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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.

Years Ago - February

February 1925

Births – at King’s Arms, The Quay, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs Manning, a son; to Mr and Mrs R H Morrow, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs R Waring (nee Bertha Parson), a daughter; at Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs A J Beer, a son (nee Doris Garland); at Natcott Lane, Hartland, to Henry and Hilda Balsdon, a daughter;

Silver Wedding – William Teed Braddick, son of Mrs J J Braddick, to Nellie Tucker;

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The local Conservatives had a busy week, with meetings held at Barnstaple, Bideford and Hartland together with a Women’s meeting at Bideford. Mr Basil Peto MP and his wife attended all but the Hartland gathering.

At Abbotsham, a delightful concert was held in Parish Hall, arranged by Mrs B Kempe and Mr McDermott. Those taking part were Mrs B Kempe, the Misses Tamlyn, E and C Bellew, N Bluett, F Easton, Y Moase and M Glover, Rev W G Eeles, Messrs McDermott, R Harper and T Jeffrey. Mr Moase was the accompanist. After the concert a very enjoyable dance took place and was kept up until 12 o’clock. Refreshments were provided. There was a silver collection and the net proceeds amounted to £4 which has been put towards the debt on the Building Fund.

Mr William Squire who had been a tenant of Westacott Farm for many years passed away during the early hours of Saturday, the 7^th, the funeral taking place in Abbotsham Parish Churchyard. The deceased who was held in the greatest respect …

Arranged and organised by Mr F Rockey, a highly successful concert has been held in the Alverdiscott Schoolroom in aid of the Church Tower Renovation Fund. An excellent programme was provided by a party from Bideford. A dance in aid of the same fund was arranged by Messrs Phear and Newcombe. A bottle of sweets, given by Miss Boyd, was won by Miss L Smith. Mr W Newcombe was the MC and Miss Rockey provided the music.

In connection with the National Children’s Home and Orphanage a concert and entertainment was held in the Alverdiscott Wesleyan Schoolroom. A splendid band, under Bandmaster A W Dunn …

At Alwington, the Bell Ringers of St Andrew’s Church have joined the Ringers’ Guild and are anxious to extend their knowledge of campanology by making excursions from time to time into other parishes at a distance and try the bells in the various churches. In order to raise funds to defray the necessary cost of conveyance etc. a whist drive and dance was held in the schoolroom. The effort proved successful and with donations the sum of £5 1s 3d.

A lecture was given in the Alwington Church Schoolroom by Rev W H H Royse, RN, the subject being his experiences of sailors in the British Navy, and the various places of interest visited by Mr Royse while acting as Chaplain of the Navy. The lecture was of an informal character and was much appreciated by the large number of people attending.

At Bideford County Sessions, Mr A J L Vanstone applied for an extension of hours until 11pm in respect to the Royal Hotel, on the occasion of a British Legion Smoking Concert and Social. Applicant said the event was being held in connection with an endeavour to revive the British Legion Branch at Appledore.

The funeral of Mr William Stacey of No. 1 New Street, Appledore, took place. A service was first conducted by Rev J J Nelson at the Baptish Chapel, and at the graveside the Vicar concluded the service. Mr Stacey, who failed to reach the great age of 90 by one day, hailed from an old family that had resided in Black Torrington. He served his apprenticeship as a shipwright under Councillor Cocks, the grandfather of the present Mr James Cocks, JP, of Reed House.

Mr M W Blackmore, boat builder, Appledore, is selling the trawler, Bertha.

Mr Samuel Hawkins, having sold the Gaiety Cinema in Appledore which he maintained for some years with success, has with his family gone to reside in London.

Appledore properties for sale – Kingsley House, 35 Irsha Street, 27 Irsha Street and 61 Irsha Street.

Appledore Branch of the British Legion held a successful smoking concert at the Royal Hotel, Mr W L Beara presiding over a large attendance. Messrs Ellis Branch, Allen, Arkwright, Curtis, Whitaker, Leslie and C H Bright contributed to an unattractive programme.

In connection with the annual appeal for support to the Appledore Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution Miss Burgess collected the splendid sum of £7 5s 6d.

We hope there is good foundation for the report that the possibility of the Rev J J Nelson’s early retirement from the pastorate of Appledore Baptist Church, which he has held for some fourteen years, is not likely to take effect just now. Mr Nelson has made himself very popular with a large section of the community, endeared himself to many a home by his sympathetic and helpful ministrations, especially during the war, he has rendered practical public service in many ways.

A quiet wedding was held at St Mary’s Church, Appledore. The Vicar officiated and the contracting parties were Mr William John Gayette, shipwright of Market Street, and Miss Henrietta Powe, daughter of Mr and Mrs G Powe, of West Appledore. The Vicar, in his short address, referred to the bride’s grandfather, the late Captain Powe, of the ketch Humility. Captain Frederick Gayette, ss Orene, uncle of the bridegroom, discharged the duties of best man, whilst Mr Thomas Powe, elder brother of the bride, gave his sister away owing to the unavoidable absence of her father. Among the many presents was a nice set of china ware, from the proprietors and employees of Messrs P K Harris and Son, with which firm the bridegroom served his apprenticeship, and has since been constantly engaged.

During the coming week Mr Moody, of Marine Parade, Appledore, will be leaving the district to take up his residence in Bournemouth, the home of his wife. Mr Moody came to Bideford as manager of Tardrew’s business, married Miss Dennis of Appledore, and settled down many years ago, taking charge of the Rising Sun, and building the Public Hall amongst other houses. When the railway was opened Mr Moody took charge of the station at Appledore and has since remained the resident agent of the railway. Some years ago Mr Moody served as representative on the Northam Council.

Bring your prescriptions to Holman, Ham & Co. Ltd

A property in Furzebeam Terrace, Bideford, is for sale.

The funeral has taken place at Bideford Higher Cemetery, Rev J T Halstead officiating, of Mrs Bessie Barnard, widow of the late Mr Joseph Barnard, of Somerton, Somerset, and youngest daughter of Mr John Dullam, of Lower Yelland, Fremington. Her only daughter, May, predeceased her about ten years ago. Mrs Barnard was a life-long and consistent member of the Wesleyan Church.

At the close of afternoon school the senior classes of Bideford Old Town School met together to bid farewell to Mr H W Shute, who has been for over 26 years on the staff of the school and who leaves for the USA.

At Bideford, a very fine concert was given in the Lavington enlarged Sunday Schoolroom kindly arranged by Mrs E H Trapnell, in aid of Lavington Primary Memorial Hall Fund.

The 2^nd annual prize distribution in connection with the Church Lads Brigade took place in the Bideford Church Institute. The proceedings commenced with a free tea to the boys and considerably over 100 lads sat down to a wonderful spread provided by the Ladies Committee. After the tea a concert was held at which the following ladies and gentlemen kindly assisted, Mr R Harper, the Rev Feles, Mr Johns, Mr Carpenter, and Miss Kivell’s theatrical party who gave a most amusing and excellently acted sketch.

Frederick and Albert Brock, labourers, were in court having been found in possession of nets known as “engines” and used for catching rabbits. This was the first prosecution under the Poaching Prevention Act in Bideford for many years, although twenty years ago such cases were very frequent. The offence is alleged to have happened at Turner’s Wood near Kenwith on land owned by Mr H N G Stucley. The men were also in possession of a ferret and a terrier. At a Children’s Court at Bideford, a twelve years old boy was summoned for stealing £4 1s 10d from an offertory box in the Vestry at St Peter’s Church on December 27^th.

Mr A W Cock, offered at auction at Bideford the freehold shop and dwelling house known as 59 Mill Street, Bideford, in the tenure of London Central Meat Co. Ltd. Bidding went to £700 at which figure the property was withdrawn, but was sold the same evening at a substantially larger figure.

Bideford County Brewster sessions. Mr T Oerton, jnr, applied for the transfer of the license of the New Inn, Westleigh, from Mr J E Goss to Mr James William Brown. On the application of Mr H R Bazeley the music and dancing license of the Kingsley Gymnasium, Westward Ho! was transferred from Mrs P R Moore to himself. Mr W F Watts applied for the transfer of the cinema licence of the Gaiety, Appledore, from Mr Samuel Hawkins to Mr J A Penny. Mr Charles Pickard applied for a music and dancing license for the new Parish Hall at Abbotsham, this being a new application.

The Chairman, Mr W H Rogers, presided over the monthly meeting of Bideford Board of Guardians, at which the other members present were …

Frederick S Penrose, Tailor, of Bridgeland Street, Bideford, advertises.

An interesting advertising approach from H F Elliott, High Street, Bideford.

Thirty-two members were enrolled at the opening meeting of Bradworthy branch of the Women’s Institute. A talk on ‘thrift’ by Miss Domville was followed by tea and games.

A quiet wedding was solemnised in the United Methodist Church when the contracting parties were Miss Elizabeth Cory, daughter of Mr and Mrs H Cory, of the Temperance Hotel, and Mr W S Bromell, son of Mr and Mrs W Bromell (tailors and costumiers) of the Lower Village, Rev F Dennis officiated. The bride was given away by her father, the groomsman being Mr J Bromell. The presents were numerous and costly. The honeymoon is being spent on a motor tour through South Devon.

Church workers from the parishes of Bradworthy and Pancraswyke …

At Bradworthy, the Guild was favoured with a visit from Mr E H Fowles, Inspector of Schools, who gave his popular lecture on ‘Whittier: his hymns and his beliefs’ The lecture was enjoyed by all who heard it, for it rang with the note of cheerfulness throughout. Mr A W Everson ably presided over the meeting. Solos were sung by Mrs Dunstan and Mr H Wickett.

A very successful social in connection with the Clovelly Wesleyan Sunday School was held at the new Garage. The room was gaily decorated with flags by Messrs T Pengilly, E Braund and others. About 60 friends attended. At 5pm, a tea was given …

The annual concert in aid of Bideford Hospital and Hartland Nursing Association, organised by Miss Florrie Colwill, took place in the Palladium. There was a crowded house, probably a record, and most of the items were encored. The doorkeepers were Messrs J P Burrow, R and Fred Colwill. Percy Beer sold the programmes. …

At Hartland, sixteen different kinds of flowers, including blackthorn, were picked by the vicar in his garden. Nurse MacDonald, who has been doing temporary duty at Hartland, has now been succeeded by Nurse Maynard. A rick was burnt at Mr Pengilly’s, Hardisworthy.

At the monthly meeting of Bideford Rural Council, Mrs Annie Prust, Manor House, Hartland, wrote that her property was being damaged by road waster being deposited against her orchard, and that diverted water was washing away a considerable portion of the land. In other news, Hartland Parish Council is to ask the Postmaster General to grant a second delivery in the afternoon and also a morning dispatch (collection?) as buses run several times a day.

At Harbour Cross, Hartland, a public tea was served by Mrs and Miss Bromell, Mrs and Miss Cory (Vagland), Miss Kivell and Miss Molly Bromell. In the evening Pastor Trudgeon gave his ‘Gipsy Smith’ lecture, Hartland choir rendering the Gipsy’s favourites. The takings were about £6.

Hartland Parish Council met, Rev Gregory in the chair. Other councillors present were Messrs T C Burrow, S Cann, J A Harris, H Haynes, J T Hockridge, W J Pennington, W H Taylor, W T Westlake and F J Willton. A committee consisting of Messrs Haynes, T C Burrow, Pennington, R Pearse Chope, Hockridge, Harris, William Huggins, Westlake, with the Chairman as convenor was appointed to prepare a scheme of lighting under the adopted Act.

Heavy rain and snow around Hatherleigh have caused the rivers Torridge and Lew to break their banks. The Highampton road was impassable for several hours.

It was with sincere regret that residents of Instow learnt of the death of Mrs Elizabeth, wife of Mr Thomas Anstey of South Yeo. Deceased, who was aged 74 passed away on her birthday. Mrs Anstey had been in failing health for some time. Mrs Anstey was a native of Broadwoodkelly, near Winkleigh, but had lived at Instow for a great many years. Mr T Anstey is a well known agriculturist and with him and the son, Mr T Anstey, jnr, and the daughter, Miss Mary Anstey, sincere sympathy will be felt. In a later edition …

At Instow the wedding took place of Mr Harold Jordan and Miss Winifred Watkins.

At Landcross, in aid of the National Children’s Home, a successful and happy evening was spent in the Wesleyan Chapel. At 7pm, Councillor W Harris of Hallsannery presided over an entertainment …

The mortal remains of the late Mrs Mary Ann Bond, of West Wooda Farm, were interred in the churchyard, Langtree. The funeral service was conducted by the rector, the Rev B Hallowes. The coffin was borne to the graveside by Messrs P B Jones, L Fishleigh, F Webber, G Boundy, A Balkwill and P Jones. The immediate mourners were the husband, Messrs J and G Bond, Mrs L Daniel, Mrs B Hegerty and Miss L Bond, Misses C Bond and P Daniel.

The marriage was solemnised in St Swithin’s Church, Littleham of Ernest Emmanuel Clements, youngest son of Mr and Mrs F Clements, of Littleham, and Minnie Ellen Grigg, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Grigg, of Venton Farm, Monkleigh. The Rector, the Rev E Fitz-Gerald Kerrich officiated. Miss Bowdidge presided at the organ.

A wedding was solemnised at the United Methodist Chapel, Merton, between Gladys Maud Blight, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Blight, The Square, Merton, and Albert Heal, younger son of Mr H Heal, 39 Honestone Street, Bideford. The Rev J W Lowe officiated and Mrs T Ball, Speccott, Merton, presided at the organ. After the ceremony the wedding party were entertained at the home of the bride’s parents, and later in the day the happy couple left for their future home at Bideford. The presents were numerous and costly.

Is Lundy controlled in Devon?

On arrival of ss Lerina at Lundy, after being delayed for a fortnight owing to tempestuous weather, she found the islanders quite short

Parishioners unable to get to Morwenstow Parish Church owing to the distance had a special service held in one of the cottages at Woodford. The vicar, Revd H H Breton, presided and there was a good attendance.

The funeral of the late Major John Philip Algie, of Duart, Northam (late of the Imperial Police, Burmah) took place. The funeral service was taken by the Vicar, the Rev Gerald G Payne Cook, MA, RD, and the Rev J A S Castlehow. The immediate mourners …

At Bideford County Sessions before Col F W Bennet, Dr E J Toye, Mr F T Upton, Rev C H G Vivian and Messrs W J Pursey, W Harris, J M Metherell, P F C Elwes and R Pearse Chope, two young Bideford labourers, Frederick Brock and Albert Brock, were summoned for being suspect under the Prevention of Poaching Act, and with being found, on being lawfully searched, to be in possession of nets or ‘engines’ used for the taking or killing of game in Northam parish.

A very enjoyable evening was spent in the Northam Schoolroom when the Vicar, Rev G Payne Cook, MA RD, and Mrs Payne Cook very kindly entertained the members of the Parish Church Choir and the bellringers to supper. The room was very tastefully …

Legal case between Mr Frederick Elton, jeweller of 8 Searle Terrace, Northam, and Mr Walter Ridd, gardener, regards to a property in Cross-street.

At Brompton Parish Church, the marriage was solemnised of Cyril Chitty, of Belmont, Ightham, with Adeline Mary, younger daughter of the late Arthur Carrington, and Mrs Carrington, until recently of Northam House. Owing to Mrs Carrington’s recent illness the wedding was very quiet, though many relatives and friends were present at the church. The bride, …

The death of John Barry, of Northam.

The lambing season has commenced and apparently the Parkham farmers have not been troubled much with disease. Some in adjoining parishes, however, had to clear out their entire flocks on that account.

Parkham WI

It is with regret we have to record the death of Mrs Mary Williams Davies, the wife of Mr William Davies, draper, of Torrington, who passed away after a prolonged illness. Deceased, despite her suffering, was of the brightest and most cheerful disposition and always had a kind word for everybody. She took a very keen interest in her church, was one of the oldest members of the Mothers Union, and a member of the District Nursing Association. The town showed general signs of mourning on the occasion of her funeral, and at the Parish Church, where was the service was conducted by the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones, there was a large congregation to pay a last tribute of respect to a beloved citizen, and one of Torrington’s most modest but ardent workers in every good cause.

The Town Council and Trustees held a special meeting to consider a report from the Steward of the Town and Alms Lands as to the proposed reconstruction and improvement of Rothern Bridge, near the Railway Station. A committee was formed to meet the County Surveyor (Mr Stone) it being considered the Bridge required immediate attention and that it would involve a big scheme to meet the present day traffic.

A pretty wedding was solemnised at the Congregational Church, Great Torrington, Rev Clifford Clinton officiating. The parties were Mr Thomas Clemens and Miss Olive G Verney.

Torrington Rural Council, Mr W H Griffin presiding, discussed the question of the vacancy for a medical officer, through the resignation of Dr E J Slade King, and it was decided to advertise the post at a salary of £100 a year, subject to the sanction of the Ministry of Health. The previous salary was stated to have been £50.

Report on licences at Torrington.

A close-wool ewe on Mr J M Metherell’s farm at Upcott has again given birth to three lambs. Over the last eight years she has had – and successfully reared – four sets of triplets, two sets of quadruplets and two sets of twins.

Members of St Nectan’s Electoral Roll were entertained at the Vicarage Rooms at Welcombe. The Revd A J R Wheeler thanked them and the churchwardens – F Ward and C Wakeley – for their hearty interest and co-operation in parochial matters.

In aid of the National Children’s Home, a concert organised by friends of Westleigh, Instow and Eastleigh, was held in the Westleigh Village Hut. A varied and much appreciated programme was contributed to by the following from Bideford and district ...

Coastal defences at Westward Ho! have been buffeted by the recent gales and the clay bank has been further set back.

February 1975

Nearly 450 photographs of people, places and events of Abbotsham over almost 100 years, together with many old documents going back even further, form a unique, fascinating collection made by Mrs Naomi Richardson, of Keene, Abbotsham.

Messrs Hinks and Son is building a Roman galley.

After 20 years as president of Appledore and Instow Regatta Committee Dr Desmond Valentine has resigned. At the committee’s annual meeting, Mr Alan Hinks, whose family are donors of one of the regatta trophies, accepted an invitation to be the new president.

Some of Appledore County Primary School children who are campaigning against the practice of a chemical firm who use dogs in cigarette-smoking experiments

A warning was given that a serious health hazard could occur this summer unless some action is taken to improve sewerage outfalls at West Appledore.

Mr William David Lloyd, eldest son of Mr and Mrs I Lloyd, of Tomouth Crescent, Appledore, has been successful in the recent final examinations of the Institute of Bankers. He joined the National Westminster Bank after leaving Bideford Grammar School. He plays football for Penzance FC and has represented Cornwall five times. He has now gained promotion to the National Westminster Area Office in Bristol.

Books and a tape recorder had been purchased for the school and the rest of the money would go towards the cost of a roof over the swimming pool, it was reported at the second annual meeting of the Parent-Teacher Association of Appledore County Primary School.

First there were nature trails, now there are town trails – and Appledore with its unique layout and narrow streets intends to be one of the first to cash in on it. It was a good idea and something extra to attract tourists, Mr J C Seward told members of the Northam Town Council. He had already spoken to a local historian to try and get write-ups of suggested routes and teenagers in Appledore were keen to show people around. The financial outlay would be minimal, he assured.

First direct contact towards the twinning of Bideford with the Brittany town of Landivisiau took place when a party of four from Bideford made an exploratory visit. A return visit by representatives from Landivisiau is planned for mid-April which moves towards the formalities of twinning. The Bideford visitors included Cllr Gordon Armstrong and Mr Andrew Cox.

Surprise item at a party given by friends and relations for Bideford Sea Cadets was when Cadet L/Seaman Stephen Jewell received the prize for the best cadet in 1974. The prize took the form of a book “A World of my Own” autographed by the author, Lt-Cdr Robin Know-Johnson, and it was presented by a member of the committee, Lieut A D Smith. Stephen was congratulated by the unit’s new CO, Lt-Cdr J T Downes.

A Bideford schoolgirl felt really grown-up when she went out and spent over £50. For Lisette Granados, who lives at The Dolls House, Bull Hill, it was just like Christmas arriving early when she opened a letter and found she was one of 10 nationwide winners in a competition sponsored by a firm of glue manufacturers.

Bideford Town Band, who according to a spokesman are ‘blowing holes in their instruments as fast as they are welded ‘have embarked on an extensive campaign to raise £6,000 for new instruments. The band, who last year set up a world non-stop playing record of 17 hours 4 minutes, heard recently that their record has been beaten by one minute. They are now deciding if they should try to recapture it. Later in the month it was reported that the Band will make a bid in July to recapture their world record for non-stop playing.

Mr Walter S Darch, of Chanters Road, Bideford, celebrated his 80^th birthday by playing the organ for the service at Bideford Baptist Church, having chosen the hymns and music himself. When the minister, the Rev Alan T Fleetwood, explained why Mr Darch was playing the organ instead of the regular organist and offered congratulations, the congregation joining in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ – and Mark Vanstone aged three, presented him with a book token.

Bideford’s ancient Manor Court ceremony is to be revived following a break during local government reorganisation, but the customary luncheon following the ceremony will probably not take place.

Girls from Stella Maris School gave an amazing display of road safety knowledge in the Bideford area school road safety quiz staged at Westcroft School. Top of the 22 junior entries were Bideford Church Junior School.

Picture shows Mr Stan Short, Sophie Soudain, Kim Tucker, Linda Philips, Carolyn Kipling, Lesley Borrett, Sharon Bond, Clare Bromage, Gillian Tarr, John Fisher, Garry Fisher, Susan Blackmore, Anne Bale and Lesley Summerville

People in Bideford and Taunton have been interviewed by police following the theft of tin anodes valued at more than £2,000 from the AMP factory at East-the-Water, Bideford. It is understood that a number of people will be appearing in court in connection with the theft. The office door was forced and £62 in cash stolen from the reception office of Tanton’s Hotel, Bideford.

Mr Ian Ross Hay succeeds Mr Albert Blatchford as Town Clerk of Bideford.

At Bideford Bridge trust’s annual meeting, Mr H R Cleaver was elected chairman in succession to Dr I H Hewetson.

The plan to build 51 flats with sewage treatment works and boat jetty on the site of the former concrete works on the River Bank at Bideford has been conditionally approved.

The Mayor, Mr Frank Colwill, and members of the Town Council were among the large attendance at a memorial service at Bideford Parish Church for Mr Cecil Cann. Mr Cann, a Freeman of Bideford, a JP and a former alderman, was 74.

Clovelly people, it seems, are not allowed to put out for refuse collection anything but ashes and tins. Mr Nick Carter told the parish council that when his wife forgot to bury a dead mouse among the ashes it was placed on their doorstep and he was told not to do it again.

Clovelly has a wonky cueball.

In aid of local tennis funds a whist drive was held in Hartland WI room. There were nine tables in play and winners were: Mesdames A Pillman, Prust, O Westlake, Hobbs, Burrow, Thorne, Cook and E Jeffery, Messrs Middle and T Squires.

Hartland church hall problem.

Engaged couples at Hartland who might want a council house have been advised to put their names on the housing list without delay. The advice came at Hartland Parish Council meeting from Mr Reg Hollis who said unless there was a desperate need applicants had to be on the list for 12 months before being considered.

Hartland WI

Mr Frank Higgins, of Littleham, as President of the North Devon Conservative Association, is strongly opposed.

A programme of work lasting at least 10 years would be necessary if Lundy were to remain habitable, the plans sub-committee of Torridge District Council’s Development and Leisure Services Committee heard.

Over the last two years children at Monkleigh county primary school have helped raise £110 for guide dogs for the blind by the collection of silver foil. Driving force behind the school’s effort is the headmaster, Mr C S Wingrave-Pain, who has been personally collecting on behalf of this charity since 1966.

The provision of a public car park at Bone Hill Farm, Northam, as envisaged by Torridge District Council could be threatened. The owners, the Mithras Group, have planning permission for residential development and conversion of farm buildings, plus a car park for which, it has been suggested, the council would assume responsibility. But now Mithras are seeking planning permission to build a supermarket and six additional lock up shops with car park on the site. Such a development would mean that there would be insufficient land to provide a public car park.

A Torrington couple can be seen participating in HTV’s ‘Mr and Mrs’, a family quiz programme in which husband and wife answer three questions each to prove how well they know each other. There is a £5 prize for each correct answer and for those who achieve all six there is a jackpot of not less than £50. Mr Cyril Kevern and his wife Jean, of Greenbank Close, Torrington, between them answered five questions correctly and came home £25 richer from the pre-recorded programme in Bristol. Their sons Jonathan and Ian will be perhaps the most eager viewers.

A relative newcomer to Torrington County Primary School was chosen by her fellow pupils as Torrington’s May Queen. She is Tracey Jones, of Halsdon Terrace, Torrington.

If only this fountain in Torrington Square could speak, it could tell Tracey Jones and Tanya Beer, the excitement that will be theirs when they play the leading roles in the town’s event-of-the-year.

Irrespective of whether or not it receives an £8,000 grant, The Plough, Torridgeside’s £124,000 multi-purpose entertainment centre, will open on Friday, April 11. Mr John McHardy, the council’s chief executive, said “I would have thought they can only be hoping that the thing will be saved at the 11^th hour.” He agreed that it could well turn out to be a choice between support for the entertainment centre or the swimming pool which the town hopes to have operating for May Fair. Mr Joe Fairclough, director of the centre, said they probably needed £8,000 to operate efficiently and if the council did not help life would be immensely difficult in terms of planning ahead.

Mr James, of Halsdon Road, Torrington, and Mr Dymond, are not injured at a Stibb Cross garage explosion.

To help their firm fulfil existing contracts and to ensure a steady production flow this autumn, employees of a North Devon glove manufacturing company have decided not to take a national pay award due to come into effect on April 1. The firm concerned is James Tapscott and Sons Ltd of Torrington, but both management and employees were reluctant to comment upon the agreement. “It is a domestic matter” the Gazette was told.

Mr Bill Ayre has retired after working for the North Devon Clay Company at Peters Marland for the last 48 years, and on behalf of the company a presentation was made by a director, Mr Eric Ash. Mr Ayre was also presented with a pair of binoculars from his fellow workers and associates. Mr Ayre lives with his wife Joan at Town Park, Torrington.

The Hilder Cup for gaining most points in the 1974 competitions of Westward Ho! WI was won by Mrs G Moore, with Mrs Salmons as runner-up. This month’s competition – three slices of shortbread – resulted: 1. Mrs Edge; 2. Mrs Woodcroft; 3. Mrs Wilson. Last month’s embroidered tray cloth competition for the group meeting was won by Mrs Salmons, with Mrs Ellis runner-up.

Although no formal decision has yet been made, the indications are that the much criticised coast defence scheme involving the Pebble Ridge at Westward Ho! will receive financial help from the Department of the Environment. Contractors engaged on the £60,000 ridge-strengthening scheme have been busy repairing the damage caused by the recent high tides and continuing their job of re-charging-filling in with pebbles from the northern end of the ridge between the newly-established groynes. Mr Jeremy Thorpe, MP for North Devon, visited the ridge to see the current situation for himself. The position of the ridge and the recent damage will be discussed at a meeting of the Northam Burrows Committee. Mr Philip Waters …

What was begun as a small country hotel in Woolsery is being transformed into a £200,000 development. The Moorhead Hotel was originally a farmhouse and outbuildings. Mr and Mrs John Porter, back from Brazil, converted the property into 14 double bedrooms, dining room, lounge bar and reception rooms. “We started on a speculative basis and were delighted with the result. That is why we are investing a considerable amount of money.” A heated outdoor swimming pool is being installed and various outdoor activities are being provided in addition to a games room. The hotel lies three miles off the main road but Mr Porter said, “We feel there is a market for holidays slightly off the beaten track. …

Woolsery WI

At a film evening held in Woolsery school in aid of the school swimming pool fund, Mr Alan Smith showed his film on the ‘Round the World Yacht Race in Burton Cutter’ and Mr Downes shows slides on life in Nigeria. Tea and biscuits were served and a draw was won by Mr J Raffe.

February 2000

When Pat Blight and her husband Cyril ran a few dances in aid of Bideford Hospital they little thought what a waltz to success it would prove to be. It was a ‘thank you’ for all the care the hospital had taken of Pat’s day, and subsequently for Pat’s successful operation. Those first dances were 25 years ago. It has resulted in around £40,000 being raised to buy pieces of equipment and comforts. Recalls Pat of those early days: “We hired Alwington Village Hall and our son Adrian, then just 15, was co-opted to work the record-player. The dances somehow just clicked. Twice a year, at Christmas and around Easter, there is a special dance." When the hall wasn't big enough to hold the numbers, they moved to Braddick’s Elizabethan Club.

More than 300 people packed Appledore Parish Church as the village paid tribute to a much respected son. Parachute Regiment veterans formed a guard of honour, Royal British Legion flag bearers were in attendance and representatives of Appledore Football Club were bearers at the funeral of Bernard Brennan, who was born in the village 79 years ago. The Union Jack and a red beret were carried on the coffin.

A new forest taking shape in the Kenwith Valley, Bideford, will be boosted with the planting of 1,500 extra trees as a special millennium project. Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society, which manages the Kenwith Valley reserve and owns another at nearby Godborough Castle, is being helped with its labours by the Barnstaple and District Volunteer Centre. They are seeking helping hands to plant the new oak, beech, cherry, rowan, birch, hazel and hawthorn trees and to clear some four to five acres of gorse and bracken.

Work began on Bideford’s long-awaited East-the-Water industrial link road. The £4.35 million project will provide a new 1.9km road linking Alverdiscott Road Industrial Estate directly to the main A386 Bideford-Barnstaple road and on to the North Devon Link Road. For local residents the most immediate benefit will be an end to the traffic nightmare of heavy vehicles having to negotiate the steep and narrow residential streets of East-the-Water. The new road is also seen as vital to safeguarding 1,000 existing jobs and will open up 20 acres of additional employment land.

The turf cutting ceremony – Jeremy Pope, Councillor Brian Greenslade, John Burnett, Councillor Mervyn Lane

Bideford police are seeking information on the travels of a blue Vauxhall Astra car and the description of its driver. The G-reg Astra was stolen from near the Blacksmith’s Arms in Torrington Street, between 12noon and 2.30pm.

Boys from Bideford College are through to the area final of the Wagon Wheels National Cup, the country’s biggest five-a-side football competition for boys and girls under 12. They beat Park School of Barnstaple in the North Devon finals.

Students from ‘down under’ have been playing regular roles in the life of Edgehill College in Bideford in recent years. Over the past seven or eight years teenage students from the southern hemisphere have been spending their ‘year out’ before university taking a glimpse at life in England through the School. Beth Morrisey and Liz Raleigh from Australia and Ryan Henshaw from South Africa returned home to their studies after their year at college. No sooner were they on their planes then Jannah Glynn, Kelly Hodge and Adam van Apeldoorn (pictured) arrived from Canberra, Australia.

Keeping an eagle eye on the stockmarket has earned four Edgehill College students almost £33,000 in three months and won them a place in the quarter-finals of a national investment competition. Sixth formers Victor Djangmah from Ghana, Melissa Cockrill from Hartland, Rebecca Scobling from Northam and Laura Lawrence from Landcross are taking part in the National Investment Programme for Schools and Colleges 2000. They had an imaginary £1000,000 to invest and made their choices with the aid of regular reading of the Financial Times and the use of Teletext and Sky CNB.

This beautiful thatched cottage which dates back to the 1600s is for sale.

The White Hart, Bideford, for sale.

Barn conversion at Buckland Brewer for sale.

Detached house for sale at Buckland Brewer.

Three crewmen on a Bideford fishing boat were saved from their burning craft in a major rescue operation off the North Devon coast. Clovelly and Appledore lifeboats, an RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor, a Ministry of Defence salvage vessel, and the motor vessel Datchet were all involved in the combined operation five miles west of Morte Point. The crew of the fishing vessel Stephanie sent out a Mayday call after being unable to contain a fire in the engine room of their boat.

The ceremonial cutting of a ribbon set in motion works will bring a new lease of life to the once bustling, but now derelict Fremington Quay. In a £5000,000 scheme the quay is to have a visitor’s centre in the style of a former railway station. There will be a café and recreation area. But the first work to begin is the reconstruction of the dilapidated half-mile roadway leading to the quay.

Cllr Cann, Brin Prust

The successful auction sale of 1 Hillhead Cottage, Landkey, for substantially above the guide price.

Detached bungalow at Littleham for sale.

A millennium project to create a village pond has gained support from one of the world’s car giants. The scheme at Littleham has received a £400 contribution from the Volvo Practical Environmental Projects organisation. The project aims to establish a village pond and hedgerows around a newly acquired playing field.

Wilf Smith, Peter Rogers, Paul Holland-Baker

St Margaret’s C of E (Aided) Junior School, Northam, has a vacancy.

Building land at Burrough Farm, Northam, has been withdrawn from an auction being held at the Royal Hotel, Bideford. Auctioneers are proceeding with the auction of five other lots – at Clovelly Road, Clifton Street, Barlands Way - Dolton, Church View – Weare Giffard, and Barn Close – Shebbear. But they report that the Burrough Farm land and buildings with outline planning consent for residential development has been withdrawn from sale by the vendors.

Pumpkins will be grown by many North Devon gardens thanks to a gift of free seeds from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Rosemoor Garden at Torrington.

Torrington worthy causes benefit from ancient bequests.

Torrington once again remembers the spectacular part it played as one of the last Royalist strongholds of the Civil War.

Building plot at Weare Giffard for sale.

Bungalow for sale at Westward Ho!

Flying doctors Jonathan Cope and Helen Frow have flown home from Australia straight into the controversy over plans to build a massive holiday complex outside Woolsery. On the day they moved furniture in to their rural retreat, there were told of the scheme to create a holiday village just over the hedge from the property at Marshall Farm. Dr Cope is now leading other Marshall Farm residents against the proposed development by Hainstone Ltd to build houses, hotels and holiday chalets at both Marshall farm and Hartland Forest Golf and Country Club. A public meeting is being held at Woolsery Village Hall.

Jonathan Cope, Helen Frow and Cathy Madelin

It was standing room only in Woolsery Village Hall as plans for the biggest tourism development Torridge has seen was put under the spotlight by the local branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England. The £25 million plan is for a new holiday village centred on the Hartland Forest Golf and Leisure Parc and nearby Marshall Farm at Woolsery. Nearly 160 attended the public meeting convened by the CPRE. When asked to weigh up the arguments few took the side of the developers. A show of hands gave 136 votes against the proposal with 10 for and 12 abstentions.

Continuing investigations by Rolls-Royce have brought hope of an end to the long running saga of the former Yelland Power Station site. The engineering giant brings the prospect of major investment in the region by taking the site back to its roots with the development of a new, modern generation gas power station. And with it, local councillors have revealed, could come a string of amenities for the local community, and maybe an answer to the problem of the contaminated ashbed site. Tory ward councillor Rodney Cann said it was an exciting scheme which could bring benefits to Yelland, North Devon and the whole of the South West.

Ships at Bideford

Ships berthing last week

There is always a fascination about Bideford’s Quayside with its links with faraway places. Watchers last week saw among the vessels berthing, one of the largest to call at Bideford for a number of years. She was (right) the German vessel, m.v. ‘Oscar Mathies,’ with a cargo of timber from Sweden.

Gazette article 20 March 1959