TAKE a look at what was making the headlines 75, 50 and 25 years ago

75 years ago

AT the Church of the Most Precious Blood on Monday there was Solemn High Mass and Te Deum in thanksgiving for the opening of the new church at Sidmouth. Catholic clergy from all parts of the Diocese were present. The church was full, the Papal flag was flying and streamers were hanging at the entrance.

THE monthly meeting of Sidford Women’s Institute was held in the Sidford Hall on Monday, November 18. There was a large attendance including several new members. This was members’ night and three members had made themselves responsible and the others worked with them so that an excellent programme was the result.

50 years go

THERE were large congregations at the parish church on Sunday, and the church was filled to capacity at Mattins following a Remembrance service at the Memorial Cross. The parade had marched through the town, headed by Sidmouth Silver Band.

MR W H Sampson, of 2 Ascerton Road, Sidmouth, who joined the Post Office 40 years ago after serving in the Forces in the 1914-18 war, retired last week and has been presented with a clock from the Sidmouth Postmaster and staff, at which office he has been stationed since 1934.

25 years ago

A RESIDENTIAL caravan at Bowd, Sidmouth, was completely destroyed by fire on Monday night, but the occupant managed to escape unhurt. David Emerson, who had moved into the caravan only hours before the blaze, had turned on his gas fire and then watched in horror as it flared up, setting light to the interior. Flames spread to a nearby gas cylinder which exploded with such force that the noise could be heard across the other side of the valley.

STAFF at Stevens Cross Garage, Sidford, were amazed when a sheep did a ‘ewe-turn’ into the garage on Tuesday morning. Foreman Peter Brown first spotted the Dorset Horn sheep on the A3052 where it was being chased by an Alsatian dog. Peter said: “The sheep ran across our forecourt and into the shop, where it went behind the counter.” He took it outside and locked it in the pen usually used to store gas cylinders, where it remained until its owner came to collect it.