On This Day in Wembury — 22 June 1949
Gorse Fire Threatens Warren Point Cottages
A fierce gorse fire at Warren Point, Wembury, burned for four hours and came dangerously close to two cottages overlooking the River Yealm. With flames creeping to within a few yards of their homes, residents moved furniture outside, ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Fire brigades from Plymouth and Plymstock, joined by local inhabitants and holiday-makers, battled the blaze over half a square mile of furze and bracken, working mainly with beaters. At one stage, a nearby shed had to be deliberately pulled down to prevent the fire from spreading further.
The threatened ground formed part of National Trust land. Captain C. F. Viner, local agent for the Trust and chairman of Plympton Rural Council, reported that the fire appeared to have started near the ferry landing stage to Newton Ferrers before spreading up the cliff. Thankfully, the cottages were spared, and no damage occurred beyond scorched vegetation.
Events like this serve as a reminder of how quickly fire can transform the South Devon landscape, especially in dry weather when furze and bracken burn like tinder. The close call at Warren Point underlined both the vulnerability of homes near open land and the vital role of community effort in preventing disaster.
Source: Western Morning News, 23 June 1949 (reporting on events of 22 June)
On This Day in Wembury — 22 June 1950
The Western Morning News reported that the South-West Devon Education Executive Committee had approved a site for a proposed new county primary school at Wembury. The location was chosen opposite the Jubilee Inn and next to the planned community centre, linking education and village life in one focal area. At the same meeting, the committee agreed to a flat percentage increase on all school transport hire contracts, citing rising costs of petrol and tyres.
Reflection:
This decision marked a turning point in Wembury’s post-war development. By placing the new school beside the proposed community centre, planners envisioned an integrated hub for village education, culture, and social life. It reflected wider mid-20th century ideals of rebuilding and renewal, where schools were not just classrooms but symbols of progress and civic pride. The siting opposite the Jubilee Inn also grounded the project in the familiar geography of the village, ensuring that education would remain at the heart of community identity.
Source: Western Morning News, 22 June 1950.
Entries are summaries and interpretations of historical newspaper reports.