60 years ago

March 6, 1951

BOROUGH magistrates turned down an application for all pubs in Bridgwater to remain open until 10.30pm.

Two church ministers opposed the bid, which was made to meet demands of shift workers and factory staff working overtime.

BRIDGWATER Town FC bought a new ground at Castle Field for the princely sum of £250.

Supporters' club president CP Staples said it meant the club would be able to go forward and the ground would become an asset rather than a liability.

BIRD watchers at Durleigh Reservoir were to be limited to only four at any one time following recommendations adopted by Bridgwater Town Council.

40 years ago

March 9, 1971

IRENE Tester was elected as Bridgwater's fourth female Mayor in reward for 22 years of hard work in the local community.

She succeeded the town's third woman Mayor, Margaret Rees, and chose her guardian Francis Chappell as her Mayoress.

QUESTIONS over the level of water in the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and why water was being allowed to pour through the gates of Bridgwater Docks into the River Parrett were raised.

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council said some of the water was being sold.

A RISE in council tax rates of at least 11p in Bridgwater was blamed entirely on the ruling Conservative Government.

20 years ago

March 5, 1991

THE Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson received a right royal welcome when she paid a visit to bibic at Knowle Hall near Puriton.

She met staff and families and saw the latest techniques used to help children.

CHURCH bells rang in Bridgwater after a ceasefire was announced in the Gulf.

Families of servicemen from the Sedgemoor area spoke to The Mercury of their relief following years of battle.

GOVERNORS and parents at Nether Stowey School came up with a novel way of saving school dinners - launching a special brochure all about a new mutual trading association.

The school began offering an alternative to hot school meals to safeguard the service.