150 years ago

June 10th 1871

n The Minehead United Turnpike Trust was considering putting up another turnpike at Summerway Lane, Cutcombe. But people were protesting that the district was already overburdened with toll gates. It was said the new proposal was an attempt to charge the hauliers taking iron ore to the railway at Gupworthy.

n Nearly 400 people were present for the Sunday School anniversary in connection with the Bible Christian cause at Luckwell Bridge. Services were held in the open air at Gunns Farm, there being insufficient accommodation in the chapel.

n The annual sheep-shearing match under the auspices of Bishops Lydeard, Ash Prior, Combe Florey and West Bagborough Agricultural Association took place near the Bell Inn, Bishops Lydeard. The winners were William Wyatt, Frederick Calloway and Albert Hart.

100 years ago

June 11th 1921

n A resident of Bampton Street, Minehead, was fined 2s.6d for allowing a chimney on his premises to catch fire. He pleaded that, because of the gas shortage, he had had to boil a kettle on the fire over sticks.

n Watchet United Football Club agreed to amalgamate with the Watchet Town club. Mr Frank Risdon was re-elected president, Mr F S Chidgey hon. secretary and Mr N L Hole hon. treasurer.

n Williton cricket team put up a record score (233) on their home ground against Wootton Courtenay. Chief contributors were H Sully 65, R Davies 52, H Williams 26 and R Farrar 25.

n Minehead Improvement and Publicity Association reported that it had engaged an orchestra of super-excellent quality for the seafront at £40 per week.

50 years ago

June 12th 1971

n An ex-soldier, 23 youth club members and a Dalmatian dog set off from Stogumber on a 20-mile sponsored walk. Everyone made the distance, except the dog who gave up at Elworthy.

n An ancient wall, eight foot across and 60ft deep, was unearthed outside a doctor’s house during sewerage works in Nether Stowey. Owen Rich, who was digging the trench, just managed to jump clear as the ground caved in beneath him.

n A cargo of Russian timber was taking several days to unload from the Dutch vessel Prinse Beek at Watchet harbour. Currants were also being unloaded from the Greek vessel the Yaga.