The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing Islanders the news since 1884. We've delved into our archives.

119 years ago, on June 24,1905:

THE county council banned steamers calling at Ventnor Pier on Sundays following complaints the sight of them made the seafront unattractive to visitors. Councillors backed a proposal from Cllr Leitch for the ban. He said: "During the last four years the council has spent at  least £2,500 in beautifying the seafront from the pier to Pier  Street.

Competing in a flying match from the Channel Islands to  Cowes, a valuable homing pigeon was driven into the Bay of  Biscay by bad weather. The bird sought refuge on a yacht, which was returning to  Cowes. It was captured by the crew who released it with a slip of paper recording its movements.

94 years ago, on June 21, 1930:

A hen pheasant piloting her brood across the main road  through Calbourne, attacked an approaching motorist who  startled them.  The pheasant, known for its remarkable pluck in defending its young, scattered her brood and then flew through the saloon car driver's open window and attempted to peck his face.  

A Ryde shopkeeper was ordered by Island magistrates to stop selling saucy seaside postcards following a complaint from a woman on holiday. Though the postcards were not illegal to sell, the magistrate warned the shopkeeper the illustrations were bordering on obscene and a bad advertisement for the Island.

69 years ago, on June 25, 1955:

Red Funnel steamers ran a special service over three days for cricket fans to watch the county championship match between  Hampshire and Kent. Both teams were both vying for top spot.

A Whippingham man, who as a boy delivered telegrams for Queen Victoria at Osborne House, celebrated his diamond wedding. Harry and Ellen Pike, of Lower Whippingham Road, who had always lived in the East Cowes area, threw a family party at  their home.  Mr Pike, 82, was a telegraph boy for Queen Victoria and recalled her shouting at him for allowing a door to bang during  one of his deliveries.

 
44 years ago, on June 21, 1980: An Islander aircraft was flown through a white tape to mark the opening of the Island's first concrete runway at Bembridge  airport. Dr Dietrich Kloeckner, managing director of Pilatus  Britten-Norman, did the honours after investing £200,000 in the 3,000ft-long strip.

29 years ago, on June 23, 1995:

A project to transform a disused chalkpit into a special area for butterflies at a Brading chalkpit was appropriately unveiled at Brading Primary School's Celebration of Butterflies Festival. Youngsters flocked to the Bulley Hill pit at the opening of a path, built by the IW Council's countryside section in collaboration with Brading Town Council, to raise awareness of the rich butterfly and plant life.

Letting agents welcomed a call from the government to introduce tax relief to boost investment in rented homes. Welcoming the proposals, Shelter hoped it would help end homelessness.