100 Years Ago

Years Ago - December 1959

December 1959

Did you buy a Woolaway bungalow?

Knitter is reprimanded at Bideford Magistrates Court.

Births announced this month – a brother for Nicola born to Jean (nee Seward) and Michael; Peter John Andrew to Valerie (nee Keen) and Morley; Linda Joyce Dunn to Doreen (nee Johns) and Austin; at Tideways, Julia Mary Sawtell; a son, Michael Terence, for Terence and Margaret Tithecott; a daughter, Lynda Grace, for Roselyn (nee Harris) and Roland; at 39 Irsha Street, Appledore, a daughter, Susan, to Valerie (nee Harris) and Bill;

The decision of Alwington Agricultural Discussion Group to invite members of the local Women’s Institute to participate in their fourth annual show, held in the Village Hall, resulted in entries being increased by nearly 100% to 195. Mrs Johns presented the prizes and the secretary, Mr W H Johns, thanked all who had contributed to the success of the show, of which Mr John Cork was treasurer. The judges were Mr S A Brimacombe (Buckland Brewer); Mr E W Turner (St Giles); Mrs V F Bowyer (Northam); Mrs E Hemmel and Mrs H R Daniel. The prize list included – J Wickett and Son, J L Hillman, A Hockridge, J Cork, S Brown, Miss I Brown, G Boundy, S Brown, P Martin, N Westaway, D Morris, Mrs G May, Mrs F Poole, K Poole, F Heard, Mrs E Westaway, R Trewin, Mrs C E Hillman, Miss Ann Lewis, Mrs C E Hillman, Mrs K M Lewis, Miss D Ridd, Mrs D Morris, Mrs E Westaway, Mrs B Walter, Mrs I Hockridge, Mrs E Johns, and Mrs F Honeywell.

Another tug, the Llanwern, was launched from the yards of Messrs P K Harris and Sons Ltd, at Appledore. She will be the first diesel-electric tug built at Appledore and is a sister vessel to one launched about a month ago.

Just about 51 years ago Arthur Evans, on holiday from his home in a Welsh mining village, attended a dance in Bideford Music Hall, now the Palace Cinema, and met Mary Ann (Polly) Lamey of Appledore who worked in the collar factory in the Strand. Twelve months later on December 27th 1909 they were married at Bideford Bridge Street Methodist Church by the Rev A J Aldington. After 31 years living in Ogmore Vale, near Bridgend, they moved to 10 Alpha Place, Appledore and there the family will quietly celebrate the golden wedding anniversary. They share their home with a son, Mr Glyndwr Evans, who will be at the party with his brother, Donald (lives in Bideford) and sister, Mrs G Smith of Appledore. Son Jack, of Port Talbot, will not be able to attend.

The wedding has taken place of Mr Horton Michael Giddy, only son of the Mr and the late Mrs Lyle Giddy, of Hyfield, Bideford, and Miss Rosalind Mary Short, adopted daughter of Mr and Mrs E Butler, of Greysands, Appledore. Rev Father C Scanlan officiated and Miss Yarnitzki accompanied the hymns on the organ. The bridesmaids were Miss Ann Butler and Evelyn O’Malley, and the best man was Mr Brian Walters. In the spring the bride and bridegroom will be travelling to New Zealand where they are making their home.

The lobster caught by Mr Nicholls, of Bideford, isn’t so large.

Fellow members of Bideford AAC’s novice championship crew formed a guard of honour at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, for Mr Benjamin John Evans, twin son of Mr and Mrs G Evans, of 67 Clifton Street, and his bride, Miss Elizabeth Ann Langbridge, second daughter of Mr and Mrs B Langbridge, 11 North View Avenue. The Rector of Bideford, Rev T Derwent Davies, officiated. The two bridesmaids were Misses Jennifer Cann and Shirley Clark, with the duties of the best man carried out by the bridegroom’s twin brother, Mr George H Evans. Mrs A Newcombe made the wedding cake.

Now that Devon Education Committee has decided to include a new secondary school for boys and girls at Bideford in the 1962-65 programme, to be sited adjacent to Bideford Grammar School, there is growing interest about what will happen to the existing Bideford County Secondary School at Geneva Place. Although erected over fifty years ago, the building has the appearance of having many years of usefulness in front of it in one capacity or another. What will it become? Pictures of some of the schoolrooms can be seen AT THIS LINK (opens in new window)

The funeral of Mrs Florence May Short, 5 Marland Terrace, Bideford, took place at High Street Methodist Church. The Rev G E Gregory officiated and Mr H Thorne played the organ. Immediate mourners were: the widower; Mr J Glover; Marion, Godfrey and Graham, Jean, Studley, Mrs B Anstey, Mrs D Scott, Mrs H Parish, Mr F Glover, Mr T Glover, Mr H Glover, Mr and Mrs F Collins, Mrs F Glover, aunt Louie and uncle Phillip Knight; Mrs Little, Mrs Griffiths, Mr and Mrs W Patt, Mrs Kelly, Mrs Bond, Mrs E Stacey, Mrs S Gilbert, Mrs Rodgman, Mrs Shortridge, Mrs Palmer and numerous friends. Unavoidably absent were: Mr and Mrs E J Glover. Bearers were Messrs B Anstey, D Scott, H Parish and Mr L Potter.

The Rev R H Foster officiated at the funeral of Mr James Singer Pritchard of 49 Newton Road, Bideford, who was employed for more than 38 years by Messrs W H Smith and Sons, and had worked at Sidmouth and Bideford railway stations. Family mourners included Mr Frank Shortridge and Mr R Gerry. Bearers were Messrs Andrews, Butler, Jewell and Taylor. Others attending were: Mr and Mrs H Shortridge; Mrs C Shortridge, representing Mr J Bartholomew; Mr C Way; Mr and Mrs L Beer; Mr W Shute; Mrs Steer; Mrs Bewes; Miss G M Glover; Mr R Halbert, representing Mr and Mrs J W Halbert and Mrs Fisher; and Pastor H J and Mrs Argall.

Did you buy music and records from Shepherd & Bartlett in Bridgeland Street?

Another chapter in a remarkable success story was begun in Bideford when the Mayor, Mr Ambrose Fulford, officially opened new premises in Bridgeland Street for Bob Ray Ltd, a firm specialising in motorcycles, three-wheelers and motor scooters.

Owl falls down the chimney of Mrs E J Mitchell of Ford Cottage, Bideford.

Two Bideford families are hoping to spend next Christmas Day bathing and basking in the sun – in Australia. They are going because they feel that there are no opportunities for their children here. The families are Mr and Mrs E W Mortimer and their children Denise, Francis, Anthea and Christopher, of 1 Capern Road, Pynes Estate, and Mr and Mrs G W Kerslake and their 2 daughters, of 2 Railway Cottages, Torridge Street. Says Mr Kerslake, a gardener at the Kingsley Hospital, “There is nothing around here for the girls except shop work.” He hopes to continue his occupation in Australia. The Mortimers are fortunate. A house awaits them in Newcastle, and there is a job for Mr Mortimer who has been employed at the REME unit at Instow.

The dogs – and their owners – who go to night school at Bideford had a prize day at Bideford Rugby Hall. The occasion was the first competition organised by the Bideford and District Dog Training Society, the trainers being Mr and Mrs P Bensley of Northam. The Mayoress of Bideford, Miss Gladys Fulford, attended and at the conclusion presented rosettes to the winners. She was thanked by Mr K F Sollis. Winners were – Mr W Croft, Mrs D G Pinnell, Miss I Humphrey, Mrs Hockin, Mr Jack Way, Mrs Buckingham, Mrs W Pearce, Mr B Pinnell, Master H Bensley, Mr J Way, Mr V J Boyle. In the picture are Mr Croft and Mrs Pinnell.

Bideford Musicals’ latest production ‘Uncle Harry’ is being filmed and recorded by T.W.W and extracts from it will probably be included in a magazine programme entitled “Here and there” to be televised on Christmas Eve. “We are the only musical show in North Devon anyone has come to televise” Mrs Eileen Smith, co-author and producer with her husband David, told the Bideford Gazette. They live at Waytown, Bideford East. The photograph shows one of the scenes – Joyce Curwen, Rudolph Langhorne, Roy May, Muriel Cookney, Maureen Williams, Eileen Smith, William barber, Iris Easton and Yvonne Richards. Later in the month, the following article appeared:

Place your yuletide orders at Wickhams in the High Street.

Buckland Brewer exhibitors win trophies at the Three Societies’ Show at Bideford. Mrs G M Brimacombe, of Tythecott, won the trophy for the most points in the poultry-dairy produce classes, and Mr W Scoble, of Waffapool, is winner of the ‘hoof’ section trophy for the best pig exhibits. In the picture is his son-in-law, Mr R Barron.

Lynn Carlyle, of Walland Cary, Bucks Cross, is fined.

North Devon’s famous Clovelly has a namesake village near Sydney, Australia, and when she was in Sydney during a world tour earlier this year Miss Dorothy Luard, of Lulworth, Westward Ho! made a special point of visiting the village. She told the Gazette “I was determined to see the Australian Clovelly for I thought a brief account of it might give interest and pleasure to those living in our Clovelly.”

Clovelly Mothers’ Union held a fun fair run by Clovelly bell-ringers, and a Christmas sale, organised by the Union members. Sideshows were run by Messrs F May, W Johns, R Johns, E Johns, J Johns, E Bragg, A Johns, and J J Headon. Refreshments were served by Mesdames J Burrow, A Burrow, W Johns and J Westlake, Stallholders were Mesdames Eppingstone and R Kelly; Miss V Webb, Miss H Jewell, Mesdames O and B Abbott, J Burrow, F May, T Jones, E Bragg and Ashton, R Tridgell, J Johns, J J Headon, H Taylor, W Johns, J Westlake.

Better for the majority says Head Postmaster as changes are to be made to the Clovelly postage service.

Clovelly lifeboat called to go to the aid of Esso Chelsea but not needed.

There’s a family reunion for Mrs Kate Simpson Robinson, of Oriel Lodge, Frithelstock, as she reaches her 99th birthday.

Hartland Vicar’s plea is rejected.

Over 100 children take part in a school concert at Hartland. The temporary headmaster, Mr J G Harrison, thanked all the children for their performance, also the parents who had lent clothes and other items. The ‘Bloaters’, a play, probably took the honours for here was some acting equal to that from those of mature years, in particular from Jennifer Horsley, Chris Searles and Jean Stone. Other participants included Stephen Hobbs, Sally Holmes, Rita Harris, Christine Green, Jimmy Conibear and Peter Braund. Accompanist during the concerts was Mrs Ida Pillman.

The death has occurred at his home at Edistone, Hartland, of Mr L Jeffery, at the age of 72 years. He was the son of the late Mr John Jeffery, of Tosbury, and leaves a widow, one son and one daughter. The funeral service took place at Hartland Methodist Church, the Rev B Titmus, of Bude, officiating. Mr Wesley Heard was organist. Family mourners were: the widow; Mr and Mrs S Oke; Mr and Mrs M Jeffery; Mr J Oke; Mr and Mrs W Shaddick; Mr J Colwill, Mrs L Jeffery, Mrs E Jeffery, Mrs T Timms, Mr and Mrs J Scoynes, Mr and Mrs T Walter; Mrs G Poole, Mr and Mrs W Scoynes, Mrs W Johns, Mr and Mrs K Johns, Mr J V Jeffery, Mr B Walter, Mr D Poole, Mr G Timms.

Frost Cottage in Langtree is for sale.

Peter Wood, the son of Mr and Mrs C Wood, of Dunn Farm, Littleham, has won 56 prizes for jumping at horse shows and gymkhanas, with two horses, White Reign and Bashon.

Over £7 was raised in aid of the Parish Hall as a result of a Hostess Whist Drive, organised by Mr Reg Rawle. Mr H F Hedden was MC and Mr R Rawle at the door. Later in the month, the Hall and the adjoining skittle alley were filled to capacity at the annual poultry whist drive with refreshments being served by Mesdames F Lyle, W Johns, C Cook, G Moore, E Waring, L Rawle, R Rawle, D Hill, G Hearn, K Phelps, L Hedden, A Nicholls, Misses L Colwill and D Lyle.

Reading some of the accounts that have appeared concerning Devon County Council’s proposal to the Boundaries Commission that the island of Lundy should be formally included in Devon, one might suppose that irate islanders – all seven of them (as now resident) – are preparing to sell their freedom dearly on its shores, repelling invaders. Nevertheless it should be said that islanders and friends of Lundy are prepared to fight hard for what they deem to the special quality of Lundy and prevent it being ‘marred’ by the benefits of bureaucracy. There is something to be said in favour of a clear-cut understanding on the legal jurisdiction questions, but whether it needs a hammer blow to crack this nutshell is doubtful. Is it quite so independent as is generally supposed? It is already included in the Torrington Parliamentary Division and islanders are on the voters’ list, they pay national health insurance, and the ground upon which the church stands is understood to belong to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and not the owner of the island. Later in the month, Mr Albion Harman makes a statement.

Burrows Way bungalows, in Northam, to go.

New gates and railings for Northam Methodist Church and Mr Heywood was invited to perform the opening ceremony.

Miss Joan Phillipps, a member of the Church Council and a Diocesan Conference representative, who had been invited to perform the ceremony in recognition of her work for many good causes in parish and village. This was referred to by the Vicar, the Rev E B Bridger, who presided. Jane Newcombe presented a bouquet to Miss Philllips. The Northam sale was organised by Mrs E V Ross and Miss D H Beatson, who were also responsible for the attractive decoration of the hall. Of the 10 stalls, three were the responsibility of the Mothers’ Union, members of which organised an apron competition. Their contribution exceeded £60.

Because he says he cannot rely on British Railways to deliver the goods a Shebbear man regularly drives to London through the night to collect them, Bideford and District Employment Committee were told at their quarterly meeting. Several complaints about the tardiness of the railways were made and it was agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.

No decay at Torrington says Torrington Town Council.

This mouth-watering display of Christmas cakes is not the work of skilled chefs, but of fourth-year girls of Torrington County Secondary School. The sweets were made by first-year girls. The domestic science teacher, Miss W Stevens, said that there was basic recipe so that the cakes were of a basic size, but apart from that the girls were allowed to use their own ingenuity. That they had certainly done, some even having manufactured the decorations. In the picture, in addition to Miss Stevens, are some of the girls and their mothers who were invited to inspect the pupils’ handiwork. Some of them agreed that the cakes were even better than those mother makes!

At Torrington County Primary School’s Christmas concert six-year-old pupils of Class 5 presented a Nativity play. Those taking part were Marion Young, Robert Marson, Brian Alford (who sang a solo with a very sweet voice) and Carol Perrior. Class 7 presented a nursery rhyme scene, which was very colourful. Pupils were under the supervision of the headmaster, Mr T C Biddick and among the large number attending was the Mayor of Torrington, Col J E Palmer.

Some people wanted the rabbits for a bit of sport on a Saturday afternoon, but Torrington Commons would soon be swarming with rabbits, complained Mr C Martin, whose farm adjoins the Commons, at last week’s annual meeting of Torrington branch of the NFU. Mr T C Glanfield, who had earlier addressed the meeting, drew attention to the fact that the Government made 50% grants towards the formation of rabbit clearance societies. For this it was necessary to get the cooperation of all neighbouring farmers.

The wedding has taken place at Westleigh of Lieut Peter Whitfield, elder son of Mr and Mrs C G Whitfield, of Kenwith Road, Raleigh, Bideford, and Miss Rosalind Jeffery, elder daughter of Mrs and the late Mr F Jeffery, of Honeysuckle Cottage, Westleigh. The Rev T Mortimer officiated and the organist was Mr Aldrige.

Having sold the property, The Cottage, Westward Ho! on the instructions of Miss Lesslie Smith, antique and modern household furniture and furnishings are for sale.

Mrs Norah Gibbs, of Westward Ho! took part in the quiz show Abracadabra and returned home £125 richer.

Suggestion by a Mrs Barker that a refuse collection should be made at Welcombe has been rejected by Bideford Rural Council, who feel that there is little need to extend the collection to this ‘very scattered parish.’

Her many friends and Woolsery and Clovelly heard with regret of the passing of Miss Jane T Piper, of Slade Farm, Clovelly, which took place at the North Devon Infirmary. Although she had not enjoyed good health for some years, Miss Piper had always been a most cheerful person, and was out and about when her health permitted. She will be greatly missed at the Woolsery Methodist Church which she attended as recently as the Sunday evening previous to her death. The funeral took place at Bradworthy, where her parents and other relatives are buried. Miss Piper, who was 59, had lived with her brother-in-law, Mr A Westaway, and his family for many years.

Years Ago - December

December 1922

Christmas Postal Arrangements includes a full delivery on Christmas Day.

An interesting ceremony took place at the Custom House, Appledore on 28th November, Mr Richard G Ash, late Chief Officer of Customs at Appledore, being presented by Mr W Woollven, Collector of Customs and Excise, Plymouth, with the Imperial Service Medal.

Appledore has lost one of its oldest inhabitants and seafarers in the person of Mr James Hutchings, whose death occurred at Homeside Terrace, Appledore. Deceased was a very familiar figure in the port and well known to the sailors. Born and bred in Appledore his career has been that of a true ‘son of the sea’. He had travelled far when still a young man, in the days of the old ‘clippers’ and had a most interesting career. He was one of the last of the Blockade Runners of the American War, and saw much service on the old wine ships which traded in the Mediterranean. He preferred to remain in the post he held although he could have had a captaincy.

To highlight the revival in shipping trade, the story of an Appledore motor schooner (unnamed) is reported. This vessel brought a cargo of 350 tons of coal to Bideford for the Gas Company, immediately reloaded with 350 tons of Marland Clay for Antwerp and returned home with a similar amount of basic slag, all this with no reported delays in port.

For those of a charitable bent, the Mayor of Bideford Mr H Willett Huxham appeals for surplus garments for older people and toys for young children and the Matron of Bideford Hospital would be grateful to receive donations and gifts in order that the patients have some Christmas cheer.

The Palladium in Bideford has been taken over by Mr Norman Robertson, recently manager of two picture houses in Bristol.

Annual Prize Day for Bideford Grammar School. Sir James Owen, of Exeter, who was formerly for many years associated with Bideford, distributed the prizes. The function which was largely attended was presided over by Mr H N G Stucley, chairman of the governors, supported on the platform by the Mayor of Bideford, Mr H Willet Huxham, Messrs C S Carnegie, A C Duncan, J M Metherell, W H Chope, T A Goaman, the headmaster Mr J Stuart Fergusson MA, and Mr T A Fogaty. Certificates, scholarships and prizes were given to: L P Pound, B I Day, C W Smith, H W Beara, W C Sussex, R R Joll, R C Slee, C R Copp, H J Jennings (‘Duncan’ Scholarship), R A Fergusson (Head Master’s Scholarship), H K Jones (Head Boy Prize), J R Wear, R K Giles, W P Rudkin, J W Kievill, T Andrew, O N Ellis, F I Heywood, L W Short, S P Copp, W J Piper, J Curtice, G B Fergusson, R W Wills, F Lake, H R Bartlett, S Thomas, F Huxtable, F Molland, C Reddaway, W E Ellis, S Heywood, L Ashplant, A M Congdon, R J Sutherland, E H Burnett, P Giddy, C F Harris, W H Hunt, W H Unett, E F Richards, C Green, L T Lock, S J Snow, W L Williams, C H Cox, F T Langdon, J B Halbert, P P Wadey, G M Durant, N Newcombe, S Hutchings, H C D Boase, D B Leonard, T A Chamings, D W Friendship, J E Wooh, R B Taylor, F S Coull, A W Perkins.

Still on the subject of education, a row has erupted between the County Education Secretary and the Medical Officer for the area. It seems that children are being sent home from school because of Pediculosis (head lice), then the parents are being prosecuted for non-attendance. Mr J M Metherell said that parents should not be treated as criminals, as it was not always their fault that their children “became verminous”.

In other transport related news, Robert Edward Jollow was fined for negligently driving a horse and cart without having control of the reins in High Street and Mill Street in Bideford. In his defence Jollow said he only put down the reins to light his cigarette. Two accidents have been reported - one involving Mr John Squire, engine driver for Marland Clay Company at Torrington, and the other occuring at Holsworthy.

Mrs M A Hookway, 1 Geneva Place, Bideford, promotes the use of Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills.

In connection with ‘B’ Company, 6th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, a very successful Fancy Dress Ball was held in the New Drill Hall, Bideford. There was a crowded attendance in the gaily decorated hall, the officers present including Capt Wicksteed and Lieut Holwill (Torrington Detachment), Lieut Gammon and other officers of the Battalion; CSM M R Couch, CSM Pickard, Sergt Gilbert, PSI, Sergt A Dunn, Sergt Hancock and Sergt West. CSM Couch ably carried out the secretarial duties, and the excellent arrangements made contributed greatly to the very enjoyable evening. A first class programme was rendered by the orchestra, and Sergt J West carried out the duties of MC most effectively. The fancy dress parade was a conspicuous success, and reflected the greatest credit upon the participants. The competition was of the keenest, and the best thanks of promoters and entrants alike are due to Mrs Wicksteed and party of friends from Torrington for so carefully carrying out the duties of judges. The awards went to: Miss D Braddick, Mr Holwill, Miss O Braddick, Mr G Braddick, Miss F Kivell, Mrs Woods, Mr Leo Williams. The refreshment stall was well managed by Mrs M R Couch, Mrs A Dunn, Mr W Pickard, Mrs Hooper and others.

The Royal Blind Pension Society has secured a pension of £9 per year for Mr R T Fletcher of 11 Cooper Street, Bideford.

Trewin and Son, have had some enquiries for their Patent Reedcomber in the Hartland Parish and hope to be able to send the machine there at an early date. Should any farmers in the Parish wish to use it will they kindly communicate with Arthur Trewin, Lew, Bradworthy, as early as possible. The Machine can also thresh if required at the same time.

The pupils of Bradworthy County School have collected £2-14-2d for Dr Barnardo’s Homes. The school is so proud of this total that it names all the young collectors – Mary Cornish, Frances Nancekivell, Elisabeth Gildon, Albert Trewin, William Headon, Leonard Manning, Joseph Dunstan, John Bryant and Alfred Ham.

A Young Ladies Hockey Club has been formed at Clovelly. A meeting was recently held in the Council Schoolroom when the following officials were appointed: Captain, Miss Ida Bushell; Vice-Captain, Miss Kathleen Beer; Treasurer, Mrs Bushell; Hon. Secretary, Miss E A Somerville. The following members have already started practice and a team capable of engaging in matches should be soon available – Mrs J Cruse, Misses Molly Arnold, Ida Bushell, Ida Bond, Kathleen Beer, Annie Colwill, E Canton, Rosie Douglas, Jessie Dunn, Annie Foley, Maud Harris, Lily Headon, Frances Gist, Florence Headon, Doris Marchant, Margery May, E Somerville, Bertha Slee, Marie Squire, Jeannie Jewell and E Johns. It has been decided that the Club’s colours be mauve and gold. Donations to the Club’s Funds already received amount to £1 7s 6d.

The presentation of the prizes awarded by the Rector and Chairman of Managers, Rev T L V Simkin, to those scholars who were honourably mentioned by the Examiner at the recent examination in religious instruction took place at the Council School in Clovelly. The books were presented to Stephen A Headon, Walter Bromell, Daniel Cook, Dorothy White, Grace Slee, Eva Prouse, Dorothy Foley, William Cook, Frank May, Phyllis Harding, Arthur Pinnock, Grace Beer, Frank Harris, Jack Beer, Leonard Finch, William Slee, Stephen Headon, John Cruse, Dorothy Riley, Marguerite Riley, Maud Harris and Rose Douglas.

Hartland news - the children of Elmscott Council School have collected for Dr Barnardo’s Homes: B Jeffery, E Prouse, J Cloke, Ed Metherell, and A Metherell. Providence Missionary sermons were preached by Rev J T Perry. Mr E Hill was chairman at the evening meeting when the deputation gave a thrilling account of his life in France as Chaplain to the Forces. Rev Orchard gave an encouraging report of the work in China and Africa. The total proceeds including collections by Mr Bromell, Grace Cleave, Willie Slee and Willie Goaman were £10 17s 4d.

The Parish Church of Instow was the scene of a pretty wedding when the Rev J B White officiated at the marriage of Miss Charity Louise Hurley, daughter of Mr and Mrs Edward Hurley, of 9 Victoria Street, Barnstaple, and Mr Charles Henry Brayley of Yeo Vale. Attendants were Misses Florence Hookway and Hilda May Peters with Mr George Henry Tossell as ‘best man’.

Children at Lovacott Council School were given a tea and Christmas tree by the kindness of Mrs W Yeo of Belladown. Mr Balman took the role of Santa Claus, assisted by Mrs Paton.

Northam Council General Purposes Committee reports on a meeting with local Motor Bus proprietors, the majority of whom are definitely not in favour of running to a time table.

A large and appreciative congregation in Northam Parish Church heard an excellent rendering of Mendelssohn’s Hymns of Praise by the Choral Society, conducted by Mr Clifford Grout. Two modern morality plays have been performed under the direction of Mr Treavett with performances at the Station Hall in Westward Ho! and the School Room in Northam.

A jumble sale at Parkham with an exhibition of game heads in Penhaven Barn.

A Whist Drive and Dance has been held in Parkham's Council’s Schoolroom in aid of funds for the football Club. Miss Warfield of Hoops, kindly lent a piano and Miss Braddick and Miss E Dark played for dancing. Successful competitors at the ex-Service Men’s Whist Drive were Mrs Ebsary, Mr A Saunders (playing as a lady), T Kelly, Mr Kelly, William Hammett, Mr Berg. The box of chocolates for guessing highest score, Mr G Weeks.

In Parkham, Mrs S Cleverdon of Tucking Mill leaves a grown up family to mourn the loss of a good mother.

There were many expressions of sympathy at the double funeral in Torrington of Mr and Mrs Thomas Kelly, who had passed away within 48 hours of each other, aged 89 and 85, in Bideford. Mr Kelly and his wife (then Miss Grace Trigger) were married in 1857 at Roborough parish church by the Rev W Gurney. They reared a large family and eleven children survive them, two being in the United States. For several years Mr and Mrs Kelly resided at Torrington and later removed to Bideford living with their daughter, Mrs C West at 7 Lime Grove, where they died. The bearers were Messrs J Lake, H Folley, F Baker, H Squire, G Walters, and W J Brimacombe.

About 450 children of members of Torrington Industrial Cooperative Society were entertained at the Drill Hall, the artists being the “Bijou Concert Party” from Bideford. At the close, each child received a gift of sweets.

Household furniture and outdoor effects are for sale from Culver House, Hallspill, Weare Gifford. Mrs Chipman is leaving.

The news of the death of Mrs Elizabeth Ann Braddon, which occurred at Venton, Weare Gifford, was received with much regret in the district. The wife of William Braddon she had resided at Weare Gifford for forty years. The interment in the churchyard being preceded by an impressive service in the parish church. The immediate mourners were Mr W Braddon, Messrs Jack, Will, Tom, Alf and Charlie Braddon, Mrs Alford, Mrs Pearson, Mrs Pike and Miss E Braddon, Miss M Braddon, Mr and Mrs J Slee, Mr H Alford, Mrs J Braddon, Mr W Braddon, Mr W Burnett, Mr M Burnett, Mrs C Squire and Mrs Batten, Mr and Mrs Lake, Mr and Mrs Jewell, Mr and Mrs Gilbert, Mr Short, Mr Wilton, Mrs Grigg, Mrs Gomer, Miss Braunton, Miss Becklake, Mrs Taunton. The bearers were Messrs F Beer, B Beer, J Beer, C Squires, F Wise and W Johns.

December 1972

Births and anniversaries announced – Iris and Brian Chapple, a daughter; Julee and Randolph Massie, a daughter, Pennie Claire, welcome sister for Scott and second grandchild for Wenna and Ian; Bob and Pam Morgan, a daughter, Claire Susan; Seed-Walker – on December 9th 1922, John Robert to Myra; Keen-Fisher, December 6th 1947, Victor to Beatrice; Maureen and Clarence Dunn, twin girls; Sylvia and Guy France, a son, Stuart Martin, a brother for Robert; Carol and Alan Hold, a daughter, Deborah Ann; Gerry and Jenny White, a son, Brandon David, a brother for Stephen; Brogden-Elston, December 22nd 1947, Valerie Eileen to Edward George; Rendle-Taylor, December 27th 1947, Marion to Lenard; Smallridge-Farthing, December 26th 1947, Kenneth Harold to Emily; Nellie and George Poole, their 50th wedding anniversary on December 15th; Hemmings-Willott, Walter to Ethel, December 21st 1912; John and Margaret Brimacombe, a daughter, Claire Louise; John and Diana Gilbert, a daughter, Ruth Suzanne; Greenslade-Storey, Sydney to Mary, December 23rd 1922;

The organ repair fund at Alwington Church benefited by £100 as a result of a Christmas Fair held at the Village Hall. The Rector, Rev T Nicholls, officially opened the sale. Stallholders included: Mesdames C Metherell, A Glover, Mrs Elston, Misses A Lott, M Daniel, Mesdames N Westaway, W Turner, T Nicholls, R Smythe, Biggs, V Westlake, B Parr, G Lewis, G Boundy, H Hillman, O Lewis, H Williams, W Allin. Posters were designed by Miss A Wills (Bideford). Draw winners were Col J Pine Coffin, Mrs Biggs and Mrs Peskitt.

Fifty years to the day after the Rev Gilbert Molesworth, of Berrimans, Northam, was ordained in Truro Cathedral, a service of thanksgiving was held at Alwington Parish Church. A fitting venue because the living is in the gift of Lieut-Col E C Pine-Coffin, a lifelong friend – they went to school together – and near neighbour of Mr Molesworth. It was in 1957 that the latter, in semi-retirement, returned to the area where the family have had a home for more than 150 years. His grandfather sold Northdown Hall to the Convent. The Rev G Molesworth held livings at Laddock and Bradford before returning to the West Country, where, based in Bristol, he did Industrial Christian Fellowship work that took him also to the factory and mining areas of South Wales. Before returning to North Devon he was at Castle Carey. At the celebration were the Archdeacon of Barnstaple, the Rector of Alwington, as well as three generations of the family. They included the older two of three sons, Mr Michael Molesworth and Mr J E N Molesworth. Mr and Mrs Molesworth also have a daughter and there are six grandchildren.

