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“COME TO COWES”1939 |
By COUNCILLOR PERCIVAL L. PULLINGER, J.P.
Chairman of Cowes Urban District Council
A hundred good reasons could be given why the cry of “Come
to Cowes” has been so enthusiastically taken up by holiday-makers of all
degrees in the past few years. Cheap travelling facilities have had much to do
with it. But not unwarrantably I suggest there are reasons nearer home that can
better account for this rising wave of popularity.
Cowes belongs to the sea. Few among us regard a holiday as complete and
perfect unless the sea forms a large part of the new background for our
relaxation and sport. When you stay at Cowes the sea fills the whole horizon of
one’s thoughts. But it is not the empty vista that confronts you on so many
seafronts. It is a vast gleaming canvas across which move every type of craft,
noble and small, liner and skiff, canoe and cruiser, the long day through.
Before your eyes passes the greatest pageant of sea-going vessels that the world
can show you.
The Solent indeed is like an ever-open page of romance which excites the
hearts of parents and children with an equal mixture of surprise, surmise and
pride as they bask on Prince’s Green or bathe in the calm stillness of Gurnard
Bay.
Cowes seafront is an eternal doorstep to maritime romance. And though the
climax to this pageantry is still the Royal Yacht Squadron Regatta in the first
week of August the white sails and sleek, speedy lines of motor-boats and other
small craft give continuous enchantment to the wooded round of the Medina
estuary.
You need not buy a yachting cap and borrow a nautical roll to take part
in summer’s happy days at Cowes. The sea, calm, bright, and smiling offers
many other attractions besides those of sailing and rowing.
Fishermen will find that the sport is by no means merely contemplative if they frequent the piers and stages, or go inland to such places as Alverstone.
With two golf courses in the neighbourhood and the varied sporting proclivities of Northwood Park open to the public, the visitor will find all the amusement, strenuous or relaxing, that he feels disposed to indulge within the limits of Cowes which comprehends East Cowes and Gurnard.
Each year the number of tourists who make Cowes their centre of operations in the island increases. They find just the right sort of accommodation here—inexpensive, with good food and always a good view. Hotel and boarding-house keepers are in the enviable position of not having to exaggerate their proximity to the sea. When you stay at Cowes you share a continuous panorama of the sea with your neighbours.
This might be a good moment to drive home to readers of this booklet the plain fact that Cowes is not an expensive resort for the ordinary fortnight-a-year holiday-maker.
Despite its close association with Royalty, Cowes is still in many ways an unassuming resort. Its claims to public favour have not been sought. They have, as it were, accumulated by the general recognition that here is one of the favoured spots of Nature—favoured by position, favoured by climate, and favoured by Royal patronage.
All roads out of Cowes take you to beauty and unspoiled wayside loveliness. Industries are practically unknown in the island, and those that exist are not of the sort to deface in any way the fair fields, and downs and gardens which cover the island from Cowes to Niton, from Alum Bay on the west to Foreland on the east.
Bring your car over on the ferry from Southampton; make your headquarters at Cowes, and you can put a girdle about the island in the course of a few days.
This is Cowes calling!
COWES
Mention of Cowes conjures up in the minds of many people a vision of slender yachts with tall white sails spread against a background of sea and sky; a rendezvous frequented by a small and select society; memories of the time when Queen Victoria and her Court were frequently in residence at Osborne. It is an impression easily gained, for Cowes is widely celebrated as the headquarters of yachting in this country; the famous “Cowes Week “ continues to attract notable personages in society year by year; and royal patronage has given the place an almost regal status. It is, in a sense, a true impression, for Cowes has gained distinction and dignity which it would not readily sacrifice, and a celebrity which has brought it many and great advantages.
But this impression is not the whole truth. Let it not be thought that by reason of its social status Cowes is rigidly exclusive, or absolutely prohibitive as far as the general public is concerned. Let none suppose that rates for accommodation and all the other attributes of a good holiday are so high as to be beyond the reach of any but the most exalted persons. Let no intending holiday-maker, casting about for a suitable place, turn with reluctance from Cowes to some apparently more popular resort, for Cowes is as popular in the full sense of the word as any of them.
