100 Years Ago

Years Ago - February

February 1922

The first thing that caught our eye was this advert from Chaplin & Co, carriers. Over the past few months there have been several articles about people moving overseas, many to Commonwealth countries. As well as moving their possessions and carrying mail, Chaplin’s is also able to arrange steamship berths “to all parts”.

The Union Castle Line is also advertising this month, with a Royal Mail service to South, West and East Africa, serving The Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Rhodesia. Slightly closer to home, Colwill's Motor Services is advertising its time tables and fares for motor bus services.

It is reported that the work of pegging the line for the Torrington-Halwill railway will commence, and Mr Barnwell is at a loss to understand why some were concerned about the Railway impacting Torrington trade.

Unemployment is a big story in the February Gazettes. The long running wages dispute in connection with Bideford Waterworks rumbles on and has resulted in several men losing their jobs, although these posts have been quickly filled by other workers. At a Parish Meeting in Northam, chaired by Councillor F.G. Cock, the Chairman of Northam Urban District Council, a committee was appointed to arrange soup kitchens at Northam and Appledore “for alleviation of distress”. Contributions can be made to any branch of the National Provincial and Union Bank. Donations are sought by Messrs Cock, Ashplant and Ford.

The Bideford Local Distress Committee asks all persons who can give work in any way to alleviate the present unemployment to do so. Discussions are underway about bringing more boats to Appledore to be broken up, and road improvements by the park in Westward Ho! should also provide work for a few men. There is also the possibility of work on the Burrows, in conjunction with the Golf Club. The Torrington Area Employment Sub-Committee received adverse criticisms for its resolution to apply the Safeguarding of Industries Act to the fabric glove trade.

There are a few job vacancies advertised in the paper:

H. Cowell, manager of the Collar Works, wants a laundry examiner.
Mrs Whitfield of Ellerslie, Abbotsham Road, wants a daily girl “at once”.
Mrs Hinchcliff, Hillsleigh, Instow, is looking for a cook-general; her advert says there are three in the family and three servants are kept.
William Congdon, West Barton, Horwood wants a young lad to help on the farm, willing to help with any work.
The Wesleyan Church in Torrington needs a caretaker, apply to Mr W. Weeks at 209 New Street.
Further afield, F. Cooper & Co Ltd of London EC1 seeks Soft Box Pleat Front Hands.

Also on the subject of work, farm workers’ wages have now been set at 34 shillings up to Lady Day and 32 shillings from Lady Day to Michaelmas, for a 50-hour week. Proportionate adjustments will be made for youths under 21 years of age. (Does anyone know why the rate was lower in the spring and summer?). Staying with agriculture, farmers are warned that Foot and Mouth Disease, which has spread down from Scotland, is now only 40 miles north of London. This is the first outbreak on this scale since 1877. Although there are no cases in the Western Counties at present, no cattle may be taken onto the highway or even moved across the road from one field to another without a police permit.

Influenza is spreading through the population and is reported as the cause of death in several obituaries. Half of all councillors at Torrington were recently missing from a meeting due to illness. Boys at school are being taught how to blow their noses effectively.

The Devon and Cornwall Society in Hull has had its third annual dinner. This was organised by Mr J. Waldon, formerly of Bideford. The date for the Bideford Regatta has been fixed for Friday 1 September. In both Horwood and Newton Tracey, many fine primroses have already been picked.

The Appledore ketch “Two Sisters”, owned by Mr P.K. Harris and captained by Sydney Bennett of Alpha Place, was run into by a large steamer off Portishead. All the crew were saved by another Appledore boat (unnamed) which was in the vicinity.

A sample of milk purchased from Charles Dalling, Cross Street, Northam, has been tested and found to be genuine and free from preservatives, states Mr.E.Shutter, Superintendent. A House-to-House collection in aid of Dr Barnardo' Homes was undertaken by Misses Luxton, Ross, Kelly, Mountjoy, Lock, Mounce and Badcock. At Mount Pleasant, Northam, the death took place of Mr James Vessen Husbands, a retired optician who was very highly respected in the district. The funeral of Mrs Susan Cockwell, of The Alms Houses, Northam, was conducted by the Rev Gerald G Payne Cook, R.D.

At the Children's Court, before the County Bench, a fourteen year old boy admitted the theft of a bicycle lamp, valued 10s, the property of Ellen L Staddon, of Instow and PC Clogg said defendant told him he did it for mischief. The boy was given a good character otherwise, and was bound over for six months. Sir Thomas Wilton donated £5 towards the Building Fund of the Social Club.

The fourth anniversary of the Pastorate of the Rev J W Mayo at the Baptist Church was celebrated with a musical service and public tea, and the death of Mr John Henry Stevens, of Potacre Street, is announced. He was well known in Torrington and had for some years carried on the business of a hairdresser, and was much respected. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Preb. F Emlyn Jones, Vicar of St Michael's Parish Church and the bearers were Messrs L Cudmore, J Down, T Mitchell, W Davey, C Heard and J H Furseman.

At a well-attended Temperance meeting at the United Methodist Church in Bradworthy, Revd. R. Glanville gave a chat to the children present. The funeral of the late Mrs Susan Downing, Atworthy, Bradworthy, took place at All Saints' Church in Clovelly, conducted by Rev T L V Simpkin in the presence of a large number of mourners and friends.

In Bucks Mills, the Church choir was entertained to tea by Mrs. Elwes, followed by dancing. The music was provided by Mrs. Wm Braund and Miss Hetty Dark. Lewis William Brown of Hollwill Farm, and Arthur Heal of Heal Farm, both of Buckland Brewer, are fined for similar offences, and Mr William Grigg, of Beara Farm, sustained the loss of a valuable horse.

