150 years ago

October 8th 1870

* A chapel-of-ease at Doverhay, in Luccombe parish, had been erected for the purpose of weekday evening lectures by the rector of Luccombe. To celebrate the opening, the Rev J V Bull gave a tea to the female inhabitants and children of Doverhay, and about 100 sat down.

* Mr F Rawlins, of Stogursey, dug a potato weighing 2lbs 1oz

* Mr William Palmer, of Over Stowey, was severely injured when he fell from a tree while shaking down walnuts.

* A harvest home was celebrated in Elworthy. The parish church was crowded for a thanksgiving service and afterwards dinner was served in the grounds of the Rectory, Games of wrestling, boxing and running were enjoyed. Among those present was Squire John Blommart.

100 years ago

October 9th 1920

* Owing to the scanty crop of apples and the prevailing high market price for them, many farmers did not intend making cider this season, especially as the added high cost of labour made it so expensive.

* Minehead Tradesmen’s Association addressed an open letter to shoppers. It drew attention to the difficulties under which Minehead businesses were operating and called upon shoppers to pay their accounts promptly and to avoid lengthy credit.

* A village hut was opened in West Quantoxhead. It had been erected near the elementary school on a site given by Lord St Audries. Those taking part in an entertainment programme were Lord St Audries, the hon Maude Acland Hood, Mr O T Sadler, Mr Ray Farrar, Miss Greswell, Miss Florence Malet, the Rev C Billington, Miss M Moorman and Mr B Campfield.

* A presentation of an oak barometer was made on behalf of the vicar and choir of St Peter’s Church, Williton, to Mr and Mrs T L Sparks to mark their recent marriage. Mr Sparks was the organist and his wife, née Miss W M Tomkins, assistant organist.

50 years ago

October 10th 1970

* Angry Watchet councillors prepared for a meeting with shipping companies after a vessel brought a cargo of raw bone meal and hoof and horn meal into the town’s docks. The cargo breached a ban on the importing of bone.

* The fashion styles of the early 1970s came alive on the catwalk at a charity fashion evening in Dunster to raise money for cancer research. Considerable interest was shown in a snakeskin suit and “Yeti” coat.

* Over 1000 darts players were expected in Minehead for the biggest darts event in the South West. The event, at Butlin’s, was organised by the Minehead and District Darts League.

* The news from 50 years ago, 1945, included that Amy Stevens, of Wiveliscombe, received a letter of thanks from Winston Churchill after she wrote to the former Prime Minister when his leadership was terminated.