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 – November 27th 1869

A very large slow worm crept out of a hedge into the highway near Roadwater and was killed, doubtless not being aware it was St Catherine’s Day.

100 years ago – November 29th 1919

The Government sawmills at Williton, near the railway station, caught fire and serious damage was done. The fire engine was trundled down the road by hand, but the brigade had to wait some time for water to be turned on. There was further anxiety because the Anglo-American Oil Company storage tanks were nearby.

50 years ago – November 29th 1969

Luccombe Parish Council informed Williton RDC that the Western National Omnibus Company was reluctant to attend a meeting to discuss the cessation of the Luccombe bus service. The RDC agreed to a request to support an application to operate a private minibus service in the Luccombe area.

25 years ago – December 2nd 1994

Washford teenager Karen Norman was to receive one of the country’s top bravery awards after tackling a raging bull to save the life of a farmer it had mauled into unconsciousness.