150 years ago

November 5th 1870

Williton magistrates granted an application by Supt Mear to sell by public auction a quantity of cider that had been seized in the house of a want-catcher and pig-killer at Washford. Men had been seen going to the house on Sunday mornings, and on one occasion a constable listened at the door and heard the sound of cider being drawn.

Frank Shattock, employed by Mr G Gibbs, won the championship at the annual ploughing match organised by the Bishops Lydeard Agricultural Association.

The village of Sampford Brett was gaily decorated for a popular bride, Miss Bessie Stone, who was married to Mr Richard Comer Clarke, of Loxhore, North Devon.

The branch of an apple tree, bearing a number of young apples, was sent to the Free Press office. The tree belonged to Mr C Parsons, of Bicknoller.

100 years ago

November 6th 1920

A parish hall, erected in Brushford as a war memorial, was opened by the Hon Mrs Herbert, who was presented with a bouquet by Muriel Fyfe and Maurice Perry. The hall was near a field known as Tibbets Green where old English pastimes such as maypole dancing and wrestling used to take place.

Sales of bacon by public auction took place in Minehead. The matter was mentioned at a meeting of the urban council when a member said it would be to the good of the public if more people like ’the bacon man’ came into the town to sell.

Williton RDC decided to apply to the magistrates for a closing order in respect of a well of drinking water in Bilbrook. It had been certified as contaminated.

Mr William Hawkins, who had spent most of his life in Dulverton where he was clerk of the parish council, assistant overseer, rate collector, parish church organist and secretary of the Friendly Society, died

aged 71.

50 years ago

November 7th 1970

Three of the main district councils in West Somerset – Minehead, Watchet and Williton – announced they were joining together to use the ancient slate quarry at Treborough for refuse disposal.

Elworthy, with a population of 81, reacted angrily to the news that Somerset County Council would not allow it to have a parish council because it was too small.

Clarks Ltd said it would set up a medium-sized shoe factory in Dulverton which would provide work for around 100 men and women.

Floods caused by heavy rain washed away two sections of Tarr Steps.