Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 09 September 1870

DITCHEAT.

 A cricket match between Ditcbeat and Bruton Clubs took place Ditcheat, Sept. 2nd, in field kindly lent by Mr. R. Norton. Bruton’s innings 38 and 48. Ditcheat’s innings 52 and 36 with 5 to fall; also a match was played with East Pennard and Ditcheat clubs. Sept 5th, resulted in favour Ditcheat club with wickets to fall.  

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 09 September 1870

DITCHEAT

Chapel Restoration. —The Wesleyan body at Ditcheat have decided to reseat and otherwise improve their chapel. Mr. E. O. Francis, of Castle Cary, has taken the contract, which is to be completed early in November.  

Bristol Times and Mirror - Tuesday 02 May 1871

EVERCREECH.

COLLISION ON SOMERSET AND  DORSET RAILWAY.— A collision occurred at Evercreech station, on the Somerset and Dorset line, yesterday. Two train. were due to cross at the station between twelve and one o'clock, the one bring a passenger train from Glastonbury, and the other a mixed (or goods and passenger) train from Templecombe. The Glastonbury train was standing at the station, and the signal was given for the other to pass on a piece of  double line. A lad who attends to the telegraph at the station was sent to turn the signal and the points. He attended to the former but not the latter, and the consequence was that the mixed train ran into the passenger train, at the rate of about eight miles an hour, The shock was very severe, and several of the passengers were seriously bruised and shaken. The engines were much damaged, and one of the driven was thrown a considerable distance from his engine. Several of the carriages were also smashed, and the trucks of the gods train were piled one on another. The line was blocked about three hours.

Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette - Thursday 14 December 1871

DITCHEAT

Mr. Christopher Welch, of Ditcheat, lately forwarded to Windsor Castle one of his fine dairy cheese which took the prize against all the world at the great show at Frome. The Queen, through Sir T. M. Biddulph, has graciously intimated her acceptance of the cheese, and thanked Mr. Welch for his attention.  

Western Gazette - Friday 05 January 1872

DITCHEAT.

Suicide. —On Friday Dr Wybrants held an inquest at the Manor House Inn, touching the death of Mary Day, aged 53 years, single woman. Deceased bad been in a desponding state for some time, in consequence of losing her situation as mistress of the parish school when a board school was established. On Wednesday morning at five o’clock she spoke to her mother, and at seven o’clock the old lady missed her and on going down stairs found window open through which deceased had got out, and her foot-prints were traced on the frost to the well, where her body was found. —Verdict: “Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity  

Bristol Times and Mirror - Saturday 12 October 1872

EVERCREECH FARMERS' CLUB. The 20th annual ploughing match in connection with the Evercreech Farmers' Club and Agricultural Association, which was established in 1863 for the advancement of agriculture, improving the breed of agricultural horses, and the encouragement of industrious labourers and servants, took place on Tuesday. in an old clover ley, in the parish of Pylle, in the occupation of Mr. William Carey, on  land belonging to Lord Portman, two miles from Shepton Mallet, and half a mile from Pylle railway. station. The society is carried on by a committee, consisting of the following gentlemen : —Mr. C. R. Wainwright (chairman), Mr. Christopher Welch (treasurer), Mr. W. R. Whatley (secretary), and Messrs. George Brown, Richard Harding, John Hoddinott Jonas Rugg, George Richmond, W. H. Laver Thomas W.. Reynolds, William Osborne. W. Haine, John R. Welch, Thomas Bown, and James Hoddinott, jun.

 The weather was fine, and admirably suited for such event as a ploughing match. The regulations were that the land should be ploughed with two horses without a driver. The quantity allotted to each competitor was half an acre, and the time allowed four hours. The champion class was open to persons who have won a first prize in a first or second class in any society, and to all others willing to compete. In class  2, no persons was allowed to compete who had ever won a first prize in in a first  or second class in any match ; and in class 3, the competition was restricted to persons who had first prize winners in any class at any ploughing match. No professional ploughman or hired carter was allowed to compete for any of the prizes unless he had for at least a month been the bona fide servant of a farmer owning the plough.

 The entries  were not nearly as numerous as they had been at some former matches. In the farmers' sons' class there was no competitors at all, and thus the match was short of one of its chief attractions. In the champion class nine entered, but seven only competed, and in class 2 the prizes were contested by six ploughmen. The total number of competitors was therefore only 13, whereas one year there were as many as 38. The ground, though well situate, being a large level field, without any intersecting hedges or other encumbrance, was not in a condition to show off the work to the best advantage. It was heavy land, but neither wet nor dry, and there was not a plough that slipped the earth clean and produced bright even furrow. but it is fair to the competitors to my that they held their ploughs well, and did everything that could be expected of them, especially with the great length of surface grass with which they had to contend, but which was well covered. A large number of spectators were in the field during the operations, and great Interest was evinced by them in three ploughs sent for exhibition by Messrs. Ransomes and Co., of Ipswich. They were light and heavy double-furrow three-horse ploughs., and a single plough with a rotary harrow. All three of them worked well and were much admired. The judges were :—Ploughing and horses : Mr. Robert Milsom. of Compton Pauncefoot, near Castle Cary, Mr. John Hoddinott, of Cranmore. and Mr. Joseph Poole. of Martock. Cheese: Mr. W. Cary, of Shepton Mallet, Mr. John Allen, Shepton Mallet, and Mr. George Butcher, of Bath. Roots : Mr. George Richmond, of Croscombe. near Wells, Mr. William Osborne, of Stoke lane, near Bath, and Mr. John Hoddinott, of Cranmore.

PRIZE LIST.

 Champion Class.(open to all England)—To the manager of the best plough, a silver cup, value £5 given by Mr. E. H. Dickinson (the president for the year), John  Keates ploughman to  Mr. Olive, Berkeley, Frome.

 Prize of £2 given by the society. to the manager of the second best – Kingston ploughman to Mr. R. Whatley, Mudford.

 Class 2 —To the manager of the best plough  a silver cup, value £4, William Addicott, ploughman to Mr. G. Weeks, Priddy. Wells

 To the manager  of the second best ditto £2, James Marsh. Plougman to Mr. E. Carey, Pylle.

 To the manager of the third best ditto, £1, Joseph Weeks, Priddy,

 Silver cup, value £4, given by the society, to grower of the best two acres of mangold wurtzel grown within ten miles of Shepton Mallet. Mr. Thomas Steeds, Holcombe, Bath.

 Prize of £2 to the  grower of the second best ditto, Mr. F. J. Butler. Vobster

 Silver cup value £4 given by the society to the grower best of the best piece of swedes Mr. Thomas Steeds, Holcombe.

 Prize £2 to the grower of the second best piece of ditto, Mr J hodges, Doulton

 Silver cup value £5, given by Major Paget MP, to the maker and exhibitor of the best 3 cwt of cheese made by any person living in the counties of Somerset, Wilts. or Dorset , Mr. James Hoddinott Lypiatt Kilmersdon.

 Second prize of £2 given by the society, for ditto, Mr. W. S. Whatley, Mudford. Yeovil .

 First prize of £3 to a hired dairywoman, living in Somerset who shall be the maker end exhibitor of the best 3 cwt. cheese, Mr. A. Garland, dairywoman to Mrs W.S.  Whatley, Mudford

Prize of £2 for the second best, Mary Phillips, dairywoman to Mr. W. Allen, West Bradley.

 Prize of £2 given by Mr. E. H. Clerk. to the owner of the best pair of agricultural horses used in the ploughing match, the said owner being a member of the society. Dr. W. S. Whatley. Mudford.

 Prize of £1 given by the society , for the second best ditto, Mr W. Carey, Pylle.

 To the agricultural labourer who has lived longest with the same master. or worked on the same farm. £1 1s. Joseph Brittain in the employ of Mr. W. Solomon, Doulting 25 years service; 2nd, 10s 6d^. John Emblim, in the employ of Mr. W. Osmond. 19 years' service. There were no entries in the female farm servants class.

  It is worthy of remark that this is the third year in succession that Mr. Whatley, the secretary, has carried off the first prize for the best pair of agricultural horses, and with the same pair of animals. The exhibition of cheese took place in a room at the George hotel, Shepton Mallet. There were six entries, and the whole of the lots were of good quality.

 The usual public dinner took place at the George hotel, in the afternoon. The company numbered about 80. The walls of the dining-room were neatly decorated with evergreens and appropriate mottoes . Mr. Edmund H. Dickinson presided, and was supported by Mr. H. Dyne, Mr. G. W. Mackay, the Rev. A. C. Stiles, Dr. Walker, and Mr. R. Norton and among the general company we observed Messrs. Sidney Hoddinott, John Hoddinott, James Hoddinott, Albert Hoddinott, Fred Candy, Edward Candy, Charles Candy, Wm. Laver, Wm. Clarke, Charles Moody, Richard Davis, John Stone, Job Foxwell, George Brown, Edwards Carville, Fudge, James Hill, John Welch, John Ellen, John Bryant, J Bryant,  Maurice Reynolds, S. W. Reynolds, and George Hatherly (agent for Messrs H. and T. Proctor, of Bristol).



Western Gazette - Friday 17 January 1873

Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser - Wednesday 22 January 1873

DITCHEAT

Fashionable Marriage, —The marriage of Miss Leir, of Ditcheat, took place from her father’s house on Wednesday, the 8th inst, to Mr Robert Lecky-Watson, of Kilconner House, co. Carlow. Most of the relatives of the bride and bridegroom were present, and they were fortunate enough to have bright sun and no rain, for a wonder. The village had been prettily decorated, an avenue of fir trees having been planted each side of the road through which the carriages passed, and triumphal arches bearing the usual mottoes of success and happiness. The entrance to the church was boarded and decorated with evergreens to the road, in case the weather should prove unpropitious, and a large flag floated from the church tower. The ceremony was performed by the brother and cousin of the bride, who was attended the following bridesmaids :—Miss Anderson, .Miss Dean-Drake, Miss Brady, Miss May Leir; the bridegroom’s brother officiating as best man. The church was completely filled, and the coup d'œil in the fine old Gothic building was very imposing. A recherché breakfast was provided at the hospitable house of the worthy rector, and partaken of by between 40 and 50. At half-past two the carriage came round, drawn by the tenants, who did not hand it over to the postboys till it was out of the village, and the happy couple started, amidst the cheers of the villagers and ringing of bells, en route for the Continent. The presents were very numerous, not the least appreciated being those from the tenants, villagers, and servants, including very handsome silver centrepiece from Watson's tenants in Ireland.

Western Gazette - Friday 25 April 1873

DITCHEAT.

Home-made Gas.—Mr. Thomas Pearce enterprising landlord of the Manor-house of this place, has lately been trying experiments with a new kind of gas, suitable for private houses, churches &c. We are told that Galileo, when he first heard that a telescope had been invented, from his knowledge of the laws of light, was enabled at once to construct one without seeing the original. So our worthy host having a knowledge of chemistry, determined, in the same way to try his hand at making gas. After some difficulties his efforts have terminated in a satisfactory result. On Friday evening last, his bar-parlour was brilliantly lighted by the new arrangement, which the company assembled pronounced to be a decided success. The obliging proprietor will be happy to show it to any gentleman who feels interested in such matters.



