Never did I think (at the time of writing) that we would be wishing for rain in Bishopsteignton, but memories of the summer of 1976 spring to mind, with the water
shortages, hose pipe bans and standpipes. BH battles on in the hot weather, researching, archiving and generally being good eggs keeping our heritage alive.
As I perused last month’s Chronicle, I consciously took note of the many organisations within the village. All of these groups will have history and photographs within their own records. BH have already copied and in some cases, look after, the records for some of the organisations and would be absolutely delighted to do the same for YOUR organisation if not already doing so.
This month rather than dive into the trusty newspaper articles from yesteryear we are going for “Bishopsteignton – did you know?”
Did you know that:
Leslie Crowther of ‘Crackerjack’ fame stayed frequently at ‘Green’ on Shute Hill?
A series called ‘Big Jim and the Figaro Club’ was partly filmed in the Old Commercial (then the Bishop John) and ‘starred’ the landlady of the time Dot Perkins? This can
be found on YouTube ensuring her immortality – if it was ever in any doubt!
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn were seen drinking in the bar at the Old Commercial in the early 2000s?
Max Bygraves’ son Anthony (sadly passed away this year) supported the Bishopsteignton Cubs with their endeavours in the late 1960s?
In July 1982 Commander Michael Trestrail, bodyguard to Her Majesty the Queen, was dismissed from duty (look it up!) and to escape the press stayed with a family friend in the Radway Street?
Actor Timothy West was evacuated to the village in the second world war?
Robert Bolt, English playwright and screenwriter (Laurence of Arabia, A Man for All Seasons, Dr Zhivago) was a teacher at Bishopsteignton Primary School?
Former retired Officers Home, previously a Hydro and Spa and originally a private residence, “Huntly” was named after the Huntly Estate in Scotland where the first
owner Alexander Gordon’s ancestors had been Lairds? Famous visitors include the 1920s actress Lilian Gish.
The great and good (and others) have visited good ‘ol Bishop through the years! – As Spike Milligan said when asked “What are you doing here Spike” – “Well
everybody has got to be somewhere!” and where better indeed?
And finally, talking of being somewhere, don’t forget folks – “An Evening with Colin & Dave” October 9 th 2025 in the Village Hall – tickets on sale soon…
Dave Robbins
Bishopsteignton Heritage
Dave and the BH Team can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by visiting the Hub at the Community Centre Fridays 11 – 4 and Saturdays 10 – 12