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 – January 29th 1870

“We regret to say that a neighbouring parish of Lydeard St Lawrence possesses a respectable family who believe themselves bewitched by a couple of females. Quarrels have already resulted and the threat of draining the witches’ blood to end the bewitchment is being talked about.”

100 years ago – January 31st 1920

Roadwater football team scored a goal! As reported last week, the side had scored no goals in the West Somerset League and had 72 against them. The latest match was against Williton, which won 5-1. J Hayes scored the goal for Roadwater.

50 years ago – January 31st 1970

Butlin’s was asked to sponsor a 14-mile swim from Barry to Minehead. The closest the channel had ever come to being conquered by a swimmer was when a woman reached within a quarter of a mile of Minehead.

25 years ago – February 3rd 1985

A major scheme to amalgamate play facilities for children in West Somerset was set in motion and could mean axing the popular Jubilee Bus double-decker.