150 years ago – April 23rd 1870

* The outcrops of three mineral lodes were found crossing an old lane near Spaxton, and they gave evidence of extraordinary richness of lead and copper. There was immediately keen competition to acquire the sett. Some parties in Bristol acquired it from Mr J Winter JP, and there were prospects of forming a public company.

* The Easter weather was admirably suited for the purposes of hotel keepers and pleasure seekers. Many people came to Watchet by train from Taunton, and the steamer Defiance brought many to Minehead from Burnham and Weston-super-Mare.

* The foundation stone of an independent chapel at Scarr-bridge, Brompton Ralph, was laid by Mr W Rawlinson, of Taunton, in the presence of about 150 people.

* A Forester’s Court, to be known as Warrington, was opened at the Raleigh’s Cross Inn, Brendon Hill, when 15 members were initiated into the mysteries and privileges of the order. Mr W Frost, surgeon, of Williton, consented to act as doctor.

100 years ago – April 24th 1920

* The Wansbrough Paper Company offered to contribute £1000 towards a war memorial for Watchet. An institute of non-sectarian, non-political character was considered, and the Conservative and Liberal Clubs were to be asked if they would give yup their premises (which adjoined) for the good of the town and the scheme.

* After two unsuccessful attempts to convene the annual meeting of Minehead Without Parish Council, a third was successful, and the meeting was held in the offices of Messrs Jas. Phillips and Sons. Mr James Phillips was elected chairman of the council. A precept of £3 for general expenses for the ensuing year was approved.

* Minehead tradesmen, particularly butchers, wanted Minehead Urban Council to use the water cart more often to damp down the dust. In view of the recent rainfall, the council was not disposed to take other than a humorous view of the request.

* At a Girl Guides concert in Williton, “nothing more delighted the audience than nine littleBrownies in their nighties singing a ’Good Night’ song. They were Norah Ashman, Mildred Bray, Joan Langdon, Gwendoline and Muriel Date, Biddy Duddridge, Ethel Morse, Irene Besley and Gwendoline Besley.

50 years ago – April 25th 1970

* A Minehead tourist holidaying in France found a copy of the Free Press blowing around the grounds of the Jardin Zoologique in Marseilles. After picking up the paper fluttering around his feet, he immediately saw a picture of Bridgwater MP Tom King and an advert for Reylon Doublette beds.

* A£1350 scheme to build new pavements and shelters at Minehead harbour was agreed by urban council members.

* Porlock Parish Council vowed to support any effort to keep the Minehead to Taunton branch line open. Members felt the village depended on tourists visiting Porlock after they stepped off the train at Minehead.

* Rex Bendon, Judy Court, Chris Baker, Jo Dibble and John Fisher made up the victorious Williton Youth Club team which won the West Somerset Youth area quiz tournament ahead of second-place Washford.