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.

25 years ago: Bembridge man Colin Fyrth gave his granddaughter, Leanne, a load of old junk for Christmas but she was still the envy of children across the Island.
The scrap parts of a chicken coop, old lawn mower, gas pipes and larder door were skillfully refashioned in an electrically powered miniature car.100 Years Ago
January 20, 1917


IN THE same week Conservative party leader Andrew Bonar Law condemned the wartime atrocities in Belgium, a collection for children living in the ravaged country was arranged on the IW.
Contributions came in from across the Island, raising a total of £44 2s. 8½d. (£2,753 in today’s money).

75 Years Ago
January 24, 1942


A number of complaints were made to the council after the Ministry of Supply contracted local builders to remove safety railings around the Island.
It was commented some of the roads where the railings had been removed "looked as though several bombs had fallen there".
Though there was little argument against the need to requisition raw materials for the war effort, it was the manner in which it was done that sparked the ire of residents.
Proper permission from the ratepayers not been sought, plus the support pillars were destroyed in what was described as "quite unnecessary" fashion.

50 Years Ago
January 14, 1967


Judges were unanimous in their praise of the high standard of entries at Cowes Fanciers’ Society adult stock show.
A range of rabbits, poultry, pigeons and cage birds were presented at the St James’s Hall, East Cowes.

25 Years Ago
January 17, 1992


A scheme to build ten low-cost homes for local first-time buyers at Totland came under fire from local residents.
Concerns were raised over the loss of amenity space and an increase in traffic, which could present a danger to children.

10 Years Ago
January 19, 2007


A swan population explosion on Ryde Canoe Lake was branded a health hazard by local councillor Henry Adams.
The IW council was urged to reduce the number of swans and test the water for bacteria levels before using the lake for pedalos.
"There have been reports of sickness associated with the lake and my fear is it is caused by the large number of swans there now," said Cllr Adams.

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