Ten years ago: A mainland couple had a lucky escape when they were hit by the branches of an oak tree, which had broken away from the cliff. Pete Slight and Sarah Shaw became trapped under the debris when the main trunk of the 100-year-old tree landed between them.

100 Years Ago
July 7, 1917
Alcohol was significantly harder to purchase in 1917.
Wine and spirit merchants, W. B. Mew Langton & Co issued a notice to its customers, reminding them beer and wine could only be purchased weekdays between noon and 2.30pm, and from 6pm to 8pm. Spirit sales were limited and could not be sold from 2.30pm on Friday until noon on Monday.


75 Years Ago
July 4, 1942
The front page featured Mrs Flynn, celebrating her work starting 131 savings groups. Between August and November 1940, she called on every house in her ward and started 45 savings groups and over the next two years the number of groups continued to grow.


50 Years Ago
July 8, 1967
Newport agricultural student George Bush gained the highest award for poultry husbandry in the final examinations of Cumberland and Westmorland College of Agriculture. George obtained a credit certificate and also received the principal’s prize for the student placed first in the examination and the Gilchrist prize for the best agricultural student on the poultry course.


25 Years Ago
July 3, 1992
Angry coach drivers were due to stage a blockade at Shanklin Esplanade in protest at their eviction from the Spa site parking area.
Eight drivers and their coaches were on the Esplanade at 9am to block off the entrance to the site which the council had decided to turn over to cars only during July and August.
The council director said: “The question of coach parking in peak season is a growing problem which must be addressed when the 1992 parking order is reviewed.”
One coach driver said: “This is getting ridiculous. If it comes to it, we will block roads down there and park the coaches in the main street. We don’t want to hassle but they don’t want to listen.”


10 Years Ago
July 6, 2007
Island life is healthier, according to a national survey released this week. It was discovered Islanders were healthier and living longer, with life expectancy increasing faster on the IW than anywhere else in the country.
However, obesity, children in poverty and low academic achievement were identified as key areas for improvement. The figures also showed there was slightly more violent crime on the Island but less teenage pregnancy.