March 1911

Isle of Wight Observer

Mar 4th 1911: QUEEN’S CORONATION GIFT – It is proposed to give the Queen a Coronation present in the form of a personal ornament, to be subscribed by all persons of the names Mary, May, Marie, Maria, Marion, Marian in all classes. Donations to be from 1d. to £1. Miss May ALEXANDER, Strathallan, Queens-road, has consented to be one of the hon. secretaries and donations can be sent to her not later than Friday.

Mar 11th 1911: FEEDING THE CHILDREN – Since the Ryde Soup Kitchen was opened on December 3rd, 24 distributions of free meals have been made, the number of children benefiting being 2632, an average of 110 a day. The distribution has been efficiently supervised by the Chief Constable (Mr. C. GREENSTREET) assisted by the members of the police force, and other willing helpers.

Mar 11th 1911: SCHOOL GARDENS – Mr. E. C. GOBLE of the Walcot Nurseries, Ryde, has secured the contract for the supply of seeds required in the school gardens under the County Education Authority.

Mar 11th 1911: POPULAR CONCERT Miss Hazel GREY will be the vocalist at the Popular Concert on Monday. One of her songs will be a new work by Stephen Adams “Love Eternal,” in which she will be accompanied by the composer.

Mar 11th 1911: PROPOSED RIFLE CLUB – There appears to be every possibility that the Ryde Rifle Club, which is in process of formation, will prove a very popular organisation. It is suggested that a range be made on land adjoining St. John’s-road Railway station. Messrs. WHEELER Bros., to whom the land belongs, having kindly promised to do everything possible to assist the club.

Mar 11th 1911: EDUCATION COMMITTEE – Dr. TURNER emphasised the necessity of having a school nurse to follow up children in their homes. Out of 113 children in which defects were found, the parents of 62 took no steps, and in 28 the defects were remedied. He approached the Ryde District Nursing Association and they had agreed to allow one of their nurses to devote two whole days a week for a sum of £35 per annum.

Mar 18th 1911: BRITISH SHOPPING – It is proposed to hold an “All British Shopping Week” from March 27th, to April 1st. Anything would be welcome that would brighten Ryde up a trifle.

Mar 18th 1911: FISHING – There is a general opinion that fishing at Ryde is merely an excuse for idling away a summer afternoon, but some of the fishermen in Ryde are made of sterner stuff and take a more serious view of their craft.

Mar 25th 1911: GOLFING NOVELTY – A novelty in the way of golf balls has been invented and patented by Mr. C. JACOBS, the professional of the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club, St. Helens. They have been designed with a view to the pursuit and practice of the game indoors which is in itself something new. Unlike the rubber, however, they are composed of a soft fluffy material. These balls which are known as the “Fluffey” golf ball, are exactly the same size as an ordinary ball, and approach shots over obstacles such as chairs or even the dining room table can be played with them without any fear of their breaking the mirrors or any chinaware or bric-a-brac which may be about. If the room is large enough the putting game, “Round the clock,” can be indulged in with them.

Mar 25th 1911: BAND OF HOPE UNION – The Ryde and District Band of Hope Union held a united demonstration and concert in the Town Hall. the large choir which took part numbered about 300 voices from the affiliated Societies, including Primitive Methodist, United Methodist, Congregational, Wesleyan, Baptist, Haylands, Havenstreet, Binstead, Weeks, Ashey, N.B.W.T.A. and “Y” Branch. The Chairman said that they wanted Sunday closing of the public houses, and they wanted to get them closed on election days. They also wanted to make it impossible for women to serve in the bars of public houses.