100 Years Ago - January 29, 1910
THIEVES who stole cash from Newport Liberal Club were thought to have hidden in the club until it closed.
Till takings were missing and the secretary’s office had been ransacked but there was no sign of a forced break-in.
Police investigating the incident thought someone with knowledge of the building was responsible.
-----
A reservoir in Cowes was earmarked as a perfect location for a roller-skating rink.
Cowes District Council said the idle reservoir, which had become an eyesore, could be transformed into one of the best skating rinks in the country for very little cost.
The issue would be referred to the water and lighting committee for consideration.
-----
The Island’s new Unionist MP was as a special guest at a host of events held to celebrate his election.
Douglas Hall, who was voted ahead of his rival Liberal candidate, Godfrey Baring, attended gala dinners in Freshwater, Ventnor, Newport and Shanklin.
75 Years Ago - February 2, 1935
Freshwater’s fire service was set to be upgraded by the arrival of a fire engine.
Freshwater and Totland parish councils said despite the efforts of the Rover Scouts voluntary brigade, more up-to-date equipment was needed to improve the service. A fire engine would cost about £1,000.
-----
A pedestrian suffered two broken legs and facial injuries after he was in an accident with a motorcycle in Cowes.
Samuel Summers was walking home when he collided with Basil Brennan, who mounted the pavement as he swerved to miss a car.
Both men were taken to the Frank James Hospital, as Mr Brennan required stitches to his face.
-----
The Esplanade Pavilion, Ryde, was packed for a hair and fashion show.
The show, presented by the well-known company, Eugene Ltd, included hair dressing demonstrations and modelling of the latest clothing.
50 years Ago - January 30, 1960
People in Seaview and St Helens were woken up after two ships collided near the Nab Tower.
The Santa Alicia, a 6,125 ton American cargo ship, and the Gorm, a Norwegian tanker, carrying 16,500 tons of oil, collided at about 1.30am and remained locked together for six hours.
Tugboats had to separate the ships, before the Santa Alicia was towed to Southampton and the Gorm to Cowes.
The big clean-up began following a major oil leak caused by the collision of the ships. Island beaches were turned black as thousands of gallons of oil washed ashore, with Cowes the worst affected area.
Thick oil clung to slipways and sea walls and it was expected the clean-up would take several months to complete.
-----
AN 80-year-old was forced to leave her house after a chimney fell down. Extensive damage was caused to Mary Buckett’s property, after the chimney fell into the house, leaving a large hole in the wall.
Firefighters attended the house, in High Street, Newchurch, after smoke filled the room.
25 Years Ago - February 2, 1985
Plans by Sealink to run a catamaran passenger service from Ryde Pier to Portsmouth Harbour hit a major snag. Despite a confident prediction the ferry company was about to sign a £1.9 million deal for the purchase of a Swedish-built craft, a last-minute hitch meant it couldn’t go through.
Sealink said it was looking for alternatives, including the American market.
-----
Needles coastguards were given a personal thank-you for initiating an international life-saving rescue.
Ivan and Maureen Cassidy flew from South Africa to the Island to be reunited with their daughter, Roslyn, who had been missing with her friend for nearly two weeks.
While she was missing, Mr and Mrs Cassidy were in constant touch with The Needles, which was the operations hub for the search.
10 Years Ago - January 28, 2000
The Football Association (FA) were to investigate crowd behaviour, following scenes at Cowes Sports’ controversial Carlsberg FA Vase match victory against Tilbury.
Fans and players were embroiled in an ugly melee during half-time, which Cowes Sports’ officials blamed on the visiting team.
Police were called to stand guard over Tilbury’s fans for the rest of match but the events on and off the field tainted what was billed as one of the most successful days on the Island club’s history.
-----
A nursing home for elderly people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease was to close because it was not financially viable.
Staff at Elmdon, Shanklin, were stunned by the news and worried how it might affect the health of the 16 residents at the home, run by Islecare 97.
Five staff were expected to lose their jobs, although Unison secretary Mark Chiverton said he thought more would follow.
-----
Cowes High School’s headteacher denied it had a closed-door policy to the IW College, which was refused space at the school’s annual careers convention.
Nearly 30 stands were filled by mainland employers and universities but Chris Avery said the IW College had only asked to come on the day before the event.
IW College principal John Parnham said he was surprised a school the size of Cowes couldn’t accom-modate them.