100 Years Ago

Years Ago - July

July 1923

Births – at 9 Richmond Road, Appledore, to Mr and Mrs F H Rendle (nee Gladys Wright), a daughter; at 13 Rockmount Terrace, to Mr and Mrs H G Weekes (nee May Molland), a son; at Junior School, Buckleigh, to Mr and Mrs Edwards Dyson, a daughter; at Reigate, the wife of W Sealey Short (nee Phyllis Richards) of Bideford, a daughter; at Tinnacott Farm, to Mr and Mrs A T Pickard, a son; at Commons Farm, Northam, the wife of H Tucker, a daughter.

Gallant conduct of late Bideford Constable Hutchings - stands over fallen Sergeant Babb and keeps mob at bay. The old-world town of Hatherleigh was the scene of a most disorderly and riotous proceeding. In consequence of cutting the new railway large numbers of men are billeted in the district, and where housing accommodation is not available hutments and tents are brought into use. It has been customary for the ment to come into the town on Saturday afternoons, and some of them become somewhat lively. The police have been most tolerant, and had often gone out of their way to show them kindness.

An application for an occasional licence was granted for Lieutenant Daton to serve refreshments in a marquee at Shebberton Races on Whit Monday. Superintendent Shutler confirmed that there had been no complaints on the two previous occasions when races had been held, everything being conducted in a very orderly manner.

In Alverdiscott, the Rector and Mrs Oak-Rhind organised a whist drive and dance in aid of the churchyard fund. Handsome prizes were presented.

Early on Tuesday morning, the sad news of the death of Capt Alfred Kelly, of the RMS Tanui and who lives at Marine Parade, Appledore, was received with regret. Deceased, who was in the service of Shaw, Saville Co., traded from London to New Zealand and back (via Panama Canal) with passengers and mails, and a general cargo, and the ship only arrived back to London the previous Thursday, from New Zealand. Part of the crew, who belong to Appledore, arrived home on Saturday and the captain was expected in a few days.

A pretty wedding took place in St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the contracting parties being Mr Fred Tucker (son of Mr and Mrs F H Tucker, of Richmond Terrace) and Miss Gweneth Maud Dummett (daughter of Mr and Mrs T Dummett, of Irsha Street). The bride, who was given away by her cousin, Mr John E Labbett, was prettily attired in a grey costume with hat to match. Mr Horace Bracher, brother-in-law of the bride, acted as best man and the service was conducted by the Rev A F Judd of Westward Ho! A large number of guests and friends were present and on leaving the church the happy pair were greeted with showers of confetti. Later in the morning they left for Birmingham where the honeymoon is being spent. They were the recipients of many presents. The bridegroom being carpenter on the RMS Tanui the bridecake, which was made on board the ship on the homeward voyage from New Zealand, was the gift of the late Capt Alfred Kelly, whose death was reported. The cars were supplied by Mr E Hocking of Appledore.

Leonard Cann, Mr Philip Waters jnr and Mr Charles Schillers, assist in rescuing Roy Cook at Appledore.

Early on Saturday morning two large cars, one in charge of Mr F Hamlyn and the other in charge of Mr Shute, of Messrs Dymond and Son, left Appledore with the Vicar and members of the St Mary’s Church choir. Proceeding through Barnstaple they slowed down at Youlstone and Sherwill, glancing towards the last resting place of Admiral Sir Edward Chichester, who was always such a good friend to the Appledore sea-faring community, and then safely negotiating the steep hills at Parracombe, reached Lynton at 10am. There they joined with other church choirs to the number of 300 and processed with their banners through the streets to the Parish Church of St Mary’s to take part in an inspiring service. In the afternoon the party proceeded by cars to Watersmeet and enjoyed a delightful strawberry and cream tea, provided by Mr Attree, at the Myrtleberry Garden where they found the combined choirs of Westward Ho! and Northam. A visit was made to the water cascade and a pleasant drive home concluded a delightful day.

Properties in Market and Meeting Streets, Appledore, for sale.

Yarnscombe Church Trustees have authorised the sale of East Ashridge Farm, Westleigh, a small-holding of 34 acres. It has been purchased by R W Crang of the Coach and Horses Inn, Appledore, for £1000.

Formerly stationed at Appledore until promoted to Scotland, Mr S G P Hannam has been appointed from St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, to Preventive Officer in charge of Customs and Excise at the Custom House, Appledore. His many friends will be glad to welcome him back to the district again.

The combined choirs of Northam, Westward Ho! and Appledore churches joined with others numbering 300 and processed through Lynton with banners to a service at St Mary’s Church. Following the service, a visit was made to the water cascade.

At a meeting of Bideford Town Council the Mayor, Mr H W Huxham, announced an invitation from the Rector, Rev W N Manning, to attend a festival service at St Peters’ Church, East-the-Water. Mr J F Fulford said after he expressed his intention of accompanying the Mayor someone had written to him anonymously that he hoped they would not support Roman practices. He was disgusted at receiving such a communication. If other members received such a letter he hoped they would treat it with the contempt he should. (Hear hear). Mr F T Upton said he had received a letter:

The unique ceremony of conferring the honorary freedom of the Borough of Bideford upon five past mayors in recognition of their long and faithful services to the town and district was attended at the Town Hall with two hours speechmaking and an enthusiasm and interest that will be long remembered. The occasion was a remarkable one in many respects, and it is doubtful if in some of its features it ever has been or will be equalled in this or any comparable borough. The five gentlemen so fittingly honoured – Mr Alexander Greig Duncan and Aldermen John Cock, Thomas Goaman, John Moore Metherell, and Thomas Pollard, all Justices of the Peace and ex-mayors of the Borough – have each a record of public service ranging from over a quarter to a third of a century, and the aggregate municipal service of the four aldermen extends to upwards of 130 years. The county service of one of the aldermen also goes into a long period, and that in connection with the County Council alone has entailed upon him over 1,600 journeys to Exeter.

Need of isolation hospital.

Miss Annie Bazeley, daughter of Mr H M Bazeley, clerk of the peace for Bideford, and who has been for some years a member of Bideford Guardians and chairwoman of the Boarding out Committee, has been chosen by Commandant Allen, head of the Women’s Auxiliary Service (formerly Women Police Service) to go to Cologne to work as a policewoman.

Little thirteen year old Phyllis Dark, of 25 Barnstaple Street, East-the-Water, had a narrow escape from serious injury. She had been walking along the bridge footway with her mother, when without warning she darted across the road right into the path of an oncoming Indian motor cycle, ridden by G W Lewis and his friend, W Dark. Lewis was unable to pull up in time to avert an accident and the child was knocked down. She was picked up from underneath the motor cycle in a semi-conscious state, bleeding from the nose. After being seen by Dr Littlewood, she was removed to Bideford Hospital. No bones were broken and fortunately the child was not seriously hurt.

Gammaton, Woodville and Stone farm properties are sold to Mr Bellew, Mr J Pope and Mr A J Nicholls.

Buy summer sports kit from H F Elliott in the High Street, Bideford.

There are reports of local cricket matches in every paper, the closest result being the win of Raleigh over Torrington by one run. If you are in need of a tonic after all this activity, try Orange Quinine wine, 2 shillings a bottle from V H Hogg, Chemist, 85 High Street, Bideford.

Miss Ruby Wood has been appointed a supplementary teacher at the Clovelly Council School.

The annual Clovelly Sports held in Mr J Jewell’s field at Wrinkleberry, proved a big success. Did your relative take part or could they have been one of the “ bevy of young ladies under the charge of Mrs Bushell sold coloured balloons on the sports field.”?

Bearhaine, Frithelstock, is for sale.

Women’s Institute members from Horwood and Newton Tracey enjoyed a char-a-banc outing to Woolacombe for luncheon and tea.

A garden fete at Hillsleigh, Instow.

On one Wednesday afternoon, Instow beach welcomed over 1000 Sunday School children from Barnstaple and South Molton for treats.

Properties in Lennard’s Road and Castle Street in Northam for sale. They were bought by Mrs Ren and Mr Henry Dalling.

Northam, Westward Ho! & District Horticultural Society Open Show at Clevelands, by kind permission of Mr C S Carnegie. Later in the month, it was reported that Flower Show had over 500 entries.

Northam Bells

Gentleman’s Freehold Residence, Broomhayes, Northam, for sale.

Parkham - The projecting or blind corners near Kilvenstool are receiving the attention of the Rural District Council. The dangerous pond has been filled in, and the deep quarries are also being filled up with good solid metal, which will naturally widen the road by a good many feet, thus disposing of the danger which has hitherto existed.

A freehold nursery garden of around 3 acres situated in St Giles has been sold at auction for £100. The seller was Mr W J Page and the purchaser Mr J Balman.

Mr G Friend, eldest son of Mr John Friend, ironmonger, of Torrington, has obtained his degree in Science (B.Sc) at the Bristol University.

Mr Richard Montague Ebsary and Miss Elsie Andrews are married at St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington.

The funeral took place at Torrington Cemetery of Mrs L B Buckland, wife of Mr R G S Buckland, MBE, retired superintendent of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company. Mrs Buckland, who was 70 years of age, was the second daughter of Dr C R and Mrs Jones, who for many years resided at Castle House, Torrington. She was married in 1884, accompanied her husband on foreign service. During the war she did good service in the Pack Store of the Auxiliary Red Cross Hospital, Sidney House, Torrington. She leaves a husband, two sons and a daughter to mourn their loss. The Vicar, Rev F Emlyn Jones, officiated at the funeral.

Four large steamers are presently lying in the river off Westleigh Corner, one being the Spanish cargo liner SS Jose Taya.

Rich grazing marshes at Westleigh for sale. Currently in the occupation of Mr C H May and Mr W Joslin.

Westward Ho! Art Club’s second exhibition of paintings and statuary was held at the Bridge Hall, Bideford from 12 to 19 July. A full report with names of artists can be found on page 5 of the 17 July paper.

