March 1963

Isle of Wight Times:-

Mar 7th 1963: OPEN TOP BUSES – An open top bus service may operate in Ryde during the summer if a Southern Vectis Omnibus Co. application is granted. The company has applied for one to commence at the Canoe Lake and run via the Esplanade, George-street, Cross-street, Union-street and back to the terminus by way of the Esplanade, at 20 minute intervals.

Mar 7th 1963: PICTORIAL POSTMARKS – These postmarks for tourists and prestige are to be encouraged by the Post Office. Postmarks of the new kind will be accepted only from local authorities as a means to draw attention to the particular attraction of a town or locality.

Mar 7th 1963: THINKING DAY – Parents and friends of 5th Ryde Holy Trinity Guide Company joined with the guides for a “thinking day” ceremony. The programme opened with a “flying-up” ceremony of two brownies from the 5th Ryde Pack, Janet TOWNSEND and Janice KINGMAN, who were received into the company. The evening concluded with community singing.

Mar 7th 1963: RYDE BAND – Members of the Ryde Borough Band are among 1,600 instrumentalists tuning up for title bids at the annual London and Southern Counties Area brass band championships. Mr. Enos BROWN will conduct their performance.

Mar 7th 1963: V.B.F.C. – Fifty members were present when the annual meeting of the Vectis Boating and Fishing Club was held at the London Hotel on Thursday. A number of amendments to rules put forward by the committee were dealt with.

Mar 14th 1963: UNDERGROUND – Public lavatories to be built at the junction of Alexandra-road and West Hill-road, Ryde, will be almost completely underground.

Mar 14th 1963: “HELLO” GIRL – Winner of round one of the Interflora Personality Girl Competition of 1963 from the Ryde Head Postmaster’s Area is Miss Annette Fay NORRIS age 18 a telephonist at the Ryde Exchange. Four candidates from Ryde and Bembridge Exchanges competed in the first round.

Mar 14th 1963: “HONOURABLE HOVERCRAFT” – The Japanese want them too. An awful tricky question, was how the Island M.P. Ald. Mark WOODNUTT, replied to the question: “Is it a good idea to let the Japanese have the Hovercraft?” Mr. WOODNUTT said he understood that a large sum of money had been received from Japanese organisations for licences to operate Hovercraft.

Mar 14th 1963: AMATEUR FILMS – The Isle of Wight Amateur Cine Society again had to thank Mr. frank MELLANBY for arranging a programme of outstanding merit for their members meeting at the Hotel Ryde Castle on Tuesday evening.

Mar 14th 1963: CAR PARK – Derelict buildings at the rear of Cross-street will be demolished to enlarge the town’s central car park in George-street.

Mar 28th 1963: RAILWAYS – Dr. BEECHING’s bombshell burst on the Island yesterday. His report means the end of the line—literally—for the Island’s already depleted railway system. All stations are recommended for closure. Ryde Pierhead, due to undergo a six-month modernisation beginning in September, would continue as a boat terminus and the pier trams would continue running, taking ferry passengers to and from the Esplanade.