100 Years Ago

Years Ago - October

October 1923

Births – to Mr and Mrs S Brend, of Littleham, a son; a daughter to Lance-Corporal A H and Mrs Lawson;

Marriages – Mr Edward Pannel to Miss Beatrice Annie Walters; Peter Leigh Ward to Phyllis Ernestine Bartlett; Duncan McGill, ASRT and MFI to Vera A Cole; O’Laverty to Gent; Charles Arthur Waldon to Olive Beatrice Sing; George Heywood to Helen Cock; Frederick Pearson and Irene Hawkins

Deaths – Elizabeth Ann Bartlett of Appledore; Francis A L Sealy-Vidal of Beaford; Ann Folland, of Bideford; Elizabeth Ann Fincham of Bideford; Mary Hopson of Bideford; Alice Hooper; Nellie Bundyford

A close watch is being kept for Foot and Mouth cases. Around three thousand cattle have been slaughtered in the country to date. The nearest case to North Devon is in Torbay and has necessitated restraints being put upon hunt meetings.

Salaries and weather were in the news in 1923 as they are today: Teachers working for Devon County Council have been offered a new scale of salaries proposed to start in April 1925. Rates will be about 15% above those obtained before the war, however maximum scale will not be reached for certified male teachers until they have completed twenty years’ service rather than fifteen years as now. Female teachers will have to wait sixteen years rather than the current ten. Devon County Council has also fixed the minimum wage of workmen on the roads at 35/- a week, an increase from the current 30/- which is no longer considered a living wage. It was pointed out that unskilled road workers will now be paid more than skilled farm workers who currently receive 30/-.

At the start of October, what is described as “a boisterous gale” swept the area causing significant damage and inconvenience. Several trees were blown down in Bideford, blocking the roads and telegraphic communication was seriously interrupted. Mr William Shutt, postman, of 8 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, was passing through Mill Street when he was hit on the head and rendered unconscious by tiles blown off a roof thirty feet above. At Northam, two large trees fell near the War Memorial. The Schooner “Cumbri”, docked at Fremington, sustained damage to her sides and bulwarks and a large portion of the road at Instow was underwater for some hours at high tide. At Withicott Farm, Instow, occupied by Mr Thomas Beer, during the recent gale a large tree crashed through the roof of the wash house and dairy, doing considerable damage. Fortunately no one was in the building at the time. The late gale has provided plenty of work for the masons and thatchers in the Northam district. In some cases the roofs of houses were badly damaged. The garden crops were blown clean out of the ground in many places. Trees were also blown down and other damage done. The sea at Westward Ho! was a picture to behold.

A breakfast table problem.

At Abbotsham, household effects from Keene are for sale at auction.

Alwington Harvest Festival at St Andrew’s Church.

Tea was provided in the Alwington schoolroom and was well patronised. Tables were taken by Mrs E T Lott, Mrs Squance, Mrs Holloway, Mrs J Wickett and Miss Partridge, while the following ladies helped considerably by cutting up provisions: Mrs R Lott, Mrs Sheriff, Mrs Gayton, Mrs J Daniel and Mrs W Hockin. A football match between married and single players took place in the afternoon, the latter winning. Skittles caused great amusement, the prizes for the gentlemen being a copper kettle, fowl, pipe, cigars, etc. and for ladies, fowl, work basket, picture, box of chocolates. A service was held in the Church when the Rev R H Moyses (Rector of Weare Giffard) gave a stirring address from the text “Workers together with God.”

The new bell ropes in Appledore Church Belfry, which have been partially subscribed for by the Congregation, and one rope given singly by Mr John Popham and Dr Valentine were dedicated by the Vicar.

We regret to announce the death of Mrs J Bartlett, of Appledore, after an illness of several weeks. She was well known and highly respected and blinds were drawn along the route and flags were flown at half mast as a mark of respect.

An extremely pretty wedding took place in Appledore Baptist Church, the contracting parties being Mr Alex Green, of 7 Marine Parade, and Miss Winnie Couch, eldest daughter of Mr John Couch, Richmond Terrace. Both the young people were well known and popular among their friends. Mr Alfred Green carried out the duties of ‘best man’ and the Rev J Nelson (Pastor) conducted an impressive service.

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the Vicar of Appledore officiating, of Miss Olive Peake, daughter of Captain George Peake and Mr John George Holloway, of Northam. The Vicar reminded the congregation that it was the 118 anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar, and mentioned that the bride was descended from two distinguished sailors, Mr Daniel Jenkins and Mr Cox, who were both aboard the Victory with Lord Nelson.

A pretty wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the contracting parties being Miss Janie Craner, daughter of Coxswain George Craner, of the Appledore lifeboat and Mr Bertie Verren, only son of Mr F Verren, of the Masonic Hall, Bridgeland Street, Bideford.

At Bideford County Sessions, a seaman, pleaded guilty to using obscene language in Market Street, Appledore. PC Ridd said at 3.30pm, defendant was at the entrance to Gilbert’s Lane having an altercation with the neighbours, women and children, accusing them of throwing water over his children on some previous day. While using the language complained of he took off his boots and threw them down the lane, turned up his shirt sleeves, and adopting a fighting attitude said he was the ‘best man in Appledore.’ There was a previous conviction and defendant was now fined 15s.

Anxiety is felt at Appledore, Northam and Bideford as to the whereabouts of the Bideford motor ketch, ‘Clarita’. She was spoken by the Brixham lifeboat, after being sighted 9 miles S.W. of Berry Head, during the gale on Wednesday. Asked if she wanted any assistance she replied in the negative and it was understood she was going to Portland for shelter. The vessel was coming to Bideford from London loaded with cement. The vessel and crew are captained by Captain T Spry of Northam, and the crew of four include an Appledore man, Hallett, and Hortop of Bideford.

Is this sale at Bideford part of the Dutch bulb craze?

Miss Annie Bazeley, who is engaged upon police woman’s duty in Cologne, was home on short leave and attended Tuesday’s meeting of Bideford Board of Guardians, of which body she is one of the two lady members.

The New Brighton Lifeboat, the biggest lifeboat afloat, which has been making a cruise of the British Isles, is due to arrive at Bideford Quay on Wednesday. A report later in the month says that the ‘gale vetoes visit to Bideford’.

Thames collision – Bideford steamer, King City, held responsible with damages for the steamship Dalemead.

Two sites have been suggested for a proposed new hospital building for Bideford. Both sites are on Abbotsham Road and it is hoped that the cost should not exceed £15,000 inclusive of fees.

Mrs Edith Radford, of 2 Ivy Cottages applied for possession from Mr E Joseph Vine, printer of 9 Lower Meddon Street.

Old Ring of Bells, Honestone Street, Bideford – household furniture for sale.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, in the presence of a large congregation, the wedding was solemnised of Mr Peter Leigh Ward, son of Mr and Mrs Dan Ward of Tavistock, and Miss Phyllis Ernestine Bartlett of Glenburnie, Northam. The Rev G Payne Cook, MARD, vicar of Northam, officiated, assisted by the Rev C B Crofts. The bridesmaids were Miss Audrey Bartlett, Miss Virginia Carre-Smith, and the little Misses Josephine Kerans and Lorna Hobling. Mr Humphrey Ward was ‘best man’ and Messrs Rex and John Ward were groomsmen. The presents included:

Much interest was centred in the marriage of Miss H Elizabeth Gent, daughter of the late Mr W and Mrs Gent, of Bideford, to Mr Malachi O’Laverty, son of Mr and Mrs Robert O’Laverty, of Liverpool, at Bideford. The bride is well known In local musical circles as a contralto vocalist of exceptional merit.

The engagement is announced of Edmund J Mayall Emtage, of the Directorate of Research, Air Ministry, only son of the late Dr Edmund Emtage and Mrs Emtage, formerly of Cleverdon House, Bradworthy, and Louisa Guyetta (Etta) Crossman, youngest daughter of Mr Thomas J Crossman, CC, and Mrs Crossman of Pines, Torquay.

As a result of the flag day, organised in Buckland Brewer, in aid of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a sum of £3 5s 10d was raised. Boxes were taken in the district by Misses Vida Mills and Ruby Heal, and Masters Walter Lines, Fred Everson and Robert Braund, while 19s 6d of the sum was collected by the children of Thornhillhead.

The village was ‘en fete’, the occasion being an interesting marriage between Miss Cock (Nellie) of Gorwood, and Mr G Heywood (Bowden). The Rev A W Bennett, MA, officiated in the Buckland Brewer Wesleyan Church before a large congregation, which evinced the esteem and affection in which both families are held. Bridesmaids were Miss Clara Cock and Miss Hilda Withecombe; best man was Mr H W Mules.

A social evening, organised by Mrs Hamlyn in the interest of the local Conservative Association took place at Clovelly Court. An address was given by Mrs Jewell which was followed by a small dramatic entertainment.

A successful jumble sale in aid of the Clovelly Young Ladies Hockey Club was held by kind permission of Mr A E Bushell at the New Inn Hotel Garage. The following ladies were in charge of stalls: Mesdames J Cruse, C Bate, Misses I Bushell, K Beer, A Colwill and E Somerville, and refreshment stall, Mrs W Johns. At 8pm, a dance took place, music being provided by gramophones kindly lent by Mrs Bushell and Miss H Caird. The total proceeds amounted to over £10.

Official notification has been received by Bideford Rural District Council that it is proposed to erect new coastguard cottages near the Rocket Life-saving Apparatus House, above Hartland Quay.

At Hartland, the Men’s Club reopens.