Cowes is not content with providing amenities for a select few; it also caters for a wider public. Visitors will find that accommodation is good, plentiful and available at very reasonable charges; that all kinds of recreations and entertainments may be enjoyed by all comers; that the art of providing comfort and pleasure is applied in thoroughly democratic fashion; that individuals and families can enjoy themselves to the full without let or hindrance.
Local government is in the hands of the Urban District Council, and the
recent extension of the Council’s boundary to include East Cowes, Northwood,
and Whippingham, has enabled the Council to widen the sphere in which efficient
public services of all kinds are provided in full measure. A warm invitation is
extended to intending visitors; they
will find that no pains are spared to ensure them a holiday delightful and
enjoyable in every way. Information regarding the local attractions is given in
the following pages, and it is
hoped that this will suffice to induce people to pay a visit to Cowes; assuredly
they will not be disappointed.
ACCESSIBILITY
Cowes, the premier port of the Isle of Wight, has transport facilities
which make it easily accessible from the mainland. There is a frequent service
of express trains by Southern Railway from London (Waterloo) to Southampton
Central. The principal steamer service is from the Royal Pier, Southampton, the
distance from there to the Pontoon, Cowes, being between eleven and twelve
miles. The voyage occupies about an hour and is full of interest the whole way.
To begin with Southampton Docks are always full of all types and sizes of craft,
including some of the bigger vessels afloat. The landmarks on the banks of
Southampton Water include Netley Castle and Hospital, and Calshot Castle.
Calshot is, of course, an important seaplane base, and seaplanes may frequently
he seen in flight or taxi-ing on the water. In this connection it is interesting
to note that seaplanes are built at Cowes, being exported thence to many
countries in different quarters of the globe. From the mouth of Southampton
Water the steamer proceeds, through channels marked by buoys, almost directly
across the Solent, a famous strip of water down which liners come and go on
their ocean voyages; quite often these
great ships heave-to in the Roadsteads opposite Cowes. In addition to the
liners, many other vessels are to be seen afloat on the Solent, including the
trim and graceful sailing yachts.
There is another steamer service to Cowes from Portsmouth, the great
naval base where Nelson’s famous flagship, the Victory,
lies in the old Dock. This voyage provides charming views of Ryde,
Bembridge, Seaview, Fishbourne Creek, Osborne Bay with Osborne House in the
background, and Norris Castle; while at an earlier stage, after leaving
Portsmouth Harbour, the eye is attracted by Southsea and by the chain of forts
which guard the approaches to one of the world’s largest naval ports,
The approach to Cowes by sea is altogether delightful. The town with its houses extending down almost to the water’s edge, its glimpses of green, and its background of gently contoured hills, makes a pleasing and attractive picture. These particulars should suffice to make it clear that Cowes is remarkably easy of access. Moreover, the town is admirably situated as a centre from which to explore the lovely Isle of Wight, whether the exploration be done by road or by boat. Cowes is, in fact, the natural link between the island and the mainland.
AN IDEAL TOURING
CENTRE
The Isle of Wight has been called the “Garden of England” and indeed its loveliness more than justifies the description. Rolling downs, pleasant river-valleys, tall cliffs, smooth and shining beaches, little bays and inlets tucked away in sheltered corners, delightful woodlands, miles of grand seascape and landscape, combine to make a pageant of natural beauty which has few, if any, rivals. Go where you will in the island, there is always something of interest. Some spot of rare intrinsic charm, some place bearing the imprint of centuries of history, some picturesque relic of the long distant past.
And all these places are easily accessible. You may walk, you may cycle, you may travel by car, by motor-coach, by train, by omnibus, or by boat. In respect of all these means of getting about, Cowes is an ideal centre. Its geographical position and its excellent transport services bring the whole of the island within easy reach and comfortable distance. If you are a born explorer with an instinct for seeing as many places as possible, you will enjoy yourself immensely; if you are not, you may find it difficult to leave, even for a little while, the attractions of Cowes, but nevertheless it will be well worth doing. So if you would see the Isle of Wight—and indeed its manifold beauty must be seen to be believed—you must come to Cowes. For at Cowes the whole of the island is just next door.
