May 1925
Isle of Wight County Press:
May 2nd 1925: DISCOVERED AT RYDE – A discovery, said to be of the highest importance to the world of art has been made this week by a Ryde gentleman, who has in his possession an old picture which he has every reason to believe to be a contemporary portrait of William SHAKESPEARE. There is, he thinks, strong reason for supposing that this picture may indeed be the long-lost portrait that the poet KEATS had in a Castlebrooke lodging, and desired should be placed in his room. The find has been made by a Mr. BROWN, a picture lover, who lives at Ladysmith, Well-street, Ryde.
May 2nd 1925: SUNK OFF RYDE – The well-known coaster yacht Maid Marion was rammed and sunk by a Southern Railway steamer off Ryde during the small hours of Saturday morning. Two people, a man and a woman—were asleep on board at the time and had a narrow escape from drowning. The yacht was anchored some 200 yards to the eastwards of Ryde Pier, right in the track used by the steamers, when she was cut down by the Shanklin soon after 3am. The yacht was badly holed and sank at once.
May 2nd 1925: ROYAL PIER HOTAL – Every one concerned in the property of Ryde will rejoice to learn, even if only for the sake of the improvement in the appearance of the Esplanade, that the Royal Pier Hotel, which has been closed for some time, has been re-opened, thanks to the enterprise and public-spirit of a syndicate existing, amongst others, of the Mayor (Mr. Rowland RUSSELL, T.C.) and Messrs. H. REVETT and F. HAND. The opening was marked by a luncheon at the hotel on Thursday.
May 2nd 1925: RACES – Ashey Steeplechases take place next Wednesday and Thursday, and some very good horses are due to compete. Lord LONDESBOROUGH’s Dudley, certainly the best 2-mile chaser in England, and equally good over hurdles and on the flat, is engaged in the Ashey National Hunt flat race. The going is in splendid order, and good sport is assured to be witnessed on both days.
May 2nd 1925: BOY’S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE – A distressing accident, which appears to have been brought with less serious consequences than expected, occurred on the Esplanade on Monday evening. Kenneth Childe HAIR, the son of Mr. Douglas HAIR, was knocked down and run over by a heavy limousine car, belonging to Mr. DRABBLE of Sandown. One wheel of the car passing over the little fellow’s stomach. The driver stopped with the utmost promptitude. The child is progressing satisfactorily.
May 9th 1925: RYDE’S NEW FIRE ENGINE – The christening of the new Leyland motor Fire-engine for Ryde and district was officially carried out at the Esplanade on Saturday in the presence of a large crowd of onlookers. Among those present were the local Councillors. Looking very spick and span the fire-engine, was manned by Chief Officer JOLLIFFE and his men. Chairman of the Brigade Committee said that the town had been a long time getting an up-to-date fire-engine, but with the co-operation of St. Helens and Ashey they had succeeded in providing one for the district.
May 9th 1925: RACEHORSE IN THE SEA – Some excitement occurred on the eve of the races, when Mrs. PEDERSON’S Tully slipped and took fright, and jumped into the water. The animal went some distance to the eastward and was persuaded to swim back to land by Mr. LININGTON in a skiff. It eventually reached safety near the canoe lake.
May 23rd 1925: ROTARIANS – About 30 members attended at Wednesday’s luncheon of the Ryde Rotary Club, Ald. ANDREWS, J.P., presiding. Major WHITMORE spoke about Rotary and Education, and the next generation of Rotarians, They wanted to get hold of the children and infuse the Rotary spirit into them as early as possible.
May 30th 1925: ST. DUNSTAN’S – An auction sale for the benefit of this deserving institution was held at the Town-hall Chambers on Tuesday in association with Messrs. WALLIS, RIDDETT, and Co’s. monthly sale of furniture. About 80 lots were disposed of, and the amount realised, enabled a cheque for £40 to be sent to the Treasurer, Mr. SAUNDERS,