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Looking back with Malcolm Tucker – 1972

Last updated: 22nd May 2022

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1972 was the year when the new Avon county was announced comprising of 6 new districts. It was also the year of the miners’ strike and with power cuts becoming necessary as the dispute intensified a rota was published by SWEB. All of us then knew the periods when we had to dig the candles out. The severe restrictions on the use of electricity meant that most firms were only able to maintain the most essential work. Warm centres were set up in Midsomer Norton and Radstock to help old people who were suffering due to lack of power.

Mike Green, the secretary of Timsbury Development Committee, reported that work would soon commence on the proposed village hall. The tender from Mr. Crozier had been accepted but the committee stressed that fund raising was still very necessary. Consequently a successful summer fayre and donkey derby took place on the rec in June. Bernard Cayzer lent his not inconsiderable weight to the scheme and Conygre Hall eventually opened in 1973, the envy of many local communities.

Timsbury Cheshire Home launched an appeal for £53,000 for its new development. At the meeting to launch the initiative were Major Pares (warden), Lord Hylton (patron), Philip Amery (chairman) and Bill Juster (appeal director). Later in the year proposals for an L-shaped extension to provide additional recreational and living accommodation were approved by North East Somerset area planning committee.

The British Legion Golden Jubilee in 1972. Back row (L-R) Joe Warner, Bill Ashton, Reg Sage, Ralph Coombes. Front row (L_R) Gordan Jarrett, Dr Crook, Bert Matthews, Fred Sperring.
The British Legion Golden Jubilee in 1972. Back row (L-R) Joe Warner, Bill Ashton, Reg Sage, Ralph Coombes. Front row (L_R) Gordan Jarrett, Dr Crook, Bert Matthews, Fred Sperring.

The British Legion celebrated its Golden Jubilee and the Queen marked the occasion by awarding the organisation the prefix “Royal”. The Timsbury branch looked back over its 50 years at its annual dinner where branch President Dr. Crook proposed the toast to the Legion. Legion certificates for valuable service were presented to Dr. Crook, Ralph Coombes, Alec Beard, Bill Ashton, Reg Sage, Gordon Jarrett, Joe Warner, Fred Sperring, Bert Matthews, Ken Wyatt and James Bridges.

One of Timsbury’s most popular characters, Sam Fricker, retired after 18 years as butchery manager at the village co-op and he was presented with a clock by branch manager Colin Robinson. Previous to that Sam had worked as slaughterman and cutter for my own family’s butchery business and I remember him with great affection as I am sure many other villagers do too. He was also organist at the Congregational Church until his death in 1978.

Chrysanthemums were apparently below their usual standard at the Timsbury Flower Show which was held on September 1. There was a fine array of dahlias, sweet peas and gladioli while in the vegetable section runner beans, onions and shallots were in plentiful supply. The cup awarded to the village exhibitor with the most points was shared between Tom Comer and Alan Carder while Mrs. P. Edgell claimed the cup for most points in the cookery and industrial classes and Neil White went away with the children’s trophy.

On the sporting scene Timsbury Cricket Club saw good performances from two members who are sadly no longer with us. Dave Belsh was second top wicket taker and Jimmy Adams who suffered a heart attack over 40 years ago struck his first century against Saltford. I remember the occasion well because I batted for quite a long time with him and was run out for 49!. The Football Club decided to leave the Wiltshire Combination League and joined the Somerset Senior League Division 1 while the Reserves entered the Mid-Somerset League. Jack Bull was the first team manager and Bryn Hawkins was in charge of the second string.

TAFC First Team 1972-3
Timsbury Athletic First Team 1972-3

Finally the Norton Hill School fete was opened by Timsbury actor Alan Moore who was a former pupil there and who was starring at the time as Dr. Jim Fletcher in the B.B.C. T.V. series Owen MD. Alan joined Bristol Old Vic when he was 25 and was later to play the part of builder Maurice Jones in Coronation Street.

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