Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

RSHG Newsletters:

14) Volume 4, Number 2, April 2009 13) Volume 4, Number 1, January 2009 12) Volume 3, Number 4, October 2008 11) Volume 3, Number 3, July 2008 10) Volume 3, Number 2, April 2008 9) Volume 3, Number 1, January 2008 8) Volume 2, Number 4, Oct 2007 7) Volume 2, Number 3, July 2007 6) Volume 2, Number 2, April 2007 5) Volume 2, Number 1, January 2007 4) Volume 1, Number 4, October 2006 3) Volume 1, Number 3, July 2006 2) Volume 1, Number 2, January 2006 1) Volume 1, Number 1, October 2005

LOOKING BACK FOR APRIL
Due to moving our website we were unable to add the Looking Back Feature for April until now.

WE HAVE MOVED!
We have moved our website to a new hosting platform and we are having a few technical problems. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

FEBRUARY 2013 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In February our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 32 records on the website

RECENT SCHOOL VISIT
What happens when sixty 5-7 year olds descend on Ryde Cemetery? They have a lot of fun learning, of course!

OPEN DAY AT NORTHWOOD CEMETERY 31 MARCH
On Easter Sunday, the Friends of Northwood Cemetery will celebrate its 5th birthday.

NEWS FROM RYDE MARCH 1863
Mr Russell Thomas announces a grand dress soiree at the Town Hall in honour of the marriage of the HRH Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra.

JANUARY 2013 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In January our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 27 records on the website

RYDE IN MINIATURE VISITS HAVENSTREET
Following the success of our 'Ryde in Miniature' exhibition at our 10th Anniversary event in September Kate was asked to give a talk at Havenstreet.

DEAD GOOD MATHS
We have added some maths lessons to the Education Section on the website. The lessons are called Dead Good Maths.

NEWS FROM RYDE FEBRUARY 1863
Whilst the mistress was pursuing her avocation over the wash-pan the robber stripped one line of the clothes.

REPORT OF OUR JANUARY MEETING
Many of our members braved the wintery weather to attend our meeting on 12 January.

DECEMBER 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In December our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 30 records on the website...

NEWS FROM RYDE JANUARY 1863
In accordance with custom the habitues of this hotel were treated to a plentiful supply of eatables and old ale to welcome the New Year.

NOVEMBER 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In November our Research Team added biographical detail to 31 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE DECEMBER 1862
Several Christmas trees, well-stocked with useful and fancy articles, will be exhibited for sale in the Town Hall during the week.

REPORT OF OUR AGM SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER
We held our AGM in October so apologies for the delay in posting the report!

CRAFTING THE 'FAMILY TREE OF LIFE'
With December just round the corner and the deadline fast approaching, four RSHG members spent a very enjoyable afternoon with card, ribbons, scissors and glue crafting the 'Family Tree of Life'.

ROSEMARIE ROBINSON
We were saddened to hear that our friend RoseMarie Robinson passed away on 10 November 2012.

OCTOBER 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In October our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 34 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE NOVEMBER 1862
On Sunday our heir-apparent comes of age. Newport has declared a holiday for Monday and we can do no better than likewise to testify our loyalty.

GROUP OUTING TO BRADING MUSEUM
On Saturday 6 October we had a group outing to the little museum at Brading.

SEPTEMBER 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In September our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 23 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE OCTOBER 1862
"Admiral of the Blue Sir A W T CLIFFORD to be Admiral of the White." This respected baronet has only to step up once more to reach the top.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS EVENT REPORT
Heritage Open Days and our 10th Anniversary Celebrations closed on Sept 9 and we have taken time to rest and reflect on the success of the event.

AUGUST 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In August our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 13 records on the website.

A FANTASTIC START TO HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
We had a great start to Heritage Open Days and had a lovely day with our guest Dr Nick Barratt, Editor in Chief of Your Family History Magazine.

NEWS FROM RYDE SEPTEMBER 1862
A first rate ball was given by Capts Fletcher and Chaplin of the 60th Rifles, to about 60 of the aristocracy of Ryde at the Town Hall.