At a Northam Urban District Council meeting, presided over by Mr W J Pursey, with reference to coast erosion, the Office of Works wrote to the effect no contribution would be made, and the consent of the department of the Board of Trade would be required for any works on the foreshore. Having regard to the financial position, the Council decided they could not do any further work, and to inform the Office of Works to this effect. It was agreed, however, to repair the slipway at Westward Ho! at a cost of not exceeding £10.

At Bideford County Court before Mr H N H Stucley, the Mayor (Mr H W Huxham) Rev C H V Vivian and Messrs J Cock, J U Fulford, W Harris and W J Pursey, W J Wiley of the Bath Hotel, Westward Ho! was summoned for driving a motor car without a proper license. The defendant pleaded guilty.

Building sites and accommodation lands at Westward Ho! for sale.

Thatched cottage, Rose Care, in Westward Ho! for sale.

At Torrington Rural Council Mr W H Griffin presiding, the Sanitary Inspector, Mr R Gomer, reported having inspected, with the local members, various cottages at Winkleigh which had been the subject of reports from the County Council, and the local representatives recommended certain work being carried out. It was decided to serve the necessary notices and also to serve notices in other instances where work was in default.

The old established and popular Woolsery Colt Show has this year expanded into a Woolsery Agricultural Show, and a very successful meeting is anticipated on July 30th. Entries close July 17th. Mr M Westaway, Alminstone, Woolsery, Bucks Cross, S.O. is the secretary.

July 1973

Hundreds of holidaymakers as well as local residents were disappointed when the Golden Hinde failed to leave her moorings at Appledore and go on her scheduled sea trials off the North Devon coast. “We regret very much any inconvenience which was caused by the postponement of sailing plans, but it just could not be helped,” said Mr Alan Hinks, principal of Messrs J Hinks and Son, the Appledore firm that has built the quarter-million pound replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship for a San Francisco-based American business syndicate. It now looks as though the Golden Hinde will not be leaving Appledore for her trials for up to another month.

Winkle Cottage, 16 One End Street, Appledore, is for sale

A waterfront scheme that it is suggested could ‘make Appledore’ is the subject of an outline planning application by Northam Urban Council. Behind the project is the surveyor, Mr Clive Barber, and it grew from the need to tackle the township’s ever more pressing parking problem. He believes that for £500,000 a complex could be sited at Churchfield, taking in the former swimming pool that adjoins the Park. The complex would provide parking space for around 350 cars, a small harbour, a boat park, harbour master’s office, toilets and a roof garden. The whole would extend out over the beach for about 60 yards, a sea wall being built around it to form the harbour. The council cannot, of course, see the project through: that would have to be done by the Torridge District Council. But a scheme that has planning permission is more likely to attract members’ attention.

Two calls for Appledore lifeboat.

Bideford Town Council is to go ahead with the scheme to raise Nutaberry railway bridge at a cost of £38,000 subject to conditions. The council was told that this figure is an increase of almost 100 per cent over the estimate submitted by the British Railways Board on which loan sanction had been granted for the work under the infrastructure scheme.

Dr Stella Candler and Dr Tom Candler receive awards from the Order of St John.

When Mr Gilber R Boucher returns home he will find on his desk a letter from the Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Major Ted Hill, inviting him here to share in the borough’s quatercentenary celebrations. The three hours or so that he spent here on Monday were enough to persuade him to return. The party had attended a seminar on recreation for the elderly in Lausanne, Switzerland, and had then travelled to Moscow and had Leningrad. Unimpressed by what they had found in Russia they were glad to get to England. “It was like coming home,” said Mr Boucher. “I love Bideford,” he confessed. “I could settle here.” His one regret was that his wife had not accompanied him. “I always wanted to see our namesake city,” he went on. “I am a sentimentalist and a great believer in preserving our heritage.” Biddeford, Maine, was, of course, founded by settlers from Bideford who continued their craft as shipbuilders. Mr Boucher, on his lightning tour with Major Hill and the Town Clerk, Mr L.B. Galliford, was delighted with a view of the Golden Hinde. He asked that a photograph taken in the mayor’s parlour of all three and featuring one of the town maces should be sent to be hung in Biddeford’s City Hall. He took back a copy of Muriel Goaman’s history of Bideford and he left copies of Biddeford’s newest seal. Mr Boucher, 48, and a general contractor, is now in his second two-year term as mayor and comes up for election – by the city’s 20,000 population in November. He is a Democrat in a city where people of his political persuasion outnumber Republicans by ten to one. But there are primaries, and at the last election he defeated his woman opponent by two to one.

She will also have the distinction, almost certainly unshared elsewhere, of working alongside an honorary freeman. Miss Durant and Alderman Jack Fulford have been associated with the family business of George Boyle Ltd, throughout their working lives. Conferment of the honour will delight many people. Miss Durant, who lives with her mother, Mrs Joan Durant, and her sister, Miss Margaret Durant – headmistress of Pynes Infants’ school – at Darracott, Abbotsham Road, comes from a family with a long tradition of service. Her public work began before she left Edgehill College. She is, perhaps, best known for her association with the British Red Cross – she has been commandant of the Devon 48 division since 1947. She had joined as a VAD when the movement was revived in Bideford in 1932 having been moribund since the end of World War I. Her distinguished service was recognised in 1959 when the certificate of honour and badge (class II) and honorary life membership were presented. Miss Durant works equally energetically for the mentally and the physically handicapped and has been organiser of the blood doning service since the war although latterly she has had an associate. Earlier this month she retired as a Guider having been associated with the movement for much of her life and having at one time run two Brownie packs. Equally faithful is her work for the old as a member of Bideford and district old people’s welfare committee and she is an active member of the committee for cancer research. Miss Durant is a staunch member of and worker for Lavington United Reformed Church and conducts a class in Junior Church. A recommendation of the mayoral sub-committee of the town council was unanimously adopted by the general purposes committee on Monday. The Town Clerk, Mr L.B. Galliford, told Alderman Cecil Cann that there had been six nominations: Miss Durant’s name had been put forward three times. Alderman Fulford, moving the adoption of the report, said that he had known of Miss Durant’s work for 48 years. Councillor James Needs said the decision would have universal support. Alderman Mrs Ethelwynne Brown said she was delighted. Miss Durant would be only the third woman the town had honoured in this way.

Vandals cause the shutdown of Bideford Pynes Infants’ school. The alarm was raised by the caretaker, Mr Jack Schiller, who discovered the damage, and he immediately notified the headmistress, Miss Margaret Durant. The police and fire service were alerted although there was then no fire. The school presented a scene of devastation and the 200 pupils were turned back as they arrived. Access could have been through a small window and, possibly angered when a search failed to reveal money, the intruders splashed paint around the room used by the reception class. The seat of the fire was two book cases.

For the second year running Westcroft School won the North Devon schools’ under-11 five-a-side football competition. In the final they had a convincing 5-1 win over East-the-Water school to take the unique winners’ trophy which was carved from the same oak used in the building of the Golden Hinde replica.

Reporting that next term there would be a record 320 boys at Grenville College, Bideford, the headmaster, Mr J.R. Crabbe, told the school’s Speech Day on Saturday that he had had to turn away a considerable number of boys for whom there was no room. One of the greatest reasons for the demand for places, not only at Grenville but in public schools as a whole, was “the growing apprehension felt about the development of comprehensive schools and the standardisation and stream-lining of education in Britain.” After his reference at last year’s speech day he had been taken to task, in the correspondence columns of the local press, for daring to criticise comprehensive education, contained Mr Crabbe. Earlier Mr Crabbe had spoken of the school’s trying out of new ideas “and doing what we can to bring a few breaths of fresh air into a system which can be so terribly dull.” The outstanding activity of the year had been the launching of their second appeal. The amount promised or given - £49,000 – had demonstrated once again the loyalty of parents to the school. The object of the appeal was to rebuild Congreve House at Moreton.

Ten boys, of Grenville College, Bideford, leave England for a 15-day expedition to Iceland. The party is led by two of the masters, Mr E J Watkins and Mr P Hawley.

Buckland Brewer Fete to take place on 14 July

To the cheers of pupils of Buckland Brewer county primary school, and of parents and friends, Mr T Cock, chairman of school managers, dived into the school swimming pool and swam a length after he had officially declared it open. In his opening speech he recalled that when the first meeting was called by the headmaster, Mr Wood, to discuss the possibility of having a pool snow was lying four inches deep. He was thanked on behalf of the pupils and staff by Richard Vanstone, and the pool was then well and truly opened with all the children using it.

A threatened boycott by bus drivers of Langtree village has been called off. The drivers, employees of Hill’s Services who said they had been ‘dead scared’ by road conditions at Withecote Hill, between Stibb Cross and Langtree, withdrew their ultimatum when work started to eradicate an accident blackspot. Drivers Messrs Reg Curtis and George Dymond, and the Rector, Rev R A Wallington, who, as a member of Torrington Rural Council, has campaigned for the improvement, were present when a bulldozer went into action to remove offending hedge banks.

What is hoped will be an annual pair-oared fishing boat race from Lundy Island to Appledore ended on Saturday in a win for Appledore lifeboat coxswain Des Cox and his brother Peter. They took six hours 17 minutes to complete a course which, taking into account manoeuvres to gain most advantage of tidal currents, was estimated at about 25 miles. But whether the Cox brothers will have any opposition next year remains to be seen. Although weather conditions were good, apart from a heavy swell, one competitor was heard to comment afterwards that he would not attempt the row again “for a fortune.” Prize for the winners, who won by a 20-minute margin, was a new perpetual trophy given by Mr Ernest Bignell, a local businessman, together with two replicas. Five crews started and second boat home was crewed by “Jacksie” Craner and Tom Ford. Ian Cox, brother of the winners, was in the third boat to finish with Eric Evans, Appledore lifeboat’s engineer, as his partner. It was the first time such an event had taken place and the organisers intend contacting the Guinness Book of Records in an attempt to get an entry made in the next edition. Thick mist handicapped the rowers, but the Lundy Puffin, which accompanied the race, acted as a guide and on one occasion shepherded a Barnstaple crew at one time heading towards Wales back on course. Four crews finished, one crew giving up when still within three miles of Lundy.

