These drivers have not had an accident for over 230 years

Fourteen drives based with the Torrington Highways Division of Devon County Council, who between them have a record of 234 years’ driving on Council business without an accident, have received safe driving awards.

The awards were presented on behalf of ROSPA by the Divisional Surveyor, Mr Richard Shuttleworth.

Mr Lionel Baker of Beaford, and Mr Ron Tanton of Torrington, each have 27 years’ service with the County Council. Mr Bert Sussex and Mr Stan Newcombe, Mr William Wheeler of Shebbear, and Mr Ken Hill and Mr William Collings, both of Horns Cross, each has a record of 20 or more years’ service.

Medals for five years’ service driving went to Mr Baker, Mr Collings and Mr Ernest Cornish, of Torrington, and bars to Mr Hill, Mr William Petherbridge (High Bullen), Mr Fred Robins (Taddiport), Mr Sussex, Mr Mervyn Wilcox (Horns Cross) and Mr Tanton. Diplomas were presented to Mr Raymond Branch, Mr Douglas Cox (Frithelstock), Mr Walter Dymond (Littleham), Mr Newcombe and Mr Wheeler.

Full Gazette article dated 8 December 1972