The Weston Mercury and Somerset Herald looked 100 years back into its archives at Birnbeck Pier’s reopening after a steamer damaged the historic structure.

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A wishing well to mark the efforts of an emergency service during the July floods was planned.

To commemorate the work of Cheddar’s St John Ambulance during the devastating floods in 1968, residents in the village agreed to provide time, materials and money to build the well.

Most of the money thrown in the well in Cheddar Gorge would be donated back to the brigade, with some going to the Scouts and Guides in the Cheddar Valley. The Weston Mercury and Somerset Herald looked 100 years back into its archives at Birnbeck Pier’s reopening after a steamer damaged the historic structure.

– Organisers of sponsored walks were asked by police to think again before arranging them in the future.

%image(14260033, type="article-full", alt="The Cast of Weston Technical College's production of Mr. Hunter, taken during the County Youth Drama Festival held at Churchill Secondary School. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

The appeal was made after a young marcher was injured in a road accident while taking part in a walk.

It was the second incident of that type in the space of 10 days.

A spokesman said: “We have no power to stop charity walks taking place, but, from a road safety point of view, we strongly disapprove of them and discourage them.

“With so many young people on the busy main roads, it exposes them to the risk of accidents.”

%image(14260035, type="article-full", alt="Churchill schoolchildren take an interest in a display of sewing machines at the careers exhibition held at Kings of Wessex School, Cheddar. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

A 14-year-old child was involved in a collision with a car in Failand while taking part in a walk with 500 other youngsters from Bristol to Clevedon.

– Plans to increase a 30mph road to 40mph was met with criticism 50 years ago.

The Ministry of Transport approved the move to change the limit on New Road in Cheddar by Somerset County Council.

The change, which was met with much disappointment from the village’s parish council, was discussed at a meeting.

%image(14260036, type="article-full", alt="The Weston Gas Works hooter sounded for the last time this week. Mr. Harry Pothecary is pictured cutting down the hooter which may go to Weston Museum. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

A petition was later set up to demand a pavement on the road.

– In the Mercury’s Picture Past looking back a further 100 years ago, Birnbeck Pier reopened after being closed.

The closure was prompted after a collision involving a steamer, which had steamed off course and damaged the pier’s structure.

It was hoped, when it reopened, the ‘island of Birnbeck would be as popular as ever’.

%image(14130605, type="article-full", alt="Winners of Weston Junior Schools annual six-a-side competition, Ashbrooke House. Robert Jackson who scored a hat-trick with his team mates. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

– Weston’s youngest MP took his seat five days after a ‘magnificent win’ at the by-election.

The election took place for the Weston seat in parliament after the death of Conservative David Webster.

Jerry Wiggin, aged 32, became the outright winner and the youngest ever person to be elected for the division.

He took his seat at the House of Commons after his victory by more than 29,000 votes.

%image(14260037, type="article-full", alt=""Easter weather outlook - changeable." This forecast is suggested by a Weston sands picture. The donkeys in their straw hats are obviously expecting a heat wave, but their riders are rug wrapped for protection against cool sea breezes. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

%image(14260038, type="article-full", alt=""Easter weather outlook - changeable." This forecast is suggested by a Weston sands picture. The donkeys in their straw hats are obviously expecting a heat wave, but their riders are rug wrapped for protection against cool sea breezes. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

%image(14260040, type="article-full", alt="Ads 4th April 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")

%image(14260041, type="article-full", alt="Front Page 4th April 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY")