A steamer collided with Birnbeck Pier after a cross-channel trip from Cardiff. The story appeared on the Weston Mercury and Somerset Herald’s front page 50 years ago.

Weston Mercury: Locking Village Fete raised £138 towards the redecoration of the village hall. The opener, Mr. FW Millier, tries his hand on the skittles alley. Picture: WESTON MERCURYLocking Village Fete raised £138 towards the redecoration of the village hall. The opener, Mr. FW Millier, tries his hand on the skittles alley. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

The dangers and difficulties for pedestrians and vehicles in negotiating a Weston junction were stressed at a council meeting.

A letter from the Bristol Omnibus Company referred to delays experienced by the drivers trying to get on to the main road at the junction of Bournville Road and Drove Road.

It was agreed to approach the Ministry of Transport to discuss improvements to the junction and the possible installation of traffic lights.

-- Bottles and crockery were smashed and passengers jolted when a channel steamer, Westward Ho!, collided with Birnbeck Pier.

Weston Mercury: Locking Village Fete raised £138 towards the redecoration of the village hall. Mrs. Jeanette Salway with Jayne Louise, who won the over six months class in the baby show. Picture: WESTON MERCURYLocking Village Fete raised £138 towards the redecoration of the village hall. Mrs. Jeanette Salway with Jayne Louise, who won the over six months class in the baby show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

The mishap occurred when the vessel was approaching the pier to berth after a trip from Cardiff.

The boat was coming up to the pier at around 8.15pm when the current caught it, shaking it.

The Westward Ho! bow was damaged and was taken back to Cardiff Dock for repairs.

-- Plans to improve facilities at Weston General Hospital and provide more beds at the Royal Hospital costing thousands of pounds were shelved.

Weston Mercury: Six-year-old Donna Binning at the botttle stall at East Brent Church Fete. Picture: WESTON MERCURYSix-year-old Donna Binning at the botttle stall at East Brent Church Fete. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

It was likely the plans were to be postponed for at least two years by the Regional Hospital Board.

The major part of the work was to have been at the general hospital, where there was an urgent need to extend the busy accident and emergency department.

The scheme would have also provided a new sterile supply department.

At the Royal Hospital the need for more beds was severely felt.

Weston Mercury: The Bishop of Clifton, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Rudderham attended celebrations at Corpus Christi Church, Weston, to mark the golden jubilee of the founding in the Diocese of the Order of the Knights of St Columba, Province of Clifton. Picture: WESTON MERCURYThe Bishop of Clifton, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Rudderham attended celebrations at Corpus Christi Church, Weston, to mark the golden jubilee of the founding in the Diocese of the Order of the Knights of St Columba, Province of Clifton. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

-- An old-established family leather goods business in Regent Street was at threat of having to sell up to make way for a major shopping development.

It was the only shop on the block between the Victoria Hotel and the new development at the corner of High Street, then owned by the Borough Council.

It was planned to pull down the block so the road could be widened and the area behind it, at the Regent House car park, would be developed.

-- Weston Lions Club was looking for people willing to assist it, either physically or financially, with the winter carnival in November.

Weston Mercury: Mrs. G.L. Hayes, president of the Women's Auxiliary, presents an award to Stewart Chicks, at Weston YMCA annual awards presentation. Picture: WESTON MERCURYMrs. G.L. Hayes, president of the Women's Auxiliary, presents an award to Stewart Chicks, at Weston YMCA annual awards presentation. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

The club hoped Westonians would welcome a revival of the tradition which was popular in previous years.

In 1969, the event was to be staged on November 17 and, after covering expenses, the surplus proceeds were to be distributed by the club to local charities.

Weston Mercury: Old railway building makes new headquarters for Axbridge Youth Club. Pictured are members and guests at the official opening by Rev. Peter Haynes. Picture: WESTON MERCURYOld railway building makes new headquarters for Axbridge Youth Club. Pictured are members and guests at the official opening by Rev. Peter Haynes. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Milton Junior School now has a new library. Our picture shows some of the children using the library facilities. Left to right: Edward Little, Nicola Symes, Clare Hooper, David Hooper and Sian Mair Gillingham. Picture: WESTON MERCURYMilton Junior School now has a new library. Our picture shows some of the children using the library facilities. Left to right: Edward Little, Nicola Symes, Clare Hooper, David Hooper and Sian Mair Gillingham. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Front Page 6th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURYFront Page 6th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)

Weston Mercury: Ads 6th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURYAds 6th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY (Image: Archant)