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 1965

Many vehicles are bogged down on New Road hill in Torrington as the area is hit by a sudden snow storm. No chance of doing 30mph! Fortunately the snow did not last long.

Mr John Jeffery, of Hartland, went to a reception in London to receive the award for his prizewinning entry in the Week-end Telegraph photographic contest. He was accompanied by his wife. Mr Jeffery took first prize in the black and white landscape section with his study of Lake Wallensee, Switzerland. A camera worth £150 was the prize.

A new £150,000 factory making Swedish glass is expected to be in production at Winkleigh by 1966. Col. Jack Oliver, who is the North Devon Project Officer for the Dartington Hall Trustees said: ‘An application has gone to the Board of Trade for a grant under the Local Employment Act towards the project’s cost.’ Dartington Hall Trustees are building the factory as an initial venture on the industrial side in their scheme to foster craftsmanship in rural areas of Devon. The making of Swedish glass is a specialised industry and about 20 skilled workers will be coming over to this country next year to form the nucleus of the factory staff and to teach English workers. Col. Oliver said that a five-acre site at the Torrington end of the disused Winkleigh aerodrome had been selected as the site.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government has upheld the refusal of Torrington Town Council to permit Mrs H M Ashley to erect two houses in a field off Gas Lane, Torrington.

Did you buy your Christmas drinks from Applegates in the High Street, Bideford?

The Mayor of Bideford, Mrs Ethelwynne Brown, opens Appledore’s Seamen’s Mission annual sale of work and gift day, which raised £150. Mandy Lamey presented the Mayor with a bouquet of flowers and Mandy Clements, a corsage to the Mayoress. There was brisk business on the well-stocked stalls which were managed by Mrs A Mountjoy, Mrs E Godbold, Mrs E Smith, Mrs E Hallett jnr, Mrs Hallett snr. Mrs D Cox, Mrs C Griffiths, Mrs Guegan, and Miss Mary Williams. Mesdames A Bowden, Heddon, Moss and Hannah Bennett were responsible for teas.

Mr Reg and Ethel Parsons of Eastwood celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Their only son, Geoffrey, his wife and two children, live at 3 Alverdiscott Road. Mr and Mrs Parsons have lived at Eastwood for 43 years and he breeds a herd of Ayrshires. They bought Port Chapel in 1937 and he says ‘I’m the Parson with a church but no congregation’.

At Parkham WI, the retiring president, Mrs Tucker was thanked by Mrs J E Lynn, and Mrs L Dunn was elected president. Other committee members elected are Mrs Dendle, Mrs Pickard, Mrs W Westlake, Mrs Dack, Mrs Clinch and Miss Jewell.

A profit of £37 was made at a sale organised by Clovelly’s Mothers’ Union of All Saints Church. Stall holders were: Mrs Tridgell, Mrs Johns, Miss Brownhill, Mrs Abbott, Miss Webb, Mrs T Westlake, Mrs Jones, Mrs J Jennings, Mrs J J Headon. Mrs Eppingstone, Mrs J Westlake, Mrs J Burrow and Mrs Stanier. Later in the month, the Women’s Institute celebrated its golden jubilee with the birthday cake being cut by Mrs J Cruse.

Seventy five keen anglers waded into the Westward Ho! surf to take part in Bideford Angling Club’s five-hour Christmas competition which was won by Mr Jack Castle. Sam Baglow took second prize with Messrs Micky Joy, Cyril Petherick and R Alexander picking up smaller prizes. Dr D S Valentine made the presentations.

Did you get your Christmas gifts from Stephens Sports in the High Street. Did you rent your television from Aclands Television in Chingswell Street?

Contact Mrs Chubb for that special dinner with log fires and candle-light Foxdown Manor at Parkham. Or try the Market Guest House at 2 Buttgarden Street for traditional Xmas fare.

Accompanied by senior members and officers, the president of Weare Giffard and Landcross WI, Mrs Maxwell cuts the cake at the party held by the institute at the Village Hall to celebrate the jubilee of the WI movement. A sit-down meal was followed by entertainment, and a very happy evening was spent.