Three-star hotel treatment for the Duck family at the Durrant House Hotel in Northam.

In an endeavour to deal with offensive smells, Torrington Town Council has written to the head office of Unigate (Foods) Ltd, telling them of their deep concern and asking them to expedite a solution to the problem. The question of the transportation of waste animal products is being pursued with North Devon Meat Ltd.

Torridgside players who did well in the North Devon junior tennis tournament included three girls from Torrington County Secondary School - Elizabeth Hussell, Jenny Edgecombe and Brenda Tucker. Pictured with them is Mrs Lu Escott, PE teacher.

New president of Torrington Rotary Club is Mr Eric William Escott, manager of the National Westminster Bank in the town. Mr Escott succeeds Mr Stanley Downing. A Devonian, all his 35 years banking service have been in the South West. Throughout World War 2 he served in the West Somerset Yeomanry and then with the Guards Armoured Division. Mrs Escott is a teacher; their sons, aged 20 and 17, are students.

Visible only at certain states of the tide, the wreck is about a quarter of a mile off the slipway. Over the years there is a history of a steady recession landwards by the Pebble Ridge, Westward Ho! and it is thought the vessel came to grief something over 100 years ago when she hit the ridge while laden with cargo. “We are hoping the Army can help us out on the next spring tide by blowing up the wreck, although it could be a tricky operation” said Northam’s Surveyor, Mr Clive B Barber, this week.

Bill Sykes and his band of ragamuffins prepare to pick the pocket of an unsuspecting victim. The scene is taken from the latest summer programme of Westward Ho! Follies who over the years have entertained thousands of holiday visitors. The Follies are a voluntary group of amateurs staging their productions as part of the activities of Westward Ho! Community Association. While not all could reach the polished standard set by Graham Humphrey and Hannah Wrey, all fitted well into their own pieces. The “songs of his choice” is rapidly making Bill Thisby the mature “heart-throb” of Westward Ho! One of the most delightful acts came from the “young ladies” of the cast who not only had their own natural charm but showed a remarkable sense of co-ordination and harmony for ones so young. It is a pity that so far the audiences have been small with only 50-60 attending each week, but it is anticipated that numbers will increase as the holiday season develops.

Taking part are: Rosemary Oke, Vickie Alexander, Marion Owen, Jane Cockell, Judy Sherborne, Bill Thisby, Graham Humphrey, Des Pugh, Ron Jewell, Michael Johns, Peter Mortlock, Terry Cockell, Salli-anne Wilson, Theresa Wills, Mandy Joy, Mandy Cockell, Linda Bryant, Wendy Jewell, Sharon Lamey, Jackie Clements, Julie Lamey, Lesley Pugh, Elizabeth Meadows, Trudi Bryant, Cathy Sale, Sheila Hearn, Julie Hodgkins, Linda Eastman, Caroline Eastman and Julie Maine.

Sketches are by Ada Powell, pianist is Doris Watts and wardrobe mistress, Jackie Wilkey.

Friends representing local organisations with which he had been actively associated were among those attending the funeral at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, of Mr Donald Gold, of Hillclose, Avon Lane, Westward Ho! He had been a catering manager with London Transport.

The Top Ten with Peters and Lee at no. 1

July 1978

Owners of North Devon’s 10,000 dogs have been praised by the district council for clearing up after their pets in public places. Tough new rules were brought in at the beginning of last month which carry the threat of a hefty fine. They make it an offence to allow dogs to foul roads with a speed limit of less than 40mph, their pavements and adjacent land. Shopping precincts, pedestrianised areas, car parks, beaches and recreational and play areas also come under the ban. Leaflets combined with the distribution of “poop scoop” bags has brought a phenomenal response said North Devon environmental leader Cllr Maurguerite Shapland.

Appledore County Primary and Nursery School is described by school inspectors as a happy and secure community with a number of strengths. In their report, inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education also say the school is one where the curriculum is carefully planned and where there is much good teaching. They report that by the end of both Key Stages pupils’ attainment is in line with the national average in English, mathematics and science. In all core subjects pupils are said to build on their knowledge and understanding and make satisfactory progress. Most of the children are said to concentrate well in lessons and to be interested in what they are doing. “Children under five make good progress in their personal and social development. Their positive attitudes contribute significantly to the early gains they make in their learning,” they say. There is praise for the good provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. “Overall the support, guidance and welfare offered to pupils are good. The school is a safe, clean and healthy environment in which to learn and play,” say the inspectors.

Bideford College Cinema – the only one in the town – has announced that it is closing temporarily and is seeking funds to update its facilities. Live theatre will continue to be performed and it is hoped the cinema will re-open next year with the latest film equipment and sound system. “Naturally, we’re extremely sorry we are unable to show films at the moment,” said the college senior administrator Adrian Cole. “We know from the many letters and comments from patrons that the cinema is sadly missed.”

Bideford solicitors and state agents Seldon Ward and Nuttall have reinforced their link with Bideford Amateur Rowing Club with sponsorship of a new boat trailer. The firm has met half the cost of the £2,500 trailer which will transport the club’s racing gigs to events all over the West Country. Previous sponsorship by the firm dating back more than five years has also included one of its gigs. Spokesman Bill Pope said: “We are continuing our support of a club which we think gives measurable benefit to the local community and opportunity for local youngsters. We are pleased to be associated with the club and its development.” Club chairman Peter Bowden said this was the latest state-of-the-art equipment. “It is a cracking trailer. I doubt if any other club in the West of England and possibly in England has a better one,” he said. “We are extremely indebted to people like Seldon Ward and Nuttall for their support and sponsorship. Ours is a spectator sport, but we cannot charge the spectators, so we rely on our sponsors to buy things like this and ensure that rowing continues.”

Our picture shows Mr Pope (left) and Mr Bowden flanked by the new equipment and some of the club’s young rowers

A Bideford factory has become a world leader in its multi-nation corporation. AMP Bideford has just become the first in the world to achieve platinum level in the corporation’s Business Excellence award scheme. This follows two previous gold awards in the scheme, which is based on European Quality Foundation Criteria. Now employing more than 650 people at its Bideford factory AMP of Great Britain Ltd is part of the global corporation AMP Incorporated, which is based in Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 42,000 people in 45 countries. The award was given for improved customer service, more effective employee communication, process improvements, quicker introduction of new products, environmental awareness and increased site profitability. The presentation was made by AMP European president Tom Declemente to Ashley Fulford one of the Bideford factory’s plant managers.

Our picture shows Bideford’s Mayor and Mayoress Noel and Marlene Deakes, North Devon Enterprise Agency chairman John Askew, Ashley Fulford, director of manufacturing AMP GB, Gerald Kanteen and Bideford plant manager Keith Rowles.

Club 18-30 official launch party at the Ivory Club in Bideford!

Bideford Mayor Noel Deakes has handed over a plaque marking 50 years of the National Health Service to the town’s hospital. He is seen here making the presentation – which included a framed letter of thanks for the services given to the town by the hospital – to senior Sisters Margaret Butson and Kate Mortimer. Alan Eastwood, chairman of Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, thanked Bideford Town Council for supporting the community hospital. The plaque and letter are to be displayed in a public area of the building.

The seaside came into the classroom at Pynes Infants School in Bideford. Keen to give the four and five-year-olds of her reception class some hands-on experience during their studies on holidays and the sea, teacher Kath Ward called on local fishmonger Dan Garnett. Dan of Clovelly Fish gave a talk on fish and brought examples of species to be found in local waters. “The children were able to see, touch and feel and also to draw pictures of them,” said Mrs Ward. “It was a wonderful experience. Often children see fish in books or on the television but they rarely get a chance to touch them.”

A Bideford boy who went to America to seek his fortune has been making headlines with the publication of a book on the country’s seeming obsession with serial killers. Former Pynes Infants, Westcroft and Bideford Grammar School boy Dr Richard Tithecott is assistant admininstrative director, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California. His book is ‘Of Men and Monsters’

Queen Katie has taken over the Bideford carnival throne. This year she will lead the procession as carnival queen with Jennifer Williams and Jodie Platt as her attendants. They will share the royal float with fairy queen Vicki Lamey and flower girl Stacey Newcombe.

Holiday chalet for sale at Bucks Cross – asking price £8,500.

Bucks Cliff House, at Bucks Mills, sold at auction at a price which exceeded £75,000.

In a sought after village location, Hartland, an individually designed detached bungalow is being marketed for sale. Asking price £79,950.

Two long-serving Hartland firefighters received special awards from their district commander. District Commander Bob Prince of Barnstaple presented Hartland Sub-Officer Kevin Surgeon with a long service and good conduct medal to mark 20 years as a retained firefighter. He also presented a certificate of service and plaque to retained firefighter Colin Jones on his retirement from the service after 23 years.

Pictured at the ceremony are the Group Commander for the area Station Officer Dave Turner, Firefighter Jones, Sub Officer Surgeon and District Commander Prince.

Bingo and band concerts to skittles and whist, pram races and the colourful carnival procession itself, there will be plenty to entertain during Hartland’s annual carnival week. Starting on Sunday there will be events every night of next week leading up to the grand carnival parade on August 8. Queen of this year’s carnival is Jenna Bailey with her two attendants Lisa Webber and Catherine Whitehead.

The royal threesome will be joined at the head of the parade by dairy queen Tanja Hackford and her attendants Megan Reynolds and Lisa Dennis, playgroup prince Peter Roberts and playgroup princess Jenny Worby

The sale of Petticombe Manor at Monkleigh was clinched by Scammell Adamson.

A three-year sporting dream is becoming reality on Torridgeside with the start of work on a year £500,000 multi-sports facility at Northam. The years of groundwork by members of the Bideford Blues and Appledore junior Football Club came to symbolic fruition with the joint cutting of the first turf by Torridge and West Devon MP John Burnett and 16 year-old club captain Andrew Beckley. By the end of the year it is hoped to have completed a facility which will include a modern clubhouse, two football pitches and a hard surface playing area to include tennis and netball courts. Special provision is being built in for those with special needs. Project manager Andy Lobato said: “We are delighted building work is now under way and look forward to taking the cub forward to the next phase. This will include the development of other sports for the benefit of local young people – including those with special needs – using a high quality facility which will be unrivalled in the area.” The new facilities would also be open for community use by schools and other organised bodies, said Mr Lobato. The occasion was also used to announce a three-year sponsorship package by Bideford firm Pot Black UK Ltd. making it the club’s main sponsor.

Westward Ho! property for sale.

3 & 4 Bedroom detached homes Cliff Tops in Cornborough Road, Westward Ho!

Detached country house and former coach house in Woolsery for sale (now known as Highfield).

Do you remember watching 'Medicine Woman' and 'Hale and Pace'?

Years Ago - June

June 1923

Beauty hints for early spring.

Births, marriages and deaths – Elizabeth Colwell Cox at 18 Myrtle Street, Appledore; Miss Anne Monkley, at Belvoir Road, Bideford; at The Barton, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs C Cleave, a son; at Lyndale, Lime Grove, a son to Mr and Mrs C H Worth; Renouf-Lawrence; Walter John Beer at 9 High Street, Bideford, aged 68 years; at Swan Inn, Alfred James Dark, aged 58 years; John Henry Elliott at 23 Higher Gunstone, aged 46 years; Samuel Seaton at Old Town, aged 73 years; Archibald W Verren, New Street, aged 63 years; at 17 Richmond Terrace, Bideford, a son to Mr and Mrs E Violet; Goss-Lawrence; Husband-Tucker; Edward Bale, aged 33; at 4 Higher Gunstone, Walter B Chubb, aged 19; Frederick Hearn at Castle Street, Northam, aged 62 years.

Devon teachers’ salaries settlement hopes.

Later in the month it is reported that the issue has been resolved when agreement was reached to reduce salaries by 3¼% instead of 5%. The reduction takes place from July 1, and operates until 1925

The rain gauge at the Appledore Council School has shown the following readings for the current year: January, 2.2 inches; February, 6.7 inches; March, 1.3 inches; April, 1.4 inches; May, 1.1 inches.

By special arrangement and through the kindness of friends, a party consisting of sixty senior scholars from Appledore, supervised by their teachers, were enabled to visit the Devon County Show at Bideford. Under ideal weather conditions and generosity of friends, a most delightful afternoon was spent, which will live long in the memories of the scholars of the senior school.

A very satisfactory sale on behalf of the executors of Mrs Moody, deceased, of The Rising Sun, Appledore, was held by Mr W Cock, FAI. There was a crowded attendance. The sales included:

On the application of Mr T Oerton, jnr, Bideford County Magistrates granted the transfer of the cinematograph license of the Gaiety Hall from Mr George Hawkins to Mr Samuel Hawkins, of the Bungalow, Appledore.

At Appledore, Messrs R and J Cock’s upper yard ‘launched’ Rev Hugh C A S Muller and Miss Annie Bilton.

Before his Honour Judge Lindley at Bideford, William Robert Bennett, ship’s cook and steward, of One-End Street, Appledore, sued the owners of the steamship Pass of Brander, under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.

Buy a Guy Char-A-Bang from Walter J Pitt, Bideford Motor Works.

Visit H F Elliott, 75 High Street, Bideford and buy the kiddie a Flannel Suit.

The Great Circus, Mammoth Hippodrome, and Animal Combine will visit Bideford on Tuesday June 26th and Torrington, June 27th. Two performances will be given daily. It is claimed that this is the most up to date circus travelling, the aim of the proprietors being to give an entertainment of a high standard. In an exceptionally varied programme, one of the most interesting items is ‘Turpin’s Ride to York’ which has been produced at great expense.

Permission has been given for the use of the Bideford bandstand in the park two nights a week for variety entertainment by four professionals, all ex-servicemen. This is for a month on a trial basis. Collections may be made but there could be no charge for admission to the park. The flagpole in the park has become dangerous owing to decay and will have to be removed.

Bideford fishermen’s – Messrs Giddy and Pile - good luck with fifteen fish caught in bridge pools.

The opening of the County Show at Bideford performed by the Mayor of Bideford (Cllr H Willett Huxham) at the request of Earl Fortescue, Lord Lieutenant of the County and President of the Devon County Agricultural Association was attended by the chief of Magistrates of North Devon, who marched in procession, and included the Mayors of Barnstaple, Southmolton and Torrington, the Chairman of Ilfracombe Urban District Council, the Chairman of Northam Urban District Council (Mr W J Pursey), and the Chairman of Bideford Rural District Council (Mr W Harris).

Upwards of 150 motor cars were parked along the Quay. One of the competitors in the under 18 butter making class was a little girl in white socks, who turned her churn in a most workmanlike manner. There came to Bideford by rail about 6,000 for the three days. After detraining the heavy stallions at the railway goods yard, it seemed like a joke to the railwaymen to find a little Shetland pony all by itself in a truck awaiting their attention. It was the smallest pony exhibited at the Show. The dairy section was specially housed, and in the centre stage fountains of water were arranged in a setting of grass giving to the whole a delightfully clean and attractive appearance. Bideford’s ancient bridge was dressed from end to end with evergreen and bunting, which gave a gala like approach from the railway station, while the quay was gay with flags, an din the streets the shopkeepers loyally took up the invitation of the local committees to decorate their premises. Away back high over Chudleigh Fort, where the town’s war memorial is situated, a flag pole had been erected, by the Mayor, and the flags could be seen from every part of the town. The Town Season Band under the able conductorship of Mr A W Dunn, gave an excellent programme at a concert held in the Market. Messrs Wickham, Hooper, Parkhouse and Street carried out the arrangements. There was a fair attendance at a ball held in the Market, those carrying through the arrangements being Messrs Hopson, Sanders, Street, Parkhouse and Lee. Mr Lake gave useful assistance to the Committee on both occasions.

In the photograph are Messrs T A Goaman, J U Fulford, The Mayor of Bideford, Messrs O W Ward, P Whtton and Earl Fortescue

Chin Woo tea from Charles P Ashton, Trafalgar House, Old Town, Bideford

Small holdings and a farm at Bideford are for sale – Gammaton, Woodville and Stone

It is reported that there are now more motor taxis licensed in the town than in Exeter. Are there too many Bideford motor busses?

Satisfactory arrangement with the Ministry for the reconstruction of Bideford’s historic bridge.

The first – Wheatblade - of four cargo steamers being built by the Hansen Shipbuilding and Shiprepairing Company at their Bideford yard to the order of Messrs Spillers and Baker, the well known milling firm of Cardiff was successfully launched, the ceremony being performed by Mrs Mills. The gathering included Capt J H Reed, one of the directors of the Shipbuilding Company, Capt Hall of Messrs John Hall and Co, J G B Watson, T E Allen, W G Morris, Mr Pearce, the Rev Hugh C A S Muller and Mr W Ferris (Dawlish). Sir Sven Hansen was unavoidably prevented from attending through pressure of business.

At Bradworthy, there is a great deal of sickness in the parish, many of the school children being victims to the various maladies prevalent.

A large concourse of people paid their respects to Mr W Everson, of Littleford, Bradworthy, who passed away after a short illness.

At Bucks Mills, the anniversary of the Wesleyan Church was held on Whit Sunday and Monday, the preacher on the Sunday being Mr J H G Lang, of Appledore, who rendered good service to the church. The very good tea on Monday, provided for by Mrs Braund, Mrs Wilcox, Mrs Harding snr, Mrs J Braund, and Miss Olive Braund was partaken of by a very large number. The public meeting in the evening was presided over by Mr E Luxton. A large number was present. The report, given by Mr Vanstone, showed a small adverse balance, which it was hoped would be made up. Other speakers were the Rev C M Ashdown, BD, and Mr Elliott.

Master John Cruse, son of Mr and Mrs W Cruse, Red Lion Hotel, Clovelly, a scholar at the Council School, has been successful in obtaining a boarding school scholarship tenable at the Barnstaple Grammar School.

At Hartland, Mr J S Wickett was the preacher at Harbour Cross School Anniversary.

With kind permission of Mr and Mrs A T Pennington, St Nectan’s Picnic and the Sunday School treat was again held at the Quay. The party was in time to see Hartland Quay Life Saving Brigade practise and Captain Dainty make his annual inspection. Tables, laid outside the hotel, were in charge of Mesdames Avery, Britton, M M Cann, Fisher, M Prust, assisted by Mesdames F Fulford, A Johns, W J Redclift, H Williams, Miss D Prust, and Nurse Flatt. Cutters-up were Mesdames W Colwill, Hoare, W J Pennington, W J Pillman, R Walter, Misses Baker, E Cann, McCarthy. Over 200 tickets were sold by Mr W J Pennington and collected by Mr H Haynes.

The funeral of Miss Emily Pidler Shackson took place at St John the Baptist Church, Instow.

At Langtree, the Sunday School anniversary in connection with the United Methodist Church was held with two excellent sermons preached by the Rev R J Harris from Holsworthy, to large congregations.

Mr Westcott has his dismissal withdrawn, and married women will not be appointed at Langtree Day School.

Household furniture from The Cottage at Monkleigh is for sale.

Mr F Elton, Watchmaker and Jeweller, has removed to more commodious premises in Cross Street, Northam (2 doors from N.P. Bank), where he is showing articles of very special value. He hopes to be favoured with a continuance of the support accorded him at his previous address. Also in Northam, E G & F Fieldhouse, confectioners, will open for business on 18 June on the Square and they will be selling pork pies, cakes, pastries, chocolates and afternoon teas.

Miss Rose Gale has an accident at Northam. The newspaper reported in a later edition “We are asked to state that the cycling accident on Bone Hill reported last week was in no way caused by any fault of the bicycle which was in perfect order at the time.”

Mr Hammond Wells, of Marshford House, Northam, is fined 9s.

His many friends will regret to hear of the death under sad and somewhat sudden circumstances, of Mr Victor Kelly, son of Mr and Mrs Tom Kelly, of Cross Street, Northam.

At Parkham, a blue tit has built a nest and reared a brood of young birds in the letter box at Melbury Waterworks again this year. This is the fifth year in succession that this has been done. Surely this must be a record. The periodical visits of the postman does not appear to interfere with the bird in the least.

Bideford County Magistrates, on the application of Mr R W Young (for Mr T A Goaman) transferred the licence of the Hoops, Horns Cross, from Mrs Warfield to Lieut Donton, one of the new proprietors. A glowing report:

It is with deep feelings of sorrow we have to record the death of Mr Benjamin Stewart, of Northway, Horns Cross, who passed away on June 11. He had not been living in this district very long (coming from Weare Gifford) but he had already gained the goodwill and respect of a very large number of the neighbourhood. He was laid to rest in Parkham Churchyard, the Rev Mr Hensley officiating.

Hay harvest has commenced in Morwenstow, and although the weather has been unfavourable a good return is expected. New potatoes have also been dug.

Quite a gloom was cast over Parkham when it became known that Mr William Joliffe who was greatly respected and will be much missed in the district, had passed away. He had worked for Mr T Arnold for nearly thirty years and in later years had also helped at the smiths’ shops at Ford and Bucks Cross. The funeral took place at Parkham Churchyard amid manifestations of great regret. The body was brought back to the Bell and rested for one night.

To raise funds for Torrington Hospital, a sale of work was held on the vicarage lawn. A street collection was successful, and a dance in the evening concluded the effort, by which over £150 was raised.

Interesting matters came up for discussion at the monthly meeting of Torrington Town Council, the Mayor presiding. A complaint has been made about a man in Mill Street keeping a pig in a pigsty close to houses and fowls which are allowed to roam in the street. The Clerk was instructed to look up the relevant bye-laws. On the motion of Mr R E L Penhale, seconded by Mr Luxton, it was agreed on the ruling of the Town Clerk, to let the matter of the alleged encroachment on the highway at Bulls Lane by Mr Hunkin, drop.

Freehold small farm known as East Ashridge at Westleigh is for sale.

Northam Town Council has recommended carrying out road drainage works at Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! It is a matter of road water and should not be urgent until autumn. Plans have been approved for two cottages at Pitt Hill and a garage in the Square.

Junior School, Westward Ho! annual sports. The Headmaster and Mrs Dyson held the sports at the Junior School, Buckleigh. The weather was favourable in spite of one small shower, and the 150 guests saw some excellent contests. The promptitude of the management, due largely to Mr F H Williams, was much to be commended. At the conclusion, the prizes were given away by Mrs Thomas, the Mayoress of Barnstaple, whose son is at the school.

Bideford County Magistrates approved of plans submitted by Mr J P Hambly for improvements at the Pebble Ridge Hotel, one of which will have the effect of widening the bar by five feet.

Pebbleridge House, or No 6 Pebbleridge Terrace, is for sale by public auction. It includes ‘The Ungalette’ and 3 huts (one in the tenure of Mr H Percy Heard).

Clonmore at Westward Ho!, lately in the occupation of Mrs Bathe, is for sale.

Barbarous sanitary condition of some of the houses at Winkleigh and Iddesleigh.

Bell ringers from All Hallows Church, Woolsery, enjoyed a tour visiting local towers, including those at Bradworthy and Pyworthy. Revd Donaldson, rector of Pyworthy, gave the party lunch in his tythe barn.

June 1973

The grounds of the Portledge Hotel, Alwington, made a delightful setting for the annual garden party of the High Sheriff of Devon, Lieut-Col John Pine-Coffin. He and Mrs Pine-Coffin welcomed a large number of guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Major and Mrs Ted Hill, the Mayor and Mayoress of Exter, Alderman and Mrs E Tozer, the Mayor of Torrington, Mrs E M Pitts, and Mr Pitts, and the chairman of Devon County Council, Col J E Palmer.

The 'Englands Glory' trophy for the pairs champions of Appledore Euchre League went to M Sharrock and P Williams of The Prince of Wales. In a closely contested final they beat K Taylor and B Ford of The Champions of Wales.

Belle Bombers, of the Bell Inn, Appledore, first winners of the silver salver presented for annual competition among teams of women footballers. It is hoped that a new soccer league will be formed on Torridgeside next season – for women! Two teams anxious to see the formation of a league are the Belle Bombers of the Bell Inn, Appledore, and Legs Eleven of Appledore AFC. The sides met in the first of what is to be an annual match for a silver salver to be played each Spring. Presented by husbands and boyfriends, who play for Appledore AFC and Bell Athletic, the salver was won this year by the Bombers. In an exciting match, in which the expertise shown by the women players surprised the large crowd, the Bombers won 2-0 with a goal in each half. Scorers were Berdine Lock and Roslyn Smale. Both teams would welcome matches through the summer to gain experience before forming a league. Their task should be made easier by the arrival in this part of the world of a young lady from Sunderland, Miss Karen Joyce of Barnstaple. She too is anxious to form such a league and knows of existing teams in South Molton and Black Torrington. The Appledore teams are: Legs Eleven – Melanie Dent, Nicola and Margaret Brennan, Bridget Miles, Elizabeth Brennan, Susan Worthington, Helena Cornish, Christine Walters, Jean Langbridge, Christine Barrett, Anne Powe and Janet Pearson. Bell Bombers – Sally Hammett, Betty Richards, Christine Hale, Margaret Smale, Mary Richards, Roslyn Smale, Berdine Lock, Wendy Bennett, Wendy Miller, Janet Richards, Jackie Sharrock, Kathy Richards, Pam Platt and Nicky Herring. One unusual feature of the Legs Eleven side (picture in a chorus line formation above) is that they field a mother and daughter combination in Margaret and Nicola Brennan, and for extra family measure cousin Elizabeth is also in the side.

Complaints of noise at night and dust nuisance from the Appledore mill of Fulford Trumps Ltd are to be investigated by the medical officer and the public health inspector, Northam Urban Council decided, and should it prove necessary the public health inspector was authorised to serve abatement notices. Mr J Need told the council that residents had complained for four years. Those in South Road were forced to sleep with their windows closed.

Appledore lifeboat was launched after a woman and two children were seen being cut off by the tide in the estuary. The rescue was called off after the group managed to reach safety.

The loyalty and outstanding service over many years of four members of Bideford No. 1 branch of the Old Age Pensioners Association was marked at the last meeting of the season by the presentation of framed illuminated certificates. Their combined ages total 328 years. They are Mrs Lily Beer, Mrs Louisa Knight, Mrs Kate Hancock and Mrs Elsie Tucker. The presentations were made by Mr Fred Patt, branch president. He recalled that Mrs Hancock and Mrs Tucker, both 84, had been members of the silver threads choir of the secretay, Mrs D.A. Pascoe, throughout the 10 years of its existence. Mrs Beer and Mrs Knight had been responsible for many acts of kindness during their long membership. The work of the four was also praised by Mrs Pascoe. Members were entertained by the Townswomen’s Guild under the direction of Mrs Bradshaw. Their programme included an amusing sketch and items by the choir. The Guild also gave flowers to be distributed among sick pensioners. Thanks were expressed by the vice-chairman of the Branch, Mr W Tithecott.

Peter Reid's work is on show at the New Gallery, South Street, Torrington.

Laurel Avenue, Moreton Park Road, Bideford - properties for sale.

Alderman Cecil Cann, chairman of Bideford Council's properties committee, tries out the new 'pay and display' parking on Bideford Quay.

Miss Janet Bartlett, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs W E Bartlett, of 8 Meadowville Road, Bideford, was thrilled on visiting the world-famous Smithsonian Institute in Washington, USA, to find that Bideford-made pottery was on display.

Police constables Peter Murphy and John Truelove who saved a youth from drowning in the River Torridge were presented with Royal Humane Society awards on vellum at Bideford Magistrates' Court. Reading the citation Chief Inspector Edwards said that the youth attempted to wade to his father's boat moored near the centre of the river.

It's £1.50 for a meal at Lake Villa, Bradworthy.

A Norwegian pilot ejected and parachuted to safety before his Hunter plane from RAF Chivenor crashed south-west of Bideford - in the Buckland Brewer-Parkham area near Melbury. No one was hurt and there was no other damage. The pilot, Capt Bjorn Hansen, was picked up by helicopter and flown to North Devon Infirmary for a check-up. The plane crashed in a small wood that forms the boundary between Cabbacott Farm owned by Mr G J George and Bowden Farm owned by Messrs G Heywood and Son.

Beauty spot Bucks Mills is to become the first village in the area from which tourist traffic is banned during the holiday season. Soon access will be denied beyond the entrance to the car park, some way out, except to those who have business in the hamlet.

Refusal by the local planning authority of an application by the trustees of the Portledge settled estate for a parking space for five cars and a 10ft wide access bridge over the stream at Bucks Mills has been been upheld by a Department of the Environment inspector. He says that the appeal site is on the farm side of the stream at a point where it and a side valley join the main valley. Notwithstanding any landscaping of the area, the parking of cars here would so detract from the existing scene that there would be an adverse effect on the character of the area and its pleasant appearance. The inspector adds that because of a sharp bend to the southeast, the narrowness of the existing road, and the volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the summer, the access cannot be regarded as satisfactory.

