100 Years Ago

News from September 1959

September 1959

Live stock, furnishings and effects are for sale from Lendon, Abbotsham.

Mr Hector Jewell, an Appledore butcher, has good reason to be proud of his grandchildren. When his daughter Jean married a Norwegian and became Mrs Hafslund, of Ski, Norway, the families promised that they would see as much as they could of each other and it was arranged that about once a year, Mrs Hafslund should come home for a holiday with her family. But this year, as she was expecting a third chid and her husband, a skipper of a cargo vessel was at sea, it seemed that Mr Jewell, of Odun Farm, Appledore, would not see his daughter or her family.

Did Randall Lamey, of 23 Meeting Street, and Leonard Harris, of the Bell Inn, Appledore, emigrate to New Zealand?

Council to ask for 5mph limit in Irsha Street, and is it one-way or not?

Throughout the peak period of summer traffic work has proceeded on a £15,000 scheme to put in a section of new main to boost the water supply to houses served by the high level reservoir near Handy Cross. Excavations have been made up Pitt Lane, High Street, Old Town, Clovelly Road and also in Honestone Street. Despite the possibilities of inconvenience, indicator control of traffic has kept a steady flow each way. The photograph shows progress at the top of Clovelly Road.

This is a special month for Miss Ruth Scott, only daughter of Mr and Mrs E J Scott, The Lodge, Kingsley Hospital, Bideford. Not only is she celebrating her 21st birthday but she is also sailing to USA in the Queen Elizabeth to spend a year doing post-graduate work at Kansas University. She won an exchange scholarship open annually to students at Exeter University, where she has gained a first-class honours BA degree. A Fullbright grant covers her travelling expenses. Miss Scott is an Old Girl of Edgehill College, Bideford.

Fellow Honorary Freemen and other civic representatives attended the funeral at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of Mr A Inkerman Rogers, of Inkerman Cottage, Clovelly Road. Mr Rogers, who was 92, was a distinguished personality of North Devon. He made notable researches in matters geological and historical, and was made an Hon. Freeman in recognition. Paster A J Hacker officiated at the service and Mrs K Hancock was the organist. Immediate mourners attending were: Mrs A W Mann, daughter; Mrs G A Ellis, friend. Mr Philip Rogers Mann, grandson, was unavoidably absent.

A feature of the patronal festival of St Mary, marking the beginning of the celebrations of the 700th anniversary of Bideford Parish Church, was the procession of public witness through the streets prior to evensong. Over 60 clergy and local and visiting choristers led the congregation in singing hymns as the procession was made from the Church, through Allhalland Street, High Street, and back along Bideford Quay, through the 1259 Norman tower into the Church. The Rector, Rev T Derwent Davies, was at the Church to receive gifts from 6am until 7pm, and one donor arrived before 6am! The oldest parishioner to call was an 88 year old man, the youngest, a girl of three.

A feature of the Port of Bideford Regatta will be the demonstration of water skiing by North Devon amateurs. Mr John Oliver is the organiser of the event. A year or two ago, he designed and built his own speedboat. Among others who may be taking part will be Bob and Hill Aston (niece of Mr C F Stephens, of the RND Golf Club), Bob Williams and T D Derrigan, and Christopher Slee (son of Mr Gerald Slee, former Regatta Committee chairman).

Torridge thrills at 30mph. Mr Terry Derrigan, of Bideford, enjoys moments on the water and leaves the sailing boat and Instow well in the background!

Ending the season with a splash…. Members of Bideford Reds under-18 fours crew send their cox into the river for the traditional ducking after their races at Bideford Regatta.

Many congratulations will be extended to a former Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr and Mrs William Henry Short, of 47 High Street, when they celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. For the occasion they hope to have with them, together for the first time in 20 years, all their family. They have five children. The eldest, Miss E Helen Short, lives in Cardiff; Mrs Gladys Fraser, at Pynes Estate, Bideford; Mrs Millicent Youings, in Barnstaple; Mr Leslie Short, in Sheffield; and Mrs Mavis Staple, in Taunton. There are eight grandchildren. Mr and Mrs Short were both born in High Street, Bideford, a few doors from each other.

A Bidefordian, Mr Cecil M Arthur, was recently elected chairman of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, the highest honour which can be bestowed on any Parliamentary journalist. Mr Arthur is the only son of Mrs S A Hewett, of 3 Brickfield, Clovelly Road, Bideford, and of the late Mr A M Arthur, who was a founder-committee member of the old Bideford United AFC. He is stepson of Mr J Hewett, who was an officer in the Bideford Home Guard during the late war.

New Bideford appointment as over 250 applicants apply for headmastership. Mr H V Lucas is appointed headmaster of West Croft Junior School after 13 years at East-the-Water Primary School.

Bideford is to have another juke-box coffee bar. Mr John Bernard Frost has been granted a music licence for 62 High Street, Bideford. Mr Reg Bennett, who recently opened Bideford’s first coffee bar – The Cat’s Whisker - and was only granted a six-day music licence, will now apply to extend it. Later in the month, Kawa Lodi, - Polish for cream-coffee – was opened.

For the first time, a harvest service was held in the bar of the Ship-on-Launch Inn, at East-the-Water, Bideford. The bar was decorated with produce, including poultry and fruit, and 120 people attended the bar service at 8pm. The produce was given by customers of the inn. The Rev W T Brewster, of St Peter’s Church, conducted the service and Post Office employee, Mr Douglas Bliman, read the lesson. “The only criticism customers had to make was that the half-hour service was too short” said Mr A Bond, the licensee.

The Rev Gladys Smith, Bideford’s first woman minister, began her ministry at Lavington Congregational Church, when all services were well attended. Congregations included visitors from her former Church near Southampton, who had travelled up specially. There were nearly 60 communicants after the evening service.

Fellow employees at Messrs Goaman and Son, where he had been employed for 35 years, were bearers at the funeral of Mr Charles Arthur Waldon, of 28 Royston Road, Bideford, who died aged 65. Mr Waldon was the husband of Mrs Olive Waldon. The Rev R H Foster officiated at the funeral service. Immediate mourners attending included: the widow and son; Hazel and Hilda, daughters-in-law; Mr and Mrs A E Waldon, brother and sister-in-law; Mrs A Pearce and Mrs B Worth, sisters; Mr and Mrs J Jennings, Miss D Sing, Mr and Mrs R Sing, Mr W Eastman, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Mr and Mrs S Waldon, Mrs J Backway, Mr R dyer, Mr and Mrs A Tricker, Mr E Mountjoy, Mr C Mountjoy, nephews and nieces. Mrs R Brown and Miss B Hockin were unavoidably absent. The bearers were Messrs Jennings, Pengelly, Trott, Pennington, Woolf and Taylor.

