‘Giving Ryde’s Past to the Future’

Historic Ryde Society Quiz Night Thursday 30th March 2023 at Yelf's Hotel, 7.30pm.

Archive Pages

Here you can search through our archive of over 500, pages of information from our older website. These are in an archive list and contain stories, images and old posts that contain some very interesting stories, all of which are a valuable source of our local Ryde history.

ImageTitleSummaryCategoriesAuthorDate
Donald McGill Museum in Beacon magazine

Make sure you pick up your copy of the Beacon magazine (August issue) with an …

13 August, 2022
Old and new cash till…

As a museum, we have many old things that our visitors can look at, like …

25 September, 2022
Cash for the Charity that matters to you – Museum of Ryde – Registered Charity No. 1173957

In the County Press this week there is an advent ‘ Cash for the Charity that matters …

6 September, 2022
“Hands on” display at the Museum of Ryde

Those of you who have been into the Royal Victoria Arcade in Union Street recently …

24 June, 2022
A Red Sky by Jo Cooper

With illustrations by Maria Ward SET DURING THE 2ND WORLD WAR It’s May 1940. When …

4 June, 2022
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee @ The Museum of Ryde

We will be making history this week as we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  The …

31 May, 2022
Historic Ryde Society joins Carnival Spring Walk

Historic Ryde Society is supporting Ryde Carnival Association during the Carnival Spring Walk, which will …

3 May, 2022
Pub Quiz at Yelf’s is back!

We are pleased to announce that the Pub Quiz is back and will be on …

18 September, 2021
John King and David Newman

The Society is very sad to report that two of our Trustees passed away during …

16 August, 2021
Merry Christmas!

Wishing all our supporters, customers and volunteers a Merry Christmas and wonderful 2020!Please note we …

11 December, 2019
HRS Talk – Margaret Rose “Life in and off Guernsey during WW2”

Margaret Rose returns to tell the story about the invasion of the Channel Islands, on …

10 August, 2019
August Special Quiz!

Due to Ryde Carnival on the 29th, the August quiz is a week earlier, on …

3 August, 2019
Ron Watts

A member and volunteer from the earliest days of the Society, Ron was always very willing to …

27 April, 2019
Diana Wood

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Diana Wood, founder of …

5 January, 2019
HRS Talk – Tim Wander – Greasepaint and Sausages – Ray Edmunds

Historic Ryde Society presents “Greasepaint and Sausages” ENSA, Master Ray Edmunds and the Isle of …

29 September, 2018
Tony Packer Room open for Conferences

The first meeting held in the Tony Packer Room was Shopwatch on 3rd July 2018. …

7 July, 2018
Historic Ryde Society Talk – The History of Town Criers

Historic Ryde Society presents “The History of Town Criers” by Ryde’s very own Town Crier, …

7 July, 2018
National Volunteer Week

This week (1st Jun –  7th June) is National Volunteer Week. Not only is this an opportunity …

3 June, 2018
Historic Ryde Society Talk – Ability Dogs 4 Young People

HRS invites you to a talk by Pam Clements on “Ability Dogs 4 Young People” …

26 May, 2018
Arcadia Spring 2018

Herewith our new Issue of Arcadia: Arcadia Spring 2018 More editions …

21 April, 2018
Historic Ryde Society Talk – Canon Graham Morris – “A Night with the Vicar”

An exciting evening talk will be held at Yelf’s Hotel, on Thursday 8th March by Canon …

21 February, 2018
Arcadia – Spring-Summer 2017

Herewith our double Issue of Arcadia: Arcadia Spring-Summer 2017 More editions …

27 July, 2017
Historic Ryde Society Talk – Graham Street – The Island Bat Hospital

Graham Street has given a very attractive and informative talk about Island Bat Hospital in …

29 May, 2017
Dr. Noel Stimson about Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Dr Noel Stimson has given a brilliant talk about Royal National Lifeboat Institution in front …

21 May, 2017
Kenneth Hicks – An Island Legacy

Kenneth Hicks, the President of the Isle of Wight Branch of Historical Association and a …

14 April, 2017
Jo Cooper – Isle of Memories

Jo Cooper, an islander, has presented snapshots of a childhood on the Isle of Wight …

11 March, 2017
Arcadia – Winter 2016-17 Issue 28

Herewith our Winter Issue of Arcadia: Arcadia Winter 2016-17 More editions …

18 February, 2017
Hear about Jabez Balfour’s unfulfilled plans for Bembridge.

Balfour (1843 – 1916) was an English businessman, Liberal politician, and fraudster. According to the …

