100 Years Ago

Years Ago - June

June 1924

Southern Railways advertises its ‘early summer & Whitsun holidays’ from Bideford

The warmer weather which has come for the Whitsun weekend is greatly welcomed in the district. Since the brief fine spell of conditions during the Easter, all North Devon practically has been subjected to a monotony of alternate rainy and suppressed sunshine weather. June, which should be the month of summer, has been with us a week before breaking into the true warmth and sunlight that is hers by right. May Whitsun be the gateway to lazy, woolpack clouds and spotless skies!

A meeting in connection with the great Lifeboat Institution Centenary will be held.

Thefts made the news this month. John Blower, a seaman from Liverpool was working on the ketch Lilla which is lying at Brunswick Wharf. He admitted stealing 32lbs of beef, 14lbs of pork and a pair of boots belonging to the Captain, Richard Jewell. Blower was found asleep in New Road and taken into custody. Questioned by the police he said he had stolen the meat because he was hungry and had sold it in the first pub he came to. The bench did not fully believe this reason and told him he had better sign the pledge and leave off the drink. A fourteen-year-old schoolgirl appeared in the Children’s court in front of three magistrates to answer a charge of stealing a lump of coal worth 4d from the Bideford Gas and Coke company, having been seen leaving the premises with the coal in her hand. She pleaded guilty and was bound over to be of good behaviour for three months on her father’s surety of £5. Another girl, aged 16, was similarly charged but said she had only been holding the coal for the younger girl. She was given the benefit of the doubt. John Moyes Tregaskis, the master of the steamship Avontown which is currently lying in the Torridge, pleaded guilty to concealing 6 bottles of brandy and whisky plus a quantity of tobacco with the intention of avoiding paying duty. He was fined £13 which is roughly three times the duty he would have paid.

Mr Skidmore Ashby, JP., who is at present staying at Bagnoles de l’Orme, Normandy, hoped to be home at Rixdale, Abbotsham in time for the July meeting of the Shebbertown Race Club.

As a result of shortage of freights and a dearth in shipping two large steamers arrived at Appledore to lay up.

We congratulate Mr Kenneth John Hinks, aged 11, eldest son of Mr and Mrs John Hinks, Bude-street, Appledore, on obtaining a scholarship at Bideford Grammar School. He has been attending Appledore Church Schools under Mr Thomas Parsons. Also Matilda Gorrel, daughter of Mr and Mrs Sydney Gorrel, of Alpha Place, granddaughter of Mr John Slader, of the Quay, who has been attending the Devonport School, and latterly the Council School at Appledore, on obtaining a scholarship at Edgehill College.

In delightful weather the Vicar, the President, in introducing Mrs Daw of Yeolden, who had kindly come to open the fete at Appledore Vicarage on behalf of the Nursing Association, reminded the parishioners how she had helped to raise money to build their beautiful Church. Mrs Daw on declaring the fete open…

News has reached Appledore of the death of Mr R Darch, late Stoker Petty Officer of HM Royal Navy. He was a son of the late Mr Darch of Bideford, a successful shoeing smith who had won several competitions in his trade. Mr Darch married Katie, the daughter of the late Captain James Cox, who for many years was in charge of the Trinity Stores in Appledore.

Richard Curtis, Francis Curtis and John Williams, youths, were summoned for playing football on the highway at Appledore on 15th May, to the annoyance of passers by. PC Ridd said there had been numerous complaints, and defendants were each fined 3s.

Springfield Terrace, Bideford, property for sale.

There is a long report about the naming and launch of the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club’s new boat. She was launched from the river bank watched by a crowd of around 1000 people in spite of a steady and persistent downpour. The boat was named Swiftsure by Mr Stucley and the naming ceremony was performed by Miss E F Stucley. Both local clubs then escorted the new boat up the river in a procession of blue and red.

Mr and Mrs J Gregory who left England with their family for New Zealand about 16 years ago are spending a holiday with their daughter in Bideford, their native town.

The shortage of affordable housing made the news in 1924 as it does in 2024. The Mayor of Bideford, Councillor F T Upton, presided over the monthly meeting of Bideford Urban District Council, the other members present being Alderman J Cock, J M Metherell, J U Fulford, and W T Goaman, and Councillors A R Adams, W H Huxham, W Cole, T Cleverdon, J S Dymond, A H Hopson, Dr E J Toye, G Rattenbury, and R Butler. The tender of Mr Branch of Bideford for the erection of four brick houses according to amended plans at £2,090, was accepted, on the motion of Mr A R Adams. This is in line with Government targets to supply houses at a purchase cost of £500 or to let at 9 shillings per week. However, some people are already having to pay rent of 14 shillings a week for suitable accommodation and it is feared that the new houses would actually go at a higher rate than most working folks can afford.

All 390 allotments owned by Bideford council are now let. Six have been let rent free for a year to unemployed men with large families on condition that they are cleared and brought into cultivation. The weather has not been good so far this year for farmers and market gardeners. However, the rain has now stopped and haymaking has started across the region. It is reported that “the shears are heavy”. Tree fruit is disappointing but loganberries and raspberries are cropping well. Strawberries are small in size but the quantity is large.

The Fire Brigade Committee reported on the cost of a motor fire engine in place of the present steamer. A reconditioned engine would cost £675, and, with the housing, the approximate capital expenditure would be £1,200.

The funeral of the late Mr W B Hamm, the young Bideford bank clerk who succumbed to injuries received in an accident through avoiding a girl cyclist riding the wrong side of the road, took place at Exford, and was largely attended. Earlier in the month, it was reported ….

The funeral took place of the late Mrs Maria Abbott, of Mill-street, Bideford, widow of Mr John Abbott. Mr G J D Wheeler officiating. The chief mourners included Mr William Abbott, postmaster, Bourneville; Mrs Hobart Braddick, Mr Ernest Hookway; Mr W Johns (Huish), Mr Hobart Braddick, Mr Leslie Braddick, and Mrs and Miss Boundy.

Work on the reconstruction of Bideford Bridge has been suspended. It is stated that the reason for the cessation has nothing to do with labour conditions but the thinking behind the stoppage is not stated.

A case of sleepy sickness which occurred in a working class district at Bideford was removed to the Isolation Hospital, where the patient, a married woman aged 34, is receiving every attention.

Bideford and District Hospital acknowledge with best thanks gifts of tea, butter, cream and sugar, from Mrs Copp; flowers and vegetables, Mrs Headon; cream, Captain Hope Hall; and bed table, Mr Henderson.

Visit H F Elliott, 75 High Street, Bideford, for Scotch Tweeds and 'clothes that grow old gracefully'

At Bradworthy, the friends of Mr T Gilbert, who has been so seriously ill, will be glad to know that he is continuing to make progress. The wedding has been solemnised of Miss Hilda Dyte and Mr Alfred Slee, of Bradworthy.

The funeral of Mr J P Seldon took place in the Free Church Cemetery. Rev G H Schofield officiated in the Church and at the graveside. The bearers who carried the deceased to his resting place being Messrs W and H Cory, A Petherick, F Gliddon, A Everson, and J L Martin.

A Conservative garden fete held in the grounds of Berridon Hall, Bradworthy, kindly lent for the occasion by Major and Mrs Spread, was a great success. During the afternoon an address was given by Major Kenyon-Slaney. Tea was provided, the visitors numbering about 250 being entertained. The prizes for pigeon shooting were awarded: Mr T Bartlett; Major Kenyon-Slaney. Skittle competition: Mr Boundy; Mr A P Oke; Mr Grant.

A further remand was asked for at Bideford in a case in which 2 labourers, of Buckland Brewer, were charged with stealing from the Post Office. Much attention has been paid to the security of the post office and the ease with which access could have been gained. Supt Shutler said certain very important information had only come to the knowledge of the police that morning, and they were therefore not prepared to go on with the case at once. Mr T Oerton, jnr. for the accused, had no objection provided bail was granted. The men had already been in prison a week. The Bench, Mr H N G Stucley presiding, granted a remand for a week, allowing bail, defendants in £5 each, and their father’s surety in £10 each. The following week, people enduring three hours in a stuffy crowded court heard an amendment to the charges which confirmed the value of the stolen postal orders. Some of the orders had been passed on by one of the accused; one more was found in his lodgings; and another order had been given to his sister. After a further long discussion regarding the security of the post office during which contradictory evidence was given by witnesses, one defendent admitted receiving the postal orders and passing them but denied stealing them. As he had a history of offending, he was jailed for three months. This is a long and convoluted story which is well worth visiting the Archive to read.

The marriage arranged between Sub-Lieut John Hewitt, Royal Navy, his Majesty’s Ship Barham, only son of Mr and Mrs George Hewitt, of Marton, New Zealand, and Esther Graham, elder daughter of the late Mr Graham Stokes and of Mrs Stokes, of Glen Cottage, Buckland Brewer, will take place on Saturday, August 2, in the Parish Church of St Mary and St Benedict, Buckland Brewer.

Lady Baird has announced her intention to erect a hall at the top of Fremington Hill in memory of her late aunt, Miss Arundel Yeo.

Mr R Pearse Chope, JP, writes from Fosfelle, Hartland, to the press:

June 1924 Hartland path Fosfelle

A great rally of the Kilkhampton Circuit was held in the Hartland United Methodist Church. There was a large congregation at the morning service when Rev L H Court was the preacher. Luncheon was laid in the Palladium, decorated with flags kindly lent by the Vicar, who also attended. The carvers were Messrs William H and William James Cory, William and James Cruse, and ladies helping were Mesdames Bennett (Bush), J Bragg, Brimacombe (Kennerland), T and W Bromell, W Carthew, E Chubb, W Cruse, T Elliott, Hambly (Shop), J Heal, Heard (Moore), Heard (Lutsford), Elam and James Hockridge, W Howard (Gooseham), J K and T T Jeffery, Kivell, Page, T H Pomeroy, J Slee, Sleeman (Gooseham), T Stone, T Westaway, E J Wonnacott, G Hawkins, L Short, W H Westlake, and Misses M T S Cruse, Annie Colwill.

At the funeral of Mr John Snow, of Burrans Down, Hartland, whose lamented death was recorded last week, Pastor Hill officiated, Miss Brimacombe being organist. The body of the chapel was nearly full. The bearers were Messrs Prouse and Pillman, John K Jeffery and George L Littlejohn, George Moore and Charles Colwill. The mourners were:

I J L Saltmarsh and K G Symons, of Instow and North Devon Cricket Club, played for the successful Devon team against Surrey 2nd in the minor counties championship match at the County Ground, Exeter.

We regret to record the death of Mrs Sarah Gayton, wife of Mr W Gayton, which took place at Instow at the age of 81 years. The deceased lady had been seriously ill for a few days only. Mr and Mrs Gayton, who celebrated their golden wedding about two years ago, had spent the whole of their married life at Instow.

A pretty wedding was solemnised at Instow Parish Church. The bride was Miss Nora Fry, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs William Fry, of Bar View, Instow, and the bridegroom Mr Albert Hogg, a member of the staff of the income tax office in Barnstaple.

A large number of friends and sympathisers representative of many of the surrounding communities attended the funeral at Littleham Churchyard of Mrs S Vaggers, a well known figure and a prominent Wesleyan. Deceased, who was respected by all in her wide circle of friends, after coming successfully through a serious illness had gone to stay with her uncle, Mr Thomas Goaman, of Buttgarden Street, Bideford, when she suffered a relapse. Deceased leaves behind her husband and a little daughter, Gertrude, to mourn her loss.

The funeral of the late Mrs M E Mill, of Tadworthy, Northam, took place in Northam Churchyard. Th deceased lady was well-known in Northam and the neighbourhood, and the large number present at the interment testified to the respect in which she and her family are held. Rev H J Hutchinson officiated.

We regret to announce that news has been received from Collaroy Beach, New South Wales, of the death at the age of 71 years of Mrs Annie England Pickard (nee Pengelly). Before her marriage she often acted as organist at Northam Parish Church.

In another story which sound very familiar today, Northam Urban District Council has been inundated with complaints over the unreliability of the bus service running from Bideford to Westward Ho! and Appledore, many buses being cancelled at short notice. There have also been complaints about the deplorable state of the roads in the area.

Little Bocombe at Parkham is for sale.

A concert and dance has been held in the Council School in aid of funds for the band. Those taking part were members of the band, the Rev G L Edwards (Woolsery), Messrs W Parr, A Colwill, S Arnold, F Lines, the Misses H Jewell, Mr Ley and Mr Knowles. Mr C Hill gave a Devonshire reading and Mr Lytton a ventriloquist performance. The accompanists were Miss Slooman, Mrs Honey, Miss H Jewell, Mrs G Jacob, and the Misses D and D Parr. A refreshment stall was managed by Mesdames Jewell, Brend and Ahey. Refreshments were kindly given by parishioners. The sum of £17 was raised.

A friendly challenge football match took place at Parkham, North v South. The South put in a full team, and a keenly contested game ended with their winning by 2-1. After the match the band played some selections on the Village Green to commemorate Empire Day. A dance followed in the Parish Room. A collection was taken in aid of the Club’s funds.

At Shebbear, a cow belonging to Mr A Chapman, dairyman and assistant overseer, gave birth to two fine calves. Both are alive. Next day this was beaten by Mr J H Buse, of West Wootten, one of whose cows gave birth to three calves. Mr A H Curtice, of Adelaide, South Australia, is now on a visit to his sister, Mrs T Martin, of The Village, Shebbear. He is the eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs J Curtice, who spent most of the lives in this parish. He has been away 45 years, and can see many changes in his place of birth. On behalf of the vicar, churchwardens, and ringers, a presentation has been made of a handsome case of pipes to Mr Hocking Bridgman on his 70th birthday. Mr Bridgman has been a ringer in the Shebbear belfry for over 50 years. Hearty peals were rung on the bells. It is hoped that Mr Bridgman will be spared to ring for years to come.

At Torrington County Court, Mr Reginald Boase on behalf of Messrs C P Adams and W R Adams, Worden Farm, Shebbear, applied for an ejectment order against Willoughby Horne, represented by Mr B T James, in respect of Worden Cottage and garden occupied by defendant as farm horseman. His Honour held that the cottage and garden were not let to defendant but were occupied by him in virtue of his employment and made the order applied for. At Torrington Borough Police Court before the Mayor and Messrs G Chapple, M Chapple and H Tavener, Thomas Yeo, Hole Farm, Little Torrington was fined 7s 6d for allowing his dog to be at large at night. Frederick and Thomas Blight, brothers, were each fined 7s 6d for riding a cycle without a light.

Mr H Brinsmead Squire of Torrington, on retiring from the hon. treasurership of the London Devonian Association, has been presented with a handsome silver tea and coffee service.

Funerals at Torrington – Mr Augustus Daniel with the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiating. Mr W F Friend, of Dolton. The Rev Clifford Clinton officiated, and a large number of mourners were present. The deceased was the son of the late John Shute Friend and a well-known figure being for many years connected with the firm of Messrs Snow and Co. Many of our readers will learn with regret of the death of Mrs Helena Parkhouse, wife of Mr H Parkhouse, of New Street. Deceased was of the brightest disposition and very highly respected by all. There was a large and representative attendance at the funeral at Torrington of Mr William Copp, fourth son of the late Thomas Copp, of Moortown. The interment took place in the Cemetery, the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiating. The plastered grave was beautifully lined with myrtle and hydrangeas.

At Torrington Town Council, the May, Mr G M Doe, presiding, Dr F Pridham, Medical Officer of Health, reported that during the months there were seven deaths and three births. Of the deaths one was at the age of 85, another 84, another 78, and one an infant of five weeks. Though the weather had been very wet, cold, and unseasonable, the general health of the borough remained satisfactory.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised in St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, Rev T Mortimer officiating. The contracting parties were Mr William Braunton of Westleigh and Miss Winifred Davey, of Calf Street, Torrington.

Annery Kiln, Weare Gifford, is for sale.

Visit the Mill House Tea Room at Wear Gifford.

A large number of people were present at St Peter’s Church when a wedding was solemnised between Mr Archibald Vernon Pedlar, only surviving son of Mr W H Pedlar, of Honeysuckle Cottage, and Miss Edith Spindler, only daughter of Mr H Spindler, of Tapley, Westleigh. The Rev C Finzel officiated.

The Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary services were held with Rev J Tyreman preaching two inspiring sermons to large congregations. The children enjoyed their annual tea, after which a large number of friends and visitors partook of the excellent tea provided by Mrs W Joslin, assisted by Mesdames Smith, Sanders, Watts, Mountjoy, Burrell, Hearn, Jenkin and the Misses Beer, Radby, Dallyn.

Looking at the property columns, there are two houses – one vacant – on a main thoroughfare being sold for £900 for the pair. A terraced house in Westward Ho! with five bedrooms is priced at £450 while the seller of an identical house in Northam is asking £950.At public auction at Northam, Messrs R Blackmore and Sons sold Hillside, a detached residence, to Mr Gregory, for Major Wemyss, of Westward Ho! for £650. Attendance was good and bidding starting at £300, proceeded briskly to the final figure. Lower Lodge, Westward Ho! for sale.

A woman of Winkleigh has been missing from her home since 9 o’clock on Thursday morning. She has been suffering from neurasthenia, and her friends think she has wandered off. Anyone seeing her is requested to communicate with the police constable at Winkleigh. Appended is a description of the missing woman – medium height, brown hair, blue eyes, rather hazzard appearance; dressed in light blouse, with pale blue collar, and cuffs, navy blue skirt, light colour stockings. She had no hat or coat, and it is believed no money.

In aid of the Church Renovation Fund, a successful fete was held in the Vicarage Ground, Woolsery West, and in an adjoining field kindly lent by Mrs G Vanstone and Mr O Boundy. Over 500 had tea in the old school, over the Vicarage stables, the catering being efficiently carried out by Messrs Gifford and Sons, of Hartland. Mrs Phillip Elwes, of Walland Carey, who had taken a practical interest in the organisation, kindly opened the fete, and was presented with a bouquet.

The United Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was on Sunday, when Rev F Dennis preached to crowded congregations. On Wednesday, helpers at the tea tables were …

June 1974

Mr Richard Barnett, who in recent years has been a shipwright at the Appledore yard of J Hinks and Son, where the Nonsuch was built, has gone to Canada where he has been engaged to carry out restoration work on the vessel after her extensive tour of that country. The replica, which was built for the Hudson’s Bay Company,

A letter from Appledore branch of the Royal British Legion drawing attention to the state of Appledore war memorial is being passed by Northam Town Council to Torridge District Council. Northam Council were told that while the branch fully appreciate the work of Mr Jack Curtis in cleaning the memorial from time to time it was felt it now needed the attention of a monumental mason.

Members of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club will be fighting against time to complete a near £10,000 extension to their headquarters. A grant from the Devon Playing Fields Association will be forthcoming only if the club finishes work by August 11. Already the band of workers have save the club something like £3,000 by doing all the electrical and plumbing work and they are now busy on the interior decoration.

A planning application for a multi-storey car park in Bridge Street, Bideford, is being resubmitted by Torridge District Council. Cllr Michael Goss recalled that Bideford Borough Council pressed for the development for a long time and it had been favoured by one County department although another was opposed.

Two brothers, sons of Mrs O M Jenn, of The Homelet, Yeo Vale Road, Bideford, are now headmasters in the Torridge area. Mr R A Yeo Jenn has been headmaster of Langtree county primary school for some 12 years and now his younger brother, Mr John Yeo Jenn, has been appointed headmaster of Westcroft county primary school, Bideford.

Persuaded that a sponsored streak might well result in a loss after fines had been paid, girls of Edgehill College’s Lower Fifth crawled around Bideford’s Victoria Park in a sponsored event to raise funds. In all about 2,000m were covered – from the Kingsley statue to the Victoria Park and two circuits there. Sponsorship raised about £25.

Chubb’s Wool Shop in Mill Street, Bideford, will be taken over by Mrs Carole Goss from Hilda Chubb.

Up again in Bideford go the hanging baskets of summer flowers to delight the eyes of residents and holidaymakers alike. Finance, in this year of reorganisation, does not run to more than two dozen but it is hoped to extend the idea in years to come. Some 12 feet from the ground, the baskets are practically vandal proof but pose problems of watering in high summer weather. Vandalism is a headache to parks departments everywhere and that of the Torridge District Council is no exception.

Seen fixing the baskets are Mr Robert Friendship and Mr Edgar Parr

“Left-hand down a bit”… the oft quoted catch phrase hides many a secret dream of steering a giant ship across the ocean. For Miss Mable Smith of Clovelly Road, Bideford, the dream came true when she paid a visit to the bridge of the 45,000-ton P and O liner ‘Canberra’ while on a cruise. “It was a fascinating experience” she said.

A Bideford business dating back to the beginning of the century, and the days of extensive horse transport, is closing following the death of the last principal, Mr W R Blackmore. The firm, R Blackmore and Sons, auctioneers, house and estate agents, and formerly furniture removers, of The Quay, is terminating business on July 5.

Firemen were the bearers at the funeral at Bideford Methodist Church of Mr John Chubb, of 7 Belle View Terrace, Bideford. Mr Chubb had been a member of the fire service for some years.

The death has occurred of Mrs Rosa Hanley, of 24 Cedar Way, High Park, Bideford. She was the wife of Mr Sidney Hanley. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs A Griffey and Son, Northam.

Water authority to look at Bucks Mills sewerage scheme.

Top officials of the South West Water Authority will be at a meeting they have called at Bucks Mills parish hall to hear opinions on the controversial scheme to pour crude sewage into the sea off the local beach.

The funeral has taken place at St Anne’s Church, Bucks Mills, of Mrs Ethel Jane Braund, wife of Mr Joe Braund, of Laburnam Cottage, Bucks Mills. Immediate mourners attending were: the husband; Mrs Stella Powell; Mr Gerald Powell; Mr and Mrs David Powell; Mr and Mrs J Williams; Miss P Dennis. Unable to attend were Mrs F Jenkins and Miss M Braund. Bearers were Messrs C Reynolds, J Walter, D Braund and T Davey.

There were 10½ tables at a whist drive at Clovelly, held in aid of cancer funds. Door steward was Mr C Pengilly and MC Rev R O H Eppingstone. Prizes were presented by Mr C Pengelly – Mesdames F Blight, F Grills, W Pengilly, H Prust, T Squire, R Stoneman, Rev R O H Eppingstone, Messrs T Squire, Griggs, G Moores, A Taylor, G Wilkinson. Draw winners – Miss Wilkinson, Miss D Heard, Mr S Nicholls, Mrs F Blight. Refreshments were served by Mesdames K Westlake and C Pengilly.

Teams from Clovelly, Hartland, Woolsery and Buckland Brewer took part in Clovelly Revels sports day and fete.

To stop motorists driving on the Village Green, Frithelstock Parish Council have decided that large stones should be put around the edge. Estimates for wooden posts were too expensive, the Council were told.

Harton town clock, one of the oldest pendulum clocks in the country, has been silent for more than two years, and, it seems, must remain so for the time being. For although the clock is in the peculiar position of being a charitable trust, it is a trust with no income. The trustees are the Vicar of Hartland, the Rev Harold Lockyear and the churchwardens. The clock, which is set in the wall of the former Chapel of Ease in Hartland Square, was made by John Morcomb, in 1622 at a cost of 33s. Before local funds can be made available for clock repairs, the main roof of St Nectan’s church at Stoke has to be re-nailed at a cost of around £2,000. Without the help of a benefactor it seems that the old clock will be stilled for some time.

A rambling old house, Harton Manor, Hartland, for sale.

Messrs Kivell and Sons, of Bideford, sold by auction at Hartland a freehold, individual building plot with adjoining 4¼ acre field situated near Harton Cross, for £4,000. The buyer was Mr P J Heard of Greenlake, Hartland.

There was a guard of honour representing the Royal British Legion and the local Liberal Association at the funeral at Hartland Methodist Church of Mrs Emma Jane Pengilly, of 46 The Terrace, Hartland. She was the widow of Mr A Pengilly. Messrs W Cook, G Johns, W Toase, D Brown, T Johns and D Bolton were bearers. Those present included members of the Over-60s club and WI. There were many flowers.

More than liquid refreshment can come out of a bottle. At the Union Inn, Stibb Cross, the landlord, Mr Sid Croshaw, and his wife, decided to raise money for a treat for the over-60s of Langtree parish. To help the cause customers were invited to drop spare change into a large bottle. Their generosity was such that a party of over-60s were treated to an outing. First they visited Ilfracombe, and then went on to Combe Martin, and to a sumptuous tea at Brazzacott House.

All the children who had been baptised at Langtree Parish Church in the past five years received an invitation to take their mothers to a service in the church, followed by tea on the Rectory lawn. During the short service the Rector, the Rev R A Wallington, showed the children the font at which they had been christened. This was the first time such a gathering had been held at Langtree. It was organised by Mrs Wallington and the Mothers’ Union.

A request from Littleham Parish Council for street lighting in the village will be considered by North Devon-Torridge highways sub-committee late this year.

The round-the-world yacht Burton Cutter sailed majestically into her home port for her first visit. The yacht’s joint owners, Mr Alan Smith and Mr Leslie Williams, and her crew had brought her round from Poole to honour a promise made before she set out on the Whitbread race. Overnight the yacht had anchored off Clovelly. Over Bideford Bar she was welcomed by a flotilla of craft from the North Devon Yacht Club and her appearance at Westward Ho! and Appledore with Clovelly and Appledore lifeboats as escorts sent holidaymakers dashing for their cars to drive into Bideford. On Bideford Quay a large crowd peered downstream. First they saw a sliver of white sail thrusting into the sky and then, as the yacht rounded the bend, she was revealed as the thing of beauty that she is. On she came tacking up the river under full sail at a spanking pace made possible only by the skills of Trinity House pilot Captain Vernon Harris and skipper Leslie Williams.

Appetising looking cakes tempt custom from four young visitors to Monkleigh fete.

Warm greetings have been exchanged between the parish church of our Northam and that of the ‘sister’ parish of Northam, some 60 miles east of Perth, Western Australia. A letter from the Assistant Bishop of Perty, who is also Rector of Northam there, has been delivered by hand by Dr Geoffrey Reynolds, who been on a month’s visit to his parents at Endycross, Bay View Road. The Vicar of our Northam, the Rev Michael Lucas, has written back.

The Town Mayor of Northam is to receive an allowance of £100 a year, but this is to be subject to review.

When Mrs Anne Mills, of Witten Lodge, Heywood Road, Northam, took up her duties as the town’s first woman traffic warden, more than one motorist could not help but take a second look. Mrs Mills, who recently moved to this area, obviously found this amusing, although somewhat unexpected. “I thought people would be used to seeing women traffic wardens as they are a common sight in many parts of the country,” she said. She had no real ambition to become a traffic warden but applied for the job on impulse.

The appearance of yellow lines in traffic blackspot in Northam brought a bitter reaction from local traders. Mr Martin Richards, owner of the local supermarket, accused the authorities of having ‘ridden roughshod’ over everyone and of having broken faith. When the former County Council advertised their intention to make an Order, he said, all the local people who objected received letters saying that because of the objections the matter had been referred to Northam Urban Council and before any action was taken objectors would be consulted again. “But we have been completely ignored,” Mr Richards declared.

A plan by a private company to purchase Gibsons Field in North Street, Northam, and construct a car park was revealed by supermarket owner Mr Martin Richards at a parish meeting called to deal with protests that have followed the provision of double yellow lines and a virtual ban on parking in the main and some side streets. Mr Richards said the owner had agreed to sell and that a plan had been drawn up by architects.

Glass engraver John Ford, who lives at Diddywell, finds himself back on a nautical theme. He has been commissioned by the Pim’s drink firm, which is sponsoring a points competition at Cowes Week, to engrave four sizeable glass icebergs and eight tankards with yacht-racing scenes. He faces something of a race against time. He has also received a yachting engraving order from Torbay Yacht Club. Demand for the work of this young engraver from Torrington has increased notably since he was commissioned to engrave a wedding present for Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.

Parkham Methodist Church was beautifully decorated with flowers by Mesdames W Colwill and M Hancock for the Sunday School anniversary.

In the past year £1,214.73 was distributed to nearly 20 causes by Torrington Cavaliers. The November bonfire showed a surplus of £423.92 of which £350 was given away as donations.

Revel Day was celebrated by about 120 Brownies from Appledore, Bideford, Hartland, Northam and Torrington in the grounds of the County Secondary School, Torrington. As 1974 is jubilee year for Brownies, each Brownie wore a hand-made golden crown decorated with rosebuds. An impromptu competition was held for the prettiest crown, the winner being Susan Blackmore (1st Northam).

Torrington Bluecoat School – a building described as Dickensian in 1970 – will have to remain in use longer than anticipated. For the second time in two years, the new junior school planned for Torrington, has been slashed from a Devon County Council building programme. The new junior school proposed would have catered for children attending Bluecoat school and the Halsdon Road school. In 1971 when Bluecoat school had 111 children, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr C F R Briggs, referred to considerable overcrowding there. Today there are 160 children.

For the second successive year Torrington senior citizens have enjoyed a week’s holiday at Llandudno arranged at concessionary rates by Mrs G E Moore. This time they returned with three titles from the Ormecliffe Hotel – Mrs L Williams was judged Miss Ormescliffe; Mrs K Vodden, Glorious Grandma; and Mr A Gould, Glorious Grandad. The party was given a send-off by the then Town Mayor, Mrs M E Pitts. Mrs Moore (Trudy) was warmly thanked for the excellence of her arrangements for a memorable package tour.

Weare Giffard Hall sold for £106,000 a year ago was again sold by auction for £80,000. The buyer who is a professor of medicine and has a young family, intends to use it as a holiday home. It is now closed at a hotel. The vendor, Mr M E Wingrove, said that the purchaser would probably only be staying at the Hall twice a year and, as he did not want to leave the house empty between visits, had suggested an arrangement whereby the Wingrove family continued to occupy part of it.

Parishioners of Westleigh have recently launched a campaign to raise £2,000 for restoration work to St Peter’s Church. The project, which they have named FOCUS, aims to provide the money to replace crumbling stonework around the west window and cover other work such as damp proofing and internal decorations. The first money raising event is a flower festival in the church.

Three hundred and twenty nine not out! That is the proud record of these six local cricketers who lined up against each other at Westward Ho!. Probably North Devon’s best known batsman Alfie Robinson squares up at the wicket while fellow North Devon players Derek Blanchard and Nick Madgwick look on with Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! veterans Peter Hawke, Cyril Briscoe and Reg Rawle.

Picture shows P O Hawke, C J Briscoe, N Madgwick, D Blanchard, A Robinson and R Rawle

Silver anniversary for Westward Ho! Follies.

A party of 20 from Westward Ho! Senior Citizens’ Club with their families and friends returned home from an enjoyable week’s holiday in Jersey. They flew to and from Exeter airport and stayed at St Helier. The holiday organiser, Mrs E Pugh, was thanked with a gift.

A quantity of 10p pieces were stolen from a cigarette machine when Westward Ho! Holiday Centre was broken into.

Attention has once again been drawn to the vexed question of Westward Ho! Pebble Ridge and the need for its strengthening in time to face the winter gales. The question overall is clouded by the hard-to-understand situation which leaves the Ridge itself the responsibility of the Torridge District Council – and the Burrows behind it the responsibility of the new owners, the County Council.

Mr P F Morrish, of Bideford, suggests that horses are banned from Westward Ho! beach.

Northam Burrows annual meeting were warned that unless something is done to get horses off the roads at Westward Ho! there will soon be a fatal accident. Mr Ian Davidson, a local horse owner, said at the potwallopers’ annual meeting that a combination of horse manure, cars and people made a glassy surface on some of Westward Ho!’s narrow roads and he predicted that there would be an accident there with a horse slipping and throwing its rider under a car. What were the committee’s views on the formation of a bridle path from Westward Ho! to Pimpley Gate? he asked.

Winkleigh committee of the Cancer Research Campaign have handed over a cheque for £110 and have received from head office of the campaign a certificate of congratulation for having collected £1,000 since the local committee was formed in 1965.

Winkleigh parish church bells pealed for the first time in 15 months. In that time they had been re-cast and re-hung in a new frame at a cost of £4,000 and all the money has been raised. The bill was the greater because the tower clock has Westminster chimes.

Clifford Farm, Woolsery – 50 acres for sale.

Mr W D Burrow, of Hartland, was the preacher for the Sunday morning service at Woolsery Methodist Sunday School anniversary. In the evening the service was conducted by the Rev L A Buttle,

June 1999

Bideford Inner Wheel has chosen farmer’s daughter and farmer’s wife Julie Turner as its new president to take the organisation into the new millennium. Over recent years Julie has been involved not only in agriculture. She has helped develop the family’s Big Sheep tourist attraction on their Abbotsham farm. Another keen interest in the RNLI and she chaired Appledore Lifeboat Guild for 10 years and holds its long-service award. Julie and her husband Mike – a Rotarian for 30 years – have a son, two daughters and three grandchildren.

This splendid sea horse was just one of the decorated door knockers which delighted visitors to the Appledore Arts Festival. There were 200 decorations in all, forming a trail through the village streets for people to follow. Designs ranged from simple pieces of driftwood or flowers to a life-sized King Neptune.

Concerned Appledore residents are planning to set up a village residents’ association to voice their views on local issues. At an informal meeting attending by two dozen villagers strong feelings had been expressed about the enforcement of planning standards, parking, jet skis and rubbish collection, said spokesman Jeremy Bell. Now a second meeting has been arranged. “It is hoped as many villagers as possible will come along and help to elect a committee,” said Mr Bell

Hundreds paid a visit to Appledore’s lifeboat station as its doors were opened for its annual inspection by the public. This year’s even was made even more special as it is the 175th anniversary of the lifeboat service. For lucky girls Marnie Miller of Appledore and Sammy Langdon of Tavistock, there was also the chance to jump into a lifeboatman’s jacket, complete with lifesaving equipment.

‘Appletree Mews’ Marine Parade, Appledore, properties for sale.

Refugee Kids of Kosovo soon to arrive in Plymouth will have a few added extras to their welcome thanks to a charity fashion show in Bideford. Organised by Stallones nightclub and The Studio photography business of Bideford, the fun evening featured fashions from Gems and Convict Clothing, with models from The Studio and volunteers. Around £200 was raised.

Bideford Pannier Market saw its biggest crowds for many years for the re-opening of the Butchers’ Row shopping complex. Television personality Ron Bendell performed the official opening ceremony. The complex comprises 24 small under-cover shops which will be open six days a week. The covered mall has been refurbished by Bideford Town Council at a cost of £370,000 with the aid of Lottery and European cash. The project has already created 17 new jobs and will be a draw for tourists.

Mayor Councillor Chris Leather shakes hands with Ron Bendell, watched by Mayoress Mrs Sandra Leather

Medieval knights and maidens brought colour to Bideford’s historic pannier market as traders celebrated its charter day. To depict the granting of a royal charter in 1272 allowing the town to hold its regular market a copy was delivered to the market hall by a mounted knight and received by the Mayor, Councillor Chris Leather. A guard of honour was provided by other costumed members of the North Devon Jousting Association.

Filming was taking place at the former Bideford Railway Station as two men assembled some of the final pieces of a video which will evoke memories for many who recall with affection the days when trains ran through the valleys of Torridgeside. Ian Pringle and Ian Hayes have joined forces to bring back to life on film the era of the Barnstaple, Torrington and Halwill branch lines. When completed it will take its place alongside more than 20 other productions b Branch Line Videos of Leighton Buzzard. Opened in 1925 the Torrington to Halwill junction railway and its neighbour the Torrington to Barnstaple line carried clay, milk, livestock, coal and agricultural supplies as well as passengers before their closure under the Beeching axe in the mid 1960s.

It was a memorable weekend for Bideford Cricket Club Colt Chris Tanner. On Sunday morning he took four wickets for 9 runs, including a hat-trick in Bideford U15s’ Devon League victory. On Sunday afternoon, Chris played for a Bideford’s men’s side and took 6-22 in seven overs. On Bank Holiday Monday, he opened the batting for Bideford against Claires Court School and top-scored with 28 in his side’s win!

International cricket stole the show at Bideford Cricket Club as the club entertained its first visiting team from South Africa. The Bideford Colts under-15s took the crease against a team of 13-15 year olds from Erika School in Mossel Bay who are on a two-week tour to the UK. The teams exchanged commemorative medals and hopes of maintaining their new-found links.

Route 66 is a unique new American café bar and night spot in Bideford that’s set to blast off like a space rocket from Cape Canaveral! Drink there. Dine there. Dance there. That is, after your eyes have stopped popping out at the décor that surrounds you. The free entertainment venue at the top of Bridgeland Street is sponsored by Budweiser and entry is open to over 18’s. In the windows is its logo – the blue and white Route 66 shield that marks the most famous of America’s highways. Look around the walls and you’ll hardly believe what has been hung there. Like the front end section of a Lincoln Continental, a Buick and a Thunderbird! Route 66 will be featuring live bands, karaoke and theme nights. It has big screen TV.

Substantial wing of a mansion in Buckland Brewer for sale.

Death of respected carer, Mr Francis Henry Tristram ‘Frank’ Bosher, of Buckland Brewer.

A Torridge adventure park has been recognised by a national newspaper as one of the top 50 theme parks in the world. The accolade was bestowed on the Milky Way at Clovelly after a panel of experts from The Independent newspaper visited the park secretly to make an assessment. Owner Trevor Stanbury shared the good news with more than 350 representatives who attended a trade open day.

Michael Mant congratulating Trevor Stanbury

Youngsters from the village school at Clovelly chose a special way to pay tribute to the Blue Hooker tragedy. They swam. The children presented the money they had raised from their sponsored marathon, nearly £300, to the seafarers’ charity the missions to Seamen. Said headmaster Chris Nichols: “We have a policy that all charity events must come from the children. I’m delighted when they do something like this because it comes from the heart.” Luke Gist, Emmie and Daisy Perham, Orry Winchcombe, Sophie Evans, Hettie Pearson, Kieran Vanstone and Kirsty Johnson took part.

Thousands are expected to attend a 14-hour Atlantic Highway Rock festival at the Milky Way adventure park near Clovelly. Organisers say the £60,000 festival will cover 50 acres with 20 acres for camping and room for 5,000 fans. Top of the bill will be New Wave punk band The Stranglers. Some of the money raised will go to the Primrose Cancer Appeal and Bude Rugby Club.

Clovelly’s inshore lifeboat was called to the aid of a local boat with 13 people aboard. The Lundy Murrelet, carrying a party of divers back from Lundy Island, suffered engine failure in rough seas. A Sea King helicopter from the RAF Search and Rescue unit at Chivenor circled the boat until the lifeboat arrived.

Young bikers in Fremington are celebrating a first step to success in their campaign for a cycle area of their own. Assisted by community policeman Dave Ringrose and county councillor Reg Cane, the youngsters took their case to the parish council. And they have won agreement in principle for part of the Griggs Field amenity area to be allocated for their use.

A semi-detached house at Baxworthy, Hartland, is for sale. It enjoys a very private rural location surrounded by miles of Forestry Commission land.

A major boost is in prospect for the Torridge tourism industry with news that the International Holiday Inn group has plans for one of the biggest new holiday developments in the district for many years. Planning application has been made for a £4.5 million development comprising a new four-star, 90-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel plus conference and banqueting centres at the Hartland Forest Golf and Leisure Park.

Charming cottage style bungalow in Hartland for sale.

Hartland Primary School open day.

Instow property for sale.

Detached 2 bedroom cottage in Littleham for sale. Later in the month, it was reported that the property sold at auction for £96,500 with nearly 50 viewers.

Puffins and butterflies put on a display for local naturalists when they paid a visit to Lundy Island. Members of the Taw and Exmoor branch of the British Naturalists’ Association spent the day enjoying the island’s flora and fauna. More than a dozen seals were swimming in the clear water or lolling on the rocks at Gannets Bay. The butterflies seen included a Painted Lady. “Some 37 species of birds were noted like sheerwaters and fulmars” said secretary Brian Sims. “But the highlight was Lundy’s symbol, the puffins.”

Four hundred day trippers spent an unexpected night at sea when the historic paddle steamer Waverley developed a fault off the North Devon coast. The 52 year old steamer was on her way home from a trip to Lundy when she was disabled by a fault in a paddle wheel. She was forced to remain at anchor four miles off Foreland Point, to await the arrival of a tug. A lifeboat was called out from Barry to stand by the vessel and other lifeboats at Mumbles, Ilfracombe and Minehead, and the Chivenor RAF Search and Rescue helicopter were held in readiness, although not needed. A spokeswoman for the Waverley said passengers had been kept entertained and provided with refreshments and coaches were awaiting their arrival at Barry to take them back to Penarch and Clevedon.

Monkleigh property for sale. A Grade II listed double-fronted lodge house, situated close to the Tarka Trail, is to be offered for sale by auction. The property, which is in need of modernisation, was once part of the vast Annery Estate and at one time used to be known as the Butler’s Cottage.

Retired Northam butcher Richard Bradford has donned the town’s mayoral chain for a third time. One of the region’s most experienced local councillors, Mr Bradford has sat on Northam Town Council for 20 years and on Torridge District Council for 18 years. Mr Bradford was awarded the MBE in recognition of his services.

External decoration of Allardice Hall, Parkham.

A hand-made and engraved Dartington Crystal vase was auctioned for charity and the Chelsea Flower Show Royal Gala Preview Dinner in London. An anonymous bidder bought the vase for £5,500 which was shared between The Royal Variety Club and the Army Benevolent Fund. The vase was engraved with an interpretation of a new rose especially grown by Harkness for the occasion. Called Variety Club, the rose was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Howzat! Young cricketers in the Torrington area are now able to hone their skills on a purpose-built all weather wicket in the grounds of Great Torrington School. The £5,500 project was instigated by Torrington Rotary Club, drawing grant aid from the Lord’s Taverners and Sports Match and matched funding from local firms W H Tolley builders, and D and I Bridgman and Son, agricultural merchants. With two of the school staff qualified cricket coaches local youngsters are now once again enjoying the crack of leather on willow. Our picture shows mike Bridgman, Richard Beer, Peter Adams, and young players Neil Bettiss, Mark Bettiss and Michael Wigley.

Weare Giffard property for sale.

Westleigh thatched cottage for sale.

England’s oldest seaside golf course – the Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! – is hosting a grand charity golf day packed with prizes. The event will raise funds for the Bideford and Barnstaple Breathe Easy Group support group for the British Lung Foundation. “Already we have more than 50 entries” said organiser Mrs Monica Pennington. The three-ball Stableford team event is open to all. It includes an auction and a raffle with prizes which will be presented by radio personality Ian Brass. Later in the month, it was reported that the golfers raised £2,121 for the charity.

Leasehold lock-up shop at Westward Ho! for sale. Situated in the heart of the village, the property comprises some 300sq ft, plus a toilet. The current occupant is a gentleman’s hairdresser.

A freehold residential development site in Nelson Road, Westward Ho! is being marketed with planning permission for 21 residential flats and associated parking. A spokesman said: “This site is considered a rare opportunity for a quality development in a coastal resort which is going through a transition from a caravan and chalet holiday resort to a self-sufficient coastal town.”

Family photos were probably the last thing wanted by the thief who stole a handbag from a helper at the Cancer Care Trust’s charity shop in Westward Ho! Their owner holds out little hope that her money, credit cards and car keys will be found. Most of all she is upset at losing the pictures. “We hope the thief may have thrown them down and someone will find them, along with the owner’s large black bag” said Jennifer Bonetta of the Trust.

They sang, they danced, they skateboarded and they surfed in the streets of Westward Ho! throughout a bumper Bank Holiday weekend of fun. The Torridge holiday resort’s annual Potwalloping Festival organised by the local chamber of commerce and the Lions’ Club of Bideford was an outstanding success and a major charity fund-raiser. Among the highlights was skateboard and inline skates racing organised by Dave Wenman of the Life on the Burrows surf shop. Nearly 50 competitors took part and more than 1,000 spectators lined the race route. Winners were: Inline skates – Cameron Hinton, Andrew Coley, Lewis Blight; Skateboards – Glen Phil, John Martin, Jake Barry; girls – Ami Berry; crazy luge – Clayton; fancy dress – Asylum nightclub; youngest finisher – Joseph. Weekend coordinator said it had been a wonderful weekend and most of the resort’s businesses were very happy.

Woolsery Show being advertised.

Years Ago - Crime

We decided that for this edition of Years Ago we would look at Crime as a topic. We have looked at the first 3 months of the years 2001, 1951 and 1871. The definition of a crime is a fact, a matter of law, and an act deemed illegal and punishable.

There are, as we expected, differences in how the stories have been reported and indeed whether they have been reported at all. In the 19^th Century papers we often find crimes such as swearing in the street covered, things that we would not even notice today. It is worth noting that although many of the stories on crime in 1870 seem trivial it was only low level offences that were dealt with at the local “Petty Sessions”. More serious offences were the preserve of the Crown Court and Transportation to Australia for many crimes was a regular Crown Court punishment until 1868.

2001

The overall crime rate in Devon as of Sep 2025 was 61 crimes per 1,000 people, and the most common crimes are violence and sexual offences

Precise crime figures for the Torridge area for the calendar year 2001 are not easily available. Some reports indicate that Torridge has historically had a low crime rate compared to national averages. For example, a 2019 report noted that between July 2018 and June 2019, the crime rate per 1,000 people in Torridge was 43.9, less than half the national rate of 89.5. To compare the national rates, we can see that crimes per 1,000 people in 2025 were 61 and in 2019 89.5 so taken at face value that appears to be an encouraging decrease.

In the first 3 months of 2001 reports in the Bideford Gazette are more likely to mention theft and burglary than violence.

Residents were warned to be careful when loading their car boot at the supermarket on 10^th January 2001 it was reported that a handbag was stolen from the car when a shopper returned her trolley.

There is a disturbing story of burglars entering properties at night when people are in occupation. This report is from 7^th March 2001 and police advice was to secure property carefully and mark belongings so that they can be traced. People are probably more security conscious today.

To continue the theme of marking property and due to the popularity of scooters and the ease with which they could be stolen, police introduced a scheme to postmark them.

Reported on 31^st January 2001

A sad tale was reported on 7th February 2001 telling of an arrest after a high speed car chase. At the court hearing a story of being driven to crime through homelessness following a row with his girlfriend emerged. He was living in his car and stole for food and clothing. He pleaded guilty to 5 burglaries, 3 offences of handling stolen goods, 3 of theft and one of aggravated vehicle taking.

On 21^st February an outrageous crime was reported. Torrington Cavaliers were in the process of moving a pavilion to be used to house a local playgroup. The project costing £50,000 was thrown into doubt when part of the dismantled building was found to have been stolen.

One incident of violence was reported on 7^th February 2001. A Bideford young man was glassed at a nightclub. The guilty man was of previous good character and a report on suitable sentencing was ordered. The young man was allowed bail in the meantime but was told that this would not necessarily mean he would not receive a custodial sentence.

In 2001, England and Wales had a prison population of 68,127 including people on remand. The number of prisoners serving sentences for drug offenses had grown rapidly since 1993, reflecting increased court sentencing, a slightly higher proportion of those receiving custodial sentences, and longer average sentences. The total number of prisoners increased by 24% between roughly 2000 and 2021, a slower rate than the overall population growth. In June 2025, the prison population in England and Wales was around 87,334 including people on remand.

In January 2001 there were 2 stories showing police attempts to fight back against crime. On 24^th there was a story showing a defensive measure against ram raiding. This crime was where a vehicle was driven into a target property and items stolen including, sometimes cash machines. Crime prevention police demonstrated the use of a smoke screen to disorient and deter thieves.

On 31^st the Gazette reports a new idea, a Ford Galaxy fitted out as a mobile crime fighting office to help police in rural areas. A quick check on Google reports that such mobile police offices are still used by Devon and Cornwall police.

There are 2 reports that remind us of major problems that were preoccupying the country in 2001.

Firstly there is a report of a grieving mother setting up a fund from generous donations given at her son’s funeral to go towards the immediate expenses of those loved ones left behind. Drugs have become an ever increasing problem in our communities leading to crime, both organised and petty and blighting lives.

Secondly we are reminded of the horror of the foot and mouth epidemic that brought such heart ache and difficulty to our farming community. The movement of animals was banned and a report from 14^th March 2001 shows the measures introduced to try to prevent the spread of the disease. It is hoped that behind the scenes measures are now being developed to prevent the need for widespread slaughter and incineration of valued animals.

1951

When World War II broke out, crime rates fell but rose during the Blitz as criminals took advantage of air raids to steal from homes, shops and even people killed, and with the war bringing in rationing this led to the theft and illegal sale of goods on the ‘black market’. As a consequence, the crime rate rose from 250 per 1,000,000 people in 1901 to 1,000 per 1,000,000 by 1950. The nation’s homicide rate was 4.6 per 1,000,000 population in 1950. In 1951, the number of indictable offences rose to over 500,000.

With social, political and scientific developments, new crimes have emerged and more liberal views means that punishments have changed significantly. For instance, it has been announced that the Vagrancy Act of 1824 will finally be scrapped this year and rough sleeping in and of itself will no longer be a criminal offence in the UK; local prison records show that between 1838 and 1852, 45 people were charged and sentenced for vagrancy. In another change it is now illegal to advertise for or hire based on gender, without a valid occupational requirement, as this is considered discrimination.

Adverts such as these from H E Fletcher Ltd, and Jaquemand Ltd would now not be acceptable - 2 February 1951.

Ration books and identity cards were still in operation in 1951, and for the first time since 1931, a census of the population was to be taken on April 8^th.

It pays not to be an individual! The Town Improvement Clauses Act 1847, Section 65 – provides authorities with the power to number properties and ensure occupiers affix approved numbers to buildings.

Reviewing historic newspapers makes you realise that, what we consider to be ‘modern day’ issues, are not necessarily so. For instance, in January 1951, Torrington Town Council advised that if a gate to the rubbish dump is locked to prevent indiscriminate tipping, it would be illegal because the dump is on common land, and ‘several of the Torrington commoners would cause trouble if the gate was found locked”.

Parents being fined for removing children from school was an issue in 1951. An Appledore man was fined £1 for keeping his son from school to carry out work, and, a Hartland man was found guilty of ‘failing to send his son to school on November 22^nd and a number of previous occasions.” As mitigation, the defendant said that “he did not know that the certificate of exemption, which entitled the boy to a period of absence from school for agricultural purposes, had expired.”

Here is a Parliamentary exchange on this subject from 1953

Hansard (Volume 515: debated 21 May 1953)

Some offences seem extremely minor but Hugh McInnes was fined £1 for failing to stop the engine of his motor van, leaving it stationary and unattended in Bideford High Street.

Hubert Hedley was fined £2 for causing an obstruction by parking his car in Bideford High Street – Police Constable Adams said during the 43 minutes that he saw the car parked it obstructed traffic, which was very heavy, on a number of occasions. Mr Payne, of Lawries Café, Bideford, is fined 30s for leaving a car unattended with its engine running and for driving a hackney carriage not designated as such.

Reported in March 1951 - "At the meeting of Bideford Town Council it was decided to supply twelve portable notice boards, at the request of the police. These boards will bear the words "Police Notice - No Parking" and are for use in High Street, Bideford."

There were more serious offences reported, including that of Redvers Garfield Braunton, of Giffords Farm, Fairy Cross, Alwington, who was involved in an accident where his farm cart was badly-smashed.

“Sentence of twelve months’ imprisonment was imposed by Devon Quarter Sessions Appeals Committee, on …. of Barton Tors, Bideford. After a five-hour sitting, Bideford County magistrates had found …. guilty of stealing two ganders and three geese to the value of £15 from Landcross; tools to the value of £6 11s from Landcross; pyjama jackets valued at 10s each and a sheet valued at £1 10s from Torridge Laundry; and a green hand towel valued at 10s 6d from Bideford Black Pigments Ltd. His wife said “He has been a very good husband to me and good to the children. Whatever happened, I shall stick beside him.” She was much in love with him, she added. Mr Atkin, defending, said there must be some good in a man whose wife was willing to stand by him. The Chairman, Sir Leonard Costello: Some of the greatest villains in history have had such women. It is still more regrettable that he should have betrayed the trust his wife has in him.

A Bideford man and his mate who were involved in a night scene were fined for assault on police. The man, whose address is Bowden Green, Bideford, was fined £12 with 15s costs for assaulting and beating Police Constables Hemmens and Hughes. The Bench view this matter very seriously," said the Chairman. "They considered very seriously sending you to prison." The Chief Inspector said PC Hemmens found an altercation involving the two men, and in his effort to restore peace and quiet he was struck. PC Hughes went to his assistance. Damage was done to the wrist watch of one of the two men who went to help, and the car in which they were brought to the police station was damaged. The accused was alleged to have said: "I was drunk and that's that. I had no intention of hitting anyone and when the wine's in the wit's out."

Charged with the murder of his sweetheart, a farm pupil was found guilty but insane, and was ordered to be detained at Broadmoor during the King’s pleasure. The Crown alleged that he had strangled a girl from North Devon because they had to separate. The defence had suggested that he was suffering from a split-mind. In his summing up, the judge told the jury that if the true diagnosis was schizophrenia, then it was possible the accused had not known what he was doing and yet remember it afterwards.

It’s not all doom and gloom and in January 1951, the Bideford Police Social is held at the Church Institute.

The annual Police Ball, organised by the Hoops Section, Devon Constabulary - Sgt Clymo, Constables W Tucker (Hartland) and Coldridge (Clovelly) - was held at the Church Hall, Hartland, on New Year's night, when there was a very large crowd present to dance to the music of Alec Blackmore and his band. The proceeds were in aid of the Devon Constabulary Widows and Orphans Compassionate Fund.

A by-law is a local law passed by a local authority or other approved body to regulate a specific area or activity, often for reasons of good government, public order, and preventing nuisances. These laws, which can require something to be done or not done, have the force of law and can include penalties like fines for non-compliance. In March 1951, Northam Urban District Council advises that any persons ‘Touting’ will be subject to a summary conviction.

1871

Interestingly 1876 was the first year that crime statistics were officially collected. In the early 1870s the most prevalent crime was petty theft making 75% of the total. Crimes of violence made up 10% of the total. It is difficult to compare these rates with modern statistics as they can only be taken as an outline of the true picture due to changes in many factors including, different descriptions of crime, lack of reporting, types of crimes changing - for example we do not have any examples of “hate” being a crime in 1870 or 1951 or domestic violence for that matter.

The newspapers for 1871 generally concentrate on national news with one page of the edition detailing local stories. There seem to be many ‘extraordinary’ cases to read about including the ‘Extraordinary Assault Case In Ireland’ (Poynter v Porter) took up column inches as did the ‘Extraordinary Case of Child Desertion’ and the ‘Extraordinary Robberies By Three Children.’

The Court System

There was a tiered system – Petty Sessions, Quarterly Sessions, Assizes.

A Borough Petty Session was the local court in English towns where Justices of the Peace (JPs) dealt with minor crimes, civil disputes, licensing and administrative matters without a jury and was the town’s equivalent to the county’s Petty Sessions. These sessions were informal and were crucial for providing accessible inexpensive justice for everyday issues and common problems. JPs sat in pairs or small groups (the ‘bench’), or singly, to judge.

A 1363 Statute directed that justices were to hold sessions four times a year, and in each county the quarter sessions were held in the main towns. During the 18^th century, offences grew considerably and JPs referred increasing numbers of offenders to trial at the assizes.

The courts of assizes were held twice yearly in the main county towns and presided over by visiting judges from the higher courts based in London. They conducted trials dealing with serious offences such as murders, burglars, rapists, forgers and others who came within the scope of capital crime. Verdicts were returned by locally picked juries of 12. These courts also dealt with civil disputes such as entitlement to land or money, and from the early 1900s, dealt with divorce cases. In March 1871, the Assize was held in the Castle of Exeter, with the event well publicised.

The following men were charged before the Magistrates, Captain Molesworth, RN, and Captain Pyke, RN, - William Dennis of Bideford; William Johns of Appledore; and William Jenkins, also of Appledore.

In Bideford County Court before Mr Sergeant Petersdorff, Judge, a cabinet maker and upholsterer, of Bideford, claimed the sum of £15 from builders and house decorators for an alleged breach of contract. The plaintiff is A Stone and the defendants, R Prior and Sons. Witnesses for both parties provided contradictory evidence; however the Judge considered that “the justice of the case would be met by deducting £1 from the account, and gave judgement for £14 with costs.” Mr Thomas Saunders and Mr Thomas Yeo are also in court:

Under Torrington news, a pugilistic-looking man, Richard Little, was charged before Mr A R Hole, under the Vagrancy Act with begging at Winscott. The charge was proved by Mr Moore-Stevens, the High Sherriff, who said: “while I was in my yard at Winscott, I saw the prisoner close to my back door, he came up to me and said he was in distress, and asked me to relieve him, I looked hard at him and thinking he was not an object for relief, I said to him, “You are the sort of man that ought to have three months’ hard labour.” He immediately bolted out of the yard and I followed him, and after a chase over my lawn I caught him. He was very violent and fought desperately, but with the assistance of some of my men he was taken to my wash-house, and detained there until the arrival of the police, who took charge of him. He refused to walk to Torrington and was obliged to be taken in a cart. Prisoner denied having begged and stated that he had been in the army and in India 11 years, and that he had received his discharge and was on his way from Bristol to Bodmin, but being out of money he met a companion at Bristol and they had agreed to travel together as dealers in rags, bones and rabbit skins. He called at Winscott, had inquired of the gentleman (Mr Stevens) if he had any rabbit skins but had never thought of begging. He was sentenced to three weeks’ hard labour.

Later that month, at the Borough Petty Sessions before Mr C Pedley (ex-Mayor) and Mr T L Pridham, Alfred Abbott and Joseph Heard, of Bideford, were summoned by Margaret Gregory, a prostitute living in Willett-street, for using obscene language towards her in the public streets. The two young men countersued for assaulting them at the same time and place. It was alleged that the language used on the occasion was very bad and that the assault was committed in self-defence, but the boys pleaded not guilty to the charge. After hearing the evidence the magistrate dismissed both cases, each party to pay their own costs.

Thomas Hoare, a tailor, is summoned by a lad named George Perkin …

Also covered at the same time was a case against John Wrey.

Mr C Pedler, Dr Thompson, Mr T Evans and Mr T L Pridham also gave judgement on the following cases – Elizabeth Chope, charged for stealing two pairs of boots which were the property of Mr Prouse; Maria Daniel of the Steam Packet Hotel was summoned for keeping her house open for the sale of drink during prohibited hours; Captain Fishwick, master of the Lyndney Trader, was summoned by Captain Yeo, Harbour Master, for infringing bye-laws by disobeying his orders.

Mr Sergeant Petersdorff presided at Exeter County Court over the bankruptcy examination of Edward Humphrey, Esq, who was the contractor for the Bideford and Westward Ho! Railway.

Who was Charles Erdman Petersdorff? He was born in 1800 and called to the bar in 1833, and married Mary Anne Mallock, of Harley Street, London. Charles was appointed County Court Judge for Somerset and Devon in 1865. The title 'Sergeant' is officially known as Sergeant-at-Law and is a centuries old position. Charles died in 1886.

In January 1871, not all County Court sittings were worth reporting!

Later in the month, the reporter wrote “Bideford County Court – The monthly sitting was held but the business, although the cases were numerous, was of a trifling character, and wholly devoid of public interest.

‘A Ratepayer’ expresses their concern about the efficiency of the reduced police force in Bideford.

Years Ago - December

December 2000

Christmas Day television viewing.

In a letter to the Editor, Mr W Smith, Appledore Traders’ Association, says “Sir – a poll of our members showed a 90% majority against any further increase in yellow lines in Appledore. It was resolved to seek renewal of white line restrictions adjacent to the bus shelter.”

Appledore steps back in time for a Victorian carol service in the Parish Church. Among the items will be comic drama, sketches, music, poetry, readings… and a ghost story! After the service there is an invitation to attend the adjacent church hall for mince pies and mulled wine.

The Rev John Ewington, Sarah Ewington, and Mandy Bond

The former Stella Maris School and grounds in Bideford have been officially opened as 47 new homes to rent for local people. In a project incorporating both regeneration and new building, a mix of homes have been provided for single people, the elderly and for families. Twenty-two flats for older people have been developed in the former school buildings.

Cllr Johns, Carole Glanville, Cllr Pam Paddon

Children from the infant and junior classes at Grenville College, Bideford, are pictured at their annual Christingle service. A collection and wordsearch competition resulted in £140 being raised for The Children’s Society.

The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Bideford at the end of March to see the new efforts to restore the Kathleen and May which is being restored on the riverside. It is hoped to have her back in the water early next year. South West MEP Giles Chichester was a special visitor to the wharf – the son of famous sailor Sir Francis Chichester had taken a special interest in the project.

Bideford’s annual carnival capers resulted in £800 being shared by local causes. In a presentation ceremony at the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club regatta, committee chairman Ken Hearn and carnival secretary Maureen Humphries presented cheques to Bideford Youth Pipe Band, Torridgeside Majorettes, Bideford Blues/Appledore Juniors Football Club, St John Ambulance, Bideford Hospital, and Bideford Army Cadet Force.

Santa and his Round Table helpers will again be touring the Bideford area with their popular carol float. Delighting the children and spreading festive spirit among the community the musical float will once again be raising funds for local charities.

Later in the month … Santa arrived in Bideford on a colourful sleigh, to be greeted by some 200 people gathered on the quayside for the official launch of the town’s Christmas festivities. Town Mayor Noel Deakes and the Reverend Penny Dobbin led open-air carol singing as the children awaited the arrival of Santa, who they quickly mobbed.

The Santa Express comes to Bideford this Christmas as the grand old man of Christmas opens his grotto at the former Bideford Railway Station. While there he will not miss the opportunity to climb in the cab of the Railway Group’s newly arrived diesel locomotive as it moves up and down the lines.

All ready for Bideford’s soap box Grand Prix on New Year’s Eve is the prototype made by the shipwrights working on the historic Kathleen and May. Among them Paul Morne, who has been working part-time on a work experience programme with Bideford College. He will be the driver in the big race.

Paul Morne and Steve Clarke

Red hot jazz at The Blacksmiths Arms, Bideford.

The funeral of Sister Eunan, head of St Joseph’s, the junior department of Stella Maris Convent in Bideford.

Helping others not just at Christmas but all the year round is the message from two North Devon teenagers who have just received Awards of Excellence from Education Minister David Blunkett. The awards recognise more than 200 hours of voluntary work by Torridge Millennium Volunteers Alice Chadwick of Hartland, and Joanna Foot of Langtree.

Bill Pain – better known as Mr Instow – is stepping down as clerk to the parish council from January 1. He has been clerk since 1983 and his involvement in local organisations is legion. He was a special constable for 28 years and has been secretary of both the yacht club and North Devon Cricket Club. He is succeeded as clerk by former policeman Roger Jacob.

Old friends met up again after a break of almost 50 years. Ella Webbe of Fremington and Lilian Rennie of Northam were brought together – both were married to airmen and formed a close friendship when they were next door neighbours at RAF Lyneham. But they had not seen each other since 1952.

Northam Scout Richard Andersen receives the top Chief Scout Award.

After two years of deliberations the parishioners of Northam are being asked if they want plans for a new village hall to mark the new millennium to go ahead. Three thousand questionnaires are being sent to households asking people if they would use such a hall or if they do not think the plan feasible. A survey of the town centre two years highlighted a need for a modern hall and somewhere for the town’s youth. In May of this year a public meeting voted in favour of the project. The Parochial Church Council has offered to kickstart the plan with £48,000, proceeds of the sale of Northam Scout Hall which was built on church land. That was brought for the Scouts by the Bideford Bridge Trust.

Torrington 1646 heritage centre named as the Devon Family Attraction of the Year in The Good Britian Guide 2001.

It will be music all the way this Christmas in Great Torrington, with packed programme of events for everyone to enjoy. Torrington’s traders have risen to the occasion once again with a wide variety of presents and provisions for sale, making a shopping trip to the town well worthwhile. The shops are filled with the sound of carols and the traders are running a special competition for charity. Schoolchildren and shoppers are being asked to seek out the names of Christmas songs depicted in the windows of 57 shops. Entry forms are being sold in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

The violent death of sheep in remote fields outside Woolsery has led to speculation that a ‘big cat’ may be on the prowl. Sightings of a ‘big, black beast’ have been reported but tangible evidence that ‘something is out there’ came when Tony Doree checked his five hand-reared sheep in a field at Knights Leisure Centre, outside Woolsery.

December 1975

Under pressure of public opinion British Rail announced the retention of two of the trains planned to be axed next year on the Exeter-North Devon line. But a BR West of England spokesman told the Gazette that in present circumstances there was no prospect of any further concession being made. The two saved trains are the 20.36 Exeter to Barnstaple and the 21.50 Barnstaple to Exeter.

Josephine Dunn, of Abbotsham, member of the Stevenstone and Torrington Farmers’ branch of the Pony Club, has been awarded a scholarship sponsored by the Horse and Hound magazine. This will give her a month as a working pupil at the Talland school of equitation near Cirencester. The daughter of Mr and Mrs Leslie Dunn, she began riding when she was six.

Josephine and Nutmeg

A nine-hole golf course at Abbotsham Court Hotel must go. The Department of the Environment have dismissed an appeal against refusal of planning permission lodged by Mr D Davis and Major Giles Lomas. An enforcement notice served by Torridge District Council has also been upheld, but the period in which it must be complied with has been increased from 56 days to six months.

Abbotsham Court Hotel, a notable addition to North Devon’s tourist industry since 1971, is threatened with closure after a running battle with the planners. They turned down an application for a nine hole golf course and now the proprietor, Mr Gordon Davis, is seeking to convert the property into four homes. “This is tentative because I do not know what the planners will allow, but my immediate reaction is to close down. Obviously we are terribly disappointed.” Mr Davis said that having obtained planning permission for a hotel in 1970, he immediately thought he should apply for normal facilities – a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and golf course. But, officially, it

The sale of Haig poppies in Alwington parish realized £21.57. The collectors were Mrs F Blight, Mrs R Westlake and Mrs E Parr, and the organizer Mr Elson.

An audience of 100 attended a mannequin show and coffee evening organised by the Appledore Parent/Teacher Association. The mannequins were Mrs Venison, Mrs C Josling, Mrs A Blackmore, Mrs B Smith and Mrs M Copp. The hall was beautifully decorated by the parks department of Torridge District Council.

A former pupil of Appledore County Primary School, Graham Gardner, has graduated as a Master of Arts in Town and Regional Planning at the University of Sheffield. Graham is the son of Mr Alan Gardner, a barrister who is also a qualified town planner and who was Clerk of the old Northam Urban Council prior to April 1974.

Appledore Pirates fell a Christmas tree.

Appledore shipyard workers cause congestion.

Appledore may repeat festival.

G F Truscott, 12 High Street, Bideford, is closing down.

What is the secret of Bideford tunnel at Ford House?

Mr Summers, of Bideford, is very angry after reading about the closure of the children’s ward at the Bideford and District Hospital, and has written to Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and his MP demanding a full inquiry.

Patients at the Torridge Hospital at Bideford were happy to lend a helping hand preparing the Christmas decorations.

Mesdames Wright, Jetten, Potter, Churchill and Stacey. Staff include Mesdames Cork, Wilson, Clements, Norris, Willis and Sister Carey

Revival of Bideford’s ancient Manor Court ceremony next year will have the blessing of Torridge District Council. A request for permission was unnecessary, the secretary and solicitor Mr Andrew Footner told the finance and general purposed sub-committee. That had been agreed before the district council had become active. And he saw no objection to the Town Council being given delegated powers to appoint a steward. This was agreed and that he shall be the Town Council’s clerk, Mr Ian Hay. It was also decided to help with administration and the venue and, at the request of Cllr Frank Colwill, to investigate the possibility of handing back the manor rights to the Bideford council.

Record attendance at the annual meeting of Bideford (Strand) Bowling Club.

For the first time since it was founded at Bideford 91 years ago Edgehill College is to have a man in charge. When the present headmistress, Miss A Mary Shaw, retires at the end of the summer term she will be succeeded by Mr Joseph Shepherd, 46, of Wolverhampton.

It was best double-foot forward for 16 girls of the Upper Vth of Edgehill College when they went on a sponsored three-legged walk from the College to Westward Ho! slipway. As a result they hope to raise about £45 for a Society in Barnstaple. They were accompanied on their walk by their form mistress, Mrs Symonds.

Four from Edgehill gain Duke of Edinburgh’s gold award.

Since they started raising money for charity less than a year ago customers of the Heavitree Inn, Bideford, have contributed more than £200, and have so far raised £133 for their latest project, a guide dog for the blind. Latest event at the public house, where Mr Ken Chadwick and his wife June are licensees, was a fancy dress darts match with customers from the nearby Golden Hinde public house in Cooper Street.

Nearly every child at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School at Bideford took part in a school concert. Various items performed by each class included the stories of the King’s New Clothes, the Queen’s Birthday – contributed by the infants – and a story called Briar Rose, plus a shadow puppet play and various songs and musical items.

A successful uncommon market at Lavington in Bideford.

Mr Stan Short takes laver, hogs pudding and cream to London.

A Xmas present for Mr and Mrs Mervyn Ashton and family when their eldest daughter, Kym Pead, visits from Australia.

Bideford Town Band and St Mary’s Church choir entertained more than 70 people, many of them old-age pensioners, at East-the-Water Community Centre. The event was organised by East-the-Water Action Group, who presented the band with two new music stands and afterwards took a collection towards providing more. The Mayor of Bideford, Mr Stan Short, expressed Christmas greetings and wished the group every success in the future.

One hundred and nineteen anglers braved the cold to fish Bideford and District Angling Club’s open Christmas competition at Bideford but the fish were less than enthusiastic! Only 22 anglers brought fish to the scales to share the 15 prizes of Christmas fare. The turkey for first prize went to R Bowden. C Davies was second and took the Harris trophy for the best catch by a club member as well as a chicken. Third was J Rucki and other prizes went to Gabriel Palmer, J Goddard, D Payne, K Brock, A Newman, W Wheatley, R Skinner, D Clements, A Bradey, Trevor Fishleigh, Mrs P Mitchell, Stephen Hearn. The cash pool for the best three fish went to C Davies, I Scoynes and J Rucki.

Civic, sporting and many other local organisations were represented among the large attendance at the funeral of Mr David Owen Lee, for the past eight years secretary of Bideford Regatta. Mr Lee lived at Woodford, Kenwith Road, Bideford. Employed in the administrative section of East Yelland power station, he had rowed for Bideford AAC with which the Lee family have long been associated. Service was at St Mary’s Church, Bideford.

Organisations with which he had been associated were represented at the funeral at the North Devon Crematorium of Mr Arthur Fogaty, former managing director of Wickham and Co Ltd, of Bideford, who died at his home, Hazeldene.

Bradworthy funeral of Mr Henry Harris.

Buckland Brewer WI.

Angry protests have followed Devon Fire Brigade’s decision to remove two emergency fire ladders from Clovelly, which it was claimed, villagers have been using for house decorations. The chairman of Clovelly Parish Council, Mr Royston Johns, said he and other councillors felt it was imperative that the ladders, which are kept under a covered way at the rear of the New Inn Hotel, should remain. They could save a life before the fire brigade arrived.

Clovelly herring not ‘a thing of the past’

To commemorate the diamond jubilee of the Women’s Institute movement, a tree has been planted in the grounds of the Parish Hall at Clovelly by the local WI. The planning was by the president, Mrs A Aust, assisted by Mr L May.

A whist drive at Clovelly parish hall, in aid of hall funds, had 8½ tables in play. Mr S Nicholls was the MC and Miss P Braund the door steward. Mrs J Burrow presented the prizes to Mesdames l Rowe, J Walters, J Beer, M Beer, H Prust, T Squire, J Measures, J Heard, Miss P Braund, Messrs T Stoneman, A Taylor and B Durman.

Clovelly Legion competitions.

Clovelly military whist drive.

Dolton and Dowland Conservatives held a successful qualifying whist drive in the Village Hall. Mr J Heal was MC and Mrs Whitlock, chairman of the Torrington Division, presented prizes to Mrs O Woollacott, Miss J Down, Mrs I Ware, Mr P Taylor, Mr W Baker, Mr Stagg, Mrs Fishleigh, Mr Pipe, Mr Ward and Mrs Gill. Mrs E Piper conducted a raffle and refreshments were served by Mrs Heal, Mrs Weeks and Mr and Mrs Grogan.

Dolton event.

Frithelstock Poppy Day collection raised £14.03 - £5 more than last year. Collectors were Mr and Mrs Toogood.

Special Constable Pamela Gammon of Frithelstock receives a long service medal.

A dance at Frithelstock village hall, organised by Mr and Mrs R Bond and helpers raised about £33 for Frithelstock Parish Church. Door stewards were Rev L Budge and Mr S Adams and draw winners were Mr R Daniel, Mrs J Prouse, Mrs D Pearce, Mr A Heywood, Mr A Withecombe. A Christmas coffee evening, held at the Manse, Frithelstock, the home of the Rev H and Mrs Sugg, raised about £17 for Frithelstock Baptist Church. There was a bring and buy stall and a competition was won by Mrs M Hearn. The evening ended with carol singing.

A bingo session was held in the Church Hall, Hartland, in aid of Badminton Club funds. A variety sale held at the Chapel was organised by Miss L Colwill, Mesdames S Hewitt, W Prouse and G Barrow, and Messrs J and K Perryman. Tea and light refreshments were served later.

Forty five members of Hartland Over-60s Club visited the West Country Inn, for a buffet supper plus dancing, singing and games.

A letter to the Editor from Mr Dark: Sir – the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the village green at Instow appears to have been solved at the Parish Council meeting. It is called VG92 by the Devon County Council and OS532 by the Parish Council who let it for grazing. The District Auditors say it was let for 11 months and the Parish Council received the rent of £6.

On behalf of Mr H Clements, Messrs Kivell and Sons, auctioneers, sold at public auction 16 acres of accommodation land at Landcross for £7,200. Bidding started at £3,000 and the purchaser was Mr H Martin, of Orchard, Monkleigh.

Mr L J Badcock, vice-chairman of the Littleham Skittle Club, deputizing for Mr Headon, presented a silver tankard to Mr Cyril Lyle and a silver goblet to Mrs Lyle as a silver wedding present. Mr Lyle has been the club’s hon secretary since 1932.

The funeral of Mr A Parkhouse, of Four Winds, Littleham, took place at the North Devon Crematorium.

At the autumn bazaar held in connection with Northam Methodist Church 3325 was raised, the highest amount ever for this annual event. The bazaar was opened by Mrs Metherell who was presented with a bouquet by Harriet Peacock. Thanks were expressed by the Rev H Maurice Hart.

Contents from Reed House, Diddywell Road, Northam, for sale by direction of the Trustees of Lady Nicholls.

Fuchias are to be planted by Bideford Fuchsia Society in the grounds of Fairlea Welfare Home, Northam, next spring, it was reported at the annual meeting of the society.

Although described by one member, Mr J Need, as ‘a luxury we cannot afford’ Northam Town Council have included £100 for a Mayor’s reception in their estimates for next year.

Because of book-keeping technicalities Northam Town Council have changed their minds about handing back to Torridge District Council any unspent money at the end of the financial year. Instead they will reduce their rate levy in the following year to absorb it. Mr R F Hill said he understood the District Council would prefer not to have any unspent money returned in the way proposed, and the clerk, Mr Don Wallis, explained, “it is really a book-keeping exercise.”

There is likely to be opposition from nearby residents to a £2 million plus project to build 200 houses and a holiday complex on some 50 acres of land at Northam extending from Sandymere Road towards West Appledore and fronting the Burrows, a country park. Outline planning application has been made for the development, which would extend to Long Lane.

Slides of the Holy Land shown by Miss Marjorie Knowles at Phayre House, Northam, raised £20 for arthritis research. A sale and gift day at the United Reformed Church was opened by Mrs P R Grail and raised £730.53 for church funds.

A total of £92.79 was raised for school funds when Parkham School held their annual Christmas sale in the Allardice Hall. Most of the items on the gift stall had been made by the schoolchildren. Stallholders included Mr and Mrs Luxton, Jacqueline Cann, Christine Hicks, Launa Bollar, Mesdames Davison, Pickard, Priest, Ford, Daniels, Williams, Pennington and Bottomley. Miss Jenkin thanked all who helped to make the sale a success.

The Liberal branch’s coffee evening and bring and buy stall in the Allardice Hall raised £15.60 for party funds. Draw winners were Mrs Batson and Mrs Daniels.

The annual Hunt Ball was held in the Allardice Hall, Parkham, in aid of the Stevenstone Hunt funds. Draw winners included John Hutchings, A Elrick, Charles Wise, Roger Colwill, W Kemble, F Lorne, Arthur Poole, P A Rickards, Elsey Bros.

Mary Thorne of Shebbear explains some of the finer points of netball to two younger members of Shebbear Girl Guide Company. Mary has been chosen to play for Devon under-14 netball team as goalshooter – the position she occupies in Edgehill College’s first team. A second in the Swallow patrol of the Girl Guide Company, she is also a member of Shebber Church Choir. Two other Edgehill girls, Susan Madge and Helen McKeen, have been chosen to represent Devon in the under-14 second team.

Mrs Mary Wood, of South Street, Torrington, district nurse and midwife, was among those presented with the Queen’s Nursing Institute long service medal by the Duchess of Gloucester in St James’s Palace, London.

Torrington Rotary Club’s appeal for £2,000 to enable the Bickford Rest Centre Committee to buy the old people’s centre in South Street, and maintain its use for the elderly, has passed the half-way mark only a month after it was launched. Latest money-raising events by the Rotary Club included a wine and cheese party at The Plough entertainment centre. More than 150 people attended and over £200 was raised.

A scheme has been launched to set up a Corps of Drums at Torrington and to have it ready for May Fair. Nearly 30 people, including a former military drum major, have expressed an interest and an organising committee has been set up. No clash with the long established Town Band is anticipated.

The interior of Torrington Town Hall has been transformed by a scheme of decoration now approaching completion.

Ebberley Hill, St Giles, Torrington, for sale.

20 Castle Street, Torrington, for sale.

The annual Christmas fair at Howe Church, Torrington, set a new record by raising £400. It was opened by Mrs P Turton, who was welcomed by the chairman, Mr O R Owen. Bouquets and buttonholes were presented by Ian Beer and Loraine Cockwell, and a vote of thanks extended by Mr S G W Jones, church secretary. Mr W Harris was Father Christmas.

The civic ceremony of Torrington May Fair will next year be held at The Plough entertainment centre, instead of in the Town Hall. The changeover arises from the leasing of part of the town hall by the Town and Alms Land Trustees to the Torrington and District Society for use as a museum.

A milk intake 13.5% up on this period last year and 3.9% higher than ever before at this time has brought joy to the Unigate milk factory at Torrington.

Weare Giffard WI

The English actor, Clive Marshall, was shot dead on television in Sydney, and as a result will soon meet the father he has not seen for 30 years. Marshall, 37, was playing a supporting role in the television serial Ben Hall and was shot dead by the 19^th century bushranger. His father – who came from Westward Ho! and now lives at Townsville, Queensland – saw the episode and contacted him through the Australian Broadcasting Commission. “I have not seenhim since just after the war,” he said.

It was a day for the high handicap players in the Royal North Devon Golf Club ladies medal competition. Playing off a 30 handicap, Mrs Barabar Green returned a net 70 to beat her nearest rival by four strokes. Second was Mrs Gill Hudson, and third, Mrs K Heywood.

Nearly 200 attended Westward Ho! Community Association’s annual carol concert. A profit of £21 was shared between Bideford Town Band and St John Ambulance. Those taking part were Westward Ho! Ladies Choir, Westward Ho! Follies, Westward Ho! play school and the junior section of Bideford Town Band.

The go-ahead was given by Torridge District Council’s plans sub-committee for a holiday development at Woolsery. Permission was granted to Flt-Lt E J Lagnado for 50 holiday chalets and an 18-hole golf course and car park at East Yagland. A sewage treatment works is to be provided. The application was for 52 chalets reached by 12ft wide access roads to groups and ar parks, arranged in blocks. The idea had been to stop a spread on the hillside, said the planning and development officer, Mr Tony Hodder. There were substantial six-berth chalets.

December 1925

Funeral ceremonies. A nation’s tribute for Queen Alexandra.

Earl Haig’s Appeal

Marriages – Richard Wallace Littlejohns and Ada Jeffery; George Henry Fowler and Carrie Challis; Alexander Finnie and Florence Stoneman; Arthur Garrett and Ethel Henderson Way;

Golden wedding – Thomas Short to Emma Matilda Wakeley

Deaths – Fanny Becklake, Parkham; Alice Hearn, Frithelstock; Mary Jane Pennington, Michigan; Emma Anne Sealy Braithwaite; Frances Anson; Elizabeth Grace Babb; Samuel Bishop; Grace Hockin; Edward Phillips Pridham

The concert held in connection with the Wesley Guild has been held in the Alverdiscott Wesleyan Schoolroom, a large audience enjoying the performance. A whist drive and dance held in the Alverdiscott Schoolroom.

A successful whist drive at Alwington.

A successful Liberal concert meeting was held in Alwington Schoolroom. There was a crowded attendance presided over by Mr T Burton. The speaker was Mr R W Young, of Bideford. An enjoyable programme was contributed to by Mr A Dunn and Misses Langbridge and Goodman; Mr E Marsh; Mr C Brough; Mr C Prance; Messrs Allin and Dunn; Miss Dunn. At the close a hearty vote of thanks to the entertainers, the speaker and also the Vciar, the Rev H C Spring, for kindly loaning the piano, was carried on the motion of Mr H Morrish, seconded by Mr Pole.

Mr Henry Johnson Mason, formerly of Portledge – funeral at Alwington.

The funeral took place at Alwington Churchyard of the late Mr Thomas Hockin, building, of Spanny Hone, who passed away after a lengthy illness. The Rev Springs officiated. The chief bearers were Messrs R Pennington, W Daniel, J Daniel, J Smale, W H Palmer and G Smalldon.

Much sympathy is felt in this and neighbouring parishes for the relatives of Mrs S Beer, who passed away at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Hedden of Broad Parkham after a short illness. The funeral took place in Alwington Churchyard, the Rector officiating. There were many friends and neighbours from Parkham, Hoops and Alwington, besides the family. The bearers were Messrs E T Lott, J Kievill, J Ford, J Sergeant, T Squance and G Lee.

RNLI – Appledore Branch annual meeting. A year of progress.

SS Ashton run down in fog and two Appledore men drowned – Mr Arthur Cook and Mr Edward Cann.

Owing to a special request by several of the local seafaring community and members of the British Legion, the Vicar of Appledore arranged for a short memorial service for M1 at the evening service. After taking a portion of the burial service, the reverend gentleman to a crowded congregation chiefly dressing in mourning, then gave an uplifting address from the lectern, pointing out how proud they all ought to be to feel that they had men who were willing to take great risks by manning the submarines, so that they might maintain the high efficiency of the senior service and thus be ready in case of necessity to defend their country. The service was concluded with ‘Eternal Father’ sung kneeling, and the National Anthem.

Owing to the enterprise of the Postmaster of Bideford, a Sunday post was dispatched from Appledore for the first time on a Sunday evening.

At Bideford County Sessions, the licence of the Prince of Wales Inn, Appledore, was transferred to Miss Eastman, executor of the former licensee, and who has been managing the house for some years.

Appledore Girl Guides whist drive held at Greysands, Northam.

Christmas appeal from John J Nelson, The Manse, Appledore.

Appledore Child Welfare Christmas tree entertainment, with thanks to Mrs Valentine, Mrs Galsworthy and Mrs Harvey.

Thursday’s meeting of Barnstaple and District Employment Committee. Mr Colwill (Bideford) mentioned that at the last meeting a resolution was received from Bideford Sub-Committee that salmon fishing was being done at Appledore, and the same people were taking the unemployment pay as well.

Mr J Heywood, of Northam, presided over a meeting of the Wesley Guild held in the Appledore schoolroom. A very able and interesting address on Missionary Work was given by Mrs Halstead, of Bideford. Reports on the work were given by a number of helpers: Nora Lock, Oliver Smith, Edna Lane, Dolly Baron, Resella Jenkins, Annie Gayette. Solos were given by the Misses a beer and R Hocking, and a duet by the Misses Kathleen Taylor and Edna Lane. This was followed by a coffee supper which was well attended.

A popular wedding took place at St Mary’s Church. The contracting parties were Mr Arthur Stone and Miss Vida Hill, daughter of Mr and Mrs William Hill, of Irsha Streeet. The Vicar officiated. The bride was charmingly dressed in a cinnamon coloured costume with jumper and hat to match. The happy pair left for Plymouth and Tor Cross to spend the honeymoon.

Illness of Mr J N Tuplin, of Appledore.

An interesting career has closed with the death of Mr Frederick Howell-Tucker, of Richmond Terrace, Appledore. Mr Tucker leaves a widow, four daughters and a son to mourn their loss. His eldest daughter, Mrs Baron, predeceased him, and another daughter married Captain Victor Leslie, of the Trinity Pilots. The only son is at present on passage home from Australia with Messrs Shaw-Saville and Co.

The inquest on Mr Thomas Victor Rees, of Appledore, who died on board s.s. Orchis, after unbattening the hold, which contained apples, was resumed when the Coroner, Mr E Hutchings, said he had made the adjournment in order to send details to the Ministry of Health. They were, however, acquainted with the facts, and therefore he returned a verdict of ‘death by the accidental inhalation of carbonic acid gas given off by the apples.’

Petrol lorry runs amok down High Street, Bideford.

‘Unemployed ratepayers’

For shingling, bobbing and Marcel Waving, go to Mrs Seymour Searle, Hairdresser, 1 Bridge Street, Bideford.

Visit Truscott’s, 12 High Street, Bideford.

The British Empire Buick at Heard Brothers Ltd.

The Children’s Ward at Bideford & District Hospital need £250 at once.

The Committee of Devonians in Bristol through the kind influence of Mr Aldred Beer, have unanimously voted £5 5s to the new Bideford Hospital Fund. The widespread response to the Appeal towards the Building Fund has produced in the minds of all who care for the sick – and who does not care? – a feeling of sincere gratitude.

Bideford Fire Brigade – Northam accepts terms.

Bideford Rotarians were given an especially interesting paper at their fortnightly luncheon by Rotarian J D Herridge, who spoke on the history and development of the British Postal Service. The Vice-President, Mr F Lee, who occupied the chair, referred to the national loss in the death of Queen Alexandra, observing that her life symbolized the spirit of Rotary – Service above self.

“On Saturday, 7 November, I was at Northam and left about 10pm. When I got to Mr Carnegie’s I went into Chope’s allotment and pulled a lot of greens and filled up that bag. I also pulled off an armful of cabbages. I heard someone in the road, and I dropped them and ran away. Some I wasted in the lane. I don’t know what made do it.” This, according to PC W H Uglow’s statement to Bideford County Magistrates, was what a Bideford labourer, told him when the constable informed him that a rush basket and an umbrella similar to what he was seen carrying had been found in Chope’s allotment. He was summoned for damage with intent to steal the cabbages, the property of Mr William Turner, gardener, of Clevelands Cottage, Northam.

John Pinsent, electrician, High Street, Bideford, is fined.

The 3^rd North Devon (Bideford) Troop, BP Scouts held their annual whist drive and dance at the BAAC Hall and a most successful evening was the result. The drive commenced at 7.15pm and about 120 people sat down to the tables. More were expected but owing to the severity of the weather the Scouts considered themselves favoured to have had so many brave the rain. The MC was Scoutmaster F Cole, assisted by Patrol Leader R Sheeres, and everything was done to keep things moving and to finish at the appointed time. Prizes were distributed, the winners being: Mrs L Purves, Miss Smale, Mrs Burton, Mr Braddick, Mr C Ashton, Mr E W Cox. Lucky number prizes were won by Miss Hilda Gigg and Mrs Maude Cole, both of which should prove very useful as well as ornamental to the ladies.

Mrs Ward of Bideford has been appointed as one of the Devon County Lawn Tennis Association Selection Committee to assist in connection with ladies’ matches.

The silver plated flask presented to the local police force by Capt J R Braddick, MC, for the best miniature rifle shot, has been won by PC Olding after a close contest with Inspector Parr, only two points dividing them in the final. PC Olding left Bideford having been moved to Broadhempston, his place at Bideford being taken by PC Cotton.

Interesting presentation to Mr John Adams at Bideford United Methodist Church Assembly Hall.

On behalf of the officers, teachers and scholars of the Lavington Sunday School, Bideford, the Rev Alfred Clegg presented to Mrs F Willis, now of Appledore, a copy of the Worship song, as a mark of their appreciation of her services as teacher at the Sunday School for many years.

The marriage arranged between Mr George Lorns Carter-Campbell, of Possil, Lanark, only son of the late Mr Arthur Carter-Campbell, and of Mrs Frank Berkworth, and Diana, daughter of the late Sir Robert Park Lyle, Bart., and Lady Park Lyle, of Eaton Place, took place at St Paul’s, Knightsbridge. Mr Robert Kirkwood gave the bride away. Miss Betty Baldwin, daughter of the Prime Minister and Mrs Baldwin, headed the retinue of six bridesmaids, the others being Miss Dorothy Campbell, Miss Pamela Baker, Miss Rosemary Cohen, Miss Jean Combe and Miss Romaine Combe. Preb Leith Boyd performed the ceremony, and Mr John Paton, late Grenadier Guards was best man. The honeymoon is being spent in the south of France.

The funeral of Charles John Short, of 23 Sunnyside, East-the-Water.

The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of the late Mr William Hearn of Coronation Road, Bideford. The Rev W T Kershaw officiated.

We regret to announce the death of Mrs Braithwaite, wife of Canon Braithwaite. The deceased lady was the eldest daughter of the late Mr E U Vidal, of Cornborough, near Bideford. She began Church work at a very early age, being a Sunday School teacher at the age of 12. She spent a great part of her time in visiting people, though the Church and village were 1½ miles from her home. Canon Braithwaite’s father was curate of Bideford, where the Canon was born, so he and his future wife knew each other from a very early age. Mrs Braithwaite was one of the earliest secretaries of the GFS being appointed by the Rural Deaneries of Hartland and Torrington. The deceased lady had been in declining health for some three months and suddenly became unconscious and sank to rest.

Death and funeral of Bideford tradesman, Mr Edward Pridham.

Bradworthy news.

At the opening of the new skittle alley, in connection with the ex-Service Men’s Institute, a competition for a silver cup, given by Mr C Gloyn, resulted: Bradworthy, 719 points, Bradworthy, 717, Langtree, 716, Hartland, 701, Hartland and Buckland Brewer, 681 each, Morwenstow, 653, and Bradworthy, 649.

The Bradworthy Branch of the Women’s Institute.

There was an attendance of 42 at the monthly meeting of the Bradworthy Women’s Institute. Various competitions were judged by vote. Beautifully dressed dolls were entered for the doll dressing competition, and Miss Ream was the winner. Mrs Hearn won the box of chocolates for the best six penny articles, for which there were nearly 230 entries. Miss E G V Ashton was the winner of the best article made from dish-cloths. Candidates were nominated for next year’s committee, and tea was provided.

At Bradworthy, the bazaar and sale of work for the reduction of the debt on the Wesleyan Church, involved by the recent alterations and the installation of the electric light, took place in the Wesleyan Schoolrooms and garage. The bazaar was opened by Mrs Baker. The various stalls under the charge of a large body of willing hands, realized a gratifying sum. Tea was served. The evening concert was well attended and artistes from Holsworthy and Bradworthy gave an excellent programme, while the Wesleyan Choir rendered two anthems during the evening. The takings for the day amounted to £86.

The Young People’s Guild met in Bradworthy Wesleyan Church when Miss F Martin presided over a large company, Miss Brown gave an interesting paper on ‘Glimpses of the Cornish Coast’, whilst Mr H E Dunstar gave a talk on ‘geographical conditions that influence character.’ Misses J Balsdon and M Dunstan sang a duet, Mr S Wickett being the organist.

After an illness lasting only two days, Mr Joseph Hawkins passed away at Newlands, Bradworthy. The funeral took place in the Churchyard, the Vicar officiating. A large and representative gathering of parishioners was present.

A lecture on Canada dealing with emigration will be delivered at Buckland Brewer by Mr H S Cotterill, of the Colonization Department of the Canadian National Railways. The lectures will be illustrated by an interesting film depicting the life story of a British settler.

Buckland Brewer Wesleyan Missionary meeting.

A short memorial service for the late Queen Alexandra was held at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly. The service was conducted by the Rector, Rev T L V Simkin.

A very pretty wedding has taken place at All Saints’ Church, the contracting parties being Mr Walter Daniel, son of Mr William Daniel, Alwington, and Miss Violet Braund, daughter of Mr and Mrs Albert Braund, North Hill, Clovelly. Rev T L V Simkin officiated.

Sympathy for the family of Mr Thomas Andrew from Clovelly Church Council.

The news of the death of Mrs Brenchley, who passed away at the Gardens, Clovelly Court, was received by her many intimate friends with deep regret. Deceased had been failing health for some time but was able to receive the congratulations of her friends and neighbours on her 80^th birthday a month previous to her death. Quiet and unassuming in her manner, Mrs Brenchley possessed a warm hearted and generous disposition and was sincerely liked and highly respected by all who knew her. Much sympathy is felt for Mr H Tuke in his bereavement. The interment, which was appropriately of a quiet and simple character, took place at All Saints’ Church.

Clovelly news.

The juvenile holders of the ‘Society for the Propagation of the Gospel’ Missionary boxes in Clovelly have been entertained to tea by the Rector, Rev Simkin. Games of all kinds were indulged in during the evening and a very happy time was spent. Led by Mr P Ellis, hearty cheers were accorded to the Rector for his kindness.

At a committee meeting of the Dolton Horticultural Society, the annual report showed a deficit of £9 10s. This was accounted for by the extraordinary wet day, torrents of rain falling during the whole of the day of the annual show. Consequently, the gate was 300 less than the average attendance. The Committee are to be congratulated on getting off so lightly under the circumstances.

The death of Mr Henry Clemens, Upcott, Dolton, is announced.

Before Barnstaple County Bench William Newcombe was charged with trespassing in pursuit of conies at Fremington. He did not appear but wrote pleading guilty, expressing sorrow and his determination to ‘finish up with rabbiting altogether.’

The marriage of Constance, Lady Baird, of Fremington, and Lord Charles Kennedy, second son of Marquis of Ailsa, will be solemnised at St George’s, Hanover Square, London, on Tuesday, the 15^th inst.

At Frithelstock, the funeral of Mrs A Hearn, of Catsburgh, takes place.

Hartland news.

Wesleyan bazaar at Hartland.

John Bromell, a young man, of Hartland, has his fine reduced.

Miss Stucley and party gave an entertainment at the Palladium in connection with the Hartland Branch of the NW Decon Conservatives Association. A three-part sketch was enacted and Miss Betty Stucley rendered two recitations. Mr Barry gave a couple of monologues, and others also contributed to the programme. A dance followed at which Mrs Frayne and Mrs T Prouse, Miss B Pillman and Mr Charles Barter were pianists. Mr W Heard was MC. There was a good attendance and refreshments were provided. Mr T Allin proposed a vote of thanks.

About 100 attended the Christmas party of the Women’s Institute at Hartland Palladium. A jazz band comprising a dozen members with Mrs T Prouse as pianist provided music for dancing. Solos were given by Mrs Huggins, Misses Florrie Colwill and Doris Pyne; recitations by Miss Foster and Mr John Colwill. Mrs A W Jeffery presided. An enjoyable time was spent.

At Hartland, an outbreak of fire was discovered at the Council Schools by men working on the playground. After investigation it was found that the house containing the heating apparatus was alight.

Mr John Prouse who was for many years ‘hind’ for Mr Hutchings at Warmleigh died at West Street, Hartland, after a long illness. The funeral was at the Cemetery, Pastor Trudgeon officiated and Mr F Christmas was the organist.

Amid manifestations of sorrow the funeral took place at the United Methodist Cemetery of Mrs W J Goaman, of Hartland, who was beloved by everyone with whom she was acquainted. The officiating ministers were Revs Dennis and Trudgeon. The bearers were Messrs Cory, T Jeffery, J Pickard, J Cruse, J Slee and R Wade. Many friends awaited the cortege at the Church.

Instow news.

A delightful concert was given in the rifle hall in aid of the church funds. The following artists assisted: Miss C Alford, Mrs F Burden, Miss L Harper, Mr W Frayne, Mr Sydney Harper, Mr Kingdon, Mr F A Lile and several choir boys from the Barnstaple Parish Church.

Instow whist drive.

The death occurred at Lane End of one of Instow’s oldest parishioners, the person of Mrs E Pidler, who was in her 86^th year. Deceased came of a well-known Instow family, and her husband was for many years the village postman.

News of the death of Mr Chamberlain Hinchliff, of Hillside, Instow, will occasion deep regret among a wide circle of friends in North Devon. Deceased died at Southampton where he had gone only the previous day. Deceased was the eldest son of the late Major Hinchliff, who for many years lived at Worlington House, Instow. He was educated at the old United Services College, Westward Ho! where he was a scholar at the same time as Rudyard Kipling. He spent most of his subsequent life farming in the Argentine. As in England on his return he played a good deal of polo. He figured prominently in the polo tournaments, and matches that were held many years ago at Fremington, and also played in other parts of the country.

The death occurred at Bridge Cottage, Instow, of Mr Edward NanceKivell, an ex-member of the police force, at the age of 60 years. Deceased was stationed at Instow ten years prior to his retirement. The last years of his life were spent gardening, and he carried out the duties of gardener for Mrs Critchley-Salmonson and General Kelham. He was well-known in public life in Instow, was an active member of the Conservative Club and the Rifle Club, He leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters.

Landcross Wesleyan Church – Chapel re-opened after renovation.

A missionary lantern lecture was given by the Rev Nelson in the Langtree Church Room, and was much appreciated by the large audience.

The Rector, the Rev Bernard Hallowes, preaching at Langtree, and alluding to the death of Queen Alexandra, said looking back over the long period in which she had been Princess of Wales, Queen, and Queen Mother, they remembered especially her warmth of heart, her sympathy, and her readiness to help the cause of charity which owed so much to her. She won the love of the English race throughout the world. A muffled peal was rung after the service.

A branch of the Women’s Constitutional Association has been formed in Langtree parish in which Petersmarland has joined. Many members have joined. Mrs Hackwill, Luddon, has been elected Chairman, and Mrs S Cole, Secretary.

Memorial service held on Lundy Island.

It was reported that the weather on Lundy Island had been most tempestuous and half an inch of ice was noticed for the first time during the last 25 years.

Doctors for Lundy – insurance committee’s scheme.

The Vicar of Appledore completed his 30^th trip to Lundy in ss Lerina, that is 1,500 miles, and conducted some bright Christmas services, which were well supported.

Petty Officer Signalman Smith, Mrs Smith and Miss Irene Smith have left Lundy for good, as Mr Smith is transferred to Dungeness Signal Station. Mr Millbond from Burnt Island has relieved Mr Smith. Mr Otley is also leaving Lundy to join the same staff but will wait for Mr White to join Lundy Staff from Dungeness.

Rev E S J D’Alessio, BA, has been licensed to the curacy of Northam.

Northam Artizans Club at dinner at the King’s Head Hotel.

Mr Walter Withecombe, butcher, of Northam, pleads guilty and the case is dismissed.

The marriage was quietly solemnized at Bideford of Mr R W Littlejohns, second son of Mr Littlejohns, builder, Northam, and Miss Ada Jeffery of East view, Meddon Street. The Rev C B Crofts officiated and the best man was Mr T Littlejohns, brother. A large number of friends from Northam and Bideford were present and included the Vicar of Northam, Rev G G Payne Cook, and Mr and Mrs Lanyon Nickels. The honeymoon is being spent at Devon port and Dartmouth.

The funeral of the late Mrs Scott, of Cleftridge, Northam, widow of the late Captain Osmund Scott, of Smytham, took place at Little Torrington Church, the Rev H D F Pollock officiating. Messrs C Broad, T Copp, W Turner, H Brimacombe, W Palmer and H Weeks acted as bearers.

The funeral of Mrs Becklake of Holwell Farm, Parkham, takes place.

The Missionary Meeting was held at Parkham Wesleyan Chapel. Mr W Joslin presided and the address was given by Mrs Halstead. Missionary recitations were given by Maud and George Chubb, Lizzie Piper, Edith Heal, Gwen Honey, Doris Huxtable, Herbert Heywood, Herbert Smith, Reg Heal and Cecil Heddon. Miss E Martin’s box contained £5 18s which good amount is the second highest of any individual effort in the Bideford Circuit.

A successful whist drive at Shebbear.

Troops from Shebbear, Black Torrington, Buckland Filleigh, and Shebbear College participated in a Boy Scout scheme arranged by Major Scott Browne, of Buckland Filleigh. They were subsequently entertained to tea at the College through the kindness of Rev and Mrs J Ford Reed.

The Vicar of Shebbear, Rev T E Fox, announces resignation.

Shebbear news.

Torrington memorial service for Queen Alexandra.

Pupils of Blue Coat School, Torrington, gave successful performances of the Christmas pantomime at the Town Hall. There were large attendances and great credit for the talented productions is reflected on Mr and Mrs Hopson, who were the joint organisers, assisted by Misses Passmore, N Norman, and Lake, and Miss F Atwill, who was the pianoforte accompanist.

Torrington Co-Operative Society, Ltd. for your Christmas shopping.

There was an informal meeting of the Trustees of the Town Lands and Town Council at Torrington Post Office for the opening of the extension.

Whilst playing football on a frosty ground, Fred Reed, a young man of Calf Street, slipped and broke an arm.

Prize winners at the ex-service men’s weekly whist drive were: Mrs Evans; Miss Murthwait; Mrs Pullen; S Popham; F Hutchings; E Baker.

The need for new instruments for Torrington Town Band was pointed out by Bandmaster J Vickery in a letter read at a joint meeting of the Town Council and Trustees of the Town and Alms Lands in the Council Chamber, the Mayor, Mr Charles Popham, presiding. Apart from an old cornet purchased about two years ago for £1 10s, nothing had been purchased since 1913, with the natural result that most of the old brass cornets were worn out and of no further use.

The Chairman, Mr J Squance, reported at the fortnightly meeting of the Torrington Board of Guardians that the House Committee had considered a report by Mr Duff, the Ministry’s Inspector, who was not satisfied with the casual wards and recommended the installation of a system of heating.

Fire at Torrington and two cottages, owned by Mr and Mrs Harry Mitchell, are gutted.

Later in the month … Mr J Puddicombe, referring at Saturday’s meeting of the Torrington Board of Guardians, to the recent fire when two cottages near the Workhouse were burned down, said reports circulated that water could not be got to the houses. He should like to know what position the Workhouse stood in case of fire? Mr Tippett said he understood that water was available the moment if was turned on from the reservoir. The difficulty was that it has not been diverted from the other part of the town to New-street. The moment that was done there was plenty of water, he believed.

The wedding of Mr Alfred Down and Miss Florence Gent at St Michael’s Church, Torrington.

The wedding was solemnised at the the St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, of Mr William J Cockwill and Miss Elinor Ebsary, third daughter of Mrs Ebsary and the late Mr Richard Ebsary, Cornmarket Street, Torrington. The bride was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr Bert Norman. Later in the afternoon the happy couple left for Meeth, their future home.

We regret to announce the death of Mr James Batten which took place at the residence of his daughter, Mrs R J Tippett, High Street, Torrington. Mr Batten was one of the oldest and most respected inhabitants of his native town and held various offices in connection with the religious and social activities of his generation. As a distinguished member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, he was twice called to the position of Chief Ranger which office he filled to the complete satisfaction of his fellow members of the ‘Queen of the West’ Court.

Mr Charles Hutchings, of Well-street, Torrington, was a staunch Churchman and a member of the Church choir for 45 years, a ringer and sidesman of the Church and a most prominent member of the Torrington Bowling Club, and was very respected. A very active participant in all kinds of sport for 25 years, he was a Colour Sergeant in the old Volunteer Regt.

At Westleigh, the funeral of the late Mr Charles Oliver takes place.

An interesting meeting was held at Rockingham, Westward Ho! The chairman, Mr G M Doe, expressed his pleasure that a centre of Theosophical Society was now established in the district. For her subject, the speaker, Mrs Lavender, MA, LLA, took “Have we lived before?” Anyone who would care to join the study class, or who would like any further information is invited to communicate with Miss Foll or Miss Fuller.

Westward Ho! Art Club – junior exhibition.

The financial result of the GFS entertainment at the Station Hall, Westward Ho! was a follows: Receipts – Tickets, £28 12s 9d, sweets and programmes, £5 15s 3d – total 334 8s, and expenses – printing £1 8s, acting fees, 33 15s, gas fittings, 13s 9d, carting chairs, 15s; sundries, 3s 3d – total £6 15s, leaving a balance of £27 14s to pay off debt on piano and make improvements to the stage and hall.

Mr W Jeffery, professional golfer, of Weston-Super-Mare and late of Westward Ho! is reported to have died suddenly on the links at Weston.

Aubrey Andrew, farmer’s son, of Dipple Farm, Woolsery was summoned for being in possession of a gaff with the intention of illegally taking or killing salmon by means thereof. Defendant did not appear, but sent a letter hoping to be excused attendance as he was the only one at home to feed and look after the cattle.