100 Years Ago
January 1, 1910
THE Island’s prospective unionist candidate was forced to miss a large part of his election campaign through illness.
Douglas Hall had planned to give talks to his supporters across the Island but flu meant his colleagues, including Lord Tennyson, had to deputise in his absence.
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The Atherfield Lifeboat was called to rescue a stranded steamer in foggy weather, off Shepherd’s Chine.
However, the rising tide enabled the vessel to free itself from a ledge, where, in 1892, another steamer, Eider, had got stranded and lost most of its cargo, when it started sinking.
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A fancy-dress ice skating carnival was held at Shanklin Pier’s Pavilion Rink, as part of the town’s Christmas celebrations.
A large number of skaters took part, dressed in a range of costumes, including a Christmas tree and an Egyptian lady. Wheelbarrow races, skating in pairs and the fastest skater competitions were also held, watched by crowds of spectators.
75 Years Ago
January 5, 1935
A Carisbrooke man was killed when he fell off his bicycle, while cycling down Cheverton Shute, near Shorwell.
A Southern Vectis driver witnessed Arthur Ram, 29, landing head first after the frame of his bike snapped in half, as he was cycling home from work.
Although a Brighstone doctor arrived quickly, Mr Ram was pronounced dead at the scene.
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A fifth holiday camp was established on the Island, on the coast between Atherfield and Brighstone.
Messrs A. W and W. J. B. Russell, of Thorncross Farm, agreed to sell about 24 acres of cliff-top land, at Shepherd’s Chine, to a London company.
Holiday chalets were expected to be built and the holiday camp was due to open at easter.
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The Wight Strollers performed Aladdin as its 12th pantomime at the Rink Theatre, Newport.
Although the group had performed Aladdin ten years previously, the story was rewritten with more up-to-date songs. A series of shows were put on, featuring around 700 children.
50 Years Ago
January 2, 1960
Storms caused chaos during Christmas, as high winds and heavy rain battered the Island.
A whirlwind at Nodes Point damaged a number of properties in the area, including a 17th century house, which lost two of its ancient chimney stacks.
Ventnor Pier was damaged by rough seas on Boxing Day and flooding caused some accidents on the roads.
The Needles lighthouse keepers’ Christmas celebrations were also postponed because their gifts could not be delivered.
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The storms did not stop the IW Boxing Day Hunt attracting a record number of spectators.
Around 3,000 people attended the chalkpit at Downend, Arreton, for the IW Foxhounds’ annual festive hunt, involving more than 100 riders.
However, the weather conditions got worse and the hunt was called off in the afternoon, with no foxes caught.
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The number of road accidents on the Island was up on the previous year.
At a meeting of the IW Joint Road Safety Committee at County Hall, it was revealed 772 accidents were reported to the police, compared to 717 in 1958. There were seven fatal accidents and 121 where serious injuries were sustained.
25 Years Ago
January 4, 1985
Newport Football Club was considering an approach from an unnamed agent for the purchase of its ground at Church Litten.
It was understood £500,000 had been offered, and club secretary Chris Cheverton said it was inevitable offers would be made because the site was so valuable.
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Ferry operators Sealink were going ahead with proposals for their first catamaran vessel between Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth Harbour.
The company hoped the 350-seater craft, intended to be the first of three, would be in service by the end of June.
The catamaran would cost Sealink about £1.9 million.
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A carelessly discarded cigarette was thought to be responsible for a warehouse blaze in Newport.
The total cost of the damage at the Pyle Street storage depot was thought to be around £500,000, with at least £200,000 of stock and two delivery vans destroyed.
Fifty firefighters were needed to tackle the blaze.
10 Years Ago
December 30, 1999
County Hall received an extra £650,000 to help reduce homelessness on the Island.
The total allocation for the year was £2,167,000, which would be used to reduce the number of homeless families, with around 80 in bed and breakfast accommodation.
And at the same time, the IW Council learned it had improved its performance in tackling housing issues.
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Travellers at both Merstone and Blackgang were given formal notice to quit the sites.
The IW Council presented the travellers with an official eviction order, which would affect one man living at the Blackgang Viewpoint and 17 vehicles at the old railway line in Merstone.
Regular parties at the Merstone site had attracted complaints.
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Shoppers started queuing at Newport’s Next fashion store at 3am to get the best Boxing Day bargains.
More than 100 people had joined the queue by 7am, making it the busiest day of sales at the store for three years.
Shop manager Kelly Mabey said it was total chaos as soon as the doors opened.