150 years ago
October 28th 1871
n The death occurred at Fairfield, Stogursey, of Sir Peregrine Fuller Palmer Ackland, Bart, aged 81, great benefactor of the district, builder of Stogursey School and St Audries Church.
n Messrs Ford, Shattock and Northcombe, of Bishops Lydeard, were the contractors for the building of the new schools in the village: “It is hoped that this hitherto neglected parish in educational purposes will soon be in possession of a good school.”
n Mr Hosegood, of Bridge Farm, Williton, had grown some immense turnips (Cridland’s new imperial white). Two weighed 21lbs each, and one was 41 inches in circumference.
n A large steamer brought sleepers from America to Appledore for use in the making of the Taunton-Barnstaple branch railway.
100 years ago
October 29th 1921
n Mr F Heal, of Parr’s Bank, Williton, won the Taunton to Land’s End motorcycle trial. His sidecar passenger was Mr W Barnes, of Beggearnhuish, Washford.
n A pauper absconded from Williton workhouse and took some clothes with him. The magistrates sent him to jail for a month with hard labour.
n Hockey clubs had been formed in Williton and Allerford. The Minehead Wednesday club promised to be strong this season.
n A concert at Hartrow Manor wiped out the deficit on Elworthy church restoration fund. The concert was held at the manor by permission of the Rev E H and Mrs Sweet-Escott. Mrs J C White prepared the programme, and among those taking part were S M J ("Sammy") Woods.
50 years ago
October 30th 1971
n Susan Lloyd, 17, was named Miss Vennland and presented with a sash by Clarks manager Nicholas Craddock. Susan won 8 and would represent the Minehead factory in the Shoe Princess contest later in the year.
n Mr John Gentry and his wife, Doris, of Stogursey narrowly escaped being engulfed by a ton of rock while driving in Bristol.
n Falling attendances were worrying Williton RDC chairman Mr Jim Pollard. At the October meeting, 19 members were missing and clerk Mr John Sansom said the apologies list was the longest he could remember.