October 1867
Isle of Wight Observer:
Oct 19th 1867: PROPOSED NEW ASSEMBLY ROOM – Our readers will see by the report of the meeting held at the Town-hall on Monday last that the room, even with the use of the new gallery, could not accommodate all who decided to be present on the occasion. This is another proof of the necessity for increased accommodation, a necessity which must increase as time rolls on.
Oct 19th 1867: FRUIT TREES – Mr. DIMMICK’s catalogue of fruit trees and general nursery stock for the autumn of 1867 and the ensuing spring has just been issued, containing an immense variety of stock. There is a great variety of flowering shrubs, standard roses in fine condition, and fruit trees of every kind. Special attention is called to a collection of splendid hybrid rhododendrons, and potted geraniums.
Oct 19th 1867: MICHAELMAS – The Michaelmas goose feast at the Nelson tavern took place on Friday evening last, when Host LOVEGROVE, as usual, catered well for a large company, who thoroughly enjoyed the treat provided. This is one of the annual entertainments of long-standing in connection with the Nelson tavern.
Oct 19th 1867: LETTER TO THE EDITOR – I noticed an announcement that a Mr. Henry LYON, a “converted musician,” would give a lecture to the members of the Young Men’s Christian Association. We lately had a highly sensational announcement that a “converted clown” would lecture, and people, in consequence, flocked in great numbers to hear a lot of abominable rubbish. It really seems the fashion now-a-days to imitate the circus proprietors in catering for public support. Yours, &c., An Enraged Musician.
Oct 19th 1867: TO LET – Mountford House, Simeon-street, Rent 30 guineas per annum—Apply to John MEADER, Builder, Bedford Lodge, Player-street, Ryde.
Oct 26th 1867: CHRISTY MINSTRELS – Mamphin’s talented troupe of Christy Minstrels appeared at the Victoria-rooms on Wednesday evening, when there was quite a rush for seats. The performance, which was extremely well gone through, provoked an immense amount of laughter and good humour, being received, as a matter of course, with uproarious applause. This company would do well if their engagements permit, to pay a second visit to Ryde.
Oct 26th 1867: MILITARY MOVEMENTS – On Wednesday last a battery of the 12th Brigade of Royal Artillery, commanded by Major P. BELLINGFIELD, arrived at Ryde en route from Fort Elson, Gosport, for Puckpool and Yaverland. They appear to be a very fine body of men.
Oct 26th 1867: WANTON MISCHIEF – On Saturday night, or early on Sunday morning last, some miscreants broke several panels of the iron gate at the entrance of St. Marie’s (Catholic) Church.
Oct 26th 1867: THE BATHING QUESTION – We are happy to hear that the directors of the Pier Company encouraged by the success of their experiment at the Victoria Pier during the last season, have resolved on making extensive additions to the existing accommodations, by which full accommodation will be provided for ladies and gentlemen. The works will be immediately commenced, so as to be ready by next spring.
Oct 26th 1867: AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY – The local Agricultural Society have had some excellent shows, and now that the plague amongst the cattle has entirely disappeared, we trust we shall see a revival of them, calculated as they really are to do a vast amount of lasting good.
Oct 26th 1867: PRIZE FIGHTING – Although so largely encouraged, is a disgrace to the nineteenth century. The authorities, however, seem pretty well determined to put it down, and it is high time, instead of holding out a premium to such persons. Their doings have a most demoralising tendency on the youths of the nation.