Featured Articles

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.

Chess bridges a gap of 80 years

Chess bridges a gap of over 80 years in the ages of these two Bideford enthusiasts seen concentrating on their weekly game to which they both eagerly look forward.

As his opponent and mentor in the game 10 year old Trevor Cooper, son of Dr and Mrs R.A. Cooper of Limers Lane, Northam, has 91 year old Mr T.A. Goaman of Greenbanks, Chanters Lane, Bideford, hon. freeman of Bideford and former Mayor.

Chess their bridge over the years

They were brought together when Alderman Mrs Muriel Cox, a daughter of Mr Goaman, heard of Trevor’s eager search for someone to teach him the game. He had taught himself the names of the pieces and the moves and had reached the stage when he needed practice in playing. Mrs Cox was delighted for him to come along for some games. Thursday afternoon is chess afternoon and it was not long before the boy found himself with a distinguished and learned opponent who has enjoyed chess over a long lifetime and who also taught the game to his alderman daughter when she was ten.

Gazette article 24 January 1964

Back again after 100 years

Pillars returned to Bideford Parish Church

When Bideford Parish Church was rebuilt exactly 100 years ago many items, including old stone pillars from the 13th century building, became dispersed.

One pair of pillars became the entrance posts of the gateway to Forest Hill House on the Torrington Road approach to the town. In recent months an extensive road improvement scheme has been in progress in that vicinity, necessitating the removal of the gateway and the new owner of Forest Hill, Mr A. Lusty, indicated his willingness to give the pillars back to the church.

The pillars were deposited outside the east (chancel) window on Monday afternoon. Among those watching the return of the pillars were (left) Churchwardens Messrs. C.C. Longstaff and W.J. 0xenham and the secretary of the Parochial Church Council, Mr G.P. Crabb (centre)

Gazette article 17 January 1964

Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

Two Monkleigh boys have squirrels as pets.

They are 14 year old Brian Whitlock, son of Mr and Mrs W. Whitlock of Saltrens Cottages, and his pal, 13 year old Graham Curtis (below) son of Mr and Mrs E. Curtis of 2 Lee Avenue.

Both squirrels were found in nearby woods, which was once their home. Now they live in the comfort of a cage and an outhouse respectively.

Brian’s pet is particularly tame. He has spent many hours during the past months in training it. Graham’s a little wilder but is gradually becoming ‘civilised.’ Both animals are evidently enjoying life with their young masters.

Gazette article 6 December 1963