This week (29th June) marks 50 years since Budleigh’s adopted son Reg Varney became the first person in the UK to withdraw money from an ATM. This was in London. The actor, who chose Budleigh Salterton as his home when he retired was chosen for the honour during the launch in 1967.
Carol Greygoose was working at the branch where the first ATM was launched i.e. Enfield and she remembers the actor as ‘a bit cheeky’.
Reg Varney stayed in Budleigh from the time he retired until 2008 when he passed away. He was aged 92 at that time. If you visit The Green in Station Road, you will find the bench that was dedicated to Budleigh’s own ‘little clown’.