100 Years Ago

Christmas Eve at the Front

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

The news in December 1982

3 December 1982

Richard Bowden of Torridge Road, Appledore, is not out of place in a practical flower arranging class organised by Bideford and District Cacti and Pot Plant Club. Together with the club secretary, Michael Avis, Richard has just completed the first year of the course.

Because Desmond Emeny, of Odun Road, Appledore, felt that existing books explaining his hobby of putting model ships in bottles were too complicated, he decided to have a go at writing his own. He hopes the book when finished will make the delicate hobby easier to understand by the ‘man in the street’. Desmond took up the hobby three years ago. Not surprisingly the traditional ketches and schooners that were once regular visitors to Appledore have provided inspiration for Desmond but the fore and aft style of rigging used on these vessels is not as big a challenge in model making as square rigged ships. It is not just bottles that Desmond has used as containers for the hundred or so ships he has made – he has even managed to put one ship in a light bulb.

At Hartland Methodist Church’s annual Sankey evening £87 was raised for church funds. Visitors were the Bideford Town Mission Men’s Group with soloist Mrs Kelly and the Gospel-Aires from Chilworthy. After singing, the large congregation had supper. A concert by the Hartland Male Voice Choir raised £82 for the funds of Hartland Emergency Local Project. A jumble sale in aid of Hartland Methodist Church funds raised £129.44.

Mr and Mrs Seed celebrate 60 years of marriage after meeting at a fancy dress ball. It is as a teacher that Mrs Seed, who lives at Rectory Park, Bideford, will best be remembered locally as she was headmistress of the former Bideford Church Infancts School. The couple’s son, John Seed, has recently returned to the this area. There are two grandchildren – Paul who is an actor, and Petra who has recently sold one of her embroidery works to Dana. Mrs Ella MacGregor, Mrs Seed’s sister, will be joining them for the celebration dinner.

Sixty two ships in under 13 years. There were no hitches as the 62nd ship to be built in Appledore Shipbuilders’ giant covered yard since it was opened in April 1970 slipped slowly out on Sunday. The Tankerman, built for Rowbotham Tankships, of London, is the biggest ship ever produced there. “Everything went off fine” said managing director Mr Joe Ball.

Torridge District Council is looking for new headquarters in Bideford.

10 December 1982

More than £200 was raised at a Christmas fair at Woolsery’s newly revamped village hall for renovation work which has been carried out at Woolsery Methodist Church. The fair was opened by the Mayoress of Bideford, Mrs Bill Wills, and a slide show was given by Mr J Downes.

Appledore’s war memorial will be cleaned up in the next four months. Northam Council have awarded a contract to a Bideford firm. The work, which will include the re-enamelling of raised letters, will cost the council £204.

Mr Bill Webber, 80, of Torrington, who has retired after 10 years’ service as the town’s beadle, has been presented with a shield showing Torrington’s coat of arms by Torrington Town Council.

A substantial Victorian residence in Appledore is for sale. All offers now considered.

The Braund Society has grown. Mr Cyril Braund, of Northam, set up the Society earlier in 1982 and has worldwide membership. He has met descendants of Grace Braund, who was born in Clawton, and who married a James Webb, producing nine children and emigrating to Wisconsin in 1860.

Percy R Brend and Sons Hoteliers Ltd has added another hotel, Carlyon Bay Hotel near St Austell, to its portfolio.

Traditional Sunday and Christmas lunches can be eaten at Hoops, Riversford Hotel, The Port Quarter

Tyrone and Shareena Harnett, Darren and Anna Vickery meet Father Christmas, and Victor Howell met supporters at the Northam Liberals’ Christmas Fair.

All the workers in two new Bideford firms are teens, and the businesses were launched as part of the Youth Enterprise Scheme. Devent, made up of pupils from Bideford School and Edgehill College are producing Christmas crackers, and Novelty Products, with Bideford School and Stella Maris pupils, are producing decorative candles. Those involved are Andi Chee, Tonya Cox, Tim Bush, Heather Butler, Jess Rey, Fiona Cook, Sarah Evans, Julian Olmann, Bonny Wong, Neil Darragh, Peter Sargent, Nathalie Wilson, Mark House, Dawn Fisher, Tony Pickett, Claire Watkins, and Alison Jarvis.

Dr Roger Hunt, who is based at Northam Health Centre and lives at Brownscombe Farm, Huntshaw, won the Mountain Breed Carcass Championship at Smithfield Show for the fourth time. His winning animal was an Exmoor horn.

A proposal to build a skating rink at Westward Ho! has been given the green light by Torridgeside planners. The rink, which will also include a store, coffee bar and bar, will be built at the Tyrolean Beer Garden.

A Key Markets supermarket to be opened in Kingsley Road, Bideford? There are plans for the store to be built where Bideford Engineering Ltd and Jaquemand Ltd once sat.

Northam Town Council is not happy with the county proposals from Devon County Council which will restrict mushroom and blackberry picking on Northam Burrows; the blocking of the right to kill rabbits and remove pebbles; and a vehicle weight limit.

It was a case of full marks for 28 children from St Margaret’s School, Northam, when they entered for their cycling proficiency test. All 28 passed. The youngsters are seen proudly displaying their certificates: Mark Prouse, Dawn Rowland, Rebecca Tucker, Sharon Gibbons, Nicholas Ayres, Graeme Bennett, Martin Estepp, Claire Sanders, Rachel Hodder, Deborah Johnson, Louise Fish, Jane Brummit, Steven Colwill, Petra Bonner, Abigail Channing, Elizabeth Elliott, Alan Barter, David Redshaw, Jonathon Curd, Simon Hill, Karl Pidler, Anthony Abel, Garry Ham, Martin Boundy, Diane Harris, Joanne McKenna, Janet Jefferies and Leigh Newcombe. In the picture are headmaster, Mr Roger Guest, and Bideford PC, Barry Endean.

A brand new 2 bedroomed bungalow in Durrant Lane, Northam, is for sale for £35.000. And a fine detached house in Instow enjoying open views over the River Torridge can be bought for £42,500. Or an excellent 16th Century detached thatched cottage in Westleigh is on offer for £67,500.

Two postmen - Mr Clarrie Rendall, 72 Lime Grove, Bideford, and Paul Downing, 9 Deans Close, Northam - are helping deliver special letters to Father Christmas.

Patricia Johnson – Trish to everyone at the Royal North Devon Golf Club - has provided more evidence of her undoubted talent as a golfer by lowering the women’s course record at Westward Ho! for a third time. The 16 year old, who is currently South West girls champion and a member of the England under-19 squad, included no fewer than eight birdies in her round.

Did you visit Woodford Bridge Hotel near Holsworthy for its Christmas programme? Or maybe the Nuts Disco? There’s carols, dancing and festivities on Christmas Eve at the Elizabethan Club, Westward Ho! or Dance with Spice on Boxing Night, and Dance to Sweeney on New Year’s Eve.

17 December

Cecil Collacott of Bradworthy remembers Christmas on the high seas and in the desert.

Maybe you tried T & J Derrigan’s recipe for turkey with cherry sauce?

Do you remember Georgina’s Fruit Bowl in Torrington? Season’s greetings come from Rose and Russ Creighton, The Wool Shop, H & E Pointon, Hopkins & Ogden, Martin’s, Hutchings, South Street Motors, M J Baker, Darch Brothers, Squires Electrical, the Newmarket Inn, Sing and Gist, and A Heard & Son.

With the completion of a major improvement and extension project at the Kestrel in Honestone Street, owners Bill and Maureen Kester believe they have added a new dimension to the night life of Bideford. While there are many pubs and discos catering for the needs of the young, Bill feels that too many mums and dads stay at home watching television because little is being offered to tempt them out. Both he and Maureen hope that will change with the opening of the Kestrel’s new function room and bar. Their aim is for style of live music, dancing and entertainment in a secure, relaxed atmosphere that will convince the slightly older age group that the Kestrel has something special to offer. The alterations bring to an end three years of change to the former Market Hotel.

Tony and Betty Stephens of Westward Ho! are surprised by their dog, Spinway Black Diamond, giving birth to 11 puppies in her first litter. The father is Pynesway Maestro, owned by well known Bideford Labrador breeder, George Tucker.

Woolsery WI was presided over by Mrs Wright when Mrs Littlejohns talked about flower arranging. The tea hostesses were Mrs C Raffe and Mrs N Trudgeon, with Mrs Wright and Mrs C Allin winning competitions. At Buckland Brewer, Mrs M Lawrence demonstrated yeast cookery and Mrs W Glover, Mrs S Brown, Mrs L Brown, Mrs Edmunds and Mrs Miskin being successful. At Monkleigh WI, members had useful tips on cake icing by Mrs Brown; and Weare Gifford and Landcross WI were also in the Christmas mood with a demonstration by Mrs Davies. Mrs Lacey reported on plans for the Christmas party.

24 December 1982

Reverend Lester Yeo will succeed Rev Keith Feltham as Vicar of Appledore, and form part of the team headed by the Rev David Chance.

Someone sat down and worked out how many miles Torrington bandmaster Terry Hutchings has travelled over the past 14 years to attend band meetings. The answer – an estimated 71,400 miles. His devotion to duty was recognised at a surprise presentation at the band’s Christmas concert. Torrington’s Mayor, Mr Clifford Quick, handed over a Dartington Glass iceberg inscribed with Terry’s name, a cornet and a citation. An extra touch was that it was made by a fellow bandsman, Nick Davey. The band’s Christmas concert was arranged by the town’s Chamber of Commerce and the proceeds of £400 were handed to Mr Geoff Coyte, the Chamber president. In the picture are Mrs Pauline Crawley and Mr Mervyn Sweet.

Season’s greetings from Astbury’s, M Ashton, Arnolds Pharmacy, Fred Furze, R J Twose, Lucifer Hair Fashions, Elaine’s hairstylist, Tony’s, Carol-Anne, The Spinning Wheel Restaurant, Bryan Isaac, and Cordings,

Mr Leonard Taylor, of Broad Lane, Appledore, was presented with the MBE when he attended Buckingham Palace with his wife Josephine and daughter, Mrs Sandra Morris. Mr Taylor spent 37 years with the Reardon Smith shipping line.

31 December 1982

The Commodore Hotel, Marine Parade, Instow, is advertising luncheon on New Year’s Day for £7 inclusive, and later in January you can dance to ‘Touch of Amber’ and ‘Freeway’ at their dinner-dances. Or you could try The Manor House Hotel at Woolsery for the finest four-course meal on New Year’s Day.

Mr Peter Lewis Francis Martin and Miss Paula May Green are married at Northam Register Office.

Rector of Northam, the Rev David Chance, has described the building of a vicarage on the lawn of the old vicarage at Appledore at ‘gross extravagance’. The claim was rejected by the Archdeacon of Barnstaple, the Ven Ronald Hermiman.

January 1966

Do you remember these events from January 1966?

Christmas post wasn't delivered until the new year when 153 bags of mail were found undamaged in railway vans. Judith, Suzanne and Katherine Vanstone in Bideford were pleased as they received gifts from their aunt, Mrs Bissett. The Folland family of Torrington opened belated parcels.

Efford Beacon, in the Borough of Great Torrington is for sale:

This year celebrating its jubilee, the 1st Torrington pack of Wolf Cubs was joined by the Scouts for a New Year party held at headquarters, the Church Hall. About 30 enjoyed an excellent meal and none of the other ingredients for a successful party was missing. Each guest received a gift. The party was organised by the Cub Master and assistant, Mr and Mrs J Finnemore, and helpers included Mesdames Quick, Holman, Hammett, McMillan, Vanstone, with Misses Diane Ward and Susan Finnemore.

Good news for Torrington as the maternity unit at the local Cottage hospital is set to re-open on February 14th.

Miss Wendy Jackson, daughter of Mr and Mrs L R Jackson, of Catbells, Torrington, married Mr Roderick Thomason at Martin Hussingtree in a church where her grandmother had married.

A native of Shebbear and an Old Boy of Shebbear College, Air Marshall Sir Alfred Earle, received the high honour of G.B.E in the New Year Honours list. His parents formerly lived at Lovacott, Shebbear, where he was born in 1907.

Aish Cross Cottage in Petrockstowe is for sale

The parish church Sunday School party took place in the church schoolroom. Tea was served by Sunday School teachers, Mesdames Tallemy, Tinsley and Miss L Thorn. A conjuring programme was presented by David Hughes, of Newton Cross. Games were organised by the Rector, Rev B Tinsley and Mrs Tinsley. At the Alverdiscott parish hall a Christmas party for children and parents opened with a tea, followed by games organised by Mr B Pavitt, the Rev B Tinsley, A Thorne, J Luxton, P Wheeler and E Webber. Mr Pavitt entertained the childrent with films. Mr Peter Jeens acted as Father Christmas and each child received an organe and present.

1st Appledore Company of the Boys' Brigade recently disbanded and happily a new Appledore Silver Band has been formed to carry on the tradition. A properly constituted committee has been formed with the following officers: Rev R C Dixon, Mr J E Boyles, Mr B James, Mr R L Harris, Mr A Boyles, Mr D Cawsey, Messrs C Day and R Curtis. See THIS LINK for more information on the Band.

Is there a ghost at the Bell Inn, Appledore? The Harris family think so. Did the previous licensee, MRS POWE, see it?

Subject to planning and any other necessary permissions, Mrs Katherine Tottenham, formerly of Northam and Instow, told the Gazette she hopes to move her zoo to the 27 acres of ground at Ford House, New Road, Bideford. If all goes well she plans to open there at Easter, nearly coinciding with the publication of a book she has written about her animals, Wild Company. Mrs Tottenham, a daughter of the late Gen, J Dreyer, of Northam, for some years lived at Instow where her interest and care for wild birds, particularly sea birds afflicted with oil, was well known. She has been keeping animals all her life and when she opened a private miniature zoo on a farm in Wiltshire it aroused terrific interest, as many as 7,000 people a year visiting.

Braddons Farm, Buckland Brewer, is for sale.

Reverend Cecil Howard Underhill, of St Cuthbert's, Wrose, has been appointed Vicar of Buckland Brewer. The living is in the gift of the Crown and the appointment has been approved by the Queen. Mr Underhill, who is married, hopes to remove to North Devon in early March. The living of Buckland Brewer has been vacant since the death of the Vicar, Rev R G Richards last July.

According to the County Council's forestry officer, the picturesque avenue of beech trees on the Orleigh Hill approach to Buckland Brewer should be felled. The Council surveyor reported that the owners were unable to get insurance cover against liability to the public and it would be wrong to save the trees. But, the Council has decided to enforce a provisional tree preservation order on the avenue, from Higher Lodge to Burrough Farm. The owners of the trees, Mr R T Sanders and Mr George Heywood, must seek permission to fell more trees and if any are cut down others must be planted. Mr Cyril Babb, who is a butcher at Buckland Brewer, reckoned the trees had been planted 150 years ago. Mr Heywood was amused by the whole business as it seems that everyone knows what to do with the trees except those whose problem they are. Mr Sanders and he loved trees and hated to see them deteriorating.

Furnishings and effects from the Vicarage at Buckland Brewer are for sale.

Bucks Mills has a new beach attraction - pebbles painted green-yellow - and is part of an experiment being undertaken by the government's hydraulic research station at Wallingford, Berks.

Any move by Devon Country Council to close the back road down to Clovelly harbour will be strongly opposed by the Parish Council. The road has been the subject of controversy because, although it is maintained out of public funds, vehicles can turn at the foot of the hill only by trespassing on property owned by the Clovelly Estate Company. The Parish Council are to tell the County Council that the road forms a vital link and to ask them to try to obtain turning facilities from the estate company. Bideford Rural Council have made a similary request.

At the annual New Year's Day whist drive in Clovelly organised by the Ladies' National Lifeboat Guild, the hall was gaily decorated with Lifeboat flags and bunting. Capt A G Sowman voiced thanks to Mrs M Morris and her helpers. Miss Hazel Braund was a very able MC and stewards were Messrs W Braund and C Shackson.

Farming news - the Council of the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society announces a five-year programme to improve the quality of Devon Red Rubies; you can visit East Furlong and Furlong Farms in Littleham to find out more about vacuum silage, and Mr T Lacey, a prospective Liberal candidate, urges for more money for small farmers.

Parkham Church was hit by lightning and sustained damage during a heavy thunderstorm. Villagers report hearing a terrific bang and chunks of masonry, some weighing more than a hundredweight, came hurtling down from a pinnacle on the tower. Fortunately, no one was injured. Mr Herbert Ley, the postmaster, found several pieces had crashed into his yard, breaking windows of an outbuilding which is used as a doctor's surgery. The Rector of Parkham, Rev John E Lynn, had left the church a little over a minute before the lightning struck. Mr Donal Honey, of Oliver House, and the three passengers he had in his car had narrow escapes for they were driving past the church at the time the lightning struck. Just over 600 years ago, the Church in the neighbouring parish of Buckland Brewer was destroyed by lightning.

