WE came to Tavistock in 1967, and bought a new house in Courtlands Road. In order to tidy the front quickly we turfed a lawn and laid a series of stone slabs between the lawn and the pavement. For 38 years these stepping stones have, quite naturally, presented an irresistible challenge to the many children walking past on their way down to the Play Centre. However, I am pleased to say that in all these years we never had any vandalism or damage. This year, my wife, by planting red, white and blue flowers, has made in the front garden a replica of the RAF roundel This labour of love is in memory of my brother Eric, a Flight sergeant Engineer, who in 1943 came home on week-end leave to be married on the Saturday, honeymooned on Sunday and returned to duty on the Monday. On the Thursday he flew out on a bombing mission over Germany and never came back. He was 21 years old. Now for a mystery! During the night, one of the six red plants that formed the centre of the roundel was neatly and carefully removed, without any collateral damage. Hardly the work of a vandal. Did a cheeky schoolboy take it home for his mother? Perhaps one of your readers has a solution. Dennis Willcock 8 Courtlands Road Tavistock
