100 Years Ago

Years Ago - February

February 1923

Births – a son to Mr and Mrs T F Cole at 5 Elmscott Terrace, Bideford; at 9 Elmsleigh Terrace, Clovelly Road, Bideford, a son to Mr and Mrs D J Madge; at Glen Devon, Bideford, a daughter for Mr and Mrs T P Fulford; at Council Cottages, Littleham, to Mr and Mrs H J Moyse, a son.

Marriages – at the Congregational Church, Bideford, Frederick Andrew Tucker to Violet Mary Raffell of Quay House, Instow; at St Helen’s Church, Abbotsham, Arthur Henry Frayne to Mrs B Churchill; at Northam Church, Leopold Webber to Alethea Spry; at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Frank Allin to Winifred Rose Pickard, of High Street Dairy.

Special features for all £1 Treasury notes.

Farm landlords and workers are needed in Canada. Later in the month, lectures were given on ‘Glimpses of Canada from Coast to Coast’ at Bideford Music Hall.

Northam Council held a long discussion on the proposal that buses carrying eight or more passengers between Bideford, Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho! must agree to run to a timetable before a license could be granted. Councillor P K Harris objected and described the proposal as “tyrannous” but when put to a vote it was passed by seven votes to four.

Question of employment of unskilled men – Torrington-Halwill Railway.

A man who threw up his job as a crane driver on the Halwill-Torrington railway because there was no better accommodation than huts for the workers appeared before Exeter magistrates. Named Albert King he was charged with travelling on the railway without having paid his fare.

John Sheppard is injured while engaged on Halwill-Torrington Railway and makes a claim against Messrs Anderson Ltd.

Divorce is becoming more common in this area. At the recent session of Devon Winter Assizes eighteen orders of Decree Nisi were granted, at least three of them being couples in the Northam and Bideford areas.

Mentioned in last month’s Years Ago, an article from ‘Home Feature’ on how to arrange a ‘little house’.

Abbotsham – Before a very full house a most successful concert was given by Mr W J Barry’s Rainbow Party, some of the best local talent took part. The peformers included Misses Langbridge, Barry, Hopson, Meredith, and Mrs Peters, Messrs Barry, Langdon, Ellis and Thomas. The Exhibition Dance given by Miss Langbridge and Mr Langdon deserves special mention while Mr Barry’s humorous recitations brought down the house.

Alverdiscott – The last dance of the season was held at the schoolroom on February 12th. During the interval the Rector called on Capt Channer, chairman of the dance committee, to present a silver rose bowl to Miss Rockey as a token of grateful thanks for presiding and acting as pianist on these occasions. Afterwards a pair of sleeve-links was presented to Mr W Newcombe, the energetic MC.

Alwington – Bideford Fire Brigade was summoned in the early hours to a fire at Natty Corner where, it was found that a large rick of oats, the property of Mr F D Gregory, of Bideford, was well alight. The rick valued at £160 was entirely destroyed. An adjoining and similar rick was saved by the Brigade. The services of the Bideford Fire Brigade in subduing the fire and saving the valuable adjoining rick were especially effective. It was 3.30am when the Brigade was called. The outbreak was about three miles away, on the Hartland Road, but the Brigade with the steam fire engine and Capt Morris in charge reached the scene just before 4am.

Chiddlecombe stock for sale. Later in the month, it was reported that the sale was ‘highly successful’.

Appledore – ‘Iron King’ and ‘Mary’ for sale.

Appledore danger spot after John Richard Berry succumbs to injuries after slipping near the lifeboat station.

On Sunday last at the close of School a very interesting function took place when Mr J N Tuplin (who has relinquished the office of Secretary after holding it for about 27 years) was presented with a silk umbrella, with initials suitably inscribed, as a small token of appreciation of faithful service rendered for so long a time. Rev J J Nelson in a very interesting address, made the presentation. Mr Tuplin suitably replied.

A casual vacancy has been announced for the Appledore ward of Northam Urban District Council. Nomination papers must be received at the offices of the Returning Officer Mr W J Barnes, 24 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, by 12 noon on 14 February.

A heavy ground sea.

On the occasion of the birth of a son to Her Royal Highness Princess Mary, the Vicar of Appledore wired the congratulations of ‘The seafaring and shipbuilding population and the children of Appledore’ to her Royal Highness, which has been graciously acknowledged by the Lady-in-Waiting. The Union Jack was flown on St Mary’s Church in honour of the happy and auspicious event.

Bideford – Buy a ‘City’ Shirt at 5/6 from W J Cording & Son.

T L Hamlyn & Son (Gold & Silver Medallists), 15 Buttgarden Street, Bideford.

A difficult 1922 but hoping for a better 1923 - advert from H F Elliott of 75 High Street, Bideford.

The ‘Old Ring Of Bells’ is for sale.

Obtain the latest works at Harper’s Library, 11 High Street, Bideford, in conjunction with Harrods Library (London).

The base of the Kingsley statue in Bideford is being cleaned. At a meeting of Bideford Council, the question was raised as to whether the name plate, which simply says “Kingsley” should be amended to have a prefix of either “Charles” or “Canon”. The Town Clerk stated that the present simple inscription was decided on by the donors after considerable discussion and should therefore remain unaltered.

At Bideford Borough Licensing Sessions Supt Shutler reported that the number of licensed houses was 32, the same as last year. No licensed victualler had been proceeded against for offences against the Licensing Acts. Ten persons had been proceeded against for drunkenness, the same number as in the previous year, the convictions being ten against eight. Six licenses had been transferred compared with three in 1921. There are two licensed clubs and one grocer’s license in the borough. The population (1911) was 9078, giving one licensed house to every 283 persons of the population. The conduct of the license holders had been good and he had no objection to the renewal of any of the licenses.

On the letters page, RJ from Bideford writes as follows: “Recently a whist drive was held in this town at which all the cards used were absolutely new. At the conclusion of the drive, members of the committee discovered that four packs had been purloined. Such acts dishearten those who voluntarily strive to give pleasure and amusement. It is however quite open to those who strayed from the path of rectitude to make good by returning the cards without disclosing their identity. If the delinquents like this hint I am sure they will feel much more comfortable when next they attend a whist drive.”

Bradworthy –The funeral took place of Mrs W Walter of Vicarage Terrace who passed away rather suddenly on Monday afternoon last week. The Memorial Institute is being well patronised, over 60 members having already paid their membership fee to Lady-day.

Bucks Cross – The death of Mrs William Davey of West Bucks is announced. The funeral took place at St Anne’s Church, the Rev Guy Whittaker officiating and was very largely attended by people of Bucks and neighbouring parishes. The chief mourners were – Messrs Charles and Frank Davey, Mrs James Trott and Mrs T Davey, Mesdames C Braund and H Davey, C and F Davey, Mr and Mrs R Davey, Mr James Trott (Crediton), Mrs Reuben Braund, Messrs Walter and James Sussex (Gammaton) and Mr Charles Braund. The bearers were Messrs Thomas Crews, James Hockridge, Richard Moore, Reuben Braund, John Bond senr., and John Bond jnr.

Clovelly – Much sympathy has been expressed in the parish with Mr and Mrs John Foley, on the death of their eldest son, George. Of a quiet and obliging nature he was liked by all and he will be sadly missed in the village. The funeral took place at All Saints’ Church with Rev T L V Simkin officiating.

Following up a story from last month’s Years Ago article, an inquest has been held on an unrecognisable body washed up at Mortehoe. The Coroner in the case is Mr G W F Brown. From the clothing found on the body it is apparent that he was a French sailor of around 45-50 years of age and approximately 6’1” tall and there were no identifying marks on the clothing or the body. The presumption is that he was a crew member from the French schooner Perrosien which went aground with no-one on board on rocks off Bucks on 5 January. Photos were taken of another body which washed ashore at Lynmouth a week after the wreck. These were sent to the French Consul and the body has now been identified as Jean Francois Daniel, a cabin boy on the Perrosien; he was 16 years old. There is unlikely to be any explanation of the strange movements of the vessel before it wrecked.

Hartland – A qualifying drive in the St Dunstan’s National Whist Champtionship was held in the Palladium. Prizes were won by – Miss Elsie Heywood, Mrs Clay, Miss Annie Colwill (Clovelly), Mr Cyril Sanders, Mr W Bagilhole, Mr William Babb, Mr Leonard Middle.

Mr T O’Donnell has passed away at his at East Ballhill after a trying illness.

Instow – The wedding has taken place at the Congregational Church, Bideford, of interest to Instow people, the nuptials being those of Miss Violet Mary Raffell, second daughter of Mr and Mrs E Raffell, of Quay House, and Mr Frederick Andrew Tucker, son of Mr and Mrs W Tucker of Lamerton Place, Bideford.

Entertainment at the Rifle Hall, Instow, organised by Mrs E Joslin and Mr W H Yeo.

