100 Years Ago

News from April 1966

Births announced – to Geraldine and David Jones of Elmslea, Appledore, a son, Simon Gerald David, a brother for Michelle; Jean and David Potter, a daughter, Ruth, a sister for Anne, Keith and Ian; Julie and Brian Stevens, a daughter Zoe, a sister for Mark; Jean and Bryan Vanstone, a daughter, Caryn Frances; Pamela and John Biggs, a daughter, Judity Ione; Joyce and John Gouldstone, a son, brother for Penelope, Erica, Annabelle and Laura; Susan and Roy Quance, a son, Richard; Phyllida and John Youngman, a daughter, Rebecca; Jean and Bob Bellew, a daughter, Jane Katherine, sister for Mary, Sally and Anne; Margaret and Derek Bidgway, a son, Christopher Neal, brother for Nicholas; Eileen and Jim Hallett, a daughter, June Elizabeth; Ida and Richard Jones, a son, Martyn Steven, first grandchild for Mr and Mrs H Crocker and Mr and Mrs R Jone; Barbara and Tony, a son, Paul Ian; Marie-Jean and George Robinson, a son, Andrew; Rosemary and Dennis, a daughter, Louise Ann; Evelyn and Frank, a son, John Richard, brother for Frankie and Stephen; Sheila and John Tucker, a son, Nicholas John, brother for Mandy; Mary and Ian Bennett, a daughter, Amanda Jane. First grandchild to Mr and Mrs Bennett of Eastleigh Village; Sheila and David Morris, a son, Richard Stanley;

Inkspots A, champions of division III of Bideford and District Skittles League took their second title when they beat Young Liberals in the final of the President’s Cup at Bideford Conservative Club. The teams included: Frank Hopper, Ray Dymond, Wally Davies, Brian Cole, Bob Clarke, Harry Jarvis; Tony Clements, Nick Gorvett, Graham Ley, John Odell, Steve Schiller, Ken Walters, D Copp and Jimmy Jewell.

Two Torridgeside outbreaks of fire within four days were made all the more hazardous because of the very strong winds. Most disastrous of the fires was that on Sunday morning when two families were forced to leave their wrecked thatched cottage homes at Petrockstow. At the other outbreak, a two-storey barn at West Hele, Buckland Brewer, was badly damaged. Homeless as a result of the outbreak at Petrockstow, which was noticed in the thatch, were Mr and Mrs Norman Prouse, whose first wedding anniversary it was, and Mr and Mrs Charles Bastow, who are both over eighty. Mr Prouse’s cottage is owned by Mr Sam Luxton, of Hele Barton, and Mr Bastow’s by the Clinton Estate. On their arrival firemen from Torrington, Hatherleigh and Holsworthy found the thatch blazing furiously. Because the gale-force wind was carrying sparks and embers and menacing other thatched cottages in the village, one fire appliance was ordered to spray these thatches with water. Meanwhile villagers stoutly rallied around. After seeing to the safety of the old couple, their pet canary and the Prouse’s six-week-old baby, they tackled the job of salvaging the contents.

The owner of the Kenwith Castle Country Club, Abbotsham, Mr Leon Moore, a former chairman of Northam Urban Council, is leaving North Devon soon to take up an appointment with ICI.

Mr Ernest Cork, of South View, Appledore, may consider suing Northam Urban Council as he gets flooded by sewage.

Being built by Appledore Shipbuides Ltd for the Seaborne Aggregate Co of Sussex, the sand and gravel dredger Pen-Avon has a ram bow which will provide greater propulson efficiency in certain conditions. This is the first time a vessel of this class has been fitted with a ram bow in this country. Her keel was laid last November and she was floated out of dry dock where, because of her size, she was constructed. Trials will begin in early June.

That elusive title at last! Flo’s Boys have won the Bideford open fours darts competition. Seven times, since the event was started they have reached.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Mrs Caroline Guegan, wife of Mr Frank Guegan. The Vicar, Rev R C Dixon, officiated with Mrs Parks accompanying the hymns. Immediate mourners were; Mr T Guegan, Mesdames E Morin and T Ketchion, Mr and Mrs E Richards, Mesdames T and W Guegan; Messrs M Guegan and J Morin; Mesdames L Linstead, J Van der Vleit and Fisk; Mesdames W Miles and L Banks. Unable to attend were: Messrs E Morin, T Ketchion, Edward, Roland, Carol, Susan, Campbell, Joyce and Kathryn.

Mr George Cornish, 63 Lime Grove, Bideford, whose death at the age of 76 worked for many years in the building trade at Northam, retiring 11 years ago. The funeral service took place at North Road Assembly Hall, Mr W Nethercott officiating. Interment followed at the Higher Cemetery. Immediate mourners included the widow; Mr Ronald Cornish; Mr and Mrs T Day; Mrs M Shute and Nell; Mr and Mrs Barsley; Mr and Mrs B Pring; Mr and Mrs J Parkin; Mr David Pring; Mr Colin Pring; and Mr and Mrs A Pitman. Unavoidably absent were Mrs R Cornish and Miss Jayne Cornish.

It will cost a total of £600 to remedy matters at Copp’s Close old people’s dwellings, where the domestic hot water pipe runs through the food storage cupboards. Of this sum £542 5s will cover the purchase and installation of 18 three-and-a-half cubic feet refrigerators. The rest will be spent on removal and alteration to the cupboards.

After the failure of the Grammar School and County Secondary Schools joint venture for building a swimming pool, it was decided to carry on with a modified scheme for a swimming pool of their own. The total cost for this scheme was estimated to in the region of £1,500. At the moment a platform is being prepared in the girls’ playground by a group of boys – P Williams, D Johns, C Dunn, D Copp, M Henwood, R Sherbourne and S Branch are enjoying the work.

The first two traffic wardens to be allocated to Bideford began work. They are Mr George Taylor, of Raleigh, Bideford, a former police sergeant, and Mr John Walker, of Clovelly Road, Bideford. The wardens are appointed by the Chief Constable and are controlled by the local police. Traffic is their sole concern, but they can do no more than report offenders. Their arrival was a surprise to the town, there having been no hint that they were to begin duties.

Two three-year-old Himalayan bears named Jeremy and Jeremiah arrived at their new home at Bideford. They will become one of the features of a new zoo opened at Whitsun in the grounds of Ford House off the Torrington road.

No 37 Mill Street, Bideford, for sale.

If plans for secondary reorganisation throughout North Devon are implemented, Bideford will have a comprehensive school to be built on the site of the existing grammar school.

Mr Ivor Davies, of 41 Mill Street, Bideford, has relinquished the wholesale Sunday newspaper agency for Bideford district, which he has held since 1952, and it has been taken over by Mr Len Walters, of 45 Mill Street. The changeover marks the end of a family connection with such business dating back almost 70 years. In 1897 the late Mr Jack Elliott, of the Swan Inn, Mill Street, established and rapidly developed the wholesale newspaper agency for the Bideford district, and held if for over 40 years. In 1941 he disposed of his daily newspaper agency but retained the Sunday agency for another 11 years when it was taken over by a son-in-law, Mr Ivor Davies, who has been in business as a men’s outfitter in Mill Street about 30 years.

Bideford’s celebrated 600 year old Long Bridge is wilting under the strain of modern traffic. Unless major repair and reinforcing work - £12,000 is a figure reported – is undertaken the bridge will be unable to cope with the vibration of continuous traffic and heavy vehicles and will have to be limited to light traffic only. Widening of the bridge roadway is deemed impossible without major construction on the lines of that carried out on Barnstaple bridge.

Mr Dennis Dymond of Park Avenue, well-known businessman, had an encounter with a lion – and has the scars to prove it. Fortunately they are on his car. With his wife and youngest daughter he travelled to Longleat where the Marquis of Bath has established a nature reserve. As they were driving through, the biggest of the lions jumped on to the boot lid of the stationary car with his front paws.

Clovelly street lighting: bid to spread cost.

The funeral took place at Clovelly Parish Church of Mr John Thomas Harris, who died at his home, 36 The Village, at the age of 91. Mr Harris was the oldest man in the village. Formerly a merchant seaman, he was born at Bucks Mills and moved to Clovelly about 60 years ago. The Rector, Rev R O H Eppingstone, officiated assisted by the Rev D K Martin with Mr Storey accompanying the hymns. Immediate mourners were: Miss L Slee, Mrs J Wilks, Messrs G and M Lamey. Bearers were Messrs W Braund, J J Headon, J Foley, J Prince, T Cruse and A Lamey.

Detective Sergeant Henry Charles Clement, of the Metropolitan Police, who as a boy was evacuated to Clovelly, is one of a number of officers recently commended by the Commissioner. He was born in London but came to Clovelly as an evacuee in 1940. His foster-parents were the late Mr and Mrs William Beer, who for many years worked Crosslands Farm at Higher Clovelly. Henry Clement attended the school at Wrinkleberry and, on leaving, first worked on the farm. At 17, with the encouragement of his former headmaster, Mr R K Hesketh, he joined the Army. He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1955.

One of Clovelly’s world famous donkeys, Peggy, led the traditional Palm Sunday procession by the congregation at Clovelly Parish Church. Peggy, one of three donkeys belonging to the New Inn and believed to be about 30 years old, came to Clovelly 18 years ago. She is named after Mrs Lamey, now the wife of the landlord, Mr Alf Lamey. In the summer Peggy shares with her stable companions Kiwi and Coronation the carrying of visitors’ luggage and bringing down hotel supplies.

Within 18 months six couples living in the small parish of Frithelstock have celebrated, or will celebrate, their golden weddings. Mr and Mrs R Daniel kept their anniversary earlier this month, and Mr and Mrs J Lugg celebrated theirs this week. The other couples are Mr and Mrs C Hearn, Mr and Mrs R Main, Mr and Mrs A Harding and Mr and Mrs M Ashton.

Sir Dennis and Lady Stucley entertained some 150 tenants and employees to supper at Hartland Abbey to celebrate the coming-of-age of their son, Mr Hugh G C B Stucley, who is a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues). On behalf of tenants and employees of Hartland, Affeton, North Molton and Moreton estates, Mr Tom Allin, who farms Stoke Barton presented Mr Hugh Stucley with a gold watch and bracelet and three cases of vintage port. Hartland Abbey was presented to Mr Hugh Stucley’s family by Henry VIII in 1540 when the monasteries were dissolved at the Reformation.

Hartland has been considered unsuitable for the establishment of a factory – because the sponsors fear workers would quit for summer jobs. Dartington Hall, the Devon arts centre, want to set up an archery factory in North Devon, Bideford Rural Council was told. Woolsery had been suggested, but the sewerage system was inadequate. Hartland had been suggested and various ideas for the conversion of existing premises had been put forward. “But their view is that with a factory anywhere near the coast workers may go off during the summer into the holiday industry,” said Mr Dunn, although he thought that very unlikely at Hartland. The Surveyor, pointing out that the Council was not in a position to handle such inquiries, wondered if possible sites could be bought by the Council and offered for factory development.

Mr Percy Beer, who has just retired after being local agent at Hartland for the Ministry of Labour for the past 30 years, was interviewed in a BBC West Home Service programme. He recalled some of his experiences over the years and his wife, who has acted as his deputy, also spoke. Last week, too, Mr and Mrs Beer were entertained to dinner at the New Inn Hotel, Bideford, by the manager and staff of Bideford Employment Exchange. Mr Beer was presented with a garden chair as a parting gift.

Two glimpses of the highly successful olde tyme music hall concert at Hartland, held in aid of the cancer campaign funds. In the photos are R Mugford, P Jeffery, A Mugford, C Higgins, D Newton, A Higgins, and Roy Stowell.

The Rev F J Lockyer, Vicar of Landkey since 1962, has been appointed Vicar of Hartland in succession to the Rev Andrew Jones. The new Vicar and his family anticipate moving at the end of June. Shortly after qualifying as a teacher Mr Lockyer served with the Sherwood Foresters during the war. After theological training he was ordained in 1953.

Surplus furniture and effects from The Rectory, Instow, are for sale.

Rendle’s Down, Monkleigh, is for sale.

Seen sampling the comfort of the arm chair, with which he was presented on retirement from the South Western Gas Board after over 40 years’ service with the local gas industry is Mr Joseph Archibald (Archie) Smith, of 6 Cross Street, Northam. From his colleagues he also received an engraved gold watch, handed to him by Mr Claude Fulford. Mr Smith was first employed in 1923 by the Westward Ho! Gas and Coke Company as a stoker, and then in the same capacity by the Appledore Gas and Coke Company.

Architect designed bungalows in Richmond Park, Northam, for sale.

Because he felt that trees in his garden were dangerous in gales that were then blowing, the tenant of No. 5 Sea View Road, Northam, has them cut down and sent the bill to Northam Urban Council.

The sea was icy. It was hardly a day for a swim. But high-stepping through the foaming water on Westward Ho! was the figure of a youth. He carried a long surf board and when waist deep he knelt on the board and paddled out over the swells. Then he faced the board to the beach and looked over his shoulder to where the waves were forming. Having selected a suitable wave he began to paddle beachwards. As the sea caught him up he stood on the board and precariously balanced across the wall of water just ahead of the breaking tip. This for Peter Griffey, of Cross Street, Northam, was the ideal way to spend a winter weekend.

Cost of repairing the tower of St James’s Church, Parkham, which was struck by lightning on January 2nd, has been estimated as in the region of £1,500. When the lightning struck fragments of a pinnacle were sent hurtling down as far as the roadway, holes were made in the church roof and electrical apparatus damaged. Negotiations with the insurance office are proceeding, writes the Rector, Rev J E Lynn.

The 55 years that Mr Joseph J Jenkins spent with the Torrington Co-operative Society are believed to create a record for the movement. On retirement he has been succeeded as manager by Mr Percy Allen who has been with the Society for 30 years. Mr Jenkins joined the staff in 1911 and was away between 1914 and 1919 serving overseas with the 6th Devons. On behalf of the Society, Mr Frederick J Bryant presented an electric razor and a suitcase. On behalf of the staff, Mr Allen presented an electric drill and home kit. Mr and Mrs Jenkins live at 22 Calf Street.

King’s Meadow for sale.

People in Torrington had been rather shocked to find that the first bus from the town on Easter Monday – the first Bank Holiday since the railway closed to passenger traffic – did not leave until 1.40pm, which was a Sunday service, Cllr J Bower told Torrington Town Council’s General Purposes Committee. Was it going to be the practice of the bus company to put on a Sunday service on Bank Holidays in future? A bus between 9.30 and 10.30am was wanted.

Torrington Town Council have decided that they are not interested in purchasing, as offered, Palmer House, in New Street, a house on the schedule for preservation as of historic and architectural merit. Instead they are to suggest that the owner consider getting into touch with the National Trust. Cllr Blair Williams said the house had associations with the celebrated painter Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Torrington’s 1966 carnival queen, Miss Tina Cornish with her attendants – Miss Angela Hearn, Miss P Parish, Miss Gwen Pitts, Miss Kay Mitchell, and Carol Raymont. The Carnival is the concluding event of the three days of May Fair.

Torrington agricultural show, established in 1808, will not be held this year. But it is intended to stage it again in 1967.

Photographed during a rehearsal, Torrington May queen and the members of her court. The queen, Lynda Sanders, was chosen by her fellow pupils at the Blue Coat School. With Lynda is her chum and crowner Stephanie Thorne. Both live at Alverdiscott. The member of the court are Pamela Weeks, Deborah Bastie, Barrie Stapleton, Leslie Reed, Janet Jones, Katrina Wheeler, Sally Johns, Jacqueline Oke, Lay Fisher and Angela Trathen.

Mr William John King of 52 Calf Street, Torrington, employed for 45 years as a cutter with the Torrington glove factory of Messrs James Tapscott and Son, has died at Torrington Cottage Hospital at the age of 80. The Rev Alan T Fleetwood officiated at the funeral service and Miss L Norman accompanied the hymns.

Westward Ho! Tennis Club’s bid for young members.

Firemen from Appledore went to the aid of a Northam youth who became stuck on a buttress of rock he climbed at Westward Ho! on Good Friday. From a cliff above, 17 year old Ronald Glover, of 2 Ashfield Terrace, Northam, was lowered from the 20 foot high rock by ropes. A crowd of visitors watched the operation.

Pony racing on Westward Ho! beach last summer made a profit of 11s 8d for the organisers, Northam Chamber of Commerce.

South Bitworthy, Woolsery, is for sale.

Visit East Yelland Power Station.

Years Ago - March

March 1923

Deaths – Beddis; Broadway at Hazeldene, Clovelly Road, Bideford; Jenkins at the Top of High Street, Bessie, wife of William Henry Jenkins, Coal Merchant; Routly at Keyham, Lime Grove; at Matthew Mills, Alverdiscott, John Joy; at 8 Montague Place, William Short; the wife of Mr Ernest Armitage, and fifth daughter of the late J R Pine-Coffin Esq, of Portledge and of Mrs Pine-Coffin, of Kenwith; Henry M Burrow, formerly of Mill Street, Bideford; at Ridgeway, Orchard Hill, Emily Smart;

In the House of Commons. Mr Amery, answering Viscount Curzon, said it had been decided that the Coastguards, apart from the very small portion of the force which carried out naval duties, should be re-constituted as a coast-watching service, removed from the Admiralty administration, and placed under the Board of Trade. The change would take place on April 1st next.

Teachers pay is in the news, but with a surprising twist. Devon Education Committee is planning “yet another conference” with elementary school teachers with a view to reducing their salaries. Mr J M Metherell remarked that if the salaries were reduced by 10% as recommended there would be warfare. The committee finally decided to appoint a sub-committee to deal with the matter.

In regard to the question of engagement of labour on the North Devon Railway, the Divisional office, Bristol, wrote that this was receiving the department’s closest attention. Torrington Local Employment Committee called attention to the lack of shelter on the six miles of tracks from Torrington to Yarde, and also complained that night shifts of twelve hours were being worked.

Apply to the County Fire Office Ltd for fire, accidents, and burglary and theft policies.

Articles from ‘Home Feature’

Appledore men in danger.

Buy the Marconiphone from Walter J Pitt, Bideford Motor Works, Bideford.

A look to the future with two new Bideford magistrates – Mr A R Adams, twice mayor of Bideford, and Mr John H Davis, builder’s foreman.

His Honour Judge Lindley at Bideford County Court gave an award in a workmen’s compensation claim brought by Francis Gordon Seage, butcher’s assistant, of 3 Allhalland Street, against Mr Alfred Dennis, butcher of 72 High Street.

The lamp standard of Bideford Quay at the bottom of High Street has now been moved several feet nearer High Street and clear of the run along the Quay. All vehicular traffic moving from the Quay into High Street or vice-versa will now be required to pass the lamp on its correct side.

The Board of Guardians of the Bideford Union Workhouse invites tenders from local tradespeople for a wide variety of items. Some are quite specific; these include “Bread, composed of the best superfine flour, well baked and drawn from the oven twelve hours before delivery.” Also “coffee, not to exceed twenty per cent of chicory”.

Roselea, Westcombe, Bideford – household furniture for sale on behalf of Mrs Mansell.

s.s. Monkstone takes the water at Bideford – launch of sixth ship built by Hansen Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Co. Ltd.

At a meeting of the Farmers’ Union, mention was made of the inconvenience to farmers and their wives of Bideford shops shutting during the dinner hour on market days, which is not done in other places. Mr J M Metherell proposed writing on the subject to the Bideford Chamber of Commerce, Mr Pickard (Hartland) seconding this suggestion. In the meantime, Bideford shops are gearing up for Easter (Sunday 1 April).

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club’s new boat house should be finished by Easter. The new Tubbing boat, being built by Messrs Hinks of Appledore, is also approaching completion and is expected to be launched at Easter. A ladies hockey match between Bideford and West Bank (presumably the school) was won by West Bank with a score of seven goals to three. The report states that the Bidefordians were rather weak and much below their usual form.

Mr Richard Oke, of Lower Village, Bradworthy, passed away after a long illness, during the last three years of which he has been confined to his bed. The annual Foreign Missionary Services in the United Methodist Church, Bradworthy, were conducted by Miss L Edwards, who preached tow appropriate sermons to large congregations. The public meeting addressed by the Deputation (Rev AL Trudgeon, Hatherleigh) was presided over by Rev J L Orchard. The collections were £3 in advanced of last year, thanks for such being partially due to the collectors: Master Donald Harris, Alfred Ham and G Petherick.

At Hartland, much damage was done to roofs etc. by the storm on Monday last week. Whooping cough is prevalent among children and some adults are also victims. Burrow & Co, auctioneers, will sell by auction the furniture of Mill Hill, Hartland, items including a good brass dial eight-day Grandfather clock in a birch case. The clock was made by Phil Walton of Holsworthy.

A competition at Langtree for the best sample of butter made from a specified separator has been won by Mrs Hackwill, of Suddon Farm. Mr A Todd, of the British Dairy Institute, Reading, acted as judge. At a special meeting of the Parish Council the following were appointed on the Committee for Higher Education: Mrs S J Sanders, Mrs Jones, and Messrs Jones, Hackwill, Short, Burrows, Hill, Andrews, Moore and Adams.

North Devon wedding – Pennington-Heywood at Wesleyan Church, Littleham.

The bridegroom’s gifts to the bride were a silver tea service and her bouquet. To the bridesmaid he gave a gold bracelet. The bridegroom’s present from the bride was a clock. A reception was held afterwards at Littleham Court, the home of the bride. Later in the day the happy couple left for Torquay when the honeymoon is being spent.

Mr A W Cock, FAI, held an auction at the Working Men’s Club, Northam, on behalf of Mr William Ashplant, for the sale of various local properties. No. 1 Cross Street was sold to Mr S Fulford for £680; No. 2 Cross Street at £300, smith’s shop and garden at £200, and No. 5 Cross Street at £160 to Mr B Blake; cottage and garden to Mr Elton, £225; double fronted cottage, Lyalls, to Mr W F Ashplant, £650; garden, Mr J Jeffery, £400; stable and garden, Mr Stone, £145; also No. 3 Cross Street, freehold, to Mr C Bishop at £140. There was a crowded attendance and biddings were brisk.

Mr C M Stone, headmaster of Northam School for the past forty years, is retiring at Easter. He will continue to reside in the area. Dr Francis, Medical Officer of Health, reported to Northam Council that in the last month there had been eight births and ten deaths, two of the latter being due to accidents and involving inquests. Five were males and five females. Four were in Northam, three in Westward Ho!, two in Appledore and one in Orchard Hill. One case of Enteric Fever had been notified, but this was not a concern as the patient had recently returned from the continent.

Mr Hill has taken over the duties of Headmaster of Parkham Council School. In the monthly spoon competition Mr F Ley and Mrs G Jewell of Parkham tied with 71 pins each. The first throw off they again tied but on the second trial G Jewell brought the greater number and thus holds the spoon for the month. Mrs Knowles, IRAM, is greatly interested in conducting and training the singing in St James’ Church, Parkham. Miss Sluman acts as organist for the training and a good number attend.

Mrs Anne Baglow, a very old and respected inhabitant of Parkham has died after a brief illness, at Hillside Hoops. Her husband pre-deceased her 17 years ago.

A movement is being made to restart the Band at Parkham. The Trustees have kindly given permission for the use of instruments, and also the loan of the Parish Room for practice. The old Bandmaster has been asked to train the members of the new Band.

The Devon County Council Poultry School has been at Shebbear since 5 March and has been met with great enthusiasm. The Instructor was Mr E Russell who gave lessons in artificial hatching, feeding, killing, plucking and trussing. There are so many adverts for eggs and poultry that they have their own category. Among the breeds on offer this month are White Leghorns, White Wyandottes, Black Minorcas, Light Sussexes, Silver Campines and Sicillian Buttercups – and also Khaki Campell Ducks.

A wedding has been celebrated in St Giles Parish Church between Miss Jessie Jewell of South Healand Farm and Mr Stanley Hooper of Waggadon Farm, Huntshaw. The bride was charmingly gowned in “silk lace with silk underground”.

Negligent cycling. Before His Honour Judge Lindley at Torrington County Court, Caleb Ayre, labourer, Petersmarland, sued Bert Dymond, labourer on the Torrington-Halwill Railway, also of Petersmarland, for damages for personal injuries and loss of wages, in consequence of having been knocked down through the alleged negligent riding of a bicycle by defendant.

Many will regret to learn of the death of Mrs Grace Baker, wife of Henry Baker, of Calf Street, Torrington, who passed away following a brief illness.

Presentation to Mr John Quick who worked at Torrington Post Office.

Tenants were the purchasers of freehold farms at Weare Gifford, portions of the Earl of Fortescue’s estate. Polkinghorne Farm was sold to Mr W H Moore for £1,450; Netherdon Farm to Mr Grigg for £2,450; Salterns Farm to Mr Grigg for £1,800 and Park Farm to Mr E Becklake for £1,775.

At Bideford County Sessions before Mr H N G Stucley, Mrs Minnie Sinclair, a widow of Westward Ho! who did not appear, was summoned for permitting a dog to be on the highway without a collar with the name and address of the owner upon it. The Bench imposed a fine of 12s.

Modern and antique household furniture from Torridge House, Westward Ho! is for sale.

The council will offer Mr Lewis his present privileges on the sea front at Westward Ho! at £90 per annum for three years, subject to his maintaining the slipway at least nine feet wide and the pathway to the huts at four feet wide.

At the Alminstone Wesleyan Church, Woolsery, the wedding took place of Miss Melinda Davey, second daughter of Mr and Mrs George Davey of Lane Mills, and Mr Ernest Dunn, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Dunn, of Shoreston Farm, Morwenstow. There were two bridesmaid, Miss Kate Davey and Miss Evelyn Dunn.

March 1973

Men’s Lib – F R Sunderland, Menswear

Everything went smoothly when the 4,500 ton container ship Manchester Vigour, the largest ship to be built in the covered yard of Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd, was eased out into the River Torridge. The new ship, one of two ordered by Manchester Liners, in a contract worth over £4½ million, will be named next month.

Appledore’s young Elizabethans. Prior to the launching of the replica of The Golden Hinde from the yard of Messrs J Hinks and Son, Appledore, a colourful entertainment recalling the days of the first Queen Elizabeth will be presented by members of Appledore Youth Sports and Social Club.

This Appledore Badminton Club team are having a fine season. Left to right: Geoff Drew, Geraldine Jones, Graham Gardner, Marie Harris, Colin Greenslade and Rose Peacham.

The proposal of the South West Regional Hospital Board to end the arrangement under which National Health maternity patients are admitted to the Grenville Nursing Home at Bideford is being opposed by the Town Council unless six maternity beds are provided for National Health patients at Bideford Hospital. Members decided this after hearing that all the local doctors had made similar representations. Members have agreed to press for the continued use of the home, or, alternatively, the provision of facilities locally for ‘simple births.’

Bideford and district has shared this week in the nationwide rush to get smallpox vaccinations following the London outbreak. Both Bideford and Northam health centres reported a big run on supplies, and at Northam the centre was temporarily out of stock of vaccine as a result of the demand from local people planning holidays abroad.

Two sought after bus is taken from Bideford.

Mr Alfred Hookway, of 27 High Park Close, Bideford, was among 22 members of the staff of the Western National Bus Company who have qualified for a 40 years long service award and who were guests at a celebration dinner at Dawlish.

Mr and Mrs Frank Cleverdon, of Cresta, First Raleigh, Bideford, celebrated their golden wedding. They were married in Littleham Methodist chapel. The bridegroom was the tenth child of Mr and Mrs William F Cleverdon, of Milford, Buckland Brewer, and the bride was Miss Vaggers of Littleham.

Victor Lewis, whose parents live at 8 Market Place, Bideford, worked as a machinist with Toy Works Ltd before joining the Army. This has been his first experience of overseas duty. Now he is back in Gillingham, Kent, the Devon and Dorsets’ base, with his wife and son.

Five senior pupils of Bideford Grammar School and four of Edgehill College are combining in a bid to raise over £100 for Shelter by means of a sponsored badminton marathon. They are Elaine Witney, Betty Maynard, Barbara Mitchells, Janet Hore, Christopher Allin, Robert Dunford, Jeremy Hodge, Andrew Shepherd and Anthony Slee. Beginning April 6, the last day of term, in the grammar school gym, they will play badminton doubles, and hope to keep it up non-stop for eight days.

A happy group of young ‘queens’ at Bideford’s annual ‘Festival of queens’ in aid of the National Children’s Home. The festival was held at Stella Maris hall, Mr Pat Hughes being chairman. The Mayoress, Mrs N Needs, deputised for Mrs Hughes.

Buckland Brewer – When Mr and Mrs John Slee, of Highbury, celebrated with a family gathering for their golden wedding anniversary, there were also present two bridesmaids and the best man. The bridesmaids were Mr Slee’s sister, Mrs Ivy Brimacombe of Putford, and the bride’s cousin, Mrs Edna Sawle of Westward Ho! The best man was Mr Slee’s brother, Leslie, who farms Sedborough, Parkham.

As a result of a variety sale £31 was raised for Buckland Brewer school funds. The event was held at the primary school.

Buckland swim pool target soon reached.

Members of Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club with the impressive array of trophies they have won. Sitting at the table is club chairman Mrs Janet Brown and club secretary Mr Maurice Poole. Individual cups for the members gaining most points in the group throughout the year – won by Miss Margaret Heywood and Mr Donald Harris.

At Clovelly parish hall a bingo session raised £17 for the local funds for cancer. Mr J J Headon was door steward and the callers were Mr C Pengilley, Mr D Carter and Mrs D Grills. Refreshments were served by Mrs R Kelly. Draw winners Mrs D Grills, Mr V Smith and Mrs Rowe (Hartland).

Cattle for sale by auction from Hugglepit, Clovelly.

An ‘attractive’ sale at West Staddon, Hartland.

Langtree Primary schoolchildren demonstrated their considerable skill as potters at a parent’s evening. Colourful vases, pots and tiles made, fired and glazed by the children were seen in all stages of production from the raw clay at an exhibition by Mr John Allison of the school staff.

Yeo Vale House in the parish of Littleham, a mansion that was to become a crumbling memorial to one man’s pique, is no more. To the end this part-Jacobean, part Georgian building on the bank of the River Yeo gave from a distance an impression of the stately home it once was. But it had become a danger and eventually Government permission to demolish it was given. The story of its decline began 40 years ago. One day, the owner Mr Stephen Berrold, having sold all the surrounding land right up to the walls of his home, left by way of the front door, locked it behind him, and disappeared. So far as is known he never returned to the area. It is said that he tangled with an adjoining landowner who had felled a couple of trees. An incensed Mr Berrold claimed that his view had been ruined and vowed that never again would his house be lived in. And it never was – other than by wild life. It became a furniture store, and subsequently, the owner of the adjoining farm, Mr Westaway, stored grain on the ground floor. He was eventually given permission to demolish it.

At the presentation to Northam Health Centre of special eye-examination equipment costing in the region of £800, the gift of Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd. Left to right: Dr R Hunt, Mr Joe Ball, Dr C J Carey, Dr J E Lyons, Mr D Cowling and Dr A J W Jarvis.

There was a large attendance at the public auction of approximately 90 acres of land at Northam and Appledore, to wind up an estate. This included Bonehill Farm.

Engaged couples who have been on Northam Urban Council’s waiting list for six months are to be considered for housing if their proposed wedding date is near. Members agreed this because of the difficulty of obtaining rented accommodation or mortgages.

A new primary school at Torrington is among the South West’s 58 new major building projects to improve or replace old, substandard primary schools authorised by the Education Secretary, Mrs Margaret Thatcher.

The last Mayor of Torrington will be Alderman Mrs Margaret Pitts, who, in 1967, was only the second woman mayor in the long history of the borough.

Fifty years’ association with the North Devon Clay Company has been marked for Mr E A Holwill of Torrington, by the presentation, at a gathering of his fellow directors, of an inscribed portable radio. Mr Holwill, who has no immediate plans for retirement, joined the company – of which his uncle, Mr Henry Holwill, was then managing director – when he came to Torrington in 1923. The company is now part of the Watts, Blake, Bearne Group of Newton Abbot.

A planning application for a public house, restaurant and holiday homes on the site of the Atlanta Hotel, Westward Ho! has been recommended for approval by Northam Urban Council. R Harris and Son Ltd, who made the application, were ordered by the council at its previous meeting to clear the site.

The Westward Holiday Village in Westward Ho! has been sold for more than £250,000 to the Bideford-based Woodsmith Group of Companies.

Westward Ho! Women’s Institute celebrated its 25^th anniversary with a dinner at Instow. Fifty-eight members attended and a number of husbands were present. A beautifully decorated cake, made by Mrs Powell, was cut by seven of the original members – Mesdames L Pope, A Bellew, E Burrow, A Gray, J Littlejohns, G Moore and N Parker.

Costing £85,000, one of Devon’s new area primary schools was officially opened at Winkleigh by Mr Charles Ansell, vice-chairman of Devon County Council.

At the Farmers Arms, Woolsery, of which he had been licensee for 12 years, the death has occurred of Mr Percy Chapple. Prior to going to the inn he farmed at Venn, Woolsery. He had previously lived at Meshaw where he was leader of the Young Farmers’ Club. The funeral service was at All Hallows church, the Vicar, Rev L A Buttle officiating, Mrs D J Cloke was organist. The bearers were Messrs C Piper, A Ashton, R Wonnacott, W Raffe, F Cloke and M Vanstone.

Some of those participating in a skittles competition at Woolsery to raise funds for the restoration of the bells of the parish church.

Norman Andrew; Joe Burrow; Colin Stevens; Cath Raffe; John Raffe; 'Bonty' Johns;

March 1998

Torridge District Council has abandoned plans to find a new home for Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Cricket Club. Instead, officers will help the Devon league club develop its facilities on its seafront ground. The idea of creating a new facility for football and cricket further along Golf Links Road was mooted more than a year ago but it has been scrapped due largely to the prohibitive cost, in the region of £785,000.

Regulars at two Appledore riverside pubs – the Beaver Inn and the Royal George – are combining a clean up of their local beaches and charity fundraising as their part in the local spring clean campaign. In the picture are Barry Lewis with Graham, Eleanor and baby Alison Stone.

Youngsters from Appledore Primary School visited the Maritime Museum to get a taste of Victorian schooldays in a recreated classroom.

Bideford Manor Court fears about bridge.

An ancient Bideford landmark was restored to its lofty perch at the summit of the parish church tower after a break of more than 30 years. It has been worked on by volunteer maintenance team Roy Fox, John Elrick and Robin Mackleden, who are in the picture with Bideford curate Bill MacKenzie.

Give Philip Brock of Ayres Close, Bideford, a blank wall and some tins of paint and he will create a fantasy world for you. He has just done that in a waiting room for the young patients at Bideford Hospital where he has decorated a scene based on The Lion King. He has an appreciative fan club for his work. There’s his wife, Trina, and two children, Sabrina and Vincent.

Three unique pieces of Victorian engineering have been saved for posterity by Bideford Town Council. The acquisitions are old sewer vent pipes, each topped with an ornate cast iron finial, which were destined to be removed by South West Water. Town Mayor Joyce Elliott joined worker Charlie New in the air for a closer look at the restored pipe at the junction of Kingsley Road and Chanters Road. The other pipes are at the junctions of Northam Road and Glendale Terrace, and Clovelly Road and Catshole Lane.

Supermum Julie Ousley, of Brecon Close, was the centre of attention when she re-opened the Woolworths store in Bideford after major refurbishment. Mother of four Julie became a Woolworths VIP for the day after winning the company’s Best Mum in Bideford competition. She also enjoyed a champagne breakfast and received £50 in vouchers.

Buckland Brewer Primary School is making a bid for government money to refurbish its hall so that it can be used for recreation.

Film makers are on location on Torridgeside, shooting in Hartland and Bideford for Channel Four Films. Award winning actor Tim Roth has been making his directorial debut with the shooting of The War Zone, starring Tilda Swinton and Ray Winstone. Cameras have already rolled around Hartland, including at Little Barton Farm and at Hartland Quay. The action switched to Bideford High Street, where the filming centred on the family-run café of Brian and Hazel Stanbury. Brian has a small part in the film.

Organiser Jenny Clarke donned a Dipsy costume to go over the edge at Hartland Quay to support North Devon Hospice. “We are very grateful to Dipsy for coming and showing people that anyone can do this” said Jenny. But Dipsy added “Tinky Winky can do it next time!”

You can buy an executive style detached house in the village of Littleham.

A novel fundraising campaign by parents to enlarge their children’s school came a step closer. The Friends of St George’s infants’ School at Northam called on local building firms to help in their need for an extra classroom. Money provided via grants had left the school with £8,000 to find said Friends’ secretary Caroline Maund, which had now been reduced to £1,200 after fundraising. Prowting Homes played its part with a cheque for £250.

Higher Glen, on Orchard Hill, Northam, is for sale.

A former chef on the QE2 has tied up with his family at the well known Memories restaurant in Northam. Robert and Mairead Vogel have added their own touches and professional skills to ensure a first quality dining experience. Robert has cooked for a vast number of famous customers such as the Queen and Prince Philip, Rod Steward, Piers Brosnan, Julia Roberts and Rutger Haur to name but a few.

There were surprises in store for Lady Clinton of Heanton Satchville, near Merton, when she was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Devon at a colourful ceremony in Torrington. Awaiting her arrival was a special guard of honour formed by members of the Torrington Cavaliers and of the Society of the Sealed Knot. Following the ceremony in the Town Hall, the new High Sheriff was greeted by pupils from the Clinton School at Merton, of which she is a governor. Pupil Annie Ritson presented her with a bouquet.

The former Dairy Crest creamery in Torrington could be back in business by this summer, bringing with it much needed jobs. Fifty local farmers have combined to form a new company, Torridge Vale Limited, to process and sell their milk and clotted cream from part of the factory. Later, they are hoping to diversify into yoghurt and ice cream.

A Torrington period town house is for sale.

Detached dormer, lodge style residence in Torrington for sale.

There will be some special treats among the weekly shopping of Sal Gibbons, of Westleigh, after winning £2,500 worth of vouchers at her local Somerfield store. She won her prize in a saving stamps free prize draw. Daughter Margaret Dennis and Gillian Sanders accompanied their mum when she received her prize from manger Larry Keen.

Proposals put forward by Torridge District Council to restrict dogs on Westward Ho! beach have been approved in principle by the Department of the Environment. Byelaws will now be drawn up and submitted for confirmation by the Secretary of State.

News from March 1966

Births and celebrations: Margaret and Norman Stone, a son, Richard Anthony, a brother for Suzanne; Margaret and Clifford Bartlett, a son, John, brother for Kathryn; Jean and Roger Nicholls, a son, Lewis George; Queenie and Ivor Daw, a daughter, Amanda Jane; Beverley and David Gale, a son, Jason Patrick; Eddie and Ray Law, a daughter, Rebecca Ann, a sister for Christopher, Brenda, Janet and Peter; Pauline and Colin Priest at Venn Mills Farm, Buckland Brewer, a son, Phillip John; Jean and Michael Sanders, a son; Valerie and Danny Stapleton, a daughter, Tracie Jacqueline

A North Devon couple who twice emigrated to Canada but twice returned to their native country, celebrated their golden wedding. Mr James White and his wife, Elizabeth, who now live at 2 Riccardsdown, Abbotsham, first emigrated in 1914 with several members of the family. They remained for five years and married there. During this time, Mr White, a native of Bulkworthy, was a lumberjack and also worked in a paper mill. Their only son, Charles, lives in Silver Street, Bideford. Mrs White, who was born in Winkleigh, says that work has occupied most of her lift. Among the many presents was a mammoth bottle of whisky from relatives in Mississippi.

The Ministry of Defence (Navy Department) have ordered a further four Dog-class tugs from Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd. The latest order follows one for three tugs, the first of which – Deerhound - was launched last week. Described as ‘quite powerful craft’ they are 94ft long with 24ft beam, and are designed for harbour work.

With its centuries-old traditions associated with ships, shipbuilding and sailors it would indeed be fitting if Bideford was chosen to build the replica of Capt Cook’s historic vessel HMS Endeavour, which is to sail from Plyimouth in July 1968 to retrace the voyage leading to Capt Cook’s discovery of Australia almost 200 years ago. The yard in mind is that of W Wykeham and Co Ltd, at Bank End, operating as Bideford Shipyard Ltd. Plans for the building of the vessel are already in the Bideford office of the firm.

Customers will be able to drink for an extra half-hour in one Bideford pub over Easter, Whitsun and August Bank Holiday. Bideford justices granted extensions to 11.30pm for these dates to the Swan Inn, Mill Street. And they agreed that the Swan may also remain open on the afternoon of Bideford Regatta. Licensee Mr Mel Moore told the justices that a number of years ago Bideford public houses remained open until 11.30pm on Bank Holidays. Then the local Licensed Victuallers’ Association had decided this was wrong.

Back in 1938 a small group of men, meeting on a Manchester railway station, began to discuss the old-age pension. From that informal meeting the National Federation of Old-age Pensions Association began, said Miss B James, chairman of Bideford ‘Original’ branch of the OAPA speaking at a social in the Church Institute to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of a local branch. When it was decided to form the local branch the late Mr John Pope had volunteered to become hon. secretary and the enterprise had speedily flourished. Mr Harry Chubb, hon. Freeman of Bideford and former Mayor, was presented with a certificate in appreciation of his services and interest in the movement over the whole of the period.

Work on a new £10,000 centre for East-the-Water Community Association, which almost died from inertia a few months ago, may begin within a year. Miss P Arrundale, travelling officer of the National Federation of Community Associations, told the annual meeting of the local association: “If you are prepared to work and put more money in the kitty, it means that this year you may be able to apply for grand aid for sit cost, architectural fees and equipment.” A canvass held at East-the-Water to discover what activities would most interest the residents proved successful and it showed that a total of 67 activities were wanted. Easily top of the list was youth activities, including dancing.

Bideford boy Robert Ellis became a Sea Cadet national boxing champion. Seventeen year old Robert stopped T Arber in the third round. Last year, Robert, of 14 Buttgarden Street, was beaten in the final.

A long-held dream will be realised on March 19th when Bideford Scout Group’s £4,000 headquarters are officially opened. The ceremony will be performed by Lt-Commander W H Taylor, Field Commissioner, South-West Boy Scouts’ Association.

The funeral of Mr Leonard William Chubb, a wharf superintendent with the Elder Dempster Line at Lagos and Accra until his retirement to Bideford, took place at St Mary’s Church. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, Mr Chubb, younger son of the late Mr and Mrs J Chubb, of 27 Mill Street, joined the Reardon Smith Shipping Company on leaving school and obtained his Master Mariner’s certificate. Mr Chubb leaves a married daughter, Gillian, now living with her husband and two children at Muscat, in the Persian Gulf.

Wynne Olley is pleased to announce her staff have won the first three places in the National Hairdressing Federation Open Free Style Competition for Devon and Cornwall in Exeter. Miss Sandra Bennett was second.

Miss Jean Hannaford, sub-postmistress of East-the-Water Post Office, Barnstaple Street, Bideford, has been elected the first woman president of the North Devon branch of the Sub-Postmasters’ Federation.

A Bideford chemist and his three girl assistants will shortly be going to London with £570 to spend, a prize they won in a nationwide competition. The chemist is Mr Len Taylor, proprietor of Arnold’s Pharmacy in Allhalland Street. His assistants, Mrs Gwynneth Davey and Misses Sandra Johns and Joan Symons will be wined and dined in the capital.

Next month, Bideford-devised and made tricks will be on a big tour in America. A visitor to the Supreme Magic Company of High Street, Bideford, was a TV magician and personality Harold Taylor, who has appeared and delighted the children on the well-known BBC TV programme Crackerjack series for more than 40 weeks. He came to buy and learn many tricks and illusions for his forthcoming American tour. Messrs Edwin Hooper and Ian Adair, of the magic company, had plenty to show him. One of the latest tricks, in which a beanstalk apparently blooms visually into a giant 17-flowered plant, especially appealed to him and he intends to feature it during the
tour.

Offered the Royal Hotel, Bideford, for £37,500, the Town Council instructed the Borough Surveyor to view the property and report. Built in 1688, as a mansion, it became a hotel about 200 years later. It was here that Charles Kingsley worked on his novel, Westward Ho!

Live and dead farming stock from Braddons Farm, Buckland Brewer, are for sale – Mr and Mrs H W James are giving up farming.

At the request of seven local electors in the Clovelly lighting area (from the main car park to the bottom of High Street) a special public meeting of ratepayers in that area is being convened to discuss the proposed increase in the lighting rate.

Clovelly players won the first three women’s prizes at a Hartland Garden Society whist drive, and the first man’s. One of them also won the draw. Mr L Middle was MC. Fifteen tables were used and Mr H Cross was door steward. Refreshments were by women members of the committee – Mesdames D Bonford, Chinery, E Benwell and A Mugford. Winners – Mrs G Smith, Mrs A Burrow, Mrs Squires, Mrs R Wade, Mrs G Vanstone, Mrs H Prust, Mrs Peggy Lamey, Mr N Houchin, Mrs Colwill, Mr T Pillman, Mrs P Littlejohns, Mr Sam Johns.

The death of Mr Stanley Walter, of Pattard Water, Hartland, at the age of 65, is a big loss to local Methodism. Mr Walter, who had spent his life in Hartland, was first associated with the Edistone Church and later at Hartland, he was appointed society steward and a trustee. He was also a member of the choir. Keenly interested in the brass band movement, he was associated with the formation of Hartland Town Band. Mr Walter, who was a carpenter, leaves a widow, two sons and two daughters. The funeral is at Hartland Methodist Church.

Mr Len Middle was a winner at a whist drive held at the Women’s Institute Hall raising money for the Hartland Football Club Supporters’ Club.

The Vicar of Hartland, Rev Andrew T H Jones, was presented with a cheque and a framed photograph of St Nectan’s Church after matins as a farewell gift.

Thirteen people spoke in praise of Mr Tom Anstey’s services to the community in various spheres when presentations were made to him and his wife – their golden wedding anniversary. At a party at Instow, where Mr Anstey has spent the whole of his 78 years, a gold clock was presented by the president of Instow and District Agricultural Show, Mrs M Richards. Mr E J Lewis presented an automatic teamaker on behalf of Bideford Conservative Club.

Friday night is fish night at Cottesloe, Sandymere Road, Northam, the home of Mr Graham Braddick. People arrive from as far afield as Bude, Tiverton and Okehampton, to buy and to talk about tropical fish. It all started when Mr Braddick was a schoolboy and his father brought home a can of fish from a London store.

The funeral of Mr Stanley Thomas Dack of Newhave, Parkham, took place at the Methodist Curch with the Rev D K Martin officiating and Mrs W Heywood accompanying hymns. Principal mourners were Mr and Mrs P Dack, Mr and Mrs W Dack, Mr and Mrs L dunn, Mr and Mrs R Dack, Mr and Mrs J Walters, Mr W Heywood, Mr H Slade snr, and Mr and Mrs Sutton. Bearers were Messrs T Pearce, A Dean, M Honey, P Ashton, F Wade and H Ley.

March 1966 Parkham Mr Dack funeral

Cllr Gwilym Blair Williams, a Welshman who has lived in North Devon for 30 years, is to be Torrington’s next Mayor. Mr Williams, who is 73, was born in the Swansea Valley.

Winners of the Torridge Vale Dairy (Unigate) Sports and Social Club Stacey Shield for inter-departmental skittles – A Butler and W Brook, and D Stacey and K Westcott. This and other trophies was presented by vice-president Mr R M Boyer at the club annual dinner at Torrington Town Hall, when 120 members attended. Prize for the highest individual score in skittles went to W Stacey, with Colin Popham runner-up. Derek Stacey was snooker champion and Colin Popham runner-up.

A Torrington widow could be the first woman secretary to receive the gold medal of the Transport and General Workers’ Union – the highest honour it can award. This was revealed this week when Mrs Florence Mules was presented with a clock. Mrs Mules, who lives at Marwood Court, Calf Street, Torrington, has just retired after more than 30 years as secretary of Torrington branch No. 3/201 of the union.

Mr Frederick William Cornish of 1 West Terrace, New Street, Torrington, who died in the Cottage Hospital, had for long been a popular figure in the locality. He was a railway goods clerk at Torrington and on retirement he joined the clerical staff of Messrs P C Cobbledick and Co. In 1964 Mr Cornish and his wife Beatrice celebrated their golden wedding.

Porter at the Torrington Cottage Hospital for the past 26 years, Mr Bert Copp, of Crowbeare Cottages, has retired. In appreciation of his services presentation of a wrist watch was made to him, on behalf of the Matron and staff, doctors, and committee members, by Torrington’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr C F R Briggs. Mr and Mrs Copp returned from South Devon at the outbreak of the last war, and Mr Copp took up his duties with the Hospital. During the war he was also caretaker of two Torrington evacuee hostels, Corner House in Potacre Street, and Reno in New Street. Mr and Mrs Copp have two sons and a daughter, Peter, Maurice and Sheila.

The condemning of rooms as being unfit for human habitation at Westward Ho! by Northam Council’s new public health inspector, Mr Chris Utting, led to a row at last week’s Council meeting. The Council were recommended to put closing orders on nine kitchens and two bedrooms in the basements of Kipling Terrace houses. But Mr Ralph Evers charged member with not thinking logically or clearly. Poor ventilation and lack of natural light were not enough, and it was wrong in principle, morally, and, he thought, legally, to condemn them for it. He knew of many houses, including Council houses, where conditions were worse.

A dog is thought to have started a fire that caused £120 damage to the lounge at the home of County Councillor Mr Ralph Evers at Four Winds, Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! It is believed the dog knocked an electric heater against a settee. Fire engines from Bideford and Appledore went to the house, and firemen J Bowden and K Simmons wore breathing apparatus to get at the seat of the fire.

The Grasshoppers, a happy association of golfers from the Royal North Devon and Saunton clubs, held one of their memorable gatherings at Westward Ho! One of the rules of the association is that the Grasshoppers’ tie shall be worn or in default a drink must be bought for every member; there were no defaulters. Since the Association began, shortly after the war, it has been a tradition for each president to invite as guest of honour Mr Granville Kelly, of Northam, now 75 and retired, but who gave a lifetime of service as the popular steward of the RND Club. He is in the picture with Messrs Stephens and Isaac, Neave, Thornton and Major E D Wood.

Instead of being built on a site at Winkleigh, as originally intended, a new Swedish glass-making factory will now be at Torrington where the Town Council have agreed in principle to sell a 2½ site at Town Park for the purpose. Purchase price of the site has to be agreed with a district valuer. A month ago the Council agreed to supply six bungalows and a hostel for the firm, at an economic rent, when the Calvesford Road housing site is developed. The making of Swedish glass – a heavy, decorative type of glass – is a specialised industry, and skilled workers from Sweden will be coming to this country to form the nucleus of staff of the new factory and to teach English workers.