Reg Varney - Cool Fact

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Reg Varney lived in Budleigh Salterton during his later years. He was an English actor, entertainer, and comedian, best known for playing Stan Butler in the 1960’s sitcom On the Buses. 


He first came to fame when playing Reg Turner in the BBC sitcom The Rag Trade during the early 1960’s. After On The Buses, he appeared in comedy roles in other TV programs and films. 


After retiring from TV and films, he worked as an entertainer on cruise ships and did a few concerts in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.


Reg was also the first person to use a Cash Machine (ATM) – a popular question in quizzes. Reg made the first ever cash withdrawal on 27 June 1967 at Barclays Bank, Enfield Town where Reg was living at the time. Reg was asked to make the first withdrawal for publicity purposes, and in doing so became the first person to use the machines we now take for granted. 


Reg moved to Budleigh Salterton in the late 1980’s where he lived in a house in Dark Lane, a narrow country lane on the corner of the junction at St Peter’s Primary School. During his retirement years in Budleigh, Reg enjoyed his talent of painting local landscapes, some of which were a high enough standard to be exhibited in London. 


Reg died at the age of 92 in Budleigh hospital (now the building for Seachange) on 16 November 2008 following a chest infection. His daughter Jeanne still lives in the town and his memorial seat on The Green remembers Reg and the laughter he gave to many, and his wife Lilly.


References: Wikipedia