100 years ago

August 17, 1918

LIFEBOAT day on the Island resulted in funds raised for a number of stations and a fun day for all involved.

Bembridge, Cowes, East Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Seaview, Shanklin and St Helens all launched their lifeboats and opened their yards for the day.

Sandown's crew had the most successful day, raising £55.

75 years ago

August 14, 1943

Islanders mourned the death of one of the greatest IW sportsmen, Mr Ernest Williams.

Mr Williams, who was undoubtedly one of the most famous amateur footballers the Island had turned out, was on a bus in Cosham when it veered round the corner and he fell and hit his head on the kerb.

He was the son of Mr H. Williams who was the former head master of the lower school, St. John's Road.

50 years ago

August 10, 1968

The MP responsible for producing the Hovercraft Bill in parliament — the new legislation to cover the operation and licensing of hovercraft services — visited the IW to take her first trip on the Hovercraft.

Gwynneth Dunwoody, MP for Exeter, was accompanied by her two children for the journey.

Mrs Dunwoody was one of 19,400 passengers Hovertravel carried that same week, which was a record number for the firm.

25 years ago

August 13, 1993

An 18-year-old girl had a miraculous escape from injury when a runaway fish and chips trailer wreaked havoc across four Parkhurst gardens.

The trailer careered towards Louise Snook's window when it broke free from the van towing it along Horsebridge Hill.

She was listening to music in her bedroom when she noticed this something rushing towards her window, but luckily, the trailer came to rest just inches from the glass.

10 years ago

August 15, 2008

Almost 500 people at risk of heart attacks and strokes took part in a pioneering screening service being trialled on the Island.

A unique partnership between the IW Chamber of Commerce and the IW NHS Primary Care Trust ran the service which provided free assessments.

Kevin Smith, chamber chief executive, said: "It has surpassed expectations. People are queuing up for the free assessments."