Mr. J. MASON, of Rupert House, Spencer-road. Communications, notices of meetings &c., should be sent to him at the address named, or at the Branch Office, 29 Union-street.
Dec 13th 1924: RYDE TOWN COUNCIL – The Borough Surveyor estimated the cost of making good the damage done to the Eastern-esplanade by the gale on November 20th and 27th at £785, and reported that the work would require the services of 20 additional men for 12 weeks. This estimate was approved.
Dec 13th 1924: SEVENTY-FOOT CHIMNEY FELLED – The tall chimney-stack that stood in the station-yard at St. John’s-road was felled just after mid-day on Saturday. Its removal was necessary in view of the danger of the structure being brought down by high winds. It was about 50 years old, and had been disused for some time since the installation of electric plant at the locomotive yard. It came down with a startling roar, falling towards quite a large crowd of spectators gathered on the bridge near by, who surged back in momentary alarm.
Dec 13th 1924: LIBERAL SOCIAL – A thoroughly enjoyable social was spent at the Town-hall on Wednesday by about 200 members of the Liberal Association. There was no speech-making, and the whole of the evening was devoted to games and dancing. Mr. J. TAYLOR acting as M.C. in his usual popular manner.
Dec 20th 1924: SERVICE AT THE COUNTY HOSPITAL – Of all the religious services in the Island the one that could not afford more interest, was a brightly lighted, comfortably warmed, flower-bedecked, and spotlessly clean ward in the Royal I.W. County Hospital. The seven beds were occupied by women patients, who seemed sufficiently well to take part in the service. Other members of the congregation were men patients, some had been wheeled into the ward in invalid chairs, a boy and girl from the children’s ward, a sister, nurses and members of the domestic staff.
Dec 20th 1924: MALE VOICE CHOIR – A very long evening’s entertainment was given at the small Town-hall on Wednesday by the recently-formed male voice choir. The choir gave a well-balanced performance in numerous choruses and part-songs, their voices harmonising very delightfully. Some 20 voices were heard with fine effect.
Dec 20th 1924: ST. JOHN’S WOMEN’S INSTITUTE – On Wednesday the Parish-hall was transformed into fairyland for the grand Christmas social, given by the members. Mr. MELLANBY’s troupe entertained the audience with songs and dances. Refreshments, games and dancing were in full swing until 11 o’clock.
Dec 20th 1924: DENSE FOG – over the Solent, on Wednesday, caused the suspension of the steamer service until noon. The 2.30 mail boat from Portsmouth arrived at Ryde, but could not return until midday.
Dec 27th 1924: RYDE BOROUGH POLICE – Ronald LAMING, 20, motor engineer, of Ryde, was charged with having ridden a motor-cycle without a light. He explained that the lights had fused irreparably and he had to fetch the keys from the garage and the machine was too heavy to push. Case dismissed with a caution.