100 years ago

March 15, 1919

It was decided the price of milk should be lowered when needed.

The mayor presented the idea to the council and said expectant mothers or mothers with children under five should pay less for the vital part of their diet.

The Food Control Committee agreed to the terms.

***

Southampton Football Club’s senior team played a charity match at Parkhurst.

The saints took on the Anti-Aircraft Reserve Brigade team to raise funds for St Dunstan’s Hostel for Blinded Soldiers.

75 years ago

March 11, 1944

A thatched cottage in Wellow was saved by a group of Italian prisoners.

The prisoners, who were working on farms in the area, stopped to lend a hand to the villagers and firemen working tirelessly to save the home.

The fire chief thanked the prisoners for their assistance.

***

A Cowes man found himself in court for ‘lighting offending’.

James Walkinshaw, a patternmaker, was fined £1 for leaving four lights on at Grange Road, Cowes.

He told the court he understood the seriousness of the offence.

50 years ago

March 15, 1969

The IW Council discussed the option of becoming a ‘one-tier’ Island authority and getting rid of district councils.

Cllr R. Westmore, of Gatcombe, told the CP the idea should be resisted. He said: “Islanders will not enjoy the democracy they have at the moment.”

***

The Island mourned the death of three members of the Quarr Abbey community.

Brother Louis, 76, Brother Benedict, 93 and Dom Xavier, 80, all passed away within the space of two weeks. The abbot said they were all dearly missed.

25 years ago

March 18, 1994

Two Island farm workers who clocked up 85 years of service between them hung up their wellingtons for good.

John Cassell and Bob Dew bowed out from their Brighstone farms within a week of each other, having worked on adjacent land for more than 40 years.

“It will be nice to take life a little easier,” said Mr Cassell.

***

A young Island entrepreneur won a national award.

John Brownscombe, 25, of Bowcombe, bagged £300 from Livewire after scooping the award for top young entrepreneur.

John had turned an out-building in his parents’ garden into a specialist garden nursery.

10 years ago

March 13, 2009

The axe hanging over two Island primary schools lifted.

The St Helens and Yarmouth communities breathed a huge sigh of relief at the news their treasured schools looked likely to be saved.

An independent panel recommended both schools to stay open at their current site.

***

A £200,000 motor cruiser burst into flames on the Solent.

The crew members were rescued by the coastguard moments before the Sealine F34, Lynx Effect, was completely engulfed.

The vessel exploded an hour later, sending a jet of flame which sank near Gosport.

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