Latest news with #CountyPress
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Tales of frightful beastliness' from the Island and beyond
The Victorians loved stories of ghastly horridness in their newspapers, and Fleet Street's finest were only too glad to feed their appetite. Even our very own County Press carried tales of frightful beastliness, usually under the umbrella of The Week's News. We begin with this cheery County Press item from May, 1885. It reads: 'Two persons committed suicide at the Eiffel Tower this week." It went on to explain just how. Read more: 'Destructive' fire in Wroxall and more in days gone by 'Worst ever" Cowes Week firework display and more in days gone by It's Newport High Street in Edwardian times and looking very familiar to readers of a certain age who will all remember Timothy Whites, The Lamb and the Bugle. All that's missing are traffic lights and an endless stream of traffic. (Image: Alan Stroud/County Press) On July 24, 1886, The Week's News carried this cheery item: 'A boy named Bartlett was assisting his father in feeding a threshing machine on a farm in Paignton, Devon, on Tuesday, when his scarf became entangled in the revolving bar of the machine and before it could be stopped...." The rest was a gory account. In December 1892, this tantalising letter appeared. Sadly, what lay behind it, we shall never know. 'Sir, I would like to thank the roughs of St Helens for their courtesy to me last Thursday night, the 24th of November, and also to apologise for not giving them their desired pleasure by turfing me out of the village. 'I hope that the time will soon come when St Helens will be wholly civilised. Not much of this scene exists today. Taken in 1905, it shows Pan Bridge at its junction with South Street and Furrlongs. The photographer is stood on the access road to today's KFC and Matalan. All the houses in South Street and Lower Pyle Street have long gone. (Image: Alan Stroud/County Press) 'Yours obediently, sufferer.' On April 28, 1894, The Week's News ran this truly wonderful item. 'An inquest was held on Thursday on the body of Owen Williams, 42, who earned money by frequenting public houses and swallowing bottles, saucers, and other things. 'Evidence was given that the man died from internal obstruction, and that a post-mortem examination revealed inside him, numerous pieces of cork and tin foil, a lead bullet, a piece of string with corks attached, eight bronze pennies, pipe stems and a piece of leather nine inches long with a hook at each end. 'A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.' On November 26, 1898, under the headline: A Stray Cow, the County Press reported: 'Frank Rose, dairyman of Shide, was charged with permitting a cow to stray in Pan-lane. A quiet morning in a very different Sandown High Street, seen here in 1910. (Image: Alan Stroud/County Press) 'PC Kenny gave evidence and attributed the wanderings of the cow to faulty fences round the field occupied by defendant. 'Defendant denied the charge. When told he could be sworn, he replied: No, I don't want to swear, Sir (laughter). 'The Bench inflicted a fine of 2s. 6d. and 4s. costs, in default, seven days in gaol.' It appears there is some truth in the proverbial stories involving lovesick farm workers and nervous sheep. In October 1898, 15-year-old George Cooke of Chale was, in the oh so discrete words of the County Press, charged with an unnatural offence. In a report headed: A Shocking Charge, the County Press declared: 'Edmund Linington, who works at Atherfield Farm, said that on the previous Wednesday evening as he was leaving the sheepfold in a field at Atherfield, he saw the prisoner walk into the field. Again, not the best quality photo. This photograph, taken from a glass negative, shows Queen Victoria visiting Ryde during her Jubilee Year. The procession is just passing the premises of photographers Hughes and Mullins whose enamel sign is still plainly visible today, high up on the side of the building. (Image: Alan Stroud/County Press) 'He concealed himself and saw the defendant enter the fold and commit the offence. 'Prisoner said: I can't understand what made me do it, and when asked by his father if he was guilty of the charge, he replied: I suppose I am. Yes, I am guilty. 'Prisoner was committed for trial at Winchester and was given bail.' Well, usually the County Press carried full reports of Winchester trials involving Islanders, especially lurid ones like this, but they were short of space the next week and simply reported on how George Cooke was bound over under the First Offender's Act. Finally, on September 30, 1899, The Week's News told the sad tale of 'The Tragic Death of a Doctor'. It read: 'The death of Dr John Dick of Eastbourne, under distressing and extraordinary circumstances, is reported. On the 14th inst. the doctor made up a bottle of medicine for a lady patient, which she believed was poisoned, as a dose she had taken made her very ill. 'To disprove her statement the doctor himself drank a portion of the contents of the bottle and then left for home on his bicycle.' It was not a good move. 'As Dr Dick pedalled home, he began to feel ill, and by the time he arrived he was foaming at the mouth. 'Putting two and two together, he called for a stomach pump, but it was too late, and he died the next morning. The County Press filled in the details: 'The subsequent inquest was told that the medicine which deceased had partaken contained strychnine and not the chloroform which he said he had used. 'It appeared that the bottles in Dr Dick's surgery containing these solutions were identical in appearance. 'The jury decided the fatality was due to strychnine poisoning.' 'And on that note, good health!'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Friendly fitness studio among County Press Gym of the Year nominees