A most successful concert was given at Westleigh Council Schoolroom in aid of the National Children's Home. The Rev Conrad Finzel, MA, presided and a real treat was afforded by an excellent programme in which Mrs and Miss Laycock, Mrs Rawle, Mrs Heard, Misses L McGrath, Dallyn, Glover, Darch, Joslin, Yeo, Gard, Martin, Messrs Dunn, Allin, Jones, Ashton, Kelly, and Glover took part. The gratifying sum of £10 was raised. The death of Mr Leonard Lee, of Eastleigh is announced and his funeral took place at Westleigh - as the cortege passed the Council School, the School children, headmaster Mr Drew and teachers stood at the salute to pay their last tribute.

The death of a Parkham parishioner, Mrs M Braund, is announced.

There is a long report of a wedding at Instow, where Christine O’Neil Turner of The Barton married Eric F. Wilton of Haytor, Newton Abbot. Full details of the clothes and music are given, along with a comprehensive list of presents; these include a silver mounted pickle jar, a marmalade pot, silver toast rack, electric lamp, Honiton lace “d’oyleys”, an oak medicine cabinet and two separate gifts of a long black pig – one of them pedigree!

Other weddings detailed in the paper are those of Mr George Jenkins, of Alwington, and Miss Annie Lanaway; and Mr Harold Blackmore and Miss Florrie White, both of Appledore.

Properties and land for sale include No. 1 Bay View Terrace, Northam, currently in the tenure of Stewart Gordon, Esg; farms, woodlands and small holdings, and valuable Accommodation Lands on the Stevenstone Estate, Torrington; Rose Cottages at Bradworthy; and No. 10 Eastbourne Terrace, and Nos. 1 and 3 High View Terrace, Westward Ho! Later that month, it was reported that Rose Cottages were bought by PC Hannaford for £710.

In Abbotsham, the Rifle Club Committee held a whist drive and dance in the Schoolroom with nearly 120 present. The provisions were given and chairs and tables freely lent, so that everything passed off most smoothly. The prizes were shared by Messrs H Tucker, J Andrew, E Bale, Miss Joyce Moyse, Miss F Pickard and Mrs Andrew. At the close, the Secretary of the Club heartily thanked one and all for their kind gifts to the club and their presence to help make it the great success it had been.

Mr Richard Goodwin Ash, of H.M. Customs and Excise, Appledore, who retired from the Service on August 31st last, after serving 38 years, eleven of which were spent at Appledore, has been awarded the Imperial Service Medal. Whilst cleaning her back bedroom windows, Mrs W Short, of Alpha Place, became giddy and fell from the window sill, crashing through a glass roof, but fortunately escaped with a few cuts and a bad shaking. The funeral of the late Capt. Edmund Stevens, Foreshore Inspector and Water Inspector, took place and was largely attended, with blinds drawn in the houses as the cortege passed through the streets. Rev. Hugh Muller conducted the service.

At Hartland, the death of Mrs George Henry Prust is announced, Misses Littlejohn and Westlake sing solos at the United Guild with Mr Jeffery providing the address, and the Men's Club held its second social for the session. Nominated as representative Trustees were A W J Middle, W J Pillman, J A Harris, D R J Mack and Percy Beer, along with existing Trustees, Mr T J Williams and the Vicar. Fred Cornish is injured playing 'tip-cat' and has to have his eye removed, and Emma Squire was injured in a bicycle accident with John Prouse. Dr Ballard set her broken leg. A talented Barum Party gave a most enjoyable entertainment at the Palladium whcih raised funds for Hartland Church. Mr William Cann, aged 87, fell from a hedge and though suffering much pain he led the United Methodist prayer meeting the same evening. A very pleasing function took place at the Church Room in the form of a Church Sunday School Treat and Prize Distribution. Those in charge of the tea were Misses E Cann, Prust, Pillman and Mr Sam Burrow saw to the boiling of the water. Taking part in the concert and programme were Ernest Harris, Harry Colwill, Sam Burrow, Chas. Barter, Roy Fisher, Mrs Higgins, Miss Galsworthy, Mr A Fisher, Maud Burrow, Ethel Rowe, Eva Dayman, Dolly Pillman, Dolly Sanders, Iverna Pyne, Annie Cann, Gladys Thorne, Daisy Sanders, Gladys Stodgon, Harold Short, George Burrow, Jack Barter, Leslie Pillman, Wilfred Kievill, Arnold Rowland, Frank Johns, Ambrose Walter, Kenneth Short, Llewellyn Cann, Stanley Vanstone, R Fisher, E Harris, S Burrow, W N Kievill, C Barter and H Colwill. The prizes were distributed by the Rev D R J Mack.

At the annual meeting of Bideford Cricket Club, the balance sheet, showing an adverse balance of £3 6s 8d, was passed. Attending the meeting were Messrs Meredith, Searle, Beale, Tucker, Martin, Burton, Henderson, Stenner, Pearse, Walker, Cleave, Mountjoy, Fergusson, Upton, Heywood, Moore Mules, Fogaty, and Cowell.

The Royal North Devon Club posted its monthly returns:

In national news, Princess Mary married Viscount Lacelles and Mary Hucklebridge of Appledore has her poem issued in the local newspaper.

There is a report on the life-boat Service relating to 1921.

