June 1973
Isle of Wight County Press:
Jun 2nd 1973: SPARKLING PERFORMANCE – “They Don’t Grow on Trees” we were told by the play’s title – yet more and more kept appearing on stage at Ryde Esplanade Pavilion when Bellevue Players’ spring holiday production opened on Saturday. It was a tribute to the company’s strength that they could muster as many as 20 such experienced players – ten men and ten women. Millie LACEY directed the successful production. An artistic set, complete with upstairs landing and window with a city scene beyond.
Jun 2nd 1973: POSTAL CODE – We have seen two recent cases of letters adrift for a while in spite of the use of the postal code. Why not put the Post Office on their toes by using the code and omitting the name of the town? If the Post Office want to use codes, let’s help them on their way.
Jun 2nd 1973: UNITED REFORMED CHURCH – Haylands Women’s Guild celebrated their 49th anniversary on Thursday week with a service conducted by Miss I. SAUNDERS. A tea party followed at Beechgrove, Haylands. The event was arranged by local members, and Mrs. I. MONK made the birthday cake.
Jun 9th 1973: RAILINGS AND FLOWER BOXES – Ryde Parks and Entertainments Committee were told that the Town Council were being made to look foolish by the latest development in the controversial story of the “cattle market” – the complex of railings and barriers near the pier. Residents were assured that the railings would be taken down and replaced by flower boxes, but now we have both. The Council were now thinking of only removing a quarter of them.
Jun 9th 1973: PUCKPOOL TENNIS – A request from the town’s G.P.O. Telephone sports and social club for permission to hire the two tennis courts at Puckpool for one evening weekly throughout the summer, produced a clash of opinion. However, despite it being called “a dangerous precedent,” it was agreed to allow the club to hire the courts on one evening a week.
Jun 9th 1973: WIDE VARIETY OF MUSIC – Celebrated organist Dudley SAVAGE and the Wight Musical Society delighted an audience of about 350 at a concert at the Town Hall, Ryde. It was organised by Ryde Carnival Association in aid of the St. John Ambulance Brigade minibus appeal. Dudley SAVAGE who plays in the current B.B.C. “As Prescribed” programme, is no stranger to the Island. In April 1972, he gave a recital at the Town Hall, and has an affection for the organ there, which he described as one of the finest of its type on which he had ever played.
Jun 16th 1973: SHOW OF SHOWS – The Ryde summer show had a successful “curtain-up” at the Esplanade Pavilion on Friday. The “Show of Shows,” devised and presented for Ryde Borough Council by Mimi LAW and Billy WHITTAKER, was soon romping along in a lively riot of fun, music and colour. It is good clean family entertainment, with an abundance of talent from a hard-working team of performers.
Jun 16th 1973: FIRE DAMAGE – The Royal Victoria Arcade, in Union Street, Ryde, already largely in a dilapidated condition, was damaged by fire on Thursday evening. The outbreak is believed to have occurred in a first floor room on the north side and firemen found another part of the structure well alight. Now virtually unoccupied, the arcade, which is listed as a building of historical interest, has been a centre of controversy over its future for several years.
Jun 16th 1973: HOVERCRAFT – The Solent Protection Society are to step up their campaign for the introduction of quieter hovercraft. The money was provided by the Government some months ago, and the society are to ask how the research and development is proceeding and “when the public may expect quieter machines on the Solent.”
Jun 30th 1973: VENTURE CORPS – Recent activities of the Ryde unit, of the Girls Venture Corps (air wing), have included orienteering, fire prevention, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, courses on country dancing, child care, hair styling, make-up and flying from Bembridge airport. Parade nights feature etiquette, drill and instruction in rifle shooting.