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

125 years ago, in September 1899:

The first Battalion of the Rifle Brigade, stationed at Parkhurst, received orders to be ready in case of war with Transvaal. Matters in connection with Transvaal had reached a critical stage, with President Kruger flaunting his defiance at the English government.

A fire on Ventnor, Luccombe and Wroxall Downs deserved to be classed among the most notable of a fiery summer. The origin of the fire was unknown, but it took Captain and Mrs Douglas and 50 men to put the flames out.

Following a deliberate fire on Headon Warren, the Alum Bay district was favoured with some welcome heavy rain. Although too late for some crops, the CP reported that the rain 'will no doubt do some good to the root crops and will make things much fresher'.

100 years ago, in September 1924:

Princess Beatrice displayed her interest in the praiseworthy efforts of inmates of the Island Workhouse by opening a sale of clothing and handicrafts made by them. The Brahazon Employment Society provided interesting and useful occupations to those more or less confined to the union or infirmary wards, and the princess declared her pleasure in opening the sale.

Shanklin District Council considered the provision of a winter garden as a step in the right direction towards the Island becoming a winter resort for visitors. 

An Island paradise was the theme of an article in a London contemporary. A correspondent wrote of the love for the Island of celebrity John Wilkes, who regarded his cottage in Sandown as the quaintest ever built and the view from the pier as the most beautiful scene on the Island.

75 years ago, in September 1949:

Considerable interest was aroused at Somerton Airport by the arrival of a miniature German plane, believed to be the only one of its kind in existence. The Zoenkomeing single-seater, built in 1940 to train pilots, had a cruising speed of 58mph and it was impossible to make it spin.

An Islander then living in California had a pleasing reminder of home. While on holiday in Virginia, USA, she came across another Isle of Wight. Although not technically an island, the county borders on the James River for quite a distance and Mrs F. Coutts, whose late parents Mr and Mrs Perkis lived in Arthur Street, Ryde, said it was a very pretty little place.

A full programme of lectures for adult students by the Workers' Educational Association was opened with a lecture on The Religious Basis of Society. Future classes will include music, astronomy, economics, local, national and international history, psychology, politics and the principles of design.

50 years ago, in September 1974:

Shopkeepers who demand that customers spend at least £1 before being allowed to purchase sugar during the current shortages are well within their rights, according to the IW County Trading Standards department. However, one official commented that although legal, the system is somewhat tactless and unfair.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, plane makers Britten-Norman broke all British sales records with an order of 100 Britten-Norman Islanders for the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation. It is believed to be the biggest single order for British civil aircraft ever made.