Mr W E Brooks, of Pusehill, Westward Ho! has been appointed the new chairman of Bideford branch of the National Farmers’ union. Mr Brooks spent much of his life at East Browns, Langtree.

A whist drive was held at Clovelly to raise funds for a Christmas party for the junior children of the village. Mr T Ashwood was door steward and the Rev R O H Eppingstone was MC. Prizes were given by Mrs Ken Cook to Mrs F Short, Miss Spanswick, Mrs L Littlejohns, Mrs J Pyne, Mrs Hesketh, Mrs B Heard, Mr J Stoneman, Mrs F May, Mrs H Braund, Mr N Headon, Mrs L Rowe, Mrs G Smith, Mrs A Jeffrey, Mrs K Braund, Mrs P Shackson, Mrs Lockett, Miss P Braund, Mrs W Upton, Mr P Smith, Mr S Nicholls, Mr V Stoneman and Mr Adams.

Braddicks Elizabethan Club please their customers by opening for lunches and dinner over the Christmas period. Miss Joanne Westcott will be appearing throughout Christmas. And later that month, spending over £60,000, Braddicks Holiday Centre will give a Swedish look to part of Westward Ho! It is a far cry from the day in 1930 when the late Mr Hobart Braddick bought some old buses and converted them into accommodation.

To celebrate the WI golden jubilee, Frithelstock WI held a tree planting ceremony and coffee morning. The planters were Mr S Squire, Mr J Allin and Mrs A Hearn. Mrs Reynolds is re-elected as President.

Long service certificates have been presented to ‘Poppy’ sellers at Hartland by Brig. J M Hepper, County deputy vice-chairman of the British Legion, who was carrying out his first duty in that capacity. The certificates recognised service of ten years or more and were presented to – Mrs Watson, Mrs Pengilly, Mrs L Littlejohns, Mrs H Prouse, Mr R Johns, Mrs Headon and Mrs G Vanstone.

Mrs Mary Crombie, head of Northam Primary School, and Mrs Elsie Smith, head of Monkleigh Primary School, are retiring. The latter taught at Buckland Brewer for 13 years before moving to Monkleigh in 1955. Mr and Mrs Smith now live at Fulman Cottage at Bank End, Bideford. Mrs Crombie’s successor is Mr George Harrison. Mrs Elsie Smith was presented with gifts by Mrs H Beer, Leon May, Sandra Daniels, Paul Sanders and Caroline Tanton.

The staff and residents of the Torridge View Welfare Home at Torrington held a Christmas Fair at the Home and raised £68.

Torrington Hospital cannot open because it needs another midwife. Dr C F R Briggs, Medical Officer, said that the establishment could not function with fewer than three midwives.

The highlight of the December meeting of Westward Ho! WI was a nativity play produced by Mrs Pope. Winners of the monthly competition were Mrs Pope, Mrs May and Miss Gaunt. A new member, Mrs D Reece, was welcomed by Mrs Walters.

Westward Ho Christmas spirit

The death of Mr Studley Harold Jenn was announced. He was the eldest surviving son of the late Mr and Mrs J Y Jenn of 2 Myrtle Grove, Bideford, and was one of seven brothers who served in the first world war.

Have an old fashioned egg-nog at Tanton’s Hotel, and be entertained by Jack Brooks and his music.

Tantons Hotel Northam Over-60s Club held a dinner at Kenwith Castle Country Club with turkey featuring on the menu.

Yeo’s of Bideford announces its winter sale which commences Saturday, January 1st, 1966. They can be found at Manchester House, Chingswell Street/North Road.

St. Michael's Parish Church at Torrington raised about £100 for funds with a Christmas fayre at the Town Hall. The Countess of Orford opened the event. Stallholders were Mesdames W Hoare, R Dennis, C R Popham, J Heard, M Coombe, H B Bromhead, J Sweet, G Norman, R Long, L Eastmond, L S Hutchings, J Nicholls, B Finnamore, E Edworthy, K Blight, V Sanders, G Kelly, K Gordon, W Weeks, K Vodden, W Oke, Messrs W Webber, J Barker, R Mitchell, A Mitchell, B Mitchell, M Beer, Mrs P G Harrison, Misses Kay Mitchell, F Grantham, F Gordon, L Mathews and W Plucknett.

Mr and Mrs Jim Harding, of Greenacres bungalow, at Halspill, Weare Giffard, celebrate their golden wedding. Mr Harding, a blacksmith, retired seven years ago, having taken over his father’s business in North Road in 1921. Two of his five sons, Peter and Bill, now run the business. Until a few months ago, Mr Harding was the greenkeeper at the Torrington golf course, and his younger days he rowed for Bideford Blues and Reds. Mr and Mrs Harding raised five sons and a daughter, all of whom are married. Jack is an art teacher in Surrey; Dennis lives at Exeter; Norman is in New Zealand; Peter and Bill live in Bideford; and Marie lives at Bridport. There are 12 grandchildren.

It was a special occasion for East-the-Water School when the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mrs E J Brown and Mrs L B Galliford, Police Inspector D Cowling and Mr H Salisbury, visited for the presentation of a trophy won by the school team in the inter-schools road safety quiz. The headmaster, Mr H J Mather, is in the photograph, and the winning team comprised John West, Richard Leach, John Balfour and Peter Hannam.

Did you win a prize for best dancers on the floor at the New Year’s Eve Beat Dance at Appledore Hall with the ‘Fabulous ‘Lektrons’?

Littleham WI marked the golden jubilee of the movement by presenting a clock to the Parish Hall and were thanked by Mr Fred Clements. Mr I Olins fixed the clock. A new committee was elected with the following selected – Mrs D Hill, Mrs J Rawle, Mrs L Hedden, Mrs W Johns, Mrs A Palmer, Mrs E Cook, Mrs G Barrow, Mrs M Hockin and Mrs B Bissett.

Weare Giffard was hard hit by flooding and was virtually cut off for hours. Mr J Horrell of the Buckingham Arms reported over two feet of water and Mrs Trathen of Quay Cottages is very frustrated.

Woolsery Liberals held a social in the Village Hall with the prospective candidate, Mr Tony Lacey, speaking. Prize winners were: Miss Bailey, Andrew Jenn, Mrs Willocks, Mrs F Daniel, Mr R Chapple, Miss D Dark, Mrs C Wonnacott, Cholwill and Miss Tolley. There was a large congregation at Woolsery Parish Church when the Anglicans and Methodists held a united service, conducted by Rev S R Northmore. Lessons were read by Messrs Brian Crocker, Raymond Peard, Peter Andrew, Brian Wonnacott, Gordon Lott and John Raffe, Mrs Northmore and Gillian Raffe. The organist was Mr C B Griffiths.

Torrington garage proprietor Mr Nick Rowe has ‘arrived’. More information on his success can be found HERE

Did you meet Father Christmas at Diwells of Fore Street?

Mr Philip Cann’s pigeons won him a loft full of cups and awards last season, and was congratulated by Mrs Ron Littlejohns.

Copp’s Close, Bideford, was officially opened as a ‘show piece’ old people’s estate, and provides first class accommodation.

Plenty of golfers teed off on in Royal North Devon Golf Club competitions. Players included A J H Payne Cook, N M Stephens, Ken Whitfield, David Pennington, Wes Floyd, B J Youngman, T E Crawley, R Crawley, M Elliott, C Clark, B J Colome, T W Blaney, E Davis, G Harris, G Day, J W Ward, C C Lowry, W J Gale, W R Newcombe, R Wadham, I C Waldeck, J P Phillips, F C Meadows, F H Way and B Wilman.

Years Ago - October

October 1921

The first story that caught our eye this month was that licensees of two Public Houses in Hartland - The King’s Arms and the New Inn - have successfully petitioned magistrates at Bideford County Sessions for an exemption to general closing hours. From now on they may open from 11am until 10pm on Market Days to accommodate those attending the cattle auctions. Mr Thomas Beer , of the Anchor Inn, also successfully applied.

Throughout the month, this relaxation of hours was granted in other towns and villages which had livestock markets, including the the Bell Inn at Parkham

Still on the subject of Public Houses, Mr Chas Leonard Rummens is taking over the licence of the Dock Inn, Appledore, from Mr J K Cobbledick, and Mr George Eastman will succeed Mrs Mary Ann Smith at the Prince of Wales.

A crowded audience at Bideford Town Hall has heard the first in a series of twelve lectures on “Shakespeare’s Interpretation of Life” given by Rev J Ingram Bryan.

At Torrington, Mr W T Luxton is coming to the end of his term of office, a mixed hockey Club has been formed and Torrington October Fair does not bring any attraction to the town in 1921. A new Golf club is to be formed at Torrington near the reservoir.

On the golf theme, the many fine players produced by Westward Ho! - J H and Bob Taylor, George and Harry Cawsey, and the Pursey's - are detailed by William Philpot, sen.

Tetcott Foxhounds met recently at Loadimead near Bradworthy. The Master was Dr A King and it is reported that the field included many ladies.

By a new order issued by the Ministry of Food, the regulations regarding the weighing of bread have been made more stringent. In regard to tea, all packets must contain a net pound of tea exclusive of the packet. Imported bacon, ham, lard and eggs must be labelled “imported” when exposed for sale. Do you remember Reed's Bread from the Bakery at Appledore?

Among reports of harvest services from communities around the region, these two caught our eye: During Harvest Festivities at Langtree, skittling for a live pig proved a great attraction. The animal was finally won by Mr G Bond of Wooda. For the Harvest services at St Nectan’s Church, Welcombe, the ten altar vases were arranged by Miss A Howard who also presided at the organ which had recently been tuned.

The freehold residential property known as 'Durrant' in Northam is for sale.

Having advertised the sale of Ferndale, Westward Ho! in our August edition the furniture is now being sold by Miss Horrell.

Following a service at Holy Trinity Church, Weare Giffard, a handsome little granite wayside cross was unveiled to the memory of eleven parishioners who fell in the Great War. The service was conducted by the Rev R H Moyse. Information about the Church can be found HERE

It is reported from Parkham that the early potatoes are showing signs of disease. Owing to the unusually warm weather, apple trees are in blossom before the apples are gathered.

Devon Motor Transport Company has reopened their service between Westward Ho! and Exeter. The new green coloured buses are of the finest, being electrically lit and giving every comfort to passengers. Use THIS LINK to find out more about this company started by Lieutenant-Commander Francis Theodore Hare.

In Appledore, fishermen captured a fine large seal which had got ashore on the rocks. Mr Hawkins, the owner of the Gaity Cinema will provide lighting for free if the District Council erect electric lamps on the Quay, and the son of Sydney Moyse has an accident.

As there are only nine voters on Lundy, they will now be attached to Instow polling district.

Slee and Sons, auctioneers, have been instructed to sell a desirable small farm at Woolsery known as “Pick Park and Neck Park”. The current tenant is Mr A Thorne. Does anyone know the derivation of this unusual name?

There is concern for the schooner “Vision” of Bideford which has not been heard of since leaving Newport for Ballycotton on 27 July.

And one firm of local architects have their name in the papers twice this month - Messrs Orphoot and Whiting, architects of Bideford, designed part of a garden settlement for disabled soldiers in Edinburgh. Her Majesty the Queen has taken a warm interest in the scheme and has asked for photographs to be sent to her. The two hundred year old Preacher’s Hour Glass has been replaced in All Saints’ Church, Clovelly. These glasses were introduced during the reign of James 1, when sermons often lasted more than an hour and a half. The new pedestal was made from a piece of wood washed up on the shore nearby and was designed by Messrs Orphoot and Whiting of Bideford. More information about All Saints' Church can be found at THIS LINK

The Short family participate in the marriage of Miss Winifred A Ellis and Mr Alfred Lewis by providing 2 bridesmaids and the best man.

