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.

Years Ago

100 Years Ago - July 1921

Lundy Island – The Cambria landed 350 passengers near the Cove Hotel and contributing to an evening’s entertainment were Messrs Lang, C Davey, S Davies, J Branch and others. Mr S Davies, the coast guard, has been appointed to Port Looe.

In spite of the challenges, the New Inn at Clovelly has been almost entirely reconstructed with adjoining houses rebuilt or remodelled. The work commenced by Mrs Hamlyn in 1914, recommenced in 1920 and is nearing completion.

Torrington - For the purpose of raising funds for the purchase of an artificial leg for Miss G Fursemen - the limb having been recently amputated - a dance was held in the Town Hall on Saturday last. Mr Barnwell expressed gratitude to all who supported and announced that £9 had been raised that evening but a large number of tickets had been sold beforehand and the receipts had yet to be collected.

Mrs Baker, the wife of the landlord of the Black Swan slipped as she was descending the stairs and sustained a fractured collar bone.

A well patronised Jumble sale held on the Rectory Lawn at Little Torrington. Many stalls were presided over by local ladies and refreshments were also served. Total receipts were £10, which sum is to be devoted to the annual outings of the choir, ringers and the Sunday School.

The Halwill Torrington Railway is regarded as the only scheme which could alleviate unemployment in North Devon, and is of great importance to help develop agriculture. Read more about this Railway using this Link

Sadly, two local boys lost their lives whilst bathing at Westward Ho! in heavy seas. Three lads – Warren Smith, Oscar Gard and Goodwin – were bathing off the Pebble Ridge, opposite Eastbourne Terrace, and having left the water, Goodwin lost sight of his friends. Coastguard Mortimer and PC Uglow were unable to assist despite quickly being on the scene. A body was found washed ashore.

Hartland Estate for Sale. Messrs Kivell & Harris have been favoured with the instruction from the representative of the late Mr W Hopwood to offer for sale by Public Auction on a Saturday in August all the freehold estate known as Forcewell.

Motor Ketch for Sale - Alfred Perrin & Son will Offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Champion of Wales Inn, Appledore at 3 o’clock in the Afternoon the Motor Ketch “Mary Grace”.

Bideford & Westward Ho! Freehold & Leasehold Premises - R Blackmore & Sons have received instructions from the Exors of R.T.Hookway deceased and Mr T Hookway deceased to offer for sale by Auction:-

Ropewalk; 30 Bridgeland Street; 31 Bridgeland Street; 32 Bridgeland Street; Stable and Store with Lofts in Queen Street; Freehold Building sites at Twinaways, Clovelly Road; Freehold Houses in Florence Terrace; Leasehold Houses, 22 and 23 The Quay; Leasehold Cottages, 50, 51, 52 and 53 Old Town; “Sea Vista”, Westward Ho!

Bideford School of Science and Art examination results – T Andrew, B I Day, J Allin, Winifred D Goaman, W S Darch, A R G Symons, W R Paddon, W Steer, R C Moase, W H Adams, C Bird, B I Day, F E Champion, C R Pearson, E C Moase, W H Adams, K Moulton, F W Burnard, Winifride E James, Irene M Short, H Harraway, Marian Jewell, A Baglow, Mary A Courtney, Kathleen S Shaxton, Edith M Backway, Doris M Cole, Irene M Highman, Evelyn M Rycroft, T Bond, Elsie M Nicholls, W E James, Amy L Pickard, W H Paddon and Ronald Couch

A red-letter day for Edgehill College, after the fire last June (see the Archive's June 1920 article), when memorial stones are laid on Wednesday, July 27th. Due to changes in accommodating boarders – an extension fo the hostel system - there will be an additional 75 pupils. More about Edgehill College can be found HERE

A Ministry of Health inquiry was held in Bideford Town Hall regarding the application to borrow £41,308 for the scheme known as Jennett’s Stream Scheme. Also discussed were the applications to borrow money for the extension of the cattle market and a house for the park keeper.

