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 – September 25th 1869

The schooner Prudence, of Watchet, bound from Newport to Bridgwater, was driven onto the sands at Burnham. The crew took to the bowsprit when the sea began to wash over the vessel, and they were rescued by the Burnham lifeboat.

100 years ago – September 27th 1919

Throwing bombs and bayonet charge were the names of two events at sports held in Stogumber to wind up the peace celebrations. That well known local athlete J Davey won the pillow fight, the 100 yards and the quarter-mile.

50 years ago – September 27th 1969

An inquiry was expected to be held into the cause of an explosion in the turbine hall of Hinkley Point nuclear power station, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, in the early hours of September 21.

25 years ago – September 30th 1994

West Somerset could be set to benefit from a catalogue of projects worth £3 million over three years. They included a Watchet museum and interpretation centre, enhancement of Minehead seafront and station, and five acres of industrial land for Bishops Lydeard.