One of three young engineers to be presented with certificates of craftmanship at the first presentation evening held by the North Devon Group Training Association, formed in 1970, was Mr Roy Bennett, of 7 New Street, Appledore. Mr Bennett, who has been employed by Whiteland Engineering Ltd for five and a half years, received his award from Mr Frank Metcalfe.

Visit Ford & Lock in Bideford for discounted prices and savings for Christmas.

‘Fish out of water’ the latest production of Bideford Community College drama group, proved their best yet. The three-act comedy by Derek Benfield was ideally suited to this small company. Portraying the adventures of a very mixed group of English tourists on the Italian Riviera, it ends, of course, with romance – one expected and one quite the opposite. As the dominating Agatha Hepworth, Betty Maynard captured much of the attention, and Edie Hill’s sympathetic portrayal of the pitiable Fiona Francis also won praise. The mere appearance of Cyril Squires as the pathetic Mr Mallett brought laughter from the audience. Geoff Skinner and Audrey Jones as Brigadier and Mrs Hubback tried to remain aloof from the fellow guests; Dora Cowley the friendly ‘clippy’ with a yearning for romance was a lively study by Christine Ellis; Jane Walters was the Italian waitress Marisa; Mike England the holiday tour representative, Julian Whittle; and Steve Ball the ‘would be wolf’ Len Barrett. The play was produced by Bob Terrell, Barbara Terrell was prompt and Fred Jones, stage manager.

Civic greetings were extended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr and Mrs J W Needs, to Mr and Mrs Walter Hemmings, of 5 Willow Grove, who celebrated their diamond wedding. Mr and Mrs Hemmings moved to Bideford three years ago. Their daughter, Mrs E M Cogin and her husband live next door.

Bideford AAC junior fours crew, West of England champions, have been presented with personal cups given by Mr and Mrs Charlie Tallin of the Portobello Inn, in recognition of their achievements in the past season. At an enjoyable evening as guests of Mr and Mrs Tallin, they were presented with the cups by Miss S Sparey. In the photo are Messrs J Uren, R Ford, E Shortridge, C Talllin, D Butler, Miss S Sparey, Mr E Scott, and N Paddon.

One of West Devon’s best known agricultural personalities, auctioneer Mr William John Cory – 89 – and still working as usual was honoured at Bradworthy, where he lives at Sunway, with a ‘this is your life’ tribute. Mr Cory’s work for local organisations was evidenced by Mr George Jacob, for Woolsery Show; Mr Bob Kivell for Holsworthy Show; Mr Alfred Saunders for the Methodist Church; Mr R G Pomeroy for Bradworthy Memorial Hall; Mr C T Collacott for Bradworthy British Legion; and Messrs W L Wickett and F W Slee, former employees. A telegram was read from Lord and Lady Caradon, and a letter was sent by a former Methodist minister, the Rev Ron Dale. Relatives on the platform included Mr Cory’s sisters, his brother, his sister-in-law, and his nieces. The programme also included music and song by the Melodymakers. Mr Shaddick acted as compere.

Major development at Buckland Brewer? The provision of a new village hall and playing field could be tied up with future development at Buckland Brewer, it was hinted by Mr Tom Bonetta.

A Buckland Brewer property is for sale.

Clovelly County Primary School presented ‘The wild wood’ to an audience of parents and friends as part of the end of term and Christmas celebrations. Those taking part included: Tanya and Karen Goaman, Donna Stoneman, Tina and Alice Perham, Diane Sines, Katherine Howarth, Antony Grills, Michael Cook, Tommy and Stephen Perham, Christian Halliday, Michael Smith, Alan Dart, Cathy Jewell, Stephen Goaman, Robert Pengilly, Susan Braund, Heather Bryan. The infants presented a nativity play, those taking part including Yaninka Krot, Paul Taylor, Josephine and Joshua Howarth, Jillian Smith, Sean Braund, Philip Vanstone, Heather Hallem, Jennifer Sines and Wendy Thompson.

From the New Year St. John’s Church, the chapel-of-ease bordering Hartland Square, will cease to be used for worship. This decision has been made by the Parochial Church Council in view of the cost of maintaining the building and the fact that the large parish church of St Nectan, two miles from the township, now has a heating system and a special local bus service operates on Sundays for worshippers.

Hartland Methodist Church’s annual Sankey evening and men’s supper realised about £50. The church was full to capacity. Rev G R Beadon, chairman, conducted the evening and those taking part were: Bideford Town Mission; Mr and Mrs Jennings (Tetcott); and the Bradworthy Cross Singers. Guest organist was Mrs H Walters. Helpers at the supper tables were: Rev G R Beadon, Messrs G Cottle, P Thorne, A Manley, B Heard, A Thorne, E Short, C Westlake, W Thorne, B Allin, S Littlejohns, T Olde, A Walter, A Cory, R Stevens, D Walter, W Burrow, J Heard, F Colwill, F Pickard, M Macer, W Heard, K Heard, H Jeffery.

For her 28th successive Christmas play, and her eighth production with the Langtree Church Players, St Clair Wallington chose ‘Emmanuel’ by James Forsyth. The singing of the choir added greatly to the enjoyment. The cast, which included newcomers, were John Corby, Steven Fovargue, Janet Sanders, Richard Wallington, Jocelyn Sanders, Tom Jarrett, Nan Fovargue, Andrew Payne-Cook, Betty Jarrett, John Folland, Helen Mills, Susan Mills, Iris Andrews, Stanley Mitchell, Nigel Spear and Jacqueline Ash. The singing of the choir added greatly to the enjoyment. Tom Jarrett was organist. Lighting by Stephen Fovargue was operated by Bill Dyas. Stage manager was David Rowe and prompt, P Soby. A donation is being sent to Shelter.

A capacity audience in Langtree Church Hall enjoyed the traditional carol services and tableaux presented by the children of the County Primary School. Climax was the infants’ Nativity tableaux presented by Mrs D Metherell, a member of the teaching staff. An address of welcome was given by the school captain, Catherine Gerry, and there were piano solos by John Bewes, Andrew Heard and W Soby.

A new set of Lundy stamps is being issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the completion of the Lundy North and South lighthouses in 1897. It is the second new issue this year. The new issue, designed by Mr John Dyke, will have the Trinity House ensign in one corner.

image from internet - Graham Land Stamps

The Rev R C Dixon who in his 19½ years as Vicar of Appledore has also been priest-in-charge of Lundy was the recipient of parting gifts when he made his last official visit to the island. At a representative gathering in the tavern he was presented with a painting of the island church of St Helena, a testimonial and a cheque. These were handed to him by the resident agent, Mr Ian Grainger, on behalf of all living on Lundy, coupled with the appreciation of his services and their best wishes for his future. The painting and testimonial were the work of Mr John Dyke, who has charge of the church until a new priest-in-charge arrives.

Little Burrough, Burroughs Farm, Northam, is for sale.

A single building plot in Limers Lane, Northam, is for sale.

Later in the month, it was reported that the plot sold for 'What is probably a record price in the Torridge area - £8,100 - was paid...'

A Northam couple, Mr and Mrs Rex Broughton, had a lucky escape when their car was struck by lightning at the height of a thunderstorm. They were travelling along the main road from Yelland to Instow “when suddenly the whole car appeared incandescent.”

