June and July brought us a couple of heatwaves almost matching the drought conditions of 1976.
A couple of fans (including me being their greatest one) kept the Heritage Hub team busy in the high temperatures. As per usual many new items have been added to the catalogue on BH website. In addition to this is a fabulous new improved ‘search’ facility. I genuinely recommend using the ‘lucky dip’ button which you will find surprisingly addictive.
During July, ex village boy, Peter Warren re-visited Bishopsteignton. Peter visited BH with his wife and daughter on a sojourn from Australia along with sister-in-law Linda. He brough some photographs of his siblings, Geoffrey, Nicola and Martin (Bim) Warren. Peter’s father and mother, Eric and Dorothy were well known and respected villagers. Peter, his sister and two brothers all attended Bishopsteignton Primary School.
Colin, James, Jenny and Carol entertaining the Warren family of Bishopsteignton and Australia
Villagers will be aware of the remembrance service in November that remembers the fallen from the two World Wars.
One of many remembered is Private Officer William Ernest Back born in 1887 and died June 1917 at just 27 years old. William was part of the Australian Infantry. His brother Charles Henry Back who served in the Royal Navy also died at the age of 27. William’s name is inscribed on the village war memorial and he is buried at Pont-De-Nieppe communal cemetery in France.
Bishopsteignton Bikers paying respect at the graveside of Willliam Ernest Back, Pont-de-Nieppe
The reason for bringing this to your attention was a notable visit involving kindness and respect to the French grave of SE Back, by the Bishopsteignton Bikers. Five guys, namely Mike Lane, Deanne Hitchens-Orr, Robin Selby, Tony Early and Mick McDermott - a member of Bishops Bikers (Southport Branch) - visited and placed a knitted poppy upon the gravestone. A very respectful and thoughtful gesture gentlemen.
News from the Lancashire Evening Post August 3rd 1926:
William Skinner, (my Great Grandfather and father of 16 kids), the Village Parish Sexton for 50 years passed away having not missed a service for 40 years!
William Skinner, father of 16 children never missed a service in 40 years
150 years ago on 26 August 1876 the Totnes Weekly Times reported that a young Bishopsteignton boy named Cramp drowned in the River Teign, whilst bathing. It was supposed that he had drowned after a ‘seizure of cramp’.
Teignmouth Post and Gazette August 30 1901
125 years ago the Teignmouth Post and Gazette reported on 30 August 1901:
That Alexander Stroud, a sailor of Bishopsteignton, who was represented by his wife was summoned for being drunk on Shute Hill on August 16th. He was fined 7s 6d, about 37p in today’s money!
And finally that Mr Thomas Taylor an elderly man of Bishopsteignton was fined 8 shillings for permitting his donkey to stray into a garden in Daimonds Lane, Teignmouth where it was found by PC Chapman, on August 16th, 1901. Mr Taylor had been convicted on a previous occasion. The moral of this story is, keep your donkey under strict supervision and control!
Dave Robbins
All of the above photos and stories and so much more are available on the website and at the Hub, please drop in for a warm welcome!
Bishopsteignton Heritage Hub is open at the Community Centre Fridays 11 – 4, Saturdays 10 – 12 and by appointment. or contact us at [email protected] or visit our ever growing online catalogue and articles at www.bishopsteigntonheritage.co.uk or join in the conversation at www.facebook.com/thebishopsteigntonstory/