January 1866
Isle of Wight Observer:-
Jan 6th 1866: LIFEBOATS – The services of the lifeboats on our coasts have been very great during the late gales, many valuable lives and much property having been spared by their means. The National Lifeboat Institution is of the greatest importance to our mercantile marine, and is especially at this season of the year deserving the consideration of the charitable.
Jan 6th 1866: NEW YEAR’S NIGHT – Once more time in its rapid flight has brought round the new year, and with it, according to custom, the generous hospitality of “Mine Host” of the York-hotel. A number of friends and fellow-tradesmen assembled round the festive board. The worthy Host himself occupied the chair, and Mr. GABELL the vice-chair, and over dinner.
Jan 6th 1866: BALL AT BEACHLANDS – The fine old English custom, which has for years prevailed at this magnificent establishment, was this year kept up with greater spirit than ever, Mrs. SULLIVAN and Sir John and Lady LEES having on this occasion thrown open their beautiful suite of rooms for the comfort of their domestics and friends, who numbered about 150, on Wednesday evening, the 3rd inst.
Jan 6th 1866: WORKING MEN’S CLUB – The annual tea and soiree has been finally fixed to take place on the 29th, when it is hoped there will be a numerous attendance. The Rev. W. H. GIRDLESTONE, the president, will preside.
Jan 6th 1866: BLIND SOCIETY – We have received a donation of 10s. from “A Friend” in aid of the funds of this charitable society, and will readily forward any amounts that our subscribers may from time to time think proper to leave with us.
Jan 6th 1866: TENDERS – We see by advertisement that the Commissioners have very wisely determined to invite new tenders for the buildings, cartage of materials, and cleaning out the Knighton ponds. This is certainly, the most fairest and satisfactory to the town at large.
Jan 6th 1866: DARING ROBBERY – A robbery of a novel and certainly very heartless character was perpetrated in the pleasure-boat Rowena, the property of Mr. George DRAYTON, some parties having got on board and carried away every article that could be removed. The police, although they have been instituting inquiries, have up to this time been unable to find any clue to the offenders.
Jan 6th 1866: ACCIDENT – A very provoking accident occurred on Monday evening. One of the Pier porters, in crossing the gangway with a portmanteau belonging to Lord Alfred PAGET, stumbled and fell. The provoking part was, that his lordship had been invited to dine with Her Majesty at Osborne, and his court dress, having been drenched in the water, was completely spoiled.
Jan 13th 1866: RAILWAY DINNER – On Wednesday evening last several of the railway officials had a very pleasant gathering at the Anglesea tavern, the dinner being served up in Host TARVER’s well-known style. Mr. Wight, the Ryde station-master, ably filled the chair, while Mr. J. V. SULLY, the Shanklin station-master, occupied the vice-chair.
Jan 13th 1866: PRESENTATION – Mr. and Mrs. TUTTE having resigned the office of master and mistress of the St. John’s schools, Oakfield, which they have held for a period of ten years, with credit to themselves, satisfaction to the managers of the schools, and profit to their pupils, have on their retirement been presented with an elegant eight-day time-piece.
Jan 20th 1866: ST. THOMAS’S CHURCHYARD – This place of sepulture, having been some time since closed according to Act of Parliament, may, with a small outlay, be made a considerable ornament to the town, standing as it does in its centre, and being an invariable attraction to strangers. We content ourselves by throwing out a hint in regard to improvements, which we trust may be acted upon during the coming spring.