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Top Stories
Isle of Wight planning applications: 19th June 2026
IW Observer 384
Isle of Wight and Mull share more than just island life, says reader
Cowes hammerhead crane repair costs recovered as council wins £358,000 repayment
Richard Quigley MP raises dementia bed crisis in Parliament
Royal Marine Commandos intercept Russian-linked oil tanker off Isle of Wight
Brighstone pupils explore future careers during special school event
Choirs raise £700 for Age UK Isle of Wight after charity concert
Coastguard payment row escalates as MCA accused of risking rescue service future
Child poverty rises sharply across Isle of Wight as more than 4,500 affected
Cowes café Jolliffe 1853 closes with immediate effect
West Wight heritage archive saved as Totland offers new home
LOOK BACK IN TIME: 14 June 1919
Royal Isle of Wight County Show returns with camel racing and giant tortoises for 125th event
Islanders foot £73,000 bill as coroner complaints mount and delays worsen
STAR LETTER: Sooty, Sweep, Soo and a swipe at Labour
Fri. Jun 19th, 2026
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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 14 June 1919

Isle of Wight Observer Jun 12, 2026

This piece, from the Isle of Wight Observer published on 14th June, 1919, showed that, while a Solent squall may…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 9 June 1888

Isle of Wight Observer Jun 5, 2026

If you ever find yourself worrying that internet doomsayers and self‑appointed ‘experts’ are a curse of modern life, be reassured…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 14 May 1853

Isle of Wight Observer May 15, 2026

This letter to the Isle of Wight Observer published on 14th May, 1853 records James Observer, Jun’s outrage at even…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 3 April 1920

Isle of Wight Observer Apr 4, 2026

Listening to older Island residents is always interesting – as the editor of the Isle of Wight Observer published on…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 14 March 1857

Isle of Wight Observer Mar 17, 2026

This story from the Isle of Wight Observer published on 14th March, 1857 show that some things never change –…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 1 March 1856

Isle of Wight Observer Mar 1, 2026

Much like today, mid‑19th‑century residents were frustrated over rising utility costs. In Victorian Ryde, people were already challenging what they…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 15 February 1919

Isle of Wight Observer Feb 16, 2026

The Isle of Wight Observer published on 15th February 1919 reported on a new transport service which it was hoped…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 8 February 1902

Isle of Wight Observer Feb 9, 2026

This reader’s letter published in the Isle of Wight Observer on 8th February, 1902 tackled the tricky problem of how…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 2 February 1901

Isle of Wight Observer Jan 31, 2026

The Isle of Wight Observer published on 2nd February 1901 reported on why magistrates were late arriving in court and…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 19 January 1901

Isle of Wight Observer Jan 16, 2026

We enjoyed this reader’s letter sent to the Isle of Wight Observer published on January 19th, 1901. The writer, who…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 12 January 1901

Isle of Wight Observer Jan 9, 2026

This extract from the Isle of Wight Observer published on 12th January, 1901 shows that debate about a Solent tunnel…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 5 January 1901

Isle of Wight Observer Jan 5, 2026

This message to readers which appeared in the Isle of Wight Observer, published on 5th January, 1901, with the exception…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 16 December 1854

Isle of Wight Observer Dec 15, 2025

We thought this report of some innovative ideas for dealing with sewage would amuse our readers. It appeared 171 years…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 7 December 1889

Isle of Wight Observer Dec 9, 2025

This entry from the Isle of Wight Observer published on December 7th, 1889 tell how readers of “The Standard” –…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 28 November 1863

Isle of Wight Observer Nov 28, 2025

This curious tale appeared in the Isle of Wight Observer of 28th November 1863. In those days carriers and their…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 20 November 1920

Isle of Wight Observer Nov 21, 2025

The Isle of Wight Observer published on 20th November 1920 tells the sad tale of the demise of Robert Mitchell,…

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Planning Notices
Isle of Wight planning applications: 19th June 2026
Jun 19, 2026
Newspapers
IW Observer 384
Jun 19, 2026
IW News
Isle of Wight and Mull share more than just island life, says reader
Jun 18, 2026
Planning Notices
Isle of Wight planning applications: 19th June 2026
Jun 19, 2026
Newspapers
IW Observer 384
Jun 19, 2026
IW News
Isle of Wight and Mull share more than just island life, says reader
Jun 18, 2026
Planning Notices
Isle of Wight planning applications: 19th June 2026
Jun 19, 2026
Newspapers
IW Observer 384
Jun 19, 2026
IW News
Isle of Wight and Mull share more than just island life, says reader
Jun 18, 2026

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Island Sport

Island Sport
Isle of Wight Road Runners take on South Downs Relay
Jun 10 , 2026
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Hurricanes end season with 52-5 Winchester win
Apr 30 , 2026
Island Sport
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Apr 29 , 2026

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Royal Isle of Wight County Show returns with camel racing and giant tortoises for 125th event

Isle of Wight Observer Jun 12, 2026
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Isle of Wight Cat Centre to mark 65 years with open day

Isle of Wight Observer Jun 10, 2026
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Isle of Wight Observer Jun 5, 2026
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New autumn harvest show to debut at Thompson’s Garden Centre

Isle of Wight Observer May 22, 2026
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One Night In Dublin brings Irish music to Shanklin Theatre

Isle of Wight Observer May 15, 2026

Holmsey

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HOLMSEY: The cold truth behind your £4 cone
Jun 1 , 2026
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HOLMSEY: It’s a stiff, bereft of life. It rests in peace!
May 15 , 2026
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HOLMSEY: The good old days – when dads did very little!
May 13 , 2026

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The Isle of Wight Observer is a weekly free newspaper providing news, advertising and information to residents on and visitors to the Isle of Wight. Find out more.

Isle of Wight Sport

Island Sport

Isle of Wight Road Runners take on South Downs Relay

Island Sport

Hurricanes end season with 52-5 Winchester win

Island Sport

Island football round-up as cups won and titles secured

Island Sport

Wight Tri claim podium success at Southampton Fast Twitch Triathlon

Island Sport

Record 127 teams set for Paul Westby memorial tournament in Northwood

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