One hundred years ago this month the Ministry of Health Inspector visited the Honiton workhouse and reported at a meeting of the Board of Governors that the heating in the sick wards was quite inadequate and no hot water bottles were being used. Three infants were sleeping in the night nursery on the north wall where there was no heating at all.

Mr. J. Halse tasted the margarine which was given to the inmates and thought it tasted horrible. Reverend Courtenay tasted some and found it to be quite as good as what was used in his own home as he could not afford butter. It was decided that anthracite stoves would be installed, and the margarine matter was dropped.

Farmers throughout the area were on tenterhooks because the Ministry of Agriculture were informed that there was a suspected case of foot and mouth disease on a farm just a mile from Honiton.

Meanwhile Seth Dunn, a labourer living in Silver Street was summoned at Honiton Sessions for assaulting Walter Carter’s wife Clara. Seth’s wife Alice had hung some washing on the clothesline, and Clara took it down. Seth knocked at her door and said the line belonged to him and that they would hang washing on there as long as they liked. He seized Clara by the neck and shook her. Alice rehung the clothes on the line and Clara took them down again and threw them on the ground. The Bench dismissed the case and advised both parties to live more peaceably together.

Just in time for Christmas, Honiton's Mayor, Mrs Juanita Phillips opened a new ball room which had been added to the Dolphin Inn premises. The hall, which was 80ft long and 28ft wide, was claimed to be the largest in the district. The oak panelled and corniced interior was lit by electricity and the lamps were enclosed in alabaster bowls. There was central heating and every modern convenience. The Mayor said it would be of tremendous value to the townspeople, especially in the development of the social life of the town and its many charitable schemes. The room was decorated with evergreen and coloured lights and up to date music was provided by Guest's orchestra from Exeter.

Christmas for many people is an anxious, sad and lonely time. Wishing you and yours health, happiness, and peace of mind for all your tomorrows.