150 years ago

October 15th 1870

* James Gadd, 53, road contractor, of Brompton Ralph, was run over and killed by a wagon at Five Bells, Watchet. The same day, his son George was rabbit shooting at Rooks Nest, Brompton Ralph, when the barrel exploded and injured two fingers so badly they had to be amputated.

* The churchwardens of St Decuman’s, Watchet, were asking for tenders for the supply at Christmas of 800 yards of four-quarter Kersey blanketing.

* The Bishop of Bath and Wells licensed the Rev Francis Carter as curate of Porlock, the Rev Henry Stretch as chaplain to the Devon and Somerset Railway labourers, and the Rev W Nicholetts, rector of Chipstaple, as Rural Dean of Wiviliscombe.

100 years ago

October 16th 1920

* Watchet Urban Council decided to take proceedings against persons found taking shingle from West Street beach without authorisation. Complaints had been made by property owners living in the vicinity of the beach.

* When Sunday evening services for the winter were resumed at St Mary’s Church, Washford, it was noted that a handsome addition to the furniture had been made. This was a fine carved oak frame for the altar picture of the Annunciation and was the work of Washford Carving Class, begun before the war and since completed.

* A parish meeting in Dunster decided there should be no street lighting this winter. A scheme would have cost £5 – equivalent to a 7d rate.

* At the request of Bicknoller Parish Meeting, it was agreed by Williton RDC to proceed with a scheme for providing the village with a proper supply of drinking water. The cost would be £750.

50 years ago

October 17th 1970

* Mr Gervase Clay was elected county chairman at the annual meeting of the Somerset County Scout Council. He handed over his position as County Commissioner to his deputy, Peter Christopher.

* Tom King MP had so far received no reply from the Western manager of British Rail in response to his letter asking for some definite assurance as to how long the Taunton-Minehead line would remain open.

* A campaign was started to vaccinate 13-year-old girls in Somerset against German measles.

* Poor visibility, heavy rain and fluke airs meant only 11 dinghies turned out for racing on Clatworthy reservoir. Any monohull under 18ft would be welcome to join the steady influx of entries for next weekend .