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 12th 1870

The death occurred at Orchard Wyndham, Williton, of Mr Laurence Walker, manager of the Egremont estates for nearly 30 years and for 25 years the acting trustee of the property.

100 years ago – February 14th 1920

A new organ was dedicated in Timberscombe parish church. It was the gift of Lady Margaret and Lady Constance Ryder and Lady Audrey Anson in memory of their brother, Major the hon Robert Ryder, 8th Hussars, killed in action in France in 1917. The organ was played by Lady Constance.

50 years ago – February 14th 1970

Porlock residents successfully appealed against a Williton RDC application to rename High Bank, a street in the village, as Butts Gardens. Magistrates said they were in sympathy with preservation of old names.

25 years ago – February 17th 1995

Minehead’s new lifeboat’s first mission was to search for a lost fishing boat in force eight gales. Station spokesman Kevin Escott said the £75,000 Atlantic 75 did “aerial pirouettes” when it encountered huge waves along the West Somerset coast.