Picture Past: June 27, 1969 – Mysterious explosion damages Worle bungalow
A group of brownies try the lucky dip at Congresbury Summer Fete and Rose Show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
The body of a missing eight-year-old boy was discovered by a passing oil tanker.
The body of Timothy Orpin, from Weston, was found after he was swept away after falling into the water on Burnham beach nearly two weeks prior.
He was recovered by police from the banks of the River Parrett at Pawlett Hams.
He had been playing near the water with his sister Penelope, aged six, when he slipped and fell into the sea and was swept out into the channel.
n A mysterious explosion ripped off a large part of the roof, shattered windows and doors and brought down parts of the ceiling of a Worle bungalow.
The homeowner and his three children had been asleep at the time but were not hurt.
The wife, who had recently been in hospital, was away from home convalescing and was told about the incident over the phone by her husband.
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The cause of the blast, despite a detailed inspection from the Gas Board, was unknown as it could not 'pinpoint the reason' for the explosion.
n A 'bonus' towards the cost of the new Playhouse Theatre was to be paid to Weston Borough Council.
It was announced at the finance committee meeting £6,000 would be paid by the insurance company who insured the old theatre.
It received the cash for loss of profits for the period after the fire when there was no theatre.
Members were told it was a better settlement than expected as the council originally thought it would only receive £3,200.
n A parish council's campaign for signs to be put up in Cheddar Gorge warning climbers about the danger of falling rocks has won support from the police.
The motion was put forward by Cheddar Parish Council and the local road safety committee suggested the signs should read: 'It is highly dangerous to climb these cliffs and slopes due to the danger of falling rocks'.
n Eleven donkeys died in Weston after an outbreak of a killer virus.
One donkey owner and breeder, Don Trapnell, told the Mercury: "I am losing two or three every day.
"The horses get it and get over it but the donkeys can not fight it.
"The foals are born, catch it and there is nothing you can do."