November 1867
Isle of Wight Observer:
Nov 2nd 1867: PROPOSED ASSEMBLY ROOM – We rejoice to hear a special meeting of the Commissioners has been called for this (Friday) evening to receive the tenders, and thus put the work in motion without delay for the proposed new assembly room. Let all parties now unite in helping to make it remunerative to the town.
Nov 2nd 1867: TEMPERANCE TEA – The supporters and friends of temperance took tea together in the Victoria-rooms, on Tuesday evening last; about 120 sat down. In the evening, Mr. DUNN, the well-known advocate delivered a lecture, interspersed with melodies. A lady presided at the pianoforte. His infant daughter (5 years of age) sang and played some interesting pieces.
Nov 2nd 1867: PHEASANTS – An occasional correspondent, who travels by rail 19 weeks out of each year, from Newcastle-on-Tyne to Penzance, writes to us that he saw on Friday last, on the four miles between Brading and Ryde, more pheasants on the wing than he had ever seen previously in his life. He says he counted 15 hens and nine cock pheasants. Those on the ground he neither enumerated nor included.
Nov 9th 1867: GALLANT RESCUE – A young gentleman about 12 years of age, the son of the Rev. R. WILKINS, of Palmer-house, Ryde, was fishing from the head of Ryde pier, when he over-balanced himself and fell into deep water, S.W. of the Pier head. An alarm being raised of “man overboard,” one of the pier porters, named A. GREGORY, plunged in and swam to the assistance of the drowning boy and brought him safely ashore. We understand that the Rev. WILKINS liberally presented GREGORY with two sovereigns.
Nov 9th 1867: BALM FOR THE HAIR – Among the many preparations offered to the public for the possession of luxury and comfort, Oldridge’s Balm of Columbia stands pre-eminent, and may be used without fear of soiling the most delicate head-dress or bonnet. No toilette is complete without it.
Nov 16th 1867: RYDE RELIEF SOCIETY – During last winter 250 blankets (each with coverlet), were lent to poor families, 310 cases of sickness, old age, or distress were supplied with coals or bread, 4,477 quarts of soup, with a pound of bread to each quart, were distributed at the reduced price of one penny per quart.
Nov 16th 1867: FAITHFUL SERVANT APPRECIATED – We hear with much pleasure that “old John GUY,” the sexton who entered on his duties as long ago as the year 1829, and is now over 80 years of age, has been superannuated by Capt. BRIGSTOCKE. What changes in the time during which he has held the office; how many have passed away and been succeeded by another generation; what a number of marriages, christenings, and funerals our old friend must have officiated at during his term of office.
Nov 16th 1867: WANTON MISCHIEF – We are informed that during the past week some mischievous fellows have been prowling about the town unhanging people’s gates, and that in one instance a portion of a newly-erected fence in Upper West-street has been pulled down. These fellows deserve severe punishment.
Nov 23rd 1867: WANTED – In the Boys’ National School, at Ryde, an Assistant Master, not necessarily certificated. Salary, £40 per annum. Also a respectable youth, not under 13 years of age, to be apprenticed as pupil teacher.—Apply to the Vicar, Ryde.
Nov 30th 1867: BATHING – According to appearances, the general public will hereafter have very little to complain of with reference to bathing accommodation. The works at the Victoria pier are being pushed on with vigor, and will, we understand, be available in the ensuing spring.
Nov 30th 1867: PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY – The council of this society announces a lecture on the “Story of the Atlantic Cable” on Monday evening next, by the Rev. N. G. GACHEN, M.A. These lectures are now free to the public, who may, if they please, derive a vast amount of instruction by attending them, all controversial subjects in politics and religion being strictly prohibited.