150 years ago - November 18th 1871

* It had been feared that, with so many navvies in the neighbourhood (engaged on building the railway) Dulverton Fair would be noisy, but the only disturbance was caused by some youths beating an intoxicated navvy with a stick until he cried ‘Murder’.

* With typical generosity, Mrs Gerald Carew forwarded to Mr Nation, schoolmaster at Clatworthy, the following articles for the children: 100 yards each of linen and calico; 50 yards of corduroy.

* At Bishops Lydeard Petty Sessions, a labourer was fined 6s for stealing 16 turnips valued at 2d.

100 years ago - November 16th 1921

* The newly formed band at Exford paraded in the village and played excellent music – to the great surprise of the inhabitants, who were not aware that the band had attained such proficiency.

* East Quantoxhead Brass Band, under bandmaster Barker, led a parade of ex-servicemen to Kilve parish church. Many people were unable to get in for the remembrance service.

* Somerset Education Committee said the answer to the call for economy was the closure of small schools. Kilton-cum-Lilstock was one recommended for closure.

* The death occurred in Stogursey of Mr William Clements, 82, retired grocer and draper.

50 years ago - November 20th 1971

* One competitor pulled out of a three-boat race to the West Indies after being struck by a 20ft wave, trapped underwater for 15 minutes and rescued after 36 hours. Another was believed missing in a storm. An air and sea search was launched for the third, Nigel Harland, of Middle Chilcott, Dulverton, who rang his parents to ask: ‘What’s all the fuss about?’.

* Washford’s oldest resident, Mrs Marion Bates, of Albert Terrace, died aged 90. She was a founder member of the MU and used to walk to Old Cleeve for Women’s Bright Hour meetings.

* Somerset County Council debated the boundary issue for four hours. While not giving way to demand for the existing boundaries, most members felt the lines suggested in the White Paper were administratively unsatisfactory.