Commemorative

Victory over Japan Day

V-J Day

The initial announcement of Japan’s surrender was made on 14 August 1945 (because of time zones, in Japan it was 15 August.) The surrender document was signed aboard the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945, and this officially ended World War II. Fifteenth of August is the official V-J Day for the United Kingdom.

What was happening in the local news at this momentous time?

Tuesday, August 21, 1945

In a dramatic midnight broadcast on Tuesday, the Prime Minister, Mr Clement Attlee, announced “Japan has to-day surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low.” He then detailed the text of the Japanese reply to the Allied demands. Thus was a total of six years’ war by this country and her Allies against the forces of aggression brought to a victorious conclusion. Throughout the week-end international events had been moving to this climax. There had been many rumours, but it seems that this country was among the least infected in this way and, while making preparations for victory, waited patiently for official announcement before embarking on any celebrations. Certainly was this so in Torridge-side.

Final victory in war

Rain came in the night, but Wednesday morning proved to be a most pleasant sample of summer and there were crowds out and about early, mainly to do some hurried shopping. Peals rang out from the parish church bells at Bideford and in other places at intervals during the two days. There was music and laughter in the air and an infectious, but reasonable, excitement. Flags and bunting, augmenting the splendid official display, went up in great profusion everywhere. In some places the display was even greater than for VE. Ships in the harbour were 'dressed' with flags for the occasion.

V.J plus one (Thursday) started with a bang in Bideford – the firing of a maroon at 7am – followed by the breaking of the Union Jack from the flagstaff at the bottom of Bridgeland Street by the Mayor, Ald. H W Fulford. There was music at both East and West the Water as the Bideford Town Silver Band and the Bideford Home Guard

“The war’s over!” Those words, shouted in Irsha Street, Appledore, a couple of minutes after the Prime Minister had announced the good news, were typical of the jubilation – and relief – that was felt in Appledore and indeed all over the country. Those who heard the announcement soon woke those who had not – windows were pushed up and the news shouted to each other, etc. – and in an abnormally short time Appledore was ‘alive’. The St Mary’s Church bells were probably the first in the district to ring – only several minutes after the Prime Minister’s news – and their victory message carried all over the town. They also rang during the day.

On Wednesday Hartland was well beflagged and the countrymen came into the town and enjoyed a day off. There was a service of thanksgiving in the Square conducted by Preb. I L Gregory, who also gave an address. A dance at the Church Hall for the Welcome Home Fund was crowded out. Messrs Barter, L Littlejohns and Horace Prust were in charge. The Hartland Band provided music.

The peaceful sleep being enjoyed by the inhabitants of Instow in the first hour of the day that heralded August 15^th was broken, and oh! how sweetly, by the sound of Appledore church bells ringing out over the waters of the Torridge. Then they knew, like the millions of other waking inhabitants of this country, that peace had come at last, not merely the cessation of hostilities in Europe but the end of the greatest of all wars, the subjugation of aggressors and far. Peace at last!

Despite the expectation of Japan’s early acceptance of surrender, the streets of Northam were dark and empty just before midnight on Tuesday. But, within a very short time of the official announcement a complete change took place. Lights appeared in the windows and voices could be heard called, “It’s all over, Japan has given in.” Then followed the music of an impromptu band and choir parading the streets.

Torrington certainly had its fair share of VJ Day joy! Bonfires-dancing-fireworks-fun-all had a place in the festivities. Just after the announcement of the surrender of Japan, a large number of people paraded through the streets singing, etc. amid the bangs of fireworks.

On the whole it was fairly quiet at Westward Ho! When the news was heard on Tuesday, small groups went around the town singing, accompanied by a piano-accordian, and several fireworks were set off but there were no big processions. Bonfires and dancing were prevalent on Wednesday evening, and an Army dance at the Kingsley Gym was well attended. On Thursday there was a dance at the Top Camp and bonfires, fireworks, etc. were ‘also in attendance’ elsewhere.

Mr William C Glover, whose parents live in Northam, dies while prisoner-of-war in Thailand.

Welcome back by The British Biscuit Industry

Advert from Meredith & Son

Births – to Sophie (nee Berry), wife of Thomas Hailwood, a daughter, Victoria Jean; to Doreen (nee Babb), wife of Alec Morris, a son; to Anne (nee Finnamore), wife of C A Pickard, a sister for Michael.

Engagement – Pte Charles Long, ACC, REME Camp, Instow, and Joan Norman, second granddaughter of Willliam Morrish, The Smithy, Eastleigh.

Marriages – Margery Doreen Taylor, Blacksmith’s Arms, Bideford, to Leonard Davey; Frederick Reed, Seaman, First Class, US Navy, to Agnes Lewis of New Street, Bideford; Ronald Slade, Capt, RAC, of Bridgeland Street, Bideford, to Patricia Verbeeck; Edna May Lamey of Trelawney, Appledore, and Leading Seaman George William Tonge.

Improved ‘bus services throughout the district were urged by members at the recent meeting of Torrington Rural District Council. The matter arose on a letter from Alverdiscott Parish Council, urging the need for a ‘bus service to meet the requirements of the parishioners of Alverdiscott and Huntshaw.

An extremely useful place in the social life of the township is filled by the 1^st Appledore Company of the Boys’ Brigade, who, with boys from the Bideford and Torrington Companies, left of one week’s camp at Combe Martin. Their camping site is just on the outskirts of the town and is ideal. The whole camp is under the command of Capt J E Boyles (Appledore) with Lt F Gates as adjutant and Lt R Harris as Quartermaster. Capt R J Arnold (Bideford) is second-in-command. The influence of the Appledore Company can be gauged by the fact that in a parish of 3,000 population, the Company numbers over eighty, and that boys are joining as soon as they are old enough.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at Bideford Pannier Market a dance will be held at which, by popular vote, a Carnival Queen will be chosen to preside over Bideford Hospital Carnival Committee’s Children’s Carnival which is to take place on August 29^th.

Mr C W Stephenson, M.Sc. (Sheffield), B.Sc. (London), who commences his duties as headmaster of Bideford Grammar School with the coming autumn term, is a Leicestershire man aged 39.

Mr Wilfred Pickard, of Pilatus, High Street, Bideford, whose death occurred on Sunday, will be missed by a wide circle of friends, and masonic, sporting and other public bodies to which he had given devoted services. Aged 60, Mr Pickard had been in ill-health for a considerable time but his passing was sudden and unexpected. The second son of the late Mr and Mrs W H Pickard, he carried on with his brother, Mr A Pickard, the family business of painters and decorators founded by his late father. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, it was his delight to serve the school in after years as a Governor and he was a past chairman of the governing body.

A ‘Meet the Ladies’ concert party at Bradworthy.

Hartland – On Sunday evening, August 12^th, Rev J L Nix, of Plymouth, who was spending his holiday at Tiverton, visited his old Methodist Church here. By special request of Rev Philip Bryant, the appointed preacher, Mr Nix took the concluding part of the services, preaching a sermon on “They rehearsed together.”

In connection with the Holsworthy Welcome Home Fund, a billiard and snooker exhibition, organised by the Holsworthy Men’s Institute, was played on Thursday, August 9^th, between Mr Bert Cottle (seven times British Army billiard champion) and Mr W J L Symons, of Bideford. The former was successful in the billiards by 750 to 490, and Mr Symons won the snooker frame by 57 to 30. Both games were much enjoyed by the spectators. Mr M Jeffrey, who marked the billiards, and Mr A Yelland (president) were responsible for the arrangements.

Institution of new Rector at Holsworthy Parish Church – Rev Edward Royle.

Each stall and every competition was fully occupied at the fete held at Cleftridge, Durrant Lane, Northam (by kind permission of Capt and Mrs P W Wootten, in aid of the Waifs and Strays Society. As a result £120 was raised. The weather was in a fairly favourable mood and the neatly-arranged stalls, etc. made a lovely picture in the delightful grounds.

Once again Torrington and District Horticultural Society has staged a most successful flower, fruit and vegetable show in aid of the Red Cross. This year’s show took place at the Modern Secondary School and attracted a large attendance and many favourable comments on the quality of the exhibits.

