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:

The Royal Isle of Wight Articultural Society advertised its forthcoming show, the 19th of its kind. The show, held annually at Northwood, was described as still alive and kicking.

A rare sight was witnessed in Newport High Street when a swarm of bees settled near the Guildhall, hanging in a large cluster over the sun blind of Messrs A. M. Cheverton and Co, cycle depot. The bees were the object of much curiosity until they were safely taken by Mr A. Newnham.

100 years ago, in June 1925:

A letter to the editor informed Islanders that the County Press was reaching as far afield as Tientsin, north China, the furthest British outpost in the world. The author was L/Cpl R Shutler, who originated from Freshwater: "The County Press is an excellent paper. After doing a day's work it acts as a very good nerve soother."

Considerable excitement was caused in the vicinity of Cowes Green by the "descent into the sea" of a large and powerful Blackburn aeroplane, from the RAF base at Gosport. Incredibly, all on board escaped with only minor injuries.

Harold Wheeler, son of Samuel Wheeler, one of the first directors of the County Press, was appointed by the Board of Trade as assistant official receiver in bankruptcy in the High Court of Justice.

75 years ago, in June 1950:

Neighbours carried furniture to safety and provided shelter for two families when fire destroyed thatched cottages in Wellow. Firemen from Newport, Yarmouth and Freshwater were in attendance at the blaze, which was believed to have originated from an oil stove.

Employment figures, which were issued by the Ministry of Labour and National Service, showed that there was a decrease in unemployment in all Island towns. The fall in unemployment was most marked in Ryde and Sandown.

There was slight disappointment when the Island's flag day, in aid of the British Red Cross, raised £60 less than in the previous year. The one-day collection raised £609, but was still regarded as a very satisfactory result.

50 years ago, in June 1975:

Fifty firemen were called to fight a blaze at Osborne House when a blaze broke out in a two-storey block on the west side of the building. Seven appliances from Newport, East Cowes, Ryde and Shanklin attended the fire, which caused superficial damage to the Durbar Room.

Summerfields County Primary School, which cost £125,500 to build, was officially opened by R. Davie, professor of educational psychology at University College Cardiff. The school took its first pupils in September, 1974.