ON a leaded-light window ledge in Old Forde House, a ship’s bell caught my eye some six years ago. The name, Leander stemming from Greek mythology, is very familiar in Teignmouth: the entrance to Leander Court complex has the name plate of the frigate HMS Leander (F 107) proudly displayed thanks to the vision of the 1980s’ developers, Taylor Woodrow.

Teignmouth had adopted HMS Leander in respect of the many occasions the ship and her crew had visited the town after being commissioned in 1963.

Beginning service in the West Indies and Pacific, Leander then joined the NATO multi-national squadron known as Stanafortlant. The weapons were modernised – the original 4.5 gun being swapped for a missile launcher and together with other frigates of the Leander class, Leander was part of a Task Group.

The ship’s visit to South Africa in 1974, still under Apartheid rule, caused uproar back home in the UK when it was reported they had undertaken military exercises with the South African armed forces. The Labour government was furious!READ THE FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S TEIGNMOUTH POST. ORDER YOUR DIGITAL EDITION HERE