Dominating the main gallery of this year’s exhibition at the Club’s headquarters, Bridge Buildings, Bideford, is F E Whiting’s magnificent achievement of skill, patience and high craftmanship: the scale model of Bideford Bridge, presented by him to the Bridge Trustees, and which the Westward Ho! Arts Club must surely feel it an honour to exhibit. While there is nothing particularly outstanding among the pictures shown this year, about half the works are worthy of more than casual attention. J Ackland and M S Edwards maintain their usual high standard in their silvery renderings of coastal scenery. Hubert Coop’s No 14 is in his characteristic free style, full of light, but in the ‘Ferry Boat’ though rich in colour, he is not perhaps wholly successful.

Tuesday, August 28, 1945

From the big parish churches of the towns to the humblest village chapel, Torridge-side on Sunday, August 19^th, joined in the world-wide services of thanksgiving for the final victory of the Allied cause and that there is peace again. Everywhere there were very large congregations, including many in uniform, some returned prisoners of war and ex-members of the HM Forces. One of the most popular ways of celebrating the final victory of the Allies was having a bonfire. In many instances these were set on commanding positions so that their glow of good news could be seen for many miles around.

There were large congregations at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, when special thanksgiving services were held. In the morning there were present large numbers of HM Forces under the command of Rear-Admiral H G C Franklin, accompanied by Com Ommaney and Mrs Ommaney.

VJ Days’ celebrations were comparatively quiet in Clovelly. Bunting and flags gave the village quite a gay appearance while the youngsters enjoyed themselves discharging fireworks. Quite a good pyrotechnic display was given on the Quay in the evening, and the Red Lion Hotel was illuminated with coloured lights. There was also an impromptu dance on the Quay, the music being supplied by a ‘Squeeze Box’. All Saints’ Church was packed for the thanksgiving service conducted by Rector, Rev A S Chandler, assisted by Preb J N Wallis. After this a large party proceeded to Gallantry Bower, where a huge bonfire was lit by the Hon. Mrs Asquith.

‘Victory’ celebrations were held by the residents of Frithelstock Stone and Church Lane on Thursday, August 16^th. A sumptuous tea for all was served in the Post Office garage, loaned by Mr S Squire. After tea, games and races were held in a field, loaned by Mr W Baker, Huskill, and a happy evening was concluded by the lighting of a large bonfire, which kept alight until well after midnight.

Hartland held a VJ tea for the children.

Film of special interest – Flying Officer Roy Short of Bideford.

Capt Ronald Slade RAC, of Bideford, has breakfast with HRH Prince Bernhard.

An evacuee thanks Mr and Mrs E J Fulford of Ivy Cottage, Hartland, and Mrs Pillman and Mrs Hearn.

Births – at Woodpark, Parkham, to Muriel, wife of Victor Bennett, a daughter, Marilyn May; to Ann, wife of Fredrick Devonshire, a brother for Sylvia, Fredrick William; to Mrs D Rostock (nee Harris), a daughter.

Forthcoming marriages – Benett-Cabell; Giles-Ellis; Portman-Oliver

Marriages – at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Appledore, Marine Kenneth Allnutt and Dorothy Slade; Lance-Corpl Falkland Glover and Mary Johns, of Torrington; at Bideford, Wilfred Harold Hall to Doris Norman; Luther Huckerby and Florence Ford, of Appledore; Derek Johns, Driver, RE, of Instow, and Violet Glover, of Bideford; Cyril Southcombe and Edith Kemp; L/Cpl Gordon West, DCLI and Margaret Bedler.

Appledore Regatta – traditional event revived.

A contingent of the Royal Navy, under Petty Officer Eagles, RN, formed a guard of honour at the wedding at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Leading Seaman George Tonge, RN, of HMS Appledore, and Miss Edna Lamey. The bride is the only daughter of Capt William Lamey, RNR, of HM Royal Naval Patrol and Mrs Lamey, of Westcroft Terrace, Irsha Street, Appledore. The bride’s sister-in-law, Mrs William Charles Lamey, Petty Officer, WRNS, was Matron of Honour.

From forty aspirants to the honour, Pamela Dixon, who lives at Bull Hill, Bideford, was chosen by popular vote to be Juvenile Queen of the Children’s Carnival. The choice was made at a special dance organised by Bideford Hospital Carnival Committee and held at Bideford Pannier Market. Mr E J Day, presided over this part of the evening. Last year’s Carnival Queen, miss Marie Josephine Lester, who lives at Hillcroft Terrace, and Yvonne Horn of Willett Street, were elected maids of honour.

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Mr Cyril Southcombe, and Miss Edith Kemp.

The wedding took place of Seaman (First Class) Frederick Jay Reed, US Navy, second son of Mrs Rose, of Beaufait Avenue, Michigan, USA, and Miss Agnes Melinda Lewis, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Lewis, of New Street, Bideford. A reception was held at the CLB Hall, over 90 guests being entertained. Numerous presents were received, including a number of cheques. The honeymoon was spent at Dartmouth.

Romance and the fortunes of war shone on the marriage solemnised at Bridge Street Methodist Church, Bideford, of Capt Ronald Slade, RAC, and Miss Patricia Verbeeck. The bridegroom, who comes from a well-known family of five brothers, all Old Boys of Bideford Grammar School, speaks French well, and worked for European Resistance Movements before and after D-Day. In the course of his duties he met his wife, who was playing her part in the Resistance Movement.

There was much interest in the wedding at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Wilfred Harold Hall and Miss Doris Irene Norman, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Norman, of Horwood, near Bideford, and eldest granddaughter of Mr W H Morrish and the late Mrs Morrish, of the Smithy, Eastleigh. The Rev T R Gibby officiated. Mr R Harper presided at the organ. A reception was held at the Torridge Inn, Bideford, where a gathering of relatives and friends were entertained. The wedding cake was made by a friend of the bride, Mrs Elden, of Medland Manor, Exeter.

Corpl L C S Davey, RAF, and Miss M D Taylor are married at Bideford.

Postponed from July owing to the inclement weather, Clovelly’s annual sports were held in fine weather in the grounds of Clovelly Court, by kind permission of the Hon. Mrs C B Asquith, and attracted quite a crowd of people. Music was provided by a radio van and there were various sideshows. All the children were given a free tea and were well looked after by the ladies committee. The officials were: Mr J Cruse, Mr R J Hesketh, Mr J Whitefield, Mr T E Finch, Messrs R Tredgill, J T Moss, J J Headon, Lamey, Daniel, A Burrow, Rowe, Jones, Abbott, Osborne, W T Headon and Bowden. About £14 was paid out in prize money.

After being out of commission for a week for engine overhaul the Clovelly lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Lamey, was launched for engine test under the supervision of Inspector Osborne, who expressed himself satisfied with her performance, and she is now in commission again.

The Penny-a-Week fund organiser was Mrs S Staunton. Subscriptions from Hartland parish totalled £457 9s 7d. Collectors were Mesdames Bavin, Buckler, Pengilly, Staunton, Woolway, Misses Heard, M Pillman and Thorne.

Senior alderman of Devon County Council, Mr Horatio Higgs, JP, former agricultural seed and corn merchant, and a well-known Methodist, died at Waterpark, Holsworthy, aged 86. Mr Higgs was born at Holsworthy and educated at Blundell’s School, Tiverton. Mr Higgs married Miss Louisa Greet of Bradninch in 1804. His second wife, Mrs Mary Higgs, survives him with one daughter of his first marriage.

The Instow Tennis Club Grounds, gaily beflagged, formed the venue for a highly successful Fete, organised by Mrs John Durnford Slater, on behalf of the Commando Benevolent Fund. The proceeds were to be wholly donated to the Fund, which dispenses assistance to the relatives of those members of the Commando Forces who had died in the execution of their duties, and of deserving causes amongst the wounded survivors. A sum of £170 was realised.

A medal round of 18 holes to handicap was played at the Royal North Devon Golf Club in Westward Ho! in aid of the Royal and Marchant Navies. Twenty-three entries were received and the competition resulted in a tie between Brig J V C Moberly and A J Garland.

Tuesday September 4, 1945

Landcross VJ celebrations commenced …

Instow Welcome Home Fund.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington have recently been attending further street teas in connection with the VJ celebrations. These included at Castle Street and Mill Street, where surplus money over and above that required for the tea was distributed among the children.

