That Contented Feeling At Torrington

The above picture shows nearly 140 people sitting back and experiencing that contented feeling that comes after an enjoyable meal. They are Torrington old age pensioners and the occasion was the annual party of Torrington branch of the Old-Age Pensions Association, held at Torrington Town Hall on Wednesday of last week. 

This year, as was reported in our last issue, for the first time the meal took the form of a ‘knife and fork’ dinner. ‘I took the idea from a similar party held recently at Bideford for Bideford pensioners’ Mr J H Long, secretary of the Torrington branch of the Old-age Pensions Association, told a Bideford Gazette representative afterwards.

‘What we want is 50s a week for the old age pensioners and the abolition of the law that penalises men between the ages of 65 and 70 from earning more than two pounds a week, said Mr E G Bevington, chairman of the Torrington branch of the OAP Association.

Thanking all who had helped to make the event a success, the Mayor of Torrington, Miss F L Lake, recalled memories of when she had met many of those present years ago when she used to call at their homes collecting for charities.

Entertainment after dinner was provided by members of Torrington Youth Club Concert party, under the leadership of Mr A Robertson, and the evening ended with community singing.

Transport by bus for the old people from various parts of the town was provided by Mr H Beer, of Heards Garage, Torrington.

The full article is dated 17 February 1956