150 years ago - October 14, 1871

* Two curious accidents happened in Stogursey. A man was turning over a heap of manure when a mouse appeared. He took a swipe at it, missed his footing and broke a small bone in his leg.

* In the second incident, another man swallowed a wasp in his beer and it stung him severely in the stomach.

* A labourer was fined 6d at Somerton Petty Sessions for brawling in a church. He said he went to sleep and had an unpleasant dream which caused him to shout out.

100 years ago - October 15, 1921

* The three fields which were to form Williton War Memorial Recreation Ground were now one. The hedges had been pulled down by voluntary labour. What was to prove the inception of a tradition was proposed by Mr W C Hurley, who thought a fete should be held every Whit Monday to raise funds for the ground.

* Bread was going down in price for the second time in five weeks. However, letters to the editor were chiefly on the subject of high food prices in Minehead. Correspondents claimed these would mean the ruin of the town, and that Minehead was the most expensive place in England.

* It was decided to form a dramatic society in Williton. Nurse Norman and Miss Asham were joint hon secretaries.

* Withypool’s oldest inhabitant, Mrs Betsy Milton, died aged 92. She was the widow of John Milton, of Dadshayes Farm.

50 years ago - October 16, 1971

* Security at Williton Middle School was being tightened after the second burglary in three months. In the latest, a television and four sewing machines worth £280 were stolen and £50 damage was caused to doors, windows and a filing cabinet.

* Mr Edward Collier, 85, of Bagborough, was working on a painting of Morning Cloud II as a present for Prime Minister Edward Heath

* Watchet British Legion Limpets skittles team noticed Walter, a Gentleman Tramp, sitting by the roadside on their way to a match at the Commercial Inn, Bishops Lydeard. They bought him sandwiches, pasties and a bottle of cider, and landlord Mr F Allday gave a pint glass to give to Walter on their way home.