Dundee Courier - Monday 16 June 1873

EAST PENNARD

The Sexes in Church.—A correspondent of Notes and Queries says About eight or ten years ago, it was the custom, in the Church of North Wootton, in Somersetshire, for the men to sit on the north side of the nave, and the women the south side. At the Church of East Pennard, in the same county, the custom of dividing the sexes prevails now, but the boundary line runs across the church, the men occupying the east end and the women the west. There are, however, some pews in the side aisles which appeared to be used, when I was there, about six weeks ago, for the accommodation of strangers, in which the sexes are permitted to mingle. It is believed the inhabitants of both parishes to be very ancient custom  

Western Gazette - Friday 18 July 1873

PYLLE.

A Sad Disappointment.—Between Thursday night and Friday morning, last week, a house-breaker met with a sad disappointment at the Railway Station here. To gain admission to the station, he first broke the square of glass nearest the fastening of the window. He then let down the top sash and got in, apparently making his way direct to the till, which he forced open ; but here he must have felt greatly annoyed, for, instead of finding a nice little sum in hard metal, the drawer only contained book with a list of the daily takings at the station. There were several jars spirits in the room, but these were not touched, being, we suppose, too bulky for convenient removal; or it may be that the burglar was one of those individuals who, having seen the evil effects of ardent spirits, have made a vow to discountenance their use.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 02 January 1874

DITCHEAT

Western Gazette - Friday 09 January 1874

DITCHEAT.

FATAL ACCIDENT -A painful occurrence took place here about one o’clock on Wednesday last. Andrew Hillard , mason putting some tiles on the factory occupied by Messrs. King and Son, he fell to the ground. The accident was not witnessed by any one but a little boy who at once ran to tell it, and brought assistance to the spot immediately, but the poor man was found to be dead. Death must, therefore, have been instantaneous. Deceased who was over 70 years of age, leaves a widow and grown-up family. An inquest was held on Friday last before Dr. Wybrants, coroner, and a verdict of “Accidental death " was returned.

AN ENTERTAINMENT was given here on the evening of the 30^th ult.,  Captain Leir presiding, and Misses Norton, Bown, Gifford respectively presided at the piano. There was a good attendance, and the various pieces were very well received. The programme was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, air from “Zampa” Miss Bown; reading, "The Christmas Breakfast” Mr Cotton; Piano and triangle, "The Etna Galop” Misses Gifford and Osborne ; reading, from Tennyson’s "Dora” – H Dyne, Esq.; "Christmas song” T. G. Vincent;  reading, selection from “David Copperfield” Mr. Langford; part song, "Let the Hills Resound” the church choir, assisted by Miss Bown, Messrs Norton, Bown, Lockyer, and Vincent; piano forte duet, “The Scarborough Quadrilles” Miss and Mr. F Bown ; song,  "England, the Land of the Free” Mr C. Lockyer ; reading, "A Trip to Bondy Bay” Mr Cotton; song and chorus, with triangle accompaniment, “Ring the Bell, Watchman," Misses Gifford and Osborne, Messrs  - Lockyer and Vincent; recitation “Pandeen o’Raffety’s Sea Voyage” Mr. R. Norton ; piano and cornet “The Bonnie Dundee Quadrilles" Miss Bown and Mr. Vincent; God Save the Queen.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 13 March 1874  



Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 08 May 1874

PARISH OF DITCHEAT. MEETING FOR APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL BOARD. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

That I, the undersigned, have received a Requisition of Ratepayers of the above-named Parish in accordance with the order of the education department, dated the 3rd day of October, 1873, requiring me, as Summoning Officer under the said Order, call a Meeting of the ratepayers for the purpose of passing a resolution that it is expedient that School Board should be formed for the said Parish ; and that a meeting of the Ratepayers of the said Parish will accordingly be held at the National School-room, Ditcheat, on Monday, the 18th day of May, 1874, Eleven o’clock in the fore noon, for the purpose of considering such Resolution.

Dated this 4th day May, 1874.

(Signed) JOHN NALDER. Clerk to the Guardians of the Union which comprises the said Parish.



Western Daily Press - Tuesday 21 July 1874

BATH AND EVERCREECH RAILWAY.

The Bath and Evercreech branch of the Somerset and Dorset Railway, which was opened yesterday will give to Bath for the first time direct communication with the Somerset coal field and the South of England. It connects, through short section of the Somerset and Dorset Company's old line, the Midland Bath with the South Western Railway. at Temple Combe. Through carriages will be attached to nearly every train, so that passengers can travel from Birmingham to Bournemouth or Poole without changing. The new branch is about 26 miles in length, runs from Bath to Radstock, and passing Midsomer Norton crosses the Mendips near Shepton Mallet, where there is station, and joins the present system at Evercreech, running through the heart of the Somerset coal field, the resources of which have never been fully developed from the absence of railway accommodation. It will also give access to the watering places of "Burnham, in Bristol Channel, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Christchurch, and others on the south coast. The contractors for the line were Messrs T. and C. Walker, of Westminster, who earned out the work, which involved three tunnels, one of which (Combedown tunnel, near Bath) is upwards of .a mile length, several deep and long cuttings, and numerous long and high embankments, besides six extensive stone viaducts. The construction of the new line occupied a little over two years. In spite of the uncertainty  which prevailed respecting the opening of the branch line the non-publication of time tables, the trains yesterday were considerably patronised. The arrivals at Bath were far more numerous than the departures, but there was no demonstration on the arrival the first train at the Midland Railway Station. At some of the country stations, however, there was boisterous welcome given to the iron horse.

