There was a wonderful gathering of old and new residents at the Parish Hall get- together.  There were so many old friends who had come back for the occasion it was a really special afternoon.

There were piles of photographs and mementos  which took many of us back in time and memories came flowing back.

Our Chairman for the occasion was Eric Nott and he introduced a panel of past and present West Down personalities who all spoke of their  life in the village.

  First was Mervyn Phillips who has taken a great part in Bell ringing at the Church and led a team of ringers, who over the years have successfully competed in many competitions throughout Devon.

He was followed by Toni Buchan Nee Roach). She told us that generations of her family had run the Post office and Village stores since the 1880’s. First Richard Roach  opened a General Store and was later appointed Post Master. He was  followed by his son A.L.Roach  who could still be remembered by a few.  Her  Father, also Richard Roach continued with an Agricultural Store  until his retirement.

 Ivor Hookway then spoke of his involvement with the Committee that raised funds to build the Parish Hall and also with the Parish Council as Clerk for many years.

 The present Chairman of the Parish Council Tony Hewitt  spoke  on his memories of growing up in the parish, how he attended the Parish Church as a child, going to morning service, returning home to Cheglinch then going back for Sunday School in the afternoon . Then to complete the Sunday he went to Evensong.

 Nancy Baddick ( Nee Dymond) was brought up in the village and then worked in Barnstaple at Richards of Boutport Street, this shop was well known for the model of a almost full sized horse in the window.  She was the youngest Bride to be married at the  at the Congregational Chapel  at the age of 16.

Margaret Thomas spoke of war time memories of when the Evacuees were brought to her home by the local Vicar the Rev. German and the Clerk of the Council William Facey.  The American soldiers would come to do  training exercises around the Farmyard. The highlight  of this was the fact that they would give her bars of Chocolate with rationing this was a real treat.

 Thanks for encouraging the organising of this event go to Terry and Carol King and Eric and Jackie Nott.  It is hoped to organise a Slide Show of the many events in the Village.