The National Trust are willing to accept the 39 acres of land at Burrough Farm, Northam, which Northam Urban Council were advised by their planning consultant to pass over as part of the Trust's Enterprise Neptune scheme. Reporting this to the Council, the Clerk, Mr A Gardner, said a condition was that the Council managed the land together with small additional pieces on the perimeter, and received any income that materialised from farming it. The Council confirmed the negotiations.

Because of the connection the Royal Chapel at Windsor has with Northam, estate roads at Morwenna are to be named Windsor Road and Dean's Close.

Northam Women's Institute has presented a handsome seat for the use of the public at large which is sited next to the bus shelter near the War Memorial. Mrs Perryman, deputising for Mrs Taggart, made the official presentation to the chairman of the Northam Urban Council, Mr A C Saunders.

You can buy the new Austin Mini from £515 at Elliotts of Bideford.

Christmas in New Zealand and New Year in Hawaii - an unforgettable experience for Bideford schoolmistress, Mrs Beryl Price. Christmas was the more memorable because it was spent in the company of her two daughters which is the first time the trio had been together since the younger daughter, Mrs Dorothy Wagstaff, moved to Christ Church, 11 years ago. Mrs Pryce is seen here with her daughter Elaine (Mrs King) who was Miss Great Britain in 1949 and who is now a high fashion model in the United States.

These snooker old timers run up quite a score when they get together for a regular game at Bideford Liberal Club. Their combined ages add up to 381 years. Oldest of the group, at 80, is Mr William Martin - a native of Newton St Petrock, he now lives at 28 Myrtle Grove, Bideford. With the cues are 78 year old Mr Fred Harris of 31 Meddon Street, who farmed in Canada for 30 years before returning to this country; fomer farm worker Mr Tommy Pridham, of 42 Clifton Street who at 69 is the 'boy' of the group; Mr William Huxtable, aged 79, who lives at 87 Clovelly Road and is a retired engineer; and Mr Bill Blight (playing the shot), is 75 and lives at 33 Myrtle Grove.

You can have a free chest X-Ray in Kingsley Car Park in Bideford.

Calling older men! Mr Norvall of Estuary Marine Ltd. explained that the company is hoping to establish a factory in Clovelly Road, Bideford to make oars, paddles and general joinery. Mr Maddock, manager of the Bideford and District Employment Exchange, thinks it is ideal enterprise for the area.

The future of East-the-Water Community Centre is in the balance as the committee has to decide whether ro accept the offer of financial help offered by Bideford Town Council.

Yeo's of Bideford is in the last 8 days of its sale - final reductions.

A small home made cabin cruiser has become the weekend rendezvous for two Appledore born brothers serving with the forces in Singapore. Sons of the late Mr and Mrs J H Lamey, of Newquay Street, Appledore, Flight-Lieutenant John Lamey is serving with the RAF at Changi and Chief PO Philip Lamey, RN, is serving on HMS Mull of Kintyre. At present they are stationed about 30 miles apart but they spend a good deal of time together, mainly at weekends, on the launch John made and named Roma after a coal boat that he used to watch as a boy ply up and down the Torridge. John, an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, went out to Singapore in April of last year and almost immediately met his brother. Philip, who has been in the Royal Navy ever since he left school, will be leaving in October.

Mr Badcock, of Littleham, has his head in the clouds! He lives at the Post Office and works for the Rock Trading Company, and has climbed some of the highest peaks in Europe, including the Alps, Austrian Tyrol and Dolomites.

Children of St Swithun's Church Sunday School together with other children of Littleham parish were entertained to a party at the Village Hall. Over 30 children sat down to tea prepared by members of the Entertainment Committee, after which they were entertained to magic by Mr Lancaster. The Sunday School children were presented with their prizes of books by Rev L Budge. Every child was given a present and packet of sweets. The party concluded with games. Thanks were voiced to all helping to make it a success.