Northam – Improvements have been carried out at the Mission Church at Higher Cleavehouses which serves the Orchard Hill district of Northam Parish. Do you remember worshipping at this little Church?

The late Mrs Emma Essery of Cross Street, Northam.

A protest meeting has been held at Northam concerning the appointment of an outside headmaster for the National School instead of appointing the assistant master Mr C Hill. John Heywood (Burrough Farm), William Ernest Babb, William James Hocking, Stephen Granville Kelly, Herbert Thomas Hancock, E J Littlejohns, W Littlejohns and W H Friendship are for ‘justice and fair play in Northam.

The Assistant Master at the National School, Northam, Mr C Hill, is appointed Headmaster for the Parkham Council School.

Parkham – The death of Mr Philip Honey of Oliver House is announced.

Mr A George of Cabbacott has met with a bad accident and was attended by Dr Petts.

Shebbear – Mr Isaac Buse and Miss Ada Lewis are married.

Torrington – The conduct of the 17 licensed houses during the year has been remarkably good.

At a meeting of the Torrington Board of Guardians it was reported that the vagrants for the past fortnight number 93, against 52 for the corresponding period of last year. The Master, Mr Harrison, said it was strange they got so many men on Fridays. The numbers on Fridays lately had been 16, 18, and 23 but on other days they averaged four or five.

A Torrington blaze – motor garage and valuable cars destroyed at Mr Heaman’s motor garage in High Street.

The staff at Torrington Station (L and SWR) presented Mr F Avery with a silver-mounted ebony walking stick, on the occasion of his leaving Torrington Station for a post at Exmouth. The Stationmaster made the presentation.

A car travelling from Winkleigh to Halwill attempted to run through flood water at Hatherleigh Bridge and left the road. Several horses had to be obtained to pull it out of the water and the occupants were in danger for some time due to the rushing water.

February 1973

Police Chief Supt A J Lobb talks with local area members of the Special Constabulary who received long service awards. In the picture with him are Messrs F Thomas (Bideford), R Bradford (Northam), J Pearce (Fremington), C Diwell (Westward Ho!) and E Webber (Alverdiscott).

Appledore – Rose Cottage in Myrtle Street is for sale by auction.

At the prizegiving of the building department of the North Devon Technical College of Further Education, David Allan Berry, son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Berry of 35 Western Avenue, Appledore, will receive the McKay Cup and replica as the best painter and decorator apprentice under 18. David is with Messrs Morse and Pitschmann, of Cross Street, Northam.

Northam Urban Council has its youngest member – at least for many years. He is Mr Joseph Thomas Need, aged 29, of 2 Darracotts Court, Appledore, who has been elected to fill the Appledore seat vacated by the former vicar, Rev Royston Dixon. Mr Need is the youngest member of Northam Burrows Committee and of the Northam Residents’ Association. He is also a member of Appledore Preservation and Conservation Society, A joiner, he is social organiser of the Shipyard Angling Club.

Did you see ‘The Great Fumble’ at the Aquarius Club?

Pursuit of Duke of Edinburgh gold awards will take a party of Bideford Grenville College boys to Iceland for a fortnight’s camping. But there will be no lazing in the sun. The campsite will be a lava field alongside a small icefield. And when Mr E J Watkins, one of the two experienced leaders of the expedition, was last there in 1970, the August temperature was minus three degrees Centigrade.

Bonus offer for men working at Bideford Shipyard Ltd.

£1,795 overhaul and silver plating for Bideford Town Band’s instruments.

A golden wedding day for Mr and Mrs James Henry Bedler, of 90 Pynes Lane, Bideford. Of their six surviving daughters, four live in Bideford. The other two live in Launceston and Lynton. There are 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. There was a family to mark the anniversary.

Seven boys from Bideford have been included in the squad named after two trials from which the North Devon Schools FA will select the area team to play West Cornwall at Penzance in the first round of the South Western Counties under-14s competition. They are – Denis Ford, David Dark, Brian Cox, Jimmy Jefferies, Steven Bromelow, Jeffery Brown and Barry Robinson.

Miss Brenda Brown, Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club member has been awarded a national federation scholarship, which, in April, will take her to Canada. For four months she will live with families of the Four H Club, the Canadian equivalent of the YFC. Her parents, Mr and Mrs T H Brown, own the village store and she is an assistant at the Bideford branch of Holman, Ham and Co. the chemists.

Clovelly oaks at Deer Park to be felled.

Hartland Coastguards and Hartland Cliff Rescue Team are alerted and rescue a student from Leeds University.

Flt Lieut ‘Wally’ Walder leaves RAF Hartland Point.

RAF Hartland Point is to be maintained after the Tactical Weapons Unit is transferred from RAF Chivenor to Brawdy. This was announced in a letter to Mr Peter Mills, MP for the Torrington division, and the industrial civilian staff at Hartland Point were also informed.

Mr Tim Gale, of Marine Cottage, Instow, is the new president of the North Devon Manufacturers’ Association.

An individual building site in Langtree, with outline planning permission, offered at public auction on behalf of Mr and Mrs Sutton, fetched £3,300. Bidding had commenced at £2,500. The purchaser was Mr Dean, of Bradworthy.

Featured in an issue of a leading American magazine devoted to the art, is the work of Torridgeside potter Harry Juniper, who lives at Monkleigh. He first came to North Devon as a young schoolboy evacuee in the Second World War, chance taking him to a billet at Torrington which he afterwards discovered was the home of his second cousins. He has been here almost all the time since.

Bidding for Monkleigh Lodge, a three-bedroomed detached lodge, offered by public auction, opened at £6,000. The property was withdrawn at £8,750 but it was sold by the auctioneers at a better price by private treaty.

Monkleigh plans extension of village hall.

The support of local doctors and their medical officer is being sought by Northam Urban Council in their efforts to obtain visits to the district of the chest radiography service.

Bonehill Farm and lands in Northam is for sale.

Building plots for sale at Northam.

The Ridgeway, Orchard Hill, for sale.

Tammy Fashions is to open in Fore Street.

Many staff of the light engineering firm John Leete and Co. attended the funeral of Mr Tom Francis Lombard who lived at 17 Fairlea Crescent, Northam.

Torrington – It was a case of coats on at the meeting of Torrington Town Council’s general purposes committee for the central heating in the council chamber was not on. The only immediate warmth came from one electric fire. The Mayor, Councillor Harold Pollard, apologised for the lack of heating and promised to look into the matter.

Old Barn, Kingscott, Torrington, a thatched two-bedroomed cottage, with a let cottage adjoining it, and with outline planning permission for the erection of two dwellings in a block of land in the grounds, was offered by public auction. Bidding opened at £10,000 and was bought by a Mr Evans, of Birmingham, at £16,000.

The owner of the main part of land at Sandymere Road, Westward Ho! on which Northam Urban Council wish to establish a tented camping site being unprepared to sell, the Council are to make a compulsory purchase order for the whole site.

34 Beach Road, Westward Ho! for sale.

Flt Sgt Keith Munday (left in the picture), whose mother lives at Cairncross, Cleveland Terrace, Westward Ho! has helped rescue a youth who fell down a cliff in Hong Kong’s New Territories. He has been in the RAF for 15 years and his wife, Christine, and two children, Ian and Yvonne, are with him in Hong Kong.

Woolsery – Walnut Cottage with adjoining Old Smithy is for sale.

Building plots at Ferndown, Woolsery, for sale.

February 1998

Early 16th Century 4 bedroom detached resident at Alverdiscott for sale.

Appledore Town Band was hitting the high notes in celebration of its Lottery success and a royal performance to come! With the aid of a £37,000 Lottery grant, the band has been able to buy a complete new set of instruments. Since last autumn the new cornets, horns, baritones, basses, trombones and a full percussion set have been arriving at the bandroom. A glockenspiel, xylophone and two pedal timpanis which previously had to be hired have also been included. Musical director Geoff Abbot has written a special piece of music for the band and xylophone. And it is proudly looking forward to playing in front of the Princess Royal on March 27 when she performs a ship naming ceremony at Appledore Shipbuilders.

Young Devon student Anna Day has won a place at one of Britain’s top universities – a year ahead of her peers! She has been offered a place at St Hilda’s, Oxford, to read medicine. The Appledore teenager had to undergo a gruelling four-day interview before getting the good news that she had been accepted.

A period cottage in Appledore is available to buy. The property is situated just off the Quay and was probably connected with the old shipbuilding industry, possibly rope-making for sailing ships. It was converted at some time in the last 100 years to form a four-bedroomed cottage. A price guide in excess of £45k has been set.

Long service awards were presented to stalwarts of the Bideford and District Poppy Appeal who have between them given more than 150 years of service. At a ceremony at Bideford Royal British Legion Club the county coordinator, Keith Grout, handed certificates to Gerald and Phil Beer, Arthur Blame, Eris Gist, Alan Kerslake and Fernley Wade. There were brooches for Grace Bush, Mary George and Pat Hutt. In addition there was a certificate for Arthur Bailey, a brooch for Catherine Raffe and a merit badge for May Hearn, who were unable to attend the ceremony. Local poppy appeal organiser Peggy Ditton reported a record collection last year of £6,400.

Bideford’s lady rugby players now have outfits to match their unbeaten status this season. They have just been sponsored with all new kit by Tanton’s Hotel. Although they have been going for a couple of years now the ladies have really started to get off the ground this season and have won all eight matches so far. The picture shows the team with coach Mike Blong and Geoff Boundy of Tanton’s Hotel.

Bideford Bridge will close to traffic for repairs to be carried out to coping stones on its parapets which are becoming dislodged and dangerous. The job could take up to 12 days and vehicular traffic will be diverted across the much more modern Torridge Bridge. Walkers and cyclists will be allowed to use the old bridge while the job is being carried out. It is costing £10k to re-bed the coping stones. The last time the bridge – built of stone in the late 1400s to replace a much older wooden one – had to be closed completely to traffic was 30 years ago when in January 1968 two of the 24 arches were found to be collapsing into the river below. The resulting chaos was described as ‘the greatest local calamity since the plague of 1646’.

Wallace and Gromit have fallen into ‘the wrong hands’ in Bideford. The famous pair are featured on charity enamelled badges being sold at Bideford Medical Centre in aid of the Grand Appeal to raise money for the Hospital for Sick Children in Bristol. “We are really cross that someone should have pinched them” said medical centre spokeswoman Susan Davis.

Drawing colourful attention to the forthcoming Torridgeside Schools Art Exhibition is a poster by Instow six-year-old Nichola Bellew. Her painting on the theme Winter Sunshine was the winner of a pre-exhibition poster competition at The Burton Art Gallery in Bideford and is now in use to promote the main event. It won Nichola, a first year pupil at Instow Primary School, a voucher to be spent at the gallery shop.

International umpire David Shepherd was on home ground when North Devon Cricket Club celebrated a big grant from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. David was delighted to be on hand for the presentation as he started his cricketing career as a young man at the club at Instow. The award will go towards rethatching the club house roof which was severely damaged in the New Year storms. In the picture are David with club chairman Bryan Palmer and Danny Cullington.

The Old Barn, Stowford, Langtree, is for sale.

Tree Tops, situated off Durrant Lane, between Bideford and Northam, is for sale by public auction.

Beechwood, 17 Sandymere Road, Northam, is for sale by public auction.

Fish in many guises was on the menu when students at Great Torrington School took part in a competition as part of their CSE course work. Watched by head of food technology Anita Hardy, they had to cook a fresh dish using their own recipes. Their efforts were judged by Dan Garnett, of the Clovelly Fish shop. He chose Amanda Holloway as the winner and the runner-up was Vicky Cook.

Sounds of music fill the Withey family home at Torrington as Ashley gets in some practice on the keyboard. Or the trumpet. Or the sax. Or the cornet. Or the drums. Like as not, he will be joined by his brother Wesley – also a drummer – while sister Jessica tries out a tap routine. Music runs through the veins of most of the Withey’s family. One of their older sons, Andrew, is a drummer with the rock band Rug and daughter, Emma, teaches dancing.

All systems are now ‘go’ for Torrington’s £2 million Genesis Project. Planning permission has been granted for its centrepiece, the redevelopment of the former Castle Hill Hotel as a heritage centre tourist attraction. And the Government Office for the South West has approved the restoration of the Pannier Market to provide a new market hall and business opportunity units. Project chairman Steven Pearson said “We can now move ahead at full steam and look forward to completing both projects in 1999.” There was a live preview of the ‘Torrington 1646’ heritage centre when the town re-lived the most famous moment in its history, the Civil War Battle of Torrington. Roundheads and Cavaliers again marched the streets when the anniversary of the 1646 conflict was commemorated with a torchlight procession. The picture shows Dave Marker and Mike Palmer.

Torrington Grade II town house for sale.

It was party time at the Bideford Blind Club as clubmates joined with its senior member Clara Dipple to celebrate her 100th birthday. Bornin Aston, she left school at 14 and became a wages clerk. She and husband George moved to Bideford on retirement. For the past 15 years Mrs Dipple has been a resident at The Chalet residential home in Westward Ho! where she received a birthday bouquet from manager Valerie Pierce.

Nineteen people were arrested following a Valentine’s night drugs operation in Westward Ho! Police set up road blocks and stopped vehicles they believed to be en route to a ‘rave-type disco’ in the resort. Forty officers and police dogs were involved in the 3-hour operation during which £7k worth of drugs were seized. Five people have been charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply and six with the possession of controlled drugs.

The Big Freeze 1963

Sixty years on, and we review the 'Big Freeze'

"The winter to end all winters" and "the worst winter for 200 years"

A wintry outbreak brought snow to the country on 12–13 December 1962, and a cold easterly set in on 22 December as an anticyclone formed over Scandinavia, drawing cold continental winds from Russia. Throughout the Christmas period, the Scandinavian high collapsed, but a new high formed near Iceland, bringing northerly winds. Significant snowfall occurred as the air mass moved south, and parts of Southern England had heavy snow late on 26–27 December. The cold air became firmly established.

On 29 and 30 December 1962 a blizzard swept across South West England and Wales with snow drifting to more than 20 feet (6.1 m) deep in places, driven by gale force easterly winds, The snow stranded villagers and brought down power lines with the near-freezing temperatures meaning that the snow cover lasted months in some areas. How was North Devon affected?

4 January 1963

Milk supplied by Bideford Dairies has been flown by the rescue helicopters of RAF Chivenor to snowbound Lynton district. Bideford Sports Ground, adjacent to the dairy company’s premises, proved a convenient landing ground.

On Saturday morning Hartland had its daily papers brought in by improvised sledge. Early buses from Bideford were unable to reach Hartland owing to icy conditions on steep hills on the last stretch of the journey. On being informed of this, local newsagent Mr Henry Mitchell went out to bring in the papers. Using a tea chest as a sledge he dragged them 1½ miles to his shop.

Arctic weather beats football and the local derby between Bideford and Barnstaple was ‘blanketed out’.

Whatever inconvenience the hard weather has caused, the snow has been put to good use by these youngsters of Torrington district where the steep slopes have seen the appearance of many an improvised sledge.

Westward Ho! Holiday Centre ‘go Scottish’ for the annual Hogmanay Ball of the North Devon Caledonian Society.

11 January 1963

All hands to the shovel! A family snow clearance combined operation at Bideford.

Cattle centre men win battle with the snow.

No matches were played in the Torrington and District Darts League last week owing to the weather. Clubs in outlying districts were unable to travel owing to the treacherous road conditions and the same applied to Torrington clubs who had away fixtures. The committee will have a difficult task in rearranging fixtures.

At Torrington Town Council’s meeting, Ald C Quick thinks there is justification for the complaints received. Cllr F J Gent compares Town Park to Siberia; Cllr R M Boyer thinks more should have been done; Cllr G Copp asks why the Town Council’s men couldn’t clear the Square; and Col J E Palmer suggests that a policy of priority action is formulated. The Surveyor, Mr P Symons says that in his view, he had done what was best.

18 January 1963

At the Seamen's Mission at Appledore some un-nautical water flowed down through the premises as a result of the hard frost. First intimation that there had been a burst came when the missioner, the Rev Donald Cox, was sharing in a game at the billiard table and drops of water began to descend on them from the ceiling. Prompt attention helped to limit the damage but is is feared the billiard table will need expert attention.

Frozen lavatories have brought about the closing of many schools in the district for longer or shorter periods. A spokesman at the North Devon Education office at Barnstaple said that the picture changed almost from half day to half day. Among schools that have been affected are Bideford Church of England and East-the-Water; Northam; Hartland; Torrington County Secondary and Blue Coat; and Clovelly. In some cases where schools could open only local children had been able to attend because of transport difficulties, the spokesman added. “Until we get a long spell of fairly high temperatures there cannot be much improvement.” But at the moment hope for relief does not appear to be in the offing. Except in the sun temperatures have rarely been above freezing point. Yesterday the freezing east wind returned.

Clovelly as the holiday maker does not see it, but looking as picturesque as ever in a rare mantle of snow.

Continuing the story of the big freeze-up – a serial story of which all have grown weary except possibly some of those children whose schools are closed. Throughout the week people in Bideford and district have continued to shiver, and not merely because of the sub-zero temperature. Many dread the situation with which they will be confronted when a real thaw arrives. In Bideford the situation is fast becoming serious and the frost is tending to aggravate a problem that had its beginnings in 1962, when rainfall was 10 inches below average. At this time of year Gammaton reservoirs, with a capacity of between 32 and 33 million gallons, should be overflowing. In fact they contain something like 5 million gallons. Demand for gas was unprecedented, said Mr W Verity, South Western Gas Board district manager.

Mr L J Dunn, the Surveyor, reports that damage to pipes in council houses has been slight.

Icefloes on the Torridge! In its slower meadow stretches, particularly near Furzebeam hill, the river was frozen from bank to bank with the stream continuing underneath the ice which was of considerable thickness in many places. Indeed, it looked as if one could walk across, but discretion prevailed. In the higher tidal stretches by Halfpenny bridge, Weare Giffard, the effects of layers of ice along the banks, built up over the days, was brilliantly eye-catching in the sun. A number of people were out at the weekend exploring such unusual sights provided in the river valley by the hard weather.

Mr Mark Finn, a member of Bideford Road Safety Committee declares that ‘As a Bideford ratepayer I am entitled to walk on a pathway…in security.’

It now seems certain that there will be the worst pile up ever known of North Devon soccer fixtures at the end of this season. Last Saturday was the third successive week that all matches in this area had to be postponed, including rugby. After inspection on Friday the Sports Ground was ruled unfit for the Robins’ home Western League encounter with Torquay United Reserves.

A party of nine men and three boys spent an exhausting three hours at Mr Andrew Goaman’s Ford Farm, Hartland, rescuing a cow that had gone through a frozen brook and was unable to extricate herself. The animal is due to calve in a month’s time. To make the rescue it was necessary to drive a tractor several hundred yards down the frozen brook to the cow which apparently had completely lost the use of its legs. She was rolled on to a gate and towed up a field and it was necessary to take the end out of a deep litter house and manhandle her into that to give protection.

This photograph, taken at Stevenstone, Torrington, shows skaters on the pool and young skiers on the slopes above. The skiers, the daughters of Capt Knight, who is stationed near Paris with SHAPE, are pupils of Stella Maris Convent School, Bideford, and have just returned from a holiday in Switzerland.

It was pick and shovel work with a vengeance removing frozen ridges of hard packed snow from the roads at Torrington. This photograph was taken in South Street but the temperature had no southern balm! Clearance had to be done manually without the help of more salt which failed to arrive.

At Westward Ho! the receding tides left long lines of ice and frozen foam, two or three feet high, along the beach, and the west sand became frozen as it was uncovered.

The recent intense cold was indirectly responsible for an outbreak of fire that caused several hundred pounds worth of damage at the English timber yard of the Devon Trading Company at Torridge Hill, Bideford. A workman was attempting a thawing operation with cotton waste when the flames spread rapidly to involve a largely-wooden building. When the alarm was given Bideford firemen had just returned to the station from another incident and within a few minutes were tackling the outbreak. Two appliances from Bideford were soon reinforced by others from Appledore and Torrington and in less than an hour the blaze was under control. A quantity of cut timber was destroyed and sawing machinery was severely damaged. In the early stages the task of the firemen was grim for so cold was it that the water began to freeze as it left the hoses. Mr R Swain, manager of the Bideford branch of the Devon Trading Co., said that the good work of the firemen undoubtedly prevented the blaze from involving other properties. Drums of creosote were stored in an adjoining store but these were rolled out of the way.

High Street premises of Trapnells Ltd of Bideford were rocked early on Monday when a high pressure boiler blew up shortly after it had been lit. Damage was confined but an employee, Mr J H Beer, had a lucky escape.

The refuse collectors and tip man were praised by the Surveyor, Mr H J Bishop, at the meeting of Northam Urban Council. They had continued to work throughout the difficult conditions that had been experienced "and I take off my hat to them" he said.

25 January 1963

Bad for drivers but better for railways.

Clovelly is still badly hit by the hard weather. Slerra Hill is so treacherous with ice that even farmers have been unable to negotiate it with their tractors to take the milk churns to the depot. Mr J J Headon and his son Norman have been able to help with their Land Rover.

Hartland awoke to find streets, roofs and walls covered with ice. It rained heavily between 4 and 5am and this froze as it fell. Conditions were appalling and vehicular traffic was at a standstill. Pedestrians had to proceed with extreme caution clutching walls, railings, window sills, etc. Socks worn over shoes were the mode. These conditions were apparently confined to the NW top of Devon. Bus services and supplies from outside the parish were held up. Milk has been delivered on everything from a builder's lorry to sledges improvised from sheets of corrugated iron. The 'favourite' topic of conversation is burst pipes.

Hartland School, which managed to reopen last week, had to be closed once again. The bitter weather of the weekend froze the water mains underground and these cannot be thawed by artificial means. During the time the school was open last week approximately 90 pupils attended each day. The distant ones could not attend as the buses could not reach them.

There has been a rare occurrence at Spekes Valley, Hartland, where the stream takes a spectacular plunge over the cliff to find its way in stages to the beach. With rainfall reduced, the stream has been running lower than usual at this time of the year and the bitter weather caused it to freeze, giving the impression of a giant icicle. The photograph, taken in summer, shows the first breath taking plunge of the stream as it leaves the valley.

A robin is grounded at Hartland, and a snipe dies.

Mr C R Rowe, mine host of the Black Horse Hotel in Torrington is able to get water from a stand-point.

Parts of the river Torridge down to the estuary froze in the bitter wind and these sheets of ice coming upstream on the tide, and meeting ice that had been brought downstream on the ebb, presented a remarkable sight around the arches of Bideford’s 600-year-old Long Bridge. Nothing on this scale has been seen this century. A leading fisherman said he had never seen so much ice there or down river frozen to such an extent. Large sections of ice, some several feet thick, piled up against the arches of the bridge and upstream the frozen river at one time presented an almost continuous stretch of ice. Below the bridge huge chunks of ice were scattered on the sands at low tide.

Mr J Horrell, Buckingham Arms, Taddiport, helps out queues of people by providing water.

1 February 1963

After weeks of freeze-up thaw brings flooding fear. Massive ice-floes in swollen river.

A sequel to the front page picture last week of the amazing build up of ice above Bideford bridge. Early last weekend a group of unemployed men were engaged by the Bridge Trust to break up the larger floes and so ease dispersal down river and protect the arches from damage.

On Monday, a loudspeaker van announcement warned the people of Bideford that the town’s water supply was to be off from 10pm to 6am from the following day. The Borough Surveyor, Mr H J Denne, said the decision was necessary because of the abnormally heavy demand for water through burst pipes and the supply position. Gammaton reservoir has a capacity of 32 million gallons but early this week contained only 2 million gallons.

Skipper Reg Hopkins, 15 Fordlands Crescent, Bideford, and the 180-ton collier Carita clear the way.

The intense arctic spell from Christamas to last weekend was a most trying experience and, what is more, we cannot be sure that it will not be followed by others before the winter is out. The prospect is not pleasing. But when summer comes and the years roll on, our 'ice age' will probably be recalled with rueful humour, easing the edge off the grim reality. Like wartime trials, the severe weather has encouraged neighbourliness. Getting water from a tap two or three doors away, gathering in shivering sympathy around a standpipe supply in the street, or sharing a cup of tea when heating facilities were restricted served as a reminder that we are members of a community and not islands unto ourselves.

Fears that the rapid thaw following the blizzard – the worst for many years in this area – would cause widespread flooding had not materialised. ‘The only thing to do is to watch and pray’ said Mr A Waterhouse, sub-postmaster at Weare Giffard, where flooding of the road occurs most winters. The River Torridge was then contained within its banks but was flowing fast and rising. Local people were forecasting that there would be flooding, but were hoping that houses would not be penetrated. Dock Cottages, always the first to be invaded, had now been abandoned. Further up the river at Taddiport, Mr and Mrs J Horrell, of the Buckingham Arms, received a flood warning and had taken the usual precautions to try to keep the water out. Fortunately massive icefloes, which caused the bridge to vibrate when they struck it, did not build up. At Bideford they did, thousands of tons of packed ice presenting a remarkable sight. Periodically masses freed themselves to grind through the arches and float out to sea. Great chunks littered the banks as the tide went out and on the east side above the bridge a high build-up was left. In contrast to the scene a fortnight or so ago this was not one of glistening white but earth stained, drab colour.

A change from the weekend walk along the river at Torrington - a walk ON the river. Something to remember for years.

Three school buses are ditched but none hurt.

‘Mains supply’ with a difference. Residents in the vicinity of Torrington Square assemble at a stand-pipe for water, their domestic supplies being the victims of the severe frost.

8 February 1963

It all sounds so familiar! Torrington's plight in 'Crimean winter' 1854-5.

15 February 1963

Mr E C Beadle, of Luneray, Windmill Lane, Northam, has a lucky escape when his car skidded. He is assisted by Mr Michael Hutchings.