February 1972

A midwife who came to work in Bideford ‘temporarily’ has retired – 31 years later! She is Miss Elsie M Board (third from left in photograph) who, during a total of 41 years as a domiciliary midwife, delivered more than 2,000 babies. At a dinner given in her honour at the Commodore Hotel, Instow, Dr S C Wake presented her with a fibreglass travelling case, handbag and cheque, and Mrs Butcher, her successor, presented her with a bouquet from her colleagues. There was also a bouquet from Mr and Mrs White, friends for many years. Among those who praised Miss Board’s devoted service and wished her a long and fruitful retirement in which to enjoy her hobby of gardening were Miss A Varley and Miss M Teague, chief nursing officers of Devon and Cornwall respectively, Dr I H Hewetson, and Miss M Cuzner, senior nursing officer, North Devon. Among the guests were retired nursing colleagues the Misses Spencer, Kerrick, Steer and Mrs Hockaday, contemporary nursing and health visiting colleagues and many Bideford general practitioners. Miss Board, who is to remain in Bideford, has been a county staff sister, and Domiciliary Council representative for the North Devon branch of the Royal College of Midwives.

Former Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr and Mrs Harold Blackmore, celebrate their golden wedding. The Shutt and Blackmore families were involved in the shipping business, and Mr Blackmore was born in a property made from the materials from the Delaware. A reception was given by members of Lavington Congregational Church with a cake made by Mrs P R Grail. The Minister, Rev Frank Hewis presented them with a coffee service and flowers.

Any plans to link Lundy Island with Ilfracombe rather than Bideford is likely to meet with opposition from Bideford Rural Council.

$FEbruary 1972 Lundy Ilfracombe Bideford$

Bowden Green currently lead the Third Division of the North Devon League with 25 points from 16 games and must have a great chance of winning promotion this year to Division II. Left to right: T Branch, I Shortridge, M Jenkins, J Loder, B Fowler, P Skinner, P Oliver, J Wenham, A Whapham, D Oliver, T Riley, L Cudmore, M Oliver and R Heath.

The Town Clerk, Mr L B Galliford, says that people must stop hogging fuel supplies during the coal strike. A spokesman for Littlejohns Bros. of Bideford, said they were restricting orders to 5cwt, and the superintendent of the coal burning power station at Yelland, Mr Eric Metcalf, said that they don’t anticipate any immediate difficulty. Capt. Vernon Harris, one of the pilots, said ‘we’re like the squirrels and having to live on our reserves.’ Later in the month, members of East Yelland Power Station’s angling club held their annual dinner-dance at the Social Club – by candlelight.

Mr Roy Howells, of 61 Lime Grove, Bideford, has to study the power cut rota carefully to ensure that his kidney dialysis sessions aren’t interrupted.

The Torrington Cavaliers are out to secure three more mentions in the Guinness Book of Records.

Mrs Mary Mills celebrated her 102nd birthday with a birthday party at Hilliers, Dolton, with members of her family and the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Harold Pollard, as guests. Another resident, Miss K Killick, will soon be 100.

Messrs John Clemens, George Metherell, Rodney Adams and Ted Sussex donned aprons at the annual St Giles-in-the-Wood WI party. Mr Bill Hammett and family from Chittlehampton provided the entertainment.

A proposal to convert Church House, Stoke, Hartland, into a historical museum which would entail restoring the building to its mediaeval condition was recently outlined to Bideford Rural District Council by Mr D F B Stucley of Hartland Abbey. He wrote ‘ The Church House is considered to be of very great antiquity and was used by the monks many centuries ago. Today it is divided into two farm workers’ cottages and is let with Stoke Barton Farm as tied cottages. Before the war Preb. I L Gregory initiated a scheme to restore these cottages to their original form and launched a nation wide appeal with this object and a very considerable sum of money was collected for the purpose. There is no doubt, if the work were carried out, it would provide a very considerable attraction for tourists and archaeologists and would be an added amenity for the district. I have a good cottage vacant at the moment and the Church also have a good cottage empty situated in Stoke. The idea is to offer these two cottages to Stoke Barton in place of the Church House so that vacant possession can be obtained of the latter. The Church are also owners of the Church House but have not got vacant possession. I put this matter before the Council as I consider that a matter of policy is involved. The scheme will mean the loss of two inhabited cottages at Stoke and approval will have to be obtained to carry out the work of converting the cottages back to their ancient conditions. In the meantime, two cottages are being kept empty at Stoke so that the scheme can be carried out if approval is obtained. The reason for bringing the matter forward now is that the rare opportunity has arisen through having two cottages empty that would be suitable for Stoke Barton farm workers.’ After much earnest consideration, however, Hartland Parish Council have come to the conclusion that housing needs must take precedence at the moment, and the Rural District Council accepted this report, so the fulfilment of the scheme is temporarily deferred.

Bideford Rural District Council invites tenders for work at No. 2 Rosedown, and Baxworthy Council Houses at Hartland. For sale by public auction – 1 Morwenna Cottages, Hartland.

For sale – valuable building plots with planning consent in Buckland Brewer.

Mr C King, of Bluff Cottage, has exported to America a painting of Bucks Mills.

For sale – Caute Cottage, Caute, Near Shebbear.

At Hills’ Services and High Bullen Garage staff party long service awards were presented to four Hills’ coach drivers. The awards were handed to them by the Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington. In thanking all her regular and part time staff, Mrs Pamela Slade expressed special pride, gratitude and affection for these four – Messrs Clifford Fowler, David Hill, Reggie Curtice and George Dymond – who have worked for Hills’ Services for 37, 28, 26 and 31 years respectively, a total of 122 years. Mr George Dymond, on behalf of the company, spoke in tribute to the late Mr Walter Harris, who had worked with them for more than 40 years. Presentations were also made to Mr Leonard Brown and Mrs Sheila Sanders for particular loyalty and support.