Cows had to be milked on VJ Days and the fleet lorries from the vastly expanding Torridge Vale Dairies, Torrington, had to keep to their chartered courses but that did not prevent the large number of employees and 40-odd drivers from taking part in the town’s celebrations. While the huge bonfire on the Common was being lighted, Mr Hearn, the night watchman, was floodlighting the factory, which, reflecting in the river Torridge close by, told its quiet but impressive story of the triumph of a peacetime industry which in war had expanded to meet national emergency needs and with its big modern mechanised packing department had helped to pack huge quantities of food extract for the fighting forces in the Middle East and Burma. This fine factory, standing by the ancient Taddiport bridge, when completed will be the largest and most up-to-date factory of its kind in the country, bringing prosperity to Torrington workers and industrial cooperation for an agricultural hinterland extending to Holsworthy, Bude and beyond.

Births – to Margaret, wife of Cmdr J G Arbuthnott, RN, retd, a daughter; at Odun Terrace, Appledore, to Doris, wife of William John Eastman, a son, Michael John; at the Nursing Home, Torrington, to Dorothy (nee Watkins), wife of Austin Folland, a son’ to Christine (nee Stevens), wife of Walter Heard, a son, William Augustus; to Marguerite (nee Hill), wife of Percy Mills, a son, Trevor Ralph; to Hilda (nee Smale), wife of William Tythcott, REME, a son, Christopher James.

Engagement – Cecil Netherway, son of Mrs E Netherway and the late BSM F Netherway of Ridd Cottage, Weare Giffard, and Betty, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs A Tapscott.

Marriages – William Albert Henry Facey to Gwendoline Nellie Hearn; Lieut William Falconer Giles, RA to Doreen Mary, TANS; Major Geoffrey Charles Graham to Miss Pamela Joan Alexander; Capt Cecil Pullman, and Desiree Hardman.

On Saturday, August 25^th, the 1^st Appledore Company, Boys’ Brigade, with some of their ‘Old Boys’ accompanied by some members of the Bideford and Torrington Companies, returned from their annual camp, this year held at Combe Martin. It is quite probably that this camp will always be remembered as a camp with a lot of rain and a big amount of mud! The boys, as was to be expected of any boys at camp, had a really enjoyable time.

On August 15^th about one hundred children and parents associated with Appledore Baptist Sunday School travelled to Ilfracombe for the annual outing by motor coaches. The day was fine except for a brief shower and a spirit of unusual joy prevailed, for this was VJ Day and the first excursion for about six years. Tea was served for all in the Ilfracombe Baptist Sunday School Hall. When the party arrived back in Appledore at 7.45pm there were many expressions of appreciation for an enjoyable day.

The wedding took place at Appledore Baptist Church of Marine Kenneth Allnutt, of Walthamstow, and Miss Dorothy Joyce Slade, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs T Slade, of Hillcrest, Appledore. The Rev B F Hardy officiated.

Drvr D Johns, RE, youngest son of Petty Officer F E Johns and Mrs Johns, of Quay Café, Instow, and Miss V M Glover, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs W E Glover, are married at Bideford Baptist Church.

The third time was lucky for Mrs Witheridge, 2 Alverdiscott Road, Bideford East, who has just been awarded a first prize (£10) in the national ‘Make Do and Mend’ competition for the best article re-knitted from unravelled wool.

The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of Mr William Glover, of 2 Lansdowne, Bideford. The Rev F Hobbs (Baptist) officiated. Employees of Messrs Elliott and Sons, with whom the deceased was formerly employed acted as bearers: Messrs F Baker, P Cloke, A Hambly, R Hearn, C Trick and J Vanstone.

The wedding took place at Bideford Parish Church of Lieut William Falcomer Giles, youngest son of Mrs A F Giles and the late Mr B B Giles, of 5 South View, Bideford, to Miss Doreen M Ellis, only daughter of Mr W E Ellis, a Councillor and former Mayor of Bideford, and Mrs Ellis, of Oakleigh, Bideford. Around 200 attended a reception held at the Church Institute, Bideford. Lieut and Mrs Giles left by car for their honeymoon, the bride travelling in a navy diagonal suiting costume. The wedding cake was made and given by Mr J Wightman, a former Mayor of Torrington, and Mrs Butt arranged the catering.

Cadet Peter Fletcher, RAF, younger son of Mr and Mrs H E Fletcher, of Kashmir, Raleigh Hill, Bideford, and Miss Margaret Lilian Rogers, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs A F Rogers, of Palmyra, Strand, Bideford, were married, the Rev T R Gibby officiating. A reception was held at the Royal Hotel, Bideford, and later bride and bridegroom left for Bournemouth for their honeymoon.

Strand Cinema, Bideford.

At Clovelly, a meeting of the Executive and Working Committee of the Parish Hall was held in the Schoolroom to meet Mr R Cottam, Regional Officer of the National Council of Social Services, and the Rural Officer, Mr Tilsone, of the NCSS. The chair was occupied by Mr J C Hilton who mentioned that the Working Committee had already raised the sum of £750, a very praiseworthy effort.

Mr Frederick M Neale, whose funeral took place at St David’s Churchyard, Bettws, was a native of Clovelly, and son-in-law of the late Mr and Mrs James Jennings, of Lower Village, Bradworthy, where he was well known. Much sympathy will be felt with the widow and family of four sons.

Mr T E Finch, who has been organist and choirmaster at Clovelly Church for over 30 years, has recently retired. He had been associated with Church music for over 50 years. Before commencing his sermon, the Rector, Rev A S Chandler, paid a great tribute to Mr Fince’s loyalty and devotion to duty, and said that the congregation would have the opportunity later of thanking him in a more practical manner.

At St Margaret’s Church, Northam, the funeral took place of Mrs Harriett Heard, of Pimpley Road, Northam, whose death at the age of 78 occurred on August 23^rd. The Rev H Hancox officiated and Mrs S Kelly was at the organ. Family mourners attending were: Mr and Mrs F Heard, Mr and Mrs E Heard, Mrs Slee. Miss E Heard was unavoidably absent.

Lance-Corpl Falkland Frank Glover, second son of Mr and Mrs S Glover, of Sentry Corner, Bideford East, and his bride, Miss Mary Gertrude Ann Johns, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs R J Johns, Mill Street, Torrington, photographed after their recent wedding.

The marriage took place at Chulmleigh Parish Church between Major Geoffrey Charles Graham, RHA, eldest son of Lt-Col and Mrs C P Graham, of the Hill, Weare Giffard, and Miss Pamela Joan Alexander, 3^rd Officer, WRNS, only daughter of the late Mr Norman Alexander and of Mrs George Baker, of Berrimans, Northam. A reception was held at Rocklands, the home of Dr and Mrs Bush. Later Major and Mrs Graham left for a short honeymoon in London.

Tuesday September 11, 1945

No need to tell the Marines, they know how much the children enjoyed the trips on the river in light naval craft on the second of the VJ holidays.

A happy boatload of youngsters about to leave Bideford Quay for a trip

A galaxy of fancy dress, music and merriment at Torrington’s VJ Carnival procession.

“The spirit of Victory”

For his gallant conduct on the night of March 7^th when, despite exploding ammunition, he assisted in the rescue of an airman from a Wellington plane which had crashed and caught fire at a spot known as Roundhill, East-the-Water, Bideford, Mr Walter Johns of Clifton Street, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division). On the evening of the crash, Mr Johns who is a plumber and gas fitter on the staff of Bideford Gas Co. was at the Gas Works attending a welding class. On hearing the noise of the crash he ran to the scene – a gruelling 600 yards. From an injured airman, who was found just clear of the plane and who was pulled to a safe distance, Mr Johns ascertained that there were others of the crew still inside. Crawling inside a wing he found a hole in the bodywork and on getting his head and shoulders inside saw a member of the crew who had apparently …

Mr R Galsworthy no longer says ‘Good-Night Ladies’.

American soldiers’ behaviour beyond reproach at Clovelly.

Hartland Quay Hotel is reopened by Mr F W Gade.

Westward Ho! is like a blitzed town.

Births – to Muriel (nee Beatie), wife of Marine R J Bettiss, a son, Raymond John; to Edith, wife of Grenville Braund, a son; a son, David Rae, to Elsie (nee Buse) and W H R Johnstone; to Marjorie, wife of Kenneth Kline, US Navy, a son, Michael James; to Mr and Mrs Whitaker, North Road, Bideford, a daughter, Denise Elizabeth.

Marriages – Captain Michael David Beasley and Betty Arnold; Colin James and Margaret Bartlett; at Fremington, Lieut P A Bonett and Molly Cabell; Dennis Conway and Winifred Redshaw; L/S Leslie Tyrrell and Wren Eileen May Bettis.

