100 Years Ago - September 14, 1912
A successful sale of work in aid of improvements recently carried out in Shalfleet Parish Church was held in the cricket field near Ningwood Railway Station.
The sale was opened by Lady Simeon, accompanied by Sir Edmund Simeon.
The vicar said money raised would pay for the new oak altar steps and the new sanctuary carpet.
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A couple from Totland Bay were seriously injured in a motorcycling accident on the Newport to Calbourne road.
A man was riding the bike while his wife was in the side-car, when the offside wheel of a passing car clipped the side-car, causing the machine to swerve and collide with the car.
The couple suffered bad cuts and bruises and were left badly shaken.
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There were bright and attractive scenes in Ventnor for the town’s carnival procession.
The event was very successful, with a record number of spectators.
People arrived in motor cars, train and by steam boat, all eager to catch a glimpse of the event.
75 Years Ago - September 18, 1937
With a record 208 entries and the addition of a class for toddlers, judges had a difficult task at the 17th annual all-Island baby show.
It was said the show, organised by the County Federation of Women’s Institutes in Newport, a finer collection of babies had never been seen before on the Island.
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The ex-Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain, who arrived at Carisbrooke Castle on a visit to her mother, Princess Beatrice, was expected to leave the Island to return to London.
During her stay, she visited Newport Roman Catholic Church and the town’s Odeon cinema.
It was 25 years since she had last visited the Island, and on that occasion, she had been accompanied by King Alfonso, on a visit to Osborne Cottage.
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A man suffered a cut to the head and bruises when he was hit by a cyclist, who also suffered minor injuries.
The man was walking in Ventnor when he was knocked down by the pedal cycle in heavy rain.
Both men were taken in a Vectis bus for treatment at a local doctor’s.
50 Years Ago - September 15, 1962
There were thrills and spills in a spectacular start to the International Daily Express Offshore Powerboat Race, from Cowes to Torquay.
With powerful engines roaring, the armada of 40 craft swept down The Solent.
The SRN2 hovercraft raced beside them for a short distance, with naval escort vessels in attendance and 15 planes and helicopters flying overhead.
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A man visiting the Island from London was charged with riding a motor scooter recklessly, after he overtook a police car.
An officer was driving through Sandown when he slowed as he approached a double decker bus.
The scooter, with two men on board, then overtook both vehicles and another car before being pulled over on Lake Hill.
The scooterist was fined £15 and disqualified for a month.
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Emergency works for safeguarding the cliff walk at Littlestairs, between Shanklin and Lake, were expected to cost thousands.
Sandown-Shanklin Council suggested the work should be carried out after seeing the surveyor’s plans to help prevent further erosion.
25 Years Ago - September 18, 1987
Bembridge’s new lifeboat, the Max Aitken III, went into action on its first day and saved four lives.
The lifeboat was called to the 32ft Ferris Concrete sloop, Flagstone, in strong winds near St Helens fort, and towed it to Bembridge Harbour, with two occupants.
Later the same day, two more people were saved from a motor launch, after their engine packed up near St Helens Quay.
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Shanklin Town Councillors approved plans for the upgrade of the Esplanade.
The first phase was expected to start at Hope Road and extend towards the Pier.
Despite severe cash shortages, the county council retained financial provision for the scheme, which included improving the look of the Esplanade with plants and shrubs.
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Ryde ruled the waves in the South Coast Rowing Championships, with the men’s senior crew achieving a record breaking hat-trick after a row off.
The senior ladies also performed very well to retain their title and a third major award went to the club, when they received the aggregate points trophy on behalf of the Hants and Dorset Association.
10 Years Ago - September 13, 2002
Groundbreaking engineering techniques were to be used to keep the Military Road open.
The IW Council looked set to approve a £3 million masterplan to stabilise Afton Down and road re-routing at Shippards Chine.
But it looked like it would be done at the expense of other road repairs, unless the government provided extra funding.
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The test match ground at Headingley was set to host the IWCB Disability Team after they convincingly beat a spirited Warwickshire side by seven runs in the County Championship semi-final.
They were set to travel to Yorkshire for the final against Wales.