Suggestion that Bideford Town Council should consider making a byelaw requiring frontagers to clear snow from footpaths outside their property was rejected by the Council. Opposition to the Highways Committee recommendation came from Cllr F Patt who said that people had done a grand job. The Council should consider their own responsibility. Cllr A A Beer said it was not fair that one householder should clear the pavement and the person next door should not. For the Council to clear the snow would be a colossal task, Such a byelaw would prevent anyone bringing a case against the Council. Cllr Patt said people of 80 and 90 years of age should not be required to clear snow. The Council had done a very good job declared Cllr W J Blight. The minute was deleted.

The first Western League game to be played at Bideford since the big freeze-up resulting in the Robins triumphing over Yeovil Town Reserves 1-0, a penalty being the deciding factor.

Golfers are asked not play at the Royal North Devon Golf Club.

Mr W H Walter, of Country View, Woolsery, describes Saturday business as ‘not too bad’ but at Bideford Pannier Market, cream froze in bowls.

22 February 1963

The thaw brings flooding fears as the River Torridge rises and packed ice frees itself to float out to see. A vast quantity of water had banked up in the Kenwith Valley meadows which was of concern for residents in Chanters Lane.

There was praise from the Medical Officer of Health, Dr Mervyn Thomas, at Northam Urban Council meeting for Mrs E M Hilder and her W.V.S colleagues for having operated the ‘Meals on wheels’ scheme without a break, so relieving the hardship endured by several elderly people due to the severe weather. Mrs Hilder, thanking the M.O. and her helpers, said that 21 meals are now being provided, indicating that the scheme had been much needed. The old people greatly appreciate the service.

After being planned to take place a week earlier but having to be postponed because the severe weather made travelling conditions virtually impossible, the wedding of a Clovelly bride took place at High Street Methodist Church, Bideford. The bride was Miss Stella Ann Stanbury, only daughter of Mr and Mrs K F Stanbury, of Downland Farm, and the bridegroom Mr Leonard John Tucker, elder son of Mr and Mrs L J Tucker, of Westacott Farm, Barnstaple. The bride was attended by four bridesmaids – Misses Eileen Stanbury, Norma Govier, Marion Tucker and Pamela Warren. Duties of the best man were carried out by Mr Dennis Cockram and the ushers were Messrs Trevor Stanbury, Gordon Stanbury, Norman Tucker and Donald Harmer. A reception was held at Tanton’s Hotel and Mr and Mrs L J Tucker left for their honeymoon, spent at Bournemouth and Jersey.

Seven ships loaded with coal were anchored in Bideford Bay waiting their turn to unload their cargoes at East Yelland power station whose stocks had been well dug into during the recent exceptionally cold spell.

22 March 1963

Richard John Cleverdon, of Great Gorwood, Buckland Brewer, and William James Prouse, of 13 Pitt Avenue, Appledore, are fined for traffic misdemeanours.

Reminiscences from Archive volunteers

"I was at Edgehill College, living at Northam, and and a group of pupils walked to and from school on a daily basis for about 5 weeks. Uniform rules were relaxed and we were allowed to wear wellingtons (as long we changed into shoes on arrival); arriving at school we were given towels and hot soup; and we were allowed to leave school after lunch to return home in daylight."

"In Leicester, I can recall the water pipes in the road froze, therefore there was no water or heating in my Hall of residence. I walked everyday to university."

"The memories that I recall from the 1963 winter freeze whilst living on the outskirts of Reading include sleeping under several blankets and waking to find ice nearly an inch thick on the inside of the bedroom window. My father would rise early each morning to light our living room fire to try and warm the house as this was before double glazing and central heating. Once the house was warmed sufficiently my brother and I would get up, dress and get ready for school. School was some 2 - 3 miles across fields and usually on our way we would meet up with other children from the nearby estate. As kids we would have snowball fights and play on the ice and on one occasion I actually fell through the ice, so spent most of the day with wet socks and shoes. Thankfully we had coke fires situated in the middle of each classroom to heat the school. I do remember the crates of milk for us children left out in the snow which had frozen and so expanded, so had to be thawed, some days the birds had pecked the silver tops off and sipped the milk."

"I remember the river being frozen and the ice floes being piled up against the arches on the ebb tide. I think that was the year we had standpipes and we had to walk from Strawberry Cottages in Meddon Street to get water because the pipes were frozen."

"I remember in late December snow swept into both Devon and Cornwall. Serious events were unfolding across the counties but it was the school holidays so every hill and slope was in use. Freezing conditions had made the ground rock hard. Soon the word was that on the Burrows Goosey pool had frozen over, a group of us headed down from Northam. We found the pool and Burn (The Pill) was well frozen, there were people skating, others searched for any bits of stick that could be used for ice hockey and at one stage the Wise brothers had their Cortina dancing and pirouetting on the ice. This was a very different school holiday. The ice on the Burn was a good six inches thick, we had brought a wooden sledge and tied two ropes to the front bar, with one person on each bank ready to pull, the ride of a lifetime would begin. Staying on was the first test as the runners pulled the sedge as fast as they could. It would career down the track bouncing off the banks at breakneck speed from Goosey pool to the golf club bridge. Run after run we had, then went home cold and wet but ready for more. What a week it was, a real school holiday not to be forgotten."

Years Ago - January

January 1923

Happy New Year everyone! If one of your New Year resolutions is to move house, Chaplin & Co is ready to assist.

To help you plan your year, the supplement to the 2 January Gazette has an Almanack giving postal information, lists of public offices and bus details. It’s not good enough quality to reproduce here but if you like this sort of thing pop into the Archive sometime and have a look. The first paper of the year also carries a “Fifty years ago” item - in 1873 Mr W I Vellacott was Mayor of Bideford, the constables appointed by the Watch Committee were W Fisher (Superintendent) and J Warren (Constable) and the price of coal was 1s 1d per hundredweight.

New for this year, the Gazette is starting a Home Feature – written for ladies by ladies. In the first week, topics covered include hair styles, recipes and how to give a Domino Dance; later in the month there is an article on how to stencil on fabric as an alternative to embroidery, and a recipe for Russian Toffee.

Advances are being granted on houses, shops, farms, fields etc on very favourable terms, with easy monthly repayments of principal and interest. Contact the North Devon P & T Benefit Building Society, Bridge Buildings, Bideford. There are at present too many copper coins in circulation - those showing the head of Queen Victoria uncrowned are the most worn and regarded as the most suitable to be withdrawn. In other news, it is cider making season and casks are for sale.

The first day of 1923 saw the dawn of a new era in railway travel. On that day the ninety-three railway companies of Great Britain were reduced to four groups. The following are some of the facts of the four new groups.

Ordinary railway fares are being reduced.

The question of signing a cheque for £1,200 in respect of the third call of the Torrington Halwill Light Railway scheme, came up for consideration at a meeting of Torrington Rural Council. Mr Puddicombe said that, before they signed the cheque, he thought they should make a protest. There was still nothing definite about the accommodation they were going to get at Water Gate, the Council should in making a protest insist, as they were big subscribers, on getting a plan to find out where the proposed stopping places were to be provided.

Births, engagements and marriages – a son to Mr and Mrs Cox of 5 Richmond Terrace, Bideford; a daughter for Mr and Mrs A E Fulford; Skinner-Palmer – Henry John Skinner to Ethel Mary Palmer, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs J Palmer, Woodville Cottage, Orchard Hill; a son to Mr and Mrs A F Capern, Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada; Greenslade-Storey – Sydney, son of Mr and Mrs Greenslade, Bridgeland Street, to Edith, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs R Storey of Brixton; a daughter to Mr and Mrs Parkhouse, Myrtle Cottage, Appledore; Yeo-Glover – Mr E William Yeo, son of Mr and Mrs Yeo of Instow, to Miss A Kathleen Glover, second daughter of Mr Henry Glover, of Abbotsham Road; at 5 Bay View Terrace, Northam, a daughter to the wife of Thomas Oerton; a daughter to Mr and Mrs G Hill, Bridge End, Bideford; Steeksma-Small – Lieut Ernest Steeksma (Tank Corps) to Elizabeth (Trilby), younger daughter of Mr and Mrs A Small, of Appledore; a son to Mr and Mrs Thomas Williams (nee Maud Newcombe).

In several instances, an event put on for the children is referred to as a “Christmas Tree” rather than a party.

One of the most successful Variety entertainments ever given in Abbotsham was held. It was arranged by Mrs Bernard Kempe and Miss A F Turner. The first part of the programme consisted of songs and choruses, interspersed with clarionette solos by Mr Prior and readings in the Devonshire dialect by Mr Hooper, which received great applause.

The children of Alwington school gave a concert as a farewell to Miss Partridge, retiring after 35 years as head mistress. Her parting gifts from parents and colleagues were a Chesterfield couch with cushions, a silver tea set, an inscribed trefoil tray and a set of silver teaspoons.

The 95-ketch Rainbow, of Appledore, belonging to Capt Archibald Hooper has become a total wreck.