Up The Junction Boutique at 5 Calf Street, Torrington, is now crammed full with all the latest fashion crazes.

Dartington glass made at Torrington has been selected for inclusion in the ‘Buying in Britain’ exhibition at the Council of Industrial Design Centre in London. Mr E Villhelmsson, the managing director, and Col J N Oliver, director, attended the exhibition’s opening by Princess Margaret. A big extension of the factory at Torrington has been made necessary by the growing demand for the high quality Swedish glass. Exports continue to many different countries. ‘Our main role is nevertheless in the import-saving field’ explained Col Oliver. ‘We hope that the extension which will include the installation of another furnace, will be completed by the end of the summer. We are also expanding the processing department.’

In full song, the Newton St Petrock Male Voice Choir, whose services are much in demand over a wide area.

Mr W P B Soper (Assistant D.C) with Mr R P May-Miller (Group Scout leader, Bideford) talk to Scouts at a patrol leaders’ course held at Fremington.

Letters requesting offers of help in organising a street stewards scheme for Northam district were delivered by a hundred pupils from Edgehill College with the assistance of 30 volunteer car drivers. The 3,000 letters were collected by the girls from Northam Council offices. Distributing them is Mr Cyril Braund, chairman of the Community Service Committee of Bideford Rotary Club.

There was a good gathering of members and guests at the second meeting at Northam, Westward Ho! Appledore and Bideford’s Men’s Forum at the Assembly Hall, Cross Street, in Northam. Miss Judith Lillie gave a stimulating talk.

For sale – 17 Bay View Road, Northam.

There are more beekeepers in North Devon as membership increases for the Northern branch of the Devon Beekeepers’ Association. Two local men have joined the committee – Messrs John Pridham and David Parry, joining Messrs Ingold, Barfoot, and Trew. More information about the Association can be found HERE

With fascinating views over the estuary, a property at Hillcliff Terrace, Irsha Street, Appledore is for sale.

Instow Parish Council is inviting tenders for the sale of beach and mooring rights, and the cleaning of the beach area. The highest tenders will not necessarily be accepted.

A valuable, freehold roadside field and livestock is available to purchase from Mrs E G May at Langtree.

The BBC has assured that the UHF station at Huntshaw Cross will be completed in 1975.

Winter storms leave their marks at Westward Ho!

February 1996

Bideford saluted the ship which carried the name of the North Devon town through World War II when a special presentation was made to the Maritime Museum. A specially commissioned inscribed history and framed photographs of HMS Bideford were given to the Appledore museum by the town's Rotary Club. The Bideford was the last ship to bear the town's name and her service included taking part in the evacuation of Dunkirk - and having her stern blown off in the rescue. "The idea for the presentation came from 12,000 miles away" said Rotarian Ted Hatswell. "Martin Hulbert, a Rotarian in Queensland, who served on HMS Bideford during the war, sent us a potted history of the ship and photographs. We felt a detailed history should be compiled." In the picture are Ted Hatswell, Basil Pidgeon, Terry Derrigan and Bob Harding.

High and dry is Lundy supply vessle the SS Oldenburg which is undergoing a facelift ready for what is expected to be a busier than ever summer season. The boat has gone into Richmond Dry Dock at Appledore for what a company spokesman describes as 'her seafaring MOT'. The £70,000 refit includes completely repainting the hull. She will be shipshape and Bristol (or, rather, Bideford) fashion in a few weeks and is due to make her first scheduled sailing on February 28. In the picture are Brian Slade, John Pavitt and Oldenburg's captain, Roger Hoad.

Appledore's mammoth task of raising £250,000 for repairs to the Parish Church has received a boost from a company with long associations in the riverside community. ARC Marine managing director Simon Russell called at St Mary's Church to present the Vicar, the Rev John Ewington, with a cheque for £1,000. The company based in Southampton, has ten dredging vessels built at Appledore Shipyard and still operates a wharf at Appledore for the landing of sand and gravel from the Bristol Channel.

Appledore's busy band performed no fewer than 24 engagements over the Christmas and New year period, raising money for Cancer Care and the National Children's Homes. They held concerts at the Durrant House Hotel, played for the Appledore Pirates Senior Citizens dinner and led the village's annual torchlight parade. On Christmas morning they played at seven residential homes for the elderly in Northam, Westward Ho! and Appledore. In addition to helping charities and good causes the band also raised more than £1,100 for its own funds. "We would like to say a big thank you to all who supported us" said band spokeswoman Sue Cawsey.

A site meeting could determine the future of Shipload Bay, near Hartland, which has been closed to the public for two years. The isolated bay was cut off from the clifftop when storms destroyed the steps leading down to the beach. It has remained closed ever since, despite pressure from the parish council to effect repairs. A regular visitor since 1944, Mr P G Greenwood, from Leicestershire, passed on his correspondence with the trust to the parish council. In his letter, in which he said he was cancelling his membership - he later applied to be reinstated - Mr Greenwood expressed anger at the prolonged closure of the beach. "To repair or realign the pathway will obviously be expensive, but it is possible to do. When I recall the vast cash resources that the National Trust makes available for the fabric and the contents of so many historic buildings, I become rather angry. The coastline and foreshore - and access to it - are equally if not more so part of our heritage" he said. In reply, National Trust regional director Michael Cook told Mr Greenwood than an engineering geologist had said it would be both impractical and potentially dangerous to reinstate the footpath because of land slippage. But the situation would be reconsidered in the spring when the geologist was due to visit the bay again, he promised.

Mrs Margaret Brown nominates Dartington Fields Tenants' and Residents' Association, Great Torrington, for the Good Neighbours competition. She writes "We have had many problems in the past, including some which seemed insurmountable - such as the Torrington 'smell' problem. But this has united us and in the last 12 months we have achieved a record to be proud of. A successful Neighbourhood Watch proved itself in January when a neighbour was missed, there was no reply from his house and papers piled up behind his door. He was eventually found safe and well in the care of the local social services. A sponsored walk in aid of a sorely needed play area for our children raised £150. We have also had bring and buy sales and we have placed three seats along the busy road for those who need a rest to sit and watch the world go by."

And 'stink' protestors from Torrington need a lift to London for a High Court hearing.

A small group has been formed to raise money to buy an ex-BR diesel engine for the Bideford and Instow Railway Group. The locomotive will be used for shunting historic rolling stock and hauling a passenger carrying brake van along the newly laid demonstration line at the old Bideford Railway Station. The group is keen to attract new members willing to take a stake in the project. Lewis Andrews can be contacted for details.

What is cryptic, the size of a table top and a lot of fun? It's the jumbo charity crossword competition at the Pig-on-the-Hill pub and restaurant at Abbotsham. For the past two years regulars at the pub have been taking part in quiz competitions and other events to raise more than £7,000 for the North Devon Cancer Care Centre Trust. Now a new challenge is being thrown out with the jumbo team crossword competition on February 23. Proprietor John Violet has enlisted the aid of retired headmaster David Maxwell of Appledore, who compiles crosswords professionally. He has made one specially for the occasion and it has been blown up to table size for added impact. With supper included in the entry fee, teams of from four to six players are invited to puzzle it out in the name of charity. John is pictured with some familiar figures from the pub bar.

A quest to safeguard unlikely Victorian antiques on the Bideford skyline has come to fruition thanks to a partnership deal between councils and South West Water. The town council has taken possession of three ornate sewer vent pipes, in danger of disappearing. The lofty pipes of Catshole Lane off Clovelly Road and at the Northam Road/Glendale Road and Chanters Lane/Kingsley Road junctions are to be renovated. Councillor Peter Christie was the driving force behind the moves and the picture shows him receiving a cheque from Councillor Bill Brook. With them are Bideford Town Clerk George McLauchlan, district council conservation officer David Edwards and South West Water representative John Perriam.

Alison Green's company, Animal Magic Ceramics, is one of six winners in a competition organised by the Devon and Cornwall Training and Enterprise Council. It was open to clients of the business start-up programme, Business Excellence, and was looking for the best business plan. Alison, aged 23, of Gammaton, Bideford, started her business in December. She makes and sells ceramic dogs, cats, horses and pigs and will produce models of people's pets to order. Everything is hand-made and no moulds are involved. Alison sells her wares at craft markets where they appeal to customers of all ages.

What's On Diary in February 1997

Rosemoor Gardens, Torrington; N D Cancer Care Centre charity shop sale, Westward Ho!; Commodore Hotel, Instow; Allardice Hall, Parkham; Devon Birds meeting at Trinity Church Hall, Westward Ho!; Devonshire Association meet at the Burton Gallery; and Winkleigh Valentine's Dance.

February 1962

News from February 1962

Two hundred children enjoyed themselves at the tea and party organised by Bideford Liberal Association at the Church Institute, attended by Mr Mark Bonham Carter, prospective Liberal candidate for the Torrington Division. Bideford Women’s Liberal Association were responsible for the catering and Mrs Trevor Slade organised the games which included a talent contest. Mrs Shortridge was at the piano. Each child was presented with a balloon and bag of sweets. There followed a social evening.

Bathrooms are to be provided for each of the eight flats at the almshouses of the Town and Alms Lands Charity, in New Street, Torrington. The Surveyor, Mr Peter Symons, of Town Council said the bathrooms could be assimilated in the quite large larder and kitchen space of each flat. The trustees would in due course be asking for improvement grants for the work. And mentioning bathrooms, Mr W R Britton of Biteford in Woolsery has a hard time getting a grant.

Protests were made at Torrington Town Council meeting when it was reported that refusal had been recommended by the planning authority to two local applications – one for a pedestrian access and the other for the building of 20 houses on a site stated to be 600 yards from Stevenstone. The Surveyor, Mr Peter Symons, said the planning people argued that this last-mentioned proposal, by Messrs Alexander Brothers, represented the building up of a hamlet away from the village, in between St Giles and Torrington. The question of essential services was involved and there was also refusal on agricultural grounds. On the other hand it was pointed out that a lot of people preferred to live away from villages or towns. Ald H H Wightman, who said Mr Alexander was his stepson, complained that the planning authority was retarding Torrington’s advance. Here was a chance, no matter who built there, of bringing assets to Torrington. It seemed to him that the planning people obstructed instead of promoting improvements. The necessary facilities could be brought to the site or provided there. In his opinion it was ‘altogether wrong’ that the planning committee should do as they were doing. In earlier discussion Cllr E T Roach said the planning people were becoming negative in their approach. The town must expand on the east side Replying to further points in the discussion the Surveyor said the planning authority issued far more approvals than refusals. ‘Where can we develop elsewhere?’ asked Ald C Quick. It was decided to ask the representatives of the planning authority to meet the Council on the site to discuss the application further. The Surveyor told the Council the Planning Officer hoped to come along and discuss development with them before the next monthly open meeting with particular reference to the south east corner of the borough.

