On this day in Wembury — 19 March 1996

The Evening Herald highlighted a lively mix of Wembury stories, from wartime memories to local achievements.

Foremost was the news that Norman Maccabee, of Southland Park Road, Wembury, had published his autobiography, A Pint in a Half Pint Pot. The title, inspired by his small stature and large appetite for life, tells the story of a poor but loving childhood, his teenage years, and his wartime service. Maccabee volunteered for the RAF in 1939 as a ground wireless operator, later becoming a Wireless Operator (Air) on Wellington bombers. His memoir recounts daring raids over Northern Italy, the Balkans, and Germany, and describes both danger and humour in equal measure. After the war he returned to civilian life, enjoying a varied career and writing the book aged 76, concluding:

“I have managed to cram so much fun, excitement and thrills into my life that I can honestly say that I have managed to get a Pint into a Half Pint Pot.”

The same issue reported that chef Richard Hann had returned to Langdon Court after a successful spell working aboard a luxury liner; that Wembury Twinning Association had held a popular barn dance in the Village Hall; and that around 40 volunteers from Wembury helped the National Trust plant more than 600 trees at New Barton and Old Barton Farms following their recent purchase.

Also noted was a touching story of five-year-old Larissa Toms of Southland Park Road, who raised £320 for Wembury School by skiing 42 miles in La Thuile, Italy, braving snow, mist, and freezing temperatures.

Meanwhile, Mrs Doris Clarke gave a reflective talk on The Lord’s Prayer at the Wembury Mothers’ Union, and upcoming Lent lunches were announced by Mrs Beryl Speed and Mrs Kath Pursley.

Together these items capture the spirit of Wembury in the 1990s: a village rich in memory, community energy, and generosity — still closely tied to its schools, churches, and coastal heritage.

(Source: Evening Herald, 19 March 1996 — “Wembury: Local News.”)