From left, sculptor Glyn Roberts, High Sheriff Gay Edwards, writer Derek Stirman, mayor’s cadet Lauren Bartlett and mayor Cllr David Woodward. Picture by Peter Boam.
A WELL-known Ryde character known to his friends as "a real gentleman of the road," has been immortalised in stone.
Few tramps make their way to the Island but one came in 1957 and stayed for 28 years.
Well educated, nicely spoken and with good manners, Theodore Racine Searle soon became a popular figure, although rather a mystery to many.
All sorts of rumours abounded about him and it was for this reason that his former social worker and good friend, Derek Stirman, wrote a booklet on Theodore, known as Theo to his friends, to separate fact from fiction.
"He was thought to have been born of wealthy parents and paid to stay away from home. Some said a failed love affair blighted his life," said Mr Stirman.
"What we do know is he was once a county and international trial hockey player. He was also a lover of music, played the piano and wrote poetry. He lived close to nature and often slept in woodlands and barns."
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| The stone carving of Theo. |
Mr Stirman’s booklet led to an offer by Island sculptor, Glyn Roberts, to create a stone carving of Theo, which was unveiled along with plaque by the Island’s High Sheriff, Gay Edwards, in Ryde Square, last week.
She said it was always wrong to judge people by their appearance and those who got to know Theo knew he was a true gentleman.
Mr Stirman, who wrote the words for the plaque, said he wanted to dedicate the memorial to all of Theo’s friends on the Isle of Wight.
Theo was a tall, well-built man, bearded, long-haired and wore several layers of clothing topped by a duffel coat.
He always wore rolled down wellingtons.
"Theo spent hours watching birds and animals. He never begged and always behaved like the true gentle giant that he was. A threat to no one. A real gentleman of the road," the plaque reads.
Mr Searle died in 1987.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk