100 Years Ago

Years Ago - August

August 1924

Births – Oerton – August 1st at 5 Bay View, Northam, the wife of Thomas Oerton, jun,. a daughter; Taylor – August 4th at 15 Lower Gunstone, Bideford, the wife of J J Taylor (well known golf professional at Crews Hill, London), a son; August 19th at Tapeley Lodge, Instow, to Mr and Mrs Colegate, a son.

Marriages – Eastmond-Bonetta – August 9th at St Mary’s Church, Bideford; Greenslade-Kivell – 25th August at St Mary’s Church.

Deaths – John S Braunton (14 Union Street, Bideford); George Blight Fisher (12 Buttgarden Street); Olive Garvice; Clara Walker (Marsland, Bideford); Eric Spring; Cedric Mark George Stoneman; Maria Branch (31 High Street); Minnie Jenkins (Horns Cross); Elizabeth Ann Lesley (Bude Street, Appledore); Elizabeth Jane Spindler (Tapeley, Instow).

The weather 100 years ago seems to have been much the same as we are experiencing this year. For a Bank Holiday the weather was as disappointing and depressing, as it could possibly be. When it was not actually raining the district was shrouded in a steamy mist. Yet, notwithstanding….

Advice for landladies...don't forget

And you might need to keep your lodgers entertained with a wireless - take it to Stephens, Brain & Co. Ltd, in the High Street, Bideford..

At Barnstaple and District Employment Committee, in reference to unemployment figures at Bideford, it was reported that 20 men were asked for for ballasting on Torrington-Halwill Railway. The job was put to over 40 men considered capable of doing it, but the manager was only able to get one to come forward, a shipwright who volunteered. Mr Labbett said the men were seafaring men and out of the lot not ten were fit for navvy’s work, and he complained they lost the dole by refusing.

Kenwith Barton, in the parishes of Abbotsham, Northam and Bideford, is for sale.

Mr and Mr T H Kelly of 1 Odun Road, Appledore, celebrated their golden wedding receiving many congratulations. They were married at the Congregational Church by the Rev T J Leslie. Mr and Mrs Kelly went to South Africa where for many years Mr Kelly was engaged as traveller by one of the largest firm of merchants at Port Elizabeth, finally settling at Appledore, their native town. There are four sons and one daughter.

Appledore licensed victuallers were at Bideford County Sessions granted permission to keep their premises open from 10am to 10pm continuously on Regatta day (13th August).

A visitor’s impression of the Appledore midden.

The Fete and Fancy Fair held at Appledore on August Bank Holiday, was in spite of the weather, one of the brightest and most successful events held for some time. The Committee of the Appledore Regatta and the Appledore Football Club, amalgamated for the effort, and with a fine spirit of harmony, carried the whole thing through splendidly. The Hon. Denys Scott, with great kindness, placed his beautiful grounds, The Holt, at the disposal of the Committee, and met with officers in the morning and helped them to select the most sheltered spots.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore, of the late Mr Richard Cole, eldest son of Capt and Mrs Cole, of Irsha-street, whose death occurred after a prolonged illness….

Engine off line at Bideford. Was it foul play?

Prior to the ‘break up’ for the summer vacation all the scholars and staff of Bideford Edgehill College assembled in the gymnasium to make a presentation to Miss E O Johnson, BA, who has been Headmistress for fifteen years, and is leaving to take control of her new school at Arley Castle, Worcestershire. Mr Robert Blakemore, chairman of the College Executive presided. Apologies were announced from Mr J H Beckley, the Rev W B Reed, and Alderman J U Fulford, JP. Amongst those present were Mr J Rounsefell, MA, Rev W And Mrs Treffry, Rev John Ford Reed, Rev W Rodda, Mrs R Dymond and Mrs Blackmore. During Miss Johnson’s term some 600 girls had passed through the school.

Buy Burton’s jams from The India & China Tea Co. in High Street and Grenville Street, Bideford.

A slight argument between a touring car and a heavy ice motor van in High-street, Bideford, resulted in the back axle of the latter being put out of action and the car having to be towed away for repairs. A motor car and a motor cycle and sidecar, driven respectively by Mrs L C Smith (accompanied by her mother, Mrs Montague) and by Mr R J Hearn, of Bideford (accompanied by Miss Pickard, Northam) collided at the blind corner outside the Mermaid Inn, High-street, Barnstaple. Miss Pickard was thrown out of the side-car and badly bruised, whilst the motor cycle was considerably damaged. The damage to the car was slight.

Bideford v Instow cricket match ended in a win for the homesters by 79 runs. For Bideford, H Downing took 4 wickets for 4 runs, and H Cowell 4 for 4. Rice took 4 wickets for 30. H Mules made a useful 31 for Bideford. Score:

Ingleside, 17 Westcroft Terrace, Bideford, for sale.

The famous Trealaw Silver Band visited Bideford during the August Bank Holiday weekend. On Saturday evening a concert was given in the Church Institute, presided over by Councillor H W Huxham, deputy Mayor. On Sunday afternoon a splendid, well attended concert was given in the Market, with his Worship the Mayor, Mr F T Upton, in the chair. Ensign Smith, Captain of the Bideford Salvation Army extended a hearty welcome to the Mayor.

Daisy Day held in Bideford proved a huge success, realising a larger amount than every before. A total of £35 2s 6d was collected by a willing band of helpers with Miss M Leonard, again as the enthusiastic secretary. She received a warm letter of thanks from Rev W Hodson Smith, the Principal of the National Children’s Home and Orphanage.

In the last three months, the Bideford Hospital stall in the Pannier Market has received 2000 eggs and 38lbs of butter as well as a variety of other comestibles. There were two hundred entries for the Bideford Horse Show but the rain affected attendance as it alternated between heavy rain and thick mist. Bideford Sports Ground Tennis Hard Courts are now open to the public. The charges are 2/- per court per hour for two players and 3/- for four players.

We regret to report the death, which took place under tragic circumstances, of Mr Cedric Mark George Stoneman. The deceased was the son of Mr and Mrs George Stoneman, of 25 Brookfield-street, East-the-Water, Bideford, and was for several years a clerk in the office of Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward, Solicitors, after which he took up an appointment at Chard. Mr Stoneman, who was of a very obliging disposition, and always ready to be of service, was well known in junior local football circles. Much sympathy is expressed with his relatives in their sudden and sad bereavement.

Success attended the second annual exhibition of the Bradworthy Poultry and Horticultural Society held in the Vicarage Grounds under the presidency of Major E J W Spread, OBE, MC, reflecting great credit on the energetic secretaries, Mr A F Balsdon and Mr J Bennett, whose efforts were ably seconded by a strong local committee. The grounds loaned by the Vicar, Rev A E Dobson, readily transformed themselves, the Bradworthy band, under Bandmaster Cholwill, discoursing suitable selections during the afternoon. The judges were Messrs W M Appleton, R Walter, J Bevan, Monro, Mesdames Spread, Martin, T Blight, S G Dobson, and Mr S Bromell as treasurer. The prize list included: Mrs R Jennings, Miss V Agnew, W G Vivian, W Pickard, Major Spread, H Rich, F Mitchell, W Wickett, T Blight, W Seldon, Com. Corlett, Mrs Braund, Mrs W Parfett, S Trewin, G Holden, Miss Furze, Mrs Betts, Mrs Gloyn, Holden, W Harding, Mrs R Jennings, Miss Ashton, Bere, Miss Turner, Miss G Martin, Rev Dobson, Master A Trewin.

After being closed for the installation of new choir seats and a renovation of the whole premises, the Wesleyan Church at Bradworthy has now been reopened. The door was unlocked by Mrs Saunders (Stratton) who after being introduced by Rev G H Schofield, have a very inspiring message to the congregation.

The wedding took place at St Mary and St Benedict, Buckland Brewer, of Sub-Lieut John G Hewitt, RN, HMS Barham, only son of Mr and Mrs G Hewitt, New Zealand, and Miss Esther G Stokes, elder daughter of the late Mr Graham Stokes, and Mrs Graham Stokes, Glen Cottage, Buckland Brewer. The Rev J F Kendall, vicar of Richmond and the Rev G Clitheroe, vicar of Buckland Brewer officiated. The bride was given away by her brother, and the bridesmaids were Misses Mary Stokes, Halland, Elizabeth Berger, and Patricia Cuthbertson. Sub-Lieut J P Wright, RN, was ‘best man’.

Burn the Buckland Brewer cottage down?

Clovelly news - at the recent School Examination (Div 1) of the Associated Board of the R.A.M and R.C. M, M Anstey and E Thomas, pupils of Miss I Bushell, passed successfully.

Considering there are 200 cars and charabancs a day going to Clovelly, and the tremendous amount of traffic on the Bideford-Westward Ho! road, this district has been particularly free from serious accidents.

As a result of the sale of flags at Frithelstock, in aid of the Devon Cancer Fund, the sum of £6 has been sent. The following young ladies were the collectors: Miss Greta Johns, Miss Olive Ford, Miss Olive Johns, Miss Hookway, Miss Groom and Miss Moore.

Hartland Cottage Garden Show. The sixty-second exhibition of the Hartland Cottage Garden Society was favoured with good weather, and beat all records. There was a fine array of exhibits; the band played wonderfully well; the sports were well contested and not too long drawn out; and the visitors who came in such large numbers expressed their utmost satisfaction. Nearly 200 schooldren, headed by the Band marched into the South Deer Park soon after two oclock. Mr Charles Dayman, of Millhill, took 14 firsts, 1 second, 3 third, and 3 fourth prizes – 21 out of 23 entries.

The Vicar officiated at the funeral of Mrs M A Passmore of Hartland.

The funeral of the late Mr C H Cleverdon took place at Hartland, the Vicar officiating.

The funeral of Mrs R Jeffery of Rosedown took place with Pastor Trudgeon officiating. Mr F Christmas accompanied the hymns, and Messrs E Beer, W Branton, T and R Hobbs, G, L and J Littlejohns acted as bearers.

After a long illness Mr Frederick Bond died of consumption at Harton Cross. Over 130 men took turns in carrying the coffin to the churchyard for the funeral at Hartland with the Vicar officiating and Miss Bertha Pillman playing at the organ.. Those acting as official bearers were: Messrs John Bragg, J A George, Thomas Heard, J K Jeffery, Charles Oke, and Walter Wickett.

Mr Mann, who is staying at Beckland, accompanied by his wife, met with a serious cycling accident when going down Highdown hill. He was thrown off near Yapham Cross and sustained severe injuries. Mr Henry Colwill of Exmansworthy was fortunately at hand with a cart and conveyed Mr Mann to Mr C Vanstone’s and another gentleman went for the nurse and Dr Kay. Soon after, the sufferer was removed to Beckland where he lay unconscious for some time.

The flag day in aid of the Devon Cancer Fund, was organised by Miss Florrie Colwill of Hartland. Young ladies selling the St George and Dragon badges were:

The funeral of Mr John Pethebridge Downing, whose regretted death at Horwood at the age of 69 was reported last week, took place at Horwood, the Rev T B Dimond Hogg (Fremington) and G V Yonge officiating. Mr Downing is renowned as the man responsible for introducing steam rollers into the district.

North Devon Sailing Club, Instow, carried out eleven races in July, the aggregate prize for the month, given by Mr J S Marriott, being won by Brig-Gen Sanders, Dr Scott being second. The Peto Challenge cup was won by Dr Scott, Mr D C Sanders being second, and Mr Isemonger third. The weather affected the Bank Holiday crowds, with Westward Ho! and Instow being shrouded in “a steamy mist” and the beaches almost deserted.

Instow assault charge – one defendant fined; case against another dismissed. Dealing with the charge, Mr Copp said that on the date mentioned in the charge his client left his house at Instow, went up to his garden, which was reached by a lane passing his own house. In the same lane was the workshop in which the defendant worked in a workshop. He heard the defendant muttering but the words being partly inaudible he proceeded to his garden, which he shared with two others. He went into the garden and defendant came up, using bad language, and struck him in the face.

Stock from The Barton, Instow, for sale.

Arranged by Mr H Miles, Devon Cancer Flag Day was observed at Instow when the sum of £8 13s 3d was collected by the following: Miss Margaret Sanders, Miss Betty Molland, Miss Jenkins, Miss Gladys Heal, Miss Syliva Miles and Gwendoline Dark. The many friends at Instow and Appledore will be pleased to hear of Iris Lamey’s success in winning a free scholarship in a secondary school at Plymouth. Lately residing at Instow, she is the daughter of Mr Lamey, RN, commissioned shipwright, HMS Marlborough and Mrs Lamey, Devonport. A reward of £10 is being offered after two sheep were found shot dead in fields near The Barton, Instow, property of Mr H Turner.

At Friday’s meeting of Barnstaple Rural District Council Mr Miles drew attention to a number of hydrants in the roads at Instow being completely covered with tar-macadam, and as this was likely to prove awkward in case of fire, suggested some action should be taken. The clerk was instructed to look into the matter of the agreement between the Council and the Water Company.

The funeral has taken place in Medicine Hat, Assinibora, a town on the Canadian Pacific Railway about 660 miles west of Winnipeg, of Mr S J Glover, a native of Langtree.

The death has taken place of Miss Iris G Copp, eldest daughter of Mrs Copp and the late Mr Copp, of Clements Week, Langtree.

The Langtree Church School scholars have had their annual outing, visiting Westward Ho! in good weather. They were accompanied by the Rector and teachers, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The United Methodist Sunday School children have also had their annual out at Westward Ho!

Following upon a complaint that the working of Wrangston Quarry, Littleham, was endangering the stability of buildings in the vicinity, and a warning from the owner that they would receive notice to leave, Bideford Rural Council, acting on a recommendation of a Committee which had investigated the matter, decided to cease blasting at once and to look out for another quarry.

At Bideford County Session before Mr H N G Stucley and other magistrates, Frederick William Dark of Instow, Master of the Lundy Island motor mail boat Lerina the property of Mr A L Christie, of Tapeley, was, under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, summoned for carrying an excess of passengers without a passenger certificate. Mr Gerald Oerton appeared for the defendant. Thomas Hutchings, master mariner, of The Myrtles, Appledore, called as a witness, said he was in the middle of the river and saw ‘a few’ passengers on the Lerina. Mr S G P Hannam, Chief of Customs at Appledore said the Lerina passenger certificate expired in October last year and had not been renewed. Witness said that the defendant was warned not to contravene the regulations of which he was quite aware. Mr Oerton said he had to admit that a technical offence had been committed and asked that it should be dealt with under the Probation of Offenders Act. His client had been on the Lundy service for 30 years and this was the only thing up against him. The Chairman told the defendant the Bench found him guilty, but would dismiss the case, and pay the expenses which included 5s for the witness Hutchings. Mr Hutchings said 5s was a small fee for a Master mariner; he generally got a guinea or eighteen shillings as a witness. The Bench refused to give him more.

With fine weather backing up energetic effort and a deal of hard work by a willing band of enthusiastic workers, Monkleigh Fete was a huge success, from which the District Nursing Association will benefit by some £40 15s after the discharge of all expenses. By kind permission of Mr H Bond the event was held in the Barton Grounds.

There is still some hay waiting to be carried in Morwenstow where the weather over the past few weeks is described as being “catchy”.

We are very pleased to announce that the Vicar of Northam, Rev Gerald G Payne Cook, MA, RD, after eleven week’s illness is leaving the Nursing Home this week for Harrogate where he will undergo treatment and complete his convalescence.

The result of the Daisy Day collection in aid of the National Children’s Home and Orphanage in Northam and District was as follows:

At Parkham, some corn was driven down owing to the recent continuous rough and wet weather, but most of it has since recovered. The land was so saturated with water that the Boy Scouts who were encamped near the school had to look for fresh quarters, permission being given for them to go to the Parish Room.

Parkham annual garden show and sports, favoured with good weather, a capital attendance and a record entry of first class exhibits, was again, under the presidency of Mr F J Oldacres, a glorious success. Thanks to the generous support of local residents, an attractive prize list was provided, and about 60 classes drew an array of exhibits which was a credit to the neighbourhood. There were considerably over 300 entries. Nor was the amusement side of the fixture forgotten. By the generosity of the President, the Parkham Band was again in attendance, and a lengthy and varied programme of sports took place. All the competitors were as keen as mustard. Skittling and bowling for live pigs were as popular as ever. And for the creation of a really healthy appetite, commend one to breezy Parkham’s heights. In making provision to meet these wants, the ladies excelled and the Schoolroom was filled over and over again.

Parkham and the surrounding district learnt with regret of the death of Miss Minnie Jenkins, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J T Jenkins, of Horns Cross. Deceased was well known in local musical circles and prior to her resignation through indifferent health was for several years organist at the parish church. She took a practical interest in the….

Shebbear news - The funeral of Mrs T Curtis took place in the United Methodist burial ground at Lake. Held in high esteem by all who knew her, her demise caused general regret, and deep sympathy is extended to the bereaved husband and family.

Quite a gloom was cast over the parish of Shebbear when it became known that Mr Percy Wheeler, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J Wheeler, of Caute, Shebbear, had passed away, following a second operation. The deepest sympathy will be extended to the deceased’s parents in their bereavement. His funeral took place in the United Methodist cemetery at Rowden.

St Giles Cottage Garden Society Show included choosing the two most popular young ladies between the ages of 16 and 25 years, born and resident in the village, and the one most popular young man.

An order has been given for the complete restoration of the peal of five bells at Thornbury Church. They are to be removed from the old frames, the beams and old fittings removed from the tower and new steel joists with a massive self-supporting iron bell frame installed. The work will be done by William Aggett and Sons from Chagford.

Torrington Guardians, Mr J Squance presiding, approved a recommendation of the House Committee to instal a hot water system at an estimated cost of £25. It was stated that in the opinion of the Master this would save £50 a year in fuel.

Torrington bowlers have maintained in the Devon County championship competitions the splendid record established by members of the Torrington Club in these competitions in recent years. At Paignton, Messrs R J Tippett and R Hartnoll won in the final for pairs, and Mr Reginald Hodge won the singles championship. Last year the singles competition was won by Mr Walter J Slee, also of Torrington, and Mr R Hodge (the son of Alderman F W Hodge, the genial Hon. Secretary of the Torrington Club), had previously won the championship. Messrs W J Slee and R Hodge have also a win in the pairs to their credit.

The wedding was solemnised in the Parish Church, Torrington, by the Vicar, Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones, of Mr Allen Llewellyn Chapple, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Milton Chapple, Rosendale, Torrington, ex Mayor and Mayoress, and Miss Gertrude Amy Doe, fourth daughter of Mrs Doe and the late Mr R M Doe, South-street, Torrington.

A pretty wedding which was solemnised at Flinders street Baptist-church, Adelaide, South Australia, the contracting parties being Mr Arthur Ernest Hill and Miss Kathleen Combe Parnacott, younger daughter of Mr and the late Mrs Parnacott, of 26 New-street, Torrington.

At the monthly meeting of Torrington Town Council, Dr F Pridham, medical officer of health, applied for an increase of his salary, which was at present £30 per annum. Dr Pridham pointed out he had had no increase since he had held the position bu the had not applied before, because being a ratepayer himself he knew how the rates had increased. Mr W Barnwell moved an increased of £10 which was seconded by Mr R F L Penhale but the motion was withdrawn in favour of another by Mr Harold Vincent, seconded by Mr Milton Chapple, that the increase be £20, the latter sum being unanimously agreed to, subject to the Ministry’s approval.

During the past week Mr Drew, of Little Torrington, had a cat which gave birth to five kittens. In the same shed as a broody hen which took charge of the little family nestling them under her wings. Mr Drew, surprised, removed the mother cat and her newly-born to a more secluded spot in another part of the shed. During the afternoon, he was even more surprised to find the hen had collected the kittens and carried them back to her nest.

A Cancer Flag Day collection in the Wear Gifford Parish resulted in obtaining £5 7s. Mr T Wilton directed the collection. Mrs Moyses, Miss Moore and Mr W Wilton acted as collectors. Thanks are due to them for the energetic way they conducted it.

A grand fete at Westleigh.

Westward Ho! coast defence. Mr W J Pursey denies a bogus interview regarding the proposal to spend £6,000 on coast defence works at Westward Ho! intended to take the place of a much more elaborated scheme.

Return visit of Jan Stewer supported by Miss Gladys Latham and Peter at Torrington Town Hall and Westward Ho! Station Hall.

Bona Vista, Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! for sale.

1 Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale.

It was with feelings of very genuine regret the news was received through the continued ill-health of Miss Florence Houldsworth she and her sister had finally decided to transfer their place of residence from Westward Ho! to Richmond. The Westward Ho! Cup Competition which the Misses Houldsworth were instrumental in founding in the early days of North Devon Association Football is still one of the most flourishing of its kind, not only in the locality which it serves, but in the county. Annually have the Misses Houldsworth entertained the finalists and provided medals for them to say nothing of contributing handsomely towards the expenses of the final, which in deference to their wishes has, save one year, always been played in a public park to give those who could ill-afford to pay to see football a chance of seeing a good match.

It was with pardonable pride that, at the Northam Manor Court luncheon, Capt Prideaux-Brune referred to the attraction of Westward Ho! Golf Links, which he extolled as the best in the kingdom. Without doubt these links are known and highly spoken of wherever golfers assemble. It says something for their excellence that they have been placed on the permanent rota of championship courses, and that the amateur golf championship is to be played on them next year.

Westward Ho! Art Club’s exhibition at Bideford Bridge Hall was very successful, but the reporter remarks that next year the committee “might usefully devote more attention to presentation”.

August 1974

An instant Tree Preservation Order was placed on 30 acres of beech trees at Webbery Wood, Alverdiscott, by the Development and Leisure Services committee of Torridge District Council. Mr C Barber, the Council’s chief technical officer, said he had received letters from a considerable number of residents about this attractive area of woodland which it was felt could be at risk. He considered there could be some substance in the anxiety. Cllr W C Tanton said that while the value of the timber would be quite high the amenity value was greater. It was an area of absolutely outstanding beauty.

The top storey of a two-storey barn was completely destroyed together with 240 bales of hay when fire broke out at Alscott Barton, Alverdiscott. Firemen from Bideford and Torrington were at the scene.

Appledore shipwright Mr John Kirkwood Bowden of Tomouth Road is to receive the Queen’s Commendation from the Minister of State Mr Michael Foot at a ceremony in the main conference room at St James’ Square, London, on September 16. The award was made to Mr Bowden for his courage at the Appledore Shipyard in August 1972. For his gallantry Mr Bowden has already received a framed certificate from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.

Carol Edwards, the youngest member of Appledore Band, receives a baritone from Northam Town Mayor, Mr Rupert Hill, her share of the £6,300 instruments now owned by the band. Altogether Mr Hill handed to individual members 24 new instruments bought with £4,000 given by the old Northam Urban Council, in the nature of a ‘deathbed gift’, plus £1,300 raised by the band and a trade-in allowance on their old instruments.

Local jazz band, Solohelm Mungaash, turns down the chance of a 12-week curise to Australia and a six-month tour, and is content to confine themselves to the West-country scene. So successful is the band it is difficult to realise that it was formed only three years ago. The initial moves were made by Eric Moss and Peter Wrighton, who made contact with Gordon Hunt and Malcolm Hurrell (both of Bideford). The band is now made up of Eric moss, trombone, who lives at Tennacott Heights, Bideford and works at Toyworks Ltd; John Shillito, trumpet and vocals; Roger Burland, drums; Gordon Hunt, clarinet, or Moreton Park, Bideford; a PE instructor at Grenville College; Malcolm Hurrell, banjo, of Churchill Road, Bideford, an electrician with SWEB; and Derek Redmore, bass, of Royston Road, who is a sales representative with Currys Ltd.

Paul Williams of West Culworth, Northdown Road, Bideford, is robbed, after leaving to hitchhike with Graham Quance, Hillcrest, Torrington Lane.

One coincidence involving Bideford men on a small frigate on the other side of the world is surprising, but a double coincidence is really something! This is the situation on HMS Danae, involved in exercises off Australia and in the Far East. Serving on board are Leading Radio Operator Christopher Hinks, whose wife and daughter live at Cedar Way, High Park, Bideford, and Lieutenant Michael Lamprey whose parents live at Dymond Road, Bideford. Lieutenant Lamprey is leaving the ship and his relief is Lieutenant Adrian Luxton whose mother lives at Allhalland Street, Bideford.

With orders approaching the three-quarters of a million pounds mark already in hand, Bideford Shipyard Ltd are now looking for skilled men to build up their labour force. “We are optimistic about adding to our order book very shortly” said managing director Mr Roy Anscomb. The Langdale, the first trawler to be built by the yard since operating under its new ownership, is being followed by three more trawlers for the same Bridlington company. Bridlington Trawlers Ltd, and work has just started on the first of four lifeboats ordered by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Guest of honour at a presentation ceremony at Bideford Hospital was Mr I H Hewetson who the day before retired as consultant surgeon to the hospital. He was the last consultant also to be in general practice in North Devon. He is to continue in general practice in the town to which he came in 1938. Mr J R Barker is taking over Dr Hewetson’s surgical work. Surgeons are always referred to as ‘Mr’ but to everyone locally he has always been Dr Hewetson. He was Mayor of Bideford in 1962; made an Honorary Freeman; a founder member of the North Devon Hospital Management Committee; and helped set up the Bideford Hospital’s school for State Enrolled nurses. Dr and Mrs Hewetson live at Weare Giffard.

A bronze bar for 30 years’ safe driving has been presented to a Bideford bus driver, Mr J E P Kelly, and Mr R A J Parker received a bronze bar for 25 years. Other drivers at the Bideford depot of the Western National Company who have gained awards under the Road Operators’ Safety Council 1973 safe driving scheme are: A Badger, R C Branagan, D H Broad, B J Coles, K H Elliott, L M Ford, A C Glover, E K Jackman, W R Langdon, J O Morrish, G Squires, J Stevens, E C Wakely, D A Watton, T P Whitty, C H Williams.

Alexandra House on Bideford Quay is sold. Also part of the estate, freehold vehicle depot known as Pill Yard with eight lock-up garages, realised £15,500 to Messrs B W J Kirkham and D H Noble, and a brick-built store fetched £7,700. A freehold shop and office, No 22 Mill Street, owned by the Bristol and West Building Society, was bought by Mr F Peters and M Peters for £14,000.

The Chocolate Box in Mill Street, Bideford, was broken into by forcing the front door and £134 worth of cigarettes stolen together with a small quantity of sweets and cash.

Thirty founder members, who had been initially well briefed in the format, aims, work and advantages of membership of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes by Mrs W Tilson and Mrs R Courtney, attended the first meeting of the Bideford Institute. Newly elected president Mrs N Peak read congratulations and good wishes from the national chairman and from her own former branch, at Lewes, Sussex. Other officers present were Mrs P Needs and Mrs J Tithecott, Mrs S Coulson, Mrs H Quance, Mrs G Bale, and Mrs C Kelly. Committee members undertook duties – Mrs B Cole, Mrs S Bale, Mrs J Tithecott, Mrs B Parkhouse, Mrs E J Brown, Mrs P Needs, Mrs J Johnson, Mrs E Short, and Mrs D Esau. Fittingly, the first talk was given by a member, Mrs G West, who captivated her audience with beautifully made corn dollies. She described their history, various significances and construction. Refreshments were served by Mrs Tate and Mrs Tomlinson.

Bideford Guides leaving for their camp at Welcombe.

A local policeman’s bravery in rescuing a woman from the River Torridge will be recognised. PC Sidney Craner, of Moreton Avenue, Bideford, will receive a testimonial on parchment awarded by the Royal Humane Society.

The former school in Torrington Street, East-the-Water, Bideford, should be used for local community interests, Torridge District Council Development and Leisure Services Committee are to tell Devon County Council. But they agreed to say that they also supported the project for a maritime museum. Cllr J W Needs said he had corresponded with the chief education officer about the former school for 12 months. Many organisations were asking if they could use a room there while it was empty.

Riverside Cottage in Bideford is for sale.

An application by P F Country Estates Development Ltd for a light aircraft landing strip at Berridon Hall, Bradworthy, has been rejected. Such use would be detrimental to amenities at present enjoyed by residents of the nearby village and would ‘constitute an undesirable and non-essential intrusion into the countryside.’ And there would be hazard to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the access road to Berridon Hall.

Buckland Brewer carried off the West Devon and North Cornwall Cup at the annual rally at Sutcombe of the Torridge Group of Young Farmers Clubs. Shebbear were runners-up. Miss Brenda Brown won the Danish Cup and the Torridge Cup went to Stuart Heal and Keith Hunkin.

Clovelly, which this year, for the first time, entered the Britain in Bloom competition, heard that it had been selected to go forward to the semi-finals. “We are thrilled to bits” Miss Sheila Ellis, the organiser on behalf of the village, she said. There had been enthusiastic cooperation from 98 percent of the villagers. Recent rough weather had occasional anxiety about the floral displays. It was later reported that Clovelly wins the Westcountry Tourist Board salver for being placed first in the ‘Britian in Bloom’ class for villages in the South West with a population under 750.

More than £350 has been raised by recent flag days and collections at Clovelly. Details: Mission to Seamen £75.05; Clovelly churchyard fund £37.75; Lifeboat £182.62; Cancer funds £43.59; St John Ambulance house-to-house collection £24.90.

For the past 18 years headmaster of Dolton school, Mr H C Gough has just retired. From governors, staff, parents and pupils he received parting gifts of a silver salver and a cheque. An Old Boy of Ilfracombe Grammar School who played rugby, scocer and hockey, he has served on Dolton Parish Council and Torrington Rural Council. He and his wife, who has also taught at the school, are to live on the Spanish coast in retirement.

Fifteen children of St Nectan’s Parish Church, Hartland, are being taken on a singing holiday to Cambridge. They will sing in three churches but to most the great attraction of the holiday is that they will travel by train and tube for the first time. A difficult growing season and dismal weather on the day did not affect entries or attendance at Hartland Garden Show in the Playing Fields. Mr W D Gilbert won the cup for best in show, the equivalent local award going to Mr E Short. Mrs J Goaman won the Mrs J Goaman cup for floral art! A bingo session at night, with Mr W Mugford as caller, helped to boost society funds.

An RAF Chivenor helicopter rescued a man and his two children from the cliff at Shipload Bay, Hartland. They were winched up into the aircraft and deposited safely on the beach. It is a far cry from Hartland to Cyprus where Leading Mechanic Martin Brown found himself. Martin, whose home is in Fore Street is a member of the crew of HMS Rhyl.

Mr William Payne of Redlands, Instow, has been appointed assistant divisional commander in the special constabulary. Aged 50, he joined in 1956 and has been ‘special’ inspector for the Bideford area. He succeeds Mr W J Crudge of High Bickington. Building land at Lane End, Instow, is for sale.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Richard Cartwright, travelled to Lundy Island to conduct the first confirmation service there for 16 years. Two boys were confirmed. The Bishop was assisted by the Rev Donald Peyton Jones, Vicar of Appledore, and priest-in-charge of Lundy.

Making progress by, in effect, putting the clock back sounds contradictory, but this seems to be the case with communications between the mainland and the island of Lundy. With the Post Office, the Landmark Trust, who lease the island from the National Trust, are looking into the possibility of a single-line telephone link which will involve VHF and calls will have to be made through the operator.

Due to arrive in Northam was the first party of young people from Northam’s twin town of Mondeville, Normandy.

Devon County Council’s request that 21.75 acres of land at Burrough Farm, Northam, should be reserved as a site for a secondary school should be refused. The recommendation of the Development and Leisure Services Committee is being passed to Torridge District Council. It would not be right to ‘freeze’ the land for an indefinite period. The land was within the development area and there was outline planning approval for residential development on about 10 acres.

Mr K Bedford is seeking permission to demolish Witten and Northam Lodge and erect 42 flats on the site and A A Beer Ltd, want to demolish Clevelands House and erect a three storey block of 13 flats.

When you’re raising money for charity what do a few bumps matter…especially when you have the chance to give as well as take? Pillow fights were a popular pastime at Parkham’s annual fete.

A bulldozer sees the last of one of Torrington’s worst bottlenecks in Calf Street. The building that disappeared had provided Torrington Football Club with changing facilities and the Town Band with a room since, in 1936, it was converted from a store by the club with the aid of the Town and Alms Lands trustees and the then Borough Council. The band will practice in the WI hall and store their instruments at the market, and the footballers will change at the County Secondary School.

A dispute that has prevented the printing of the London Gazette has brought joy to the traders of Well Street, Torrington, and annoyance to other residents.

Torrington’s determination to clear the £500 deficit on this year’s May Fair and to put sufficient money in the kitty to start off next year’s event was demonstrated at Saturday’s summer fair at the Vicarage Field. Practically every organisation in the town helped in one way or another and Mr David Elliott, recently appointed clerk to the new Torrington Town Council volunteered to be at the wet sponge receiving end in one of the sideshows. Town Mayor Mr R H Cotton declared the fair open and Mr Jim Martin was MC.

When they go back to school, Alan Mitchell and his cousin, Andrew Palmer, of Torrington, will have something different to tell their friends about the holidays. They were special guests of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary with the visit arranged in recognition of Alan’s bravery in rescuing Andrew from the swollen River Torridge. They were shown over the headquarters by Sgt Tony French.

A falling off in the cleanliness of Torrington streets prompted the local Chamber of Commerce to write to Torridge District Council. Now, the traders have been told, the council are hoping to provide extra litter bins. The notice board to be erected at the Dartington Glass works, including a town map, is almost ready. It is hoped that it will persuade some of the many thousands of visitors to the factory to visit Torrington itself.

Mrs Edith Kate Wickham, of Westward Ho! celebrated her 100th birthday. She moved to North Devon on her marriage to Mr W D K Wickham, owner of the Bideford wine and spirit business. They had seven children of whom 4 survive. They are Major R A Wickham of Torrington, Mr J H D Wickham, local architect of Avondale, Westward Ho! Mrs Helen Askew of Atlantic Way, with whom Mrs Wickham senior makes her home; and Mrs Rachel Lee who lives near Newton Abbott. All four, together with five of seven grandchildren, and all seven great grandchildren, as well as a number of friends, attended a party. On display were a congratulatory telegram from the Queen and, among masses of others, flowers brought by the Town Mayor of Northam, Mr Rupert Hill.

Electioneering history was made at Westward Ho! beach when a hovercraft arrived by sea, bringing Liberal leader and MP for North Devon, Mr Jeremy Thorpe, on the first stage of a pre-election tour of the country’s beaches. Addressing the large crowd, he said New Endeavour, the name of the hovercraft, was what Liberalism and the Liberal Party was all about. Unity and a sense of purpose was what the country needed.

Brothers Stephen and Brandon White in their clown costumes, captured the hearts of many spectators as well as the judges at Westward Ho! carnival.

Flower power has helped the people of Winkleigh up the first rung of the ladder towards a £3,000 target needed to save the magnificent carved interior to their church roof. A festival of flowers based on the church’s seasons attracted visitors and local people and raised more than £230 for the cause. The festival was arranged by Mrs T Nancekivell of Dolton and arrangements were contributed by Mrs Williams, the vicar’s wife, church warden’s wives, women of the Parochial Church Council and helpers.

Attendance at Woolsery show was the highest in its 69 years of existence. And the large crowd were not disappointed. Although the outbreak of swine vesicular disease meant the loss of the pig classes, compensation was to be found, especially in the cattle classes.

Woolsery bellringers rang a bell in a different way with this display

Woolsery School summer sports and fete were opened by Mr C B Griffiths, of Brixham, headmaster of the school from 1938-1972. The Sports trophy was won by Kingsley House. Proceeds were for swimming pool funds.

For twenty-one years the power station at East Yelland, in the Taw and Torridge estuary, has been generating electricity. And it looks as though it will continue to be a well-known part of local industry for a long time. Dispelling fears that current development could mean the phasing out of the station, the superintendent, Mr Michael Sinden, said “East Yelland will be here for many years yet.” In 21 years, the station has generated 12,700 million units of electricity and burned 6¼ million tons of coal. In 1973 £2,500,000 was spent of fuel, representing 77% of the station’s running costs. Construction began in 1950 and the first turbo-generator began to supply current in the summer of 1953. The station is now an accepted part of the skyline but when it was planned conservationists were not altogether happy. But a sensitive Board did all they could to allay fears, going to no small expense to use especially chosen bricks to blend with the surroundings. The station now has a clean bill, “What little dust does pass into the atmosphere is dispersed over a wide area; we are pretty good neighbours.”

August 1999

Appledore and Instow Regatta widened its scope with a greater variety of activities both on and off the water, and attracted large crowds on both sides of the Torridge estuary. Crowds lined the whole length of the quayside to watch the races and also the innovation of gig races featuring teams of Sea Cadets plus the local events such as the canoe and outboard motor races, the popular greasy pole and miller and sweep battle. On the opposite side of the estuary, a small committee of villagers organised a fun day on the beach including sandcastle building and tug-o-war competitions, children’s sports, face painting, Punch and Judy and local celebrities in the stocks. “We have always had some events on regatta day but thought we should try and make more of it,” said spokeswoman Joanna Northridge.

Youngsters wait for the egg and spoon race – Alex Holdsworth, Rebecca Pearce, Thomas Cox, Tom and Joe Dimelow

Rosie Northridge and her sister, Emily, winners of the Under Six sandcastle competition

A gripping world championship attracted more than 200 young competitors to Appledore Quay. Visitors and locals were drawn to the quayside for the unique Appledore crabbing contest, which is part of the annual Appledore and Instow Regatta Week. Lines baited with all manner of meat and fish were dangled as squealing youngsters lured out the crabs into waiting buckets of water. Four young members of the Brace and Baker families visiting their grandparents in the village were declared world champions after hoisting 137 of the crustaceans from the river. Their championship winning bait – British beef from the local butcher. Their prizes included the official world crabbing championship trophy, a decorated plate made by internationally known potter Sandy Brown, who lives in the village. In total the 58 teams caught nearly 1,000 crabs in the hour-long contest and returned them to the river after the official count.

Stuart and Portia Baker, Luke and Steven Brace and a proud dad display their trophies

Rosie and Emily Northridge with their catch

Cllr Frank Elliott asks why there are so few letters of complaint about the fire station closure at Appledore. And T A Clarke of Westward Ho! comments as well.

Fun was not the only thing on the minds of Appledore residents as they gathered for their annual carnival. Among the tableaux was a message from the wives and supporters of the village firefighters, whose station is under threat of closure. Their ‘before and after’ message showed two houses, one complete and the other partially demolished by fire. A disco, barbecue and draw on the quay front raised funds for the fire station fighting fund. Organised, as usual, by the Appledore Pirates charity group the event raised funds towards their annual Christmas party for local pensioners. Winners were: Tomouth Road gang, Fire station supporters, Lucy Ewington, Georgina Jury, Glo and Rachel Bailey and Betty Ford, Royal British Legion Club, and James Arbuthnot.

Queen Tia-Rae Stock will reign over Bideford’s carnival celebrations – she was chosen at a judging ceremony held at Bideford Amateur Rowing Club. Katie-Marie Dunn and Leanne Newton will be queen’s attendants; Jessica Lewis, carnival princess; and Helen Richards a flower girl. Mike Humphries, carnival secretary, is appealing to everyone in the town to back the carnival and make it the biggest parade of the millennium. “In recent year we have had good parades, with wonderful support from outside the town. But we could do with more entries from within Bideford. We have ironed out concerns about insurance for floats, and if they don’t want to enter a float at least they can dress up and join the walking characters.” This year’s theme is ‘the circus comes to town.’

Giants of steam will be the main attraction at Bideford Railway Station when the Bideford and Instow Railway Group holds its eighth annual open day. A 1916 Sentinel steam lorry will be joined by steam traction engines to bring a nostaligic feel to the former railway station. In addition, vintage pump trolley rides along the relaid railway will be taking place, and free, open top, double-decker bus rides will be given around the town. A railway museum in the rebuilt signal box will be open.

Properties at Castle Meadow, Buckland Brewer, is for sale.

The end of Lifeboat Day at Clovelly became the beginning of a real-life rescue by local lifeboatmen and the coastguard cliff rescue team. Scores of visitors had watched the day’s events and evening was drawing in when the emergency call that a man was cut off by the tide. The Atlantic 21 lifeboat was launched and coastguards rushed to the scene.

Residents of Hartland are preparing for the official opening of a new parish hall with the qualities of a Dr Who ‘Tardis’.

Actor Joss Acland bumped into the Star Wars gang and promptly awarded them a prize. He was one of the judges of the walkers’ section at the annual Hartland Carnival. And he presented the Jennings and Osborne families with the stag statuette for being the most entertaining walking entry in the parade. The village was crowded for the grand parade, which featured many floats on topical themes, including the millennium bug.

Hartland Carnival Queen, Megan Reynolds, flanked by Kirstie Hathaway and Emma Reynolds.

Instow has a small school which is big on soccer and successful, too! The year the boys and one girl who make up its team have won seven-a-side tournaments and finished runners-up in the village schools’ rally at Merton. The team is sponsored by Clovelly Catering.

Matthew Wright, Matthew Wilson, Jayson Woolmington, Emma Fishleigh, Jack Davis, Steven Marlow, Sebastian Wheeler, Toby Penton and John-Henry Ashton Charlie Harding was unable to be at the photo-call

Loads of animals, loads of fun and a superb scenic setting – the RSPCA’s annual North Devon Fun Day at Tapeley Park, Instow, promises to be a day to remember for animal lovers. And it will raise much needed funds to help continue the organisation’s work for the benefit of local animals. The opening ceremony will be performed by Westcountry Television news reader James Dagwell. Now in its third year, the event has grown and it is hoped to exceed the 2,000 plus people who attended last year.

Property for sale at Littleham.

A stunning splash of colour which greets visitors to the Glebefields sheltered housing development in Northam is testimony to the hard work and green fingers of its residents. The 45 pensioners who live there have put a year of fundraising and countless hours of care into creating the beautiful gardens and floral displays. Visitors leave full of praise for the show, among them Cllr Richard Bradford, who said “I visited the development and was absolutely stunned by the beauty of it.”

Northam gardeners are angry after thieves wrecked their special display to enhance the entrance to their town. Answering a call for help from the town council, members of Northam Horticultural Society volunteered to prepare and plant the ancient horse trough and the flower borders on the town’s approach road. Their work created a colourful show. But then the thieves struck. One of the Burning Bushes which were a feature disappeared overnight. “It was not pulled up and discarded as one might expect from vandals but completely missing. This smacks of something other than vandalism,” said society secretary David Fletcher. “The vacant spot was filled with another plant. Some days leater the same thing happened.”

Northam’s Vicar has sprung to the defence of its graveyard following criticism by a visitor to the town. The Rev John Thompson says that, far from being a disgrace, the churchyard and adjoining council cemetery are among the best kept in the county. Mr Thompson said he thought the writer of the Letter to the Editor complaining about the churchyard must have got the wrong town! “The criticism is simply not warranted and very hurtful” he said. “We are proud of the way that our churchyard looks and the high standard of care and maintenance which it receives from our churchyard gardener, who works extremely hard.” The letter which prompted Mr Thompson was that of a Danish visitor Mrs Else Petersen, whose brother-in-law is buried in Northam cemetery. She said “They leave me feeling more and more depressed – weeds everywhere, dead flowers and ruined headstones.” She compared this to Denmark where, she said, all graves had seasonal flowers and were beautifully laid out and tended to.

Endford Water Gardens and shop at Shebbear.

Local protesters have welcomed a decision by Torridge District Council to reject moves for a delay of the public hearing into the ‘Torrington stink’ saga. There was talk that if this was not heeded they would be calling a public meeting and inviting protest groups with similar problems in other parts of the country so that they cold show a united front to the Government, said councillor and campaigner Margaret Brown. The Planning Inspectorate has asked for a postponement of the Torrington enquiry to await new Government guidelines. But the council’s environmental standing sub-committee agreed unanimously to call for it to go ahead as planned in Torrington on September 28. The inquiry is into an appeal by the meat rendering plant Peninsular Proteins against the district council’s refusal to grant the company the necessary permission to carry on its work until problems of smell have been resolved.

Torrington was given over to misrule – an appointed Lord and Lady of Misrule taking charge of the town for three days of public revelry. The town’s annual revels and commons fair featured such entertainments as pantomime horses, giant musical chairs, a rock concert, revival of an ancient raft race and ‘flanning’ of the unwary. Poets did battle with words – and local octogenarian George Stacey was crowned the town’s ‘poet for the millennium’. Panto horses raced through the square and would-be matelots sailed and dragged makeshift craft down the shallow waters between the bridges at Town Mills and Taddiport. The art of ‘gurning’ presented some horrible sights at the Commons Fair but more ‘charming’ was a contest to entice worms from the ground. Roundheads and Cavaliers were everywhere as The Sealed Knot wet up camp on the Commons.

There are no jokes about bowling a maiden over at Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Cricket Club, where the women take the game as seriously as the men. For the first time in its long history the club now has a fully fledged women’s team in addition to girls who compete with the boys in youth sides. It has 15 members ranging in age from 11 to 5, with an open invitation to others to join. Their captain Ann Martin is a qualified cricket coach. There was help on hand in honing skills with a visit from county cricket development officer Matt Evans from Exeter for a coaching session at the ground.

A surfboard helped Torridge District Council environmental and leisure services chairman Cllr Dick Bradford to get over the authority’s message on beach safety at Westward Ho! With the area full of holiday visitors the council is keen to underline the need for care in the sunshine and safety on the beach. The potential dangers of sunbathing were at the top of the list with a warning that a tan may be fashionable but is also a sign of skin damage.

Cllr Bradford, Mr Hart and lifeguard Laura Hellyer

When Michael Devonold was searching for a business idea, he found it in an unusual place – his grandmother’s recipe book! He discovered the old-fashioned recipe for fudge tucked away when she died a couple of years ago. Michael, a qualified chef, immediately recognised it as the break he had been waiting for. He went to North Devon College to take a course in business and finance, and set about finding premises. The result is Fudge Fancy, and Granny’s fudge is made before the eyes of the customers in the Nelson Road shop in Westward Ho!

Buckleigh Linen Service require staff.

The Old Granary, Marshall Farm Estate, Woolsery, for sale.

A semi-detached character cottage in Woolsery for sale.

Years Ago - April

April 1924

Five years’ record in labour disputes.

There are several weather related stories, with influenza still a problem and the worst outbreak for many years.

The funeral of Miss Lucy Constance Heaven took place at Abbotsham. Deceased was the eldest daughter of the late Mr De Bonniot Spencer Heaven, of Coombe Cot, Abbotsham, and formerly of Jamaica. The Rev Canon Kempe, assisted by Rev George Barne, conducted the funeral service. The body was conveyed to the church the previous evening and was received by the Vicar.

An interesting and very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Parish Church, Abbotsham, when Mary Bellew was joined in holy matrimony to Arthur Allin, of Babbacombe, Alwington. Lohengrin’s wedding march was rendered by the organist as the bride entered the church. She was charmingly attired in an ivory gown of marocain and georgette and a lace veil surmounted with orange blossom. She was attended by four bridesmaids, Miss N and E Bellew, and E and M Allin, who wore white crepe-de-chine dresses with red rosebuds and winged caps of white tulle with red rosebuds. They carried silver chain bags (the gifts of the bridegroom). After the ceremony and later in the day, amid many congratulations, Mr and Mrs A R Allin left for Torquay, where the honeymoon is being spent. The presents were numerous and costly.

Interesting presentations by past and present scholars and the villagers were made to Mr and Mrs C Hooper in appreciation of their much valued and long services with the parish as schoolmaster and mistress of the Abbotsham School, on their retirement.

There was a sad fatality at Alverdiscott when a farm worker, named Thorne, in the employ of Mr Samuel Friend, of Luppincott Farm, was leading a horse attached to a cart in which his master’s children were riding to school. Suddenly the horse took fright and bolted, upsetting the cart and throwing the children out. One of them fell underneath the vehicle and was killed, while another was injured. Assistance was rendered by Mr Thithecott.

The Centenary of the Appledore Lifeboat which falls next year will be marked by various events in the river.

The inspection of the scholars of the Council Infants School at Appledore on religious instruction took place by the Rev F J Morrish, BA, and his report has just been received. It is highly gratifying, as the following extract shows: “The characteristic efficiency of the work done by Miss F E Parkhouse, and her two assistants in this school…

Before a crowded audience at the Cinema, Appledore, the Vicar brought his much appreciated Lenten lectures, illustrated by Newton’s lantern slides, to a successful close, when he thanked Mr and Mrs Hawkins for placing the hall at his free disposal. He also thanked Mrs Muller, Miss Ellen Hinks, Miss S Pike, Miss Mary Hinks, Mrs Annie Lamey, Mr Sdyney Cocks, and Mr Thomas Pike for kindly contributing to the musical portion of the lecture. He also acknowledged the services of Mr Hearn and Miss Bilton in arranging the slides.

Tea on the Revenge at Appledore. Hundreds visited the Revenge or Empress as she lay on the sands in front of Mr Hink’s ship-breaking yard. It was a happy thought of the owner when he decided to allow public inspection at a cost for the benefit of Bideford and District Hospital. Large numbers went down to the vessel when the tide was out and all were well repaid for their journey from the lifeboat slip when they foot on deck.Planks have been placed across, with rails to prevent accidents, and two strings of flags have been hung from the masts giving a last dignified flourish to an old lady.

The Secretary of Bideford Hospital has received a cheque for £26.19.6 from Mr Henry Hinks being the money raised by making a small charge to visitors. From now on, the entrance money will go to the Vicar of Appledore’s Sick and Needy Fund, which has had many calls on its purse of late. With the berthing of the Revenge at Appledore, it is interesting to reflect that, very appropriately, Mr Jenkin, the pilot in supreme charge, a man who had risen from a sick bed to command of the venture, is a direct descendant of Nelson’s cox, who was nicknamed Warrier, and also of Mr Jenkin, a signalman, both of whom fought on his Majesty’s ship Victory. About 80 men will be employed on breaking up the vessel.

Appledore man’s thrilling story. Graphic stories of the wreck of the steamer Buchanness, which was driven on to the Casquets during a gale, were told by members of the crew, all of whom were saved. The captain and some of the crew were landed at Portsmouth by the naval auxiliary Slavol, and the officers and remaining crew at Portland by the steamer Baron Cawdor. Those landed at Portland included Second Office J Pettley, Appledore.

A large gathering of the members of the Appledore Mothers’ Meeting assembled at the Churchyard to pay their last respects to one of their youngest members, Mrs Lilian Braund, wife of Mr William Braund, and daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Bowden, of Vernon Lane, Appledore. Mrs Muller presided at the organ. The death occurred at this residence, Northdene, Richmond-road, Appledore, of Mr William Smith, a tailor by trade and a native of Chulmleigh. He came to Appledore when a young man as an employee of Mr J Beara, tailor and outfitter, and had worked for the firm ever since. Miss Elizabeth Jewell, of No. 7 Vernon’s Lane, Appledore, daughter of the late Captain Jewell, was laid to rest after a prolonged illness, during which Mrs Ley had helped her niece Miss Ethel Harvey to nurse her.

Mr F W Andrews, with a Post Office Box address in British Columbia, Canada, advertises that he would like to communicate with some member of the family of Gethin P Jones, believed to live at Queen Street, Bideford. Does anyone know the story behind this appeal?

A wonderful, polite advert from H F Elliott of 75 High Street, Bideford.

A column of useful recipes includes one for a French sauce to go with fish; other meal suggestions are for spring onions cooked with cheese, and shrimp rissoles.

The Centenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will be marked in Bideford on 19 June, more details to be published later.

At Lavington Congregational Church in Bideford, a new primary memorial hall is to open.

No. 1 Chudleigh Terrace, Bideford, is for sale by public auction.

A report on New York by Mr Robert Pound who is paying a visit to his mother, Mrs J R Pound, of Marine Gardens, Bideford. He was last in the land of his birth a little over 10 years ago and when asked if he noticed much difference in the old country, he remarked “It is hard to compare New York with smaller towns, I have not seen London. There is a certain quietness, whereas we are rushing, running all the time.” Mr Pound especially made the journey across the Herring Pond to be present at the 81st birthday festivities of his mother.

A well-known and greatly respected Bideford inhabitant passed peacefully away in the person of Mr Caleb Friendship, the founder of the firm of caterers bearing his name, which started many years ago, and which some considerable time back he passed over to his second son, Mr W C Friendship. He died at his house, Pergersec, Abbotsham-road...

In contrast to the work being undertaken on the Revenge, it is reported that Hansen’s Shipbuilding Yard in Bideford has been placed in receivership and has paid off 120 men. Keels of two new vessels had recently been laid down so the announcement has come as a surprise but 80 men will still be employed at the Appledore repair yard where there is work for the next few weeks. At its busiest, Hansen’s employed over five hundred men. Hansen’s Football Club have advised the North Devon League that they will be unable to carry out any of their remaining fixtures this season.

In another sporting story, Bideford Cricket Club has reported a deficit of over £50 for this year, with debts carried over from previous years making an adverse balance of more than £70. The club says that this cannot be allowed to continue and efforts will be made to reduce the debt this year.

At Bradworthy, Mrs J L Martin has been appointed secretary of the Nursing Association in the place of Mr Dunstan, resigned.

After a painful illness, patiently borne, Mr T Everson, of Great Dinworthy, Bradworthy, passed away. As one of the leading agriculturists of the district and a sterling United Methodist, he was beloved and respected by all. Though he curried no man’s favour yet he was beloved and highly esteemed; a friend to all, an enemy to none.

Between 3pm and 8pm on 8 April, postal orders for £10, two ten-shilling notes and a number of Army forms were stolen from the Post Office at Buckland Brewer. Police are investigating.

James Marshall, a rabbit trapper, living at Oke Farm, Buckland Brewer, was charged at the instance of Mr John Hookway, with trespass in pursuit of conies. Defendant pleaded guilty.

Bucks Mills has lost one of the few remaining Braunds of his generation by the death of Mr John Braund at the age of 76, The funeral took place at St Anne’s Church cemetery, the Rev Guy S Whttaker officiating. The immediate mourners…

The marriage of Mr William Somerville, son of Mr and Mrs James Somerville, Slerra Villa, Clovelly, to Miss Isa Auld, has just taken place at Glasgow. The bridegroom served as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve during the great war, and for the past two years has been second officer in the employ of the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co. The happy couple are spending a few days at Clovelly with the bridegroom’s parents.

The peal of five bells at Frithelstock has been augmented to a six with the addition of a new treble.

A wedding of local interest took place at the United Methodist Church, Woodford, being that of Mr Ernest Shute, of Stoke, Hartland, and Miss Annie Collins, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Collins, Woodford. The bride wore a pretty dress of …

A pretty wedding has been solemnised in the Wesleyan Church, between William Gliddon and Ada Shute, of Stoke, Hartland. Many good wishes go with the couple, who are to leave for their new home in Ontario, Canada.

The annual concert arranged by Mrs Bevan and Miss F Colwill in aid of the funds of the Bideford Infirmary and the Hartland Nursing Association took place in the Palladium and was well received by a crowded house. Local talent was assisted by two London visitors, Miss Crockett and Mr Tilly.

Hatherleigh bakers have raised the price of a four-pound loaf from 8d to 8½d. Grocers have raised the price of granulated sugar from 7d to 7½d per pound.

The reaper’s sickle has removed another aged inhabitant in the person of Mr P Dean, of Horn’s Cross. Deceased worked as a mason for the late Mr R Vaggers for a good many years and was well known throughout the district.

A meeting of the Phipps Charity Trustees was held in the Langtree Schoolroom. Present were Messrs Hockwill, Jones, Dayman, Short, Webber, Moore and S Sanders. The accounts for the year were presented and passed, and it was resolved to distribute about £20 on Good Friday in accordance with the revised list as presented by the Secretary.

The Langtree Parish Council, through their chairman, have presented Mr S J Sanders with a silver mounted ebony walking stick, as a memento of his 25 years’ service as their clerk. Mr Jones, chairman, spoke of the ability and energy exercised by Mr Sanders, and he, on behalf of the Council, greatly regretted losing such an able and conscientious official. Mr Sanders suitably replied.

Mrs Huxtable, of Birch Hill Farm, Langtree, has again been the recipient of a cheque from a relative in America, to the amount of £20 in aid of the UM chapel funds. This makes a splendid total of £80 collected by Mrs Huxtable from her relatives abroad.

On Lundy a whist drive and dance was held at the Manor Hotel, with Mr Sleep (chief officer, Lloyds Signal Station) acting as Master of Ceremonies.

The marriage of Brigadier Gen. Gwyn Gwyn-Thomas, CMG, DSO, to Mrs Helen M Saltren-Willett, Royal Artillery, of Petticombe, Monkleigh, was solemnised quietly at St James’ Church, Piccadilly, London. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr A MacDonald Baird. She was dressed in pale grey morocain, draped with a scarf of beautiful old Honiton lace, and that to match trimmed with blue grapes and a flowing lace veil.

The funeral of Mr Arthur Ward, of Northam, son of the late Mr Ward, formerly Surveyor to the Northam Urban Council, took place at Appledore. Rev Hugh Muller was assisted by Rev G Payne Cook, RD. The Vicar mentioned that the late Mr Arthur Ward had fought in the South African war, and as so many had done so, were apt to be forgotten owing to the recent Great War, he made a special point of having the Union Jack at half mast and wore his medals in respect to the glorious dead of an earlier war.

At Northam, PC L Uglow succeeds PC Philpotts, who has been promoted to Sergeant. Users of the Northam to Westward Ho! road will be pleased to note Northam Council’s plan to improve the corner from the Square to Tower Street, one of the most awkward in the whole district.

At Bideford Borough Sessions, Charles Prance, plumber of Northam, who sent an apology for his non-attendance which the Bench decided to accept, was summoned for riding a motor cycle to the danger of the public at the North-road corner of Bridgeland Street.

We regret to learn that news has been received, by cable, of the death of Mrs C H Pickard (nee Pengilly) of Australia. It will be remembered by many people that Mr and Mrs Pickard emigrated 41 years ago.

The results of several Northam property auctions feature this month. The King’s Head Hotel, together with a shop and house (in the occupation of Mrs Thorne) was withdrawn when the price reached £3,800; Alexandra House in Cross Street (occupied by H W Greenwood) was bought by the tenant for £800; two cottages in Tower Street (occupied by Messrs Balsdon and Colwill) were bought by Mr R Henderson for Northam Urban District Council for £265; and six cottages in Honey Street were withdrawn at £540.

A very successful bazaar was organised by the Wesleyan Church and carried through at Parkham…

Parkham parishioners are now being visited by two CMS Pilgrims from East Africa and China. On Friday evening they gave an address in the Council Schoolroom illustrated by lantern slides. A public tea and concert were held at the Rectory and Schoolroom in aid of funds for the Parkham Hospital Bed in East Africa and the colporteur in China. The total amount raised was over £16.

Quite a gloom was cast over the parish on the announcement of the death of Mr John J Parkhouse, of Peppercombe, after a short and severe illness. Deceased was very highly respected by a large circle of friends, and he will be greatly missed throughout the parish, he being a member of the Committee of both the local Football Club and the Garden Show. Deceased leaves a widow and two young children to mourn their loss , and the sympathy of the parish goes to them in their bereavement.

At Shebbear, Mr Walter Batten is recovering from his illness. At the Easter Vestry Mr R Mill was re-elected and Mr J Nethacott re-apointed churchwardens. The Walter and Smallcombe Charity was distributed on Good Friday by Mr W J Leach (Parish Councillor) and Mr A Chapman (Clerk to the Parish Council).

Before the Mayor, Mr T F Upton, in the chair and other magistrates at Bideford Borough Sessions, William Harris, motor driver, of Torrington, pleaded guilty to not having the number plate of his car properly illuminated at 12.30am on the 27th.

A long night whist drive and dance organised by Torrington ex-Service men was held in the Town Hall, the attendance being exceptionally good. A very pleasant evening was spent. The very fine whist prizes were won as follows: Mrs T Curtice, Miss Lowe, Miss Rockey, M Burke, C Heard and J Davey. The cake guessing competition was won by R Rundell. Dancing was kept up until a late hour. Miss F Johns was the excellent pianist.

There was a large attendance of relatives and friends at the wedding at St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, of Mr Albert Norman and Miss Katherine Ebsary. The Church, with its beautiful Easter floral decorations, looked very appropriate for the occasion. The bride was given away by her brother…

The Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiated at the wedding at St Michael’s Parish Church, of Miss Jane Sweet and Bernard Hodge of Chambercombe-road, Ilfracombe. A reception was afterwards held at the bride’s home when about 40 guests were present. The happy couple, who are widely known, received numerous beautiful gifts. During the evening, the bridal pair left by train for Ilfracombe, where the honeymoon will be spent. They will reside in Bristol.

At Weare Gifford, household furniture and a Citroen motor car from Road Cliffe Cottage, are for sale.

The wedding took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bideford, of Miss Bessie Lewis, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A Lewis, of Lauriston, Westward Ho! and Mr Arthur Loughlin, of Camden, Westward Ho! The ceremony was performed by Rev Father Hawkins, and the bride, who was given away by her father, wore a fawn gabardine costume with hat to match. Sister Madeleine presided at the organ. The honeymoon is being spent in London.

Coastal erosion is causing a serious problem at Westward Ho! Forty years ago, an eating house near the Pebble Ridge was a great convenience to visitors. Now the site of the house is under the ridge. Mr Edwin Vidal of Barnstaple who has for many years taken a keen interest in the Westward Ho! coast erosion question, writes:

A flannel dance at Westward Ho!

The anniversary of the United Methodist Church was celebrated on Good Friday at Woolsery.

April 1974

After a break of two years when the Seamen’s Mission at Appledore was closed, the traditional fishermen’s service was revived at the re-opened Mission. The service, which marks the opening of the salmon netting season each year, was conducted by Mr Frank Holmes. The Vicar of Appledore, Rev Donald Peyton Jones, read a lesson and offered a prayer for the fishermen. Solos were contributed by Mrs T Campbell and Mr Ivor Harris.

Children of Appledore presented their own preview of Easter when a bonnet competition was among the attractions at an Easter Parade, the first event organised by the newly-formed Appledore County Primary School Parent-Teacher Association. Mrs J Payne, wife of former headmaster…

After being covered by seven tides over Easter, a Land Rover which became stuck in The Gut near Greysands, West Appledore, was finally recovered by the Army. The Land Rover belongs to Mr Robert Chattey, of 31 The Mount, Appledore, who was driving it when it became stuck.

The Rev Fred Smith, husband of the Rev Gladys Smith who, for 10 years until 1969 was minister of Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, died at the age of 83. Mr Smith who had retired from the active ministry before moving to Bideford, taught at the Grammar School and was chairman of the local branch of the Devonshire Association.

Several thousand people basked in the Easter Monday sunshine to watch banger racing. From the hillside slopes the huge crowd watched 120 drivers, 20 of them women, compete in races on the former rubbish tip on the outskirts of Bideford. The racing was originally planned by the Buccaneers to raise money for the Torridge Geriatric Hospital but it was decided because of the help given by the Banger Drivers’ Club that half the proceeds should go to a charity of their choice.

Pelican pedestrian crossings are to replace the two existing zebra crossings on Bideford Quay, but no date for the changeover is yet available. Their introduction will help east traffic hold-ups at present accentuated when pedestrian cross singly.

Bideford Rifle Club, winners of the Journal Herald Cup, were beaten into second place at this year’s team shoot by the Braunton club. The picture shows Messrs Rudi Gnoyke, John Slee, John Stacey and Cyril Taylor.

Getting their hands in in readiness for Scout job week are Andrew White and Christopher Green, Cub Scouts of the 2nd Bideford group. Willing ‘guinea pigs’ are Cub Scouts Jonathan Morris and Colin Paddon. They are the cubs and scouts from Bideford, Northam and Parkham will be knocking on doors anxious to do small jobs to raise money for funds.

These feet are made for scoring – and that’s just what they’ve done – nearly 100 times between them so far this season. Played 47, won 41, drawn 2, lost 4, for 218, against 48 – that is the remarkable record of the young football players of Bideford School. Their talents have this season brought them the North Devon schools’ under-13 and under-15 championships and the runners-up place in the Pepsi league for under-16s.

These are the faces that go with the feet – Garry Henry, Leonard Ford, Michael Tithecott, Mark Stevens, Andrew Oke, Andrew Little and Barry Robinson. Missing from the picture are Brian Cox and Jeffery Brown

Only a handful of people in Bideford, perhaps, know that Bobby Locke twice beat Peter Thomson into second place in the British Open golf championship. But among them are members of Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! CC’s quiz team – and the knowledge was enough to take them into the last eight of the Sunday People national sports quiz. But it was a last gasp win against Britannia, Cheltenham, whose identification of Lester Piggot’s first winner put them ahead with only one question left, and tension was nigh unbearable as the golf question was posed. But Keith Moses, David Cox and Jimmy Jewell combined to come up with the answer to give Bideford an exciting victory.

Because they cannot complete work on the laying of a sewer from Bucks Mills down to the beach until mid-May, Bideford Rural Council have decided not to go ahead with the work now, but to include it in phase II of the sewerage scheme.

In North Devon there is a company – West Country Waste Paper, of The Mill, Fremington, which is offering a prize of £100 to the charity whose helpers produce for that depot the highest tonnage of suitable waste paper, between now and March 31, 1975. The current price if £10 per tonne.

Hartland pair, B Meaker and D Webber, achieved the only local success, being placed third in open duet. Other winners were from St Austell, Newton Abbot, Bude, Northlew and Ashbury and Totnes. The adjudicator, Mr David Thomas, solo cornet with Stanshaw Band, Bristol, was guest artist at a successful concert given by Hartland Town Band in the evening.

In a last ditch effort to get a parking space reserved for Hartland’s doctor outside his house in the Square, Bideford Rural Council decided at their final meeting to write to the county medical officer of health and to Torridge District Council.

Designs to extend the Commodore Hotel at Instow are ‘out of character’ for a conservation area, say Barnstaple Rural Council. They are opposing the plan, which proposes additional bedrooms and a larger lounge and bar.

A party of seven from Mondeville, Calvados, with which French town Northam Urban Council decided to ‘twin’ only on February 27, will arrive in the parish tomorrow week. They will be met by the town mayor, Mr John Smith, who is delighted at the swift response. The party, who are being accommodated at the Durrant House as guests of the parish, will be here for four days. They will be taken on a tour of Appledore Shipyard as well as visiting local beauty spots. Next month a party from Northam district will make a reciprocal visit to its twin-town of Mondeville, an industrial suburb of Caen, in Normandy.

A total of 50,000 trading stamps have been presented to the North Devon Cheshire Home. They were won in a national competition by Mrs Cynthia Snowdon, daughter of Mr and Mrs Percy Reed, of Windmill Lane, Northam.

Many more weddings will take place in future in Northam – thanks to local government reorganisation.

Robert Sampson, of the newly formed 1st Torridge pack at Northam, proudly shows his Golden Arrow badge to his friends. He was the first at Northam to win this award.

‘Acres of ground for the kids to run around’ at Penhaven House, Parkham.

The possibilities of business links being forged between a North Devon farm and the Argentine were explored when Senor Otero, a South American journalist, visited Mr and Mrs Bert Guard at Hill Farm, St Giles. Their reputation in the sheep-showing world, gained with their Dorset Downs, prompted the visit which was arranged by the Central Office of Information.

Does the bell toll for parrot belonging to Mr Crystal Copp, of Calf Street, Torrington?

The annual Swedish-English service, organised through Dartington Glass Ltd, will be held at Torrington Parish Church. Conducting the service will be the Rev Mr Evander, of the Swedish Church in London. Also taking part will be the well-known soloist, Miss Hillevi Johansson, accompanied by Mr Kai Lindberg on the organ.

Torrington’s pannier market, the use of which has declined in the post-war years, is to be given a new lease of life by a property development company. Torridge District Council has recommended approval of an outline planning application for redevelopment of the area, the approval being conditional on satisfactory parking arrangements and listed building consent being obtained from the Department of the Environment. The applicants are Beadle Property Holdings Ltd, of Hertford. The picture shows the pannier market building looking from the Barley Grove end towards the entrance from the Square. It used to be completely roofed with glass but this began to deteriorate and was removed for safety about the time of the Second World War.

From designs entered by apprentices at RAF Cosford, that of an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, Stephen Gilbert, was chosen for the course passing-out shield. His parents and grandparents – Mr and Mrs J Gilbert of Town Park, and Mr and Mrs J Gilbert of Calf Street – live in Torrington. During his off-duty hours Stephen played in the Apprentice Wing Band of RAF Cosford which has frequently taken part in civilian and Service functions. He also took part with the band in the RAF pipe and drums championships and at the Royal Tournament.

Years ago the sight of a passenger train thundering along the Westleigh straight section between Instow and Bideford was such a common that it hardly rated a second glance – that is unless it was providing the opportunity for a brief racing moment with motorists on the road alongside. Mr Beeching’s axe stopped all that. Last weekend the line between Barnstaple and Torrington again experienced passenger travel as a train specially chartered by the Bristol Railway Correspondents and Travel Society made a nostalgic journey alongside Taw and Torridge.

District Officer Ken Lewis, of the Coastguard Service, Hartland, presents a long-service medal to Mr W N Newcombe, a member of the Westward Ho! coastguard rescue company since 1952. Although the look-out at Westward Ho! is no longer manned in bad weather, the company is kept busy during the summer with cliff rescues and helping any who get into difficulties in the sea. Other members of the company in the picture are Messrs G Wingfield, I Smith, N Laws, M Blackmore and D Price.

In an effort to keep the sea at bay, Torridge District Council is spending £75,000 on strengthening the Pebble Ridge at Westward Ho! And if nature fails within the next few weeks to make amends for the ravages of January’s storms then the council will be asked to consider spending another £40,000 to replenish the sand on the beach.

When Northam council agreed to ask the district council quickly to consider implementing planning permission for recreational development on Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! Mrs E M Hilder described the situation as ‘a shambles.’

What is believed to be a record score from what was certainly a record entry of 208 pairs gave Royal North Devon golfers James Laidler and Norman Tithecott victory in the Bideford Bay foursomes. The event is played annually over the courses of the RND at Westward Ho! and Saunton clubs and the winning pair put together rounds of 36 and 35 points to win easily. It was a repeat triumph for Laidler, who won the event last year in partnership with David Harman.

The death has occurred of Mr James Andrew, of Three Gables, Woolsery. He formerly farmed at North Hole, Little Torrington, and had been well known for the various public offices he had held, including chairman of the Woolsery Village Hall committee and was also a special constable for many years. The bearers were Messrs G Lott, P Andrew, K Harding and T Braund.

April 1999

Transport Minister Glenda Jackson visited Torridgeside on a joint mission to name the latest ship built at Appledore Shipbuilders and to meet Labour Party candidates in the local elections. At Appledore she named the Toisa Crest, a multi-role offshore vessel, which is due for delivery next month. It follows in the wake of the Toisa Coral which is now operating for Cable and Wireless.

A buy-out by Appledore Shipbuilders has saved a famous West Country shipyard from possible closure. The Appledore yard is to take over Mashford Brothers’ Cremyll Shipyard on the River Tamar, near Torpoint. Appledore’s engineer director Ian Mason, who has been helping to oversee the take-over, said that in addition to its shipbuilding the Appledore yard also operated two repair slipways. The two yards would complement each other.

Appledore’s community will be throwing its full weight a host of events to raise funds for children’s charity CLIC over the Bank Holiday. All its pubs, the British Legion, the church, the school and local businesses are involved in the fun. An auction, a mixed tug of war and discos are on the programme. So is a euchre drive, a mega meat raffle and a barbecue.

Appledore author Jeremy Bell has drawn on wide travellings and experiences and the thoughts and emotions have stirred in a new book of poems Stranger on a Strange Planet. Mr Bell has hitchhiked through Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. He emigrated to Australia as a ‘£10 tourist’ to work in mining towns, on fishing boats, drilling rigs and in an institution for young offenders. Now he makes a living through gardening and small building jobs and continues to campaign on local environmental issues.

Properties at Marine Parade, Appledore, for sale.

Art teacher Barry Hosken is turning over a new canvas after a career at a Bideford school spanning 35 years. Pupils and staff at Bideford College said farewell at Easter to the longest serving member of the school staff, who has taught two generations of youngsters. He started his career in 1964 as an art master at the former Bideford Grammar School, and stayed there through its amalgamation with the former Bideford Secondary School. He was head of art at the school for 10 years and for the past 15 years has been a Year Head. In earlier years Mr Hosken held exhibitions but more recently his own painting has had to take a back seat.

Each of Chrys Aitken’s 40 soft toys hold a special memory for her. But she is happily giving them all away in the hope they can bring some comfort to the hapless children of Kosovo. Chrys, who lives on the Londonderry Estate in Bideford, is a former teacher, and is one of many who have responded to the newly launched Kids for Kosovo Appeal.

With the death of artist Miss Sheila Hutchinson, Bideford has lost a woman with a great commitment to her art and to the town she loved. Miss Hutchinson had a particularly long association with the Burton Art Galley and Museum, dating back to her friendship with the Burton family when the gallery was given to the town in 1951. Chairman and later president of the Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society, she was a regular exhibitor. Born at Weare Giffard she attended the former Westbank School and later studied at Bideford School of Art. During the 1940s she worked on watercolours and will perhaps best be remembered for a series of 74 paintings of the River Torridge, source to sea, which took her 10 years to complete. Over the years Miss Hutchinson passed on her skills in calligraphy to many local people. A woman with varied interests she was a member of Bideford’s first women’s rowing team.

In Bideford, an independent son of a rock legend is making his own mark in the music industry. Oliver Wakeman, son of Rick Wakeman, works in a local building society and makes music at night and on his weekends off. He will be known to customers in local pubs as part of Smokestack. All help to finance the home studio he has pieced together and from where the keyboard skills inherited from his father have been combined with his song writing ability in two already successful CDs. Heaven’s Isle was inspired by the island of Lundy. Having come to the area with his mother and brother, Adam, he studied at the North Devon College and took a job locally.

Bideford Pannier Market gave local people a tasty treat with the launch of its monthly farmers’ markets. It was both a taste of the local fare of which the region is justly proud and a taste of the past, for it was a farmers’ market that the venue was established 115 years ago. Twenty-five stallholders turned up for the first of the new markets which are to be held on the first Wednesday of each month. There were some unusual and sizzling bacon to sample and, although not for sale, some traditional pork brawn, homemade specially by the market’s longest stallholder Mary Hedden of Weare Giffard. The third generation of her family to attend the market Mary has been a regular there for more than 60 years. It was a steady rather than a stampede start but one which was greeted with optimism by market manager Paul Naisbett.

Bideford will soon have a cinema again. Closed for a year, the Bideford College Cinema reopens on May 1 following an £80,000 refit which includes sophisticated new projection equipment. With the town’s commercial cinemas having long closed, Bideford College struggled for 10 years to provide a service. Although well supported with more than 70,000 people attending, it suffered technical problems and closed. Now a series of financial grants has enabled the cinema to upgrade. The improvements would provide a quality of audience entertainment never experienced there before, said theatre manager Neil Bennion.

Neil Bennion and Simon Jeffery

The go-ahead for Bideford’s long-awaited East-the-Water industrial relief road has been warmly welcomed. The £4m project is designed to alleviate traffic problems and open up more industrial land. The final go-ahead came only last week with the announcement of £1.1m backing from the new South West Regional Development Agency.

Helpers are needed to strip down a grand old lady on the banks of the River Torridge – and provide her with a steam bath! Work has started in earnest on the £250,000 restoration project of the 100 year old schooner the Kathleen and May. Shipwrights have started stripping off her old planking in readiness for replacement with new timbers. The town’s chamber of commerce, which is behind the project, is also looking for more unusual help in the form of a steam generator or old traction engine. This is needed to provide the steam for a 40ft steam box in which the new planking will be shaped.

Pictured are Andrew Harrison and Steven Barker

Four young schoolfriends from Bideford have cleaned up for charity by washing car windscreens at a local garage. Fellow pupils at St Mary’s Primary School, Katherine Harvey, Rachel Bright, Fern Dymond and Angela Keen, spent two hours at Bideford’s Esso Petrol station and raised more than £65 for Comic Relief. They were supported and kept supplied with buckets of warm water by garage manager Kevin Cole. “It really was fund and everyone was so kind” said the girls.

A charming character cottage, formerly a barn, is for sale at Buckland Brewer.

Tuition in one of the oldest open air sports in the country will be on offer to visitors to a North Devon tourist attraction this summer. The sport is falconry and two top display falconers – Jonathan Marshall and David Rampling – have joined forces at The Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly. Jonathan and his fliers have been favourites at the birds of prey there for more than seven years.

Villagers of Fremington will be holding a tea party on their new village green to celebrate the traditional May Day holiday. On the afternoon of May 1 everyone living in Fremington, Bickington, Yelland and Roundswell is invited to the party. Local clubs and societies will have stalls, there will be displays by children’s groups and a tea stall will raise money for the Children’s Hospice. “This will be an opportunity for us all to get together and celebrate this holiday. It will also offer local good causes a chance to raise funds and recruit new supporters” said parish council chairman Mrs Ro Day.

Fremington Quay on the widening estuary of the River Taw is set to become a unique amenity for the people of North Devon. The £500,000 project is expected to begin within months and will rescue an area which for long has lain derelict with the historic quay crumbling away. Cargo boats and freight trains once used it, and it is planned to add an attractive railway flavour to the scheme. ‘One of the most exciting features will be an observation tower looking like a signal box,’ said project chairman Rodney Cann. ‘We’ve had so much enthusiasm from local residents. And the district council, which is purchasing the Quay on the project’s behalf, has given first-class support.’

As battles raged around the town Great Torrington chalked up a great victory with is Civil War reenactments and official opening of the town’s new heritage centre. The Torrington 1646 Civil War Experience at Castle Hill is a £400,000 visitor attraction which enters fully into the 17th century. It was opened by Dr Tom Bell and Mark Hopton – direct descendants of the two Generals who led the opposing armies in the 1646 Battle of Torrington.

Torrington residents are being asked for their views on a plan for a new riverside pathway to link the Tarka Trail with Town Mills. The Torrington Commons Conservators have been in discussion with Devon County Council for some time about linking the two via a cycleway. As a first stage a tunnel providing access from the Tarka Trail to the Rolle Road was opened two years ago.

Playing a special role with the task group taking part in Operation Allied Force in the Adriatic is Leading Aircraft Controller Phillip Bwye from Torrington, who is the son of Ken and Hillary. On HMS Somerset he is on call round-the-clock. Said Phillip “It is a real challenge to be at the centre of a high profile situation as this. This is the first time I’ve been closed up in a war situation.” Phillip is looking forward to getting home and seeing his family, especially his sister who is expecting a baby.

Westward Ho! restauranteur David Cousins is turning up the heat in his training programme for the London Marathon. Pounding the treadmill and running miles each week David is determined that his marathon attempt will be a success for the Children’s Hospice South West. It was the Chariots of Fire music which stirred him while watching last year’s marathon on television.

A mini digger valued at £14,000 has been stolen from Westward Ho! The digger was delivered to the car park at Kingsley Club off Golfs Links Road but then disappeared. Later in the month it was reported that equipment worth nearly £1,500 has been stolen from a partly renovated commercial premises at Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! The items taken were a De Walt battery drill charger and box, a B&Q tool box and hand tools, a Stihl disc cutter, a Bosch Kangol hammer drill, an EW battery charger and an electric transformer.

Weekly return trips to Clifton are the order of the day for Greg Davey, who has just signed schoolboy forms for Bristol City. Greg from Woolsery was spotted by the First Division Club while playing against them for Bideford Blues Centre of Excellence. Parents, Paul and Sharon, are hoping for sponsorship to help further their son’s football career.

Years Ago - March

March 1924

Torrington-Halwill Railway – when will it be opened?

At the meeting of Torrington Rural Council, the Clerk reported a letter from the Devon and Cornwall Junction (Torrington-Halwill Railway) pressing for £1,200 at once and threatening if they did not get it – it was overdue – they have to ‘do something’ about it. It was stated to be the last instalment and should have been paid in January, and it was decided to pay it now, although Mr Elliott did not see why they should be threatened.

An accident occurred to two men employed on the Halwill-Torrington railway. A cyclist returning from work in the evening lost control of his machine on the hills between Highampton and Sheepwash and knocked down a workman who was walking. The latter suffered from shock, and the cyclist sustained concussion and cuts. Both received medial treatment from Dr Candler.

A grandiose million pound scheme?

Devon’s £1,000,000 Road Scheme.

The Gazette publishes a letter from Mr H C Whitehead, honorary secretary of the RNLI, appealing for people to mark the Centenary of the organisation this month by becoming annual subscribers, the suggested amount being five shillings.

Almost all the elementary schools in the district were closed in the first week of March due to influenza. The Gazette this month reports on many funerals, influenza taking its toll on people of all ages.

The wedding was solemised at Abbotsham church of Mr William Vaggers, son of Mr Walter Vaggers, of Nethercleave, Littleham, and Miss Elsie Andrew, daughter of Mr John Andrew, the Barton, Abbotsham. The Rev Canon Kempe officiated. The bride was becomingly attired …

At the funeral of the late Mr George Worth, Canon Kempe officiated, assisted by the Rev E Mallett. There was a large attendance. The immediate mourners were Mr H Worth….

Alverdiscott - In aid of the organ repair fund a successful whist drive and dance, organised by Messrs W Newcombe and T Phear, and the Misses Newcombe, was held in the schoolroom. The prizes were given by Mrs Boyd, Mrs Oak-Rhind, Mrs Blew-Jones and Mr Southcombe, and were won by Mr T Phear, Mr Brace, Miss D Handford, Miss Phear, A E Copp, The Rector, and A W Fedrick.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at Alwington Wesleyan Church between Miss Alice Trewin, only daughter of Mr and Mrs T Trewin of High Park, and Mr Wiliam Goaman, only son of Mr Richard Goaman, of Waytown, Parkham. The church was prettily decorated…

A reception was held at High Park and later in the day, the happy couple left for Dawlish.

There was considerable stir at Appledore and, in fact all along the hillsides to Bonehill when the old wooden line-of-battle ship, HM Empress, formerly HM Revenge, arrived safely in the custody of two tugs, after coming through an adventurous voyage, in the charge of Captain Richard Hooper, master mariner. On Sunday morning the friendly shelter of Hartland Point was reached, where boat and tugs awaited the afternoon’s tide for taking the Bar….

The public will be given free access to this famous craft, at a fee of 6d (children 3d) for the benefit of Bideford Hospital, but no responsibility is taken for accidents.

Stanley Bennett who bought 5 One-end Street, Appledore, is unable to get in and would like George Cawsey, the tenant, to vacate it.

The remains of Mr William Penhorwood Shutt, shipwright, of Richmond-terrace, Appledore, were laid to rest. Aged 75 he was one of the fast diminishing number of shipwrights, who belonged to the earlier type, who were solely brought up to work in wood alone, and whose skill in the present day can be seen in the floating bulwarks of our earlier Navy, now fast being broken up. He served his time at Mr Clibbett’s yard and at the early age of 21 entered HM Dockyard at Sheerness, transferring to Chatham, where he followed his trade till 1887, when he returned to Appledore and worked for some time under Mr Westacott…

Funerals at Appledore – Mr William Bowden, aged 78. In his earlier career Mr Bowden had been a deep-water sailor, and had sailed out of London in the Hudson Bay Company ship, trading to Vancouver, and had also been in the late Mr William Yeo’s employ, bringing the ships home from Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island, to Appledore, where they were completed. He was wrecked in the schooner Excell which grounded on the Goodwin Sands. Mrs Sarah Ann Jewell, aged 74, was laid to rest in St Mary’s Churchyard, the Vicar, Rev Hugh C A S Muller, officiating. The Vicar mentioned that Mrs Jewell was the last of the Hancocks, a fine race of seamen, who had owned property in Appledore for three generations, and her father and brother, like many others, had met their deaths at sea, but their name would be permanently handed down in the site known as Hancock’s Slip. The late Mr Braunton – Mr James Braunton suddenly collapsed after a week’s illness of influenza. He had for over forty years been the head man on Mr John Cock’s farm and a was a most invaluable farm servant. He will be laid to rest at Northam, where his wife is buried. Mr William Payne, retired mariner, was laid to rest. The Vicar, Rev Hugh C A S Muller, who officiated, in a few words referred to the early travels of the late Mr Payne, pointing out how he had sailed out of Weymouth for many years, and also how he patiently borne his distressing illness, never complaining but always enduring with a brave spirit.

Infant children were laid to rest at Appledore.

In a follow up to one of last month’s stories, Bideford Town Council have held discussions about the safety of drivers and pedestrians during the road works on the bridge. It is reported that insurers for the lorry which crashed into the river are holding the Council responsible for the damage. So far there has been no update on the condition of the driver, Mr Cloke

The death took place at his residence, Glencoe, Bideford, after a brief illness, of Mr Fred Panter, and much sympathy is felt with the family in their sad and unexpected bereavement. Mr Panter, who in his calling as a produce dealer was a well-known figure in Bideford market, had been a hard-working member of Bideford Wesleyan Church, and acted as sidesman for over 20 years. The funeral took place with Rev a W Bunnett, MA, officiating. Sincere sympathy is expressed with the bereaved family and relatives in the great loss they have sustained by the death of Mrs Ethel Greenslade, wife of Mr F W Greenslade, of 53 Lime Grove, Bideford. Mrs Greenslade, who was much beloved and held in high esteem by a large circle of friends, passed away at the early age of 36, after a very brief illness. She leaves one child.

A Bideford schoolboy, John Lee, of 4 Railway Cottages, Torrington Street, East-the-Water, was knocked down by a motor car and was taken to Bideford Hospital having sustained a fractured left arm, cuts to the forehead and knees and bruises on his legs. He is now progressing as well as can be expected, although he will probably have to remain in hospital for some short while yet.

Bideford ketch, Francis Beddoe, who belongs to Mr A Galsworthy of Appledore, is lost on Pendine Sands, Carmarthen Bay, Wales.

Household furniture from The Orchard, Orchard Hill, Bideford, for sale by auction.

William Glover, of Lyndale House, Bideford, was fined 3s for riding a bicycle without a light after regular time.

Furnishings from Meadowview, Clovelly Road, Bideford, for sale.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Bideford United Methodist Church, when Miss Daisy Fulford, only daughter of Alderman J U Fulford and Mrs Fulford, of Salterns, entered into the bonds of holy matrimony with Mr William John Bellew. The bridegroom is the third son of Mr T Bellew (a member of Bideford Rural Council and Board of Guardians) and Mrs Bellew, of Puse-hill Farm, Abbotsham.

After the service a move was made to Salterns, where a real old-fashioned wedding breakfast was held in the barn which was decorated with hangings and draperies, and illuminated by groups of twinkling fairy lights. The newlywed couple motored to Bournemouth and London where their honeymoon is being spent. On returning Mr and Mrs John Bellew will reside at Gammaton Farm.

Buy your Swallow raincoat from Metherell's in Bideford.

At Bradworthy, the epidemic of influenza has not yet abated. However, in spite of the epidemic local rivalries continue – skittles and draughts competitions at Bradworthy were fiercely contested. The home team lost the draughts event to Welcome 31-18. However, Bradworthy took the Torridge & District Skittle Council shield, with Buckland Brewer a close second.

A very successful bachelors’ tea and social was held in the Temperance Hall, Bradworthy, organised by the young men associated with the United Methodist Church. Afterwards an enjoyable evening was spent. A goodly sum was realised and given to the Women’s Working League.

Many in Bradworthy were grieved at the receipt of the news of the decease, almost suddenly, of Mrs Samuel John Ashton, formerly of Lake, but recently resident at Bideford. Whilst at Bradworthy she endeared herself to all by her Christian kindness and hospitality. Mrs Gilbert of the Square, who had been a great sufferer, passed away after a long illness, borne with patience and without complaining.

Fancy dress at Bucks Mills. The dancers began arriving at 7.30 and it soon became evident that the display of costumes would be very varied and effective. Dancing began soon after 8 o’clock and later on those in fancy dress paraded in three classes – ladies, gentlemen and children. The prizes were awarded as follows: ‘The Balloon Girl’ Miss Gertrude French; ‘The Clown’ Mr Fred Johns, and ‘Charlie Chaplin’ Mr Stanley Martin. ‘Rainbow’ Margaret Heywood, and ‘Sailorman’ Grenville Braund.

In consequence of the increasing traffic, a Royal Automobile Association patrol man is to be stationed at Clovelly Cross during the summer months.

The funeral of Mrs Annie Burnard, who passed away at the age of 82 years, took place at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, amid many manifestations of sympathy and respect. The Rev T L V Simkin officiated and there was a large congregation…

Quite recently the United Methodist Church, Frithelstock, was presented with a beautiful copy of the Scriptures inscribed ‘For the United Methodist Church, Frithelstock, December, 1923’. It was forwarded by carrier to the Steward, Mr William Ashton, of Myrtle Cottage, with no indication of the sender. Evidently the donor is a lover of the Church.

Mr Ernest Hill officiated at the marriage in the United Methodist Church, of Mr Ernest Prouse to Miss Dorothy J Pomeroy of Netherton. Owing to the illness of her father, the bride was given away by her young brother, Mr Ernest Pomeroy. Miss Louise Prouse was her attendant, and Mr T Prouse acted as ‘best man’. Mr Frank Christmas played the wedding music. A reception was held at Netherton. The presents were very numerous.

Influenza is epidemic in Hartland. The churches and chapels were very badly attended in consequence.

The French Government has arranged to exhume and repatriate all their sailors and soldiers who lie in foreign lands. In accordance with this decision the body of Henri Auguste Guyon (a sailor) was removed from Hartland churchyard on February 28th.

The funeral has taken place at Stoke, Hartland, of John Orchard. Mr Orchard, who was 62, was a member of a well-known and respected local Gypsy family. Following his death from influenza, thirty six local men carried his coffin the four miles from the moor to the churchyard for burial. At Hartland, the funeral of little Ivy Johns took place with Pastor Hill officiating. The vicar officiated and gave a short address and Miss Pillman presided at the organ. Pastor Hill officiated at Mrs Cloke’s funeral.

Hartland road improvement scheme.

At Instow, Mr Nancekivell’s tender is accepted for repairing seats on Sand Step Hill, and Mr H Miles will resign.

Many old friends will learn with regret of the death of Miss Maginnis, who died in Ireland at an advanced age. She was at the Saunton Hotel for many years, and was latterly stewardess at the Sailing Club at Instow. The flag at the Club was flown at half mast shen the regretted news of Miss Maginnis’s death was received.

At the Marine Hotel, Instow, a six-a-side table tennis match was played between teams representing Barnstaple and Bideford, with Bideford winning. Afterwards Mr Ed King, the host, entertained the company to an excellent supper, which was followed by a musical programme.

The funeral of the late Mr Thomas Parkin who died at Cardiff, at the age of 59, took place. The deceased was a carpenter and joiner and was a native of Instow. He leaves a widow, five sons and five daughters.

Langtree village was en fete on the occasion of the wedding of Mr Arthur Horn and Miss Emma Moore, daughter of the late Mr John and Mrs Moore, of East Browns. Both the bride and bridegroom are great favourites with all their acquaintances, being well known in music circles. The ceremony took place at the UM Chapel, Langtree with the Rev H E Reed officiating, assisted by Rev P Luxton. The bride looked charming….

At a special meeting of Langtree Parish Council, Mr Hack proposed, Mr Short seconded, that the Council accept with regret the resignation of Mr S J Sanders as Clerk to the Council and Assistant Overseer, an office he had filled for 25 years. the Chairman expressed sorrow at losing such an efficient officer.

Mr Huxtable, of Birch-hill Farm has had the misfortune to lose a valuable cow. Mrs R Huxtable of Langtree is the recipient of donations on behalf of the trustees of the UM Chapel. Earlier in the month it was reported that the Chapel received a handsome sum from Mr Hobbs, of America.

Langtree’s only inn, the Green Dragon, was completely destroyed by fire. The inn was one of the houses controlled by Messrs S W Arnold and Sons, brewers, of Taunton, which firm leases the property from the Rolle Estate, and it was tenanted by Mr Richard Vanstone, who also follows the occupation of carpenter, and his wife. The outbreak was discovered by Mr Crocker of Little Torrington at 2.30pm. He gave the alarm to Mr Vanstone and together with the help of a willing muster of neighbours preliminary precautions were taken and help of the fire brigade summoned. Police-Sergeant Snell and PC Hawkins hurried to the village and assisted in preventing the spread of the fire. Torrington Brigade were rallied under Mr Leat, and they reached the scene of the fire with their hand-pump and hose, drawn by three horses, by 3.15pm. The Bideford Brigade had been summoned at the same time through the Torrington Post Office, and arrived with their steam engine coving a distance of 9 miles (five miles farther than from Torrington to Langtree) shortly afterwards.

The children attending Littleham Council School were examined in religious knowledge by the Inspector, Mr H H Hawkins, and the following report has just been received…

We regret to announce the death of Mrs Bowdidge, Moor Cottages, Littleham, who passed away peacefully at the age of 71. She was the widow of the late Mr W H Bowdidge and the youngest daughter of the late Mr James Crealock. The deceased had resided at Littleham all her life with the exception of a few years spent in Birmingham. She was of a most genial and affectionate disposition and although not being blessed with a robust constitution, yet all affliction was borne with much Christian fortitude.

Lundy - A very successful dance was held at the Assembly Rooms, the occasion being the celebration of the twenty-first birthday of Mrs C Ottley; also to commemorate St Patrick’s Day in honour, as a compliment to Mr and Mrs Barter. Previous to the dancing, Mr Sleep, chief officer of Lloyds Signal Station, made a brief speech, thanking Miss Sage, the popular hostess of the Manor Hotel for her kindness in granting the use of the hall, and expressed the hope that the social life of the Island would continue to improve. Mr Barter, chief signalman of Lloyds, who carried out the duties of MC in a pleasing manner, also spoke.

The Rev J A S Castlehow, assistant priest at Northam, met with a serious accident whilst cycling on Exmoor. His machine skidded in the snow, and the rider was thrown violently over a small bridge and dropped into the brook eight feet below. He was conveyed to Challocombe Rectory and afterwards removed to his home. All will wish him a speedy recovery, but it will be some little time before he will be able to resume his duties.

Properties in Northam for sale by auction – The Kings Head; Alexandra House; two cottages in Tower Street in the occupation of Messrs Balsdon and Colwill; 6 cottages in Honey Street in the occupation of Messrs Glover, Mrs Glover, Messrs Keen, Pound and Miss Curtis.

There was a nasty accident in Barnstaple Square when a motor car driven by Major-General Sir R Stewart, of Bidna, Northam, was in collision with a bicycle ridden by Mr William J Body, a mason, of Swimbridge.

Northam Men’s Bible Class gave a very effective rendering of the musical service ‘Khama’ in the Congregational Church. Over forty members took part, and the male chorus thus provided was heard to advantage in the choral marches – the soloists were Messrs G Kelly, W Pound, B Hancock, J Beara, E and W Littlejohns, G Colwill and W Pickard. Mr Henry Littlejohns being the organist.

The funeral took place at Northam Churchyard of the late Mr Christopher Joseph Kilduff, who died at Hyde Barton, Northam, from pneumonia following influenza. The deceased was the faithful friend and servant of Mrs Nixon for 24 years. There were a number present to pay the last tribute of respect. The funeral of the late Mrs Emma Hearn, the wife of Mr John Hearn, of Higher Castle Street, Northam, took place, there being a large attendance to pay the last tribute of respect.

At Parkham, Miss Jewell, a domestic servant at Flaxmans, fell in the farmyard and broke the bone of her elbow. Despite her injuries she pluckily milked three cows with one hand after the accident.

The death has taken place at Broom Hill Cottage, Parkham, of Mr W Dean. Deceased was gardener at the Rectory for a good many years, and although having rheumatism, he trudged from his cottage to the Rectory for gardening purposes. He was also a ringer until compelled to give it up. He leaves a widow and grown-up family to mourn their loss. By his death another record of longevity is broken for this parish. Mr and Mrs Dean having been married for nearly 60 years.

Quite a gloom was cast over the Shebbear parish when it became known that Mrs Bessie Bright, wife of Mr Charles Bright, of Moortown, had passed away at the age of 48. She was of a bright and cheerful disposition, brave and patient in suffering, a devoted wife, loving mother, kind neighbour, and true friend. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Bright, and the three children in their sad bereavement.

The wedding of Miss Beatrice Mary Leach, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs W J Leach of South View House, Shebbear, to Mr Reginald Arnold, Petersmarland, was solemnised at the United Methodist Church at Lake by the Rev H E Reed, Circuit Minister.

After a few weeks’ illness, Ex-Sergt John Bennett, a native of Torrington, passed away. Deceased served 12 years with the 1st Devons in India and retired on a pension. He rejoined the same regiment and served five years in France during the late war. He had since been appointed foreman under the Devon County Council at the Barnstaple Depot of Quarry men. Five of his comrades from Barnstaple attended the funeral….

Owing to the influenza epidemic half the inmates of Torrington Poor-Law Institution have been laid up, and Church services were suspended for two Sundays.

At the Torrington Borough Police Court Mary Mules again failed to put in an appearance to answer to a summons adjourned from the previous court for allowing the chimney of her house to be on fire. She was brought to the court by the police in a crying state and fined 3s 6d. James Pettyjohns for a similar offence was also fined 3s 6d.

At Torrington Town Council meeting, in regard to the Council’s decision at the last meeting to whiten the dial of the Fountain Clock, which now had a black face, the Town Clerk, Mr F A Hodgkinson, reported having communicated with two local clockmakers, but neither was anxious to undertake it. Mr H Vincent, who raised the question at the previous meeting, said with a black face the clock was hopeless, and he moved they get a quotation. Seconded by Mr C Popham.

Looking forward to the spring, Torrington Chamber of Commerce have decided to revive the old May Fair Day. Among the suggested attractions are a clay pigeon shoot, skittles match, old English dancing and a bowling tournament in fancy dress. The Fair grounds will have side-shows and amusements, and all shopkeepers have been asked to make attractive displays. The day will end with a grand carnival.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiating. The contracting parties were Cyril Stanley Vodden, of Well Street, Torrington, and Miss Florence Curtis, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Curtis, New Street, Torrington. Bridesmaids were Miss Edith Curtis and Miss Edith Parkhouse. Mr Fred Vodden discharged the duties of groomsman. Both being so widely known and highly respected, they were the recipients of upwards to 100 useful and costly presents. The happy couple left by train for Uppingham, near Leicester, where the honeymoon will be spent. As the train steamed out from the station detonators were fired and the bridegroom’s railway comrades gave them a hearty send off.

The usually quiescent village of Weare Gifford, noted for its Hall and its strawberry teas, was the scene of considerable excitement on the occasion of an outbreak of fire which did considerable damage at the Riversdale Tea Room and dairy farm, the home of Mr and Mrs Titus Moore. Mr Moore walked round the premises at 10.30pm, and half an hour later, Sergt Major Hammersley, retired, who lives in a house the other side of the road, made his customary look round and noticed nothing amiss. About an hour later, Mrs Moore was awakened by a loud knocking (subsequently found was caused by the frantic efforts of the horse, valued at £30) and the reflection of flames was seen in the bedroom window. Their little girl roused Mr Charles Jeffery together with Mr and Mrs Gilbert. As well as the stable, the tea rooms and other farm buildings near the dwelling house were well alight. Neighbours Chas Jeffery and Mr & Mrs Gilbert were soon on the scene and set about saving the main house and the horses. The fire brigade from Torrington arrived and used water from the mill leat to feed the manual engine. The fire was extinguished by 5am. Sadly one horse was lost but the cattle, ducks and hens were outside and survived, as did the house. All the contents of the tea room were destroyed, along with a piano belonging to the village which had been stored there until a village hall could be built.

The Westward Ho! Football Club had their annual dinner at the Pebble Ridge Hotel. After an excellent repast, to which 33 sat down, and which was supplied Host Hambly, a smoking concert took place – Messrs G Kelly, E Littlejohns, Hutchings, Mitchell, Metherall, R Newcombe, Lawson and Paddon, contributing to the harmony. A number of toasts were proposed and responded to by the following: Messrs Wilkey, E Taylor, G Hutchings, E Littlejohns and W Metherall.

An excellent concert was given in the Council School, £9 16s 6d being raised for Church funds. Mr Robert Harper unfortunately, through illness, could not appear but he had very kindly got together a contingent from Bideford, and Mr Jenkins and Mr Stevens had most generously provided the transport. This is not the first time Bideford has helped the Church in Woolsery.

Mr Frederick William Ridd, a butcher, of Woolsery is involved in some excitement in High-street, Bideford.

March 1974

A second outbreak of influenza has hit schools and, to a lesser extent, industry in the area. The wave is passing, but at its peak around 70 girls from Bideford Edgehill College as well as staff members were ill. In the case of boarders they overflowed from the sick bay and one of the houses had to be given up to them. To a lesser extent girls and staff were affected at Stella Maris and at other schools more children and staff than usual are away. The effect has not been so marked in industry, possibly because with a three-day week workers have tended to struggle on.

Trustees who are proposing to spend an estimated £1,200 on the installation of oil-fired central heating at the almshouses at Alwington told Bideford Rural Council that oil filled electric radiators previously provided were not used because of high running costs. New the houses were heated only by open coal fires in the living rooms. But the council’s public health and housing committee through central heating would prove very expensive for the aged tenants and the council are to tell the trustees that in their view it would be no less costly to run that the radiators.

Silver candelabra were presented to the Rev Gwynne H Watkey and Mrs Watkeys at a celebration to mark Mr Watkey’s 25th anniversary as minister of Appledore and Westward Ho! Baptist churches. They were handed to them by Mr Alan Smith on behalf of the congregation of both churches.

Appledore Shark Angling Club is making great strides to put North Devon on the map. Formed at the end of 1971, the club already has 11 members who caught fish over 75lb to qualify for the Shark Angling Club of Great Britain by the end of their first season’s fishing. During that first year, chartering the Silver Puff, members made 24 sorties to various parts of Bideford Bay. Members include Mr Ernie ‘Bosun’ Carter, Mrs Paula Summers, Mr D Cockram and Comm R Rowe.

Appledore Town Silver Band’s ‘dial-a-band’ scheme has again attracted the attention of the BBC – this time in a programme to be seen in colour within the next fortnight on the early evening ‘Nationwide’ programme. In January they were the subject of a film report on BBC West.

The phrase family tree took on a very real meaning at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, when 24 trees were planted in the churchyard. The trees were supplied by Devon County Council, but at the suggestion of the Vicar, the Rev Donald Peyton Jones, local families not only planted them but undertook to be responsible for their maintenance for all time. Newly married couples and others who plan to get married at Appledore this year were among those who planted trees, among parents who took the opportunity to mark the baptism of their children were Mr and Mrs Roger Day, of Irsha Street, who infant son was baptised earlier that same day.

As part of their everyday work the men in this picture have between them driven for at least 44 weeks a year for a total of 95 years without having had an accident. And that doesn’t include the policeman! Police Superintendent B J Phillips called at the offices of the South Western Electricity Board at Bideford to present awards to board employees. One of the board’s senior electricians, Mr R J Kelly of Clovelly, received a bar to add to his medal. Others to receive the awards were – H King, R A Short, R Colwill, M Schiller, G B John, P G Shackson, H Eastman, L C Davey, K W Foley, A Mugford, J H Mayne, J Sluman, G Vickery, J Vickery, D B Peacham and E Tanton. The awards are in respect of driving up to end of 1972.

Bideford Bridge Townswomen’s Guild celebrated their 25th anniversary with a dinner at the Royal Hotel. Membership of the Bridge Guild exceeds 80. The president, Mrs F Jewell, is seen cutting the celebration cake, accompanied by Mrs R Harding, Mrs F Smyth, Mrs A Blatchford, Mrs Trigger and Mrs Scott.

Bideford’s oldest resident, Miss Harriett Diamond, of Elm Grove, is 104. ‘Auntie Mig’ as she is known to her friends, is confined to bed but continues to be alert and cheerful and takes a keen interest in the news. She lives with her niece, Mrs G Cunningham, who has looked after Miss Diamond and her late sister, Mrs E Bradford, who reached the age of 102, for many years.

Bideford’s oldest postman, Mr Arthur Rowe, hung up his bag. Only five months short of his 75th birthday he said: “I’m looking forward to a long retirement.” Mr Rowe, of Elmdale Road, did not start his post office career until he was 65, and that was after retiring from over 40 years’ service with the Royal Blue and Southern National as a driver.

Sisters Shirley and Lindsay Tucker and their cousins Simon, Matthew and Clare Langdon brought some of their four-legged friends together for this picture taken at Cadds Down Farm, Bideford, the home of Mr and Mrs T P Tucker. Easily the senior member of the group is Trixie the pony, seen here with her young companion Bobby. Next in order of seniority comes 14 year old collie Rexo.

A remarkable triple coincidence marked the last baptism by Preb T Derwent Davies as Rector of Bideford. The baptism at St Peter’s Church, East-the-Water, was that of baby Lee Anthony Davis, son of Mr and Mrs Davis, Elm Grove, Bideford. The godfather, Mr David Johnstone was the first baby Preb Davies baptised as a curate in Bideford in 1945 – and David’s brother Paul was the first he baptised when he became Rector here in 1958. Preb Davies was at David’s confirmation and also officiated at his wedding. David and Paul are the sons of Mrs E Johnstone and the late Mr W H R Johnstone, of The Anchorage, Slade, Northdown Road, Bideford.

Volunteers were kept busy making masses of pancakes for Bideford Buccaneers’ pancake races held on the Quay on Shrove Tuesday. There were so many entries in the children’s classes that two heats had to be run in the boys’ section. The opening race, for women, was won by Mrs Smale from a field of 11. Stuart Humphries triumphed in the boys’ section and Carol Keen won the girls’ event. Winner of the men’s race was Mr Malcolm Hook.

There was absolutely no truth in the rumour that they were being taken over by Fine Fare, a spokesman of the Ford and Lock chain of stores told the Gazette. “We have heard the same rumour: it seems to be a regular thing,” he added. Ford and Lock intended to carry on with their rapid expansion. In 14 years they had built up to 28 outlets with two more to open this year.

Help to buy boats for Bideford Amateur Athletic Club and Bideford Amateur Rowing Club.

Major expansion plans announced by Bideford Toy Works Ltd include the provision of a new factory which will provide jobs for up to 300. It is understood that 12 different sites are being considered, some outside the area. But it was stressed that the is still room for expansion at the existing Bideford factory.

Members of the Stella Maris school team which won first place in the junior section of the Bideford schools’ road safety quiz admire their trophy.

Jackie Turner, David Adams, David Pope, Lynn Williams and Christopher Sherborne

The Rev Charles Sutton, who has been instituted as Vicar of Bradworthy, served the Anglican church in Canada for 14 years in the early part of his ministry and during the war was a chaplain with the Royal Canadian Air Force. A bachelor, he is accompanied by his sister, Miss Hilda Sutton, who has been his companion and housekeeper since he took Holy Orders. She, too, served in the RCAF – as an accountant. The benefice has been vacant for nearly three years since the retirement of the Rev H T Lingham Lees.

Bideford Rural District Council’s housing schemes are being held up because of lack of materials and bad weather. Members were told that work on the site at Buckland Brewer was proceeding very slowly and that a start on the site at Woolsery had been delayed for a month.

Former pupils were bearers at the funeral at Bucks Cross of Mrs Elsie Thomas, of St Anne’s Cottage, Bucks Mills, former headmistress of Parkham and Bucks Mills schools. She was a member of Bideford Camera Club and a collector for the Hospital Aid Society.

The first clue into the mysterious jet from RAF Chivenor may have been uncovered at Bucks Mills.

Mr C Braund, of The Quay, Clovelly, says “Think of the donkeys!”

More than half the money paid out in rent rebates to private tenants by Bideford Rural District Council went to those at Clovelly, the clerk Mr A J Blatchford, told council members. The 16 or 17 private tenants at Clovelly received about £30 a week between them.

In light of their promise to grant £150 and Hartland Parish Council’s decision to give £80 towards the provision of tennis courts at Hartland, Bideford Rural District Council are hoping that the Education Authority will be prepared to make a full grant of £710.

Ben Travers’ farce “Rookery Nook” chosen this year by Hartland Drama Group provided enjoyment for an audience of over 200 in its 2-night showing. Those taking part were Mrs Antoinette Moat, Mrs Jon Perrin, Mr Rupert Summers, Mr Micky Chapman-Pincher, Mr Kevin Ogden, Miss Gussie Greenlees, Mr Steve Howlett, Mr John Scott, Mrs Heather Scott, Mrs Alice Clark, Mrs Janet Summers. Producer was Mr Daniel Newton.

Because of indications that there was ‘considerable weight of opinion’ against its provisions, Bideford Rural District Council have agreed to withdraw an Order for a diversion of a public footpath at Blagdon Farm, Hartland. A complaint by a neighbouring farmer that the County Council had carried out work on another footpath without notifying him was referred to the County Council.

Aircraftman Andrew Lance Dipper of View Close, Instow, was awarded a Certificate of Merit as best all round recruit of his flight on graduation.

Interest at the February meeting of the North Devon Numismatic Society was centred on a Charles I shilling dated 1645 and said to have been minted on Lundy Island. Despite intensive research members could establish no definite proof that a mint ever existed on Lundy although Thomas Bushell, who was in charge of the island during the Civil War had mints elsewhere and was also in charge of the silver mines at Combe Martin. It was felt that any coins attributed to Lundy had almost been minted at Barnstaple.

Tax changes Lundy life.

A swimming pool is to be restored to Northam Urban Council’s overall plan for the development of Burrough Farm.

Some 200 entries were received for a schools road safety arts and crafts competition at Northam. Gift vouchers were presented during an assembly at St Margaret’s School, Northam, and plaques to Northam Methodist Church team which won the recent junior quiz. Prizes were awarded to: Edwin Astbury, Garry Wallace, Hazel Woodland, Stephen Morris, Jonathon Charles, Louise Andrews, Richard Moulton, Lindsay Warmington, Sally Dawson, Nicola Sled, Hayley Holman, Petra Hicks, Richard Boon, Steven Barter, Robert Goldsworthy, Jessica Rose, Fiona Jenn and Mark Elston.

Captain Henry Oswald Wilkinson, of Bay View Road, Northam, who died at the age of 82, was a retired Marine Superintendent who was with Houlder Bros and Co Ltd, Buenos Aires. He was president of Northam and Westward Ho! Conservative Association, a member of Appledore Lifeboat Committee, and of Bideford Lodge of Benevolence of Freemasons. The Rev D Pine officiated at the funeral service.

Some of the Westcountry’s leading players competed in an invitation competition at the Lenwood Squash Club. Winner of the Robin Gale cup was Nigel Foulkes, the Devon No. 3 player. In the final he defeated Clive Stiff in a hard fought match. Semi-finalists were former Cornish county champion Nick Barrington and Devon county player George Ackland. Best performance by a local player was by teacher Simon Lloyd. A plate competition was won by Tim Langdon of Bideford after a five game final with Andrew Joynson.

In the photograph are: David Allsop, Brian French, E Tudor, T Langdon, N Foulkes, D Pike, C Stiff, C Stockman, P Cross, K Spencer and M King

‘Showing the flag’ had a special significance when the top picture reproduced here was taken at Parkham. Members of the newly-formed Parkham 1st cubs-scouts pack, who had just been invested, are seen examining the flag of a pack of wolf cubs, as they were then known, that flourished in the village around 30 years ago. The flag was made by the grandmother of one of the helpers with the new pack, Mrs Alice Hockin. It was a nostalgic occasion for Mr Grenville Glover, for he was a member of the wolf cubs. His son, Stephen, is one of the new pack.

Pack members seen in the modern picture are Roger Honey, Stephen Glover, Paul Wilks, Philip Priest, Richard Heywood, Richard Marsden, Kevin Glover, Arthur Griffin, Terry Souch and Andrew Souch

What is believed to be the largest pair of gloves ever made by a local firm has been supplied by Sudbury’s Gloves Ltd to the King of Tonga, in the South Pacific. Made in grey nylon fabric for use on formal occasions, they measured six inches across the palm. HM King Taufa’abau the Fourth of Tonga is an imposing figure, and succeeded his mother, the late Queen Salote. Sudbury’s, who have factories at Bideford, Appledore and Torrington, also have the distinction of supplying the nylon fabric gloves included in the complete set of gloves annually presented to the Lady Mayoress of London by the Worshipful Company of Glovers. These are made by Mrs Cynthia Dymond, of Lime Grove, Bideford, who is chief instructor to newcomers joining the firm.

After 25 years’ service as Borough Beadle of Torrington, Mr Jack Avery has resigned. He is a native of East-the-Water, Bideford, and has two sisters – Miss May Avery of Honestone Street, and Mrs Ivy Glover, of Copps Close. He and his wife, Phyllis, a daughter of the late Mr George Yeo who was Mayor of Torrington, have two daughters and a son, all married.

Work on Torrington’s swimming pool scheme began this week. Announcing this, the surveyor, Mr Peter Symons, said the overall cost was £76,829. The pool is to be built on part of the cattle market site, near other sports facilities and convenient to the centre of the town.

Figures too low for crossing at New Street, Torrington.

As part of their careers course, 38 boys from Torrington County Secondary School spent a day with the Army at Wyvern Barracks, Exeter. They all negotiated the assault course and fired self-loading rifles and machine guns. The visit enabled the boys to have a close look at conditions in the Junior Leaders Regiment and four of the boys afterwards said it had confirmed their choice of a service career. Mr M Vanderpant, head of the school’s careers department, said that this was one of a series of visits and in the future pupils would be travelling to the Royal Navy training centre at Raleigh, Plymouth, the Amphibious Experimental Establishment at Instow, Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd and Sussman’s of Barnstaple.

Westward Ho! WI celebrated its 26th birthday by planting a tree in the grounds of The Chalet old people’s home. The president, Mrs L Pope, presented a variegated holly, which was accepted by Mrs M Congdon.

A plan to convert the station hall at Westward Ho! into a beer garden style public house was approved by Northam Council – but only on the vote of the chairman, Mr John Smith. The outline planning application by Mr Eric Hart had originally been recommended for refusal but the County Council disagreed. The building was at present vacant, had approved planning use as a discotheque. Mrs E M Hilder said she felt very strongly that the council had ‘missed the boat’ by not acquiring this property. She added: “It would have been ideal for us, providing a much-needed shelter which we have wanted in Westward Ho! for years and years.”

A sea outfall nearly three and a third miles long from Westward Ho! beach would be needed for the Bideford-Northam joint sewerage scheme to meet the demands of the Department of Environment inspector who conducted a public inquiry into the project. This was stated in a report on hydrographic investigations. The report added that the dilution from the outfall would be preferable to treating the sewage to Royal Commission standards in a shore-based treatment works and discharging the effluent to the low water mark.

Movable loos for Westward Ho!

Efforts to find the owner of land at the rear of Golden Bay garages at Westward Ho! which Northam Urban Council want to use, have proved unsuccessful. The council are to make a compulsory order if the owner is not found.

A £1 million scheme to erect what were described as ‘high rise’ flats on the site of The Pines, Atlantic Way, Westward Ho! has been vetoed by Northam Urban Council. They agreed to recommend for refusal a planning application by Geocrest Properties who want to build blocks of two and three bedroomed flats. The housing committee told the council “Blocks of flats of this magnitude are not considered to be in keeping with the area in general.”

No mention of Winkleigh on signposts.

The funeral has taken place at Woolsery Parish Church of Mrs Ada Johns, of Hill Croft, Woolsery, aged 82 years. She was the wife of the late Mr Albert Johns, formerly of Stitworthy Farm. The bearers were Messrs G Andrew, H Andrew, M Andrew, M Heywood, R Heywood and W Heywood, nephews.

‘Mad people’ who drive through the village of Woolsery at 50mph have been criticised at a parish council meeting. “Most people drive with care and consideration, but a number of these chaps, whose time is money, drive like maniacs and it is they and the summer visitors who are the menace, “ said Mr John Downes.

March 1999

The French may be world soccer champions but a North Devon pub has been causing them blushes in their own traditional game of boule, or pétanque. The Pig-on-the-Hill at Abbotsham not only has its own pétanque club with one of this country’s best pétanque terrains (pitches) but has yet to be beaten in matches against French opposition home or away! “The game originated with the use of cannon balls” said club chairman Chris Preston-Smith.

Semi-detached cottage at Abbotsham for sale.

Appledore is planning a giant photograph of all its villagers, a colourful new village sign, and a mermaid of its very own! They are some of the ideas in prospect for the estuary village’s second arts festival planned for the beginning of June. Last year’s popular summer event featuring a mix of professional, amateur and community initiatives and events captured the imagination and has secured a second year of funding. In keeping with it maritime history, water will feature large in the proceedings.

Appledore Letting Agency requires an ‘experienced part time PA’.

Appledore pub landlords Grahame Stone and Barry Lewis are to be ‘gunged’ to raise cash for Comic Relief. The neighbouring Beaver Inn and Royal George pubs have a tradition of joining forces for charity fund raising. Beaver chef Ashley Jewell will be having a red dyed Mohican haircut and there will be a charity auction including a gallon of whisky and a valuable golf print with miniature golf clubs.

It may not be the Amazon, but a charity trip down the River Torridge being planned promises to be quite a journey. Fellow surfing and canoeing enthusiasts Simon May of Appledore, Andrew Short of Bideford, Andrew Freeman and Greg Ford of Westward Ho! will enter the river at Taddiport and travel 10 miles downstream to Appledore. Their transport will be two large inflated tyres on loan from Skern Lodge. The foursome have planned their trip as a contribution to Comic Relief.

A well known Bideford head of hair was given the chop for the first time in local memory. Robert Bennett of Clifton Street celebrated his 50th birthday by creating a new image and raising a tidy sum for children’s charities. Even Robert himself couldn’t remember the last time his ‘Viking style’ hair had been cut. After a first snip by young Claire Cussell other customers at the Blacksmiths Arms were invited to join in. A final shave by John Hancock competed the transformation.

Shepherd Graeme Sims of Bideford is claiming a world record for working seven sheepdogs at once as part of a team all wearing dog collars including him! Graeme is an ordained priest as well as being resident shepherd at the Milky Way Adventure Park near Clovelly. His seven-dog feat is so far unchallenged. And that’s a problem, because to publish a world record and get into the Guiness Book there has to be a challenger!

Narrow Mill Street has been the hub of Bideford life for centuries. It is mentioned in documents dating back to the first half of the 14th century, when the presence of a mill would have made it particularly important. The mill was probably a tidal mill. Today Mill Street remains at the centre of town activity with a profusion of more than 50 shops and commercial enterprises. The traditional butcher, baker and candlestick maker can all be found along its length.

Large Belgian chocolate eggs will help two North Devon charities to celebrate Easter. The eggs were presented by Woolworths of Bideford to the Children’s Hospice South West and the local branch of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

Bill Grundy, Jon Adams, Kate Silk and Maureen Palmer

When young swimmers from the Bideford Bay Surf Lifesaving Club took the plunge for charity they did it in a big way. Members of the 100-strong club put in a huge effort to raise funds for less fortunate children. Together they have raised around £1,000 which is going to the North Devon Children’s Holiday Foundation.

Students of Edgehill College in Bideford carried off 13 trophies at the Devon and Exeter Festival of Speech and Drama. Their trophy winners were: Margaret Sanders (Buckland Brewer), Sophie Perks (Bideford), Joana Taskis (Halwill), Emily Simons (Ashreigney), Hannah Arnold (Weare Gifford), Natalie Barker (Northam), Diana Scott (Westleigh), Chris Bargery, Anna Forbes, Pandora Garwood, Victoria Jephcote, Daniel Smith (Morwenstow), Moira Johns (Bideford), Rachel Forbes (Ilfracombe).

For sale by public auction – The Laurels, 106 West Street, Hartland.

The Lloyds Bank branch in Hartland is closing despite the protests of local businesses. Firms and individuals face a 30-mile round trip to the nearest branch in Bideford. But Girobank says people can use its service at the village post office.

For sale by public auction – Seacroft, Lakenham Hill, Northam.

Admiral Court, Northam – properties for sale.

Pictured at RAF College Cranwell is Pilot Officer James Bertie, from Northam, who has graduated as an RAF officer. His parents David and Carol still live in Northam. A keen sportsman, James enjoys rugby, cricket and swimming.

An attempted robbery at a Northam supermarket was foiled by the actions of a shop assistant. A man entered the Savers Supermarket in The Square and approached the till, grabbed the assistant’s arm and demanded money. But she broke away and pushed the panic alarm. The man ran out without stealing anything.

Estate agents Brian Sims report the sale of two redundant factories, one was at Torrington where there is permission for houses bordering a communal area and within a short walk of the town centre.

Spring is in the air in Torrington where the young people are already thinking of May Fair. This year’s May Queen will be Kelly Williams and her crowner will be Sarah Callaghan. Making up the royal retinue will be Robbie Tubb, Laurence Oglivie, Emma Gooch, Jai Hepponstall, Corina Bevan, Alaina Barnes, Rachel Bateman, Tayler Burke, Gemma Knight and Sherene Hollands. Just a short distance away the older students of Great Torrington School have made their choices for the girls who will lead the town’s May Fair Carnival parade.

Annette Allan, Nicola Coles, and Natasha Reed

More people are needed in Torrington to ensure the nose meets the tail in a giant charity conga around the town square. Children from the Bluecoat Infants’ and Nursery School are behind the event for Comic Relief, and are backed by the Torrington Cavaliers’ charity group and the town’s Community Development Trust. But the youngsters have a problem. They are more than 300 bodies short of the 561 conga participants needed to encircle the town square and for the ends to meet up.

Bluecoat Infants and deputy head, Jane Rivans

Later in the month, it was reported that Torrington was in dancing mood with some 480 children and adults taking part in a giant fancy dress conga around the town square. Mayor Mike Lamprey and Community Constable Jenny Herniman donned red noses to lead the way. A collection in the streets and the sale of red noses brought in around £450 for the Comic Relief charity.

A well-known North Devon nightspot is being reborn, with the promise of more music, dancing and entertainment. The Kingsley Klub at Westward Ho! is being refurbished and launched at the Kingsley Entertainments Centre after being saved by a businesswoman from the threat of demolition to make room for houses.

Disc jockeys Jonah and Paul Fry at the Kingsley Club

When Peter Sawyer from Atlantic Adventure took on a business partner he got more than he bargained for – a second business within one month! Peter and Bryan Smith are now partners in Atlantic Adventure, a dive centre, and AA Engineering services which offers a multi-skilled engineer, welding, and supply and installation of industrial doors. How is Atlantic Adventure coming on after nearly two years? Said Peter “We now hire the pool at the leisure centre to train divers through the PADI systems. We allow people to try scuba diving. We run a 40-foot charter boat to Lundy and have a second boat on the way.” They dive mainly around Lundy. Bryan does a lot of maintenance engineering and they also carry out welded fabrication and installation work. “We’re currently working on contracts for Torridge Vale and Stapleton Farm Dairies, as well as Wormald Fire systems,” said Peter.

The Buccaneer, Bath Hotel Road, Westward Ho! is opening.

Brother and sister Nicholas and Jennifer Law knew which charity they wanted the prize money donated to when they won a ‘colour the Christmas card’ competition. It was £200. “Please give it to the North Devon Cancer Care Trust” they told the organisers Corinth Medical. It was a welcome surprise for the Trust’s founder and keen fundraiser Jennifer Bonetta because they were her grandchildren! The youngsters are Grenville College pupils and both help out in the Trust’s charity shop at Westward Ho!

When cheese factory worker Tim Medd heard that his local parish church was desperately in need of cash, he decided to get on his bike. Tim will spend his day off pedalling to Land’s End and back from his home at Venn, Woolsery. He is inviting parishioners to sponsor him at so much per mile. All Hallow’s Church at Woolsery is in need of major repairs. Despite a substantial grant from English Heritage, parishioners still have to raise about £12,000.