100 Years Ago

Years Ago - July

July 1925

Control of the Coastguard.

Cycling offences for Stacey John Bucley, Bideford; William Mills, Bideford; Arther Fee, Torrington; James Johns, Taddiport; Richard Gomer, Wear Gifford.

Abbotsham news.

Abbotsham Cottage Garden Show was held in the grounds of the Rev E Dansey, Kenwith. About 1,000 people entered the grounds, 500 sitting down to tea.

Fete at Alverdiscott with outspoken criticism of the Government’s policy by Rt Hon George Lambert.

Funeral at Alwington of Miss Bessie Goaman, daughter of a farmer at Hartland.

It has been learnt with pleasure that the Bishop of Exeter has become a vice-president of the Seamen’s Christian Friend Society, of which The Hanson Memorial Sailors’ Rest and Mission at Appledore is a branch. The launch at Appledore was recorded of a three-masted brigantine from Mr Cox’s shipyard. She was built for the Newfoundland trade, and was christened ‘Minnie’ by Miss E Cox.

PC Perrin, who was for many years stationed at Appledore, where he was held in high esteem, and latterly at Bickington, has, on completion of his service, now retired from the Force. His many friends wish him long life and happiness.

The bell-ringers of St Mary’s Church, Appledore, go on a trip.

Flower and Egg Service at St Mary’s Church, Appledore.

Narrow escape for the son of Mr John Mills of Vernon’s Lane, Appledore.

Mr Michael Howard and Miss Kathleen Bennett are married at Appledore.

An Appledore Marine Parade improvement.

The funeral of Mrs Sarah Ann Short, widow of the late Mr Isaac Short of New Quay, Appledore, took place amid manifestations of esteem and respect. The ceremony performed by Rev A C Brockett at the Congregational Church was of a very simple but impressive character.

There is relief that Royal Assent has finally been given to the Bideford Harbour Act.

There is a long report of Bideford Horse Show in the paper of 21 July, with all the results given over three tightly packed columns of newsprint. For the first time the show was held on a Wednesday instead of on August Bank Holiday and the experiment seems to have been justified through a much higher level of attendance and entries.

The first advert that caught our eye was from W J Cording and Son, Bideford, promoting their tailor made suits, highlighting the fact that back in the day men wore suits as a matter of course.

Shop keepers in the Gazette area are being warned to be on the alert as counterfeit £5 are in circulation in the region. R Dymond and Son are selling by auction a donkey, complete with jingle and harness. Mr A G Bromley, of Bromley’s Cafes, Ltd, Barnstaple and Bideford, has been elected on the Council of the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners, and Caterers.

The many services which Mr F A Searle has rendered to the town and district during his 38 years’ residence in Bideford, his unfailing courtesy, and the invaluable help, his sound advice, encouragement and assistance have been to many members of the local business and professional community, were testified to with much sincerity at the Town Hall. Mr Searle had been Borough Treasurer for about 32 years. He had lived in Bideford about 38 years and had been Manager of Fox, Fowler & Co’s Bank (now Lloyds) for about 32 years. He had also been Treasurer for the Northam Urban District Council and Bideford Union, and Bideford Grammar School.

Engineer Lieut. Commander H W Ascott, the only son of Major W Ascott, OBE, of Buttgarden Street, Bideford, has been gazetted Engineer-Commander.

The story of an attack on the manager of the local Labour Exchange, by an out-of-work labourer, in a principal thoroughfare of the town was told at Bideford Borough Sessions when Mr W T Braddick, Queen Anne’s, summoned a man with common assault. The man had issued a cross-summons. After a retirement, the Bench found the first case was proved and the maximum penalty of £5 was imposed with a month allowed for payment.

A collision took place on the blind bend at Westcombe Corner in Bideford, involving three vehicles. A 14 seater charabanc driven by John Henry Fry overtook Mr E Hocking’s car on the bend. The charabanc then found itself faced by a 20 seater charabanc owned by Hardy-Colwill and coming from Westward Ho! The resulting confusion took some time to resolve. Mr Fry was found responsible and fined £6-5-0 including costs. At Bideford Borough Sessions before the Mayor and other magistrates, Messrs Bartlett, Bayliss and Co. Ltd, Bideford, timber merchants, were summoned by HM Inspector of Factories for a breach of the Factory and Workshops Regulations, 1922, in failing to fix a cylindrical cutter block to a planing machine. Mr T Oerton, junr, appeared for the defendants.

Miss Hilda Pearse, of Allhalland Street, has been successful in obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Science in the recent examination of the University of London. Miss Pearse was a student at University College, Reading, and was formerly a pupil at Edgehilll College.

Leonard Claude Guillaume, of Bideford, is saved.

Bideford and District Hospital in Meddon Street is for sale.

Nos 25 and 26 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, for sale.

Bideford Head Post Office will be open a half hour later each weekday, telegrams being received until 7.30pm. In the course of a few days an automatic stamp vending slot machine will be placed outside the Head Office which will enable persons to purchase stamps when the office is closed.

Chimney fire at Burridge Court, Meddon Street, Bideford – Mrs Middleton is helped to safety.

About 200 parents and friends were present at the annual sports of West Bank Girl’s School, held at the cricket field, Westward Ho! under ideal weather conditions. Interest was taken in the competition for the school challenge cups which were eventually won by B Routley (senior) and J Nixon (junior), and also in the contest for the house shield, which was secured by Grenville House. The prizes were presented by the Mayoress of Bideford, Miss Keene, an old pupil of the school, who was thanked by the principal, Miss Abbott.

A smart “information for visitors” board will shortly be erected near Bideford Bridge End giving brief particulars of attractions such as the Long Bridge, the Free Library, Chudleigh Fort and Victoria Park.

By the kind invitation of Mrs Corbett the members of the Bradworthy Women’s Institute held their monthly meeting in the grounds of West Down House. An enjoyable evening was spent, and the Games Committee are to be congratulated on the way in which they arranged the sports, games and competitions. The prizes were distributed by Mrs Wilson.

Smithlands at Bradworthy for possession.

A party of 120, in charge of Mr Cole, and consisting largely of the Buckland Brewer school children went to Westward Ho! on an outing during the week. The weather was all that could be desired.

Buckland Brewer Garden Show and Sports.

Later in the month …

Frederick Moore of Bulkworthy is fined 3s.

Raising funds at Clovelly.

Clovelly motor accident.

Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr and Mrs Thomas and family, Coastguard Station, Clovelly, on the serious illness of their eldest son, Stanley.

Clovelly Turnpike fire at the house occupied by Mr and Mrs Arthur Beer and their aged mother.

The annual Hartland Wesleyan outing took place. Mr William’s char-a-banc conveyed the party of 22 through much beautiful scenery, Kilkhampton, Holsworthy, Hatherleigh, Okehampton and its Castle, Lydford and its famous Gorge, Lewdown, Lifton, Launceston and its Castle, Whitestone were enjoyed in ideal weather, with ample pauses at the most interesting points. Home was reached about ten.

At the Devon Quarter Sessions, Sir Trehawke Kekewich presiding, two seamen – Bennett and Reynolds, were charged, at Hartland, breaking into the store belonging to the County Council, and stealing two pairs of rubber knee boots, both pleaded guilty. Mr A Hawke, for the prosecution, said that Bennett had bene convicted on three different occasions for trivial offences under different names. The Chairman said that as Bennett had been previously convicted he would receive six months hard labour. There were no previous convictions against Reynolds, so he would go to prison for six weeks in the second division.

Pattard, Hartland, to be let.

Biteford at Hartland for sale.

Farm sale at Hartland. After the cattle market, Kivell and sons offered for sale Higher Welsford and Thirley marshes for Mr Jesse Jeffery, of Gorwin. Lot 1 – 5 enclosures west of the main road 30 acres. Started at £400 and sold to Mr W Heard, of Warmleigh, for £600. Lot 2 – 7 enclosures east of the road, 61 acres. Started at £300 and sold to Mr T H Pomeroy, of Nertherton for £450.

There is now no hearse at Hartland, the only one in the village having been sold to Sidmouth, where it was removed. Is this evidence of the low rate of mortality at Hartland?

Mr Jabez Howard, who carried on the blacksmith business at Elmscott, nearly 30 years, in succession to his uncle John Britton, has been unwell for a couple of months. He tried to get a bed in an Exeter hospital for an operation but there was no vacancy. Dr Walters, locum tenens for Dr Kay obtained his admission to an institution in London. The day after the operation Mr Howard had a relapse and died, aged 52. Great sympathy is shown with his wife and family. Mrs Howard has herself been long afflicted.

An accident befell Mr William Vanstone of Stoke, whilst at the Hartland Point improvement work. A pick axe glanced and went right through his boot and foot. First aid was rendered and later Mr William Gifford, of Milford Hill, took the injured man home in his trap.

Miss Ellen Medland is Holsworthy’s ‘pretty maid’.

In aid of the Parish Hall Building Fund a charming and successful little garden fete organised by the Rector, Rev C E Davis, MA, and Mrs Davis, with the assistance of leading and active parishioners, was held in the Rectory Grounds, Huntshaw, and was very well patronised by visitors from a wide area. Explaining the object of the fete the Rector said they all knew they had recently opened a Parish Hall and inspection of it was invited that afternoon. They had spent on it about £450 in addition to the site and the stone for the building. The site was given to them by Lord Clinton, who gave the stone also, and the farmers hauled it from the quarry in the wood. Towards the money cost they had practically raised £400. As some of them knew, they had had some very kind help, especially from two old Huntshaw boys who had made good in the world.

A garden social and tea at Tapely Park, Instow.

Miss Beatrice Lovell, a pupil of Miss C C Dark, of Instow, has passed her elementary examination in pianoforte.

Mr Hosegood of Bideford was fined £3 and costs for driving a motor charabanc at Instow to the danger of the public. Gladys Sprague, summoned at Braunton Divisional Sessions for riding a bicycle without a light at 11.35pm on June 13^th, did not appear. PC R L Gammin, stationed at Instow, gave evidence and a fine of 5s was imposed.

The police have taken action in regard to the danger caused by broken glass, etc. on the sands at Instow. The defendant in last week’s police case probably had some justification for his plea that he did not know he was doing wrong – an illegal wrong, of course – in smashing up a glass bottle where pieces would be a danger to children at play, and others lightly shod. For he had only to look round and see cartloads of similarly dangerous debris. The very nature of a lot of the rubbish includes old pails, tin cans, glazier’s glass and shards of household utensils and shows that the residents have been using the place, and especially nearer end of the sandhills as a dumping ground.

At Devon Quarter Sessions before Lord Coleridge, Colonel Moore-Stevens and Mr J Halse, a seaman pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking into the dwelling house of Henry T Shepherd at Landcross, and stealing a gold and diamond ring, suit of clothes, pair of boots, pair of stockings, and pocket knife, the property of Mr Shepherd; also with stealing a gold and diamond ring, a gold ring and pearls, together of the value of £36, the property of Edith Shepherd. Prisoner denied a charge of having received the goods. He said he had applied to the police to call witnesses on his behalf.

The police instituted inquiries as a result of which PC Huxtable found in a field a suit of clothes, which prisoner subsequently identified as his property, after being apprehended on the Bideford road, when he put his hand in his pocket and produced the three rings spoken of.

On Monday, July 20^th, a flag day in aid of St Dunstan’s was held at Littleham, when the following children acted as collectors: - Phyllis Beer, Joyce Colwill, Laura Cook, Marjorie Cook, Lizzie Gliddon, Hilda Hearn, Enid Lyle, Barbara Northcote, Ada Stevens, Phyllis Smale, Viole Smale, John Cole and Cyril Lyle. The Mistress has since received a letter from the Divisional Secretary of St Dunstan’s gratefully acknowledging the receipt of £2 10s, as a result of the sale of flags.

Messrs Knight, Frank and Rutley (in conjunction with Messrs Ellis, Son and Bowden) are instructed to sell practically the whole of Lundy Island, the area coming under the hammer being 1,047 acres.

Rev Gibbins visits Lundy.

Appledore lifeboat out to Lundy searching for a Brazil steamer.

Preaching at St Helena’s Church, Lundy Island, the Vicar of Appledore referred to the great sorrow that had befallen Captain Dark in the death of his daughter, Mrs Williams, at Biarritz, Spain. Captain Dark and his son Captain Fred Dark had for many years maintained an efficient service between the Island and the mainland, both in the Gannet and now in the Lerina. During the service…

At successful jumble sale was held at Petticombe, by the kindness of Gen. and Mrs Gwyn-Thomas, who were assisted by several willing helpers, the Monkleigh and District Nursing Association will benefit by £13 13s.

At an auction at Tanton’s Hotel, the freehold residence Elmfield situate in the parish of Northam, was withdrawn at £3,750.

News has been received with regret of the death of Mr Frederick Turner which occurred at Deanoyers Street, Montreal, Canada. Mr Turner lived formerly at Tower Street, Northam, and was a member of the postal service staff for 21 years, emigrating in 1911. He leaves a widow, six sons and three daughters. The late Dr Joseph Bower Siddall, of Malvern, and formerly of Conibear, Northam, whose death took place on July 4^th, was one of the original members of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and whilst living in the neighbourhood held the post of President. He was also the founder of the Union Club, Westward Ho!

Midnight blaze at Messrs Hardy-Colwill’s Garages, Northam. As a result of what appears to have been an electric wire fusing, fire broke out between the Pill and Chanter’s Lane, causing damage to the extent of £300. The blacksmith’s shop, electrical stores were destroyed but through the timely efforts of volunteers who hurried to the scene, some still wearing their night attire, valuable property and machinery were saved.

The distribution of prizes to the students at the Northam Evening School took place in the Northam Schoolroom. There was a large attendance. Major General Sir Murray Irwin presided and emphasised the importance of education.

In the compulsory liquidating of the Hansen Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Company, Limited, of Cleavehouses, Northam, Mr G D Pepys, Official Receiver, has issued to the creditors and shareholders a summary of the Court’s statement of affairs, which shows that there is no possibility of any dividend for the unsecured creditors. Sir Sven Hansen attributes the failure and insolvency of the company to the abnormal depression which arose in the shipping industry shortly after the company was incorporated.

Later in the month …

Mothers’ Union fete at Northam.

Northam Burrows invite the Potwallopers.

Later …

(As a child and teenager one of our volunteers remembers going “potwalloping” with her father and grandfather and schoolfriends.)

The annual summer conference of the Bideford and Torridge District Sunday School Union was held at Parkham Wesleyan Church. The conference was opened by Mr W E Ellis, the subject being ‘The Child in the School or the Man in the Street.’ A helpful conference followed, amongst those taking part being the Vicar, the Rev S A Hensley. A large company partook of the excellent tea provided by the friends of Parkham. After tea a good number took advantage of the Vicar’s kind invitation to inspect the Vicarage grounds.

We regret to record the death of Mr John White, of East Badworthy Farm, Shebbear, following an operation. He was a man always ready to do a kind turn and was beloved by all who knew him. The internment took place at the United Methodist Cemetery, Rowden. The Rev W Bennett officiated. The immediate mourners were Mrs S Davey, Miss E and M White, Mr W and A Davey, Mr and Mrs S Sanders, Miss Mary Wheeler. The bearers were Messrs J Brooks, R Arnold, J Wheeler, J T Pett, snr, E Bond and M Underhill.

Owing to double-dipping regulations in force at present, no sheep are able to enter this month’s Stibb Cross Market. At other markets and auctions, sheep can be sold if double dipped and accompanied by the correct forms. However, the county has now been declared free of Foot and Mouth disease and the final restrictions have been removed.

Talking points at the Torrington Town Council - planning for Goose Green, Torrington.

Torrington-Halwill railway line opened to public passengers.

Before the Mayor, Mr G M Doe, Messrs Webber, Moore, Penhale, Chapple and Taviner at Torrington, a man, on remand, was charged with unlawfully breaking into St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, and feloniously stealing 6s, the moneys of the churchwardens.

At Bideford County Sessions, Mr Spencer Vivian, draper of Torrington, (for whom Mr Reginald Boase appeared) pleaded ‘not guilty’ to driving a motor car to the danger of the public in Monkleigh Village.

Whilst cutting a cabbage in the garden, Mrs Harold Bowden (Warren Road, Torrington) was surprised by the appearance of a large viper. It measured 3 feet 3 inches long.

The engagement is announced between John Sydney Hughes (late RAF) and Henrietta Aline Stubington, youngest daughter of the late Mrs H T Stubington, The Priory, Westward Ho!

At Northam Manor Court the coast erosion at Westward Ho! and the damage to the Pebble Ridge by the sea were discussed at some length. Hearty approval was given to a recommendation of the Jury that the annual throwing back of the pebbles from the Burrows on to the crest of the Ridge should be resumed, and Capt Wicksteed, Chairman of the Burrows Committee, appealed for the earnest cooperation of all parishioners in the organised effort. Numerous promises of provisions etc. for refreshments has been received.

At the Bideford and Westward Ho! Show, held at Westward Ho! there was a large exhibition of horses, dogs, Channel Island cattle, mules, donkeys and goats. No less than 2,500 people entered the show ground and over 100 horses and 162 dogs were entered. The meeting was the best ever held by the Society, Mr Reginald Molesworth was hon. Secretary and Mr E Partridge, secretary. About £120 was taken at the gate. A tournament took place after the show in the Great Nassau Bath.

No 3 High View Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale.

Woolsery Agricultural Show – fine effort damped by continuous downpour.

July 1975

Council house building grinds to a halt.

A collection of Victorian clothing and embroidery is being made on a South West regional basis with a view to forming a travelling exhibition in aid of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council for Research. Already, Mrs Winter of Rixlade, Abbotsham, has given a set of baby clothes from her father’s family and it is hoped to have these on show at a coffee evening for the cause, being held at Chircombe, Bideford, by permission of Mr and Mrs Arthur Pridham.

A Red Cross sale of new and second-hand clothes, etc. organised by Mrs G Winter and held in Abbotsham parish hall, raised £130. The total is nearly double that of last year.

Bulworthy Farm, Alverdiscott, for sale.

Michelle Jones, of Appledore, and Joanna Welch, of Yelland, raise £42 with energy to spare.

Appledore and Instow regatta history.

Homeward bound for Mr and Mrs Jeffery Clarkson, of Irsha Street, Appledore.

Mr Edmund Bond of Alpha Place, Appledore, who has died after a short illness. was apprenticed to the late Mr Charles Gibson at Westward Ho! and took a keen interest in golf. For some time was professional golfer at Datchet and after returning to live in North Devon was head greenkeeper at Westward Ho!. During the war he served in the Royal Air Force.

The funeral of former shipyard manager Mr Philip Harris of Devonia, 3 The Quay, Appledore, has taken place. Mr Harris had worked with the firm P K Harris all his life apart from a few years as a ship’s carpenter with the Reardon Smith shipping company. He was a prominent member of Appledore Sailing Club. Bearers were nephews Messrs J Craner, A Daniel, B and L White.

Mr Emlyn Williams is to be the new headmaster of Appledore County Primary School which has just over 200 pupils. He will succeed Mr Bob Curtis who retires at the end of this term after 17 years at headmaster.

Eleven cadets were enrolled and five probationers welcomed at the annual inspection of Bideford St John Nursing Cadets at St John House, Bideford. The inspection was taken by Miss Grant who was accompanied by Mrs Packard and Mrs MacCaig. The inspecting officers and Mrs Patricia Needs were presented with bouquets by the youngest cadets. Cadet cups were presented to Cpl Y Parish and Cadet A Mathews. Various certificates were presented by Miss Grant to J A Adams, J Bowden, J Cann, F Cook, L Cock, A Curtis, A Fishleigh, J Fishleigh, L Fishleigh, S Hole, J Hooper, P Hooper, C Leatt, A Mathews, M Mitchell, Y Parish, B Schulhof, A Short, D Slade, M Spearman, M Strong, J Stephens, P Stephens, J Summers, C Symons, J Thurlow, S Vanstone.

Safe driving awards under the auspices of the Road Operators’ Safety Council have been presented to Bideford Western National bus drivers. Awards – G E Kelly, R A Parker, J H Elliott, W R Langdon, C H Williams, J O Morrish, E C Wakeley, R J Dymond, L M Ford, A Badger, R C Branagan, G Burns, B J Cole, A C Glover, W J Jeffery, R Kilbride, G Squires, D A Watton and T R Whitty.

The fate of Bideford’s Bull Hill area, seen by conservationists as ‘an irreplaceable part of the town’ and in part by Torridge District Council’s Housing Committee chairman as ‘a bit slummy’ still hangs in the balance. Controversy over whether 14 cottages there should be demolished and the area redeveloped has raged for years. And the district council’s Policy Committee, by a narrow majority, agreed to further delay.

Later in the month …

The flag of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club has been at half-mast mourning Mr Reg Backway who for practically 70 years was actively associated with the club in many capacities. He had been club captain and president. Mr Backway, who lived at Elmdale Road, Bideford, would have been 80 in October. For over 50 years he was company secretary to Heard Bros. Ltd, of Bideford, and their successors, retiring two years ago.

A former Mayor of Bideford, Mr Arthur Beer, is the new President of Bideford Rotary Club.

Clive Foss is off to Africa.

Home from New Zealand for the first time in 17 years and busy greeting relatives and old friends is Mr W A (Bill) Cork, one of the four sons and four daughters of the Cork family of Adjavin Farm, Bideford. A six-footer plus, rugby enthusiasts will recall him as a formidable player at the Grammar School and with Bideford Chiefs and he played for Devon in 1946.

Two former pupils of Grenville College, Bideford, were among 179 officer cadets recently commissioned from Sandhurst. They were Martin Metcalf and Anthony Brown-Hovelt.

New police chief, Inspector David Hicks, for Bideford.

Drive to provide new pavilion for Bideford Grammar School.

It was uphill work for children of St Joseph’s School at Bideford Stella Maris Convent. Having collected silver foil since December 1971 they still had only £50 to show for their efforts on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. But it was different when they on the level – in Bideford Sports Ground – for a sponsored walk. Infants and juniors raised £441. In the picture some of the walkers are seen after a cheque had been presented to Mr Hayden Thomas, by pupil Jeannette Patt. He was accompanied by his seeing eye, Envoy.

Miss Margaret Durant, who has been a member of the teaching staff of Pynes County Infants’ School, Bideford, since it opened in 1955, and its headmistress for the past 13 years, retired at the end of term.

Holyrood House, Bradworthy, for sale.

Despite the weather Buckland Brewer combined churches fete proved so successful that gross receipts totalled £580. After expenses a profit of £470 was realized – a new record and over £100 up on last year’s figure.

Buckland Brewer emerged as clear winners when the Bideford area sports for smaller rural primary schools were held at Westward Ho! Buckland finished with 58½ points, followed by Abbotsham and Westleigh, and then by Monkleigh, Parkham, Clovelly and Woolsery.

Clovelly lifeboat was called out to search an area NW of Lundy after a May Day distress call was picked up by a coastguard station in the early hours. But nothing was found and the search was called off shortly after daybreak. The call is believed to have been a hoax.

Clovelly is one of 54 resorts given a dishonourable mention in the Consumer Association’s ‘Which’ because untreated sewage is pumped into the sea just below low water mark. Remarkably, Westward Ho! where the situation must be infinitely worse, is not listed. The Consumers’ Association indicates that little appears to being done about the situation and claims that more money should be spent.

During the hottest summer for years perspiring Hartland schoolchildren had been able only to gaze with longing at the swimming pool staff and parents provided with the aid of a County Council grant five years ago. The pool had been placed ‘out of bounds’ by the authorities because the filtration plant had not been serviced. Complaints to the county architect’s department proved ineffective.

Hartland retain Revel cup.

At a whist drive held in the WI Room, Hartland, in aid of Tennis Club funds winners were Mesdames Jeffery, J Haggar, M Allin, Messrs S Branton, Houchin, Allin, M Allin and G Jeffery.

Instow County Primary School had a handsome winning margin in carrying off the Torridge area schools sports title for the fifth year in succession, the ninth time since 1966 and the tenth time since the competition was started in 1961. The cup was presented by Mrs Audrey Mayoh, chairman of the Instow school managers, to the Instow team captain, Stephen Beardsley.

The first rain for weeks fell during the opening of Littleham fete and continued until teatime. But in spite of the rain more than £400 was raised for redecorating the inside of the Parish Hall. There was the usual wide variety of attractions. Stallholders were: Mr and Mrs J Bromhead, Mr and Mrs M Gouldsworthy, Mesdames C Cook, D Hill, G Barrow, T Cooper, F Wise, E Nichols, G Hearn, W Johns, G King, S Fishleigh, F Turner, C Lester and members of Littleham Christian Youth Club. Refreshments were by Mr and Mrs D Willis, Mr and Mrs R Blight, Mesdames G Short, D and R Brend, R Headon, R Clements, M Smale. Miss Wendy Griffey won five first prizes in the under-12 classes …

Every picture, it is said, tells a story – but here it could be two. Taken at Littleham fete, the woebegone expression on the dog’s face reflects the rain that at last decided to fall; the somewhat puzzled one on the child’s face could well fit the question “Rain? What’s that?”

Auction sale at Monkleigh Village Hall.

Dutch elm disease was striking very hard in the Northam area and efforts would have to be concentrated to keep it from spreading beyond the district, Northam Town Council have been told.

A Tree Preservation Order is to be placed on ten beech trees at Northam, it was decided by Torridge Council’s Development Committee. The committee were told that this had been requested by Miss P Arnold, of 3 Highfield, Northam. The trees were on a hedge at the rear of her house which forms a boundary between her property and Muddix Farm, Bay View Road. They were of some amenity value not only to Miss Arnold but to her neighbours.

Minister of Northam Methodist Church, the Rev H Maurice Hart, has accepted an invitation to continue after his present term expires next year.

A North Devon Yacht Club member will be off to Spain as a member of Great Britain’s sailing team in the European championships. Formerly Miss Rosa Bassett, Mrs Lamey is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Bassett of 34 Tadworthy Lane, Northam. A regular competitor in North Devon Yacht Club races, she has an International OK yacht at Appledore.

Mr Percy Reed, of Northam, won the coveted Carnegie Silver Challenge Bowl and the Blue Riband for the best exhibit in Northam Horticultural Society’s 58^th annual show to achieve an ambition he had held since he began to exhibit there soon after World War II.

Mrs Marjorie Ford, of Midways, Long Lane, Northam, whose funeral has taken place at Appledore Methodist Church, worked during the war as an inspector in an aircraft component factory. She took an active part in fundraising and other activities of Northam Methodist Church and in recent years had been a keen supporter of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club. The funeral has taken place at Northam parish church of Mrs Hilda Littlejohns, formerly of Homeleigh, Burrough Road, Northam, She was formerly an active member of the Mothers’ Union at Northam. Mr James Nelson Arnold who has died at his home, Cross House, Northam, had been in practice as an optician at Bideford, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy and Torrington for many years. A Freeman of the City of London, previously he was at Richmond and Kensington and the family came to this district for the Domestic Poultry Keepers’ Council and organised cricket matches for Servicemen. He leaves a widow, a son and three daughters. The son and a daughter live in New Zealand. The funeral of golfing enthusiast Mr Richard Jewell of 3 Seaview, Morwenna Park, Northam, has taken place at Northam United Reformed Church. Mr Jewell was a member of Northam Artisans’ Golf Club and in his younger days had been a scratch player. He worked as yard foreman at W J Lamey and Sons.

About £275 was realized at the annual fete organised by friends of St Margaret’s School, Northam, and opened in the presence of a large crowd by Mr Jeremy Thorpe, Liberal leader and MP for North Devon. A team of young gymnasts demonstrated bar and mat work, and box vaulting. Paula Oke showed that even the smaller children could cope with seemingly difficult activities. Susan Eastmond, Kirsteen Mansford, Timothy Jarvis, Stella Oke, Louise Thompson, Shirley Daniels and Tony Hughes performed solo gymnastics. The headmaster, Mr George Harrison, has trained the children, many of whom had won badges from the BAGA.

“I’ve got one1” In an unusual fishing contest Peter Passmore hooks a lemon

Parkham holiday bungalows scheme refused.

Members heard at the first annual meeting of the re-formed Parkham branch of the North Devon Liberal Association that during the year £80 had been raised for Party funds. It meant that the quota had been doubled, said the divisional agent, Mrs Lilian Prowse, praising a fine effort. Election of officers – Mr G M Marsden, Mrs Butson, Mr Sam Kellett, Mrs Rowe, Mr Hockin.

One hundred per cent rate relief for this and the next financial year is to be granted to The Plough entertainment centre at Torrington – “to give them a chance to get going.” This was decided by Torridge Council’s Finance and General Purposes Sub-committee. The matter will be reviewed at the end of the two years.

Mr Brian Jones, new President of Torrington Rotary Club, is a founder member. Born at Sheepwash in 1929, he was educated at Shebbear College and later at the University College of the South-West where he obtained a BSc honours degree in geography. He played rugby and cricket for the University. He returned to the home farm in 1950, was married in 1955, and became a partner with his father until his death in 1958. Since then he has farmed alone and expanded the farm to its present size of 500 acres.

Contents of 20 Castle Street, Torrington, for auction.

Contents of Little Furze, Warren Close, Torrington, for auction.

Alexandra Rose Day in Torrington realized a record of £132 plus. This is the fifth year Mrs Dorothy Pollard has organised the collection and each year the previous total has been exceeded.

Keenest of the competitors in Torrington Cavaliers’ sponsored raft race was Norwegian Jan Grieg Gran. He flew from Zurich just to take part and his raft was last but one to finish. He received a letter from his friend Tony Riley, of Bideford, to say “The raft race is on, are you coming?” Their entry was the Gypsy Muff. The only vessel they beat was The Barton Cutter. Both entries were put to shame by the Barton women’s crew, made up of Barbara Riley, Linda Hancock, Betty Cox and Linda Waldron. Their craft, the QE Poo came home first in the women’s event in a time faster than many of the men.

The first 18 one star badges to be awarded in C Company, Devon Army Cadet Force, under the new Proficiency Certificate syllabus, have been presented to cadets of the Torrington School platoon by the CO, Major G Casey.

Torrington to double within 15 years?

The funeral service has taken place at the North Devon Crematorium of Mrs Maud Lugg who died at the Torrington Cottage Hospital. Mrs Lugg was the widow of Mr Jack Lugg, of Well Street, Torrington. Mrs Winifred Hancock, who has died in Torrington Cottage Hospital, was for many years organist at Haytown Methodist Church and took a great interest in the activities of Shebbear Methodist Circuit. She was the wife of Mr Harold Hancock and for many years they lived at Stowford Farm, Bulkworthy. On retirement five years ago they went to live in Torrington. There was a large attendance at the funeral at Torrington Methodist Church. Bearers were nephews Messrs A Jennings, J Bealey, B Down and J Martin. Mr Reginald Trigger, who died in Torrington Cottage Hospital, was a British Railwayman for 45 years. He retired as station master and harbour master at Padstow in 1963. Mr and Mrs Trigger celebrated their golden wedding last year at their home in Calf Street, Torrington. Cremation took place at Barnstaple. The service was attended by the widow and many relatives and friends. One of Torrington FC Supporters’ Club’s longest serving members, Mrs Beatrice Mitchell, of Mill Street, Torrington, has died in the Torrington Cottage Hospital. She was the widow of Mr (Brum) Mitchell. Mrs Mitchell’s work for the local soccer club spanned a period of 40 years.

Torrington Blue Coat Primary School’s ‘Hiawatha’ was the first school production to be staged at The Plough and it certainly proved worthy. In working for the production some children chose to act, or to sing, to play in the orchestra, or to make costumes, scenery or props. A total of £42 was taken at the door.

More than recovering from a drop in entries last year, this year’s show of Weare Giffard Horticultural Society, held at the Village Hall, had over 400. In fact, there was every reason to be pleased with the numbers. Mrs Betty Rowe who is joint secretary with her husband Bill, said they were 50 up on last year. Flowers very much caught the eye and provided the best in show and runner-up. Both were won by Bideford exhibitors, Mr Douglas Bond of Lime Grove, and Mr David Elliott, of Glendale Road.

Delighted children of Westleigh CP School had a surprise break from lessons when they received a very special young visitor – Bamber, a red deer fawn. Bamber – named after TV personality Bamber Gascoigne – is the latest addition to the Steer farm at Trayhill, Instow, which already includes racehorses, beef cows, dogs, guinea fowl and peacocks. The young deer was found by prisoners at Witheridge open prison. The visit to the school, where Mr Steer’s grandson Simon started this spring, came at the suggestion of a friend of the family who is a school helper.

The Westward Ho! Sue Ryder group took £28.75 at their jumble sale.

A brand new ‘Harris homes’ development at Buckleigh Place, Northam – formerly United Service College, Westward Ho!

The Great Nassau Bath, at Westward Ho! known to succeeding generations as the Lido and then the Patio Pool, was opened 100 years ago. Its popularity today is as great as it ever was. The pool was opened a year after the United Services College …

It is hoped that the new toilets and shelter at the top of the promenade putting green area at Westward Ho! will be fully operational this month. This was reported by District Councillor Joe Need to Northam Town Council after the Mayor, Mrs Phyllis Galliford, had expressed anxiety that with the holiday season the new facilities should be in use as soon as possible. There was criticism of further delay in bringing back into use toilets at Churchfield, Appledore.

Queen of Westward Ho! Carnival will be Miss Linda O’Leary, of Bay View Road, Westward Ho!

‘Gone West’, one of the scenes from Westward Ho! Follies’ 26^th production, ‘Mixed Grill’ produced by Ada Powell and being presented until September 16^th.

Mark Sale, Michael Johns, David Littlejohns, Ron Jewell, Michael Porter, Des Pugh, Graham Humphrey, Douglas Kirk

Woolsery Vicar, Rev Leslie Buttle, eats porridge.

Major Lomas introduces a new attraction at Woolsery and District Agricultural Show.

Before a final decision is taken on whether the plant at East Yelland Power Station should be adapted to permit incineration of refuse for North Devon it was essential that the Northern area site team should complete its survey to find new tipping sites. It was estimated that the work would take about 12 months when an up-to-date assessment of the proposal should be made.

July 2000

Project creates new estuary saltmarshes.

Bay fronted semi-detached property in the centre of Abbotsham is for sale.

Opportunities of apprenticeships and careers in shipbuilding are going begging on Torridgeside – an area with one of the longest traditions of shipbuilding in the UK. While the Bideford area remains an employment blackspot major employer Appledore Shipbuilders is finding it difficult to recruit the young people it needs. Currently there are 45 young people under training within the yard – including its first girl apprentice. Mr Downie hopes that apprentice fitter Joanna Osborne from Holsworthy will soon not be alone.

Tutor Alan Heale and current apprentices Luke Amey and Jimmy Jenkins of Torrington, Joanne Osborne, Martin McDonald and Martin Keen of Bideford, and Rick Weaver of Northam

Appledore’s carnival royalty were chosen at a discotheque in the Royal British Legion Hall. Queen Laura Millard will lead the carnival attended by Jodie Wrey and Katie Ford, Ruby Walsh and Natalie Michael.

Grade II listed period property in Appledore for sale.

Retirement of Appledore Shipbuilders’ long-serving training officer David Waite is not goodbye, but more a change of role, for he will continue to provide his help and advice. To mark 32 years of service Mr Waite was presented with a decanter and glasses by the yard’s production director David Powe.

Pictured with Mr Waite and Mr Powe is Tom Downie

Proposals for a new civic amenity and recycling centre in Clovelly Road, Bideford, will be discussed by the Torridge and Devon County Council partnership committee. The county council’s executive committee is recommending that a site on the Clovelly Road Industrial Estate be developed as a successor to the current Northam Burrows centre, where planning permission runs out at the end of this year.

A hat fit for the Queen Mother is the subject of a novel competition being held by residents of Moreton Avenue in Bideford. Adults and children are being invited to make hats fit for the special lady and to exhibit them at the annual Moreton Avenue Neighbourhood Watch summer barbecue. A raffle, quiz and various games are also planned. Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Angela Lovering is hoping for a large turnout.

Bideford Rotary Club has named local athlete Neil Paddon as its Citizen of the Year. The presentation marks Neil’s work as captain of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club for six years and his coaching of youngsters. A local postman, Neil took up athletics himself in 1985 and is also a keen rower. When his own coach left the area Neil took on the group and trained to become a British Athletics Federation coach.

Bideford’s fight for regeneration has received some new helping and business expertise from an unexpected direction – the Parish Church. The arrival of the Reverend Penny Dobbin as curate of St Mary’s has not only added to the strength of the local clergy but brought to Bideford a woman with experience at the sharp end of internation business.

John Biggs has been elected a member of the British Antique Dealers’ Association ruling Council. He is the third generation of his family to be in the trade, and he and his wife took over the running of the family business, J Collins & Son in 1966. The Bideford-based business specialises in 18^th and early 19^th century English furniture and Victorian oil paintings and water colours. Mr Biggs began as an apprentice in the workshop.

Bideford in hunt for the oldest and youngest residents.

Businessman Aubrey Loze took time off from running the Pot Black factory at Bideford to make a journey into the past and the days of World War Two. He went to present a painting to the RAF of a Halifax bomber – the one in which his uncle died along with other crew members when it crashed in Belgium. It was not until last year that Mr Loze and his family were reunited with the memory of Sgt Thomas Vadre Lewis of Chambercombe Manor, Ilfracombe. He had been a last minute replacement for the regular rear gunner when it took off on a bombing mission in October 1943. Then disaster struck. Next of kin were informed that their loved ones has been buried at a military cemetery at Antwerp but somehow the news never reached the kin of Sgt Lewis who remained ‘missing, presumed dead.’ Until last year when it was decided to make the crash site a conservation area and erect a memorial stone. The search was on for the family of Sgt Vadre Lewis, and when Mr Loze read of it he realized it was his uncle.

Mr Loze and Commanding Officer Wing Commander Davie Paton

Pop superstar Sir Bob Geldof and million-selling band Republica are at Clovelly to head the bill in the second of two spectacular all-day music concerts.

Willow the flyaway falcon has found his way safely back home. One of the stars of the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre at The Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly, the Lanner falcon went missing five weeks ago during a demonstration by Jonathan Marshall. More than 300 calls were made to report sightings. Willow was first seen near Woolacombe, then there were sightings around Braunton, reports from the Bideford side of Barnstaple and a sighting of Willow on top of a lamp post by Bideford’s new bridge. The next day he was back home, perched on one of the barns at The Milky Way.

The Reverend Graeme Sims, best known as the world record holding dog handler at the Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly, is leaving to take responsibility for his own churches. For the past two years he has been working as a curate with the Hartland Coast team but will now become resident vicar of tow parishes.

Courtney Heal, of High Bickington, has a winning idea.

Instow property for sale.

Instow property sold at auction.

Semi-detached cottage at Langtree for sale.

It was picnic time at Northam Lodge when visitors from Bristol and West PLC turned up with a hamper and a cheque. As a promotion for its Easy Life accounts the company held a special picnic theme day within its Bideford branch. As part of the day guests were invited to make donations to Northam Lodge. In return they were entered into a draw with a picnic hamper as the prize. Following a successful day, Northam Lodge was presented with a cheque for £164 and Jane Beer of Bideford was presented with a hamper.

Denise Payne, Joanna and Jane Beer, Ann Tomlin, Barbara Davidson, Lucy Cox, Christine Richards, Lyn Vanstone

Converted coach house in Northam for sale.

Northam property – fine detached house with holiday letting – for sale.

Torrington will be filled with song and dance and the fun of fiesta-time when the town holds its first Music and Arts Festival. A packed programme of nearly 50 events – many of them on-going throughout the celebration – will span the four days. The town’s streets will be a major venue. Local primary schools will entertain. There will be busking and Morris dancing. Theatre groups will give performances.

Rock on Torrington Commons.

North Devon Hospice is set to open its fifth fund raising shop in the region. The official opening will take place of the new shop in Cornmarket Street, Torrington.

Pupils, staff, governors and parents of two North Devon schools – Great Torrington Juniors and Pilton Infants – celebrated a unique double. The schools have driven up education standards to such an extent that inspectors from OFSTED say ‘special measures’ are no longer required. Pilton Infants held a ‘jumping for joy’ day. Cllr Palmer went on to Torrington to watch the junior school’s 308 children release giant balloons.

Part-time secretary required in Taffs in Torrington.

Public consultation – Torrington Swimming Pool.

RSPCA volunteer Brian Breetz of Westward Ho! has a gnawing problem – an invasion of rats!

Buckleigh Linen Service, Westward Ho! requires an office junior.

Winkleigh villagers are flexing their muscles, sharpening their wits and getting out their knitting pins ready to take part in their annual festival. Winkleigh Fair gets under way with a packed and varied programme which has something to offer everyone. MEP Emma Nicholson has lent the grounds of her property The Croft for a church fete which will be a highlight. So, too, will be the official opening of the festival when the well in The Square is blessed and all the children of the parish are given millennium mugs. The day will include a parade followed by a service at All Saints’ Church to which children are invited to take eggs and flowers for local senior citizens. Fair week will raise many hundreds of pounds …

Winkleigh Butchers

Going to the Woolsery fayre.

Elaine Hawkins, chairman of Woolsery Fayre Committee, sits in the tepee with some cowboys and Indians

Years Ago - June

June 1925

The Bank Holiday

Empire Day was observed in several local parish churches. The war cross at Welcombe was covered with the Union Jack; children at Westleigh were treated to a tea, while the children of Roborough school put on a display of maypole dancing and sang patriotic songs.

Abbotsham Fair.

The Working Committee, together with other helpers, met in the Parish Hall to settle up all accounts in connection with the Village Fair recently held. The total receipts were over £150 and after paying out for the band, tea and other items the nett profits worked out at £115 10s which was considered very satisfactory indeed.

The marriage will take place on June 10^th, at St Helen’s, Abbotsham, of Lieutenant G K Thompson, RN, with Kathleen Mary, younger daughter of Major-General F H Kelly, of Kenmare, Westward Ho! Later in the month …

Police Constable Edward Barnacott, whose parents live in Abbotsham, marries Miss Winifred Hunt at Torquay.

The marriage has been solemnised at St Helen’s Church, Abbotsham, of Major Francis Magniac (retired), of Coombe Cot, Abbotsham, and Esther Frances, eldest daughter of the late Mr Henry Bath and widow of Mr Graham Stokes.

A wedding at Alverdiscott with Mr Fred Jones marrying Miss Ethel Clements. An interesting presentation took place after the wedding, the members of the choir presenting the bride with a mounted glass salad bowl and servers. Miss Clements had been a member of the choir for some years.

The Alverdiscott Church Tower repairs are nearing completion and the work (in spite of some critics) has been very well and soundly done. Now we shall have to execute sundry and other repairs to the Church as we have enough in hand to do so. The problem of the upkeep of the Churchyard will also have to be faced.

Mr and Mrs Richard Curtis, of Vernon’s Lane, Appledore, celebrate.

Five candidates from the Appledore Senior Council School were successful in obtaining free place scholarships at the local secondary school – Nora Lock and Lilian Brockett; Doris Harbord and Margery Gray; and John Smith.

The death occurred of Capt Hooper who had severe injuries after falling from the side of the old ‘Revenge’. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs Hooper and family. An inquest was held later in the month. The funeral of the late Captain James Screech, of Market Place, Appledore, took place. He was the son of the late Captain and Mrs Robert Screech, and went to sea at the early age of 13, his first voyage being with Captain Sylvanus Williams in the Western Star, a ship that was later lost with all hands. Owing to his eyesight failing after serving in the famous old ketches Betsey and the Purveyor. The Vicar officiated and referred to the excellent seamanship qualities of the deceased, and also to the simple faith which assisted him to bear patiently his distressing illness.

Properties in Appledore for sale – Fairholme, and no. 1 Gibb’s Lane.

A very pretty wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the Vicar officiating. Miss Mary Heard, daughter of Mr and Mrs William Heard, the sexton, was married to Mr O’Rourke, of Neath. The presents were numerous and useful. The happy couple afterwards left for Wales.

In these days of increasing fuel costs, Bideford Gas and Coke Company Limited stress that they supply cheaper fuel.

Jim Hearn and Dora Hoblin are married at St Mary’s Church, Bideford.

G T Brayley, 3 Bridgeland Street, Bideford

Providence House, Bideford, for sale.

Bideford Urban District Council’s meeting, generous recognition was made of the smart and effective services of the Bideford Fire Brigade at the alarming outbreak in High-street. In his official report the captain of the Brigade, Mr Morris, set on record that on May 25^th he received an alarm of fire about 3.45pm by the Fire Alarm System. The maroon was also fired. The captain immediately proceeded to the Fire Station and ordered that the hose was to be taken to the fire which had occurred at the premises of Messrs Stephens Brain and Co. ironmongers, in High Street. Found that a furious fire was raging at the back of the premises, apparently having commenced with the oil stores. The hose was connected to the hydrants in High Street and New Street and carried through Messrs Stephens and Co’s passage and through Messrs Cox and Lee’s premises adjoining. Meanwhile the engine was manhandled down from the Fire Station.

The danger was well over by 7pm but the Brigade remained on duty till 10pm and two men remained on duty all night. The total fire brigades’ and helpers expenses (including £18 5s for the Barnstaple engines and Brigade) amounted to £59 12s 4d. Stephens, Brain & Co. Ltd offer their thanks.

The future of the Bideford War Trophy guns was decided after a heated debate in Committee. The Council in committee now reported in favour of the offer of the Officer Commanding the 6^th Devon (TF) to park the guns in front of their Drill Hall on the Pill (almost opposite their former position at the Park Gates) being accepted, the Council to keep the guns in proper order and condition.

Bideford property for sale – Tresillian, at Raleigh.

A Fete at St Mary’s Church, Bideford.

The marriage took place at Bideford Wesleyan Methodist Church of Mr Sidney Violet and Miss Olive Cole.

At an inquest at Brightstone, Isle of Wight, on the body of a seafaring man who was washed ashore it was stated that his clothes bore as the name of the maker “George Boyle, tailor, Bideford” and in his pocket were spectacles stamped “George Way, optician, The Square, Barnstaple.” At an inquest held by the Coroner, Mr G W F Brown, Mrs Mary Hamlyn of Higher Gunstone, Bideford, identified her brother, Arthur Ebsary, as the deceased man who was found at the top of Raleigh Hill by Miss Squires. The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

The Long Bridge, Bideford, is re-opened. Residents along the Quay front and Bridgeland Street are invited to display flags and decorate their premises for the occasion of the Bridge Opening.

With the severing of a silken ribbon barrier with a pair of presentation golden-handled scissors and the unveiling of a handsome bronze tablet bearing an inscription, Earl Fortescue, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, re-opened the celebrated ‘Long’ Bridge of Bideford after its extensive reconstruction and widening, the preparatory work for which was commenced on the piers and cutwaters some thirteen years ago. The occasion, quite rightly, was made one of great public rejoicing; the town was gaily beflagged, and the ceremony witnessed by many thousands of visitors, including many figuring prominently in the public life of the county. A book titled “The story of the Long Bridge” is on sale, priced at 1 shilling “and as much more as you can afford”. Every penny will go to the Children’s Ward at the hospital.

Church Girls’ School, Bideford – As the result of the examination held on May 16^th 1925, at the Barnstaple Grammar School, two free scholarships have been awarded to Irene Gladys Stephens and Marjorie Vera Bartingale.

Before the Mayor (Dr Toye), and Messrs J Cock, J U Fulford, G Boyle and J H Davis – Augustus Moore, coal heaver, of Strand Cottage, Bideford, was fined 3s for not having a name on the collar of his dog. For driving a motor lorry without a license, Owen Found, High Bullen, St Giles, was fined 3s.

Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs S England, of Elm Grove, Bideford, in the loss of their daughter, Rose, who passed away at the age of 31 years after a long illness patiently borne. The funeral took place at the Public Cemetery and was largely attended. Rev J T Halstead officiated.

Go to Heard Brothers Ltd at Westcombe and Broad Quay, Bideford for a complete four seater car for £125.

Bideford’s new surveyor, Mr F J Harris, lives in Park Avenue.

A presentation to Mr F A Searle, who for about thirty years, was manager of Fox, Fowler and Co.’s Bank at Bideford, and retired at the end of April last, will be made at the Town Hall. His Worship the Mayor, Dr Toye, will make the presentation on behalf of customers of the Bank.

In connection with the Bradworthy Branch of the Women’s Institute, a very pleasant evening was spent in the Hotel Room when there about thirty members present. Captain Muro, RN, gave a very interesting lecture on China, Mrs J Bond won first prize in the bread competition. Tea was provided and three new members were enrolled.

The death took place at Berridon Cottage of Mrs M A Harris.

The funeral took place amidst scenes of sympathy and regret of Mr Richard Boundy, of High Park, Bradworthy, who passed away at the age of 67 years. Deceased was held in high esteem and was well known in agricultural circles. Sincere sympathy is extended to the widow and children in their bereavement and great sorrow. Rev Edwards rector of Woolfardisworthy officiated.

At a special session at Bideford, a labourer of Handy Cross, Bideford, pleaded guilty to stealing from the Church Cemetery Lodge, Buckland Brewer, two 10s notes, the property of Mrs Mable Steer, wife of the caretaker.

A well attended meeting of the Buckland Brewer Women’s Conservative Association was held at Orleigh Court. Mr W H Rogers occupied the choir and Mr G H May, the assistant agent attended. After the business was completed the Chairman kindly entertained the members to tea at the Court.

Bucks Cross was lucky to have glorious weather for its Vicarage Fete which raised £83.

A freehold farm known as Highworthy, Clovelly, for sale.

Mr Elston, of Clovelly, is saved by Mr Stanley Braund.

Picturesque Clovelly was thronged with visitors …

Clovelly successful sports day at Wrinkleberry.

Fremington grazing farm, Woodlands, for sale. The owner is Mr Richards.

Mrs Westlake, of West Fattacott, Hartland, was standing on a form to reach a shelf when she fell against a sink. Her forehead was cut so that Dr Kay had to put in stitches, and one arm very badly strained. Mr Herbert Webber, of Blegberry, has unfortunately lost his donkey, the animal unfortunately falling over the cliff.

Harbour Cross Sunday School re-opened.

Despite the rain there has been a scarcity of water in Hartland. Simultaneously the pumps in Well Lane and opposite New Inn went out of action, and a leak in the pipeline opposite Mr Headon’s deprived taps of their flow.

The brothers Moore, of Welsford, have written home concerning their safe arrival in Australia. They are about 140 miles apart, Charles of Wormelang (out in the Bush0, 250 miles from Melbourne, and John at Birchip 143 miles distance from the Victorian Capital. Hartland Parish Council was informed by the Charity Commission that the appointment of two trustees for four years in charge of the Almshouses was long overdue. Mr S Cann was re-appointed but Mr John Dennis did not desire to stand again. Mr W H Taylor was elected. Two school managers, Rev Gregory and Mr J Dennis were re-appointed, and Messrs H Haynes and William J Pennington became the two additional managers to be named by this Council.

Miss Edith Hobbs and Mr Richard Westlake are married at Hartland.

Hartland news.

Mr Stanley Arthur Lane of Tanjong Pagar, Instow, late manager Singapore Harbour Board, left £9,462 with nett personalty, 38,662. Probate has been granted to his widow, Mrs Ethel Constanow Lane, of the same address, and Mr Herbert Francis.

The wedding took place at the Savoy Chapel of Mr Marcus Beresford Chichester, youngest son of the late Rear Admiral Sir Edward Chichester and Lady Chichester, of Instow, and Miss Myra Brownrigg Jay, youngest daughter of the late Major Harvey Brownrigg Jay and Mrs Brownrigg Jay.

Lundy birds.

It was the 29^th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the new Church of St Helen’s on Lundy Island, which was built by the late squire and rector, Rev H C Heaven. The Vicar of Appledore, who held two services, complimented the Churchwardens, Mrs Smith and Miss Sage, on the splendid start they had made in raising the 340 or £50 necessary to completely restore and repair their Church. Owing to generous gifts from Miss Sage, Lieut Sleep, RN, and Mrs Smith collecting from the Islanders, and the Campbell Boat passengers they had close upon £10.

The Vicar of Appledore completes 1,000 miles in the s.s. Lerina.

The Vicar of Appledore visited North End Lighthouse whilst on Lundy and took photographs of puffins and kittiwakes sitting on their nests. He also reports seeing a shearwater, which is unusual in daylight as they usually only return to their nests after dark.

Cooking and laundry classes conducted by Miss Oates have started at St Mark’s School, Morwenstow. Mr Pilman, the headmaster, kindly placed the school house at her disposal.

The marriage of Miss Dorothy Jessie Taylor, the eldest daughter of Mr J H Taylor – the multi-champion Northam golfer – and of Mrs Taylor, of the Lodge, Mid-Surrey …

The funeral took place at Northam Churchyard of John Raymond, youngest son of Mr and Mrs C Littlejohns. The service was conducted by the Rev Hutchinson, of Westward Ho! Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr and Mrs Granville Kelly, of Castle Street, Northam, in the death of their little daughter, Joyce, at the age of four years. The funeral took place in Northam Churchyard, Rev H J Hutchinson officiating.

At Parkham, May proved a wet month, the total rainfall being 6.19 inches. On three days during the month an inch of rain fell each day. The Parkham fete that was to have taken place at Penhaven on July 2^nd in aid of church funds, has been abandoned owing to unforeseen circumstances.

Parkham to form a branch of the British Legion?

Jeanette Pickard of Parkham, aged 10 years, a pupil at the County School, has won a County Boarding Scholarship tenable for three years at Edgehill College.

At Shebbear, the New Inn Cross Wesleyan Methodist Church celebrated its Sunday School Anniversary …

We regret to state that Mrs A George, of Cabbacott, is seriously ill. The death of Mr Henry Hearn took place at the residence of his son, Mr J H Hearn, of Moortown, Shebbear, after a brief illness. Deceased was highly respected. Much regret has been felt in Shebbear by the serious illness of Mrs Elizabeth Blight, who is one of the oldest inhabitants in the village. Sincere regret was felt in the parish when it became known that Mr William Stacey, at Kinnacott, Clawton, has passed away. Deceased was a local preacher of high reputation. His services at the Wesleyan Church at New Inn Cross were always admirable.

Mr Arthur Bale and Mrs Sarah Bromell marry at the Wesleyan Chapel at New Cross.

Miss Bessie Jeffery and David Williams marry at Shebbear.

Weather conditions for the opening of Great Torrington Agricultural Show were almost the worst possible. Torrential rain fell all Tuesday night, so that the Town Park ground was quickly cut up by the wheeled traffic, and many of the outlying roads were flooded and motor cars had difficulty in getting through. The rain continued well into the morning but the afternoon proved more propitious, and the exhibition made a fine recovery when the sun came out and the Town Band added an air of liveliness to the proceedings. The attendance grew rapidly and was most satisfactory. The paper carries a full list of judges, prize winners and luncheon speakers.

Although not open for passenger traffic yet the new Torrington-Halwill Railway is practically in operation. There have to be certain inspections and formalities but it is understood the line will be open for full service in July. The miniature engines of the Petersmarland narrow gauge railway, a familiar sight for a great number of years from Station Hill at Torrington have been removed from that end altogether will all the light railway stock to the North Devon Clay Company’s pits, to be used in future about the works there. A sad fatality occurred at Hatherleigh, the victim being a young Torrington man named James Pitts, engaged as a carpenter’s mate on the Hatherleigh Railway, who was drowned while bathing in Simmon’s Pit. At the inquest held at the New Inn, evidence of identification was given by Mr Walter Pitts of Well-street, who said the deceased was 20 years of age. Witness did not think deceased could swim.

The attendance for the whist drive and dance in the Drill Hall at Torrington was very good. The successful players at whist …

The funeral of Mrs Fanny Holwill, widow of the late Frederick Holwill, of Torrington.

The Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones, Vicar of Torrington, officiated at the funeral of Mrs Hannah Jordan, widow of the late Mr George Jordan. She passed away at the Black Horse Hotel, the residence of her brother, Mr H Grantham.

To meet the costs recently involved by the necessary repairs to the Minister’s House and a deficit on the ordinary Circuit accounts, a successful ‘rainbow bazaar’ was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom. The Mayor, Mr G M Doe, presided, and said their aim was to raise about £200.

Reported later in the month,

At a special sitting of Torrington Magistrates, a man of no fixed abode was charged with breaking into the parish church and stealing 7s 9d in silver and coppers from the offertory box.

Torrington housing tenders for Goose Green.

A pretty wedding at Torrington for Thomas Kelly and Winnie McCarthy.

Weare Gifford strawberry tea and sports at the Barton, by kind permission of Mr R Powell.

A pretty wedding took place at Westleigh Church, the Rev Conrad Finzel officiating. The bride was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs William Beer, of Southcott, Westleigh, and the bridegroom the third son of Mr and Mrs W Hill, of the Chalet Lodge, Tawstock. Owing to the ill health of her father, the bride was given away by her brother, Mr Herbert Beer.

Anniversary services at Westleigh.

Empire Day at Westleigh.

The Amateur Golf Championship at Westward Ho! attracted press representatives from all over the country, and one Scottish paper sent two reporters. Quite a number brought portable typewriters and out of the eight of these machines counted in the press tent, seven were ‘Coronas.’ Their portability and dependability is obvious. Coles & Lee, agents, Bideford.

Mr Robert Harris defeats Mr K F Fradgley.

Shebbertown Races.

On Wednesday evening the 10^th the Rev G L Edwards, Vicar of Woolsery, gave a song recital in HM Prison, Exeter, by invitation of the Governor. A wide range of composers was covered but Wagner was most appreciated. A group of children’s songs added variety to an interesting programme. At the conclusion the singer was thanked. The audience throughout shewed great enthusiasm.

And finally, the press is informed that there is no truth in the rumour that Miss Sylvia Spooner, daughter of Mr Clarence Spooner, contemplates marriage with an elderly gentleman with whom her name is being associated.

June 1975

Known as the Year of the Lifeboat because in it the Royal National Lifeboat Institution celebrated its 150th anniversary, 1974 was also the busiest operational year the service has ever known.

Many holidaymakers were among those who attended Abbotsham WI’s ‘Mayfayre’ when part of the proceeds were for CARE.

Anniversary at Abbotsham Baptist Sunday School.

A conflict of views about whether a golf course at Abbotsham Court would be a desirable amenity was revealed at a public inquire at Bideford. The inquiry was into an appeal by Mr Gordon Davis, of Abbotsham Court, and Major Giles Lomas, as mortgagee, against an enforcement notice served by Torridge District Council requiring the discontinuance of the use of land as a golf course for which planning permission had not been granted. The Countyside Commission had also objected to the formation of the course. The inquiry was told that when an application for a nine-hole course was made, it was refused but when the site was visited, it was found that the course had been constructed and was in use.

Mothers’ Union Deanery Festival at Alwington.

John Stam is made welcome by Dick and Phyllis Taylor at their New Street, Appledore, home.

An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, Lieut-Cmdr Adrian Sidney Martin, RNR, was awarded the MBE in the Birthday Honours list.

Two local teenagers are counting the days to the time when they set sail for foreign parts. Stuart Clements, son of Mr and Mrs Harold Clements, of Cresta, Watertown, Appledore, is due to leave Hull on board the Sail Training Association’s Sir Winston Churchill for a fortnight’s cruise. And when the vessel leaves Birkenhead for a second trip on July 13, Stuart Green, only son of Mr and Mrs Richard Green, of Richmond Park, Northam, will be on board.

The Vicar of Appledore, Rev Donald Peyton Jones, is now a well known figure as he does his rounds on his mare Magpie. At 15 Maggie is getting past her best but there are no fears of the Vicar having to turn to shanks’ pony. He has been given another horse, this time a handsome hunter standing 16hh, by a friend, and it is this horse Sammy, which will carry his 13 stone in future while Maggie takes it east after seven year’s labour.

A private sewer at Staddon Road, Appledore, was not at present up to the standard required for it to be taken over by the Council, Torridge District Council’s Environmental and Leisure Services Committee have been told. The committee are to write to the owners telling them that if the sewer is brought up to standard the Council will consider taking it over.

Two proposals involving the changing of windows of premises on Appledore Quay received a mixed reception at the meeting of Torridge District Council’s Development Committee. The conversion of the former Sailors’ Rest recreation room into a flat and shop for Appledore Developments was refused. The removal of an existing front window and insertion of a bow window in place of a French window at 8 The Quay, for Mr A E Powe, was given the go-ahead. In each case the planning officer, Mr Hodder, had recommended refusal.

Odun House, Appledore, to be sold by auction in July.

In connection with the launching of certain ships, Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd were draining the reservoir at Appledore and ‘causing nuisance and inconvenience to local residents, as well as being an obvious health risk’ reported the Finance and General Purposes Committee to Torridge District Council. The chief technical officer and chief environmental health officer are to investigate and report.

Messrs J Hinks and Son make progress on Valkyrja at Appledore.

Later in the month …

No breakwater for West Appledore.

Capt William Harris, whose death occurred at his home, Hinode, Pitt Hill, Appledore, had almost a story book career in the Merchant Navy.

The funeral has taken place at Appledore Baptist Church of Mrs Ada Williams, of Market Street, Appledore.

Mrs Ada Lamey, of Meeting Street, Appledore, who died at her home was well known in Appledore and was a member of the Appledore Royal British Legion Women’s Section. There was a large attendance at the funeral at St Mary’s Church.

Major Leslie Ancliffe, who lives at Garth, Diddywell, Appledore, has recently acquired the St Mawes Ferry Co. which provides a year-round link between St Mawes and Falmouth. The company operates four boats and Major Ancliffe has extended the service to Percuil and St Anthony. At present he spends three days a week at Falmouth attending ferry business. He has always been interested in boats and has a small one moored at Appledore.

After playing football nonstop for 15 hours to raise money for kit and equipment, members of the former Bideford YC North Devon League Division 1 side look like having their hopes of re-forming dashed by the shortage of pitches in the Bideford area. Mr Geoff Butler, spokesman for the team, who are planning to name themselves Bideford Centre Exiles, said that the local council had been unable to help because of the tremendous pressure already on local pitches.

A group of parents and girls of Stella Maris School, Bideford, accompanied by the headmistress spent a weekend in Landivisiau, Britanny – Bideford’s prospective twin-town – as guests of parents and staff of St Joseph’s School there.

Bideford Sports Hall now hardly used.

Within the past decade more than £110,000 has been raised for new buildings at Moreton for Grenville College, Bideford. An important step in the realisation of the projects was reached when the Countess of Devon opened Crabbe House – named after the headmaster, Mr J R Crabbe, who is leaving at the end of this school year – and a north wing to Scott House. A wooden salad bowl, of coopered construction which he had himself made, was presented to the Countess by pupil Richard Pope of Instow.

Thieves entered the shop of W E Patt in Avon Road, Bideford East and got away with 2,600 cigarettes and a quantity of trading stamps. Entry was gained through a window and the exit by forcing the front door.

Bideford businessman Mr Terry Derrigan and his wife are not certain how much longer they will be able to call their home their own. For the past 17 years they have lived at Swiss Cottage, adjoining the main road between Bideford and Northam. But now they believe the shadow of demolition hangs over their pleasant home – the second time in seven years. Proposals were announced for a new bypass to serve the Bideford area which will involve the construction of a new bridge across the River Torridge – and the Derrigans believe that the house will be in the direct line if the southern bridge site is chosen. “The unhappy situation is that we don’t know – and we can’t get anyone to tell us. Our only information is the proposed route map which has been sent out and from that it is difficult to tell the exact line” said Mr Derrigan. It is not the first time their home …

Residents of Brennacott Road, Bideford, were living in fear of their lives following incidents there involving heavy lorries, Bideford Town Council have been told. One woman had been particularly alarmed when, with a screech of brakes, a lorry had stopped outside her house with a wheel in her garden, said Mrs Brown. There had also been complaints about a ‘dreadful leak of oil’ which rand down into gardens. A large unattended trailer had run away and careered into the garden of a bungalow, said Mr Coates.

The advent of a ‘unisex’ summer skittles league has provided many local couples with the opportunity to take part in their favourite sport together for the first time. The popularity of the move has been shown by the high proportion of husbands and wives competing and this picture showing the Red Devils on a visit to the Portobello alley to meet Guys and Dolls, features four married couples in the two sides.

Bideford and Devon darts player Owen Trick makes his debut as an English international when he plays against Wales at Plymouth. Owen who lives at Brookfield Street, East-the-Water, is hoping that a good performance against the Welshmen will earn him a place in the English team which will be travelling to America later this summer.

Described as ‘a most magnificent gift’ a new, fully-equipped ambulance, plus a £300 cheque to start a maintenance fund, has been presented by Bideford Rotary Club to Bideford St John Ambulance Association to mark the club’s golden jubilee. The ceremony took place in Bideford’s Victoria Park. The vehicle was handed over to Supt John Brown by the president of Bideford Rotary Club, Mr Ron Smith.

A detailed knowledge of the area must be a great advantage to any potential Town Crier. And in Mr Michael Sussex, who this week accepted Bideford Town Council’s invitation to fill the post, the town has a man who not only has an intimate knowledge of its streets but has visited practically every house. For the past 24 years Mr Sussex, of Pynes Lane, has worked as a dustman.

Karen Taylor, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Michael Taylor of Denkar, Southwood Drive, Bideford, and her dancing partner, Sandra Wasley, won the Devon and Cornwall (closed) junior old-time championship. A week earlier they were placed third in the national under-14 (all girls) section at Wembley.

Margaret and Tony Petherbridge of Bideford are winners.

Revisiting Bideford from New Zealand where they settled after their marriage here 25 years ago are Mr and Mrs Arthur Eastmond. During their visit they have celebrated their silver wedding. They return at the end of August.

The funeral has taken place at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church of Mrs Florence Vanstone, of Rickards Row, Buckland Brewer.

Clovelly Estate Company have been told that Torridge District Council cannot give financial support towards the repair of the breakwater there. But the Council are prepared to help with advice and in any other way possible. The Estate Company, owners of Clovelly pier and breakwater, had asked if the Council, as the coast protection authority, were prepared to contribute towards the work required. The Council’s chief technical officer, Mr Barber, considered that the breakwater not only sheltered the harbour but protected some of the cottages in the vicinity. The Estate Company were talking in terms of £12,000 but this was only an approximate cost based on a scheme prepared some years ago.

Clovelly lifeboat’s help is rebuffed.

A fancy dress ball which was held at the Parish Hall in aid of Clovelly’s Play Group was organised by Miss Denise Friend. Winners included Moreen Palmer, Colin Brook, Mr and Mrs P Thompson, the Perham family and Mrs C Grant. Refreshments were served by members of the Play Group.

Furniture and effects sale at Southover, Dolton, near Torrington.

A peal was rung by Dolton bellringers in honour of Mr Reuben Clements on his 96th birthday. He is Dolton’s eldest resident, and for many years was a very active member of St Edmund’s bellringers.

A coffee morning at Dolton.

At a coffee evening held at the Vicarage, Frithelstock, by kind invitation of the Rev and Mrs L Budge, £19 was raised for the Church Restoration Fund. Draw winners were Mrs Hookway and Mr R Bond.

Frithelstock Sunday school anniversary.

A ‘Summer Fayre’ was held at Deer Parks, Hartland, in aid of Play Group funds. There were various stalls and a profit of approximately £30 was made.

Hartland tennis court project completed.

Winners at Hartland whist drives in aid of cancer funds and tennis funds included Mesdames Allin, Squires, Vanstone, Littlejohns, Rogers, O Westlake, J Hobbs, Rogers, Johns, D Heard, J Heard, G Jeffery, Misses Turner and R Westlake, Messrs J Haggan, Allin, Squires, Mills, A Walter, Houchin, Shute, Branton and Mills.

About 30 people took part in a sponsored walk in aid of cancer funds at Hartland. The walk, approximately 11 miles, started from the Square and finished at the Kings Arms, where tea and refreshments were available.

Hartland Methodist Church have celebrated their 60th Church anniversary.

Instow’s supermarket – Johns.

A locally-owned winner at Torrington Farmers’ Hunt point-to-point meeting was Perfidia, a mare owned by Mr Frank Steer of Trayhill, Instow. She was ridden by a well known point-to-point rider Mrs Sue Horton.

Langtree Over 60s Club had an enjoyable outing to Tarr Steps, where a picnic tea was held, via South Molton, North Molton and Withypool. The homeward journey was via Dulverton and the Exe Valley.

Rose Farm, Langtree, for sale.

A dance in aid of St Swithin’s Church, Littleham, made a profit of over £95. Door stewards were Messrs R Smale and J Devereux and refreshments were provided by Mrs A Mills and helpers. Competition winners were Mesdames H Phillips and P Willis, Messrs R Smale, A Marshall and P Willis.

At the annual meeting of the Parish Council at Littleham Parish Hall, officers elected were: Mr A Mills, Mr L J Badcock, Mrs McGann, Messrs C Wood, T Kelland, S Turner, W Heard and C Ackland.

Lundy Island residents are expected to vote ‘yes’.

Six hundred members of the National Trust had the opportunity to see for themselves the repair and preservation work that has been carried out on Lundy Island since it became Trust property some five years ago. The Balmoral specially chartered by the Trust for the day, took them to the island to provide an opportunity for an on-the-spot inspection. Visitors were given the freedom of the island to see for themselves not only what work has been done but how great care has been exercised not to spoil its character. The water supply has been improved, the electricity system has been renewed and extended, drains installed or replaced, and holiday cottages modernised. Millcombe House, now in use as a hotel, has had a new roof and other alterations made, and the Old Light, long used as a hostel, has also been gradually improved. The Barn at the top of the so-called High Street is being re-modelled to serve as another hostel. The Landmark Trust is obviously doing a good job as far as Lundy is concerned. Those who value the island for what it is can rest content that is future seems to be in very good hands.

Mrs Shirley Braunton was chosen to be the Monkleigh Fete Queen at a dance held at the Village Hall.

£80 raised by Monkleigh fete.

Monkleigh branch of the Friends of Torrington School raised £18.60 for the school instrument fund by a jumble sale organised by Mrs M Jewell and Mrs M Sanders, aided by many helpers. The draw was won by Mrs B Braunton. Monkleigh celebrates the centenary of the reconstruction of the main building of the village school. The benefactor who made this building possible was a member of the Pine-Coffin family. Today, as for many generations past, the family is closely associated with Bideford district and has readily cooperated with the loan of items for an exhibition on display at the school.

By the death of Major Sir George Couper, of Annery Barton, Monkleigh, North Devon has lost a colourful personality in the nicest sense of the phrase. He was man who loved and understood horses from a lifetime spent with them. ‘Major George’ as he was more usually known, succeeded to a baronetcy about two years ago on the death of a cousin in Australia.

£25,000 for 1.3 acres – Burrough Farm, Northam.

Durrant House Hotel, Northam, the luxury hotel which was part of the Court Line Group, has been sold to a Barnstaple businessman, Mr Roy James, for £150,000. Mr James, together with his wife Joy, will take a personal interest in the hotel, which will be run, as it has been for the past four and a half years, by Mr John Starke and his wife Sheila.

Northam Town Council’s suggestion that the existing tip on the Burrows should be extended over an area linking up with the sand dunes, to strengthen sea defences at that point, has not been enthusiastically received. The Council has been told that the county area engineer does not think crude refuse would be suitable for the site or good for the amenities and that it could prove an extremely expensive business.

During the next few weeks many children from St Margaret’s School, Northam, will be busily engaged studying butterflies. The children will be attempting to gain the Butterfly Spotters’ Badge awarded by the Devon Trust for Nature Conservation. The object of the exercise is to stimulate children’s interest in and concern for wild life. So enthusiastic was the response to a day’s outing to Bath arranged by Northam and District Men’s Forum – 98 wished to go – that two coaches were engaged. The programme included those to the Royal Baths and Pump Room, the Assembly Rooms and the Museum of Costume. Later there was a coach tour of the city accompanied by a local guide.

Contravening waiting restrictions cost David Westlake of Fore Street, Northam, £4 at the local magistrates court.

Mr and Mrs Ronald Millman, of Sanctuary, Shebbear, have been sampling a new experience out West ‘home on the range’ of the Bar K Ranch, near Calgary, Canada.

The death occurred at his home, Sunnyview, Calvesford Road, Torrington, of Mr Charles Copp, a well known Torrington businessman. He was the husband of Mrs Hilda Copp and leaves two marries sons, Messrs David and John Copp.

The funeral service has taken place of Mrs Eva Baker, of New Street, Torrington. She was the widow of Mr Reginald John Baker who was the organist at the Methodist Chapel.

Mr Jim Martin, Torrington’s go-ahead Mayor said “This is only one of several steps to put Torrington well and truly on the map, not only as far as North Devon is concerned but in the Westcountry generally. Torrington is already getting are reputation as a really progressive town, one determined to look ahead, and we aim to maintain that image.” It was at the invitation of Mr Martin that the four-lane 25 metre pool was officially opened by Mr Clarrie Metherell, chairman of Torridge District Council.

New Inn seems to be a popular name for public houses in the Westcountry but it is fairly certain that there cannot be many called Admiral Vernon. This is the new name chosen for the former New Inn in Well Street, Torrington, where mine hosts are former Navy man Mr Jack Boyd and his wife Joyce.

Elizabeth Elliott, of Atlantic Way, Westward Ho! has entered the Miss Pears 1975 competition, and if she wins will get a cheque for £500. Six area finalists who will be chosen to spend several days in London prior to the crowning ceremony on July 22 will each receive £100.

Cycling complaint at Westward Ho!

Although emergency expenditure could not be ruled out, the £75,000 scheme recently completed at Westward Ho! Pebble Ridge was designed to withstand the tidal conditions and storms of a normal winter, the chief technical officer, Mr Clive Barber, told Torridge Council’s Environmental and Leisure Services Committee. He explained that the expected natural build-up of pebbles from the provision of new groynes would take up to two years to be fully effective. Spring tides and onshore winds could lead to the ridge being overtopped but this in itself was not detrimental to sea defence.

During the Martini tournament at Westward Ho! £360 worth of golf equipment was stolen from the exhibition tent of RND club professional Stanley Taggart.

Woolsery Methodist Church Sunday School anniversary.

Woolsery Methodist Church held a sponsored ‘knit’ to raise money for Chapel funds and proceeds were £173. From a sponsored walk, £144 was raised for the Chapel.

A red letter day for Woolsery. Not only was a £200,000 hotel development opened by the chairman of the English Tourist Board, Sir Mark Henig, but later in the day – at a separate function – the official twinning charter between Woolsery and Beuvron en Auge in France was signed. The hotel development is at Moorhead, originally a small farm which was first converted to provide a restaurant, bar and lounge, plus 12 bedrooms. Now under a scheme which has qualified for English Tourist Board assistance, 16 luxurious holiday flats, plus a swimming pool and terrace, and other amenities, have been provided. Moorhead was the setting for the official signing of the twinning charter.

Mr and Mrs Richard Chamings, Mr and Mrs Peter Andrew, M and Mme Jean Duval and M and Mme Malfilatre

The death has occurred of Mr Percy Jewell, of Leworthy Cross, Woolsery. Mourners at the funeral at All Hallows Church, Woolsery, were: Colin and Bonham Jewell, sons; Mr C Nicholls, son-in-law; Mr G Curtis, brother-in-law; Mr and Mrs T Hockin and Mr and Mrs J Hockin, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Mr and Mrs R Wilkey, grandchildren. The bearers were Messrs N Bray, O Bray, J Fox, L W Pugsley, W J Pickard and J Harding.

An outing was very much enjoyed by all members of the ‘Senior Citizens’ Friendship Club’ of Woolsery, when they visited Dr Smart’s gardens, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe.

June 2000

A Government Minister, Defence Procurement Minister Baroness Symons, called at Appledore Shipbuilders with news of two years’ job security for the employees and for hundreds more of its sub-contractors and suppliers. It was with one eye on hoped for MoD contracts that Appledore has planned a £6.5m extension of its building dock to widen its markets by constructing larger vessels. The managing director Jim Wilson said the new order, together with the second fisheries protection vessel and the second Sail Training Association ship meant the yard’s forward order book now stood at £66m.

Joanna Osborne, the first girl apprentice employed at Appledore Shipbuilders, meets Baroness Symons

A programme of work to repair a quayside flood defence scheme in Appledore began. The Environment Agency is removing the masonry cladding from the tidal defence scheme after three pieces of it have fallen off. The £2.2m flood defence scheme was completed only in 1997 to protect the homes and businesses on the quay which had suffered regularly from flooding high tides. But a study of the wall began in December when a small section of the decorative stonework fell away from the reinforced concrete behind. Two further incidents have occurred since then.

Sunnyholme, 1 Alpha Place, Appledore – for sale.

Residents and visitors are being invited to spend a tranquil time in Bideford. In a joint initiative the Baptist, Church of England and Quaker churches are promoting a weekly “Quiet Time.” Based at the Baptist Church in Mill Street, there will be a chance to sit quietly, reflect or pray. There will be poetry, music, prayer and silence.

Bideford curate the Reverend Penny Dobbin is enlisting her own garden army to help set up a quiet and colourful sanctuary for local residents and visitors to the town.

Later in the month it was reported – Bideford Parish Church’s ‘garden army’ marched into action for the first time to start the creation of a quiet and colourful sanctuary for residents and visitors to the town. Being set up in the garden of St Mary’s House in Church Walk, it is to be called the Garden of Hope to mark its link with Bideford’s wider Fields of Hope project.

A television celebrity will cut the ribbon to officially open Bideford’s new Atlantic Village factory outlet centre on August 3 as part of a day of celebration and entertainment. But shoppers will get an earlier chance to visit the centre and its visitor attractions with its doors due to open for the first time on July 13.

Simon Aspinall, from Bideford, is a finalist.

Mediaeval costume and merriment marked the annual Market Charter Day in Bideford as the town commemorated the entitlement to hold its pannier market. The charter dated 1272 and authorising the town to hold a weekly market and three annual fairs gave reason to celebrate in style. Lords, bold knights – courtesy of the North Devon Jousting Association – council representatives and servants joined in procession to the Pannier Market for a public proclamation and to enjoy cheese and wine donated by the stallholders, many of whom had also donned period dress.

Famous women graced the rinks of Bideford Ladies Bowling Club in Victoria Park as members celebrated its golden anniversary. Depicting women through the ages the lady bowlers transformed themselves into famous females. Among them were some whose mothers were founder members when the club was formed in 1950 and the annual subscription was three shilling and sixpence compared to today’s £70.

Sylvia Moody and Margaret Cracknell

Rotarians from Biddeford, Maine, in the USA and from Uelzen in Germany travelled to Torridgeside to join in the 75th anniversary celebrations of Bideford Rotary Club. A highlight of the celebrations was the anniversary dinner at the Commodore Hotel at Instow attended by more than 100 members and guests. The following day a bed of 75 ‘Fellowship’ roses in Victoria Park was formally handed over to Torridge District Council.

Richard Lagarde, Brian Cooke, Gil Domingue (Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club)

Flowers from Dame Vera Lynne were among the tributes received at the funeral of Mrs Irene Hunt of Bideford. Mrs Hunt was the wife of writer and historian Leslie Hunt who knew Dame Vera in his early years as an entertainer. More than 100 mourners attended the service at Bideford Parish Church. In addition to the floral tributes donations were taken for The Marie Curie Cancer Fund.

Bideford neighbours Liz Luxton and Sue Jackson could be said to have created a ‘traffic jam’ of their very own. While personalise number plates are usually the preserve of the enthusiast the women have unwittingly joined their ranks. Liz recently bought another car but it was not until she parked it behind Sue’s Citroen a few days later that she noticed there was more than a colour connection.

Old stagers will be joined by new talent at a special evening of entertainment at Tantons Hotel in Bideford. After 40 years in showbiz, cabaret artist Jack Daniels has been joined by his wife and duo partner Sue in setting up their own recording and rehearsal studio in Bideford, where they are cutting their own CDs and passing on their skills to would-be stars of the future.

Job opportunities at Tantons Hotel, Bideford.

