One of the attractions of the experimental holiday playscheme,

organised by the young people of the North Devon Volunteers, for primary school-age children at East-the-Water was the adventure provided by an old car.

The children swarmed over it. The car was provided by Mr Fred Blight, one of a number of individuals and organisations helping with two play-schemes. Friday was, in fact, the last day of the fortnight’s scheme based on Pollyfield, East-the-Water. A previous fortnight had seen a similar scheme provided at Hartland.

The scheme, as did that at Hartland, proved very popular with the children, and their mums – ‘We were very pleased indeed with it’ Mr John Pearce, of the North Devon Volunteers, told the Gazette.

Interesting and instructive sessions were arranged every day, either outdoors or indoors (using the Community Association hall and St Peter’s Church hall locally). Every day, under the supervision of police volunteers, a group went swimming in Edgehilll College pool. Twice a week the Sports Hall in the grounds of the Grammar School was visited for games and sports instruction; three parties were taken to explore Forestry Commission walks at Hartland; there was a visit to Bideford Zoo; but rain cancelled planned trips to Westward Ho! Indoor activities at East-the-Water included painting and drawing, dressing up and impromptu play-acting.

The full article is dated 22 August 1969