100 Years Ago

Years Ago in April

1922

It may technically be spring, but April in Parkham has come in very rough, with a mantle of snow covering the ground. The failure of last year’s root crop means that indoor food for cattle is not plentiful. Also owing to a heavy fall of snow, the football match between Torrington and South Molton at the former’s ground has been postponed. On a more positive note, in spite of the weather an outdoor gooseberry tree at Sheepwash already has a good crop of fair-sized berries.

Messrs Perkins and Son, seedsmen and florists of The Quay, Bideford, announce that in spite of the snow it is Spring Sowing Season. They have a two column advertisement for vegetable seeds and seed potatoes. Among the more usual varieties available they also offer melon seeds – does anyone remember melons being grown locally?

Stewart & Co have a spring show of drapery and millinery at the Cloak Room, The Garage, Clovelly.

With spring on its way, housewives are encouraged to clean and you can buy Puritan soap to help.

With Easter Sunday on 16 April 1922, parents are encouraged to buy treats for their kiddies from Tattersill's

Northam Urban District Council is pleased to announce that it is able to reduce the district rate by 1d from last year after a satisfactory financial year in 1921. This is in spite of doing as much as they could to alleviate the problem of unemployment.

Torrington has also been able to reduce its rate, but a meeting at Pillmouth, Landcross heard a heated discussion on the inequality of the rating system in the parish.

The Devon Congregational Union held its 41st Annual Assembly at Lavington Church in Bideford. For anyone with a Congregational heritage, this report – which covers one and a half pages and gives names of many delegates - is worth reading. It can be found in the paper for 4 April, pages 2 and 3.

The Bideford Wesleyan Rally, held in Bridge Street Assembly Hall over 2 days, raised over £400. This is the equivalent of more than £24,000 today. The full report is on page 2 of the paper for 11 April.

The Reverend Courtenay Burrough, Vicar of Woolsery, is selling a donkey; the animal is described as quiet and good in all work, and comes together with a harness and jingle. Does anyone know what a jingle was in this context? A type of cart? While we are on the subject of animals, at performances of “Dorothy” by the Bideford Amateur Operatic Society, hounds from the Stevenstone Hunt will appear in the second act.

Influenza is sadly still prevalent in Bradworthy, with many prominent parishioners confined to their beds.

Further to the report in March 1922, Albert Jeffery, 20 years old and a farm labourer, died after an accident at his place of work, Mr Allin’s farm at Stoke Barton, Hartland. Mr George Brown, the North Devon Coroner, presided over the inquest.

Two “Watch Guessing” competitions feature in April’s papers. One was held by the Bideford Bowling Club and the other by the Bideford Cricket Club. A watch is wound up, set to a certain time under supervision then sealed in a box. When the box is opened, the person who correctly guessed the time at which the watch stopped wins the prize.

The Little Shop on Wheels will be in Woolsery on 18 April, and at Hartland and district on 19, 20 and 21 April.

In shipping news, the Bideford ketch Nellie Mary, Captain Leslie being the master and owner, was under way loaded with limestone. She sent out distress signals at 11pm after grounding on the South Tail. The lifeboat towed her into Appledore Pool where she was safely anchored at 1.40am.

The new Appledore lifeboat which will replace the Jane Hannah McDonald should be in service next month. She will be powered by motor and sail, so will be easier to launch under all conditions. To accommodate the new boat the slip way and launch gear have been altered.

There is a report of the wedding in Northam church between Ruth Marples, daughter of Major and Mrs Marples of Quarry House, and Mr C H S Stephenson of Retford. The wedding took place on the Wednesday morning, and the reception was held the previous afternoon when the wedding presents were on display. The children from the local school were given a day’s holiday in honour of the event.

And to finish April 1922, you can buy 'odd knickers' from H F Elliott, 75 High Street, Bideford.

1972

Damage caused by Hell’s Angels for the second time in 9 months leaves its mark before they are escorted out of the area by police. One hundred Hell’s Angels from “Windsor MC Hell’s Angels” camped on Northam Burrows where they damaged greens, broke into the vehicle shed and took a tractor for a joy-ride. Eighty of them went to the Pebble Ridge Hotel where they threw pasties on the ceiling and beer on the floor, broke windows and every glass they could find. They snorted like pigs at 2 young policemen who were sent to the scene. The Malibu Restaurant, Westward Ho! and the Talbot Inn on the High Street in Bideford were also invaded and forced to close. Meanwhile, the police have announced plans to set up permanent task forces to deal with future incidents of this kind, and a police spokesman at Exeter headquarters told the Gazette: “We will be prepared for any emergencies next Bank Holiday.”

Cllr Jim Martin intends putting down a motion at the next meeting of Torrington Town Council censuring the Council for what he terms ‘undemocratic and unconstitutional action.’

Sixteen year old Jennifer Slade, a hairdresser of Cornmarket Street, sold the most tickets to become Torrington’s May Fair Carnival Queen. Unsuccessful contestants were Christine Weller of Dartington Field and Linda Jury, of 3 Moreland Terrace, though for their efforts they will each receive cheques for £5. Total receipts of £550 are believed to be a record.

Boys from Torrington who attend Bideford Grammar School will not automatically have May Fair day off and will require permission from the headmaster, Mr John Dare.

The dial-a-message Christian telephone ministry conducted by Mr Frank Holmes from his home at Pathfield, Torrington, has received its 10,000th call. In the 13½ months it has operated some have been made from as far away as London. Messages are given on two days a week by Rev Eric Cotton (Torrington Baptist Ministery) and Mr Eric Lemon of Barnstaple. On the other days Mr Holmes records the message.

The Elizabethan Club and Restaurant in Westward Ho! welcomes David Nixon.

A milestone of achievement in the history of the North Devon Yacht Club at Instow was reached when their new headquarters were officially opened by Mr Owen Aisher, President of the Royal Yacht Association. Also attending were Mr R. Day (Club Vice-Commodore), Mr Peter Phillips (Club Commodore), Mr P. Water and Mr G. Metcalf.

Did you attend Bideford Youth Centre’s dance?

Bideford police appealed for information to help solve the theft from the garage of Elliott and Sons Ltd on April 14th of a safe containing £100 cash. A car taken from the garage and used to remove the safe was later found in a local quarry with the safe forced and money missing. Police found clothing in the vehicle which did not belong either to the garage or the car owner and they would appreciate the public’s help in identifying it. The items were a nurse’s full-length cape, navy blue with red lining: a dark blue woollen blanked with a piece of gold coloured tape stitched in one corner with No. 4-N-37-17N42 stamped on it, St Michael brand; and a shortie riding mac with red shoulder lining, Moseley brand, with a George Boyle label on the inside.

A two million holiday complex is proposed for Westward Ho! on the seaward side of Golf Links Road by Sandymere Road. A bold and imaginative scheme which would bring a new image to the holiday resort is now before Northam Urban Council. Outline planning permission for the project includes a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish baths, a dolphinarium and multi-purpose theatre.

