HARRY SPENCER
Harrison Roland “Harry” Spencer (1925-2009) was founder of Spencer Rigging; a larger than life character, a great raconteur who was equally at home with royalty or the working class.
Harrison Roland “Harry” Spencer (1925-2009) was founder of Spencer Rigging; a larger than life character, a great raconteur who was equally at home with royalty or the working class.
Colin Winsor was a one time fisherman, fish shop owner, window cleaner and local oddjob man. He raised and lowered the bollards in the High Street as well as the flags and banners. He was somone whom you always felt better after meeting him.
Harry Morris Cheek (1904-1983) was a native of Wyatts Lane, Northwood affectionately known as the Sherriff of Northwood. He was a founder member and long time secretary of Northwood St John’s football club after it was reformed 1952. Today Harry Cheek Gardens cover his market garden where he grew produce for his ‘fruit and veg’ round. Harry with his cart and horse Joey were a well-known sight in Northwood and Cowes.
Geoff Wroath well known newsagent with shops firstly where the High Street and Bath Road meet – and latterly in Birmingham Road. A real gentleman, well liked by his many friends and associates.
Norman Pittman James Butchers (1928-1996) was a well known farmer milkman, Medina Borough Councillor and Cowes Town Councillor. He became Chairman of the Borough Council and Mayor of Cowes.
Cliff Michelmore (1919 -2016) was raised in Cowes and attended Denmark Road school. Well known broadcaster on Radio and TV, he was a squadron leader in the RAF during the Second World War. He began broadcasting on British Forces Network radio and there met his wife, Jean Metcalfe, a co host on Two-way Family Favourites. He presented the early evening show Tonight and many other TV programmes.
Sir Phillip Hunloke GCVO 1868-1947. George V’s sailing master, Commodore of both the Royal Yacht Squadron (1943-47) and the Island Sailing Club (1901-1903 and 1943-47). He was generally regarded as one of the last century’s great helmsmen.
Patrica Teresa (Patsy) Turner (1913- 1991) married Roland Maurice Francis Guy Seymour Faverot De Kerbrech in 1947. Daughter of Archie Turner, landlord of the Mayflower, St Mary’s Road, Cowes Patsy is still remembered with affection for her out-going personality and “joie de vivre”.
Sir James (Jimmy) Milne, CBE (1896-1966.) Jimmy as he was affectionally known, was Managing Director and then Company Chairman of J Samuel White’s. As well as guiding the company through the wartime navel production he ensured that there was a full post-war order book. It was his initiative that led to the purchase of JS White’s sportsground in Park Rd & the land for Cowes Golf Course.
John Cade (1924-1989) was a well known figure often seen riding or pushing his, usually heavily laden, bike between home in Victoria Road and his piggery in Tuttons Hill.
Jim (Bimbo) Littledale (1915-2007) will be remembered by former White’s employees. Following retirement he spent more time in his garden and was a member of the Rose, Carnation and Sweet Pea Association.
Sir Godfrey Baring (1871-1957) had a remarkable record of public service; as well as being the Island’s MP he was Chairman of the Isle of Wight County Council for an unprecedented 51 years, from 1898 to 1949. Why he retained the post for so long is summed up by a subsequent Chairman “Because the County Council thought that he was the best person to conduct their affairs.” He was also at various times the Island’s High Sherriff, Chairman of the County Bench, a JP and Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and an Alderman of London City Council. He was Chairman of Cowes Urban District Council in 1900, 1902 & 1930. He was also Chairman of the RNLI for 33 years. In recognition of his public service he was invested as a Knight Commander, Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1952.
Ernest Valentine ( Val) Fry (1936 -2014) was a man of amazing talent. Apprenticed as a blacksmith and working for many years at Clare Lallows, it was as a model maker that showed incredible talent. Whether it was a full sized Harpsichord, a fully working Traction Engine of a ship in tiny bulb, Val made them all. His scale models of ships were amazing for their detail and accuracy.
Ernest James Maxted died, aged 76, in 1988. He was a trades unionist and member of the local labour party, a party he represented on the local council. Maxted Close in Cowes is named in his honour.