Isle of Wight General Election 1983 | BBC Newsnight Archive | Steve Ross & Virginia Bottomley

Original recording made and donated by Alan Stroud. Technical work by Steve for Restore The Story CIC, helping preserve and share local history and archive films for future generations. The 1983 General Election comes to the Isle of Wight in this fascinating BBC Newsnight report, filmed just before polling day. Far more than simply an election broadcast, this rare archive captures a remarkable snapshot of everyday life on the Island in 1983, following candidates as they campaign around familiar streets, businesses and community venues—many of which have changed or disappeared entirely. Featured throughout the programme are numerous recognisable Island locations including: • Union Street, Ryde, complete with period traffic and shopfronts • Quay Street, Newport, including a glimpse of the former British Road Services (BRS) depot • The unemployment advice centre in Newport, visited by Liberal MP Stephen Ross • South Street and the old Market Place, opposite the former Canning Day garage and Newport Fire Station • Bembridge Fort, where Conservative candidate Virginia Bottomley visits Crop Culture • The Britten-Norman aircraft factory at Bembridge Airport • The former British Red Cross Centre on Hunnyhill, Newport, since demolished • The Prince Consort Club in Ryde, where Independent candidate Brian McDermott meets supporters The programme follows the campaign between sitting Liberal MP Stephen Ross, Conservative challenger Virginia Bottomley, Labour candidate Cathy Wilson, and Independent candidate Brian McDermott, whose ambitious vision even included independence for the Isle of Wight. For many Island residents, the real interest lies in the streets, buildings, vehicles and familiar local faces captured throughout the report, preserving a unique glimpse of the Isle of Wight over forty years ago. If you recognise yourself, a friend or any of the locations featured, we'd love to hear your memories in the comments. If you have any historic footage or photographs from the Isle of Wight and would like us to preserve and share them, please get in touch. See more videos on our channel: / @restorethestorycic SUBSCRIBE to us so you never miss another video: / @restorethestorycic Visit our website for more information, local history projects and heritage collections: http://www.restorecic.org #IsleOfWight #BBCNewsnight #GeneralElection1983 #StephenRoss #VirginiaBottomley #Newport #Ryde #Bembridge #ArchiveFootage #BBCArchive #IslandHistory #VintageTV #BritishPolitics #RestoreCIC