A Langtree farmer’s wife who told the Duke of Bedford in an interview that she likes to experiment with her cooking won a major cookery award in front of an audience of millions. Mrs Gwen Troake, of Thatton, Langtree, won the title ‘Cook of the Realm 1972’ and with it a cash prize of £1,000 plus another £1,000 in goods in a competition featured on BBC Nationwide. She beat 11 other regional finalists with a three-course menu of cheese layered pancakes, duckling with bramble sauce and pears with cream fluff.

Organised by St Margaret’s Fellowship and presented by ‘Room at the Top’, a fashion show was held at Northam Parish Hall. The models, including Mesdames Ferguson, Wooldridge, Andrews, Budd and Taggart, gracefully showed a range of budget priced clothes. Proceeds of a draw held during the evening, £10.60, went to the new Leisure Centre at Northam, whose committee chairman, Mr Bill Beadle, took the photograph.

1997

At Appledore, a third public monument to mark completion of the village’s flood defence scheme was unveiled by local ferryman Chris Ommaney.

Thomas and Flo Fisher of Stanhope Terrace, Bideford, were married 50 years ago and will attend the Queen’s special garden party in July and a commemorative service at Exeter Cathedral in June. They are among the lucky ‘one in ten’ couples celebrating their golden wedding anniversary to be invited to join Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip’s own golden occasion. More than 40,000 couples nationwide applied. “We are very honoured to think that out of all that number we have been chosen,” said Flo. “We are very much looking forward to it.”

With thanks to a £300 grant from Bideford Bridge Trust, the younger members of Bideford Canoe Club will take to the water in a child-sized Kayak canoe when the new season opens in May. Caroline Parkinson, Andrew and Christopher Eastman, Hannah Toon and Helen Hydes, are in the picture with Doug Vickers, Bideford Bridge Trust.

John Biggs, Bideford antiques dealer, is to be on the first series 0f BBC 2 “Antiques Show”. John’s nickname is ‘Mr Bubble Wrap’; acquired in the trade because of his prolific selling at antique fairs. He is a third generation dealer based in Bideford High Street under the J Collins and Son name.

Matthew Jackson, the UK Independence Party’s PPC for Torridge and West Devon is holding public meetings.

Sands and rocks along North Devon’s coast are being hit by a tarry, black oil which is killing seabirds and seals and affecting bathers, surfers and beach users. What began as a minor case of pollution in a few places two weeks ago is now affecting the whole length of the shoreline from Bull Point round to Hartland Quay. It has become so bad that North Devon District Council met in an emergency session to decide on a plan of action and how it could be financed. The high spring tides are washing the glutinous substance inshore. It sticks to everything it touches. And it is toxic. One workman helping with the clean-up had his heavy gloves destroyed by the substance. And the RSPCA is warning dog owners to take any animal to the vet if it gets the gluey mess on its coat and licks it. “Volunteer helpers have picked up more than 20 seabirds – guillemots, gannets and gulls – covered in the stuff” said Diane Lewis, of the RSPCA. “Only one has survived.” Other wildlife victims to date are two dead seals. Surfers’ wetsuits and surfboards are being ruined. People walking on beaches find it sticking tenaciously to their shoes. Children playing in the sand have had their hands and feet covered in it. The pollution is thought most likely to have come from a ship in the Bristol Channel.

Dave Thomas and Becci Tanner of Woolsery, Adrian Drew of Hatherleigh and Roy Hooper of Bideford with their cubs on completion of their camp certificates.

A property on Atlantic Way in Westward Ho! is for sale.

Chosen by fellow pupils of their school to take the central role of Torrington's May Queen is 11 year old Rebecca Harding of Taddiport. Her crowner will be Fran Plows, of Torrington. They will be accompanied by boy heralds Tim Judson and Oliver Brown, and eight young attendants, Hannah Sussex, Denica Shute, Lucy Lovell, Amanda Edwards, Rachel Collingham, Tina Bettiss, Christine Sutton and Roxanne Adams. More royalty will lead the way in the form of Carnival Queen Leanne Groom of Langtree and her attendants Carrie Hoile of Weare Giffard and Vicky Franks of Torrington.

Chris Esau, 33 years old, of Bideford, aiming to be a World Champion stock car racer like his Uncle Jim. Just starting his second year of competitive racing, Chris is still a learner but he has made good progress – progressing from novice through Grade C to a British Stockcar Association Grade B or Formula 2 place this season. He is the only North Devon racer competing at this level. It is an expensive sport, which is why Chris is deeply indebted to his sponsors Esau Brothers, Colin Higman, A E Motors and Bowood Engineering for enabling him to stay in the race. Uncle Jim is one of the Esau brothers who run a Bideford vehicle breakers’ yard. It was his involvement in stock car racing which has had young Chris interested in the sport from early childhood. The hobby was continued with his wife Jacqui who has travelled with Chris all over the country as spectators before he finally got a car of his own.

Amy Dickinson, from Burrows, has been picked to be Northam’s Queen of May and she will be joined in the limelight by Lisa Pow and Luke Openshaw. The children will play starring roles during the crowning ceremony in the town square.

Years Ago in March

Following on from last month, Influenza is still very much on people’s minds in March. However, rates in the parish of Bradworthy are starting to decrease. With the exception of influenza colds passing through the parishes Dr L B Betts reported that the health of the district appeared to be satisfactory. Three cases of scarlet fever had been notified from Hartland - the patients were school children. Notification was received from the Ministry of Health that they had re-instated the fee for the notification of infections diseases at 2s 6d as from 31st August last in the place of the 1s to which it was reduced during the war. Mr J T Jewell: We shall have to use the Geddes' axe then.

Unemployment also features again; 616 people from the Bideford region are registered unemployed this month, chiefly building trade and shipyard workers. This is a slight improvement on last month. There has also been a drop of around 3.5% on the national figures. Messrs Cock, Rendell, Baker, Cowell, Cleverdon and Martin, and Miss James and Mrs Durant are elected to the Bideford Area Local Employment Sub-Committee.

Torrington Rural Salaries - it was recommended that the Clerk, Mr G M Doe, should receive £80, whilst he thought it ought to be £90. A compromise of £85 was agreed. Mr Gomer also objected to his proposed new salary.

In the situations vacant column:

A reliable woman is required to nurse an old lady, whole time, at Rose Cottage, Weare Giffard.
H Tucker of Commons Farm, Northam, wants a lad for butchering and milking. (Sic)

Miss Rimmer, 36 years old and lodging with Miss Thorne, Newsagent, The Square, Northam, seeks a position as a lady help or nursery governess. She describes herself as “domesticated and fluent in French”.

A meeting of Bideford Rural District Council hears that there is a strong demand for council houses in Clovelly and Abbotsham with many people being turned away, but there is plenty of availability in Parkham.

Following the removal of Foot and Mouth restrictions from 6 March, cattle markets are preparing to restart livestock sales. Hartland Cattle Market will reopen on 11 March, and among the first people selling stock at Torrington market are - Mr W Tremeer of Higher Hutsford, Woolsery, who is retiring; Mr T Pennington, Crowbear, Torrington; Mr W H Lee, Hall Farm, Littleham, who is “quitting”; and Mr L Wickett at Cloister in Frithelstock - this must be a big event as it is announced that luncheon will be served at 1pm.

A property for sale - Mansfield, 21 Park Lane, Bideford

Household furniture, valuable oil and water colour paintings, etc. from Coombe Ridge, Raleigh, Bideford, and Woodside, Weare Giffard, are for sale; and purchasers of parts of the Stevenstone Estate are detailed - Burwood Farm, sold to Mr Thomas Hookway; Ley Farm, secured by the tenant Mr Thomas Tanton; small holding near Town Mills and fields sold to Mr Buckland of Torrington; North Healand Farm sold to Mr James Barrow; Burwood Meadow to Mr John Puddicombe; Great Meadow, Mr Alfred Burridge of Torrington; Barn Park, Mr John Millman of St Giles; Great Field to Mr W H Hookway, St Giles.

An interesting item in the general sales column is a revolving wooden shelter; this is set on a circular iron rail, would be suitable for an invalid and is being disposed of by the Vicar of Woolsery. Lt-Col Gubbins, Rosslyn, Westward Ho! is selling surplus furniture, including carpenter’s tools and photographic equipment.

In the Lost and Found section, there is the following rather tetchy paragraph: “Will the person who by mistake took an UMBRELLA from St Mary’s Church porch on Sunday evening, kindly return it to Mr R F Sluman, 3 Church Walk.” Did he ever get it back?

With a General Election due late in 1922 and Local Rural and Council Elections taking place in late March, there is considerable coverage of nominations and results from all areas throughout the papers in the District News columns. The following have been elected; Bradworthy - Messrs Balsdon, Bryant, Cann, Cleave, Cory, Everson, Harding, Martin, Oke and Wickett; Frithelstock - Messrs Heard, Ball, Dunn, Marshall, Johns, Osborne and Ede; Parkham - Messrs Harding, Ley, Jacob, Dack, George, Heal, Hedden, George, Sanders and Beer; Shebbear - Messrs Pett, Earle, Griffin, Hocking, Leach, Vanstone, Gloin, Rouncefell and Quance.

A meeting of Northam Urban District Council saw a fractious exchange between Councillors P K Harris, Barnes and Braddick on the subject of election nominations.

On the education front, attendance at the Old Town Boys’ School last month stood at 93.2%. A suggestion has been made that Bideford Girls’ School should amalgamate with the Church Girls’ School – it seems that the managers of each school are waiting for the other to respond first.

Work on altering the lifeboat house at Badstep, Appledore to accommodate the new Motor Lifeboat is now nearing completion. A dance organised by the United Services Club - Secretary, Mr T G Parsons - was held with the music supplied by Mr A W Dunn's Quadrille band. The Schools of Appledore enjoyed a holiday in honour of the marriage of Her Royal Highness Princess Mary to Viscount Lascelles. Through the kindness of Mr Hawkins, the takings at the Gaiety Cinema will be given to the United Services Club at Appledore (for discharged Soldiers and Sailors). The club, which has recently been opened is well patonized by the men of both services, but funds are greatly needed for defraying the necessary expenses.

Some anxiety had been felt concerning the fate of certain Appledore men on vessels which owing to recent stormy weather, were reported as overdue. The reassuring news is now to hand that the coasting vessel Millom Castle on a voyage from Ireland (with the captain and one of the crew, hailing from the parish) has arrived safely at Bristol, though badly weather beaten and her decks swept. The Fernham, which has several Appledore men aboard, also made a belated appearance at Dublin.

In Hartland news - a Stoke man, Albert Jeffery, was injured when he fell on a pike necessitating Dr Kay to insert stitches. A Band Dance was organised by Misses W Pyne and L Burrow, under P Beer, Bandmaster, was held in the Palladium. A Social was held at Meddon promoted by Miss Bartlett and Messrs Hobbs and Newton, and the third social of the Men's Club was held.

The Bijou Theatre in Lower Gunstone, Bideford, has been renamed Pierrotland, and is putting on a variety show called Pierrot Pie with the programme changing twice a week. The director is Roy Cowl.

Mr Henry Tucker of Commons Farm, Northam, is summoned and fined 6s.

In sports news, Abbotsham Football Club defeated Appledore 3-1; the referee was Mr Langdon and the goal scorers for Abbotsham were Cloutman, Moase, and “one goal accidentally scored by a visitor”. A well attended meeting of the Bideford Bowling and Tennis Club (Tennis Section) was held at the Town Hall, 45 members being present with Mr M J Durant in the chair. A most successful season is promised, 77 members having been nominated. A draft of proposed Rules was presented and adopted. Mr J R Ellis was elected Captain, Miss M Meredity, vice-captain, and Mr J H Short, secretary. A Management Committee of seven was also appointed. The Bideford Bowling and Tennis Club held a well attended and highly successful Whist Drive and Dance.

At the adjourned Brewster Sessions, two licensees of Clovelly question whether a change in opening hours should apply to them.

The Chairman (Mr A G Duncan) presided over the monthly meeting of Bideford Board of Guardians at which there were also present Mr W H Rogers, Miss A E Bazeley, Messrs J E Pickard, J A George, J Bragg, J T Hockridge, T Bellew, E J Blight, J T Jewell, W Grigg, W Westaway, J Brimacombe, Jas Slade, E T Lott, J T Hancock, Jas Lang, J Steer, J Heywood, J M Metherell, T Pollard, T Goaman, and the Clerk (Mr M J Durant). It was reported there were 73 inmates of the House compared with 77 at the corresponding date last year, but 28 casuals had been relieved during the last week compared with three for the corresponding week. There had been out-relieved for teh past week 235 persons at a cost of £48 1s 7d, compared with 211 at a cost of £43 12s 5d. Indoor and outdoor cases at 308 shewed an increase of five compared with the previous weeks and an increase of 20 compared with the corresponding period last year. Torrington Union wrote suggesting that as there was little or no hope of casuals getting work on the Torrington and Halwill railway a notice to that effect should be placed on the casual ward at the Bideford Union. It was stated that the Casual wards at Bideford were nominally closed, although they were relieving cases but it was agreed to put up the notice. Mr W H Rogers thought casuals would still come, not only because they thought there might be work, but because there were pickings to be got. It was a curious thing, but idle people were always where work was.

There will be no contests for nominations for Bideford Board of Guardians as only the necessary numbers were received. All the old members are re-elected with the exception of Mrs S Heywood and Rev G Scholey. Miss Brayley and Rev Hugh C A S Muller will fill the vacancies.

