150 years ago June 24th 1871

* The North Devon and Somerset Railway being in a forward process of construction, a few of the leading farmers of the Dulverton district waited upon the Earl of Carnarvon at Pixton to emphasise the desirability of establishing a market contiguous to the new line. The Earl said he would erect a market at his own expense and also build an hotel (the Carnarvon Arms).

* At Wiveliscombe Petty Sessions, two men were summoned by Mr Superintendent [sic] Ross for erecting hurdles on the turnpike road to pen sheep on market day.

* Court West Somerset of the Ancient Order of Foresters held a fete on the pleasure ground at Watchet. The band of the Royal Glamorganshire Militia played, and the vicar of Watchet, the Rev R Poole, presided at lunch in Mr W Langdon’s marquee.

100 years ago June 25th 1921

* The House of Lords held that damage had been done to the Exe Valley Fishery by Dulverton RDC allowing sewage to escape. The House confirmed the order of the court of appeal giving judgement for the fishery proprietor.

* An unusual scene was witnessed in Doniford. The woodwork protecting the slipway to the beach caught fire, although it was washed by the tide twice a day. A ‘bucket brigade’ dealt with the outbreak.

* Progress was being made with the new Minehead Town Band. Mr H Passmore, of Watchet, had provisionally undertaken the band-mastership.

* East Lucott Farm (72) acres at Stoke Pero was sold at public auction to Mr T Pearce for £1,450. Cordings, a 99-acre farm two miles from Wiveliscombe, was sold for £2,250 to Mr W J Parkin, of Huish Champflower.

50 years ago June 26th 1971

* Friends of the Quantocks feared completion of the M5 would bring thousands of tourists tearing through the area. The Friends packed Spaxton Village Hall to discuss a proposal to join Exmoor national park.

* Inhabitants of Over and Nether Stowey met to say goodbye to Dr J D B Valle, their GP for 25 years. Dr Valle was also the first producer of Nether Stowey and district pantomimes.

* A report by the Exmoor Society on the possible conversion of the Taunton to Minehead and Taunton to Barnstaple railway lines was deemed “unrealistic” by Somerset Planning Committee.