THE PROGRAMME FOR HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
Here is our poster for Heritage Open Days at St Thomas Heritage Centre, St Thomas Street, Ryde 6 - 9 September. Click title to see full size.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST FOR HERITAGE OPEN DAYS AT ST THOMAS HERITAGE CENTRE, RYDE
We have a very special guest coming to the Island to give a talk at St Thomas Heritage Centre Ryde on Thursday 6 September at 2pm

JULY 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In July our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 35 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE AUGUST 1862
CIRCUS - Ginnett's circus is about to pay a visit here, and will doubtless attract large audiences.

JOHN MILNE - SEISMOLOGIST
THE LIFE AND WORK OF JOHN 'EARTHQUAKE' MILNE 1850-1913

JUNE 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In June our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 34 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE JULY 1862
WIZARDCRAFT - Herr DOBLER performed at the Victoria-rooms. Attendance was good, his tricks were elegant and clean and gave great satisfaction.

RYDE ARTS FESTIVAL
Ryde Arts Festival got off to a stunning start on Friday 29 June with a performance of Soundscape at St Thomas Heritage Centre, Ryde.

MAY 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In May our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 33 records on the website.

OUR JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS!
On the weekend of May 26 & 27 we held two Open Days in Ryde Cemetery to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

NEWS FROM RYDE JUNE 1862
CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS - The amusing "gentlemen of colour"gave a morning and evening performance at the Victoria-rooms on Wednesday.

VISIT TO NORTHWOOD CEMETERY
On May 6 we went to visit our friends at Northwood Cemetery in Cowes for their Open Day.

APRIL 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In April our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 32 records on the website.

REPORT OF OUR MEETING SATURDAY 14 APRIL
We had 27 members and 6 visitors at our April meeting held at the George Street Centre.

NEWS FROM RYDE MAY 1862
BATHING - This occupation has not been generally indulged in yet in Ryde but several boys have in the past fortnight taken the initiative.

OPEN DAY AT NORTHWOOD CEMETERY 6 MAY 2012
Open Day at Northwood Cemetery, Cowes, IW Sunday 6 May 2012 The East Chapel at the Cemetery from 8:30am to 5:00pm

THE PARTY ON THE PIER!
On Saturday 31 March crowds of locals and visitors thronged to the Pier Head at Ryde for Wightlink’s second annual Party on the Pier

MARCH 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In March our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 28 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE APRIL 1862
We understand our little theatre here will be open earlier than usual this season, and will entirely be decorated and painted.

ROYAL VISIT TO RYDE PIER MARCH 2012
Friday 23rd March 2012 was a glorious spring day and we spent an enjoyable afternoon at Ryde Pier Head as guests of Wightlink

A FIRE AT ONE OF RYDE'S HISTORIC BUILDINGS
On the evening of Saturday 17 March 2012 Ryde Castle Hotel suffered extensive damage as the result of a fire.

FEBRUARY 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In February our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 35 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN MARCH 1862
Notwithstanding the drenching rain which fell on Wednesday, some hundreds of inhabitants of Ryde who have, or profess to have, tastes for field sports, departed for Gatcombe steeple chases on that day.

RECORDS FOR OTHER CEMETERIES NOW AVAILABLE
Our website now includes records for St Thomas Church graveyard, Ashey and Binstead cemeteries.

BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH IN RYDE CEMETERY RESULTS
It was a bitter cold day on Saturday 28 January but 8 brave folk joined us for the Big Garden Birdwatch in Ryde Cemetery.

JANUARY 2012 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In January our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 31 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN FEBRUARY 1862
OYSTER DREDGING - Quite a fleet of oyster dredging vessels have been beating up and down the Motherbank to bring up thousands of the shell-fish.

REPORT OF OUR MEETING SATURDAY 14 JANUARY
At our Members meeting on 14 January we had 39 members and 4 visitors and apologies from 7 members.

DECEMBER 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In December our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 23 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN JANUARY 1862
The time-honoured custom of ringing the old year out and the new one in, was kept up at St. Marie's Church on the night of the 31st ult.

NOVEMBER 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In November our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 28 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN DECEMBER 1861
His Royal Highness Albert Francis Augustus Charles Emmanuel, Prince Consort of England, died at Windsor Castle on Saturday 14 December, 1861, aged 42 years.

