Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
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May 1971

Isle of Wight County Press:

May 1st 1971:  PERFORMANCE – At the Ryde Philharmonic Society’s performance, conducted by David MACKERSIE, on Thursday the orchestra was there, and to good purpose.  Led by Flora MULLER they put colour back into the score, and every aspect of the performance achieved a vibrant vitality; not the kind of zealot incandescence that makes energy serve for accuracy, but a measured and controlled use of colour and dynamic climax.

May 1st 1971:  ADOPTION – Mrs. J. E. GRAY, the council’s worker, in her report states that 1970 began with a tremendous rise in the number of applications from would-be adopters due to the public becoming aware of the fact that very few babies were being offered for adoption.  Many of these couples would have waited longer before applying, especially for a second child, but felt in view of the shortage they must get their names on the waiting list as soon as possible.

May 1st 1971:  YOUTH QUIZ – The semi-finals and finals of the area youth quiz were held at the Youth Centre on Wednesday week.  The quiz, which has been running as a winter activity for several years, was operated in the early rounds on a postal basis.  The final stages of the competition became a face-to-face confrontation and produced much interest.  The evening proved very successful for the Salvation Army, as both their junior and senior teams achieved victory.

May 8th 1971:  RYDE RELIEF ROAD – The coastline to the west of Ryde is unique in having survived in its natural state to the present day, and now that the importance of the environment is of world-wide concern it would appear to be nothing short of vandalism to convert this beautiful area to a concrete jungle.  Ryde’s traffic problems are only part of the Cowes-Ryde road, what better route could there be than the old railway line.  Here is a level track with rights of way.

May 8th 1971:  RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION – A Ryde and District Residents’ Association has been formed in opposition to the proposed western relief road which is planned to link Ryde Esplanade to Binstead, emerging at the Golf Club to join the main Ryde to Newport road.  Mr. S. MOSS, of Stonepitts Close, is chairman of the association and Mr. Keith TRAVES is secretary.

May 8th 1971:  BELLEVUE PLAYERS – A showing of their film “Notsofari” was given by the Bellevue players at their monthly club evening at the club rooms in 40 Union Street on Tuesday.

May 8th 1971:  CHARITY WALK RESULT – The recent round-the-Island walk starting and finishing in Ryde raised over £300 for the British Heart Foundation.  Assistance with the organisation and marshalling was given by the I.W. Lions Club, with other organisations.

May 15th 1971:  GUIDE AND BROWNIE FAIR – The 5th Ryde (Holy Trinity) brownie guides and guides held their May fair at the Youth Centre on Saturday.  Teas were served by the parents’ supporters’ committee. Prior to the opening, a presentation of a gift token was made to Miss BESSENT, brownie-guider for 24 years, by Sixer Julie SMYTHERS, on behalf of the brownies, guiders and friends.

May 15th 1971:  BUTCHERS’ PREMISES BURGLED – Messrs. G. E. ORLICK & Co., wholesale butchers, of 23 Union Road, were broken into on Saturday night, and about £40 and three shoulders of pork stolen.  The thieves appeared to have entered by a first-floor window.

May 15th 1971:  RYDE ROWING CLUB – Ryde Town Council Parks & Entertainment Committee met representatives of Ryde Rowing Club on the club’s inquiry about a site for a permanent building in Appley Park.   The club explained that although they could operate from the old boathouse during 1971 it was imperative that they obtain a permanent clubhouse in order to be able to continue as a competitive club. The site at Appley was well placed, with hard sand, and satisfactory tide conditions.