A smallholding, Whiteley Cross, at Bradworthy is for sale.

Stock is being sold at The Beeches, Buckland Brewer, on behalf of Mr William Coles.

Many friends attended the funeral service at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, of Mr Daniel Cook, of 114 Sierra, Higher Clovelly. Born at Blegberry, Hartland, Mr Cook, who was 72, head lived at Clovelly for the past 45 years. For 35 years he worked for the Clovelly Estate Co Ltd. The Rector, Rev R O H Eppingstone, officiated at the funeral service. At the organ, Mr R Fisher accompanied the singing of hymns.

The possibility of the famous Hobby Drive, leading from the main Bideford-North Cornwall road to Clovelly, becoming a public right of way was discussed by Clovelly Parish Council.

A new Youth Club is being formed at Clovelly. The Rector wrote that he and Mr George Smith had offered themselves as leaders. If voluntary labour and funds were forthcoming he proposed to offer the basement of the Rectory as a Club Room. Mr J C Hilton was elected the Council’s representative on the management Committee.

Rolling the barrels at Clovelly.

Car abandoned by a former airman on the Council’s car park at Hartland is still providing Bideford Rural Council with a headache. At Tuesday’s meeting the Health and Housing Committee stated that the Clerk had reported on what he was proposing to di to have the car removed. A local member had said that an individual had told him that he would be prepared to pay for the parts of the vehicle as spares, but it also appeared that the car had not been fully paid for. Contrary to the views of the Clerk, the Committee stated, they recommended that offers for the car should be invited by means of an advertisement in the local paper. The Finance and General Purposes Committee recommended that the owner be informed that the Council were removing the car to the Philham refuse dump, Hartland, at his sole risk, and that they would claim the cost of so doing for him.

£50,000 sewerage schemes for Hartland – the surveyor, Mr L J Dunn, calls for more tenders.

Sir Dennis Stucley is to sue Bideford Rural Council, of which he is Chairman, for damages because he alleges that pollution from the Council’s drainage system at Hartland has ruined the trout fishing in Hartland Abbey stream. Sir Dennis estimates that the cost of re-stocking the stream with trout ‘on the lowest scale’ would be £50.

During the past few weeks North Devon Yacht Club has been concentrating on encouraging the Cadet members to sail, and the Vice-Commodore of the Club, Mr A A Smalley, has given a great deal of his time instructing them. The culmination of his efforts has been in the series of races this week in which 10 Cadets have been at the helm and another 10 have crewed. The winning helmsmen were Mrs G Thorburn (Instow); Christopher Bourne (Gribble Inn, Little Torrington); Michael Bill (grandson of Bishop Bill, of Instow). Prizes for the crew were awarded to Andrew Finlay Notman (Instow); Miss Judith Jester (Northam); and Miss Virginia Richards (Abbotsham). A special token prize was awarded to Mr Eric Bramwell, who piloted the winning cadet in four of the six heats. The Commodore, Mr P Faunthorpe, said the future of the Club was set clear, the only cloud on the horizon was the security and tenure of the Club premises, as the lease was due to expire in three years’ time.

Seen with the trophies and special certificates she has won at local shows this year is Mrs M E Harris, of Frost Meadow, Langtree. She has won over 100 prizes and five cups this season.

Bailey’s Farm, Langtree, is selling stock.

Members of Langtree County Primary School Bee-Keepers’ Club have every reason to be proud of their first year’s harvest, for well over 60lbs of honey and anumber of sections of comb honey were taken off the School hive. The hive and bees were loaned by the North Devon Bee Keeping Association to the School and the headmaster, Mr R A Yeo Jenn, who is chairman of the Association, has supervised the work of the Club.

Knights in glittering armour and damsels in distress – some of the young members of St George’s Church, Monkleigh, whose tableau ‘St George and the Dragon’ was a prize winner at Weare Giffard carnival.

Fellow members of Shell-Max and BP Ltd from Exeter, South Molton, Bideford and Launceston gathered round at the New Inn Hotel, to lunch and to show their personal appreciation of Mr J E Youatt, a Monkleigh man, who was retiring after 30 years with the Company. Important anniversaries coincided with the event for it was only last week that Mr Youatt celebrated his silver wedding.

Mr Edgar James Stoneman, of Church View, Parkham and his son, Allen Edgar Stoneman, of Melbury Farm, Parkham, plead guilty and are fined.

Hoops, Parkham, is selling stock.

Lower Dundridge Farm, Horns Cross, is for sale.

Miss Jeanette Cockwill, one of Torrington Football Club’s keenest supporters, was selected from 22 contestants, Torrington’s Football Queen. Judges were Mrs Ethel Vickery, Ilfracombe Bathing Belle, and her two attendants, Mrs Greta Moore and Miss Diana Rogers. The judges were presented with bouquets by last year’s Football Queen, Miss Shirley Stacey, who was thanked by the President, Mr W H Jenkins. Runners up to Miss Cockwill were Miss Barbara Squire, Miss Anne Savory, Miss Sheila Snell, Miss Valeries Avery and Miss Rosemary Thacker.

A detached freehold residence - South View, New Street, Torrington - is for sale.

Torrington unit of the County Fire Brigade was one of four that helped to fight one of North Devon’s biggest farm fires in recent years. Despite the efforts of firemen, neighbouring farmers and farm workers a range of outbuildings, three ricks of corn and a rick of baled straw at Abbot’s Marsh, near Portsmouth Arms, were destroyed. A big thatched farmhouse divided into two homes was extensively involved. Damage runs into several thousand pounds.

Mr Joseph Henry (Bill) McCarthy, who was licensee of the Setting Sun Inn, Torrington, for nearly 33 years, died at his home in Kings Tamerton Road, Plymouth, aged 82. Mr McCarthy, before taking over the Setting Sun, served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, and then became a railway worker in the engine sheds at Laira for about two years. The funeral service at Torrington Cemetery was conducted by the Rev W J Tyrer, Minister of the Methodist Church. Principal mourners were: Mrs Betty Adams, Mrs Blanche Cross, Mr Jack Charles, Marie Adams, Elaine Adams, Alfred Adams, Irene Charles, grandchildren. Others present included: Messrs G Copp and K W Parsley (Newmarket Hotel), V I Ayre, S Kelly, U A Page, E Quick, J Dymond and Mrs P Jones.

The traditional keeping of geese on commons is still observed at Torrington. This photograph was taken on Mill Street Common, towards the bottom of Limers Hill, There is, at the other end of the town, an area called ‘Goosegreen’ though it has long ceased to be part of the Commons, to which its name seems to indicated it once belonged.

Agreement in principle to a pedestrian crossing in New Street near the junction with Halsdon Road, for the benefit of children leaving the primary school nearby, has been given by a County Council official. This was reported to the Torrington Town Council meeting by the Surveyor, Mr Peter Symons. Cllr L Short, however, said the Council would be lucky to a zebra crossing on an ‘A’ class road. The only one he had seen in Devon was in Crediton. “The children are starting school and I want to see this matter got on with” declared Cllr H H Wightman.

Pretty as a picture indeed…. Carnival Queen of Weare Giffard, Miss Wendy Smalldon, with her attendants, following her crowning by Lady Anne Palmer, Mayoress of Torrington.

First prize winner in the trade section at Weare Giffard carnival – Drinka pinta milka day – entered by Mr W H Chamings certainly suggested that milk makes for beauty and health. Briar, the cow seemed to enjoy the occasion as much as did the other participants.

Few men of Torridge district can claim a better sporting record this past season than 18 year old Jeremy Ker, elder son of Major and Mrs J G S Ker, of Westleigh, who has scored 1,700 runs in school and club cricket matches. For the past three years he has been in Shrewsbury School Cricket XI, and since August 21st, as an opening batsman, scored 102 not out for North Devon against Devon Dumplings, 108 n.o. against The Frogs. Playing for The Frogs, he scored 160 n.o. against Devon Dumplings and 134 against Somerset Stragglers. Next term he captains the School’s Association Football XI, of which he has been a member for the past three years. His father, who captained Oxford at hockey and has played cricket for Devon, was opening batsman with him against The Dumplings, but was soon out with a mere 18 runs scored!

Mr O W Ward presides over the annual general meeting of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and Mr S G Sillen is elected President for 1960.

Head of the well-known Bideford drapery business bearing the family name and with which he had spent his life, Mr Edward Howard Trapnell, of Western View, Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! died at his home after a brief illness. Mr Trapnell who was 80, was managing director of Trapnells Ltd, in the running of which he had the active association of two of his sons, Messrs Peter and David Trapnell. He leaves a widow, Mrs Grace Trapnell, three sons and two daughters. Mr and Mrs Trapnell celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a year ago.

It was touch and go at Westward Ho! on Sunday afternoon, but, in fact, it did not make sufficient a splash. This was at the bathing pool in the rocks which is replenished from the sea. Owing to a series of neap tides, the pool had not been covered for some days and the water had gradually run out of it, which was probably a good thing, otherwise it might have become unpleasant. As Sunday afternoon’s high tide reached its peak youngsters around the edge of the empty pool raised a cheer as the water began to splash over. A tide an inch or two higher would have filled the pool in time for that day, but as it was it had to await the next tide for replenishment.

The 120-foot chimney stacks at Yelland Power Station are to be increased by 50 feet. The station superintendent at Yelland, Mr D McLeod, has explained that complaints from neighbouring residents that the soot and smoke were causing a nuisance had some bearing in bringing the matter to the notice of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. But the main reason for increasing the height was that the Clean Air Bill became an Act of Parliament last year, and raising the height of the chimneys would be in compliance with this Act. Work on the project will probably begin next April, when half the station will be closed down at a time until this work is completed.

Years Ago - September

September 1922, 1972 and 1997

September 1922

Births, marriages and deaths advertised – Gibson – at 13 Mount View Road, Crouch Hill, London, to Christine (nee Maunder), the wife of Captain T Gibson, a son; Purkiss – to Mr and Mrs R C Purkiss (nee Phyllis O’lliffe), 37 Ennsmore Gardens, SW, a son; Goundry-Matthews – at Bideford, the Rev John Alfred Goundry to Hilda May, daughter of Mr and Mrs Mathews of Appledore; John Grigg Pickard, age 52 at Marsh Farm, Northam; Burridge-Ball – at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Leslie William Burridge to Millicent Sophie Louise Ball, of 5 Salisbury Terrace (by special license); Barrow-Dingle – at Lavington Congregational Church, Roland James of Torridge House, to Dorothy Christine, Buttgarden Street; Powell-Hancock – at Weare Gifford, Robert Cunningham to Mary Margaret of The Hill; Elizabeth Jane Couch, of Bideford, at 7 Richmond Terrace, Appledore, aged 58; William May at 15 Pitt Hill, Appledore, aged 58; Edward Parnell, aged 25; Frances E Wren, widow of Capt. Robert Fellowes Wren; Parnall-Whitefield – at the United Methodist Church, Bideford, John Herbert to Emily Nellie; to Mr and Mrs C F Butcher (nee Olive George, Parkham), a son; Bartholomew-Oliver – Reginald to Elsie, both of Bideford (by special license); Daniel-Mills – at Beaford Parish Church, Reuben Daniel of Alwington, to Emily Mills; Prust-Fulford – Florence Mabel Fulford of Torridge Hill, Bideford, to Frank Prust of Morwenstowe; Symons-Delbridge – Herbert Charles, Terminus Inn, East-the-Water, to Elsie Doreen, East-the-Water Post Office; Hilda Braund, the dearly beloved and only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Braund, Bucks Mills; The Rev John Dene of Horwood House, Bideford; Caroline Thompson in her 75th year; and Reginal James Stafford Pengilley at the Union Club, Westward Ho!

Household furniture from Coombe Cot, Abbotsham, is to be sold by Public Auction.

Through the kindness of Mr Hawkins, of The Bungalow, three seats have been placed on the Quay at Appledore, and have proved a great benefit, both to residents and visitors.

Presentations at Appledore – an interesting ceremony took place at the United Council Schools Appledore when the esteemed headmaster, Mr J Mathews, who is retiring from the profession (having reached the age limit) was presented with a gold mounted fountain pen and handsome leather initialled suit case. He is succeeded by Mr S V Ford. Miss H M Mathews, LLA (Mistress), who is leaving to be married, was presented with a pair of sterling silver candlesticks suitably engraved.

A very neat but pretty wedding took place at Tonyrefail, South Wales. The contracting parties were Mr Frank D Copp, eldest son of Mr Fred Copp of Sunnyside, Bideford, and Miss Annie Fairchild.

