25 years ago
March 19, 1998
Two pot-bellied pigs have found happiness together thanks to an appeal through the Post’s pages. Benson’s lonely days on his Tintagel farm were highlighted in the ‘Post’ recently, resulting in the arrival of Crackles soon afterwards, giving him the company he has sought after for many months. The owners of Crackles from Crackington Haven believed she too could do with a companion of the opposite sex, and the two are now enjoying life together with Richard and Tina Reeves.
Former Camelford Town Clerk Marie Adams has reacted to councillors claims that they were left in the dark over the preferred route for the Camelford bypass.
Launceston College hopes it will have some good news in two to three months time when the government makes its announcement on which colleges and school should be given Technology College status.
* * *
40 years ago
March 19, 1983
Launceston Netball Club have convincingly won the Tavistock and District League Championship having only lost the first game f the season. After that defeat they went from strength to strength beating Plymouth and District Premier Division team Edmunds Walker on both occasions they met.
An imminent start on the new hall at Bratton Clovelly was announced by Mr S Wilson, chairman, at the annual parish meeting, held in the church room.
The junior boys’ gymnastic team who performed so ably at last week’s ‘open evening’ at Launceston College. They were: M Lyne, R Pearce, R Smith, J Honey, G Cole, P Curtis, P Chapman, A Townsend, A Jones, J Vincent, M Hockridge and S Kennard.
It is going to cost ratepayers at Launceston more to keep their town council in operation. The parish authority’s income is ‘virtually static’ according to its finance committee chairman Mr John Moir.
Mr R H Gribble, of Horrell, Werrington, has had two sets of quads among his lambs this year. One set are Texel cross from a Finn-Dorset cross Longwool ewe, and the other set are Suffolk from a Suffolk cross Longwool ewe.
* * *
50 years ago
March 17, 1973
Mrs Betty Shepherd of Birmingham attended the annual meeting of Horwell Old Girls’ Association at Launeston when the following officers were elected: Chairma, Mrs W Mounce; vice-chairman, Mrs E Mauder; secretary, Mrs D Walters; treasurer, Mrs Mary Gynn; committee, Mesdames Margaret Gynn, R Allen, D MAunder, E Aunger, D Bryne, M Strout, B Rattray and Miss P Banbury.
‘Over Muckworthy’, written and produced by Ivor D Potter for Stratton Young Farmers, was staged at Poughill Village Hall before going on tour to Launceston, Shebbear and Holsworthy, where two shows were given in the theatre. Thanks were expressed after the last performance b y club chairman John Gardiner.
Misses Margaret Harrison and Beverley Williams and Mr Michael Sleep were proposed as new members at a meeting of Camelford YFC. The club’s entry n the county competitions ‘Our Club Entertains’, which came second in the preliminary round, was produced by Mr Tony Fisher with stage manager and musical director Mr Rex Hudson.
Launceston Group of School Managers have received with regret the resignation of Mr C J Pratt, of Rezare, Lezant.Mr Pratt has been a manager for 30 years and was chairman from 1961.
Mr R J Beswetherick, the chairman, reported at the 54th annual meeting of West Devon and North Cornwall Farmers Ltd that total membershop stood at 3,538 with 135 new members being admitted during the year. A bonus of 4 ½p in the £ on members’ purchases was declared. The trading profit was £124,312.
* * *
60 years ago
March 16, 1963
A public meeting held at Milton Abbot unanimously agreed to accept the village hall as a gift to the parish from the trustees of the Duke of Bedford’s estate. It was decided to form a committee to run the hall, and to register it with the Charity Commissioner. Mr S Hicks, chairman of the parish council, described it as “a wonderful gift to the village”.
Poundstock and Poughill Young Liberals aim to attempt the Kennedy Stamina Test of a 50-mile walk in 20 hours. The starting point will be Poundstock parish church at midnight on Saturday, March 23. Members of the St Stephens and Launceston youth clubs will also be taking part in the walk.
* * *
70 years ago
March 14, 1953
During the heavy winds of about a month ago one of the windows of the Wesley Church, Launceston, was blown in and the gable end of the church was weakened. Yesterday the church held a thanksgiving day the proceeds from which will go towards the cost of the renovation work.
Early Tuesday morning Mr and Mrs G Smale, of Northcott Farm, Morcambe, was awakened by the smell of smoke and discovered that their home was well alight. Their daughter went to a neighbour and phoned the fire brigade and Okehampton and Hatherleigh units were soon on the scene.
Mr and Mrs Albert Ball, of Hole Park, Holsworthy, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday.
Launceston Fatstock Show, dormant since the outbreak of war, is to be held again this year.
* * *
80 years ago
March 13, 1943
Previously missing, now reported prisoner of war: Warrant Officer John White (HMS Exeter), of Woodford Bridge, Milton Damerel.
Members of a Devon and Cornwall Club which has just been formed in a prisoner of war camp in Germany, include: Sgt A C March (Black Torrington), Sgt W Webb (Holsworthy), Bdr A Hicks (Callington), and Sgt A P Hooper (Wadebridge).
One of Startton’s most enthusiastic workers for various war causes is little Miss Rachel Kelly, whose untiring efforts have included the Red Cross, Prisoners of War, Aid to Russia, and the latest, Aid to China funds, the latter receiving £3 from her, the results of a doll competition.
The Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell, visited Lifton last week and was given a tremendous welcome by Girl Guides from all over the district. She was presented with a bouquet by little Jean Skinner, and enrolled seven Ringers; Eileen Davey, Pat Parnell, Betty Walters, Pamela Sillifant, Brenda Long, Frances Bevan and Barbara Whitfield. She also presented a ‘thanks’ badge to Mrs W Venner.
* * *
90 years ago
March 18, 1933
In view of the depression and the general unemployment position, it has been decided not to hold a Bugle Band Festival this year.
Trapped for three hours by the branch of a tree he was felling near Trebursye, Mr Aunger, of South Petherwin, happily escaped without injury. Heavy blocks had to be used to lift the tree off him.
* * *
100 years ago
March 17, 1923
Mr T T Pearce, of Northcott Hamlet, died after an accident at St Giles, where the horse he was driving bolted and he was thrown on to the front wheel.
Holsworthy Urban Council has accepted an offer of Miss E E Batten of £100 to provide the new lych gate for the cemetery.
Land, stone and labour have been offered by landowners and farmers for transforming the present track between St Neot and Bolventor into a parish road.