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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October 1968

Isle of Wight Times:

Oct 3rd 1968:  LAST POST – On Sunday, Mr. Percy Thomas BUNNELL—known as “Bill”—retired after nearly 10 years as Ryde Head Postmaster.  The previous night he was guest of honour at a farewell dinner held at the Osborne Oasis, Ryde.  The occasion also marked the departure of Mr. John VALLENDER, 31, another from the Union Street Head Office, to become Overseer at Hastings.

Oct 3rd 1968:  CRASH – A 68 year-old Ryde taxi driver and his two passengers were injured on July 25 when the vehicle suddenly left the main Binstead road when travelling towards Newport, struck a lamp standard then crashed into a wall.  The driver wrote from hospital that he thought a “blackout” caused him to crash.  A fine of £10 was imposed.

Oct 3rd 1968:  BELLEVUE PLAYERS – They delighted Esplanade Pavilion audiences on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening with Jack POPPLEWELL’s comedy thriller, “Busybody.”  This was their 73rd production and one of their best yet.

Oct 3rd 1968:  PIES TO PIN TABLES – An appeal has been launched against the I.W. County Council’s decision not to allow the conversion of a shop and bakery at the Esplanade into an amusement arcade.

Oct 10th 1968:  OLD AND YOUNG – Training of the young and care of the old—both had strong associations with a visit on Friday of the Island Governor, Earl MOUNTBATTEN.  He opened a new science block at Ryde School, and also Ryde Abbeyfield Society’s house for the elderly in Queen’s Road.  Between these engagements the Governor found time to address a Mothers’ Union rally at the Town Hall.

Oct 10th 1968:  MILLIONTH PASSENGER – A barrage of pressmen and photographers, civic heads and a gold free life pass to travel on any Hovertravel Ltd. craft.  This was what awaited a 27 year-old housewife as she stepped down the gangway of an SR N6 Hovercraft after a day trip to the mainland with her husband, a Trinity House pilot, on Tuesday.  Mrs. Helen CROWDER was met by Dr. Christopher S. COCKERELL, the inventor of the hovercraft, who lives in the Island.  He presented her with a gold travel ticket.

Oct 10th 1968:  CHALLENGE – Southern Vectis bus inspector Mr. Pat GAMBLE, of Ryde, has issued a challenge to all comers—a race from the town’s Esplanade to Freshwater and back.  Mr. GAMBLE, 63, lost his left arm in a railway accident eight years ago.  With a handicap, Mr. GAMBLE will start from Ryde Esplanade, youths and men will start from the top of Binstead hill, and girls and women from Wootton Bridge.  To those who think it easy, may reflect that Mr. GAMBLE won a round-the-Island walk in 1955.

Oct 10th 1968:  RENT RISE – Faced with deficits in their Housing Revenue Account, Ryde Borough Council intend to increase rents by 12½ per cent from April next year.  This decision will hit the pockets of some 800 tenants.

Oct 10th 1968:  SOUTHERN ITV – Two editions of “Celebrity Challenge,” Southern ITV’s popular general knowledge joust between famous families, are to be produced at the Town Hall, Ryde on Sunday Nov 3rd.

Oct 10th 1968:  TRAFFIC LIGHTS – Ryde Road Committee recommended the Borough Council to provide traffic lights at the Green Street—West Street—Argyll Street Crossroads.  Particular attention being devoted to the notorious Fiveways junction, 50 yards from the West Street crossroads.

Oct 31st 1968:  DEMOLITION – Nothing short of vandalism, is a proposal to demolish a house to make way for a car park for Ryde Telephone Exchange staff.  A petition signed by 116 local residents, asked the Ryde Works Committee to re-consider the “destruction” of “Garnock House”, Spencer Road.

Oct 31st 1968:  HOTEL FOR BEATNIKS – “I hope this new shelter on Ryde sea front does not become a hotel for beatniks” declared Cllr Ronald CAWDELL, chairman, at the annual meeting of Ryde Ratepayers.  He was referring to the new shelter and pumping station which has been built near Cornwall Street slipway.