‘Giving Ryde’s Past to the Future’

Historic Ryde Society Quiz Night Thursday 27 November 2025 at Yelf's Hotel, at 7p.m. for 7.30pm.

McGill and WWI displays open

IW High Sheriff opens the WWI display, with Bernard Wood in IW Rifles costume
IW High Sheriff opens the WWI display, with Bernard Wood in IW Rifles costume

On Thursday, August 14, one day before the third anniversary of the opening of Ryde District Heritage Centre, Historic Ryde Society (HRS) welcomed Isle of Wight High Sheriff, Mrs Claire Locke, and Donald McGill family members Patrick Tumber and Liz Windsor, along with other invited guests, to join in the celebration of the official opening of the new displays. The Society was delighted to welcome new President, Gioia Minghella for the occasion.

Several HRS volunteers threw themselves into the action and dressed up as McGill characters. James Bissell-Thomas, the owner of the Donald McGill Saucy Seaside Postcard Museum, was delighted with the morning’s proceedings and declared himself ‘part of a new family’.

More information about events commemorating the WWI Centenary can be found on the Wight at War website.

 Return to homepage.

Donald McGill's grandson, Mr Patrick Tumber, with HRS volunteer Sally-Ann as 'Mrs Ramsbottom', and Donald's great-niece, Mrs Liz Windsor.
Donald McGill’s grandson, Mr Patrick Tumber, with HRS volunteer Sally-Ann as ‘Mrs Ramsbottom’, and Donald’s great-niece, Mrs Liz Windsor.