October 1, 1998

A North Petherwin company, Kernow Analytical Technology (KAT), has obtained state-of-the-art test equipment which operated at temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun.

An exemption dog show held at Red Post was organised by Mrs Doreen Jenkins, and sponsored by the Red Post Inn in aid of Hilltop Animal rescue and Launcells Methodist Chapel. Winners were Mrs S Hirst of Holsworthy (Best in Show Family), Mr M O’Hara of Plymouth (Reserve in Show), M Burrows of Launceston (Reservie in Show Family), judge Mr Gordon Fox. Mrs Mary Cook received half the proceeds on behalf of Launcells Chapel from organiser Doreen Jenkins.

October 1, 1983

Friday brought to an end the 30th year of the Bude Surf Life Saving Club and the occasion was celebrated with the annual awards ceremony at the club headquarters.

An emergency nuclear war headquarters costing £32,000 is to be constructed underneath North Cornwall Council’s Bodmin headquarters.

Launceston shooters Glynn Abbott, Bernie Masters and Pam and Dan Mills won a trophy at the South West Championships.

September 29, 1973

The staff of Windmill School Canteen (Launceston) held a dinner party at The Eagle House Hotel to ‘welcome home’ one of their former colleagues, Mrs Pearl Lake, who has recently returned from a six month trip to Australia, and to mark the retirement of Mrs Ethel Aunger.

At Week St Mary Revel Day, the Queen Rosemary Baker was accompanied by her maid of honour Jennifer Jones, girl attendants Sally Cobbledick and Rachel Horrell and page boy Thomas Watkinson.

The motor-yacht Casketa seized by a Cornish doctor and his family who claimed ancient ‘wreckers’ rights has been lifted off the rock beach at Crackington Haven where it was driven ashore by a fierce storm last week. Dr Michael Ash, his son David, and son-in-law Roger Harmer took possession of the 35ft yacht after she had washed ashore.

Lanteglos Parish Church was completely full for the memorial service for the late Rector Rev F C Geikie, who died a few weeks ago. An inquest has been held with a verdict of suicide being recorded by the North Cornwall coroner, Mr G H St L Northey.

During a gale a tree came down on Tuesday in the entrance to Week St Mary Church, bringing with it the wires which supplied the lighting in the church. The next day Mr M Tremlett and a band of helpers cleared the tree away and the electricity was restored in time for the services on Sunday.

October 5, 1963

Launceston’s carnival queen for the ensuing year will be Miss Diana Martin, aged 19, of Viewlands, Tavistock Road, Launceston.

Callington’s traditional Honey Fair day was on Wednesday, but in name only. There was a time when honey was a speciality and the generous helping of honeycomb on a cabbage leaf could be bought for a penny.

Several hundred pounds are needed by Albaston Methodist Church for extensive repairs and decoration to the building.

October 3, 1953

Last week’s equinoctial tides in the River Camel at Wadebridge are believed to be the highest for about 53 years.

After 14 years, sugar rationing ended last weekend. Housewives can now buy as much as they like.

Convened by the urban council with the UDC chairman (Coun T PIckard) presiding, a public meeting of the electors of the Bude, Stratton and Poughill wards packed the Headland Pavilion, Bude, on Wednesday evening to vote on the controversial question of whether the Bude Picture House should be permitted to open on Sunday. The result of a show of hands was: for 269, against 170.

Ald William Henry Gilbert, of Launceston, who has twice been Mayor of the Borough was married on Saturday at Bognor Regis, his bride being a retired Methodist Deaconess whom he first met 41 years ago. She was Sister Mary Cillbard.

Shoppers queued from 4.30am to 9am for the opening of Woolworth’s store in Launceston. The first three through the doors were presented with tea sets by the manager, Mr M J Norris.

October 2, 1943

Killed in action: Herbert Brent, a native of Bridegrule. Missing: Arthur Jeffery, of Bursdon, Hartland; Sgt Phillip S Raddall, RAF, 22, of Southgate Arch, Launceston.

The importance of rearing rabbits for their food value was stressed by Mr F R Mules when opening the Callington Rabbit Show on Tuesday. Since the Callington Domestic Rabbit Club was formed two months ago, 30 members have been enrolled and the show attracted 70 entries.

Holsworthy Farmers’ Union have agreed to restrictions (already accepted by Cornwall FU) on the removal of sand from the beaches at Bude. Mr T Pickard, chairman of Bude-Stratton UDC, explained to their meeting that the beach has been lowered about 14ft since the removal of sand commenced, and it would have to be prohibited if the present rate of loading continued. The restrictions would, however, in no way affect the permanent right of farmers to take sand under the concession granted in the reign of James I and would only be in force until the beaches were built up again.

October 7, 1933

The winter price of milk is to be fixed at six-and-a-half pence per quart. Wadebridge Farmers’ Union is protesting at this, claiming that milk is 1s 4d per gallon wholesale and that it should be retailed to the consumer at more than 2s per gallon. It was pointed out that the public had not paid more than 5d for several winters and in some places it had been as cheap as 4d.

The Kilkhampton Council School parent-teacher association, which was formed recently is the first of its kind in Cornwall.

Mr Mark Patrick, MP for Tavistock, and Sir Frances Acland, MP for North Cornwall, are campaigning got the rebuilding of Gunnislake New Bridge at a cost of £30,000.

October 6, 1923

Beryl Durston, of Bude County School, passed the recent Cambridge local examination with honours and six distinctions in special subjects, being the first girl in the country ever to do so. Another pupil at the school, named Rutherford, passed equal second among the boys in all England. The distinctions by this school, one of the smallest secondary schools in England, doubled all the other schools in the county put together.

After 35 years service with the Post Office, Mr J H B Prouse, aged 60, now of Launceston, and a native of Virginstow, retired this week. Credited with instigating the first of the annual ratepayers’ meetings, he became a town councillor in 1891.

The King has approved the appointment of the Rev W H Frere to the Bishopric of Truro to fill the place of the Rt Rev F S G Warman, now Bishop of Chelmsford.