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 – February 21st 1870

The Wiveliscombe Slate Co Ltd, which for many years had carried on without profit to its shareholders, was likely under its present directors to attain a satisfactory condition. A second incline had been completed, enabling the engine to draw 200 tons of the most valuable slate in Somerset to the surface.

100 years ago – February 23rd 1920

The matron of the cottage hospital in Dunster, Miss L Turner, organised a concert to raise funds for buying an operating table for the new hospital being set up in Minehead.

50 years ago – February 21st 1970

Watchet Chamber of Trade voted overwhelmingly to discontinue its affiliation with the National Chamber of Trade because of a £1 increase on the membership fee.

25 years ago – February 24th 1995

Space Age technology predicted half a century ago by Minehead’s famous son Arthur C Clarke was put forward as part of the solution to the town’s economic problems. Consultants said computer links and satellite communications would allow individuals and firms to do business all around the globe.