January 1975
Isle of Wight County Press:
Jan 4th 1975: CHARGE AND IMPROVE – This is the advice from Mr. E. BRENCHLEY, the Island’s senior tourist officer, to hoteliers and guesthouse-owners who can expect an increased number of holidaymakers to visit the Island this summer. Mr. BRENCHLEY feels that holiday accommodation proprietors should not be afraid to increase their prices to a realistic level, which would enable them to improve their premises to meet the higher standard which visitors now expect.
Jan 4th 1975: FALL FROM WINDOW – A man was taken to the Royal IW County Hospital, Ryde, on New Year’s Eve after falling from a third-floor window at his house. Mr. Thomas CANTWELL, aged 21, of George Street, Ryde, was stated on Thursday to be “satisfactory.”
Jan 4th 1975: PETROL PRICES – It will not be long before all the car parks are empty and all the new motor-ways are deserted. The price of petrol alone will restrict many, as will the tax and insurance. Can the government think of anything else to get the motorist off the road? Why not ban all private cars and let the car industry go to pot>
Jan 4th 1975: CHESTNUTS – As a result of touring Ryde with a sleigh, Father Christmas and carols, in conjunction with door-to-door collections, Ryde and district Round Table raised £62 for local charities. Their roast chestnut stall, complete with barrel organ, on Yelfs Road, raised £108.
Jan 11th 1975: TRAPPED FEAR – Two ambulances and firemen from Ryde and Newport with four appliances sped to Thornton Cross, Ryde, on Tuesday when it was feared that someone was trapped by fire in a flatlet at Thornton Manor. The alarm was raised by Mrs. A. DAVIES, caretaker, who found the flatlet filled with dense smoke. Firemen using breathing apparatus searched the flatlet which was empty. Later it was ascertained that no one was missing.
Jan 11th 1975: PRIVATE HOSPITAL – Despite their failure to get planning permission for a 30-bed private hospital at Fishbourne, an Island company is now seeking permission for a 20-bed luxury unit in Ryde. The new scheme involves the site of a large semi-derelict house at East Upton in Carters Road, Ryde.
Jan 11th 1975: NO DANCE – Hopes of holding a Medina Borough dance at the Town Hall, Ryde, on New Year’s Eve was abandoned when it was found impossible to book a suitable band. Mr. Billy WHITTAKER borough entertainments officer, said there had been insufficient time to ensure the success of the venture.
Jan 11th 1975: ORGANIST TO RETIRE – Mr. W. W. MATTHEWS, organist and choirmaster of Holy Trinity Church, Ryde, is to retire after 17 years’ service. His contract expires on March 25.
Jan 11th 1975: RYDE HARRIERS – The first event of 1975 in the Ryde Harriers’ junior series of winter evening road races was the fourth in the 1½ miles nominated time series. On this occasion the judgment of the girls was good, four of the five runners finishing within 20 secs of their nominated time.
Jan 18th 1975: FARES RISE – Permission to raise bus fares by nearly 30 per cent from February 16 was granted to the Southern Vectis Omnibus Company, by the South Eastern Traffic Commissioners on Thursday. Aimed at increasing stage carriage revenue by £344,000 in a full year, was not considered unreasonable.
Jan 18th 1975: CAMP SITES – Approval for extra camping areas on the Island was given by the County Council Planning committee on Tuesday. There was an ever-increasing demand for camping sites, and by allowing existing sites to be enlarged the problem could largely be solved. It would prevent unauthorised camping in other areas.
Jan 25th 1975: RYDE THEFT – Cash amounting to £90 and a cheque for £15 were stolen from the till shortly before closing time on Wednesday at the Geoffrey ROLFE art gallery, Union Street, Ryde.