100 Years Ago - July 3, 1909
Two famous musicians performed at a concert in Cowes to raise money for the Church Army.
Well-known stage and vocal performer Evie Greene and baritone Dennis Drew, were the star attractions at the concert, watched by a large audience at the Victoria Hall.
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The Shanklin company of National Scouts were presented with a Union Flag by Maj Chichester, after spending a week camping in his grounds.
After handing over the flag, the major said it was an important function of the scouts to respect and honour the national emblem.
The flag was raised as the scouts sang Before All Lands In East Or West, I Love My Native Land The Best.
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The new golf club in Northwood Park, Cowes, was expected to be open before the Cowes Regatta in August.
Following the completion of a new clubhouse, officials at the club were inviting new members to join.
75 Years Ago - July 7, 1934
A train service taking passengers from Ventnor to Freshwater was reinstated on the Island.
The tourist train was first implemented on the Island in 1932, by Southern Railway’s superintendent, Mr MacLeod.
It proved to be a popular attraction with residents and visitors, as it was able to carry a total of 350 passengers.
The journey from Ventnor to Freshwater took one-and-a-half hours, via stops at Newport and Yarmouth.
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Around 1,400 children celebrated Co-operative Day, taking part in a host of events at Westwood Park, Cowes.
The event, held for youngsters whose parents were members of the Co-operative Society, included a Punch and Judy show, coconut shies and a fancy dress parade.
Members of the town band and a jazz band also entertained throughout the day.
50 Years Ago - July 4, 1959
A new system to supply electricity to the whole of the Island from a central location was almost complete.
The power station at Kingston would supply electricity through a mains system underground, with the exception of some overhead cables in coastal areas.
However, some residents had concerns about the development, particularly the thought of roads being dug up in the event of a fault.
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A spectacular parachute jump organised as part of a military open day in Sandown had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Many people had gathered at Sandown Airport expecting to watch 40 paratroops jump from a plane but strong winds meant it was too hazardous.
Two solo parachute jumps had been made earlier in the day, while a display by a Royal Naval helicopter thrilled the crowds.
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Six nurses from the Island were among 5,000 members of the profession to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
The nurses were invited to the palace after raising more than £100 for the District Nursing Centenary Appeal, following a garden party at Lisle Combe, St Lawrence.
25 Years Ago - July 6, 1984
The Ministry of Defence submitted plans for radio navigational facilities at the former Niton Radio Station at Castlehaven.
The plans, which included a 30ft antenna, 10ft-high security fence, two buildings and a fuel store, would be considered by South Wight Borough Council at its next meeting.
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The IW Council’s emergency committee was due to meet to consider a threat made by Mods regarding a scooter rally in August.
Scooterists said they would adopt new tactics to avoid the provisions of the IW Act, which was brought in to control overnight assemblies of more than 5,000 people.
They threatened to have three separate rallies with a ceiling attendance of 4,500, if the council refused to budge on its stance to not allow the August rally.
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A volunteer ambulance crew had a lucky escape when their vehicle overturned following an incident involving a car at Vittlefields Close, near Carisbrooke.
The driver of the Tennyson Memorial Ambulance and an ambulance attendant required hospital treatment, although both were discharged with only minor injuries.
The ambulance was due to be replaced the following day because it had completed four years’ service.
10 Years Ago - July 2, 1999
Computer giant PC World confirmed it was considering a move to Newport.
The company was looking to occupy one half of the Towngate retail park off Hunnyhill, with motoring store Halfords moving from its High Street base as part of the development.
Meanwhile, £-Stretcher was to open a new store in Ryde.
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The start of a four-year building programme at St Mary’s Hospital was delayed — because of a former burial ground.
Although the new development would not be built on the burial ground, an access road was scheduled to be created through the middle of it.
An approval by the Diocese of Portsmouth had to be granted before work could begin.
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk