ALTHOUGH it is only 50 years ago, and the years go by so fast, here are some of my memories of the 70s and perhaps a bit later and even a bit before.

I think there was a Home and Colonial stores near where Bet Fred is now, and a Johnny Price, a lovely man was their delivery man, who was always so happy and cheerful. He was also at one time Chairman of the Crediton Over 60s, which used to meet in its own hall in Bowden Hill.

Where the Town Hall Museum is, that was Townsend’s furniture and bed shop. Also where Tesco is now, was Moore’s Car Showrooms, always displaying in their showroom window was a very smart car.

The Churchworker’s Institute, which is now the Dental Clinic, was most popular for the regular Jumble Sales, and also for the Crediton Garden Club’s shows, which were also held in the Masonic Hall.

Three shows a year, Spring, Summer and Autumn Shows. These were always well supported with lots of cups, and a Giant Shield for the Best in Show.

Spring and Autumn shows were usually held in the evenings, when we could always sit quietly, while the judges went around and awarded the prize cards. I think the Summer Show was held in the Methodist Church Hall.

A Boxing Day Hunt always attracted a large crowd when held in the car park, in Market Street.

Does anyone remember the Flaire Club, situated in a largish hall, up some steps, at the back of the High Street, down an alley way?

It could have been down where the Antique Centre alley is now. This was started by Joe Way, when meals were served, and became very popular. It also had one of those slot machines for gambling! Some were lucky and won the £100 Jackpot! Besides this, Joe built a Swimming Pool as well, but sadly this developed a leak and that was the end of that!

Also, does anyone remember Joe Collier, who had been blinded by an accident, and had a guide dog?

Joe was a very independent man and travelled all over the country with his dog, giving talks and raising thousands of pounds for Guide Dogs. He and his wife lived in Sunspot, above the car park in Market Street.

One of the Doctors Surgeries was in Union Terrace. A Doctor Markby and a Doctor Sherran ran it, who were on call at night as well.

Then the Liberal Club, which is now Wetherspoons, and used for many things, including I remember a Rabbit Show and also for Royal British Legion events in its garden at the back.

Legion member Arnold Vosper had a stall at the fete and he also carried the Legion Banner, even at the Royal Albert Hall one year.

Around that time I think a Mr Roach was President of the RBL, and lived at Wellparks, opposite where the big Tesco’s is now. He had a small museum of war memorabilia at his home.

Then there was also the Crediton Carnival. One year, Downie, Mrs Ida Down, who formed the popular Greensword Majorettes, was the Carnival Queen.

Two of the senior majorettes were Helen and Donna Cann, always very smart in their Green uniforms. Brownies Leaders Audrey Hill and Barbara Roberts, always did a lovely float with the Brownies.

David Symonds had an estate agents in the High Street. He was a real gentleman who always raised his hat to you.

The old High Street Chapel, was later sold and is now Sunflowers Day Nursery.

Bertram Authers was the well-regarded photographer, and many people now celebrating 50 years of marriage, had their photos taken by him, all black and white in those days.

Miss Millicent Buller, General Buller’s niece, was well-known for driving her car very, very slowly, until she was well into her 90s... I did hear that she used to have her dog on a lead through the car window, for him to run alongside for his exercise.

P and C Stores was where Costa Coffee is. It was run by Phil and Cheryl Garrard and the shop so useful as you could get so many things there. I think it was Phil who did a lot to get a Bandstand in Newcombes Meadow.

Jackson’s Factory was sold and turned into flats, now Redvers House, in Union Road.

There was a small private school, Crediton Preparatory School, at the back of the Conservative Club, in Searle Street, which during its later years was run by Marjorie Ashley.

In previous years the Ship Hotel was very posh and even had a cocktail bar with a cocktail waitress, and this was often where the stars performing at the theatre in Exeter would stay.

Also, did the Rotary Club come around singing carols with Father Christmas on a lorry?

Crediton also had a small cinema, which I believe closed in the 70s, where Potters Bar is now.

Sue Read and a few others started the Crediton Country Courier in 1974, which came out monthly at first, with just black and white pictures, later going to fortnightly and then weekly. What an asset it has been to the town, covering all local news.

Then there was great excitement when it was announced that Gold had been found in Crediton... well it was a very well kept secret as to its exact location, but believed to be within two to four miles of the town.

Such was the excitement that many of us bought shares in the company, but sadly there was not enough gold found to make it profitable... (I still have my shares!).

For a while Paul Evans had a Travel Agency in the town, which was so useful.

I remember the old fire station where the Town Square is now, I think it was Charlie Haydon’s idea to turn the site into the Town Square, and what a great asset that has become. Look at the lovely Christmas tree and lights, and all the tables and chairs which have made such a difference this year.

Moose Hall was the venue for the Crediton Loyal Order of Moose, which was used not only for their meetings but for their Gala Night’s Black Tie events as well. The Burma Star used to hold its annual meetings there as well.

Another big event in Crediton, was when Cliff Richard came to the Crediton Parish Church and sang at a concert.

Ray Reardon, the Snooker player, also came to the Snooker Club for an event.

I also remember some events in Sandford, such as a Carnival they had, organised I think by the then owners of Summerhayes. Also Margaret and Derrick Phillips raised enough funds to get the stage curtains for the Parish Hall. There was also a Girl Guide company there as well.

Summer fetes around here were regular events, and usually a Baby Competition was held as one of the attractions, which believe it or not, was always very popular. I still remember one of the babies who won a large Cup, but won’t embarrass her, by giving her name!

Bill Mitchell, had the Bakery where Le-Roy’s is now, and he had followed his father into the business, and what lovely bread and cakes he made. My mouth waters when I think of them.

I think the first supermarket, well it was quite small, where Morrisons is today, was first Ford and Lock, then So-Lo, then Gateway, when a Mr Ted Gay was the manager for a while.

The Arcade, in the High Street, was once the shop owned by Mr Barclay Todd, and his wife Barbara, which sold ladies fashions and haberdashery items as well.

Well these are some of my memories, but please excuse me, if they are not always quite accurate, as it’s a long time ago, and I too, am getting older, but thought I would put my memories down, before they get forgotten. I am sure many other people will have more memories which should not be forgotten.

Margaret Tucker.