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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 - May

May 1924

Births – at Irsha Street, Appledore, to Mr and Mrs Tucker, a daughter; a son for Mr and Mrs G H Bealey, at East Hele, Buckland Brewer; a daughter for Laura and Stanley Bowen; at the Corner House, Northam, a son for Mr and Mrs W H Trickey.

Marriages – Garnsey-Elkins; Prouse-Bailey;

Readers are warned not to buy at the door from salesmen purporting to represent St Dunstan’s, the charity selling goods made by blinded servicemen. St Dustan’s do not sell door to door and would be grateful for such approaches to be reported to them and to the police. Employment levels in the area are improving with the building trade being very brisk and some shipyards busy, although the large yard has closed. Collar and glove makers are reported to be working full time. Towards the end of the month severe thunderstorms and large hailstones have been experienced, causing disastrous damage to fruit trees.

The funeral of the late Miss C Holman, who died at the age of 75, took place at Abbotsham Churchyard, the Rev Canon Kempe officiating. The chief mourners were Mr and Mrs J Shute (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs Wicketts, Miss M and A Shute (nieces), Mrs Rendle, Mrs Wicketts, and Mrs Ashplant. Other friends attending at the graveside included Miss Ridd, Miss White, Mrs W James, Mrs E James, Mrs J Bale, Miss Glover, Miss Essery, Miss L Pickard, and Mrs C Pickard. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs Violet Brothers, Bideford.

At Alverdiscott, Mr A R Southcombe was re-elected people’s warden and Captain K E Channer rector’s warden. The new verger (Mr Hawke) was presented with the keys of the church on taking office, and the four sidesmen, Messrs I Lewis, T Phear, W Newcombe and G Allsopp, were reappointed. The church accounts showed receipts £103 11s 9d, expenditure £98 182 8d, balance £4 12s 1d. The annual parochial church council was held afterwards and the new council elected. A dance was held in aid of the church summer outing fund.

On Wednesday evening the committee, players and supporters of the Appledore Football Club brought their successful season to a close with a delightful supper, intermingled with speeches and singing, at the National School. The Vicar, as president of the club, presided, supported by Mr A Galsworthy, the chairman of committee, Mr A Green and Mr John Hinks, joint honorary secretaries, the last two mentioned having made all arrangements ably assisted by Mr Reed, Mr Kelly, of the Golf Pavilion, and the wives and relatives of the committee. After the loyal and patriotic toasts, Mr S Ford proposed…

During Easter Week Appledore had the pleasure of receiving a visit from their former Vicar and his wife, who have been visiting both rich and poor, healthy and sick. On Sunday morning…

Henry Harris of Appledore suffered an injury to his arm while working on a ship at Exeter Quay and is now in hospital in the city.

At the beginning of May it is reported that few fish have been caught in Appledore but Mr J Giddy took a 25lb salmon in the Bridge Pool in Bideford. By the middle of the month 60 salmon were caught by the Appledore boats in one day, so the situation is much improved.

Mrs Ann Elizabeth Harris, aged 85, the widow of the late Mr George Kelly Harris, shipwright, of No. 3 Irsha Street, West Appledore, was laid peacefully to rest at St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore. The Vicar officiated and mentioned that in his curacy days, the late Mrs Harris had been a great help to him in assisting, in conjunction with the late Mrs Batten, and Mrs Benjamin Jewell.

A cablegram announced the death of Capt John Cawsey at Aden, from dysentery. Deceased, who was a native of Northaw, and left home about 14 months ago. He leaves a widow, who lives in New Street, Appledore, and three daughters for whom the greatest sympathy is felt.

The remains of Mr John Widgery Cock were laid to rest in the family vault at St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore, in the presence of large numbers of relatives and the general townsfolk. The late Mr Cock belonged to one of the oldest of Appledore families, and was probably well known an agriculturist as any in the neighbourhood. Deceased lived formerly with his parents at the Tavern Farm (now Grand Hotel) where a large business was carried on by them as malsters, but that occupation was relinquished when the family moved to The Farm where deceased spent many years of work and happiness, content with his employment and his workmen, dying at the fine old age of eighty-four years.

No 1 Retreat Place, Vernon’s Lane, Appledore, for sale – late in the occupation of Capt John Stoneman.

Order your Douglas car from George Boyle, Ltd, The Cyclery, Bideford.

Bideford Rowing clubs made the most of last week’s evening tides. Considerable practice was put in, and rowers are quickly settling in for the season’s regattas which commence usually in July.

Bideford War Memorial is now nearly complete and will be a credit to the town. The total cost is around £700 and a tablet will be placed at the entrance showing that it was presented to the town by its inhabitants.

Forty applications have been received for the vacant post of Clerk in the Surveyor’s office; Mr Ralph Pound has been appointed.

On June 4th the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club will launch its new racing gig, to be christened on the River Bank by Miss E F Stucley, daughter of Mr H N G Stucley, President of the Club. It is hoped that the club flag day, to be held the same day on behalf of the fund for the cost of the new boat, will be well supported.

Prompt rescue at Bideford of Kenneth Heywood, of Grenville Street.

James Wicketts, of Elm Grove, Bideford, saves himself after a swim in the River Torridge.

West Bank School returns.

Mrs Lucy, late of Staverton, near Totnes, took up her duties as headmistress of Bideford Church Girls’ School, Mis Wyatt having been appointed to a school in Staffordshire.

The wedding took place at the Wesleyan Church, Bideford, of Mr F Shute, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Shute, 1 Model Terrace, and Miss Alice Maud Brown, eldest daughter of Mrs Brown, 8 and 9 Meddon Street. The Rev C M Ashdown officiated. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr H Vaggers, was attired in grey costume with hat to match and carried a bouquet of tulips and lilies. Mr W Shute acted as ‘best man’. The wedding breakfast was held at 8 and 9 Meddon Street. Both the bride and bridegroom were the recipients of many useful presents.

Bideford Urban District Council held a meeting when it was uncomfortably found there would have to be a further delay in regard to the houses proposed to be built by the Council on the Sentry Corner site, the tenders received being higher than the Council considered itself justified in accepting. The matter was referred back to the Architect, Mr Oliver, with a view to the specification being curtailed in order to bring down the price. Later in the month....

The funeral of Mrs Mary Jane Fulford, wife of Mr W L Fulford, a Bideford builder, who died at the age of 78 years at 9 Honestone Street on Sunday May 11th, took place at the East-the-Water Cemetery, the officiating minister being the Rev W N Manning (Rector).

Shopping in Bideford...

News has reached Bradworthy of the death in New Zealand, where she had lived for over 50 years of Mrs Jane Smith, a native of Bradworthy, having been born at Holyrood farm in 1850, her maiden name being Cann. The following extract from a New Zealand paper will be read with interest….

At Bideford County Sessions, a young labourer, living at Frizenham, Little Torrington, was charged with stealing in conjunction with another man not then in custody, from Buckland Brewer Post Office on April 8th, a brown leather wallet containing two ten shilling Treasury notes, three Army pension forms, one Old Age pension form, one postal draft, and postal orders to the value of £10, the property of the Postmaster General.

Mrs Cleverdon, Milford Farm, Buckland Brewer, was being driven to Bideford Market, the load of baskets shifted and her son, who was driving, stopped to put the load right. On restarting the trap went into the hedge and capsized. Mrs Cleverdon, who is over 70 years of age, was thrown out and badly shaken. She was taken to Bideford and afterwards removed to her home. It was found she was suffering from a broken collar bone and three fractured ribs. The greatest sympathy is felt for her in her unfortunate accident.

At Frithelstock Church the new treble bell has been consecrated. It weighs 6 ¼ cwt and is inscribed “Glory to God 1924” and the work has been carried out by Harry Stokes and Son. Peals on the new ring of six were performed by teams from Alwington, Buckland Brewer, Torrington, Weare Giffard and Langtree as well as the local band.

The will has been proved in Victoria, Australia, of a Devon born settler named Mr Walter Pomeroy. His fortune goes to his widow and daughter. Mr Pomeroy was a native of Hartland, and was one of six brothers who sought new homes for themselves in Victoria. With one exception they went into farming, having been initiated into some of the mysteries on their father’s farm. Walter was a draper’s assistant in London but learning from brothers who one after another preceded him, that they had struck a land of opportunities, he decided to follow them and fall back on the farming experience he had gained in his youth.

At a Bideford Rural District Council meeting, intimation was received that it is now proposed to build the suggested Hartland coastguard cottages in a field to the west of Stoke church, and the Council was asked to consent to the division of a footpath on the site. It was decided to refer the application to Hartland Parish Council for its observations.

A pretty wedding was solemnised in the Hartland Wesleyan Church, the Rev Mr Granville officiating. The contracting parties were William, second son of Mr and Mrs R Gliddon, of Tomsels, Gumscott, Launcells, and Ada, second daughter of Mr and Mrs H J Shute, Stoke, Hartland. Miss Clara E Shute was bridesmaid and the duties of best man were carried out by Mr Lewis Gliddon.

May 1924 Hartland Shute Gliddon marriage

Mr George Nance Kievill who died within a fortnight of his 86th birthday, was highly respected. He came to Hartland at the age of 20 as foreman of works on the Abbey Estate, which, through his able management, has been skilfully maintained under three generations of owners – Mr Buck (afterwards Sir George Stucley); Col Sir Lewis Stucley, and the present Squire, Mr Hugh N G Stucley. He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Pooley, of Hartland, and they lived at the Lodge some years before removing to Fairleigh, West Street.

