‘THIS IS YOUR LIFE’

An occasion probably unique in the history of the town took place in the Dunmore Hotel, Shaldon, last Saturday. This was a retirement party for the Urban Council’s treasurer Mr Donald Sharpe. He went with his wife, completely unaware that what he thought was to be a farewell social with a few friends and colleagues would turn out to be a ‘mammoth’ occasion, with about 130 people present.

The secret had been well kept for several weeks. Mr Sharpe admitted that he had been completely overwhelmed. Two local journalists collaborated with friends of Mr Sharpe in a take-off of This Is Your Life, which humorously traced his life and career. ‘His contribution to Teignmouth is immeasurable,’ said chairman Mr Ronald Doel. ‘Donald is a man of parts, and has advised the council very wisely how to spend a limited amount of money to the best advantage of the town.’

PAY PARADE PROTEST

Angry Teignmouth Council workers are planning to march to the council offices to protest about the experimental way in which their weekly wages are paid out at the Gales Hill depot. The men dislike the new system of having to queue in the open in full view of the public, which is degrading and regarded as a source of entertainment by passers-by. They have to line up in all weathers, while the two office staff sit in the warm.

The council’s outside staff – who include building workers, drivers, gardeners, road sweepers and dustmen – used to be paid at Bitton House, but, they say, this was stopped after complaints that they were noisy and made the walls and floors dirty with their working clothes and shoes.

OFF TO AUSTRALIA AT 91

Mr George Lamacraft, aged 91, a native of Dawlish and now of Bishopsteignton, will be fulfilling a life long ambition of sailing to Australia, on February 13, with Mrs Anne Hatton, who has looked after him for the last 11 years. Mr. Hatton’s daughter Sheila and son-in-law John Gwilliam, with their three children Brandon, Anna and Lyndon, live outside Melbourne, where they will be staying.

Some 140 years ago, a relative of Mr Lamacraft left Bishopsteignton to become a sheep farmer in Queensland. He wrote to relatives in the village, asking for financial assistance when he lost nearly all his sheep as a result of a drought. He hopes to meet some boyhood friends – a daughter of Mr Early (who built Early’s Wall) and members of the Hawkins family (a Hawkins was responsible for building the Burrows reservoir.)

Mr Lamacraft had a long and successful career as a teacher. At Paignton, he made a great impression with his handling of classes of 60 boys. His first post as headmaster was at Bovey Tracey, where he tamed a rebellious school in record time, by his personality and instruction of games.

ORGAN RESTORED

The organ of St James’ Church has been restored and the console moved. To celebrate this, a recital is to be given on Thursday by Mr Lionel Dakers of Exeter Cathedral, who broadcasts on radio and television. The organ was built in 1881 by George Tucker of Plymouth. In 1928, an electric blower was installed. It was completely renovated and modernised, stops added and a detached console installed in 1971, by Messrs Hele and Co. of Plymouth.

RIVIERA CINEMA

Omar Sharif and Jack Palance in Che, a film about Che Guevara; Pretty Poison with Anthony Perkins; The Lion with Trevor Howard and William Holden; Steve McQueen in in the toughest picture he has ever made – Le Mans.