A bit of a do with Ailsa Loaring at the St George and Dragon October 2019

We decided to have a bit of a do at the St George and Dragon in October 2019.Ailsa was 97 years old and we think she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She was the daughter of Harold Lobb (landlord of the St George and Dragon Inn during the war years).

Edward (son of Rudy Klecka) and his wife Angie Klecka from Houston,Texas, Ailsa Loaring, Chris Ley, Joan Ley, Suzannah Holwell, Robin Holwell, Reginald Abbott (RAFA), Pat and David Packer, Phil Evens, Lucy and Mike Hayes(RAF Harrowbeer) June Gooding. Phil Evens of Woodbury Salterton was responsible for creating all 45 frames.

Ailsa Loaring pulling a pint at the St George and Dragon Inn in October 2019 after 75 years.

Ailsa with his son Chris Ley and wife Joan

Ailsa Loaring. So many memories

She told us her recollections.

She remembered Sqn Ldr Blackie Williams signing the ceiling and said that it was a much needed fun at a time when death could be just around the corner.”You had to provide a bit of fun, you know, because these pilots- they went out and you never saw them again. And they were just 18,19, twenties-all youngsters . They used to balance pints of beer on their heads and the drinks used to go all over the place.

Some of the youngsters, if they were locked out used to climb onto the telephone box(still there) into my bedroom. I used to leave the window open for them to get through, which raised a laugh really”

The arrival of Americans, billeted at Digby near Exeter, was very memorable.” They used to bring all this food in–great big tins of fruit, steaks-we used to make up great steak sandwiches in the Inn kitchen. We weren’t short of food.

Details of Phil Even’s business without whom the collection would never have been completed.Thanks Phil for all your work and enthusiasm over the years.