Mr John Herbert Parnall marries Miss Emily Nellie Whitefield, of Clovelly House, Bideford.

At the Palace, The Sentimentalists and Romance.

The Bideford Science, Art & Technical Schools reopen Friday September 22nd.

New Drill Hall at Bideford – between the Strand and the Pill. Col Radcliffe, in declaring the Hall open, referred to the honour he had in taking the 6th Devons to India in 1914 and to Mesopotamia in 1915, when no men were stauncher, no men were more loyal, and none were better in an admirable Battalion than the men of Bideford.

John Braunton, ostler, pleaded guilty at Bideford Borough Sessions to driving a pony and trap without lights in Meddon Street 46 minutes after lighting up time. Defendant, who was summoned for a similar offence in 1911, said the Police did their duty well. Fined 3s. PC Bulgin stated the facts.

William Augustus Courtenay is fined 9s for driving with a number plate which was obscured.

Royal Hotel, Bideford. At Bideford Transfer Sessions before the Borough magistrates, Mr T Oerton junr. applied for the transfer of the license of the present licensee, Mr A Woolridge Lister to Mr Claude Ernest Haylor, of 18 Portland Avenue, Stamford Hill, London. Mr Haylor said Mr Oerton, was well known in the district from which he came and was well vouched for. Inspector Shutler said he had no objection. Enquiries had been made and the testimonials spoke very highly of the applicant. The Bench granted the transfer.

The funeral of an old and respected parishioner, Mrs John Harding, of Lower Village, Bradworthy, took place and was well attended, blinds being drawn in the village showing the respect in which the family is held. Rev Orchard conducted the services at the house, the United Methodist Church and the Free Church cemetery. Mrs Cann was the organist. Messrs Bond, Jewell and Everson bore the corpse to its last resting place. The chief mourners were Mr J Harding, Messrs Harding, Misses Harding and Mrs T Walter, and Mrs Bailey. Among those present were Messrs Balsdon, S and C Wickett, Lang, W and H Cory, Clarke, J Bromell, Oke, Jennings, Barrett, Grant, R Bond, T Everson, Mitchell, C R Everson, Mr and W Harding, Mr and Mrs W Bromell, Mesdames Cory, Tremeer, Wickett, Harris, Netherway, Butler, M Jennings, Misses Edwards, Barrett, Everson, Bond and many others. Much sympathy is felt for the family in the sudden bereavement.

Household furniture from Sunbury, Fairy Cross, is to be sold by Public Auction.

Fire at Horwood Barton, Frithelstock which Capt T Heywood and the Brigade attended.

There was a fashionable attendance at the wedding in the parish church of Instow of Miss Kathleen Marion Slatter, elder daughter of the late Capt A A Slatter, BSAP, and Mrs Slatter of Salisbury, Rhodesia, and Lieut-Com George Fagan Bradshaw, DSO, RN, (retired), second son of the late Mr R M Bradshaw and Mrs Bradshaw, of Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh. Mrs Slatter is abroad and the wedding took place from the residence at Instow of the bride’s aunt Mrs Howard. Lady Couchman, another aunt of the bride, was present at the ceremony.

Littleham Harvest Festival to take place on Wednesday September 27th 1922.

The Lerina, the Lundy Royal Mail Motor Yacht, is undertaking day trips.

Death of Mr J G Pickard - Northam.

Amongst the many memorials which have been raised to commemorate those who have laid down their lives for the country in the Great War, there is perhaps none more appropriate to our churches, or, in the case of our ancient churches, the restoration of chapels which link us so closely with the devout worship of our ancestors. Such is the lasting memorial raised in the parish church of St Margeret’s, Northam. The new chapel altar has been placed in a central position immediately westward of the organ. Two broad granite steps, with marble and granite altar pace, occupying a space of some 80 square feet, form a dignified dais for the altar. When the altar is decorated as it is designed to be, the whole colour scheme will be extremely beautiful. The modern pews, facing north, which previously occupied the body of the chapel, have been removed and replaced by comfortable chairs, stained to a dark green colour. Two moveable altar rails, of simple but suitable design, with kneelers attached, complete the sanctuary fittings. The whole of the woodwork is of best well-seasoned oak.

It is pleasing to note that Ellis Radclift, scholar of the Northam School, has won the ‘Stuckley’ Free Scholarship, tenable for four years, and open to candidates in the Bideford District. He is the grandson of Mr R Yeo, Porthill Gardens, Northam.

A week or so ago hotel proprietors at Bideford and Exeter were imposed upon by a bogus Earl ‘out for a good time.’ At Exeter a man, who had imbibed not wisely but too well, found safe lodging in the City police court cell, and brought before Exeter Magistrates, airily remarked “I want to settle it as quick as I can, and not make a fuss about it: I am a stranger to the city.” He gave his name as Richard Gomer of Wear Gifford. We are asked to state on behalf of Mr Richard Gomer, Sanitary Inspector of Wear Gifford – and so far as can be ascertained the only person in the parish of that name – that he is not the person who gave the same name and place to the magistrates and in fact was not away from home at the time. Later that month, the issue was discussed at a meeting of Torrington Rural District Council.

The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Church, Weare Giffard, of Mr Robert Cunningham and Miss Mary Margaret, daughter of Mr Philip Henry and Mrs Rachel Hancock, of The Hill, Weare Gifford. The bride was given away by her brother; the bridesmaid was Miss Eileen Fisher; and Mr Walter Powell carried out the duties of best man. The reception, as the residence of Mr and Mrs P H Hancock was attended by about fifty guests. The honeymoon is being spent in a motor tour through the South of England. Wedding presents included a junket bowl; aluminium cooking utensils; series of 12 sketches; cheques; and silver jam spoons.

Presentation to Rector of Woolsery – Rev G L Edwards leaves Fremington.

September 1972

August was the driest month since September last year, and the hottest since records at the Phayre House weather station, Heywood Road, Northam, began in 1965. Rainfall of 44.1mm (1.74in) was also the lowest for August since records began in 1966. It rained on only nine days with the greatest fall in 24 hours - 20.1mm or 0.83on - on the 12th. It has not rained since (report dated September 8th).

No. 2 Woodcote, Abbotsham, will not be sold.

Flat out - the inshore rescue boat now on evaluation tests at Appledore. A new type of craft, she is now hitting top speed again after a fortnight's delay during which a new engine was fitted. One idea of the trials is to familiarise local lifeboat crewmen with such craft which many experts believe could do much to fill a gap in local rescue services when the helicopter flight departs on the closure of RAF Chivenor.

