At the AGM Ryde Social Heritage Group hailed the success of its 10th Year Anniversary. This group works out of Ryde Heritage Centre which is based in Ryde Cemetery.
There are some 20,000 people interred in Ryde Cemetery and the group is about two thirds through transcribing the names on the graves. So far the earliest grave discovered dates from 1842.
Ashey Cemetery has now been transcribed in full. In May some members of the group visited their counterparts who are transforming Northwood Cemetery. As a result each team learnt some important points from the other.
Royal visit
When HRH Prince Edward visited Ryde on 23rd March to open the Bembridge wing of Ryde School and unveiled a plaque on Ryde Pier, some members of the group had the pleasure of meeting him.
A week later on the occasion of Ryde Pier Open Day RSHG mounted an exhibition at Ryde Pier Head detailing the 200 year history of Ryde Pier from the 1812 Act of Parliament.
One of the outstanding events mounted by the group was the exhibition staged in St. Thomas’ Church for the Heritage Open Days held in September. Ryde in miniature featured 53 model buildings of shops or other businesses which were constructed a la dolls houses by members.
Talk by Dr Nick Barratt
Consultant to the TV programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Dr Nick Barratt gave an enthralling talk one afternoon during the exhibition. Nick was very complimentary about the whole event.
Regarding the ‘dolls houses’ he described them as ‘a fantastic way to engage children with the past’. In fact he said he would suggest the idea to other Heritage Societies. Nick has since been made an honorary member of RSHG.
New members
Five new members joined RSHG during the Heritage Open Days and membership now stands at 77. With the introduction of life membership some members are now in that category. There are some members who live in Colorado, USA.
Held in the grounds of Ryde Cemetery the group’s Royal Jubilee celebrations were deliberately held a week before everyone else. This resulted in good weather over two days with an attendance of some 200 people. A ‘Character Walk’ was followed by a celebratory tea party.
Specialised Research Group exciting and rewarding
Being a member of the specialised Research Group was described as being both exciting and rewarding. This intrepid band of volunteers glean information from a variety of sources including the IW Bereavement Service, Hampshire and IW Police Authority and old school records.
An election of officers saw the main post holders re-elected: Janette Gregson- Chairman, Barbara Hunt- Secretary, Arthur Williams- Treasurer and Kate McDonald- Membership Secretary.