Western Gazette - Friday 02 October 1874

DITCHEAT.

Presentation. —On Monday evening last a party assembled at the Manor House Inn for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to the landlord, Mr. Pearce, who is leaving the neighbourhood, and who, by his obliging disposition and sterling principles, has gained the esteem of large circle of friends and well-wishers. The article in question—a handsome silver snuff-box (value two guineas), supplied by Messrs. Rose and Dickenson, of Bath—was handed to Mr. Pearce by Mr. Walters. Mr. Pearce, on receiving the present, expressed his thanks in a neat and effective speech. His health, together with that of Mrs. Pearce, was afterwards drunk by the company with musical honours. On the cover of the snuff-box was the following inscription, tastefully engraved: "Presented to Mr. F. Pearce, a token of respect and friendly regard, by his friends at Ditcheat, after a 12 years' residence as landlord of the Manor House Inn."

Western Gazette - Friday 09 October 1874

EVERCREECH.

FATAL ACCIDENT THE SOMERSET AND DORSET LINE. An accident which terminated fatally in one instance occurred on Monday morning on this line, between Evercreech and Shepton Mallet. On the first train from Templecombe to Bath reaching a high embankment close by where the line crosses the Castle Cary road on an elevated arch, the engine leapt from the line down into a kind of ravine, some 30 feet deep. The tender and guard's break followed; but the passenger carriages fortunately remained on the line, thereby preventing what would otherwise have proved one of the most terrible accidents ever known in the neighbourhood. Assistance was speedily obtained, when it was found that the driver, George Carter, of Bath, was most severely hurt; the fireman, Philip Thorne, of Highbridge, badly scalded and bruised, and one of the guards was also slightly cut about the face. The unfortunate driver was at once taken on to Shepton Mallet but he died on the way, not surviving the accident more than half-an-hour. The fireman was also taken to the Shepton Mallet Hospital, where, according to latest accounts he is progressing favourably. An inquest was held the same evening at Shepton Mallet, before Mr. Craddock, coroner, the jury having previously gone to the scene of the accident and carefully examined the condition of the line. The only evidence taken was as to the identity of the deceased driver, and medical evidence to the cause his death. The inquiry was then adjourned until Tuesday the 13th instant, in order that the Board of Trade might be communicated with. The cause of the accident, so far as can at present be ascertained was a sinking or falling out of the embankment at that particular spot. The sad event has created much excitement in the neighbourhood, and great interest will be manifested in the full and searching inquiry which will be undoubtedly made. On the same afternoon, and only some four or five miles from the scene of the accident, a goods engine broke down, thereby delaying the passenger traffic for about three hours.

 An inquest was held at the York-house Inn,. Shepton Mallet, on Monday evening, before S. Craddock, Esq , M.D., coroner (in the absence of Dr. Wybrants), on the body of George Carter, the engine-driver. The jury, by the request of the coroner, rode down by train in the afternoon to visit the scene of the disaster, which is about four miles from Shepton Mallet. The inquest was then adjourned until Tuesday, the 13th inst., at 11 am. at  the George Hotel, to allow of communication with the Board of Trade.

 A correspondent says that the guard in the end van, finding something was wrong, applied the chain break with such power that the coupling between the first guard's van and the passenger carriages snapped, and this prevented their following the first part of the train over the embankment. The guard was badly cut, but none of the passengers sustained any injuries.



Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 16 April 1875

DITCHEAT BOARD SCHOOL.TENDERS will received for the erection of the above. Specifications to be seen and the site inspected on SATURDAY, the 24th instant.

W. MARRIOTT LEIR, Chairman. April 13th, 1875.



Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 16 April 1875

Western Gazette - Friday 29 October 1875

DITCHEAT.

Selling Disease Meat. —At the Guildhall, London, on Friday, before Mr. Alderman Finnis, Wm. Kynaston, Inhabitant of this village, was summoned by Mr. James Newman one of the inspectors meat to Central Meat Market, for sending four quarters of beef to the market for sale human food, the same being diseased and unfit for the food of man. Mr. Baylis prosecuted on behalf the Commissioners of Sewers ; and Mr. Hubbard appeared for defendant. Mr. Baylis said that the defendant purchased a cow from farmer, named Richards, living near Shepton Mallet for 30s, had it killed and dressed and sent up to Loudon to Mr. Shreeve, with a note requesting him to the best he could with it. Mr. Shreeve called Mr. Newman's attention to it, and it was seized. The cow had been suffering from a lingering disease, called “crankums." for a long time, and had wasted away. It was killed to prevent its dying a natural death. The meat was very wet and wasted, and unfit for human food. The defendant was shoemaker, but had taken to butchering for the last 12 months. When spoken to by the inspector he said he did not understand beef and the butcher who dressed it told him that it was fit for human food, or he would not have sent it. Evidence was called to formally prove the above facts, and indeed they were not disputed, and Mr. Hubbard urged that the defendant was inexperienced as butcher, and that he was misled by his butcher, upon whose judgment he relied. He bore an excellent character, and on the death of his brother about 12 months ago took to the butchering business to support his mother, his brother's widow, and his own wife and children. Alderman Finnis said that when a man bought a beast for 30s which should be worth £15, he must know it was only fit for cats' meat. The magistrates were determined to put a stop to the working people of the metropolis being poisoned with such stuff. It was of no use fining for such an offence, for the fines were readily paid, and the same people sent bad meat again. He sentenced the defendant to one month's imprisonment.  

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 10 December 1875

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 SHEPTON MALLET PETTY SESSIONS.— FRIDAY.

Before E. B. Napier, Esq , (Chairman), Col. Phipps, and Captain Ernst. 

QUARRELSOME.

Charles Lintern and Joseph Monday were summoned for committing breach of the peace, at Ditcheat.

James Connock, landlord of the Manor House Inn, Ditcheat, stated that he was busy grinding apples in his yard on the 20th ult., and came down into the house about seven o’clock in the evening. Everything was very quiet then, but subsequently be went into the kitchen and found both defendants “niggling.” He told them not to fight there, and they then went out. He afterwards went into the yard, and found Joseph Monday with his coat off, blood on his face. He did not see them fighting when he went out.

P.C. Billings said that had cautioned both defendants previously, and he had reason to believe the quarrel would not end with what had already taken place.

Case dismissed, with strict caution in reference to the future. 

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 26 May 1876

EAST PENNARD.

Bible Christian Chapel.— The anniversary of the Bible Christian Chapel at Stone was held on Sunday and Tuesday, May the 14th and 16th. the Sunday a very interesting discourse was given by the Rev. C. Denning to an attentive congregation. On the Tuesday, friends from the neighbourhood and also from a distance, in goodly numbers gathered around the social board and wore well provided with cake and tea. At the evening meeting the Chapel was crowded, and the chairman, the Rev. C Denning, made suitable reference to the solemn associations of the house of God. He then called upon the Rev. T. Rundle, who gave an address on christian worship. Mr. R. Travers, the next speaker, in few well chosen terms expressed . his pleasure at seeing so many present, and urged upon all increased diligence in the prosecution of christian work. The Rev. R. Edgcomb, from Draycott, was then called upon to deliver an address, and taking for his theme Christ and Godliness, for about three quarters of hour rivetted the attention of all present whilst eloquently dwelt on the glories of Christ, and the great principle of vital godliness. At the close an appeal was made to the congregation to assist in meeting the expenses of certain improvements in the Chapel, which was liberally responded to. Miss Walters, of North Barrow, ably presided at the harmonium, and thanks to the ladies and speakers, with song and prayer, brought this successful anniversary to a close.  

Southern Times and Dorset County Herald - Saturday 03 June 1876

WINCANTON.

SERIOUS CHARGE.—At the petty sessions on Monday Samuel Slocombe, a ganger on the Somerset and Dorset Railway, was charged with negligence by leaving a trolly on the line between Cole and Evercreech on the 16th May, when a train was due and without a red flag, contrary to the by-laws of the company. Mr. Wood, travelling inspector, attended to prosecute, and stated It was the defendant's duty to have removed the trolly off the line, but on the day in question the driver of the express train (rota Bath, leaving at 4.15, Evercreech Junction at 6.22, and not stopping at Cole, as he turned a curve on the line saw the trolly, but not in time to stop his train, which dashed on to it and smashed it to pieces. Fortunately, the train did not leave the metals. The defendant had charge of the trolly and was supplied with a time book, and he had also instructions to have a red flag placed In a conspicuous place, which he had also neglected. It should be stated in favour of the defendant that he had worked nearly twenty years on the railway, first on the Wells branch and then on the Somerset and Dorset line, and had always been a steady and attentive servant. In reply to the Bench Mr. Wood stated the defendant would be reduced, and his wages from 19s. to 16s. per week. The company ordered the case to be brought entirely in the interests of the public, and he (Mr. Wood) left it entirely in the hands of the Bench. Defendant admitted the charge, and stated the first week the trains were altered not to stop at Cole he was ill, and he entirely forgot about the train coming. The magistrates said it was a most serious case of neglect; lives might have been sacrificed, and though, in consequence of the good character defendant had received, they should not impose the full penalty (£10), yet it was necessary, as a warning to defendant and others to be more careful, to mark their sense of his conduct by ordering him to pay a fine of 50s., including costs.

Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser - Wednesday 14 June 1876

EAST PENNARD.

New Haymaking Machine.— A machine, invented by Mr Loader, of this place, was tried at Butieigh, near Glastonbury, in the presence of many of the leading agriculturists of that district. The patentee claims that the machine can be used as a  haymaker, collector, and loader; it is, is fact, elevator, which is attached either in front or behind waggon, and as it moves along picks up the hay, or other crop, and deposits it in the waggon. This being the first machine and almost the first trial of it, it has, of course, many details yet to be worked out; but it certainly promises to develop itself into a most useful machine, and one well worthy of notice. In the trial of the 19th, in which straw was used to represent the crop, when the straw was raked up into whale, it picked it up and loaded the waggon faster than two men could stow it. We think that loading will be its chief use, as haymaking and collecting can probably be done more efficiently by existing machines. The machine will be exhibited the Bath and West of England show at Hereford, and also at the Royal Birmingham, when, no doubt, it will present itself to the notice of many of our readers. —Agricultural Gazette.

