Devonshire January February 19

PEOPLE
by the Editor
Ted laughs when he tells me about some of the classic cars that heʼs
both owned, and passed over. For instance, Ted used to go to Exeter
motor auctions, an old Lagonda Eight - described as a gentlemanʼs
car, offered for £50 at the time, now worth an easy quarter of a million
pounds. The list of old classics heʼs owned is extensive, for instance
One of Ted’s fundraising stunts for the
Sidmouth Carnival on a Penny Farthing
Ted Gosling
This issue in 2019 sees a notable Devonshire
person attain the great age of ninety.
For those of you that donʼt know him, Tedʼs an interesting character,
from a generation of Devonians that hark back to a much gentler,
simpler and probably an altogether nicer time.
Born in Seaton, Ted left school at the age of 14 to work in a local
garage, a sign of things to come, because Ted developed a great
passion for all things motor car.
Ted taking Seaton’s Youth
Club Queen to a fete in the
Cricket Club in 1952
a 1924 Lancia Lambda, 1926 Bull-nosed Morris, 1938 SS100 Jaguar,
numerous Austin 7s, an Austin Heavy Twelve Four.
Ted was also involved with the Sidmouth Carnival for a number of
years, his girlfriend at the time being the 1956 Carnival Queen Valerie
Moore. One of his fundraising stunts for the Carnival was riding a
penny farthing along the Esplanade in Sidmouth (see photo).
Another, and probably the most overriding passion of Tedʼs life has
been his interest in history, to the point at which he became one of
the founders and also the curator of the Axe Valley Heritage Museum.
Heʼs also been a prodigious author, with over thirty history books on
Devon to his name. Tedʼs contribution to the community has exceeded
some 78 years in total, an amazing achievement and testament to his
selfless character. In 2011 Ted had the honour of being made Seatonʼs
first Freeman, presented by the Mayor Peter Burrows.
Tedʼs been an editorial contributor to Devonshire magazine over
the years and itʼs been an absolute pleasure working together. Iʼm
sure youʼd like to join me in wishing Ted All The Best in his 90th year.
Editor
Tedʼs first community involvement was during the second world war,
as messenger boy at the age of 12 for the local Air Raid Protection
group. Itʼs hard to believe it now, but in one of the German raids,
four people in Seaton lost their lives. Ted later went off to undertake
National Service in the RAF, working in the department that repaired
instruments. Ted spent most of his time working on Lancaster Bombers
(this was after the war), although the Lancasters were now redeployed
for use on photographic surveillance of England and Africa. Every
Friday Ted had to go up on a trial flight to ensure equipment was
working correctly - he said that this had put him off flying for life!
When his time in the RAF finished, Ted returned to the motor trade and
his interest in vintage cars was fulfilled when he opened a garage in
Seaton, restoring vehicles, this was situated next to the old post office.
Top sales agent of the South West 1978
London Manchester Insurance Co
Reflecting - Blue Pool
in Dorset 2006
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