A 15 foot long Clovelly herring boat typical of those in use at the turn of the century has been presented to the Exeter maritime museum. It was handed over by the donor, Mr J.J. Headon, of Ocean View, Clovelly. Built in 1906, the boat – known locally as a picarooner – has been in the same family ever since. Before being given to Mr Headon in 1936 it belonged to his uncle, Mr William Hamblyn, also of Clovelly. Named the Lily, after Mrs Hamblyn, it was last in use as a herring boat some eight years ago. There is already a picarooner in the National Maritime museum at Greenwich but the Lily will be the first at Exeter, which is now firmly established as one of the main nautical tourist attractions in the South West.

In the photograph Mr Headon (left) is handing over the boat to Major David Goddard, who received it on behalf of the maritime museum

Clovelly village and chapels' flower festival is being held this week, organised by Miss S Ellis. Streets have been decorated with hanging baskets of plants and flowers. Floral decorations at St Peter's (C of E) chapel, have the theme of the Church's festivals of the year. At the Methodist chapel there is a children's theme of a model village which the pupils of the local primary school made under the guidance of Mrs J Howarth and Miss U Moore.

Ubiquitus writes "Mr M H Prust, whose home is the interestingly named T Cottage, Hartland, tells me he has been given an old fashioned cloam oven which he plans to give to the new museum project for North Devon. On the oven is the name O K Maxwell, Old Pottery, Bideford. He wonders if any of my readers can give him any information about this firm, and some idea of the date when these ovens were made."

Hartland tennis court funds committee held a donkey derby at Hartland playing fields and raised over £100. This will go towards the money already collected for the provision of tennis courts at Hartland. A large crowd enjoyed the event. Over £65 was raised at a dance held recently. Committee chairman Mr Houchin has announced that towards the original target of £1,000 the committee had to date raised over £700.

Landcross woodland is threatened.

Weather permitting, at least eight salmon boats from Appledore will be leaving Lundy for a 21-mile race back to the North Devon mainland. The race for two-man crews will be the first of its kind. A new trophy has been put up for the occasion by Appledore businessman Mr Ernie Bignell. The event, which has been talked about for some time, is certain to provide a tough test of stamina. Competing boats will be towed out to the island at 4 o'clock in the morning ready for the race back. Appledore lifeboat is likely to provide an escort service.

Focal point of a project on trees undertaken by the children of Monkleigh school was the presentation of "The Tree" (by Ian Kendell) in the parish church. With the permission of the Rev L Budge, who took part in the proceedings, the church was transformed into a wood. In words, music and mime the children told the story of life in a wood through the passing seasons. After the performance parents and friends returned to the school for refreshments and a closer lok at the attractive animal masks and other project work.

Mrs Florrie Thompson, who emigrated to Australia with her family 14 years ago, is on her first return visit to Bideford district. Accompanied by a woman friend who lives near the family in Frankstown, Victoria, she is staying with her mother, Mrs A Gilbert, of 10 Saltrens Cottages, Monkleigh.

Tenants of Northam Urban Council will not, after all, be able to buy the houses they occupy. The council, in secret session, adopted a recommendation of a sub-committee of the housing committee, that they reconsider their policy.

Twenty four young adventurers from St Margaret's School, Northam, set off to explore the island of Lundy. They were led by Mr Malcolm Hassam and Mr Sam Doncaster, assisted by three students from Rolle College, Exmouth.

A regular visitor to the home of Mr J W Jennings at 23 Clevelands Park, Northam, is a young female blackbird. The bird is apparently quite unafraid of humans and sits 'talking' to Mr Jennings as he feeds her in the garden. He believes that the bird may have been handreared because it has a ring on its leg and because of its friendly nature.

A start will be made next month, it is hoped, on Northam Urban Council’s biggest single housing development. It will cost around £250,000 and will comprise homes for old people, houses and flats. In a sense this will be a historic development because for part of it the Council has had to buy land from the Melhuish estate. Money has been paid to the trustees for a site bounded by Castle and Fore Streets, Burrough Road and the Square. There are to be built about 30 bungalows for old people and a warden’s house in what will be known as Griggs Close. The second part of the scheme, the whole of which is designed for completion in just under two years, is at Cow Park. It comprises 45 flats and houses with garages. Because the site slopes the blocks of flats will be four stores high on one side and three on the other. This scheme will extend still further the council’s Morwenna Estate, already the biggest in the Northam area. The council already has more than 400 dwellings. The additions will not, of course, be completed within the lifetime of the council. Theoretically that could mean that the new homes will be available to people living within the area of the new Torridge authority. It is more than likely, however, that they will be allocated to people living and working in the area, which could mean Bideford. The contract has gone to R. Harris and Son (Builders) Ltd. of Barnstaple, and brings the value of work done by this firm for the council to more than £1 million.

At Parkham parish church the Rector, the Rev Trevor Nichols, presented 18 candidates from that parish and Alwington for confirmation by the Bishop of Plymouth, Rt Rev Richard Cartwright. The Rev M F Glare acted as Bishop's chaplain. Those confirmed were: Arthur Bailey, Thomas Jeffery, Raymond Mather, Alan Hockin, Guy Richards, Richard Wing, Stephen Wing, Catherine Chappell, Diane Metherell, Charlotte Ramm, Tamsin Ramm, Imogen Ramm, Iris Huxtable, Shelagh Mather, Christine Metherell, Lilian Metherall, syliva Smythe and Anne Wills.

Torrington county primary school in Whites Lane - known as the board school still to many of the older generation - reaches its centenary on July 2.

Did you visit Cranford Farm Restaurant at Torrington?

Why has Torrington lost its own ambulance? This question is to be asked by Torrington Town Council after it had been raised at Monday’s council meeting. Councillor Michael Street said they had six volunteers who, day and night, had been ready with their services. The ambulance had been well used, there being an average of about 800 calls a year. Torrington was the centre of a considerable agricultural area and a busy little town in its way. The medical officer of health, Dr C.F.R. Briggs, said it was nice when they had their own ambulance but there was no problem at the moment. Calls were made through the ambulance control at Barnstaple and they were always very promptly and efficiently answered by the Barnstaple or Bideford ambulances. He did not know why Torrington ambulance was taken away. Councillor Street: I should have thought a borough of this size warranted a full-time ambulance. I want to know the reason why we have lost ours. Councillor W. Cockram said nothing had been said to the council about the ambulance going – “they did not have the decency to say it was happening.” Describing the present as the age of the civil servant, he deplored what had happened. It was, he said, a typical example of someone somewhere making a decision without regard to what local people might think or want. “We get it with post office hours, bus services and now we have it with the ambulance,” he added. Councillor Dr H.E. Cramp pointed out that the 800 calls mentioned were not all Torrington people as the ambulance was used elsewhere in North Devon. He believed staffing difficulty had led to the change, but he would certainly like to encourage the authority concerned “to give us our ambulance back.”

Ubiquitus writes 'Last year Mr Frank Thrower was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh's design prize for his designs of a range of kitchen and table glass for Dartington Glass Ltd, of Torrington. Mr Thrower was then invited to design his own award and it was presented to him by the Duke of Edinburgh at a special ceremony at Sunderland's new civic centre. Mr Thrower, in conjunction with Mr Geoffrey Kroll, of the specialist luggage manufacturers, Tanner and Kroll, of London, designed a military travelling chest or wardrobe.'

Weare Giffard Hall realised £106,000 at auction. It previously sold in 1967, before it became a hotel, for something over £11,000. The new owner is Mr M E Wingrove of Oxford.

The owners of Kipling Terrace, Westward Ho! towards the preservation of which Northam Urban Council had agreed to give improvement grants, are now to sell.

Four young people were rescued at Westward Ho! by Surf Life Saving Club members on patrol for the first time in specially designed rescue canoes. About 4pm on Saturday two boy holidaymakers in a rubber dinghy were being carried out to sea by the ebb tide and an offshore breeze. Their plight was seen by Nigel Johnson who brought them safely to shore. Around the same time on Sunday, boys aged 8 and 10 were in dinghies secured by a line to the shore being held by their mother. The line snapped. One dinghy overturned and the occupant was unable to scramble into that of his brother. One canoe went to the rescue, but had to enlist the support of the second. The rescuers were Nigel Johnson and Michael Cooper. Instructors at the club are local policemen John Truelove and Danny Bryant.

After lapsing for some years Westward Ho! carnival is being revived this summer. Organisers will be the Westward Ho! committee of the Cancer Research Fund whose chairman, Mrs May Hilder, told the Gazette that they had a very encouraging response to letters appealing for support and interest. The carnival will be held at the height of the holiday season. Choosing of a bathing belle Carnival queen and two attendants will take place at the Patio pool. There will be no entrance fees for the carnival.

The Atlanta Hotel at Westward Ho! which was seriously damaged by fire some years ago is being demolished. The demolition follows the granting of outline planning permission to Messrs. R. Harris and Son, the North Devon building firm, to use the site for the erection of a public house and restaurant plus 20 holiday bungalows. Detailed plans will now be submitted and it is hoped that work can start before the end of this year. Total cost of the project is likely to be over £150,000. The scheme is being undertaken as part of a move by Messrs. Harris to acquire a direct interest in the holiday business. Mr Tom Bonetta, the firm’s managing director, said yesterday: “We feel that with the Westcountry holiday industry due to receive a boost with the arrival of the M5, we must have a personal stake. “In recent years we have had quite a considerable indirect interest in the holiday industry, building new hotels and swimming pools for customers – now we think it is time we had a stake ourselves.”

Beryl and Harold Webster take over from Joan and Grenville Hamlyn at the Pebbleridge Cafe at Westward Ho!

