► COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The Conservative candidate, Mr Arthur Bladon, was defeated in the Devon County Council election of Teignmouth and Sheldon on Thursday last week. A local solicitor, Mr Charles Proctor, standing as an independent, headed the poll with a 500 majority over Mr Bladon, who is the sitting County Councillor. The Liberal candidate, Mr Robert Pope, did well in gaining only 22 short of 1,000 votes. There was a 48.4 per cent poll.

► HOT SEAT

Everyone in Teignmouth’s Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday last week was virtually ‘in the hot seat’. The central heating system had been left full on accidentally, and officials in the morning found the interior like an oven. A reporter fetched a thermometer and its hand went over 90 degrees. All the Court had dry throats. Magistrates slaked their thirsts from the carafes, but officials had to carry on without. The main door of the Courtroom was kept open, the chairman telling the usher to keep the witnesses out of earshot.

Humorous comments trickled through. A prosecuting solicitor, Mr Robert Gwilliam, hesitated to produce the material evidence – a packet of bacon (stated value 20.5p) – because due to the heat it was no longer worth anything.

► UNIQUE JOB

Corporal Bruce Terry, from Westbrook Avenue, has landed what must be one of the British Army’s most unusual postings, being sent to Korea for 18 months to take responsibility for British Forces Post Office No 3 at Yongsan, Seoul. ‘I am likely to drive anything from a Land Rover to a Chevrolet, to the Mission’s welfare speed boat.’

► CYCLE SHOP

Ref. Evicted traders in Fore Street.

Dear Sir: I have been greatly concerned with the possibility of our being left without any cycle shop in the town. When I now read of the help the council is giving, eg to the Sports Hall at Broadmeadows, the Football Club and the T G S Concert Club, and bear in mind such luxuries as the ski run and the swimming pool, it seems incredible that nothing should be done that in Teignmouth we retain at least one cycle shop. It is a real need, affecting a wide range of both residents and visitors, and we have a man who can fill the need, and has done so for many years.

C H Barksworth, Thornley Drive.

► NEW SWEEPER ON FIRE

Just after 7am on Tuesday morning, the T U C’s new road sweeper, which had only been brought into service the day before, caught fire in Bitton Park Road. The auxiliary engine was badly damaged, all wires and hoses being burned. The Fire Service attended under Section Officer Tom Radford, and the fire was extinguished by hand appliances and hose reel.

► UNUSUAL BIRD

Last Thursday, and again on Saturday, in my garden which backs onto the cemetery, I was delightfully surprised to see a beautifully coloured bird feeding the grass. Pale green plumage on its back, wings and breast, darkening to the tail; extensive black patches round each eye; a crimson line of feathers running front to back of its head; about the size of a cuckoo. I wonder if it has escaped from a nearby zoo.

► HAVE YOU SEEN THEM?

Two West African crown cranes have disappeared from an enclosure near Dartmouth. They resemble large herons, with black and white bodies, black legs and long black necks, and golden crowns on their heads.

► RIVIERA CINEMA

Sunday and Monday: Elvis Presley in Flaming Star; the Rolling Stones in Gimme Shelter; Doctor Doolittle.