HISTORICAL NOTES
Cowes has only been known by its present name since the
sixteenth century. Prior to that time the village went by the name of Shamford.
In a sense the place owes its modern name to Henry VIII. Much has been made of
that royal personage’s matrimonial adventures, but we have not heard quite so
much of his activities on behalf of the coastal defences of his realm. Yet it is
a fact that few monarchs have been as conscientious or as thorough in certain
respect. Many places on the south and east coasts were fortified during his
reign, one of these being Cowes. Forts were built on each side of the River
Medina, and were equipped with platforms for mounting guns. At that time any
breastwork or fortification of this kind was known as a “cow,” and it was,
almost certainly from this that the new name Cowes was developed. But forts or
no forts, the life of the district continued to be uneventful, and in the course
of time doubts began to be expressed concerning the utility of the
fortifications. Finally, in 1836, the fort on the west side of the river was
sold by the Government to the Royal Yacht Club. That was the end of Cowes as
part of a system of coastal defence but yachting and royal patronage have more
than compensated for the loss.
CLIMATE
Cowes enjoys a remarkably good climate, which has been aptly called “humid with very bracing interludes.” Mean temperature stands as 50.9° Fahrenheit, ranging from 62° in July to 39.8° in January. The average rainfall is 29.5 inches per annum. The subsoil is for the most part gravel, and this combines with efficient drainage systems to dispose of rain; further than this, many houses stand on a hillside, and this too assists drainage. The prevailing winds are south-westerly.
This healthy climate provides an excellent holiday tonic, and also makes
Cowes an advantageous place of residence. Children thrive here, and large
numbers receive their education at one or other of the numerous local private
schools.
SPORT AND RECREATION
BATHING.—Good bathing may be enjoyed from the beach near Prince’s Green, where tents are available and may be hired by the hour, day, or week. There is also good bathing at Gurnard and other places along the coast.
BOATING.—It
need hardly be said that
Cowes provides ideal facilities for boating, and that the Solent and Spithead
are ideal waterways for the purpose. Motor-boats, rowing-boats, and
sailing-boats may be obtained at very reasonable rates, and there are many
delightful trips by boat, up the Medina and along the coast.
BOWLS.—Visitors are welcomed at the Cowes and Medina Bowling Club. The
Cowes Club has a green of the famous Cumberland turf. At Gurnard is the only
green in the island where the old “wide bias” game continues to be played.
FISHING.—There is good sport to be had in the Solent and along the
coast All the usual types of ground fish can be found locally, while mullet can
be taken from the Pier and in the river in the autumn. Bass can be caught from
the Pier, the beach, and in the river-mouth. Boats may tie up under the shelter
of the coast for fishing in charming surroundings. Good catches of prawn can
be had with nets among the rocks as the tide recedes. There are numerous places
in different parts of the Island where freshwater fishing may be enjoyed.
GOLF.—Local facilities are provided by the Northwood Park Club, and the
Osborne Golf Club at East Cowes. Northwood Park is a nine-hole course, the
length being 2870 yards and the bogey 37;
the course is well
laid out on high wooded ground. The Hon. Secretary is Mr. L. A. Drover, and Mr.
L. H. Spencer is the professional in attendance. Fees for visitors are 2s. 6d. per day, 10s.
per week, 25s.
per month, and 2 guineas per quarter; slightly higher rates are charged on
Bank Holidays and during August. The Osborne course is of ten holes; the Secretary is Major-General J. W. West, C.B., C.M.G., and fees for
visitors are 2s. 6d. per day, and 10s. per week. At both of these clubs there is
play on Sundays. Other courses in the island are Alum Bay, Freshwater
(eighteen holes), Chale (nine holes), St. Helens, Bembridge (nine holes),
Newport (nine holes), Ryde (nine holes), and Sandown (eighteen holes).
TENNIS.—The two principal clubs are Broadfield, with four grass and two
hard courts; and Northwood House, with six hard courts. Hard courts are also
available on the Esplanade at East Cowes.
