100 Years Ago

Christmas Eve at the Front

An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

July 1968

‘Pink’ rain in North Devon.

There was no likelihood of adverse effects of sonic booms being felt in the region of Lundy, Devon, from Concorde.

The newly completed maternity unit of the North Devon Hospital, Roborough Road, Barnstaple, was officially opened by the chairman of the South West Regional Hospital Board, Mr W J English. Built by Y J Lovell (Western) Ltd, the £415,000 project was designed by the Regional Architect to the Hospital Board, Mr H J Woods. In all, 48 beds are provided.

July 16th 1968 is going to be a memorable day for the Jones family of Appledore. Mr Norman Jones, only son of Warrant officer H R Jones RAF and Mrs Jones, of Hillview, Myrtle Street, Appledore, has obtained his Master of Laws degree. He had also passed his Bar finals. Mr Norman Jones was a pupil at Bideford Grammar School and subsequently at the North Devon Technical College, where he obtained four GCE A-level passes. He is now a pupil in Chambers in Leeds.

Every two years since 1964, Mrs Veronica Shaddick, an Appledore housewife, has been chosen as the local Regatta Queen. As Miss Veronica Squires she first won the title in 1964. Mrs Shaddick lives at 42 Bude Street. Two other Appledore girls – 13 year old Wendy Bennett of New Street, and Mary Fowler of South Road, were chosen as attendants.

The question of a branch surgery at Appledore was in the hands of the doctors – and there did not seem much hope, Mr Arthur Saunders, chairman of the Housing and Public Health Committee, told the Northam Urban Council. A branch surgery would, according to the doctors, present all sorts of difficulties, he added. This was something that had been imposed from above, but in one way they were fortunate to have a wonderful new health centre in Northam. It would provide very good facilities and there would be three surgeries daily except on Saturdays, when there would be one. There were three doctors, pointed out Mr Gerald Hutchings. Surely one could attend at an Appledore surgery. He knew many elderly people there and it was not just a question of them getting a bus to Northam and back. They should be considered even if only three or four surgeries a week could be held at Appledore.

Bideford magical dealers, Mr Edwin Hooper and Mr Ian Adair of the Supreme Magic Company had a successful trip to the United States and return to start work with Harry Corbett and Sooty, as well as Tommy Cooper.

Twenty year old Sandra Moyse, of 8 Lower Meddon Street, has become the first Bideford girl to gain her judo black belt and she has done so in what is believed to record time! Sandra, daughter of Mr and Mrs A J Moyse, is employed at Lloyd’s Bank, Bideford. She joined the North Devon Judo Academy in Torridge Hill in August 1966 and last Sunday obtained her black belt (1st Dan) status. In charge of the grading was Masutaro Otani (black belt, 7th Dan), national coach to the British Judo Council. Mr Mervyn Francis, chief coach at the Academy, commented “Sandra is the first person I have ever known to have got her black in such short time. She owes it to her personal hard work, rather than to the club.” Sandra is the second girl member of the North Devon Judo Academy to gain her black belt, the other being Marie Beal, of Torrington.

Household furniture from no. 46 Elm Grove, Bideford, is for sale.

‘Fifty gallons, please’ says Mr Brian Benntt, of Torrington, in the driving seat of the latest product of Nicholls Engineering and Development Ltd, Meddon Street, Bideford. The picture was taken as the £6,000 car, formerly the Lotus in which the late Jim Clarke won the American Grand Prix, set out for Silverstone where it reached 160mph down the back straight and equalled the lap record. At Bideford Mr Ken Nicholls and his team have made a complete new end to permit the car to take the 4.7 Ford engine. It has now been delivered to its London owner and although it will be based in this country it will race a good deal in the United States and, win or lose, bring home the dollars. It is seen as such a crowd puller that the owner will be paid merely for showing up at a meeting, with still more for starting. As a winner it would gain considerable sums. It will be flown backwards and forwards and race in this country under Formula Libre. There were just three of these cars. The first one adapted in Bideford went to a Formula Libre champion friend of Jim Clarke and is being raced in the North. The third, the ‘Indianapolis’ car is now getting full treatment at the Meddon Street factory. In fact this one was never fully assembled, but was ‘taken along as spares.’ It presents a much bigger challenge than the others in that the firm have completely to rebuild the rear end to take the new engine and the front end to take a symmetrical suspension. “Everything is now opposite for the banking and left-hand bends at Indianapolis” Mr Nicholls explains. A pure product of the factory, the Formula Ford, of which everything but the engine, gearbox and radiator is made in the Westcountry, is also helping to put Bideford on the map in the motor racing world. This model, owned by Mr Nicholls and raced by his brother-in-law, has already beaten a works Lotus, but engine modifications are still being made. In October Mr Nicholls is undertaking a sales drive in the United States, where the car is attracting a good deal of attention, and such is his faith in it that the firm are building half a dozen ‘on spec.’ This may mean more than doubling the labour force.

Welcome, little donkey. An almost all-white baby donkey is among the latest additions to Bideford Zoo and likely to prove a particular favourite with visitors. ‘Kandy Floss’ is the name given to this new arrival. Mother is ‘Sally’ and father ‘Piggy’ which is said to convey some indication of his temperament! Holding ‘Sally’ is Richard Cowland, of Appledore, while Mrs Katherine Tottenham, founder of the zoo, keeps a watchful eye behind ‘Kandy Floss’ who was running free.

Mr and Mrs E C Redshaw, Restormel, Roystone Road, Bideford, celebrate their golden wedding day. They have two daughters – Mrs S Winnard, of First Raleigh, and Mrs W Conway, of Malvern. A Vartanian and G Beaumont were not available for the photograph.

In the photograph are six of the finest young riflemen – R Webb, C Cross, D Stone, N Leakey, D Benallick, D Haslam - in the country. To prove it they display a table covered with trophies. They are the Army Cadet Force shotting team from Grenville College, Bideford, trained by Sergeant Gerry Beer.

Presentations in appreciation of his services as a headmaster in Bideford for over 20 years have been made to Mr H V Lucas, who retired from Westcroft Junior School. Previously he was headmaster of East-the-Water Junior School. At a reception at the New Inn Hotel, attended by past and present members of the staffs Mr Lucas was presented with a tape recorder. A bouquet was presented to Mrs Lucas. At the end of term assembly at Westcroft School, he was presented with a garden umbrella by the children on whose behalf it was handed to him by Andrew Paterson and Linda Bragger.

A Friesian heifer belonging to Mr Allan Bray, Bucks Barton, Bucks Cross, was rescured by a Whirlwind helicopter despatched from RAF Chivenor.

A boat trip from Clovelly proved a very successful venture for Mr Jim Bissett, of 26 Bowden Green, Bideford. Legering mackerel strip from the boat, only 200 yards offshore, Mr Bissett, a member of Bideford and District Angling Club, landed two fine bass, one of 10lb 15oz and the other 11lb 10oz. Both bass easily qualify for a specimen fish plaque from the Club, the weight required being 8lb or over.

Mr R J (Nick) Kelly, of London Lodge, Higher Clovelly, found a different car in his garage.

A Grand Fete will be held at Hartland Abbey and opened by Mr Peter Mills, MP.

Mr and Mrs David Heard, of Troy House, Fore Street, Hartland, suffer after ‘golf ball’ hailstones fall in a freak storm.

The first performance was given at St Nectan’s Church, Stoke, Hartland, of the cantata ‘St Nectan’, the words and music of which were composed by Mr G H Loraine-White, organist there. Taking part were the choir of St Nectan’s Church with a section of Shebbear College choir, Jaqueline Hopper, Kenneth Lewis, Derek Whittington, and Michael Richardson.

Mr Titus James Goaman, of 113 West Street, Hartland, his niece Mrs E A Taylor, her son Anthony and his wife Joan and two daughters, are emigrating to Australia. Mrs Taylor is the daughter of Mr Jack Walter, and the late Mrs Walter, of Church Cottage, Stoke.

Mr Henry Ransford, of Warriors Lodge, Lymbridge, retires as a postman for Hartland and Welcombe parishes and is presented with a brief case and writing set by Mr R D Cooper, head Postmaster of Bideford.

Work begins on Northam’s new school. The chairman of Northam Urban Council, Mr George Northcott, who is also a manager of Northam School, of which he was a pupil over 60 years ago, lays the foundations stone of the long-awaited new school for Northam and Westward Ho! Costing £16,000, the new school, to be called St Margaret’s, after the parish church, will be sited in Seaview Road and will accommodate 320 children.

Did you find it convenient to call at Chico’s Restaurant in Northam Square?

Nineteen year old Jim Long, of Northam, who did not get into the Devon championship team at the recent meeting at Burnham has been selected for the South-West team to play the Midlands at Harborne, Birmingham. Jim, whose family took over the King’s Head, Northam, two years ago, is a member of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and has been in outstanding form in recent weeks. His father said “He’s always had the ability but couldn’t get the putts to drop until recently.” He added that his son, a boy international, has entered the English amateur and youth championships.

Backway, Shebbear, has been sold in lots on behalf of the Rev H P Kingdon to Mr A I Bewes , Mr G D Andrew, and Messrs R Skinner and Son, of Aliacott.

At a ceremony at Torrington Town Council there was handed over to the town on behalf of British Rail the nameplate of the former steam locomotive ‘Torrington’. Mr George Willis, BR, marketing manager from Plymouth, who made the presentation to the Mayor, Cllr W S Hutchings, expressed hope that it would remind future generations of the halcyon days of British railways. Many people grieved at the passing of the steam locomotive. The Mayor invited Ald E A Holwill to voice acceptance of the nameplate. In doing so, Ald Holwill recalled how 18 years ago, when Mayor, he had performed the naming ceremony of the engine. He spoke of the pride that the engine had gone on to haul crack Southern Region expresses, including Atlantic Coast Express, which name, he said, was first suggested by the late Guard Rowlands, of Torrington. Probably the plate would be mounted on a wall in an ante-room of the Town Hall.

A Torrington produced ‘Dartington’ glass is on display in the Portmeirion Potteries. Mr Frank Thrower has been at the factory in Torrington working on new ideas.

Firemen from Bideford and Torrington called to the farm of Mr and Mrs W H Chamings, Little Weare, Weare Giffard, shortly after 3am found about 80 tons of hay in a dutch barn well alight. They were unable to leave until 15 hours later, and almost all of the hay, representing much of this season’s crop, was burned or badly damaged. There was also damage to the barn, which, fortunately, is isolated in the farmyard. Two appliances had to pump water 1,500 feet, but the firemen received substantial help from Mr and Mrs Chamings’ employees who moved a good deal of the hay with mechanical aids.

The North Devon Show will be held at West Living Farm, Westleigh.

Michael Reade, 20 year old son of Mrs and the late Mr Eric Reade, of Honeysuckle Cottage, Westleigh, left by sea for a new life in Australia. He is to live in Perth, with his uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs George Massey, who emigrated about seven years ago. Recently Michael changed his job and worked at Bideford paint mines at East-the-Water to gain some mining experience as he plans to work in an opal mine.

Hot performance on a hot day. A glorious 86, including 11 fours, by Mike Quick sealed victory for Bideford against Westleigh. The day was the hottest of the year in North Devon and it saw one of the Bideford club’s hottest performances of the season. They rushed to 158 for 5 before declaring and then dismissed Westleigh for 84, to win by 74. Mike Sparrey took 4 for 23, Duncan Short 3 for 15, and John Quick 2 for 15. Dart was top scorer for Westleigh with 28 before being caught and bowled by Sparrey.

Capt Ewen Tailyour, who is engaged to Miss Patricia Ker, only daughter of Maj J G S Ker, of the White Lodge, Westleigh, has been awarded the Medal of Gallantry of his Highness the Sultan of Oman.

Terry Cockell’s dance routine steals the show at the Westward Ho! Community Association’s summer show. Those taking part: Phyl Stevens, Doris Thisby, Muriel Eagle, Dorothy White, Judy Sherbourne, Marion Owen, Jacky Turner, Gill Ward, Rachael Pope, Caroline and Hilary Newell, Janet and Julia Daniel, Karen Cummings, Lynn and Julie Taylor, Leslie Flaxman, Margaret Laing, Julie Stewart, Teresa and Lynda Wills, Sharon Braddick, Salli’anne Wilson, Bill Thisby, Ray Wilson, Grenville Thisby, Roger Beal, David Eveleigh, Oliver Bettison; Doris Watts being the pianist.

A working model of the famous engine The Flying Scotsman has been built by a Bideford businessman, Mr Leslie Braddick, of Vicosa, Westward Ho! and a friend, Mr Fred Rowe. At the touch of a switch compressed air revolves the wheels on a cut-out section of rail. Mr Braddick and Mr Rowe put in 300 hours’ work, spread over two years, working on the construction of the engine from blueprints which helped to ensure the model’s accuracy in every detail. “I feel now as though I could drive a railway engine if I had to,” commented Mr Braddick. Mr Braddick uses a well-equipped workshop at his home for his work. Future model making activities may include the new Cunard liner and also the Nonsuch, the vessel which had associations with the formation of the Hudson Bay Company and a lifesize replica of which is now under construction at an Appledore boatyard.

‘Great work by the firemen!’ was the heartfelt comment by the owner of Higher Venn Farm, Woolsery, Mr Brian Crocker, after they managed to prevent an outbreak from damaging much of the actual farmhouse, which adjoined the barn and equipment store which was gutted. Just as the flames were beginning to get hold of the near bedroom’s roof the first fire appliance arrived, and soon the outbreak was under control. Firemen from Hartland, Bideford and Holsworthy were at the scene, plus a tender from Barnstaple. In the photograph Mr Brian Crocker supports his wife Bethe.

Years Ago - July

July 1922

September weather in July provides a bountiful supply of mushrooms.

Acacia Cottage, Fairy Cross, Alwington, is being sold by Mr Edward Bailey.

Buy a Chevrolet Touring Car for £250 from Elliott & Sons, or an all British Deemster car for 300 guineas from Walter J Pitt, or you can hire a Vulcan car from D J Madge, 9 Elmsleigh Terrace, Clovelly Road, Bideford.

More about the Deemster car can be found HERE

Or you can catch the Guy Bus from Bideford to Exeter, which is run by W J Pitt.

