The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing Islanders the news since 1884. We've delved into our archives.

124 years ago, on June 16, 1900:

The Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society advertised its forthcoming show, the 19th of its kind. The show, held annually  at Northwood, was described as still alive and kicking.

A rare sight was witnessed in Newport High Street when a  swarm of bees settled near the Guildhall, hanging in a large cluster over the sun blind of Messrs A. M. Cheverton and Co, cycle  depot. The bees were the object of much curiosity until they  were safely taken by Mr A. Newnham.  

99 years ago, on June 13, 1925:

A letter to the editor informed Islanders that the County Press was reaching as far afield as Tientsin, north China, the furthest British outpost in the world. The author was L/Cpl R. Shutler who originated from Freshwater: "The County Press is an excellent paper. After doing a day's work it acts as a very good nerve soother."

Considerable shock was caused in the vicinity of Cowes Green by the "descent into the sea" of a large and powerful Blackburn aeroplane, from the RAF base at Gosport. Incredibly all on board escaped with only minor injuries.  

74 years ago, on June 17, 1950:

Neighbours carried furniture to safety and provided shelter for two families when fire destroyed thatched cottages in Wellow. Firemen from Newport, Yarmouth and Freshwater were  in attendance at the blaze, which was believed to have originated from an oil stove.  

Employment figures, which were issued by the Ministry of Labour and National Service, showed that there was a decrease in unemployment in all Island towns. The fall in unemployment was most marked in Ryde and Sandown.

49 years ago, on June 14, 1975:

Fifty firemen were called to fight a blaze at Osborne House when a fire broke out in a two-storey block on the west side of the building. Seven appliances from Newport, East Cowes, Ryde  and Shanklin attended the fire, which caused superficial damage to the Durbar Room.

Summerfields County Primary School, which cost £125,500 to build, was officially opened by R. Davie, professor of educational psychology at University College, Cardiff. The school took its first pupils in September, 1974.  

34 years ago, on June 15, 1990:

Red Funnel's Fast Jet terminal building which cost £300,000 was formally opened by former Island MP Barry Field. The  building was the first prestigious contract to be undertaken by  Blackwater-based Bardon Vectis.

Southern Vectis bus driver Peter Hutchinson received a lovely  surprise when pupils from St Saviour's RC Primary School presented him with a bus-shaped cake as a token of their appreciation. Peter drove the children to and from the Totland school but when they heard he was being re-routed they decided to give  him a special send off.