TEN years ago: More than 100 hardy scooterists braved the worst rainstorm for many months to take part in the annual Lambretta Day rally.
As to be expected there were some immaculate and well kitted-out models, including Lambretta, Vespas, and Piaggios.
Ryde scooter enthusiast Steve Robson said: “Everyone got absolutely drenched — it was the worst weather we’ve had this year but, amazingly, a really good run out.
“Fair play to those who came over from the mainland. They woke up this morning, saw the weather, and still paid for the ferry.”


100 Years Ago
June 2, 1917


A BOXER died as a result of injuries sustained in a contest with an Island man.
The soldier was fighting a Cowes riveter at The Dell, Southampton.
The contest ran its normal course without mishap until near the end of the second round, when the soldier was knocked to the floor and hit his head on the staging, losing consciousness.
He was taken to Royal Hants and Southampton Hospital but died a few hours later.

75 Years Ago
June 6, 1942


THE County Press received a letter from Platoon Sgt Maj W. Ferguson, of the Royal Ulster Rifles, who had been captured during the retreat from Dunkirk.
In his upbeat letter he detailed life as a prisoner at Stalag XXB Camp in Germany. While football was the main distraction, one prisoner had staged a production of the pantomime, Babes in the Wood, which ran for ten successive nights.
“The scenery and dresses were all made from coloured paper and odds and ends,” wrote Sgt Mjr Ferguson.
“The band are all first-class musicians, and always ready to please. Cheerio! Play up, Newport!”

50 Years Ago
June 3, 19647


Following protests from the congregation, plans to open an amusement arcade next to the Congregational Church on St James’s Street, Newport, were foiled by the council.
Deemed to be “unneighbourly” and “inappropriate for the area”, the county council refused the plans as it would “reduce the attractiveness of the street.”

25 Years Ago
June 6, 1992


A 13-strong group of travellers who said they just wanted to live in the open air, claimed the peace of their Sandown encampment was regularly shattered by unfriendly passers-by.
However, one pensioner said he appropached the campsite and was threatened by dogs and stick-brandishing youths.
One 21-year-old traveller who wished to remain anonymous, denied his group had been aggressive. He said, “Passers-by are the ones that give us grief — we are quite peaceful people and just want them to walk past on their way.”

10 Years Ago
June 1, 2007


The short-lived Solent TV went into insolvency weeks after claiming 2007 would be its most financially successful year.
Bosses released a statement announcing the closure and the loss of 12 jobs — and sister organisations Island Volunteers, Community Solutions and DV Media would cease to trade.