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

125 years ago, in August 1899:

AN UNUSUAL incident occurred at Osborne when a respectably dressed man standing at the side of the roadway threw a letter into Queen Victoria's carriage as it passed.

The man, a German businessman, was arrested- ed, but released after he stated he did not know he was breaking the law, as on the continent it was common to throw missives into royal carriages.

The Duke of Connaught rendered timely assistance following a coach accident in East Cowes.

The passenger coach, drawn by four horses, was coming down York Avenue when one of the leading horses slipped on a stone and fell, bringing down two other horses.

The Duke jumped out of his passing carriage to help get the horses to their feet again and calm the passengers. 

Twelve sailmakers from Cowes firm Messrs Ratsey and Lapthorn sailed to New York especially to work on the sails of Sir Thomas Lipton's yacht Shamrock before she competed for the America's Cup.

100 years ago, in August 1924:

The Salterns juvenile regatta and sports, open to children resident in Seaview, Springvale and Nettlestone, proved popular and featured sports including rowing, swimming, sculling and running.

Charles St John, 85, of Warden Road, Totland, claimed to be the last white survivor of those who accompanied Livingstone on his explorations in Africa.

Mr St John joined Livingstone in 1863 and accompanied the explorer up the Rovuma River towards Nyassa.

Samuel White and Co, when the General Steam Navigation Company Ltd of London, awarded them the contract to build a 300ft fast paddle steamer for its summer service between London, Margate and Ramsgate.

The steamer would be the first in her class to burn oil fuel.

75 years ago, in August 1949:

Well-known hypnotists Douglas J. Watson and Lee Bonny - the world's only woman artiste in this field were giving awe-inspiring demonstrations on the Island.

Mr Watson also visited the County Press offices and was hopeful of curing a young member of staff of stuttering.

The continued drought was not causing any water shortage in Newport, due to the usage of boreholes sunk during the war by the Canadian Army.

Around half a million gallons daily was being provided by these boreholes - around a quarter of Newport's daily consumption.

The streets of Bembridge were smothered with streamers for the best village carnival since the event was staged for the silver jubilee of King George V.

50 years ago, in August 1974:

Patricia Price, an instructor at the National Sailing Centre, became the first woman to win the Cowes offshore tin bath race, which attracted 31 entries.

The IW County Council gave the go-ahead for the Island's fifth high school to be built at Fairlee, Newport.

Many people were writing to the County Press to comment on the proposed fluoridation of the Island's drinking water.

One writer, Paul Gomes, pointed out that the public had been inadequately informed about the introduction of fluoride.

He asked that the dental and medical professions reassure the public that fluoridation was harmless and beneficial to everyone, that no one would suffer allergic reactions to it and that no one with illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease would be adversely affected.