Southern Times and Dorset County Herald - Saturday 17 June 1876

Assault ON THE POLICE—At the petty sessions on Friday, before Mr. E. H. Clerk and Mr. J. Hippisley, Jacob Rhymes, Tom Rhymes, and Sidney Clothier, labourers, of Ditcheat, were charged with assaulting and resisting P.C. Billings, at Ditcheat. The constable was near a beer house at Ditcheat on Monday night at closing time, and saw the prisoner J. Rhymes knock down his wife and strike her on the ground. He went to protect the woman, and was assaulted by her husband. He then took Jacob Rhymes in custody, but be was pulled away by Clothier and a man named Ward. He then called Mr. Vaughan, the landlord of the house, to his assistance, and Tom Rhymes came up and struck Mr. Vaughan in the face. The crowd ultimately dispersed, but half-an-hoar afterwards met the constable again, and Ward assaulted him and incited the others to do so also. The constable had to take refuge at the Manor House Inn, as be believed they would have killed him had they got hold of him, and they attempted to break in the doors to get at him. Jacob Rhymes was sent to gaol for a month ; Tom Rhymes was fined £1 and costs ; Clothier admitted pulling Rhymes away from the constable, but said he thought he was assisting him by so doing. He was discharged.

Southern Times and Dorset County Herald - Saturday 09 September 1876

CASTLE CARY.

FIRE.--A serious fire occurred near Mr. Eason's mill on Thursday evening last, destroying four cottages, the property of Mr. C. C. Wallis. The powerful engine of Messrs. Donne and Sons, manned by a number of their hands, was soon on the spot, but the flames had too great a hold to be got under. Most of the furniture was saved, and the property was insured in the Norwich Union Office. Mrs. Maria Nash, one of the tenants, had resided in the same house over 40 years.

Salisbury and Winchester Journal - Saturday 27 January 1877

DITCHEAT, SOMERSET. TO TIMBER DEALERS, CONTRACTORS OTHERS. MR. WILLIAM PALMER will SELL AUCTION, at the BELL INN, DITCHEAT, Somerset, WEDNESDAY, the 31st day of JANUARY, inst., at Three for Four o'clock in the afternoon, subject to such conditions as will then produced—286 TIMBER TREES, consisting chiefly of exceedingly fine ELM, suitable for Navy and other purposes, and small number of useful OAK and ASH, marked numerically, and which will be offered lots. Special attention is directed to the Elm, many of the Trees are of size and quality rarely equalled, and the whole is well situated for removal, being near to good roads and only a short distance from the Evercreech Junction, Cole, Bruton, or Castle Cary Railway Stations. William Clothier, the Keeper, will be in attendance at the Bell Inn, Ditcheat, every morning Ten o'clock to show lots 1 to 21; Mr. Bord, of White Horse Farm, Wyke, will appoint person show lots 22 to 31; and Mr. Ovens, of will appoint a person to show lots 32 to 35. Catalogues may be had on application to the Auctioneer, Plox House, Bruton, Somerset.

Chard and Ilminster News - Saturday 12 May 1877

Castle Cary

FATAL Accident--Great excitement was caused in this place on Saturday afternoon by the report that  fatal accident had occurred at the Ansford Railway station. A commercial traveller, named Read, who represented a Glasgow firm, was about to return to Yeovil (where he was staying) after transacting his business at Castle Cary, and in endeavouring to cross the line at the, station, his foot, it is supposed, slipped, and he fell on the line, and an approaching train running over him, his feet were nearly severed from his body. Other injuries inflicted were of so serious a nature that death resulted within a quarter of an hour afterwards. The deceased, who was a widower, was about 50years age.

NOTE  This tragic report is linked to the Centennial  Bath and West of England Society show held at Bath.

Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 09 June 1877

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. On Wednesday a terrible accident cast a gloom over the celebration of the society's hundredth anniversary. It appears that excursion trains run by the Great Western Railway brought large numbers of persons to the city, and the attention of many of these persons upon their leaving the station was, unfortunately, attracted by a notice indicating that the nearest route to the show yard was over the structure known as Widcombe-bridge. As might be expected, large numbers were desirous of reaching the exhibition as quickly as possible, and having no idea of the frailty of the structure, at once flocked to the bridge, where a toll is exacted. There was but one collector, who took tolls on the Widcombe side of the bridge, and the large gates being closed, the bridge was speedily thronged, and it is estimated that at the time of the accident there could not have been less than 200 persons standing upon it.