6 January, 2017
Christmas Raffle!

WINNA DINNER DRAW! Historic Ryde Society announces its Christmas Raffle, when you can win a …

29 November, 2016
Adrian Searle – Churchill’s Last Wartime Secret

For more than 70 years, it was officially known that no German force set foot …

27 November, 2016
Arcadia – Autumn 2016 – Issue 27

Herewith our Autumn Issue of Arcadia: Arcadia Autumn 2016 More editions …

6 November, 2016
Ray Allen – “Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em”

September’s talk was a hugely enjoyable occasion with Ray Allen, creator of Some Mothers Do …

24 September, 2016
“The First Life Boat and the Tyne Pilots” by Mike North

On 20th July at the Yelfs Hotel, Mike North had deligted HRS volunteers and guests …

22 July, 2016
Arcadia – Summer 2016 – Issue 26

Herewith our Fifth Anniversary Summer Issue of Arcadia:   Arcadia Summer 2016 More editions …

22 July, 2016
“Darkest Ryde” – True crime stories by Angela Buckley

On 18th May, at Yelf’s Hotel, Angela Buckley was given a presentation in front of …

19 May, 2016
The Story of The Isle of Wight Rifles – The Islander, April 1968

7 May, 2016
The Islander 1968

30 April, 2016
HRS Stand at Hobbs Jewellers Festivities

Saturday, 23rd April, John King, Brian Harris and David Newman have put on a display …

27 April, 2016
Arcadia – Spring 2016 – Issue 25

Herewith the latest edition of our Arcadia Newsletter Arcadia Spring 2016 . More editions …

9 April, 2016
The Islander 1967

    …

19 March, 2016
Chatting up the Stars

40 years of interviewing famous people with John Hannam it was the main attraction for …

17 March, 2016
Dinosaur Isle Kids’ Day

Dinosaur Isle in Sandown organised a free admission event for parents and children and invited …

26 February, 2016
Islander November 1971 – Ryde Rowing Club

THIS energetic Club have enjoyed the best ever season in their 94 year history. This …

20 February, 2016
Islander October 1971… Flamingo Park

Islander, October, 1971, p.16-17 Return to …

13 February, 2016
Islander November 1971… we shall remember them…

Islander, November, 1971, p.15 Return to …

13 February, 2016
Islander September 1971

“Double honour for Ryde School RYDE SCHOOL’S 50th anniversary celebrations, which extended over three days in July, …

13 February, 2016
Handing over….letter to all readers!

Dear  all – after over six years of single-handedly adding historic content to the website …

18 December, 2015
Islander March 1971

Island Hostelries – Prince of Wales Inn, High Street, Ryde Meeting place years ago of …

19 November, 2015
Islander Magazine

A bundle of Islander Magazines dating from the 1970s give tantalising snippets of life around …

12 November, 2015
Tribute to Tony

A life-long friend of Tony’s – author and biographer Philip Norman, having recently completed a …

31 October, 2015
Martin Jenkins

It is with utter disbelief that the Society has to announce the death of a …

16 October, 2015
Tony Packer

It is with the deepest regret the Society announces the death of Tony Packer, Historic Ryde Society’s …

6 October, 2015
The Queen’s Award 2015

Following the announcement of Historic Ryde Society being given The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in …

3 October, 2015
Your Journey into Ryde – revisited!

The volunteers who were involved in the creation of ‘Your Journey into Ryde’ with Beachy …

25 September, 2015
Life and Death on the Mary Rose

Historic Ryde Society was delighted to welcome to Ryde, Trevor Sapey of the Mary Rose Trust, …

24 September, 2015
Ryde Theatre opens – Spring 1991

Medina Borough Council News Since our last edition the conversion works to form a theatre …

15 August, 2015
Yacht America defeat!

Following on from her great successes in 1851, the 1852 Ryde Regatta proved to be different for …

27 July, 2015
Ryde and The America’s Cup

To celebrate the last day of racing in the July 2015 America’s Cup, Historic Ryde Society …

26 July, 2015
The Real Sherlock Holmes

Twitter is a wonderful thing! At some point last year, Diana discovered the Historic Ryde …

22 July, 2015
New for 2015!

Thanks to the technical skills of volunteer Marius, visitors to the website can now read …

3 July, 2015
Volunteer Week soirée 2015

A very special soirée for National Volunteers’ Week this year as we celebrate the Queen’s …

4 June, 2015
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2015

Following a press release in The Gazette, Historic Ryde Society is delighted to announce the volunteers …

2 June, 2015
Cream Tea and Babycham Night

A sell-out event, Cream Tea and Babycham Night proved to be one of Historic Ryde …

