By Mal Butler
by Peter Gruner
Author Hunter Davies was among supporters who breathed a sigh of relief this week at the news that the Museum of Ryde – on the verge of closure due to financial woes – has been reprieved.
The museum has been saved, at least temporarily, by the generosity of hundreds of local people and supporters of a fund-raising campaign.
Local companies, including the Cigar Lounge, Pickle and Dill, and the Ryde Business Association, as previously reported, helped organise a cheese and wine party attended by more than 70 people.
Chairman of the Historic Ryde Society, Brian Harris, who runs the museum with his wife, Sandy, said: “It’s enough to keep us going for another year. We’ve been very humbled by people’s generosity. But these are tough times.”
Hunter, who has a house in Ryde, featured Brian and the museum in his book ‘Love In Old Age: My Year In The Wight House’. He said: “It’s the history of people who live in Ryde but it’s not just about our town. It’s about people who lived in the past and live today.
“I remember walking around the museum and seeing a party of people who suddenly recognised the school they’d gone to. They’d recognise the uniform and the photos and it started so many memories. You don’t need architectural wonders in a museum with famous people – you just need ordinary stuff.”
Hunter’s favourite exhibit is the Donald McGill saucy postcard exhibition. Admitting the postcards were not always politically correct, he added: “But it’s social history and unique. McGill is not just a great artist. He’s witty and funny and many enjoy his double entendres. You get far worse today.”
Isle of Wight Observer