Mr W H Westlake, of Mount Pleasant, who died after a very brief illness, was a prominent member of the former New Union Friendly Society, founded 1815, and of the Annual Fete Committee, and he did not lose interest when it amalgamated with the Female Society to form the ‘One and All’ Court of Foresters, in January 1915. Deceased, who had been a regular

Early on Sunday morning, Mrs J Fulford, of Elmscott, passed away. The funeral took place at the cemetery, Rev F Dennis officiating.

Henry Cleverdon, farmer, of Presslands, gets benefit of the doubt at Hatherleigh.

To Barnstaple Rural Council Instow Parish Council forwarded a petition against the erection of huts on the upper main road, which the petitioners state were calculated to lower the standard of housing.

Mrs Huxtable, of Birch-hill Farm, Langtree, is the proud possessor of a turkey which has laid 125 eggs, which appears to be a remarkably good record. Rev B Hallowes, presided at a meeting of the School Managers, other members present being Messrs P B Jones, W H Hackwill, W H Short, S W Cole and S J Sanders. There were 10 applications for the post of assistant mistress, Miss Kathleen Down, from Mary Tavy, being appointed.

Under the auspices of the Primrose League (Iddesleigh Habitation) a vey successful whist drive and dance was held in the Littleham Parish Room. About 100 sat down to a very enjoyable game at which Mr C Nicholls acted as MC. During the interval Mrs Daw (Ruling Councillor) presented the long service badge to Mrs C Nicholls in recognition of her 21 years’ work with the League. After the refreshments had been handed round a capital dance programme was gone through, with Messrs Huxtable and C Nicholls as MCs, Mrs Walmsley presiding at the piano.

For Home-Made Pork Pies try E.G. and F Fieldhouse, The Square, Northam. 1-4lbs made daily. Larger sizes to order, orders sent by post to any part.

In memory of the late Miss Emily Smart, of Ridgeway, Northam, a brass tablet, the gift of a life-long friend, Mrs Weaver Baker, was unveiled by her in the Torridge Bank Room, Northam, in the presence of a large number of the regular congregation.

On the occasion of her marriage to Mr Duncan McGill, Miss Vera Cole, only daughter of Mr and Mrs S Cole, of Northam, was made the recipient of a set of mahogany hall brushes from the choir of Northam Parish Church.

The funeral of the late Mr Noah Mortimore, a retired policeman of Northam takes place.

At Parkham, the land has now had a good soaking and a good spell of fine weather would be welcome for completing the corn harvest and lifting the field potatoes. An experiment was tried at Melbury by planting the tubers in June and apparently the result will be satisfactory. A very successful whist drive and dance was held in the Parkham Council School in aid of Parkham Football Club Funds. The prize winners…

The harvest thanksgiving services have been duly held in connection with St James’ Church. The sacred edifice was nicely decorated with fruit and vegetables.

Stanley Moore is stopped by PC Jeffery when riding a motor cycle at Parkham.

The property known as Corner House together with two meadows at St Giles in the Wood has been purchased by Mr J Balman of Aisland Farm, Petrockstowe, for £800.

The Torrington Postal Staff have subscribed and presented Miss Hawkins (clerk), on the occasion of her forthcoming marriage, with a silver cake stand.

A very pretty wedding took place at the Baptist Church, Torrington, Rev J W Mayo officiated. The contracting parties were Mr R Friend, youngest son of Mr and Mrs T Friend, Kingscott, St Giles, and Miss Irene Hunkin, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Hunkin, Coombe Farm, Torrington. A large number of guests attended the wedding ceremony. The bride who was given away by her uncle, Mr C Ward,

Playing in the Bovey Tracey football match, one of Torrington’s prominent players, Mr F Clements, was unfortunate to break his collar bone and sprain his wrist. The following week Tolly, another member, sprained the tendons of his foot.

A pullet belonging to Mr F Morrish of West Buckland, which hatched in March, began laying in August. During one week it has laid three eggs containing eight yolks – one double yolk and two treble yolks.

Frederick Martin, 20 The Village, and Frederick Langmead of Higher Pillhead, both of Westleigh, are in court.

A most successful whist drive and dance was held in the Westleigh Recreation Hut in aid of the Football Club about 150 being present, ninety six playing whist.

The funeral of the late Mrs Elizabeth Beer, a well known and highly respected parishioner of Westleigh took place in the Churchyard, the Rev C W Finzel officiating. The wife of Mr John Beer, a local gardener living at Lower Southcott, deceased, leaves two daughters and a son to mourn their loss. Widespread regret is felt throughout the parish on the death of one so much esteemed, and dearly loved by many friends. The immediate mourners were the

Ernest Henry Carnochan, a visitor from Burma, was fined nine shillings for obstructing the highway by leaving a motor car unattended for two and a quarter hours on Church Road, Westward Ho! The large brown vehicle was standing outside Fairhaven, but there was no-one in the house. PC Uglow watched the car from 5.30pm until 7.40pm. During that time four charabancs, ten motors and four horse drawn vehicles passed. All had to slow down. Mr Oerton for the defence pointed out that the car was within a foot of the pavement and that the road was sixteen feet wide. There was plenty of room for cars to pass but they had to slow down, which in his opinion was no bad thing!

Household furniture from Penkenna, Westward Ho! is for sale by auction.

October 1973

The youngest ever winner in the annual putting competition at Victoria Park, Bideford, 8 year old Peter Evans is seen showing his parents how it was done. Peter, son of Carey and June Evans, of 18 Staddon Road, Appledore, won the individual junior competition in which the previous youngest winner was 11. Mum and Dad also did well – Mrs Evans won the two ball pairs competition partnered by Mr H Slade, and Mr Evans was a semi-finalist. Results: singles, Mr J Slocombe, Mr G Harris; pairs, Mrs W Hearn and Mr H Slade, Mr E May and Mr W Pridham; OAPs, Mr W Lilley, Miss F Mills; juniors, P Evans, D Griffiths; ladies handicap, Miss F Mills, Mrs L Headon; pairs, two ball, Mrs J Evans and Mr H Slade, Mr A Wright and Mr W Pridham; medal play, D Sanders, J Slocombe (after a play-off).

Hard on the heels of the announcement by Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd that they had secured a £5 million order from Norway for three bulk carriers came news of another order. This time it is for two estuarial tankers to be built for Shell-Mex and BP Ltd for use in their Thames operations.

A total of £5,610 gross has been raised for Appledore RNLI this year, “We expect after deductions to have made a profit of about £4,300” said Capt Colin Lowry, the branch chairman. The figure, a record one, has been reached by the sale of souvenirs, subscriptions, donations and other money raising events. Last year the profit was £3,581.

Appledore lifeboat service has had its busiest year since it was established in 1825. To date there have been 26 service calls in which 23 lives have been saved. The big lifeboat has been called on seven services with five lives saved and the inshore boat 19 times with 18 lives saved. “This year’s figure has been phenomenal compared with other years” Appledore lifeboat secretary Ivor Wickerhsam told the Gazette. What prompts men to leave their families and the warmth and security of their homes, sometimes on bitter winter nights, to risk their lives to save those of others? Humanity, certainly, and probably tradition. Financial reward certainly not. The fee for turning out is £1.25. When the maroons go off, signalling that someone is in ‘peril on the sea’ there is a concerted rush to the lifeboat house – and nearly always someone is disappointed. Priority is given to the four retained members of the service. The crew is made up by the next three to arrive unless a later arrival is considered outstanding by comparison. In the old days it was not unknown for men to fight for a place in the boat. The families of Cann, Cox and Bowden can claim generations of service. The accompanying picture of crew and helpers is the first to have been taken for years. Left to right are: R Cann, P Ford, M Bowden, J Wills, R Fisher, B Williams, Eric Wartnaby, J Heard, J Pavitt, E Evans, D Cox, M Lee, S Dymond, I Wickersham, and kneeling, J Harris.

Although the suggested site for Bideford’s sewage treatment works at Nutaberry, East-the-Water, is ‘right underneath a council estate’ the Town Clerk, Mr L B Galliford, told the Town Council that the consultants had assured him that there would not be any smell. Mr Galliford added that notices had been served on the owners and planning permission was being sought. Alderman Cecel Cann urged positive action over a matter that had been shelved for so long, but the Town Clerk said that the engineers could not be instructed to proceed with a scheme until planning permission had been received for the works.

Despite all the anti-fireworks propaganda the fifth of November “will never be forgot”. Sisters Kirsten and Liselle Hook, daughters of Mr and Mrs Michael Hook of Moreton Park, Bideford, could not wait before trying out the sparklers. Sparklers are, of course, the only fireworks that should be held in the hand.

New premises and an organ gallery are now open at East-the-Water, Bideford, where Wyvern Church Organs Ltd have taken over the riverside building formerly used as a stores and social club by the Gas Board. The company, of which Mr Jim Mitchells is sales director and Mr Ken Burge technical director, set up in Bideford in 1966 in premises at Torridge Hill.

An expanding Bideford Rifle Club has opened a £1,000 extension to its headquarters at Moreton just in time for the new season. The present building, leased from Grenville College, has been extended to include a rest and club room, gun room, kitchen and toilets. Half the cost has been met from club funds with Grenville College and Devon County Council sharing the balance.

After a very successful year, Bideford Ladies Bowling Club finished a season with a bowls drive, after which the members were entertained to tea by the club’s captain, Mrs B Cupit. The guest of honour was the Mayoress of Bideford, Mrs W Hill. This is the first time that a member of the club has held this office. Another first occasion which came to the club this year was when Mrs L Taylor represented Devon in the singles event at the All-England championships at Wimbledon.

