LOOK BACK IN TIME: 12 October 1889
Isle of Wight ObserverThese two extracts from the Isle of Wight Observer published on 12th October, 1889 tells of cab wars at the…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Papers, please? I’ll pass…
I’ve always resented being asked to show my passport when checking in at a European hotel. They don’t do it…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Barry Jackman – Alzheimer Café volunteer
It’s now September 2025, and I still wear the orange shirt – I still volunteer at three Alzheimer Cafés across…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 8 October 1853
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 8th October 1853 had the following article about the potential contamination of drinking…
Read MoreGREEN FINGES: Our gardens welcome the rain – even if we don’t!
There has definitely been in a shift in the weather of late, with far more unsettled conditions, some experiencing rainfall…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: Lack of gully clearance causes floods
Dear Editor, Island Roads bear a very heavy responsibility under their Private Finance Initiative (PFI). After one inspection I asked…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Trying to hold on
I try not to get cross about the world’s injustices. I certainly don’t see the point of the IW Council…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: September 23, 1854
This entry from the Isle of Wight Observer published on 23rd September 1854, appears to be a letter to the…
Read MoreIW OBSERVATIONS: Should the shutters stay down?
Tilly WalderThis new school term, Cowes Enterprise College has found itself at the centre of a row over toilets; yes, toilets.…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Crisis? What crisis?
People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Northern lass Angela was vocally critical of rule-breaking Tories, particularly poor old Boris…
Read MoreVECTIS VIEW: Vix Lowthian – local teacher and Green Party spokeswoman for lifelong learning
The leaves are falling; it’s back to school – and fittingly the supermarket aisles are now stacked with Haribo (for…
Read MoreSTAR LETTER: A second warmongering Labour leader
Dear Editor, In July, Keir Starmer said the UK would formally recognise the State of Palestine before the United Nations…
Read MoreLOOK BACK IN TIME: 15 September 1888
This story published in the Isle of Wight Observer on 15th September, 1888, made us smile this week. We’re not…
Read MoreWIGHT IN WESTMINSTER: Richard Quigley MP — Labour MP for IW West
Summer recess was exactly what I needed – not because it was a long break (though I did enjoy a…
Read MoreIW OBSERVATIONS: 164-year-old ferry company – now in need of a lifeboat!
September is traditionally when The Southampton Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited –…
Read MoreHOLMSEY: Flying the flag for St George
Do you ever remember seeing the LibDems flying the flag of St George above County Hall? I can’t. For the…
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