Isle of Wight Observer August 28, 1858
PROMENADE AT WESTFIELD GARDENS
Last week we had the pleasure of recording a great gathering of the aristocracy in these grounds, and this week we have even more pleasure in stating that on Sunday evening the grounds were again thrown open by Sir Augustus Clifford to the plebians. This is the second time in the present year that this kind consideration has been carried into effect, and Sir Augustus has the hearty thanks of the town for it. The weather was so delightful, and the warm relish manifested by the promenaders for the beautiful object in Nature and Art by which they were surrounded, appeared to our eyes in strong contrast to the insipidity shewn by the representatives of the Upper Ten Thousand on the previous week. One thing was, however, anything but complimentary to the People; namely, the necessity – gained from former experience – which existed for placing placards about with the admonitory words “You are requested not to touch the flowers.” The company, on the occasion was very numerous, and in their “Sunday best” looked very respectable; and what is better than all, they demeaned themselves with the greatest propriety and decorum. The worthy baronet’s liberal example is worthy of imitation; as what has a greater tendency to soften the asperity of classes than kindness from one to another?
THE PIER PROMENADE
This delightful marine retreat has had great musical attraction during the season. On Monday and Friday evenings the town band plays, but the “star” is on Wednesday afternoons, when the band of the 15th Regiment plays, under the baton of Mr R Eckner. Last Wednesday we paid a visit to the scene, and must say we were delighted; indeed, we never heard the selection from “Il Trovatore” performed so well. The following was the programme:-
Festo March from Tannhauser………………………Wagner
Overture La Figlia du Regimento………………….Donizetti
La Fete des Lilas Quadrille…………………………..Lamotte
Selection from Il Trovatore……………………………….Verdi
The Village Festival Valse………………………………Eckner
Lucia di Lammermoor (cornet solo)
Arranged by Eckner
Canadian Sleigh Valse………………Arranged by Andrews
Galup Le Postillon…………………………………………Lyabel
Notwithstanding that it blew a “six knot breeze”, there was a great number of beauty and fashion ashore, and afloat there were four line-of-battle ships underway, close hauled, under double-reefed topsails, sailing from the Spit to the Channel. Alongshore, the pupils of the Ryde Naval School were exercising in the surf, and learning the way to get aground, which by-the-bye, Royal captains learn soon enough in actual life. By the kind permission of the officers, this regimental band will play on the pier every Wednesday afternoon, until further notice.
