150 years ago - April 9th 1870

* J and J Thristle, of Williton, begged to inform the people that, at the request of numerous friends, they intended establishing a club at the Railway Hotel for clocks, watches and jewellery, and a meeting would be held for the purpose of enrolling members.

* At Somerset Quarter Sessions, Sir William Miles, the chairman, delivered the address to the grand jury and said that sheep stealing seemed to be on the increase again, but it was only larceny.

* New business: Joseph Hunt, near the Post Office, Williton, begs to inform the gentry and inhabitants that he has commenced as a chimney sweeper and has purchased a first-rate machine.

100 years ago - April 11th 1920

* At the monthly meeting of Wiveliscombe Urban Council, the annual report of the medical officer, Dr W Penberthy, was received. It stated that the population had declined slightly since the last census, when it was 1,316. Agriculture, brewing and serge-making were listed as the principal industries.

* Morgan’s Charity was distributed in Stogursey on Easter Monday. It was more generally known as ’Good Friday Money’, as a portion was payable to the vicar for preaching on Good Friday.

* Winsford had a new policeman, PC Culliford having been transferred there from Kilve.

* Mr James Slade, organist of Roadwater United Methodist Church, was presented with a silver-plated cake basket and a Chippendale-style music cabinet in token of the appreciation felt for his long and able services.

* Easter Vestries: At Lydeard St Lawrence, Mr W R Pearce was appointed rector’s warden for the 31st time. At St Peter’s, Williton, Mr S A Bellamy was appointed clerk at a salary of £3 per year.

50 years ago - April 11th 1970

Building work stopped on the Pixton Way housing scheme in Dulverton after a receiver was appointed in respect of the contractor carrying out the work.

* Watchet Urban Council announced that it netted £7.770 from harbour trade during the past financial year. It represented a £1,243 increase on the figure for 1968-69.

* Police were trying to trace a 17-year-old Alcombe girl missing from her QuarryClose home for over a month. The former Millfield School pupil was thought to be in the London area.

* Selworthy jockey Derrick Scott was the last rider to fall in the Grand National. He had been riding Villay, owned by L G Scott, Minehead.