The Bideford factory of AMP Ltd threw one of the region’s biggest millennium parties with more than 1,000 people attending a special day at The Milky Way Adventure Park at Clovelly. The millennium bash was put on by the factory’s social club for present and retired staff and their families. It was opened by the Mayor of Bideford Cllr Noel Deakes and Mrs Marlene Deakes to the accompaniment of Bideford Town Band. The day climaxed with fireworks, a hog roast and live bands – and for lucky winners in the firm’s draw, a hot-air balloon trip.

Bideford Football Club switches on bright new future.

Grenville Ridge, Bideford, properties for sale.

Detached chalet bungalow for sale at Buckland Brewer.

Has anyone seen a friendly falcon? A substantial reward is being offered by North Devon falconer Jonathan Marshall for information leading to the safe return of his favourite, called Willow. Jonathan runs the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre at the Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly.

An harmonious return of the RNLI to Clovelly was completed as the institute’s president The Duke of Kent officially opened its refurbished lifeboat house and named its new lifeboat. It was 12 years ago that official RNLI lifeboat cover was withdrawn from the fishing village. But Clovelly’s proud tradition as a lifeboat station dating back to 1870 was, in fact, only briefly broken. With the loss of the RNLI boat the community rallied to provide, sustain and man its own lifeboat for eight years before the institution took it on board again in 1998. The first royal visitor to the famous cobbled village, the Duke opened the refurbished building and named the lifeboat Spirit of Clovelly before she took to the water, with a Search and Rescue helicopter from Chivenor trailing a RNLI flag overhead. Accepting the new lifeboat on behalf of the Clovelly station its honorary secretary Laurie Winsborrow said “It is very reassuring to all of us that the RNLI has shown confidence in placing this Atlantic 75 on this station – we will not let you down.”

Helmsman’s daughters Daisy and Emma Perham present the Duke with a picture

Naturally Yours Health and Beauty Clinic in Fremington now offers clients Thermotherapy – a revolutionary method of dealing with ear problems. Said therapist and clinic owner Carol Jackson: “It uses a ‘candle’ made from medicinal herbs, honey extracts and chamomile. The warmth draws out the wax.” Here she treats her own son Ryan for glue ear. “It can also help with sinusitis, rhinitis, migraine and ringing,” said Carol.

Two special people are being sought by Fremington Parish Council who want residents of their area to find them. The Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will be chosen for their contribution to the community or for significant personal achievement. The new awards will be presented at the end of the summer and the council wants local residents to nominate anyone they feel deserves the honour.

Instow Primary School pupil Scott Cooper has won the top prize in a county-wide competition to mark National School Meals Week. Scott will receive his prize of a ‘Millennium Dome’ tent plus rucksack, torch, compass and other equipment at his school assembly.

Instow property for sale.

Property for sale at Littleham.

A vintage car display will be one of the highlights at Littleham Village Fete. The event will be opened by the chairman of Torridge District Council, Councillor Royston Johns. Alice the tractor will be delighting the children by giving tractor rides around the field next to the Village Hall. She will also be taking part in a vintage vehicle rally organised by her owner, Lionel Badcock, and Derek Clarke, which has attracted about 70 entries from far and wide.

Villagers of Monkleigh turned out in force to bid a first class farewell to their popular postman Norman Stannard when he retired. A meal at the village pub the Bell Inn turned into a surprise party for Norman and his wife Elizabeth, who live at East-the-Water, Bideford. Knowing their love of their garden the villagers presented them with a garden seat and ornamental pots while the nearby hamlet of Saltrens added £125 in gift vouchers.

Police are appealing to the consciences of thieves who stole a safe from Northam Methodist Church to return its contents – which include marriage and birth certificates. “There was no money in the safe …

Naturalists explore Northam Burrows.

North Devon Hospice is opening another fund raising shop – in Cornmarket Street, Torrington. The former wool shop will be offering the usual mix of clothes, bric-a-brac and books.

Trenching is being dug along the mainly rural B3277 through North Devon for a unique cable which carries not the usual services like gas and water, but glass fibres. It is being put along the verges of the B road from Torrington to South Molton and is just one small section of a new high-tech transatlantic cable. Electrical signals from telephones, computers and other devices are converted into pulses of lights which are sent through the glass fibres. “We are digging a single trench from Land’s End to Taunton via Bude and through North Devon…

Proud of its Royalist heritage, Torrington was equally proud to receive a royal visitor when the Duke of Kent officially opened its new Castle Hill centre.

May Queen Joanna Down presents the Duke with a Torrington map

Pool tournament and barbecue at the Admiral Vernon, Well Street, Torrington.

One of the biggest names in British organ music will be teaming up with the celebrated Father Willis organ at Torrington Parish Church for a special concert. International organist Thomas Trotter has fitted Torrington into a busy schedule. He has performed with leading world orchestras and is an active recording artist, appearing exclusively on the Decca label since 1989.

Cottage style detached house for sale at Weare Giffard.

Former Ryder Cup player Peter Mills who was a wartime evacuee in North Devon will be remembered at a memorial service at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. Peter learned his golf at the Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! and went on to become a playing professional at Wentworth. He was a member of Le Moye in Jersey but often returned to play at the Royal North Devon and visit friends in an area he loved. A Ryder Cup team mate was Peter Alliss.

Women golfers at Westward Ho! showed true Victorian grit when they tackled a wet and windy course in long skirts, frilly blouses and boaters. Their turn-of-the-century dress was to mark the 100th anniversary of the Devon County Ladies Golf Association. More than 40 members took part in a ‘shotgun’ competition, each starting from a different tee of the links course. The Royal North Devon Golf Club boasts the oldest links course in England and when the original Devon County Ladies Club was formed in 1900 it provided nine of the 24 members and the first county ladies captain.

Margaret Cann, Lindy Sainsbury and Angela Harman

The putting green at Westward Ho! was the venue for the finale of Northam and Westward Ho! Pentecost celebrations and millennium fayre weekend. Clergy from St Margaret’s Church and Northam Methodist Church and their wives – all dressed in Edwardian costume – were joined by those from Westward Ho! Baptist Church for an open-air service of praise. Music was provided by Appledore Band and the Praise Be band. The service ended with a shared picnic.

Westward Ho! scheme gives the seafront a brand new look.

Former chapel at Winkleigh for sale.

Years Ago - May

May 1925

It is reported that the prospects for a good crop of fruit are promising. The blossom on pear trees is meagre, but apple and plum trees are a veritable picture. Bush fruit, especially gooseberries and currants are certain to be plentiful.

Successful concerts held at Abbotsham.

At Abbotsham, much sympathy is felt with Mrs Tallin in the death of her husband, Mr Albert Tallin, and with Mrs Darch (daughter), and Mr Wilfred George Tallin (son), especially the latter, who is on foreign service on Wei Haiwei Island with HM Forces, the Royal Marines, and who has not seen his father for some three years.

Alverdiscott Parish Council has called attention to dangerous corners on Alverdiscott Road. This has been referred to the relevant committee of Bideford Council.

Alverdiscott Church tower – repair fund fete at Webbery.

News in Alwington – Mrs Poole receives a receipt, and the funeral of Mr John Frain takes place.

Devon County Licensing Committee refused confirmation of a hotel licence for a North Devon house at Yeo Vale, Alwington, which it was suggested had certain historical associations, and in respect of which there was certain opposition before the Bideford Bench. Lord Portsmouth presided. There was no opposition before the committee.

At Alwington, great sympathy is felt throughout the neighbourhood for the family and relatives of the late Mr M Ford, of Goldworthy Farm, who passed peacefully away after a long and trying illness. The deceased was a general favourite and the number of people who attended the funeral was, in spite of heavy rain, very large. The coffin, of polished oak with brass fittings, bore the inscription “Michael Ford, died April 30th, 1925, aged 41.” The bearers were …

PC John Ridd, for some time stationed at Appledore, has been promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Alphington.

On Holy Ascension Day, Mr and Mrs W Heard, who have the popular Sexton and Caretaker of St Mary’s Church, Appledore, for many years, celebrated the 26th wedding anniversary of their wedding which was taken by Rev W H Brind, a former curate of Appledore.

Lieut A W Valentine, MBE, elder son of Dr Valentine, MD, TD, of Appledore, was married to Miss Gweneth Eleanor Griffiths, third daughter of Commander L Griffiths, RN (retired) and Mrs Griffiths, of Southsea. The church was prettily decorated.

Miss Mary Guard, a daughter of the late Captain and Mrs Samuel Guard was found dead in her home at Irsha Street, Appledore. Her sister, Mrs Nellie Craner had just left her. Dr Valentine was promptly summoned and could only pronounce life extinct. As the doctor had attended her for several years and was able to certify the cause of death there was no need for an inquest. Deceased was much respected being a Sunday School teacher at the Church School for many years, and a member of the Church choir, taking also an interest in all the social life of the parish, till her health failed her.

Appledore was saddened by the unexpected death of Mrs Louis Guard, widow of the late Captain Samuel Guard, of the Retreat, which occurred at the early age of 60, leaving ten children to mourn their loss and for whom there is great sympathy. We regret to announce the death after a prolonged illness of Mrs Elizabeth Kelly, of Alpha Place, the widow of the late Captain W H Kelly. The deceased lady before her illness was a prominent church worker.

The funeral of the late Mr John Carter took place at Appledore Churchyard, the Vicar of Appledore officiating. As the deceased had for over forty years acted as signalman and winchman of the lifeboat, assisting Captain Stephen Hare in earlier days, the members of the committee and the lifeboat crew attended, the latter under Coxswain George Craner and Vice-Coxswain Stephen Bignell acting as bearers. Miss Beatrice Hooper presided at the organ. Mr John Harvey read the lesson whilst the Vicar referred to Mr Carter’s discharge of his duty in quickly assembling the crew to rescue the perishing.

After residing 42 years at Appledore, Mr Samuel James, ferryman, has left Appledore with his family to return to his native home Lyme Regis …

Messrs M W Blackmore and Sons launched at their works, Appledore, a passenger motor launch built to their own design in accordance with B.O.T requirements to the order of Messrs c White and Sons, of Aberystwyth, to ply on excursion trips in Cardigan Bay under Steam Certificate 6. After an appropriate prayer by Rev A G Brockett, and the christening ceremony performed by Miss Sofie Blackmore, The Pride of the Midlands took the water gracefully amid rousing cheers.

The annual supper of the Appledore Football Club was held in Reed’s Assembly Hall and a great time was spent by a large company. The hall was brightly decorated and together with the daintily laid tables presented a pleasing scene. An orchestra consisting of Mrs and Misses Reed, Mr B Reed and Miss R Abbott played selections of music. Rev H C A S Muller who presided remarked how proud they were of the Appledore players, especially the juniors who had set up a record for the Club in goal scoring and to crown the whole had brought back with them two cups the Pickard Cup for the second year and the J H Reed Cup.

While the River Bank and Park Committee’s report was under discussion at the meeting of Bideford Urban District Council, Mr F T Upton referred to a reference in the press to the unexplained disappearance of the captured German guns from the entrance to the Park and asked what had become of them. The Committee might inform the Council whey they had been put away in the Council’s yard.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Bideford Electric Light Company it was announced that the mains system is to be extended in the Bideford and Northam areas, with the hope of then carrying supply to Great Torrington, Weare Giffard and Instow. In the public notices, an abridged prospectus is printed giving full details of all the proposed areas, shares being offered at £1 each. ‘A’ shares in the Bideford Gas and Coke Company are selling at prices varying from £17-10-0 to £18-0-0.

An advert for hair care from R J Arnold.

This advert for Puritan soap has a coupon to cut out for money off gifts – is this the first time for an offer like this?

Bideford’s highly esteemed Town Clerk, Mr W B Seldon, met with an injury to his head whilst motoring and which might easily have been more serious. He was, we understand, passing Southcott Corder, East-the-Water, in a car with his wife and daughter, when another car came out suddenly on to the road forcing the other to make a sharp swerve alongside the hedge to avoid collision. In the jolt Mr Seldon sustained a scalp wound which required to be stitched, but the injury we are glad to learn is not regarded as serious.

At a meeting of Bideford Town Council, it was reported that Bideford Harbour Bill had passed its second reading in the House of Lords, and will go to the unopposed committee stage to be heard by the House of Lords. The Council appointed the Borough Accountant to attend to prove the preamble. At a meeting of Bideford Chamber of Trade it was resolved to recommend the closing of shops at noon instead of one o’clock on June 3rd, the occasion of the Bridge reopening.

The extraordinary behaviour of a Bideford seafaring man on Barnstaple Long Bridge will claim the attention of Barnstaple Magistrates. In a railway story, Mrs Blanche Cook of Tower House, The Strand, Bideford, was summoned for causing nine chickens to be conveyed from Bideford to London by train in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering. In fact all the birds were found to be dead on arrival. Mrs Cook, the wife of a local dentist, disputed the charge but was found guilty and fined £5.

Twelve lads of the Church Lads’ Brigade, under Sergt-Major Johns, formed a guard of honour at the christening of the second daughter of Captain and Mrs Snell, at St Mary’s Church, Bideford. The Sergt-Major, in a short speech, asked Mrs Snell to accept a silver Christening Cup, suitably inscribed, “To Valerie Adams Snell, from the Bideford Company, CLB.”

The Old Town Garage, Clovelly Road, Bideford. Have you obtained the Rhode Mileage Chart?

Reliable and artistic furniture from Bishop’s.

Furniture from 3 Gernville (Grenville) Terrace, Bideford, for sale.

P.S. Parr comes to Bideford as Inspector.

Ex-Sergeant Broad is presented with a handsome sideboard.

Mr W H Rogers was re-elected chairman of Bideford Board of Guardians and Mr J M Metherell vice-chairman.

Bideford’s brilliant win in the Torridge Cup Final.

Mr Frank Verren and Miss Decoutter are married at the Sacred Heart Church, Bideford.

The marriage took place at Bideford United Methodist Church of Mr F Leslie Haughton, Camelford, and Miss Florence L Adams, Westcroft, Bideford. The Rev William Rodda officiated.

5 May 1925 – The first meeting since its formation of the Rotary Club of Bideford, was held at Friendship Hotel, on Thursday, the President, the Mayor of Bideford (Dr E J Toye) presiding.

Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Potter, of Handy Cross, Bideford, in the loss they have sustained by the death, after only a brief illness, of their eldest daughter, Miss Gladys Potter. Mr Wadey officiated at the funeral which a large number of relatives and friends attended as a mark of sympathy and respect. The funeral of the late Mrs E Sherborne, of Silver Street, Bideford, took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. The Rev W G Eeles officiated. Floral tributes were sent from the sorrowing husband and family. The funeral of the late Miss Harriet Sing sub-postmistress of Trafalgar Place, daughter of Mr and Mrs R W Sing, took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, the Rev J T Halstead officiating. The funeral of the late Mrs Ellen Pound, widow of Mr J R Pound, who a generation ago and for many years carried on the business of a decorator in Mill Street took place at the Old Town Chapel Cemetery.

Flags were flown at half-mast on the Municipal Buildings at Bideford on the occasion of the funeral of the late Mr R E L Hookway, who had been borough surveyor for twenty years. The Mayor and Corporation attended in state, joining the cortege at the Bridge End on its arrival from Westward Ho! members of the local lodge and headed it in Bridgeland-street. The Bridge Trustees were represented by their Chairman and other members, six senior Council workmen acted as bearers, and the County Surveyor’s staff was also represented, whilst a large attendance of the professional and business element, as well as working men of the town and district testified to the general esteem in which the deceased was held by all classes.

We regret to record the death of Mr Thomas Lancey Hamlyn, decorator, late of 15 Buttgarden Street, Bideford, which occurred at his residence, Coniston, Clovelly Road, at the age of 66.

Double wedding at Bideford – Pearce-Hill, and Hill-Jeffery.

Bideford Long Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic early next month for the long awaited re-opening ceremony. Luncheon will be by ticket only at the Athletic Club, cost 6 shillings.

At Bradworthy Sunday School anniversary services were conducted at the United Methodist Church by Rev F Dennis, who preached two excellent sermons to crowded congregations. On Monday afternoon, a children’s service was followed by a public tea. In the evening the annual public meeting was held, during which the scholars gave suitable recitations, and dialogues in a very pleasing manner. Rev F Dennis made an ideal chairman. Special hymns and anthems were rendered by the choir and children at all the services.

