007 agent, film star and former Launceston College student - A look into the life of Roger Moore

Local report by Rosie Cripps for Launceston Life
Most people remember the late Sir Roger Moore as the effortlessly cool 007 agent James Bond, but many in our little community will also know that he spent a brief time as a student at Launceston College, after evacuation from London during the Second World War.

The star’s brief encounter with our little Cornish town is recorded by Duncan Williams in a 2014 issue of SORTED magazine, which goes into depth about his time spent in north Cornwall as an evacuee.

A young Roger Moore was first evacuated in 1939 to Worthing in Sussex and soon became very homesick. It was when his father came to visit him and noticed how the separation from his parents had affected him, that Roger was put on the next train home to London. He was then sent to live in Chester with his mother, but as no bombs had dropped on London by 1940, the pair returned home, only for Roger to be evacuated again after the Blitz.

In the summer of 1941, Roger was carted off to Bude where he and two other evacuees stayed on a farm. It’s said that he enjoyed life there, swimming in the Tamar River and eating many a blackberry and apple pie with clotted cream.

With his life temporarily being based in Bude, Roger attended Launceston College - but unfortunately he did not enjoy going to school as much as he enjoyed swimming in the Tamar and eating fruit pies.

He told Duncan, a former Launceston College student himself: “I can’t say that I liked Launceston College, possibly because I was expected to study hard. I wrote to my parents begging to come home and adding that I’d happily cycle all the way back to London as I only had sixpence and that would not buy a train ticket.”

With this, his parents promptly put him on the train back to his beloved home city.

Of course, after the war, life went on for the Moore family, with Roger eventually ‘falling into’ the world of film after landing a role as an extra in the movie Caesar and Cleopatra in 1945. He was spotted by a talent scout and went to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) before starring in plays at the Cambridge Arts Theatre and was ‘seduced by MGM’. He first became well known as Simon Templar in the hit TV series ‘The Saint’, then of course became known to everyone as the third actor to play James Bond.

Duncan, who was given the chance to chat to the famous star a few years ago when Cornish based biographer Frank Worral invited him along to meet the 007 star, was director of SORTED’s publishing company SCM Ltd at the time and did several interviews which were used in the men’s magazine.

He said: “It was a pleasure to meet Roger Moore, particularly because of his connection with Launceston College. I was something of a Bond film nut as a kid and can promise you I saw ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ nine times when it was first released, which included several screenings at the old Lanson flea pit, The Tower Cinema, formerly in Market Street.

“Roger Moore was promoting the publication of his autobiography at the time I met him and was in great demand to give journalists an interview about his life and recollections. He eventually agreed to turn up to meet me at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. This was very familiar territory for him, having acted in dozens of episodes of The Saint back here in the 1960s.”

Roger turned up to meet Duncan right on time in a small, black Smart car - a little different to the flashy Aston Martin which famously appears in the James Bond films.

As a journalist and editor, Duncan has been fortunate enough to meet a number of British stars over the years, with some being more pleasant to speak to than others: “But in Roger Moore’s case, I can honestly say that he left quite a lasting impression of being a genuinely decent person. He was always first to mock himself and his acting style, yet was quiet and modest about his years of dedicated hard work for the United Nations Children’s Trust.”

He added: “I feel that Launceston would be wise to acknowledge Roger Moore’s link to the town more often. Perhaps his evacuation years at our school were not his happiest, but his short attendance at the college must have helped shape him, even to the smallest degree.”

To read the full article with Roger Moore in SORTED magazine, go to https://issuu.com/duncanwilliams/docs/sortedmagazine2014c/58

LOCAL CARE HOME RESIDENTS TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Upton Bay care home in Poole were treated to an exciting live streaming tour and talk about Dartmoor Zoological Society, hosted by Education and Research Manager, Francesca Canale-Dow.

Created in the 1960’s as a private exotic animal collection, the Zoo fell into disrepair and was threatened with closure in 2006. Along came Benjamin Mee, who with his family bought the site and set about creating the Zoo as it is today.  In 2014, the Mee family kindly donated Dartmoor Zoological Park to Dartmoor Zoological Society (DZS).  The charity is responsible for the care of the animal collection as well as conservation, breeding and research projects.

Francesca’s tour explained about life at Dartmoor Zoo so residents could find out what it is like to work in such a demanding yet rewarding world.  The talk focused on the Zoo’s beautiful tigers, Dragan and Alisha.  Although not related, Dragan and Alisha were both born in 2014 and were hand reared together in Tierpark Zoo in Berlin, they came to Dartmoor Zoo in June 2016 at the age of 18 months.

Residents were able to see the tigers being trained and ask the trainers questions about how they go about looking after them, their daily routines and breeding programme, what they like to eat and do and what happens if they get ill and need care.

