150 years ago – May 7th 1870

* Mrs Joanna Milton, 88, died in Washford, leaving 12 children, 67 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

* The church bells rang in Bishops Lydeard to welcome the new incumbent, the Rev M A Matthews.

* The Wiveliscombe Parish Magazine, edited by the Rev A Phillips, curate, and printed by Mr John Vickery, made its first appearance.

100 years ago – May 8th 1920

* Mr Herbert Cox, editor of the Free Press, had been hon treasurer of the Williton Wesleyan Sunday School since 1875, succeeding his father, Mr Samuel Cox, who took on the duties in 1869. Mr Herbert Cox had prepared an article on the history of the school, and it was read at the 100th anniversary services. During the year, the school had lost both superintendents by retirement – Mr B Gliddon and Mr G Wilson – and their successors were Mr A H Gliddon and Mr AW Hosegood.

* Watchet Waterworks Company Ltd complained at the annual meeting that many people were wasting water. They drew particular attention to the people of Causeway Terrace, and it was stated that on one day no less than 17 taps could be seen running to waste – from full bore to a dribble.

* A Bishops Lydeard correspondent write: “The nightingale has been heard on Ash Common; new milk has dropped in price to 6d per quart, and skimmed to 3d; lard is down to 1s 11d per lb; and butter is expected to come down soon – so we will hope on.”

* The death occurred of Mrs Elizabeth Mary Brewer, of Townsend, East Quantoxhead, whose establishment ’The Cyclists’ Rest, was a favourite halting place for users of the road.

50 years ago – May 9th 1970

* Washford’s postman, on a tractor decorated with Union Jacks, delivered a sackful of 100th birthday cards to villager Julia Stevens. As well as the customary telegram from the Queen, Mrs Stevens received greetings from the Home Secretary and Bridgwater MP Tom King.

* A plan to group the 40 borough, urban and rural councils of Somerset into seven new authorities was accepted by Somerset branch of the RDC Association.

* Voters in the Williton Rural District Council elections plumped for the old guard as none of the authority’s previous members lost their seats.

* Some 20 acres of gorse, scrub and young trees on North Hill, Minehead, were destroyed by fire. Firemen spent almost an entire day tackling the blaze which eventually burned itself out.

25 years ago – May 12th 1995

* West Somerset’s weekend of events to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day combined tributes to war veterans and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with messages of hope for peace in the future. Services, street parties, emotions and entertainent all ensured an occasion which will be long rememvered by young and old alike.

* To mark the historic weekend, the Free Press made a little history of its own by publishing colour photographs for the first time ever.