Mr H (Hoppy) Hopkins has retired after 35 years

as district agent (covering Appledore, Westward Ho! and Northam) of the Pearl Assurance Co. Ltd. To mark his retirement a dinner and social were held on Friday at the Globe Hotel, Torrington, attended by officials, agents, their wives and friends.

Mr Hopkins, who lives at 9 Seaview, Morwenna, Northam, and is a member of Northam Urban Council, was presented with a long-service certificate by Mr W H Boud and a dining room clock by the district manager, Mr A E Coles; a bouquet was given to his wife by Mrs R Cookney.

Tributes were also paid to Mr Hopkins by Mr Cookney on behalf of the officers and Mr J Jones on behalf of the agency staff.

About 50 people attended the social in the Globe ballroom.

Mr W J Barry was toastmaster.

The full Gazette article is dated 25 August 1961