The pirate walked the plank!

The swimming pool built during the winter months at Hartland Quay was opened on Saturday – with the customary ‘duckings’.

First to go under was Mr Philip Johns, manager of the Hartland Quay Hotel, whose owner, Sir Dennis Stucley, of Hartland Abbey, had the pool built. Mr Johns, dressed as a pirate, was persuaded to walk the plank with cutlasses brandished by local garage worker Brian Meeker and Bill Pillman. A reluctant bathing belle brought local teenager Charlie Jeffery an unexpected soaking.

The pool was officially opened by the High Sheriff of Devon, Col J E Palmer, of Torrington. The High Sheriff was thanked by the Chairman of Bideford Rural Council, Mr Stan Brimacombe.

Had it not been for some volunteers from the RAF station at Hartland the pool would probably not have been full for the opening ceremony.

The bathing beauty contest was won by Linda Parker, with Sally Loader second and Rosemary Boyne and Sally Peto equal third.

A junior competition was won by Susan Heard, with Caroline Hamilton-Russell second and Virginia Rous third. Music was provided by Hartland Town Band.

Gazette article dated 5 June 1964