February 1870
Isle of Wight Observer:
Feb 5th 1870: ISLE OF WIGHT LACE – Our townsman, Mr. FAIREY, has received a letter, of which the following is a copy: “Lady Caroline BARRINGTON has pleasure in informing Mr. FAIREY that the Queen desires an Isle of Wight lace frock to be worked for the Royal Princess Victoria of Prussia, a child of five years old, and large for her age. Her Majesty requests to have it by the 15th March, forwarded to Buckingham Palace, with the bill.”
Feb 5th 1870: IMPROVEMENTS – The Royal Victoria Yacht Club have had under consideration for some time past the desirability of availing themselves of the premises, or a portion thereof, known as Old Manor House, at the west side of the Club House, which it appears may now be secured on favourable terms.
Feb 5th 1870: WRECK OF A BARGE – During the high tide on Sunday, a barge which had recently sunk off Ryde, and which had been got afloat again and moored near the shore, got away from her moorings, broke through the pier, and was thrown quite a wreck on the shore from the east to the western side of the pier.
Feb 5th 1870: COWAN v. COWAN – In the Court of Probate and Divorce, on the 29th ult., before Lord Penzance, Mrs. COWAN, of St. Ann’s, Pelham Field, Ryde, obtained a decree of judicial separation from her husband, with costs.
Feb 12th 1870: THE BELL – The Cemetery Committee recommended that the bell on the old mortuary chapel should be removed and sold, it being no longer in use. Mr. MARVIN said they had the bell from the old parish, and he would rather it should be kept. After some further observations, the Board decided and the amendment for keeping the bell was carried by a considerable majority.
Feb 19th 1870: THE WEATHER – The record of wrecks during the past few days is somewhat fearful to contemplate, as well as the death of many of our fellow creatures from cold and want. In our locality we have been visited by heavier gales from the N.E. than we have had for some time, and the cold has been intense, registering from 10 to 12 degrees of frost.
Feb 19th 1870: HINT TO THE AUTHORITIES – The sitting of the County Court in Ryde is a convenience and advantage to the public, at the same time, those whose duty it is to attend should be provided with suitable accommodation. This is not the case as regards the sittings in the month of December and February. One case which was heard lasted over five hours, the witnesses on each side had to stand outside the door shivering in the cold. A room with a fire would only be necessary for the winter sittings.
Feb 19th 1870: SKATING – The Railway Company has issued bills calling attention to the fact that they are running an extra number of trains for the accommodation of skaters, as the harbour at Brading has been frozen over and at Sandown there are ponds well adapted for this favourite sport.
Feb 26th 1870: SOCIAL DINNER – On Friday evening last the Ryde Fire Brigade dined together at the Town-hall when Mr. BUCKETT catered, and like everything that functionary undertakes, it was done well. Mr. John LANGDON, late superintendent of the brigade, occupied the chair. Mr. LANGDON, in the course of some practical observations, urged the necessity of every fireman being supplied with a helmet. Members of the Watch Committee promised immediate attention to the subject.
Feb 26th 1870: FOR SALE – Instructions to submit to Public Competition at Yelf’s Hotel on 10th March at 6 for 7 o’clock in the evening, Four Leasehold Cottages with yard in the rear, situate on the east side of Union-road, Ryde, and near the “Royal Standard” inn. Occupied by James WILLIAMS and Widow FORD as quarterly tenants, at rentals amounting together to £42; Further particulars may be known on application to the owner (Mr. George WEARN, Castle-street, Ryde).