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Archiver > ISLE-OF-WIGHT > 1998-08 > 0902665244


From: Barry Drinkle <>
Subject: Isle-of-Wight Holiday 1912 #4
Date: Sun, 09 Aug 1998 08:20:44 -0400


To the right as we approach the shore is the Western Esplanade,
entered from Pier Street. Here are pathways, a tasteful little
fountain, shelters and a band enclosure, occupied by a military
band nearly every day in the season. In fine weather during summer
there is dancing here, in wet weather in the Town Hall.
Flights of steps communicate with that portion of the sands
known as the Children's Corner, and there are other amenities that
add considerably to the attractiveness of Ryde as a holiday resort.
Immediately westward is the Royal Victoria Yacht Club-house,
with its saluting battery and flag-staff. The Club is under the
patronage of His Majesty and other royal and distinguished personages,
and its Regatta (generally held immediately after that at Cowes) is
one of the events of the year. Next to the Royal Yacht Squadron,
whose head-quarters are at Cowes, the Royal Victoria Yacht Club is
perhaps the best-known yacht club in the world, and its membership
list includes admirals and generals galore.
Turning eastward on leaving the pier gates, we find ourselves in
a wide and dignified thoroughfare known as - The Esplanade.
This is the usual starting-point for the popular coach drives to
various parts of the Island. On the opposite side are a number of
hotels, one of which occupies the site of the old Ship Inn, where
Charles II is said to have amused himself at whist, whilst waiting
for the turn of the tide, on his visit in 1662.
On the shore is a Bathing Station under the control of the
Corporation, and during the summer the beach is each morning the scene
of a gay water-carnival.
Just where the railway tunnel commences, a turn to the left brings
us to the sea-front and a large slipway, where boats and canoes may
be hired. When there is sufficiency of water, boating is good and safe,
but ludicrous incidents are sometimes witnessed at low water, when
adventurous voyagers find themselves aground on the shallow sands,
and have to submit to the ignominy of being carried ashore. Boating
parties which venture so far out as the pier-head should bear in mind
that there is frequently a very strong current in the direction of
Seaview, rowing against is stiff work.
TBC

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