Fifty-seven acres, about half a mile out of Winkleigh Village and known as Roamses sold for £510 an acre at a public auction. With the land went planning permission for an agricultural dwelling. Bidding opened at £20,000 and rose to £29,000 at which the land was acquired by Mr R G Trenamen, of Towns

June 1998

Veteran bikes and veteran bikers from North Devon are preparing for an 1,800-mile ride in aid of a special charity. Eight members of the North Devon British Bike Owners’ Club will set off from Bideford on June 21 for a trip which will take them to Land’s End then the length of the UK to John-o-Groats – and back again! They will be rising money through sponsorship for Bloodrunners, the voluntary group of bikers who operate the Medical Emergency Dispatch Service. The 17-strong Bloodrunners operate on a rota basis, ready at the drop of a hat to rush urgently needed medical supplies, blood and body organs around the country. Youngest of the bikers is 48-year-old grandmother Yvonne Coleman of Torrington, who will be riding her 1958 350cc Triumph 21. Husband Dave is also making the trip on his 1990 650cc Rotary Norton. Northam couple Chris and Avril Bonner will travel together on their 1970s 750cc Norton Commando. Other riders include local ambulancemen Mervin Glass of Fremington on his 1981, 750cc Triumph Bonneville and John Stanley of Barnstaple on his 1963, 650cc. Triumph Bonneville T120. The North Devon club currently has a membership of 110 people devoted to owning and riding British motorcycles and has an active social calendar with events every week.

The picture shows Yvonne, Mervin and David

Shipmates who had not seen each other since a harrowing wartime experience have met again in Appledore. Memories and tears flowed as Tom Tudor of Western Avenue welcomed George Smith, who has lived for the past 42 years in Australia. They are two of only five remaining survivors from the 520 crew members of the wartime cruiser HMS Arethusa when she was torpedoed in the Mediterranean in 1942.

Art on a grand scale came to Appledore at the end of last week. Sea creatures and mermaids, murals and music, decorated doorways and artistic demonstrations of all kinds made its first summer arts festival a feast of colour and entertainment. The riverside village drew on its rich artistic community to present four days of activities which saw its buildings decorated and artists, sculptors, potters and craftspeople display their skills on a maritime theme in their studios in the streets and on the beach. An estimated 4,000 visitors followed the art trail through the streets as they viewed more than 200 entries in the village’s decorated door knocker competition and called at exhibitions in the many art galleries. The competition is believed to be a world first. Its main winners were: best street, Odun Terrace; most outrageous mermaid at the Odun Road home of Dixie Appleton-Wall; best dressed door, Captain Greysands by Penny Stott and Chris Middle of Irsha Street.

The festival started with everyone being invited to contribute to a near 40-ft attempt at “the longest painting in the west” on the quayside. Appledore’s sister community of Instow across the estuary was drawn into the proceedings with the opening ceremony of a rope decorated by schoolchildren and stretched across the dividing waters to link the two villages. Artist Ken Sprague encouraged visitors to decorate the quayside with chalk drawings. Potter Sandy Brown impressed with a large and colourful abstract and led the creation of the Great Appledore Community Painting. Heather Jansch transformed driftwood, metal and junk from the local shipyard into beach sculptures, John Butler chipped comic characters from large chunks of wood on the quayside and Ian Hodgett invited onlookers to join him on the beach for sand sculptures. Model Rachel Jackson donned pink swimsuit and pink feathers to pose on the quayside as a colourful subject for painters.

Detached property in Atherington for sale.

Edgehill College, Bideford, is to build a £1 million theatre which will be available for use by the community. The new 400-seat complex is due for completion by autumn next year. Headmistress Elizabeth Burton said Edgehill had a fine tradition in music and dance.

The picture shows Mrs Burton, Allin Bewes and Bideford Mayor, Cllr Noel Deakes

Bideford’s super new £6 million Safeway superstore officially opens its doors. Among the first inside will be 11 lucky youngsters who have all won prizes in a children’s art competition “My Favourite Food”. Matthew Carr won first prize of a bicycle which he will receive from store manager Colin Rudlof. At the opening, Colin Rudlof presented cheques to Torridge District Council chairman Cllr Frank Howard, who received it on behalf of Devon Air Ambulance and to the Mayor for his charity fund.

Former practice administrator Janet Moore was invited back to the Wooda Surgery at Bideford to open a major extension in which she played a special part. The idea for the £100,000 investment by the practice partners originated from a building extension project which Jan undertook as part of a business management course. “It looked great, so we adopted it” said senior partner Dr Peter Brummit. It serves some 7,500 patients and full time staff Drs John Wilson, Steve Chavasse and Peter Brummit are assisted by Dr Gillian Daly, Drs Dave Milburn and Sarah Herriott, and practice nurses Alison White, Margaret Cracknell, Gill Simmonds and Mary McKean, plus an administration team led by practice manager Jane Clarke.

A memorial rose garden has been set up at the entrance of Bideford’s Victoria Park in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. The tablet has been inscribed by Bideford monumental mason John Short.

The picture shows Mr Bradford, Dave Fursman and Talia Sulman

Wisps of smoke filtering through the trees in a wooded Torridge valley give away the presence of a man who has turned his back on modern ways to go back to nature for his living. Ben May of Buckland Brewer is The Charcoal Man. Now 31 and in his third year as The Charcoal Man, he has come a long way towards achieving the aim of this unusual venture. Ben’s work includes clearing fallen trees, thinning of woodland and cutting of glades to let in light and allow new growth, and coppicing which both encourages new growth and creates wildlife habitats. The thinning and clearing provides the larger wood to be burned for charcoal on site in special metal kilns. It is through their chimneys that the tell-tale smoke gives away Ben’s whereabouts.

Bucks Cliff, Bucks Mills, for sale by public auction.

A house and adjoining premises in Northam are for sale. Situated in North Street, it is about 75 years old. To the side is a single storey commercial premises which is currently used as Glover’s Family Bakery. The entire property is available at £125,500.

The Royal Horticultural Society garden at Rosemoor, Torrington, reached another milestone at the weekend with the opening of its first “model garden”. Designed by Lisa Camps the West Country Town Garden is the first of three planned model gardens to be designed by members of the Society of Garden Designers in a size and style appropriate to domestic gardens. The flowing West Country Town Garden features paths and terraces of dark grey slate and pale, sea-washed pebbles offsetting the blue, grey, and purple foliage of much of the structural planting. Planting includes flowers, structural shrubs and grasses chosen to provide a particularly long season of display. The garden was opened by Michael Stone, chairman of the Devon branch of the National Gardens Scheme. It is hoped Rosemmor’s new addition will provide ideas and inspiration which will be taken back to the gardens of its 120,000-plus annual visitors.

Torrington’s pannier market is set to start a new chapter in its history when a £650,000 restoration project gets under way in September. The listed building will have five retail units and seven craft workshops. The town’s old library above the market is being refurbished.

Offers in the region of £65,000 are being sought for this terraced house within level walking distance of Torrington town centre.

Villagers of Woolsery learned that their ambitious £855,000 plan for a ‘green’ sports and community centre will go ahead this year. The scheme has gained the support of a £740,000 grant from the National Lottery sports fund. With other contributions, villagers are within £10,000 of the total cost.

News from May 1962

May 1962

Births announced – at 7 Marland Terrace, Bideford, to Bill and Barbara (nee Piper), a daughter, Susan Caroline, sister for Colin; at Gammaton Barton, to Rosemary and Tom, a daughter, a sister for John and Michael; a son, Paul Charles, for Thomas and Hilary (nee Piper) Headon; at Muddix Farm, Northam, a son, Andrew Robert Darrell, for Mary (nee Braund) and Geoffrey, brother for Jayne; to Mary and Eric Mugford, a son, Dennis John; to Kathleen (nee Elliott) and Derek Pimble, a daughter, Kate Samena; at Northam, to Terry and Jean (nee New) Curtis, a son, Andrew George; to Ivor and Jean (nee Dymond) Hughes, a daughter, Amanda Jane; a daughter, Belinda Anne, a sister for Gregory, for Peter and Margaret (nee Copping) Short; to Albert and Mary (nee Hammett) Collings, a daughter, Tina Elizabeth; to Phyliss (nee Prouse) and Aubrey Philps, a daughter, Susan Loraine, a sister for Angela; to Joyce (nee Johns) and David Seaman, a son, Peter Anthony.

At Abbotsham WI, Mrs Courtney welcomed a new member, Mrs Smith. Appreciation was expressed of the good response to the hospital egg and pound collection organised by Mrs Winter and Miss Phillips.

The funeral has taken place at Alverdiscott Parish Church of Mrs Mabel Glass, widow of Mr T Glass, of East Woodlands. The Rev B Tinsley officiated and Mr S Hill was the organist. The bearers were Messrs T Bolt, E Bolt, T Wicketts and N Jeffery.

Home from Canada, Mrs Bessie Digby is spending a month with relatives at Alverdiscott.

Appledore Congregational Church will be reopened after extensive redecoration costing in the region of £350. The scheme is part of celebrations to mark the church’s tercentenary this year. The reopening will be performed by the senior member, Mrs Bertha Goodwin, of 8 One End Street, who has been associated with the church for 50 years. A feature of the ceremony will be the dedication of a 5 foot high cross of olive wood, from Palestine. Dr R Hunt, of Northam, choirmaster at the church, has recently spent some time in a Nazareth hospital and while there arranged for the cross to be made. Dr Hunt’s friend, Dr Tester, was able it to Appledore personally.

Hope for the future smooth running of the Blue Lights Hall at Appledore was expressed by Mr G A Jacob, chairman of Northam Urban Council, att he first annual meeting. The meeting appointed a management committee on which the public are represented by Mr and Mrs O Reveley, Mesdames Ommanney, O Powe, S Eastman and W Fisher, and Council representatives are Messrs A C Saunders and S Eastman, Mr Henry Bennett reported that during the two-and-a-half years that the hall had operated unofficially takings had exceeded £359.

