BH has once again been very busy throughout the month as the gorgeous weather continues.
Various articles have been published on the website and visitors have attended the Hub from far and wide on Fridays and Saturdays.
On the very day of this article being written Peter Wallis, cousin of mine and a Bishopsteignton boy of 83 years old and his son Alistair have joined us at the Hub. Peter is the grandson of Mr Clifford B Wallis, long time headmaster and resident of the Primary School in which we occupy our space. Peter himself attended the school before joining the RAF, eventually retiring as a Squadron Leader.
Hub team member Colin Back had not seen him for nearly 60 years and it was interesting for us to hear Peter regaling stories of his time in Bishopsteignton including a look back at photos of himself in the Scouts during the 1950s, with his long khaki shorts looking like a member of “It ain’t half hot mum”.
We were able to show him the fireplace in the oldest part of the building where his father and would have sat with the family during his childhood.
Peter Wallis fire place old school headmasters house
Credit must also go to Alistair who has furnished us with numerous photos and information.
VE celebrations in the village have taken place, including on May 8th a brief remembrance at the War Memorial, followed by a Women’s Institute cream tea at the Village Hall. The fabulous afternoon included appearances from “Glen Miller” (James Day) and some disreputable “spiv” chappie for a war time sing song.
Dave Robbins the spiv and James Day the GI D Day 80th anniversary celebrations 2025
In the evening the beacon was lit high above the village to celebrate the end of hostilities.
Yours truly and James Day were invited to advertise the lighting with a live broadcast on Torbay Hospital with Bishopsteignton man and DJ Geoff Webb.
All was fine until Geoff suggested that we were an hour late as we had declared a 19:45 start….
Consternation ensued (politely put as opposed to “What the hell are you on about Geoff?”) until we pointed out that 8 th May 1945 referred to the date of VE Day, not the
time of lighting!
By the time you will be reading this the Lindy Hoppers will have performed and taught us to dance at the Community Centre and later at the Street Party alongside
the Fabulous “Liberty Sisters” hosted by the Old Commercial and Parish Council on Sunday 11 th May.
All a great example of the many organisations in the village working together providing a fabulous community spirit…
…However back in June 22 nd 1900 (date, not time!) the Teignmouth Post and Gazette reported that:
Mr Thomas Taylor, a jobbing mason of Bishopsteignton, on June 7 th put out his donkey to graze, tied up on his plot of land. Early the next morning PC Bugler found the donkey one and a half miles away in Landscore Road, Teignmouth. As donkeys are very alike it couldn’t be determined whose donkey it was until the defendant discovered it missing! Sergeant Richards said that the defendant had been fined for a similar offence two years ago. The bench agreed that donkeys must not be allowed to roam at night and fined the defendant 6 shillings.
We all need to be aware of this!
Previously I mentioned the WI cream tea party – take a look at this girls - from the Western Times, 23 rd June 1950:
SPINNING – At the monthly meeting of Bishopsteignton Women’s Institute an interesting talk and demonstration on “Spinning from rabbit to garment” was given by Mrs Pearce, who brought a white Angora rabbit. Many beautiful scarves and other articles both in crochet and weaving had been made. I’m just visualising all the intestines… just saying!
Finally folks, incredulous though it may seem, Colin and myself have been asked to perform another evening of Bishopsteignton tales, music and photos on 9 th October 2025 in the Village Hall – hope to see you then!
Dave Robbins
Contact Dave, Colin and the Hub Team via [email protected] or by dropping in at the Community Centre 11 – 4 Fridays or 10 – 12 Saturdays. Explore our website to keep up with all the latest about the past!