January 1972
Isle of Wight County Press:
Jan 1st 1972: RYDE TELEPHONISTS – Eight years ago, when each day operator at Ryde trunk telephone exchange gave a present to a deprived child, a spirit of Christmas giving began which has grown and flourished in succeeding years. Now not only children benefit, but the aged and lonely. For months the girls have been busy knitting bed-jackets and they have provided money through competitions and donations to provide food parcels and toys.
Jan 1st 1972: CAVERSHAM HOUSE SCHOOL – The children gave their Christmas presentation in the presence of many parents. Seated under a lighted Christmas tree they sang many varied carols, interspersed with readings and poems. The Christmas party was held in a gaily decorated hall and classrooms. Tea was prepared by the staff and served by helpers.
Jan 1st 1972: W.R.V.S. LUNCHEON CLUB – In addition to 47 meals-on-wheels delivered the same day, the local centre of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Services prepared and served 120 meals at the annual Christmas gathering of their luncheon club for pensioners at their headquarters, Newport Street, on Wednesday week.
Jan 1st 1972: RUGBY CAROLLERS – On Christmas Eve nearly fifty members of the I.W. Rugby Club went carol singing around licensed premises in Ryde town. They were accompanied by the Island mascot, Annie the goat, looking very smart in her blue coat. A total of nearly £26 was raised for distribution to local old people.
Jan 8th 1972: POSTMAN HONOURED – Mr. Alfred Leonard SEXTON, of Bettesworth Road, a postman higher grade at the Head Post Office, has been awarded the Imperial Service Medal after 46 years’ service. Mr. SEXTON began his career as a boy messenger at Seaview in 1926. Among those at the ceremony was Mr. SEXTON’s wife, who was a telephonist at the old manual telephone exchange at Seaview.
Jan 8th 1972: AMATEUR WINEMAKERS – At the annual meeting at the Weston Hut, the officers were elected. A successful year was reported. A humorous note on wine judging was struck by Mrs. GREEN, of Brading, who said that she was sure that much of the judging done by W.I. members was still of a purely visual nature.
Jan 15th 1972: NEW EXCHANGE – Brighter prospects are offered to residents in the Ryde area awaiting the installation of telephones. Mr. J. BERRY, deputising for the telephone manager, said that a new telephone exchange might be built to replace the old one, which was too small. The exchange would provide facilities for approximately 600 new lines.
Jan 22nd 1972: EXHIBITION IN LIBRARY – Although Ryde has overtaken its sister borough of Newport in terms of population, it was, as many Islanders are aware, just two tiny villages when the capital was already a fully-fledged town. Called simply, “The story of Ryde,” the exhibition has been arranged by the county library, with the help of Mr. Roy Brinton, a local historian, and Carisbrooke Castle Museum. Mr. Brinton collected a fascinating array of material, with the exhibits most expertly displayed in the gallery at the public library, George Street.
Jan 29th 1972: DANCING – A number of teenagers at Carisbrooke High School have reverted to a more old-fashioned method dancing. They asked their head physical training instructor, if they could learn ballroom dancing. Mr. and Mrs. W. T. ROSS, of the Bill Ross School of dancing, Ryde, were asked to give lessons. The class consists of approximately 14 couples. At present only sixth’ formers participate in the classes, which they regard as their privilege.
Jan 29th 1972: WRESTLING – Ryde Town Council have approved the acceptance of a booking for professional wrestling at the Esplanade Pavilion. The bill is to be topped by lady wrestlers.