The Appledore motor lifeboat was put to its severest test since its commission a few months ago when, in the early hours of Sunday morning, a call was received to proceed to the s.s. Kirktown, a steamer of 1,500 tons, which was supposed to be ashore on Lundy Island.

Mrs Mary Elizabeth Popham, Bude Street, Appledore, is mourned.

Jan 1923 Appledore Popham

New Year’s Day at Bideford Hospital.

The International Staff Band has arrived, entering Bideford via the Bridge.

Mr W B Pickard of 2 Queen Annes, High Street, Bideford, has died.

Fire outbreak at Moreton House.

At Bideford Borough Sessions before the Mayor, Mr H W Huxham, in the chair and other Magistrates, David Satterthwaite pleaded guilty to the chimney of his house, 39A Mill Street, being accidentally on fire on the 8th. PC W J Hutchings said about 5pm sparks were coming from the chimney and falling in the street and on the houses adjoining. He went to the house and saw defendant, who was endeavouring to extinguish the fire. The fire place was full of burnt and burning soot and the fire was still roaring in the chimney. Witness asked him when he had the chimney swept last and he replied that he did not know exactly, but it was not long ago. The Bench imposed a fine of 2s 6d.

A new hobby is suggested in the form of “BEAVER!” – a new card game billed as “the jolliest game on the market”. This is obtainable at Messrs Coles and Lee, The Gazette Office, at a cost of 2 shillings.

Bideford Town Council has decided to renew its “by no means extravagant” annual expenditure upon advertising the borough as a holiday resort, especially now that they have plenty of water.

Children from Sunday Schools in Buckland Brewer have an enjoyable time.

There was a good muster of ringers at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, on New Years’ Eve. The Old Year was tolled out and the New Year ushered in with merry peals. The Rector, Rev TL Simkin, was present and exchanged New Year’s Greetings with the ringers and others present.

Mrs S Jewell has a grandson, born to Mr and Mrs A F Capern.

The mystery of a north Devon wreck, the Perrosien of Paimpol, a French schooner, remains unresolved. ‘The lifeboat was launched and proceeded to the vessel. It was blowing very heavily and there were very heavy seas. The position of the vessel was then on the range off Bucks Mills, the boat having passed right across Clovelly. Asked if would have been possible to have boarded the schooner, Capt Pengilly said it was impossible.

Getting back to Clovelly it was found impossible for the lifeboat to land owing to the seas as she would have been smashed by the huge boulders, and she proceeded to the westward towards Gallantry Bower.Some days later the body of a sailor was found on the beach at Lee Bay. His clothing was blue and similar to that worn by French sailors. The life belt to which he was attached had no name on it, as would be the case with English Vessels. It will be interesting to follow this story and see if any more information comes to light.

Hartland children collect wild flowers.

Edistone Prize giving entertainment took place on Friday at Hartland. Pastor Hill took the chair with Miss J Bragg at the organ. Those taking part in the programme included: Stanley Heard, Ida Cloke, Evelyn Bragg, Ivy Cornish, Fred Westlake, Wesley Heard, Myrtle Hill, Elizabeth Heard, Mary Bragg, Jack Walter, Stanley Heard, May Bragg, and the scholars. Mr Hill presented the prizes. Tree, tea, games and supper were given by the scholars and refreshments were also provided for visitors.

The Associated Board of the R.A.M. and R.C.M London – Francis H Christmas has successfully passed the Rudiments of Music and Pianoforte Playing (Advanced Grade) examinations recently held at Barnstaple and Exeter. He was prepared by Dr H J Edwards, Hon, R.A.M.

Mr Reginald Dallyn (Instow) and Miss Evelyn Tucker are married.

The ’Rainbows’ a Pierrot Concert Party from Bideford, under the direction of Mr Willie J Barry, recently gave a high class entertainment in the Rifle Hall, Instow, in aid of the funds of the Instow AFC. Those taking part were Mr W Barry, and the Misses Ethel McBaine, Mabel Langbridge, and Jo Hopson. The acting was of a very high order, especially that of Miss Hopson in the part of the female servant Mary.

Instow Conservatives and Unionist men meet in the Billiards Room of the Marine Hotel.

A lamb at Mr Andrews’ Putshole, Langtree, born in December, is believed to be the earliest in the district. The carol singers on Christmas and New Year’s Eve collected over £3 to be sent to the Starving Childrens’ Fund. Mrs Jones, wife of Mr P B Jones, Chairman of the Parish Council, has badly dislocated her foot. All wish her a speedy recovery.

The inhabitants of Langtree and neighbourhood were pleased to see that the Torrington Rural District Council are taking up the matter of a station at Water Gate on the new Torrington and Halwill Railway. The Langtree Parish Council took the initiative in this matter some months ago by instructing their Clerk to write to the promoters of the railway and Lord Clinton, urging them to have a station at Water Gate. His Lordship readily took the matter up, and we believe is leaving no stone unturned to achieve this purpose.

Mr Splain, Chief Officer of Coastguards, is about to leave Lundy, much to the regret of the inhabitants. There were twenty entries for a recent bagatelle tournament. The first prize was won by Mr Maskell, of the South Lighthouse, and the second by Mr Lang, the storekeeper.

Lundy football match against the Mainlanders.

Christmas on Lundy. How the islanders observed the festivity.

The Merton Schoolroom was crowded on the occasion of the School Concert. The Rev E J Jeffery, in a few well chosen remarks, stated that the quality and standard of the performance that evening reflected the greatest credit on both Mr and Mrs Williams. He emphasised that not only in social enterprise but also in the usual school work the same enthusiasm was shown by Mr Williams and his assistants; and encouraging and very satisfactory results were being obtained. Mr Williams suitably replied. Over £11 was taken. All the children at the recent Bishop Phillpott’s Prayer Book Examination were successful. The results were: - First Class, 1; Second class, 9; third class, 8, passed 1.

Annery Kiln Cottages, Monkleigh, for sale.

During a social at the Martyn Hall, Morwenstow, a novel feature was the Confetti Dance – has anyone heard of this? A ewe belonging to Mr J Goodenough of Stanbury Barton, Morwenstow, gave birth to two fine lambs on 9 January - these days we would not consider this to be unusually early. The draughts championship tournament held in Morwenstow village club was won by Mr C Braunton with 27 points.

At Parkham, Master Jack Lee picked wild strawberries on December 31st and an apple tree may be seen in blossom at Mr R Brend’s. Mr C Moore of Moore Farm recently lost a good horse. The old sundial, which dates from 1731, has been redecorated and the tablets, containing the ten commandments in the church, have been dealt with in a very workmanlike manner by Mr Mitchell of Bideford.

At Shebbear, the Vicar has distributed the boot tickets and book prizes from the Fortescue Charity at Christmas to children attending the Council School, also the Harrington Charity for deserving poor.

Fireman George Blight, a native of Shebbear, has just retired from the Cardiff City Fire Brigade.

Wilfred Larkworthy and Elizabeth Vanstone marry at Torrington.

Upwards of £40 was realised for the Waifs and Strays Society by the excellent fancy dress dance, organised by Mrs G D Copp, and held in the Drill Hall, which was artistically decorated for the occasion. There was an attendance of over 200 adults and children, most of the latter being in fancy dress. Excellent music was supplied by Miss F Johns, and the refreshments and table decorations were well carried out by Mr William Luxton.

A tea and concert arranged by the Rev J W Mayo have been given to the inmates of the Torrington Union. The tea, which was much appreciated, was followed by a concert. Afterwards came a well-laden Christmas tree, arranged by Mrs Mayo, Mrs Stormer, Miss Barrow and Mrs Dymond. Each inmate was presented with a gift from the tree. Rev Mayo expressed his thanks to the Master and Matron, Mr and Mrs Harrison, for their hearty cooperation.

By the kind invitation of the Rector and Mrs Moyses, the children and teacher of the Weare Gifford Church Sunday School were entertained to tea at the Rectory on Thursday.

The men of Weare Giffard to the number of about thirty by the kind invitation of Major Paine, greatly enjoyed a day’s rabbitting on Boxing Day. The men had good sport, about 32 rabbits being bagged. Mr A Gomer has received a letter from the Secretary of the Waifs and Strays Society thanking him and his party of carol singers, formed of members of the united Church and Chapel Choirs, for the sum of £4 15s. Mrs Chamings and Mrs Short very kindly provided refreshments at their houses and their kindness is much appreciated.

A disastrous fire, resulting in the destruction of a block of three small thatched roofed cottages and damage to an adjoining house, occurred at Westleigh. The adjoining house, a comparatively new building, slate roofed, double fronted, occupied by the owners Nr and Mrs Braunton and their family, was undoubtedly saved by the efforts of the Bideford Fire Brigade and other helpers. The three cottages were reduced to a heap of ruins. During the height of the fire, it being almost on a hill top, the smoke was plainly seen from Bideford, and as far away at Torrington Common and Saunton. The families rendered homeless were Mr and Mrs G H Saunders with the children (who were in the first house to catch fire), and Mr and Mrs T Tucker, and their four children. The Sanderses have gone temporarily to friends at Lovacott, and the Tuckers with the Huxtables at Souchcott. The three cottages destroyed were the property of Mr A L Christie, JP, DL, of Tapeley Park, and were insured.

