May 1966
Isle of Wight Times:-
May 5th 1966: TROUBLED TIMES – Trouble over rats, broken fences, and the noise of motor vehicles at night were some of the reasons given when three residents appealed for a reduction in the rating assessments on their homes at Little Preston Road, Ryde. The area was advertised as being one of the most pleasant and select in Ryde and it appeared to be rated as such. But in fact it is nothing but an eyesore.
May 12th 1966: BOUQUET – First paying customer at Ryde’s Plaza Cinema (formerly the Scala) was 79 year-old Mrs Rosa LAWS, of 2 Milligan Road, Ryde. She was presented with a bouquet by the manager, Mr. Bernard CAINE.
May 12th 1966: DONATION – Oakfield Supporters’ Club are to hand over a cheque for £200 to the parent club it was stated at their annual dinner and dance on Friday. The announcement brought a storm of applause from the 70 diners at the Royal York Hotel.
May 12th 1966: FELLOWSHIP – A Ryde girl, Miss Patricia Mae GILLETT, in her thirties, has been selected for a Sir Winston CHURCHILL Travelling Fellowship. She will visit the United States for three months to study new methods of health education.
May 12th 1966: BURY THEIR DIFFERENCES – Some council members were complaining about a Cemeteries Committee recommendation to impose certain restrictions at a new lawn cemetery which is to adjoin the present cemetery. To aid the job of grass cutting the committee wanted memorials to be confined to three types—a headstone not exceeding three feet in height with a base not exceeding 2 feet 6 inches by one foot in area; or a scroll not exceeding two feet in height and covering an area not more than 18 inches by nine inches, or an open book fixed to a rectangular base not exceeding 2 feet 6 inches by 18 inches.
May 12th 1966: APPLEY TOWER – Because of its unique design, no alterations will be carried out to the Appley Tower sea mark with a view to its adaption for use.
May 12th 1966: FACE-LIFT – Ryde Town Hall is to have a “face-lift,” to include re-pointing repairs to masonry, and partial redecoration, chairs in the council chamber are to be re-upholstered.
May 12th 1966: LIKE SHEEP – The sound of a sheepdog barking and sheep baaing echoed incongruously in Ryde Town Hall. On stage was Mr. Percy EDWARDS, animal and bird impersonator of radio and television, who was entertaining hundreds of parents and children when the annual “Festival of Queens” in aid of the National Children’s Homes was held.
May 19th 1966: HISTORIC BUILDING – In the face of strong opposition, an application for a publican’s licence for the building, formerly the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, to be known as “The Prince Consort,” and for a publican’s club in respect of the top floor, to be known as “The Consort Club.” Both applications were approved, subject to certain conditions, including that not betting or gaming takes place.
May 19th 1966: POOL – A working committee whose aim is to provide Ryde with an international sized swimming pool costing perhaps £300,000 was formed at a meeting organised by Mr. George WILLIAMS, of 30 Southfield Gardens, on Friday. It was emphasised that the first essential was to obtain a suitable site.
May 26th 1966: OUTING – Ryde Buccaneers on Sunday took the residents of Osborne Cottage Old People’s Home, East Cowes, on their annual outing. They collected the old people at 3.30 for a drive over the Downs to the London Hotel, Ryde, for tea provided by Mr. and Mrs. DARBYSHIRE. After tea the party went to the Blacksmith’s Arms, Newport, where they enjoyed community singing and sandwiches.