A Father Christmas in a helicopter from RAF Chivenor

landed on Instow sands in front of a party of about 50 children.

Concealed behind the whiskers and a red robe was Mr R H Cornelius, chairman of the committee organising a Christmas party for officers, other ranks and civilians at the REME Camp, Instow.

He brought with him a huge sackful of presents and these he distributed to the children beside a large decorated Christmas tree in the Jubilee Hall.

Gazette article dated 23 December 1960