150 years ago – May 14th 1870

* A general vestry meeting of the parish of St Decuman’s was held in Williton under the chairmanship of the Rev Robert Poole to consider the widening and reconstruction of a portion of the parish road known as Watery Lane. A scheme had been prepared by the road surveyor, Mr A Durie, showing a cost of £120. The trustees of the late Earl of Egremont and the Countess of Egremont were willing to give the land required. A rate of 3d in the £ would be collected by instalments.

* The 31st anniversary of the Rose and Crown Friendly Society in Nether Stowey was celebrated with the customary church service and parade. It was stated that £54 was paid out to sick members during the year, and £21 in funeral benefits.

* It was the 55th anniversary of the Halse Friendly Society, and 70 members were on parade, headed by Wiveliscombe Brass Band. The members made several calls; one was to the residence of Mr J D Hancock, where there was a plentiful supply of beer and cider. Dancing took place on Mr Hancock’s lawn.

100 years ago – May 15 1920

* A meeting was held to consider getting a nurse for the parishes of Bicknoller and Stogumber, It was suggested that there should be a minimum charge of 2d per week for every family joining a nursing association.

* The annual meeting of the West Somerset Foxhounds increased the guarantee to the Master Lieut Col Dennis F Boles to £700 for next season. The resignation of Will Thane, huntsman for 30 years, was announced.

* The new Luttrell Memorial Hospital was given a formal opening by the public being allowed to see over it. Mr A Luttrell accepted on its behalf an old English clock which had been presented by residents of Dunster, where the hospital was formerly situated. It was stated that a fund was being started for the object of reserving a ward for children, to be named Sainsbury ward in appreciation of that lover of children, the late Preb Charles Sainsbury.

* The Bishop of Bath and Wells the Rt Rev George Wyndham passed sentence of deprivation on the Rev Reginald Wynter, vicar of St John’s, Taunton, for persisting in Roman Catholic practices. A sequestrator, accompanied by the Deputy Chief Constable and other police officers, went to the church where they found the vicar and ordered him to leave and hand over the keys.

50 years ago – May 16th 1970

* Urban councillors appointed a surveyor to fence off Watchet’s harbour area in order to keep people out. The move followed an incident when two local girls managed to get onto a ship and had to be removed.

* Vicar of Stogursey Preb Ernest Sholl criticised Harold Wilson and the Council of Churches for encouraging demonstrations against the forthcoming South African cricket tour. He said demonstrations based on strong emotional convictions were easily exploited by irresponsible pressure groups.

* Dulverton Rural District Council called in Rentokill after a number of council houses in Winsford were invaded by woodworm.

* Bridgwater MP Tom King chaired a meeting of over 300 people at the Regal Ballroom over the proposed closure of the Minehead to Taunton railway line. The meeting agreed to support efforts to prevent serious consequences of the closure.