At the Holsworthy Parish Church, Miss Evelyn Soby married Mr William Henry Collacott; at the United Methodist Church in Bideford, Mr George Hill and Miss Lilian Annie Fulford were wed; and at Hartland, Mr Arthur Sanguin and Miss Lucy Colwill. Owing to recent family bereavements the wedding of Miss Prance, only daughter of Mr W Prance, bailiff at Berridon, to Mr Jack Bale, of Holnborough Farm, Morwenstone, was quietly celebrated. It took place in St John's Church, Bradworthy. The bride was led to the altar and given away by her father. She was prettily attired in an ivory georgette dress with veil to match. The only ornament she wore was her deceased mother's engagement ring. Her brother, Mr Lionel Prance, was the best man. The hymn, "The voice that breathed o'er Eden" was sung at the service, and the Wedding March was ably played by Mr Stanley Oke. In the afternoon the bride and bridegroom left by motor for South Devon for the honeymoon. The bride's going away dress was a black silk with hat to match. She also wore a black wrap. The happy couple will reside at a farm in Morwenstowe.

The funerals of Mrs Brooks, wife of Mr Richard Brooks, of Goosegreen, Torrington and Mrs Elizabeth Barrow, took place.

At Northam Churchyard the funeral took place of th elate Mrs Mary Huxtable, of Springfield Terrace, East-the-Water, Bideford. The service at the church and graveside was conducted by the Rev Guy H Bridges. Wreaths were sent by friends at Springfield Terrace, Mr and Mrs Routley, Mr Rowe and family, Mr and Mrs Williams and Mrs Roberts, and Mr and Mrs Bond. Mrs Huxtable was 81 years of age. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr A R Adams, of Bideford.

The death has occured of Mrs Thomas Vanstone, widow of the late Thomas Vanstone, of Sexworthy, East Putford, who passed away March 18th at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Littleham.

The death of Mr Edward J Battett, previously a schoolmaster at Torrington, Bratton Clovelly and Northam, is announced.

The funeral of the late Miss Minnie R Hoyles, of Instow Farm, Instow took place. She was 19 and had the most loving and amiable disposition, and had a host of friends.

In more Instow news, Mr H Miles has been re-elected representative for Instow on Barnstaple Rural District Council. Mr G F Lefroy applied to the County Bench for a protection order for Ernest King in respect of the Marine Hotel, Instow. Supt R S Eddy, whilst offering no objection, protested against the shortness of the notice received. The application was granted. At the Parish Meeting held in the Vestry Room for the election of the Parish Council, Mr J P England presided. Only nine nominations were handed in for the nine seats, and these were old members, who were as follows - Thomas Anstey jnr, John Cann, William P M Dark, Ernest Joslin, Evan Martin, Harold Miles, Thomas Molland, Henry Turner, and William H Welch. The funeral of the late Mr Joseph Shackson mariner, of Torridge Cottage, Instow, has taken place. Deceased, who was 81 years of age and a native of Clovelly, leaves a widow, a son, and five daughters. The Rev W T L Jenkins officiated and the principal mourners were Mr Ernest Shackson, Miss Emily Shackson, Mr and Mrs J Dodwell, Miss B Shackson and Miss Evalina Shackson, Mr W Dark and Miss C Dark, Mrs J Pidler, Mr J Pidler, Mr Sydney Pidler, Mr J Dark, Mrs Fred Dark.

Bideford and District Electric Supply Company issues its prospectus. Local directors are Major William Ascott, OBE - Westbridge; Ernest William Smith Bartlett, Esq - Glenburnie; John Underhill Fulford, Esq - Southcott; Hugh Nicholas Granville Stucley, Esq - Moreton.

Mr Neil McLean asked the Minister of Labour in the House of Commons whether a sum of money had been granted by the Government in connection with the Torrington and Halwill Light Railway scheme; whether contracts had been entered into for the supply of materials, and at what date it was anticipated a start could be made. Mr Arthur Neall: The North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway Company has been informed that the Government are prepared, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, to contribute a sum not exceeding £125,000 towards the cost of construction. I understand that the company hopes to execute a contract for the works this month, and that the contractors will be able to start work on the railway immediately thereafter if the conditions have been complied with. Torrington District Council outlined the benefits, both direct and indirect, to the districts that the line would serve.

The Ministry of Transport is accused of delaying the winding up of the Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway Co.

With the arrival of Spring imminent, Farleigh’s Stores are encouraging spring cleaning with a special offer on brooms. Hair Brooms are priced from 3/2d – 4/6d, with Bass Brooms starting at 1/8d.

Finally, to prove that there is nothing new under the sun, the following advert appears multiple times on several pages of the paper:

1972

Farewell New Street! Bulldozers move into New Street, Bideford, which has been made a clearance area. Despite its name, this narrow street of character, between High Street and Lower Gunstone, was one of the oldest parts of the town. It is said that John Strange, the hero of the plague visitation of Bideford in 1645-46, owned a property there.

Meddon Street is now open to 2-way traffic.

Preparing for their great day. The headmaster of the Blue Coat School, Mr R Barker, shows this year’s queen of Torrington May Fair, Jennifer Cramp, the crowner her sister Abigail, and the two heralds, the Gilbert twins Tony and Terry, pictures of last year’s preparation for this highlight of the town’s year.

Linking N Devon with the M5. Proposals for a new major road route from the M5 to Barnstaple have been announced by Mr Peter Walker, Secretary of State for the Environment. The route, known as the North Devon link, will run from the M5 near Sampford Peverell to the proposed Barnstaple by-pass via Tiverton and South Molton. The scheme will be included in the trunk road preparation pool, and preparation and planning will be put in hand at once. The effect of these proposals, together with existing schemes for the by-passing of Barnstaple and Bideford, will be to provide an improve direct connection all the way from the M5 to Barnstaple, Bideford and towards Clovelly and Hartland area. Draft details will be published later showing the recommended line. The link will be about 35 miles long and should provide relief from traffic to a number of small towns and villages on the existing main route A361. Later in the month, the following article was printed.

A plumber who is also a painter – Mr Joe Badcock, of 69 Barton Tors, Bideford. A plumber at Appledore shipyard, who paints for a hobby, he is seen here with his picture of the Kings Arms, on Bideford Quay, of which he is a customer. He painted it for the former licensee there, Mr Tom Pow, who lives near High Wycombe. Mr Badcock has been asked to do a similar one for the present licensee, Mr Charles Davis, who took over the inn last August. A native of Painswick in the Cotswolds, Mr Davis was formerly licensee of the Railway Hotel, Evesham.

The fortunes of Bideford’s ‘Ocean Queen’

A Judith Ackland memorial exhibition was held at the Beaford Centre. She was a pupil at the Bideford School of Art and President of the westward Ho! Arts Society and her work was displayed in London. Miss Stella Edwards, her companion, and neighbours, Mr and Mrs F. Sutton from Bucks Mills, admire one of her models.

Ship surgery at Appledore where the Richmond dock is now being used by Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd for the lengthening of ships. After the ‘patient’ has been cut in half, the bow section is floated out to enable a new centre section to be manoeuvred in next to the stern section. Then the bow section is brought back and all three pieces are joined.