At a Bideford Rural District Council meeting, Woolsery petitions to have ‘an absolute death-trap’ repaired; the work at Tithecott Bridge, Buckland Brewer is delayed because the quotes are too high; the matter of an Alwington quarry is adjourned; Melbury Reservoir will be excavated to increase its capacity; and 15 houses have been erected in the district.

By Order of W B Seldon, Town Clerk, inhabitants of the Borough of Bideford are advised that the Town water supply is being turned off.

Messrs R Blackmore and Sons conducted a largely attended auction at Tanton’s Hotel for the sale of about 18 acres of accommodation and building land, a part of the Molesworth estate. Unusual local interest was evinced as Lots 1, 2 and 3 comprised about 5 acres the remaining portion of the Pill Marsh on the Bideford side of the Westward Ho! Railway track, where the Bideford Bowling Club have laid out a splendid green. It has frequently been urged that this stie ought to be acquired as a sports ground for the town. There was brisk bidding for the ground when offered in one lot, and a fear that the opportunity of its being secured as a sports field lost. The bidding started at £1,000 and the property was eventually knocked down at £1,470 to Mr A W Lister who we understand was prompted with provisional support, to secure the site for Bideford. It is therefore now open to the sports clubs of the town to formulate a sound scheme and there ought to be no difficulty in the necessary support forthcoming. Lot 4 of pasture land adjoining ‘Hubbastone’ was secured by Mr Dennis at £770. An enclosure of land was secured by Mr Adkin and a portion of the Foreshore and land at the bottom of Limer’s Lane was also secured by him.

Properties for sale in Bideford – No. 66 High Street; No. 4 Dorchester Terrace, Park Lane; and No. 13 Sunnyside.

The Secretary of the Bideford Gas & Coke Co. W D Joce, advises that the price of gas has been reduced.

The christening and launch of the ‘Isabel’ was a successful event from every point of view. The BAAC Club Committee and the crew are very satisfied with the boat and wish to offer their grateful thanks to all who gave donations (large or small) to enable the boat to be purchased. They wish also to acknowledge the services of the band (under Mr A Dunn), Mr B Edwards, Mr J Elliott, Mr W B Pickard and all who rendered assistance in connection with the launch. Rowing practice is now in full swing and with the Appledore Regatta throwing open their races to W.E.A.R.A clubs the racing this year is likely to prove exceptionally keen. The good feeling existing between the rival clubs was splendidly shown last Monday and the sight of the eleven boats rowing to the Bridge was one to be remembered.

The re-opening ceremony of Edgehill College, Bideford, took place and a striking sermon – The Altar and the Temple - was preached by Rev J Moore. This saw the realisation of the first portion of the rebuilding scheme – the main educational block - after the disastrous fire which gutted the College two years ago. The second part – the erection of a spacious assembly hall, main entrance hall, domestic science room, etc. at the old Villa End – will not be undertaken until financial position justifies. More about the history of Edgehill College can be found HERE

Bideford quayside was the scene of considerable excitement, and became the broadcasting station for a series of mysterious and sensational rumours, which soon spread over the whole town and brought crowds of inquisitive visitors to the river bank. On Thursday evening, a disarmed ML boat, or submarine chaser, sold of the service, came up the river and moored at the Quay. She was observed to have a double crew, and some on board were evidently not sailors. Only three slept on board, the remainder putting up at a hotel. All was quiet when PC Bulgin passed along the Quay at 5.30am but half an hour later, and a shout for ladders, and deckhand McCarthy ran to the nearest fire alarm and called the fire brigade, which was quickly on the scene, under Capt Morris. Harbour-master Prance, who lives almost opposite, was also one of the first on the scene. A big volume of flame was then issuing from the after hatchway. The brigade quickly got two hosepipes playing on this, and succeeded in confining the fire to the wardroom which was completely burned out.

William Hocking of Buckland Brewer brings an action against Reginald Frank Hoyle of Instow.

It is reported at the Northam Urban District Council meeting that there were 9 births and 1 death recorded the previous month, and that the population is increasing.

Northam Manor Court is held.

The Northam, Westward Ho! and District Horticultural Show takes place at Clevelands on July 19th.

A cottage residence at Lower Holwell, Hoops, Parkham, is for sale. Late in the occupation of Mrs Sarah Dunkerton.

For sale – Bulland, in the Parish of Parkham, a good cottage and holding of 45 acres.

Albert John Prance of West Putford sues Richard Arnold of Alscott Farm, Shebbear.

Mr Clark, mail cart driver and postman, travels 97,000 miles in North Devon.

Torrington-Halwill Railway – the first sod is cut at Hatherleigh. Later in the month it was reported that good progress is being made with the foundations for the new viaduct of the Marland Company’s line.

A country residence known as Ingleside is for sale at Weare Giffard.

Buy an all British Cubitt car from Way’s Garage in Westward Ho! More on the Cubitt car can be found HERE

July 1972

June broke weather records!