The Union flag draped the coffin at the funeral of Capt George Alfred Perkins, Bideford’s town crier for nearly a decade at St Peter’s Church, Bideford. Capt Perkins, who fought in both world wars, was 74 and lived at 58 Churchill Road. He removed to North Devon in 1942 and had been a member of the Hartland and Appledore branches of the British Legion. His widow, Mrs Christine Perkins, is warden of the Barton Estate old people’s homes. The Rector of Bideford, Preb. T Derwent Davies, officiated at the service. Interment followed at the Higher Cemetery.

Mr Alan Craner, one of the shipwrights, checks the dimensions of a gunport on the full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde under construction at the shipyard of J Hinks and Son, Appledore. The replica, which is scheduled for launching in April next year, is now half-way to completion. After launching the Golden Hinde will stop at a number of South Coast ports and moor for three months in the Pool of London before retracing under sail Drake's voyage across the Atlantic to Panama.

The thatched roof of a Riddlecombe farmhouse, near Ashreigney, was destroyed by fire. Neighbours and the local police constable helped to save furniture. Firemen from Chulmleigh, Hatherleigh, Torrington, North Tawton and Barnstaple were called to the scene, Higher Skellies Farm. Firemen confined the blaze to the roof of the two-storey building but there was also damage to the upstairs rooms.

A summer fayre, organised by Ashreigney WI, held at Southfields by permission of Mr and Mrs J Cole, raised over £45. Stallholders included Mrs W Cole, Mrs T Middleton, Mrs Cobdon, Mr P M Harris, Mrs J Dummett, Mrs I Ware and Miss N M Harris. In charge of the competition for a flower arrangement in an egg cup was Mrs George and winners were Miss N Harris, Mrs J Cole and Miss V Partridge; children's class - Georgina Middleton, Sandra Powell and V Tithecott. Miss Jean Webber organised the lucky dip. Mrs Webber and Mrs Partridge served the coffee. Skittles were won by Julia Becklake; guessing sultanas in a cake (Mrs Callard) won by Mrs G Ayre; guessing the weight of president and two vice-presidents (Mrs Lambourn) won by Mrs V Partridge; guessing contents of bags, won by Mr N Middleton; treasure hunt organised by Mrs Middleton, won by Russell Golland.

Did you try the Bridgeland Street salon of Jenny N Hoare?

Local history was made when 27 girls went through the doors of Bideford Grammar School as regular pupils for the first time in the school’s 350 years existence. Twenty-six of them were 11 year olds who joined the school as a result of Devon County Education Committee’s decision to bring forward their plans for co-education. The other one was a 15 year old who will go straight into the school’s Fifth Form. She is Janice Beadon of Hartland and Mr John Dare, the school’s headmaster, said “I hope she will be the first of many.” Three new full-time women teachers have joined the staff, which already has three women teachers part-time, and two extra temporary classrooms have been provided at the school, although these will not be used by the new intake. About 30 girls selected for grammar school education in the Torridge area will go to Edgehill and about 20 to the Stella Maris School.

On public view for the first time was the new uniform which has been designed for girls attending the Grammar School. It may be claimed that a full circle of association has been appropriately completed for it was the bequest in 1689 by a woman, Mrs Susannah Stucley, of £200 for the maintenance of a grammar school at Bideford that began the real documentary history of the school.

No homes so teachers turn down jobs.

Bideford Health Centre to open next month.

A £1,000 journey ended with a tea-time celebration for a Bideford family. And to mark the occasion a banner and a placard of welcome were displayed outside the family’s house, and the bells of the parish church were rung. It was five and a half years ago that Mr John Stone and his wife Dawn left England with their two children to make a new life in Australia. They returned to the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs Reg Stone, of 6 Myrtle Grove, for a four month holiday with their children Mark and Trudy. Dawn is also a Bidefordian, being the daughter of Mr and Mrs Frank Ellis, of Meddon Street. Before leaving England, Mr Stone worked locally for the Wonderloaf Bakeries.

A moment of memories for Mr Arthur Hooper as he congratulates Mr Ron Cole, captain of Bideford Victoria Park Club, on the club’s achievement in winning the Devon County Bowls Trophy. Mr Hooper is the only surviving member of the Club team that last brought the trophy to the town in 1935.

Sorry I’m late – I had to catch a duck! This was the excuse – unlikely but true – which 20 year old shop assistant Mrs Marilyn Dymond had for her supermarket boss this week. Marilyn was shutting the front door of her house at 72 Clifton Street, Bideford, when she saw a duck making rapid progress down the hill. In chase was Mr Ron Somerville, who had been washing his car in the street when he saw the duck pass by.

A miniature go-kart track was opened in Victoria Park, Bideford.

Thornboro, Buckland Brewer, is for sale by Public Auction at the New Inn Hotel.

Another stink at Clovelly according to the local postmaster, Mr A F J Aust.

Explosions ‘mystery’ at Hartland cliff fire but Mr E Prouse solves it.

Mr L Grills of Torrington, and his daughter, Mrs J Brooks of Monkleigh, with the first and second prize winning terriers at the Stevenstone Hunt Supporters’ Club terrier and family dog show, held at the Old Kennels, near Torrington Station.

All smiles again – pupils of St Margaret’s School, Northam, with pets given to replace those killed by vandals during the holiday. “We are very grateful to the people who have shown so much consideration over the death of our pets, especially the Gazette… Many thanks to the people who donated the two guinea pigs, Pinky and Perky, and the white rabbit which we have called Liz.”

By Order of the Executors of Elsie Lilian Gouldsmith, The Old Kiln, Limers Lane, Northam, is for sale.

Porthill Gardens is for sale.

Diddywell Manor and annexe, Northam, was sold by auction by Messrs Kivell and Sons, of Bideford, for £20,000. Purchaser was a Mr Holtzer.

Downalong, Limers Lane, Northam, is for sale by auction.

A Torrington young artist in stained glass has provided for posterity a visual record of the town’s Middle Ages leper colony. Christopher Sing, elder son of Mr and Mrs Raymond Sing, of Rock Park, and until recently a student at Bideford School of Art, has just completed a 6ft by 4ft window in the leper chapel on the south side of the little church at Taddiport. An inscription reads “Remember the lepers who lived and worshipped here and all who befriended them.”

Torrington’s new Town Crier, Mr Norman Dymond, has attended his first National Town Criers’ contest, held at Hastings. Having taken over from the champion of so many years, Mr Bert Waldron, Mr Dymond must have felt great pressure on him to do well. Mr Bill Matthews, of Holsworthy, a seasoned participant and a former champion, who was this year placed fourth, said “Norman put up a tremendous show considering he had no experience whatever of a major event like Hastings. You can take it from me – and I ought to know by now – Torrington has another champion in the making.”

A 70 year old widow who is a former Mayoress of Torrington will be ‘Queen’ when Torrington’s water carnival is held. Mrs May Hutchings, of 32 Calf Street, Torrington, won the right to preside over the procession by selling £55.88 worth of votes. Her four attendants will all be married women and her crowner, Mrs Ida Hoyle, of Goose Green, Torrington, who sold £50.36 worth of tickets.

Cutty Sark in Golf Links Road and Day Dawn, 37 Nelson Road, both Westward Ho! are to be sold by Public Auction.

Bideford postman John Slocombe, winner of this year's Schoolmasters Cup competition at the Royal North Devon Golf Club's Autumn meeting, is congratulated by losing finalist Charles West, who is captain of the Torrington club.

September 1997

Bideford Carnival has been postponed because the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, is taking place on the same day. The big parade will now be held on Saturday, November 29, which was to have been the date for the town’s Christmas walking carnival.

Jemma Saunders, aged 12, from Bideford, inspects some of the flowers left at Victoria Park, in memory of Diana.

Bideford paid its own tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, with a poignant non-denominational open air service. As the body of the princess was carried from its resting place in St James Palace to her home at Kensington Palace up to 2,000 people gathered in Victoria Park. From tiny tots to great-grandparents they stood with lighted candles in answer to a call Linda Taylor had taken up by the town’s churches. “Linda phoned me in tears and said we really must do something in the town to get people together and express their grief” said Bideford Vicar the Rev Tim Jessiman. Colleagues at the Midland Bank and pupils of Grenville College gave out service sheets, candles and made a collection. A hush fell on Torridgeside on Saturday as towns and villages throughout the area mourned the loss of the princess.

Alexandra Westlake, aged two, with her candle and lamp.

Hundreds of people both young and old converged on The Quay area of Bideford to see the biggest high tide of the year. Water lapped over the quay wall and covered the road to a depth of several inches but there were no reports of serious damage to properties. It was a warm evening and many enjoyed a paddle in the street.

Torridge planners have given a unanimous ‘go ahead’ to the controversial £2.6 million flood defence scheme for Bideford Quay. Councillors were of the opinion that while not perfect the scheme before them must go ahead. To delay might only bring more flooding and anguish. It was, said Cllr Hugo Barton, “the best scheme we are likely to get.”.

Bideford Angling Club members dished up a tasty £1,040 cheque for the children’s cancer charity CLIC. Money was raised through a euchre drive, a skittles marathon and a beard shave by Neil Meadows. In the picture chairman Graham Mountjoy presents the cheque to CLIC secretary Brian Taylor, Pat Humphries and Stuart Humphries.

Joe Inglis, start of BBC TV’s current documentary series, Vets in Practice, will soon be leaving his job in Bideford. He has been working at the Wittern Lodge surgery of Atkinson and Burgess since graduating last year. He chose to come to Bideford originally because he was keen on surfing. One episode will feature Joe, at Chudleigh Fort, perfecting a grass surfing board on which he has taken out a patent.

Prowting Homes is selling properties at Orchard Rise, Bideford, ranging from £99,950 to £143,950.

Prowting Homes is selling properties at Kingsmead Park, Torrington, ranging from £67,950 to £125,000.

The owners of The Culloden House Hotel at Westward Ho! have instructed Webbers Commercial as sole agents to dispose of this detached, licensed hotel at an asking price of £239,950. The agents are quoting a high six-figure turnover and say the property is expected to attract a great deal of interest as it is presented in excellent order.

Years Ago - October 1950

October 1950

Births include a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, to Joy and Frank Butler; a daughter to Mr and Mrs J W Heard; a daughter, Clarice Mary, for Clarice (nee Ford) and Arthur Gear; Jeannetta (nee Way, wife of B Mortimer, 2 The Strand, had a daughter, Margaret Ann; Beatrice, the wife of Eric J W Mountjoy, had a son, Mervyn; Alice (nee Houghton) and Ronald Copp have a daughter, Linda Margaret; in Sacramento, California, Patricia (nee Wiley) and WO Paul Franz have a son, Stephen Anthony, a brother for Christopher and Diane; a son is born to Margaret (nee Ford) and Alan Heard; a sister for Elise, Caryl Ann, a daughter for Irene (nee Weeks) and Bob in Seattle, Washington; Margaret (nee Reece) and Major P V H Swan, RE, have a daughter, Stella Rosemary, in Taiping, Malaya; and a daughter, Pamela Joy, for Margaret and Harold Scott;

Anniversaries for Harold and Hetty Baker of Hazeldene, West Yelland, nr Instow; Sidney Noel of Orchard Hill, and Laura, of Alwington (Harris-Oke) celebrate their silver wedding; Rosa May Piper and William Braunton of 8 Cowpark Terrace, Northam, celebrate their golden wedding – October 24th 1900; and on October 31st 1925 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Charles N Harris to Florence M Jeffery – present address 4 Tower Street, Bideford.

The pleasantly situated freehold country cottage residence, Coombe Gate, Abbotsham, is for sale.

The wedding of Mr Peter C W Redclift, of The Mill, Hartland, to Miss Gladys May Bailey, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A W Bailey, of Woodtown, Fairy Cross, took place at St Andrew’s Church, Alwington. The bridesmaids were Miss Violet Bailey and the Misses Joyce and Barbara Redclift; duties of best man were carried out by Mr C Bridge; and users were Mr W Redclift, Mr G Bailey and Mr W Headon. Wedding presents included a cheque and table linen from the bride’s employers, Mr M F Lee and Miss A E Lee, of Hazelhurst, Bideford, and a pyrex dinner service from the bridegroom’s employers, Mr and Mrs Finch of Hartland.

At St Andrew’s Church, Alwington, the funeral took place of Mrs Ellen Grace Daniel, widow of Mr Reuben Daniel. The service was conducted by Rev G W Colborne and the organist was Mrs P Metherell. Immediate mourners were Mr and Mrs Moyes, Miss C White, Mr and Mrs H Williams, Mr and Mrs T Williams, Col and Mrs Pine-Coffin, Mrs Wickett, Mrs Smith, Mr F Daniel, Mrs R Daniel, Mrs Allen. Bearers were Messrs S H Palmer, G Smaldon, R Daniel and W Allen.

