100 Years Ago - February 27, 1912
During dense fog and a strong south westerly wind, the French schooner, Prim of Paimpol ran ashore at Atherfield, killing its captain.
The vessel, bound from Lisbon to Boulogne with a cargo of salt, was spotted in the early hours by coastguards.
It ran aground so close to the shore, crew members were able to wade to the shore but the captain suffered a blow to the head on board and was killed.
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A prisoner managed to escape from Parkhurst Barracks while the guard monitoring him was asleep.
The private, from the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, was left overnight in the detention room, which was believed to be locked.
However, when the guard awoke, the door was open and the prisoner was nowhere to be seen.
He was later arrested after his clothes were found in the garden of a nearby house.
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A new apron to protect the sea wall and repair it at East Cowes was recommended for approval.
The wall had fallen into a state of disrepair and it was suggested concrete should be used to make the structure secure. It was expected to cost around £950.
75 Years Ago - February 27, 1937
The first dinner of the IW branch of South African War Veterans was held at the Metropolitan Hall, Newport.
Around 60 veterans from all parts of the Island attended the event, which was deemed a huge success.
The chairman read out a telegram sent to the king by the association, before guests enjoyed music and dancing.
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The water supply in Newport was set to be improved but it meant homes in Cowes, East Cowes and Newport would be without water for 48 hours.
A new supply from Bowcombe was to connect with a high-level reservoir at Alvington Hill, Carisbrooke.
The works would mark the completion of a £17,000 scheme for improving the town’s water supply.
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Almost 1,000 people visited the IW Model Engineering Society’s exhibition, the highest figure since it started.
The popular event attracted a good standard of entries, which featured a wide range of models.
Ships of all shapes and sizes made up the majority of the entries
50 Years Ago - February 24, 1962
Vandals were to blame for a spate of damage at various locations in Ryde.
The problems in the town were a concern for the county council, which was responsible for repairing most of the damage to public areas.
Shelters, seats, lamps, shrubs, lavatories and lawns had all been badly affected by vandals.
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Two young swans cut the electricity to the whole of Bembridge and part of St Helens when they flew into high-tension wires.
The incident was witnessed by several people, one of whom called the Southern Electricity Board so the damage could be repaired.
Both birds died from their injuries. Power was restored to the villages within ten minutes.
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The number of unemployed people on the Island fell at the start of the year.
Figures fell from 1,475 to 1,380. The number of men went down by 76 to 911, women by six to 346, boys by ten to 64 and girls by three to 59.
25 Years Ago - February 27, 1987
A fresh application was submitted for a top class 18-hole golf course, with a clubhouse, at Gurnard, aimed at attracting local and visiting golfers.
Planned on a 115-acre site between Cliff Farm and Rew Street Farm, the development sparked objections on grounds of access.
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An 11-year-old boy walked 100metres — on his hands.
Paul Kimpton, from Cowes, completed the challenge to raise money for the IW Special Olympics.
Asthma sufferer Paul was cheered on by friends from Solent Middle School as he raised £200.
Paul died aged 23, in 1999, after suffering from cystic fibrosis.
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Shanklin Fire Station was commended for providing 100 years of service to the town.
A commemorative plaque was presented to the brigade by Shanklin Business Association, at the annual dinner and dance, at the Cliff Tops Hotel.
Retained firefighter and town councillor, Neil Cole, received the plaque on behalf of the service, as well as a cheque to the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.
10 Years Ago - March 1, 2002
The IW Council announced it was to spend £13 million on capital projects, which included improvements to roads.
The news followed a damning report on the state of the roads.
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A £2.4 million harbour scheme for Ventnor was under threat following objections from the Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust.
The scheme relied on £200,000 grant from the Department of Environment, which wouldn’t release funds until all objections were dealt with. The scheme intended to regenerate the Esplanade.