RSHG ONLINE SHOP NOW OPEN!
Our online shop is now open with two of our books for sale.

OCTOBER 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In October our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 38 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN NOVEMBER 1861
Tenders are advertised for to construct a tramway with a double line of rails on the east side of the pier.

REPORT OF OUR AGM SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER
Our AGM on Saturday 8 October was attended by 34 members and 2 guests and there were apologies from 11 members.

SEPTEMBER 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In September our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 31 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN OCTOBER 1861
This new officer of Ryde commenced his duties in St Thomas-square by crying a sale. His utterance, will improve on overcoming a little strangeness and shyness.

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE!
A report of Heritage Open Days in Ryde Cemetery on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2011.

EDUCATION - A NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE
September is the beginning of the new school year and an appropriate time to launch the Education Section of our website.

AUGUST 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In August our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 49 records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE FROM SEPTEMBER 1861
HOWES CIRCUS - This celebrated circus, with a numerous and talented company, will visit Ryde on Monday

IW CREMATORIUM 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OPEN DAY SUNDAY 21 AUGUST
This year the Isle of Wight Crematorium celebrated a landmark anniversary of 50 years of serving its island on 21st August.

ISLE OF WIGHT CREMATORIUM 50TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY CELEBRATION
SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 10:30AM TO 4:30 PM IN AID OF THE EARL MOUNTBATTEN HOSPICE.

JULY 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
In July our Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added biographical detail to 35 records on the website.

CAROL'S BIRTHDAY
Carol, leader of our Publications group, had a birthday in July so we had a party to celebrate.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to an Australian Member, Marc Dimmick, who has been awarded the 2011 Churchill Foundation Memorial Scholarship.

RSHG SUMMER OUTING TO CARISBROOKE CASTLE
On Saturday 16 July we had our summer outing to Carisbrooke Castle.

JUNE 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our Research Team added detail to 32 records on the website in June

COMMUNITY ACTION AWARDS 2011
RSHG was delighted to be runner up in Arts & Heritage category of the Community Action Awards 2011.

MAY 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our Research Team added detail to 55 records on the website in May - a fantastic achievement for the small team.

RYDE SPORTING LIFE EXHIBITION
Our Ryde Sporting Life Exhibition is in Ryde Library until 16 July.

NEWS FROM RYDE FROM JUNE 1861
There is a by-law that awnings placed outside shop windows to keep off the sun, shall be seven feet in height from the pavement

RSHG SHORTLISTED FOR THE COMMUNITY ACTION AWARDS
We are so pleased to have been shortlisted for this year's Community Action Awards

APRIL 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team added detail to 20 records on the website in April.

ROYALS & WEDDINGS OPEN DAYS REPORT
“Happy is the Bride that the sun shines on”, and the Royal Wedding was a wonderful event.

NEWS FROM RYDE IN 1861
Hot topics include watering the streets and lighting the suburbs, who came and went from Ryde and the building of a new church at Swanmore.

RYDE CEMETERY WINS CONSERVATION AWARD FOR 2010
The IW Society gave the Conservation Award for 2010 to Ryde Cemetery at an evening event at Brading Roman Villa on Friday 15 April.

MARCH 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added detail to 15 records on the website in March.

PARTY ON THE PIER 2 APRIL 2011
The Party on the Pier on Saturday 2 April was a great success. The rain held off and the sun shone.

PARTY ON THE PIER SATURDAY 2 APRIL
To celebrate the reopening of the pier at Ryde Wightlink are holding a Ryde Revival day at the Pier Head on Saturday 2 April 11am to 4pm

LIVING LINKS - PROJECT COMPLETION CELEBRATION
On Tuesday 8 March Carol and I attended the event to celebrate the completion of the Living Links Project.

DOVER PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL DAY TRIP TO RYDE CEMETERY
On Tuesday 8th March Class 3M from Dover Park swapped their classroom for Ryde Cemetery and had all their lessons there.

RYDE LIBRARY EXHIBITION MARCH 2011
Our latest exhibition in Ryde Library runs until 26 March and is about Historic Trails around Ryde.

FEBRUARY 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team added detail to 15 records on the website in February.

