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.


50 years ago:
A car which spent 20 years buried in a garden was unearthed from its tomb after finding a new owner.
The car was buried following a disagreement the previous owner had with his wife, who was displeased with having to sit in the footwell on long journeys around the country.
Converted from a motor-tricycle, the 1901 De Dion Bouton Quad had the distinction of being the oldest car on the Island and would hit speeds as high as 4mph.

100 Years Ago
November 25, 1916

A remarkable achievement came for the Shanklin Volunteers, who performed very well in the BSA national shooting competition.
The team of six men achieved a score of 575 three times in a row, beating many high-ranking British teams.


75 Years Ago
November 22, 1941

Some fashion-conscious ne’er do wells stole £90 worth (£4,098 in today’s money) of stock from Florence Parsons, a Shanklin clothes shop.
Along with the entire stock of blouses, the thieves made off with jackets, topcoats, and even some silk stockings.


50 Years Ago
November 19, 1966

A mysterious prisoner was transferred from the mainland to the maximum security block of Parkhurst.
The Home Office refused to identify the man and elaborate precautions were taken to hide his face from the view of spectators.
Officers sat either side of the prisoner hid his face from view as photographers tried to get a snap of the enigmatic man.

25 Years Ago
November 22, 1991

A Cowes man, described as an unconventional eccentric character, set off a big air and sea search in The Solent when he stole a dinghy for a joyride.
Other craft, including Yarmouth lifeboat and a helicopter, were called in by coastguards after a fisherman spotted the rogue dinghy floating adrift off Egypt Point, Cowes.
The man was given a 90-day sentence, which he had already served before the trial even began.


10 Years Ago
November 24, 2006

The IW Council faced the ire of the public after purchasing a new Mercedes.
Environmental charity, The Footprint Trust, told the council it should trade in the decadent motor for a SmartCar, a suggestion to which the authority was not very receptive.

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