YACHTING.—The great event of the year is the Regatta held by the Royal
Yacht Squadron, which has its headquarters in the grounds of the old Castle at
the western extremity of the Parade. This Regatta is, of course, a unique social
occasion which attracts many notable people. His late Majesty King George V. was
a regular visitor, and his cutter Britannia
took part in the racing with other big yachts. The racing itself is followed
with the keenest interest by enthusiasts, and even those not initiated into the
mysteries of this sport thoroughly enjoy a spectacle which is full of life and
colour.
The R.Y.S. is of course the premier yachting club. Other local clubs
include the Royal London Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club. Regattas and
races for boats of various types and sizes are held frequently. The Town Regatta
takes place on Friday of the first week in August, and is followed by the annual
R.Y.S. fireworks in the evening.
CLUBS
The leading Club is, of course, the Royal Yacht Squadron, the most
exclusive club in the world. Other local Clubs include the Royal London Yacht
Club, the Island Sailing Club, the East Cowes Sailing Club, the Syndicate Club,
the Liberal and Conservative Clubs, and the Saunders-Roe Medina Social Club at
East Cowes. There is also a local Rotary Club, which meets on alternate Tuesdays
at the Gloster Restaurant at 1.15 p.m.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Anglican Churches are St. Mary’s, off Union Road; Holy Trinity,
Queen’s Road; St. Faith’s Church, Newport Road; and St. James’s Church,
East Cowes. The Roman Catholic Churches are St. Thomas’s, Terminus Road, and
St. David’s, Connaught Road, East Cowes. There are Congregational Churches at
Union Road and at Bridge Square, East Cowes; a Baptist Church in Victoria Road;
Methodist Churches at Beckford Road, Birmingham Road, and Mill Hill, Cowes, and
at Osborne Road, and Adelaide Grove, East Cowes. The Salvation Army is in
Denmark Road, Cowes.
SHOPPING FACILITIES
Cowes is very well equipped with high-class modern establishments
catering for the needs of residents and visitors. The prosperity of these
establishments has been built up by the provision of first-class service to the
public. The four leading banks, Lloyds, Westminster, National Provincial, and
Midland, together with the Customs House and the General Post Office, are in the
High Street.
EAST COWES
East Cowes is connected with West Cowes by a Floating Bridge, which
carries vehicles and passengers, and also, during the summer months, by a Steam
ferry service. Adjacent to East Cowes are Osborne and Whippingham. The Shedden
Esplanade, gift of Sir George Shedden, extends for threequarters of a mile
along the front; there is a Paddling Pool for children, and good facilities are
provided for bathing.
Osborne House, the residence of Queen Victoria and the scene of her
death, is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the season
from 11.30 a.m. until 5
p.m., at a charge of 6d. for adults and 3d. for children. A fine and
imposing mansion in the Italian Style, it contains many items of great interest.
In the grounds is the Swiss Cottage, in which the royal children used to play.
Part of Osborne House is the King Edward VII Convalescent Home for officers of
the three Services.
On the banks of the Medina is the shipyard of J. Samuel White &
Company Ltd., a famous and old-established firm of shipbuilders. During the
Great War the firm built twenty-two destroyers, including the celebrated
flotilla-leader Broke of the Dover Patrol; eleven patrol-boats, and three
submarines. The yard provides excellent storage for yachts, and the firm
specializes in the construction of these slender craft.
In the vicinity are the works of Messrs. Saunders-Roe Ltd., designers and
builders of yachts, motor-boats and aircraft. Motor-boats built by the firm hold
world’s speed records. They are pioneers in aviation, and during the war
constructed flying-boats and other types of aircraft for the Government. The
firm also specializes in the manufacture of plywoods.
PLACES OF INTEREST
ARRETON.—A pretty village situated nearly three miles to the south-east
of Newport. In the neighbourhood are the lovely Arreton Downs, where walking is
rendered particularly enjoyable by the bracing sea breezes and by the fine views
which the Downs command of the surrounding countryside. On the northern side,
near Combley Farm, numerous Roman remains have been discovered. Arreton Church,
dedicated to St. George, is a Structure of considerable architectural interest.