Hire a Loud Speaker Van from Braddicks Radio Dept. in Bideford.

Property sale – 57 High Street, Bideford.

At Bideford, the Rector, Preb W N Manning officiating, the wedding took place of Cpl Gordon West, DCLI, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs West, and Miss Margaret Joan Bedler, third daughter of Mr and Mrs J Bedler, of Bowden Green, Bideford. A reception was held at the home of the bride, where relatives and intimate friends were entertained. Many greetings telegrams were received and read by the best man, Mr Robert Jenkins, RA.

Congratulations to Mrs Langdon (of the Green Lantern Café, Torrington), whose husband is a well-known Bidefordian, and to Mrs Mather, of Torrington, on their enterprise in starting their new ‘Rose of the Torridge’ café on Bideford Quay to serve …

Whist drive in Clovelly. Organised by Mr R J Hesketh to raise money for a wireless set for the school, a whist drive was held in the schoolroom. Owing, probably to so many folks being so busy in the harvest fields, etc. there was a poor attendance and £2 was all that was realised. Prize winners were Mrs T Squire, Mrs Coote, Mr J T Moss, Mrs P Jones, Mrs Hilton, Mr H Taylor. The MC was Mr Hesketh.

Widespread sympathy is extended to Mr George Daniel of Langtree whose wife passed away at Torrington.

The members of Langtree Parish Church choir were delighted to receive a cedar pencil box complete, each with their names inscribed, from the Rev B Hallowes, late Rector of Langtree, who is now spending a holiday at Carlisle, before making his home with his daughter at Norfolk.

"Some corn lodged and very difficult to cut. Some potatoes badly blighted and some rust in late oats," reports Mr S J Tucker, of Babeleigh, Parkham. Hay was medium, but wheat not very good. Oats, on the other hand, are very good, as are barley and cabbage. Rape, turnips, sugar beet, and potatoes are medium but mangolds not very good. There is POW labour. The general prospects are summed up as very good.

At South Molton Borough magistrates court, presided over by the Mayor, Dr R A Nash, Charles H Petherbridge, rider of a motorcycle, and Kenneth A G Bale, owner of the machine, both of Torrington, were fined £1 each, with special costs, for respectively riding the cycle and for causing it to be ridden without a policy of insurance to cover the third-party risks. Evidence was given by PC W Moore and PC Warren who stated that the cover note insured the motor cycle for owner-rider only. Each defendant was also suspended from riding a motor cycle for three months.

Tuesday September 18, 1945

Frogmen trained secretly at Appledore. People attending the recent Bideford Regatta had an opportunity of being among the first of the general public to see the RN and RM ‘Frogmen’ whose activities have until recently been kept secret. These ‘frogmen’ who in civil life were bank clerks, salesmen, carpenters and engineers, were secretly trained at Appledore to wage a fantastic and dangerous underwater campaign to blast a hole in Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, and in so doing enabled invasion craft to reach the Normandy beaches on D Day. The names of those who led the ten units – four Royal Navy and six Royal Marines – consisting of about 120 officers and men, were disclosed last week as:

Dunlop advertises its contribution to the ‘human fish’…

News has been received that Pte Arthur Powe, of the Cambridgeshire Regt, youngest son of Mr T J Powe and the late Mrs Powe, of Appledore, is now safe and well in India and hopes to be home soon after having been a prisoner of war in Japanese hands since the fall of Singapore. Called up with the 27’s he is a painter by trade, having served his time with Mr Mounce, of Northam.

Before commencing the business at the meeting of Bideford Town Council, the Mayor of Bideford, Ald H W Fulford, who presided, expressed the sympathy of the Council to Cllr and Mrs F T Upton on the death of their son, Signalman Eric Upton, Royal Corps of Signals, who died while a prisoner of the Japanese. The Council stood in silence.

Yet another two brothers have had the good fortune to meet ‘out foreign.’ Mrs Plows, Sentry Corner, Bideford, received a message recently that her two sons, Jack and Kingsley, have met in Port Said. Jack, who is a fireman in the Merchant Navy, arrived in Port Said and phoned his brother, who is a Flight-Sergeant in the RAF, at his station in Egypt. Kingsley was issued with a 48 hour pass and came to Port Said, where they celebrated in happy style, for they had not seen each other for two years.

Thanks to Clovelly from evacuees.

An interesting, comprehensive report on the worthy part played by Northam Urban District Council in the reception of war evacuees has been presented to Northam council by their clerk, Mr F W Hockaday, who is also Chief Billeting Officer for that district. “It is a very satisfactory report” commenced the Rev A E Green. Billeting started in September 1939 and the first of the evacuees were house in the Holiday Camp for a long time. Organised parties of children arrived in November 1940, February 1941 and November 1941, and it became necessary to provide special accommodation for some of these children. No 50 Cross Street was taken and fitte dup as a hostel and a matron and helper engaged. Subsequently Cloverbank was requisitioned. From September 1939, up to the present, a total of 2,358 persons have been officially billeted.

Births – to Edith (nee Heal), wife of S J Brown of West Hele, Buckland Brewer, a son, David John; to Joyce (nee Brooks), wife of M G Edgley, a daughter, Clare Elaine; at Church Gate, Torrington, to Margarita, wife of H A Pringle, a son; at Fordland Cottage, Northam, a son for Marjorie (nee Pooley) and Cpl C H Williams.

Engagements – Jenkins-Miggins; Pope-Atchison

Marriages – Warrant Officer W Eric Bond, RAF, and Gwendoline P Harding; Sergt Henry Davidge, Royal Signals to Winifred Mary Backway; Arthur Nicholls Eastmond to Kitty Arnold; Stephen Gifford to Christine Bowden; at Instow, Lieut Edwin Joseph Gregg, DSC, RANVR, to Desiree; Harold Horsfall and Beryle Oliver; at Buckland Brewer, Reginald Walter and Vida Joyce Mills; at Torrington, Wilfred John Page, LAC, RAF and Florence Audrey Winson, Petty-Officer, WRNS; Sergt Gerald Westrop, RA, and P/O Wren Joan Welch.

Silver wedding presentation to Mr and Mrs Backway.

The wedding of Cpl A Facey, RAF, and Miss Gwendoline Hearn, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Hearn, of Torrington Lane, Bideford, took place St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Preb W N Manning officiating. The bridegroom is on leave from Italy.

The wedding took place at the Baptist Church, Bideford, of Mr Gordon Frayne, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Frayne, of High Street, Bideford, and Miss Cole, LACW, WAAF, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Cole, of 11 Chanters Lane, Bideford. The Rev F Hobbs officiated. There were two bridesmaids. Miss Audrey Kivell and Miss Gwendoline Webber. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr Stuart Frayne, brother of the bridegroom. The reception was held at the Royal Hotel. The honeymoon was spent at Lynmouth.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the wedding took place of Petty officer Thomas W Gibbs, son of Mr and Mrs T Gibbs, of Beaminster, and Irwin Lee, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs S Lee, of Chingswell Street, and granddaughter of the late Ald A R Adams, JP.

Bideford’s street lighting was mentioned in the report of the Highways Committee in last week’s meeting of the Town Council.

Buckland and Lapford families were united at the wedding which took place at the Church of St Mary’s and St Benedict, Buckland Brewer, of Mr Reginald Howard and Miss Vida Mills, of Southwood, Buckland Brewer. The Rev J F Beamish officiated. The reception was held at the bride’s home.

Both the bridegroom and his cousin who accompanied him as best man were ex-prisoners of war at the wedding at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, of Pte Ivor Cloke, of the Buffs, youngest son of Mrs Cloke and the late Mr Henry Cloke, of 7 Lamerton Place, Bideford, and Miss Florence Cook, third daughter of Mr and Mrs Dan Cook, of Clovelly. The Rector, Rev A S Chandler, officiated at the ceremony.

In aid of the Parish Hall Fund in Clovelly, a whist drive and dance was held in the Schoolroom. The MC was Mr A Burrow. The prize-winners were Miss Parker, Mrs Shackson, Miss Higginton, Mr Hesketh, Miss Hill, Mr B Abbott. The prizes were presented by the Hon Mrs Asquith. The dance which followed was well attended, for which the music was supplied by the Clovelly dance band. The MC was the Rev A S Chandler and the amount raised was £4 13s 8d.