INVESTIGATION INTO CRIMINAL DAMAGE AT RYDE CEMETERY
Headstones and crosses at Ryde Cemetery were broken by vandals.

NEWS FROM RYDE 150 YEARS AGO
REPAIRS TO RYDE PIER The damage done to the Pier last December by three coal vessels drifting through, has been repaired.

JANUARY 2011 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team added detail to 25 records on the website in January.

NEWS FROM RYDE 150 YEARS AGO
RYDE PENNY SAVINGS BANK - The Bank should be opened on Monday evening the 25th...

RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH IN RYDE CEMETERY
A record numbers of Birdwatchers spotted a record number of species in Ryde Cemetery!

REPORT OF RSHG MEMBERS' MEETING JANUARY 2011
Thirty-one members and two visitors attended our quarterly meeting in January 2011

DECEMBER 2010 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team added detail to 21 records on the website in December

IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT IW RECORD OFFICE
From 4 January 2011 the IW Record Office will be closed to the public on TUESDAYS.

CHRISTMAS AND MID WINTER EXHIBITION AT RYDE CEMETERY
We have a new, Seasonal, exhibition in the Heritage Centre in Ryde Cemetery.

LIGHTS OF LOVE SERVICE AT IW CREMATORIUM
Friday 10th December At 7pm. A time to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us.

NOVEMBER 2010 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team added detail to 34 records on the website in November.

RSHG OUTING TO THE BRANNON EXHIBITION AT BRADING ROMAN VILLA
We had a fantastic group outing on Saturday 20 November to see the Brannon Exhibition at Brading Roman Villa.

REMEMBRANCE IN RYDE CEMETERY
On Saturday 13 November a group of ATC Cadets spent a couple of hours in Ryde Cemetery placing Remembrance crosses on all the war graves.

INSCRIPTIONS FOR ST THOMAS CHURCH RYDE
We are now adding the Inscriptions from St Thomas Church graveyard and memorials to our website.

OCTOBER 2010 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team added detail to 22 records on the website in October.

HALLOWEEN BIG DRAW
On Saturday 30 October we held a Big Draw event in the Heritage & Learning Centre of Ryde Cemetery.

VECTIS SCENERY
A rare opportunity, not to be missed, to see a unique collection of Brannon engravings.

APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 2010 ADDITIONS TO RECORDS
Our small Research Team has been working hard thoughout the spring and summer adding detail to the records on the website.

NEWS FROM RYDE 150 YEARS AGO
OLD PIER HEAD - The balustrading of the new head to this Pier was completed last week...

ISLE OF WIGHT HERITAGE SERVICE REVIEW
The Isle of Wight Heritage Service like all IW Council departments is under review given the current budget constraints.

As part of the Celebrate Age Festival, 1 – 3 October 2010 at Ryde Library, RSHG has a new exhibition, 'Ryde's Heritage, Our Town, Your Histories'.

REPORT FROM RSHG AGM OCTOBER 2010
Thirty eight members attended our AGM...

The successful completion of the Ryde Cemetery Restoration project and the official opening of the Heritage and Learning Centre in Ryde Cemetery took place on Thursday 9 September 2010.

PICTURESQUE TOUR OF THE ISLAND
Meeting Friday 9 July 2010 7:00pm

Ryde Arts Festival Week 2 - 11 July 2010
Ryde Arts Festival is now in its 10th year...

Excellent Training Opportunities
As part of the Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project there are some excellent adult training opportunities coming up in July 2010

Ryde Library Display
On Sunday16 May 2010 we put up a display in Ryde Library on businesses in Ryde.

RYDE HERITAGE AUDIO TRAIL LAUNCH
Ryde Social Heritage Group (RSHG) and Living Links recently launched the innovative “Ryde Heritage Audio Trail”.

Report of April 2010 Members' Meeting
At the RSHG Meeting held at the George Street Centre, Ryde on Saturday 10th April 2010 there were 28 members and 7 guests.

Ryde Heritage Audio Trail launch Saturday 15 May 2010

In March 2010 our research team added detail to a further 20 records on the website.

RSHG Meeting Saturday 10 April 10:30am at the George Street Centre, George Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight.

Looking Back - Down Memory Lane
This month's "Looking Back" includes snippets from 1960.

In February 2010 our small but busy research team added detail to another 16 records on the website

Apologies for the lateness of this news item, but in January 2010 our small but busy research team added detail to another 19 records on the website. Not as many as usual but this was due to the inclement weather and winter ailments.

RYDE LIBRARY EXHIBITION - RYDE'S MARITIME PAST
In February we had our first exhibition of the year at Ryde Library. It was based on the group’s research into Ryde’s maritime past...

Progress report from the building Contractor Osborne.

There will be no updates to the website until late February.

Restoration works in Ryde Cemetery commenced on 18 January 2010.

Due to the weather conditions we have decided to cancel Saturday's meeting.

In December our small but busy research team added detail to another 19 records on the website.

Meeting to be held at the GEORGE ST.CENTRE, RYDE from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm on Saturday 9th January 2010

In November our small but busy research team added detail to another 51 records on the website.

The Transcribing Group is taking a break until the New Year.

Looking for that ideal Christmas Present?
The RSHG book "Ryde's Heritage, Our Town, Your Histories", on the history of Ryde is still available.

Searching for a name?
If you can't find the name by using the search feature, don't forget to check the Map Page.

In October our research team added detail to 56 records on the website.

Our AGM on October 10 was attended by 34 Members and 2 visitors (who both joined at the meeting). Apologies were received from 11 members.

COME AND MEET BARNARDO'S! at Ryde High School Wednesday 28 October 6pm to 8:30pm

Our busy Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added detail to 55 of the records on the website in September 2009.

7th Hantsweb Awards
RSHG's website has been nominated for the 7th Hantsweb Awards

Our AGM will be at the George Street Centre, 10:30 to 12:30 on Saturday 10 October.

Heritage Open Days - A Great Success!
Heritage Open Days at St Thomas Heritage Centre in Ryde, held from 10 to 13 September, were a great success.

Our busy Research Team added detail to 57 of the records on the website in August 2009.

September 10 - 13 10am - 4pm Admission Free

Our busy Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added detail to 56 of the records on the website in July 2009

July 2009 Members' Meeting
Our meeting held on 11 July was attended by 35 members and 24 guests and there were 14 apologies for absence.

Our busy Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added detail to 56 of the records on the website in June 2009.

All Change at the Library
We have changed our display in Ryde Library to tie in with Ryde Arts Festival Week, the theme is now Arts and Entertainment.

Invitation to a Drop-in Session
RSHG invites you to a Drop-in Session at St Thomas' Heritage Centre Friday 17 July 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Invitation to RSHG July Meeting
RSHG Meeting 10:30am - 12:30 Saturday 11 July at the George Street Centre, Ryde.

RSHG Summer exhibition in Ryde Library
Following the success of Ryde History Week Ryde Social Heritage Group was invited to put up a historical display in Ryde Library.

Lydia Jackson RIP
Lydia Jackson passed away on Wednesday 17 June 2009.

Our busy Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added detail to 54 of the records on the website in May 2009.

Ryde History Week
Carol Strong, our Publications Group Leader, was the driving force behind Ryde History Week. She galvanised us into action to produce a display of Ryde History the town could be proud of. She also made contact with many other local history groups to invite them to participate in the week and in total 16 groups contributed to the event.

Our busy Research Team, led by Ann Barrett, added detail to 65 of the records on the website in April 2009.

Twenty-nine members and six non-members attended our meeting on 18 April 2009

Our busy Research Team, lead by Ann Barrett, added detail to 47 of the records on the website in March 2009.

The 30th year of the RSPB Birdwatch saw a record-breaking half a million people take part, making it the biggest bird survey in the world.

18 April 2009 10:30am at the George Street Centre, Ryde, IW

Our busy Research Team, lead by Ann Barrett, added detail to 29 of the records on the website in Feburary 2009.

The Year's Nature Diary is complete
The February Nature page has been uploaded which completes the nature diary for the year.

Our busy Research Team, lead by Ann Barrett, added detail to 60 of the records on the website in January 2009.

RSPB National Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend 24–25 January 2009
For the second year RSHG members took part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

A fascinating illustrated talk by RSHG member Tony Gale Saturday 28 February 2009 7:30pm at Ryde Cricket Club

January Nature Diary
The January Nature Diary has been added to the website.

January 2009 Members' Meeting
Twenty-four members and one non-member attended our first meeting of the year on 10 January 2009.

Our fantastic Research Team added detail to 34 records.

Our next Members' meeting will be held on Saturday 10th Januaryl commencing at 10:30am until 12:30pm at the George Street Centre in Ryde.

Janis Mundell has organised some more exciting, free training opportunities as part of Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project.

December Nature Diary
The December Nature Diary has been added to the website.

An Early Christmas Present for RSHG!
A review of our book in BALH's Local History News!

Our fantastic Research Team, lead by Ann Barrett, were busy at work in November and detail to 70 records on the website.

November Nature Diary
The November Nature Diary has been added to the website.

IWC's Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project is offering more free training

In October our Research Team added detail to 37 records on the website. A fantastic achievement from the small team.

October Nature Diary
The October Nature Diary has been added to the website.

Report of RSHG's AGM
Our AGM on October 11 was attended by 30 Members and 14 visitors, apologies had been received from a further 8 members.

Ryde High School - Dimbola Exhibition
Ryde High School used Ryde Cemetery as inspiration.

Our sister group the Friends of Ryde Cemetery have launched their website.

The Big Draw 18 & 19 October 2008
An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed bright sunshine in Ryde Cemetery for The Big Draw weekend

In September our Research Team added detail to 33 records on the website.

Saturday 11 October 2008 10:30am to 12:30pm George Street Centre, Ryde, IW

Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project is running free training sessions.

Heritage Open Days in Ryde Cemetery - Report
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 13 & 14 SEPTEMBER 2008

Our fantastic Research Team added detail to 75 records on the website in August

September Nature Diary
The September Nature Diary has been added to the website, click on the link below to view.

Shore Women - Cemetery Poems
Island writing group Shore Women - Ryde Cemetery poems.

Heritage Open Days
As part of National Heritage Open Days, Ryde Social Heritage Group will be holding two open days in Ryde Cemetery on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September.

August Nature Diary
The August Nature Diary has been added to the website, click on the link below to view.

In July our busy Research Team added detail to 65 records on the website.

Report from July Meeting
The July meeting was attended by 25 members and 7 guests.

July Nature Diary
The July Nature has been added to the website.

Cemetery Activity and Open Day 6 July 2008
Despite the weather, a very successful activity day was held in the cemetery on Sunday 6th July in support of the Isle of Wight Council Restoration Project and in association with Ryde Arts Festival.

In June our busy Research Team led by Ann Barrett added biographical information of a further 78 records on the website.

The National Federation of Cemetery Friends AGM
Saturday 14 June 2008 Attended by Rachael Mead and Janette Gregson on behalf of RSHG

Dover Park School continued their studies at Ryde Cemetery last week when a group of 23 of the more able writers and artists spent an enrichment morning there.

Ryde's Heritage, Our Town, Your Histories - Book Review
This book is the culmination of Ryde Social Heritage Group’s Lottery-funded project and deals with the history of the town of Ryde, Isle of Wight. It tells the stories of many of the people buried in Ryde’s West Street Cemetery and others associated with them.

Over 100 guests attended Ryde High School’s Studio Theatre on the evening of Saturday 7 June 2008, to celebrate the launch of Ryde Social Heritage Group’s major publication, Ryde’s Heritage – Our Town, Your Histories.

School Studies in Ryde Cemetery
Over the last week several groups of school children have been undertaking studies in Ryde Cemetery as part of the IWC's Ryde Cemetery Restoration Project.

June Nature Diary Added
The monthly Nature Walk took place at the beginning of June and the Nature Diary has been updated with photographs and text of our findings.

In May our Research Team led by Ann Barrett added information to 74 of the records on the website.

New Interpretation Panel for Ryde Cemetery Unveiled
Members of Ryde Social Heritage Group proudly unveiled their brand new interpretation panel in the display case in Ryde Cemetery at noon on Saturday 24th May.

A Mile Stone Reached by the Mapping Team!
The Mapping Team led by David Earle have recently completed all the maps for the Old Cemetery.