In Hartland news, Doris Newcombe picked a ripe strawberry; Miss Pinchard is given a cordial vote of thanks for delivering a most interesting lecture; and Mr E Hill provides an excellent paper on the life of John Bunyan. Learn more about him at THIS LINK

There was a unique application at Holsworthy Petty Sessions by Supt. Boutfield:

Mr Alfred Green's new concert party, known as 'The Happy Eight' perform in aid of Northam Football Club and is already booked for another event by the Northam Working Men's Club, as well as at the Night School Recreation Club at Appledore.

Shebbear, Woolsery and Instow villages hold Harvest Festival services and have large attendance numbers.

In Parkham, a motor car being driven down Lilyford Hill by Foxdown, when the steering gear went wrong and the driver losing control it ran into the hedge and upset, throwing the occupants out. The ex-Service Men's Skittle alley is now complete, and the Trustees have granted them use of the parish Room on Tuesday and Friday evenings, during the winter and the yard for summer playing.

October 1971

A 56 year old Appledore man and his wife set sail from Plymouth on an 8,500 mile voyage which they estimate will take them two years. Mr Jeffery Clarkson and his wife, Frances, are sailing Pile Cap to Seattle in America where they hope to visit cousins, Mr and Mrs Alec Duff. Mr and Mrs Clarkson have lived in Appledore for about 14 years and both are members of the NORTH DEVON YACHT CLUB. The couple did get to Seattle as THIS STORY details.

Mrs Ivy Andersen and Mrs Marilyn Morris are appearing on Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game.

Workmen at the Appledore yard of Messrs J Hinks and Sons are busy preparing the 65ft long keel of the sailing ship "Golden Hind" which was officially laid yesterday by the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, president of the Friends of Buckland Abbey.

Do you remember Ray's Snacks on The Quay in Bideford?

A tourist invastion sets a poser for Torrington Council. The thousands of people who were visiting Torrington each year to see the Dartington Glass factory should encourage the Town Council more than ever to get out a really attractive guide book, Cllr James Martin told Torrington Town Council's Finance Committee.

Just 32 years ago a young teach newly out of training college received a telegram at Bristol asking her to report as a supply teacher to the county primary school at Northam. "I had never heard of the place and I had to look at an ordnance survey map to find it" Miss Molly Batts, deputy head at the Northam school, recalled. Miss Batts, now 52, stayed just one term at Northam, but she returned to the school to teach again later and the completion of her 21 years' teaching at Northam has been recognised with the gift from her colleagues of three pieces of Dartington Glass and a celebration wine and cheese party. One of the children she taught during a spell of teaching at Appledore is Mrs Pat Slade, who is now a colleague on the Northam school's staff. Others are Mr Michael Hutchings, Mrs Shirley Simms and Mrs Eileen Crake. After the one term at the Northam school when she first arrived in North Devon, Miss Batts went to teach at the Appledore National School for one term and spent one year at Torrington. Then came nine years on the staff of the Appledore county primary where Mr Sidney Ford was headmaster, before she went back to teach at Northam. Miss Batts lives at Seafield, Lakenham, Northam.

The picture that won a mini-car. Mr John Jeffrey, of Hartland, the well-known photographer, enlisted the aid of his wife to obtain this striking photograph of their son Richard and take the prize in a competition sponsored by the Texeco oil firm.

Were you poised to take part in the Torrington October Fair pram race?

Mr Edwin Hooper and Mr Ian Adair, partners of The Supreme Magic Company of Bideford, returned from the Llandudno Internation Brotherhood of Magicians, British Ring, annual convention, having been awarded for the seventh time the trophy for the best, most novel and original dealers' display. Well over 1,000 magicians from all over the world attended the four-day convention. One of the highlights of the convention was the act presented by Mr Hooper and Mr Adair - an on-stage demonstration at the Pavilion Theatre of the new releases which embraced magical tricks of all kinds.

