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.

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’.

 

 

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

 

 

Liz declared the postcard depicting Mrs Ramsbottom and her fine four marrows her favourite of the whole collection.

More images can be found on the Gallery page. Many thanks to all who gave their time to support the event. More information about events commemorating the WWI Centenary can be found on the Wight at War website.

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