Rev W T L L Jenkins, presided over the annual meeting of the Instow Cricket Club. The hon. secretary, Mr T Anstey junior, reported a small balance in hand. Col E G Jones was re-elected President, and the retiring vice-presidents were also re-elected, with the addition of Rev W T Jenkins. Mr T J L Saltmarsh was elected captain, and Mr T Anstey junior, vice-captain, whilst Mr Buckingham was appointed Hon Secretary and Treasurer.

Langtree fire episode.

The weather at Lundy was ideal for the Easter holidays. A few visitors have arrived and bathing and boating have begun. Capt Honey, with two….

Rev Gerald Payne Cook, R.D., accompanied by the Rev Hugh C A S Muller, Vicar of Appledore, visited Lundy and were received by Mr Allday, the Postmaster and Lay Reader, who was supported by the principal and staff of the lighthouse, and Mr Sleep, RN, the chief officer in charge of the coastguard establishment, Mr Honey and others. Miss Sage (churchwarden) provided an excellent lunch, and after visiting the scene of the wreck of HMS Montague, the party who were accompanied , by Mr McIntyre and Mrs Payne Cook called at the homes of the coastguards and others, inviting them all to a five o’clock evensong at St Helen’s Church.

Hillside, a detached residence in Northam, is for sale.

The third monthly meeting of the Parkham Women’s Institute was held at Penhaven Barn when there was a very good attendance. Great regret was felt at the absence of Mrs Knowle, the President on account of illness. Lady Clinton….

A very successful whist drive and dance was held in the Council schoolroom at Parkham, the room being nicely decorated for the occasion. Over 70 took part in the whist drive and the prize winners were:

A fancy dress dance on Easter Monday at the Parkham Council School proved most successful. The weather was fine and about 150 took part. Prizes: Miss M Sanders, Mr H B Bromhead, Miss Margaret Heywood. The funds were given towards new flags and general upkeep of Memorial and a small testimonial to Mrs and Miss Brend for the great interest they always show in keeping fresh flowers on the same. The Northam Jazz Band gave a selection of music which was greatly appreciated.

Another aged inhabitant, in the person of Mrs Walters, has passed away. Deceased was the widow of the late Mr R Walters, of Dundridge, and had been in failing health for a long time. Mr and Mrs Joy, of the Council’s Cottages, Halsbury, very kindly looked after her during this period.

No change to Torrington’s market-day.

We regret to record the death of Mrs Millman, Haldersee, Torrington, aged 85 years. Deceased was the wife of the late Robert Millman, of Bibbear Farm, Frithelstock. She leaves a family of four sons and four daughters to whom the greatest sympathy will go out in their bereavement.

With a wave of enthusiasm and hopeful prospect, fostered by the newly formed Chamber of Commerce in coordination with the Town Council, Great Torrington’s May Fair Day, the glories of which had been allowed to lapse a few years ago, was ‘reborn’ and reinstituted as successfully as could have been wished. A better outlet for the tradesmen’s zeal and endeavour on behalf of Torrington’s progress could not have been conceived. And townspeople can be justly pleased, both in respect of the highly attractive programme, lasting throughout the day, and of the warm support given by the countryside around.

May 1924 Torrington May Fair

E E Rudd of Palmer House, Torrington, provides an explanation.

Pinewood in Weare Giffard is for sale.

Westleigh celebrations.

Lieut. General Sir Richard Wapshare, who addressed the Northam Empire Day gathering has come to reside at Buckleigh House, Westward Ho! for twelve months.

For two or three evenings in the Westward Ho! Station Hall, great entertainment was given to considerable audiences by the ‘Glow Worm’ concert party. Among those taking part were Tom Leslie; Devon’s Mrs ‘Arris; Louis Fredricks; Devon’s Lovely ‘Girl’; Jack Martin, magic expert; Miss De Reine, sketch artist; and Stanley Goodman, the pianist for the party.

The Tamar Valley Guild of Ringers, held their annual gathering at Woolsery. There was a record attendance, some 130 ringers being present and some excellent peals were rung during the day and evening. Mr P H Mellor, of Woolsery.

Finally, a look at the Lost and Found column. Lots of items have been lost this month, including:

A black pony mare of 12 hands;
A black handbag;
A grey mackintosh belt;
A paste brooch;
Two pairs of riding breeches;
A gold bangle with ring attached;
A cardboard box with a gentleman’s felt hat;
And a small parcel containing two Manchester newspapers.

The only “found” item is six bullocks.

May 1974

Mother of four Mrs Ruth Redmore is the new chairman of Bideford Ladies’ Circle. She and her husband Brian, and their two sons and two daughters live at Green Close, Abbotsham. Mr Redmore was chairman of Bideford Round Table last year. They moved to North Devon about three years ago.

Webbery, at Alverdiscott, for sale.

There was a great welcome for the Rev R H Foster when he came out of retirement at Southbourne to conduct Methodist Sunday school anniversary services at Alwington.

Profit of £193 for Church at Alwington.

A bomb disposal squad was on its way to Bideford to deal with an 18lb American shell found at a local scrap yard. The shell, in a dangerous condition, was discovered when a load of scrap from Appledore was delivered at the yard of Bideford Metals in Old Barnstaple Road. “It was tipped into a bin and when the rust came off we saw it was a shell” said one of the yard employees.

Appledore lifeboat, the Louisa Anne Hawker, having been brought completely up-to-date, was due back on station. During the past 18 months she has undergone an extensive refit and in the words of Appledore RNLI secretary, Mr Ivor Wickersham, she is “as modern as any in the country.” She left Falmouth and will be on show at Appledore Regatta.

The proprietor of Appledore’s leading hotel, the Seagate, was one of two people to support a scheme by Torridge District Council member Mr Joe Need to open a fish and chip shop at the former Seamen’s Rest at Appledore. Support was also reported from Mr W Eastman, of Odun Terrace, who said the facility was much needed. But Mr L Smith, owner of a Market Street cottage and Mr R Tait, of Old Coastguards, prospective buyer of part of the mission as a dental surgery, objected. Cllr F J G Dell said the mission was not an imposing building, the application had not been strongly opposed and there seemed ‘a crying need’ for a fish and chip shop. Five voted for the proposition and none against.

When friends at RAF Chivenor arranged a ‘thank you’ in a Hunter jet for Mr John Pavitt, an Appledore lifeboatman and supervisor of the civilian underwater recovery team att he Army’s Fording Trials Branch of REME at Instow, it was also something of a parting gift. Mr Pavitt, who lives at Pitt Hill, Appledore, left his job to join brother-in-law Mr Michael Braund of Clovelly, in a lobster-potting enterprise along our coast. Mr Pavitt’s expertise as a diver is well suited to the venture.

The Victoria Park Bowling Club in Bideford started its silver jubilee year with a match against the county president’s team. To mark the occasion the county president, Mr Bev Walker, an international player, brought a strong side to the Park and a closely contested match fittingly ended in a draw. Under the captaincy of Gerald Westcott, Victoria Park is confident of a good season. Bert Parkhouse will be taking part in a Middleton Cup trial. Club triple K Prance, R Jeffery and K Wickett will be out to defend the North Devon area title they won last season.

Just a week after homesickness brought them back to Bideford following two years in Australia Danny and Andrea Fowler began to ask themselves “What are we doing?” That was two years ago and last Saturday they and their three children flew back to the sun-drenched land. Their new home is at Caloundra on the coast of Queensland.

One of Bideford High Street’s oldest family businesses is in the process of being wound up with the impending retirement of marine store dealer Mr Arthur Lee, who has been there for 51 years. His father, Mr John Lee, was for 45 years in the business, which dates back into the last century. When Mr John Lee’s partner, Mr Hugo Cox, gave up in 1923 Arthur joined his father and eventually took over as sole proprietor. Earlier a marine store, coupled with a chandler’s business, a sail loft and other nautical associations, had been carried on there by a family named Downes. Earlier still the premises were part of the Bush Tavern. Mr Lee recalled that nearly 50 years ago he bought the first consignment of lead and copper salvaged from the old wooden warship Revenge brought to Appledore for breaking up. Mr Lee is one of five survivors of a family of ten. The family has deep local country roots: Mr Lee’s father was born at Saltrens Cottage, Monkleigh, and his mother at Buckland Brewer.

Mr Frank Colwill, who was elected Bideford town mayor, has never left the town of his birth except for five years’ service in World War II. Leaving school at 14 he began a career in the grocery trade at the High Street branch of World Stores. Joining the RASC, he served in Norway, Africa and Madagascar. Returning to Bideford, he began an association with the family business of Marshall Verren in Mill Street. Subsequently he opened a specialist grocery store in Allhalland Street.

Work has begun on the demolition of the old almshouses in Meddon Street, Bideford. When the site is cleared it will be fenced until Bideford Bridge Trust are in a position to go ahead with their scheme to erect new almshouses there. Outline planning approval has already been received but the trust are consulting with a national almshouses association.

Memories of wartime days at the British Rola factory which was evacuated to Bideford and set up production at Elliott’s Garage, Kingsley Road, Bideford, are recalled by a batch of photographs sent by Mr Henry Bond, in Australia, to his sister, Mrs B M Belilovsky, of 20 Mill Street, Bideford.