Building sites are available at Instow; and Northam (with 180 degree sea views):

Rev R F Grist of St Peter's Church, Petersmarland, officiated for the funerals of Mr W F Hubbard, of Marland House, and Arthur Vernon Hooper, whose parents live at Yarde. Members of the choir and congregation raised over £11 towards the School Floor fund; and Misses B Britton, J Keenor, A Hammett, Joyce Keenor, Marlene Luxton, R Heywood, Peter Grist and James Clerk read at a service of nine lessons and carols.

Mr C B Griffiths, headmaster of Woolsery School, invited over 60 people, including the Rev S R Northmore, to listen to a tape recording of the Christmas service. Mr K Allin, Mr G Lott, Mrs Dennis and Mr Griffiths caused hilarity showing slides, and Miss Kemble and Mrs Piper were thanked for their contribution. A collection raised over £6.

Did Westleigh County Primary School get its swimming pool?

School teacher Mr Mervyn K O Crosley is settling down to retirement in his delightfully adapted 'ex bandstand' home right on Westward Ho! sea front. Mr Crosley's home is called 'The Octagon' and takes its name from the shape of that part of it which was formerly a bandstand on Bideford Quay. In his home will be hund the illuminated testemonial he was presented on his last day at the Bideford County Secondary School which was inscribed by the art teacher, Mr R Watts, and mounted by the crafts master, Mr F Thompson. It was signed by the chairman of governors, Mr Peter Fletcher, the headmaster, Mr Harold Martyn, the head boy, Roger Humphrey, and head girl, Jane Pipkin. Mr Lavers, deputy head, presented Mr Crosley with a cheque.

Excavations by Mr C P McCoy at the village post office in Weare Giffard have disclosed the remains of an old inn, the Fortescue Arms.

Years Ago - November

November 1921

The first section reviewed this month was the small ads, and this is a selection of what was found:

Situations vacant:

Mrs Mill, Crowbarn, Instow, wants an assistant for the farmhouse; T Woodyatt, High Street, Bideford, wants a smart youth as apprentice to Gent’s Outfitting; Mrs Bulkley, Cotfield House, Buckleigh, wants a cook-general; Abbotsham Parish Church wants a new organist, duties to commence in the New Year.

They are not all local positions which made the volunteers at the Archive wonder why advertise in the Gazette? Do these people have second homes in this area?

Ward, 3 Highfield, Exmouth, requires a cook-general aged between 20 and 25 years; Church of England preferred; Mrs Wilson, 10 Putney Hill, London SW15, wants a cook-general and a house parlourmaid.

Looking even further afield, Australia has a severe shortage of labour, and experienced farm workers and young men under 25 who are accustomed to manual work can get reduced rates on steamship passages.

Sales:

H Hinks Shipbreaking Yard, West Appledore, has pitch pine logs for sale, good for lighting fires; W J Wiley of Westward Ho! is selling a Rover car, 1913 model. It has been laid up from 1915 to 1919 and is painted green. Price - £255; Lady Hehir, 3 Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho! has two Irish Terrier puppies, 1 dog, 1 bitch, 10 weeks old. 5 guineas each; Mrs Sandercock, Ardmore, Northam, advertises pure bred White Wyandettee Cockerels, 5 months old, from 8 shillings each.

Messrs John Cock and Sons found an unusual item pertaining to the School of Grammar when moving stock.

In other news:

The death is recorded of Brigadier General Robert Napier Bray, CMG, DSO, who was wounded in the Great War and was educated at the United Services College, Westward Ho! More information on USC can be found HERE and about Brigadier General RN Bray, HERE

Mrs P L Squire of Bowood, Abbotsham, won 2 firsts with her cats at Croydon Championship Cat Show. There has been an epidemic of measles at one of the Appledore Infant Schools, which has been closed for 3 weeks on the orders of the Medical Officer of Health, Dr Francis. Miss Florence Kellaway and Mr Francis Moore are married in the United Methodist Church at Langtree:

Harold J H Moore, Polkinghorne, Weare Giffard, has passed his First Mate’s steamship certificate for foreign-going.

Armistice Day has been marked around the region. Sales of Flanders Poppies in Northam raised £4-13-8d. The organiser was T G Parsons. Flower remembrances were laid on the War Memorial at Hartland, the labels naming those local men who were lost. In Clovelly a wreath of laurels and flowers was placed into the sea by the Chief Coastguard Officer W Searle.

In the first mention of a name which will become very familiar, it is announced that the Reverend Hugh S Muller will be instituted into the living of Appledore in the New Year.