Robert Sydney Stevens of 6 Joney Street, Northam, is fined £20.

Despite bad weather a Christmas Fayre held at the Allardice Hall, Parkham, in aid fo the hall’s funds, was well supported and realised £70.

Entries in a mince pie competition at the December meeting of Parkham WI were afterwards distributed among village old-age pensioners who live alone. Competition winners were Mrs E Lang, Mrs Smart, Mrs E Ford, Mrs E Hicks, Mrs B Heywood. Judges were Mrs Rickard and Mr and Mrs N Parry.

Eighty years old Mr Jimmy Johns, a Torrington pensioner who makes a habit of winning prizes in competitions, carried off the special prize in a draw held among old age pensioners attending a party at Torrington. His prize this time – a see-through nightdress! Mr Johns was among those who attended a farewell party given at her home at 202 New Street, by Mrs C Kempster-Barnes who is moving. Since a social club for pensioners was formed in Torrington two years ago, Mrs Kempster-Barnes has arranged a number of coach trips for them to various places of interest.

The story of Dartington Glass was told by Colonel J N Oliver to the Bideford branch of the Devonshire Association. He was thanked by the chairman, Dr W C McIntosh.

British Rail’s delay in delivering 250 yards of special insulated steel wire from suppliers in Bristol has held up Torrington’s Christmas decorations plan. The cable was despatched from Bristol by recorded passage train delivery but it has still not arrived. Mr Peter Symons, Torrington Borough Surveyor, said that it had been hoped to have the lights installed by this weekend but it now looked as though they would be delayed for another week. The Christmas lights would be better and bigger this year than ever before as the Town Council had bought £180 worth of lights from Exeter and the total cost of the scheme was likely to be £250, not counting labour.

A talent show at Torrington Town Hall was a sell-out and late arrivals had to be turned away. Organising the show was Lise Granados and it was compered by a Torrington borough councillor, Mr Jim Martin.

Cllr C R Sutton told Torrington Town Council that he had had many bitter comments about service at the town post office and Ald G Williams said that someone had had to wait at the counter for half-an-hour. The Council were considering a letter from the acting head postmaster about half-day closing. Generally throughout the country Saturday had been chosen as the most suitable day.

The plan of Torrington Town Council to restore the clock tower and drinking fountain in High Street at an estimated cost of £600 will rank for an 85% grant under the special environmental assistance scheme. But, added the Department of the Environment, the plan to resite the tower at an estimated cost of £750 was considered to be outside the scope of the scheme. It might, however, be possible to obtain a grant from the County Council for what was a highway improvement.

Moving into the new primary school at Winkleigh next term, in addition to local children, will be pupils of two other village schools, those of Ashreigney and Wembworthy which close this week. Mrs Marjorie Dallyn is joining the Devon head teaching supply staff, and her assistant, Mrs Brenda Armstrong, will move to the new Winkleigh school. Mrs Margaret Prini is moving to Westward Ho! and to a part time teaching post at Appledore. Her assistant Mis Muriel Greenslade will be at Winkleigh.

Messrs Kivell and Sons, of Bideford, submitted to public auction the semi-detached freehold property known as Woolsery Parish Room, with the benefit of outline planning consent for conversion to a private dwelling. Bidding commenced at £500, rising to £1,750 at which figure the property was secured by Mr G Copp.

In Woolsery Skittles Club’s annual Christmas turkey competition first prize of a turkey was won by Mr G Wonnacott with a 22 spare. Runner-up was Mr G Vanstone with a spare of 18 who won the chicken. The ladies’ prize was won by Mrs I Souch with a 15 spare. The draw prize, a box of biscuits, was won by D Braund.

December 1997

North Devon sailors are among those bidding a fond farewell to the Royal Yacht Britannia as she sails into retirement. Bob Griffin and Kevin Holmes are among the former royal yachtsmen witnessing her de-commissioning in Portsmouth. They have been looking forward to waling the Britannia’s decks once again and to renewing some of the lasting friendships made on board. Bob is anxious that the ship should not be scuttled. “They just couldn’t. She is a really beautiful ship. She should be maintained and opened up to the public.”

Two orders worth more than £40 million have brought Christmas cheer to Appledore Shipbuilders. The company received a £17 million order to build a fisheries protection vessel for the Irish Department of Defence. This follows closely on a £24 million order for two offshore supply vessels for an English-based subsidiary of the American company Toisa Limited. Appledore Shipbuilders currently has a workforce of 550.

Writing a letter to Santa has won little Gemma Lamble £200 worth of gifts from Woolworths. She popped her letter into Santa’s post box in the store in Bideford and was the lucky winner in the special All I Want For Christmas draw. She received her prize from the store’s assistant manager Jon Adams.

Bideford Rotary Club has set up a hotline to Santa!

School pupils in Bideford are offering a first class Christmas delivery service to their friends. The youngsters of East-the-Water Primary School have set up their own postal service. From their own mini post office they are printing their own stamps, franking their own envelopes, writing cards and letters, sending and delivering them.

Compliments of the season. Santa stopped off in Bideford to tour the town and meet youngsters. Aided by Appledore lifeboat and Bideford Lions’ Club the grand old man came up the river by boat. Then it was off around the town, led by a Samba Band and Morris Dancers. He is pictured with young Robert Mould and his mum Julie.

Escape to Grenville Nursing Home in Meddon Street, Bideford.

Two members of Clovelly Lifeboat are attending a residential course on the Isle of Wight. They are the first to be sent on the Atlantic 21 course in readiness for the lifeboat station’s return to the RNLI fold after running privately for several years.

Answer to success story really does lie in the soil. Fresh, organic produce from North Devon has so impressed top chefs and food writers that it has been given a major national award. Organic growers Vanessa and Dave Ebdon, of the Marshford Nursery at Northam, carried off the Fresh Produce Award at the 1997 Organic Food Awards in London. Among the judges who voted the Ebdons tops was leading chef Raymond Blanc of the Oxfordshire restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and BBC Good Food magazine editor Orlando Morrin. The award was presented by broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby who is president of The Soil Association. And the Company is still going strong - Marshford Organic Foods

A 3 bedroom barn conversion at Saltrens Monkleigh is for sale at £119,950.

Torrington and its more than 50 shops is the place to shop this Christmas. Many offer gift ideas from jewellery and toys to crafts and hobbies. Others sell food and produce. That’s not all. If you feel hungry or thirsty during your Yuletide shopping spree, there are a dozen cafes and eight pubs to choose from! As for the Christmas singing, the Royal School of Church Music is at St Michael’s Parish Church to lead an Advent Carol Service. Torrington’s annual BIG sing in The Square is on, when combined choirs join townsfolk for a carol concert with Torrington Silver Band. Cavaliers and Rotarians are each having at Christmas fair at The Plough Arts Centre.

New pool site has heating thrown in as heat generated at the Dartington Crystal factory could be used to heat the town’s proposed new swimming pool.

A property within Link House, Westward Ho! is for sale. Offers over £40,000 are being invited.

A jellyfish may have forced Torridge District Council to spend more money on its Westward Ho! lifeguard service. One of the creatures stung a bather outside its main patrolled area last summer, causing the woman to suffer dangerous anaphylactic shock. The incident has reinforced calls by district councillors for a second patrolled bathing zone on the beach. Although the two zone idea has been agreed in principle for the past two years lack of money has prevented its implementation. Westward Ho! lifeguards recorded 40 incidents of assistance/sea rescue calls last summer – a 12-times increase on 1996 – and 93 first aid calls, an eight-fold increase.

Christmas Day television viewing on BBC1 and BBC2. On Westcountry, the films were The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).

