As you read this BH article we are only a few days away from the Colin and Dave evening, in the village hall. Prior to this whimsical evening of mirth and merriment
Colin and I, with the help of James Hooper pick out photographs of buildings, people, dogs etc with anecdotal tales (tails) of their connections with Bishopsteignton.
We hope to raise money for village organisations in addition to having a good laugh!
Colin (left) and Dave (seated) – the early years?
Most weeks, I pop into the BH Hub on a Friday or Saturday to catch up with the latest info, followed by a hearty breakfast at the Old Commercial Inn. Just recently
the Hub Team have only just managed to arrive on time for a taste of James Day’s sausage due to the high number of visitors, which is fantastic!
The folk, with village connections, arrive from far flung destinations such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Chudleigh. Shropshire, Sussex and Radway Street complete the geographical compendium. The connections between individuals and whole families in Bishopsteignton is tremendous to witness, despite the fact some
people realise they may have married their cousin!
Museum status, aspirations abound with plans progressing, funds gathering and listed building consent applied for, to get the seemingly simple but quite complex
move into the larger Hawkins room.
News from 1850
Bishopsteignton, school children ‘upwards of 120 walked to a ‘new part of the school’ (presumably not very far as it was on the site of the current community centre), and were addressed by Rev Ogle who gave ‘an impressive speech’. He highlighted the opportunity the children have been afforded, the blessing of education and the
nurture and admonition of the Lord’. I’ll bet the kids loved him!
Mrs Ponsonby Moore officiated at the organ, the children were ‘plentifully regaled with roast beef and plum pudding. How very civilized! Afterwards the children with
the permission of ‘Captain Rhodes’ ended the day with ‘innocent and healthful games’! After eating all that I’m sure Captain Rhodes and Mrs Ponsonby Moore
would be spending the afternoon cleaning up vomit!
How young children’s lives have changed over the intervening years, where a child now would unplug your life support machine to re-charge their phone!
Finally, News from 1875
‘Thomas Floyd, an elderly man, was sent to prison…. Yes prison! His crime? Stealing apples from Farmer Whidbourne at Bishopsteignton, on a Sunday
afternoon. The aforementioned, Rev Ogle would have certainly admonished Thomas Floyd on behalf of the Lord!
Finally do you know anybody with an aptitude for websites and social media?
There is a few quid on offer for some help over the next few months to catch up with our backlog. Would ideally suit a young person with a passing interest in the heritage of the community. Training is available but some existing experience would be essential.
Get in touch with us about that, getting involved in any other way or if you have any questions about the afore mentioned heritage of the community. Email us at
[email protected] or drop in at our Hub in the Community Centre Fridays 11 – 4 or Saturdays 10 – 2. You will always be welcome.
Dave Robbins
Bishopsteignton Heritage