100 years ago - October 19, 1918

PRESIDENT Wilson of the USA answered the German proposal for an armistice.

He said: “The nations associated against Germany cannot be expected to agree to a cessation of arms while acts of inhumanity, spoliation and desolation are being continued.”

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The IW branch of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children celebrated a successful year.

Chairman of the branch, the Rev T. Busher, spoke of the importance of the work being done by the society in conserving the child life of the nation.

During the war, the lives of 56,000 children had been helped nationally.

75 years ago - October 23, 1943

Tom Smitch, of Ryde, whose clever and amusing cartoons appeared regularly in the County Press, was serving in an airborne division in the Middle East.

He wrote: “Despite the heat, dust and flies, I have managed to accumulate a number of sketches. Art must go on if life may be short.”

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A Ryde sergeant was awarded an MBE, military division, for services to the Special Intelligence branch.

George Albert Corney joined the Scots Guards and became a sergeant before he was 21.

He was awarded for his work in Cairo.

50 years ago - October 12, 1968

Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten of Burma, governor of the IW, visited the Island for some royal duties.

He spent most of his time in the Ryde area, opening new science buildings at Ryde School, joining a Mothers’ Union rally at the town hall and officially opening Ryde’s first Abbeyfield House.

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Hovertravel, of Ryde, enterprising pioneer of hovercraft passenger transport, reached a new landmark when it carried its millionth passenger.

The occasion was marked by a presentation ceremony at the Esplanade terminal.

The traveller was Mrs Helen Crowder, of Buckingham Close, Ryde. She received a gold ticket for life — unlimited journeys forever.

25 years ago - October 15, 1993

A half-a-million pound boost was given to the campaign to attract visitors to the Island.

The extra money, pledged by the three Island ferry operators, local authorities and businesses within the tourist industry, was set to fund additional high-profile advertising in a bid to sell the Island.

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Two bakers narrowly escaped death when a stolen high-powered car smashed into Freshwater Bakery in the early hours of the morning, causing £10,000 of damage.

The driver and passenger escaped unhurt as the car caught fire after hitting the bakery in School Green Road.

10 years ago - October 17, 2008

A war of words broke out over claims the schools reorganisation could cost taxpayers £2.4 million more a year.

The IW Council hit back at the Standards not Tiers chairman who said closing small schools would free up less than ten pence per child per day.

He claimed this, plus losing the small schools’ grant, would spell a loss and said: “They haven’t done the basic maths.”

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A mobile CCTV camera was just one measure implemented at Cowes Park and Ride base because of regular vandalism.

Cowes Safer Neighbourhood police officers drew up a plan to reduce criminal activity at the site, while fencing and gate repairs plus new warning signs were added to the to-do list.