Local property prices – Seaspray, 13 New Street, Appledore; No. 2 Northam Road, Bideford; Enfield, Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!; and No. 10 St Mary’s Close, Taddiport.

S E Seward is keen to ensure that Captain Paul Davis should be credited with preserving the Kathleen and May.

Fund-raising foot-a-fete for skittlers with plaques presented by Graham Bond. Winners of the baby show were Justine Potter, Brian Vickery, Dean Kelly, Darren Hookway, Susan Prance, and Nicola Andrews.

Doctors Clive Richards and Hilary Candler were married at Bideford Parish Church. Both qualified at Bristol University, and both are to work at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. The bridegroom, elder son of Mr and Mrs E G Richards, of Meru, Exton, and Malawi, is an Old Boy of Blundells, and the bride, only daughter of Dr and Mrs T Candler, of 28 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, an Old Edgehillian. The Rector, Preb T Derwent Davies, officiated; Miss Sian Richards, bridegroom’s sister was bridesmaid; and Dr Pat Magill, of Exeter, was best man. A reception was held at the bride’s home.

Ubiquitus writes – With news of notable examination successes and a wedding in the family there has naturally been good cause for rejoicing in the Bridgeland Street home of Dr Thomas and Dr Stella Candler. Their elder son, Christopher James (Kim) has obtained a double first in engineering at Cambridge, where he has been at Selwyn College for the past three years. He capped this success by being awarded the University’s ‘Baker’ prize for civil engineering, in which profession he intends to make his career. From Edgehill College Junior School he went on to Norwood School, Exeter, and then Sherborne School. Now 21, he is shortly to do a tour of duty with Voluntary Service Overseas, in the Caribbean. His sister Hilary, who has just become the bride of a doctor, has graduated at Bristol University Medical School with honours. She went to University from Edgehill College.

Members of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club’s football section were bearers at the funeral of Mrs Dorothy Fisher Nichols, wife of Mr Stanley Nichols, of 25 Elm Grove, Bideford. Mrs Nichols, who was 69, was a staunch worker for and committee member of Bideford AAC. The Rev Martin Fredriksen officiated and Mr Dalby was the organist.

The funeral has taken place at All Saints Church, Clovelly, of Mr Harry Headon, of 27 North Hill, Clovelly, who died at the age of 66. The Rector, Rev R O H Eppingstone, officiated and Miss Moore was the organist.

Mr Wallace Day, of Lower Yelland Farm, Fremington, has failed in his attempt to unseat the member on the Milk Marketing Board for the Far West region, Mr Dick Pomeroy, of Great Dinworthy, Bradworthy. The result of the election for the one seat allocated to Devon and Cornwall on the Board was: R G Pomeroy, 15,762 votes; W B Day, 9,751.

Bideford businessman Graham Braddick, to use his own words has been ‘shooting dreadful’ this season. But at the weekend he regained the touch which won him his second England cap last year and carried off the English down-the-line clay pigeon championship at Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham. Among the marksmen behind him in the ratings was Staffordshire’s Brian Bailey, who is in Britain’s Olympic team. Mr Braddick lives at Greenover, Limers Lane, Northam.

Objections have been raised to Northam Urban Council’s plan for private residential development at Burrough Farm. Lieut-Com M B C Sumner said he had discussed the matter with one objector and had told him the views that he would be pressing because this was a subject that had aroused much local interest and one that should be ventilated to the full. “This is one of the most critical sites in the district and the Council must be seen to be aiming at really high-class quality development” he declared.

Council houses are to be offered for sale to some tenants by Torrington Town Council who are to make available mortgages of up to 95%. The scheme will not apply to old people’s accommodation, maisonettes and, at least for the time being, to flats. Garages will not be included in the sale unless they are in the gardens of or are part of the houses. The Council has 395 houses including 19 under construction. Of tenants circularised 110 – more than 25% - replied that they were interested in buying. This number is now expected to increase. The Council adopted a unanimous recommendation of the Housing, Plans, Public Health and Improvement Grants Committee that as a general rule tenants should have the opportunity to buy the house in which they had made their home at full market value, assuming vacant possession, but subject to certain deductions.

Two teachers who between them have contributed 65 years in teaching at Torrington County Primary School in Halsdon Road will be retiring at the end of the present term. They are Mr Thomas Biddick, 60, who has been the school’s headmaster since 1932, and Miss Ena Leate, who is head of the school’s infants department and who has been on the Torrington school staff for the whole of her 40 years in teaching. And before that she spent six years at the school as a pupil! She is in fact now teaching the grandchildren of her early pupils.

Entrants in the fancy dress competition line up at the summer fair at Torrington County Primary School

A crane hauls out of the river the car which went over Bideford Quay edge into about eight feet of water. The driver, Mrs Gray, of Venton Drive, Westward Ho! escaped with shock, cuts and bruises. The photograph was taken by a visitor, Mr P Francis of Banwell.

