I would like to add my concern at the badly run-down condition of the former SES stationery shop in the high street.
Not only should it be restored to its former glory, but it should also have an SVA blue plaque.
The building was erected in the 1880s as the family home of Bingley Gibbes Pullin and his wife Annie, who were married in 1885.
The house was called ‘Rahere’ after the founder of St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, where Bingley trained in medicine, qualifying as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1884, when he moved back to Sidmouth to set up in practice.
He was the son of Dr Thomas Pullin.
Like his father, Bingley Pullin was a prominent and very popular citizen of Sidmouth.
He founded the rugby club in 1884 and was its captain for ten years before being elected as president.
He was a fine athlete and sportsman, who also played cricket and was a founder member of the golf club.
He served as a lieutenant in the 3rd Volunteer Battalion and was Rear Commodore of the Corinthian Sailing Club. He was also a fine singer and took part in amateur dramatic productions.
In 1893 he was appointed to the Local Board and in 1896 elected to its successor the Sidmouth Urban District Council on which he served for 14 years.
When he was forced to retire in 1923 due to ill health, the town held a testimonial collection as a result of which he was presented with seven Chippendale chairs, a Chippendale china cabinet and an album with more than 900 signatures.
The restoration of his former family home would be another fitting memorial in the 65th year after his death.
Terry O’Brien
Via email
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