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 1971

Isle of Wight County Press:

Oct 2nd 1971:  PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY – At the annual general meeting, members recorded their thanks to Mrs. Arthur DUNFORD for her generous gift of a piano to be used for rehearsals at the town hall.  Mr. David MACKENZIE (conductor) reported that the last season’s concerts had been received well by the public.  The meeting was followed by a short rehearsal for the forthcoming season’s works: “Faust.”

Oct 2nd 1971:  HOUSING ESTATE OPENED – When Alderman J. LANGDON (mayor) officially opened the 65-unit Preston Close Housing development at Elmfield, Ryde, on Thursday he made particular reference to a specially-designed disabled person’s flat, the first to be provided in the borough. This flat, at no. 22 will be occupied by the MARTIN family.  The keys were handed over at the opening ceremony.

Oct 2nd 1971:  KEEN COMPETITION – Binstead Women’s Institute’s annual garden show at Binstead Methodist Hall produced some close competition, with two of the five awards shared.  The show was once again well supported with 287 exhibits displayed.  There were 66 competitors, 34 of whom were institute members.

Oct 2nd 1971:  RAILWAY RETIREMENT – The Railway Retirement Association meeting at the Osborne Oasis, Ryde, on Tuesday, was attended by 45 members.  Mr. H. CRANE (president) welcomed members after the summer recess.  He told members of the success of the association’s stall at the recent British Rail horticultural show at Ryde, and thanked members who provided the goods for sale.

Oct 9th 1971:  HARVEST THANKSGIVING – The new hall at the Bishop Lovett School was used on Friday week for the first service to be held there since the premises became a middle school.  Nearly 90 per cent of the scholars, who number some 300, contributed to the harvest table and the produce was taken to St. John’s Church for the service there on Sunday and later distributed to elderly or sick parishioners.

Oct 16th 1971:  DISTURBANCE AT QUARR ABBEY – A group of youths calling themselves “Devil’s Slaves, Isle of Wight” are thought to be responsible for causing a disturbance at Quarr Abbey on Sunday.  The youths entered the abbey and began rolling acorns and throwing stones as the monks were praying during a service.  The police were called and the youths ran off into the woods.  They are thought to be an offshoot from a gang in Ryde and Binstead youths called “The End” and “The Filthy Few.”

Oct 16th 1971:  NO POSTAL REDUNDANCIES – Ryde Town Council General Purposes Committee were told on Monday that there would be no staff redundancies as the result of planned Post Office administration changes for the Island.  Collection, deliveries, and distributions of mail would remain the same.

Oct 23rd 1971:  THE 6d. STORE – At one time Messrs. Woolworths sold nothing priced in excess of 6d.  Today Woolworths were selling two cheap elastic hair grips, priced at 15p each.  A few doors down the High Street the same items were for sale at a small shop priced at 10p each.  What has gone wrong?

Oct 23rd 1971:  MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL – A touch of true-life drama almost reached the stage on the opening night of T. S. ELIOT’s “Murder in the Cathedral,” at Holy Trinity Church, Ryde, on Wednesday.  Ryde firemen were called to the church as a result of a 999 call which is believed to have been made when a passer-by saw lights flickering in the church.  At various stages the drama lights were dimmed to denote the passing of time.  All ended well for the Trinity Players under the direction of Doris BAILEY.

Oct 30th 1971; LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE – The Ladies’ Circle of the Coronation (Ryde) Lodge raised about £53 for the welfare fund by an autumn bazaar at Moose Hall on Thursday.  A dolls’ house, donated by Bro. R. CAMPBELL (past lodge governor), was won by Mrs. J. SPURGEON.