Clay pigeon shoot at Berridon Park, Bradworthy.

At Buckland Brewer, the wedding of Miss Frances Hancock, Eckworthy, and Mr Francis Marshall, of Frithelstock.

Marriage at Bucks Mills of Mr Paul Ellis, of Clovelly, and Miss Gladys Braund, of Bucks Cross.

You are invited to Stewart & Co’s show of the latest Millinery, Dresses, Highneck jumpers, etc., at Mount Pleasant, Clovelly, May 21st and 22nd. Expert milliner in attendance the first day.

At Hartland, Wilfred Kievill is included in a list of Sheffield school-boys who won elementary certificates of the Royal Life-Saving Society. He also received a proficiency certificate and a bronze medallion.

It is reported in the Gazette that Southern Railway has named their latest engine “Hartland Quay”. It is known that the Southern has a tradition of naming their engines after places served by their railway, but this choice seems a little confusing. Can any reader explain?

News has only now reached his mother, Mrs Vanstone, of Morwenna Cottages, from British Columbia, of the death of Mr Richard Thorne at Campbell River, Vancouver Island, on April 3rd at the age of 41. A native of Hartland, his father conducted the carrier’s business for the last 26 years managed by Mr T J Williams.

The United Methodist Sunday School anniversary at Hartland had favourable weather. Mr Saunders, of Bude, preached most appropriately, the morning text being Judges xiii. The singing was sweet, especially by Ivy Branton, Edna and Gladys Harris, and Annie Rowe.

Residential mixed farm, known at Park, for sale at Horwood.

PC Phillips, of Instow, has been promoted to Sergeant and removes to Hallwill.

Landcross Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary services.

Lundy islanders entertained.

Seals, said to be fairly common off Lundy, are thought to be the cause of damage to salmon fishing in the local rivers.

The marriage of Mr B Treavett and Miss H Staddon at Northam.

Bideford Town Council, at its quarterly meeting had before it a communication from Northam Council asking for its support in the appeal to be issued for help in the scheme to arrest the coast erosion at Westward Ho! Alderman J Cock thought it a matter that in the first instance at any rate should be talked over in Committee. Everyone of them, he was sure, without exception, was in deep sympathy with the Northam Council and would do what they could in the matter. He moved that it be referred to the members present to sit in Committee at the rising of the Council with power to deal. Alderman W T Goaman, seconded, and the matter was agreed to.

Mr J Hookway, a baker living at Cleave Houses, Northam, was driving his horse and cart out of Limer’s Lane towards the main road when a passing motor cycle frightened the horse which bolted, smashing the cart against a wall.

The funeral took place in Northam Churchyard of the late Mrs Ellen Jane Burch, who passed away after a long illness. The deceased was the widow of the late Mr Hooper Burch, who was for 27 years sexton of the Parish Church at Northam, and who died some 29 years ago. Mrs Burch, who was 81 years of age, belonged to a well known Appledore family, but had resided in Northam for a considerable period and was held in great esteem by a large circle of friends.

We regret to record the death of Mr Thomas Steer, son of Mr and Mrs F Steer of Kimberley Terrace, Northam, at the early age of 27 after a long illness. During the Great War, the deceased was stationed as Sergeant with the Royal Artillery in Salonica, where his service no doubt undermined his constitution. After the war, Mr Steer worked in partnership with his father, who is a well known builder. He was also closely connected with Northam Church. The great sincerity which he put into his work will be much missed by his brother officers and clergy connected with the parish Church.

The Reaper’s sickle has caused a heavy death roll on the north side of the parish, five people having died within a mile, the latest being Mr Lytton, who was taken to Bideford Hospital and operated on, but without effect. In musical circles he will be greatly missed. His clever brush and pen has done much to enliven many a play. He was also a clever ventriloquist. The young people with whom he was always delighted to entertain, will greatly miss him. Great sympathy is felt for the widow at the sudden sunset of her husband’s life.

Property and land for sale in Parkham.

Later in the month –

Parkham WI.

A successful social has been held in the Parkham Council Schoolroom, in aid of the ex-Service men’s skittle alley. Songs were given by Messrs F Symes, A Colwill, and G Jewell, Miss Jewell and Miss Ley. Music for dancing was supplied by the brass and jazz bands, combined with Mrs Jacob, sen, Mrs Ley and Miss Brend.

At Shebbear, in connection with the Mid-Torridge branch of the British Legion, Mr Robert Mill has been appointed a member of the Relief Committee to represent the parish. Mr Mill saw a great deal of service during the war in Gallipoli, Egypt and France.

We regret to report the death of Mrs Beatrice Piper, wife of Mr Augustus Piper of Modbury Cottages, Buckland Filleigh, which took place at the age of 35 years. Mrs Piper was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Mair, of Shebbear, and had a wide circle of friends who deeply mourn their loss.

The oldest building society in North Devon, established in Great Torrington, encourages you to become your own landlord.

Following a long and painful illness, Mr John Fursman passed away at Mill-street, Torrington, at the age of 80 years. Deceased in his younger days was a very prominent man in the borough as a road contractor.

Great Torrington Agricultural Society Annual Exhibition.

At a meeting of Torrington Board of Guardians, Mr J Squance in the chair, the Master, Mr Harrison, raised the question of laundry. One of the inmates who usually helped in the work was ill and another had taken her discharge. At present there was only one person available, and she had to assist with the nursing in the Infirmary. To get outside assistance would cost 25s, or 20s, a week and he suggested it might be better to have another officer. The average number of articles passing through the laundry every week was 800, and if these were sent out, and average one penny a piece – and the Guardians would not get sheets washed for that – it would mean 70s. The Board thought the work should be kept in the House and the matter was referred to the House Committee.

The wedding was solemnised at Torrington of Mr William Lock and Miss Elsie Gent.

It was May Fair day at Great Torrington, and with it memories of the by-gone ages were revived. The town was in a gay mood for the extensive programme of merry-making, and the utmost good humour marked all the proceedings. The magnificent English Bowling Championship Trophy won by Mr Reg Hodge last year was the chief decoration among the civic plate and reference was made in the speeches to the honour brought to Torrington and the county by this young Torringtonian’s brilliant success. The four ancient silver maces belonging to the town were also objects of much admiration.

At Torrington Borough Sessions before Messrs G Chapple, M Chapple, S Webber and H Taverner, a man and wife of no fixed abode, appeared on remand, charged with stealing various moneys and goods at Torrington on May Fair Day.

The Bench found the female guilty and sentenced her to one month’s hard labour. The male prisoner was found guilty on all six charges, and was sentenced to three month’s hard labour for each offence, the sentence to run concurrently.

Sea damage at Westward Ho! Council’s SOS for funds.

A sub-committee from Devon County Council led by the Earl of Portsmouth will visit Westward Ho! on June 3rd,

The funeral took place of the late Mrs Elizabeth Ann Woodcock, of High View Terrace, Westward Ho! whose death occurred suddenly after a very brief illness. The deceased was very well known and highly respected, being up to the time of her death verger of Westward Ho! Church. We regret to record the death of Mrs Ellis, 5 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! which occurred at the great age of 87 years. Mrs Ellis was the widow of the late Mr Henry Ellis, who for many years was in charge of the Coastguard Station at Westward Ho!

The marriage of Mr Stuart J Cowell, MB, MRCP, and Mary Penelope, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Cecil Smith, of Link House, Westward Ho!

The Championship Committee of the Royal and Ancient Club, St Andrews, has invited the English and Scottish Golf Unions to select their respective sides for the annual international contest between the two nations on the Royal North Devon course, Westward Ho! on Saturday, May 23. It is good that the recent storms have not seriously impacted the Royal North Devon Golf Club, as sides for the forthcoming match between England and Scotland have been announced, the names appearing in the paper of 19 May.

Mrs Donnell and Mrs Heriz-Smith, of Belvoir, Bideford, most kindly entertained about 80 children of the Woolsery Council School. Tea was laid at the Vicarage Schoolroom, where the party was welcomed by the Rev G L and Mrs Edwards, Miss Stucley, of Moreton House, Bideford, gave a delightful talk to the children on the growth of the Empire, telling them that the right spirit was to look upon Woolsery as an important, if small, piece of the Empire; that in 20 years time they would be all grown men and women, and the Empire’s progress depended a lot on what they thought and did in Woolsery. In doing their best in all their work and home life they were helping to run this great Empire of ours. Cheers were given for the King and Queen and Royal family, and the National Anthem sung.

May 1975

One of the six finalists in the British Bacon Curers’ Federation cookery competition to be decided at the Bath and West Show is Mrs Beatrice Griff, a member of Abbotsham WI, who lives at Carnbrae, Abbotsham. Her chosen dish is ham and egg pie.

A coffee morning held at Springfield, Riccards Down, Abbotsham, the home of Mr and Mrs J Hockin, raised £15 for Alwington Play Group.

Gifts totalling over £400 towards the cost of the work were received when Alwington Methodist Church was reopened with a dedication and gift service following renovations which included redecoration and a new kitchen. At the service, over which the minister, Rev Peter Willis, and the superintendent minister of the Bideford circuit, Rev W J Joyce, presided, special items were provided by past and present members. Those taking part included Mrs E Ley, Mrs G Heywood, Mr and Mrs David Reed, Mrs Mann, Janet and Rosemary Andrew, Robert Lee, Stephen Headon and friends of the circuit youth.

A sale in aid of Alwington Church funds, which was opened by the Rector Rev T Nicholls raised £190.

Mr Alf Fisher of Meeting Street, Appledore, earns a medal from the Belgian Royal Federation of Veterans of King Albert I.

Three little girls were sad when Hammy, their pet hamster, suddenly disappeared. Tracey and Paula, daughters of Mr and Mrs Michael Roberts of Appledore were dismayed when their sister Debra told them that Hammy had vanished. A search revealed a tiny hole in the bathroom but there was no sign of the hamster. A week went by. Then the house next door, which is used for the holiday season, was opened up and inside was Hammy, extremely dirty and hungry, but in the eyes of three girls loveable nevertheless!

Appledore Conservation Committee told Northam Town Council that they had no objections to a planning application to convert a former grocery store into a licensed better shop at London House, Appledore, provided there was no nuisance from noise and that any curtaining or blanking off of the windows was not detrimental to the visual aspect of the locality.

In a week when the return of unofficial strikers to Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd was followed by a hint of a new major order worth about £7 million, there was little hope for the future operation of the Bideford factory of Bowlight Engineering. Indications are that it could close by the end of next month.

A warning that disaster could threaten West Appledore.

Cousins were bearers at the funeral of Mr Philip Harris, of 3 The Quay, Appledore. He was a shipwright and a member of a well known Appledore shipbuilding family. Bearers were John Craner, Leonard White, Barry White and Alan Daniel.

Snoopy the fox cub is lucky to be alive because of Malcolm Shute, of Barton Tors, Bideford, Barbara Hopper, Barbara Riley and Berice Davidson.

Mrs Ivy Badcock guesses correctly to the half penny.

The Art School building on Bideford Quay is in its last term as the art department of the North Devon College. Proposals are being made for the art school to become an arts and craft centre, for use mainly by adults as part of Bideford Community College. In this event Mr James Paterson, at present head of the art department of ND College, will continue in charge at Bideford as warden of the centre. The students at present attending full time courses will be transferred to a new creative block at N Devon College.

Some of the many pupils at Bideford County Secondary School who are now taking their Certificate of Secondary Education examinations. This year the pass fail system in the GCE ‘O’ level examinations is to be replaced by five official grades, A to E, and this will affect the description of CSE Grade 1 which for 11 years has been related to the ‘O’ level pass standard. In future the minimum standard for a CSE Grade 1 pass will be equivalent to the minimum standard of GCE Grade C ‘O’ levels pass.

Bideford and District Unit of the Sea Cadet Corps was inspected by Commander Bluett, the Western Area Officer of the Corps. This was the official annual inspection and 32 cadets and five officers and instructors were on parade. Most parents and friends were present and they heard the inspecting officer compliment the unit on it smart appearance and high standards of discipline.

Somewhere in Bideford there is a darts player who is £5 better off than he should be.

A nostalgic moment as a special Canadian visitor to Bideford meets some of the children who over the years have been regularly keeping in touch with him by letter. Mr Bill Backway left his native Bideford in 1923 for Canada and there he stayed, working as a butcher and thenfor 16 years before retirement as a lollipop man in Vancouver. Having been born in Brookfield Street and attended school at East-the-Water he contacted the school and sent a calendar each year. The children decided to reply and for the past 10 years successive classes of children have written to him. Other readers might remember him as ‘Cherry’ Backway in his footballing days.

The Vera Couch Memorial Cup for the best dog or bitch in St Austell and District open show was won by a Labrador dog owned by Mr W G Tucker, of Brown’s Close, Pynes Lane, Bideford.

The funerals have taken place of Mr Fred Slade and Mrs Florence Slade. They died within 10 days of each other and lived for the past 40 years at Glentorr Road, Bideford.

Former Bideford bank manager, Edwin Guad, dies.

Site engineer for Lysachs Construction company during the building of East Yelland power station, Mr Henry Gainey, of Elm Grove, Bideford, has died in the North Devon Infirmary.

When The Edwardians and friends held a sponsored walk from Bideford to Torrington and back, as the opening of a week of events in aid of charity, Sammy a Springer spaniel decided to join in. He completed the course and still had energy to frolic in the Park. One participant, Roger Clark, ran both ways.

Faced with a continual drain on funds of £1,000 a year for maintenance, Lavington United Reformed Church has applied for outline permission to demolish its premises in Bridgeland Street, Bideford, and to rebuild – this time incorporating commercial premises. If the plan goes through it will mean that a well known Bideford landmark – the church’s twin spires which have stood since 1859 – will disappear.

Sarah Woolf of Buckland Brewer, and of the Stevenstone and Torrington Farmer’s branch of the Pony Club competed in a trial for the junior horse trials team to represent Great Britain. It was her first attempt and she finished 17th out of 45. The branch hopes to have a team at the area trials at Molland in which Sarah will be riding.

Gallantry medal for Michael Houchen of the Clovelly-based cruising lifeboat.

For a brief spell four former Clovelly lifeboatmen now all in their 80s relived the occasion 33 years ago when they rescued three German airmen from the sea near Hartland Point. One of the three Germans, wireless operator Rudolph Graf, now a grocer, made a sentimental journey to North Devon to express grateful thanks for his rescue. He and two other survivors from a Heinkel had been drifting in a badly leaking dinghy for nearly eight hours when they were found by the searching Clovelly lifeboat. Waiting to greet Herr Graf were George Lamey, Oscar Abbott and Charles Shackson. On his way to Clovelly, Herr Graf called on the fourth, Mr Harold Braund of Bideford.

This year’s Revel Queen of Clovelly is Nicola Bullen, daughter of Mrs G Perham, The Quay, Clovelly. She was chosen from nine contestants at the annual Revel Queen dance by Mr and Mrs Judd and Mr and Mrs D Hockin. The event at the Parish Hall was organised by Mesdames A Johns and G Shackson. Draw winners were Christopher Symons, Mrs R Tridgell and Mrs A Johns.

Clovelly pier, which acts as a breakwater for the harbour, needs repairs estimated to cost £10,000 to £12,000, Torridge District Council’s Environmental and Leisure Services Committee were told. The Clovelly Estate Company asked if the Council, as coast protection authority, would be prepared to contribute in any way towards the work required.

At St Edmund’s Church, Dolton, local Cubs and Brownie Guides, with their leaders Mrs J Folland and Mrs J Sidey, joined with Sunday School children in a special service. Simon and William Jury acted as sidesmen, lessons were read by Diane Hiscock and John Hartley, and collections were taken by Sarah Corby, Mary Ann Jury and Louise and Mark Thompson. The service was conducted by the Rector, Rev F R Moorse, and Rev David Croad showed flannelgraphs of special interest to children. Mrs R Mitchell was the organist.

Mr John Heal was elected chairman of Dolton Parish Council at its annual meeting. Tributes were paid to the retiring chairman Mr C R Fishleigh for his devotion and service during his 21 years in office. Mr S E Hiscock was re-elected vice-chairman.

