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 – May 1st 1869

It was being rumoured that the successor to the Rev Martin Hunnybun, who had seceded to the Church of Rome, was likely to be a man with Romish proclivities. The bulk of parishioners were considering inviting the ministrations of a Dissenting minister.

100 years ago – May 3rd 1919

The death occurred in Watchet of Mr George Gooding Pole, one of the original members of the UDC and a believer in scientific farming. Born at Egrove Farm, he tenanted Snailholt and Bardon Farms, which he raised to a high state of cultivation.

50 years ago – May 3rd 1969

The dwindling otter population and any steps that may be taken to preserve the species were not a concern for a local authority, Dulverton RDC decided. A letter from the League Against Cruel Sports was “noted”.

25 years ago – May 6th 1994

A hot air balloon carrying 15 people crash-landed near the A358 on Tower Hill, Williton, after the pilot fell overboard. Passengers were left floating 100ft up before one of them managed to pull the rope and deflate the ballon. It plunged into a hedge, injuring six people.