Years Ago - November 1973

November 1973

Two local women among more than 100 sailing enthusiasts who compete at London’s Welsh Harp for the National Benzole and RYA ‘Helmswoman of the year’ championship. Miss Phyllis Babb, Marine Gardens, Bideford, and Miss Rona Bassett, Tadworthy Lane, Northam, are both members of the North Devon Yacht Club.

Nine members of Bideford Karate Club were successful at gradings held at Ilfracombe by Mr Harada (5th dan) of Japan. The youngest member, Russell Woodland, of Cross Street, Northam, gained a yellow belt. Among the successful candidates were two local policemen, Danny Bryant and Gerald Martin. Others successful were: K McConnville, M Turner, D Berry, S Maytum, E Gordon and P Wrighton. All are pupils of Mr Ken Symonds of Appledore.

The Kingpins, the Bideford and District Skittles League First Division team who play at Bideford Liberal Club, have won their way through to the finals of the Westcountry skittles championship jointly sponsored by Westward TV and Bensons and Hedges. Tomorrow they travel to Wincanton for the closing rounds of a competition which attracted a total of 512 teams from all parts of the South West and South Wales. Kingpins comprises of Keith Foley, Studley Shute, Cecil Harding, Tony Tucker, Steve Schiller, Ron Jewell, Charles Schiller and Kenny Hearn.

A concerted move to tidy up Irsha Street, one of the jewels of Appledore’s conservation area, looks like being frustrated by a minority of its inhabitants. For many years local people with every justification have campaigned for the narrow picturesque street to be properly surfaced and drained. The public utility companies agreed to cooperate with the Council in carrying out outstanding work and, more importantly, the South Western Electricity Board agreed to replace their unsightly overhead distribution lines with underground cable. And that is where the project has received a knock.

Seamen’s Mission chapel reopens at Appledore.

Golden silence at Appledore. You could have heard a pin drop at Appledore County Primary School. It was a schoolteacher’s dream as the children sat quietly with not even a sshh! to break the silence. The children were in fact helping to raise money – by their sponsored silence – towards the provision of a PE-games equipment hut for the school. The picture shows some of the infant classes during their half-hour session at lunch time. Others stayed after school for their turn. The event, staged under the watchful eye of Mr Roger Perkins, was acclaimed a great success. About £170 was raised.

Nov 1973 Appledore school silence

It has been an anniversary year for the Pearson family, of Bideford. The golden wedding day of Mr and Mrs Arthur Pearson, of Inglewood, Fordlands Crescent, Raleigh, followed the celebration in August of their silver wedding anniversary by their daughter, Mrs Moira Fairchild, and her husband. There was a family celebration at the Royal Hotel when those present included Mr and Mrs Pearson’s son Brian, a Lloyds surveyor home on leave from Japan.

Traders on the Kynochs site at East-the-Water, have welcomed news that the railway bridge at Gas Lane is to be raised. “We are delighted that at long last negotiations have been successful” said Mr Ken Stacey, chairman of the Kynochs Industrial Owners’ and Industrial Tenants’ Association. The work will start when the necessary materials and equipment are available.

Bideford Cage Bird Society’s open show was a special triumph for the Welch family of Hillcrest Road, Bideford, who between them carried off a host of cups and rosettes. It was the youngest member of the family, Simon, who took the top award – the Channer trophy. Mrs Doreen Welch took a trophy and Mr G A Welch gained several rosettes.

Heston, 103 Abbotsham Road, Bideford, is for sale by auction.

Machinists needed at Toy Works Ltd. Apply to Mrs J Duncan.

Operators needed by Anglo-American Vulcanised Fibre Co, Delanco Works, Clovelly Road, Bideford.

Special prayers were read by schoolchildren at a ceremony in a field at Chanters Road, Bideford, to mark the start on the building of St Mary’s Church of England School which will replace the present 100 year old Church junior and Church infants schools. Mr Kenneth Dendle, who has been head of the Church junior school for the last six years and is head-designate of the new school, said it was a moment for which many people in Bideford had been waiting for so long. The total cost of the school is estimated at £164,620. The contract price for the building is £116,029 and it is due to be completed in December 1974. Contractors are Messrs A F Beer and Son.

The Bideford birthplace of 5,608 people closes its doors at the end of this month. Grenville nursing home in Meddon Street is to shut down. It is said that the few patients now delivered there can be accommodated at substantially lower cost in the modern maternity unit at Barnstaple. It was vastly different when the present matron, Mrs E M Meadows, as a war widow, became associated with the home in 1946. In that year, a ‘fantastic number’ of babies were born in the home, which had formerly been Bideford hospital. In one night in February 1947 midwife Miss Lilian S Fursey, who now lives in retirement at The Causeway, Bideford, delivered babies at 11pm, 1, 3 and 5am.

These could be the last of the many babies born at the Grenville nursing home. David Arthur, son of Mrs Sandra Johns, of 14 Highfield Place, with Lisa, daughter of Mrs Sandra Hooper, of 21 Atlantic Way, Westward Ho!

Lower Wrangworthy, Buckland Brewer, is to be sold.

Limekilns at Bucks Mills, which it is planned to incorporate in Bideford Rural Council’s sewerage scheme for the area, are in danger of falling into the sea, the council were told by their surveyor, Mr L J Dunn. He told Mr Jack Prince that the Coast Protection Act provided that the council could do the work and reclaim the cost from the owners – in this case the Walland Cary Estate. “The thing is so urgent you must do the work and argue afterwards” he added.

The battle of beauty spot Bucks Mills has taken a new turn. Local people who are fighting Bideford Rural Council’s plan to pour crude sewage into the sea there have asked Mr Peter Mills, MP, to lay the whole matter before the Ombudsman.

This oil painting of horses has been sent as a wedding present to Princess Anne by the artist, Mrs F Fran Sutton, of the Old Chapel, Bucks Mills. Mrs Sutton, perhaps better known in art circles as Sara, painted the picture in 1967 in the grounds of Ronan, Ascot, the home of the Hone Mrs Gascoigne.

Mrs S R Cope of Ohio, USA, wins a Wedgewood vase with a Clovelly view.

On average a driver a week ignores or fails to see the ‘entry prohibited’ sign at the top of Clovelly’s steep, cobbled High Street and takes his vehicle down, the parish council were told. The need for speed in dealing with the problem was stressed by Miss Sheila Ellis. She had raised the matter at her first council meeting four years ago, but cars had continued to drive down the street, the last one only three days before. The driver had had “the devil of a job” to get back up.

Lower Rosedown, Hartland, is for sale, on behalf of Mr L W and Miss I W Beer.

Beachcombing, a hobby of Mr R Reader, of Hartland, has just netted him 55p from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and, more rewarding, news of an experiment. On the beach at Mouth Mill he found a strange object that a label attached to it identified as a ‘sea bed drifter’. Following instruction, he sent it to the Ministry who have written that the drifter is part of an experiment to determine the nature and direction of currents. The drifter was released from a ship just off the coast of Watchet, Somerset, on June 6 1972, as one of a batch of 25. It has taken nearly 16 months to reach Hartland.

There had been 18 applicants for a vacant house at Hartland, Bideford Rural Council were told. Members were discussing a request from Torridge District Council that consideration should be given to the possibility of making houses available for officers transferring to that council. The number was not likely to be great but the clerk, Mr A J Blatchford, said that all dwellings now being built on three sites must go to older people.

Since its re-formation in 1960 Hartland Town Band has gone from strength to strength both in numbers and success. Under Mr Harry Dayman, who took over as bandmaster in 1968, the band this year achieved its most notable triumph. The band is now 30 strong, not counting the growing group of young members. The first Hartland band started with a practice session in Manor House Barn between 1860-70. After a lapse it was re-formed after the first World War and continued until 1939. In 1946 Harton Town Band came into being and ran for three years before it, too, was disbanded. Two of the members of this band were among 25 members who re-formed under Mr Gerald Thorne to lay the foundations of the present band.