The bridge is a single span stretching over the river Avon. It was a slight structure of wood and iron, about 75 feet long, eight feet wide, and standing 30 feet above the water. Doubts appear to have been lately entertained as to its strength, and means had been adopted to prevent its swaying. Unfortunately, however, the public were not prevented from using the bridge, and a great mistake was made to not having a good staff of collectors there during the present week, or in not having the tolls collected on the side of the bridge nearest the station ; for had such a measure been adopted there can be but little doubt that a most lamentable accident, which must to a greater or less extent mar the pleasure of all attending the show, would have been averted. As it was, however, the public were allowed to throng upon the bridge in large numbers, and, although some persons who purposed proceeding to the show-yard by way of the bridge had the good sense to turn back when they saw the state of affairs, this precaution was by no means general. At about the time already mentioned a fearful crash occurred, the bridge giving way at a point about two-thirds of the way across to the Widcombe side, and at the part where the crowd was most dense. The scene which followed is not easily described. Men, women, and children, without a moment's warning, were precipated into the river and on to the towing-path on the Widcombe side. The portion of the bridge nearest the opposite side for a short time hung suspended, and many of the passengers were clinging to the rails in a state of great fright. This portion of the bridge shortly afterwards gave way. The groans and shrieks of the unfortunate persons are described by eye-witnesses of the disaster as being most heartrending. The accident having been observed, and the crash having also been heard at a considerable distance, assistance soon arrived, and a number of persons who would have been drowned were immediately rescued. A number of persons, however, bad fallen on the towing path, and bad sustained serious injuries, and many others bad been buried beneath the falling debris, from which they were with difficulty extricated, timbers in some cases having to be sawn asunder before the bodies could be reached. The banks on either side of the river were speedily lined, and the greatest consternation prevailed. Many of the residents near the scene showed great sympathy for the unfortunate sufferers, receiving them into their houses and rendering such kindly services as were in their power. Those engaged in endeavouring to recover the dead bodies or to assist the injured laboured with untiring energy and care. One by one the dead were recovered, till by about 1 o'clock it was ascertained that at least six lives had been lost, while it was generally believed that several other persons were beneath the wreckage, and that one or two bad, by the strength of the current. been carried down the river. The majority of the injured persons and the more serious cases were conveyed to the Hospital, where medical assistance was provided. A list of persons received there was posted in a prominent position for public information. The list included persons from between 20 and 30 different towns who had come to see the Agricultural Show, but whose enjoyment had. indeed, been changed to suffering. At the Widcombe police station was the body of a young girl named Dampney, whose home was at Sutton Bingham, near Yeovil, and who was only about 18 or 19 years of age. She had come from her home that morning in company with a sister, who was with her at the time when the bridge fell in, and who it is feared has also perished. Lying by the side of this body were the remains of Mr. George Thorn, a road surveyor, of Charminster, near Dorchester, who has been stricken down in the prime of life. Here also lay the corpse of Edward Linton, a young man, residing at Ditcbeat, near Evercreech. Mrs. Gibbs, who came from the same neighbourhood, is also among the list of killed, and her body now lies at the Greyhound Inn, while the remains of another woman lie at the hospital awaiting  identification.

The following is a list of the killed and the most seriously injured : — Dead.— John Thorne, surveyor, of Charminster, near Dorchester, aged 55 ; Mrs. Mary Ann Gibbs. of Sutton, near Evercreech, wife of a farmer ; Mrs. Mary Haines, Southmead Farm, Evercreech ; Miss Dampney, of Sutton Bingham, near Yeovil, aged 19 ; Andrew Harford, shoemaker, Weymouth ; Edward Linton, of Sutton, near Evercreech, labourer, aged 28 ; James Ford, of Sherborne. Inured.— William Henry Singer, farmer, of North Braugham, foot injured ; Mrs. Singer, wife of the above, leg broken ; a man name! Bradford, of Kingswood, near Bristol, spinal injury ; George Harrison, Chiselborough, fractured thigh and other injuries (case dangerous) ; James Ford, near Sherbome, injury to chest, fractured thigh (very dangerous) ; James Brown, South street. Yeovil, injury to spine and fractured leg (not expected to live) ; George Olliver, of Cold Harbour-lane, London, fractured thigh ; Mrs. Jewell, Widcombe, spinal injuries : Job Brown, of Trent, Somerset, fractured leg and injury to back ; Miss Mitchell, of Castle Carey, fractured ankle ; a young man named Creed, excursionist, shoulder hurt ; Mrs. Rossiter, of Witham. seriously sprained back ; Mr. Rossiter, son of the above, leg broken ; the Misses Smith, of Bradford Peverell, near Dorchester, slight injuries to back and bead. Another account states that there are fully 50 persons whose injuries are so serious us to prevent their being removed, and upwards of 10 of these are in-patients of the Bath United Hospital. Several cases are all but hopeless. The body of the young lady which attracted so much attention on Wednesday was not that of Miss Dampney, of Sutton Bingham ; it bas been identified as that of Miss Emily Harford, whose father, Mr. Andrew Harford, died at the hospital on Wednesday evening. We have been asked to state that Miss Dampney was not at the scene of the accident. Another death has since occurred among the victims of the bridge accident at Bath; and the inquiries for missing friends lead to the belief that more bodies will yet lie found in the river. The inquest was opened on Thursday afternoon, and after evidence of identification had been taken it was adjourned to Monday, the 18th inst., in order to allow time for some scientific opinions t be sought ; and for Colonel Yolland. on behalf of the Government, to make an examination of the ruined bridge.

Southern Times and Dorset County Herald - Saturday 23 June 1877

CASTLE CARY.

FATAL ACCIDENT.—A farm labourer, said to be in the employ of Mr. Brook, of Rimpton, was passing through Cary on Tuesday, last week, in charge of a waggon laden with straw and barrels, on the top of which he was riding, when he fell from the load and the waggon passed over him. He was carried to the Wheat Sheaf Inn, when Dr. Coombs was speedily called, and pronounced the injuries to be fatal. The poor man was very anxious to be at home, and was conveyed thither, but died soon after.

EXCURSION.—The long talked of excursion to London and the Crystal Palace took place on Monday morning, when about 700 persons availed themselves of the privileges offered by the Young Men's Society and the South• Western Railway Company. Waterloo was reached in good time, so that the excursionists had nearly ten hours in London for their fare of five shillings. As many as 36 carriages were needed for the conveyance of the passengers, and the return train was divided into two sections for greater safety.

