100 Years Ago - August 31, 2012
THE decision to postpone the Sandown Bay Regatta for a week was hailed a masterstroke.
Heavy rain meant the annual regatta had to be postponed but the conditions were glorious for the rescheduled date and the crowds were out in force.
Water polo, sailing, greasy pole, swimming, walking marathon and canoeing were among the events contested.
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A tramp was charged with stealing apples in Blackwater.
Henry Tosdevin, of Blackwater, saw James Clark walking away from his garden with a bag, filled with apples, on his back.
When Clark realised he had been spotted, he dropped the bag, before Mr Tosdevin confronted him.
Clark was remanded so his case could be heard in the county petty court.
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Ventnor residents packed into the town hall to decide unanimously the town needed a carnival, following a meeting to test reaction to the idea.
The chosen date was September 12.
75 Years Ago - September 5, 1937
Within ten days of someone firing a bullet at a train travelling between Newchurch and Sandown, there was a similar occurrence to a train travelling between Bembridge and Brading.
Near the level-crossing leading to the waterworks, the bullet hit a passenger compartment, where Mr G. A. Fooks, of Bembridge, was travelling.
The shot left a hole in the window but Mr Fooks was unhurt.
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Staff at County Hall were moving out in preparation for its demolition.
They would be relocated to quarters in various parts of the borough, while the new County Hall was built.
Newport House, Crocker Street, would house the county clerk, public assistance officer and the registrar of births, while the county accountant and the taxation officer were in the High Street.
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There was excitement on Sandown seafront as a scene for a new movie was filmed.
A large crowd watched the scene being filmed for Generation after Generation, representing a part dealing with the Victorian era.
Katherine Todd entered a bathing machine in Victorian dress, before emerging in a bathing costume, frilled hat and stockings.
50 Years Ago - September 1, 1962
The railway line between Sandown and Shanklin was blocked for eight hours after the brake van of a goods train was derailed.
The accident occurred when the goods train was being shunted, causing the brake van to flip on its side.
A breakdown crew from Ryde St John’s station worked all day to clear the brake van from the line. A bus service was provided for passengers.
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A signet ring lost 20 years ago by Cowes resident, William Burman, arrived in the post.
Mr Burman, of Upper Bellevue Road, had lost the ring while gardening at his former home in Southampton.
Mr K. Draper, who moved into the home in 1959, posted the ring to Mr Burman, the chief steward at the Island Sailing Club, after digging it up.
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The old mill at Wootton Bridge would be pulled down to make way for a terrace of eight yachtsmen’s houses, subject to planning permission.
There had been much speculation about the development and rumours had ranged from a hotel to a nightclub.
25 Years Ago - September 4, 1987
eight auxiliary coastguards were called upon to remove and replace the hands on the clock of St Andrew’s Church, Chale.
One of the hands on the south face had been taken down more than ten years earlier and the decision to remove the other was made after it was damaged in a storm.
The Rev T. Louden called on the coastguards for help and the team, using safety equipment and a harness, gathered at the top of the 120ft-high tower to replace the clock hands.
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As Medina councillors voted by a large majority to refuse the controversial Westridge development, they were told that without it, the adjacent leisure centre complex plan would not proceed either.
Proposals for the complex included a holiday village, conference centre and indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
After the vote against the application for a business park, the applicants stated the leisure complex was dependent on its approval.
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An off-duty policeman nearly drowned after plunging into the sea to go to the rescue of his two young sons.
Michael Devaney, 36, a police constable at Ventnor, said he owed his life to friends who rescued him from the outgoing tide, moments after he had gone to the aid of his sons.
Friend Graham Thomas entered the water to help the exhausted father and another friend, Ralph Dominey, scrambled along the breakwater to reach him.
10 Years Ago - August 30, 2002
The Island was set to bid for the 2007 Island Games.
Organisers said the event could give a £1 million boost to the economy and attract up to 6,000 visitors.
Chairman of the IW Games Association, David Ball, said the Island Games would be the largest sporting spectacle of its kind on the IW and generate worldwide media interest.
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A red-faced policeman had to radio colleagues for help after he was trapped in the back of a police van.
The officer was packing cones inside the van when its door slammed shut, trapping him inside.
He tried banging on the sides of the van to get help but passers-by assumed the "prisoner" was someone who had been arrested.
The officer asked for help on the radio and help arrived after 20 minutes.