The impression seemed to have got around that it was because there was a lack of interest that Appledore had lost its fire station, said Mr F S Harris, but that was not the case. Referring to the decision by the Fire Service to leave Appledore, Mr Harris said a suitable site could be arranged at Marine Parade.

At Evensong at St Mary’s Church, the Vicar, Rev H C A S Muller, asked the congregation to sing the National Anthem as a mark of respect and homage on the occasion of the christening of Princess Anne and also to mark the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Mr Muller reminded the congregation that Lord Nelson’s coxswain was an Appledore man, named Cox, two of whose descendants had been coxswains of Appledore lifeboat. A signalman with Lord Nelson was another Appledore man, Daniel Jenkins, who, no doubt, helped to hoist the famous signal.

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Mr Thomas John Adams, 31 Parklands, Totnes, to Miss Pamela Mary Morrish, daughter of Mr and Mrs J O Morrish, 31 New Street, Appledore. The matron of honour was Mrs Pearl Evans and duties of best man were carried out by Mr Eric Firth, RASC. The bride’s mother wore black, in mourning for her father who died recently. After the reception, Mr and Mrs Adams left for Exeter for their honeymoon.

Allocation of the money collected at the Bideford Carnival was discussed at the Rose of Torridge Café. Mr F H Holmes presided over the meeting. The sum to be divided was £145, and it was shared between Hospital Comforts Fund; Old People’s Home, Westward Ho!; East-the-Water Community Centre; Broomhayes Children’s Home, Westward Ho!; St John Ambulance Brigade; Police Widows and Orphans Benevolent Fund; the Blind; and NSPCC. A further request is made to those people who borrowed macintoshes on the night of the Carnival to return them to Mr T Muxworthy or Mr E J Dicker.

Did you see the Chad Valley Overhead Railway at Gales in Mill Street?

The very desirable freehold farm known as The Barton is for sale.

Rose Cottage, 12 Montague Place, Clovelly Road, Bideford, is for sale.

As a fitting climax to the Harvest Festival of the Bethel Church, East-the-Water, on October 2nd, came presentations to two of its most faithful members. The two recipients were Miss Sarah A Barry of 4 Barnstaple Street, and Miss Rosabelle H Embery of 4 Chingswell Street. Miss Embery, who was presented with an electric fire and a cheque to cover the cost of the installation of a power point for it, has served the Chapel as organist for 50 years. Her brother is the Home Director of the China Inland Mission in Australia. Miss Barry, who for 56 years has worked for Bethel in numerous ways, most notably as Sunday School teacher, was presented with a Lloyd loom armchair.

Mitchells are winners at the Master Bakers’ Exhibition at Exeter.

Buy a Motamite from Ron Lake, North Road, Bideford.

Mr C S F Harding of Pentillie, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, died aged 70. Mr Harding came to Bideford in 1919 as headmaster of the Old Town Boys’ School and, on the Bideford Schools’ reorganisation in 1932, became the headmaster of Geneva Senior School, now the Bideford Modern Secondary School. When he retired in 1941, it was estimated that over 4,000 Bideford children has passed through his supervision during his time at Geneva School. Mr Harding not only engaged in school life but had also joined wholeheartedly in other spheres of public life. He was a Past Master of Lodge of Benevolence, No 489, Bideford, of freemasons and held the rank of P.P.J.G.D.

Leading Steward Norman Taylor, of Cardiff, and his bride, Miss Barbara Whitaker, of Bideford, photographed following their recent wedding at St Mary’s Church, Bideford.

Did you try Greek dancing with Ann Cornford?

The wedding took place at October 4th at the Parish Church, Buckland Brewer, of Miss Ursula Mary Coles, third daughter of Mr and Mrs J Coles, of Milford, and Mr Walter Francis Jollow, son of Mr and Mrs Jollow, of Thornbury. Rev T R Gibby of Langtree officiated in the absence of Rev L Woolcott. Miss W Blight was at the organ.

The thanksgiving services began on Friday at St Anne’s Church, with the Rev E B Bridger, Vicar of Northam, preaching at Evensong. The Church had been beautifully decorated by Mesdames Mallett, Godwin, Dark and Prouse, Miss Snape and Mrs Waring. The service was conducted by the Vicar, Rev L C Mallett with Mr R Fisher at the organ. The supper was provided at the Parish Hall, when a good company sat down to partake of gifts sent by friends and parishioners. The Parish Hall has been thoroughly cleaned by the following who also prepared the tea; Mesdames Mallett, Pennington, Dark, Waring and the Misses Snape and Hetty Dark, and the Vicar.

It was with great regret that Bucks Mills learnt that Mrs Sanders of the Mills, had gone to live with her relatives at Bideford. She was one of the best Churchfolk, was a regular attendant at Church and always gave liberally to any cause. She will be greatly missed. During the first world war she lost both her sons.

Coxswain G Lamey and his gallant crew took the Clovelly lifeboat out in the Bay for the Quarterly exercise and everything was found to be in perfect working order. On Saturday the boat was again launched for the Ace Film Company who are making a film of lifeboats around the coasts of England and Ireland. They required a film of the Clovelly boat as it is the ‘Liverpool’ type. Capt W R Bate, hon secretary of the local branch RNLI, received permission from the headquarters of the Institution for this to be done. Shots were taken from the Quay head of the launch and then the operators with all their filming paraphernalia were shipped aboard and taken to the rough waters of Hartland Race where more shots were taken from the boat, for’ard and aft.

No J.P. for Clovelly.

The general outline appears to the same today as then, but as there is no artist’s name attached or date, one can only assume part of the layout had been altered by the artist to make a balanced picture. For instance, the level at the pier end appears to be lower than that at the Lime Kiln entrance, whereas memory over the past sixty years is that it is nearly dead level. Besides, the boatbuilder’s shop and the Sandhouse are shown as dwelling houses; but the most notable point is the wooden handrail going up the street, whereas we know it has always been a stone wall.

