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.

100 Years Ago - September 1920

All these adverts appeared during the month of September.

Electricity came to Bideford in 1922 so having your own generator was briefly ahead of the times. Read the following article about 'Electricity Development in North Devon' and 'Bideford Company's Sixteen Progressive Years': http://wpehs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Sup018BidefordGazette.pdf

The Vickers sewing machine had some unique features and there are some still for sale today, usually in excess of £250.00. The Vacuum carpet cleaner needs to have the bellows pumped to generate the suction whilst the sweeper tube is used to vacuum up the dust.

The Unemployment Insurance Act set up what some may know as the 'dole' system.

Some interesting property has been advertised for sale: The Trustees of the Long Bridge of Bideford and with the consent of the Charity Commissioners offer for sale by public auction the following Freehold property.

Lot 1. A Dairy farm is known as Wear Land in Westleigh parish, comprising dwelling house with Parlour, Kitchen Dairy Pantry washhouse and 4 Bed Rooms, commodius cattlesheds and other outbuildings with 22 acres.

Lot 2. Dwelling house being No 1 Havelock Place, Clovelly Road, Bideford.

Lot 3. No. 2 Havelock Place, Clovelly Road.

Lot 4.No 3 Havelock Place, Clovelly Road Bideford.

Lot 5. A parcel of land at the rear of Lots 2,3,4, having a long frontage on to Montague Place extending to 12 Perches.

Lot 6. A dwelling house on the East side of Fore Street Northam. Lot 7. A shop and dwelling house being on the East side of Fore Street. Northam

Both Bideford Urban and Rural District Councils have been asked to improve the state of the roads around the district and both have complained about the hard wear and tear they are getting from heavy lorries!

Thornycroft motor vehicles

100 Years Ago - August 1920

Crop Prospects. The continued wet weather is causing considerable anxiety in North Devon. Owing to later sowing than usual a fine summer was more than ever necessary. Late corn has not suffered so much, but early wheat has been very badly beaten down by the rain and farmers in the local district view with apprehension the coming harvest. There is a doubt whether much can be cut by machine, and, because there are no men who can use a hook and few who can use a scythe the crop looks almost lost with modest yields at best. Hay has produced wonderful shears but a great deal remains to be cut. What was saved early was saved well but a great deal has been damaged and may be just useable. More farmers than usual have resorted to ensilage, and have found that this can be usefully done without the provision of expensive silos and mechanical pressing devices. Ricked in the open, the weight of the grass itself has been found sufficient for pressing. Prejudice prevents a good deal more being put into ensilage than otherwise be the case, but those who have tried it find most cattle suited with it. Potato disease appears late but is spreading rapidly and the apple crop is in many instances a total failure. Mangolds are not making progress, the ground being too wet.

East–Water–Water Factory & Allotments. At a Town council meeting it was reported that the Surplus Property Disposal Board in London has refused to consent to the further letting arrangements at the ETW site which is now lying derelict. It was felt that any tenure might prejudice the sale of the site. (We have published the sale details in a previous monthly edition).

Ex-Servicemen Furloughs. Those service men whose out of work donation expired last month are to be granted a further extension of eight weeks donation at 20s a week. The decision was announced in the House of Commons this month by Dr Macnamara who said that the number of ex-service men claiming out of work support was 153,059 and of this number 80,000 were men who had not completed the first year of demobilization.

Clovelly Sensation. A Motoring Extraordinary. A motor car under its own power and restrained only by its own brakes careered up and down the cobbled steps of the High Street in the presence of hundreds of excited and almost incredulous spectators. This is the first time a motor car has ever been below the Fountain which is where the metalled road gives place to cobbled. Some years ago about midnight one dark a car missed the way and drove down to the Fountain before realising its mistake. The salient facts of this current ride are briefly set out in the Visitors Book at the New Inn Hotel.” On the occasion of the first motor car to descend and ascend High St Clovelly. The car was a standard Maxwell Touring Model and was driven by Capt. Mayne of the manufacturers and passengers were from Heard Bros Bideford (See last month’s article for illustrations of this car) The entry in the book was signed by E A Mayner, A W Herd, Norman Heard, H Starmer Pathe Gazette, J H Cole Bideford Gazette, Edward Uren Western Morning News, W H Puddicombe and others.

Child Over Bideford Quay. William Rees, the five year old son of Mrs Blight of 7 Meddon Street fell over the Quay into the incoming tide while at play about ten o’clock yesterday morning and would undoubtedly been drowned had not the prompt help been forthcoming. Mr Reginald Jury from Plymouth was on the other side of the Quay in a motor car with friends about to set off for Clovelly when he heard cries for help. He ran across the road taking off his coat as he went and jumped into the river and rescued the child. The act was very smartly accomplished and the child, but for a bruise on the forehead did not seem much the worse. Mr Jury, who is a native of Bideford and was home on holiday, was a former member of Bideford Swimming Club and a competitor at some of its gala.

Property for Sale. R Blackmore & Sons have been instructed to Sell the old fashioned Detached Cottage residence Known as Marshford. On the road to Appledore and dating from 1619 now being used as two cottages it comprises 3 sitting rooms 6 bedrooms 2 bath rooms kitchen diary and stables and other buildings. Flower and large kitchen garden and 20 acres of grazing.

At Little Torrington overlooking the town of Gt Torrington Cross House Estate. The Rev. H G De Carteret Steven-Guille have instructed Callaway & Co to offer the following for Sale. A Georgian Manor House reconstructed in the 18th century, with magnificent staircase and other panelling by Grindling Gibbons, beautiful grounds a cottage and 82 acres of park, woodland arable pasture. Two farms “North Mole” and “Hill” and a further 25 lots of valuable small holdings woodland accommodation land in total 439 acres, 3 rood, 35 perches.

(photograph courtesy of Devon Haunted Houses)

At Appledore the fully Licensed Freehold Premises known as “Champion of Wales” containing: Bar with Jug & Bottle Department, Tap Room, Bar Parlour, and Kitchen. There is an Upstirs sitting room and 5 bedrooms. The property has been in the occupation of Mrs Oatway, the present quarterly tenant for many years and an excellent trade has been done.

North Devon Property Sales - Many tenants buy farms Mr R Ashton offered some 1,950 acres of freehold property, portions of the Walland Cary Estate, in the parishes of Woolfardisworthy and Parkham, for sale at Bideford on Tuesday, with a few exceptions the properties were sold in the majority of instances to the tenants.

Correll Farm – Mr R Boase, solicitor, Torrington; Hole Small Farm – Mr J C Bond; Higher Venn Farm – Mr Chidley; Lower Venn Farm – Mr R Kivell; Stroxworthy Moors – Mr J Stevens; Hutsford Moor Cottage – Mr Prouse; Four fields, part of Hutsford – Mr J Sanders; Clifford Farm – Mr Hamlyn; Lane Barton – Mr E Lott; Cranford Farm – Mr O Boundy; Cottage and garden at Cranford – Mr O Boundy; Four fields at Cranford – Mr Vanstone; Cranford Water West and quarry – Mr Moore; Four acre field at Cranford – Mr Fogaty; Two fields – Mr Boundy; South Bitworthy Farm – Mr T Westaway; Bucks Cross Tenement – Mr Ross; Watershute Farm – Mrs Heywood

Torrington-Halwill Railway Scheme. Several local councillors for districts the proposed line will pass through heard from a director of Meeth & North Devon Clay Co. The company have secured rights to the clay under 1,365 acres of land in the Hatherleigh & Meeth districts. The company, who also have works in Cornwall and Newton Abbott were being bombarded with demands for ball clay from all over the world. At present the Company transport the clay by steam tractors and motor lorries and the companies’ desire was to see the railway laid down so that the traffic might be taken off the roads.

Endangering the Public. The first summons for furious driving on the Bideford-Northam road came before the County Bench when a young man from Northam was summoned for driving a motor cycle in a manner dangerous to the public down the Raleigh hill leading to Bideford.

