INTERNATIONAL squash players were descending on Weston-super-Mare in 1965 for the opening of a new sports facility.

Weston Mercury: Charley's Aunt, the popular farce, is still running. Brian Morton-Hicks, in the title role pours tea in this week's revival by Weston Dramatic Society at Knightstone.Charley's Aunt, the popular farce, is still running. Brian Morton-Hicks, in the title role pours tea in this week's revival by Weston Dramatic Society at Knightstone. (Image: Archant)

The event was publicised in the October 15 edition of the Weston Mercury and Somerset Herald.

? The Weston Squash Rackets Club was due to be unveiled in Devonshire Road, with leading international players due to be the first to take to the court. Jamal Din, from Pakistan, would play John Ramsden before other matches featuring county and international sportsmen.

? The Kings Of Wessex Academy in Cheddar officially opened this week 50 years ago. The school stands on the site of a former Saxon palace. It had been open for just over a year, but it was not formerly handed over to the education authority until 1965.

? There was a big rise in the number of medicine prescriptions after charges were abolished. The Somerset Health Executive Board told Weston Borough Council that there had been a 16 per cent increase in prescriptions, with the cost rising from £88,000 to £116,000.

? Weston had to get ready to take full advantage of the building of the Severn Bridge, according to the town’s mayor. Ald FA Boyd said it could change the ‘pattern of life’ for thousands of people in the area.

? The paper’s Looking Back section, similar to Picture Past, noted how in 1940, Weston’s civilian population had risen since the outbreak of World War Two. The number had increased by 14,300, including 6,200 evacuees. Weston had also raised £5,000 to pay for a Spitfire aircraft.