Bideford businessman Doug Bale, a member of Victoria Park Bowling Club, Bideford, has had a most successful year. He won the club singles championship and the two-wood singles, and was also winning finalist in the club pairs and club triples championship. His performance set up a new club record.

Five local players, including two sets of brothers, were in the England Young Farmers’ Club rugby team which beat Wales 12-3 at Colwyn Bay. All the points in the final came from Bideford Quins full-back Richard Evans who kicked four penalties. Other local players taking part were Richard’s brother Steve, the brothers Geoff and Richard Giddy, and George Heywood.

The Stand Cinema at Bideford has been acquired by a Midland’s firm. But they had no plans for any changes and rumours that the premises would be converted for bingo sessions were ‘absolutely wrong.’ The new manager for the Strand is Mr Frank Snart.

Warethorn Properties Ltd is selling bungalows at Broadlands, Alverdiscott Road, Bideford.

After 15 very full years as Rector of Bideford, Prebendary T Derwent Davies has announced that he feels the time has come for a change in his ministry. Early next year he is to become Vicar of the Devon rural parishes of Thorverton with Cadbury where the population total is 800, compared with Bideford’s 12,000.

The Rev John G Scott, a retired Royal Navy chaplain, who has come to live at Bradworthy in what promises to be an active retirement, is to present a cheque to the Clovelly branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It represents the proceeds of the auction of harvest festival at Hindon, Wiltshire, where for the past two and a half years Mr Scott has been Vicar. Mr and Mrs Scott’s retirement home is Trentworthy Lodge, Bradworthy, and the Clovelly branch of the RNLI was chosen as being the nearest branch with a lifeboat station. In recognition of his services as a naval chaplain Mr Scott was appointed OBE and an honorary chaplain to the Queen a few years ago.

New Bucks Mills threat: “We will move into hotels-and send council the bill”

Later in the month – Work on the first phase of the controversial Bucks sewerage scheme is to start. Devon County Council have confirmed an Order which makes it possible to close the road to the village, although the area chosen for the initial excavation means the road will not have to be closed for the time being. Mr A J Blatchford, clerk of Bideford Rural Council, said the council had decided to carry on with the scheme and any issues would be dealt with ‘as they arose.’ The county council’s order lasts six weeks and any extension had to be approved by the Department of the Environment. The rural council has sought geologists’ advice and the fact that the work is starting indicates there is nothing in the report which would prevent the scheme proceeding. Mr Blatchford said the question of claims which some residents had said they may be making for other accommodation during work will be considered in detail by the council’s finance committee.

There were three first prize winners from Clovelly among those who at Dorchester received awards in art competitions promoted by Westward TV and the South Western Arts Association. A prize of £125 for being joint first in the Art Association’s film and video tape competition was won by Louise Denver and David Redom, of Snaxland Cottage, Clovelly, for their entry “The streets of Ulster.” In the Westward TV open art competition, Ian Wright, of The Canteen, Clovelly, won a prize of £50 for sculpture. A £50 prize in the drawing and watercolours category was won by Truda Lane, of Kiverleigh Manor, Beaford.

Clovelly Revel final event was held at the Parish Hall. A whist drive and fancy dress dance, it was organised by Mr and Mrs R Kelly and Mr and Mrs A Jeffery. Fancy dress judges were Capt and Mrs Kerr. Winners: Miss Wendy Daniel, Mr Roy Scott, Mr and Mrs J Vanstone, and the Johns and Rowe and Ellis family and friends. Draw winners were Mrs P Burrow, Miss Y Kelly, Mr F Wade and Mr R Tridgell. Door stewards were Messrs J J Headon and A Jeffery and refreshments were served by members of the Revel Committee.

The widening of the Hartland road from South Lane to Harton Cross and the provision of a pavement and lighting, for which the Parish and Rural Councils have pressed, are already included in the County Council’s list of schemes to be carried out as and when funds are available.

93 Springfield Terrace, Hartland, is for sale.

Teachers may quit Hartland.

Although it was 6.30am and not too pleasant a morning it was a happy crowd of Hartland senior citizens who lugged suitcases to Northgate. More than 30 of the Over-60s Club there embarked for a coach trip to Shanklin, Isle of Wight, where they are spending the week. And some have a pension increase to look forward to on their return.

The Marine Hotel at Instow, which has been a feature of the Torridge waterfront scene for many years, is to be demolished, probably early in the New Year. In its place will rise a block of luxury residential flats with further flats being built on the opposite side of the road on the former petrol filling station in a project worth altogether almost half a million pounds. The developers, Messrs R Harris and Son (Builders) of Barnstaple, have now been given outline approval for the scheme. Altogether 29 flats will be built and the finished buildings will be no higher than the existing hotel.

A tribute to the late Mrs Rene Gade, of Lundy, wife of Mr Felix Gade, for so many years resident agent on the island, appears in the current issue of the Illustrated Lundy News. Mr and Mrs Gade, it says, had worked together on the island for over 40 years, during which time Mrs Gade’s efficiency in everything she undertook was renowned. “Her cheerful, active personality will long be remembered by all who knew her,” says the tribute.

A quiet family party marked the diamond wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs Charles Prouse, of 13 Morwenna Park, Northam. They are not a couple to seek the limelight but their family, which includes 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, were determined that the occasion would not pass without some sort of recognition. Mr Prouse was a painter and decorator and his main interests were in boxing, wrestling and bell ringing. Mrs Winifred Prouse is a staunch member of the Royal British Legion. Both are members of Northam Congregational Church.

And it did not even need a magic wand! In a matter of seconds Northam became a town. That was how long it took for the Urban Council to pass a resolution transforming itself into a town council and promote the chairman, Mr John Smith, to the office of town mayor. The clerk, Mr Alan Gardner, told members that as he understood the 1972 Local Government Act the resolution adopting the status of a town took immediate effect. Mr Smith said it did not matter to him whether he was called mayor, chairman, or chief cook-and-bottle-washer.

At the annual meeting of the Atlantic Flower Club in the Northam Church Hall, Mrs J Littlejohns was elected chairman for the coming year. Other officers: Mrs Land, Mrs Evans, Mesdames Ackland, Ayres, Fisk, O Littlejohns, Saunders, Vanstone and Westaway. Mrs Ayres was the winner of the Mrs Blackburn Perpetual Cup given for most points gained in the monthly competition.

Among the regular good deeds undertaken by members of the 1st Shebbear (St Michael’s) Girl Guide Company is helping with the production of the local parish magazine. Four churches of three denominations in the parish of Shebbear finance the magazine Link, which is available, free of charge, to every home in the parish. “It contains news and reports from local churches and village organisations, and the work of duplicating, collating, stapling and assistance with distribution each month is undertaken by members of the Guide Company.” The photograph shows the production team at work.

Self catering at Torrington school.

In view of the national publicity which Torrington Cavaliers’ giant bonfire and fireworks display is hoped will attract. Torrington Town Council are giving £50 towards the cost.

Three local girls are believed to be the youngest in the South West to become qualified surf lifeguards. Penny Curtis, Jane Newcombe and Jane Hookway successfully undertook a four hour examination in rough surf at Westward Ho! plus a theory examination. They were among six teenage members of the Westward Ho! Lifesaving Club to take the examinations. Others successful were Simon Dell and Nigel Johnson.

A scheme for 20 houses and bungalows, a public house and restaurant, and associated works on the site of the former Atlanta Hotel at Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! for R Harris and Son (Builders), has been recommended for planning approval by Northam Urban Council.

October 1998

North Devon bore the brunt of the fury as storms lashed the West Country. Winds up to 70mph toppled trees and three inches of torrential rain turned some roads into impassable waterways. Some 2,500 homes lost electricity supplies.

Strong winds hurl waves and spray over the sea wall at Westward Ho!

Businessman Steve Clarke displays a model of the Kathleen and May schooner, which returned to Torridge waters. The model is what the famous three-masted ship will look like when it has been refurbished. Bideford traders are confident that the foundations have been laid for a major new tourist attraction. Mr Clarke brought the vessel to Bideford and it is being taken under the wing of the Chamber of Commerce as a project to celebrate the millennium. The Kathleen and May, which traded for 30 years out of Appledore, is now moored at Brunswick wharf. During her first day in port Mr Clarke estimated that some 500 people went aboard. A trust is being set up to raise the £250,000 it will cost to restore the vessel.

Some 200 youngsters from all over North Devon converged on Edgehill College at Bideford to meet former England and British Lions rugby player Nigel Horton and join in a special day of tag rugby training and competition. A mixture of boys and girls from 18 North Devon schools soon got into the swing of the fast, non-contact game under the watchful eye of Rugby Union coaches and youth development officers including Edgehill’s Head of PE, Phil Hanner. Smart Manufacturing Ltd of Bideford helped sponsor the event.

Jo Trapnell, from Bideford, has been presented with the Devon Award for her notable achievements in the field of English folk dance, song and music. The presentation took place at the North Devon Folk Dance weekend at Westward Ho! Jo set up the Bideford Folk Dance Club in 1944. The club closed for 4 years, but reopened in 1950.

A couple who have given many years of service to the Bideford community celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary. Harry and Renie Rosekilly of Park Lane, Bideford, were married in Plymouth when both were Sunday School teachers at the Pennycross Methodist Church. After war service Harry became a civil servant and the family moved to Bideford in 1948. During the late 50s and 60s Renie ran a grocery store at Barton Tors. The couple have two sons and five grandchildren.

