November 1969
Isle of Wight Times:
Nov 6th 1969: MUSIC – Though not ones to blow their own trumpets, Teagues of Ryde now claim, with justification, to be the most comprehensive “music shop” in the Island. After 115 years in business, Teagues are “in the groove” as far as providing first class service is concerned, without being in a rut.
Nov 6th 1969: HISTORIC BUILDINGS – Members of the I.W. Society were on Saturday afternoon conducted on a “walk round Ryde” by David LLOYD, of the Victorian Society. Mr. LLOYD is co-author of a book on Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and his particular interest is the study or townscape.
Nov 13th 1969: COMING YOUR WAY – The sight of this unusual vehicle is creating interest, and some concern among people who have television sets without licences—for this is the Post Office’s latest £7,000 detector car. So sensitive is the equipment that a TV set can be pinpointed whilst the car is travelling at 30 m.p.h. The crew carry a polaroid camera so that they can produce immediate evidence.
Nov 13th 1969: RYDE MEAD L.T.C. – Sixty members and guests were present when Ryde Mead Lawn Tennis Club held their annual dinner and dance at the Royal York Hotel. Mr. Stanley WRIGHT, president, praised the activities of the club during the past season, including the achievement of the junior champion, Trevor WRAY, who was narrowly defeated in the senior event by the reigning singles champion, Derek WARMAN, on the finals day.
Nov 13th 1969: SUBSCRIPTIONS – Ryde Lifeguard Corps are doubling members annual subscriptions to 10s. The decision was reached at the annual meeting last Wednesday. Reviewing the year, Mr. Ian JEFFERIES, club captain, said the highlight was the acquisition of the new rescue boat.
Nov 13th 1969: LADY IN THE LAKE – A woman driver sat in her vehicle in Ryde’s Canoe Lake on Thursday, holding her 15-month-old son above the water. It happened after Mrs Gwynyth TODD, of Newport, hit a kerbside drain when rounding a bend, and to avoid hitting a wall swung the vehicle across the road, and found herself going down the embankment into the lake. A man waded in and took the child. Mrs. TODD climbed out of the window and on to the roof to get clear.
Nov 13th 1969: CYCLING – Racing round the Canoe Lake will be a feature of the Vectis Road Cycling Club’s annual three-day rally, to be held next Easter.
Nov 13th 1969: TOP PRIORITIES – A swimming pool and a theatre deserve top priorities in Ryde, the Parks and Entertainments Committee decided at a meeting that these two amenities should be phased together at an estimated cost of £120,000. The go ahead was given to produce plans for the two buildings with a breakdown of £45,000 for the pool and £75,000 for the theatre, which, it is hoped, will ultimately replace the present Esplanade Pavilion.
Nov 20th 1969: PUBLICITY – The Pop Festival boosted I.W. image in America said a director of Fiery Creations, the festival promoters. Mr. FOULK, said he had recently returned from a fact-finding tour in the United States. Everyone had heard of the Isle of Wight. They think of it as a beautiful place—a fantastic place to spend a holiday. Mr FOULK revealed at the weekend that another “pop happening” will definitely take place in the Island next year, but was not specific about the venue.
Nov 20th 1969: AMATEUR OUTLOOK – Does Ryde rely too much on amateurs to provide early seasonal entertainment? A boarding house proprietor said: “it seems strange to me that during this period we always send coachloads of old age pensioners who are staying in Ryde over to see the show at Sandown Pavilion!”
Nov 20th 1969: RAILWAY TUNNEL – It will take about £135 to clear rubbish from an old railway tunnel at Ashey and rubbish obstructing a footpath. There were old milk churns and everything you can think of, including a car in a gateway. Many years ago, a spur line ran from Ashey railway station through the tunnel into a chalk pit, and the line was also used many years ago to serve Ashey Races, once a leading Island event.