125 Years Ago

October 16, 1901
Over £1,000 had been collected in donations by Cowes Urban District Council for the proposed Island memorial to Queen Victoria.

The IW Railway Company reintroduced the 'nimble sixpence' fare, whereby the return journey between Bembridge or St Helens and Ryde on a Monday cost just 6d (2½p), as opposed to the ordinary fare of 1s 3d (6½p).

A record was achieved in Yarmouth Harbour when the vessel Rapid, carrying 350 tons of coal, passed up the channel in the harbour, through the draw-bridge and moored in the middle of the river opposite the new gas works. It was the first occasion on which such a large boat had navigated so far.

100 Years Ago

October 16, 1926
A party of Island men had a miraculous escape at sea. The three of them were on board the Dutch cargo steamer Betsy Anna, which was caught up in a storm at around midnight. Pumping out water became impossible so, at great risk, the derelict lifeboat was lowered and they managed to reach a rescue tug.

Motorists were warned of disruption caused by roadworks, with gravel-laying and steam rolling due to take place in Cowes, Ryde, Shalfleet, Ningwood, Ashey and Godshill, and surface dressing in Newport, Havenstreet, Bembridge and Mottistone.

75 Years Ago

October 20, 1951
Cowes District Council announced that over £100 had been paid out from its flood relief fund to local residents who had suffered damage as a result of the severe flooding on July 30.

Red Funnel steamers announced cheaper evening return tickets from Cowes to Southampton for a special floodlit football match between the 1st XI of Southampton and Portsmouth. The return fare, including pier tolls, was 4s 6d (22½p).

50 Years Ago

October 16, 1976
Proposals by Island MP Stephen Ross to allow Island sportsmen to use facilities at Camp Hill Prison were rejected by the Home Office.

Football fans had a night to remember as Southampton FC brought the FA Cup to Newport's Church Litten ground. Saints beat Newport 4-1 in front of 4,500 people in a match celebrating the official switch-on of Newport's floodlights during the close season.