LOOK BACK IN TIME: 14 May 1859
Isle of Wight ObserverThis story published in the Isle of Wight Observer of 14th May, 1859 caught our eye after the local elections…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Politicians are in it for themselves – not us
No-one will ever do a five stretch for dumping their old sofa in the nearest layby, nor will they get…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight – Jacqueline (Jacque) Gazzard
Just one month in, and this extraordinary job is an utter privilege and has exceeded any expectations I may have…
Read MoreWIGHT IN WESTMINSTER: Joe Robertson MP – Conservative MP for IW East
This week, we mark 80 years since VE Day and the end of WWII in Europe. This is both a…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 2 May 1857
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 2nd May 1857 reports on the views of a visitor from a smoky…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Was I just disinterested – or did I have mental health issues?
Last week I left a note in the porch for the food delivery driver: “Sorry I’m out, please hide in…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Vectis VE Day 80 – Anne Springman MBE
Looking back on life pre-war has been reflective, including my memories of D-Day and then VE Day in 1945. May…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: A plague on all your houses
Dear Editor, I am writing this letter on Wednesday night and for the first time in my adult life I…
Read MoreWIGHT IN WESTMINSTER: Richard Quigley MP – Labour MP for IW West
In the nine months since becoming an MP, one issue has come up more than any other: the ferries. For…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Alec Penstone – WWII veteran and centenarian
Reflecting on a life well lived, I remember that my father was seriously injured by ‘friendly fire’ in the First…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Saying ‘Goodbye’ can be hard
It’s almost three years since my Dad died, but I sort of had him to stay over Easter. The kids…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 27 April 1901
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 27th April 1901 carried an account of a drill designed to test the…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: We expect more from our political leaders
Dear Editor, It has been perplexing to witness prominent political figures blurring the lines of basic biological definitions, raising serious…
Read MoreGREEN FINGERS: Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security – watch out for frosts
Well, we’ve certainly been treated to some unseasonably warm and dry weather over the last few weeks. With all the…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 18 April 1857
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 18th April, 1857 gave a glowing account of the cheap rail and ferry…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: Nothing’s changed
Dear Editor, Our supine Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says, “We are living in a changed world”. No we are not…
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