► COMMON LODGING HOUSE

The Urban Council Plans Committee asked for a definition of a common lodging house, as there was an application for one at 100 Bitton Park Road. Mr Peter Langston, the public health officer, said that factually it was a ‘doss house’.

The applicant, Mr M J Fey, said: ‘We have accommodated over 2,000 people since August 1972 at our Paignton hostel. We want to alter the premises at once to start accommodating people at Easter. It is to be a hostel for way-farers, youth hostellers, etc. to run in conjunction with my hostel in Paignton.’ The committee recommended refusal.

► NEW COUNTY COUNCIL

The introduction of politics into the new County Council is regrettable but inevitable, with the big boroughs of Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay putting up 48 per cent of the candidates, every one of whom would have a political label. Mr A J Bushby, retiring chairman of the Conservative Association, said: ‘If we do not get Mr Heath back next time, there is only one alternative. It will mean a Government run by trade unions, and we do not want that.’

► MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK

Mr Arthur Bladon, at the Highways and Town Planning Committee, outlined a suggestion that private enterprise should be invited to put forward a scheme of block lots, probably covering five towns. Mr Ted Welch, director of technical services, said that with the treasurer they had discussed the matter with two developers, but they were only interested in getting a reasonable return for their money, and were rather horrified in regard to Brook Hill. Mr Ronald Doel remarked that in five years: ‘I can visualise the time coming when we shall have to say “We are sorry, we are afraid that you can’t come in”.’

► NOSON DEWI SANT

Following last year’s successful St David’s Day dinner, a similar evening was organised by Mr Colin Richards. Hwyl Fawr was again the venue, which as every good Welshman will know, is the Royal Hotel. Mr Hugh Morgan Richards proposed the toast to Noson Dewi Sant, and also spoke of the Welsh character, a natural hospitality, friendliness, a love of talking, music and singing, and rugby. Mrs H Davies, of the Royal Hotel, and a friend, also dressed in traditional costume, presented to the cheering guests another Welsh tradition in the form of a white mountain Billy Goat, who proved his nationality by consuming a daffodil whilst walking round the tables.

► TOWER TRADITION

Driver Graham Marshall from Bishopsteignton had a glimpse into history when he went to the Tower of London as one of a Royal Corps of Transport detachment, detailed for guard duty there. It was a historic occasion, being the first time it had been chosen for public duties in London – which included the guarding of Buckingham Palace, St James’ Palace and the Bank of England, as well as the Tower.

► VIETNAM ORPHAN

Mr John Dawson and his wife Pat, of Kiniver Nursing Home, have adopted Kim, a 15-month-old Vietnamese war orphan. Mr Dawson had to go out to Vietnam personally to select a child, but Mrs Dawson flew to Saigon in January to try to get the adoption speeded up through the prevailing red tape. She brought Kim home three weeks ago.

► RIVIERA CINEMA

Naughty; Bread; The Perfumed Garden; Sean Connery as Bond in Dr No and Thunderball, right.