National Miners Strike

Following the receipt of a letter from the Miners Executive, the Prime Minister convened a meeting of representatives of the miners and mine owners and much progress was made such that an agreement was entered into on Tuesday under which the miners resumed work immediately. The terms include a profit-sharing scheme which the Prime minister described as a very great and promising scheme. This agreement is dependent on a £10 Million subsidy from the Government which will tide the Miners over until September 30th. During July, 2s a shift extra will be paid to those over 16 years; those under this age will be paid 1s per shift extra; during September 3/0d and 1/6d respectively will be paid. For every £100 which the workmen get in respect of wages the owners will take £17. Miners gave a favourable vote to these terms and many have already returned to work.

Following the engineering and textile industries, the masters and men in the iron and steel industries have concluded an important agreement to present adjustment of wages and future regulation of the industry.

50 Years Ago - July 1971

It was right that Mr G W Barratt wasn’t allowed to keep two bungalows at Waltersmoor Farm in Shebbear without complying with a planning condition. The Secretary of State for the Environment Appeals that the bungalows must stay tied to farming. The Devil’s Stone Inn is open for lunches, dinners and bar snacks.

Frontage to a derelict property near Tinker’s Cross, Winkleigh, is so overgrown that branches of its trees poked through the windows of school buses.

Jacqueline and Josephine Chidley, of Holsworthy, have both achieved the honour of being a Queen’s Guide. Read more about the Queen's Guide Award HERE

At the 56th anniversary celebrations of Hartland Methodist Church over £150 was raised. There was a fete, Hartland Town Band played and a concert was provided by Bradworthy Methodist Concert Party. Hartland pre-school play group held its third annual dolls show and fancy dress parade. Winners were: Andrew Prouse, Tasmin Myers, Rosemary Heard, Alison Heard, Maria Prouse, Karen Crowl, Leslie Heard, Andrew Riddle, Craig Brown, Mark Kelly, Joshua Brewer, Darren Phillips, Mark Kelly. Judges were Mrs M O’Donnell, Mrs E Blaglow and Mrs G Jeffrey. Cake prizes were won by Mrs J Jeffrey and Mrs C Prouse. Summerwell Farm, Hartland, is available to view prior to auction, by applying to Mr or Mrs Ferrett.

The West Country Inn, a 16th century coaching house, is open for meals, snacks and a selection of wines and liqueurs.

Were you entertained by Johnny in the Silhouette Room at Golden Bay Bars, Westward Ho!

The Women’s Missionary Work of the Northam Methodist Church held its annual garden party at the home of Miss O Southerton, Bay View Road. Mrs Maurice Hart, who was presiding, was accompanied by Miss J Laws, Mrs F C Twose, Rev Maurice Hart and Mrs W R Shapland.

Appledore Church Hall raised around £140 at a fete in aid of hall funds. The fete was opened by Mr R H K Evers, accompanied by his wife. Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd is building a swimming pool for use by its employees.

After a 11 year lapse, Roger Davies, of Torrington, is victorious in the Taddiport Revel tub race in his vessel, Morning Cloud. He beat Raymond Hoyle and Laurie Croxford. Other entrants were Maurice Cockwill, Dick Mathews, Gordon Coysh and Geoffrey Oke. Torrington Cavaliers assisted with events, and stallholders were Mrs T Parkyn, Mrs D Hutchings, Messrs H Oswin and D Skinner, Miss F Holland, Mrs P Davies, Miss K Baker, Mrs C Rogers, Mrs Green, Mrs E Crees, Mrs H Oswin, Mrs J Skinner, Mesdames Oswin, R Colegate, W Copp, A Lawrence, N Abbott, V Alexander, Miss Holland, Mr Cliff Rogers, Mr A Copp, Messrs J and B Skinner.

Did you attend the It’s A Knockout in the Bideford Sports Ground? Admission was 10p for adults and 5p for children.

A new factory owned by Anglo-American Vulcanised Fibre Co. of London, started operations and the works director, Mr Peter Biddle, said ‘We are very pleased with the way things have gone…’ Messrs Jim McLeish, Derek Williams, Jack Robertson David Westcott and Les Yalden are pictured.

Tanton’s Hotel officially opened its’ Bier Keller, the first in the area.

Showing at the Strand is ‘Up Pompei’ and ‘Get Carter’.

The 10th St Peter’s Fayre, held at East-the-Water Community Centre, raised over £115. Janette Nicholas presented a bouquet (given by Mrs J Trigger) and Robert Ryan, buttonholes. Stallholders and helpers were Mr A H Turner, Mr S W Mills, Mr A L Arnold, Mesdames L Hillman, W Tilke, J Tuer, A Carpenter, A Luxton, C Featherstone, H Mather, M Rendle, M Finn, A Copp, F Page, G Douglas, J Spurway, E Pritchard, L Greenslade, W Butler, S Symes, M Olver, J Parsons, F Scott, A H Turner, F Rickard, A N Eastmond, J Brock, G Balsdon, J Pym, C Lott, A McGrory, D Berriman, Gipson, F Baker, W Petherick, J Crocker, L Perry, F Bright, Ahrens, A Hogg, Mr J Cooper and Misses I P Bow, E Oliver, Poter and E Osburn.

The Hot Pants women’s football team, who train at Pollyfield, make their debut on Bideford Sports Ground on 31 July. They play a team from Mount Batten, also called the Hot Pants.

Did you help cook hot dogs at the Bideford District Girl Guides and Brownies barbecue-fete in the grounds of the headquarters at Kingsley Road?

Abbotsham’s WI members welcomed Miss Graham from Westward Ho! and were fascinated by Mr Cory’s talk on driftwood.

Property and land for sale at Part Annery, Monkleigh, and The Mews, Landcross. The land was sold later that month for £10,000 and was bought by Mr and Mrs H JD Martin and Son, of Monkleigh.

Did you eat at Southcott House in Weare Giffard? Champagne lobster for 375p.

The Torrington Cavaliers made their first visit ‘overseas’ and played a big part in a gala day programme on Lundy. The Cavaliers’ former Captain, Mr Laurie Alexander, is working on the island for the Landmark Trust. As a result of an increasing population, Lundy now has two churchwardens – Mr John Dyke and Mr Ian Grainger.

Did you book to go on a demonstration flight of a Jumbo Jet – Boeing 747?

25 Years Ago - July 1996

Fremington is making a bid for floral glory with its first entry into the Britain-in-Bloom competition. The village is being backed by the parish council, local organisations and firms and by the Army camp which is in its midst. In the picture from the Fremington-in-Flower committee are Joan Lavis, Reg Broad, Mary Barrell, Iris McLennan and Mike Woodman.

Properties for sale include those in Bideford, Northam, Woolsery, Stibb Cross and Westward Ho!

Nelson Garage, Westward Ho! require an experienced mechanic. Lots of entertainment is being put on by The Anchor Inn, including Shaggy Walker, Diane Marie and Chris Stevenson.

Torrington Mayor, Bill Brook, opened the Torrington Civil War Trail. It links points of interest in the town associated with the 1646 Battle of Torrington and has been created with the cooperation of local property and landowners incorporating a series of 12 wall plaques at historic sites within the town.

Torrington Civil War Trail

Mary Hobbs, who is the supervisor of the reception desk at Clovelly Visitors Centre, is the oldest person in North Devon to gain a National Vocational Qualification Level 3. Mary left school at 16 without formal qualifications and went into service at Hartland Abbey, married at 18 and had five children.

Mary Hobbs

At a charity fun day in Appledore, six inns were the stopping off points for teams taking part in not a three-legged but a four-legged race. The fun began at 4pm and was based in Irsha Street between The Beaver Inn and The Royal George. The proceeds from the day went towards buying a sand yacht for the Sea Scouts, a computer for Appledore School and a donation to the Holiday of a Lifetime charity.

Did you attend any children's craft workshops run by artist Sally Stone at her shop next to Bideford Pannier Market? Five intrepid members of Bideford Canoe Club were attempting to row from Lundy Island to Appledore Quay - the five canoeists are Brian Eastman, Tom Knight, Ian Rowland, Ian Bowler and Paul Davison.

Craft workshops near Pannier Market

Bideford Canoe Club

Years Ago

100 Years Ago - June 1921

In Parkham, farmers and gardeners are noticing the difference in the weather between this year and last. In June 1920 many potato crops were only just being planted but this year the crop is so far advanced that new potatoes have already been dug. The shortage of rainfall is still causing problems for the mangolds and corn.

Bideford’s reservoirs are more than 10% down on last June. Rainfall so far this year measures only 8.8 inches. To conserve drinking water, the supply is being turned off between 4pm and 7am daily.

It is reported that Bideford Bay is teeming with jellyfish called Medusa. This could also be a result of the unusually warm weather. (Medusa is a term for a stage in jellyfish life, rather than a particular species.)

Birds are nesting inside Horwood Church, where the door is usually left open. The Rector has put up a notice requesting that they are not disturbed.

Way’s Motor Garage at Westward Ho! has been taken over by Mr C E Stent.

Mr B Arnold has been bitten on the leg by a boar pig at Torrington. The animal was sleeping in a pen. Mr Arnold roused it and attempted to pat it, upon which it bit him.

John Reed, an experienced bell-ringer, visited Lundy and found the bells to be in good order.

The first vessel from Germany to be seen in this region is currently discharging timber at Bideford, having sailed from Hamburg. (Sadly, the vessel is not named)

The annual club walk of Bradworthy's Female Friendly Society took place in glorious weather. Read more about these Societies HERE

Due to problems with the gas supply which eventually 'konked out', the Bideford Gazette was printed with the use of a Lister petrol engine, provided by Mr A W Bennett of Market Square, and blow lamps. 'Read all about it!'

The 1921 Census was postponed from April 24th to June 19th due to industrial disturbances. Mr F A Pearson, assisted by nine enumerators, will carry out the work in Bideford. Precise descriptions are needed for describing an occupation and housewives will have their work detailed as 'Home Duties'. One hundred years on, the 2021 Census took place on 21 March.

There is a problem with foreign rats in Appledore, which are believed to be coming ashore from boats. A vessel now in from Palestine is said to be infested with the beasts. Captain Dark, the Sanitary Inspector, said he was not going to catch them, but he would be prepared to get someone else to do so.

50 years ago – June 1971

In a follow up to the last story, the local Medical Officer, Dr C J Carey, declares that there are no rats on ships docking in Bideford. He has inspected 9 vessels, 5 from foreign ports, and all are clean in every respect. The 2 rats recently seen on the Quay probably came from a pile of wood which has been left there for some time.

Over 400 people visited the gardens of Moreton House, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, when it was opened to the public for the first time by Mr J R Crabbe, head of Grenville College, under the National Gardens Scheme. Read more about this Scheme which continues today HERE and HERE

Forty members of the Westward Ho! Senior Citizens Club have taken an 8-day trip to Holland at a cost of £34 each. The Malibu Restaurant in Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! is closed after a mystery fire in the kitchen. Mr & Mrs K C Tarrant took over the restaurant from Mr J W Needs just a month ago.

Caynton House in Mill Street, Torrington, home of Captain Peter Sleight, has been broken into. Items taken include a transistor radio, a travelling alarm clock, brief case, razor and a bottle of whisky. Torrington is going to have a brighter “loo” – the main background wall in the South Street toilet block is going to be tiled in white with random tiles in pink, blue and other colours. A huge new condenser was brought into operation on the roof of the Unigate Factory in Torrington. A mobile crane had to be brought from Taunton and special insurance taken out to cover the lifting operation.

Mr Henry Smith, of Rosemoor Cottage, Torrington, retired after 60 years tending the Rosemoor House and gardens. He is 80 years old and was presented with an easy chair by Colonel J E Palmer, his wife, Lady Anne, and her mother, the Countess of Orford. Listen to Lady Anne Berry talk to Sue Scrutton USING THIS LINK

4.6.1971 Rosemoor retiree

Three teams of girls from Edgehill College were among 32 teams to complete the 10 Tors challenge. Robin Trapnell’s team was the second to arrive at the finish line.

Parkham Rectory has been sold at auction; having 4 bedrooms, outbuildings and 1½ acres of grounds, it was bought by Mr F W Williams for £6,750.

The start of Clovelly Revel Week was marked by 47 people, including the Queen, Lorraine Slee, attending a dinner held at the Red Lion Hotel. Jonathan Rowe was first home from a sponsored walk from Langtree to Clovelly Parish Hall, and he was followed by Peter Vanstone. Hartland won the cricket match, and first prize went to Clovelly Primary School (Mrs Howarth) for its entry. Tony and Stephen Perham took second prize. Over 500 hot dogs were sold at the barbecue. The Red Lion Hotel in Clovelly

Residents at Fairlea, in Northam, had to be rescued by firemen. Thankfully, it was a test, and the residents' parts were played by Bideford Girl Guides and St John Ambulance Cadets. Firemen from Bideford, Appledore and Torrington fought the blaze and representatives of the welfare services also participated in the operation.

25 years ago – June 1996

Blights Motors of Handy Cross, Bideford, is selling the new Ford Fiesta Classic at £6,995 on the road.

Webber’s estate agents is offering a 3 bedroom semi detached house at Hartland for £52,500 and a cottage style house at Dolton with 2 bedrooms and central heating for £39,950.

Residents of the Londonderry Estate in Bideford protest against Lovell Homes plan to build 4 houses on the “village green” at the entrance to the estate.

Torrington pensioner Edith Petherbridge has won a Mediterranean cruise for two people on a Devon Air Ambulance scratch card. She will take her sister, Irene, with her.

A gladiator dual is the highlight of a fete at St George’s School, Northam; welly wrangling, face painting and a licensed bar are also on offer.

100 Years Ago - May 1921

What was being reported in May 1921

Alwington – The grant from the United Service Fund, amounting to £9 for the ex-service men of the parish, has been received, and is to be used toward the purchase of a skittle alley.

United Services Fund - The Government established the United Services Fund in 1919 with the aim of caring for the interests of ex-Service people and their dependents. It was funded by the sale of overseas canteens during the war.

Appledore – Empire Day was celebrated in an unique manner. A special service was arranged at 3 o’clock at the monument in Chapel’s field. Over 300 scholars, including the infants, made a detour of the monument and deposited flowers on the steps. The monument presented a most impressive sight for it was literally covered with beautiful floral tokens in memory of Appledore heroes who fell in the struggle to maintain the Empire.

More information abut Empire Day can be found at THIS LINK

Bideford – the Hospital acknowledges with thanks, gifts of vegetables from Col. Mascot, Mr Duncan and Rev E J Fyffe and games from A Waldren. Owing to the greatly reduced train facilities Bideford motor wagonette proprietors are running services to and from Barnstaple. Butchers of the town allege that notwithstanding the regulation of the Council that not more than 28lbs of pork should be sold by a stall-holder in the Pannier Market, people were evading the rules and selling whole carcases of pork.

Although a small shipload of coal has recently been discharged at Bideford, stocks in the district are running out and the public are appealed to be as economical as they possibly can.

Bradworthy – Tilling over, the farmers are delighted to experience the beautiful spring showers. Mr Elliott, keeps two cows, and within a few weeks of each other they have each given birth to twins. Richard Oke won a 40 guinea American organ offered as a prize at the Southern Counties Eisteddfod at Exeter in a grand pianoforte solo contest.

Bucks Mills – Mr F Coles organised a very successful entertainment – a concert and dance. The proceeds were handed to the Vicar for the Churchyard Wall Fund. The old and fascinating customs connected with May Day were successfully revived by the new headmistress, and Miss Kelly and her sister are to be thoroughly congratulated on the performance. Winnie Prouse was elected ‘Queen’, being crowned by Mrs Elwes.

Hartland – the farm known as Hescott is to be let by tender.

Mr T Bailey, Harbour, has had the misfortune to lose another useful horse. Mr R Pengilly, Summerwell, also lost a valuable colt, whilst Mr Oliver (late of Hennaford) suffered similar misfortune. Ill-luck fell upon Mr Philip Burrow, Bursdon, by the death of a very valuable dairy cow. Prizes were won at the clay pigeon shooting at West Country Inn by Messrs Tom Colwill, F Shaddick and E Colwill.

Instow – Owners of huts at Instow received unpleasant news in the form of demand notes for rates. The owners declined to pay until the validity of the claim had been tested. Their appeal to the Assessment Committee was not successful.

A memorial to Instow’s fallen, an imposing Devon cross of granite, was unveiled by Mr John Barrett, an ex-soldier.

Landcross – The Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary Services were held and a real good tea was provided by Mrs J Colwill, Mrs E R Colwill, Mrs Oliver, Mrs Warmsley, Miss Andrew and Miss L Colwill.

Langtree – A meeting of the ex-Service men of the Parish has been held in the Club Room to consider what should be done with the grant from the United Services Fund. After a short discussion it was decided to put it to a football club.

Littleham – Two very successful entertainments – whist and a concert - have been held in the Parish Room, in aid of the fund for the new church heating apparatus.

Northam – At the monthly meeting of the Northam Urban District Council, the Medical Officer, Dr E J Toye, reported 8 deaths, 11 births, and that the general health of the district remained satisfactory. In regard to the Coal Emergency Orders, etc. Mr E J Labbett was appointed Coal Officer and he would be able to issue permits to the relevant persons. The Melbury reservoir contains 29 million gallons and, with an indication of dry weather setting in, the public will be asked to be as careful as possible with water supply. Empire Day was celebrated with a service at Northam Cross, the site of the Northam war memorial. At the King’s Head Hotel, a bay horse by Cyllene-Cockeye, ‘Cyclops Too’ will be auctioned.

On Bone Hill an open air service was held instead of the usual Rogationtide procession through the lanes and fields of the parish in order to supplicate the blessings of God upon the seeds sown in the earth. The service conducted by the Vicar, Rev G Payne Cook, RD, assisted by Revs Oak Rhind and Guy H Bridges.

Parkham – At the annual meeting of the Parish Council, Mr F Harding was re-appointed chairman, and Mr J Heal vice-chairman. Messrs W Lang, C Hedden and E George were elected Overseers and Mr A Ley was appointed School Manager to fill the vacancy caused by Mr Cook leaving the neighbourhood. A blue tit is hatching her young for the third year in succession in a letter box at Melbury Waterworks.

The Hon. Secretary, Mr F Harding, has received a cheque to the value of £13 5s from the United Services Fund. It is proposed to establish a portable skittle alley which will be the property of ex-soldiers.

Torrington – The master and matron, Mr and Mrs Waspe, of the Workhouse have resigned as they were appointed out of nearly 100 applicants master and matron of Loddon and Clavering. Later that month, Mr and Mrs G Harrison of Norwich, are appointed as replacements. Mr William Squire (Torrington), president of Swansea Devonians’ Society, unveiled at the United Methodist Church, Swansea, a war memorial bearing the names of 25 members of the society who fell in the war. The two female officers, Capt Watkins and Lieut Stenner, who have been in charge of the Salvation Army work at Torrington for 12 months, have had a farewell on leaving for Mousehole, Cornwall. They are succeeded by two male officers, Capt Glightly and Lieut Boyce, from Clapton.

At the monthly meeting of the Torrington Town Council, the Town Clerk demanded an apology from Councillor Barnwell in respect of a statement made by him at a previous meeting. Mr Barnwell said that not for one moment did he dispute the honesty of the Town Clerk but the line of action he took was a protest at the way in which an account was passed around the table to be initialled.

Westleigh – A handsome wayside cross just in front of the lych-gate has been erected by the parishioners of Westleigh, to the memory of the men of the parish who died in the war, and the 58 others who served. It was unveiled by the Earl of Portsmouth. The whole of the names are inscribed on brass tablets on the base of the cross.

A very pretty wedding took place at the Wesleyan Church, Bideford, the bride being Miss F W Watts, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs G Watts, Candile House, Westleigh. The groom was Mr A G C Hearn, only son of Mr and Mrs Hearn, of Castle Street, Northam.

Westward Ho! – the sands are in good condition and bathing was started by two ladies.

Shipping – The s.s. Enid Mary, a vessel recently built at the Taw Shipyard, made her first trip to and from Cardiff, and was Bideford Quay with her speed, 12.6 knots, proudly chalked on her funnel. This is equivalent to 14.499mph.