There are some sections reputed to date from Saxon times, while other portions
may definitely be classified as eleventh century; the tower was built towards
the end of the thirteenth century. A feature of the interior is a fourteenth
century effigy of Harry Hawles, who appears to have acted as Steward of the
island on behalf of Montacute, Earl of Salisbury.Arreton manor house, dating from the reign of
James I, was built by Sir Levinus Bennet; it is a typical example of Jacobean
domestic architecture.
ASHEY DOWN.—An expanse of high ground, rising to more than 400 feet above sea-level, and commanding extensive views. A Stone
pillar was erected here, as a landmark for passing shipping in 1735.
BLACKGANG CHINE.—A rocky ravine displaying notable geological
formations. It differs from other chines in the island in respect of its lack of
vegetation, but makes up for this in severe grandeur of outline. A short
distance away is St. Catherine’s Point, the southern extremity of the island;
the lighthouse here is nearly 540
feet above sea-level and is equipped with exceptionally powerful lighting;
electrical machinery being used to provide no less than seven million
candle-power.
BRIGHST0NE.—On
the
south-west coast of the island, at about the centre of Brighstone Bay. The
church, dedicated to St. Mary, dates from the latter part of the twelfth
century, although there is very little of the work of that period remaining. In
the chancel is a memorial tablet to three rectors who attained episcopal
rank—Thomas Ken, Samuel Wilberforce, and George Moberly. Samuel Wilberforce
was the son of William Wilberforce, the famous emancipator of the slaves. Thomas
Ken was at Brighstone during the reign of Charles II, and he is said to have
written, while here, his well-known hymns, “Glory to Thee, my God, this
night,” and “Awake, my soul.”
CARISBROOKE.—A place of great historical interest, situated in the heart of the island. The site has natural Strategic advantages, and may well have been used as a Stronghold in prehistoric times, and later, during the Roman occupation. Certainly its advantages were exploited to the full after the Norman Conquest, earthworks of considerable extent being thrown up by William Fitz-Osbern, one of the principal followers of William the Conqueror. In 1101 the place was granted by Henry I to Richard de Redvers, who commenced the construction of the Castle. The work was carried on at intervals by various descendants; one of these attended the King’s Court at Winchester in 1240, where he received a knighthood and the title of lord of the island. In 1293 the Castle returned to the Crown. In 1377 an attack was made upon it by a marauding French expedition, but without success. During this and succeeding centuries the buildings were being reconstructed and extended, and at the time of the Spanish Armada the defences were substantially improved. The best-known episode associated with Carisbrooke is, of course, the imprisonment of Charles I. In November, 5647, the King escaped from Hampton Court and made his way to the Isle of Wight. The governor of the island, Colonel Hammond, was on the side of Parliament, and he imprisoned the royal visitor at Carisbrooke. At first the imprisonment was more or less nominal, but following an attempt by Royalists to rescue him, Charles was confined to the grounds of the Castle. One night in March, 1648, the King tried to escape through the window of his bedroom, but could not make a sufficiently large aperture between the bars. Another attempt at escape was made in May but failed, and in September Charles was taken to the Newport Grammar School, where he was visited by the Parliamentary Commissioners. Finally, in December of the same year, he was removed from the Isle of Wight to Hurst Castle. After the death of Charles his children were brought to Carisbrooke, and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, died in the Castle. In the grounds of the Castle may be seen the bowling green which the King used during his imprisonment, and there are also the remains of his rooms. One of the most interesting features of the Castle is the Well House the well was originally sunk in the twelfth century and its depth is 161 feet. Water is drawn by means of a wheel, which is some 15 feet across and is operated by a donkey. The wheel dates from 1588. The Church of St. Mary is a fine structure which had its origin in a Benedictine priory established during the twelfth century, and there are some parts of the present building which belong to that period. In the grounds of the vicarage the remains of a Roman house were discovered in 1859, including a fine mosaic floor.
FRESHWATER.—A charming little village at the western end of the island.
