LOOKING BACK
EACH week we look back at Isle of Wight history and heritage, using the Isle of Wight County Press Archive.For more, please see the Isle of Wight County Press newspaper, every Friday.Search for your own stories by accessing our archive here.

Ten years ago: This oyster would have made a monster meal in itself but was one shellfish not for eating.
Fisherman Mike Towill took advantage of a particularly low tide one Sunday and went to pick oysters at Woodside Bay.
Among them was the 1.5 kg specimen, which was as big as a dinner plate and thought to be at least 80 years old.

100 Years Ago
February 24, 1917


DEMONSTRATING a curious sense of priorities, given the ongoing war, the IW Women’s Temperance Association called for the outright ban of alcohol.
The association proposed the nationalisation of the licensed trade and immediate prohibition.


75 Years Ago
February 28, 1942


In an effort to curb the plague of rabbits on Island crops, it was announced the price of Cymag gassing powder was to be reduced by 50 per cent from March until August.


50 Years Ago
Febuary 18, 1967


Yarmouth Harbour Commission banned public dancing in the pier square during carnival week.
Traditionally, the climax to the Yarmouth Carnival was a dance that attracted more than 1,000 revellers.
However, the Harbour Commission wanted to reserve the space for car parking, prompting protests from Yarmouth residents and and the carnival committee.


25 Years Ago
February 21, 1992


Two middle schools prepared to send a delegation of parents, head teachers and governors to Westminster in protest at education cuts.
Money to relieve chronic overcrowding in Island schools was cut from £1.6million to just £88,000 by the Conservative government.


10 Years Ago
February 23, 2007


A man who said his family was deprived of sleep for the three days and nights of the IW Festival claimed his human rights had been breached.
Richard Wilkins made a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights after the previous year’s festival.
He said holding a three-day festival so close to homes contravened articles one and eight of the Human Rights Act.
He said: "I think the IW Festival is a wonderful event but it’s in the wrong place."

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