May Nature Diary Added
The monthly Nature Walk took place at the beginning of May.

12 Noon 24th May 2008 unveiling of new Interpretation Panel in the display case in Ryde Cemetery.

Our dedicated Research team have been working hard in April and have added more detail to 82 of the records on the website.

Report on the April Meeting
On April 12th we held our quarterly Members’ meeting at 10:30am at the George Street Centre. Thirty-three members and 6 guests attended the meeting.

Our sister group, the Friends of Ryde Cemetery, held an Activity Day in Ryde Cemetery on 5th April 2008

In March our Research Group added information to a fantastic 82 records!

Results of the 2008 RSPB Garden Bird Watch
The results of the 2008 Bird Watch have just been published by the RSPB. Almost 400,000 people took part in the survey nationally counting over six million birds.

Sophie Sellars, a pupil at Ryde School, helped Ryde Social Heritage Group transcribe inscriptions from the memorials in Ryde Cemetery.

Our next Members' meeting will be held on Saturday 12th April commencing at 10:30am at the George Street Centre in Ryde.

Our 'Sister Group' the Friends of Ryde Cemetery are holding an Activity Day in Ryde Cemetery on Saturday 5th April 2008 between 10am and 3pm.

March 2008 - Nature Page updated and New Nature Diary added
The Nature page of the website has been updated and revitalised. Hopefully you will think this is an improvement.

We are experiencing a few technical problems with the website at the moment

March 2008 - Additions to Records on the Website in February
Our research team led by Ann Barrett have been busy again in February

March 2008 - Transcribing Group
Following the winter break the Transcribing Group has recommenced its work.

Our dedicated research team, led by Ann Barrett, worked hard throughout January.....

February 2008 - Report of RSPB National Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend 26–27 January 2008
Four members of the RSHG Natural History Team took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch survey on Saturday 26th January 2008 counting the number of birds spotted in Ryde Cemetery.

In December 2007 our Research Group added informtion, in the form of Census details, marriage notices, death notices and obituaries, to 35 of the records on the web site.

The next meeting of RSHG will be held at the George Street Centre in Ryde on Saturday 12th January 2008 commencint at 10:30 am.

December 2007 - New plaque for our Display Case in the Cemetery
David Earle, Ryde Social Heritage Group’s Membership Secretary and Leader of the Mapping Group, is a man of many talents and a valuable member of our team. He recently impressed us all by making a plaque to adorn the display case we had installed in Ryde Cemetery last year.

December 2007 - The Transcribing Group is taking a Break until the New Year
The dedicated team of Transcribers have been meeting in Ryde Cemetery every Saturday morning throughout the year to record the inscriptions from the grave stones and memorials. We normally work for a couple of hours and only the severest of weather conditions would normally put off this intrepid troupe.

Our Research Group was busy again in November and 35 records were updated with census information, death notices, obituaties and other information.

November 2007 - A Cause for Celebration
I am really pleased to announce that on 10 November 2007 we passed the milestone of uploading the 4000th individual record to Ryde Social Heritage Group’s website.

Our Researchers were busy again in October and have updated 28 records with information gleaned from a variety of records including census records, directories and death and funeral reports from local newspapers.

October 2007 - Our Successful AGM
RSHG held its AGM at the George Street Centre in Ryde at 10:30am on Saturday 13th October. The meeting was well attended with 32 members and 10 guests.

After reading the article on Augustus George Vernon-Harcourt, Jane Ryder sent us information on her great uncle, Harry Higgins, who worked for Augustus for a short time between 1903 and 1906.

It has been an eventful 11 months since our first AGM in November 2006.

Our hard working Research Team is always busy researching and typing up information to add to the records already on the website.

October 2007 - RSHG Annual General Meeting
Saturday 13th October 2007 10:30 am at the George Street Centre, Ryde, Isle of Wight

September 2007 - Heritage Open Days Report
Over the weekend of September 8th and 9th the RSHG held two open days at Ryde Cemetery as part of the National Heritage Open Days event. This annual event has been set up to allow people to explore places of interest for free and learn all about their own local history. This was the first time RSHG participated in the Heritage Open Days programme.