The funeral of Mrs Ellen J Jewell, wife of Mr S H Jewell, of 8 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! has taken place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. The Rev D Pine officiated at the service.

July 1997

Torridge District Council is scaling new heights in its battle to recycle rubbish. Almost 20% of all household waste is now being recovered. The war on waste is being fought on three fronts: through so-called ‘bring’ schemes using recycling pavilions; kerbside collections; and civic amenity sites. The total amount collected for recycling last year amounted to more than 4,600 tonnes. “We are well ahead of the national figure of 5.4%” said Tony Hosegood, the council’s cleansing and recycling officer. “Our policy of building on earlier successes with ‘bring’ schemes such as the pavilions has been totally vindicated, as has our decision to use South Molton Recycle to carry out the work on our behalf. We introduced kerbside collections which now covers more than 12,000 properties.” Mr Hosegood said a further 1,000 properties at Bideford East has been added to the multi-material kerbside rounds.

New events will draw crowds to the Appledore/Instow regatta.

Since the launch of a mammoth fund raising task a year ago the village of Appledore has achieved more than half the £250,000 needed for repairs to its parish church. “We circulated every house in the parish and wrote to many charities, industries, retailers and organisations. The result has been marvellous and over £130,000 has so far been raised” said restoration fund chairman Mike Wilcox. This had enabled them to re-roof the two side aisles, re-point most of the outside of the church and start work on repairing and reforming the stained glass windows and surrounds. “At least the church should now be wind and water proof for the winter” said Mr Wilcox. But much work still remains and a second phase appeal will be launched this autumn to raise the outstanding amount needed.

Appledore Carnival Queen Jemma Hopkins poses with her two small attendants both named Katie – Katie Morse and Katie Ford. Jemma was chosen for her Royal role from more than 30 contestants and will be crowned at the carnival on August 16.

Her home town was where North Devon Cancer Care Trust founder Jennifer Bonetta went to receive a cheque for £500 toward the chemotherapy unit at the district hospital. The Beaver Inn at Appledore where the presentation took place is a stone’s throw from the house in Irsha Street where Jennifer was born. The idea to help the trust came from Mrs Chris Rendall whose husband died from cancer. With her daughter Karen and the backing of the pub landlord, Graham Stone, a euchre tournament and raffle were held. Joining in the cheque presentation are Nathie Sharrock, Alan Craner, Graham Stone, John Smale, Jennifer Bonetta, Chris Rendall and Karen Rendall.

Students from Grenville College in Bideford carried off top honours at the finals of the Devon Young Technologist competition, organised by the Rotary Clubs. Matthew Sherry from Buckland Brewer and Rebecca Dixon from Langtree made music in more ways than one. Matthew took the overall award with an electric guitar which he made for his design and technology GCSE examination. Rebecca has had several offers for the music stand which brough her the runners-up award. But she intends to use it herself while playing clarinet in the school orchestra. Grenville College was presented with a shield as the winning school, while Matthew received £300 and Rebecca £75.

Big vote for camera plan.

Ladies in waiting – to take the starring roles in this year’s Bideford Carnival. Chosen at the weekend were carnival queen Gemma Lamey, attendants Victoria Grills and Tammy-Marie Griffin, fairy Queen Leanne Newton and flower girl Katie Dunn.

Did you hire ‘inflatable equipment for children & adults’ from Leisure Hire?

Bideford toy shop owners Ron and Barbara Martin went out for a drive on Sunday unaware that their National Lottery ticket had made them millionaires. They had not watched the draw on television and they could not find the numbers in the their Sunday paper. It was not until Monday when Barbara was visiting a friend that she checked the draw on Teletext. “I could hear by heart beating as I checked the list. I must have checked in half a dozen times. It was like being in a trance.” Their lucky numbers, Barbara revealed, had been given to her by a local tarot card reader! The Martins received their £2.7 million cheque at a reception at the Commodore Hotel, Instow.

Appledore celebrates its new anti-flood scheme and Bideford takes a decisive step towards quayside defences.

Fremington-in-Flower has sprouted two impressive and artistic new features as the village expands its efforts in the Britain-in-Bloom competition. Fremington is a relative newcomer to the competition having entered for the first time last year.

A truly ‘special’ occasion at a Westward Ho! restaurant marked the retirement of Torridgeside’s most senior volunteer policeman, Senior Section Officer Christopher Dawson of Northam. Forty of his Special colleagues and former Specials gathered to wish him well. Mr Dawson has been a Special for more than 24 years. He was presented with a Newport pottery plate and Dartington Crystal iceberg, and his wife with a bouquet.

Farming at its peak and family fun at its best will combine to draw visitors to the region’s biggest one-day event – the North Devon Show at Landkey. One and a half miles of trade stands – 280 of them – will line wide avenues, crafts will fill a big marquee, and there will be everything from horses, Red Devon and Belgian Blues cattle, and tractors to a theatre and Thomas the Tank engine.