A popular gym, particularly supportive of woman on their fitness journey, has been nominated as Isle of Wight County Press Gym of the by Kym Backshall and her team of knowledgeable trainers is Inshape Fitness Studio, located on the outskirts of Cowes. Kym said: 'While many gyms can feel intimidating - especially for women or those just starting out on their fitness journey - there's none of that at Inshape Fitness Studio. "We're often complimented on our chilled environment, good vibe, community spirit and friendly staff.' The open plan fitness facility houses three separate workout areas for cardio, weights and resistance machines, and also includes changing facilities, showers and a sunbed. 'We have 17 pieces of diverse cardio equipment including bikes, treadmills and cross trainers", Kym added. "There's a full selection of Watson free weights and resistance training kit, ideal for light toning to body building and weight training and there are resistance machines aimed to work out every muscle group. "Adapting to changing trends, we've just installed some workout stations dedicated to Hyrox.' New members are offered an induction to the fitness facility and the knowledgeable team are on hand to advise how to operate the machines safely and effectively. The team includes four highly-qualified personal trainers who pride themselves in designing training programmes to suit each individual's needs. For more information visit: Kym said: 'We are especially supportive of woman on their fitness journey. Our three female personal trainers are well-versed with assisting women in all stages of the fitness, including pre and postnatal and those going through menopause. "Everyone has a different target, whether it's strength training, loosing weight, or just toning up and we're here to help them achieve their goals.' 'We also have an older clientele, who simply love the community spirit and camaraderie, knowing that while here, they're improving their mental and physical health as well as all-round well-being,' Kym said. Inshape Fitness Studio is suitable for all ages and abilities with members ranging from 16 to 90. Memberships are designed to suit all pockets and situations, from weekly, monthly and annual passes to a pay-as-you-go option - perfect for holidaymakers and those who just want to drop in occasionally. Inshape said what sets this friendly fitness studio apart is that there's no large annual joining fee. All nominated gyms were given equal chance to supply wording and photo of their choice. To vote for your favourite, simply fill in the voting coupon printed in the County Press newspaper editions on May 30 and June 6. All votes must be received by June 15. Photocopies and illegible entries will not be accepted, and only one vote is allowed per coupon. Don't miss your chance to support your gym and help them claim the title they deserve!
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Reasons to buy this week's jam-packed Isle of Wight County Press
This week's edition of the Isle of Wight County Press is out in shops tomorrow (Friday, May 23), and it's bursting with exclusive stories and reasons to buy! Look out for all the picture spreads and happy faces as we bring you news of the latest community events! We have a competition to win tickets to the Swift and Styles tribute event at Retro Staycations, a token collect scheme to win £1,000 in holiday vouchers and even a £500 B&Q giveaway. You'll spot our drone photo, court exclusives and reports from public meetings. Just some of the places our reporters have been to get stories since last Thursday: Magistrates' Court, Crown Court, Coroner's Court, County Hall, businesses on Cowes High Street, galleon in Ventnor, Red Funnel new prototype in Cowes, Pop's Wood in Bembridge, Blue Door Cafe, Steamer Inn, Glass Roof Cafe, Three Bishops in Brighstone, Stag Inn, as well as here, there and everywhere to cover breaking news including fires in Sandown and Cowes. Find the County Press in shops across the Island, or subscribe to to read the digital flip-through edition. The County Press is the biggest selling weekly newspaper in the country, and was shortlisted for the Best Local Weekly Newspaper award in the prestigious Newspaper Awards. Figures show the CP got 1.8 million page visits online during March, and 3.1 million page views, making us the Island's biggest news website.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
County Press becomes Bronze Patron of the IW Chamber of Commerce
The Isle of Wight County Press is proud to have become a Bronze Patron member of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce. The newspaper is the longest serving member of the chamber, having been founded in 1884 and delivering trusted Island news ever since. It has joined an exclusive list of other Island businesses, which will meet regularly to share ideas, connect with each other and enjoy expert-led discussions and social events. Chamber CEO Steven Holbrook said: 'We are really pleased to welcome the County Press to the IW Chamber's Bronze Patron Scheme. "As our longest serving members, it's great to have them involved in this progressive group of like-minded businesses. "We very much hope they get as much benefit as those already part of the scheme.' Read more: Meet the new CEO of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce County Press praised for its strong news coverage at Newspaper Awards County Press editor invited to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister County Press talks trusted news with the King at Buckingham Palace reception County Press editor Lori Little said: "We are excited to get more involved in the chamber, having been a member for decades and sponsoring the game element of the annual business awards for many years. "The CP is riding high as the country's biggest selling local weekly newspaper and the Island's top website for news, as well as being shortlisted as one of the best newspapers at the recent Newspaper Awards. We are thrilled to now elevate our membership of the chamber to become Bronze Patrons." Other Bronze Patron businesses include Caffe Isola, Lifeline Alarms and Security Services, Luccombe Hall, Nosy, Powered Now, Pinnacle Suites, RPL Construction, Top Mops and Blackgang Chine.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Island podcaster secures interview with Gary Lineker in "biggest episode yet"
An Isle of Wight podcaster secured his "biggest episode yet" by interviewing Gary Lineker. Josh Barry of Beyond the Title, who is also a County Press columnist, was thrilled to secure a rare interview with the football pundit. Listen to it by scrolling down to the YouTube video. Josh said: "One of the most recognisable and respected faces on British television, former Leicester, Tottenham and Everton striker Gary Lineker has been the BBC's main football anchor for over a quarter of a century. "I caught up with this bonafide British sporting legend to talk heroes, coverage and his recollections on an unprecedented career in broadcasting." Lineker discusses local football and the impact on towns and cities, as well as his career and the impact of football on the world today, bringing together friends and communities. Josh has cerebral palsy and writes using his nose. He has two live shows coming up at Ventnor Fringe, featuring TV legend Johnny Ball, and TV and film expert Dick Fiddy.