Two local Ranger Guides who represented North Devon on a joint Ranger-Venture Scout cruise to Gibraltar, the Canary Islands and Lisbon have been unpacking their mental suitcases and sharing with those they left behind. Alyson Bowden of Lenwood Park, Bideford, and Sally Bellew, of Lower Guscott, Huntshaw, have written a colourful report. They tell of a crowded fortnight.

These children of Instow County Primary School watching the planting of some of the 150 trees given by one of the school managers, Mr W R Yeo, will have put their schooldays behind them by the time the conifers have grown to any appreciable size. The trees will not only enhance the appearance of the school playing field, but act as a welcome windbreak from the Atlantic storms.

Mr A R Mills wins the School Cup at Langtree autumn fair.

Mr Alan Smith, of Hele House, in Littleham, tells the Gazette of the remarkable first leg in the yacht, the Burton Cutter, jointly owned by him and Mr Leslie Williams, which was the first to reach Cape Town in the Whitbread round-the-world race. Later in the month it was reported that the ketch Burton Cutter was in Port Elizabeth for repairs. Reporting by radio telephone, Leslie Williams said everyone was safe but naturally despondent.

More than £60 was raised for St Swithun’s church, Littleham, as a result of a variety sale, tea and dance held at the parish hall. Stallholders were Mesdames A Mills, J Nicholls, W Johns, C Barber, J Ray, M Alvis, K Phelps, R Headon, H McDougall, Ansell and Miss A Badcock. Teas were by Mesdames J Devereux, C Lester, G Short, J Docking, J Bromhead, E Moore and R Brend. Competition winners were Mesdames E Nicholls, D Edwards, J Headon and Plum, Misses A Badcock and L Hockin. Door stewards were Messrs R Smale and J Devereux.

Lundy’s so rugged wall against officialdom crumbled with the news that residents on the island will soon pay income tax. Predictably, the reaction of the people on Lundy was one of dismay. Island agent, Mr John Grainger, said “It’s a sad day for Lundy but it is a fait accompli and it looks as though we shall have to grin and bear it.” To pay no income tax was one of the benefits enjoyed by the islanders. “There is some comfort to be gained, perhaps, by the thought that at least they can go on drinking in the island’s only pub, the Marisco Taavern, unhampered by the mainland restriction on licensing hours – and they don’t pay rates either.”

An open invitation to any priest or minister of any denomination to spend a few days on Lundy has been extended by the Vicar of Appledore, Rev Donald Peyton Jones, who is also priest in charge of the island. They can stay in the vestry in return for duties there. He says “We have an open altar at St Helena’s so the only condition is that there are no restrictions on anyone joining in our worship there. It is truly ecumenical – like a ship’s service when at sea.”

Little Paula Harding, of Westward Ho! took the opportunity at Northam Church Christmas fair to tell Father Christmas – Mr Gordon Johnson was substituting for him in this case – what presents she wanted this year. Among those looking on were Dawn Jaggard, Jeffrey Harding and Trevor Pyne.

Busily engaged on the most important commission of his life so far – a wedding present for Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips – is a young artist-craftsman, Mr John Ford, of Manor House Cottage, Diddywell, Northam. The commission is for a set of hand-engraved glasses and two matching decanters, all of Dartington glass made at Torrington. This will be the official gift from the British Equestrian Federation, commissioned by Col Sir Michael Ansell, of Pillhead House, Bideford. John was born at Torrington, and during a spell at Dartington Glass, developed his flair for diamond point engraving on glass. To mark the building and launching at Appledore of the Golden Hinde he engraved a limited series of goblets with this theme, and he made leaded lights.

Benefits of the purchase by Devon County Council of Northam Burrows will soon be felt if the council adopt a recommendation of their industry and tourism committee that £20,000 should be spent on a ‘tidy up and preservation’ operation. The council plan to turn the Burrows into a country park. Chief anxiety of some potwallopers is the effect the county’s takeover will have on what they regard as grazing rights. Others wonder whether next summer they will retain the privilege of being able to park their cars on the Burrows free of charge. Mr Thomas Barclay has been appointed the first Northam Burrows warden under Devon County Council.

Riverbank Cottage, Lower Cleave, Limers Lane, Northam, is for sale by auction.

At the age of 95 the death occurred of Miss C M Davis, of 5 Windmill Terrace, Northam, who in her 90th year published a history of her native Northam. For over 40 years she was assistant and later postmistress of Northam. She had taken an active part in the affairs of the local Chamber of Commerce and of many charitable and educational causes.

A balance of more than £2,000 was reported at the annual meeting of the Allardice Hall, Parkham.

To most people in Britain November 5 means Guy Fawkes night, but to the residents of Shebbear it has an even more unique and, if legend is to be believed, a more sinister meaning. Every year within living memory local bellringers have squared their shoulders on this night for the task of turning the Devil Stone, a boulder weighing more than a ton which lies near the village church. Not to turn it means bad luck. Where it came from is a mystery.

A Torrington teenager has won her way through to national finals of the world’s biggest hair colouring competition. Jennifer Slade, of High Street, Torrington, was placed third out of 60 in the Plymouth heat of the L’Oreal colour trophy competition which has a national entry of some 26,000. Her success brought her a £25 prize plus a diploma. Jennifer and her model, Collette Headon, of Northam, work in the Wynne Olley salon at Bideford.

Unigate Foods Ltd, Torrington, need dairy workers. Apply to the Assistant Manager, R C Beer.

Torrington Voluntary Silver Band can probably claim the title of the area’s most youthful band, with 16 of its 24 regular members still attending school. And it is believed to be the town’s first truly voluntary band, running its own affairs and not controlled by the town council. It came into being when in 1952 a small group of music lovers met in a South Street Torrington café, owned by Mr Jack White, who was to become its first chairman. Former Royal Marines bandsman Mr Herbert Oke, a member of the original ‘Karno band’ was one of the founder members.

One of the soldiers of the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards chosen to be on duty at the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Philips was Lance-Corporal David Rash, whose parents Mr and Mrs Charles Rash, live at 42 Town Park, Torrington. David, a signaller-driver, joined the Army on leaving Torrington Secondary School.

Final details were expected to be settled for Torrington’s Town Crier, Mr Norman Dymond to spend a fortnight in Italy as a representative of the British Travel Association. Mr Dymond lives at 12 Calvesford, and he succeeded Mr Bert Waldron, who gained world wide fame as Torrington’s crier, just under three years ago. He said “If things work out and I get the chance to go out to Italy it will be marvellous.” At 38 he is one of the youngest town criers in the country.

Norwood, Great Torrington, is for sale.

Did you eat at The Captains Table in Westward Ho!

A £1 million residential development scheme for Westward Ho! hangs in the balance. Geocrest Properties Ltd, of Weybridge, want to build four blocks of flats similar to those at Torquay providing between 90 and 121 two and three bedroom homes to sell at about £11,000. But although, as managing director Mr Peter J Brien puts it, the planning authority ‘have been extremely helpful, cooperative and adventurous’ the problem is sewerage.

Woolsery concert’s capacity house.

Tender from Mr V Rendle of Appledore, £10,000 above yardstick.

A Department of the Environment inspector has turned down an appeal by a Woolsery man against refusal of planning permission for the erection of two houses with access near the village. The houses which Mr R W Hancock, of South View Farm, wished to erect would be outside the existing boundaries of the village and would form an undesirable extension into the open country. Although a vicarage had been built to the east of the site fairly recently, it was permitted on special grounds.