Household furniture from The Cottage, Westward Ho! is for sale.

Bell-ringers’ supper held at Woolsery Vicarage.

January 1973

Draft wardings for the first election of the Torridge District Council made by the Home Office followed exactly the recommendations of the steering committee as approved by the constituent councils, the Town Clerk, Mr L B Galliford, told Bideford Town Council. They give a council of 36 – nine representatives for Bideford, three for Torrington borough, seven for Northam urban district, four for Bideford rural council, six for Torrington rural district and seven for Holsworthy rural district. The Home Office, said Mr Galliford, had told them that Bideford borough would be designated by order as the authority to appoint the returning officer and would have to pay his expenses for the first election.

Mr Philip Waters and Mr Joseph Need may be Appledore candidates to fill a vacancy on Northam Urban Council.

£100 gift to Appledore lifeboat branch.

At the Boat Show, opened at Earls Court, the full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake's historic ship the Golden Hinde, now under construction at the Appledore shipyard of J Hinks and Son, is the subject of three feature stands. Visitors are able to see work in progress on the ornate reproduction Tudor furniture and the cannon for the replica. Two shipwrights from J Hinks and Son's yard will be handcrafting two of the spars for the main mast.

A welcoming cup of tea greets the first of two Ugandan Asian families who are being found homes by Northam Urban Council. The family travelled from Honiton camp to their future home, no. 21 The Mount, Appledore. Mrs Parkash Kaur Rajput and her daughter, Balbir, are seen with Major J P Foulds, of Georgeham, a long standing family friend who brought them in in car, from the camp. Also in the picture are Mrs T P Keene, Mr J A Wright and Miss G Yeo.

A lamp standard and a nearby support pole were left leaning at an angle after a ship which was being manoeuvred into a dry dock at Appledore was blown against the Quay wall by a sudden gust of wind. Part of the guard rails buckled and, following the incident, a small cabin cruiser, the Snow Goose, owned by Mr Keith Luxton, of Appledore, and which had been moored nearby, was found to have its hull damaged. The ship, the 2,000 ton coastal tanker Swansea, owned by Shell-Mex and BP Ltd, was not damaged.

For many years a member of Northam Burrows Committee, taking a prominent part in organising the revival of ‘potwalloping day’ to strengthen the pebbleridge in 1957, Mr Charlie James (Jim) Tucker has died at his home, 40 Western Avenue, Appledore. He was 69. Before his retirement through ill-health he was an agricultural worker and was employed at Watertown farm for many years.

Several near accidents have been caused between vehicles leaving Bideford health centre in Abbotsham Road and others travelling towards Abbotsham, administrators of the health centre have told the Town Council. They blamed the presence of cars parked opposite what will be a joint entrance to the centre and the hospital. The Council are asking the County Council to extend the restriction on parking westwards by 450ft.

Bideford Shipyard Ltd announced that they have secured a new order worth between £70,000 and £80,000 to build a 90ft long passenger vessel for the Blue Funnel Cruises Ltd of Southampton. Work on the new vessel, which will be the longest built at the Bideford yard, is expected to start in March. Completion will take about 12 months.
First member of Bideford St John Nursing Cadets to win the coveted Grand Prior certificate and badge is Sergt Jenny Gordon. Twelve proficiency subjects have to be taken to win the badge. In recognition of her work, Sergt Gordon was also presented with a travelling clock from the local St John Association. Among those present were Major Gracey, Mr R Mitchell, Mrs M D Lavers, Major E Hill, and Mrs F E Cowling. Mrs Lavers presented certificates to the following cadets: L Fishleigh, E Shortridge, J Cann, Y Parish, M Spearman, C Vounc, P Bloyce, B Smith, R Summers, A Fishleigh, W Hood, J Kelly, S Marshall, M Strong and T Walker.

Mr Alfred Short hands to the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr and Mrs J W Needs, a china replica of the famous Calgary Stetson, sent by the Mayor of Calgary in reply to a letter of civic greetings from Bideford taken to that city by Mr and Mrs Short on their recent Canadian visit. Mr Short, now in his 70s, is an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School. On his retirement he was Bristol district territorial general manager for Boots Chemist.

In accordance with the bequest of a Bideford merchant, John Andrew, over 360 years ago, loaves were distributed to the aged and needy of the town at Bideford Town Hall on New Year’s Day. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs J W Needs, distributed 40 loaves to which was added a total of 25lb of butter from the Mayor’s Benevolent Fund.

Despite the handicap of a heart complaint, and only recently out of hospital himself, Mr Monty Walton, of 11 Alexandra Terrace, Bideford, takes delight in entertaining ‘fellow patients’. Last week he cheered the patients of the Torridge Hospital, Bideford, with a one-man variety show. He is a member of the Magic Circle and is also a ventriloquist.

Celebrating their golden wedding will be Mr and Mrs James Henry Bedler, of 90 Pynes Lane, Bideford. For 45 years they lived at Bowden Green. Mr Bedlar, who is 74, was formerly a member of Bideford Town Council’s outdoor staff. His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Lillian Mary Jenkins, is 69. Of the six surviving daughters, four live in Bideford. The daughters are Mrs L W Braund of Stucley Road, Mrs G Lockyer, of Launceston, Mrs J West, of Grenville estate, Mrs C Shapland, of Stucley Road, Mrs W Hoper of Lynton, and Mrs S Prouse, of Pynes Lane (with her parents. There are 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A family party is being held.

Bideford Rural Council are to go ahead with their scheme to pump sewage into the sea at Bucks Mills subject to aeration modifications as suggested by Dr S C Burgess, a member of the Jeger committee. Later in the month, R Fran Sutton of The Old Chapel wrote to the Gazette.

A well known native of Clovelly who had served in the Merchant Navy for many years, Mr Stanley Bate has died at Donnington House at the age of 87. Mr Bate, son of a master mariner, was a descendent on his grandmother’s side of Salvation Yeo, a character immortalised in Kingsley’s ‘Westward Ho!’.

At a whist drive in aid of Clovelly lifeboat funds the draw for a table light in the form of a ship, made by Mr C Shackson for the last time, was won by Mrs A Shackson. Many of the other prizes in this special draw run from the lifeboat house throughout the summer went up country. The effort made a profit of £94.58½. The whist drive and a draw in the room made £36.74 profit.

Picturesque, cobbled Clovelly, claimed to be England’s most visited village, is in a list of five new suggested conservation areas which Devon Planning Committee are in the process of discussing with the district Councils and other interested people.

Dear, dear what can the matter be? Clovelly Parish Council have been told about ladies who got locked in the lavatory. One each occasion it was the public lavatory near Temple Bar, said Miss Sheila Ellis.

Posted in Hong Kong, a letter has been received by the Clerk to Clovelly Parish Council, Mrs Muriel Littlejohns, containing an offer by Jin Koo Books to supply a volume containing more than 200 pictures of Chairman Mao and Choe En Lai at a cost of £6. Captions of the pictures were in English as well as Chinese. The Parish Council were not interested in the offer.

Four members of the Hartland Auxiliary Coastguard rescue section have received 20 year long service medals. They are Messrs Reginald Johns, Wilfred Pennington, Kenneth Johns and Richard Wakeley. S R Richards presented the medals.

With the aim of raising money for provision of hard tennis courts in Hartland, a sub-committee of the local Playing Fields Association was formed last summer. A canvass by circular in the district established that there was a call for tennis courts, which have been in the thoughts of the Playing Fields’ Association for 10 years. But funds have been needed for other facilities, such as the football field, children’s playground and the pavilion, plus maintenance costs, and it has not been possible to concentrate on providing for tennis until now.

The attractive freehold property known as Hillside, Landcross, near Bideford, is for sale by public auction.

Over 100 children at St Margaret’s School, Northam, had to wear their overcoats in class for a time this week when the electric heating system in one wing went out of action for the second time in two months.

The work of the Teachers’ Benevolent Fund was chosen by Mrs P M Slade as the theme for her presidential address to the Torridge District Association of the National Union of Teachers. Mrs Slade, a member of the staff of St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School at Northam, succeeds Mr Ken Ainsworth.

Six year old Mark Clements liked his picture of the Queen so much that he decided to send it to her. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Keith Clements of 6 Daneshay, Northam.

Devon County Council are to be asked by Torrington Town Council to consider providing a fully-equipped dispensary at the health centre when, as is contemplated, it is enlarged. The Council, after being told by the Town Clerk, Mr Alan Fitt, that he had had a discussion with an inspector of the Pharmaceutical Society on chemist facilities in the town, decided not to pursue the question of placing an advertisement in the ‘Pharmaceutical Journal.’

