EACH week in the Free Press we look back at what made the news 150, 100, 50 and 25 years ago. Here is a sample of the items featuring in the This Was The News column this week.

150 years ago – July 10th 1869

Mr John Vickery, of Wiveliscombe, a well known and respected townsman, died after 60 years’ important service in connection with Mr Hancock’s brewery. He died in Watchet where he had gone for a health cure.

100 years ago – July 12th 1919

A Royal Proclamation declared July 19 a bank holiday in connection with Peace Day celebrations. In Williton, there would be tea for all in the Bury field, but they would have to bring their own cups and saucers. For Watchet, Mr T B Peel was organising a boxing tournament with a galaxy of talent from the Australian Imperial Forces.

50 years ago – July 12th 1969

Followers of Minehead AFC would be able to watch home games in much more comfort than hitherto during the coming season, thanks to progress with the new grandstand which had a seating capacity of 350.

25 years ago – July 15th 1994

Three people were made homeless and four 16th century thatched cottages were gutted into empty shells when fire ripped through the centre of Stogursey. Damage to the properties was expected to run into tens of thousands of pounds but furniture and personal belongings were saved by teams of villagers who formed human chains.