13 hours ago
Ferry traffic chaos and more in our snapshots from the past
The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing the news to Islanders since 1884. We've delved into the archives to find out what was happening in days gone by.
125 years ago, in June 1900:
Fanny White, wife of the landlord of Ventnor's Crab and Lobster Hotel tap, was charged with selling adulterated rum. The rum consisted of a mixture of drippings from various empty spirit and sherry bottles, which the court believed should never have been sold. Mrs White was fined £1 with £1 1s 6d (£1.07) costs.
100 years ago, in June 1925:
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Islanders who believed that they were ageing too quickly were urged to reach for a bottle of Doan's kidney pills. An advertisement stated that many Islanders felt older and slower than they should because their kidneys were not filtering blood quickly enough. The pills promised to: "Strengthen and stimulate your age-worn kidneys and make you feel years younger."
75 years ago, in June 1950:
Two double-decker buses were put into service for the first time on the Island since the 1920s. The buses, which covered Sandown routes, were introduced to carry more passengers. In brown and cream colours, they ran on the enterprise route.
Six thousand more passengers used the Portsmouth to Ryde ferries over Whitsun than the previous Whitsun holiday. On Saturday and Sunday four extra boats had to be put on.
50 years ago, in June 1975:
A visit to the Island by the Queen Mother was enjoyed by many. After she attended St Lawrence Church for the dedication of the memorial windows, she opened a new home for mentally handicapped adults in East Cowes.
25 years ago, in June 2000:
IW ferry company Wightlink called the police to assist with the boarding of ferries after eight hour delays caused the area to be gridlocked. Roads around the Fishbourne terminal were marred by traffic chaos due to an electrical fault on board St Helen. The delays fell on one of the busiest weekends of the year for the ferry company.
