100 years ago

November 6 1917

AN Island couple raised "an important war wedding question" that made it all the way to the War Office.

The couple married in Switzerland, where the man was being held as a prisoner of war, however, when his wife tried apply for a regimental separation allowance her request was denied because the marriage had taken place in a foreign country.

The commander wrote to the war office to check the guidelines had been followed correctly.

The war office supported the decision until the Island's MP threatened to mention the issue in parliament.

A few weeks later the wife received a letter granting her the separation allowance.

75 years ago

November 7 1942

The Bishop of Portsmouth addressed over 400 members of the West Wight mother's union.

Representatives of each branch waved banners and wore blue veils.

The bishop said he was glad to have the encouragement which he always gained from a large gathering of Christian mothers.

***

The IW branch of the Russia Today Society had a packed meeting at their celebration of the Soviet Republic.

Held in Newport Guildhall it celebrated 25 years since the revolution.

The vicar read a telegram from the UK soviet ambassador which offered "every good wish for a successful meeting."

50 years ago

November 11 1967

An Island family emigrated to America because they believed "Britain held no future for the younger generation."

The Hayles' from Cowes made the move to Adelaide with their two young children.

Doreen Hayles said: "We had been thinking about emigrating for about two years. We think that in the future there will be no scope for our children and youngsters generally in this country."

***

Bombs discovered near St Mary's hospital proved to be harmless.

Workmen dismantling the former army water tanks near St. Mary's hospital were shocked to find several pieces of corroded metal lying in the bottom of the tanks that turned out to be smoke and water bombs.

A bomb disposal squad were called who safely removed them.

25 years ago

November 6 1992

A "top IW nightspot" was faced with closure following a trade slump which threatened 20 jobs.

Zanies, at Sandown, saw a slump in attendances and was hit hard by the recession.

Director George Mayne said: "I cannot believe how hard times are at the moment. We weathered the recession in the early '80s but this time around it is far worse, although we are still trying to fight on."

***

A supermarket demo sparked a fight back against the new Co-op store in Cowes.

A group of pro and anti-supermarket campaigners clashed at the Terminus Road site

The protest, organised by two Cowes shopkeepers, "burst into life" when a section of town traders in favour of the supermarket arrived.

10 years ago

November 2 2007

A former RAF firefighter was reunited with a competition medal he won 55 years ago, thanks to an auction website and a curious Australian.

The medal was awarded to Mike Tankard from Shanklin for firefighting in 1952 and was lost soon after.

It was bought on ebay and taken to Queensland, where Colin Ellicock, also ex-RAF, decided to reunite it with its owner.

After placing an appeal in RAF's quarterly magazine, Mike was reunited with his medal much to his delight.

***

Every police emergency response car was kitted out with knife detectors to help fight against knife crime.

As part of the aptly named 'Operation Sharp', police on the Island were given hand-held metal detecting devices to be used when patrolling the streets.

Picture story

1007-j26022

A young Chelsea fan realised his dream when he accompanied his favourite team onto the pitch.

Twelve-year-old Matthew Gee of Cliff Road, Ventnor, applied to be a Chelsea mascot when he was six years old, and spent six years waiting patiently for his turn.

He said: "I'd love to be a professional footballer one day and play for Chelsea."