100 Years Ago - July 28, 1912
HUGE excitement was caused in Cowes when a waterplane was launched from the yard of Saunders and Co, East Cowes, where it had been partly constructed.
The machine was rigorously tested on the River Medina, before being taken back for further alterations.
It was hoped the plane would be taken out again for further tests, weather permitting.
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An alarming mishap occurred in Sandown when an electric light and the huge arch supporting it, collapsed at the junction between Station Avenue and Fitzroy Street.
It appeared that a landau belonging to a Ventnor man was turning into Station Avenue, when it clipped one of the standards and sent it crashing down. A large number of children were just yards away when it happened, but no-one was injured.
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A Ventnor man was summoned after allowing his donkeys to stray.
P.C. Summers said he spotted the man's two donkeys galloping up and down the High Street at around midnight.
He took them back to their stable which was in a broken down condition, with nothing to prevent the animals from getting out.
It was said the donkeys had done a lot of damage. The man was fined 5s with 4s costs.
75 Years Ago - July 31, 1937
A visitor who appeared to be in distress was spotted in Totland Bay, acting strangely.
The man was noticed by police on rocks and a boat was sent out to help the man, who had no coat, hat or shoes.
He was taken to Yarmouth Police Station where he was given a meal and his wife was contacted to collect him and take him back home — to Liverpool.
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A fire that broke out in Newport was prevented from spreading by quick-thinking residents.
The tenant and his neighbours managed to douse the flames of the blaze which had started in the upper part of their house.
The fire brigade were quickly on the scene, but the fire was out by the time they arrived.
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Members of the Culver Cliff wireless staff carried out a daring rescue using their rope rescue equipment.
A man and his brother, who were staying on the Island, were attempting to climb the cliff, when the brother sprained his ankle and ended up clinging to growth on the side of the cliff.
A rope was lowered down to the man and he was pulled to safety.
50 Years Ago - July 28, 1962
Soldiers came to the rescue of a Devon school teacher and his party when they helped erect more than 20 tents after they arrived late on the Island.
Camping equipment that was hired, turned up late into the night and could not be put up in time for the children to use.
However, the troops that were staying nearby came to the rescue and set up the tents to the delight of the youngsters and the teacher, who were able to enjoy their stay.
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Just before midnight, a Ryde woman had her attention drawn by a shooting star.
She then noticed a brilliant object passing slowly across the sky from west to east.
However, it turned out to be an artificial satellite, which she watched along with her husband and neighbours.
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Members of the British Parachute Club who were camping at Sandown airport struggled to train in strong winds.
The group were on the Island for a training exercise, but efforts to take part in jumps were greatly effected.
Fortunately weather conditions improved in the evenings and practice was able to take place.
25 Years Ago - July 31, 1987
Police launched an appeal after a series of air weapons were fired on the main Newport to Cowes cycle track.
It was reported that trees and wildlife were being frequently used as targets.
Police hoped someone would come forward with information about the use of the weapons, which they believed were air rifles and pistols.
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The Island Health Authority recommended the permanent closure of the part-time accident and emergency department at St Mary's Hospital.
If agreed, the plan, which would be subject to public consultation, would mean the Royal IW County Hospital in Ryde would be the only accident and emergency department on the Island. It was said the closure would save about £40,000 a year.
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A member of the New Zealand Admiral's Cup team had his wallet stolen from accommodation in Cowes.
More than 30 people were staying at the premises and police believed a walk-in thief may have been responsible.
The wallet was found discarded nearby, without £1,500 worth of US Dollars which were in there.
10 Years Ago - July 26, 2002
The collapse of a section of the Coppins Bridge roundabout was set to cost around £85,000 to repair.
A meeting of the IW Council was told by transport portfolio holder Cllr Ernie Fox that costs of dealing with the emergency were £35,000 and repairs, including the parapet wall were expected to cost £50,000.
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Ten years ago: Puzzled motorists could have been forgiven for thinking they were on the road to nowhere at Ryde.
New road markings painted at Westridge Cross said if they turn left they would find Newport Town Centre.
IW Council officials said they would look into putting spaces between the wording. PIC (0702-L04242)
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A family were injured after a large set of waves crashed over the sea wall on East Cowes Esplanade.
The Smith family were struck shortly before 8pm and blamed the wash from the P&O fast craft vessel, Portsmouth Express, which was returning to Portsmouth from Southampton following repair work.
Mr and Mrs Smith suffered bruising to their arms and legs and their fishing equipment was badly damaged.