October 29, 1985 SUPPORT for an idea, which began as a bit of fun, began to increase in credibility until it was put forward as a serious proposition.

The feeling among pubs and clubs in Bridgwater’s carnival circuit was that a statue of infamous gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes would make perfect sense in a town which lives and breathes carnival.

Roger Brown of British Flag CC spearheaded the campaign saying Guy Fawkes should get as much recognition as Bridgwater’s more famous local son Admiral Blake.

A BRIDGWATER have-a-go hero was hailed a heroine by police after stopping a thief stealing her car.

Nanny Fiona Dewar stormed into action after she was woken in the early hours. She rushed downstairs, leapt into the back seat of her car as the thief was driving away, tore off his balaclava and ripped out the ignition keys.

The crook, who had stolen £21 and a tobacco tin from the house, fled the scene in panic.

October 31, 1995 A BRIDGWATER shop assistant was held at gunpoint by a masked robber.

The terrifying incident occurred moments before the owners of Lifestyle Convenience Stores in Chilton Street returned from a day trip to find the day’s takings had been stolen.

Heather Bowden was serving in the shop when the masked robber walked to the counter and ordered her to open the till.

A GROUP of residents in Kendale Road, Bridgwater, were preparing to do battle with Sedgemoor District Council over who should take over the running of St George’s Hall.

Hall users handed over a 300-signature petition urging the council not to give up responsibility of the facility.

Council chiefs hoped a management committee could be formed by the users, which they said would be more effective.

November 1, 2005 BRIDGWATER, the home of Carnival, was just three days away from the biggest party in the town’s history.

Preparations got underway with the unveiling of the stunning Spirit of Carnival statue to mark the event’s 400th anniversary.

2005 marked 400 years since Guy Fawkes’ rebellious plotting beneath the House of Commons was discovered and the nation rejoiced.

SEDGEMOOR was dealt a huge blow when it was announced that the BAE Systems factory – formerly Royal Ordnance – was to close, shedding 130 jobs.

The Puriton explosives factory was built in 1939 to make bombs for the war effort but its future was shrouded in uncertainty as closure rumours circulated.

The bad news was finally confirmed after a recent drop in the factory’s workload was revealed, making it no longer economically viable.