HERE are some stories making Herald headlines back in 1936, 1961 and 1986.

75 years ago

AN alarming subsidence has occurred in the coastal road between Sidmouth and Otterton, and at any time 40 yards length might be hurled into the sea about 350ft below. The road has been closed to traffic at both ends, and at the point where a fall is threatened cliff paths have also been closed.

THE scholars attending Sidbury Sunday School spent a very happy evening at Sidbury Village Hall on Tuesday, when the annual prize distribution took place. The proceedings commenced with tea for the teachers at 4pm and for the children at 4.30pm, this being under the supervision of Mrs Prendergast. Afterwards, games, etc were indulged in.

50 years ago

SIDMOUTH Round Table children enjoyed a festive tea with games at the Christmas party held this week in Woolcombe Hall. Tablers had gaily decorated the hall and tea was arranged and served by a ladies’ committee led by Mrs Howarth, wife of the table chairman. Each child was given a Christmas present and the party ended with a short film show.

THE local hospital is just �400 short of clearing the cost of the new extension which will be of great benefit to Sidmouth people and Round Table are this year devoting the profit on their annual charity ball to try and pay a large part of this outstanding debt. The ball will again be held in the Manor Pavilion on February 13, the eve of Pancake Day.

25 years ago

SIDMOUTH’S English Amateur Golf Champion Roger Winchester left for a holiday in America yesterday with a view to sharpening up his game in time for the summer season in Britain. Roger hopes to spend several months in Florida, where the warmer climate will enable him to practice every day on the high quality American courses.

OUT of options to approve, refuse or inspect a site at Bickwell Lane, Sidmouth, where Mr and Mrs Peter Wharton want to build a home, all three in turn looked like possible decisions when East Devon planners met on Thursday. The district council’s planning committee was recommended by officers to inspect the plot because of controversy over whether the land lay within the town boundary for the development, and objections previously lodged. After a lengthy debate, the committee accepted the recommendation.