In front of it is the lovely coastline of Freshwater Bay, fringed by high and
rolling downs. To the intrinsic charm of the place is added a close association
with Lord Tennyson. In 1853 the poet came to live in a house called Farringford,
near the road between Freshwater and Alum Bay. Later he bought the house and
occupied it for the greater part of the remaining years of his life. He wrote of
it affectionately as the place
“Where, far from noise and smoke of town
I watch the twilight falling brown,
All round a careless-ordered garden,
Close to the ridge of
a noble down.”
On the top of the neighbouring High Down there is a
memorial to the poet~ consisting of a cross of Cornish granite. The inscription
records that it was erected in 1897 “by the people of Freshwater, and other
friends in England and America.” The cross is a landmark for miles around.
Lady Tennyson, wife of the poet, is buried in the churchyard at Freshwater. The church is a place of great antiquity, parts of it dating
from the twelfth century. It contains a memorial to Lionel Tennyson, son of the
poet, who died of malarial fever in 1886 at the early age of thirty-two.
THE NEEDLES.—A line of tapering chalk rocks, which mark the western
extremity of the Isle of Wight. There was formerly a particularly tall rock in
the group, known as “Lot’s Wife,” but in
1774 it crashed into the water and vanished. Situated on the rock
furthest out to sea is the Needles Lighthouse, the light of which is visible
seawards for some fourteen miles.
NEWP0RT.—The ancient capital of the island, charmingly situated in the
valley of the River Medina. It was granted a charter during the reign of Henry
II, and became a commercial and civic centre of considerable importance. In 1377
a French expedition captured the town and sacked it, and for two centuries
or more it remained in a tate of utter ruin. Rebuilding took place during the
Tudor Period, and after James I had granted a charter of incorporation a high
standard of prosperity was reached. The town enjoyed wide municipal powers and
privileges, and to this day remains in possession of imposing civic insignia,
including maces and borough seals. Newport also had the right to return Members
of Parliament, and from 1807 to 1809 its representatives in the House of Commons were Lord Palmerston
and Sir Arthur Wellesley; the latter of these became famous as the Duke of
Wellington. One of the most interesting local buildings is the Grammar School,
built by means of public subscription in 1614; in October of 1648 this
was the scene of meetings between Charles I and the Parliamentary Commissioners.
Other old buildings include Hazardi House, Lower High Street, and the Chantry
House which belong to the seventeenth century; God’s Providence House, in Pyle
Street, dated 1701
and the Castle Inn, High Street. The Guildhall in Quay Street, was built
between 1814 and 1816, and has a fine clock-tower. The Parish Church, dedicated
to St. Thomas, is a comparatively recent structure, the first stone having been
laid by the Prince Consort in 1854; however, the pulpit, reading desk and
communion plate are all of the seventeenth century, and belonged to the older
church which formerly occupied the same site. An interesting feature of the new
Church is a memorial to Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I. The Princess
died at Carisbrooke Castle and was buried in the old Church at Newport. The
memorial to her was executed by Baron Marochetti, a noted Italian sculptor, and
presented to the Church by Queen Victoria.
NEWTOWN.—Situated at the head of a river estuary, this place was at one
time a port of considerable standing in the island. It also had a Strong
corporate life, and from the later Tudor Period until 1832
it returned two Members to
Parliament; among its representatives were John Churchill, who later won fame
as the Duke of Marlborough, and George Canning, who was destined to become Prime
Minister. An interesting relic of the past is the old Town Hall.
NITON.—This little village, which is a short distance inland from St.
Catherine’s Point, has an ancient Church dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
The nave belongs to the Norman Period, and in fact the Church was granted by the
Norman, William Fitz-Osbern, to the Abbey of Lyra. The parish registers date
from 1560.
QUARR
ABBEY.—Situated in the vicinity of Ryde, the new Quarr Abbey is an
imposing structure in a rather unusual style of architecture. It is a
Benedictine institution, established by monks who were forced to leave France
after the Law of Associations had been passed in 1901. There are also to be seen the ruins of the Old Quarr Abbey, which
was founded in 1131
as a Cistercian priory by Baldwin de Redvers. When the dissolution of the
monasteries took place in the sixteenth century, Quarr was purchased by a
Southampton merchant, who pulled down almost the whole building; hence the
paucity of the remains, which are nevertheless exceedingly picturesque.
