The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing the news to Islanders since 1884. We've delved into the archives to find out what was happening in days gone by.

125 years ago, in October 1899:

The Light Railway Commissioners held an inquiry at Ryde Town Hall to discuss a proposed new light railway from Ryde to Seaview. Seaview objected to the scheme and Lord Jersey called a halt to the debate saying there were not sufficient public grounds for overriding their desire not to have a railway.

A statutory public meeting was held at the Foresters' Hall to discuss the proposal to construct a pier at Cowes. Chairman of the district council, A. Matthews said that a public pier had been talked about for 20 years, and the meeting should decide once and for all whether the construction of a pier was desirable or not. A large majority voted in favour of a pier.

100 years ago, in October 1924:

A farm labourer, who caught his arm in a threshing machine at Ninham Farm, Binstead, died aged 47. Jacob Frank Woodford had got caught in the machine while trying to release a piece of straw that was jammed. Mr Woodford was conscious when he was taken to hospital, but later developed septicaemia and pneumonia and died.

75 years ago, in October 1949:

Work was proceeding at Hunnyhill on the first portion of the new County Technical College, which was the biggest educational project undertaken by the Island. During the construction, the engineering section of the college was given priority, given the local importance of the industry. The whole project was expected to cost around £200,000.

The new headquarters of the Northeast Wight Boy Scouts Association was opened in Lind Street, Ryde. The building was a gift of Miss F. M. Langdon, in memory of her parents, Mr and Mrs Charles Langdon. The building contained troop, cub, and committee rooms, and a rovers' den.

50 years ago, in October 1974:

Following protests by Ryde traders over the plan to create a pedestrian precinct in part of the High Street, Medina Borough Council's public works committee added its opposition. One councillor suggested that lack of parking in Ryde could drive shoppers away. Technical services officer Mr M. Occomore said that it was always more difficult to find adequate parking areas in older towns when creating closed areas.

The Technical College underwent an important name change to become the IW College of Arts and Technology, as it was felt that the original name no longer adequately described the scope of educational opportunities available. The original college had just two departments — engineering and building — but had grown to incorporate engineering, construction, business and general studies, food and fashion, and agriculture and horticulture.

Medina Borough Council's housing and health committee gave a pledge that it would tackle the problem of homelessness on the Island. The pledge followed a report from the Shelter group which stated that there were 3,000 families wanting proper homes on the Island. The report also called for a massive council house-building program.

Fears were expressed at a public meeting that Island residents could be used as guinea pigs in a fluoride test area.