There was capacity attendances at two fashion display evenings organised by Bideford Ladies' Circle (wives of members of Bideford Round Table) at Durrant House Hotel. As a result over £70 was raised towards the £20,000 target of Exeter Round Table for the provision of a holiday home at Exmouth for sufferers of multiple sclerosis. Joint organisers were Mrs Pauline Grant and Mrs Barbara Jaquiss, and most of the models displaying clothes by 'Elegance' of Bideford were Ladies' Circle members. There are some 20 members who meet twice monthly, and Mrs Heather Hall-Tomkins is chair.

Over 50 years in gloving ends for Miss Gladys Harvey when she retires at manageress of the Appledore factory of Sudburys Gloves Ltd of Bideford - a position she has held for the last 24 years. Tomorrow week she gets married - to retired smallholder Mr Leonard Nancekivell.

Littleham celebrates its harvest festival supper in the Village Hall.

October 1996

Do you remember six grades of Esso petrol and getting green shield stamps from Elliotts of Bideford, and what you could get from the catalogue?

Torrington's infamous stink is to be aired in the High Court. Torridge District Council is seeking a judicial review of the decision by Environment Minister John Gummer to uphold an appeal against its refusal to authorise the operation of the Penisula Proteins meat rendering plant on the outskirts of town. As they met to consider the High Court move councillors were encouraged to take the step by a lobby of placard waving Torrington residents dressed in 17th century costume and declaring their intention to rekindle the town's war with Parliament. "Torrington has been at war with Parliament once before and we want to let them know that we are going to carry on the fight".

Do you remember The Wool and Needlecraft Shop at 49 Mill Street, Bideford? It was owned by Michael Hacker and the manageress was Marjorie Onion.

Property for sale include a detached chalet style bungalow within Beach Road, Westward Ho!; individually designed accommodation at Appledore; and 2 homes at Shebbear including Way House:

There is controversy over Bideford's riverside Coast Centre tourism plan and The Council for the Protection of Rural England has stepped in because of its reservations. The old wharf building nearest the bridge should not be demolished in order to serve as a reminder of the former industrial activity on the site.

Guy and Clive Parsons had 'eggstraordinary' on the bowling green and won a fitting array of trophies. As well known local egg sellers they played a 'yoke' on their colleagues at the Victoria Park Bowling Club when they turned up at the annual end of season tea with a wheelbarrow to collect their prizes. Their cracking haul included the player-of-the-year trophy for Guy for the third time. Clive has previously won it twice. Back home at the Eastridge poultry farm at Bideford East, they posed for their picture in which they wear their signature trademark chicken tea cosies and have filled their cups with eggs.

Bideford College has a full programme on at its theatre and cinema:

Years Ago - September

September 1921

Page two of the 6 September Gazette carries a long and detailed account of the Bideford Regatta which took place on 31 August. The event had the largest attendance ever witnessed with people coming from far and near. Vessels moored in the river were decked with flags and there was a fair at the entrance to Victoria Park. Results of all events, both on and off the water, are given.

Results are also given for the Bideford Amateur Swimming Club annual sports which took place one day after the Regatta. In all the reports, many local surnames are featured.

Among those who visited Bideford on Regatta Day were the choir and bell-ringers from Langtree. Their annual outing by motor char-a-banc saw them spend the morning at Westward Ho! before heading for the Regatta in the afternoon. The rector, Rev Bernard Hallowes, accompanied the party.

On the subject of bells and bell ringing, the first peal in the modern Scientific Method has been rung on Bideford church bells by a team from Oxford who are on a ringing holiday. The 5,040 changes were completed successfully in three hours and three minutes.

In motoring news Wartime regulations regarding the lighting of vehicles has come to an end. The Gazette carries comprehensive details of what is now expected of both motorists and cyclists.