Francesca says: “We really enjoyed being able to show the Barchester residents some of the fantastic animals we have at Dartmoor Zoo, we are very proud of the work our brilliant teams do here.  We were just so happy to be able to share our passion for wildlife conservation and answer all the residents’ questions.”

Lucy Tomlinson, Resident Experience Manager for Barchester Healthcare, commented: “We have been using technology to keep our residents and patients connected with their loved ones as well as offer live streaming events, entertainment and activities throughout the pandemic.  We are excited to work with our amazing partners like Dartmoor Zoo to bring a wide range of different experiences into our homes for all to enjoy, particularly as this talk provided such a lovely opportunity to see the animals and learn all about them.

“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and socially connected, providing a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities,” Lucy added.

General Manager, Mevin Sohorye, said: “Our residents are fascinated by animals and so we were delighted to be able to watch the tigers being trained and to get to know their personalities.  It was brilliant to be able to ask Francesca and the team questions about their experiences of working with the animals.”

We’re making our homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our homes.  Please do give us a call on 01202 679529 if you are looking for care or need any further help.        

Upton Bay is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Upton Bay provides residential care, respite care, and specialist Dementia care services.

Prestige Award for Digital Marketing Company

A FAMILY owned digital media company based out of Market Street in Launceston, has been presented with a Prestige Award.

The South West England Prestige Award highlights work undertaken by Pulman’s Digital Media throughout 2020/21.

The award, which was collected by local IT employee Duncan Williams, acknowledges Pulman’s ongoing digital development and commitment to offering increased value to local South West businesses by using social media and mobile applications to assist marketing.

Duncan, who is a former pupil of Launceston College, said: “During the recent lockdowns, Pulman’s has been able to focus on winning some high profile clients who have requested digital solutions that have gone on to help fund regional South West social media services at a reduced rate. This is good news when so many local businesses are struggling to get back on their feet after a difficult 16 months of trading restrictions.

“Back in the day, Launceston College pioneered early CSE Computer Studies courses which I remember attending, even though the computer systems were very basic. Little did our generation know at the time how important computers and digital technology would become.”

The impressive list of clients who have now been provided with digital marketing services out of Launceston includes the English cricket team, the ‘The Barmy Army’ (the English cricket fans), West Ham United, and Hayle-based PPE supplier Exhibit One Clothing.

Duncan added: “We have even installed not-for-profit online platforms for church services who were keen to continue reaching congregations during a period of time where churches were forced to close and delivery of their printed materials had ceased. Digital technology can actually be a force for good when people feel isolated. Zoom has become a communication phenomenon.”

Duncan Williams collected the award on behalf of Pulman’s Digital Media, a family owned digital media company based out of Market Street in Launceston

Pulman's Wins Again!

 

Pulman's Weekly News has now been awarded Best Local News Publication –  West Country in the  2021 Global Business Awards hosted by Corp Today Magazine.

Pulman's Weekly News & Advertiser Series was put forward to Corp Today’s dedicated team of in-house researchers who have handpicked each of their 2021 award winners. This proven approach ensures that they award on merit, and not popularity, and recognise the very best in the business.

Michael Banks, MD of Pulman's Weekly News, said; “To be acknowledged as Best Local News Publication for the entire region is a further feather in the cap, especially in these uncertain times.  Our news coverage has now evolved to provide both video and online reporting, and I am delighted the team have won such a prestigious award in such a wide-reaching area. Included in this new area are neighbouring towns within Dorset, who benefit greatly from their own bespoke PR brands, such as Experience Lyme Regis.

“The effort put in by our team and in particular past developmental guidance from digital media entrepreneur Duncan Williams, drawing upon parallel success with Reach Plc and InYourArea projects, as well our own individual feature writers, contributors and staff, all represents a collective belief we all share in the future of hyperlocal media. I am proud that we have been awarded such a significant prize in difficult times which highlights the quality of our work on behalf of the West Country communities and small business advertisers we serve.”

Corp Today Magazine who claim readers consisting of 138,000 ‘C’ Level professional, VPs, Consultants, VCs, Managers and advisors, will announce the award winners in all categories shortly.

Count Your Steps to Reach Your Dream Destination

Longing to visit far-flung destinations or just missing your favourite Devon hotspot?  In a time when we are not able to physically travel around our beautiful county the Let’s Walk workplace challenge can help you get a step closer to reaching your dream location – without even leaving your home!

The fun challenge runs throughout March and is open to workplace teams of 3-10 people across Devon.  The aim is to get people walking and actively moving more to achieve a team goal – such as walking the total number of steps to get to your favourite destination.  Walking has incredible health benefits, is good for personal well-being and can make you feel happier. 

