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 – August 28th 1869

Arches of welcome were erected in Dunster to herald the Horticultural Society’s show in a marquee on the castle lawns. There was a magnificent floral display, especially of cockscombs. Many of the elite of the neighbourhood were seen there.

100 years ago – August 30th 1919

At the third attempt, previous ones having been dogged by wet weather, it was possible to complete Old Cleeve peace celebration sports in Mr J Stoate’s meadow in Washford. The day concluded with the lighting of a huge bonfire. A benefit was run in Mr T Burnett’s carpenter’s shop.

50 years ago – August 30th 1969

Because of the incidence of equine flu in North Devon and West Somerset, the Lorna Doone Centenary Committee at Lynton had regretfully to cancel the feature on the burning of Widow Fisher’s farmyard. The episode was to have taken place on September 11th.

25 years ago – September 2nd 1994

Building work started at Irnham Lodge, in Minehead, to create a new all-purpose medical centre and doctors’ surgery. The £50,000 project to meet rising demand was set to transform the way medical services were provided.