Mrs Pillman presided over a fair attendance at the Hartland Women’s Institute meeting. Mrs Adam gave a very interesting talk on drying fruits, which had been announced to be by Miss Gunnell. The president, seconded by Mrs Mugford, proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker. Four new members joined. Mrs Prouse was hostess.

The infant son of Mr and Mrs C H Robertson, of Lundy, is baptised Duncan Hamilton.

Mrs Elsie Knowles of Penhaven, Parkham, is fined a total of £3.

Warrant Officer Colin James Bell, RAF, younger son of Mr and Mrs H H Bell, of the Torridge Inn, Torrington, and Sergt Margaret Bartlett, WAAF, were married at St Michael’s Church, Torrington. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, the bridegroom is a Flt-Eng with Coastal Command and is an ex-apprentice joining straight from school. The bride has completed over four years’ WAAF service in Northern Ireland. The Vicar, Rev C J Barker, officiated and Miss M Wright presided at the organ.

The wedding of LAC Wilfred Page, RAF, second son of Mr and Mrs Page, of New Street, Torrington, and Petty Officer Florence Winson, WRNS, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Mr and Mrs C H Winson of Mill Street, Torrington, took place at St Michael’s Church, Torrington. The reception was held at the Church House, Torrington. The honeymoon was spent at Eastleigh, Southampton.

Even if the ward of a hospital has to be the setting for a Golden Wedding celebration, the happiness of the anniversary can be undimmed, as was shown at Bideford and District Hospital when Mr and Mrs W W Wilson, who are staying at Little Weare, Weare Giffard, marked their 50 years of happy married life with a party in the ward in which Mrs Wilson is a patient. There was an iced cake, with a golden coronet on top and it was cut by the matron, Miss G E Dymond. Portions were distributed to other patients who extended their congratulations and good wishes.

Beacon Lights in Westward Ho! is for sale.

Vicosa, Westward Ho! for sale.

Woolsery WI

Eno’s Fruit Salt

Tuesday September 25, 1945

Combined Operations Chief thanks Appledore firm, Messrs P K Harris and Sons Ltd.

Bideford “Welcome Home Fund” week is here. The aims of the funds are, we feel, so well known that there is little need to emphasise further the happy opportunity it provides of expressing a gesture on behalf of the town as a whole to those men and women from its midst who have been serving in the Forces and whose gallant efforts helped to win our final victory on the battlefields, on the sea and in the air. Here is YOUR opportunity of extending a hand of welcome either by sending a donation or supporting the attractive programme of events, or better still by doing both! Remember, there are over 1,200 Bidefordians in the Services who are to be officially welcomed home – that is well over 10 per cent of the population.

As one general put it: “More secrets have been discussed in this room than in probably any other hotel in the country” … this goes for the Royal Hotel, Bideford, which throughout the war years has been the rendezvous of high-ranking and specialised officers of all Services and Ministries in connection with the Combined Operations Experimental station which has served the country so decisively in the precincts of Appledore, Instow, Westward Ho! and the estuary. As a memento the official plaque of Combined Operations has, by the gesture of the ‘higher-ups’ been fixed in the room, and beneath it, neatly framed, is a letter addressed to Mr A T Garard, the local manager for Messrs Trust House Ltd, from Col G S Courtney, Commandant, COXE, Westward Ho!

As outcome of an appeal to the Mayor of Bideford by naval and army authorities regarding facilities for providing refreshments for members of the Services in Bideford on Sunday evenings, the British Restaurant was opened on Sunday evening for the first time, manned by voluntary staffs representing Toc H (ladies), Church Social League, British Legion and the WVS. The restaurant will be open for light refreshments from 4.30 to 9.45pm on Sundays from now on.

Another cable of good news has been received. This time it has come from Pte Stanley Warren RASC, saying he is safe in India. Pte Warren has been a prisoner-of-war for three and half years. He was chauffeur for the late Mr Elwes prior to joining the forces. His wife, of 2 Florence Terrace, Bideford, has also received two letters.

Clovelly – Pte R Cook and LAC F Cole (Harbour light), both from BAOR, have been home on leave; also Cpl L Gist, RAF.

News reached Philham (Hartland) that Lce-Bdr Frederick Beer, RA, prisoner-of-war since February 1942, at the fall of Singapore, was safe and well.

Potato lifting is not what it used to be judging by impressions gained on a recent ‘look-in’ at Pillmouth Farm, Landcross, where a contrivance for flapping out the precious vegetable to a waiting line of German prisoners of war, and drawn by a tractor, makes the harvesting of 10 acres just a routine timetable. Some score of Italian cooperators and latterly, German prisoners of war, have been completing the new river bank, which had been breached, and it is understood a good job of work is being done.

“We have won the war. Can we say we will win the peace? It is up to you to rally around and see that the target of £100,000 is well passed. The war is over but things are not yet back to normal, so you are asked to invest in Savings,” declared Mr B G Lampard-Vachell, chairman of the local Savings Committee, presiding at the opening ceremony on Saturday of Torrington and district “Thanksgiving” National Savings Week.

Births – to Dorothy (nee Gale) wife of Trooper S Davey, a son, Bruce Charles; to Betty (nee Moore), wife of Herbert Geen, a brother for Sonia; to Mr and Mrs E G Hammett (nee G Russell), a daughter and a sister for Mary, Joyce Patricia.

Marriages – Sergt-Major Kenneth Pearson and Eileen Southerden, ATS; Michael Stone of Northam to Miss Mabel Squires.

At Alverdiscott, a collection made by Miss Margaret Isaac yielded £1 5s for the National Children’s Home.

House and shop premises – no 108 Irsha Street, Appledore – for sale.

Rev H C A S Muller, Vicar of Appledore, on Thursday completed 44 years in the ministry. He was formerly a chaplain in the Royal Navy. His wife is a subaltern in the ATS, in which she has been serving for the past five years.

Fernwood, Clovelly Road, Bideford, for sale.

St Mary’s Church, Bideford, was the scene of the wedding of Warrant Officer W Eric Bond, RAF, youngest son of Mrs F Bond and the late Mr J Bond, of 33 King Edward Street, Barnstaple, and Miss Gwendoline P Harding, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J H Harding of Homecrest, Victoria Gardens, Bideford.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the wedding took place of Mr Stephen Gifford, RN, second son of Mr and Mrs Gifford, of The Crown, Eltham, and Miss Christine Bowden, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A Bowden, of the Terminus Inn, Bideford. After the reception at the Royal Hotel, the bride and bridegroom left for their honeymoon, which was spent in Exeter and London.

Rev A S Chandler has provided a long-felt need for the youth of Clovelly.

Stormy seas at Instow and Appledore have sent spray and water splashing over the beach wall on to the roadway, and boats putting off from the landing craft have bobbed like corks amid foam crested waves and breakers. With high tides and the estuary chopped by a medley of motion, current and wind-power, Instow pier has been the vantage point for stimulating seascapes which may have missed our local artists. At Westward Ho! there has been a sea-wall crescendo, and at low tide, the seahorses have stretched out to the skyline, a source of inspiration and refreshment to those walkers who braved the gusts.

At Bradworthy, a successful dance was organised by the WI in aid of the Welcome Home Fund, Mr Worthy was MC. Music was supplied by Miss M Slee, Rev A E Dobson, Mr C Manning, Mr J Jewell and Mr C Cholwill. Messrs Hayman and J Bryant were door stewards.

Holsworthy news

At Northam, the flag day for the British Sailors’ Society, organised by Miss C M Davis, realised a total of £7. Collectors – Miss Vidal, Mrs Hookway, Mrs Palmer, Miss M Hooper, Mrs Blackford.

The funeral took place at Torrington of Mrs Catherine Quick, widow of Mr Ernest Quick who died at Well Street, Torrington, age 70. The Rev J Adams (Baptist) officiated at the funeral service.

Bideford NFS were called to an outbreak of fire at Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! where precautionary measures were taken in regard to smouldering that had taken place between floorboards of one of the houses.

Vick Vapour Rub

Victory in Europe

Victory in Europe Day

is the day that the Allies of World War II accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday 8 May 1945 and marked the end of World War II in Europe. The last known shots were fired on 11 May 1945. Millions of people rejoiced and marked victory with street parties, singing and dancing. The announcement that the war had ended in Europe was broadcast to the British people over the radio late on 7 May. The BBC interrupted its scheduled programming with a news flash announcing that Victory in Europe Day would be a national holiday, to take place on 8 May.

The war against Japan had not yet been won.

Tuesday, May 1, 1945

Within ten minutes of crash landing their glider into a German farmyard during the great Airborne invasion east of the Rhine, men of the Devons had captured twice as many prisoners as there were British troops who poured out of the glider. The Devons, in a lightning advance to within less than 100 miles of Berlin, captured village after village and a number of small defended towns. Among those taking part in the capture of Lengerich and the advance towards Hanover, was Corpl Thomas E Shortridge, third son of Mr J Shortridge and the late Mrs Shortridge, of Clifton Street, Bideford.

Miss Naffy

News that Flying-Officer William Ronald (Roy) Short, RAFVR, has been killed in a flying accident in this country is received with deep regret by his many friends in Bideford and district. Aged 29, he was the younger son of the late Mr and Mrs William Short, of Mill Street. Before volunteering for the RAF in December 1940, he was associated with the family business of outfitters and had previously served an apprenticeship in London. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, which he attended from 1926-31, he played hockey for

Mr Norman H Chope, JP, on leave after serving for three years with the RAF in the Middle East, was welcomed back by Bideford Borough Session. On Thursday he distributed the prizes won in the National ‘Make-Do and Mend’ competition at W H Chope and Sons, Bideford, whose exhibition window last year was adjudged one of the twelve best in England.

Over 100 men of Bradworthy Platoon, 8^th Battalion Devon Home Guard, were entertained to dinner in the Assembly Rooms. The absence of Lieut-Col E J W Spread was much regretted …

Official news was received that Mr Herbert George Littlejohns, previously reported missing, had been killed in action. Aged 29, he was Hartland telegraph messenger for some years and then went to Launceston as postman, afterwards being at Bideford before joining the Devonshire Regiment. Three years ago he married Miss Gladys Muriel Short. There are now three widows in the house 115 West Street, Hartland – Mesdames Charlotte Short and her daughter, Bailey and Littlejohns.

News of the death in action of Major Charles Frederick Gordon (Dick) Bond, Special Air Service Regt, late Wiltshire Regt. has occasioned deep regret among his wide circle of friends in North Devon. Aged 34, he was the son of the late Capt C G Bond, who was killed in action in 1916, and of Mrs Snelgrove, the Plottage, Forest Row, Sussex. In 1935 he married Miss Evelyn Hinchliff of Instow. His widow and their three small children live at Whorridge Farm, Cullompton. Major Bond joined the Wiltshire Regt in 1931 and after serving at Plymouth, Singapore and in India, he left the Army for family reasons in 1937. A first class golfer, he was a member of the Committee of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, at which he played regularly.

Hard on the news of the reunion thousands of miles from home of three Torrington soldiers, all of whom come from Well Street, comes news of the reunion of two Torrington sailors in Ceylon.

K Mitchell, R Lugg, A Mules, A B Hearn, A B Folland

Engagement – Kenneth John Steer, younger son of Mr and Mrs E Steer, Guelph, Ontario, formerly of Torrington, and Kathleen Helena Hill, younger daughter of Mr L Hill, Sask, and Mrs Hill, Monkleigh.

Welcome Home Fund, Alwington.

Appledore’s Seamen’s Mission special appeal has received a number of generous gifts futher to those previously announced. Mr Bartlett and Mrs Valentine have subscribed jointly £100 in memory of the late Dr A W Valentine, and Mrs W A Anderson has subscribed £50 and Mrs Gibson left a legacy to the fund of £50. The fund now stands at £840.

A long and very interesting seafaring career has been severed by the death at the age of 81 of Capt Thomas Gregory, of Myrtle Street, Appledore, and late of Hubba House, Appledore, where he resided with his niece, Mrs Sidney Harris. Capt Gregory has three sons: Capt John Edwards Gregory, who has been mentioned in despatches for courage in carrying out dangerous salvage work; Mr Thomas Gregory, who is associated with Liverpool Docks; and the late Mr Samuel Arthur Gregory, who was serving with the Devons in the last war when he was killed in the Battle of the Somme.

The Hon. Mrs Blyth, daughter of the late Mrs Georgina Gibson, of Northam, and niece of the late Lord Glanely, a native of Appledore, has presented Bideford and District Hospital with £1,000 in memory of her late mother.

At Bradworthy, there is a sale of ‘Small Country House and Accommodation Land, with Possession at Michaelmas next, or by earlier arrangement.’ Trebarwick.

The Young Farmers’ Club annual general meeting was held in the Schoolroom, Buckland Brewer. There was a good attendance. Mr T Cock, treasurer, presented a very satisfactory statement of accounts. New officers elected – Chairman, Mr A Bealey; vice-chairman, Mr W Heywood; hon. secretary, Miss J Anstey; club leader, Mr J George. Arrangements for the summer programme were discussed. At the conclusion Miss E Bealey presented the live stock judging certificates to the winners.

Moorlands and PT. Nattymore smallholding at Buckland Brewer for sale.

Vines and Rendells, Eddistone for sale at the Church Hall, Hartland.

Mrs D M Jarvis died at the residence of her only daughter, Mrs Gladys Colwill, Hartland Lighthouse. She first came to Hartland with her late husband, Mr James H Jarvis, when he was principal keeper at the Point 1913-15, returning with the Colwills in 1940. Mr Jarvis died in Cornwall in 1939. He was succeeded at ‘Harty’ as semen term it, by his brother Walter.

The wedding has taken place at Huntshaw Parish Church of Mr Frederick T Adams, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Adams, of Stibb Cross, Langtree, and Miss Ethel A Squire and the late Mr T Squire, of Darracott Farm, Torrington. The bridesmaids were Misses Joyce and Marjorie Blake, and Miss Syliva Adams. The reception was held at Darracott Farm and the honeymoon was spent at Exeter and Westward Ho!

A whist drive was held in the Old School, Langtree, in aid of Church Room. The prizes, which included poultry, were won as follows: Mrs H Ford, Miss D Soby, Miss D Littlejohns, Mr Sobey, Mr A Ayre and Mr F Dymond.

The wedding took place at St Swithin’s Church, Littleham, of Mr Albert William Mills, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Mills, of Beara Farm, Buckland Brewer, and Miss Nina Joyce Beer, only child of Mr and Mrs Beer, of Heale Farm, Littleham. The Rev A J Clarke officiated and Miss Bowdidge presided at the organ. The bride was attired in a dress of white satin with a veil loaned by the bride’s aunt, Mrs J Phillips. She wore a diamond and amethyst brooch loaned by a friend, and carried a bouquet of pink roses.

Household furniture, furnishings and effects from Downalong, Limers Lane, Northam, for sale.

At St Giles-in-the-Wood Parish Church, Petty Officer Edward G Tucker, RN, was married to Miss Elsie M Palmer, ATS, third daughter of Mr and Mrs W Palmer, of Jewells Water, High Bullen, Great Torrington. The Rev G A M Griffiths officiated. Four bridesmaids attended the bride, Misses Sheila Snell and Rosemary Palmer, and Misses Joan Palmer and Dorothy Tucker. The reception was held at the bride’s home. A large number of useful and money gifts were received. The honeymoon was spent at Exeter.

Torrington NFS has a busy time.

Underborough, Westward Ho! for sale.

The wedding has taken place at Allhallows Parish Church, Woolsery, of Mr Owen Chidley and Miss Alice Moore, elder daughter of Mr A C C Moore and the late Mrs Moore, of The Inn, Woolsery. The Vicar, Rev E L Lewis officiated. Mrs H S Thomas was the organist. The bride wore a long bridal gown of ice-blue satin, with a corsage spray of orange blossom. Her white tulle veil, needle run with ice-blue, was surmounted by a white feather halo headdress. She wore silver shoes and carried a bouquet of deep pink tulips, jonquils and fern.

Brooke Bond Dividend Tea

Tuesday, 8 May, 1945

Following a week of such tremendous and good news, and in quick succession, so that it has seemed our hearts have been beating faster with expectation for longer than we have ever experienced before, the final and complete capitulation of Germany and her armed forces is hourly expected. Mr Churchill spent the weekend at 10 Downing Street, ready for the great news, and handling the stream of reports telling of the imminence of the final crash of Germany and the end of the European war.

VE Day food supplies

These four Bidefordians had their photograph taken together as a souvenir of the fact that they are all serving on the RAF station in East Anglia. From left to right are: Messrs R (Twiggy) Branch, whose home is at Bideford; ‘Grundy’ Warmington whose brother, Leslie, is associated with the firm of Seward and Warmington, garage proprietors and automobile salesmen and engineers, Bridgeland Street, Bideford; H R Bartholomew, late of High Sreet, Bideford; M H Walker, of Abbotsham road, Bideford.

A fully-representative gathering of ‘C’ Company 5^th Bn (Bideford) Home Guard assembled at the Torridge Inn for the purpose of presenting their Company Commander, Major A C J Wright, with an inscribed silver cigarette case. Making the presentation, Captain L R Mugford referred in feeling terms to the sterling qualities which had made Major Wright such an efficient and popular CO and earned for him the esteem of all ranks.

The Union Jack draped the coffin at the funeral at East-the-Water Cemetery Bideford, of Flying Officer William Ronald (Roy) Short, RAFVR, aged 39. F/O Short, who volunteered in December 1940, was killed in a flying accident in this country. He was the younger son of the late Mr and Mrs William Short of Mill Street.

The Strand Cinema Forces Night proved a welcome haven in the sudden cold spell with its hail and snow. A packed and exceedingly enthusiastic audience approved yet another popular programme. Variety lasting one hour opened the evening,

Births – Folland-to Eleanor, wife of L J Folland, of Annery Barton, Monkleigh; Hookway – at Kursal, Cleave Houses, Northam, to Mr and Mrs Horace Hookway; Hutchings – at Barnstaple Street, Bideford, to Annie (nee Bushen), wife of Henry Hutchins, a son, Ronald James; Locker – to Sign. G Locker, RN, and Mrs Locker (Phyllis Bedlar), a baby son, Kenneth John.

Marriages – Alfred George Hill and Mary Elizabeth (Molly) Backway; Lance-Corporal A V Reece and Miss Beryl Edith Arlett, of Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho!

Engagements – Cfn Jack Lane, REME (CMF) to Freda Eileen; David Francis Noel, Lieut, RA, and Heath Rosaleen, Rose Cottage, Westward Ho!

News has been received that Lieut C C Prust, only son of Mr and Mrs B Prust, of Fairview House, Abbotsham, who is serving with a well-known Scottish infantry battalion in Italy, has been wounded in action.

Alwington Women’s Institute – the monthly meeting was held with good attendance. Mrs Poole was in the chair, the late president, Mrs Mapleton, having resigned on leaving the district. After the usual business an interesting talk was given by Mrs Leggett on smocking and she showed some delightful specimens in embroidery. The competition was won by Miss A Lott.

In a letter to her parents, Mr and Mrs P Hutchings, of Hill Cliff Terrace, Appledore, Mrs P Kidwell, of Glena Avenue, Knowle, Bristol 4, who many years ago used to teach at the Church Schools at Bampton and Muddiford, near Barnstaple, writes to say that her daughter, Miss Barbara Kidwell, who is aged 17, presented Queen Mary with a bouquet when the Queen Mother visited Merrywood Secondary School, Bristol, recently.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Mr John Henry Lamey, of New Quay, Appledore, the Rev H C A S Muller officiating. The late Mr Lamey was the eldest son of the late Mr John Lamey, sailmaker and landlord of the Ship Inn, and Mrs Amelia Lamey. At the age of 11, he was apprenticed to the late Mr John Tamalyn to learn carpentry and housebuilding.

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of L/SM Ian McKay Massie, RN, and Morwenna, only daughter of Mrs and the late Mr George Thisby, of New Street, Bideford. The only bridesmaid was Miss Myrtle Elston. About 70 friends were entertained at a reception held at the Pallidum Sports and Social Club. Scotland was chosen for the honeymoon.

The wedding took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bideford of Mr John Patrick O’Toole (Cox), US Navy, and Miss Doris Wrey, third daughter of Mr and Mrs Wrey of Sentry Corner, Bideford. The bridesmaids were Misses Betty, Marlene and Wanda Wrey. The reception was held at the bride’s home, many presents and cheques being received.

In the presence of her late colleagues at the Bideford Post Office, the Head Postmaster, Mr W H Arlett, performed the pleasurable duty of presenting to Miss Pollie Chugg the Imperial Service Medal awarded her by HM the King. The medal, which is of silver, is inscribed “For faithful service”. The recipient must not only have given a lifetime of service to the Crown but that service must have been absolutely unblemished.

The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of Miss Maud Alice Symons, daughter of Mr and Mrs C W Symons, of Highlea, Abbotsham Road. Miss Symons’ death occurred at Wimbledon where she lived.

When an M.O.I film show was given at Bradworthy recently, included in the programme was a film entitled ‘Cornish Valley’ which aroused especial interest as scenes were shown of Bradworthy auction. Several well-known Bradworthians could be seen taking part in the buing and selling.

There was a large attendance of sympathisers at the funeral at Bradworthy Methodist Church of Miss Edith Nancekivell, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs W Nancekivell, of Horton Farm. The coffin was conveyed by hearse from Silworthy Farm, where deceased lived with her sister, Mrs W L Wickett.

For the first time in the memory of many Hartland septugenians there was no May-day decorated singing procession.

Swiss Cottage, Instow, for sale.

There was considerable interest in Bideford and district, where the bride has many friends, being an Old Girl of West Bank School, in the wedding of St Mary’s Church, Bluntisham-cum-Earith, between Lieutenant Philip Robert Gilmer Smith, DSC, RN, and Marjorie (Molly) Orynthia Nicholson Keene, Third Officer WRNS, daughter of Major H N J Keene, Mc, RA (retd0 and mrs Keene, of Instow. The bride was given away by her father, who is a stepson of the late Dr E J Toye, an ex-Mayor of Bideford.

A whist drive and dance in aid of the Red Cross and Prisoner of War funds was organised by Mrs G E Allyn Jones at Littleham Parish Hall. The Blue Orpheans Band provided the music and the MCs were Mr Hedden and Mr T Kelland. The catering arrangements were by Mrs Lyle and Mrs Folley. Great credit is due to all helpers.

Fairlea, Northam, formerly used as a convalescence annex for the North Devon Joint Isolation Hospital, is being converted for use as a residential nursery for children up to the age of two, administered through the Public Assistance Committee.

It is with deep regret that the people of Parkham heard of the death at her residence, Casa Mia, Northam, of Miss Blanche Feodore Morgan. For some years the family resided at Hoops, Horn Cross, where they were held in high esteem. The funeral took place at Parkham Parish Church, the Rector, Rev S A Hensley, officiating.

The formal reading of the proclamation was the only glimpse, owing to the war conditions and wet weather, of the pageantry associated in peace-time with Torrington May Fair which is held on the first Thursday in May. But the tradition has thus been maintained to be revived, one hopes, with something of its former glory in 1946. The May of Torrington, Ald L S Hutchings, accompanied by members of the Council, officials and borough beadles, assembled in the square at noon to read the proclamation.

The result of a recent house-to-house collection in Torrington for the National Children’s Home and Orphanage was £17 8s 5d, which has been forwarded by the local secretary, Miss E M Woodley.

Peals of bells greeted the bride and bridegroom on leaving St Michael’s Church, Torrington, when the wedding took place of Mr Cecil Henry Gooding, RN, only son of Mr and Mrs H Gooding, High Bickington, and Miss Heather Patricia Iris Kelly, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W J Kelly, of 58 Well Street, Torrington. The bridesmaids were Miss Catherine Kelly and Misses Maureen Kelly and Susan Parker. Over fifty guests were entertained at the reception held at the Church Hall, the caterers were the Green Lantern Café.

The large attendance and the many floral tributes sent were evidence of the great affection in which the late Mrs Linda Eileen Grigg, wife of Mr James Grigg, of Netherdown Farm, Weare Giffard, was held, and the great sympathy felt for her husband and nine children. Mrs Grigg was a daughter of Mr and Mrs Philip Colwill who for many years farmed Port Farm, Bideford, and also had a butcher’s business at East-the-Water. She was well known to a large circle of friends in Bideford, having a large clientele at the Pannier Market, where she held a sitting for many years. The funeral took place at Weare Giffard Churchyard, the Rev G C F Edwards officiating.

Found – a leak in the water main, the detection of which has occupied the attention of Northam Council in the past few weeks, was found to be due to a split in the main at Nelson Road, Westward Ho! Comprehensive tests had been made and the area concerned had been narrowed down to part of Westward Ho! when the matter was clinched by the appearance of a hole in the road at the spot. It is hoped that the supply will be back to normal throughout the district this week.

