December 1961

Isle of Wight Times

Dec 7th 1961: PUB THAT NEVER WAS – Since the reign of George 111, Smeeds, the Union-street, Ryde, wine merchants, have held an “on” licence and could virtually operate as a public house–but hardly anyone knew it. The little known fact came to light on Monday when the firm successfully applied to the Borough Transfer Sessions for an “off” licence and asked to surrender their “on” licence. The continuance of an “on” licence would have meant extensive alterations to the premises to fulfil conditions required under new licensing regulations shortly coming in force.

Dec 7th 1961: MILITANT CAMPAIGN – Ryde Medical Officer, Dr. John RUSSELL, in his annual report for 1960 (just published) calls upon housewives to “pursue a militant clean food campaign” in shops. He writes: “The serving and displaying of food in shops leaves much to be desired.”

Dec 7th 1961: DINNER-DANCE – The annual dinner and dance of the E.W. Young Farmers held at the Hotel Ryde Castle on Friday attracted record support. Mr. Harry JOLLIFFE, president, and Mr. L. OATLEY, chairman, welcomed over 160 members and their friends.

Dec 7th 1961: 60 YEARS BEHIND COUNTER – From the modest post of errand boy earning 1s. weekly at Fordingbridge, now 60 years later Mr. Edgar John DOWNER, M.S.M., of 4 Arnold-road, Binstead, is managing director of Messrs, Colenutts, of Ryde. Members of the I.W. Grocer’s Association met to celebrate Mr. DOWNER’s 70th birthday last Wednesday.

Dec 7th 1961: FERRY STRIKE – A dispute which at one stage threatened to result in a withdrawal of labour by crews on the Portsmouth-Isle of Wight passenger steamers and car ferries ended in agreement on Friday after an hour of discussion between representatives of the National Union of Railwaymen and of the British Railways Shipping Department.

Dec 7th 1961: OFF LICENCES – The London Hotel and the King Arthur public houses were granted “off” licenses by the Borough Magistrate on Monday restricting sales to a specific part of each premises.

Dec 7th 1961: RARE PLANTS – At the annual Christmas sale organised by members of St. Michael’s Church, on Thursday, prominently advertised on the gardening stall were “Rare Locust Plants.” These, explained Mr. COOKE, had been grown from the locust beans occasionally seen on sale at local greengrocers. The locust tree (ceratonia siliqua) has a long history.

Dec 7th 1961: CINEMA – At the Scala, ageless Fred ASTAIRE still manages to hoof about like a teen-ager in “The Pleasure Of His Company,” which has a three-day run. This is a Hollywood’s version of a stage play about a globe-trotting playboy.

Dec 14th 1961: YOUTH CLUB – Seven teams from Ryde Youth Club went on a walking “expedition” on Monday evening, following a four-mile route in the Nettlestone direction by means of check points and other references. A boys team came first, while a team of girls were runners-up.

Dec 14th 1961: FAMOUS ANCESTOR – Among those present at the British Transport Commission film show at the Town Hall on Friday, was Mr. Bernard MURRAY, Recruiting officer for the Southern Region. His great-great-grandfather was a railway pioneer and one of the men who assisted STEPHENSON on the inaugural run of “The Rocket.”

Dec 14th 1961: PARKING – The Council agreed to allow private parking during the winter in Quay-road, which is normally reserved for coaches. Cars can now be left there between October 1 and March 31 each year. As this site adjoins the pier it will be greatly appreciated.