LETTERSFrom James Harrison, Cowes:
Once again: IW or IOW?
Over the years I have heard lots of excuses and explanations concerning the use of the abbreviations IW and IOW.
However, the unbelievable story told by Mr A. Attrill (CP letters 03-08-12) suggesting it was the old GPO that instigated the IW, must take the biscuit.
To use the abbreviation IW is not only grammatically incorrect; it is also cheap, slovenly and shows a lack of understanding by the writer.
All of our banks use the correct abbreviation of IOW and so does most of the Island’s industry. The ultimate guiding authority on this subject must be the Oxford English Dictionary.
If you look there you will see IOW stands for — Isle of Wight. The abbreviation — IW does not exist in relation to the Island.
I am sorry to say the worst offenders in the incorrect use of this abbreviation are the County Press and the IW Council. What a terrible example these two leading organisations are setting for our population in general and in particular, our young people.
Editor’s footnote: Is one of the banks Mr Harrison refers to Royal Bank of Scotland, which calls itself RBS not RBoS?
It is clearly a matter of style, not grammar.