Back in Bideford after 48 years in New Zealand, and happily finding his old home town and old friends still the same at heart, is Mr Norman Shaxon, formerly of Chanters Lane in Northam. He and his New Zealand wife are staying with his sisters, Misses Nellie and Ruth Shaxon, who live at Gunstone.

A private development company are to spend an estimated £300,000 on converting Georgian houses at the Strand, Bideford, into offices. The company, Beadle Property Holdings Ltd, of Hertford, have given an assurance that the character of the houses will be maintained. They have acquired Nos 18, 19, 21, 23 and 25, and a spokesman for the company said they are interested in acquiring other properties there. All the buildings they had acquired had been with vacant possession. One had been on the market as a private house and they had approached various owners and made them offers. It had all been done very amicably.

Miss Ada Lee, president of Bideford and District Girl Guides’ Association, receives a cheque for £110 from Mrs Teresa Prouse, principal of the Strand School of Dancing. The money, which is going to the local Guides’ headquarters fund, was raised as a result of a dancing display.

Mr Arthur John Seldon, a member of Bideford (Strand) Bowling Club, won a free holiday for two plus a silver cup while on holiday in Great Yarmouth. Mr Seldon, who lives at Lime Grove, was on a Saga holiday with his wife when he won the camp’s bowling tournament from an entry of over 40.

Bideford Blues began a new era in rowing when their first 42-foot racing gig was christened. The naming ceremony was by Miss Linda Ball of Appledore.

So large was the attendance at the funeral of Pastor Garnet John Hacker at Bideford Town Mission, of which he was pastor, that the service was relayed to adjoining rooms. A wide cross-section of town and country life was represented. Pastor Hacker, who was 52, had ministered at the Mission for the past 19 years.

The new Rector of Bideford is to be the Rev David Boundy, who will be returning to the county of his birth. Mr Boundy is married and he and his wife are seen with their three children – Rachel, Jerome and Sarah.

“Hullo, hullo, hullo” is what PC Graham Hoare, of Bideford, might well have said when he saw this sight in Clovelly’s High Street. “Just moving house, officer” might equally have been the reply. It’s no easy task moving furniture in Clovelly – the stepped High Street means sledges, not removal vans. And instead of horsepower, it’s manpower!

Sale of draw tickets worth £116 won the Clovelly revel queen title for Susan, only daughter of Mr and Mrs K Cook, of West Dyke, Higher Clovelly. She was crowned by her predecessor, Miss Y Kelly, at a well attended dance in the parish hall. There were six entrants for the contest. The others were Kathy Pengelly; Claire Nichols; Dorothy Noad; Sally Locker; Elizabeth Ley.

Staff coxswain Michael Houchen of the Clovelly based seagoing lifeboat 70-001 has been awarded the RNLI bronze medal for his part in a difficult rescue operation in the Bristol Channel last February. In the operation three people were rescued from the Brixham trawler St Pierre which was in trouble in a force 10 gale accompanied by violent hailstorms. Despite atrocious conditions, Staff Coxswain Houchen got in close to the trawler so that a heaving line could be thrown and succeeded in taking the trawler in tow.

Winners at a don drive in the WI Rooms, Hartland, in aid of muscular dystrophy were: T Squires and Mrs Jeffery, Mrs J Heard and D Heard, and Mrs E Dayman and Mrs M Beer. Draw winners: Mrs M O’Donnell, J Colwill, Mrs Johns, Mrs Turner.

At the risk of their own lives Hartland coastguards rescued a red setter dog believed to have been trapped on a cliff face for six days. A team of five were involved. Ray Walters, Len Winchcombe and George Hall were first lowered to a ledge. From this perilous perch Mr Walters was lowered another 60 feet to the dog, Kerry, who belonged to a holidaymaker, Mr Powell. He has now collected his pet from Okehampton where it was taken by RSPCA Inspector Norman Bardsley.

A warning about Portuguese men o’ war in Bideford Bay has been issued by Hartland coastguards. A shoal of these jelly fish, which carry a dangerous sting, was sighted by the crew of a helicopter from RAF Chivenor who gave the alarm. A spokesman for the coastguards said it was probably that the jelly fish would remain in the bay for some time.

Children of Hartland Methodist church have gained the following scripture awards….

Just over £3,000 was paid for 4½ acres of accommodation land near Harton Cross, Hartland, offered for sale by public auction on behalf of Mr L W and MRs A Heard. Lots were secured by Mr Ayre of Hartland, and Mr Brian Littlejohns of Clovelly.

