150 years ago

October 1st 1870

* A fine turbot weighing 15lbs was caught in Watchet. It was the first time in many years that a turbot had been caught there.

* The bells of Dunster were rung on Tuesday, September 27, in honour of the birthday of the squire Mr G F Luttrell, and in the evening an immense bonfire was made on Grabbist Hill under the supervision of Mr G Risdon. Also in honour of the occasion, a venison dinner was held at the Plume of Feathers Hotel, Minehead. The Rev A H F Luttrell presided.

* The Devon and Somerset Staghounds’ annual venison dinner was held at the Lion Hotel, Dulverton, where 57 of the leading sportsmen were present under the chairmanship of the noble master Mr M F Bisset.

* Williton Board of Guardians accepted tenders for supplies and provisions. These included women’s straw speckled bonnets (17s per doz) and best Newcastle coal *14s per ton).

100 years ago

October 2nd 1920

* A presentation was made in Washford, on behalf of 124 subscribers, to Miss A Palser, who had been at the Post Office for 16 years and had recently married Mr W G Court, postmaster at Roadwater. The presentation took the form of a marble clock.

* A meeting of Minehead Tennis Club agreed to accept the offer by Mr Luttrell of a 50 years lease of land to the south of Alexandra Road for new tennis courts. The hon Hilda Pomeroy, secretary, Lieut Col V D Stenhouse and Col R G Merriman were empowered to make arrangements.

* Some 24 acres of Glebe land in West Quantoxhead was sold by public auction at Williton. It was stated that it would make valuable building sites.

* Choir singing of a high standard were a feature of the harvest festival celebrations at Wiveliscombe parish church. The organist was Mr Harold Tudball and the soloists were Mr Harold Elliot and Chief Petty Officer Bellew.

50 years ago

October 3rd 1970

* The luxury of a Finnish sauna bath and vibro-massages arrived in Williton at the Salon 265 in Fore Street. Owners Doug and Phil Parkin installed the new equipment after hearing of its success in Canada from their son.

* Williton Fire Brigade rescued a macaw which had escaped from its home at Combe House, Nettlecombe. The firemen tried luring the bird from a tree with gifts of fruit but eventually had to get it down by sawing off its leafy perch.

* Exford was awarded second place in the small village section of Somerset’s Best Kept Village Competition. The Exmoor entry was beaten to the top spot by North Cheriton.