Find out what was hitting the headlines in days gone by

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

125 years ago on June 24, 1899:

Electric or gas street lighting? That was  the question put to a public meeting held at the  Bonchurch Church School. The Ventnor Electric Light Company put forward a quote as did the town's gas and water company. Mr Lloyd said a gas lamp would give good candlepower light for a day or two, but its light would significantly diminish afterwards. The vote to use electric lights was carried unanimously.

Oliver Hayles of Pagham won the by-election for the vacant Godshill County Council division. He beat the only other candidate S. Beeden of Whitwell by 19 votes. Despite many of the voters being engaged in haymaking about 70 per cent of the electorate voted.

100 years ago, on June 18, 1924:

A. Sharpe, 26, formerly of Shanklin, won the  Ascot Gold Cup on the French horse Massine. Mr Sharpe had previously won the French Derby and numerous other European races. He was well-known in Sandown for being a  sharp-witted paperboy. Mr Sharpe was 'discovered' by a well-known French trainer, who took him across to France.

The Rev Vernon Rossborough was inducted as the new vicar of St Mary's Church, Cowes. The bishop of Southampton, Dr C. Boutflower, and the archdeacon of the Island, Dr Tugwell, were among those in attendance. Dr Boutflower said a change of ministry was always a testing time in a parish.

75 years ago, on June 5, 1949:

Cowes District Council voted to write to the Home Office to protest about the county council's plans to close the East Cowes Fire Station.  A.J. Johnson said the council's decision had caused deep concern among the residents. F. J. Petty said during summer the  Newport Fire Brigade could get to the town in about ten minutes, but it would take far longer in dense fog or there was ice on the road.

About 60 aircraft from the Midlands and the South took part in a rally at Cowes Airport. Among the attractions was a display of aerobatics by Flt Lt W. L. Jennings in an Olympia sailplane. The County Press said he performed such manoeuvres as loops and stall turns in uncanny silence, the only sound being the rush of air when the aircraft dived and flew about 10ft from the ground. The show also played host to balloon bursting and bombing competitions

50 years ago, on June 22, 1974:

Against the advice of policy and resources committee the county council decided to keep the door open for an eventual road improvement scheme in Scarrots Lane, Newport. Yellow line extensions left Medina Borough Council housing estate residents with nowhere to park according to S. L. Glossop.