The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing the news to Islanders since 1884. We've delved into the archives to find out what was happening in days gone by.
125 Years Ago
December 8, 1900
A crowd at Ryde Town Hall enjoyed a lecture on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, given by Mr J. C. Powys. The lecture explained the character of Caesar and his problems.
People were being urged to give their loved ones a present they would really enjoy. A Ryde fishmonger, J. Johncox, was advertising barrels of Island oysters for 5s (25p).
100 Years Ago
December 12, 1925
A snap of cold weather left Sandown reservoir covered in ice and a photograph was printed in the County Press of people taking advantage of the opportunity to skate.
In a County Press supplement, husbands were advised what presents their wives would probably like for Christmas. A wide range was suggested, including umbrellas, handbags, stockings and knitting silks.
75 Years Ago
December 9, 1950
In the Southern Electricity Board’s annual report it was stated that the Island’s farms were increasingly being supplied with electricity connections.
The 1924 paddle steamer, Shanklin, the oldest vessel on the British Railways’ service between Ryde and Portsmouth, made her last journey from Portsmouth to Southampton Docks, to await a purchaser.
Rumours were rife in the House of Commons that the Island’s railway network would soon suffer a severe cutback. The main rumour was that the Sandown to Newport line would be the first to close.
50 Years Ago
December 6, 1975
A report by the IW Consumer Group called for attempts to be made to limit population growth on the Island. The group was concerned that the population increase in previous years had been much greater than the suggested average and said that they would favour any action that reverses the tendency.
The Great Hall at Carisbrooke Castle was packed to capacity when a talk on Island shipwrecks was given by Dr J. B. Williamson. Illustrated with his large collection of slides, he gave a graphic account of some of the more memorable wrecks and rescues.
For more tales of the past, subscribe to our online archive, where you can read the County Press editions dating back to 1884!
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