October 1919
Isle of Wight Observer:
Oct 4th 1919: COAL RATIONING – The Fuel Overseer (Mr. Charles GREENSTREET) informs us that in accordance with the general order issued, he has received instruction that the rationing of coal is reduced to 1 cwt per week for each householder and merchants must deliver that quantity to every customer before they can make a further supply, in order that there should be perfect equality. more about Charles Greenstreet here
Oct 4th 1919: NEW ORGANIST – Mr. R. H. TOOGOOD who is well-known in local musical circles, has been appointed organist of St. John’s Church, in succession to Mr. CLARKE, Mus. Bac., resigned.
Oct 4th 1919: RAILWAY STRIKE – The national railway strike affects Ryde, as other towns in the Island, though it was fortunate that coming as it did at the tail-end of the season there was no particular monetary loss sustained.
Oct 4th 1919: SHORTAGE – It is not unlikely there will be a bread shortage owing to the supplies of yeast giving out. In that case householders will have to make their own, and it will be “some” bread you can guess in many cases.
Oct 11th 1919: JAZ BAND CONCERTS – The committee of the Ryde Jaz Band, R.A.O.B. propose giving a grand concert at the Foresters-hall on Thursday, the 23rd inst., when several well-known artistes will appear under the direction of Mr. J. FRAY, the conductor of the band.
Oct 11th 1919: FLORAL EXHIBITION – The opportunity of aiding a good cause amid beautiful surroundings will be afforded at the Town Hall from October 17th to the 25th in connection with the eight days grand Floral Exhibition and sale of artificial flowers made by blind and Crippled Girls associated with John GROOM’s Crippleage and Flower Girls Mission (Incor).
Oct 11th 1919: LONG WALK – The Rev. M. Lister GAUNT walked from Ryde to Sandown last week in order to take part in the meeting in connection with the Baptist Harvest Festival.
Oct 11th 1919: MOTOR SCOOTER – A great deal has been made of the first motor scooter accident in London, but it only resulted in a bruise and a soiled dress. The Hill Street Factory are turning out a considerable number of these readily acquired and adaptable means of locomotion and the industry has come to stay, there’s not the least doubt.
Oct 11th 1919: STEEPLECHASE – The hopes of local sportsmen considerably revived when they heard that it might be possible to hold an Ashey Steeplechase meeting, and a large number were ready to put their “bit” on at the end of a record season. The “bookies” were ready. The foxhounds met this week so why should not the “orses?”
Oct 18th 1919: TOWN CLOCK SILENT – Many questions were put by residents last weekend as to the reason for the Town Hall clock remaining silent; it was going, but did not chime the hours or quarters, and it was elicited that owing to the illness of a ratepayer in West Street, who was unable to get sleep, the Mayor agreed that the striking should stop temporarily.
Oct 25th 1919: LIFEBOAT PRESENTATION – Mr. T. FORD who has been coxswain of the lifeboat for over 12 years, has been compelled to resign owing to ill health, and the committee to mark their appreciation of his good services, awarded him a framed certificate of service.
Oct 25th 1919: TRANSFER OF LICENCE – At the Borough police-court on Monday, temporary transfer of the Melville Inn, Melville Street, from Joshua SHAW, to Charles Arthur REDSTONE, was granted.
Oct 25th 1919: ATTRACTION – A winter pavilion or garden on the Western Esplanade would be a decided attraction. It could be warmed and concerts held as is done in other well-known resorts.