Rough Roads and Rear Lights. Albert Wilson, a motor engineer from Ilfracombe, who did not appear in court but sent a letter, was summoned for driving a motor char-a-banc without a rear light on Bideford Long Bridge at 11;35pm last July. When asked to account for this the defendant had said that the light was lit at Meeth but the rough roads between there and Bideford had cause the bulb to fail. Fined a Guinea.

John Andrews, a farmer from Abbotsham pleaded guilty to driving a horse and trap without a rear light. The defendant said that the candle burned out but that it was burning two miles back along the road. On leaving Beaford he put in new candles and at Landcross Chapel they were burning alright. In Meddon Street the rear light went out. Fined 3s.

Frederick Langmead, from Weare Giffard, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a rear light in New Road at 10:15pm. PC Broad, who stopped him, called the defendents attention to the fact that he had no rear light. There was no lamp at all! Fined 9s.

100 Years Ago - July 2020

The Appledore War Memorial, which is an obelisk, has been fixed in Chapels Field and will be publicly dedicated early this month. Sir Douglas Smith an Appledore native now living in Cardiff and a considerable benefactor in helping with the cost, will unveil the memorial. A lengthy report appears in the 13th July edition.

Beekeeping. A conference is held at the Castle, Exeter and is sponsored by Devon County Council and the Devon Beekeeper Association to consider what steps to take to encourage beekeeping in Devon. 75 Italian Queen Bees have been purchased and will be given out as an incentive to promote the hobby. The benefits of reliable pollination were also discussed.

Northam Parish Church has now two extra bells to make a peal of 8. These bells were given in memory of Miss Stella Temple, who was an excellent golfer and sports person who also worked in France in the War where she contracted an illness to which she later succumbed. The other bell was donated by Mr Brayley – Brayley of Wellesbourne in Northam. The 6th July edition of the Gazette reports on the weekend’s proceedings.

The information which follows has been provided by another volunteer: On Saturday July 3rd 1920, the Northam Bells Festival took place on Vicarage Meadow and the Vicarage Lawn. The bells were rung throughout the afternoon until 8pm. Admission to the events on the Meadow was 6d, with schoolchildren being charged 1d. As well as the usual sack races and tug of war, there were to be pillow fights and potato races. A refreshment stall offered ices etc. at reasonable prices. Dancing was to take place on the lawn from 8.30pm-10.30pm at a charge of 6d, fancy dress optional. Due to inclement weather, the outdoor sports had to be postponed; the tea and the dance both took place in the schoolroom.

On Sunday July 4th the bells were dedicated. The service was performed by the Very Revd. Dean of Windsor, Dr C W Baillie, Chaplain to the King. His presence is explained by the fact that the living of Northam is in the gift of the Dean and Canons of Windsor.

The dedications on the two new bells were;

Treble: To the Glory of God, in memory of E Stella Temple 1919 Second: In memory of George Brayley Brayley died 1915

The cost of recasting and rehanging the bells, with repairs to the tower, has cost about £1,100 and by the day of the dedication almost the whole amount had been raised.

Ringers attended from Northam, Barnstaple Parish Church, Pilton, Bideford, Abbotsham, Appledore and Westleigh and the bells were rung continuously from 2.30pm-9.15pm.

Northam Manor Court met for its annual appointment of Officers. At the meeting in the School Room Mr J B Penhorwood was appointed Tything Man. Criers: Northam, J S Hearn; Appledore, J Goodwin. Way Drivers: T Williams, T Dennis, J Moulton, & P Steer. The Pound Keepers were J Hearne & G Cook and Harbour Master J T Slader.

Speeding. An Editorial comment notes that an application to impose a speed limit on the Bideford to Northam & Westward Ho! roads has been submitted. Heavy motor cars and Charabanc vehicles are clogging up the roads. Some now weigh over 3 tons and are 7 feet 6 inches wide and can travel at 12 mph. It was proposed that 8 mph would be suitable for solid tyred vehicles whereas the exponents of the giant air filled tyres, who are probably still in the minority, feel 12mph would not cause any damage to the carriageway. The application was turned down.