It is expected that the whole of the north side of Bideford Bridge will soon be electrically lit. The Bridge Warden, Mr Frank E Whiting, commenting on the many favourable reports he had received on the two new lamps that were put up in time for Christmas, said one person, however, had told him that he thought the design was too modern for such an ancient bridge. On this question of the lighting being in character with the bridge, one had to remember that the bridge is functional. That is its reason for existence and from time to time it has to be brought up to date to meet changing conditions. The design of the new lamps might be reminiscent of the Olympian torch.

While out pigeon shooting, Mr W J Dark, of Primrose Cottage, Instow, saw a very unusual phenomenon in the sky. He thinks it must have been some form of meteorite and he is convinced it was nothing to do with aircraft from Chivenor or a flare.

Shipyards P K Harris and Sons Ltd, and M W Blackmore and Sons Ltd were affected by a one-day national strike.

A radar station is to be built at Butchers Moor, Winkleigh.

The sea wall at Bucks Mills is a worry, and it is unknown if it is a public right of way as it is not marked on the map.

Alcoholic drinks can now be bought in Weare Giffard as there was no opposition when Mr Alan Waterhouse of Hillside applied for an off-licence.

Singers from Bideford and Hartland were among entertainers auditioned by TWW, the independent television company. In the picture are Mr Wesley Hill of 22 Fort Terrace, Bideford, with Mrs Margerie Johns of 100 West Street, Hartland.

From 85 applicants, Mr E H Cross has been selected to be headmaster of Hartland (Junior) School. Since the retirement of Mr H Ensoll, Mr J Harrison has been a supply headmaster. Limited waiting time will be allowed in Fore Street, Hartland’s main street. The annual self-denial appeal for Methodist Missions resulted in over £6 being sent from the Hartland Church.

A painting worth about £500 and other articles are reported missing from Hartland Abbey which is the home Sir Dennis and Lady Stucley.

People living alongside some of Hartland’s streets have been up in arms about the state of their houses which keep getting spattered with mud. Later that week, workmen arrived and re-surfaced a length of the street in question and removed the more urgent source of complaint. Said one resident: ‘This temporary measure has eased the situation. We must give them full marks for doing something.’

A fine looking sheldrake has taken up residence with Mr and Mrs Leon Richards at 8 Hillcliff Terrace, Appledore.

Westward Ho! Old Time Dance Club under the leadership of Mr and Mrs G H Taylor, is celebrating 13 years of its existence.

What will happen to the Bailey bridge on Northam Burrows? The issue was discussed in the House of Commons - Hansard

There is some concern that the building of a Church of England School in Chanters Lane, Northam and at Sentry Corner in Bideford might affect the building of a new school in Northam.

Tony John Homewood, of 4 Coastguard Cottages, Hartland was fined £2 and £1 for riding a motorcycle that was not equipped with an efficient horn. On duty at Goldworthy Cross, Parkham, PC Anderson noticed that a motorcyclist had no rear light on his machine. Clifford Robin Dark, of the Post Office, Abbotsham, pleaded guilty and was fined £3.

Rev F C Diffey chaired the annual meeting in connection with the British and Foreign Bible Society in Woolsery Methodist Church. Mrs Bray was the organist and Revs P F H How and Andrew Jones were warmly welcomed.

In response to the award of an ice-cream licence for Northam Burrows to Mr D Hocking jnr, Mr D A Dymond voiced his objection in a letter to the editor. ‘It would appear rather odd that Northam Burrows Committee first approved Mr Hocking’s application to sell ice cream and only after this decided to read applications from others. In answer to Mr D Hocking jnr, it is correct that I have connections with, in fact, four Bideford firms and would also add that as well as trading in ice cream in Westward Ho! I have relatives in various parts of the country. I would also remind Mr D Hocking jnr, son of the successful applicant, that the successful applicant sells ice cream on Bideford Quay rate free thanks to the assistance of Bideford Town Council. He also sells ice cream in Barnstaple, Torrington, etc.’

For sale – Powlers Piece Filling Station, dwelling house and pasture land for sale - midway between Bideford and Bradworthy. Furniture and effects from The Stores, The Square, Shebbear, are for sale, and a property in the Square at Hartland can be bought for around £2,900.

Buy a Morris Minor at Elliotts of Bideford or a Morris Oxford from Heard Brothers.

Football – Appledore run riot then flop; Clovelly leave it too late; and Hartland’s Allin breaks his leg.

The gate money taken by Bideford AFC only meets but a quarter of Robins’ cost and is supported financially by the Supporters’ Club. At the annual meeting were members Mr Bill Finn, Gordon Harris, Graham Moore, Mike Harris, Jimmy Harris, Len Daniel, Billy Evans and Roy Drew.

PC Peter Plant explained that there are plans for a gymnasium to be built at Appledore’s Boys’ Sports Club.

The death of Britain’s oldest ex-professional golfer, Mr John Rowe in his 92nd year, is announced. He was a native of Northam and used to stay with his sister, Mrs Moore, at Wooda in Appledore. He was school mates with Mr J H Taylor and was probably the oldest living Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School. Read more about Mr Rowe HERE

Rear Admiral G H Stokes of The Glen, Buckland Brewer, who is President of Bideford Sea Cadet Corps, has an additional job. He was decorated for his part in sinking the Bismark. The history of the Bismarck can be read HERE

The lifeboat Violet Armstrong is to be replaced by a new vessel, a modern Watson cabin type, which has been given to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by an anonymous donor. The new boat will be the sixth based at Appledore. Read about the 1959 rescue of the Polish vessel, Gliwice, by Violet Armstrong and the bravery of its crew - Coxswain Cann, William Cann, Leon Richards, Gordon Judd, Frederick Cane, Basil Marshall, Percival Eastman and Thomas Jewell HERE

Woolsery Cricket Club Committee organised a successful whist drive in the Parish Hall. The door steward was Mr J Vanstone and Mr J J Jenn was MC. Prizewinners were Mrs M Dicken, Mrs Martin, Mrs Luckett, Mrs L C Mizen, Mr C Jennings, Mr J Vanstone, Mr R Chapple, and Mr D Woonacott. Refreshments were served by Miss M Yeo and Mesdames P Chapple, C Piper and H S Thomas with surplus refreshments sold in aid of club funds.

Interesting accounts of holiday adventures were given by Miss E Mitchell and Mrs J Thurley at Shebbear WI. The result of the competition – a headdress representing a song title – was 1. Mrs C Dart; 2. Mrs J Dart; 3. Mrs J Quance. Brisk business was done on the trade stall by Mrs E Lott and Mrs Sutton, and the tea hostesses were Mrs H Nethercott, Mrs R Luxton and Mrs D Nethercott. The meeting, presided over by Mrs Green, ended with a beetle drive organised by Mrs Quance and won by Miss J Heard.

The men of Monkleigh were encouraged to bake for its WI meeting, presided over by Mrs Grigg. Miss Ellis demonstrated yeast cooking and judged the competition won by Mrs Lea-Wilson, Mrs Matthews and Miss Gilbert.

At Buckland Brewer WI, sisters Misses K and E Cornish won the competition.

At Clovelly WI, Miss P Ashton joins as a junior member and Mrs Aust presides over the meeting.

At Parkham WI, the meeting was presided over by Mrs Tucker and Mrs Hemmel have a talk illustrated by colour slides of her holiday in New Zealand. She was thanked by Mrs Dack. The competition – an article made from a face cloth – resulted: 1. Miss Margaret Hockin; 2. Mrs J Piper; 3. Mrs Crowe. Tea hostesses were Mesdames J Piper and C Rowe. At Northam WI, Mrs Diwell won the competition with Mrs Reed and Mrs Beadle as runners-up. Tea hostesses were Mesdames Buse, Blackmore, Buchanan and Colwill.

The Woolsery WI was given an instructive talk by PC Cole of Buckland Brewer and he judged the competition. Attendees included Mrs J Withecombe, Mrs A Hill, Mrs J Cardew, Mrs H S Thomas, Mrs C B Griffiths, Mrs Thomas, Mrs W A Raffe, Mrs J Burrow, Miss Sylvia Braund, Mrs J Gilbert, Mrs B Bowles and Mrs a Dennis.

January 1960

The news in January 1960

Mr John Dickinson Eccles has been appointed Bideford Borough Librarian and museum curator. Miss Jenkinson will continue to serve until March 31st.

M W Blackmore and Sons Ltd, of Bideford, exhibited for the first time at the National Boat Show at Earl’s Court, London. “We are very well satisfied” added Mr Blackmore.

Miss J B Andrew of Normanhurst, Orchard Hill, Bideford, won a fourteen guinea prize in a competition sponsored by the Nestle’s Ideal Milk.

The death of Mr Frederick William Hockaday, 84, of Kenvale, North View Avenue, Bideford, was announced. He had spent over 50 years associated with the administration of Northam Urban Council.

Hot pasties and other refreshments helped to make an enjoyable evening when women employees of Sudbury’s Gloves Ltd held their skittles competition at the Swan Inn, Bideford East. Miss Sylvia Down and Mrs M Savory contested the final.

Mr and Mrs Steer designed, worked and presented a banner to Weare Giffard Mothers’ Union which was dedicated by the Rector, the Rev J M Lucas.

Boxing and physical training under a qualified instructor, table tennis, darts and recorded music are among the activities of a Youth Club recently formed at Weare Giffard to serve the interests of the village and neighbouring parishes. Soon boating and canoeing activities are to be added to the list and the necessary equipment is ready and waiting. Little wonder that the Club, which meets on Tuesday evenings at Weare Giffard Village Hall, already has a membership of about 25. Mr E H Abraham, hon. secretary of the Village Hall, told the Gazette that all between the ages of 14 and 21 who wish to join will be welcome. Applications should be made to the Club secretary, Miss M Rookes, of 6 Church View, Weare Giffard. The youth leader is Mr John Pollit, of Huntshaw, who is well versed in this type of work, having given good service with the Young Farmers’ Club movement. Prospective members and parents of teenagers are invited to a meeting in the Village Hall when an address will be given by Mr D R Hook; County Youth Organiser, and films will be screened showing such County Youth activities as camping and boating.

Seen enjoying themselves at a New Year’s Day party are husbands and wives of Weare Giffard. This, one of the few joint outings that many of them have during the year, is organised by the Mothers’ Union, members of which become or find baby sitters. There are no ‘wallflowers’ for everyone has a partner and all join in. At this year’s party, held in the Village Hall, Mr Desmond Glover (Church organist) was MC and kept things going with a swing. Excellent refreshments were provided by the Mothers’ Union.

On his retirement after nearly 23 years’ service, Torrington Rural Council presented the rate collector, Mr F R Hodge, with a bowls case and a cheque. Mr Hodge, who a former England bowls champion and former Mayor of Torrington, was due to retire last month but his successor has fallen ill so his service has been extended by a month. Tributes to Mr Hodge’s services were voiced. “We are saying farewell to an esteemed officer” said Mr A Q Vanstone, the chairman. “There can be no doubt that the retires with the good wishes of members” said Mr R Hookway. Mr Hodge thanked all members and officials.