Parking problems are not a new phenomenon in Westward Ho! Captain Angus Cameron was fined nine shillings for leaving a motor car unattended near Golden Bay Hotel for three and a half hours. Ernest Cross was fined the same amount for leaving his car outside Springfield Terrace for one and a half hours. It is reported that several other motors were severely obstructed while trying to pass.

The Bideford Borough Surveyor, Mrs R E L Hookway, invites tenders for painting the Municipal Buildings and the Town Hall, while the headmaster of Westward Ho! Junior School needs a regular supply of potatoes and milk.

When Miss Olive George of Cobbaton married Mr C F Butcher at Parkham, anvils were fired on the village green at intervals throughout the day.

Frederick Potter and Wilfred Blackmore have been fined nine shillings each for stealing apples from an orchard at Burrough House, Northam, on a Sunday afternoon, much to the annoyance of the owner Mr J Heywood. The residents of “Calumet”, Northam – situated just opposite Wooda Farm - are advertising their home made “Toffee and Cocoanut Ice”. Operating from the same address, E Tracey Archer offers private lessons in Pitman shorthand, book-keeping, memory training and other office skills.

Messrs Campbell’s steam boats have been welcomed at Bideford, providing most enjoyable marine trips. It is hoped that in future they will visit more frequently.

The Mayor of Bideford, Councillor J U Fulford, has proposed that the Town Council formally invites the Devon County Show to hold its 1923 event in the town.

Fishermen and boats from local ports are being warned to exercise the utmost caution after a drum of liquid mustard gas was recently dredged up in the Bristol Channel.

The sanitary condition of the bottom of Clovelly Village and harbour at low tides has been complained about by a visitor from London, and this prompted a discussion within the sanitary authority. It was agreed that a letter would be sent to the agent of the Clovelly estate.

The Public Hall in Appledore, recently purchased by a Mr Hawkins, has been converted into an up-to-date picture house to be known as the Gaiety Cinema. Electric light has been installed and the owner has also erected two large electric lights in Irsha Street to avoid any accidents to the public.

At a meeting in the Kingsley Room of the Royal Hotel, it was decided to form a Rugby Football team in Bideford as the general opinion is it was very desirable to resuscitate the grand old game of 'Rugger'. The officers and committee elected were Mr Blew-Jones, Mr W Lister, Mr Suckley, Rev O B Parsons, Col. O'Brien, Major Ascott, Messrs Grimes, Medcalf, Tupper, Powell, Morris, Andrew, Friendship, Davis, Hockley and Tucker. The following week, the team - Lister, Lee, Lawson, Garland, Farleigh, Westlake, Camming, Shute, Chapel, Powell, Hockley, Howard, Burchatt, Blankhaw and Gubb - played Barnstaple Reserves and lost 12-5. A link to the current Bideford Rugy Club website is HERE

Mr F Allday preached a most appropriate sermon at the Harvest Thanksgiving Service held at St Helen's Church on Lundy Island. A musical evening was held at The Sailors' Rest with songs sung by Messrs Davey, Lang and Tremary.

September 1971

Mr Gade, aged 81, retires as Lundy agent and plans to stay on the Island.

The annual all-day shoot staged on Sunday by Kenwith Castle Archers proved to be a bonanza day for the Slade family of Northam. Mr Eric Slade carried off the club men’s championship; his wife Doreen the club women’s title; and their 11 year old daughter Heidi the club junior championship. At present Kenwith Archers, who have their headquarters at Abbotsham, have about 15 members. They meet regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

A ‘Mile of Money’ organised by Bideford St. John Ambulance men, women and cadets on Bideford Quay on Sunday raised £20 for Brigade funds. The event was organised by Supt. N J Davey who is in charge of the ambulance cadets. The local St John Brigade hope eventually to raise sufficient money for an ambulance of their own, as distinct from the County ambulances.