Lost lorry drivers travelling through some of Bideford’s busiest residential streets have prompted the town council to call for traffic restrictions in Northam Road and Pitt Lane. Councillors have unanimously backed a call by Cllr Peter Christie for the county council to conduct an urgent survey of possible traffic calming and re-direction measures in the two roads. Construction of the North Devon Link Road and the opening of the new Safeway supermarket in Kingsley Road had led to vastly increased traffic flows in the roads. “I was stopped in Pitt Lane by a huge French articulated lorry trying to get to Clovelly Road. Other lorries delivering to the High Street are also going out of the town down Pitt Lane.”

Burglar tried to smash way OUT of Bideford shop!

North Devon schools were one jump ahead in the Devon Schools Showjumping Championships. Bideford College finished first of the 16 entries and St Margaret’s Primary School in Northam, which had the youngest team, took third place. Representing Bideford were Vicky Mills, Tony Moon, Kelly Daniel and Charlie Petersen. The Northam team comprised Vicky’s sister Catherine Mills, Fiona Henderson and Vaness Jobson-Scott.

Buckland Brewer property for sale.

Dogs and dog collars have played an important part in the life of Graeme Simms, from Clovelly, for a long time. But now the resident shepherd at The Milky Way Adventure Park has a dog collar of a different kind – and a new flock to care for. With his ordination at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Graeme has his 15th dog collar. “Well, we have 14 dogs at home and they’ve all got one, so mine is the 15th,” he said. He will now serve at Deacon in the parishes of Alwington, Buckland Brewer and Parkham.

Lieutenant Commander Brian Miles, the director of the RNLI, visited the lifeboat station at Clovelly. He toured the station and met present-day crew members, recalling his first visit there as coxswain of a 70ft lifeboat more than 30 years ago. Lieut Commander Miles said he looked forward to seeing the new lifeboat house, work on which is due to start in January.

Just a short walk from most amenities is a delightful, three-bedroomed link-detached bungalow in Fremington – on the market for £69,950.

A new flag is flying over Bideford Amateur Rowing Club – a memorial to one of its enduring heroes. The flag has been presented by the family of the late Fred Montague, of Northam, who won a series of West of England amateur rowing championships while competing for the club 70 years ago. He died just before his 93rd birthday. With the flag went three medals which were presented to his widow Molly. Three of the couple’s four children were also at the ceremony at the Red’s clubhouse.

Mrs Montague with sons Don and Gerald, daughter Yvonne, and Red’s chairman Peter Bowden, president George Cox and WEARA present Tony Way

There will be fireworks at the Torrington Rugby Club and a bonfire and free disco too! What promises to be a spectacular night out will also serve to highlight the activities and facilities at the club. Although officially opened in December 1996, much work has been carried out subsequently. The clubhouse itself was largely built by members. The current captain is Andy Manning, the chairman is Stuart Smithson and the President Ian Rose.

The opening ceremony. Far left is Ed Morrison whose previous game was no less than the World Cup final!

The peace of the normally quiet village of Westleigh has been broken by conflict over its war memorial. It follows enhancement work by the parish council; many villages now protest that this is no improvement but an eyesore, and a petition bearing 80 names was presented to the last parish council meeting.

Home on a large plot in Beach Road, Westward Ho! for sale at an asking price of £115,000.

The people of Westward Ho! and district are being invited to a big bonfire night party at the cricket ground just behind the pebbleridge. It is the third time that Bideford Cricket Club has run the event and next week’s looks as if it will be the biggest yet. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm on November 5 and this will be followed by a fireworks display. Visitors can bring their own fireworks to be let off safely by club members. The bar will be open and there will be refreshments for sale.

More than 1,600 happy eaters have helped the North Devon Marketing Bureau to choose North Devon’s best pub for food. The new competition brought nominations for 57 local pubs. After long hours of deliberation, the judges named the Kings Arms at Winkleigh as the first holder of the accolade. Nine runners-up prizes included the New Inn at Fremington, Stag’s Head at Filleigh, Hart Inn at Hartland and Manor Inn, Woolsery. Pub regulars joined Ann and Steve Kinsey at the King’s Arms at the official presentation.

Woolsery village fayre committee sends a vote of thanks to all those who helped to make their summer event such a success, raising some £1,600. There are special thanks to R and C Markets which allowed the sale of draw tickets at its Bideford Outdoor Market. Proceeds of the event are being divided between the Friends of Woolsery School, the Baden Powell Support Group, the Woolsery Playgroup and the upkeep of the village hall.

Brand new bungalow for sale in Woolsery

Years Ago - January

January 1924

Births – a son to Mr and Mrs Horace Bracher (nee Mildred Dummett); a daughter to the wife of R J Arnold, MPS, 14 Allhalland Street; a daughter to Mr and Mrs R Featherstone (nee Vera Nancekivell); a son to Mr and Mrs Frederick T Squires;

Marriages – Rodney Dark and Edith Dorothy Blake; Ernest Albert Violet and Evelyn Ayre; William Greenaway to Miss Cann;

Deaths – Alexander Greig Duncan; Mary Hannah Evans; Susan Hutchings; McCullum Day, Thomas Sanders; Louisa White; Pollard; R A Parsons; William Stedwill; Richard Drew Westaway; Frederick Richard Bragg, CPO (retired), RN, late of Penkenna; Susannah Cook of Northam; Ellen Copp; Captain Ernest Phillips, of Montreal, Canada;

For many months Lenin has been a shadowy figure in the background of Russian politics, a name still to conjure with, but himself ill, half-paralysed, scarcely able to make his wishes known and evidently approaching his end. And now he has died. He lived just long enough to learn that the theory which he had held persistently from early manhood, and had forced relentlessly on his country, could not even by a dictator be made workable.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution will celebrate its centenary this year, and the December issue of ‘The Lifeboat’ the Institution’s journal, gives some account of what the celebrations will be. There will be an anniversary dinner in July, at which the Prince of Wales, the Institution’s President, will preside, and to which all holders of the Institution’s gold medal, the V.C. of the lifeboat service, and representatives of foreign Lifeboat services will be invited. Celebration suggestions so far received include street cries and the playing of street organs.

Railway crisis.

Later in the month, it is reported….

Owing to the dislocation of the train services deliveries and despatches will be very irregular. The 1st delivery will be made if the train service permits at about 9am, and will include correspondence from all parts. A 2nd delivery will be made at about 3pm and will as a rule include local postings only. A despatch is made every morning at about 8am, but an evening despatch cannot be guaranteed. Two days last week there was no train service in the evening. A notice will appear in the Head Office window each day as to the latest hour of posting and the arrangements for the day.

Mr Lewis Lawday, one of the prominent tradesmen of Appledore, died after a few days illness. He was a native of Bishop Nympton and after following the pursuits of farming he was attracted to Appledore, which was then at its zenith in shipbuilding. He reached Appledore at the age of 21 and joined Mr Klibbet’s shipbuilding yard. Meanwhile in conjunction with his wife, Miss Holland, of Yelland….
The funeral was largely attended, and flags on the ships in harbour were at half-mast, as well as the flag at the Sailors’ Rest. A short memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, previous to the cortege leaving for Fremington for the interment.

Appledore news - In the recent school examination of the Associated Board of the R.A.M and R.C.M, held in Bideford, Dorothy Stoneman (pupil of Miss Davison) passed in the Lower Division. Elsie Waters (pupil of Miss B Tatem) passed in the Primary Division.

The Sailors presented a pleasant Christmas Eve at the Sailors’ Rest at Appledore. The usual brand tub was supervised by Mr and Mrs Harvey, assisted by Capt Thomas Hutchings. The Vicar, on behalf of Miss Brayley, presented the men with pipes, tobacco and cheroots. Mrs Daw and others also contributed to the welfare of the sailors.

A very pleasant whist drive was held in the Appledore Vicarage in aid of Appledore and District Nursing Fund, £5 2s 6d resulting. Ladies, 1st, Mrs Lamey, silver inkstand (given by Mrs Moore); and Mrs Gogg, vases (Mrs Anderson). Gentlemen: 1st, Mr John Slader, pipe in case (Mr Anderson); and Mr Frank Ford (Mr Hocking). The hidden prize was obtained by Mrs S Ford, scent bottle (Mrs W Kelly). Mrs Daw gave a prize and kindly distributed the prizes.

During Christmas several Appledore sailors and shipwrights returned home and claimed their brides. Albert Day married Rose Fogwell; James Screech married Violet Powe; and Frederick Huxtable married Edith Hocking.

His Honour Judge Lindley was engaged for two and half hours at Bideford County Court in hearing an action in which Mrs Annie Hutchings sought an injunction against and £50 damages from Mr George Cork farmer, of Appledore, in respect to the erection of a garage which, she alleged, had kept out the light from rooms at The Myrtles, Appledore, thereby causing extra expense in artificial lighting, discomfort, and depreciating the value of the property. Mr G F Lefroy, appeared for plaintiff, and said what Mr Cork had done was regarded as an unnecessary act of hostility.

A Fancy-Dress dance at was held at Beaford Victory Hall; the Gazette gives the names of the winners but sadly gives no details of their costumes.

Bideford said goodbye to 1923 with a muffled peal rung on the bells of the Parish church. After a brief wait while the muffles were removed from the clappers, the crowd lining the bridge cheered as the bells rang out full to welcome in the New Year. As the weather was fine it is thought that the whole population of the town were either present at the event or heard the bells from their homes. Two hundred and forty people attended the dance at the Music Hall and welcomed in the New Year with a Spot Waltz as the clock struck twelve. (Does anyone know what a Spot Waltz was?)

