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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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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 14 November 1863

Isle of Wight Observer Nov 17, 2025

The Isle of Wight Observer published on 14th November, 1863 carried this complaint about the police. WHAT ARE THE POLICE…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 10 November 1855

Isle of Wight Observer Nov 13, 2025

The Isle of Wight Observer published on 10th November, 1855 contained this report of a proposed ferry service between Ryde…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 29 October 1859

Isle of Wight Observer Nov 4, 2025

More than 165 years ago the debate was raging about whether the Isle of Wight should share services with Hampshire,…

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Look back in time

LOOK BACK IN TIME: 27 October 1888

Isle of Wight Observer Oct 24, 2025

One hundred and thirty-seven years ago this week the Isle of Wight Observer published on 27th October 1888 a description…

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Young cyclist Finley races to third place

Island Sport

Cowes bowlers celebrate season

Island Sport

Football family pays tribute

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Forlorn Ventnor while fighting Tornadoes turn match around

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Swimmers make a splash at meet

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