Mr and Mrs B Pedley, superintendent and matron of Torridge View Welfare Home, Torrington, are to move to Ivy House, Cannock, Staffordshire.

Several new members, including four juvenile members, were welcomed at Woolsery WI’s first meeting of 1960 over which Mrs W A Raffle presided. The sympathy of the meeting was expressed to Mrs A Vanstone on the death of her father, Mr F Johns, and to Miss M Wade, in the death of her grandmother and uncle. A letter was read from the oldest member, Mrs E Hooper, in thanks and appreciation for the gift and congratulations on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Mr and Mrs C B Griffiths gave a most interesting account of the holiday they spent in Rome and Capri. Some slides of local interest, brought by Mrs W T Lott, were also shown. They were heartily thanked for an entertaining evening by Mrs K Allin. Hostesses were Mrs P Bridgman and Mrs A Hill. The penny bag contest was run by Mrs J Withecombe and won by Mrs T Braund. Competition subjects for January were ‘a perfect husband (described in 12 words)’ and a decorated waste paper bin. Mr Griffiths judged the entries and read out the ‘descriptive words’ awarding the first prize to Mrs H J Gilbert and second to Miss Hooper. Mrs Chapple was awarded prizes for both her excellent entries in the bins competition but passed on one prize to Mrs Cardew. The social time competition, arranged by Miss Hooper, consisted of making up Christmas names from the letters of Woolfardisworthy. Prizes were won by Mrs A C Perkins and Miss L Griffiths.

A special appeal raised over £500 for the purchase of a car to assist the Missionary in charge of Appledore and District Sailors’ Rest and Mission in his duties, which have been increased by the new wharves at Yelland. When the car was delivered it was formally handed over by Sir Basil Nicolls, chairman of the special appeal committee, to the Rev Donald Cox, the present Seamen’s missionary at Appledore. “This gift will make my visiting much easier and will also help me tremendously in carrying out my other duties” said the Rev Cox.

Appledore hall is re-opened. Once a mission chapel, and then successively a venue for whist drives and wedding receptions, a NAAFI canteen that served many allied troops stationed in the locality and, after the war, a grocery store, Blue Lights Hall, in Vernons Lane, Appledore, is once again a social centre. It was officially opened as such by the Vicar of Appledore, the Rev R C Dixon, who appealed to local people to support the hall. The building was bequeathed ‘for the benefit of the people of Appledore’ by the late Mr W Anderson, of Wooda, who also left £200 to further the object. Following a public meeting called by Northam Urban Council, a hall management committee was formed with Mr J E Harris as chairman, Mr C Ommanney as secretary, and Mr H Bennett as treasurer. The committee have spent about £150 on redecoration, repairs to the roof and the installation of electricity. They have also bought an adjoining cottage, the intention being eventually to convert this into cloakrooms. Those present at the official opening included Mrs Tim Chivers whose wedding reception was held in the hall 25 years ago last month.

Northam Council to build more houses on the site of the Burrows Way bungalows? Mr J C Dobbs said it would be logical to complete the Morwenna Park estate.

Seen is the seal which 22 years old Mr Robert Hearn has been nursing at his home at 60 Cross Street, Northam. When an injured seal was found at Lee, near Ilfracombe, it was not surprising that Inspector G Houghton, the RSPCA official for the area, chose Robert to help him by taking care of it. With Mr Chapple, sports and physical training master at Bideford Grammar School, Robert went to fetch the seal which was suffering from gunshot wounds.Robert, now an automobile electrical mechanic at Messrs Heard Bros. Garage, Bideford, hopes to join the RSPCA staff in the future.

All the children in the parish of Monkleigh, together with their mothers, were invited to a party in the Village Hall. Among those helping in the kitchen were Mesdames Sanders, W Gilbert, F Tallin, C Burridge, A Tallin and Ridgeman. Those in charge of the tea-tables were Mesdames A Smith, E Wicks, P Grigg, C Dunn, B Jewell, A Tallin, Martin, H Staddon, D Beer and George. After a sumptuous tea, games were organised by Mrs Prance. Then the children were entertained by films. Mr Martin operated the projector with films loaned by Mrs Rennie. Light refreshments and lemonade were served during the evening. Each child received a paper hat and a bar of chocolate.

A cookery demonstration of biscuits and pastry making was given by Miss Newman of the SW Electricity Board staff, at the monthly meeting of Instow WI. Miss Newman also judged the competition – a slice of one’s own Christmas cake – awarding: 1. Mrs Staddon; 2. Mrs Coster; 3. Miss M Yeo. Tea hostesses were Mrs Sanders and Mrs Yeo, helped by Miss McGrath, Mrs Grimes, Mrs Joslin, Mrs Jervelund. At the trading stall were Mrs Prouse and Mrs Stewart. Mrs Boxall, a new member, was welcomed.

Mr A P Tucker, of Tanporte, Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! loses his appeal against Northam Urban Council.

Two brigades fight a fire in a four-bay Dutch barn at Galsworthy Farm, Buckland Brewer, home of Mr Maurice Fishleigh.

The funeral of Mr Charles Tucker, of Highways, Fremington, was held in St Peter’s Church. He was the son of the late Mr and Mrs Philip Tucker of Northam, and had spent over 30 years in the USA.

Rumours of ‘big developments’ at the Army camp at Fremington which might aid local employment were discounted by a spokesman at the camp. The only major development is that the RASC Junior Non-Commissioned Officers’ School, which moved to Fremington early last year, is now closing down and moving to a new location. Two RASC amphibious companies are remaining at the camp, which for many years has been linked with amphibious warfare training.

Articles from the Gazette dated January 1960