Over the past few weeks we have been working really hard to get everything together for the Open Days next Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday 1 September Carol, Rachael and I went to the Annual Open Day at the IW Crematorium at Whippingham. Now you might think that’s a strange way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but all the team who work for Bereavement Services at the Crematorium, are very helpful to us as a Group and we thought it would be good to go and find out a bit more about the work they do.

August 2007 - Heritage Open Days in Ryde Cemetery
As part of the National “Heritage Open Days” Scheme Ryde Social Heritage Group will be hosting two Open Days in Ryde Cemetery on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September 2007 from 11am to 4pm each day.

August 2007 - Publications Group Outing
RSHG’s Publications Group which is led by Carol Strong and is made up of members Liz Graves, Rachael Mead and Janette Gregson, is working on an idea for a publication about the places of historical interest along Ryde Esplanade between the Pier and Puckpool Park.

August 2007 - Greenmount School's 150th Anniversary
July 2007 marked the 150th anniversary of Greenmount School. Ever since July 1857 there has consistently been a place of education on the site of the school.

July 2007 - Report on Meeting on July 14th 2007
RSHG held a very successful meeting on Saturday 14th July.

Put 14th July in your diary, to hear Richard Smout

Les was a loyal supporter of the Ryde Social Heritage Group

April 2007 - Report on meeting
We are pleased to report we had a very successful meeting on the morning of Saturday 14th April at the George Street Centre, Ryde.

January 2007 - First Members' Meeting of 2007
On 13 January, about 35 people attended the members' meeting at the George St Centre in Ryde, when Paul Donnelan gave a talk about a collection of negatives he acquired a few years ago, including photographs of Captain Goodwin BARNES, RAF, who is buried in Ryde Cemetery.

There will be four Members' meetings next year, each with an invited speaker. Entry is by membership card, or £2 at the door.

November 2006 - Exhibition at the George Street Centre Ryde
On the evening of 24th November 2006 Roy Brinton (RSHG Hon President) and Tony Gale (RSHG member) gave two illustrated talks at the George Street Centre in Ryde to help raise funds for the Vernon Square Society.

The Ryde Social Heritage Group held its AGM on 11th November from 10:30 to 12:30 in the George Street Centre, Ryde Isle of Wight.

October 2006 - Interested in Fungi?
A Fungi Foray was held in the Cemetery on Sunday 22 October. 17 species were identified by Jackie Hart.

Lists have been added to the Featured Graves pages for July, August and September. The links for each person are not active yet, but you can search manually to find the record. The links will be added as soon as possible.

A Members meeting was held on 9th September, in the George Street Centre, 10:30 to 12:30

New documents have been added to the graves of Sir James Lillyman CALDWELL, and Sir John LEES and family members. All of this research was carried out by Kathie Ann Gibbs, who is a very active member, and can be found in the Cemetery most days. She has completed the transcriptions in OPC4 single handed!

August 2006 - Isle of Wight Society
On Wednesday, 23 August, Sally-Ann Garrett made a presentation about the Ryde Social Heritage Group to the Isle of Wight Society, at the Ryde Parish Church Hall.

August 2006 - Exhibition in the Ryde Library
A small exhibition was held in Ryde Library from 18 to 29 August. The display was a double sided set of three boards, showing some of the research carried out so far, particularly some of the stories of the people buried in the cemetery.

July 2006 - RSHG Display Case installed in Ryde Cemetery
Today our new Display Case was installed in Ryde Cemetery. It is next to the central road way just past The Lodge.

RSHG held two more walks in the Cemetery during Ryde Arts Festival week, one on 9th July at 2:30 and one on 14th July at 7:00. If there is sufficient interest (10-12 people) we will plan a new route for August, with different graves and stories.

July 2006 - Butterfly Walk, 1 July 2006
We held a Butterfly Walk in the Cemetery on 1 July, and Richard Smout took a small group for a walk lasting just over an hour and a half. Several species of butterflies were spotted, as well as some other insects of interest.

Ann and Les Barrett continue to research the lives and funeral reports of the citizens of Ryde.

May 2006 - Local History Week - Exhibition

May 2006 - Family History for Beginners

March 2006 - RSHG Project Launch Exibition