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
May 18, 1901
Religious services were held in the open air outside Shanklin Literary Institute, after its committee decided not to open the doors to the former Catholic monk who had booked it. The Rev F. G. Widdows, a former Franciscan monk who had been excommunicated, had displayed hand bills attacking the Catholic church.
A young stoker on HMS Duke of Wellington, was charged with bigamy at Portsmouth Police Court. The man, from Gunville, accused of marrying his second wife while still married to his first, was committed for trial at the next assizes.
100 Years Ago
May 22, 1926
An outbreak of foot and mouth disease was reported at a Ryde farm. The Cattle Market at Newport was closed by the Ministry of Agriculture after the disease was confirmed at Pound Dairy Farm at Haylands. Ten dairy cows, one heifer, a calf and 17 pigs were slaughtered and burned. The outbreak caused the cancellation of the IW Hunt Steeplechase.
A Parkhurst prisoner stripped off and jumped into a vat of cooling tar before rubbing tar on his face. He was scraped and cleaned before being taken to hospital.
The remains of a large oak that had been struck by lightning at Fairlee, Newport, attracted a constant stream of visitors.
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75 Years Ago
May 18, 1951
A new aircraft service was inaugurated at the IW Airport, Sandown, by the arrival of a Rapide aircraft from Melba Airways. The new service was due to operate between the Island and Hurn Airport in Bournemouth.
Shanklin Lifeguard Corps Club gave a life-saving display at Hope Beach. Lifeguards demonstrated the bronze medallion drill of the Royal Life Saving Society, artificial respiration and advanced methods of releasing oneself from the grip of a drowning person.
Entries for the IW Musical Festival equalled 1,800 — just slightly below the previous year’s record figures.
50 Years Ago
May 15, 1976
A hosepipe ban was enforced on the Island with those using hoses to water their gardens or washing their cars facing possible prosecution.
Enfield Automotive, a Cowes-based company which pioneered the development of a widely-acclaimed production line electric car, was to cease trading. Thirteen staff looked set to lose their jobs.
Island MP Stephen Ross was planning to join a deputation to the Home Secretary over rabies prevention. Mr Ross had already signed an all-party motion calling for select committee on the subject.
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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