21 May, 2015
A 1900 IW Observer

The Isle of Wight Observer – Saturday, December 1, 1900. Cantata: A pretty cantata, entitled …

12 May, 2015
Snippets from 1900 County Press

November 3 1900 THE BIOGRAPH – still continues to please large audiences at the Pavilion. …

2 May, 2015
The Assassination of President Lincoln

The Isle of Wight Observer Saturday, May 13, 1865 Ryde Commissioners The usual monthly meeting …

16 April, 2015
Isle of Wight Railway

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: By means of …

2 April, 2015
The Isle of Wight Central Railway

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: The Isle of …

2 April, 2015
Ryde Churches

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: Ryde Parish Church …

31 March, 2015
The Isle of Wight College

Founded in 1879, is situated about a mile to the east of Ryde Pier and …

31 March, 2015
The Ryde Club and Theatre Royal

Spencer Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight An excellently-designed building, just completed, with all up-to-date appointments …

31 March, 2015
Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

The Terrace Gardens, St Thomas’ Street. These beautiful gardens, over looking the Solent and situated …

31 March, 2015
Esplanade Gardens and Canoe Lake

Laid out in 1880 at a cost of over £30,000, affording an extensive Esplanade and …

31 March, 2015
Ryde Football and Cricket Clubs

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: Ryde Football Club …

26 March, 2015
Ryde Golf Club

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: This Club which …

26 March, 2015
Ryde Rowing Club

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: The Club has …

26 March, 2015
Vectis Cycling Club

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: The Club was …

22 March, 2015
Ashey Race Course

Taken from the book Ryde Isle of Wight – Its Sports and Attractions: Situate in …

22 March, 2015
Isle of Wight Gun Club

Taken from the book Ryde Isle of Wight – Its Sports and Attractions: The charming …

21 March, 2015
The Royal Isle of Wight Golf Club

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: ‘The Links of …

21 March, 2015
The Royal Victoria Yacht Club

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: This is generally …

15 March, 2015
Ryde Pier

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: One of the …

15 March, 2015
The Coaches of Ryde

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight its sports and attractions: The matchless turn-out …

14 March, 2015
Bathing at Priory Bay

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight its sports and attractions: A beautifully situated …

14 March, 2015
The Isle of Wight Hunt

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight its sports and attractions: ‘Meets twice a …

14 March, 2015
The Town Hall

Taken from the book: Ryde Isle of Wight Its Sports and Attractions: ‘The Town Hall …

14 March, 2015
Leisure in the 1900s

A book entitled ‘Ryde Isle of Wight – its sports and attractions’, gives a snapshot …

14 March, 2015
Historic Ryde Society AGM

The fifth Historic Ryde Society AGM took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. The venue was …

11 February, 2015
Past Events

If you wish to discover what Historic Ryde Society has achieved over the last five …

7 February, 2015
WWI Roadshow – today!

Historic Ryde Society is delighted to have been invited to the WWI Roadshow being run by …

24 January, 2015
Antique & Collectors Fair

We are pleased to announce that our bi-annual  Antiques &  Collectors  Fair is taking place …

, 6 December, 2014
Martin Simpson – The Fossil Man

A fascinating talk was enjoyed by members and visitors at Yelf’s Hotel on the evening …

12 November, 2014
Remembrance Sunday 2014

Historic Ryde Society is honoured to have a shrine to the memory of those who …

9 November, 2014
Book-signing with Bernard Crossley

On the evening of Tuesday, November 18, there will be a book-signing with author Bernard …

5 November, 2014
BBC Countryfile – Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight edition of the BBC Countryfile programme first aired on Sunday, November …

3 November, 2014
Ryde Airport and the Spithead Express

Around 70 people turned out to hear Bob Wealthy’s very interesting talk on the history …

22 October, 2014
An evening with Tracy Edwards MBE

Please note this event will now be rescheduled during 2015. More details in due course. …

22 October, 2014
Media frenzy continues….

Following on from a busy July, celebrating 200 years of Ryde Pier, the media frenzy …

17 October, 2014
New FaceBook App

Marius and Claire have developed a special app so that when a new post is …

11 October, 2014
Grow your tenner campaign 2014

Grow Your Tenner will launch on Tuesday the 14th of October at 10am Throughout the …

, 2 October, 2014
Summer Breeze Disco Night

Saturday 27th September – Ryde Town Club, Star Street Celebrating Summer in Style – Dance …

28 September, 2014
Classic Car Rally 2014

Historic Ryde Society was delighted to be invited to have a stall at the Classic …

14 September, 2014
The Ship that hunted itself

Around 40 Historic Ryde Society members and other interested guests came along to hear the …