Sport – The first final for the splendid (Capt J H) Reed Cup was played on the ground of the Hansen Recreation Club between Bideford Juniors and Hartland. Goals were scored by Symons, Green and Vodden, with the result Bideford 3, Hartland 0. In the match between Bideford and Barum Town, the home team was unable to field a complete team of its own players and filled their eleven with members of the Athletic Club, and winning by four goals to two.

Later that month, the Kingsley League and Reed Cups were presented to the Bideford Junior Football team after a very successful high tea at the Royal Hotel.

On behalf of the members of the Northam Football Club, the President, Mr J Jeffery, presented to Mr H A Littlejohns a silver-plated shaving set with the best wishes of the Club of which he is a member, on the occasion of his marriage.

In golf, J H Taylor was beaten by Abe Mitchell at a professional tournament in Lancashire.

At a well attended meeting of the General Committee of the Bideford Amateur Athletic Club, with Capt W H Merefield in the chair, the arrangements for the coming rowing season were discussed.

Legal – Summoned for playing football in New Street, two boys were ordered by Bideford Magistrates to pay 1/- each towards costs, and were cautioned as to their future conduct. At Torrington County Petty Sessions, Charles Trigger and John Briglit, both of Dolton, were charged and found guilty of taking certain unseasonable salmon at Brightley Marsh on the river Torridge. They were fined 5s and 10s 6d advocate’s fee. Mr Walter Withecombe, of Apps Farm, Littleham, brought a claim for £10 damages against his neighbour, Mr Wm Jas. Huxtable, of Heale Farm, in respect of a bite by the latter’s black and tan cross-bred sheep dog. In ordinary circumstances the case would be dismissed but the defendant was entitled to his costs. The dog was destroyed, a summons was issued and there would be a judgement for the defendant, with costs. William Brend pleaded guilty to a charge of plying for hire in the Strand with a motor hackney carriage without being licensed for the borough; he was fined 2s 6d.

Schools – Annual reports from the headteachers, now required under the new regulations, were presented for the first time to Bideford Council School Managers. Old Town Boys’ School commenced the new school year on April 12 with 62 children admitted from Gunstone School (it would appear that the two schools combined). This brought its numbers to 343 which necessitated the organisation of another class and teacher. Each boy is placed in one of four houses viz. Drake, Grenville, Kingsley and Raleigh, each having a distinctive colour. The teacher in charge of Geneva Girls’ School reported that the year ended with 252 girls on the register. In spite of the absence of teachers and the headmistress through illness (there was a severe epidemic of influenza during February and March), the discipline of the school had been well maintained and the work of the various classes quite satisfactory. Mrs Wilson, Geneva Infants, reported that the school started the year with 212 names on the books, and at the close, 237.

Owing to the satisfactory manner in which the ringworm epidemic was handled by the School Medical Authority this disease was practically eradicated by the end of July.

Property for sale – 30 Wimbourne Terrace; 11 Providence Row; 48 High Street; 46, 47 and 48 Honestone Street; and three shops with dwelling houses in Allhalland Street (owned by Mrs Short and Mr Rice).

National news – The figures of unemployment continue to show an increase and approximately 1,744,000 are registered. It was reported that when the extended unemployment insurance scheme under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, came into operation, the fund stood at about £22,000,000. The amount paid out of the fund by way of unemployment benefit and other charges between November 8 1920 and April 23 1921, was about £14,500,000. Owing to the coal stoppage, the fund’s depletion is rapidly increasing.

At the annual meeting of the Cunard Steamship Company, Sir Thomas Royden said that owing to the fact that the first cost of vessels had been enormously enhanced, shipowners had at last called a halt. A large number of contracts had been cancelled outright and in other cases, further work had been suspended until the cost of wages and materials came down.

Members of Parliament will not pay income tax on their £400 a year salary and are to be granted first-class railway travel between London and their constituencies and their homes.

It is anticipated that the Prime Minister intends to call both parties to the coal dispute together again in conference, with preliminary conversations taking place at Chequers in the next few days. So far the embargo of the railwaymen and transport workers on the handling of imported coal has not prevented the removal of supplies to centres where the fuel is needed for public utility services. A general railway strike is thought to be a remote contingency.