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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January 1976

Isle of Wight County Press:

Jan 3rd 1976:  HARD PRACTICE – Formed less than two months ago, the junior section of Ryde Concert Band delighted patients at St. Mary’s Hospital, Newport, recently by playing carols in the geriatric wards. The children’s ages range between nine and 14 and they practised extremely hard to be able to present a public performance.

Jan 3rd 1976:  GOLDEN WEDDING – A family reunion buffet supper at High Park Tavern, Elmfield, was the feature on Saturday of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs LACEY of 90 Great Preston Road, Ryde.  Both Mr LACEY and his wife, formerly Miss Gertrude WRIGHT, were born in Ryde and were married on December 27, 1925, at the former Ryde United Methodist Church, now the WRVS head-quarters.

Jan 10th 1976:  RYDE PIER – The fascinating early history of Ryde pier was the subject of an illustrated talk given to the Friends of Carisbrooke Castle Museum on Tuesday by Mr. R. E. BRINTON, who raised a possible claim for an historical “first” on the Island.  Increasing use of Ryde as a tourist resort at the beginning of the 19th century underlined the need for a more substantial pier, and an Act dated July 13, 1812, provided for the setting up of a Ryde Pier Company.

Jan 10th 1976:  BRANNON COLLECTION – Unique in its scope and quality, an exhibition of prints by George BRANNON, the Island’s best-known illustrator, opened to the public at the Ryde Gallery on Tuesday.  The largest single collection of Brannon engravings from “Vectis Scenery,” some 200 in number.  The collection has been assembled over many years by a Brannon engravings enthusiast, Lieut.-Colonel K. G. HICKS, who is now serving in the Royal Corps of Transport.  It includes prints dating back to 1821.

Jan 10th 1976:  OLD PEOPLE ENTERTAINED – About 90 elderly townspeople were the guests of the Rotary Club of Ryde for tea and entertainment at the Prince Consort on Tuesday.  Entertainers were Barry RUTHERFORD, magician, and Vera and Hal CHAMBERS, songs with piano accompaniment. Each guest received a pot plant.  Coach and car transport was provided by Rotarians.

Jan 17th 1976:  DIN IN THE LIBRARY – Over the years one has become accustomed to a pleasant degree of quietude in public library reference rooms.  The Ryde Library is a marked exception, however, as the adjacent main-lending area has a resounding hollow floor.  It is consequently liable to be the happy hunting ground of juveniles who delight in prancing up and down to create a din.  The indifference of parents and teachers accompanying the children is most noticeable.  Could we please have a “Quiet Please” notice displayed.

Jan 17th 1976:  WOMEN’S INSTITUTE APPLEY BRANCH – “What a great period of communication we live in” were the opening words of a talk given by Miss E. PEACOCK.  She developed this theme recalling incidents during her 34 years with the BBC.  Mrs. E. KENT thanked her on behalf of the members.

Jan 17th 1976:  DONKEY AMONG THE PANDAS – People may have been forgiven for thinking on Thursday morning that Ryde Police had switched from horse-power to donkey-power in an effort to conserve petrol. For there, among the panda cars and black marias, passers-by spotted a donkey.  Chief Inspector E HOARE explained that they had rounded-up the donkey, which had escaped from a Binstead field, and tethered it in the police car park until it could be returned to its owner.

Jan 17th 1976:  PUBLIC INQUIRY – Medina Borough Council’s controversial plan to pull down a group of “picturesque” but derelict 19th century buildings—two of them on the protected list—to extend the Lind Place car park in Ryde.  It would cost £20,000 to renovate the three town cottages on the corner of West Street and Lind Street.  The inquiry centred on application for consent to demolish the two “listed” buildings of the group, St. James# Lodge, and St. James’ Cottage.

Jan 24th 1976:  MUM’S ARMY – More than 80 former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Women’s Royal Army Corps and Women’s Royal Air Force agreed at a meeting at Ryde on Monday to form a combined organisation to raise funds.  It was agreed to try to attract more ex-servicewomen at a meeting in February.