Got it — here’s the On This Day entry built from the 20 September 1935 report, saved in full detail and with reflection included.
On This Day in Wembury — 20 September 1935
Wembury Bird Sanctuary to be Opened
Major Anthony Buxton, D.S.O., D.L., was scheduled to open the new bird sanctuary at Wembury the following day, under the auspices of the Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society. The ceremony was arranged for 3:30 p.m., with the Automobile Association co-operating by directing visitors from the Modbury and Kingsbridge main road to the church and on to the sanctuary. In the evening, Major Buxton was due to show his films of rare birds at Virginia House Settlement in Plymouth.
Reflection:
The formal creation of Wembury Bird Sanctuary in 1935 marked a milestone in the local conservation story. The Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society’s efforts foreshadowed the later establishment of Wembury as part of a marine conservation area and National Trust coastline. What began with the safeguarding of birdlife against shooting and disturbance has grown into one of the South West’s best-known sites for education and environmental stewardship. It’s striking to see how early local action laid the foundation for the protection we take for granted today.
Source: Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 20 September 1935
