On this day in Wembury — 13 January 1996
The Western Evening Herald’s Wembury Village Voice column captured a vivid snapshot of community life in early 1996, from bowling to parish politics.
The Wembury Short Mat Bowls Club reported a successful dance, accompanied by organist Angela Sugden, which raised almost £200. The event proved so popular that another was already being planned for the spring. The club had purchased two mats—one second-hand from Plympton Bowls Club and one new with all equipment—and arranged matches against Plymstock Bowling Club to give new players competitive experience.
Meanwhile, parish residents were soon to receive “Driving Speeds Down” questionnaires, part of a local initiative to reduce traffic speeds through the village. The Response Team asked for strong community backing, with returns due by 27 January.
The Wembury Women’s Institute welcomed Mrs. Sue Vickery, who gave a lively demonstration of Chinese cooking, filling the hall with tempting aromas. Member Mrs. Gwyneth Futer also read her poem “Plymouth Sound,” recently published in the South West Poets anthology.
At the Parish Council meeting, major topics included the redevelopment of PRC houses at Knighton, the Defence Radiological Protection Service’s investigation into alleged interference from the HMS Cambridge radar mast, and ongoing road safety concerns. The Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) had written to reassure residents about the speed of the investigation, though the final report was still awaited. Councillors also noted that the detachment of Royal Marines expected to be based at HMS Cambridge would now be sent elsewhere.
The council announced grants of £500 to the Short Mat Bowls Club and £200 to St Werburgh’s Church for churchyard upkeep. A new basketball facility in the village and extra street lighting in Mewstone Avenue were also on the way.
To end on a social note, villagers were reminded of the New Year Buffet Supper at Bovisand Lodge that evening, starting at 7:30 p.m. and organised by the church’s Social Committee.
(Source: Western Evening Herald, 13 January 1996 — “Wembury Village Voice.”)
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