June 1972
Isle of Wight County Press:
Jun 3rd 1972: STEAM RAILWAY GUIDE – The Wight Locomotive Society has the nucleus from which they can develop a valuable amenity which will offer a unique facility for public education and enjoyment in the future. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of “An Illustrated Guide to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway Centre” published by the society (25p) – a well-produced booklet containing over 30 pages crammed with information and photographs.
Jun 3rd 1972: RECORD FOR CHARITY – A world record in an unusual sphere was established at the Oasis Ballroom, Ryde, on Monday when Mr. Christopher COX, well-known as the Incredible Christopher, made 99 balloon animals in 60 minutes. A total of 250 people watched the attempt, made before officials of the Guinness Book of Records in an event organised by the I.W. Lions Club for charity. The completed balloons were given to the children in Island hospitals.
Jun 3rd 1972: HOLIDAY TRAFFIC – Strong winds seriously interfered with Hovertravel Limited’s service between Ryde and Southsea on Friday, Saturday and Monday, with the result that only about 4500 passengers were carried, well down on Spring or Whitsun Bank Holiday traffic of previous years. British Rail’s Seaspeed operated no services at all over the holiday.
Jun 3rd 1972: BLITZ ON LITTER – In response to the County Council’s litter clearance campaign, the I.W. Leo Club, newly formed protégé of the I.W. Lions Club, unanimously decided on instant action. Sixteen members, launched an attack on Monday on the litter disfiguring Ryde Esplanade and gardens.
Jun 3rd 1972: HOLIDAY VARIETY – A large and enthusiastic audience at the Esplanade Pavilion on Sunday welcomed the Frank NORTON variety show. Mr. NORTON now living at Brading, aims at giving Island talent a chance. To this end, the show included David BETTS, a young Ryde drummer, and the Dolly Mixtures, the troupe of 14 Brading girls between the ages of 12 and 14.
Jun 10th 1972: RYDE RESCUE – Ryde’s sea rescue scheme was quickly in action on Monday evening when a report from Ryde telephone exchange said that a red flare had been seen 400 yards north west of the pier. Ryde Lifeguard’s inflatable rescue boat Zodiac Astral, crewed by P. DIBBENS and D. BRADING, a Trinity House pilot launch and a boat from the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club went to the scene. They found a speedboat had broken down, and a man and two children were rescued.
Jun 17th 1972: BUS FARES – A move to give concessionary bus fares to all old age pensioners on the Island was defeated. The Council accepted a Joint Transport Sub-Committee report that the concession should be limited to those in real need and that a sum of £250 should be available and restricted to those with no income other than state pension.
Jun 17th 1972: ENTERTAINING PENSIONERS – Members of youth organisations in the Ryde area entertained senior citizens at the Youth Centre on Saturday. The St John Ambulance Brigade provided assistance with transport. Tea was served by young people. The evening programme included items by the Young Vectis Players, the 3rd, 5th and 8th Companies Ryde Guides, Binstead Young People’s Group, the Binstead Methodist Youth Group, Ryde Congregation Youth Group, and the St. John Nursing Cadets.
Jun 24th 1972: POSTCODES – Every household and business in the Island will have a postcode from June 26th as part of Post Office policy to code the entire country by spring 1973. More than 200 sacks of letters from the Post Office addressed in the new correct style and containing information about the postcode will be delivered throughout the Island next week.
Jun 24th 1972: TANKER CRASH – A tanker lorry, containing light fuel oil crashed into the front gardens of cottages on Binstead Hill, on Thursday week, completely demolishing the gardens in its path.