25 YEARS AGO:

Tuesday, September 4, 1990

DEFENCE Secretary and MP for Bridgwater Tom King visited British Servicemen on standby in the troubled Gulf.

Mr King was met by Saudi Prince Turkei, the base commander at Dhahran Airbase in Saudi Arabia, where he arrived for a three-day tour to inspect British forces.

IT was standing room only in the packed public gallery at Sedgemoor Magistrates Court when the first cases were against non-payers of the controversial Community Charge, also known the poll tax.

AN inaugural bowls match took place to celebrate the opening of Puriton Sports Centre, which also included a new football pitch, cricket pitch and skittle alley.

20 YEARS AGO:

Tuesday, September 5, 1995

BRIDGWATER residents made a last-ditch attempt to stop a controversial housing development on Quantock Road from getting the go-ahead.

MEMBERS of East Bridgwater Youth Club were hoping to make an impact on the international sporting scene by competing in the Hovercraft Racing World Championships in Portugal.

IDENTICAL twin sisters Cheryl Cheese and Lesley Kemmish were having a double celebration after both giving birth to baby girls within hours of each other at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

THE Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Trevor Donaldson, was presented with a special plaque to mark his 28th year of service with the local police authority.

10 YEARS AGO:

Tuesday, September 6, 2005

MILLION-SELLING pop band Westlife gave a young Sedgemoor woman the “ultimate birthday

present” – performing an intimate gig in a barn for a crowd of just 100 friends and family.

Television crew and celebrity presenters descended on East Huntspill farm after 20-year-old Chloe Gamblin won a competition to have the Irish superstars perform a concert.

WESTONZOYLAND'S Lyn Dickens woman raised £2,500 to part in an amazing charity cycle along the River Nile.