May 1909
Isle of Wight Observer
May 1st 1909: RYDE ROWING CLUB – The dinner held annually by the members of the Ryde Rowing Club is fixed for Thursday evening next, when the President, Mr. W. Player BRIGSTOCKE, will occupy the chair. As this function is always very popular, there will no doubt be a large attendance as usual. During the thirtythree years the club has been in existence, we believe that only on one year was the dinner not held.
May 1st 1909: THE GLADIATOR – The ill-fated Gladiator which sank in a collision off Yarmouth a year ago, will shortly appear on the Motherbank off Ryde, to await a purchaser.
May 8th 1909: DULL RYDE – That though a good many people are fond of complaining that Ryde is dull, it is no more so than any other place in the Island. As a matter of fact, there are more visitors here at the present than there are usually at this period of the year.
May 8th 1909: POVERTY – It would seem that poverty appears to be on the increase in the Island, as in other parts of the country.
May 8th 1909: EDUCATION COMMITTEE – A letter was read from Miss L. N. TUTTE, resigning her post of assistant teacher at St. John’s Infants department, on the ground of her approaching marriage. Miss TUTTE stated she had been “most happy” under Miss WATSON, who had done all she possibly could to encourage her in her work amongst the children.
May 15th 1909: PROPERTY – Several business premises have been undergoing alteration and improvement recently. One of these is the shop of Mr. W. E. WEEKS, jeweller, of Union-street, who has had a new front put in, making it one of the smartest shops in the town.
May 15th 1909: SHEPHERDS PRESENTATION – At a meeting of the Ryde Sanctuary of the Ancient Order of Shepherds on Monday last, a handsome Marble Clock was presented to Brother John MORRIS, on which was the transcription “A.O.S. Presented to Brother John MORRIS in appreciation of his services as Treasurer to the Sanctuary Astrea 2283, A.O.S. 1888-1908.” Brother BEVIS made the presentation.
May 15th 1909: CYCLISTS FALL – On Tuesday evening a young man named Percy SPRAGG, of the Crescent, High Park, was cycling down Union-street, when making a turn into Pier-street, collided with a lamp-post. He was detained at the Hospital for treatment.
May 15th 1909: RACES – The Hunt Races at Ashey this year passed off even better than usual, probably because the weather was better than it usually is for this fixture.
May 15th 1909: THE EAGLE HOTEL – This hotel is being redecorated and refurbished preparatory to being opened under new management. Ryde people will be glad that this hotel, which immediately faces the Pier gates, is not to remain empty.
May 22nd 1909: BOWLING GREEN – From the appearance of the Bowling Green at the Esplanade on Thursday afternoon, it would seem that the ancient game is making headway in the estimation of the fairer sex. The play on one of the greens monopolized by the ladies shows all the prowess at bowls is not confined to the sterner sex.
May 22nd 1909: SUNSHINE RECORDER – A CAMPBELL-STOKES sunshine recorder has been placed with that of the old pattern on the roof of the bandstand in the Eastern Esplanade Gardens. This instrument concentrates the rays of the sun by means of a crystal globe and registers only bright sunshine.
May 22nd 1909: FORTHCOMING EVENTS SAT MAY 29th – Opening of Pier Pavilion, entertainment by the “Willow Pattern Serenaders”, Cricket Match at Partlands, Tennis Match at Mead gardens, and Excursion to Beaulieu leaving Ryde Pier at 3 o’clock.
May 29th 1909: SCHOOL SHOOTING – Lieut-Colonel J. F. C. HAMILTON, J.P., C.A., has offered to present a cup for shooting to the Bettesworth-road Boys School. The object of the competition was to celebrate Empire Day. Q M S TRODD, the headmaster at the Bettesworth-road School initiated rifle shooting among his boys many years back and his example has been copied by the other Schools in the district.