150 years ago

May 27 1871

* The Bank Holidays Act had been passed in the House of Commons. Under it, banks would be closed on four days of the year, Whit Monday being one of them.

* The tradesmen of Williton agreed to close their shops on Whit Monday.

* Sixty-three members of the Seven Ash Benefit Society met at the Stag’s Head Hotel for the anniversary celebration. They were led in procession by the Lydeard St Lawrence and Tolland Brass Band. Host Berryman served dinner at the Stag’s Head.

100 years ago

May 20 1921

* Watchet lost an enterprising tradesman by the death of Mr E P Snell, baker and confectioner, of Swain Street.

* Archie Burgess, who had shown such consistently good form in cricket for Minehead, had been invited to play for Somerset against Middlesex at Bath.

* E C Hurford, son of Mr C Hurford, of Holloway Street, Minehead, added further to his laurels as a runner in the inter-college sports at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea. He won the quarter-mile in 55 seconds.

* Mr H A Baker, the well known bone-setting specialist, was staying in Minehead.

50 years ago

May 29 1971

* Minehead lifeboat celebrated its 20th year. Built by Rowledge Ironworks Co Ltd, of Colchester, it had two 18hp petrol-driven engines, giving it a speed capacity of 7 ½ knots for ten miles.

* Cllr Guy Payne, of Stogursey, couldn’t enjoy “a good smoke” at Williton RDC meetings because he sat next to Cllr Mrs L Pring who found it “very trying” to sit next to smokers. It was agreed to check the air vent was working properly before meetings.

* Chairman of Wansbrough Paper Mill, Mr K C Weedy, paid tribute to retiring directors Mr William Tweedie, aged 81, and his son John.