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.
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February 1876

Isle of Wight Observer:

Feb 5th 1876:  COLLISION AT THE END OF THE PIER – The collision took place on Saturday afternoon.  Shortly before 3 o’clock.  The Admiralty yacht Fire Queen came alongside the western pier-head to land some ladies and gentlemen.  At the same time the Portsmouth and Ryde Steampacket Companiy’s boat, the Princess Alice, was also alongside the pier, cast off, and notice to that effect was given to the captain of the Fire Queen, as he too was preparing to start from the pier. Some mistake in giving orders to the engineer of the Fire Queen must have occurred, for the vessel backed into the Princess Alice as she was coming forward. Considerable damage was done before the two vessels were clear of each other.

Feb 5th 1876:  THE “SHAKERS” – Mrs. GIRLING and 12 members of her community are visiting this town.  They have been brought here by Mr. Councillor KNIGHT, and will remain for a whole week, and give seven lectures at the Victoria Rooms, as well as services in the afternoons.  There could not be a better opportunity than this afforded of learning the principles of these people, who call themselves Bible Christians.

Feb 12th 1876:  SPELLING BEES – Their novelty has no doubt caused the great success of Spelling Bees, which have found their way into every part of the country, and at last penetrated to Ryde even during the dullest part of a rather dull winter.  One of these peculiar entertainments was given at the Victoria Rooms on Monday evening for some very good prizes.  The Mayor, B. BARROW, Esq., took a leading part as umpire. 900 words were taken out of a dictionary so as to fairly test the competitors.  1st prize went to Mr. Arthur YOUNG, and 2nd prize to Miss Alice RIPPON.

Feb 12th 1876:  TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – A report was read from the Public Works Committee, the first paragraph recommended that the plans deposited by the School Board for the erection of a new school in Bettesworth-road;  and by Mr. G. L. RIDDETT for the erection of an extra floor to his workshop in Church-lane, and by the Ryde Gas-Light Company for the erection of a new retort house be approved.—The recommendations were adopted unanimously.

Feb 19th 1876:  GRAND SKATING RINK IN RYDE – The question of a grand skating rink in Ryde is now definitely settled. The piece of land now known as Mr. YELF’s garden, between St. Thomas’-street and Union-street, has been secured, and a public company is in process of formation to carry out work likely to prove of the greatest benefit to the town.  This large rink will be enclosed with light-railing of ornamental iron-work with gas columns every few feet.  Upon one side of this open rink will be another covered rink for skaters in rainy weather.  There will be ladies’ and gentlemen’s waiting rooms, refreshment rooms, public reading rooms.  Billiard and smoking rooms will form part of the establishment.

Feb 19th 1876:  PORTRAIT OF THE MAYOR – Every one passing down Union-street must have had his attention attracted by a really remarkable portrait of his worship the Mayor, which has been exhibited in the window of Mr. Jabez HUGHES’ well-known photographic establishment.  The portrait is life-size, painted in oil, from an enlarged photograph. His Worship is in his robes of office, and the colouring, likeness, and general effect are excellent.

Feb 19th 1876:  ADVICE TO MOTHERS – Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth?  Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs. WINSLOW’s Soothing Syrup.  It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately.  It is perfectly harmless and pleasant to taste.  The syrup is sold by medicine dealers everywhere at 1s.1⅓d. per bottle.

Feb 26th 1876:  TO BUILDERS & DEALERS IN OLD MATERIALS – For Sale, by tender, the materials, except the Walling Stone, and a portion of the bricks of Vernon Villa, Spring Vale, near Ryde. —The Contractor will be required to pull down the house, and slack the stone and brick which are left.  Conditions of tender may be seen.  No pledge is given to accept the highest bidder or tender.  FRANCIS NEWMAN, Architect.