Two lifeboat stories

Around 9.30pm one Saturday night, the “Jane Hannah Macdonald” was launched in response to the sighting of flares or fire. There was a strong northerly breeze and a heavy sea running. At first it was thought that a coastal vessel or steamer was in trouble, but it was discovered that an old wreck that had been on the pebble ridge for a year had been set on fire. The lifeboat crew was commended for their smart response but it is hoped that the originators of the fire realise the seriousness of their mistake. More information on this vessel can be found HERE and HERE

The ketch “Annie” was on her way to Bideford in the early morning, coming from Lydney with a cargo of coal for Messrs How & Co. As she waited for the tide to cross the Bar, she was caught in a fierce North Westerly wind and lost part of her gear. She wrecked on the South Tail of the Bar and was quickly submerged. Captain George May, 50, a native of Westleigh but living at Higher Gunstone, was washed overboard. The mate H B Linscott of Hyfield, Bideford, and seaman S R Daniel of Appledore clung to the rigging and were rescued by the lifeboat. The body of Captain May was washed up shortly after at Westward Ho! and in spite of the best efforts of coastguards and a nurse could not be revived. A painting of the ketch can be seen HERE

Two stowaways, Raphral Fogt and Paolo Catania, were apprehended after landing from a ship in Appledore port.

Bideford’s new mayor is Councillor H Willett A Huxham, who succeeds Councillor J U Fulford. The new mayor is not a Bideford native but has lived there for most of his life.

November 1971

Final hoistings to the top of the giant bonfire at the old bowling green vantage point on the Commons, which Torrington Cavaliers have constructed to break the record they set up last year. Tonight the blazing of the 80ft bonfire will be seen for miles around. IT is expected that a crowd of several thousands will assemble near it, to herald the making of a new entry in the Guinness Book of Records, and to enjoy also a fireworks display and fun.

The 18 Amphibian Squadron RCT, with its distinctive DUKW vehicles, is to disappear from Fremington in North Devon.

A stiff-backed exercise book kept in the cupboard of the left-hand side of the kitchen fireplace at Hill Farm, St Giles-in-the-Wood, records in detail the successes at Westcountry shows which have helped put 50 year old Mr Bert Guard and his wife Ivy among the top flight of sheep exhibitors in this part of the country. Mr and Mrs Guard moved to Hill Farm from Atherington nine years ago and on the 134 acres plus 25 more in the village they have about 150 registered pure Dorset Downs in addition to followers. They also have about 30 Friesians in milk as well as followers, about 60 animals altogether.

The country residence known as Heale House, in Littleham, is for sale by auction at the New Inn, Bideford.

A memorial plaque to the late Rev Alfred E Green, minister of Northam Congregational Church for 52 years, was dedicated at the church by Pastor J Russell after being unveiled by Mrs E J Allen, of Orchard Lodge, Northam. At the service, tribute was paid to the association with Congregationalism in Northam by the Littlejohns family. Begun during last century by Mr and Mrs Caleb Littlejohns, it has been continued by their children and subsequently by their grandchildren - the present generation. Mr Henry A Littlejohns (seen in photo) has been voluntary organist of the church for 60 years. He is also treasurer of the church and a deacon, and two years ago presented the church with a piano. Tribute was also paid to the late Mr E Allen and to Mrs Allen for their gifts to the church, including the stained glass window presented in 1949 in tribute to the Rev A E Green on the 30th anniversary of his ministry.

An army of 200 moved into Bideford to begin the final stages of converting some 4,000 homes and factories to natural gas. Within the next four weeks they will deal with around 10,000 appliances in Bideford and district and Torrington. But things did not get off to too good a start in Bideford because some consumers had ignored appeals to permit unhindered access. Mainly trouble was experienced with holiday accommodation.

Did you buy your Christmas groceries from Empire Stores in Westward Ho! A bottle of sherry for 98p and Christmas puddings, 15p.

A planned under-cover entertainment centre is proposed for Westward Ho! and a sports complex at Burrough Farm.

Yet another good turn at Shebbear. Bellringers of Shebbear in action on Friday night when the ancient ceremony of turning the Devil's boulder in the Square was observed, an annual event which is supposed to ensure good fortune (or at least prevent ill-fortune) for the parish in the year ahead. The rite was this year turned into a 'folk feast' with a series of supporting events, arranged by Mr David Kirkham on behalf of the Beaford Centre, in consultation with the Parish Council

All 63 children at Woolsery primary school had to be evacuated when fire broke out in the school kitchen and Mr Cyril Griffiths took advantage of the occasion to stage a practice fire drill.

