PC Gibson, the village bobby, c.1950.
The village bobby was once a
familiar rural sight. He was a figure of respect and knew everybody on his
patch, and would enforce the law and discipline diligently.
PC Gibson was stationed at
Alderminster police house and cycled through the local villages on his beat
several times a week, on the look out for any wrong-doing or mischief. He was strict with discipline – he kept a
slipper in his back pocket in case he had to punish any misbehaving children –
but generally his punishments involved a clip round the ear, as local residents
with a more mischievous past recall. He would also stop and play a bit of
cricket with the boys on the village green. Not one of them ever dared to steal
his bicycle.
The local village bobbies were
gradually phased out in favour of large police stations in the towns. Many
lament that rural crime increased in consequence and children's behaviour was
unchecked – much to their own and their community's detriment.
PC Gibson became a caretaker at the
Hugh Clopton school, now Stratford High School.
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