• Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
  • Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
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  • 1 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 2 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 3 Picking the pops

  • 4 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 5 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 6 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 7 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 8 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 9 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 10 Appledore's largest

  • 11 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 12 Doing time - over 300 years of it - at Hartland

  • 13

    Married in 1908
  • 14 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 15 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 16 Picking the pops

  • 17 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 18 East-the-Water's call for new school

  • 19 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 20 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 21 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 22 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 23 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 24 Happy Days!

  • 25 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 26 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 27 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 28

    Was a missionary
  • 29 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 30 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 31 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 32 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 33 Devil sent packing

  • 34 Bridging the stream

  • 35 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 36 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 37 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 38 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 39 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 40 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 41

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 42 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 43 Police station view of Bideford

  • 44 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 45 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 46 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 47 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 48 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 49 A bird of their own!

  • 50 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 51 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 52 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 53 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 54 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 55 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 56 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 57 Pannier Market's future?

  • 58 All for the love of a lady!

  • 59 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 60 By pony and trap to market

  • 61 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 62 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 63

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 64 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 65 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 66 New addition to Quay front

  • 67

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 68 Weare Giffard potato

  • 69 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 70 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 71 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 72 New Lundy stamps

  • 73 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 74 What's the time?

  • 75

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 76 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

  • 77 He beat the floods

  • 78 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 79 First ship in 8 years

  • 80 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 81 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 82 To build racing cars in former blacksmith's shop

  • 83

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 84 Jumble sale fever

  • 85 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 86 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 87 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 88 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 89

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 90 Warmington's garage ad

  • 91 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 92 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 93 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 94 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 95 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 96 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 97 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 98 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 99

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 100 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 101

    Bidefordians
  • 102 Bideford regatta

  • 103 The Geneva marionettes

  • 104 New choral society's growing response

  • 105 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 106 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 107 New civic medallions

  • 108 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 109 Last train from Torrington

  • 110 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 111 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 112

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 113 Not Bideford's answer to the moon rocket!

  • 114 Burnard family reunion

  • 115 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 116 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 117 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 118 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 119 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 120 Reed threshing 'putting the clock back' at Weare Giffard

  • 121

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 122 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 123 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 124 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 125

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 126 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 127 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 128

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 129 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 130 Can spring be far away?

  • 131 Sixty-two year old Picarooner makes ready for season

  • 132 End of the line

  • 133 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 134 New life for Hartland organ

  • 135

    Building works
  • 136

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 137 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 138 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 139 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 140

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 141 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 142 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 143 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 144 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 145 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 146 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 147 No laughing matter

  • 148 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 149 Hartland Dancers
  • 150 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 151 They are parted pro-tem

  • 152 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 153 Variety in summer weather

  • 154 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 155 Northam's almshouse

  • 156 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 157 Penny for the guy

  • 158 School crossing patrol begins

  • 159 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 160 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 161 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 162 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 163 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 164 No sale of Springfield House

  • 165 Modern living at Bideford

  • 166 113 years at Instow

  • 167 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 168 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 169 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 170 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 171 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 172 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 173 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 174 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 175 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 176

    Exhibition of school work
  • 177 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 178 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 179 Recognise this resort?

  • 180 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 181 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 182 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 183 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 184 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 185 Cruising down the river

  • 186 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 187 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 188 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 189 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 190 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 191 Some 240 exhibits

  • 192 Littleham family's five generations

  • 193 One of the luckier farmers in getting in the problem harvest

  • 194 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 195 Off on a great adventure

  • 196 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 197 The art of the thatcher

  • 198

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 199 Mobile missionary

  • 200 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 201 Service with a smile

  • 202 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 203 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 204 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 205 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 206 Six footed lamb

  • 207 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 208

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 209 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 210 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 211 New look in the hayfields

  • 212 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 213 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 214 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 215 When horses score over the tractor

  • 216 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 217 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 218 It really was the 'last time'

  • 219 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 220 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 221 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 222 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 223 School's link with cargo ship

  • 224 Torrington's new amenity

  • 225

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 226 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 227 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 228 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 229 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 230

    First prize
  • 231 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 232

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 233 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 234 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 235 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 236 Clovelly custom

  • 237 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 238 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 239 New Post Office

  • 240 Decontrol of meat

  • 241 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 242

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 243 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 244

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 245 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 246 Centenary of Gazette

  • 247 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 248 Hartland's invitation

  • 249 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 250 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 251 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 252 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 253 Artisans' Club

  • 254 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 255 Hartland postman retires

  • 256 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 257 North Devon Driving School

  • 258 So this is the mainland!

  • 259 Riverside mystery

  • 260 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 261 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 262 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 263 Sight of a lifetime

  • 264 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 265 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 266 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 267 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 268 Bideford loses training ship

  • 269 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 270 Revenge in style

  • 271 Grenville House for Bideford R.D.C.