Volvo’s commitment to a cleaner motoring environment will be strengthened this year as the company’s pioneering gas-powered S70/V70 goes on sale priced from £20,925; the cleanest production car available in the UK today. The Bi-Fuel S70/V70 can be run on compressed natural gas or petrol.

News from June 1972

June 1972

When two small boys crawled into a drainage pipe on a Bideford building site the second became stuck. There eight-year-old Peter Stell stuck until he was released by a policeman who had been alerted by his friend, seven-year-old Stuart Taylor, of Abbots Drive, Bideford. Peter, son of Mr and Mrs Stell, of 9 Goaman Road, told his rescuer that he became stuck because his legs were crossed.

Winners of the North Devon schoolgirls’ team swimming race were Briony Edmonds, Karen Willett, Karen Lock and Lorna Ball, of Stella Maris School.

A young spectator at Bideford Fire Service spectacular had an extra thrill experiencing what it was like to be at the wheel of a 1932 fire engine. During its service career the engine was stationed at Exeter, and later at the Exe Vale Hospital. It is now owned and maintained as a hobby by Mr Arthur Pridham, a Bideford businessman and former member of the AFS, whose vehicles are part of the West of England Transport Collection.

Surrounded by a collection of traditional corn dollies is Mrs Grace West, of 23 Milton Place, Bideford. She learned the age-old art just two years ago when she was given a lesson by a Beaford man. She has some 20 different ‘dollies’ each representative of different parts of the country. The meanings behind some of the them go back to the Bible, she explains. The corn comes from Abbotsham and she supplements this with reed given to her by a thatcher friend.

The weight of Bideford Road Safety Committee has been thrown behind the mothers of children at Westcroft Junior and Pynes Infants’ Schools who are campaigning after a child was knocked down by a car in Coronation Road. The mothers say they appreciate that in residents’ interests cars cannot be banned from the road, but parents must be prevented from driving through the school gates and other safety measures must be provided. Their petition has over 600 signatures. The ‘blockade’ of Coronation Road by the angry mums was called off when Devon County Council took a hand in the dispute. Workmen erected notices on the pillars of the gateway to the Schools which say in red letters: “Devon County Council – No unauthorised parking, no turning beyond this point, by order.” But a few parents have continued to keep a watchful eye on the position to make sure the instruction is obeyed.

‘Attractive and permanent employment’ is available at Toyworks.

Tintern, 89 Clovelly Road, and Byland, West View Avenue, Bideford are for sale

Power supplies to premises in the immediate area were interrupted when a lorry collided with an electricity pole in Meddon Street. The street carries the A39 trunk road through the town and there was chaos as traffic had to be diverted to allow workmen to erect a new pole to permit the supply to be restored. The nearby Torridge Hospital’s supply was affected but SWEB quickly sent in a generator to reinforce the hospital’s own emergency supply. But the supply to houses in Richmond Terrace, was cut off for some hours. Pole-note: The Electricity Board plan to replace all the poles in Meddon Street and have already laid a new cable, but more work is necessary before the service can be connected.

Lucky to be alive Elsa has arrived at Bideford Zoo – to convalesce. An eight-year-old Indian elephant, weighing nearly two tons, she developed a rheumatic condition in her front legs during her stay in a European zoo. The complaint was considered incurable and it was decided she must be put down. But Mr Jimmy le Blond, of London, a well-known supplier of animals to zoos, decided that something might be done for her. Elsa eventually responded to intensive treatment and round-the-clock care, and she has been sent to Bideford to recuperate. She will be treated by a local vet. Still stiff in the front legs, she was encouraged to leave the horse box, after a trip made longer by weekend traffic, by her keeper, David Flowers, who had travelled with her. She has become strongly attached to Mr Flowers, who was at one time head keeper at Chessington Zoo, Surrey. He will be staying with her to try to ensure a complete recover.

Planned originally to last only 10 years, for nearly 30 years Bideford’s well known pre-fabricated bungalows on the Council’s Grenville Estate off the Clovelly Road, have provided homes for local families. Now, in their place, two three storey blocks of flats and a number of traditional type houses have been planned in a scheme which will cost nearly £300,000. The block pictured containing 12 flats is part of the first phase. In the second phase a similar three storey block is planned on the opposite side of the road together with 12 houses, and another 30 dwellings will go up before the scheme’s scheduled completion about the middle of next year.

Miss Mary Lloyd, who lives with her parents at Iffield, North Road, has won a place at the Royal School of Needlework.

A social gathering was held in Alwington Village Hall following the institution and induction of the Rev Trevor Nicholls to the united benefices of Alwington and Parkham. The new rector and his wife are seen next to the Bishop of Crediton, Right Rev Wilfred Westall.

Mr Alan Hinks, principal of Messrs J Hinks and Son, Appledore, told the Gazette he was concerned at first about charging local people and tourists to view progress on the building of a replica of Drake’s Golden Hinde.

Because of pressure of other work little had been done in connection with a proposed new sewerage scheme for Clovelly, it was reported to Bideford Rural Council by the Public Health and Housing Committee. And it was most unlikely that with the present staff, concrete proposals for the scheme could be prepared during the lifetime of the Council. During the discussion on the matter, revealed the committee’s report, it had been pointed out that the Clovelly Estate Company had ‘shown no readiness to accept any commitment to bear a proportion of the cost of relaying the sewer through the High Street.’ In view of this delay and bearing in mind the length of time now available to the Council, it was recommended and subsequently agreed that the Estate Company should be informed that the Council felt unable to proceed with the scheme.

Frithelstock celebration. Scholars taking part were Anthony, David and Marilyn Down, Arthur Marshall, Richard Lawrence, Paul, Julia and John Hearn, Rita Daniel, Valerie Colwill, Martyn, Michael and Mervyn Davey, Diane and Brian Hill.

A coffee evening was held at Cloister Hall, Frithelstock, by permission of Mr and Mrs C R Ham and over £20 was raised for Church funds. Prize winners were Mrs Austin, Mr F Clarke and Mrs B Poole.

Mr Henry Mitchell, sub-postmaster of Hartland, has resigned and will be succeeded by Mr Alan G Wood.

Instow School pool’s claim to fame – believed to be the first metric scale school pool in the West country.

Local apiarists met at Littleham to see a demonstration , have cider and cheese, and take part in a quiz.

No 34 Fairlea Crescent, Northam, increases in value by 143%

The sum of £200 was raised at the summer fair organised by the Parents-Teachers Association of St Margaret’s School, Northam. It was opened by the Rev Maurice and Mrs Hart. Good organisation and hard work had ensured entertainment for everyone. In addition to well stocked stalls that attracted hordes of buyers there were many side shows and pony rides were no less popular. The holiday mood was matched by a lively performance by the Orchard Theate, and there was a fencing display by the Junior Leaders of Exeter. Appledore Silver Band contributed to the enjoyment. The children danced around the maypole and competed in House swimming races and slow bicycle races. A fancy dress competition which brought forth an array of wonderfully contrived costumes was judged by Mr and Mrs Holbrook. Winners were Tanya and David Harris, Matthew Littlejohns, Helen and Peter Lloyd, Mark and Luciana Hardy, Joseph Morrish, Richard Hall, Peter and Christopher Urquhart, Natalie Hardy and Malcolm Portlock.

Did you use the swimming pool at Lenwood Country Club?

About one in four council tenants in Torrington have indicated that they would be interested in buying their houses.

Mr P Hickman is told he must live within seven miles of the Council offices.

Did you shop at Xanadu in South Street, Torrington?

Weare Giffard Hall is open to non residents, and holds private functions and wedding receptions.

Woolsery sells its old Parish Room, and Mr Peter Andrew is elected to serve as chairman of the Parish Council when Mr Griffiths retires.

A helpful credit balance of over £300 was reported by the treasurer, Mr P Andrew, at the annual meeting of Woolsery Village Hall Committee. The chairman, Mr Jim Andrew, thanked all who had put so much effort in the running of the hall during the year, and extended special thanks to the secretary, Mr J Vanstone, the treasurer and his wife, and all committee members. In turn Mr C J Andrew voiced their appreciation of the chairman’s hard and loyal work. Three retirements from the committee were received – Mr T Braund; Mrs Janice Dunn; and Mr C B Griffiths. Appointed to the committee were: Messrs Jim Andrew, C J Andrew, J Vanstone, P Andrew, J J Jenn and Mrs G Lott; co-opted members, Mesdames L Souch, M Paddon and A Hill; representing the Parochial Church Council, Rev L Buttle; representing the Men’s Skittle Club, Mr R Chapple; representing the Ladies’ Skittle Club, Mrs O Souch; representing the Methodist Chapels, Mr H Burrow; representing the Parish Council, Mr A Hill; representing the Women’s Institute, Mrs W Trudgeon.

The Cottage, The Village, in Woolsery is for sale by public auction.

Bideford secretary, Michael Pope, has extended an invitation to Manchester United to play Bideford or use the club’s facilities for training.

One of the links the late Duke of Windsor had with this district with his presidency of the Royal North Devon Golf Club in 1932 when he was Prince of Wales. A keen golfer, he visited the club during his presidential year and a trophy which he gave is now played for annually on a match-play basis. His Royal Highness was invited to visit the club when it celebrated its centenary in 1964 but he replied expressing his good wishes, but declined the invitation regretfully because he would be abroad at the time. Mr John Goodban, who is the club president this year, has written to the Duchess in Paris expressing the deep regret of the club committee and members at the news of the Duke’s death.