Picture Past September 19: The more things change...

Gareth Newnham

Published: 3:00 PM September 21, 2019 Updated: 11:09 PM October 27, 2020

Messrs. H. Lukins, J. Diamond and P. Hooper at the barrels during Allerton Harvest Home Luncheon. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

More homes were set to be built in Weston but rural villages would face restrictions according to controversial plans for the future of the area.

Some of the guests at Allerton Harvest Home Luncheon. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

The Weston-super-Mare Resettlement policy, which surveyed a large area of North Somerset, recommended the growth of rural villages be limited, despite a boost to house building in the town, to preserve the scenic appeal of the countryside and to preserve the character of rural villages.

Axbridge council chairman, J G Walter told the Mercury: "We don't want the villages growing too large.

"Taking as an example, Congresbury, which is getting up to its limit, you may lose the whole village atmosphere.

"In our case we made a conscious effort to keep that.

Mr. W. J. White carving ham at Allerton Harvest Home Luncheon. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

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"When you get up to the 5,000 mark you begin to lose it."

The report also concluded that a number of Weston's new homeowners would chose to work in Bristol because of the M5.

According to the report between 1952-1966 commuting from Weston to Bristol increased by 250 per cent.

It said: "Weston functions as a service centre and town for holidays, tourism and retirement.

John Palmer, Janet Palmer, Pamela Davenport, Peter Browning and Jill Black in a breakfast scene from 'Love In A Mist' by Kenneth Horn, presented by the Mendip Vale Players at St James's Church Hall, Winscombe. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

"It also functions as a manufacturing centre and dormitory for Bristol upon which it is dependant for specialised social, cultural and commercial facilities and services.

*Police investigated a fight at a Weston discothèque which saw three men sent to hospital with minor injuries.

The fight broke out late on Saturday night at the Dolls House Discotheque in Regent Street

*A nine-and-a-half feet long answering machine worth £70 was stolen from a construction site.

An iced, two-tier cake was cut by the County Commissioner of the Scout movement, Mr. Gervas Clay, to inaugurate the opening of Winscombe's new Scout headquarters at the Lynch. Also at the opening was his wife, the Hon. Betty Clay, who is deputy Chief Commissioner of the English Girl Guide movement and the daughter of Lord Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout movement. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

The green Baird machine was taken when the Construction Mechanics Ltd site, in Milton Green, was broken into.

*The police were on the hunt for a mystery window smasher who had been shooting out panes of glass with an airgun across Weston.

The culprit caused £190 worth of damage, breaking windows in the War on Want shop, in Meadow Street, The York Convalescent Home, in St Margarets Terrace, and the office of Herbert Hess and Son, in Boulevard.

Superintendant Lockyer said: "There seems little doubt that these incidents are the responsibility of one person.

Over 140 members of Weston-super-Mare Swimming Club, aged between six and 60 took part iin a sponsored swim at Knightstone Baths on Monday evening in an effort to raise funds for the club. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

"We believe they were committed at lunchtime or early afternoon."

Anita Johns (Bleadon) on Pip the Seventh as she takes him over the last jump at North Somerset Hunt Club end-of-season show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Stephen Urch with the Blackburn Shield for the best jumping pony, pictured with fellow competitors Angela Griffith, Claire Higgins and Carol Kelsey at North Somerset Hunt Club end-of-season show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

11-year-old Heather Baker who won the trophy for best pony of the year at North Somerset Hunt Club end-of-season show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

One of the many crowded tables at Hewish Harvest Home. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Ready to 'tuck in' at Hewish Harvest Home. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

A carve up for Rachel Hutchings with assistance from Messrs. Ray, Ted, Bob, and Jack Cox at Hewish Harvest Home. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Mr. Stanley Hutchings at one of the many crowded tables at Hewish Harvest Home. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

About to serve Hewish Harvest Home's far-famed triffles are Phyllis Diment, Jill Osmond and Vera Cook. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

The character of Congresbury's 700-year-old September fair, which in former days blocked the main highway with it's booths and stalls, has changed. It is now a one-day sheep fair, but it is good news that as such it healthily survives, and that this year there was the biggest entry for years. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Ads 19th September 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Front Page 19th September 1969 Edition. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Anita Johns (Bleadon) on Pip the Seventh as she takes him over the last jump at North Somerset Hunt Club end-of-season show. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant