100 years ago

April 27, 1918

Several Island men took part in the heroic and successful naval raid on Zeebrugge and Ostend.

Cmdr A. F. B. Carpenter, of Cowes, was promoted to captain in recognition of his services in command of HMS Vindictive.

75 years ago

April 24, 1943

The annual St George’s Day church parade of the North Wight Boy Scouts’ Association was held in St Mary’s Church.

More than 200 scouts, cubs, rovers, guides, rangers and scouters attended and the lessons were read by young scout members.

The district commissioner addressed the scouts and cubs, congratulating them on the day’s success.

50 years ago

April 20, 1968

A training exercise took place on the Island, where ‘enemy’ agents were dropped at Sandown Airport to try to disappear for 24 hours.

Police were informed and attempted to ‘capture the invaders’.

They rallied the support of civilians, who came out and gave information on the movement of the ‘enemy’.

25 years ago

April 23, 1993

Three Yarmouth hotel employees and two children were rescued by Yarmouth lifeboat after being thrown into flowing currents, capsizing their open fishing boat.

Vessels responded by picking up survivors and all five were taken to St Mary’s Hospital.

10 years ago

April 25, 2008

Fishbourne residents objected to Wightlink’s multi-million pound expansion plans, complaining of extra noise and traffic and stating the company’s plans were a huge departure from the original proposals.

Cllr Ron Cadwell said: “Their own statement is contradicting what they told us only a year ago.”

But Cllr Ivan Bulwer warned: “They want to try to work with the community so be careful not to knock everything.”