100 Years Ago
July 15, 1911
TEMPERATURES were hitting record highs as the Island experienced several days over 80F.
Weather observer John Dover, of Totland, who had recorded temperatures for half a century, said he had never known a year when there were four days over 80F. In July alone, three days were over 80F, with the hottest day at 83.9F.
------
The German Emperor and the King of Spain were to take part in a yacht race at Cowes.
The German Emperor’s famous racing schooner, Meteor, and the King’s 15-metre cutter, Hispania, which had raced in The Solent in 1909, were expected to attract crowds to the town.
------
Four visitors went on their first ever fishing trip and came back with a big haul.
The group, who were staying at White Lion Hotel, Niton, fished off Pot Bank and caught a 60lb skate, three tope, weighing 38lb, 32lb and 15lb, plus a thornback ray, of 14lb.
75 Years Ago
July 18, 1936
A Newport couple witnessed an attempted attack on the King during a royal procession in London, when a man aimed a gun at His Majesty.
Eustace Wood and his wife, Margaret, were in the crowd watching the procession, when Andrew McMahon levelled a loaded revolver at the King.
Others in the crowd knocked the gun from his hand before he could fire it and police officers tackled McMahon and arrested him.
The procession was on its way back from a ceremony in Hyde Park, where the King had presented new colours to the Brigade of Guards. McMahon, a journalist, said he had no plans to fire the gun.
------
After three days of liberty, two boys who escaped from Camp Hill Borstal Institution were recaptured at Yarmouth.
The pair were caught near Yarmouth Harbour, searching for a boat.
The boys said they escaped the institution in a lorry, before making their way to Yarmouth, via Brighstone, where they stole food and drink from Brighstone Holiday Camp.
50 Years Ago
July 15, 1961
A fire destroyed a lorry, two vans and a Jaguar car in Gunville and a golden retriever rescued a family of hedgehogs from the blaze.
Derek Hatcher, of Ash Lane, awoke to find his 60ft store alight.
Firefighters saved about 20 tons of log wood but all the vehicles were damaged, at the cost of around £1,000.
But 15-year-old golden retriever, Dean, who belonged to a neighbour, carried a family of hedgehogs away from the fire.
------
A 58-ton pleasure steamer sank after it crashed against Ryde Pier in gale-force winds.
Hours earlier, the Princessa, owned by Wight Line Cruises, had its doors wrenched off and most of its bar contents washed out. Capt Douglas House was unable to prevent the sinking. There was no-one on board.
------
Tributes were paid to eight drivers, who between them drove the equivalent of 55 times around the world without a single scratch on their cars.
The drivers, who were employed by the county council to drive schoolchildren around and deliver school meals, received safe driving awards, after totalling 1,356,400 miles without any incident on the road.
Police chief superintendent Paddon said if other drivers followed the same example, the number of accidents would be reduced.
25 Years Ago
July 18, 1986
The disposal of Sandown Pier took another step forward after South Wight Amenities Committee backed its sale to businessman Mr Peak. Those against the move were hoping to force a public meeting to consult on the issue.
But the sale was having to be pushed through because the council faced an enormous repair bill for its structure.
Mayor Heather Humby had been one of the fiercest opponents of the sale but admitted Mr Peak’s scheme for the pier was very attractive.
------
Plessey Radar workers on the Island were among 2,500 staff taking part in a protest march in London over the takeover bid by GEC.
The group marched from Tower Hill to Central Hall and on to Downing Street, where a 30,000-name petition was delivered in support of their opposition to the proposals.
All trade unions at Cowes, plus Plessey management, were firmly opposed to any takeover.
------
Newport powerlifter Kevin Maguire took the strain in his stride and proved himself the Island’s strongest man.
Eight of IW’s most powerful males did battle for the title, at Brickfields Equestrian Centre, watched by more than 1,000 people.
The event was held in aid of Havenstreet Cricket Club.
10 Years Ago
July 20, 2001
Wightlink’s new £11.5 million flagship, St Clare, sailed into Portsmouth after completing her 870-mile journey from Poland.
Her arrival coincided with news Wightlink dropped its plan to dredge 30,000 cubic metres of silt from Wootton Creek.
The company originally said was necessary to allow emergency access to berthing if the linkspan was disabled.
St Clare was immediately put into service, making her maiden voyage from Portsmouth to Fishbourne.
------
Teenager Liz Kreuz came home from the Island Games with two gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
Liz, 16, of Betty Haunt Lane, Newport, said the experience of competing for the Island in the Isle of Man was wonderful.
She said the highlight was winning the 400m freestyle, where she broke the Island Games record.