RYDE.—A much frequented watering-place and health resort on the
north-east coast of the island. It is a charming and spacious town, beautifully
situated and well laid out. The pier is of exceptional length, owing to the
great distance to which the tide recedes. There are all the usual facilities for
recreation and entertainment.
WHIPPINGHAM.—Situated a short distance from Osborne, this place has an
interesting Church which was reconstructed in 1861 under the ægis of Queen
Victoria and the Prince Consort. Subsequently the Royal family when in residence
at Osborne, frequently worshipped here. Features of the interior are the
striking reredos, erected in memory of Queen Victoria; the font commemorating
the Prince Consort; and the Battenberg Memorial Chapel with the tomb of Prince
Henry of Battenberg, husband of the Queen’s youngest daughter, Beatrice, who
contracted fever and died while on active service in the Ashanti expedition in
1896. There is also a good deal of remarkably line stained glass.
SOUTHAMPTON
TO COWES
The
Scenic Route to the Isle of Wight
One of the chief attractions of Cowes is the fact that it is the terminal of the most interesting route to the Isle of Wight. Situated as it is in its picturesque surroundings at the mouth of the Medina river, Cowes welcomes the visitor with a very friendly smile, when approached from the sea by the route from Southampton. The hour’s journey from the great passenger port is always of interest at any time of the year. It may be said, in fact, that those visitors who come to Cowes for a holiday virtually Start their holiday at Southampton.
Immediately after leaving the Royal Pier, the Steamer passes close by Southampton Docks, where there are always several well known liners berthed and in the river alongside, the giant Empire flying boats of the Imperial Airways are regularly coming and going on their lengthy journeys into all parts of the world. Right down as far as Calshot the attractions of the well equipped dining saloons on the Red Funnel Steamers, which operate this service, Struggle to compete with the varied shipping activities which can be seen from the promenade decks, and the hungry or thirsty traveller reluctantly goes below for refreshment for fear of missing even a portion of this interesting route. As far as the entrance to the Medina river, the Red Funnel Steamers on this sheltered route follow the track of the world’s greatest liners, such as the Queen Mary, the Empress of Britain, the Aquitania, the Europa, the Bremen, etc., which are constantly entering and leaving Southampton Water.
Small dinghies, graceful racing yachts, Steam yachts, oil tankers, and even Thames barges, make up an ever changing scene of marine activity which fascinates even the most seasoned traveller by Red Funnel Steamers. In the summer months, this activity is intensified by the numerous yacht races which are constantly going on in the Solent.
Approaching Cowes, the Steamer passes close by the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Victoria Pier, and along the quaint, almost Continental-looking waterfront, before reaching the pontoon at Fountain Pier.
Those travellers who bring their motor cars by this route are assured of the same amenities as the other passengers, for they and their cars travel on the same well appointed Steamers, with their wide promenade decks, lounges, and refreshment and dining saloons, where hot and cold meals are always obtainable.
COWES
GENERAL INFORMATION
BANKS—Lloyds Bank Ltd., Midland Bank Ltd., National Provincial Bank Ltd., Westminster Bank Ltd.
EARLY CLOSING DAY.—Wednesday.
LICENSING HOURS.—10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.; 6 to 10 p.m. weekdays.
MOTOR ENGINEERS AND GARAGE PROPRIETORS.—
L.V. Floyd, Osborne Garage, East Cowes; Clark & Blachford, R.A.C.; Fountain Garage Ltd., Station Hill, R.A.C., A.A.; Arthur Holmes, Mill Hill Road; Afford’s Garage, York Avenue, East Cowes, A.A.
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.—Dr. W. S. Wallace, M.C., M.B.,D.P.H.
NEWSPAPER.—Isle of Wight County Press.
PARKING PLACE.—Northwood House.
POPULATION.—18,022 (estimated).
