David Lloyd George visits Isle of Wight and more in days gone by

125 years ago, in October 1899:

A fire that threatened widespread destruction in Scarrott's Lane, Newport, was contained to the store where it started by the speedy action of firefighters. The fire destroyed the roof and contents of the hay, straw and corn store, but despite concern from neighbours, it was under control within an hour.

Military preparations for the possible outbreak of war continued at Parkhurst Barracks as the crisis in the Transvaal escalated. The troops in the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade at Parkhurst were certified fit for foreign service and marching orders were expected at any time.

100 years ago, in October 1924:

Former premier David Lloyd George visited the Island with his wife for the weekend. They stayed with Maj Gen and the Hon Mrs Seely at Brooke House and placed a wreath on the grave of their former family medical attendant, Dr J. W. Falconer Macnaughton, who is buried in Ventnor Cemetery.

The Central Garage in Lind Street, Ryde narrowly escaped being involved in a serious blaze when a van burst into flames outside the premises. The fire brigade arrived to see eight foot flames leaping into the air, but soon had the fire under control.

A stage-struck actress ran away from her home in Nebraska, USA, in search of a former teacher who lived on the Island. Hubert Rogerson had taught elocution to Lena Lapidas at Omaha High School and told her that she would one day be a great actress.

Alderman Henry Hindes Pollard JP died, aged 87. The alderman was regarded as one of the grand old men of the Island and had achieved an amazing record of public service in a variety of directions — including work on school boards, town councils and church committees.

75 years ago, in October 1949:

The Flying Fifteen yacht Coweslip, which was due to be presented to the Duke of Edinburgh by the people of Cowes, was launched from Uffa Fox's yacht yard in Cowes. The boat cost £375 and was painted in the Duke's colour — a very dark green. Mr Fox would attend the presentation of the boat at a ceremony in London.

The three-storey, detached house, Amberley, in Pellhurst Road, Ryde, was bought, adapted and equipped by the county council as the first children's home of its kind on the Island. A number of pioneer homes have opened across the country, providing children with an atmosphere and environment resembling, as closely as possible, that of a happy family circle. 

Peter Macdonald MP supported the removal of sex discrimination in matters of pay at a meeting of the Business and Professional Women's Club in Newport. He believed that where there was equal work there should be equal pay.

50 years ago, in October 1974:

Children from Bishop Lovett Middle School, Ryde, combed the woods and grounds of the school in a hunt for £1,000 worth of goods stolen from the school. They recovered cups and videotape equipment stolen overnight.

Among schemes put to the county council by Ryde and East Wight Trades Council was one for a pedestrian precinct at Ryde. The trades council proposed a High Street precinct from Garfield Road to Star Street.