100 years ago

April 13, 1918

Islanders mourned the death of Mr W. E. Grant, the respected and highly esteemed head-master of Ryde Upper School.

He oversaw Ryde School move from a boys' school to a mixed school, and his death deprived the school of one of its foremost leaders.

He was known as "Skipper" Grant, and was a keen swimmer, footballer and cricketer.

75 years ago

April 10, 1943

Mr Wallace M. Caws of Ryde has retired from the IW Pilot service after 43 years.

The first record of any member of the Caws family being a pilot was in 1741, and Mr Wallace Caw's six sons were all pilots.

Mr Wallace Caws was appointed first choice pilot for the American Line, and piloted the Adriatic on her maiden voyage when she was the largest ship in the world.

50 years ago

April 6, 1968

Improvements to dental facilities of the Island was mentioned in a report by the principal medical officer.

The delivery of a mobile dental clinic — a trailer dentally equipped to a high standard — enabled good service to rural schools.

A total of 12,000 children received good dental inspections at schools or clinics during the year.

25 years ago

April 8, 1993

Medina Council said it was satisfied with the progress Robin Hill was making following demands for improvements a year before.

Owners claimed between £40,000 and £60,000 was spent to comply with Medina's requirements and introduce new features.

10 years ago

April 11, 2008

The IW Council announced plans to shut Kitbridge Middle School after it failed its Ofsted report.

Kitbridge was placed into special measures and plans were released to merge it with Downside Middle School.

The timing of the report — the first day of the Easter holidays — caused controversy among parents.