FLASHBACK to this week in th 1970s and read the stories captivating the readers of the moment.

► COVERING THE SWIMMING POOL

The capital cost of covering the swimming pool at Mordref would be in the region of £99,800, plus 12% for professional fees, and running costs of £1,850. The treasurer, Mr Dennis Ayress, reported to the Resort

Services Committee on Tuesday. He estimated that if the pool was opened all the year round, there would be a deficit of £25,000 on running costs over the twelve months.

Mr Doel said that it seemed to be the fashion to have Rolls Royce ideas with only Ford income. Teignmouth now had the only 25m pool between Tiverton and Plymouth, this length correct for competitions, and thought they should be grateful for what they had.

► YACHTING IN 1875

A report in The Teignmouth Journal of 1875: ‘Some 30 years ago, Teignmouth was considered to be one f the best yachting ports on our coast. It was then nothing to see large yachts go several hundred tons, constantly sailing in and out, and “lying up” on the mud flats upriver. Our regattas were more enticing, and better prizes offered. But with the decease of proprietors, interest in this class diminished.

‘I am glad to report that the desire for yachts has greatly increased, and the whole trade received a fresh impetus. A new vessel has put in an appearance, built by our local yacht builder, Bulleys of Shaldon. The Buccaneer, the Gabrielle, the Scorpion and the Psyche were all built by him.’

► FORMER VICAR DIES AT BATH

The death has taken place in hospital at Bath of Rev Kenneth Alfred Rich, who was the vicar of St James, West Teignmouth, from 1958 to 1971. His sister, Mrs Mitchell, predeceased him only a week previously. Rev Rich was taken ill shortly before Christmas 1970, and realising that his recovery was taken longer than expected, he offered his resignation to the Parochial Church Council, and officially resigned on August 15, 1971. He was presented with an illuminated address, expressing the gratitude and affection of the parishioners for his work in Teignmouth.

► RN HOSTS FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

Recently, the crew of the Royal Navy Minesweeper HMS Yarnton acted as hosts to 14 children from the Duchess of Kent Orthopaedic Hospital in Hong Kong. Many of them had been handicapped for years, and for some this was their first trip out from hospital.

It took them on a tour of Hong Kong’s bustling harbour, out past the stately liners, past busy freighters unloading into junks alongside, past the hydrofoil ferries to the Portuguese Macau, and on to the sad rusting wreck of the old Queen Elizabeth, sunk 18 months ago. The crew finished their tour with trays of ice cream and jelly, and crates of pop.

► DEMOLISH RIVIERA CINEMA

Dear Sir: An application has been made to demolish the Riviera Cinema. Teignmouth would stand to lose one of its finest buildings, the centrepiece of Den Crescent. Nicholas Pevsner, one of the country’s most eminent authorities, calls this ‘the grandest display’. It was designed by Andrew Patey, an Exeter architect, who is to Teignmouth what Wren is to London. It is already a listed building, and normally would be protected.

However, it appears that the Council have the right to give permission. We have already thrown away most of our eighteenth century heritage, through greed and ignorance. Surely we are not going to allow our finest building to go the same way. 

Colin D Mitchell, 153 Bitton Park Road.

► RIVIERA CINEMA

Next week for seven days: The Godfather.