  • 272 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 273 Waldon Triplets
  • 274 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 275 A roof-top view - where?

  • 276 Puppet characters introduced

  • 277 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 278 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 279 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 280 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 281 Ships at Bideford

  • 282 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 283 New shipyard on schedule

  • 284 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 285 Parkham plan realised

  • 286 Ten year old scrambler

  • 287 For crying out loud!

  • 288

    Relatives all over the world
  • 289

    New gateway
  • 290 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 291 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 292 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 293 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 294 Diamond Jubilee of St Peter's Church, East-the-Water

  • 295 Bideford - as Rowlandson saw it about 1810-15

  • 296

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 297 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 298 Capers on the cobbles

  • 299 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 300 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 301

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 302 Torrington children build igloo
  • 303 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 304 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 305 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 306 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 307 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 308 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 309 Loads of black and white

  • 310 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 311 A man and his wheel

  • 312

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 313 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 314 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 315 All aboard the ark

  • 316 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 317 Some mushroom!

  • 318 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 319 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 320 Bideford 'What's my line?' challenger

  • 321 Traditions and skills still there

  • 322 New art gallery opened

  • 323 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 324 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 325 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 326 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 327 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 328 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 329 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 330 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 331 Clovelly nightmare

  • 332 Out of puff!

  • 333 A story to tell!

  • 334 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 335 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 336 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 337 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 338 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 339 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 340 Life begins at 80

  • 341 In their new robes and hats

  • 342 Just over a year old

  • 343 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 344 Peter poses for TV film

  • 345 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 346 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 347 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 348 Torrington in 1967

  • 349 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 350 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 351 Finished in 1876

  • 352 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 353 Malibou boys are all-the-year-round surfers

  • 354 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 355 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 356 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 357 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 358 Open-air art exhibition by 'under 40' group

  • 359 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 360 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 361 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 362 Twenty-one yachts

  • 363 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 364 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 365 Private home for public pump

  • 366 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 367 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 368 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 369 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 370 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 371 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 372

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 373 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 374 Northam footballers of the future

  • 375 Emergency ferry services

  • 376 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 377

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 378 Circus comes to town

  • 379 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 380 Simple Item 138
  • 381 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 382 Bideford computer stars

  • 383 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 384

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 385 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

3.5.1957 Robins win Hansen Cup

Robins Win The Hansen Cup

May 3rd, 1957

Bideford AFC pictured with the Hansen Cup after they had defeated Bude 2-1 in the final

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and suddenly it's spring

Cadds Down Farm

1 March 1974

Joined by Trixie, the pony

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  • Seafield House - the "Spooky House" of Westward Ho!

    The house on the cliff edge known locally as ‘Spooky House’ or even ‘Haunted House’ , was built about 1885.

    The road was especially built to enable access to the house and was initially known as Seafield Road; later it became Merley Road.

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  • Torrington May Fair Queen and Her Attendants

    Names from left to right:Joan Ricketts; Joan Newcombe; Jean Wernhem; Margaret Sweet; Enid Ovenden; Rona Elsworthy; Doris Short; (back row);
    Eileen Short; Miss Margery Bennett (Queen); Joyce Downman; David Fiddian (Page); Peggie Sussex;

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  • 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.

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1911 Coronation Medal

Coronation Medal Presented on June 22nd 1911   Learn More

The Hoops Inn

The Hoops Inn close to Peppercombe Beach

The Quay at Appledore

Appledore Quay where Taw and Torridge Rivers meet 

 
Wynne Olley

Crowning Glory

12 October 1962

Their finest achievement to date...

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Shipyard goes into liquidation 1963

Liquidator appointed

4 January 1963

Difficulty in retaining labour...

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Torrington Glass Factory - 1970

Torrington Glass Factory - 18th September 1970

18.12.1970 Torrington Glass Factory
 

Festival of Light at Glass Factory

On Saturday, at Dartington Glass Factory, Torrington, which has many Swedes on its staff, the Swedish festival of St Lucia was celebrated.
Many local people joined the factory staff including the Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington (Mr and Mrs W Cockram). It was held in the factory's large blowing room.
The festival is held in honour of St. Lucia, who is to the Swees the symbol of light during the darkest time of the year. Swedish workers chose a 19-year-old Torrington girl, Mrs Jean Baglow, as their Lady of the Light.
She was dressed in a shimmering white gown and wore a crown of lighted candles. She was attended by white-robed girls carrrying more candles and tracing her path signing softly.

Sudbury Glove Factory Opens - 1947

Sudbury Glove Factory Opens - 18th February 1947

18.2.1947 Sudbury Gloves opens
 

Appledore Glove Works

The new Appledore Glove Works at New Quay will be officially opened by the Chairman of the Northam U.D.C on Wednesday 26 February 1947 at 12.30pm.