Among the latest entry of Flight Cadets to be commissioned in the Royal Air Force is Pilot Officer Edward Andrew Ford who graduated from the RAF College Cranwell, Lincs and was commissioned in the Engineer Branch. Pilot Officer Ford, younger son of the Rev R A and Mrs Ford, of The Vicarage, Abbotsham, attended Dauntsey’s School, Wilts.

Women skittlers’ enthusiasm for the game is matched by skill, as reflected in this gathering at Buckland Brewer alley, the venue for special competitions recently. In the picture league players watch as Hermione Dennis, from Halsbury Cottages, sends a ball speeding.owards the pins.

Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club held an open ‘any questions’ competition at Parkham. Seen prior to the start are members of two competing teams with Mr M C Bird, of Northam, chairman for the evening.

Members from six Women’s Institutes attended a fashion parade at Woolsery WI meeting. The event was staged by Devon Leisurewear of Hartland. Staff and models were presented with bouquets by Woolsery WI.

Winners of a new under-12 years old section of Northam urban district road safety quiz were St Margaret’s School, Northam, A team, seen here with plaques they received to mark their success. William Peacock, Kim Bernard, Carol Moorefield and Beverley Tutton. Teams from Stella Maris School, Bideford, scored a notable double at Bideford inter-school road safety quiz, winning both the senior and junior events. With their trophies are Elizabeth Hopes, Tonia Dawson, Kimberley Hall, Judith Fogarty, Caroline Kipling, Stephen Beer, Dermot Brown and Anne Hawke.

Pastor mourned at Northam. The congregation of Northam Congregational Church have, by the death of Pastor James Russell, lost their second minister in a comparatively short time. Pastor Russell, who succeeded the late Rev Alfred Green, had won the affection of many inside and outside his own Church. He died in the North Devon Infirmary at the age of 70. His home was 31 Windsor Road, Northam. The funeral service at Northam Congregational Church was followed by cremation at Barnstaple.

Thanks for long service on Girl Guides’ committee. Bideford Guides bestowed on a retiring committee member the highest honour they can bestow upon anyone outside the Guide movement. Mrs Hilda Fulford, who retired after 35 years on the committee, received the thanks badge from District Commissioner Mrs E Bowden. She was also presented with a bouquet by the secretary Mrs A Blackmore, on behalf of the president, Miss A E Lee, who was unable to attend the meeting. Two other committee members, Mrs R Featherstone and Mrs D Dymond, each retiring after 15 years’ service, received thanks letters from Mrs Bowden and posies from Guides. In the photograph are Mrs Dymond, Mrs Featherstone, Mrs Fulford and Mrs E Bowden. Speaking at the annual meeting the Mayor of Bideford, mr A P Hughes, noted the great amount of time, unrecognised by the general public, some people gave to the Guide movement. These people, however, must get immense rewards in seeing youngsters whom they had helped grow into first-class citizens, he added. Although new Guiders had joined them during the year they were again faced with the all-too-familiar position of having to appeal for people to give a few hours of their time helping with the various Companies or Packs in the area, said Mrs Bowden in her annual report. The waiting lists for both Brownies and Guides were rapidly reaching the stage where the lists would be larger than the Companies, she said.

Photographed after they had been admitted to the roll of Honorary Freemen of Bideford in recognition of their notable services: Dr I H Hewetson, Ald P J V Fulford, Col Sir Michael Ansell, Ald Lieut-Col R D D Birdwood and Mr Harold Blackmore.

1997

How many sausages could six firemen munch if six firemen munched steadily for 30 minutes? A prize awaited sponsors who came closest to answering the riddle at Bideford fire station. Firefighters tucked into a pile of hot-dog bangers to raise cash to send a local teenager suffering from muscular dystrophy on a holiday of a lifetime. Between them firemen Tony Lovell, Jeff Uttley, Jason Couch, Robert Slade, Andrew Blackwell and Andrew Curtis scoffed 152 hot-dog sausages and raised more than £200 for the cause. The firefighters were indebted to the help of Blackwell’s Pasty Shop for providing the sausages and Town and County Windows for providing the prize of a wall clock for the winning sponsor. Sponsor money is still coming in.

A house for sale in Woolsery.

Moreton Avenue, Bideford, has entered the Gazette’s “Good Neighbours” competition.

The royal court at Torrington May Fair with Mayor and Mayoress John and Maureen Kelly.

An idea born 12,000 miles away in Australia bore fruit in Bideford with the marking of an important piece of the town’s history. Bideford Rotary Club presented copies of a newly compiled history of the warship HMS Bideford, the last of five Royal Navy vessels to bear the town’s name, to both the town Mayor and the North Devon Maritime Museum. Its president, Tim Malone, also gave the museum a framed collection of photographs of the vessel. The idea for the presentation came from fellow Rotarian Martin Hulbert, of Queensland. A crewman on HMS Bideford during her wartime campaign, Mr Hulbert sent the local Rotarians his own potted history of the vessel and photographs taken during the war. Building on this information Bideford Rotary Club commissioned the production of a full history of the vessel from the time she was launched in 1931 to her de-commissioning in 1949. It has been lodged at the North Devon Maritime Museum at Appledore alongside a model of the vessel made by a former crewman from part of her stern, which was blown off when the ship took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. Displayed at the handing-over ceremony was the Loving Cup given to the ship by the town of Bideford when her keel was laid in 1931, and a silver salver given by the ship’s captain following her ‘adoption’ by the town. Another slice of history was created by the unfurling of HMS Bideford’s battle Ensign which was flown at Dunkirk. It is believed to be the first time it was publicly unfurled since being given to the town 50 years ago.

The Riversford Hotel in Limers Lane, Northam, has been in the hands of the Jarrad Family for 25 years and elder sons, Tony and Nigel, carry on the family tradition.

March 1956

Do you remember the news from March 1956?

Births, Engagements and Marriages - Cole – to Dorothy and Norman; Corzier; Owens; Williams-Cooper; Jewell-Wills; Bissett – to Beryl and Albert; Scott – to Dorothy and Richard, a son Richard Peter; Bailey – to Winnie and John, Betty Anne, a sister for Terence; Beer – to David and Medeline, a brother for Ella; Channer – to Barbara and Anthony Mosely, a sister for Phillys, Gervase, Donal and Guy; Green – to Evelyn and Victor, Alex Mark, a brother Sara; Lawrence – to Kathleen and Richard, a son Ian Charles; Ley – to Daisy and Bryan; Slee – to Jean and Gerald, a brother for Rosemarie; Taylor-Hearn; Hurford-Hambly; Smith-Crealock; Squance-Squire; Whitefield – to Betty and Jim, a daughter, Carolyn Elizabeth; Ayres-Cole; Quick-Butler; Curtice-Heard; Slade-Quance; Copp – to Betty and Gerald, a daughter, Denise Sheila; Hill-Fowler; Fennell-Farleigh; Mounce-Squire; Rowe-Prouse; Cooksley-Ashplant

The wedding of Mr Williams and Miss Cooper took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, officiated by Preb J A Durling and accompanied by Mr Trigger. The bride was attended by Misses Cherry Beer and Linda Baker, with the duties of best man carried out by Mr Dennis Bahn, and as ushers, Frank Beer and Charles Piper. Music at the reception, held at Tanton’s Hotel, was provided by Mr George Weeks and Mrs Bob Lamey.

Mr Abraham John Bragger and Miss Sylvia Margaret Williams are sent good wishes by their fellow employees at East Yelland Power Station. Bridesmaids were Miss Marlene Elston and Misses Maureen and Patricia Williams, with the best man, Mr Jimmy Bragger. The reception was held at the Rose of Torridge Café, Bideford, and the couple went to London for their honeymoon.

Mr and Mrs Albert John Slade, Hilltop, Raleigh, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Mr Slade was the first man in Newton St Petrock parish to drive his own car. Prior to marriage, Mrs Slade was Miss Ellen Balman Quance.

The death of Mr John Philip Hambly is announced. Previously he was the landlord of the Pebbleridge Hotel.

Personal friends were the bearers at the funeral at Landcross Parish Church of Mr Charles Reginald Marshall, of Wyltowyn, Landcross, whose death occurred at his home at the age of 75. Mr Marshall served for many years in the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Master-at-Arms. A knell was rung on the Church bell prior to the funeral service which was conducted by the Rector of Weare Giffard with Landcross, the Rev J M Lucas. Mrs Westcott was the organist. Family mourners were Reg and Fred, Edith and Madeline, Jean and Pat, Doreen, Edmund, Dennis and Ron. Unavoidably absent were the widow, Irene, Reg and Anne, Mrs M Curtis, Mrs R Clements, Jim and Bob, Mr Mervyn Harris, Gladys and Walter. The bearers were Messrs C Acland, G Gomer, A Husband, G King, S Smaldon and J Swain. Friends attending included Mr and Mrs H Lillie, Mr and Mrs W J P Turner, Mr and Mrs H Porter, Hilda, Phyllis and Dorothy, Messrs E Redcliffe, J H Ebsworthy, E Colwill, W Folley, Teluk and W Coad, Mesdames Maxwell, S Smaldon, Westcott, King, J Clements and E Shutt, Misses T and H Maxwell.

The funeral of Mr Herbert John Hancock, whose death occurred at Sandhurst, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, took place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, with the Rev E B Bridger officiating. The bearers were Messrs M Littlejohns, T Shutt, H Heaman and A Hearn. Immediate mourners were Mrs E Crocombe, Mr and Mrs W Westcott, Mrs H T Hancock, Messrs H, W and M Littlejohns, Mesdames W, M and E Littlejohns and Mrs V Elliott.

The funeral of Mr P G Blackburn, of Straiton, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! took place at the Holy Trinity Church, officiated by Revs Bridger and Hardy, accompanied by Mrs Kelly. Immediate mourners were Mr Graham Blackburn, Mrs Barbara Dent, Mesdames Woodhams and Middleton; Messrs Kennedy and Ralph.

The funeral has taken place at Northam Parish Church of Mrs Elizabeth Hannah Hosegood, wife of the late Mr James Hosegood, of 28 Cross Street, Northam, whose death occurred at her home at the age of 80. Officiating at the funeral service was the Vicar of Northam, the Rev E B Bridger, and Mr F C Hutchings, at the organ. Immediate mourners were: Mrs Clark, Mrs Kerry, Mrs Congdon, Mrs Slaughter, Mrs Wood, Messrs Albert, Lawrence, John, Charles and Sidney Hosegood, Mesdames L, C, S J and G Hosegood, Mr F Hosegood, Mr and Mrs L Clark, Mr and Mrs E Lloyd, Mrs Pat Costin, Mrs I Lamey, Master Jim Hosegood, Mr A Clark, Mrs S Berriman, Mrs T Taylor, Mrs G Little, Mrs J Kelly, Mrs Lamey and Mr S Trant.

The funeral took place of Mrs Mary Anne Griffey, wife of the late Mr Charles Henry Griffey, of Meadbank, Northam. She died at Dingleside, Northam, at the age of 86.

Mr Thomas Percy Fulford, a Bidefordian, of Boswyn, Launceston, has died. His wife was Miss Glover and a member of a well-known Bideford family.

Bideford Liberal Club has lost its oldest member in membership as well as in age by the death of Mr John Edward Davis at his home, 2 Sunningdale Terrace, at the age of 93. He was a keen supported of Bideford AFC. The funeral at Higher Cemetery was conducted by the Rev R H Foster and the flag at Bideford Liberal Club was flown at half-mast. Immediate mourners were: Bill, Jack, Tom, George and Edwin; Mary; Doreen; Bill and Hedley; and Vera.

Hartland has lost a unique personality with the death of Mr Thomas Cory Burrow, 46 The Terrace. He was publisher, editor, advertisement manager, reporter, printer and delivery man of the Hartland Chronicle. The maximum circulation of the Chronicle was in the region of 700 copies and as well as parish readers, there were regular readers in Europe, USA, Canada, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Mr John Kellaway Jeffery, of Diamond Cottage, Fore Street, Hartland, died at his home at the age of 93. He leaves two sons – Messrs Arthur and Hubert Jeffery.

Fellow workmates and old friends were bearers at the funeral at the Bethel Free Church, Bideford East, of Mr Edward John Shears, who died at the early age of 21 at his home, 2 Brookfield Terrace, Bideford East. The son of Mr and Mrs P Shears was a member of the Bethel Young People’s Guild and an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School.

The funeral took place at St Helen’s Parish Church, Abbotsham, on March 3rd of Miss Alice Mary Tamlyn, of Oakenbury, Silford Cross, Westward Ho! whose death occurred at her home the previous Tuesday at the age of 84. Miss Tamlyn was the elder sister of the late Mr Richard Tamlyn. The funeral service was conducted by the Vicar of Abbotsham, the Rev L Woolcott. Mrs Woolcott was the organist. Family mourners were Mrs A Robins and Mr G Parminter, cousins. Unavoidably absent were Miss D G M Tamlyn, through indisposition, and Mr and Mrs Borman. Friends attending included Mr F Warde, Mr and Mrs Stevens, Mr T Ashton (Braunton), Mr W Beckley, Misses L, B and J Symonds. Floral tributes were: From nieces and cousins; all at the White Cottage; L, J and R Symonds; Mr and Mrs Pascoe and Elaine; Mr and Mrs Beckley. Funeral arrangements were by Trapnells Ltd, Bideford.

Muffled peals were rung at the funeral of Mr H Dymond, of Poole Cottage, The Green, Frithelstock. He had worked for the Bond family at Pencleave.

Frithelstock Parish Church was full for the funeral of Mr William Boundy Hookway, of Stone Farm.

Mrs R Curtis of Stibb Cross demonstrated the making of paste jewellery at the Frithelstock Women’s Institute meeting. She was thanked by Mrs Egginton. Mrs B Squire was awarded a special prize, and refreshments were served by Mrs Hunkin and Mrs Lock.

A girl attending Buckland Brewer School had to walk over two miles to her home at Hembury Cottages when the driver of the school ‘bus would not take her part of the way.

Buckland Brewer skittles team beat East Putford. In the picture are Messrs W Tucker, P Mills, F Horrell, L Blight, W Lawrence, C Babb, W Vanstone, F Lane, J Dean, S Wilson, L Oke, and H Parr.

Mr Arthur McTaggart Short, who left Bideford in 1896, has been elected President of the National Chamber of Trade. In 1950, as a token of his affection for Bideford and to commemorate the Mayoralty of his brother, he made a gift in cash as well as other gifts.

Mr J H Taylor, Northam’s ‘grand old man’ of golf, five times open champion, was visited by cameramen of commercial TV who took a number of scenes at his home at Windmill Lane, Northam – from which can be seen Northam Burrows where he learnt his golf – and at the Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! Although the film, which was televised on Tuesday evening, undoubtedly gave pleasure to his countless friends in golf in many other parts of the country, this could not be shared locally as it is not possible to receive ITV programmes in N. Devon yet, although there are reports that the sound of such programmes has been picked up from time to time. Wearing a thick overcoat to protect him from the bitter weather, Mr Taylor, who will be 85 on March 19th, was filmed putting on the club’s 18th green. Then he visited the club-house and was filmed with Mr Granville Kelly, the steward, who is retiring after Easter week after 51 years’ association with the club. His son, Mr Sidney Kelly, will succeed him as steward, thus continuing a family association with the club which began in 1864.

It is envisaged that a former ferry, Lerina, will no longer carry passengers and goods to and from the mainland and Lundy. A replacement is being sought.

Lundy’s young owner, Mr Albion Harman, has plans for a more extensive development of the island’s resources and Mr F W Gade, the resident agent, has explained that it is part of the plan to encourage more people to settle down and live on Lundy. Mr Gade said that when the boat that was being acquired by Mr Harman came into service, providing a regular sea link with the mainland, it was hoped that more people would come to live on the island. The first need was for men who could repair the empty houses on the island and make them habitable. Establishment of the boat service would also make it possible for cattle to be exported from the island at a time when they would fetch the best prices.

Mr Gade added that he wished to correct an impression which seemed to be current over here on the mainland that he was leaving Lundy. It had arisen, he believed, out of Press reports of the return to the island of Mr and Mrs Stanley Smith, of Swansea, to look after the Marisco Tavern and stores. “I am still the agent for the owner and I shall continue to be responsible for both the tavern and the hotel which is opening at Whitsun,” he said. Incidentally, the small Lundy community hopes to be watching the first television set to be installed on the island. Mr Smith has taken his set to Lundy and has had a converter fitted to make it work off the 110-volt electricity supply on Lundy.

The secret is out! Two of Lundy’s population are married – Miss Dorothy Caldwell and Mr Jack Evans.

Communal help for those who live in the lower part of Clovelly during the latest coal crisis and shortage of labour.

Keen eyed TV viewers last week, when the launching of a new tanker on the Tyne was shown in the newsreel, spotted that one of the tugs taking her in tow after she went down the slipway was the Ashbrooke, built at Appledore for France Fenwick Tyne and Wear Co. Ltd of Newcastle. The Ashbrooke was named at Appledore last March, after only being begun the previous December, and was completed by early summer. She was part of a combined contract which was the largest ever placed in the British Isles for diesel tugs. The sight of the Torridge-built vessel sturdily doing its job gave particular pleasure to the men who worked on her.

Bobby Cann, 20 Irsha Street, Appledore, receives an RNLI award from HRH the Duchess of Kent.

Licked bedroom window! Mr and Mrs Brewer have to defend their property on the Tomouth estate against ponies.

A column of schoolgirls, with a leader in charge, was proceeding down Stanwell Hill, Westward Ho! and rounding the corner on the wrong side of the road from a traffic point of view. They were spread out some two to three girls abreast. Had a car been coming round the corner smartly to take the hill there might have been an accident. Police Inspector R M Rundle reminds that the safety-first recommendation laid down for a marching body which would include a ‘crocodile’ of schoolgirls, and which cannot use a footpath, is that they should keep to the left hand side of the road. They should have a look-out at suitable distances at front and rear, and at night they look-out should carry lights, white at the front of the column and red at the rear. The Highway Code recommends pedestrians where there is no footpath to walk on the right of road to face oncoming traffic.

Northam Urban Council complete the compulsory purchase order for the field beyond Seafield House at Westward Ho!, together with Rock Nose Quarry. Mr L G H Braddick is agreeably surprised at the sum paid.

Mixed tennis players are on the hard courts at Westward Ho!

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club held a ‘Rowers’ supper’ with the following attendees – Tony Way, Messrs Mitchell, Ellis, Lamey, Day, Mesdames Mitchell, Lake, Galsworthy, Groves, Newcombe, Lee, Perry, Elliott and Poole.

Up among the leaders of Division IV of Bideford and District Skittles League is the Bideford Liberal Club team: W Piper, S Gubb, R Hocking, R Tanton, G Short, E May.

G Lewis of Alwington B is this year’s individual champion of Bideford and District Skittles League with a score of 66. The championships were played on Monday and Tuesday of this week at Bideford Conservative Club. Highest score on Monday was C Harris, of Frithelstock, with 63. On Tuesday B Shambrook of the Exiles and F Leverton of Alwington scored 64 each, but this was topped later in the evening by the eventual winner. About 60 skittlers took part in the two days. Entries are limited to one man from each team. As a result of a play-off to decide the runners-up of Division III in the League, East Putford A beat village rivals East Putford B 369-335, and will thus be promoted to Division II.

Mr W J Larkworthy thanked the Peter Allen Repertory Company which produced a benefit show for Shebbear Football Club and Shebbear Street Lighting.

Bideford Secondary Modern School beat Braunton Secondary Modern School 3-2 in the final of the Houldsworth Cup. In the final, Bideford opened the scoring through a drive by Cook, but Brooke levelled the scores with a hooked shot. Bideford regained the lead through E Davis. This lead was increased when Cook banged in his second. Braunton then threw everything into a last ditch effort and their strivings were rewarded when Fitzpatrick scored. An equaliser seemed possible but the Bideford defence held out. The team: Leonard Harris, Andrew Davies, Thomas Ford, Kenneth Downing, Victor Philip, John Davies, Thomas Cook, Brian Slade, Michael Powe, Gordon Harris, Brian Staddon.

Table tennis finals won by Derek Preston against Les Taylor.

In the picture are the Newmarket and Royal Naval Association darts teams who met at Torrington – Messrs Ayre, Beale, Fry, Palmer, Haywood, Parsley, Hocking, Brown, Drew, Slade, Lobbett, Colwill, Dymond, and Davey.

At last week’s meeting of Torrington Town Council, Cllr E T Roach asked what had happened about a complaint he brought forward last November about the chemist’s shop on late duty rota in Torrington now closed at 6.30pm on the order of the National Health Executive Council at Exeter whereas doctor’s surgery hours were from 6 to 7pm and this meant that people sometimes had to come in long distances again next day to get the prescriptions made up. The Town Clerk, Mr S J Parkes, said they had been told the whole matter had been referred to the Ministry of Health and the Executive Council were awaiting a reply. “It is disgraceful the way these bureaucrats are holding things up” commented Cllr Roach. At Bideford the hours of duty of the late chemist were till 7pm. The Town Clerk said he was told the reason for the Torrington decision was that there were only two chemist’s shops in the town. The Medical Officer of Health, Dr C F R Briggs, said he personally knew of no urgent case where people had not been able to get their medicine that night; either the doctor had put up the medicine himself of marked it urgent for the chemist to do so. There were many cases which one could not call urgent and he knew it was hard luck on them. The only remedy was for people to come in the day-time instead of the evening but this was difficult when the person was at work. The Ministry owed it to the public declared Cllr C Quick. There was a lot more money wasted on more foolish things than paying chemists for an extra half-hour. It was decided to renew representations on the subject.

Rachel Squire, daughter of Mr and Mrs T Squire, of 25 Castle Street, Torrington, and Alison Johns, daughter of Mr and Mrs W Johns, of 24 Town Park Estate, have been chosen as queen and crowner for the May Queen ceremony. Thomas Blight and Leslie Johns will be heralds.

The picture shows young people representing Methodist Churches and Youth Clubs at Alwington, Alverdiscott, Buckland Brewer, Torrington and Bideford Bridge Street and High Street who assembled for a happy evening together. The occasion was Bideford Methodist Circuit Youth Rally. Those who attended had to brave bitterly cold weather but on arrival were soon warmed up by the genial welcome they received from the Rev W J Tyrer (Torrington Methodist Minister) and others associated with him in organising the event or were official guests, the Rev R H Foster, Mr S Hill, Mr A C Lavers and Rev Leslie Groves. Refreshments were provided by the young people themselves. After a short service, it was announced that, in future, circuit youth rallies would be held once a quarter instead of once a month. “We made the decision because many youngsters who live in outlying districts sometimes find difficulty in getting into Bideford or Torrington, where rallies are held, as often as once a month. One of the ideas behind these rallies is to try and get small groups in outlying districts who cannot form a youth club of their own because of lack of numbers to link up with other young people in places like Bideford and Torrington.” Entertainment during the evening took the form of a puppet show by members of Torrington Methodist Youth Club – Terry Pollard, Peter Webber and Keith Harris – and a film show, presented by the Rev R H Foster and Mr G Low, of the Methodist Association of Youth Club’s 1955 ‘London Weekend’. The evening ended with a helpful talk by the Rev L Groves.

Misses Ada and Hetty Dark retire, and Mr Dark and Mrs Waring make a collection which is presented by Mrs Davy and Mrs Prouse. The ladies will be replaced by Mrs Dickins.

After helping at Torrington Blue Coat School jumble sale, a worker prepared to leave for home but found her brown winter’s coat missing from the place where she had left it. Inquiries revealed that the coat had been sold in error and the buyer could not be identified. Extensive enquiries were continued to locate the coat which bore a brooch on the lapel and contained peppermints and a powder compact in the pockets. The coat was subsequently found and returned to the owner. Apart from this ‘mishap’ the sale proved a success and a profit of £19 was realised for school funds. Helpers included Mesdames W Webber (the coat owner), Capel, G Martin, L Eastmond, S Bennett, L S Hutchings, V Sanders, F Glover, R Smith, B Williams and Miss E Beer. Refreshments were served by canteen staff. The competition winner was Mrs Glover.

‘Cockleshell Heroes’ film to be shown at the Strand Cinema and there's a link with this district.

The Silver Threads concert party of Bideford branch of the Old-age Pensions Association is now in full swing again after having to cancel several engagements last month because of bad weather conditions and illness. On Friday last the party gave a three-hour show at Hartland Church Hall to a capacity audience. Proceeds were in aid of Hartland AFC. The concert was well received by the audience, and Mr J Gorrell, appearing on the stage at Hartland for the first time for 10 years, was especially popular. On behalf of the club, Dr W K Somerton expressed thanks to Mrs Pascoe and her party, which was acknowledged by her and Mrs M Rendall. Refreshments were afterwards served to the party by Hartland AFC ladies’ committee. Compere of the show was Mr D French and Mrs J Hicks was pianist.

Miss Jane G Roberts takes up her duties as Matron of Bideford and District Hospital, in succession to Miss E M Botting.

Bideford’s private wharves were at their busiest since the war on Tuesday when this picture was taken. The latest to be deepened for coastal vessels is that of Messrs I Baker and Sons Ltd, in the foreground, where m.v Celebrity is discharging cement. At the Devon Trading Co Ltd, in background, the m.v Stan Woolaway is discharging gravel. If need be, Bideford, including its municipal quays, can now accommodate five vessels of aggregate tonnage of 3,500 at the same time. Bideford (including private docks) handles sea-cargoes averaging 2,000 tons weekly.

Mr O W Ward has retired as Steward of the Manor of Northam after 25 years. He has been succeeded by Mr M W V Richards.

Gerald Hopkins of 28 Stucley Road, Bideford, Joan Mary Moore Jenyns of Cheveralls, Limers Lane, Northam, and Leslie Braddick of Vicosa, Westward Ho! were fined for traffic offences.

Mr Ron Lake, of Bideford, assisted by Mr L Rowson, helps with the RAC international car rally at a check point at Stibb Cross.

Bideford Road Safety Committee is to write to the Town Council requesting them to recommend the Devon Education Committee to provide a fully approved traffic warden at the new county primary school at Coronation Road to ensure that children cross the road in safety. This was decided at a meeting of the committee on Friday of last week. It would not wise to have a zebra crossing erected at Coronation Road because this might lure the children into a false sense of safety and they might walk straight across the crossing right in front of oncoming traffic which would not have chance to pull up in time, said the chairman, Mr R P Lake. Members were told that providing a traffic warden was not as simple as some might think. It was not just a case of getting any person to act as a warden; the warden would have to be in uniform and approved officially by the Police, said Mr J Minor. “The traffic is not extremely heavy past Coronation Road at this time of year, but next term the danger will be increased because of holiday traffic” continued Mr Minor. “I still think traffic comes down Clovelly Road too fast” he added.

Village schools recommended for closure include: Alwington; Littleham and Landcross; Little Torrington, and Roborough. Torrington Rural District Council is to write to Devon County Council against the closure of village schools.

Properties for sale – 1 Cowpark Terrace; 30 Fore Street (both Northam); Moorhead at Woolsery (to view, contact Mr Jollans); Lower Twitchen Farm, Buckland Brewer