Free holidays on the Isle of Wight and more in days gone by

125 years ago, in October 1899:

The date for the troops stationed at Parkhurst's departure to South Africa was fixed. The preparations of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade had included route marching and field operation efficiency tests and the troops seemed in the best of spirits as they marched through cheering civilian crowds.

After over 30 years, the custom of ploughing matches was revived. The competition took place in a 30-acre field at Hesseley Farm and attracted 18 competitors and over 200 spectators. 

Many subscribers to the National Telephone Company suffered considerable inconvenience when telephone wires crossing the railway lines between Sandown and Shanklin were cut. The wires were cut by the IW Railway Company which was in dispute with the telephone company. The railway company refused to comment on the dispute.

100 years ago, in October 1924:

At the meeting of the Board of Guardians, Lt Col. Hobart drew attention to the congestion of the sleeping wards and the monotonous character of the diet at the County Mental Hospital. He added that he was in no doubt that the patients received every kindness and consideration, but said that the cramped conditions were cruel and this could affect the speed of recovery of patients suffering temporary mental disorders.

Crowds spilled out onto the street at Ventnor Town Hall at the opening of the Conservative election campaign. Capt Macdonald called for the electorate to secure a stable government by voting for the Conservatives who, he claimed, was the only party likely to be returned in strong numbers. In contrast, Maj Weaver said he believed the Labour Party was the only party that could heal the gaping wounds of the country.

75 years ago, in October 1949:

Five passengers were injured and others shaken when a Southern Vectis bus smashed through a tree and collided with a wall in Victoria Avenue, Shanklin. The double-decker, which was well-filled at the time, had swerved before knocking down the tree. Bus driver John Downer was uninjured but several of his passengers received medical attention.

The identity of a man, whose badly decomposed body was washed up at Sandown during a gale, remained unsolved at an inquest. The man was wearing a wedding ring with P.D.R. 17/5/48 inscribed on it. Dr Russell said he believed the man was about 30 to 40 years old, and the body had been in the water for at least four weeks.

A recruiting campaign for the Newport branch of the Island Young Conservatives addressed the disheartened and disillusioned youth of the day, following a speech from a young Conservative woman from Yorkshire at the Conservative conference. She said she had never before seen the youth so bored, frustrated, and disillusioned.

50 years ago, in October 1974:

More than 800 elderly people enjoyed free holidays in Sandown over three years, thanks to the kindness of a little girl. Margaret Bowman, was just five when she saw a report on BBC Blue Peter about lonely old people and asked her father if they could do anything to help. Harold Bowman wrote to Blue Peter and with the help of the Salvation Army, accommodated parties of elderly people twice yearly at Sandown Bay Holiday Centre.

Arthur Askey topped the bill at Pier Pavilion, Sandown in his first professional engagement on the Island for more than 20 years. Arthur began his career in Powis Pinder's Sunshine at the old Summer Theatre on Shanklin Esplanade in the 1930s.