100 Years Ago - December 9, 1911
TWIN brothers, Edwin and James a’Court Smith, of Gurnard, walked from Portsmouth to London in 22 hours.
The brothers set off from Portsmouth Town Hall at 6.40pm and walked through the night, arriving in London shortly before 5pm the next day.
The brothers, who had previously walked around the Island in 18 hours, got lost in fog at Godalming, which cost them around two hours.
They were escorted by a messenger boy for the final eight miles, before arriving in London, where they were visiting a relative.
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An article in Australia’s Adelaide Advertiser provoked lots of interest on the Island.
The article profiled the chief justice of Australia, Sir Samuel J. Way, who was originally from the Island.
The article made reference to his early career in Britain and paid tribute to his record during his 35 years of judicial service.
It also made reference to Lord Tennyson, who won his spurs as a colonial governor in south Australia.
75 Years Ago - December 12, 1936
More unrest was reported at Parkhurst Prison after another inmate caused damage on the roof.
Disorder broke out after some convicts complained about the quality of the prison food.
One prisoner climbed on to the roof and smashed several skylights and tore off slates, before he was overpowered by officers.
It was the third time in two months a prisoner had climbed on to the roof and caused damage.
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The Polish transport and training ship, ORP Wilia, arrived in Cowes with 12 petty officers for the warships Grom and Blyskawica, which were being built at J. S. White’s.
An impromptu reception was held by J. S. White’s, where members of the firm, plus district councillors, met with the crew.
Chairman of the district council, Mr A. F. J. Sibbick, told them the ships would have prosperous careers.
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The former British School in Niton was converted into a village hall. The centrally located building, which had had many uses, was said to be the best-equipped village hall on the Island, complete with kitchen, assembly room and electric lighting. The conversion cost around £600.
50 Years Ago - December 9, 1961The owner of a Merstone cottage accepted the blame for a fire, which caused considerable damage in his home.
Mr Clark, owner of Stone Cottage, told the County Press he left an electric fire too close to a divan bed, which was being used as a settee.
Mr Clark, an electrician, described it as a moment of carelessness. Most of the interior was damaged by smoke but his wife, two children, five cats and three dogs were unharmed.
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Members of the Island Federation of Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association staged a protest outside County Hall against plans to increase the rates.
Chanting members with banners gathered outside the council offices, before moving to the public gallery of the council chamber, to hear councillors debate the proposals.
During the meeting, it was stated keeping the rates at the same level would be stupid and impracticable.
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Hoteliers in Ventnor were unhappy about private householders opening their homes to visitors.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Ventnor Hotels, Boarding Houses and Caterers’ Association, Mr H. J. F. Walley said anyone providing accommodation for visitors in their homes should be reported. One report said a council house tenant had been offering meals to visitors, while other residents were providing overnight stays.
25 Years Ago - December 12, 1986
A Cowes businessman warned an increase in thefts and vandalism in the town could get out of hand because there was a shortage of officers on the beat.
Roger Clowes, press officer for Cowes Business Association, said there was grave concern among residents and businessman about the level of policing.
He said although the town’s police officers were doing a worthwhile job, they were restricted by a lack of numbers.
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Angry protests were lodged with the IW County Council and British Rail about plans to ask ratepayers to contribute £30,000 towards the new Lake railway station.
Mr G. F. Whitehorn, chairman of the Lake Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, said he was shocked and angry about the idea of £30,000 of ratepayers’ cash being used to finance a platform and shelter at the new station. He said the association was told only a small contribution would be required towards the station.
10 Years Ago - December 14, 2001
The biggest ever hammer blow to hit Island jobs fell when GKN Aerospace Services announced up to 650 redundancies.
The magnitude of the job losses, most of them compulsory redundancies, was much bigger than expected. Closure of the entire north site and the loss of skilled jobs meant GKN would no longer be the largest industrial employer on the Island.
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A planning inspector was facing a choice between whether the appearance of Ryde’s Appley Tower was more important than the public being able to enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
The inspector was to decide after a visit to the site whether a wooden safety balustrade, essential for protecting the public, would be able to stay.
Without protection, the roof of the historic tower, once used as a viewing platform for royalty, would have to be closed to the public.