Whether based at home or a usual workplace, teams can sign-up on the activedevon.org/take-part website. You’ll then be able to track and log steps and the minutes you are physically active for the chance to win some great prizes.

Vicky Radcliffe, Project Officer for the challenge said: “By simply walking more instead of sitting you can improve your health and well-being and give yourself a much-needed morale boost.”

“The challenge allows you to connect with your colleagues and think about how you can be more active before, during and after the working day. All steps count, whether inside or outside the home. 

“At the moment, routines have been disrupted and we know your time is more precious than ever. So, for this year, you can count the number of steps you complete or the number of minutes you have been physically active. Log them on the online platform and these will be added to your team total, so each step counts."

One of the first local organisations to sign-up for this year’s event is the Environment Agency.  Many employees there have taken part in previous challenges and staff are keen to get involved again.

“It’s the Active Devon ‘Let’s Walk’ challenge that’s going to give me that extra bit of motivation to make sure I get out there,” said Ben Evans from the Environment Agency.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity to connect with others in the Agency as we enter a team and compete against other businesses across Devon.

“During these colder, wetter and darker months many of us find ourselves cooped up inside, sat at our desk, and maybe we’re not moving as much or feel as motivated to move. But you can soon warm up and quickly get dry. It’s only the weather and, for me, the variety that our weather and our seasons bring really helps to keep being active out in the environment interesting.”

Instead of sitting down all day, why not walk and talk around your house or garden during meetings or chatting with colleagues. Devise your own active circuit so that every time you put the kettle on you walk three laps of your home while you wait or simply pledge to climb the stairs a set number of times a day.  Getting outside in the fresh air is great for a screen break and allows you to prioritise what you need to do that day.

You don’t have to be super fit to take part. The challenge recognises teams that achieve their goal and individual pledges.  For those who want more of a competition element, all team totals will be added to the online leaderboard so you can see how you fare against other businesses across Devon.

“So, whether you fancy visiting Barbados or Barnstaple this March, set your personal goals and take part in this fun team challenge to reap the benefits of moving more,” said Vicky Radcliffe from Active Devon.

To take part in this fun challenge, sign-up on the activedevon.org/take-part website and compete against other businesses to move more during March.

All those taking part are being encouraged to use the social media hashtag #LetsWalkDevon to post photographs and updates on their progress and see how other teams are getting on.

Devon Families ‘Skipping’ into Spring with a Unique Lock-down Challenge

An incredible 12,000 young Devonians and their families are taking part in a lock-down skipping challenge to keep active and healthy. Devon School Games Organisers, working with Active Devon, have been stunned by the number of participants taking part and inundated with requests for free skipping ropes. Nearly 7,000 were sent out as part of the National School Games programme.

The event runs throughout the Spring term and offers young people and families the opportunity to compete against themselves and others whilst maintaining social distancing.

The challenge is suitable to do at home, in a backyard, garden or at school. It gives an opportunity to virtually team up with classmates, represent a school and compete against other youngsters from across Devon.

Many schools are using the skipping challenge as a fun and engaging way to help rebuild their pupil’s physical, social, and emotional well-being both now and when they all return to school.

“Over the last 12 months we have organised many virtual events as part of the Devon School Games,” said Lisa Alford from Active Devon.

“All of them have been popular but this skipping challenge has really captured the imagination.”

“For example, Clyst St Mary Primary, a village school just outside Exeter, had 100 skipping ropes donated to them by a parent who is a big skipping fan!”

“I suspect most homes have a skipping rope stored away ready for a new lease of life. It’s great for the youngsters, but we’ve had some great feedback from mums and dads who’ve joined in.”

Many of those taking part have shared their experience using a special Devon School Games facebook group and through twitter @SGDevon - #DevonVirtualGames

The skipping challenge continues until Friday 26th March and there’s still plenty of time to find your rope and start skipping!

More details about how to get involved can be found at www.activedevon.org/school-games/

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY?

MAKE A CHANGE AND BECOME A COUNCILLOR

By now, everyone has heard the name, Jackie Weaver. But, did you know there are over 2,000 local (parish and town) council elections taking place this year?

Are you passionate about your community? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas for the council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then your community needs you. 

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is looking for people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election this May, as part of its #MakeAChange campaign.

Local councils are the first tier of local government and make a massive difference to local people's quality of life. They run numerous services — many you will see day-to-day, but some are less known. These include introducing solar panels, setting up dementia-friendly groups, organising community buses, creating neighbourhood plans, implementing suitable housing, establishing youth projects, managing allotments and open spaces, maintaining footpaths, public seating and litter bins.

Visit www.nalc.gov.uk/elections to find out more about how you can become a councillor.