Rev Herbert Trotman, who has laboured as pastor of the Bideford Baptist Church for the last ten years, has resigned his appointment, and will be leaving, with the regret and good wishes of his many friends, for his new sphere of ministry at Gillingham, Dorset, towards the end of March.

The death occurred suddenly early on Friday morning of Mrs Sarah Avery Snow, the 78 years old widow of the late Mr Thomas Snow, a retired Canadian farmer. Mrs Snow, who lived alone at 4 Richmond Terrace, Meddon-street, Bideford, had been under medical care recently.

By the death of Alderman Thomas Pollard, JP, which took place at Carlton House, The Quay, Bideford has, within the space of a few weeks, lost the second of the five honorary freemen it made a little over six months ago. Although in failing health for some time, Mr Pollard, who was in his 87th year, and a native of Bideford, had only been confined to bed for a few days over a fortnight.

At a special meeting of the Bideford Town Council, over which the Mayor, Mr F T Upton, presided, Mr W T Goaman, the senior councillor, was unanimously elected as an alderman, in succession to the late Alderman T Pollard. The Rector and Churchwardens made an application to Bideford Town Council for a grant towards the cleaning and winding of the Church clock, as it is deemed to be a public benefit. The Council agreed to pay the full cost of £36.11.1d.

Legacy for Bideford Hospital – the secretary has received official information from the Executors of the late Mr Alex G Duncan (Mr John Duncan and Dr Hedden) of a legacy of £1,000 free of legacy duty, for the endowment of a ‘Duncan Bed’ at the Bideford Hospital. This munificent gift is the culmination of nearly 40 years’ generous support and service by the deceased gentleman.

About a hundred of Bideford’s poor sat down for Mr T Goaman’s annual tea, held in the Baptist Schoolroom. For just on a quarter of a century this has been Mr Goaman’s kindly way of expressing his sympathy with those who have met life under adverse conditions. On New Year’s Day, through a thoughtful provision made by the late Mr A G Duncan, the inmates of the ‘White House’, Bideford, were given a splendid dinner, as ample in respect of fare as the well-remembered Christmas dinner provided by the Guardians on Christmas Day. Mr Duncan had this year given directions and details, he himself was detained in bed, for carrying out the feast. Mr John Duncan, his son, and Dr and Mrs Hedden attended, and distributed money gifts to every inmate.

The London Bidefordians held a New Year social evening at Atherington’s Hotel, London. The Gazette publishes a full list of those present.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the contracting parties being Miss Olive May Davey, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs B Davey, 32 Elm Grove, and Mr Reginald Palmer, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J Palmer, of Woodville Cottage, Orchard Hill. The Rev C B Crofts officiated.

Three months notice of the resignation of Mrs Wilson, headmistress of Geneva Infants school, where she had served for 37½ years, was received with regret. In her letter, she thanked the managers for their unfailing kindness and bore testimony to the fact that she had been supported by loyal and faithful teachers. On the motion of the chairman, Mr G Boyle, the managers unanimously expressed their appreciation of Mrs Wilson’s long and faithful services, and steps were taken to carry on the work.

At Bradworthy, a dance to augment the funds of the local brass band was given in the Temperance Hall under the patronage of Rev A E Dobson. The music was supplied by the band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Cholwill.

Messrs E Hockridge and Son have 17 fine lambs on their Holyrood farm at Bradworthy.

The Young Men’s Club held a dance in the Church Room. Pianists were Misses Leake Burrow, F Clay, Bertha and Gertie Pillman. Refreshment helpers were Misses Lottie Burrow, F Colwill and E Heywood. Mr H Prust was MC.

Under Clovelly news - At the funeral of the late Mr Harry Robins, of Wrinkleberry, the Rector officiated, the mourners present being Mr Richard Robins, Mrs Lily Parsons, Mrs Ellison Johns (Highford Cottages), Messrs Lionel Parsons, Richard Johns, William Robins, Fred Robins, Miss Gwennie Robins, Mr George Headon, Messrs W T Westlake, Thomas Johns of Highford, Mrs Richard Robins. The bearers were Messrs William Beer, John Bromell, William Cruse, William Elliott, junr, James Lott and John Slee.

A very successful social was held in the New Inn Garage, Clovelly, kindly lent by Mr Bushell, on New Year’s Night, in aid of the Bideford Hospital. The garage was gracefully decorated with flags kindly lent by Mr Somerville. Winners of the various competitions were:

The Christmas Market at the Church Room in Hartland brought in about £23. It is a surprising fact that for several years the amount has not greatly varied. Stallholders were: Mrs Gregory, Mrs Britton, Mrs Whitehead, Miss Prust, Rev H Whitehead, Mr Wilton, Miss Dolly Prust, and Miss George. The Christmas stocking competition organised by Miss O Galsworthy was first won by Mr Lock, given again and won by Miss Dorothy Pillman.

At Hartland - Providence Sunday School New Year’s Entertainment was a great success. After a free tea to the children, there were games followed by an entertainment, those taking special parts including …

Mr A J Metters, chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, reported to the Holsworthy Urban Council, that at the fire which occurred in a shed at the rear of Market-square, at 4am, not a single member of the fire brigade, and very few others heard the fire bell and when the brigade got to work it was found that the supply of hose was only just sufficient to reach the fire. It was a warning to the Council that something must be done to make the brigade and fire appliances efficient.

The resignation of Sergt-Maj Dunn, captain of the Fire Brigade, who is leaving Holsworthy, was accepted, and Mr William Kinver accepted the chairmanship of the committee.

A Bohemian Concert Party from Holsworthy gave an excellent concert at West Putford in aid of the Church Path Fund.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Michael’s Church, Horwood, between Mr Reginald J Cutland, of Romsey, and Miss Annie Cutland, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Cutland, Lovacott, Newton Tracey.

The funeral of Mrs Bellew, widow of Mr William Bellew, late of Orchard Farm, Instow, took place at Instow Churchyard. Deceased, who was 86 years of age had resided for some years with her daughter, Mrs Joslin, at Woodtown Farm, Alverdiscott.

The annual social and dance, in aid of the Instow and Westleigh District Nursing Association, took place Dec 27th. The Rifle Hall was prettily decorated by the members of the Working Men’s Club. The room was crowded, about 250 people being present. Refreshments were all contributed by the residents of the villages. The splendid sum of £23 2s has been handed to the Nursing Association.

The goodwill spirit of Christmastide was manifested in characteristic fashion by Mr A L Christie, of Tapely Park, Instow, and his tenantry. Good wishes were reciprocal, the tenantry also receiving the annual gift of pheasants and many friends shared in the same pleasure. Cottagers in outlying places as well as those of Instow and Westleigh received a brace of rabbits, and consignments were forwarded to the Barnstaple and Bideford hospitals and to the poor law institutions. The disposal of the whole of the game and rabbits from Tapely to deserving poor and to sick patients is in accord with the estate custom and the kindness of the donor is greatly appreciated.

Mr Charles Moore, of Cholash Farm, had the misfortune to have three of his best Christmas turkeys stolen. The thief had the audacity to kill the birds on the premises before removing them. It is to be hoped that the police will be successful in bringing him to book.

Mr Dennis Kent, Langtree, is to be congratulated on the splendid sum he has collected in this parish for the Barnstaple Infirmary, viz. £13 15s 6d. The Langtree Male Voice Choir and Concert Party entertained at Beaford Baptist Chapel and at Newton St Petrock.

Mrs Withycombe and Mr Johns are injured at Langtree.

A very pleasant and sociable married v. single skittling match took place in the Langtree church room alley in which the married were defeated by a narrow margin.

It is with feelings of deep regret that we record the death of Mrs Shortridge, the beloved wife of Mr R Shortridge, of Heale Cottage, Littleham. She had been in failing health for some years but only took to her bed for the last time on December 29th, and in spite of careful nursing and assiduous attention passed over in the early hours of the morning of January 17, in the presence of her husband and two daughters. Mrs Shortridge had been a resident of the parish for close on fifty years…

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Michael's Church, Horwood, between Mr Reginald J Cutland, son of Mr and Mrs R Cutland, Romsey, and Miss Annie Cutland, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Cutland, Lovacott, Newton Tracey.

Lundy islanders and medical treatment.

The funeral of Mr Richard Drew Westaway took place at Monkleigh, the last rites being performed by the Vicar, Rev Evelyn Smith. The deceased was well known having resided in the parish and district for many years. The mourners were….

The funeral of the late Miss J H Williams, formerly well-known at Northam and Bideford, but who died at Bournemouth, took place in the Northam Churchyard, Rev G G Payne Cook, R.D, Vicar of Northam, performing the obsequies. Miss Jane Hoare Williams was the last of the three daughters of the late Mr Thomas Williams, of Northam. She carried on a business as bookseller and stationer at 16 High-street, Bideford, for a number of years, retired and spent some time at Kingsdown, Abbotsham Road.

Her very many friends will regret to learn of the death which took place at the residence of her daughter of Mrs Susannah Cook. Born in Northam in 1829, the late Mrs Cook was Northam’s oldest inhabitant. She had resided in the village during the whole of her long life, and by her death one of the remaining links with older Northam has been severed. Mrs Cook was for many years in business at the Golden Lion Hotel, retiring about a quarter of a century ago, since when she has lived with her daughter, Mrs Burch, at the Square, Northam. Her kindliness of manner to both old and young made her a great favourite in the village and she will be very sadly missed. She leaves a son and daughter to mourn their loss.

His Honour Judge Lindley again had before him at Bideford County Court a house possession case in which A H Lillicrap, a motor engineer, now in rooms at Bank House, Northam, sought an ejectment order against Miss Laura Taylor, in respect to a house in Tower-street which he had purchased for occupation.

Miss Florrie Bond and Mr Archie Vanstone, of Shebbear, were successful in winning the first prize in a waltzing competition at Sheepwash. Mr Robert Mile won the second prize in the open, and second in the sweepstakes, at a clay pigeon shoot.

A bachelor’s tea at the New Inn Cross, Shebbear, was held.

The Vicar of Shebbear, the Rev T E Fox, has gone to the French Riviera.

A waltzing competition at Sheepwash was won by Miss Florrie Bond and Mr Archie Vanstone.

At Torrington Cinema, 800 children – some brought by car from surrounding districts – were entertained by Mr S Vivian, a magician. He made cakes from flour and candle grease which when cooked were very nice to eat, turned rice into water and drew bon-bons from an empty hat. Before being taken home each child was given an orange and a quarter pound of sweets. In the evening the adults were entertained by the Town Band, some Devonshire readings and a comic film.

During the past week another prominent Torrington worthy passed away, viz. Mr Henry Hearn, aged 72 years, of Louisa Terrace, New-street, who had been incapacitated from work for some years. He was a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and once Superintendent and Sunday School teacher. The funeral was largely attended. Rev J M Mayo (pastor) officiated, whilst the acting bearers were sidesmen of the Church – Messrs J Tapscott, T J Dyer, C Popham, A Cole, J Barnacott and J Slocombe. The immediate family…

We regret to announce the almost sudden death of Mrs A M Barrow, wife of Mr W P Barrow, an ex-Mayor of the Borough, with whom much sympathy is felt in his bereavement. Mrs Barrow, who was held in the highest respect in the town, was a well known member of Howe Congregational Church.

News was received with great regret of the death which took place at the age of 65 years, after a brief illness, of Mr Charles Robert Doe, wine and spirit merchant, of Horton, Torrington. A member of the Conservative Club, Mr Doe was also a keen a sportsman, playing with the Torrington Bowling Club, and warmly supporting the local cricket and football clubs.

No detail was forgotten by those responsible for the Christmas arrangements for the entertainment of the inmates of the Torrington Workhouse. The Master and Matron, Mr and Mrs Harrison together with the staff, have worked exceedingly hard throughout the festivities and did all in their power to ensure the inmates having a really jolly time. A fine Christmas dinner was provided and also a special tea. Games were afterwards indulged in…

A capital concert was given in the Torrington Town Hall by the Council School children, to raise funds to help pay for a piano recently purchased. A full house made it a great success. A very find programme was submitted. The principals in the plays were: Barbara Furseman, R Baulkwill, N Bromell, M Weeks, V Popham. “Leetle Mr Baggy Breeches” was comical and caused much amusement, the Dutch girl being Phoebe Gist and the Dutch boy Phyllis Hearn, who were called upon for the second time. The girls gave a fine selection of songs, being test pieces sung at the Devon Musical Festival Competition, where they gained the 1st class certificates. The concert was arranged by Miss A Mortlock, Head Mistress of the Girls’ department, to whom great credit is due for the efficient way in which the children had been trained. Before the close Mr C Popham, JP, (Chairman of the Managers) moved a vote of appreciation, which was endorsed by Mr S Webber (Chairman of the Managers). Miss Mortlock acknowledged and thanked them for the remarks. She also thanked the happy band of willing helpers, also Mr Thorne for playing the piano at the practices, and Miss Lile for playing on the occasion.

Torrington Guardians having asked the Post Office for a return of the amounts surcharged on type-written postcards which should have gone at printed matter rates, were informed at their last meeting that if the surcharged cards were returned to the Post Office the amounts would be refunded. A number of cards were stated to have been destroyed, but the Chairman, Mr J Squance, thought it was satisfactory that the Post Office had acknowledged their mistake.

Eleven teams took part in a ringing competition at Torrington over the holiday period. There were seven six-bell teams and four eight-bell teams. High Bickington won the eight-bell category and Atherington the six-bell. The judges were W Fewings, A Chapple, W Lovering and R Gomer.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised in the Wesleyan Church, Torrington, by Rev Reynolds, the contracting parties being Mr Henry Mills, son of Mr and Mrs William Mills, Petrockstowe, and Miss Alice May, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W Adams, New Street, Torrington, late of Bugbear Farm, Little Torrington.

Mr G W F Brown, the North Devon Coroner, returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’ in the case of Weare Gifford labourer, James Priest, 73. C H Tucker, labourer, who identified the body, said deceased left his house (where he had lodged for over three years past) about 9am to do work for Mr Hancock of Weare Gifford. He was carrying a scythe for lawn mowing. Deceased had, as far as he knew, no relatives, was a widower, and had no children. Mr R C Powell deposed to seeing Priest grinding his scythe on his stone in his orchard about 11.30. At the time deceased appeared cheerful and after passing a few jokes he (witness) left with one of his men, C R Clarke, who had been helping with the grinding. Deceased probably intended taking a short cut by way of a field. F C Slee stated that about twenty to twelve he came across the deceased.

Just to be different, Hogmanay was celebrated at Moore’s Tea Rooms in Weare Gifford, proving that North Devon is very catholic in its tastes!

Visit The Moon Piano at Weare Gifford.

A meeting was held at the Station Hall, Westward Ho! on “The Ministry of Women in the Church”. A paper was read by Miss Catherine Yates, licensed teacher in Theology, on “The N.T. and the Ministry of Women.”

The marriage took place at St Paul’s Church, Sandgate, Kent, of Mr Randolph Charles Zouch Drake-Brockman, second son of Mr and Mrs Lewis Drake-Brockman, and Miss Violet Mary Harding, only daughter of the late H O O Harding, Indian Civil Service, and Mrs Harding of Westward Ho! The bridesmaids were Miss M Price and Miss C Alexander. There were also two little bridesmaids, the Misses Jean Cox and Felicia Cox, cousins of the bride. The best man was Mr Roger Mowbray. Subsequently the happy pair left for London, en route for the Continent.

Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward, solicitors acting for Mrs Wiley, approach Northam Council to highlight the serious position of the Bath Hotel in consequence of the non-repair of the sea wall at Westward Ho! The Council repudiated liability and said the current financial position will not enable it to take precautions for prevent further encroachment by the sea.

Household furniture and outdoor effects from Foxwold, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! are for sale.

We regret to record the death of Mrs Martha E Nethercott, whose end came very suddenly at the residence of Mr and Mrs John Cory, Ashmansworthy, Woolsery, where she only came a week previous for a short stay.

And finally – forget the New Year diet!

January 1974

With a total of 1272.54mm, last year was the driest since 1968 when a total of 48 inches was recorded, reports the meteorological station at Ash Cross, Bradworthy. The yearly average there is 1345.85mm.

Schools 1974 – Appledore CP School, Bideford Church Infants School, Bideford Church Junior School, Bideford East-the-Water School, Bideford Grammar School, Pynes County Infants School, Westcroft CP School, Bideford County Secondary School, Edgehilll College, Grenville College, St Margaret’s School, Northam, Shebbear College, Stella Maris School, Torrington Blue Coat School, Torrington CP School.

Philip and Lesley Cox name their daughter after the Appledore lifeboat - Louisa Anne Hawker.

Two hundred and seventy-one years handle the knife for the cutting the cake ceremony at Appledore Darby and Joan Club party. Left to right – Mrs Bridger, Mrs Gayette and Miss Willard. The Appledore club has been in existence for 16 years, but as with most clubs of this kind, there is a shortage of Darbys!

Workmen are expected to rebuild the parapet of the wall at West Appledore which was savaged in the gales. There were slight signs of a bulge in this wall and further examination would be made to assess the seriousness or otherwise.

Ninety-six people of Bideford received 50p each from the eight trustees of the John Andrew Dole. This distribution dates back nearly 370 years. It derives from rend of land at Love Lane, given by a Bideford merchant, John Andrew, for the relief of the poor of Bideford. As has been observed every year, except during the great plague, since the benevolent bequest was established, trustees of the Andrew Dole meet for their annual dinner. In his bequest the founder allowed the trustees 5d per head to provide themselves with supper, but within living memory the trustees have never claimed the money and have paid for the dinner themselves.

Fifty children and 30 adults attended a party at the Community Centre, Bideford, given by the Torridgeside Opportunity Group. Games were organised by Mr Punt from the Lampard Vachell School, Barnstaple. Father Christmas was in attendance.

All the town’s assets other than historic and ceremonial articles and the town band instruments are to be handed over by Bideford Town Council to the Torridge District Council when that body takes over on April 1 next. But Bideford will still have a town council and elect a town mayor. It was decided to retain the chains of the mayor and mayoress; informal badges of office; the maces; the mayor’s, aldermen’s councillor’s and macebearers’ robes; the borough plate; the town crier’s bell, staff and uniform; mayoral portraits; and any other identifiable ceremonial items and other articles given to the council, museum, library, etc. To be offered to the new council are: Trick’s, Love Lane and Pollyfield allotments; the cemetery; Old Town cemetery; Pollyfield, Chudleigh Fort; Victoria Park, river bank, meadow parkland, Stucley gift of marshes; King George’s Field, Pollyfield, Reed’s Field and Sports Ground; Hartland Road plantation; cattle market; and pannier market.

To mark 20 years as Bideford borough beadle, five years as macebearer and 27 as a Town Council employee, a plaque was presented to Mr Ronald Beer. Making the presentation the Mayor, Cllr Major Ted Hill, said that many past mayors and mayoresses had kind thoughts of the way in which Mr Beer had looked after them. “For your kind service and help and devotion to duty we all thank you sincerely,” the Mayor added.

A new vista, topped by St Peter’s Church, opens up at Torrington Lane, East-the-Water, with the completion of the demolition under a clearance order of 22 houses. It marks the half-way stage of redevelopment in this vicinity that has been in the pipeline for some years. Two-storey flats for old people, with a warden scheme, are to be built this year on the site. Occupants of the cleared area have been rehoused by Bideford Town Council. Other new housing will also be provided nearby, utilising another cleared site.

Outline planning permission has been granted for the residential development of the former railway goods yard at East-the-Water, Bideford. Among the conditions, Bideford Town Council were told, is one that not more than 52 units of accommodation should be built as a first phase of the complete development.

After a long silence G3XEF was back on air over the Christmas holiday. G3XEF is the call-sign of wireless enthusiast Michael Fleetwood, who while at college in Bristol has no chance to maintain contact with friends all over the world. But at his home in Abbotsham Road, Bideford, the dental student can retire to his ‘shack’ where his radio transmitter-receiver puts him in touch with other operators. Michael is one of a growing number of ‘radio hams’ although like many of his fellow enthusiasts he feels that the word ‘ham’ has helped to conjure up a false picture of the fraternity. His furthest contact had been in Japan but he regularly ‘works’ America, said Michael.

On April 1, changeover day in local government, Bideford’s library will be absorbed into the county library. This also brings the retirement as borough librarian of Mr Lloyd Firmin, who has held the post for practically 12 years.

Buckland Brewer – Coach and Horses Inn

Buckland Brewer YFC set themselves a special target during last year to raise the money required to train a guide dog for the blind. Now they have been able to hand over the sum of £320 to Mr D J Haydn Thomas, the SW Area Organiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, who was accompanied by his own dog. Mrs Janet Brown, the immediate past chairman of the club, handed over the cheque, and Mr Thomas gave the club in return a framed photograph of ‘Honesty’ a retriever bitch whose training has been paid for by the money raised.

The funeral of Mrs Gertrude Adams, the wife of Mr Sydney Adams of 2 Ashtons, has taken place at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church. Bearers were Messrs M Blight, J Daniel, B Slee, T Brown, G Ferritt and L Blight.

Differences of opinion between the planning authority and Bideford Rural Council about the outline development plan for the coastal strip from Bucks Mills to Westward Ho! have been discussed by the council’s planning committee and an officer of the county planning authority. But the differences have not been resolved and the matter is now to be left for the Torridge District Council to consider.

Andrew Newcombe reels in a record fish at Clovelly.

A model of Clovelly lifeboat in a glass case, made by one of the lifeboatmen, Mr B Tanner, was won in a draw by T Brewer of Birmingham. The draw was made at the Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild annual New Year whist drive, held in the parish hall. Local winners included Mr Abbott (Highford), Mrs Hayes and Mrs Howell. At the whist drive Mr G Smith was MC and Mrs Seden door steward. The prizes were distributed by the Hon. Mrs K Rous.

A winter sale at Skinner of Hartland.

Devon county education committee are recommending a grant of £710 to Hartland Playing Fields Association – provided Bideford Rural Council make a matching grant, the Rural Council were told. But members felt that Hartland parish council should also be asked to play their part. It was agreed that provided the parish council consent to contribute an amount approximating an old penny rate - £80 to £85 – the rural council should give a grant of £150.

No objection is being raised by Bideford Rural Council to the proposed felling by Sir Denis Stucley of 32 trees in Hartland. The trees are in a woodland north of Bow bridge and West of the Abbey gardens. The remainder of the woodland, which can be seen from a limited area only, is to be left for natural regeneration to take place.

Work has begun on an £18,000 scheme to eradicate an accident black spot at Withecote Hill between Stibb Cross and Langtree on a holiday route that carries a vast amount of summer traffic.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Richard Cartwright, plans to visit Lundy at the end of July when it is hoped to present candidates for confirmation.

National Trust’s reply to criticism of the way in which the Landmark Trust administers Lundy.

By seven votes to five, Northam Urban Council agreed that their successor town council should seek powers to take over responsibility for resorts services, halls and war memorials and that they should review the situation when Torridge District Council appoint a leisure and resorts services manager. They also agreed to take over the cemetery on an agency basis, if the district council would provide labour and equipment, and to ask to be told of all relevant planning applications.

The action of Northam Urban Council in letting the Seagate car park to the hotel there for £40 a year was criticised by Capt A E Ford at the council meeting. Ratepayers should enjoy the amenities, he declared. People in Meeting Street had nowhere to park. Mrs Vivian Patt said that in the past cars had been left there indefinitely and other people had been unable to gain access to the park. To let it was the right procedure in that the money helped the rates.

Northam Burrows Committee 1974 – A Hodgkins, H Braund, P B Waters, Col G L Pearce, Lt-Cmdr M B C Sumner, Capt E Hale, T Lamey, N Fulford, M Heywood, R D Bradford, W Badcock, J Need, P Ford, H Ford, L Ford, G Hamlyn, W Gale, F C Twose, H S Clements.

Stallholders at the annual Allardice Hall Christmas Fayre at Parkham were: Mrs S Tucker, Parkham Young Generation, Mesdames W Colwill, T Ford, Mrs W Dack, Miss H Dunn, Mesdames L Dunn, D Morris, Mrs D Honey, Mrs M Honey. Teas were served by Mesdames T Lang, D Pickard, S Metherall, E Daniel and F Bromell. Proceeds are in aid of the hall extension which is expected to cost more than £5,000.

A performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a highlight at the end-of-term concert by Parkham children in the Allardice Hall. Taking part were..

Torrington Commons Conservators 1974 – R G Copp, F J Bryant, F Edwards, Mrs F M Hodge, W S Hutchings, K Kent, J H Long, C R Mitchell, C Quick, Mrs V I Smith, B Sussex, G Williams, S J Parkes.

The death has occurred in London of Mr Lester Burridge, an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School who, until about 20 years ago, spent the whole of his life in Torrington. At one time he played football for Torrington. Aged 52, he was stock manager of Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Co. He returned to this area where he had relatives and many friends several times a year. Flowers were from..

Elusive giant flag not yet up the pole as it taxes the ingenuity of Torrington Cavaliers.

Ten girls have been placed on alternate-day working at Torrington’s Unigate milk factory which has had to cut its production by 20% because of the current national milk shortage. “But with any luck we should not have to make any further reductions and should be back to normal in March when spring milk starts to come in” said the plant manager, Mr M H G Naggs. There is a total work force of 430. Blamed for the shortage is the high cost of animal feed which has led to many farmers cutting back the size of their herds.

Pictured with Mr Peter Mills, MP for Torrington, during a recent visit he made to the Devon and Dorset Regiment, is a Torrington solder, Private Michael Andronik. He was one of several local soldiers who had a chat with Mr Mills. Another local soldier Mr Mills met was Private John Hewitson, who home is at Bradworthy. Pte Andronik was recently selected with three of his comrades to take part in a film which is being made by the Central Office of Information for showing later in cinemas and on television in America.

Machinery will move in to repair the ravages made in the Pebble Ridge at Westward Ho! by the recent storms. It will be a race against tide and time, for the work has to be completed before the next especially high tides start. In addition to pushing the pebbles back one estimate is that the huge waves forced the ridge back as much as 20 feet in some places – work will start on building the two new groynes which have been planned to supplement the seven already in place.

Mr T Alasdair-Barclay, Burrows warden, sees for himself how the storms flattened Westward Ho! Pebble Ridge in the Sandymere area.

Capt Colin Lowry of Buckleigh House, Westward Ho! receives a RNLI silver badge.

Dolly Scouloudi, is both the pen name and maiden name of Mrs D Knowles of Park Avenue, Westward Ho! Her new book of poems owes much to the encouragement of TV personality and competition adjudicator, Mr Hedley Goodall who, in this introduction, says the poems reflect the author’s ‘pride in the Devon countryside and the warmth of her friendship.’ Mrs Knowles said “I don’t pretend to be a real professional. I write poetry because I feel I want to: it is a kind of outlet.”

It’s pantomime time at Westward Ho! Latest in a long line of productions presented each year by the Westward Ho! Follies is Dick Whittington, produced by Mrs Ada Powell.

Cathy Sales, Lesley Pugh, Julie Lamey, Elizabeth Meadows, Hanna Wrey, Linda and Caroline Eastman, Jackie Clements and Julie Hodgkins

Bill Thisby, Roger Beale and Des Pugh

In its first five months of existence the Woolsery Parent/Teacher Association has raised £286.09, the chairman, Mr J T Downes, told the annual meeting. The Association is looking into the possibility of building a swimming pool.

All of the Woolsery parish church’s six bells will need to be recast. To meet the extra costs it is planned to invite residents and other friends of the parish to donate £200 a time to pay for each bell’s re-casting. For this, the bell can bear the donor’s name or that of the person in whose memory the donation has been made. The bells are to be re-cast by Messrs Taylor, of Loughborough, who cast them 148 years ago when the firm had a branch at nearby Buckland Brewer. Removal of the bells and their eventual re-erection is being undertaken by Mr Arthur Fidler, of Bow, Devon, who is one of only four bell-hangers in the country. While by church history standards they are not very old, they have interesting features - in having four loops (known as cannons) on top of the bells instead of the usual six. Mr Fidler has recently worked on the Winkleigh and Yarnscombe bells.

The coffin was covered with the Union Jack at the funeral of ex-Army man Mr Arthur Shackson, at Pandora, Venn, Woolsery. The funeral took place at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, the Rector, Rev R O H Eppingstone, officiating. The organist was Mr Stevens. Bearers were Messrs Osward Parsons, Reg Cowell, Graham and Anthony Shackson, Kenneth Rowe and Arthur Braund. Many friends attended the service.

A request by Woolsery Parish Council that they should be told of matters concerning their parish as soon as these had been considered by Bideford Rural Council at committee level has been rejected. It was emphasised that confidentiality would be respected but the rural council decided that since they had only another three months of existence, and that similar facilities would have to be made available to other parishes, there was little point in changing procedures at this stage.

January 1999

The village church of St Helen’s at Abbotsham is preparing to become a focal point for local millennium celebrations, with four events already planned.

One of North Devon’s top visitor attractions has put itself at the forefront of European monetary union by launching its own ‘Ewero’. Three years ahead of the rest of Europe, the Ewero notes have been traded as legal tender from January 1 at The Big Sheep at Abbotsham. A quarter million pounds of Ewero notes valued from £1 to £10 each have been ‘minted’ and are being offered to visitors. The notes can be used to make purchases within the complex in the same way as the Disney Dollar in Disneyworld. “The value of The Big Sheep Ewero is more likely to be affected by the value of lamb rather than the whim of some German banker,” said owner Rick Turner.

Torridge anglers are hoping to have netted more than £1,500 for the Blue Hooker Appeal as the result of a sponsored walk from Bideford Quay to Clovelly harbour. Members of the Bideford and District Angling Club and Appledore Shipbuilders’ Angling Club were joined by bar staff of the Royal George at Appledore.

History will be in the making at Bideford when work starts in earnest on the restoration of the sailing schooner, Kathleen and May. The 100-year-old, 100-ton wooden vessel was brought to the town by local businessman Steve Clarke and has been adopted by the chamber of commerce as a £250,000 project for a riverside attraction. A massive crane will lift the old vessel from the river for her restoration to begin. It is a spectacle which is expected to draw many onlookers to Bideford’s old bridge and quayside.

A Caribbean Christmas was the prize for a Bideford couple after impressing one of Britian’s top entertainment agencies with their musical talents. Multi-musician Martin Lewison and singer Jolanda Seabourne were signed up for a three-month stint of six-star travel aboard a top line Cunard cruise ship. Martin and Jolanda are two of the popular trio Fifth Avenue who are well known for their performances in the region’s Brend Hotels and at local holiday parks. Guitarist John Symonds from Appledore missed out on the trip because of family and other work commitments.

Ostrich steaks have joined fresh local salmon and Cajun chicken on the menu at Spooners Bistro in Bideford. The arrival of The Tavern in the Port included the opening of the Inn’s 45-seat restaurant. An extensive a la carte menu and selection of well-priced wines await diners. Bon viveur Michael Chubb, who runs the Bistro, is a familiar figure to diners in North Devon. With his late mother Emma he ran Southcott House Restaurant in Weare Giffard which was internationally acclaimed.

Bon viveur Michael Chubb at Spooners Restaurant in the Tavern in the Port, Bridge Street, Bideford

Revellers came from far and wide to welcome in the New Year – Bideford style! Cowboys, Indians, Scotsmen, Vikings, supermen, spacemen, snowmen, policemen and their female counterparts were just a few of the colourful characters who formed an enormous dancing throng across the town’s quayside and its old bridge as the midnight chimes sounded. Police estimates are that between 3,500 and 4,000 people took part in the traditional end of bridge welcoming of the New Year, maintaining Bideford’s reputation as one of the top party spots in the country.

Bideford’s historic long bridge has put on a brighter face for the New Year with completion of a £13,500 project to enhance its under-arch floodlighting. Instigated by the town council, the major overhaul of the lights has seen the installation of a new low-energy system of brighter, longer-life bulbs and easy maintenance equipment. The original lights were put in 10 years ago said the Mayor, Cllr Noel Deakes. “The bridge is very important to Bideford. It is our heritage.”

More than £1 million is being spent on schemes to restore the Victorian pannier markets in Bideford and Torrington, bringing the promise of added attractions for visitors and jobs for local people. Work now under way at Bideford’s historic pannier market will provide the town with a unique 25-unit shopping mall. That is the aim of the town council, which is behind the £370,000 project to bring Butchers Row back to its former glory. Its ornate iron gates and iron ‘fretwork’ decorations will be retained. Matching Petersmarland bricks are being made specially for repairs to the façade and flooring. When Butchers Row is reopened the town would have a new shopping mall but with an old style character, said market manager Paul Naisbett.

Nearly £35,000 of funding has been secured for environmental and tourism enhancements to Bucks Mills. Torridge Leader Company has obtained grant aid and the money will be used to reduce the impact of visitors on the tiny fishing and holiday village and improve the quality of the visit itself.

Goods valued at £750 were stolen when a house in Higher Road, Fremington, was burgled. The house was entered between the evening of December 28 and the afternoon of New Year’s Day. Stolen were 50 CDs, a gold plated pocket watch, a Citizen diving watch and a credit card.

Fremington has lost one of its most stalwart workers with the death of Mr Ron Langton. He had worked tirelessly for the parish hall, of which he was the committee chairman for the past 18 years. During that time he initiated four extensions and many improvements and saw the hall win county and district accolades. Mr Langton was one of the founders of Fremington Garden Club and he was chairman of Freminton Carnival Committee.

A modern, individual detached bungalow in Hartland is being marketed for sale.

A Devon longhouse with seven acres of land near Langtree is for sale.

The flu bug could bring to an end the hopes of Torrington ‘musher’ Ivan Passmore and his team of huskies gaining success in one of Britain’s top sled-dog competitions. Ivan and his dogs are scheduled to go to Aviemore in Scotland at the end of the month to compete against 200 competitors in the Beta Siberian Husky Club Rally. But their trip is threatened because two of Ivan’s three dogs have caught the flu.

Two North Devon students have been offered places at one of Britain’s top universities – Oxford. The success of Willow Bangay and Jo Lovell, both from Torrington, follows a series of rigorous interviews and they need to achieve high A level grades to meet their offers.

Demolition work has heralded the start of the £700,000 restoration project at the Victorian market in Torrington. It is one part of the community’s £2.3 million Genesis regeneration scheme which is being spearheaded by the Great Torrington Community Development Trust. It will house a dozen workshops where local crafts people will be able to work and to sell their products. Project managers Peter Hood said there were still a few units available to let for local crafts people.

Cricket in the West Indies is the exciting prospect that lies ahead for Great Torrington School pupil Neil Bettiss who has been chosen to tour with the West of England Schools under-15 team. With him on the tour Neil will take two new bats supplied by Island Crickit of Witheridge. His favourite bat has been sponsored by fellow sportsman Simon Dafforn of Torrington.

Thieves and vandals have dismayed one of north Devon's best known charity organisations, The Cavaliers. The chairman, Dave Kelly, said that they had been dismayed by damage caused to the structure and the theft of almost two lorry loads of wooden pallets, and of tools stolen. It is hoped that the The Great Fire of London scene will be completed in time to be opened to the public at Easter 2000 before being razed to the ground during the August Bank Holiday.

Torrington Cavaliers repair damage caused by vandals

Radio and television is what Edgehill College student Hannah Arnold is setting her career signs on. But not as an actress. She wants to be an anchor woman. An impressive collection of trophies and awards for her speech and drama talents suggest that she could well reach her goal. Hannah, of Huxhill Farm near Weare Giffard, hopes to go to university.

Atlantic Sands, Westward Ho! properties for sale.

Property in Westward Ho! for sale.

Residents living near the former Yelland power station site are trying to enlist the help of the Prince of Wales in their fight to preserve a wildlife area there. Planning permission has been given for the covering of soil of old ash beds created during the operation of the power station and which are believed to contain asbestos waste.

Railway News - October 1923

Torrington-Halwill Railway

News in October 1923

At a conference of Local Employment Committees of Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Torquay, held at Plymouth, the conditions pertaining on the construction of the Halwill-Torrington Railway came under discussion. It was alleged that the conditions arranged for many of the workmen were ‘appallingly bad’ and in consequence men were returning from the work, No proper lodging accommodation could be found in the neighbouring villages for many of the men, and the contractors, it was alleged, had insufficient hutting accommodation, although they had promised to remedy this. Government officials had visited the work, but no result had been seen.

The Devon County Council’s action in lodging an objection to the Ministry of Transport against a proposal to extend for five years the time for the completion of the Halwill Junction-Torrington Light Railway scheme, was supported by the Okehampton Rural Council. The County Authority saw no justification for the proposed Order, but would raise no objection to a twelve month’s extension. No reason, was given said the Clerk, by the applicants for the action.

Torrington Rural Council at its last meeting decided to enter formal protest against an extension of time for the completion of Torrington Halwill Railway. The Clerk, Mr G M Doe, reporting on the financial position, pointed out the company had made a demand for £3,000 being 50 per cent, on £6,000 debenture stock. They had paid two sums of £600, and now they were asking for £1,800, which would make the £3,000. He had communicated with the County Council, who did not seem to have paid it, and the question was whether they should pay it or not.

Torrington Rural Council received a letter from the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Railway stating that they noted the Council’s objection to their request to the Ministry of Transport for an extension of the time lime for completing the work.