Appledore Primary School attendance was reported as “Disgraceful”. Bideford County Magistrates hear that some parents have been summoned 8 times for failing to ensure their children are at school. Generally these defendants never appear in Court but always pay the fines.

Nationally, higher railway fares may come into effect on August 15th. The Rates Advisory Committee meeting in London will consider the deficit in the country’s accounts after the expense of the Great War. An extra £9.9 million pounds for June will bring the estimated deficit in the Government White paper of £52.3 million to well over £60 million. The Government said they have considerable sympathy but “we must harden our hearts”.

Heard Brothers has a large advert for “Nine different Vehicles for Sale”

Hudson Super Six Limousine £1550

Hudson Super Six Tourer £950

Chalmers Semi Sports Touring car £825

Essex Fast Touring car with wire wheels £750

Super Maxwell Touring car £560

Overland Four Touring car £495

Seldon 35cwt chassis £725

Maxwell 27cwt chassis £531

Fordson Tractor £260

car 3

Property to Let

Burnstone Farm Clovelly 172 acres incl labourers cottage, Arable & Pasture to be let from the Clovelly Estate. Great Pilham Hartland 139 acres incl House, workman’s cottage. In the occupation of the owner Mr Richard Walter. To be let from Lady Day.

Property for sale

Mr R L Ashton offered some 1950 acres of freehold property, portions of the Walland Cary Estate, in the parishes of Woolfardisworthy and Parkham, for sale at Bideford. With few exceptions the properties were sold to the tenants.

Gorrell Farm, 136 acres, £1400, Mr R Boase, solicitor, Torrington; Hole Small Farm, £700, Mr J C Bond; Higher Venn Farm, 102 acres, £1450, Mr Chidley; Lower Venn Farm, 44 acres, £925, Mr R Kivell; Stroxworthy Moors, 29½ acres, £415 Mr J Stevens; Hutsford Moor Cottage, 2 acres, £275, Mr Prouse; Four fields, part of Hutsford, 31 acres, £250, Mr J Sanders; Clifford Farm, 354 acres, £2525, Mr Hamlyn; Lane Barton, 169 acres, £3500, Mr E Lott; Cranford Farm, 92 acres, £2500, Mr O Boundy; Cottage and garden at Cranford, £260, Mr O Boundy; Four fields at Cranford, 12 acres, £600 Mr Vanstone; Cranford Water West and Quarry, 17 acres, £650, Mr Moore; Cranford Water East, 6 acres, £210, Mr Moore; Four acre field at Cranford, £212 10s, Mr Fogarty; Two Fields, 10acres, £300, Mr Boundy; South Bitworthy Farm, 108 acres, £2300, Mr T Westaway; Bucks Cross Tenament, 25 acres, £1200, Mr Ross; Watershute Farm, 64 acres, £1650, Mrs Heywood; Walland Cottage West and Walland Cottage East with 19 acres, £800, Mr Harding; Two Limebury fields, 13 acres, £600, Mr Beer; Three fields, part of Bitworthy, 14 acres, £450, Mr T Westaway; Merry Harriers, four cottages and 9 acres, £500, Mr T Westaway; Field at Bucks Cross, 1½ acres, £100, Mr Davey; Two fields at Bucks Cross, 2½ acres, £200, Mr Davey; Two fields at Bucks Cross, 1½ acres, £180, Mr Braund; Undivided third share of Hills Cottage and 2½ acres at Bucks Cross, £120, Mr Jennings; Duerdon Farm, nearly 200 acres, £2500, Mr Chidley; Hutsford Moor farm, 200 acres, No offer was made; Ashcroft, 150 acres, withdrawn at £1600; West Town Farm, 64 acres, withdrawn at £1700. Messrs Pitts Tucker, Barnstaple, were the solicitors for the Vendor, Mr Elwes.