Mr Dick Jenkins, aged 67, of 18 Newton Road, Bideford, will, at the end of this month, meet two of his brothers for the first time. They were born in Bermuda, as were four other brothers and a sister, after Dick’s parents had left this country. Dick was born in Appledore and, soon afterwards, his mother and father moved to Chatham, leaving him with his uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs R Woodcock. Seven years later Mr and Mrs Jenkins snr decided to emigrate to Bermuda and they travelled to Appledore with the intention of taking Dick with them, together with another son and a daughter, who had been born in Chatham. But Dick was just not interested. He was too happy in Appledore to wish to leave, and for one thing his uncle was coxswain of the Appledore No. 2 lifeboat.

There were cheers from the bystanders and blasts from sirens at Appledore as the beflagged new trawler for Milford Haven took to the water. She had been christened by Mrs Bedford, wife of the managing director of the owners, Hector Trawlers Ltd. The new vessel is the Hector Gannet, the second of two new-type stern trawlers, the first being named the Hector Gull.

Appledore’s new lifeboat is to be named Louisa Anne Hawker, and will replace the Violet Armstrong.

Only the crane driver was injured when one of the tall metal cranes at the Appledore shipyard of P K Harris and Sons Ltd toppled over while moving a load on to a partially constructed trawler. Mr Arthur Evans, of 38 Western Avenue, sustained a broken nose a shock. With him in the cabin, which crashed about 50 feet were Mr Keith Foley of 42 Meddon Street, and Mr Ronald Johnson, of 10 Greysands Crescent.

Vital role that Civil Defence can play in peacetime was proved when more than 200 local volunteers took part in an exercise based in Westward Ho! and Bideford. They were called upon to cope with the situation after an imaginary breakthrough of the Pebble Ridge by the sea, with the consequential flooding of parts of Northam and Bideford. Willing hands assist in unloading one of the many ‘casualties’ brought by DUKW upriver from Westward Ho! to Bideford during Sunday’s Civil Defence exercise. From the quay, the children were driven to the local grammar school for a hot meal.

Number of evacuees to be housed in the Bideford rural district in the event of an emergency will be 6,500, the Rural Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee were told. In a letter from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, it was stated that the rural district was regarded as a reception area for evacuees. A total of 12,000 would be housed in the borough of Bideford and 8,000 in the area covered by Northam Urban Council.

Did you visit Bideford’s newest shoe shop, Blakey’s?

Bill and Fred are two common names but at the home of Mrs Bessie Williams, 4 Capern Road, they are the names of two very uncommon pets – three-week-old fox cubs, which were brought home by 16-year-old Terry Williams. When they first arrived their eyes were not open, but with great care and attention the cubs are growing up normally. One of the cubs’ greatest pleasures is riding in the family car. But Bill and Fred will not be able to stay at Mrs Williams’ home for much longer because of the ruling of keeping pets in council houses.

Resignation of Bideford bandmaster, Mr A R Bryant, was received with regret by the Town Council General Purposes Committee. His services were praised by several members.

Total of 1,200 signatures have been obtained by Colin West and Roger Green, Bideford Grammar School boys, to the petition they have organised to the Minister of Education. They are protesting against the decision of the Minister that a new county secondary school shall be built in the grounds of the grammar school.

After 30 years with the Devon Constabulary, Police Constable Arthur J Seldon has retired but is to continue to live at Bideford. North Devonian Mr Seldon has served at various stations including Lynton, Sidmouth, Westward Ho!, and Exmouth. He is married with a son in Devon Constabulary stationed at police headquarters and another serving in the army at Penang.

Bideford firemen had a busy time. They were called to the home of Mr J A Bridgeland at Nutaberry Cottages, East-the-Water, a house in Myrtle Grove, a chimney fire in Stucley Road.

Furniture and effects from No. 2 Greenlands, Buckland Brewer are for sale.

Second prize of £20 in the worldwide “British Seamen’s competition” has been won by Skipper Trevor Davey, of Churchpark, Bucks Cross, master of the Lundy Gannet. He is also second coxswain of the Clovelly lifeboat.

Contribution of £100 with a limit of a 1d rate may be offered by Bideford Rural Council for repairs to the sea wall and slipway at Bucks Mills. It is considered imperative that access to the beach should be taken over as a public right of way and this was agreed by Mr B Clark, owner of the slipway. It was also decided to ask local residents to contribute £50 towards the cost.

Mr Nigel Tritton, of White Cottage, Bucks Mills, has complained to the Council about the state of the dump which was still covered with refuse. A dustbin scheme should be introduced he wrote. The dump was bound to be an eyesore, remarked the Surveyor. It was not really a dump at all, contended Mr Irwin. It was a slide. “Stuff is thrown down and hits people on the beach. ”Now it is securely wired off” added Mr Dunn, “I think we have done all we can and nature will deal with the rest. It will soon be covered by undergrowth.”

Clovelly has had a present from ‘down under’ – from the town of Randwick, New South Wales.

Frithelstock Village Hall Committee are now ‘sitting comfortably’ as far as finance is concerned. Thanks to a highly successful fete to mark the hall’s first anniversary, the committee have been able to pay off all the outstanding amounts and now have a credit balance of nearly £150. The anniversary was opened by Mrs M C Sanders, of Orleigh Mills, and she was presented with a bouquet by Sarah Woolf. Among items of interest were skittling for prizes, pony rides and an auction. Skittles were: 1. Mr Bernard Heal (Langtree); 2. Mr A Adams (Frithelstock); 3. Mr A Hearn (Frithelstock). The local WI served 150 teas. A dance later in the hall raised £31.

Live and dead farm stock from East Yagland Farm, Hartland.

Twenty-four years as a coastguard and 13 of these as district officer has taken Mr William Charles Russell Walker, of Hartland, to practically every corner of the British Isles. He is being succeeded at Hartland by District Officer George Read, at present based in the Shetlands.

The 1st Hartland Brownies held a sale with a difference in the Church Hall under the direction of their leaders, Mrs Doreen Rowe; Mrs Doris Cook and Barbara Conibear.

Efforts of a former clerk to Hartland Parish Council to obtain an additional street light in School Lane have failed. Mr W D Burrow offered to raise the money for the installation of the lamp and to pay the first year’s running charge. But the Council, having learnt that to instal the light would cost £11 10s, plus £4 8s 8d a year to light it, have declined the offer. Mr H M O’Donnell, contending that Hartland was already well served in the matter of street lighting, said the Council were already spending £100 a year on the amenity.

Lundy waters are quiet again – owner, Mr Albion Harman, gives up rights to fishing ‘war’. He stressed that he did not intend to take the matter of the fishing rights to court and added “I should like my many friends in the Westcountry and, of course, the people who love Lundy, to understand why I have taken this step. It seems to me to be a logical one and will, I hope, be of ultimate benefit to the island. But, it must be understood that it is without prejudice to all the other rights and privileges associated with Lundy, which we shall guard most carefully.”

One of North Devon’s most popular soccer players, who has been with the same club for the past 25 years, has announced his retirement. He is David Weeks, whose brothers, Reg and Harold, played for Torrington continually from school leaving age, until retirement in their thirties. Perhaps the Weeks tradition will be carried on by his young son Paul – but at the moment he is a rugger enthusiast.

Young runners from Appledore and Bideford took the first three places in a gruelling cross-country race revived at Torrington May Fair. Starting and finishing at the Town Hall, the 14 runners had to go down the steep slope of the Commons, ford the river, across fields and around a distant tree stump and back. First home and winner of the section for runners aged 16 or over was John ‘Bobbo’ Hocking of Appledore. Second was Ken Taylor, a fellow member of Appledore Boys’ Club. The under-16 section was won by Graham Mountjoy, of Bideford, and second was John Gilbert.

In his last annual report as Regional Librarian at Torrington – he is shortly leaving for Cornwall – Mr Patrick Drake tells a story of continuing success. Mr Drake has obtained an appointment at Newquay where a new library is nearing completion.

At her first election attempt, Mrs Margaret E Pitts, wife of the licensee of the Royal Exchange Inn, New Street, topped the poll at Torrington municipal election, and was over 200 votes ahead of her nearest rival. Mrs Pitts will be the only woman member of the Council and only the second in its history. She was formerly in the Civil Service for 23 years and served as a welfare officer for war orphaned children under the Ministry of Pensions.

There was no doubt that with the added backing of both players and the public Weare Giffard Football Club would continue to function, assured Mr Walter Hedden, a club committee member, at the club’s annual dinner. He pointed out that financially the club was not well off but as long as players were keen there would be no danger to the club’s future. He thanked the trainer, Mr Jack Mitchell for his efforts. Club chairman, the Rev Michael Lucas, proposed a toast and Mr F Wilkey responded. About 45 people attended the dinner and a profit of £10 was made from the dance which followed in the village hall.

Stuck midway up an 80-fott cliff at Westward Ho! on Sunday, Mr E P Bizzell, of the Shrubbery, Westward Ho! was rescued by Mr David Lang and his son, Gregory, of Bideford. Mr Bizzell had been salvaging timber on the beach and was climbing up to the top of the cliff when he got into difficulties. Mr Lang and his son used ropes that were on the spot to lower Mr Bizzell to the beach.

Possibility of redeveloping the Westbourne Terrace area of Westward Ho! is to be investigated by Northam Urban Council. Car parking was not the main concern. The slipway locality was the focal point Westward Ho! and something should be done to draw people there.

Regrettably, no non-committee parishioners attended the annual meeting of Woolsery Parish Hall when a successful year was reported. The treasurer, Mr G Bailey, said that although during the year expenditure had been heavy because interior decoration had been carried out and electric heaters installed, there remained a good credit balance.

Woolsery Methodist Church held Sunday School anniversary services. Preacher was Mr A Luxton. Miss Hillary Johns and Master Adrian Johns sang a duet and Adrian contributed a solo. There was also special singing by the choir.