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.
Sharon Moorhead and Stephanie Roberts admire some of the prize roses at Congresbury Summer Fete and Rose Show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
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.
Hutton Pet Show organised by Hutton RSPCA Auxiliary. Jane Carter feeding her pet guinea pig on cabbage.Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
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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.
Hutton Pet Show organised by Hutton RSPCA Auxiliary. Waiting to enter the dog show are "Cindy" with Ian Carott, "Shane" with Kevin Barwick and "Peep Bo" with Jane and Georgina Herlihy. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
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.
Pupils checking the results of the races at Ashbrook House Annual Sports Day held at Drove Road Recreation Ground. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
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 first of the Weston-super-Mare Wheelers' cycle race meetings at Weston Airport was reasonably successful, inspite of the bad weather said Mr. Les Wilkins, an official of the club. Nigel King, Hugh Quan, Paul Davis and Paul Baker. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
"The foals are born, catch it and there is nothing you can do."
The first of the Weston-super-Mare Wheelers' cycle race meetings at Weston Airport was reasonably successful, inspite of the bad weather said Mr. Les Wilkins, an official of the club. Start of the 20-mile race. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Paper flowers were something different at the "produce stall" at Winscombe Parent-Teacher Association Fete at Winscombe Primary School. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Francine and Nicky Harwood pictured with their pets at the pets' service held on the Beach Lawns and organised by the local branch of the anti-Vivisection Society with the RSPCA and PDSA. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Guides of the 1st Shipham Company, who helped run the Shipham Parish Fete, pursuede lone scout Jonathan Harris to enter one of the competitions. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
The Rozel Music Garden which has been given a "new look" and has become an atractive venue for visitors and residents. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Ads 27th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Ads 27th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Ads 27th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
Front Page 27th June 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant
