BARRAGE OF POLLUTION

In a report from their Devon branch, the Anglers’ Cooperative Association Christmas Review says: ‘There has been a drop in the number of salmon and sea trout in Devon’s rivers. It is a sad fact that although the rivers themselves are relatively clean, not one estuary in Devon is free from sewage pollution.’

Mr Arthur Bladon, chairman of the Devon River Authority’s fishery committee, has hit back by saying: ‘I know that anglers are renowned for exaggerating, but this is ridiculous. The Devon River Authority area enjoys a higher number of fish than any County in England and Wales. Anglers should be more worried about the effects of high seas netting than pollution.’

UNUSUAL PRESENT

A ‘present’ arrived last week at the adventure playground which is being laid out at the top of Third Avenue by members of the Teignmouth Round Table. It was in the form of a five-ton bright yellow bulldozer, and is the gift of Devon Machinery Service of Kingsteignton, who heard about the project from a Round Table member.

The bulldozer had come to the end of its useful working life, and the firm repainted it, took off the dangerous bits, fixed on a special wire cab, and generally smartened it up. It has certainly gone down well with the children.

DESCENDANTS OF EMPIRE

Dear Sir: The BBC and ourselves are cooperating to produce a colour television series early in the new year on the subject of the British Empire, from the time of the Armada to the transition into today’s Commonwealth. We are anxious to trace the descendants of those who helped to build the Empire ­ – statesmen, soldiers, missionaries, explorers and entrepreneurs.

There are surprisingly few generations stretching back from the present day. For example, the battle of Trafalgar is brought vividly to life by the memories of a lady living in Norfolk, who is the grandchild of a Trafalgar veteran, and has heard, at only second hand, an eye-witness account of Nelson’s death. Another, living in London, remembers her grandmother talking to her of dancing with Lord Melbourne after the battle of Waterloo.

HAROLD FIELD, Editor,

Time Life Books.

BYGONES

50 Years Ago:  Mr And Mrs Mole, of 26, The Strand, Shaldon, had an interesting family reunion party on Christmas Day, when they entertained their nine sons to dinner. This was the first time the family had met together for many years. All nine sons served in the War, and all, with one exception, escaped without a scratch.

25 Years Ago: The Teignmouth and Shaldon Watermen’s Association was formed. A request was made that the Admiralty be asked to de-requisition the beach and put the huts back.

DRAMATIC SOCIETIES

A new competition for amateur operatic and dramatic societies in the West Country is being sponsored by Mr Robert Butlin, chairman of Butlin’s Ltd.

Judges will travel through the area to see plays and musical shows entered by member societies. ‘This is the best thing to happen to amateur operatics and dramatics in the West for many years,’ said Mr Stanley Pike, NODA’s representative for the Torbay region. Marks would be awarded for lighting, costumes, props and scenery, make-up, orchestra, sound effects, projection of dialogue, acting ability, suitability of casting, entertainment value, and overall production.

Also, silver trophies for the best actor and actress, the best stage management, decor and chorus work, and the best Gilbert and Sullivan production.

RIVIERA CINEMA

On The Buses starring Reg Varney.