“Winter draws on” is not a statement of intention from a pantomime dame but indeed is a reference to our dark and cold winter nights.
Bishopsteignton Heritage metaphorically trudges on through the winter, continually researching, documenting and sharing village information. Despite the cold weather, a warm welcome is always assured at the Hub.
One of the BH “warm welcomers” is village stalwart Colin Back. Colin is mentioned casually in the Chronicle by myself from time to time but in this edition, I feel the need to highlight his immense voluntary contribution. He is a master of the family tree and has pure Bishopsteignton blood running through his veins. His immense enthusiasm is infectious and never wanes.
Only today, I learned that during Colin’s recent visit to Torbay Hospital for a routine check-up he discovered that the receptionist was his second cousin. The nurses wanted to know how to research their own family trees!
One of Colin’s recent investigations has involved the Vincent family, at the request of their Australian descendants. As well as the Vincents, Colin has also found connections to other Bishopsteignton names such as Maurice Ledger, the Counter brothers and the Cockram family.
Colin’s legendary status has prompted he and myself to present another ‘Evening with Colin and Dave’ on Thursday April 23rd in the Village Hall – watch this space for information on tickets.
Another village character is Ken Dawe, retired farmer, vineyard entrepreneur and all round good egg. He has recently been gracing the Hub with his presence, photos documents and stories as well as joining us for a late breakfast at the Old Commercial on a Saturday. In the near future, Ken will be presenting an evening on the subjects of Old Walls and Ash Hill Farm.
BH itself continues to progress steadily with Arts Council Museum Accreditation, which in turn requires professional training for staff and volunteers.
Progress is also being made towards the opening of the new museum in the Hawkins room at the Community Centre. There will be some rewarding volunteering opportunities once we are open. If you are interested, please get in touch. Also contact us if you have any display worthy items that you would be willing to donate or loan. You can contact us via email here: [email protected]
Some stats from 2025:
- The BH website saw 25 new articles published on a variety of subjects including fascinating flora and fauna from the environmental heritage of the village written by Sarah Cochrane.
- Almost 2500 items, loaned or donated by the community and from the old museum, have been catalogued and are searchable on the BH website.
- There were over 800 visits to the Hub and BH events.
- Over £1600 was raised and donated to Bishopsteignton Healthy Living Group, Bishopsteignton Community Centre, Bishopsteignton Village Hall, Bishopsteignton Pantomime Society, the British Legion Poppy Appeal and not forgetting Singing for Memory.
These commendable achievements were the result of over 4500 hours put in by staff, volunteers and trustees of BH.
News from Februarys gone by:
1951 saw the Western Times reporting that William Taylor, shoemaker of Bishopsteignton was charged by P.C. Pearce with disturbing the peace. It appears that the defendant had “indulged himself with liquor and evinced his drunken propensities by knocking at various doors with a stick.” He was fined 2 shillings and 6 pence plus costs. Despicable behaviour!
In February 1876, the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette reported that “John Trapnell, keeper of the Bishopsteignton turnpike-gate was summoned for illegally
demanding and taking toll from William Godbeer for a horse and cart he was driving,” Godbeer “claimed exemption on the ground of his cart being laden with lime for manure for land….. John George Temple, who formerly kept the Bishopsteignton gate for 23 years, said he never charged toll for a horse and cart conveying lime for manure.” I’ll try that exemption on the Tamar Bridge with a loaded arctic lorry next week!
Hope to see you soon at the Hub for a cup of tea, the odd laugh and a delve into Bishopsteignton History.
Dave Robbins
The Heritage Hub is open 11 – 4 Fridays and 10 – 12 Saturdays.
You can also visit us at:
www.facebook.com/thebishopsteigntonstory
www.instagram.com/bishopsteigntonheritage/
Contact us at [email protected]