Western Gazette - Friday 04 January 1878

DITCHEAT. Concert.—The second concert of the season took place the Board School-room, on Thursday evening, and was largely patronised, and passed off successfully. Mrs. Harry White and Mr. Rumble, piano and violin, were in fine form, and executed the parts assigned to them in such a manner that the applause was loud and long-continued. Mrs. White also played the accompaniments to the songs most satisfactorily. The solos were generally well received, those by Mrs. Byles being most vigorously encored. Mrs. Harry White sang " Leah" with much pathos. Mrs. Smith sang " Love was once a Little Boy," and was encored, to which she responded by singing "Cherry Ripe." The Rev. C. E. Leir was mort successful in "Tom Hardy" and "The King and the Beggar Maid," being warmly encored each time. Mrs. Lier played the accompaniments with great precision. Mr. Gavey literally "brought down the house," with "Keep Your Powder Dry" and " Where Are the Friends Youth?"  Mr. T. Vincent sang " The Sea." in his usual manner, and proved himself a great favourite with the audience. Messrs. Gavey, Smith, and Rumble caused great amusement their rendering of "A Little Farm Well Tilled," and earned well-merited encore. Among the part music, that which earned special commendation was "Ripe Strawberries," "The Chough and Crow" (in which the solos were taken Mrs. Byles Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Smith), and " The Gipsy's Life is a Joyous Life." We must not forget to mention the duet, "Over Hill, Over Dale," by Mrs. White and Mrs. Smith, which proved a great musical treat. The duet, " Sweet Home," was nicely sung by the choir girls. E. Watson, Esq., Ditcheat Rectory, contributed the evening's amusement by singing two Irish songs in his most racy style, namely, " Pat  Malloy" and the "Royal Artilleree." The comic element was well sustained by Messrs. Rumble and Harrold. In response to a wish expressed by the audience, Messrs. Harrold and Rumble sang " The Upper Ten and the Lower Five." Subjoined the programme : —Overture, piano and violin, Mrs. White and Mr. Rumble : glee, " The Hardy Norseman," glee party ; song, " Robin is Shy : I Waited Till the Twilight" Mrs. Byles ; trio, "Sweet Home," Misses Coakes, Smith, and Lintern ; song, "The Sea," Mr. Vincent; solo, violin with piano accompaniment, Mrs. White and Mr. Rumble ; glee, " The Chough and Grow," glee party; song, "Tom Hardy," Rev. C. E. Leir ; song, Mrs. Smith ; song, " Leah," Mrs. White ; song, " Keep Your Powder Dry," Mr. Gavey ; comic song, " I'm Dancing Mad," Mr. Harrold; overture, piano and violin, Mrs. White and Mr. Rumble; quartette, "Softly Falls the Moonlight" Messrs. Vincent and Gavey, Mrs. Byles and Mrs. Smith ; song, "The King and the Beggar Maid," Rev. C. E. Leir ; glee, "The Gipsy's Life," glee party ; song, Mr. Watson; song, "Katie's Letter," Mrs. Byles; duett, "Over Hill Over Dale," Mrs. Smith and Mrs. White ; song. Where are the Friends of My Youth," Mr. Gavey ; glee, "Ripe Strawberries," glee party: trio, "A Little Farm Well Till'd," Messrs. Gavey, Smith, and Rumble; comic song, " Dry Land Sailor," Mr. Rumble " God Save the Queen," glee party.

Central Somerset Gazette - Saturday 02 February 1878

PYLLE

WILFUL DAMAGE,—Some scamp or scamps effected an entrance into the works of the Somerset Lime and Cement Company, on Sunday, and maliciously cut and destroyed two belts belonging to the machinery. The police are on the look out for the whereabouts of the perpetrators of this act of Broadheadism, and a reward has been offered for their apprehension and conviction.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 07 June 1878

BEARD HILL LIME KILN THIS LIME KILN is now OPEN, and LIME supplied at 1s 6d per quarter.

Western Gazette - Friday 13 September 1878

EAST PENNARD.

Inquest.—On Thursday, an inquest was held at the Police-station, before Mr. J. Wybrants, on the body of  James Robert Phelps, aged six months, son of Robert and Charlotte Phelps. A verdict of "Death from diarrhoea," was returned, with a rider to the effect that the jury were of opinion it was desirable that arrangements should be made by the guardians by which the medical officer might attend cases of emergency without waiting for an order.

Wells Journal - Thursday 06 February 1879

DITCHEAT.

ENTERTAINMENT – At the Board School-room in this village on Wednesday evening, an entertainment was. given, in aid of the Shepton Mallet District Hospital, by the Wincanton Amateur Christy Minstrels. This first part of the programme was executed while the whole troupe were on the platform, Messrs. Goodfellow and Dyke, as corner men, evoking considerable laughter by their contrary manoeuvres and speeches of merriment. The songs of the different minstrels met each with a loud encore. The second part of the programme was. given mainly in character, and gave great satisfaction. The concluding drama " Tom and Jerry " was given its capital spirit, and reflected the highest credit on the performers. The Rev. W. Leir proposed in suitable terms, a vote of thanks to the gentlemen who had so kindly entertained them, and Mr. Hutchings replied on behalf of the troupe.

Dorset County Chronicle - Thursday 17 July 1879

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Tuesday 30 September 1879

Solar Halo.—Mr. Carey Coombs, M.D., writes from Castle Cary, Somerset:—" At noon the 22nd inst., while driving near Ditcheat (a village 20 miles south of Bath), I saw in the zenith large white circle (the halo of 46 deg.) This circle cut smaller coloured circle which surrounded the sun (the halo of 22 deg.) forming the points of intersection mock suns or parhelia, which were coloured. An arc of another circle, beautifully coloured, touched the highest point of the halo 22 deg. and the effect was beautiful. It is supposed that solar halos are produced by the refraction of the sun's rays from the surfaces hexagonal prisms of congealed watery vapour—high up in the atmosphere—rainbows being formed by similar refraction from spherical rain drops. The sun at noonday is not a pleasant object to look at, and it is possible that solar are often overlooked, but their supposed rarity our latitudes has induced me to record what saw Monday week."