Last of five brothers to retire from Devon County Council service, Mr Gilbert Johns – ‘Jacko’ to his mates – of Edge Mills, Littleham, has done so after 48 years. He joined as a second hand on a steam lorry in 1926. Subsequently he became a crane driver at the tar-making plant at Nutaberry, Bideford, worked on quarry plants for many years, and was then maintenance fitter at the Bideford depot. Retirement gifts of a transistor radio and teamaker have been presented to Mr Johns.

“A direct tax on charity” is how Mr John Smith, head of the Landmark Trust, describes the decision of the Inland Revenue to levy income tax on the people of Lundy. The Trust now administers the island and writing in the Illustrated Lundy News points out that the Trust has felt obliged to make up to the islanders what they are losing. Lundy, he points out, has treated the Inland Revenue very fairly.

Today will be a memorable one for Mr Frederick S Wood, of 30 Cross Street, Northam. He is to be presented with the Imperial Service Medal in recognition of his 27 years’ service as a civilian DUKW driver with the amphibious experimental establishment of the Royal Navy in North Devon.

Northam Burrows, one of North Devon’s most popular playgrounds and now to be a country park, will be bought by Devon County Council from the trustees of the Melhuish Estate for a mere £9,000 if the estates committee and the council agree. But a decision on one of the thorniest aspects of the county’s acquisition – whether a uniform system of car parking tolls should operate from next season – has been deferred for the time being. Potwallopers are jealous of their right – as they see it – to take their cars on the Burrows free from toll. The figure of £9,000 for the 650 acres has been negotiated by senior county council officers with the trustees.

The road to the rubbish dump on Northam Burrows was ‘in a terrible state’ and the dump itself was ‘disgusting’ Mr Chris Ommaney told a meeting of Northam Chamber of Commerce.

Northam butcher, Mr Richard Bradford, has been elected as president of the South Western area of the Meat Traders’ Council. Aged 47 he took over the family business at Northam from his late father, Charles, and expanded it. He has for long served on Northam Burrows Committee, holds a Special Constabulary long service medal and is a member of the Royal North Devon Golf Club. Mr Bradford and his wife Betty have a son David who is now at teacher training college.

First major acquisition by the North Devon Museum Project is the Taw and Torridge lighter, JJRP, the last of the sailing gravel barges. An appeal has been launched for funds to restore and preserve the boat, the Jack and Julie Rapson Pile, which has been bought from Mr John Vicary. “It has been lying in the river for ages and it is just on the border line where something can still be done with it” said Mr Barry Hughes, of Northam, one of the prime movers in the Project. A marine diesel engine made in 1925, and a worthy exhibit in itself, has been removed from the barge to be restored.

Although 257 of the 711 people on Torridge District Council’s housing list have retired, only 30 units of accommodation with warden service, as they are officially described, are being built. They are at Griggs Close, Northam, and the first are expected to be ready for occupation this summer. Total cost of the scheme is over £170,000. The need for this type of accommodation is fully recognised but its provision is held up by the sewerage embargo that has for a long time frustrated local efforts to cope with the housing problem.

The colour parties wait to move into Parkham parish church on a St George’s Day parade.

Warrant Officer Jim Sutton, RAF, whose home is at Parkham, has received the MBE at an investiture in the Netherlands. The ceremony, at the NATO headquarters, was conducted by Sir John Barnes, the British Ambassador to The Hague. WO Sutton with his wife, is seen being congratulated by Lady Barnes.

A profit of £200 was made for the Methodist Circuit Youth Fellowship’s mini-bus fund by Parkham’s Young Generation group when they organised a fete, a sponsored lap walk, and a dance. The Rev Walter and Mrs Joyce opened the fete and the sponsored walk and Carolyn Ham presented Mrs Joyce with a posy. Twenty four members of Parkham Youth Club took part in the walk. Checkers were Messrs D Morris and G Slee; stewards were Messrs C Allin, Stephen Kellett and S Kellett, and Mrs V Boswell. The evening ended with a dance attended by over 200. Door stewards were the Rev Peter Willis, Messrs C Allin, N Heywood, W Colwill, G Glover, D Morris, G Slee and T Headon.

Lady Godiva rode the streets of Torrington and her chief complaint was that she had cold feet. It was Torrington Cavaliers’ way of giving Torrington May Fair a rousing start. Honey West, a night club stripper, was riding a horse for the first time. “I have nothing on – not a stitch. I bought a body stocking but they said I was not to use it.” Honey made do with several wigs strategically placed. She said afterwards “I’m warm everywhere except my feet – they’re freezing.” Honey was paid £33 plus hotel accommodation for her ride.

Torrington Town Council are to tell the police that they are very concerned about vandalism and swearing in the town. Apart from its undesirability in local life, the Council consider this kind of conduct must also have an adverse effect on the tourist trade.

Low-cost housing at Castle Hill Gardens – Torrington.

Reported later in the month…..

Among many items collected for sale at Weare Giffard to help raise funds for Landcross Church were some magnificent bunches of spring blooms which helped add colour to the event.

Brian Jeffery of the Cyder Presse, Weare Giffard, is the new singles champion of Torrington and District Darts League.

Adrian Gorvin of Westward Ho! who tied for first place in the Public Schools’ Smallbore Rifle Association’s under-15 championships. He is a day boy at Grenville College, Bideford, and shoots for the C team of the Bideford club, of which his father is secretary.

A ban on buildings in Westward Ho! of more than two storeys was agreed by Torridge District Council development and leisure services committee. Before them was an application by Mr F J Wilkey for 10 bungalows and five three-storey blocks of flats on the northern side of Golf Links Road, near the cricket ground. They were recommended to refuse the outline application as being premature on sewage disposal grounds and because three storey development was out of character with the area and prejudicial to the amenities. Replying to a comment by the chairman, Cllr W J Cann, Cllr Mrs Hilders said that flats now being erected at Link House looked shocking – “like a prison.”

For the past 18 months or so Mr Herbert Geen of Bideford has hardly had a minute to himself. If not at his work as a carpenter at Bideford Shipyard he could be found busily engaged on the building of a pavilion for Westward Ho! Tenns Club, of which he is a life member. His labours were made worthwhile when the tennis club officially opened their new £11,500 pavilion and tennis courts in Avon Lane. Tribute was paid to Mr Geen who, virtually single-handed, had provided members with a club room, a smaller committee room, a bar, kitchen and changing rooms.

Plans for a small factory (seven to ten employees) for Mr L J Woodhouse, clothing manufacturer, on the former airfield site at Seckington, Winkleigh, have been approved by Torridge District Council subject to details. Also approved were plans for a factory at Hatchmoor Common Lane, Torrington, for Eurobung Ltd.

May 1999

For sale in Abbotsham, close to the post office, a two-bed cottage with annexe.

Job opportunities at Appledore Shipbuilders Limited.

Villagers of Appledore leapt wholeheartedly behind a holiday weekend of fun and fundraising in aid of CLIC. It is hoped to have raised around £3,000. Spearheaded by the pubs the weekend featured a range of sponsored activities, fun events and draws. Licensee Geoff Winston and bar manager Terry Lindley had their heads shaved. A ‘mega meat draw’ provided Sunday roasts for many, schoolchildren showed their thanks for free tubes of sweets by filling the empties with change, there was a boot of ale drinking competition, a euchre drive, bouncy castle, speedboat rides and a barbecue. But for 20 brave volunteers the high spot came with a sponsored abseil at the Skern Lodge Adventure Centre. And there is still the prospect of ‘The Full Monty’ to come, said the organisers. Our picture shows Vera Curtis, Lisa Narbett and Tracey Clowsley nervously looking forward to their descent.

Our picture shows North Devon CLIC chairman Brian Taylor receiving the cheque from the youngsters and some of those involved in the fundraising

A period cottage in Appledore is for sale.

Bideford has one of the original Royal British Legion Women’s Sections and this year it celebrated its 75^th birthday. ‘Jewels of office’ – handsome medallions – for the president and chairman were presented to the section by the Legion branch. Here are Pat Davey and Peggy Ditton receiving congratulations from Bideford branch chairman Bernie Perry and president George McLaughlin.

Simone Solomon of Bideford had her first taste of the fashion scene when she was just seven and modelled children’s clothes. Now Simone and another local model, Justine Jago, are among the bright lights of London where they are to feature in a national fashion magazine. International Andrew Collinger is one of the top names they’ve met. “In this highly competitive business it’s a compliment to have two local girls chosen for a big national job” said a spokesman from Freelance Model Agency n Bideford.

Agricultural worker Brian Staddon of Bideford was in the limelight at the Devon County Show when he received a long service award in recognition of 42 years on the same farm. Brian spent nine months as a wood machinist when he left school but farming was always in his heart – and in his blood! His father spent all his life working on a farm, for 15 years at Bradavin and at Southcott Farm. Brian’s brother Wilfred also worked at Bradavin.

A period house in Buckland Brewer is for sale. It has a one-bedroomed annexe, garage, workshop and garden room.

Team agents Scammel Adamson held a successful auction at the Royal Hotel, Bideford. The first lot comprised The Laurels at 106 West Street, Hartland, which required modernisation and refurbishment. The second lot on offer was Seacroft at Lakenham Hill, Northam. There was a good attendance on the day and the Kingsley Room at the Royal Hotel was packed to capacity.

Vista Del Mar at Instow is for sale.

Villagers of Landkey are celebrating the first major step towards the creation of a new community centre. With the help of the district and parish councils they have bought the Victorian former village school, which was replaced with a new building two years ago. Now fundraising will start to turn it into a centre which will run alongside the current village hall. More information is available from Dave Cockram or Ann Philpott-Tuffney. Our picture shows Dick Joy, Ken Holden, Len Patt, David Gravell, Lynn Morton and Ann Philpott-Tuffney.

More than 20 local charity organisations will be descending on the Castle Inn at Landkey on Bank Holiday Monday for a day of fun and charity fundraising. Each will be raising funds for its own cause by setting up stalls as part of a charity spring fayre, beer festival and barbecue. Already well known for its local charity fundraising, the Castle will also be taking the opportunity to show off its new lounge bar and other improvements. Developed by licensees Kevin and Julie May the new bar was officially opened earlier this month by North Devon MP Nick Harvey.

Littleham property for sale.

Ilfracombe’s fascinating little museum has reopened its doors after a facelift and new displays have resulted in the creation of the Lundy Room to mark the resort’s special link with the island. The new room features items provided by museum trustee Michael Bale, including wooden panelling from of the most famous of the island’s 137 shipwrecks, that of the battleship HMS Montague.

$May 1999 Lundy Ilfracombe Museum$

Museum curator Joy Slocombe and treasurer Sue Pullen in the Lundy Room

A two-bedroomed cottage style barn conversion in Monkleigh is for sale.

Northam property for sale.

That colourful harbinger of spring, Torrington May Fair, is here again. The town is poised for its big day when visitors from far and wide will join local people in the enjoyment of the age old ceremony of the crowning of the May Queen. Midday is the traditional time for the official proclamation of the ancient fair. It is followed by the crowning ceremony when young May Queen Kelly Williams holds centre stage. Her crowner will be Sarah Callaghan, the heralds Laurence Ogilvie and Robbie Tubb, and the delightful attendants Rachel Bateman, Emma Gooch, Tayler Burke, Corina Bevan, Jai Hepponstall, Gemma Knight, Alaina Barnes and Sherene Hollands.

Thieves have broken into the premises of feed merchants J Coles & Sons on Torrington’s Hatchmoor industrial estate twice in the space of three weeks. Among items taken were a computer, printer and a laminator.

Thousands of daffodils will greet the new millennium in Torrington with plans to plant a bulb on the town commons for every man, woman and child in the community. Spokesman Adrian Freeland said it was intended to carry out the planting in September adjacent to the obelisk on the commons.

Weare Giffard property for sale.

The Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! has made another mark in golfing annals with the appointment of a woman president for the first time in its 135 year history. In electing Mrs Margaret Fulford of Northam it is believed the club may have set a precedent for ‘royal’ golf clubs anywhere in the world. Mrs Fulford who has been a club member since 1950 is a former captain and president of the Devon Ladies’ County Golfing Association. Taking up her new office Mrs Fulford discovered two small problems – the president’s badge is designed to fit the lapel of a man’s jacket rather than a ladies’ cardigan and the president’s pewter tankard behind the bar is designed for pints of beer, which she hates!

Move over Monaco for Westward Ho! is planning its own version of a grand prix race through the streets of the resort. Corners will be guarded with straw bales as the main route through the village is closed as skateboarders and skaters battle it out in what organisers believe could be the first races of their kind in this country. The races are the latest innovation to the resort’s popular Potwalloping Festival charity fundraiser. There will also be simulated surfing and these are just two of a host of events planned to fill the three days of the Whitsun long weekend.

Bell Bomber was choice

Mrs Christine Hale, an Appledore hairdresser who plays at centre-half for Appledore women’s team Bell Bombers, is North Devon’s first Soccer Personality Girl.

Seen above are some of the local girl footballers who competed for the title and the prize of £10 at the first annual dinner of the Legs Eleven ladies’ FC of Appledore.

In the picture (left to right) are: Barbara Riley, Liz Lawrence and Diane Moore (Shammy Tigers); Rosalind Smale and Christine Hale (Bell Bombers); Janet Pearson, Liz Stanbury and Anne Powe (Legs Eleven).

There will be informal talks at the dinner about the possibility of forming a ladies’ football league in North Devon. There are now seven ladies’ football teams playing in the area. Mrs Hale would welcome such a league as she believes women have as much right as men to play football.

Gazette articles 15 & 22 February 1974

Bideford men cast their nets for salmon

Against the background of the old bridge, still in the process of receiving its biggest alteration since stone was built around the first timber structure well over 400 years ago, Bideford men engage in the centuries-old custom of casting their nets for salmon. From their cycle of sea-life the salmon make their way far upriver to the spawning grounds. The salmon net fishing season ended last weekend.

Gazette article 26 September 1969