Traffic problems at the junction of New Street and Whites Lane.

Grants announced by the Historic Buildings Council for England include £1,250 towards the cost of repairs of Palmer House, Torrington, owned by Mrs B F Dickson. The house is the most important 19th century specimen of domestic architecture in the town. The Palmer family were resident there for several generations and the family’s Arms are emblazoned on the main staircase window. The family were related by marriage to Sir Joshua Reynolds.

In recognition of their good work in raising the means of a sponsored walk around £280 for, among other things, the purchase of equipment, Torrington’s revitalised Youth Club were entertained to a party. During the evening trophies won in a recent darts competition were presented by the chairman, Mr John Kelly. Winners were William Seymour and Wendy Tyler, with Paul Martin and Kathleen Weller runners-up. There were also medals, the gift of a committee member Mr James Martin.

Capt Colin Lowry of Buckleigh has hit upon another productive idea. It is a follow-up of his previously announced collection of pre-decimilisation coins which he turns into cash in £1 lots. Already he has sent off several hundred weights of old coppers to the Royal Mint via RNLI headquarters, and he is convinced there are many more about in boxes and drawers in homes. But now he is particularly interested in collecting ship halfpennies, for the ship depicted is the Golden Hind.

Residents of Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho! which Northam Urban Council are to make up under the Private Street Works code, have told the Council that they want it kept as a private road. And they have offered to have it made up to the Council’s specifications. But members decided that the request should be refused and that residents should be told fully about the disadvantages of the road remaining private. The main disadvantage was that maintenance would have to be carried out by the resident.

Trees at The Links, Westward Ho! although the subject of a preservation order are having to be sacrificed to development. But all that are felled are to be replaced.

Mr and Mrs R F C Dallyn, of The Mount, Winkleigh, have celebrated their golden wedding. The anniversary was celebrated with a party at Beaford House Hotel.

Pathfinders and Junior Church at Woolsery.

Moskvich vehicles are available at F C Twose & son in Westward Ho!

January 1998

There was no shortage of support when 25 people from Abbotsham took the plunge into an angry-looking sea on New Year's Day. It seemed that the whole population of the village had turned up on the beach to cheer them on. The midday dip was in aid of the fund to provide the village with an all-weather multi-purpose sports pitch. All the swimmers were sponsored to splash about in the lively surf, which they all did with enthusiasm, despite the cold, blustery conditions. Their efforts raised about £3,500 towards the £80,000 cost of the scheme. "It was great to see so many people from Abbotsham on the beach to support the event" said Jacqui Jury, one of the organisers.

North Devon’s lifeboat heroes helped to make 1997 the busiest year on record for the West Country’s coastal guardians. The stations at Ilfracombe and Appledore made 76 launches. Between them they saved the lives of 6 people and landed ashore another 5. A further 57 people were brought ashore who were not considered in immediate risk. A breakdown of figures shows that 56% of services involved pleasure craft and a further 22% were people without a craft who were cut off by the tide or in trouble in the sea. The first survey of sea users showed that one-fifth of people who use the sea for leisure do not check the weather forecast; more than a quarter ignore the tide tables and charts; and a quarter of leisure users questioned had been involved in a life threatening situation while at sea.

Glimpses of life in the seafaring village of Appledore over more than 3 decades have been assembled on film by a local video company. Two years after the release of their first village video “Appledore, Days Gone By” Alan Braund and Alan Powe of AJB Videos of Bideford have produced a sequel. A royal visit, carnivals, regattas, salmon fishing, a flooded quayside, building of the now familiar Bidna covered shipyard, famous sailing ships and local faces are among its stars – including Alan as a schoolboy!

Pub regulars at Appledore started off their new year with a splash. Nine customers and staff of the riverside Beaver Inn and its neighbour the Royal George washed away New Year’s Eve hangovers with a dip in the briny – in fancy dress! In the run-up to the new year they were busy raising sponsorship and their charity chiller brought in more than £500.

The new year dippers were Graham and Alison Stone, Neil Hotchkiss, James Walsh, Jules Brummitt, Esta Clarke, Sue and Martin Harries and Jeremy Bell

One End Street is a quaint address for this quaint cottage just off the Quay in Appledore. Extensively modernised and improved, the property has many interesting features. “This is not a house for the keen gardener. There is only a small bin store and yard but it is eminently suitable for the busy person or holiday home owner.” The cottage.

There was no shortage of festive fare in the Varney household at Bideford after a two-minute dash around Normans' supermarket. Dashing dad Andy Varney, of Moreton Park Road, bought the winning ticket in the fund raising event organised by Bideford Lions' Club. In his early morning sprint around the shopping aisles he scooped £260 worth of groceries. And the Lions' Club raised around £500 for local charities. The picture shows Andy with Bideford Lions' Club president Terry Triggs and Normans' store manager Roy Dymond.

A new car park extension with pedestrian access to the town's Panner Market has been officially opened in Bideford. The £400,000-plus project has provided 60 extra parking spaces on a three-level hillside site in Honestone Street and a walkway directly into Market Place. The picture shows Mr Rowe putting his coins into the Pay and Display machine at the new car park, watched by district council chief executive Richard Brasington and Colin Ayres and Peter Hilson.

Bideford is fast becoming the centre of New Year's Eve celebrations in North Devon with some 2,000 revellers congregating on its quayside to welcome 1998. Clowns joined in the New Year fun in the form of Ray Martin, Yvonne Sheridan, Sharon Martin and Kevin Dalling. And Mr Batten wants the celebration even bigger!

Marking the anniversary of the death of Captain James Braund of Bucks Mills.

The Glory of Steam will be the title of a special slide show to be given at Fremington Village Hall on February 2. All proceeds will go to the North Devon branch of the Leukaemia Research Fund. The slide show will be given by Mr P Triggs, a rail expert from Taunton. A cup of genuine railway tea will be included in the admission price of £3.

Did you use Headlines in Fremington?

Property for sale in Hartland

Barbara Wearne, from Instow has so far raised £4,687 for the British Leprosy Relief Association as a result of a sponsored cycle ride she undertook in Malawi last May and June. The grand total for the ride has reached £50,000.

Straws in the wind was the right way to describe what the gales did to the thatched roof of the pavilion of North Devon Cricket Club at Instow. The club - at 175 years old the most venerable in the West Country - is also one of only two with thatched roofs in the whole region. The club has been struggling for the past year to raise £26,000 for a re-thatch. Last weekend's gales blew a large section of it away. "We're really facing disaster" said projects manager Colin Payne. "We have raised the £5,500 target we set ourselves towards it."

Ashmores Hardware Store in Northam's Fore Street has new owners - Rob and Kay Chamberlain.

House with a history for sale in Northam. In 1880, the local vicar organised the building of a working men's club. The property was built in Gothic style and had a meeting hall, reading room, and smoking room. It was inaugurated on July 2 with a public tea at which 240 people enjoyed cake, buns and strawberries, followed by hymns and prayers. Today the property is split into several commercial and residential units. The part which is now for sale is the former steward's house and the asking price is £57,500.

Berry House in the centre of Shebbear is an interesting architectural mix of 300 year old Devon farmhouse which was extended in Victorian times. Offers over £169,500 are invited.

Joan Hilsden, Well Street, Torrington, is concerned about the voting process for the proposed new supermarket on South Street car park.

The new year has brought new steps forward for Torridge estate agents Bond Oxborough Phillips as there local services are being expanded with the opening of a new office in Torrington. And the launch of the agency’s own website on the Internet is also providing a worldwide audience. The new premises at 13 Fore Street will enable them to provide an improved service for the town and its surrounding villages said Neil Phillips. The office is managed by Steve Barfe, who is assisted by receptionist Diane Lilley and weekend negotiator Lana Bellinger.

Torrington is mourning the loss of its town clerk, Charles Long. Apart from his civic work he will be remembered by many local people as a teacher at Bideford School for 26 years. Mr Long became Torrington’s town clerk after he retired from teaching in 1988. He and his wife ran the Torrington Singers.

Pantomime tradition of family entertainment for all ages is epitomised in the latest charity production by the Torridge based Bright Stars Theatre Group. At 78 Edith Bawden of Westward Ho! is the senior member and a familiar figure on local stages since she came to the area 20 years ago. Grandmother Maggie Smale plays the lead role and is accompanied by her granddaughters Gemma and Samantha Bailey as two of the delightful young fairies. Others are Melissa Cobian, Lucy Henderson and Holly Crippen. The Hutchings family of Westward Ho! contribute four members of the cast with Steph Hutchings, husband Keith, and sons Matthew and Nathan. Other members of the panto party are Betty Maynard, Mike Sale, Lionel Hodge, Geoff Skinner, Len Higgins, Margaret Andersen, Richard Andersen and Olwen Hembrey.