WHAT was happening in and around Teignmouth this week in the 1970? There is only one way to find out...

► PLANNING APPLICATION PROTESTS

An application was heard for the demolition of buildings at the West End Garage, 80 Bitton Park Road, to provide off-street petrol selling facilities and erection of flats with parking.

A letter of protest was read out from the Teignmouth and Shaldon Environmental Society which stated that this, plus another at Lower Coombe Farm, would place a further load on the already inadequate sewerage.

Mr  Arthur Bladon said: ‘If you give permission, the whole valley would develop overnight.’

► TEST CRICKETER’S DUCK

Gloucester County visited Teignmouth last Thursday. The game was a testimonial for Gloucester’s Graham Wiltshire. The highlight  was the success of local bowler Dave Williams, taking the wicket of Sadiq Mohammed, Pakistan’s test player, with the first ball of the match.

There was a shout of astonishment when Williams bowled Sadiq for a duck. ‘I just could not take it in. After all, it is not every day you bowl out a test cricketer.’

Because of the fine weather, the match was extended to 50 overs.

► COMPLAINT AGAINST TRAWLERS

Trawlermen who cast their nets close inshore at the River Teign were criticised by Mr Arthur Bladon at last week’s Council meeting. A trawler had been fishing only 100 yards from the Pier. He was concerned because in one swoop, they could catch all the bass.

‘Although they are legally entitled to do so, I think it is unfair because they are destroying the fishing which gives so much pleasure to amateur fishermen.’ The response was that we did it for fun, but they did it for a living.

► THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Bishopsteignton Parish Council discussed tree planting. They suggested that in Shute Hill, six trees be planted where ‘The Twelve Apostles’ originally stood, in the hedge that had grown from the stumps of the old trees.

► ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

St Michael’s Church - the Church by the Sea - celebrated its 150th birthday by holding a Festival of Flowers on July 5 and 6. Mrs Pyke and her team of helpers arranged some superb floral decorations, delighting the visitors.

The display of vestments and silver was enhanced by an arrangement of white gladioli and chrysanthemums. Flowers were amassed in every nook and cranny, on the font, the lectern, the memorial screen, the pulpit and the chancel steps, from the smallest containers to the most glorious standing displays.

► 50 FOOT COMPETITION

No, not a running or swimming competition, but one organised by the Teign Cine Club. Members were challenged to make a film, complete with titles and ending, on one spool, with all the editing to be done in the camera.

This imposes a strict discipline on the producer, as nothing can be added after developing, and no mistakes taken out, nor can the order of scenes be altered in any way.

Of the five entries, the winner short was Nora Barnett’s ‘A Trip To?’ - a mystery outing by bus and ferry which eventually ends in Exmouth.

► IT STINKS!

‘The public conveniences are pleasant in comparison because they are cleaned,’ declared Mrs. Irene Arnot at the Resort Services Committee last week.

She was complaining at the state of the Ness tunnel. Mr Arthur Bladon said people were using the tunnel as a toilet. Urine was absorbed by the red sandstone, and they would never get rid of the smell.

► RIVIERA CINEMA

The Poseidon Adventure; Taste the Blood of Dracula; The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms