100 Years Ago

News from April 1962

April 1962

It was reported to the North Devon Hospital Management Committee’s annual meeting that just over 1,000 people are waiting to enter hospitals in the area controlled by the committee. On the North Devon Infirmary’s waiting list there are 747 people and on the Bideford and District Hospital’s list there are 165. The remainder are waiting to enter other hospitals in the area.

A record number of Swiss rolls were entered for the competition at the monthly meeting of Alwington WI. Miss Bird, of the SW Electricity Board was the judge and the prizewinners were: Miss S Hillman, Mrs H Williams, Mrs I Walter. The judge was thanked by Mrs R Daniel.

Appledore’s new lifeboat, which has undergone engine trials, will, it is hoped, be ready to leave the yards of her Isle of Wight builders next month. Provision date for delivery in May 15th. Travelling to fetch her will probably be Coxswain Sydney Cann, the mechanic, Mr Leon Richards and Capt Pat Brennan. Provisional date for the naming ceremony is June 27th.

For the next few months the Sunday silence of Appledore will probably be broken only by the tinkling of a single bell instead of being melodiously penetrated by a full peal. Last week the eight bells were taken down for removal to a foundry where they are to be recast. Parishioners will be able to welcome back the peal with light hears for the cost of recasting, something over £1,300, had virtually been met before the bells were removed. In fact only about £50 is outstanding.

The photograph shows children from the nearby Church Infants’ School looking with great interest at the bells lowered from the tower.

Five minutes after four local salmon netmen – Messrs Fred Lamey, Ernie Bignell, Dennis Bevan and Paddy Ryan – were rescued by the Appledore lifeboat, after their fishing boat had been swamped and sunk by heavy seas in the Torridge estuary, the rising tide covered the sandbank upon which they had been standing. The gale-like conditions limited the help other fishermen could give but Mr Tommy Cox’s boat retrieved Mr Lamey’s net.

Between 200-300 people, including Army teams with DUKWs, will be on duty and major local scenes of ‘incidents’ will be Appledore and Bideford. The timing is so arranged that the Manor Court parade to service at Bideford in the morning will not be ‘swamped’ by the operations. Emergency meals will be prepared and people rescued from ‘floods’ and the proceedings will last about eight hours from 10am including a break for lunch. Volunteer casualties are asked to write to Mr Moore, C.D. Officer, Bridge Buildings, Bideford.

Cllr A C Hooper, a member of Bideford Town Council for the past eight years, chairman of the Finance Committee, and Mayor in 1958-59, has definitely decided not to seek re-election next month. That means there will be at least two newcomers to the Council.

Hint of a scheme to widen High Street and Mill Street was given at Monday’s meeting of Bideford Town Council. The Highways Committee reported that they had instructed the Borough Surveyor to produce plans showing suggested improvement lines for both streets. The matter has arisen over a plan for the demolition of 62 Mill Street, and the erection on the site of a retail food store.

When a letter bearing a Baltic postmark recently came through a Bideford letterbox a 33 year old local man found himself, for the first time since the war, directly in touch with his father and sister whom he last saw in the hazardous days of war when the Russian armies were advancing on German-occupied Latvia. He is Mr Janis Vikmanis, of 26 Newton Road, a welder with P K Harris and Sons Ltd, Appledore. Born in Riga, where his father was foreman in a small distillery, Mr Vikmanis was forced to leave home in 1944. In 1947 he accepted the opportunity of coming to England and spent three years in agricultural work.

Tonight’s the night for the skittlers of Bideford and district, for the annual dinner of the local league is being held at the Westward Ho! Holiday Centre. Among those to receive trophies will be the Appledore WMC, a team who won the President’s Cup in a closely contested final. The team – Messrs P Reed, G Bignell, W Hutchings, H Morse, D Curtis, H Ranson. Losing finalists were Maltscoop A – E Edworthy, T Gubb, W Harris, I Gifford, J Williams and C H Tanton.

A couple who began their married life on 11s 6d a week and who recall difficult times without regret celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Bideford. They are Mr and Mrs Fred Squire, of 6 Avon Road, East-the-Water. Mr Squire, who is 70, told the Gazette that before he was married his pay was 5s a week and that he got married with £7. He met his wife when she worked on a farm at Weare Giffard, earning 3s a week, and three years later, in 1912, they were married at Bideford. They had four children, three boys and one girl. One son, Mr A Squire, was killed while serving on HMS Glorious during the war. The others are Mrs D Ford, of Knowle Farm, Holmacott, Mr C Squire of Tawstock, and Mr J Squire, of 10 Chudleigh Terrace. All joined in the celebrations.

The death has occurred at the Torridge Hospital, Bideford, at the age of 94, of Mrs Blackmore, widow of Mr Robert Blackmore, the Bideford auctioneer, and mother of Mr W R Blackmore, of Sunningdale, Abbotsham Road. Mrs Blackmore, had always taken a very active interest in the High Street Methodist Church. She was the daughter of the late Mr W B Reed, a former President of the Bible Christian Conference and a founder governor of Edgehill College. Mrs Blackmore being one of the first five pupils at the College. Longevity runs in the family, for Mrs Blackmore’s father was in his nineties, and of her brother and sister, who survive her, the Rev J Ford Reed, for 14 years bursar of Shebbear College, and a former President of the United Methodist Conference, now living in Croydon, and who preached at Bideford a week or so back, is 92, and Mrs W J Redmore, who lives at Chelmondiston, is 82. Mrs Blackmore’s only daughter, Miss Louie Blackmore, predeceased her.

Buy a Trimph Herald 1200 with 2 driving seat positions from Hopkins Garage, Meddon Street, Bideford

Some of the new bus shelters which have just been erected on Bideford Quay by the Town Council, the bus company meeting half the cost.

The Mail goes through at the double! Introducing the ‘Royal Mail’ Bideford, Ladies’ Darts team runners-up to the Fox Hunters, Braunton, in the North Devon Ladies’ darts competition sponsored in aid of the Devon blind. This team beat teams from the Ship and Tradesman’s and Torrington to reach the final. The team – Mrs D Violet, Mrs F Giddy, Mrs B Elson, Mrs R Spry, Mrs F Cook, Mrs M Barnes, Mrs D Cousins, Miss J Vaughan, Mrs P Alford.

Bideford hospital’s egg and pound week annual appeal met with a very generous response. A stall was organised in the market and Messrs W J Blight and Son kindly lent a caravan which stood in Jubilee Square. Donations, collection boxes and the raffle brought in £95 12s. Over 106 dozen eggs, 115lb sugar, 25lb jam about 30lb of sundries were also collected. The winning tickets in the draw, drawn by Mrs Candler, resulted in the following winners – Mrs Harden (Northam), Mrs Dark (Westleigh), Mrs Wheeler, (Weare Giffard), Mrs Wiltshire (International Stores), Miss Reed (Torrington), Mr Hopkins (Meddon Street), Mrs Babb (16 Union Street), Miss Iscar (Elm Grove), Mr R L Cock, Mr Johnson (Umberleigh). The organiser of the Egg and Pound Week was Mrs M E Turner, of Landcross.

Mr Richard Benjamin Bond, of Bradworthy, who celebrated his 100th birthday has many stirring memories. These include working on the Canadian Pacific Railway in the pioneering days, meeting ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody and watching barefist Jim Corbett in action. Mr Bond, who has 2 surviving brothers – Mr Elijah Bond, of Hatherleigh, and Mr Sid Bond, who also lives at Bradworthy – left for Canada when he was 18. For the past 12 years he has lived with his nephew and niece, Mr and Mrs Gerald Bond, of Slashens. A cake has been baked by his niece Mrs Enid Bond and iced by her daughter, Mrs Betty Philp. Sadly, only four days after his 100th birthday, Mr Bond died.

A Buckland Brewer application for a grant to replace a damaged thatched roof, on a property called Thorne, with a more permanent covering came before the meeting of Bideford Rural Council’s Public Health and Housing Committee, who were reluctant to make a firm decision and recommended that the claim should be referred to the Ministry. The Surveyor, Mr L J Dunn, said they had never dealt with similar case. The Council could give a grant if they want to, up to a maximum of £400.

Last year was one without a wedding at Clovelly Parish Church. But there were eight baptisms, 11 people confirmed, and there were 11 funerals. Most Parochial Church Councils in this vicinity have much to occupy their attention in maintaining the fabric of their churches and Clovelly is no exception. The March issue of the Hartland Deanery Magazine reported that a considerable amount of time, money and effort had gone into the maintenance of church and churchyard, but though both are now in good order there was cause to expect further expensive repairs with the year. Hartland is devising means of meeting a bill of over £1,000 for re-pointing St Nectan’s Church tower, but perhaps the plight of near neighbour Woolsery is even more desperate.

A headmaster, Mr J E Lees, of West Huntspill, Somerset, has been appointed to Clovelly Primary School. He will take the place of Miss A N Blackmore, who relinquished those duties at the end of the spring term.

The Clovelly Estate Company is not to be allowed to establish a caravan site at Clovelly Cross, the Minister of Housing and Local Government has ruled.

Mr T B Slee, of Messrs T N Slee and Sons, Highford Farm, Higher Clovelly, receives from Col H J Wilson, vice-president of the NFU, the Seemeel Silver Challenge Bowl for area No. 14 (Devon) for quality bacon pigs sent most regularly to factories. The presentation was made at a luncheon at the May Fair Hotel, London.

Complaining that paper from the refuse collection vehicle was being blown about Hartland, Mr M H Prust told the Parish Council that in the contract it had been specified that a covered wagon should be used. Wastepaper should not be put with refuse, but should be burnt, said the chairman, Mr A J George. A covered wagon would not prevent it being blown from the dump. “It blows off on the way to the dump” retorted Mr Prust. It was agreed to refer his complaint to the Rural Council.

Saying it with flowers at Hartland.

A week ago the children of Hartland School were having their end-of-term examinations. For most of them these were over by Friday, but not for a number of children who attended the Methodist Sunday School. They were away from school on Friday afternoon to take their annual Sunday School examination, the results of which will be published later.

High tide driven by a north-westerly gale battered the local coasts. Worst hit was Instow where damage was sustained by the Marine Hotel. With the thumping mountainous seas the wall dividing the hotel garden and beach was knocked down allowing the water to sweep into the building, flooding a small dining room. It invaded the kitchens and the cellars, but the staff was equal to the occasion. Breakfast was served right on time. Another casualty was the flagstaff. Tons of seaweed were swept up off Instow front. Westward Ho! was also affected.

Instow worried by removal of sand and gravel taken from the rivers Taw and Torridge.

Members of Langtree Women’s Institute celebrated its 13th birthday with a dinner, an appetising meal comprising ham salad, fruit and cream, and cheese and biscuits being enjoyed. A birthday cake, given by Mrs Scott, was cut by the President, Mrs S Ley.

Mr Alan Richard Atkin, of Rectory Villas, Langtree, is involved in a car blaze at Monkleigh.

About the middle of next week a brighter light than ever before will flash across Bideford Bay from Lundy. The existing equipment at one of the island’s two lighthouses, which have been there since 1897, is now being modernised. It is anticipated that about next Tuesday a new permanent light of considerably greater intensity than the old will begin to operate. It is being installed at Lundy South lighthouse, which since March 23rd has been equipped with a temporary light. That was revealed by a Trinity House official after local watchers from the shore had wondered what had happened. They had been puzzled by a change in the flash periods of the light. Lundy ‘Old light’ was built in 1819. The existing lighthouses which superseded it stand at the north-west and south-east of the island respectively.

Questioned in the Commons about the recent “infringement of fishing rights” (at Lundy) when the fishing vessel Quiet Waters was fired on from Lundy, Mr W M Vane (Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) said that the irregular use of firearms was a matter for the police.

Durrant House opening at Easter as a private hotel.

Northam Coat of Arms criticism.

Criticism was levelled at Devon County Council by Mr Twose for what he described as ‘the complete and utter waste of money’ in its proposal to build a dual carriageway between Northam and Bideford, but it was decided to defer the matter until next month and invite Mr V F Bowyer, a Devon county councillor, who is a member of the Chamber, to give information about the proposed development.

Mr G Weaver, of Parkham, told member of the local WI at their April meeting about a winter sports holiday enjoyed by himself and his family, the talk being illustrated by photographs. Competition – the prettiest cup and saucer – resulted: 1. Mrs L Dunn; 2 Miss P Stoneman; 3. Mrs J Piper; 4, Mrs C Rowe. Mrs S Tucker presided and hostesses were Mrs D Pickard and Miss P Stoneman. Earlier, members had enjoyed a conducted tour of Buckleigh Laundry where they were entertained to tea. Management and staff were thanked by Mrs Tucker.

At the annual meeting of Shebbear Playing Field and Village Hall Committee, presided over by Mr Peter Hearn, Mr W J Larkworthy (Secretary) reported that the hall had been used on more than 80 occasions during the year. He also gave details of a proposed extension to the north side of the hall, to include additional cloakroom space, stores, and possibly a skittle alley. Mr A J Bale (Treasurer) reported cash in hand as £376, and expenses for the past year £256. Nominations of eight members to serve on the committee were: Mrs J Griffin, Miss U Vanstone, Mrs K Sluggett, Mr A Buse, Mr A J Bale, Mr P J Hearn, Mr G Metter and Mr S G Pett.

In the presence of a large congregation the Bishop of Exeter, Dr R C Mortimer, confirmed 35 candidates at Torrington Parish Church. They were drawn from Torrington, Little Torrington, Langtree, Beaford and Westward Ho! Other clergy present were the Revs P G Harrison, P K Challen, H L Neville, R Howlett with lay reader Mr V N ffolliot Powell. Miss M Wright was organist.

A neck-and-neck race from Torrington to Instow ended happily for three people. But this was no ordinary race, for it involved the 10.30am train from Torrington and a car driven by 20 year old university student Mr Roger Blackmore, of Broomhill Farm, Petersmarland.

Torrington Town Council decided to give £100 towards the £1,900 swimming pool now being built at Torrington County Secondary School. A letter was read from the headmaster, Mr J W Bastin, inviting the Council’s assistance.

The name of the new flats built for old people in Calf Street will be Marwood Court, after Mr Marwood John Balsdon, owner of the site, Torrington Town Council have decided.

Two senior musicians resigned at the annual meeting of Torrington Voluntary Silver Band, and the retiring president and founder member, Mr John White, did not seek re-election. Terry Hutchings was elected deputy bandmaster, the youngest ever to hold that post. Others elected include Mr Denis Placknett, Mr Victor Perrior and Mr Tony Edwards.

Cllr J H Long has decided not to seek re-election to Torrington Town Council when his present term of office expires next month. He has been an active member since 1946, was Mayor in 1953-54 and 1954-55 and has served as an alderman. A native of High Bickington, he was in business in Wimbledon, retiring to Torrington in 1939.

Mrs D M Joy, of Westleigh, carried off three of the six major awards at Instow Spring Show, including her own for the best exhibit and that for most points. And this she achieved in the face of strong competition for the show has made tremendous strides since it was instituted by the Instow Flower Arrangement Club four years ago.

Do you remember the Cutty Sark Coffee Bar at Westward Ho!

Northam Urban Council, who want to acquire land near the slipway at Westward Ho! for coast protection purposes were told that it had been learned from the owner that the present tenant has an option to buy, which does not expire until later this year. It was agreed that he be asked to waive the option to permit the Council to negotiate with the owner.

A 10-year old boy on holiday with a school party at Westward Ho! Holiday Centre was rescued by coastguards after he had become trapped two thirds of the way up a 60-foot cliff. The boy, Stephen Crossway, of Audenshaw, became stranded while attempting to climb the cliff from the beach. It was nearly an hour before his plight was noticed. Mr John Forgan, coastguard in charge at Westward Ho! went to the spot with another coastguard, Mr John Miller, and a member of the local Lifesaving Apparatus crew, Mr Roger Wise, also of Westward Ho! Mr Forgan was lowered from the cliff-top to the stranded boy who, after a rope had been secured to him, was pulled up none the worse for his experience.

War Dept proposals indicate that they do not intend to use the beach at Westward Ho! to the south of Sandymere and that the whole area will be used as little as possible during July and August and at weekends. This was reported to Northam Urban Council when it was agreed that the War Dept be asked not to use the estuary during the period two hours before and two hours after low water because of the danger of fouling nets.

Pots of daffodils grown by members for competition brought a welcome breath of spring to the April meeting of Woolsery WI at which Mrs A Dennis presided. Winners were Miss E Perkins, Mrs P Chapple. Another competition – a summer jumper – resulted 1. Miss R Hooper; 2. Mrs Hillyer.

Years Ago - April

April 1923

Births – a daughter to Mr and Mrs Vernon C Boyle; a daughter to Dr and Mrs Cianter (nee Woodyatt); at 8 Cold Harbour, to Mr and Mrs Richard Lang, a son (nee Minnie Folley); at Cross Street, Northam, to Mr and Mrs Edward Littlejohns, a son (nee Hilda Pester); a daughter for Mr and Mrs A K P Woodyatt; at 75 New Street, Torrington, to Mr and Mrs J H Holwill, a daughter; at Kenmare Cottage, Buckleigh, to Mr and Mrs A P Tucker, a daughter;

Marriages – Bealey-Cock; Pett-Squires; Burrow-Woodyatt; Haynes-Buscomb; Piper-Branch; Pickard-Rundle; Searle-Bowdidge; Mitchell-Ackland

Deaths – Frances Cannon; Mary M Pickard; John Bishop; Howard George Brain; John Crealock; Charles Hilgrove Gossett; Robert William Purves; Harry Spry; Alfred John Dark; Laura Rummens; at Sunnyholme, Appledore, Mrs Coombe, widow of the late William Coombe, of Torrington;

For the eyes and eyelashes.

Emergency menus

The Central Wages Board for railways met in London and made its periodical review of the sliding scale wage agreement based on the cost of living. It was decided that, as there had not been a full five-point reduction in the figures published in the ‘Labour Gazette’ for March as compared with those on which the last reduction took place, there would be no alteration in the amount paid over the basic rate for the next three months.

No station for Black Torrington.

Later in the month, Torrington Rural Council received a letter from the Halwill-Torrington Railway Company enclosing a diagram showing the following proposed stopping places: Petersmarland Halt, Huish Station, Meeth Halt, Hatherleigh Station, and Black Torrington Station.

Knocked down by a down train at the limekiln near Bideford Station on the Southern Railway, a cow belonging to Mr Fulford, of Southcott, was killed. The animal lay in the pay of the five o’clock up train, which was stopped, and officials on board removed the cow before the train proceeded.

In a follow-up to one of last month’s stories, Devon Elementary School teachers who have not accepted the 5% salary cut decided on by Devon County Council have been served by registered post with three months’ notice to terminate their agreements.

Fourteen teams competed in a North Devon ringing festival held at Bishopstawton Parish Church – Atherington, Bratton Fleming, Loxhore, Langtree, Torrington, Mortehoe, Marwood, Littleham and Iddesleigh being represented.

Summer time, which is now fixed by the Summer Time Act, will begin this year at 2 o’clock Greenwich Mean Time on the morning of Sunday April 22nd and will continue until 2 o’clock Greenwich Mean Time on the morning of Sunday September 16th.

An excellent entertainment took place in the Abbotsham Schoolroom, promoted and arranged by Mrs F B Kempe and Miss A F Turner, who are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts. The first part of the programme consisted of selections from HMS Pinafore followed by an amusing sketch entitled ‘A Quiet Cup of Tea’. The entertainment was followed by a dance which was kept up until 12 o’clock, music being very kindly provided by Miss N Bluett at the piano and Messrs T and C Easton, who played the accordian and violin. Refreshments were provided by members of Mrs F B Kempe’s Working Party who, as usual, were most helpful.

The death has occurred at No. 1210 Grape Street, New York, USA, of Mrs Ann Keen Land, a native of Appledore, who was the oldest person in New York State, and with one exception the oldest ever to live in Onondaga county. She was 104 years of age. Mrs Land, whose maiden name was Keen, was a member of a well known Appledore family. Members of the family still reside in North Devon. Mrs Land, with her husband, Mr John Land, went to Syracuse from England 70 years ago, and since that time she had resided in the same house. Her husband lost his life in the Civil War, after having been several months in the active fighting line.

In Cardiff, a special presentation was made on behalf of the Portuguese Government to Capt A E Tamlyn, of the steamship Cardiff City, owned by Sir W Reardon Smith and Sons. The presentation was for the gallant conduct of the master and crew in effecting the rescue of the aviators, Commander Secadura Cabral, and Pilot Gago Continno, and their seaplane. Capt Tamlyn is a native of Appledore and is the nephew of Mr E J Tamlyn.

The Vicar of Appledore presented Mrs F C Huxtable with a gift.

Mrs Elizabeth Oatway, of the Grand Hotel, Appledore, pleaded guilty to a summons for selling spirit without a license, thereby rendering herself liable to a penalty of £50. Mr W Park, Surveyor of Customs and Excise, appeared to prosecute for the Commissioners. The Bench imposed a fine of £3 3s.

At Bideford County Sessions, Bertram Hancock for riding a bicycle at night without a light, on the Northam-Appledore road on March 20th, was fined 3s. PC Martin stated the facts.

Aldermen Thomas Goaman, John Cock, J M Metherell, Messrs Thomas Pollard and A G Duncan are to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Bideford.

Frank Prust is summoned for failing to have his name and address on a vehicle used for delivering milk. He is fined 3s.

S Metherell, Market Place, Bideford, uses 'local labour' for his ladies’ tailoring and we wondered why it was this was highlighted. It may be linked to the stories about large numbers of men from other areas arriving in the locality, as reported by the workhouses. The vagrants are complaining that they were promised work on the Torrington to Halwill railway construction, but the Labour exchange would not issue tickets to strangers until all local men were used up. Sadly it seems many of the local men who presented themselves at the railway were incapable of carrying out the hard manual work required.

Bideford Farmers Union is calling for the urgent enlargement of Bideford Cattle Market, for which the necessary ground has been purchased but there have been repeated delays in implementing the improvements. Further discussions on this matter continue in the paper throughout the month.

Another story earning a lot of coverage is the ongoing competition between Bideford and Barnstaple as to which is the busier port. Barnstaple’s claim is reported in the Western Morning News and the Mercury. Mr W T Goaman has asked the Town Council for an analysis; Mr J M Metherell had been told by an Appledore skipper that for every one ship going to Barnstaple, two or three went to Bideford.

Successful whist drive and dance in the Drill Hall, Bideford.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at Bideford Baptist Church by the Rev H Trotman, the contracting parties being Mr Cecil T Burrow, Place Court, Colaton Raleigh, and Margaretta E P Woodyatt, daughter of Mr and Mrs Woodyatt, Roysen, Westward Ho! Mr Stanley Burrow attended to the duties of best man, while Mr H P Woodyatt carried out the duties of groomsman in an efficient manner.

What’s showing at the Palladium in Mill Street?

Road traffic over the Easter holiday is described as having been “excessive”. Rarely has there been such an abundance of motor traffic on the Bideford to Barnstaple road, much of it going to the Point-to-Point races at Melbury. Heavier than usual traffic was also reported at Westward Ho!

Widening of Bideford Bridge.

Planting season has arrived, and the first paper of the month carries several adverts for vegetable seeds and seed potatoes.

Here are some of the other small ads:

Lost, one black brocaded dance shoe.

For hire, vacuum cleaner, 2/6d per day.

Wanted – young dog, over distemper, house trained, not too big, Schipperke liked, mongrel might do.

Milk has reduced to 6d per quart.

Countess Fortescue is now lady-in-waiting to the Queen.

Wyatt’s Stores in Westward Ho! (telephone 20) is well known for Coffee, free delivery within a 4 mile radius.

A blind man wants orders for re-caning chairs. Mr Sam Baker, Torridge Street, East-the-Water.

The wedding took place at the Parish Church, Buckland Brewer, on Easter Monday, of Ethel Branch, daughter of Mr and Mrs H Branch, Ashton Cottages, and John Piper, son of the late Mr and Mrs Piper, Monkleigh.

An exceedingly pretty wedding in which much interest was evinced was solemnized in the Wesleyan Church, Buckland Brewer, the contracting parties being Mr G H Bealey, younger son of Mr Bealey, East Hele, and Miss Cock, elder daughter of Mr J Cock, Gorwood. Mr Frances Allen, cousin of the bridegroom, proved an efficient best man, while the Rev A W Bunnett, MA, Supt Wesleyan Minister, officiated at the interesting ceremony.

At Hartland, the Providence Chapel Anniversary was celebrated on Good Friday. The public tea was well attended. Ladies helping were Mesdames Allin, Andrew, Beer, Goaman, Johns, Prouse, Slee, Misses M Cruse, Goaman, and Slee. The Church was crowded for the evening meeting presided over by the Pastor, E Hill. Mrs J Cruse presided at the organ. At the supper which followed Mr Hill presented an oak salad bowl and silver ash tray to Mr and Mrs Cleave as an appreciation of the valued services faithfully and lovingly rendered.

Second annual flower show held in the Rifle Hall, Instow, and organised by Miss Hinchliff of Worlington House.

During the interval of the Pilton v Instow football match a pleasing little ceremony took place, when Mr Ernest Snell, the popular centre-half of the Instow team, was presented on behalf of the Club with a handsome silver fruit basket as a mark of esteem on the occasion of his marriage. Mr Snell heartily thanked the Club for the beautiful gift, which he should greatly treasure, on behalf of his wife and himself, and mentioned that he hoped to play football for a few more seasons yet, and his remarks were greeted with a cheer.

At the United Methodist Chapel in Langtree, the wedding was solemnised by Rev R W Luxton of Miss Edith Palmer, second daughter of Mr John Palmer, and Mr Charles Bale, second son of Mr and Mrs J Bale of Frithelstock. Suitable hymns were rendered, led by Mr Francis Moore on the organ.

The death of Mr John Walters of Langtree casts a gloom.

At Langtree, the School Managers, Messrs Short, Hackwill, Cole and Sanders, with the Rector, Rev B Hallowes, met and decided to carry out the instructions of the Devon Education Committee by giving all teachers three months’ notice to cancel their engagements.

A wedding took place at the Wesleyan Church, Littleham, the contracting parties being Mr Frank Cleverdon, sixth son of the late Mr W Cleverdon and Mrs Cleverdon, of Milford, Buckland Brewer, and Miss Bessie Vaggers, of Nethercleave, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W Vaggers, Littleham.

The funeral of Mr John Crealock, who died at Higher Cleave House, Bideford, took place at Littleham, his native home, the Rev F Kerrich officiating.

Lundy Island’s vestry meeting was interesting from many points, for it was the first held for many years, and Rev Henry H Lane, who presided, is the first Rector since 1355. Ladies were appointed to both wardenships, Mrs Lane being appointed by the Rector, and Miss Sage being elected people’s warden.

At Monkleigh, the Village Club and Skittle Club finished the winter session by a supper in the Club room. The supper was excellently served by Mr and Mrs Henry Redcliffe, of the Bell Inn. Lieut-Col Parsons presided over a good number of members, and, after toasting “The King” proposed “Continued prosperity and success to the Monkleigh Village and Skittle Club.” They brought people together and promoted good fellowship and enjoyment.

Apply to Walter J Barnes, Clerk to the Council, Northam Urban District Council for the post of Working Foreman.

Charles Hodgkins, 19, George Hodgkins, 18, Frederick Jewell, 16, Stanley Curtis, 16 and Bertie Jewell, 16, all at Northam, were are Bideford County Sessions fined 1s each for playing football in the road between Westward Ho! and Northam on Sunday evening. PC Uglow proved the case, and although the defendants denied playing ‘football’ one of them admitted that the ball was ‘headed’ into a field. The chairman, Mr Stucley, hoped the penalty would prevent others committing similar offences to the annoyance of passers-by.

At Bideford County Sessions, Col F W Bennet in the chair, Charles Moore, 46, farmer, of Dyers’ Moor Farm, Parkham, who did not appear, was summoned for being the owner of two colts found straying on the highway known as Melbury Road.

At Parkham, Mr F Harding presided over the Parish Council meeting. It was decided to call the Surveyor’s attention to the very blind corners at Kilvenstool and Foxdown. A fatal accident has happened at the former, whilst a motorcycle and car had a narrow escape at the latter.

Mr and Mrs T Arnold, of the Bell Inn, Parkham, celebrated their golden wedding.

The death has occurred of Mrs A Baglehole, an old and respected parishioner of Parkham, who had reached the age of 87 years. She leaves a grown up family to mourn their loss, her husband having pre-deceased her about 17 years ago. The funeral took place in the parish churchyard amid many tokens of sympathy and respect.

The death of Mr Henry Mullins, in his 71st year, is announced. Deceased, who had just retired from the position of rural postman, was a prominent figure on the bowling green, and took a very keen interest in the game. Rev P Luxton officiated at the funeral, the immediate mourners being

A music and dancing licence has been granted to the lounge at the Golden Bay Hotel, Westward Ho!, at the request of the landlord Lt-Col Maskell.

The wedding took place at Woolsery Church, Rev L R Lewis officiating, of Mr Fred E Salter to Miss Ina Florence Japp.

And finally:

Broncho Bill’s Circus is visiting the Pill, Bideford, and then going on to Torrington. The two elephants, Salt and Saucy are twenty-eight years old. Saucy is the only elephant in the world who can stand on her head and it took three years to teach her the stunt. The elephants have their toe-nails manicured and polished every three weeks.

April 1973

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 this week the centre was temporarily out of stock of vaccine as a result of the demand from local people planning holidays abroad.

Peace such as it had not known for 12 months or more returned to the Watertown shipyard of Messrs J. Hinks and Son at Appledore on Friday morning. The lofty building that had become a Mecca for thousands, and out of which the Golden Hinde replica had slid so sweetly the night before, seemed strangely empty. A sense of achievement and satisfaction had been left, but it could not wholly dispel a sense of anti-climax. Principal of the firm, Mr Alan Hinks, agreed to its presence, “But we have a small trawler and other boats to carry on with. There is no danger of our becoming a specialist firm. I do not think that by building the Golden Hinde we lost any particular contracts.”

Additional enjoyment was provided at the launching of the Golden Hinde by an Elizabethan fayre presented by Appledore youths sports and social club. A colourful procession by members had as its climax the knighting of Francis Drake by Queen Elizabeth. A fencing display by Mr Wyngrave Payne and company provided a touch of drama and there was background music by the recorder group of Appledore country primary school led by the headmaster, Mr R. Curtis. In addition to Morris dancing, the ribbon dance was performed with charm by members of Barnstaple Operatic Society. Colour as well as practical help was provided by Torrington Cavaliers who also contested a tug-o’war with men from the shipyard.

The Westcountry’s representatives in the last 32 of the Sunday People pub sports quiz will be the Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Cricket Club. They won their way into the third round of this national tournament by beating the Victoria Sports Club, of Street, 26-22 in a nail-biting finish. And no one was more delighted with the Bideford side’s win than David Cox, the 29-year-old precision engineer who in the previous round scored more than half his side’s points. Against the Street team he was again one of the mainstays of his side and he, team secretary Phil Lucock and team-mate Dick Churchill combined forces to answer the vital last questions successfully.

But it was the usually so reliable defence that contributed most to the downfall. Two unfortunate mistakes in the opening half were seized by Bognor to give them two goals in a 10-minute spell. Steve Snell cancelled out the first with an equaliser within a minute but their second marked the beginning of the end. Despite this Bideford still had more scoring chances, especially in the first half and the latter part of the second. A reflection of this was that Bideford had 10 corners awarded to them and Bognor only one. Against the run of play Bognor netted a third just before the final whistle.

At 7 a.m. tomorrow, nine Bideford students will finish a game of badminton which started at 7 p.m. last Friday night. It won’t be the longest game on record, but it will have lasted 180 hours and resulted in about £200 being raised for Shelter. Yesterday the students, who are being sponsored collectively at the rate of a little over £1 an hour, decided to abandon their original plan to attack the world record which would have meant them playing on until Sunday. Janet Hore, Betty Maynard, Barbara Mitchell and Elaine Withey are pupils at Edgehill College and Andrew Shepherd, Jeremy Hodge, Jamie Slee, Robert Dunsford and Christopher Allin attend Bideford Grammar School, where the marathon game is being staged.

Did you go to Dolly’s Salon?

All the children of Buckland Brewer country primary school took part in an Easter concert that drew a capacity audience to the village hall. Wesley Hill was a guest soloist. Appreciation of Mrs Pat Withecombe, accompanist, was expressed by the headmaster, Mr Andrew Rood.

To mark its silver jubilee, Hartland branch of the Royal British Legion has opened extensions to its buildings. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr B C Kelly, president of the branch.

For the third successive year Hartland children carried off the shield at the Bude Methodist circuit youth council's seventh youth eisteddfod. A total of 21 Hartland children were responsible for 123 entries and achieved the massive total of 1,744 points. Hartland results: Jennifer Allin, one thirdl Hazel Bragg, one first; Martin Colwill, one second; Dwayne Heard, two firsts, two seconds and a third; Wendy Heard, three firsts, two seconds, two thirds; Alison Manley, two seconds; Lisa Manley, two firsts; Patrick O'Donnell, a first, second and third; Sandra O'Donnell, a second and two thirds; Andrew Prouse, one first; Denise Short, three firsts, two seconds; Kenneth Sluggett, two firsts, a second and two thirds; Jennifer Thorne, one first and one third; Tracy Thorne, one third.

Of aluminium it will be as big as any in the race – at 80 ft. precisely is the maximum length possible. It is being constructed at Poole and is due to be completed in June. After trials Mr Smith will be bringing it to Bideford. But he cheerfully admits that although a former sailor, he will be in the race “just for the ride.” Mr Williams has all the experience. He won the round Britain race and the Cape Town to Rio race with Robin Knox Johnson and was fourth in the single-handed trans-Atlantic race. As an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School – his father was youth employment officer here – Mr Smith left to go to sea. But after four years he decided that property had better prospects and sailing became merely a hobby. About a year ago he took up flying which has become more or less essential for his business, and tomorrow at Chivenor he will take delivery of what will be the first privately-owned Japanese aircraft in England. Regulations will not permit him to operate from Chivenor and the search is on for a suitable piece of land. Mr Smith hopes to keep the plan, a four-seater, at Winkleigh. Mr and Mrs Smith are expecting their first child this week. Another competitor in the round-the-world race, which is for crewed yachts and which starts on September 8, will be Chay Blyth, a frequent visitor to Heale House. He is being backed by millionaire philanthropist Mr Jack Hayward, who bought Lundy for the nation in 1968 and who, because of his strong patriotism is known as “Union Jack.” He lives in the Bahamas. Mr Blyth who in 1971 completed the first ever non-stop solo sail around the world from east to west, said this week that Mr Hayward had offered to provide the bulk of the finance. His only conditions are that the yacht shall be built in Britain and the crew shall be all-British.

Torridgeside potter Harry Juniper, who lives at Monkleigh, has just scored another success with his work which reflects the centuries-old North Devon fashioning of clay, and its decoration, brought up-to-date and bearing the stamp of his individual style. Prompted by Mr James Paterson, head of Bideford School of Art, he submitted an entry to this year’s Topham Trophy competition.

Northam Urban Council have received approval for a £4,000 project to provide four more groynes on the Pebble Ridge at Westward Ho! The work which it is hoped will start early this summer, will bring the total number of groynes there to 10.

Northam has a youth club again. Membership is around 30 and increasing weekly despite difficulties engendered by lack of funds. But with affiliation to the Devon Association now under way it is hoped soon to provide equipment. Donations and gfits from a number of local traders have helped the monthly bingo sessions. Secretary of the club, which meets Tuesday evenings, is S Harding.

A building plot with planning permission for the erection of a pair of semi-detached bungalows was sold for what is believed to be a local record figure of £10,150 at an auction conducted by Braddicks Estate Agency Ltd, at the New Inn Hotel, Bideford. The plots, at Jackets Lane (Sandymere Road), Northam, were purchased by a local builder, Mr R M Quance, of Merley Road, Westward Ho!

Mrs Mandy Alvarez, of the Durrant House Hotel, Northam, has reached the last 20 in the Daily Mirror’s Barmaid of the Year contest. She travels to London for the contest. Mandy has been working at Durrant for the last 19 months. Her husband, Pepe, who comes from Las Palmas, is the head waiter at the hotel. Mandy came from Nottingham, where she worked formerly as a hairdresser.

Councillor Michael Street said that Torrington council must get the maximum price for this property, which belonged to ratepayers. In such a case, he contended, it would be better not to employ the district valuer, who might be “out of touch,” and to use the services of valuers from different firms. He was told by the Town Clerk, Mr Alan Fitt: “I am doubtful if you would find two firms prepared to do the same work.” When the council agreed to accept the committee’s report “subject to further discussion,” the clerk pointed out that only one firm had come forward although admittedly they had taken the initiative. Other firms with other proposals for the property might be found.

Historic Weare Giffard Hall, with its three and a half acres of private gardens and a mile of salmon and trout fishing in the Torridge, is to be offered for sale by auction. The 15th-century manor house was one of the last Royalist strongholds in the Westcountry and for several centuries was owned by the Fortescue family. It is at present in the ownership of Miss E M Mullins, Mrs M Minet and Mrs B P Dickson.

Silhouette Room, Golden Bay Bars, Westward Ho!

The Moorings, 45 Atlantic Way, Westward Ho! for sale.

When Peter Francis White, of White’s Bakery, Nelson Road, Westward Ho! was charged with selling a loaf of bread unfit for human consumption, his solicitor, Mr Jeremy Ferguson, entered the witness box and swore information alleging that Associated Family Bakers (Devon and Cornwall) Ltd, had supplied that loaf. A summons was then issued against that firm. The magistrates found Mr White not guilty but fine Associated Family Bakers.

April 1998

These five daring “Full Monty” lads topped the bill at the spring charity fund-raiser organised by neighbouring Appledore pubs the Beaver and the Royal George. Twins Mike and James Walsh, Neil Hotchkiss, Rob Waters and Jules Brummitt stole the limelight with their Saturday night performance at the Beaver Inn and there was standing room only as the lads went through their well-practiced routine, which had been choreographed with the help of local girls Sue Harries and Angelique Craner. A range of events along West Quay on Easter Monday included a dog show, cake competition, arm wrestling, barbecue, face painting, band music and raffles also drew a good crowd despite the unseasonal weather. The end result was the collection of more than £700 to be shared between the Children’s Hospice South West, the RSPCA and the Winslade Wildlife Sanctuary.

Salar the Salmon was immortalised by famous North Devon author Henry Williamson. Now two Appledore co-authors have followed another aspect of the local story with a history of the pursuit of the silver fishes in the estuary of the twin rivers Taw and Torridge. 'Salmon netting in North Devon' by Dr Alison Grant and Mayor of Northam Philip Waters details what was once a way of life for many North Devon families but is now in danger of dying out. The book has been published by the North Devon Maritime Museum to capture the knowledge before it is lost and to complement the history, a 1950s salmon boat donated to the museum by local fisherman Sid Eastman is being restored for exhibition by Mr Waters and hs cousin, Tom, whose family one ran a boatbuilding firm. The book is being launched at the museum in Odun Road, Appledore.

Our picture shows Dr Grant and Mr Waters with the restored salmon boat

Appledore lifeboat station celebrated the naming of a unique new inshore rescue boat which has been purpose made to help overcome the difficulties of Bideford Bar. The 24 ft. Atlantic 75 is the RNLI’s top-of-the-range inflatable lifeboat; Appledore’s version also incorporates ballast tanks which can be quickly filled and emptied to give increased stability when negotiating the treacherous estuary bar. The Appledore crew members had themselves helped to develop the ballast system after previous inshore boats had had their engines swamped while crossing the bar, said coxswain Mike Bowden. The inflatable rescue boat, which complements the station’s main seagoing vessel, the George Gibson, was officially named Douglas Paley by the benefactor who paid for the £66,000 boat; Mrs Evelyn Paley, from Sussex, gave the gift to the RNLI in memory of her late husband, Air Commodore Douglas Paley. A service of dedication was conducted by the Vicar of Appledore, the Ref. John Ewington.

Victims of crime will benefit from the marathon efforts of Bideford runner Thor Beverley. When he takes part in the London Marathon at the end of the month he will also be raising sponsorship cash for North Devon Victim Support. Thor, who works for the Youth Justice Team in North Devon, said; “I am very pleased to be raising money for those who work with victims of crime, especially as my job involves helping to reduce crime by working with young offenders.”

The youngsters from Westcroft Junior and Pynes Infants’ Schools will be helped in their endeavours by the SWEB Tree Scheme under which the electricity company, working in partnership with the Silvanus Trust, is sponsoring tree planning in schools. Head teachers Liz Noble and Alan Junkison have both welcomed the chance to introduce their pupils to the important challenge of woodland stewardship.

One of Bideford’s favourite venues for local celebrations is planning a special occasion of its own this weekend. Celebrations at the First In Last Out in Clovelly Road will mark the 10th anniversary there of this landlady, Janet Allen. In addition to the usual Saturday night live music entertainment there will be a free buffet and “other surprises.” The name has changed from the former Sir Richard Grenville to the First Inn Last Out to reflect its place as the last pub on the route out of Bideford – or the first to be encountered on the way In! It has also been expanded to incorporate a next-door cottage into a larger bar with cosy and secluded seating areas and a 60-seat restaurant has been developed in its former skittle alley. Jan runs the busy pub and restaurant with the aid of daughter Kelly and an all-female staff. Even the friendly pub Doberman is a female! The all-women system works well, says Jan. “It is putting the skills of a housewife into practice – cooking, cleaning, decorating, gardening, running the business, unblocking the drains…….” When not engaged in these day to day activities grandmother Jan still finds time to create decorative sugarcraft, including the making of wedding cakes, and is currently taking a computer course.

Out of Africa has come a new piece of band music dedicated to Bideford. Retirement has brought veteran musician George Crowther to Torridgeside after nearly half-a-century in the former Rhodesia and South Africa. With him has come a special gift – a brass band march which he has written and entitled Bideford and which will be performed for the first time by Bideford Town Band at its spring concert. On Saturday, 83 year old George gave a talk about his life and some examples of his music at the town’s Methodist Church hall. The evening was a fund-raiser for the Methodist Church and for the Royal British Legion, both of which have played important roles in George’s life.

Our picture shows George in familiar pose at the keyboard with Bideford Methodist Church Minister, the Rev. Peter nock and Bideford RBL secretary Jim Reynolds

Torridgeside is facing a crisis of major proportions with the prospect of additional housing development equivalent to a new town the combined size of Bideford and Torrington, it was claimed this week. The warning came from local Council for the Protection of Rural England spokesman Jeremy Bell, who said that both Torridge and North Devon are at the crossroads under the last Government’s housing allocation proposals.

The plan would involve a new bridge to replace the old Nutaberry Hill railway bridge which now carries the Tarka Trial footway and cyclepath and realignment of the roadway beneath to improve visibility. Last year councillors refused a similar application on the grounds that the proposal would result in unacceptable conflict of residential and commercial/industrial uses, and that Torrington Street was considered incapable of accommodating the traffic that would result. Loss of the railway bridge with rolling stock carrying capacity was also considered detrimental to the future tourism development of this part of the Tarka Trail. A local railway group has been hoping to re-open a short section of railway utilising the bridge. Again recommending acceptance of the plan officers point out that the majority of the site is allocated for housing in the Local Plan and that residential development there would replace the heavy traffic associated with current commercial use by lighter vehicles. They also do not consider refusal on the grounds of loss of a railway bridge with rolling stock carrying capacity to be sustainable, given that there is uncertainty about whether the local railway group proposals can proceed. And they say the present route of the Tarka Trail and its tourism use would be unaffected by the proposed development. Officers recommendation for approval is subject to submission of more details, provision of a new visitors car park for the Tarka Trail, landscaping, provision for open space, tidal defence measures, traffic calming and highway realignment and an investigation to assess the extent of any contaminated land. They are also recommending that development by delayed until 1999 to coincide with provision of the new Cornborough Sewage treatment scheme for the area.

This monster from the deep turned a few heads when displayed in the window of the Clovelly Fish shop in Bideford. The 18lb. 8oz. monkfish is characterised by its huge jaws and big teeth. Displayed here by shop assistant Tommy Perham, left, and owner Dan Garnett, the monkfish is one of a variety of unusual fish which appear in the shop window – all of which have been caught by local trawlers. Among them are lumpfish – providers of “poor man’s caviar” – hake, John Dory and red mullet. “Many people seem to think that fish means cod. We like to show what a wide variety there are, even in our own bay,” said Tommy.

Sand and mud paintings are included alongside photography and watercolours in an exhibition at the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington by Instow artist Ian Hodgetts. He uses the media to explore the natural enviornment both within and around us. A recent graduate, Ian studied visual arts and culture. His sand and mud paintings are influenced by the attitudes and insights of the indigenous American Indian and Zen Buddhist cultures.

A helicopter flight to Lundy Island for lunch was the prize for two lucky couples in a competition run at the new Knapp Homes development at Highcliffe Park in Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! It was a fitting prize for winners Rex and Ros Clarke and Alan and Pauline Phelps after viewing homes at the new development which enjoys a lovely position overlooking Bideford Bay. Highcliffe offers two and three-bedroomed detached bungalows which sales manager Sharon Holder says are already attracting a high level of interest.

Our picture shows the lucky couples taking off, with lucky Sharon too!

Prince Andrew showed how much he knew about golf when he came to North Devon last week. The Duke of York was visiting the Wrafton Laboratories at Braunton and the Royal North Devon Golf Club of which he is Millennium president-elect. Seven-handicap golfer Prince Andrew was immediately at home and showed interest in the array of golfing memorabilia in the clubhouse of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, which has the oldest links course in Britain. It was an invitation he accepted last year following an approach from present club president Charles Cope. The RND has a long association with the Royal family, dating back to 1867 when the Royal Charter was bestowed upon it. He received a copy of the book Golf: History and Tradition, the latest of seven written by retired Barnstaple surgeon David Stirk, a club member for 50 years. At the club shop Prince Andrew met professional Iain Higgins and assistants Dan Frost and Ian Johnston. Meeting with ladies’ captain Heather Gale the Prince commented on the weather and how it blows at Westward Ho! He was told by Mrs Gale: “We don’t hold with fair weather golfers here.” During an hour-long lunch at the club Prince Andrew sat next to 17-year-old junior captain Lucy Powell. “I told him I was thinking of going to the USA on a golf scholarship,” she said. “Prince Andrew said it was a good idea, but that I should be careful not to lose my touch on the links courses. He told me where he has played around the world, including at Augusta, and that he may come down to Westward Ho! to play in the summer. He asked about our fairways and had a very good knowledge of golf. He was very polite and friendly and very easy to talk to,” she said.

Music will play a bigger role than ever in the annual May Fair celebrations at Torrington this year. As the town heralds in the spring in its own traditional way there will be special musical additions to the programme. These will include a concert by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Band, a marching display by the band’s Corps of Drums and a musical spectacular at the Parish Church featuring Julian Rhodes, the Father Willis organ and a wide ranging repertoire. The appearance of the police band will be specially satisfying for town Mayor John Kelly, himself a former policeman. During the May Fair weak the band will officially open its new band room, created at the former Howe Methodist Church with the aid of a Lottery grant. It will be opened by former Howe Church Minister, the Rev. Cecil Jones. Country dancing, floral dancing, May Pole and Morris dancing and the entertainments musical and otherwise by Torrington Cavaliers will all add to the May Fair fun. But as always it is the young people of Torrington who will be top the bill with the traditional ceremony of the crowning of the May Queen on the first Thursday of May. This year’s queen Sophie Ferguson will be accompanied by her crowner Andrea Reed, heralds Matthew Joy and Daniel Hayler and eight attendants Laura Bennett, Kristy Palmer, Francesca Taffs, Joanna Heddon, Laura Truepenny, Justine Evans-Loude, Millie Hoare and Lucy Davis. Events fill a full week, ending on Saturday, May 9, with the town carnival, which will be led by Carnival Queen Claire Sussex and her attendants Emma Petherbridge and Alicia Threadgould. Carnival night will also have its share of music, provided by Torrington Silver Band, Bideford Town Band, Appledore Band and Bideford Youth Pipe Band, who will all join the parade and play in the town square afterwards.

The picture shows May Queen, Sophie Ferguson, with her entourage

Pam Satterthwaite, from Westward Ho! has celebrated 25 years’ service with Swallowfield Consumer Products of Bideford. She received a long service gift from the company to the value of £500. Pam works at Swallowfield’s Bideford cosmetics manufacturing site as dispatch supervisor. She was one of the first employees of the company – then called Atlas pencils – when she joined in 1973. She has seen the workforce grow from 30 in the early days to the present 400. Group managing director Tony Wardell and development director Colin Jenner presented Pam with a gold watch and bouquet. Mr Wardell said: “Pam’s loyal service and wealth of experience has played an important part in the growth of this company. We look forward to Pam’s continued input for many more years”.

Colin Jenner is pictured handing Pam her bouquet

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.