Frithelstock’s three street lights should be brought up to county council standard, replacing the existing mercury-type lamps, it was proposed at the annual meeting of the parish council. Financial reports were presented by the Parish Council chairman Mr C Poole (war memorial), Mrs L Budge (charity) and Mr J Allin (Village Hall).

Twelve children from the Hartland Methodist Sunday School sat for the scripture examinations organised by the National Christian Education Committee. Results – Junior under 9 years: Alison Manley, Wendy Heard and Huw Thorne, Grade 1 with honours: Martin Reader, Grade 2. Junior 9-10 years: Bridget Bayliss, Jennifer Thorne, Jennifer Allin, Tracey Thorne and Dwayne Heard, Grade 1 with honours: Wendy Bragg, Grade 2, Senior 11013 years: Lisa Manley and David Thorne, Grade 1 with honours.

Children’s part in Hartland anniversary.

A medal for Auxiliary Coastguard Mr John Lovell, who lives at Stoke, Hartland.

Instow man, Mr R J Braddon, is honoured.

Rose Farm, Langtree, for sale.

After 51 years’ active association, Mr Richard Sanders, of Crossleigh, Littleham, principal of W H Sanders and Son, Orleigh Mills, has retired.

Littleham Youth Club entertained girls from Shawleigh, Edgehill, to a tramps’ supper in Littleham Parish Hall. Winners of the competition for the best dress were Sharon Tamalyn, Lucy Stephens, Graham Hooper and Dawn Metherell. Helpers included Mrs J Barber and Mr Philip Pennington.

Members of Appledore bellringers, led by their captain, Mr Peter Dixon, had a special task when they visited Lundy – to make a reconnaissance of the church tower and its bells. The eight bells of St Helena were taken down after the tower was declared unsafe but now one bell has been hoisted part-way and the Appledore ringers explored the possibility of having the single bell property rehung. En-route to the island the Vicar of Appledore, Rev Donald Peyton-Jones, held a communion service and before re-embarking a lifeboat service was held in the island church.

A new term has started and for the 70 pupils of Monkleigh Primary School it means another start on the task of collecting sacks of tinfoil in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Parents and friends help and one of the most enthusiastic collectors is Mrs Curtis, of Meddon Street, Bideford. Other local schools helping include Westcroft, Stella Maris and Edgehill. The headmaster of the Monkleigh School, Mr C S Wingrave-Pain, is coordinator in North Devon for the Association.

Twenty-eight candidates were confirmed by the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev Eric Mercer, at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. The candidates came from the parishes of Northam, Appledore and Littleham.

Tourist Centre at Northam.

Proposed supermarket site at Northam will be inspected.

All parking on Bone Hill should be prohibited, Northam Town Council have told Torridge District Council. Northam war memorial has been cleaned at the cost of £10, it was reported at Northam Town Council.

St Margaret’s, Northam, has been visited by the Magic Lantern Theatre Company, a professional group from the Midlands. They gave two performances using shadow puppets and afterwards the group gave a short teach-in on the equipment and materials used.

Unknown to their teachers and entirely on their own initiative three boys from St Margaret’s School, Northam, went on a sponsored walk. The three classmates – Andrew Peacock, Nicholas Glassock and Stephen Heard – borrowed a pram and walked around the perimeter of Bideford’s Victoria Park to raise money for their chosen charity, Broomhayes Children’s Centre at Westward Ho!

Mrs Phyllis R Galliford achieves a local ‘double’ when named Town Mayor-designate of Northam.

Sally Jobson Scott, of Northam, won the Dulverton West Hunt open junior show jumping even at Mullacott Cross. Sally, who gained her success on The Clyde, also finished joint second on Hunky Dory in the Kerrygold junior Foxhunter event.

Extensions to the Allardice Hall, Parkham, were officially opened 18 years to the day the hall first opened.

Completing a remarkable double Mr Ronald Millman, of Sanctuary, Shebbear, was announced at the County Show as this year’s champion herdsman of Devon, thus retaining the title he won last year when the competition started. A married man with two children, he is employed by Mr Allin Bewes, of Suddon Farm. Mr Millman has won a holiday for two in Canada.

Fluttering French tricolours added a new colourful dimension to Torrington’s May Fair celebrations this year as the town entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of entente cordiale. The May Fair was the ideal setting for the sealing of the twinning link between Torrington and the town of Roscoff in Brittany and the highlight of this year’s opening ceremony was the signing of the twinning charter by guest of honour Dr Marcel Stephan, Mayor of Roscoff.

The Queen, Tracy Jones and her crowner Tanya Beer had similar all-white dresses in ruched material, while the eight attendants wore either pale pink or navy on a white background. Posies of colourful anemones wrapped in gold were carried by the girls to pick out the rich colours of the heralds’ outfits. The heralds – Colin Hiscock and Alan Warne were in period costumes of red velvet topped with red hats with feathers and had shoes with golden buckles. Attendants were: Melissa Davey, Teresa Furse, Sharon Keen, Tina Palmer, Tanya Wheeler, Julie Rich, Gillian Hutchings, and Juliet Sluman.

A new collection designed by Frank Thrower, of Dartington Glass, Torrington, comprises decanters, ice buckets, flower bowls and tumblers, pyramid ashtrays, crystal ring trees, candle lamps, vases, sangria jugs, bowls, seafood cocktail glasses, oil and vinegar bottles and candle holders.

At a ceremony at Torrington Wendy Tyler was presented with her Queen’s Guide badge. She is the eldest daughter of Torrington veterinary surgeon Mr John Tyler and Dr Jean Tyler, of Herons Lake.

The funeral has taken place at the Methodist Church, Torrington, of Mr James Hockridge. Born at Hartland, he farmed at Blakes, Bulkworthy, now being farmed by his son Clifford, and at Towell Farm, Beaford, before retiring three years ago. Hundreds of people from all walks of life paid their final tribute at the funeral of Mr Samuel Joseph Parkes, who for 24 years was Town Clerk of Torrington. His services to Torrington spanned over 50 years. The funeral service for Mrs Louisa Brownscombe, widow of Mr Thomas Brownscombe, late of Loosedown Barton, Winkleigh, took place at the North Devon Crematorium.

Mr Bob Lamey, whose home is at Westward Ho! Post Office, has just retired after 36 years at the Bideford depot of Bayly Bartlett, builders merchants and timber exporters.

Over she goes! Louise Thompson rides Pinky over the impromptu fence afforded by a breakwater on the sands at Westward Ho! watched by Nicola Wheeler on Spot. The two girls are members of the Stevenstone Pony Club.

Properties in Kipling Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale at auction.

Plans to convert 60 holiday flats and bungalows at Westward Ho! Holiday Village, Golf Links Road, to full residential use failed to get the approval of the Plans Sub-Committee of Torridge District Council. The planning officer, Mr Tony Hodder, recommended refusal on the grounds that the proposal was contrary to the development plan and would conflict with holiday use of the site. A spokesman for Bancroftland Ltd, the owners, said that his company was not happy about the decision and would press for the scheme to be reconsidered.

A condition of consent to the holding of a Caravan Club rally at Pusehill, Westward Ho! from August 2-16 is that the club marshal their caravan traffic on a one-way system in that vicinity to avoid possible traffic complications.

Maybe you had membership at the new and enlarged Elizabethan Club in Westward Ho!

Woolsery Sunday School anniversary.

On his visit to Woolsery Mr Tony Speller, prospective candidate for the North Devon division will do so in ‘walk about’ style. From the shop he will go to the Parish Church and the two chapels, the school, the new houses and the old people’s home and other parts of the village.

May 2000

St Helen’s Church of England School, Abbotsham, was closed to allow small amounts of asbestos to be removed from an office and classroom. A county council spokesman explained that the problem arose when a wall heater was dislodged in one of the school’s temporary wooden rooms used as an office. An independent company was being called in to carry out air sampling before the children were allowed back. Abbotsham parents and staff are currently keeping fingers firmly crossed for news of a bid for funding to replace the small Victorian school with its number of temporary wooden classrooms with a new building.

Later in the month, it was reported …

Hopes have been launched for the creation of more than 200 new jobs at Appledore Shipbuilders following news of a near £2 million cash injection from the Government. Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd have traineeships available.

Appledore festival will be filled with colour.

An Appledore pensioner is appealing for the return of his much loved miniature trees. After three robberies at his home the widower has asked that he remain anonymous “as I am already paranoid enough.” Most of the items taken from his home were of low value, apart from an expensive hosepipe, his grandson’s mountain bike and two much loved Bonsai trees. “The bike has been stamped by the police with the postcode. I am appealing to anyone who might have been offered this bike or a Bonsai for sale in the hope this might lead to the apprehension of the thieves.”

Every child in the borough of Northam deserves a medal believes Northam Town Council. With that in mind the council has financed the making of enough golden millennium medals to present one to each child. Mayor Councillor Richard Bradford has started the ball rolling by presenting medals to youngsters at Appledore Primary School and St George’s Infants’ in Northam.

Cllr Bradford, Charlotte Redman, Richard Briggs

Rotary Club of Bideford President’s Night will celebrate the club’s 75th anniversary.

Fillings without the drill if you visit Jonathan Hellyer at Queen Anne’s Dental Surgery in Bideford High Street.

Approach to Bideford will be a ‘corridor of colour’ as MEPC, the company behind Atlantic Village shopping development becomes a major sponsor of the town’s Fields of Hope project.

Ford Rise, Bideford, property for sale.

Memories of the former Bideford Church Junior School are to be rekindled with plans for a reunion of former pupils. Former schoolmates Linda Batten (nee French) and Sandra Cottle (nee Eastman) are organising the get together at the old school, which is now the social centre of Bideford Angling Club at the top of the High Street. “We would like people to bring along their memories, old photographs or anything they might still have relating to the school,” said Sandra.

Bideford Scout troop remains closed until uniformed leader can be found.

Two North Devon adventurers grabbed the attention of Ugandan President Museveni when they went mountain climbing in his country. They have returned from an amazing trip in which they were given an armed military escort, were entertained by a president, and climbed the continent’s three highest mountains. They are sworn rivals in a self-imposed quest to become the first climbers in the world to reach the summits of the three highest mountains on each continent.

John Rees-Tucker from Bideford, and Neil Tucker, from Landkey, are pictured

After a century and a half Sofia Margaret has returned to her home port of Bideford – but this time to the High Street gallery of J Collins and Son. The two-masted schooner is seen berthed alongside the shore at The Mumbles in a dramatic painting by George Wolfe. “We have a very good record of the Sofia Margaret’s fascinating history” said gallery owner John Biggs. “She was built by George Cox in 1848 at his yard at Limers Lane in Northam.” J Collins and Son has been selling antiques and fine art in Bideford for what in two years time will mark its half-century.

Exciting times are ahead for the community at East-the-Water, Bideford, with plans for a near £1 million expansion of its Pollyfield Community Centre. The management committee has teamed up with a major national charity to find money for a project which will enable the centre to keep pace with the demands of the growing community by providing additional facilities for the elderly, the young and a variety of other groups and organisations. “Two years from now the Pollyfield Centre will not be as we know it. We have just been too successful for our own good. The centre is now used from 9am to midnight every day and there is not enough room for all the meetings and clubs. There is enough demand for twice the number of rooms we have.” said Community Association chairman John McKenzie. Over the next few months the local community was going to be very busy as a feasibility study was carried out to decide…

A dream has come true for young skateboarders and BMX bikers on Torridgeside with the official opening in Bideford of a purpose-build skate park. Answering a mass petition from local youth, Torridge District Council has used part of the Bank End car park for the development of the £50,000 project. The opening ceremony was performed by district council chairman Royston Johns assisted by world BMX champion Mark Holroyd.

Mr Johns, Tom Reed and Mark Holroyd

A Bideford sewer ventilation pipe is to be added to the Images of England website being created by the National Monuments Record, the public archive of English Heritage.

Working party to look at future of Kathleen and May.

Spring is in the air at Edgehill College in Bideford where enthusiastic young gardeners have added colour to the front of the Preparatory School. The gardening club meets every week and with the help of some willing parents, has transformed an area by the front gate into a lovely garden complete with bird table and bath.

Mark Percival, Kristofer McAllister and Matthew Underwood

Nineteen local schools have taken up the invitation of Bideford Bridge Rotary Club to plant a tree in celebration of the new millennium. With the support of the Silvanus Trust, the Rotary Club has provided each with a native tree of their choice.

Edgehill College students chose to plant a young oak tree

Distressed relatives are appealing for help to stop people removing floral tributes and containers from graves at the Higher Cemetery in Bideford. “Two people who came up here this morning found flowers, pots and baskets had gone completely. People are getting quite upset,” said a local resident. A council spokesman said that no official complaints had been received from the public, but he had heard comments from staff members that this was taking place.

Buckland Brewer barn conversion for sale.

More than 400 children and adults enjoyed a day out at the Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly.

The village of Dolton is making a special effort this year to gain honours in the Community Council of Devon’s Best Kept Village competition. An appeal is going out to all its residents to do their bit to show off the village at its best. Spokesman John Cotter said “In the past Dolton has come fairly well up in the final placings but, so far, the win has eluded us. That is until, hopefully, this year.” The object of the competition was to encourage a real sense of community and to improve the general appearance of villages. Judges were looking for villages which did the best with what they had.

When staff at Children’s Hospice South West in Fremington were offered lesson in the ancient art of Tai Chi, they jumped at the chance. Nurses and others at the hospice are taking a short course at the Matt Fiddes Black Belt Academy with Matt and Andy Coles as instructors.

For sale in Fremington

Headlines in Fremington is now able to offer another late night opening, and with two new stylists added to the team, appointments will be available with additions Sharon Underwood and Kay Jackson to the team.

Barn conversion in Hartland for sale.

Northam Burrows County Park changes hands

Burrough Farm, Northam, property for sale.

Northam Sub-Postmaster David Harman told how he was forced to hand over cash to an armed robber in a daylight raid. The hooded intruder rushed into the Post Office and tried to smash through the counter screen with a weight. He brandished a large kitchen knife and demanded money, threatening that someone would get hurt. The robber is believed to have run from North Street into Honey Street and then on to Borough Road and Lenards Road.

Proposed Millennium Hall for Northam?

Northam’s May Queen will have her big day in June this year. The annual May Fair organised by Northam Revellers has this year been incorporated into a special Millennium Fair with other local organisations. May Queen Amy Williams will be crowned in the town square, and will share the limelight with her young Princess Laurie Chandler and escort Tim Vinall.

On the outskirts of Shebbear, a Grade II listed traditional Devon longhouse for sale. The property is owned by the Trustees of the Methodist Secondary Schools Trust of which Shebbear college forms part and was sub-divided in the early 1970s to provide staff accommodation.

Stepping back in time at fair of heritage centre. Torrington is the place to be if you want to know what happened at a sheep castration supper! The Torrington 1646 Heritage Centre is offering a chance to step back in time to this and other events as part of a 17th century fair.

Former pupils of Torrington Secondary Modern School will gather in the town’s Torridge Vale Social Club for a reunion. Everyone who started at the school in the September of 1971 is invited to enjoy a disco and buffet. About 85 are already attending. Organiser Shirley Baker (nee Scoynes) can supply tickets.

Young Toni Alexander epitomised the colour of Torrington’s annual May Fair carnival parade with her prize winning entry. Starting out as a drab green Very Hungry Caterpillar she took judges by surprise when she spread her wings to become this beautiful butterfly – and carried off two of the top prizes in the walking section.

Unseasonal cold winds blew at Torrington May Fair but nothing could diminish the warmth of the welcome to the large crowds who turned out for the annual crowning of the May Queen. Centre of attention was Joanna Down who was crowned by Roxanne Adams. They were joined by boy heralds Matthew Stark and Sam Hardwicke and young attendants Rebecca Disney, Melissa Always, Holly Hampton, Sophie Eggleton, Nicole Bellamy, Rebekah Jefferies, Rosie Warrington and Emma Martin.

Barn conversion for sale at Weare Gifford.

Property for sale in Westward Ho!

Thrills galore are guaranteed at this year’s three-day Potwalloping Festival being held in Westward Ho! A full programme of events has been drawn up for all three days. But the big draw will be the first appearance in the region of SCAD Diving. This pastime involves freefalling 150 feet through the air from a platform suspended by a crane over a specially constructed net which ensures a soft landing.

Woolsery cottage-style property for sale.