F.A. Bishop's is offering tremendous reductions for cash on its 'great sale of furniture' - 'an opportunity never before known in Bideford'

Property for Sale

On Friday 10th December 1920 at The Working Men’s Club in Northam an Auction will be held of the following properties:

Lot 1 A double fronted dwelling house with garden and outhouses at the rear being No 10 Tower Street, Northam .
Lot 2 A dwelling house known as No 11 Tower Street with yard and side entrance.
Lot3 All that Building used as a Slaughter House fronting on to the Underway Northam
Lot 4 All that

1st – 6th November has been designated as  'National Rat Week'. It is thought to be the most suitable time for a determined onslaught on these pests as they have begun their autumn migration. They cause a heavy annual loss to the food stocks and endanger the health of the community.

In Whitehall, Central London on November 11th, the  Cenotaph , which had been unveiled earlier this year, became the national focal point of Remembrance Day services. Designed by  Sir Edwin Lutyens  to commemorate the dead of the Great War it remains our national memorial on this day.

Bideford news:
Two maroons

Royal North Devon Hussars.
“On the grounds of sentiment there will be many hearts burning in North Devon at the passing of the Royal North Devon Hussars as a separate unit. Founded in 1803 it has had a most successful history, and during the Great War rendered useful service overseas. At the first muster on March 13th 1803, Lord Rolle was the colonel-in-command, and the troops assembled were drawn from South Molton, Torrington, Sheepwash, Hatherleigh, Fremington and Holsworthy; while there was a troop under Major Dave Bassett which did not report to Lord Rolle, and another troop ready to be

All these adverts appeared during the month of September.

 Electricity came to Bideford in 1922 so having your own generator was briefly ahead of the times. Read the following article about 'Electricity Development in North Devon' and 'Bideford Company's Sixteen Progressive Years':  http://wpehs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Sup018BidefordGazette.pdf

The Vickers sewing machine had some unique features and there are some still for sale today, usually in excess of £250.00. The Vacuum carpet cleaner needs to have the bellows pumped to generate the suction whilst the sweeper tube is used to vacuum up the dust.

The Unemployment Insurance Act set up what some

Crop Prospects. The continued wet weather is causing considerable anxiety in North Devon. Owing to later sowing than usual a fine summer was more than ever necessary. Late corn has not suffered so much, but early wheat has been very badly beaten down by the rain and farmers in the local district view with apprehension the coming harvest. There is a doubt whether much can be cut by machine, and, because there are no men who can use a hook and few who can use a scythe the crop looks almost lost with modest yields at best. Hay has produced

The Appledore War Memorial, which is an obelisk, has been fixed in Chapels Field and will be publicly dedicated early this month. Sir Douglas Smith an Appledore native now living in Cardiff and a considerable benefactor in helping with the cost, will unveil the memorial. A lengthy report appears in the 13th July edition.

Beekeeping. A conference is held at the Castle, Exeter and is sponsored by Devon County Council and the Devon Beekeeper Association to consider what steps to take to encourage beekeeping in Devon. 75 Italian Queen Bees have been purchased and will be given out as an

Edgehill College is destroyed by fire. After the fire was discovered just before 3am by Mollie Thomas, the staff’s efforts were foiled by the water supply in the building drying up. The initial efforts of the Fire Brigade were nullified by the lack of water supply at a standpipe near the North Down Road entrance and by the time water and a strong enough pressure was achieved, the whole building was a roaring furnace. All got out of the building safely and thanks were given to the teaching staff who cleared the school in a few minutes under perfect discipline.

At a conference at which the Imperial War Graves Commission explained the scope of its work, Mr Rudyard Kipling emphasised that the general desire was for equality of treatment for equal sacrifice. Therefore, uniformity and simplicity are to distinguish war cemeteries all over the world in which the British dead are buried. Every headstone will carry the man's name, his regimental badge and a short inscription.

At a meeting of the Bideford School Managers, it was reported that the ringworm cases at the Old Town School were decreasing. It was emphasised that children cannot leave school immediately on reaching the

Devon farm wages for the year have been announced. Payment for hay and corn harvest and corn threshing are set at 1/6d per hour, with harvest overtime being paid at 1/7d. The minimum general wage has been increased from 37/6d to 42/-, with reductions according to age.

In a linked story, the Area Building Trade Board of the Ministry of Labour has set the scale of wages for mechanics in the building trade at 1/7d per hour, with labourers receiving 1/4d per hour.

The story of a bogus marriage was related to the Divorce Court, where the plaintiff was granted

Northam Council workers have returned to work, following what looks to be a very generous pay rise. During the dispute the workers were represented and supported by Mr Young, Devonshire organiser of the General Workers Union. The Council’s Finance Committee have decided to hold a special meeting later this month to put in place steps to increase the Council’s revenue, presumably to cover the cost of the pay increases!

Tattersill’s Grocers in Bideford have a weekly advert showing two gentlemen in evening dress enjoying “delicious coffee, especially ground on the premises for each purchaser”. The first time the advert appears,

In the first issue of the month, the Gazette reports that Foot and Mouth Disease had been confirmed at a farm in Buckfastleigh. Although this is outside the immediate area, local farmers would have been watching the situation with concern. All the livestock on the affected farm were destroyed and a fifteen mile exclusion zone imposed. One week later, another case was reported in Bow, but nothing more is reported for the rest of the month.

Proceeds from the next London Bidefordian Society meeting will be given to the Bideford War Memorial Fund. The meeting will take place in Fleet

Adverts for De Witts Kidney & Bladder Pills now contain real photographs of Mrs Mellish and Mrs Perkins who have “benefitted”. This is the first occasion that the newspapers have printed photographs that have been reduced to a series of dots known as halftoning, this was how pictures were printed in newspapers for many years until the digital screen process took over.

Appledore Lifeboat with Capt E Cole rescued four men from Bideford & Appledore who were on board the ketch Emma Louise which had been driven on shore at Braunton Burrows.

A special meeting of the Bideford Town Council

The second Christmas since the Armistice, but the shadow of the War is still affecting the lives of local people. Although many families have been reunited, the papers this month contain several reports of the deaths of servicemen returning from active service, TB and influenza being rife on the transport boats.

Payments into the Bideford War Memorial fund have reached £1,000 but an editorial in the Gazette expresses regret that there are many who have not yet subscribed.

Food rationing is still an issue, with frequent announcements from the Ministry of Food. Supplies of poultry for Christmas will not be

For the first time we have a banner advert going right across the top of a page. This is for Tuck’s Zag-Zaw Picture Puzzles, which cost from 2/3d and are available from Coles and Lee at the Gazette offices. These were an early version of jigsaw puzzles, a craze which seems to have started in the early years of the 20th century.

Dr Littlewood, captain of the Bideford Swimming Club, has suggested to the Council that a public swimming baths should be constructed near the present Pontoon at River Bank End. This suggestion has been passed to the River Bank

The national rail strike

The rail strike was affecting people all over the country and on October 7th, the headline in the Gazette is “Men refuse offer of arbitration”. The following article states – “the men are demanding that a man who received 18 shillings a week before the War and now receives 18 shillings plus 33 shillings shall have a minimum of 60 shillings; the Government have offered a minimum of 40 shillings plus 11 shillings (residue of war wages) until December 31st and thereafter until the cost of living has appreciably and permanently fallen. Then the 11 shillings will

Bideford Borough Food Control Committee announces on the 2nd September that a special retail market for the sale of fruit, vegetables, fish and any kind of produce that may be available at reasonable prices will be held in the Pannier Market every Friday evening from 5 o'clock till 7 pm, commencing Friday October 3rd until further notice. Applications for a stall or from others wishing to send produce for sale should be made as early as possible to the Market Controller, Mr Stoneman.
The Ministry of Food state that the prices of bananas should not exceed 3d each and this

The first thing we noticed when we opened the Gazette this month is that the format has changed. The heading is the same but from issue 3514 the paper is about 2 inches shorter. It reverts to its original size for the last issue of the year, number 3532, but the quality of newsprint is much improved. The price remains the same at 1d per issue.

There has been a fire at Broomhayes, which is owned by Brigadier General and Mrs Southey. Damage is estimated at between £300 and £500. A letter to the Editor in the same edition states

The main focus this month is on the Peace celebrations and we are including two posters that appeared several times in the paper during July.

In London a wood and plaster War memorial is unveiled in Whitehall for the parade on 19th July. The Portland stone Cenotaph was built a year later.

Peace celebrations were taking place in every town and village around the area and all were faithfully reported in the Gazette.

The General Early Closing Order was suspended for Friday 18 July, allowing shops to stay open for as long as they wished to, offsetting the losses due

Local auctioneers are having a busy month, with a large number of estates and properties being offered for sale.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners have approved the sale of part of the Glebe lands at Instow. This includes several farms as well as 11 pasture and arable fields situated opposite the Church on the Old Barnstaple Road. At Weare Giffard, Great Huxhill Farm is for sale together with 104 acres. The next door property, Gammaton Cottage, is also for sale; this has five bedrooms and 9.5 acres. In Bradworthy, Cleverdon Farm and its 104 acres is on the market, together with Cleverdon House (17

Echoes of the war are still evident in some areas of life.

R Blackmore & Sons Auctioneers, of New Road, Bideford, have been instructed to sell agricultural items which are surplus to the requirements of the North Devon Agricultural Committee. These range from tractors and threshing machines to straw trussers and binder twine. Readers are assured that these items are by the best makers and most of them are practically new. 

By order of the local Food Committee, milk prices for May have been fixed at 6d per quart delivered, 5d sold at the retailer’s premises. Imported meat will be

After the busy few months following the end of the war when businesses were trying to re-establish themselves and returning soldiers came to terms with life in a changed world, it is interesting to compare the classified advertisements that appear each week with their commercial equivalents.

We have reproduced the Situations Vacant & Wanted column which seems to hark back to an earlier age before the War when the wealthier people in society employed chambermaids, housekeepers, cooks and parlourmaids as a matter of course. It is common to see words like “strong girl” or “willing girl” wanted in relation to

Property for sale:

At an auction held at the New Inn Messrs Dymond & Son, sold Swiss Cottage, Northam, which was knocked down to Mr A Chamberlain for £925; 3 pasture fields [2 adjacent Bloody Corner and 1 at White Horse Lane, Northam] to Mr E Withecombe for £730; 2 fields adjacent Diddywell Rd. to John Steer £500; 3 fields of 9 acres opposite Richmond House, Appledore, to Mr H M Bazeley at an undisclosed price; 2 acre field near Lookout Appledore to George Cork £300. A 6 acre field adjacent to Swiss Cottage was withdrawn at £800 by Messrs

While people are trying to return to some kind of normality after the War, echoes remain. 

Soldiers are still being repatriated from Germany, while Territorials now serving in Mesopotamia will be sent home within two months if sufficient transport can be arranged. The Commons and the Torrington Auxiliary Hospitals hope to close in the middle of this month. All people who kindly lent furniture are asked to make contact. Mr A Tottle, hairdresser, of 53 Mill Street has been discharged from His Majesty’s service and has reopened his salon. A lady teacher has received notice to leave her post at Old Town Boys

At the beginning of January it was announced by the Food Controller, Mr Clynes, that no more ration books will be printed. The current issue will expire on April 19th. Margarine will be the first rationed food to be “de-rationed” and butter probably the last to regain its freedom. The meat situation is already improving thanks to deliveries from Argentina and it is hoped that the sugar supply will improve next month. Later in January it was stated that there might still be some food rationing after April but that it would be much less restrictive.

Heavy rains have reduced farm

100 Years Ago

The front page of the first Bideford Gazette in December carries a reminder to keep buying War Savings Certificates. It is a patriotic duty, we are told – your country still needs money. Seven million soldiers remain under arms and funds are needed for hospitals for the wounded and pensions for the bereaved.

In response to a joint appeal by the Mayor of Bideford and the Chairman of Northam Urban Council, the two communities raised £44,000 in War Bonds and Savings Certificates during Thanksgiving Week. In today’s money this is the equivalent of nearly three million pounds.

On

In the Gazette of 9th November we learn that President Wilson has transmitted to Germany the Terms of Surrender required by the Allies as reached at the Versailles meeting.

There are reports of a German Naval mutiny; the Naval Commandant of Keil has been shot by his own sailors and in Hamburg and Cuxhaven the red Communist flag replaces the naval pennant. On 12th November the Gazette proclaims “The Doom of Autocracy”. The Kaiser abdicates and there is revolution inside Germany. The Armistice has been signed and Hostilities ceased yesterday.

At the end of the month the German Fleet surrenders and

On October 1st the Gazette proclaims that it has been “The Greatest Week of the War” with the Western Front ablaze and Bulgaria surrendering; the following week we are told that “pincers are closing on the Western Front”; Franz Ferdinand’s successor Charles 1 has “Renounced participation in State affairs”. Towards the end of October we begin to hear hints that Germany is making moves towards peace.

However on the home front, tribunals continue to take place as men are still needed. In fact a Government directive has been issued to all Chairmen of Tribunals warning them to show no favour

There are several Court cases this month that are worthy of mention. Brought before Bideford Borough Magistrates was Frank Rendall, 21, a clerk of 15 Victoria Grove Meddon Street. He pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of “riding a cycle furiously” down Bideford High Street at 8.30pm on Saturday August 17th. According to the police report he was doing a least 20 mph and barely avoiding the groups of public walking in the street. He rode around the Bank corner and reappeared from Mill Street and was apprehended. Being found Guilty he was given the option of 14 days imprisonment

Regular readers will recall that the Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway closed on Wednesday 17th March 1917. R Dymond & Son are selling by Auction on August 21st the Sheds and General Stores left after the rolling stock had gone. An Engine Shed (wood), 2 Wooden signal boxes, 4 more corrugated iron huts and offices, 7 miles of telephone line from Bideford to Appledore consisting of wire, insulators and posts plus 3 level crossing gates and wheel gear for opening them, 110 Windsor chairs, forms, desks, trestle tables, large street lamps, gate lamps, engine head lamps, signalling lamps and

New Ration books commence distribution on the 6th July ready for use for the National Rationing Scheme on the 15th July. There are seven different categories all serially numbered and individually addressed. This work has been completed by the Food Office based in Bideford Town Hall.

The Medical Officer has confirmed that an outbreak of measles has spread across North Devon resulting in Northam School being temporarily closed.

In May it was announced that men aged 43 and above would need to be conscripted to replace casualties from the war. The shortage of skilled tradesmen, artisans and general labour shortages

There is a surplus of British made butter available. The weekly ration has been increased from 4 to 5 oz. per person.

Northam Urban District Council seek tenders for the clearing of rabbits on lands at Melbury Reservoir, Parkham. One extra provision has been stipulated, “That no rabbits be paunched on the Council’s lands”. At the same meeting the council report that 95 allotments are now occupied in the area compared to 29 before the war.

A handsome chair made from Bideford Long Bridge oak, was presented to the Bridge Trust and accepted and acknowledged by George Willy Vincent and

The Ministry of Food announces that it can release considerable additional supplies of frozen meat. Therefore from Sunday last until further notice 8 pence worth of uncooked meat may be purchased in respect of each 2 coupons in the ration book per week. It has also been announced that meatless days in restaurants will no longer be compulsory. The Local Food Committee has met and announced to Farmers, Dairymen and the public that The Cream Order 1917 will still remain in force until further notice despite relaxation in other supplies. No cream may be used or sold except as directed

It is reported in the 5th March edition that the HMHS Glenart Castle, a hospital ship, was torpedoed some miles between Hartland Point and Lundy on 26th February. The ship sank in several minutes and only a few of the 182 on board were saved. This action took place in an area speciality designated as a free zone and not liable to attack. (A memorial stone is on the cliff path at Hartland)

Property for Sale: Hole, Seldon & Ward offer Nos. 11, 12, & 13 Milton Place Bideford, and 1 & 2 Torridge Street, Bideford East. Also stables premises

During an air raid on London a Gotha bomber was brought down by Captain Hackwell of the Royal Flying Corps. He is the second son of Mr W H Hackwell of Sudden Farm, Langtree, Torrington and he formerly worked in a Bideford Bank before the war. He enlisted in the Royl North Devon Hussars before transferring to the RFC. He was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry.
British Summertime, introduced in 1915, was discussed in the House of Commons and it was agreed that it should continue again this year so that local farmers could make use of the

Christmas is coming and is spite of the War, Bideford plans to celebrate the season.

Christmas Market will take place on Friday 21 st December. Coles and Lee, trading from the Gazette Office, suggest that handbags make excellent presents, as do wallets, photo cases and pocket books. Prices range from 1/3d to 38/6d, (which would be about E130 today.) Mrs Karslake of London House offers picture books "for the little ones, who must be remembered" and mufflers for soldiers and sailors.
On the food front, Bideford Guardians will increase out-relief for Christmas week; adults will receive 1/6d instead of 1/-

Children from Bideford schools have collected approximately two tons of horse chestnuts which will save a ton of cereals in munitions work.

North Devon Appeals Courts: Many columns in every edition are given to reporting the proceedings of employers appealing about their staff being taken to go to war. Farmers are protesting that on one hand they are being asked to increase food production yet threshing is not being done because engine drivers and the labourers are being conscripted. Another farm instance this month is William Cole (18) of Bucks Cross who works with his father, Edward, breeding and training

The Borough of Bideford announces, under the powers conferred by the Retail Prices Order 1917, the Sale of coal prices for the forthcoming winter months:
Best Lydney House Coal £2.0.0d per ton. £2.2.6d delivered to the customers house.
Lancashire House Coal £2.5.0d per ton. £2.7.6d delivered.
Lydney Nuts £1.18.4d per ton or £2.0.10d delivered.

27 Bridgeland Street Bideford, formerly occupied by Mrs Field is now for Sale by Auction. The Bridge Trust own a lease signed on 26th November 1890 for the next 99 years. The Ground Rent has been set at £10 per annum.
Also for Sale 17 Winterbourne

Mr Gerrish, chemist, of 9 The Quay, continues his advertising campaign by encouraging readers to take his Tonic Liver Mixture. He states that “your liver, if neglected, will bring utter ruin and an early decay”. His mixture, costing 1/3d per bottle, claims to cure a long list of ailments including headache, sleeplessness, palpitations, constipation, spots before the eyes, flatulency and coated tongue.

Home health remedies seem popular. Doan’s Backache and Kidney Pills are promoted under the headline “Men work from Rise to Set of Sun, but Women’s work is Never Done.”

In another advert, we are informed that Black Cat

Meetings are held around the district to mark the 3rd Anniversary of the start of the war. Mr W T Charlwood presided over an evening gathering on Bone Hill. The salute was given by the Scout Bugle Band and prayers were offered by the vicar, Revd Gerald Payne Cook. A resolution was passed stating that while regretting the loss of life, they were determined to carry on the war to a successful issue.

Two Grand Promenade Concerts will be given at the Nassau Baths in Westward Ho! in aid of the Nursing Association and Soldiers Teas. If the weather is

Of immediate interest this month is a Notice of Sale of the entire Appledore Gas Works. It was established in 1874 on land in a field called Barn Close which is part of Watertown in the Parish of Northam. The site, leasehold at £4 per annum comprises extensive buildings, Plant and Machinery, Manager’s Dwelling house, Retort House, Smith’s shop, Engine House and stores, 2 complete Gasometers, a Crossley Gas engine and many other tools, furniture and fittings. All for Sale on Thursday 19th July 1917 at the Rechabite Hall in Appledore. The site eventually became part of Hinks boatyard.

To

Many of the items of interest in this month’s editions are centred around agriculture and the implications the War is having on local businesses and farms.

Heard Bros is advertising Avery Farm Tractors for sale with additional tractors on their way “by Rail in this Country from America”.

Tattersills, grocers in Bideford, announce that growers of fruit may apply for sugar for preserving their produce. Special arrangements have been put in place by the Government and to obtain a supply you must apply in writing to Mr C. S. Rewcastle, Mincing Lane, London.

With the advent of some fine weather

The main theme this month is the state of the food supply. In his regular column for allotment holders, “Spadeworker” encourages the growing of carrots as the most important root crop; varieties such as Red Elephant, James Intermediate and Long Surrey are recommended. Kohl Rabi is also good vegetable as it is not affected by drought. Also mentioned are leeks, vegetable marrows, peas and Jerusalem artichokes. Lime and soot mixed together makes an effective insecticide.

Early potatoes grown under glass at Stevenstone, near Torrington, have been lifted and have given good results.

“Cockcrow” in his column reminds poultry keepers that

On behalf of Miss Penhale, auctioneers Smyth-Richards, Stapleton and Fox are selling two lots of property:
1. ‘Thornbury and Higher Thorne’,a farm of 140 acres with stone and slate buildings and a thatched cottage.
2. Two arable fields at Horestone Cross, comprising 19 acres.
Miss Penhale is also selling all her livestock and machinery, including 35 good quality growing bullocks, 160 sheep and lambs, a handsome cart mare (5 years old) and 4 fat pigs.
Is Miss Penhale having to give up due to the shortage of labour and horses? The case of a widow with 4 sons at the

There has been no break in the wintry conditions across the region. The seasonal rise in temperature usually seen during this month was only very slight. Frost and fog have been persistent and snow has fallen on several days. Over an inch was recorded nearby at Cullompton and more was seen in South Devon. It has been the coldest and wettest March since 1888.

A Mr Prothero has written to the Archbishop of Canterbury seeking guidance on the question of Sunday working, especially on farms and in the fields because the expected poor harvest. In his reply from Lambeth Palace

February 1917 saw several radical changes in the Bideford Gazette newspaper.

The Great War headlines were still most depressing. There was a least one page in each issue devoted to news from the action across the world. One of the February pages proclaims “British Raiders take 1228 prisoners”, “big Turkish losses”, “German Sink-at-sight claims” and “U.S.action - Liner seized and torpedoed”. There was a day by day diary of events and further reading explains that the Anchor liner “California” was sunk with considerable casualties. It is feared that this action was designed to provoke President Wilson into joining the War.
Completely

The first three issues of the Gazette in December 1916 are full of seasonal cheer of all varieties.

W J Ridge, Wine merchant of 70 High Street, has two adverts — one for Old Scotch Whiskies including "Dew off the Highlands", the other for "Anglo" ales and Oatmeal Stout. Charles Ashton, family grocer trading at Trafalgar House, is the sole agent for W & A Gilbey's wines and spirits. For the home baker, Tattersill's Stores boast that they have the largest stock, the best of everything at the lowest prices. Among the items for sale are loose Muscatels for cooking at 8d

Several farms are advertised this month under the "To be let by Tender" columns. Lot 1 South Hill Farm Little Torrington comprising 157 acres and all the usual farmhouse , buildings and two workers cottages, Lot 2 Higher Cross Lawn 11% acres, Lot 3 Lower Cross Lawn 32 acres, Lot 4 Broad Parks 28 acres. All currently in the occupation of Mr D Howard.
Also to be let - Sudden Farm, Newton St Petrock, comprising 162 acres that are stocked with sheep. The taker will be required to keep the oil engine running together with the barn machinery. Farm labour is a

WAR TIME APPEALS CONTINUE
The Royal Navy appeal to the Bideford men with sea experience to join up for the Yacht Patrol Division in the Royal Navy. Seamen and firemen can be guaranteed El-IOs per week with 10 shillings food allowance when not victualled. Assistant cooks and stewards will be paid £l-5s per week and 3 rd Engineers £2-8-Od. They are also seeking carpenters who will be paid £l-15s per week.

The waste paper collection system set up and described in last month's edition is now fully operational. The depot at the Fish Market is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday

This month the newspaper is overwhelmed with news from the war. Several pages are given over to "reports from the Front". All the villages without exception are announcing casualties' injuries and, sadly, deaths to their men who had been called up to fight. Occasionally the news is gladdened with an account of heroism and a medal award.

An advert appears in the mid October edition covering 5 columns wide and half a page deep by the British American Tobacco Company offering to send cigarettes by post to soldiers in France. Orders may be taken in to any tobacconist and the

In the Bideford Borough Tribunal the Recruiting Sergeant has complained that Sidney Smith, aged 39, a motor driver in the employment of H Hopkins, was to be allowed exemption to undertake driving duties for Mr Metherell who is required to go and buy hay and straw for the Government up to October this autumn.

The August Bank Holiday this year will be suspended. The Government, said Prime Minister Mr Asquith, has decided that it is essential in the national interest that there shall be no holidays, general or local and a Proclamation would be made to this effect.

School boys

On the front page of the 5th September edition is an advertisement for wooden 5 bar field gates, portable buildings, pigeon fanciers' lofts and motor car houses. All are constructed in timber (creosoting is extra). The supplier is F W Barker & Co Nottingham and all goods are priced to include carriage paid to any station. This is the first time that "out of area" traders have used the Gazette for advertising.

A W Cock, Auctioneer, offers for sale the following Bideford properties: - 25 Victoria Grove, 19 & 20 New Street, 50 Honestone Street and 22 Milton Place. All these

Applications for help must be made through the local labour exchange before 12 noon on 4 days hence on the12th August.

Members of Bideford Bridge Trust have visited Old Town Council School Gardens. 12 boys in the higher classes have been instructed by Mr Baxter & Mr White on how to till and grow vegetables. Each boy has been given a square pole of land (just over 5 square metres) for which they are entirely responsible and the whole group are tending a further 4 square poles. The boys were congratulated by the Mayor on their results after 5 months

War time savings continue.
Street lighting; The Mayor Mr F R Chope hopes that in view of the Daylight Saving Bill having been passed by parliament no public lamps should be lit in the town during June, July and August.
Paper saving: The Bideford UDC have decided to grant the Bideford Chamber of Trade rent free of a loft at the market for the collection and disposal of waste paper which will be sent away and repulped, will alleviate the stortage and deficiency created by restricted importation of wood pulp. action woul#onsiderably lessen the need for horses and manual laboure The

Mr A W Cock auctioned three freehold properties in the town. These were 7 Elm Grove, 13 Vinegar Hill and a dwelling house and stables at 1 Bull Hill , the latter premises formerly known as The Cornish Arms .

Bideford Borough council holds tribunals every week, sitting in the Town Hall , to hear applications for exemption from military service. Herniman Prust woodyard, 32 years old, proprietor of a grocery and provisions merchant's business, was granted exemption as long as he remains in his present occupation. He has been left single handed as both his assistants have joined up. His 5 brothers

The death has occurred in his 90th year of the Reverend Hudson G Heaven, whose family own Lundy Island. He had been parish priest on Lundy for 57 years. The cortege bearing his coffin embarked from Bideford on captain Dark's skiff "The Gannet" for interment in the family vault on the island. He has been succeeded on the island by Mr walter Heaven.

At this time of year the Gazette is full of seed merchant adverts, one local supplier being Messrs. Yeo & Son. Every kind of seed imaginable is on offer. On receipt of a Postal Order for 1/6d,

At a meeting of the War Agricultural Committee to discuss the shortage of labour, Mr W T Braddick, the Honourable Clerk, said "he was confident that despite the prejudice of many farmers, they would have to utilise women's labour to make up for the shortage". Last week the Bideford War Supply Depot sent a bale of 100 pairs of socks, 250 pairs of mittens and 150 mufflers to the Military Forwarding Offices at Le Havre. This week the Depot will be forwarding a bale of felt slippers to St David's Military Hospital in Malta.

William Hatch. a rabbit trapper, was summoned

In the Children’s Court in Bideford, before Mayor Mr S R Chope and other magistrates is a 13 year-old boy charged under the Children’s Act with stealing 5 savoy cabbages and 18 broccolis. He was caught red handed with a sack, a table knife and a perambulator in which he was going to carry the vegetable away. Found guilty as proved, his father was ordered to pay 9/- which equates to £46 in today’s values.

Owing to the number of Bideford constables who have joined HM Forces, Devon Constabulary has published a list of 33 men who are doing duty

Messrs I Baker & Son of Brunswick House report that their lime kiln is now in full work. They are currently burning Lime for Agricultural Purposes. Telephone Bideford 85 or send Telegrams to 'Baker & Son'.

Bideford Rural District Council has a vacancy for a steam roller driver. There is a sleeping van conveniently fitted up for the use of the driver. Apply to Mr J Turner, Surveyor.

Private H W Gent, son of Mrs Gent of Mill Street and a former member of the Church Lads' Brigade is serving with the 1 st 6 th Devons at Lahore and

The Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway Co. advised that the Sunday train service would be discontinuec from October 10th 1915 until May 7th 1916. It was also announced that from November 1915 the down night mail train would not arrive in Bideford until 8:09am and deliveries would not commence until 9:30am. This was due tc the release of men for enlistment and to provide for better disposal of military traffic. The up night mail train would also be affected. The Southern Railway thought it could safely promise the arrival of a new train called the 'Devor Belle' to the

When the Bideford Workhouse Guardians held their monthly meeting it was reported there was little change in the numbers seeking help and support. On the 8th September there were 84 people housed indoors at Meddon Street, 9 casuals had been accommodated overnight and 318 people, mostly children, were out relieved. This means they were placed with families across the town and a small subsistence paid. The cost was E38:16:10d this week. These Igures vary for a multitude of reasons. For example the following week casuals increased to 12 whereas those out in ne town fell a little. The workhouse was

From August 16th there will be a reduction in Mail deliveries due to a shortage of staff, many men having enlisted. There will be only 3 deliveries per day rather than the usual 5, at 7am, 1.50pm and 6pm.

Recognising that ladies clothing is becoming more practical the Gazette newspaper publishes a pattern for a skirt with pockets.

The estimated cost of extending the Isolation Hospital is now £8,200, almost double the original projection in 1913.

Three girls from Edgehill College, Beryl Adams, Phyllis Culverwell and Dorothy Randle, have passed the Matriculation xamination of the University of London.

The continuing

At East-the-Water school during a recent health test it was found that 7 out of 10 children need to wear glasses. The School managers cannot supply them and if the parents cannot afford to buy them there is serious concern that either the Guardians (from the Workhouse) or the County Council will have to pay. It is also reported that there is an acute shortage of teachers.

Schools have been told not to allow any time off for harvest. 14 days extra had been suggested but farmers' sons may stay at home to help if necessary. Complaint has been made by

The Gazette was proud to announce that 2nd class Air Mechanic J E Prance of the Royal Flying Corps has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallant conduct and valuable service. He assisted in repairing an airplane, which had been forced to descend near the firing line whilst being heavily shelled. The repair was successful and the plane flew again the following morning. Newly promoted 1st class Air Mechanic Prance is the eldest of the four sons of Mr S Prance, the Bideford Harbourmaster.

Following the death of Henry Ascott JP, the licensee of the New Inn, his executors

At the Annual meeting of the Bideford Workhouse Guardians it was announced that 26 meetings were held during the year and only 4 of the elected Guardians had attended all meetings. Some had only been present at 10 meetings and one person had only made one attendance. The War has had an effect on the number of tramps calling overnight, falling from 80 the previous year to 37 and the numbers of men fully employed or going off to fight has caused the casual numbers to fall from 2220 to 1548.

Over the Whitsun holidays, May 22/23rd, traffic has fallen

Peugeot cars have now arrived in Bideford. The French manufacturer has appointed Heard Bros as their only dealer across the entire Devon and Cornwall area. Prices range from E125 for a baby 2 seater up to E875 for a 40/50 hp car fitted with a "SuffoIk" 5 seater touring body complete with all accessories. For further details telephone Bideford 70.

An exciting new crop on the gardening page in the 6th April edition: Readers are encouraged to consider planting "a garden variety of Indian corn or maize" known as sugar or sweet corn. It is quite extensively grown and eaten as

The government has announced increased separation allowances for soldier's families from the first of March: 12/6d for wives, 5/- for the first child, 3/6d for the second and 2/-for any subsequent children. These allowances will finish at the end of the war and will make a big difference to many local families where the breadwinner is away fighting for his country.

The first batch of wounded soldiers has been received at 'Commons" Auxiliary hospital. Provision has been made for 36 patients in total. The house is situated at the left hand side of Atlantic Way and opposite Lakenham House. It

2nd February 1915 The Union of London and Smiths Bank, who have an agency here in Bideford, have appointed girl clerks in one of their offices for the first time. This is seen as a radical step, as banking has always been seen a male prerogative

Nowadays we are used to paying a pound for a wide variety of goods, but it seems this practice is nothing new. On 9 ^th February 1915 Messrs Stewart & Co who have a shop at 52 Mill Street were holding a 1/- (one shilling) sale. On offer amongst other things, were: 2 Large

In early December the well-known local song "The Lads that are away" is published by Vernon Boyle and Keal Parkhouse as a tribute to all who have volunteered for the war effort and are now spread as far as India and around the world. Copies were available at 7d from Mr Parkhouse at his home in Lime Grove and the newspaper suggests that it will make a "timely and seasonal gift".

We had been warned last month to expect shortages of goods that have to be imported and the traditional plum puddings and Christmas cakes might have been in jeopardy.

The town is beginning to receive civilian and military casualties from the war across the channel. Six Belgian refugees have arrived in Bideford and will be looked after by Dr Goddard in his Bridgeland Street house. A total of 21 are staying at the Bath House and another group are in a cottage at Westward Ho! One has served in the Belgian army and has been wounded twice.

The death is announced of Major Humphrey St Leger Stucley of the Grenadier Guards who died from his injuries received at the Front. He was 38 years old and the youngest son

War News

One hundred and twenty recruits from Bideford have joined the 6 ^th Devon Territorials since the outbreak of war. Those leaving recently include H Woodyatt, E Taylor, R Stoneman, E W Kelway, E Bray, H J Harding, E Symons and J and W Woodland. Steps have been taken to furnish Bath House,* Bideford, for the reception of twenty five Belgian refugees. Weekly fund raising concerts are being held, at which patriotic songs are to be sung. One such concert given by the West Buckland School Nursery Boarders raised 10s 6d.

Other news.

Councillor S R Chope has been nominated

Captain T S Wickham DSO of the 2nd Manchester Regiment who was the youngest son of T. T. Wickham JP and former mayor of Bideford was one of the first deaths of the First World War to be reported in the 1st September 1914 edition of the Bideford Gazette. The circumstances and the whereabouts of his death are unknown at this time.

There were public Meetings across North Devon to raise money for the Devon Patriotic Fund and to encourage men to volunteer for military service. The first was held at Clovelly Court at the end of August and a

The Motor Omnibus service from Bideford to Clovelly and Hartland has been inaugurated. Mr Henry Sowden is in charge. The cars are 21 feet in length and are coloured green.

The programme of events for the London Bidefordian Society has been published. The subscription is 2s 6d for gentlemen and Is 6d for ladies. Mr R S Chope, Mayor of Bideford, is President.

On 11 August the Government's official Declaration of War was published in the Gazette. The 6 ^th Devon Territorials entrained for Barnstaple to join the war effort, as did the members of the Royal North Devon Hussars.

This was one of the first photographs to be published in the Bideford Gazette. It was captioned "Elderly Bideford Resident died at 95 years of age". Mrs Elizabeth Colwill, for many years resident in East-the —Water and daughter of William Lake retained all her faculties after a strenuous life. Last yea@she accomplished unaccompanied the railway journey from Bideford to Plymouth to visit her daughter.

Bideford is a healthy place to live. Miss Wakeley of 4 Clarence Terrace Meddon Street offers a furnished apartment in a "high healthy situation" and Mrs J C Clarke of Fernwood Clovelly Road has for rent

This month we are looking at the changes that are coming to transportation.
An April edition of the newspaper contained a report from the Magistrates Court of a man who was charged with "using a broken down horse" and subjecting it to cruelty. In his defence the man said that the owner of the horse was at home ill and in need of an income. To help out, the defendant had taken the horse and wagon out to do some work not realising how out of condition the animal had become. The magistrate fined him a modest amount and was

This month we have decided to focus on the perennially popular subject of fashion. The Gazette devoted a column each week to ladies clothing illustrated with drawings of the garments, some of which are shown here. Going by these pictures the women of 1914 seem to have had tiny waists and tall statuesque outlines. Note also one very masculine look!
Home dressmaking was in vogue and female readers were encouraged to make their own clothes, buying the recommended patterns and materials from local haberdashery shops, of which Bideford had several. This was more economical than buying ready-made clothing from the

Not much seems to have changed with the weather over the past 100 years. On Sunday 15th March 1914 a heavy gale passed over the region. Vessels in both Appledore and Bideford, although double moored, were swamped and one barge had a mast carried away. The Burrows were under water and the river Torridge was a mass of waves and seething foam. The slipway at the Royal George in Appledore was washed away as well as a large portion of the roadway.

The Blacksmith's Arms at East-the-Water was sold for E800 at an auction to Messrs S W Arnold &

In the Bideford Gazette during February there is a report of the second annual dinner of the Farmers Union which was held in the New Inn Hotel.

The town water supply is still causing problems and Bideford Urban District Council are discussing whether to turn off the water between 10 pm and 6 am in an effort to save a depleted supply reservoir.

 On 17 ^th February Charles Williams announced that he had sold his Cycle and Motor business at 1 Allhalland Street to Mr George Boyle, both the name and premises will still be familiar to many of you.

As Christmas approached the Gazette newspaper was full of adverts by local shops and traders extolling their finest merchandise. On Tuesday 9th December a Prime Christmas Fat Stock show was held when 30 famous fat steers and heifers were sold together with 50 sheep. By early December butchers had already bought, killed and hung their Christmas meat. Messrs S Dennis trading at 51 Mill Street advertised ox & heifer beef, Exmoor Down Wether Mutton and dairy fed pork. Farleigh's Stores in the High Street were offering choice Canadian Hams from 7d to 10d per pound.
To help wash down the

The water supply problems mentioned last month continue to give considerable concern. Abbotsham Road, High Street and all of Old Town are without water whilst "They scrape the pipes" The supply to the workhouse in Meddon Street has been interrupted frequently and the Guardians are considering opening a well on the premises but are hesitant due to the proximity of the old cemetery.

Two shipping stories make the headlines this month. Firstly a fire virtually destroys the trawler Busy Bee moored off Williams's boatyard at Appledore. At 4 am the vessel was alight from stem to stern and to extinguish

Two Bideford miners had a miraculous escape on the morning of October 14th. The Sluman brothers from Honestone Street were working at the Universal Senghenydd Colliery near CaerphjlJy Glamorgan and had just come up from the night shift. Exploding Firedamp and Methane gas killed everybody underground. In total 439 miners lost their lives and such was the damage underground that some bodies were never recovered. The mine was to close just over thirty years later with the dubious honour of being the site of the largest mining disaster in the history of the British coalfields.
Bideford Mayor, Hugh N G

Farmers from across North Devon gathered every year end to celebrate what had become known as 'Capt W Ascott's Manure Audit' and Dinner at the New Inn, Bideford. In 1915 Capt Ascott was unable to attend the dinner as he was 'somewhere in France' and 'leave was difficult to obtain, in fact Impossible just now!' He had sent a letter which Acting President Mr C S Carnegie, JP, read to the assembled farmers. At the conclusion of an excellent and well served repast, a toast was submitted to the King and Queen and Royal Family which was heartily honoured.

In