Need for the local authority to provide lavatory accommodation at the bottom of Clovelly village for the convenience of the hundreds of visitors who flocked down there in the summer was emphasised by the chairman of Bideford County Bench, Lieut-Col J C Bassett. Mr M W V Richards was making application to the court for the transfer of the licence of the Red Lion Hotel, Clovelly, from Mr Sidney Henry Gulliver to Mr Reginald Clarence Fry. The lavatory accommodation at the hotel was quite adequate for the purposes of the licence, but the point was that in the summer hundreds of visitors made use of that accommodation. If the local authority could take some action it would not only help the hotel but would be of considerable advantage to visitors. The Magistrates approved the transfer.

Clovelly lifeboat was called on October 12th to go to the aid of a small steam launch. When the lifeboat call came it coincided with a break of two and a half hours in the local electricity supply. This meant that the winch for hauling the lifeboat could not be used and she was launched by hand. Men and women from the village, and visitors, assisted: it was the first time the new 35 foot lifeboat had been launched by hand. The photograph taken by Mr T J Brooksbank, of Stanwell Hotel, Westward Ho!, shows the launching – baulks of timber were placed at intervals to ease the passage of the lifeboat over the pebbles.

Before Bideford Borough magistrates, Charles Hugh Nevill Young, of Hartland Quay Hotel, Hartland, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to causing obstruction with a car in High Street, Bideford on August 29th.

Mr Stanley William Johns, younger son of Mr and Mrs Walter Johns, of Sowden Cottage, to Miss Ada Colwill, youngest daughter of the late Mr H and Mrs Colwill, of Exmansworthy Farm, Hartland, were married at St Nectan’s Church, Stoke, Hartland. Their future home will be at the Bungalow, Burford, Woolsery.

The Torridge Group of Young Farmers’ Clubs will hold its annual ploughing match will take place at the farms of Warmleigh and Govin in Hartland by kind permission of Messrs Heard and Dauncey.

The most desirable freehold property known as and being 2 Lyndale Terrace at Instow is for sale, as well as furniture and furnishings.

The funeral took place at Langtree Parish Church of Mr Frank Mills, of The Village, Langtree. He had resided in the Village for a number of years and was well known and respected. The Rector, Rev T R Gibby, assisted by Rev E Jones, conducted the funeral service and the organist was Mr R Baker. Immediate mourners were the widow, Reg, Francis, Austin and Gerald, sons; Mrs A Mills, Mr F Mills, Mr and Mrs G Lock, Mr L Mills, Miss D Mills, Mrs T Mills, Mr and Mrs R Furse, Mrs D Trout, Mr and Mrs B Furse, Mr C Lock, Mr and Mrs Wilkie, Mr G Furse, Mr C Walters, Mr J Walters and Mr and Mrs C Stevens.

Littleham ‘bus question again. It was disquieting that criticism had tended to be destructive and where they might have expected some help, they had not always had it, said Mr J C Hilton, at the meeting of Bideford Rural District Council when the long-standing question of providing a ‘bus service between Littleham and Bideford was again raised. “We who live in the country and have the interests of the country at heart, realise how increasingly important it is to have good water supplies, electricity and ‘bus services, etc. I hope we shall continue to press and not give in until we have secured a service.” Earlier the Clerk, Mr C T Braddick, had reported that the Finance and General Purposes Committee had considered further correspondence and the suggestion that a passing bay and corner improvement was also necessary on one proposed route.

By instructions received from Mr A S Moore, The Bungalow, Chircombe Lane, Northam, is for sale.

With great pride, 74 years old Mrs R M Braunton, of Northam, exhibited an iced cake which she had made. This was no ordinary cake but a very special one indeed, as it was for the celebration of her Golden wedding anniversary. On it was a spray of the orange blossom which she wore at her wedding. Mr and Mrs William Braunton of 8 Cowpark Terrace, have lived at Northam since their marriage. Their wedding took place at Frome, Somerset, on October 24th 1900 from the house of her brother, with the Vicar of Cloford officiating. Mr and Mrs Braunton have one daughter, Mrs J Elson, of Tower Street, and they have two grandchildren.

Mr and Mrs Martin, of Reeds Cottage, Roborough, celebrate their Diamond Wedding.

‘Milk Special’ from Torrington after train became derailed.

Torrington firm, Torridge Vale Dairies (Devon) Ltd, is to pay £900 in damages after Col John Trelawney Upton, of Pollards Hill, complained of pollution of the River Torridge.

Normally the passing of a landmark is to be regretted but there are no regrets at the demolition of the ruin of Sydney House, Torrington. Described as ‘an eyesore’ it stood as a tragic reminder of the fire which in 1941 gutted the main premises, then used as a County Council open-air school for delicate children, five of whom lost their lives in the outbreak. Certain premises on the site are being converted into flats and the Town Council will be further considering the use of the remainder of the site. These photographs, kindly loaned by Mr G B Williams, of 33 South Street, Torrington, show part of the ruined premises and the demolition in progress.

In the presence of a large congregation, which included the Mayor, Mr R M Boyer, and members of the Corporation and other public bodies, the Archdeadon of Barnstaple at Torrington Parish Church dedicated a new war memorial commemorating the sacrifice of those from Torrington who gave their lives in the two world wars. Capt. G F Stevens-Guille, president of the Torrington branch of the Royal Naval Association, read the lesson. Wreaths were laid on the memorial and a number of personal tributes were later placed at the foot of the memorial.

The wedding of Mr Thomas Hill, second son of Mr and Mrs W J Hill, of Petherton, Venton Drive, Westward Ho! to Miss Ellen Joan Newcombe, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W Newcombe, of 14 Louise Terrace, Torrington, took place in Torrington Baptist Church on Tuesday September 19th. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids – Miss Phyllis Moore and Miss Ellen Hill. The best man was Mr William Hill, elder brother of the bridegroom. The reception was held at the Church Hall with catering by Mr Own of High Bickington. Mr and Mrs Hill motored to Torquay for their honeymoon.

Torrington WI celebrated its 21st birthday with a 20lb cake at a birthday party in the Liberal Club room. Mrs T Nancekievill opened proceedings by reading a telegram of congratulations from the Little Torrington WI, and messages from Mrs Wilcox and Mrs Holwill senr., the oldest members of the Institute, and by sending notes of welcome to founder members of the Institute, some of whom were present, and a telegram to Mrs O’Flaherty, the first President.

Antique and other furniture and Furnishings from Buckleigh House, Westward Ho! are for sale by auction on the instructions from the Executors of the late R J Leakey, Esq.

Joe Loss and his Orchestra will be playing at the Westward Ho! Holiday Centre ballroom, supported by Frank Fuge and his Moorland Links Hotel Orchestra.