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 November 1899:

The Royal Governor of the Isle of Wight, Princess Henry of Battenburg, consented to a meeting to discuss setting up a fund for the relief of wives and families of those serving in the Transvaal war. Although unable to attend the meeting in person, the princess expressed her support for the meeting and donated £10 to the fund.

Railway engine driver H. Smart was praised for his bravery when he continued to drive his train to Newport despite an accident which left him in such pain that he almost fainted. Not wanting to cause inconvenience to his passengers or create a backlog of traffic, Mr Smart continued on his journey.

Presiding at a meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society, Mr E. J. Upwood gave his views on the upcoming new century. He predicted that with better education the people would not rely on political parties but on principles and that the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man would be taught and practised. He also prophesised that public ownership would be substituted for private monopoly and that education would provide increased facilities for the advancement of all children.

100 years ago, in November 1924:

A 76-year-old woman fell to her death from her home on Pyle Street. A man was working on the downstairs window of the property and it appeared that Mrs Ann Witham had leant out of the window to see what he was doing when she lost her balance and fell.

The growth of skilled handicrafts among women, largely attributed to wartime needs, was on show at the Industrial Exhibition of Arts and Crafts at Ryde Town Hall. Inventive ability, enthusiasm and originality were allied with a remarkable degree of technical skill in exhibits, which included wood and copperwork.

75 years ago, in November 1949:

Newport man, Mr B. H. M. Cooke, was a passenger on the British Overseas Aircraft Corporation's new Canadair airliner, which made a record trip from Hong Kong to London. The 10,000-mile journey took two days.

Muriel Coulthard, on holiday at Cowes from her home in County Durham, died 11 days after she swallowed a mutton bone. Although she was in considerable pain, it had been believed that her wounds would heal. 

50 years ago, in November 1974:

Passengers aboard two cross-Solent ferries watched the dramatic helicopter rescue of two men whose small dinghy overturned. Michael Mansell and Anthony Salmon, from the Ryde area, were spotted in the sea by the crew of the Portsmouth-Fishbourne car ferry, Caedmon.

A Carisbrooke doctor who delivered 3,000 babies in his 39 years on the Island retired aged 73. Dr Aubrey Heathcote was presented with an engraved clock, cheque and illuminated scroll after 270 patients past and present responded to an advert in the County Press and made donations.

For the first time, one million passengers used the British Rail Sealink car ferry route between Lymington and Yarmouth in a year.