150 years ago - October 7, 1841

* A large crowd assembled in Huish Champflower to see a race between Mr Hill, yeoman, and Mr Welsh, a thorough-going Cockney who boasted he would ‘lick all creation’ in a ride over stiff country. The stakes were £1 a side. Mr Hill was attired in his homely suit, and the Cockney as if for a derby. Mr Hill won by 400 yards.

* A venison feast was had by 48 people at the Lamb Inn, Dulverton. Mr M F Bisset took the chair. The dinner was ‘got up in Host Catford’s good style’.

* Harvest home was celebrated in Luxborough. After a service in the church, dinner was laid out in a large barn on Westcott Farm. The men had cold beef and beer, and the women tea and plum cake. Mr Lethbridge presided over a company of 190.

100 years ago - October 8, 1821

* Names were suggested for Watchet’s first council houses. ‘Flowerdale’ was selected after suggestions for ‘Pennydale’ and ‘Peel’s Lane’, incorporating the names of two councillors.

* Mr William Clavey, who died in Watchet aged 83, was a former police constable who had spent most of his service in the town. He used to keep a vigilant eye on youth, and chastised those ‘on a mischief bent’. After retiring from the Force, he drove the mail car between Watchet and Bridgwater.

* In Minehead, the death occurred of Mr William Staddon, 72, who had developed a large posting business in the town. He had been well known for his horse-brake excursions and founded the firm of Messrs William Staddon and Sons Ltd.

* Cecil Scoins, aged seven, picked a box of ripe wild strawberries on his way to school in Withypool.

50 years ago - October 9, 1971

* Elizabeth Yeandle, a 23-year-old mum, was asked to make a new sign for the Royal Oak Inn, Withypool.

* Watchet nearly lost one of its attractions – free car parking – when the UDC voted on a recommendation to introduce a pay and display scheme. The casting vote of the chairman W West sent the matter back to the works committee.

* Porlock’s new £2000 tennis courts were opened with an exhibition match between county player Margaret Merson and former Wimbledon star Christine Truman.