Mr John Doyle, a Westward TV personality, drew crowds of many hundreds to St Margaret's School, Northam, on Saturday, when he opened a Christmas Fair organised by the Parent-Teacher Association. As a result of his presence and the hard work of helpers in preparing the Fair over £150 was raised for the Swimming Pool Fund. One of the main attractions was an early visit by Father Christmas under the auspices of Mr Leslie Smale. Winners of the 'Crazy Hats' were Richard Fakherai, Christopher Clarke, Richard Hall, Sharon Read, Janice Bridgman and Leigh Rundle.

It was meet the people day for Royal Duke. Children from Bideford schools were among the crowds to greet Prince Philip as he drove through on his way to Appledore. Informality characterised the visit to Appledore of the Duke of Edinburgh and that means that many people will be able to boast of the day when "Prince Philip spoke to me". And judging from the fact that at one stage he was 25 minutes behind his programme of touring the boatyard of Messrs J Hinks and Son and the yards of Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd, he not only gave a number of people the thrill of a lifetime, but he thoroughly enjoyed himself also.

When Torrington photographer Mr Jock Ogden became blind he at first thought that not only his job but his hobby of fishing had come to an end. But he was determined to conquer limitations imposed by his misfortune, and at Torrington Angling Club's dinner it was revealed how triumphantly he had done so. He received the trophy for landing the most trout during the season. With the aid of his son to tell him the direction of the river for casting he caught over 60 prime trout. At the dinner the Mayor of Torrington, Mr Harold Pollard, congratulated the club and winners - and found himself holding two of the trophies to help the winners pose for the photograph.

There was brisk business at Instow School PTA Christmas Fayre, held in aid of the Swimming Pool Fund, at the Village Hall.

Bideford Grammar School's XV, pictured before a recent match, have been having a mixed season as far as results are concerned. Pictured are - W Hocking, M Mander, B Trigger, D Holwill, R Hayward, T Law, K Petherbridge, R Hulme, C Benson, P Cooper, D Short, A Green, M Maynard, S Blackburn and L Pittwood.

November 1996

Rain causes flash floods. Heavy rain brought flash flooding to North Devon on Sunday. Workmen were called out to deal with water across the North Devon Link Road near the Bray viaduct, at Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! and on the approach to the Torridge Bridge.

David Curry, paid a flying visit to the AMP of Great Britain factory in Bideford. The Government Minister for the South West was shown around by plant manager Gerald Kanteen and other executives. AMP employs more than 450 people at the Bideford plant, which is its largest site in the UK. The factory produces products for the aerospace, automative, computer, consumer and transportation industries. It is part of the global AMP Incorporated, which is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Last month, the factory won its corporation's award for business excellence at gold level.

The Fremington based Children's Hospice South West has launched its own piece of maritime history. In the grounds of Little Bridge House a special version of John Cabot's historic vessel The Matthew set sail for the first time to provide playground adventures for the youngsters. The playboat was officially launched by David Alan-Williams who next spring will skipper a modern day replica of The Matthew on a 2,000 mile journey from Bristol to Newfoundland. It was the appearance of the replica as a feature of the Festival of the Sea earlier this year which prompted the playboat scheme. Newfoundland dogs owned by members of the Newfound Friends charity group were chosen as the ship's mascots. And they aimed their charity fundraising towards providing a much needed outdoor play facility for Little Bridge House. The wooden structure has been built by Lee Burley of South Molton, who also worked on the building of Little Bridge House. In launching the structure Mr Alan-Williams noticed it had no crow's nest - so has promised to bring the one from The Matthew replica in Bristol. More information on Little Bridge House can be found at THIS LINK and The Matthew, HERE

Protesters delight. Torrington stink protesters have been delighted by the early response to their mass letter lobby of MPs and MEPs. Last week every Member of Parliament and every Euro-MP received a copy of the Torrington Action Group's letter calling for support in ending the smell from Peninsular Proteins meat rendering plant. Organiser Margaret Brown reported a 'terrific response' with 200 replies dropping through her letter box.

Which events can you support in November?