December 1972
Isle of Wight County Press:
Dec 2nd 1972: W.I. FEDERATION REQUEST – A resolution urging the County Council to give serious consideration to banning coaches from the Island’s unclassified roads received overwhelming support from delegates at the 50th annual council meeting of the County Federation of Women’s Institutes on Friday week. The possibility of placing restrictions on heavy vehicular traffic has recently become a major topic.
Dec 2nd 1972: BROWNIE CUP – Winners of the Brownie cup in the Ryde and District annual handicraft competition, were the 3rd Ryde St. John’s pack. The competition was judged at Garfield Road Methodist Hall on Saturday.
Dec 2nd 1972: H.M.S. ALBION – Watchers from the Island shore had a magnificent view of the 23,000-ton commando carrier H.M.S. Albion when she arrived at Portsmouth on Friday week at the end of her last voyage. Fleet Air Arm helicopters, which the Albion had carried to all parts of the world, marked the occasion with a fly-past. The carrier was launched in 1947 but not commissioned until 1954, will be up for disposal and will be replaced in the Navy’s commando force by H.M.S. Hermes.
Dec 2nd 1972: RYDE SCHOOL PRESENTATION – In the programme notes for Ryde School’s presentation of Charles CHILTON’S Theatre Workshop production, “O, what a lovely war,” it said that this play was decided upon because the young people involved deliberately chose to accept such a challenge. Those who saw the production will agree that the choice was fully justified.
Dec 9th 1972: PROMPT ACTION – Mr. W. EDWARDS, who prompt action saved Mrs. Christine JACKSON and her children, Alex (three) and Geoffrey (two), when their house in Binstead was on fire, on Friday week. He was driving a bus from East Cowes to Ryde, when he saw the fire in his neighbour’s house.
Dec 9th 1972: SHOPPING PRECINCT – A pedestrian precinct in part of High Street, Ryde, is nearer to becoming a reality. The Town Council’s Roads Committee agreed in principle to the idea, although they declined to commit on the extent. A scheme was being considered which would provide a precinct between Garfield Road and John Street.
Dec 9th 1972: PROPERTY – After being classified as “blighted” property for four years because of the Ryde western relief road scheme, the Corner House café, at the foot of Union Street, has been removed from the scheme. The café has now been placed on the market.
Dec 16th 1972: TELEPHONE SERVICE – The biggest improvements are to be carried out in the Ryde area where provision is to be made for 4000 new customers, and a total of £875,000 is to be spent over the next three years in major improvements to both buildings, and trunk exchange equipment.
Dec 16th 1972: RAILWAY RETIREMENT – Despite unfavourable weather, about 80 attended the tenth Christmas party of the Railway Retirement Association at the Osborne Oasis, Ryde, recently. A tenth birthday cake had been made by Mrs. CRANE. Music was provided for games and dancing and an excellent entertainment was given by Shanklin Evening Townswomen’s Guild.
Dec 16th 1972: RYDE HOUSES – A new scheme was announced, an improvement affecting some 190 council houses in various parts of the borough. The first area to be tackled would be the 20 houses fronting Bettesworth Road at Swanmore, followed by the 40 houses forming a circle in Southfield Gardens – a 60-house programme of dwellings all built in 1929.
Dec 23rd 1972: ELECTRICAL ASSN FOR WOMEN – Forty-five members attended the annual Christmas party at the S.E.B. conference room on Thursday week. Games and competitions were organised and a scone competition was won by Mrs. J. TRUCKELL.