Do you remember the ill-fated circus visit to Hartland in 1971? The circus people will not readily forget their visit to Hartland, but neither will Hartland people. The circus did not exactly resemble that of Monty Python except perhaps in one respect - there was something 'entirely different'. It was billed to open on Monday, but excited children who had dragged not always willing parents along to the Playing Field, learned that the performance had been postponed until Tuesday. Back they trooped them comfortably to fill the 'big top'. But before the performance got under way there was a crack and some of the benches at the rear collapsed, the occupants falling forward on to the people in front. The local doctor was on the spot and treated a number of cuts, bruises and a sprained ankle, before the show could carry on.

Members of Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club celebrate harvest home, and the winning of a first prize, at Bideford Carnival.

Bideford FC pledged a young look to their North Devon League side this season as part of a general build-for-the future campaign, and already several members of the Bideford Reserves’ side have been quick to show they have the potential to make the regular first team grade. This picture was taken before the league match with Appledore and it includes teenagers Trevor Burnell and Gordon Williams, who were both in the premier side last night.

Appledore may be without public transport on Sundays this winter. And already a reduction in services by the Western National Bus Company means a 40-minute gap between buses on the Bideford to Appledore route on other days in the week. Discussions are to be held between the company and Northam Urban Council about the no-buses-on-Sundays proposal which has been announced.

Devon County Council have told Northam Urban Council that there does not appear to be a suitable bye-law which could be made by them to prohibit the sale of ice-cream from a street trading van on the Quay at Appledore.

The first step in the building of Drake's Golden Hinde will be taken at the Appledore yard of Messrs J Hinks and Son when the keel is laid of what will be an authentic replica of the famous ship in which Sir Francis sailed around the world. Already tremendously wide interest has been aroused by the news that the Golden Hind is to take shape in the yard that fashioned the Hudson's Bay replica Nonsuch. Among those who have expressed an interest is the Prince of Wales.

It would be vandalism if Northam Urban Council did not preserve Mrs Elizabeth Thorold's infants' school which was one of Northam's oldest and most conspicuous buildings. Do you know where this was?

Kivell & Sons is selling by auction the following property – Lime Kiln Cottage, Landcross, and there’s a highly important sale of accredited Friesians, Sheep and Bull at Southcott Barton, Bideford.

Bideford Swimming Club members are also part of the North Devon junior water polo team - they are Timothy Birkett, Alan Johns and Stephen Dymond. The Club has formed its own junior water polo team, trained by Mr Peter Griffey. At the Club's annual gala at the Patio Pool, Westward Ho! five new records were set including Peter Griffey achieving a new best in the senior plunge. Other participants were Stephen Dymond, Jackie Stephens, Stephen Smale and Joanne Rivers.

September 1996

Further to last month's story and a trip to London, residents of Torrington are being asked to display something yellow to show their anger at smells coming from a local rendering plant. Yellow ribbons, flags and even a pillow case are already beginning to sprout on buildings and signposts. Margaret Brown, chairman of the action group of Dartington Fields residents said that anyone within a three mile radius of the town who caught a whiff of the smell from Peninsula Proteins should ring Torridge District Council.

Training for emergencies - more than 200 Bideford primary schoolchildren are involved with the Police, Coastguard, Fire Service and St John Ambulance.

Culloden House in Westward Ho! has a name as a dining out venue since Steve and Catherine Pile take it over. Mushroom and apple soup anyone?

Pianist Gillian Allin and soprano Katherine Holder gave a concert at Northam Methodist Church which was well supported and raised money for a good cause. Katherine is a 13 year old pupil at Bideford College and is being taught singing by Mary Chant, and Gillian is a LRAM and has been teaching piano in the Bideford area for more than 12 years.

Young people are not so bad, say the Torrington Commons Conservators which has been sending out individual letters of thanks to a group from Great Torrington School and their teachers for giving up their time to repair an ailing bridge over the Common Lake. Teacher J Hayes noticed the problem and for two days, a ten-strong team helped C Lowe, P Hipkiss, and G Stacey to work on the bridge.

One of Jonathan Sainsbury's works, depicting three magpies on a wind-shaped tree on Northam Burrows, recently established him as a leading wildlife artist.