150 years ago - September 9th 1871

* The magistrates at Dulverton said they were gratified to note that the number of public houses in the division was diminishing.

* In the garden of Williton Union Workhouse could be seen a fine sample of the monster pippin apple. They hung in groups of eight to ten. One weighed 14 ½ ounces and was a foot in circumference.

* Children of Wiveliscombe church Sunday school, numbering about 200, had their annual tea in the schoolroom because the weather was so wet.

* The fifth annual festival of choirs in the Dulverton Choral Union took place at Winsford parish church. There were 120 singers. A full set of episcopal robes was presented to the Ven Archdeacon Jermyn, late rector of Nettlecombe and rural dean of Dunster, who was Bishop-designate of Colombo.

100 years ago - September 10th 1921

* Watchet Gas Company was strongly criticised by the urban council for showing no interest in supplying gas to the new council houses.

* Minehead Urban Council received complaints of overcrowding on the Minehead-Dulverton bus. It was stated that 40 people travelled in a bus licensed for 26. The council said it had no control over the matter.

* Dr C Killick wrote to the Free Press complaining of the inconvenience to Williton people because their water supply was turned off between 6pm and 7am.

* Lord Cromer, who was staying at Aldersmead, his home in Alcombe Combe, had been appointed chief of staff to the Prince of Wales on HRH’s Indian tour.

50 years ago - September 11th 1971

* Renewed friction between anglers and boatmen was reported to Watchet UDC. At the centre of the row was a painted sign saying ‘No fishing beyond this point’ at the bottom of the steps to the West Pier round head.

* Mrs Margaret Morgan made cups of tea at Washford Post Office for the victims of an accident, including American Mr Lawrence V Ryan who wrote promising ‘to proclaim the good name of Washford everywhere in California’.

* Minehead and Williton were among 14 comprehensive schools to open for 9,000 children after the summer holidays. The number of comprehensives in Somerset was now 26.