10 September, 2014
Ryde Carnival 1949

With the 2014 Carnival season just ended, and thoughts of both World Wards both uppermost …

3 September, 2014
Ticket to Ryde

Historic Ryde Society (HRS) was delighted to be invited to the Ticket to Ryde event …

24 August, 2014
Flares to the fore!!

Flares to the fore!! – Find your flares and dig out your dancing shoes – …

19 August, 2014
WWI Centenary talk

Historic Ryde Society will host a talk at Yelf’s Hotel, Wednesday, September 10, 7pm. ‘The …

, , , , 17 August, 2014
McGill and WWI displays open

On Thursday, August 14, one day before the third anniversary of the opening of Ryde …

14 August, 2014
An extra hour of fun and entertainment!

From Monday, August 11 until Tuesday, September 30, Ryde District Heritage Centre and the Donald …

11 August, 2014
New book published!

A new book, written in association with Philip Bell, of Beachy Books, has hit the shelves …

, , 9 August, 2014
McGill and the First World War effort

Rarely seen postcards show how Britain’s king of saucy seaside humour McGill turned his hand …

, 29 July, 2014
Our first wheelchair visitor!

Proof, if proof were needed, that wheelchair access is possible, was found today, when the …

26 July, 2014
Amy Johnson’s connection to the Isle of Wight

HRS member Anne Grant has done much research regarding Amy’s connection with the Isle of …

26 July, 2014
Ryde Pier is 200 years old!

What a media flurry has been going on in Ryde District Heritage Centre this week! …

26 July, 2014
NPS AGM 2014

The National Piers Society, (NPS), which boasts members from around the country, has chosen Ryde …

11 July, 2014
The telephone

Isle of Wight Observer March 4 1882 On Monday evening a most interesting lecture was …

8 July, 2014
Improvements at Ryde Pier Pavilion

The Isle of Wight Observer July 2 1898 During the past week or so very …

8 July, 2014
St John the Baptist Church, Oakfield, Ryde

The Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday October 23, 1841 A meeting was held, on Tuesday last, at …

19 June, 2014
Ryde celebrates a coming of age….

Hampshire Advertiser May 27 1837 The people of Ryde were not backward in testifying their …

7 June, 2014
Ryde celebrates a coronation!

Hampshire Advertiser July 7 1838 The coronation of our most Gracious Majesty was celebrated here …

6 June, 2014
Volunteer Week 2014

To celebrate National Volunteer Week 2014, Historic Ryde Society held a soirée for volunteers old and …

5 June, 2014
Donald McGill is officially open!

Although there is still a little bit of work to do, the Donald McGill saucy …

29 May, 2014
The stairlift is officially open!!

The new stairlift was officially opened this morning by Ryde’s new Mayor, Cllr Roi Milburn. …

23 May, 2014
The Rise of the Phoenix – again!

Following its removal from Swanmore Middle School in January, 2013 – (the full story can …

19 April, 2014
Sophie Dawes from Squalor to Scandal

The open meeting, ‘Sophie Dawes from Squalor to Scandal’ by Adrian Searle was well attended and an …

, , 12 April, 2014
Mrs Gloria Minghella MBE JP DL

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Gloria Minghella, a very …

28 March, 2014
The Diamond and Flamingo clubs

Local man Jeff Please recalls the times of the Diamond and Flamingo clubs, Ryde. The Diamond …

22 March, 2014
The Islander magazine and its Treasures

A recent acquisition in the Heritage Centre is a batch of ‘The Islander’ magazine of …

22 March, 2014
Centre Upgrade

‘Ryde District Heritage Centre will be closed from 4pm, February 22 until the end of March, …

23 February, 2014
Historic Ryde Society Annual General Meeting 2014

The fourth HRS AGM took place in Yelf’s Hotel on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Despite …

12 February, 2014
January opening hours

Unfortunately Ryde District Heritage Centre will not be open on Saturday, January 4, due to …

3 January, 2014
A rewarding weekend!

A great deal of hard work by HRS Chair Liz, and a lot of standing …

9 December, 2013
Father Christmas opens his grotto!

Father Christmas arrived and took residence in his grotto on Saturday, December 7, 2013. He’ll …

7 December, 2013
A busy social whirl!

It’s been a busy but very sociable day at Ryde District Heritage Centre and for …

27 November, 2013
Haylands Primary School visits RDHC – again!

As part of their Victorian studies, pupils from Haylands Primary School took the opportunity to visit Ryde …

17 November, 2013
The Inaccurate Conception

Bembridge Little Theatre Club presents The Inaccurate Conception – a comedy by Geoff Saunders and Richard …

, 17 November, 2013
HRS fundraising events to suit all tastes!

