100 years ago
December 22, 1917
The Bishop of Southampton launched an appeal for financial support from the Island for welfare work among female munition workers at Cowes and East Cowes. 
One plant had seen the number employed rise from 200 to 800 women.
He said: “The women of the nation have risen splendidly to the very great emergency, and it is perfectly certain the munitions of war could not have been supplied, except for the great work of women.”

75 years ago
December 26, 1942
A former Cowes works manager was awarded an MBE for his work during an air attack.
Robert Stewart worked during an air raid in Devon and was commended for his “leadership, courage and unshaken devotion” during the raid. He was also commended for restoring production so quickly at the works following the air raid.


50 years ago
December 26 1967
An export order worth £3 million (more than £51 million in today’s money) was awarded to a Bembridge firm. The firm had to make the Island’s largest order to date — for 52 Islander aircraft. This would take up the majority of the 1968 production line.

25 years ago
December 24, 1992
It wasn’t just the Grinch who stole Christmas after a Christmas tree went missing from East Cowes.
Gill Dexter, who owned the tree, was so angry at the theft she placed a poster in her porch window saying: “Merry Christmas to whoever stole my tree.”
The tree was decorated with a 40-year-old fairy, which belonged to Mrs Dexter’s mother. 

10 years ago
December 21, 2007
A highly contagious stomach bug halted operations at St Mary’s Hospital. Doctors were also asked to restrict visits to patients while an outbreak of gastroenteritis was dealt with.