PICTURE PAST: July 4, 1969 – RAF officer saves daughter from sunk boat

An exiting start in the donkey derby held by the 1st Burrington and Wrington Scout Group at Churchill. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Weston's Playhouse Theatre reopened, five years after it was severely damaged in a fire.

The High Street venue was destroyed in the blaze but rebuilt with almost 700 seats.

The project cost £230,000 and took two years to complete.

Doors opened with a performance by the Brian Rix Company, as it staged comedy Let Sleeping Wives Lie.

Uphill Primary School's Parents and Friends Association fete. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

- Felton had its own royal occasion when it gave a warm Somerset welcome to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who visited St Katherine's Church.

Parishioners, schoolchildren, scouts, brownies and everyone connected with the church or parish greeted the smiling royal visitor with tremendous cheering as she arrived at the picturesque small church.

She saw a special flower festival arranged for the occasion.

The Queen Mother flew to Bristol in an Andover of the Queen's Flight and was greeted by a crowd of more than 100 people on the observation platform.

Uphill Primary School's Parents and Friends Association fete. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

- A car crashed as it swerved off the road and ploughed into a wall outside the Lord Nelson in Cleeve.

The driver, a young man from Wrington, died from his injuries.

The accident happened at around 1.30am while he was driving towards Weston.

Norman Febry, aged 25, suffered a fatal head injury.

Windwhistle Primary School family sports day. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

- An RAF officer from Locking swam ashore from a submerged sailing dinghy and saved the lives of his daughter and another officer who were trapped in the boat.

A nine-hour air and sea search for the three missing people had been launched.

Flight lieutenant John Beckett, his 11-year-old daughter and flight lieutenant George Smith left Knightstone Causeway in an Albacore dinghy about 6.30pm on the Monday.

Later, Mrs Beckett had become anxious about their safety and reported them missing to the police.

Windwhistle Primary School family sports day. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Flt Lt Beckett's car and boat trailer were found parked at Knightstone.

The boat had been blown towards the mouth of the River Parrett near Bridgwater.

Beckett swam for help and headed towards Steart Island where he was found by a postman.

A helicopter was sent to the boat where his daughter and friend were rescued.

A range of sports, day and evening dresses made and modelled by students, at Weston Technical College Home Economics and Hairdressing departments open day. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Some eye-catching experiments with make-up were teamed with these hair fashions modelled by Pam Fletcher, Christine Sheppard, Lynne Taylor, Yvonne Ford, Helen Williams and Pixie Hubbard, at Weston Technical College Home Economics and Hairdressing departments open day. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

RAF Locking Scout Group summer fete at the Camp. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

RAF Locking Scout Group summer fete at the Camp. Chefs Simon Hockey, Colin Oliver, Graham Read and Michael Jones at the hot dog stand. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Dr. J. Beasley, deputy County Medical Officer of Health, with County Ald. Mrs. EM Miller-Barstow, president of the Weston Society, and Mrs. E Bawden, head teacher, with children at the Baytree Road Training Centre. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

St Katherine's Church in Felton celebrating it's centenary was favoured with a Royal visit by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

St Katherine's Church in Felton celebrating it's centenary was favoured with a Royal visit by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Eight-year-old Katherine Marshall presents a bouquet of Queen Elizabeth pink roses to the Queen Mother. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

St Katherine's Church in Felton celebrating it's centenary was favoured with a Royal visit by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

St Katherine's Church in Felton celebrating it's centenary was favoured with a Royal visit by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Ads 4th July 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Ads 4th July 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Ads 4th July 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Front Page 4th July 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)