Historic Ryde Society hosts a multitude of fund-raising events throughout the year, to suit all …

17 November, 2013
Community Dark Skies

The Isle of Wight has some of the best dark skies in the UK. Vectis …

9 November, 2013
The witches of Ryde come to town….where’s Jack Nicholson when you want him?

The monthly pub quiz fell on Hallowe’en, and , not one to lose an opportunity …

31 October, 2013
No show without Punch!

Historic Ryde Society is delighted that Greene King, the owners of Ryde Castle Hotel, found …

30 October, 2013
Winter opening hours

Ryde District Heritage Centre moves to Winter opening hours with the arrival of November.  RDHC will be …

26 October, 2013
70s and 80s disco postponement!

Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control, the 70s and 80s disco due …

25 October, 2013
The mystery deepens!

With each day’s work in the confectionery room next to the ice well, more mysteries …

22 October, 2013
The confectionery room makeover begins!

Jerry and Michael have been doing a sterling job over the summer, tidying, cleaning, scraping …

19 October, 2013
Grow a tenner campaign!

The Ice Well Fund needs you! If you would like to help raise funds to …

14 October, 2013
Mystical Mist shows community spirit is alive and kicking in Ryde!

A sell out crowd enjoyed a wonderful evening of harp and sitar music at The …

13 October, 2013
Groove on down to the Ryde Town club!

It’s PARTY TIME down at the Ryde Town Club on 25th October with party DJ …

3 October, 2013
Mystical mist – harp and sitar recital

A magical treat coming next week! Anna Sacchini of Michelangelo’s Italian Restaurant, Ryde will give …

3 October, 2013
Busy Bee Sponsors Quiz Night

We are pleased to announce that Busy Bee Garden Centre has agreed to sponsor the next Quiz Night, …

, , , 20 September, 2013
Heritage Open Days – day three

Brian had brought all his tools with him, hoping to find time to drill a …

, 15 September, 2013
Heritage Open Days – day one….

Ninety two people visited the Heritage Centre on the first day of Heritage Open Days! …

, , 13 September, 2013
An evening at Ashey races with Tony Gale

 A good crowd turned out on a cold and wet September evening to hear local   …

, , 11 September, 2013
Astronomic delights!

Historic Ryde Society would like to thank James Bissell Thomas of The Orrery, for inviting …

, 3 September, 2013
Cyril saves the day! (Well, almost…)

An unexpected  phone call on Sunday, September 1, requesting we open Appley Tower for the Visit …

, , , 1 September, 2013
Another ice well in Union Street!

Recent research into the history of ice wells and the 19th century ice trade has …

, , 1 September, 2013
Waterside Pool is 40

Historic Ryde Society congratulated The Waterside Pool on its 40th birthday on Saturday, August 24. Brian …

, , 24 August, 2013
The Carriers and the New Railway works

Isle of Wight Observer September 14, 1878. Messrs Perry, the contractors for the new works …

, 13 August, 2013
Fireman Sam comes to the Centre!

Historic Ryde Society was delighted to welcome Fireman Sam, and local Fire Officer – and …

27 July, 2013
Oddfellows Images come to the Heritage Centre for a few weeks only.

Following further research, the photographs brought down last week relate to the Manchester Unity of …

, , 25 July, 2013
The Victorian Strollers come to town

On Friday, June 19, the Royal Victoria Arcade welcomed The Victorian Strollers – a national …

, , , 22 July, 2013
The Ice Well fund moves to Ryde Pier!

Historic Ryde Society is delighted to announce an innovative new fundraising idea to boost the …

, , , , 14 July, 2013
Historic Ryde Society photoboards – a bit of free fun!

Two years ago, when Historic Ryde Society hosted a Royal Victorian Ryde weekend over the …

9 July, 2013
Volunteers’ soirée 2013 in Ryde District Heritage Centre

Volunteers’ Soirée 2013 – On Wednesday, June 5, as part of the national celebration , …

, , 12 June, 2013
Ryde District Heritage Centre

Ryde District Heritage Centre HRS has gone one better than last year and is the winner of the …

, , 1 June, 2013
The Ice Well

The Ice Well The Newchurch Poor Rate Books, which are held in the County Record Office …

, , 1 June, 2013
Nearly there!

Nearly there! It won’t be long now before the new website is ready to go …

, 1 June, 2013
Fundraising Ideas

Buy a Share in the Stairs, become a Plank on the Pier or a Brick! …

, 13 April, 2013
Historic Ryde Walk

Guided Historic Ryde Walks Roger Whitby Smith is leading guided walks around Regency and Victorian …

, 13 April, 2013