October 9th saw “An Evening with Colin and Dave III”. It was a sell out night – an evening of anecdotal tales and photos of Bishopsteignton’s colourful characters and history. It was absolutely fabulous to see faces old and new enjoy a few drinks and engaging in the stories and music throughout the evening. Thanks must go to my old mucker Colin Back and also to James Hooper, James Day and Steve Roberts along with the door and bar staff. The moment of everyone in the hall singing “Happiness” at the end will stay with me for a long, long time.
It was great to see Gary Aldridge, Anne Lavender, Paul Metherall, Jenny Casson, Tim Bernard who all paid us a visit at the Hub the morning after.
It was also lovely to see retired farmer and Bishopsteignton Vineyard founder, Ken Dawe at the Hub recently. Ken Furnished us with maps, photos and documents etc with the promise of more to come. We will share on the website shortly. One aerial photo shows a farm where Grandison and Bronescombe are now. Absolutely fascinating.
Steven Luxmoore travelled from Australia to learn about his ancestors Colonel Coryndon Thomas Putt Luxmoore and Admiral James William Noble and the village in which they lived. Pictures show Steven and the Colonel stood in the same spot by the war memorial 94 years apart.
Photograph of Colonel Luxmoore (left) at the Memorial, Bishopsteignton
Steven Luxmoore stood in the same place, 94 years later with Jenny Ridd and Colin Back
Thank you to Colin Back and Jenny Ridd for providing so much research (soon to appear on the website) and to the owners of Clanage House for allowing us to visit the place that both of Steven’s illustrious ancestors resided.
In other news Jess Gibby has retired as a Trustee after 7 very productive, supportive and inspiring years, half of which she spent as Vice Chair.
We welcome Mary Ford BA History (first class hons) who joins the Hub team as a digital assistant.
News from the past:
In November 1900, the Cork Weekly Herald reported that Ellen West, daughter of the late Admiral John West of Bishopsteignton, appeared before magistrates charged with ‘refractory conduct’ at the local workhouse of which she is an inmate. The accused remained in bed and refused to dress and come down to the dining hall. A doctor said he could not certify that she was insane. The accused, who has already been in gaol for ‘refractory conduct’ was sentenced to 21 days imprisonment. Children of today have never had it so good!
November 1900 also saw the Teignmouth Post and Gazette report: Alexander Stroud, labourer of Bishopsteignton pleaded guilty to being drunk in Fore Street, Bishopsteignton on the night of November 5th . He was fined 5 shillings, the case being proven by P.C. Hill. One would presume Mr Stroud was celebrating Bonfire Night…. Fireworks ensuing.
The headline of PIGS PIGS PIGS sprang out from the Wester Times in November 1875 followed by the news that Messrs. Rendell and Symans will sell by auction at Newton Abbot Market on Wednesday, Nov 27th 1875 at 10am, 7 choice young sows bred by that noted breeder, Mr T R Cornish, of Wolfsgrove, Bishopsteignton, (currently the residence of my sister Gaynor) 6 very prime fat pigs, fit for the Christmas markets, and 4 pigs 7 weeks old.
Finally don’t forget that we are open between 11 and 4 on Fridays and 10 and 12 on Saturdays for you to come on down and have a cup of tea and a chat about the history of Bishopsteignton, or get in touch at [email protected].