The premises will be thrown open for inspection by prospective employees on the evnings of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 26th, 27th and 28th Ferbruary, from 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and interviews with the management can then take place. Light refreshments will be served and samples of the goods to be produced at the works will be on view.

EXPERIENCED GLOVE MAKERS FOR FULL AND PART TIME WORK ARE UNRGENTLY REQUIRED.
FIFTY GIRLS ARE WANTED IMMEDIATELY TO LEARN THE ART OF GLOVE MAKING
HAND WORKERS FOR HOME WORK ARE URGENTLY REQUIRED TO ASSIST THE EXPORT DRIVE.

The works will start production on Monday 3 March 1047. Sudbury's Gloves Limited, Bideford, Proprietors

Mr D Garland Funeral - 1965

Mr D Garland Funeral - 19th March 1965

19.3.1965 Mr D Garland funeral
 

30 Years At Glove Factory

The funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Bideford, of Mr Desmond Harold Garland of 6 New Street, Bideford who was employed at Sudbury's glove factory for 30 years.
The Rev. P Colebrook, officiated and the organist, Mr J R Trigger accompanied the hymns.
Immediate mourners were; the widow; Mis C M Hayman; Mr and Mrs S Penney; Mr and Mrs G Tithecott; Mr and Mrs G Graham; Mr and Mrs A Beer; Mrs Welston; Mrs A G Murray; Mr Murray; Mr and Mrs N Langmead; Mr and Mrs W Thisby; Messrs G Thisby, G Elston, M Bailey, H Bedlar, D Thisby, Mesdames B Jones, H Bailey, T Shortridge, and Miss O Beer. Bearers were Messrs R Hancock, E Tanton, D Cann, R Halbert, C Skinner, D Burnett.
Others attending included: Mr and Mrs D Cox, Mr and Mrs C Sampson, Mr and Mrs A Davis, Mr and Mrs Gooding, Mr and Mrs P Longstaff, Mr and Mrs R Gooding, Mr and Mrs R Beresford, Mr and Mrs B R Curtis, Mr and Mrs Vanstone, Messrs C Hayman, P Marchant, P Gethings, M Yarde, White, T Milton, P Cole, H Sherborne, J Bale, H Southcombe, E Floyd, E B Wrey, Joy senr and junr, B Elston, M Prouse, B Nicholls, J Sinclair, M Blackmore, R Branch, R Taylor, M Schillers, A Thurlow, N Tithecott, Westwood, B Hortop, Sawtell, R Day, B Bissett, T McCurry, R Glover, R Cook, F Gayette, D Pengilly, L Williams, L Slade, Down, J Taylor, R Sharrock, G Lewis, Mesdames P Martin, D Martin, P McCarthy, C Scoins, Y Beer, L Simes, S Leverton, Marshall, Kryezka, H Tanton, J Schillers, E Colwill, Broad, Misses A Longstaff, I Pengilly, D Badcock, and G and O Passmore.

Many Flowers

Flowers were: family cross - loving thoughts of my dearest Des, you gave me so much happiness in such a short while and left me with beautiful memories. Goodnight my darling. God bless - to a wonderful person I was proud to call dad, I will remember you always - from his sorrowing wife Edna and step-daughter Carol; in loving memory - when the crying's over and silent thoughts last on, we thanks our Lord for giving us our mother's only son - God bless you brother dear, until we meet again, Myra and Sid; treasure memories of our dearest and only brother who will never be forgotten, Not goodbye Des, cheerio, God bless, Sheila and Gerald; you're gone from us uncle dear, and parting brings us pain, but now you're in God's good hands, until we meeet again, Janet and Alex; "The Appledore Boys"; Alan, Marjorie, Don, Freda and Cyril (Exeter); Jack, Derek, Rodney, Brenda, Alison, Olewyn, (cousins); nurese, Torridge Hospital; Harry, Lil and family; Doreen, Norman and boys; Pam and Michael Schiller; Wenna and Ian Massie and family (Tasmania); J. Taylor (Trip); Bill, Doris and children; Sam and Lil (Devonport): Phil and Enid (Kent); Peter and Joan; Kath, George, Dennis and Irene; Cissie, Len and Lil; Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Eastell and family; Vi, Stella and Stuart; officers and comrades of the Old Age Pensions Association No. 1 branch; little Roger Jones; Brian and Joyce; Ivor and Joan (Plymouth); David THisby (R.N.); Marlene, Derrick and family; Ada and Bill Tithecott; friends and neighbours New Street and Lower Gunstone - Funeral arrangements were by Mr. A J. Grant, Meddon Street, Bideford.

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