PUBLIC SERVICE.—Electricity Supply: Lighting, Flat Rate, 6d. per unit; Two part tariff for lighting, consisting for domestic premises of charge according to floor area, such charge including rent of one meter, plus ¾d. for all current consumed. Power: First 500 units per quarter, 2½d. ; next 4500 units per quarter, 2d. per unit; and all in excess of 5000 units per quarter at 1½d. per unit. The company has a showroom and offices at Birmingham Road, Cowes, where a good selection of fittings and heating and cooking apparatus is displayed. Any of this apparatus can be purchased on the deferred payment system. The company has also an assisted wiring scheme whereby any prospective consumer who agrees to take a supply of current under the two-part tariff system has three pendant points and one plug point installed free of charge, and also an allowance is made in respect of the cost of the service.
GAS SUPPLY : The price of gas is 8.66 pence per therm. The undertaking is the property of the Cowes Urban District Council, and the showrooms and offices are at 9, Birmingham Road, Cowes, where gas apparatus of every description is displayed and can be purchased at the lowest possible price for cash or on hire-purchase terms. A letter to the Secretary, or ‘phone Cowes 587, will receive prompt attention.
GENERAL RATE PER ANNUM.—10s. to 11s. in the £ according to portion of area.
SOIL.—Chiefly of Plateau gravel with Bembridge limestone and clay in lower levels.
VITAL STATISTICS.—Birth rate per 1000, 12.5
Death rate per 1000, 11.2.
WATER SUPPLY.—The town is fortunate in possessing a
water supply of excellent quality, principally derived from a well with borings
carried down to a depth of 700 feet.
This water has been reported on as being of the highest organic purity, and well
adapted for all domestic purposes.
THE
ROYAL LONDON YACHT CLUB
By
THE
SECRETARY, G.
H. L. WATSON,
Esq.
The Royal London began as the Arundel Yacht Club in 1838, and kept its boats on the Thames at the foot of Arundel Street, where the Temple Station now Stands. In those days the burgee was red with a white border and white lettering; seven years afterwards the Arundel became the London under a new flag, a white one with a blue cross and yellow Star. Next year, 1846, the Corporation of the City of London granted the Club the privilege of using as its badge the City Arms; and in 1849 it obtained the Admiralty Warrant and the blue field on which to wear them. The Club continued to thrive, and in 1882 opened a branch Club House at Cowes, and finally yachting having more or less departed from the London river, the London Yacht Club departed from London and Cowes became its home, where its house is alongside that of the Squadron from which it is sometimes distinguished as the Blue Squadron, the Victoria being the Red.
In the year 1908 the Club House in St. James’s Street was given up and the Cowes House has continued to run for the past thirty years under the Secretaryship of Mr. Gerald Watson, though the membership was small when this step was taken. Through the continued generosity of such well-known Flag Officers as Commodore Bartlett, Commodore Cayley, and Commodore Allom, the Club continued to thrive, and for several years now has been self-supporting with a membership of 300. The present Flag Officers are
Commodore, C. R. FAIREY, M.B.E.
Vice-Commodore, Col. Sir VIVIAN GABRIEL, C.S.I., C.M.G., C.V.O., C.B.E.
The Club is renowned for extending hospitality to foreign yachtsmen, and other yachtsmen visiting the port. Lady members are admitted and have special rooms for their comfort during the season and Cowes Week. The Annual Regatta is held on the first Monday in August, and races given for all big classes as well as some of the smaller ones, and four additional regattas are given during the season for Solent Classes.
The Club owns two sailing boats (ex Bembridge Club Boats) presented by the present Commodore, which have proved a great asset to the Club in the past four years. Our late King George V, when Duke of York, honoured the Club for many years as our Admiral. H.R.H. Princess Beatrice (Governor of the Island) is an Honorary Member of the Club.
The Club celebrated its Centenary in 1938 by a large banquet at the Dorchester Hotel, London, at which the Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron (Sir Richard Bulkely) was the chief guest; many other notable yachtsmen were present. In Cowes Week a Centenary Ball was held at Northwood House, which proved a great success, the entire balance amounting to £66 10s. was distributed among local charities. The Centenary Regatta was one of the largest ever billed, there being over 100 competitors in the first day and 140 the second day. Special trophies were presented in addition to the money prizes in the first Regatta, and each competitor received a commemoration medal.