A dance was held in Woolsery Institute, proceeds being on behalf of the local ‘Welcome Home Fund’. Woolsery Band were in attendance, and refreshments were served by the ladies’ committee, Mesdames B Acland, J Babb, F Dark, H W S Mitchell and Miss W Pengilly.

OXO cubes

Tuesday, 15 May, 1945

On Saturday morning, May 5^th, with news overnight of the German capitulation including the garrison of occupied Holland, there was joy above and below decks of a Dutch ship alongside Bideford Quay. Gaily beflagged, she was a conspicuous centre of rejoicing and the Captain received many passing congratulations.

Thankfulness and sacrifices

Greetings from HMS Bideford

Mrs Elsie Collins, of Meeting Street, Appledore, is deeply grateful for the kind enquiries, following what was happily an erroneous communication from the War Office that her husband, Pte Frederick Collins, had been killed in action. Mrs Collins received a letter written by her husband after he was reported killed and later an official message from the War Office confirming the glad news that he was alive and well.

The Secretary of the Admiralty announced late on Thursday night that lighting restrictions in the coastal areas are no longer necessary for defence purposes, and they are now removed for the whole country. Lieut-Col White, of REME, in a talk to Bideford Rotary Club on Rehabilitation, described steps being taken from within the Services and stressed the need for utmost cooperation from without. There would be preliminary waiting period before demobilisation began which would require all their help, and many cases of hardship would have to be investigated. An interesting point was that men in any early group who wished to remain in the Army could not exchange with men in a later group who wanted to get out quickly.

Mrs Beckerley, of Sentry Corner, Bideford, has received a letter from Mrs Mullins, Mataticle, East Griqualand, South Africa, saying she had met her son, Bob (RN) in South Africa, he and a few pals having been her guests for 15 days. “Being a mother myself and knowing how anxious I was for news of my son while in the fighting line, I felt you might like to hear from someone who had seen your son recently. He looked well and fit and seemed to enjoy his stay.”

Friends in Bideford will regret to hear that Lieut V J Brayley, The Seaforths, was wounded in the face on April 18^th while serving in Western Europe. He is now in hospital in Worcester.

Flying Officer John Anthony McLaren, DFC, whose home is at Bideford, has received a bar to his DFC.

At Clovelly, the following have been home on leave: Cpl H Hambly (husband of District Nurse); Sergt R J Kelly; PO Lewis Pengilly, and his sister, L/Cpl Mary Kilbourne with her husband Pte F Kilbourne; L/Cpl J Foley, and Flt-Sergt L Bowson.

Capt J H S Burrow, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J H Burrow, of Rose Hill, Merton, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre ‘for gallantry in the Normandy fighting”. Beginning his Army career as a private, he soon rose to his present rank in the Royal Artillery. He was among the first 40,000 troops to land on D-Day, since when he has been in the thick of activity in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Recently awarded the British Empire Medal is Gunner Albert James Mounce, only son of Mr and Mrs Mounce, of Cross Street, Northam.

Sergt John Thomas, RE, who before joining the Services was an assistant to the Surveyor to Northam Urban District Council, has recently arrived home by air from a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany. Outside Northam UDC offices to greet him was a sign proclaiming “Welcome Home, John.” Sgt Thomas and his mother, Mrs Grace Thomas, of Westview, Appledore, are deeply grateful for the kind enquiries of many friends during the anxious wait for news.

Tuesday, May 9^th was the culminating point of the week we shall remember all our lives – and history long after we gone. Everywhere in this war, from those in the forefront down to the loneliest Tommy and the most secluded war worker, one has felt that human lives have been weighed in the balance, not as pawns in a strategy, but as units of a controlling hand that has had spiritual and mechanical measure of the opponents. We have had national crisis leaders, heroes and supporting crowds in the past but we have never had it more convincingly expressed than during the crisis not confounded.

Thanks to Mrs Low and a small committee of mothers and neighbours, nearly 60 children from Lower Honestone Street, Silver Street, and Highfield Place (Bideford) sat down to a magnificent tea. A concert followed and community singing by the children, and later in the evening the adults joined in festivities with dancing and singing. A buffet supper followed and the much enjoyed evening ended with Auld Lang Syne.

Bideford Market day with a difference!

The people of Clovelly celebrated this memorable day in a quiet manner. Flags were flown from most of the houses, and the children, getting possession of some fireworks, created plenty of loud ‘bangs’. A thanksgiving service was held at All Saints Church, conducted by Rev A S Chandler, assisted by Preb J N Wallis, the church being packed. On the following day, sports were held in the Clovelly Court grounds. The officials were the school staff …

Hartland’s bells rang for two hours on the afternoon of VE-Day. At 7pm the Home Guards, Cadets, Air Raid Precautions, Home Guard Women, Women’s Voluntary Service, Women’s Institute, First Aid, and public assembled at the school and led by the band (under Mr Snow) marched through the abundantly beflagged streets to the Square, which had been marked out for respective positions, and kept clear of cars by Special Constables on point duty at cross roads. The Vicar, Preb Gregory, spoke on the greatness of the day and the need of thanksgiving, sobered by the thoughts that victory meant sacrifice of multitudes and that a cruel foe had yet to bit the dust. Rev A Evens Clarke took the prayers and read the lesson. “God save the King” engaged in by the throng, concluded the service. Fireworks followed for a long time. A dance in the Hall raised £34 for the Parish Council Welcome Home Fund.

Merry peals were rung on the bells at Langtree church throughout the day on Tuesday to celebrate the surrender of Germany. Mr Charles Walters had the misfortune to break his leg owing to the bell rope breaking. Everyone wishes him a speedy recovery. Thanksgiving services were held in the evening at both the church and chapel. In the evening a grand social was held in the Old Schoolroom where there was a large gathering and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mrs Burrows, Mrs Madge, Mrs Curtis and Miss Joan Moore supplied the music. Funds were in aid of Welcome Home to the Forces.

Members of Northam Urban District Council and staff were among the large and representative congregation attending on Sunday morning at a thanksgiving service at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. The Vicar, Rev E Basil Bridger, conducted the service, and gave the address.

Torrington sings and dances

Left - The Mayor, Ald L S Hutchings, accompanied by the Corporation, makes a Victory proclamation in Torrington Square. Right – Mr B G Lampard-Vachell conducts Torrington’s community singing

Westward Ho! rings hand-bells, burns an effigy of Hitler, raises money for the Welcome Home Fund, has fancy dress and community singing, and holds a victory dance.

Births – to Mr and Mrs Chapman, a daughter, Jennifer, a sister for Graham; at Mount Pleasant, Parkham, to Ezma Parsley (nee Copp) and Kenneth Parsley, a son, Victor Andrew; at The Quay, Clovelly, to Clara, wife of Lieut Stephen Headon, a sister for Clive; at The Quay, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs L J Shutt, a daughter, Cynthia; to Mr and Mrs L Smale (nee Dora West), a son; to Dora (nee Sanders), wife of J R Turner, MRCVS, a daughter.

Gymkhana and Fete at The Downes, Alverdiscott.

Odun House, Appledore, for sale.

Mr F Sanders seeks to extend and convert Trevanion, Bideford.

A fine of 10s was imposed by Bideford Borough magistrates on Joan Ann Moore, of Abbotsham Road, Bideford, for riding a pedal cycle at Rectory Cross roads, on the night of April 18^th without having a front light. PC Scott gave evidence. Defendant wrote pleading ‘guilty’ saying it was a very bright, moonlit night and she had only ridden very slowly for a few yards, and had only a short distance to go.

At Bradworthy, Farm Sunday was observed in the parish. Services at various points in the village were conducted by the Vicar, Rev A E Dobson, assisted by Mr S Balston. Places visited were the churchyard, the square, a garden, a meadow and a cornfield. The cross bearer was Mr R Collacott. Hymns were sung by the choir.

A hen belonging to Mr A Westaway, of Slade Farm, Clovelly, has hatched out a brood of chicken in a magpie’s nest fixed in a thorn bush, the chicks having to be collected as they dropped out.

Instow WI – the May meeting, presided over by Miss Berry-Torr, was well attended in spite of a very wet afternoon. Some twenty members are anxious to attend the Group Meeting at Hartland later this month, and it is hoped to overcome the difficult problem of transport. Rear-Admiral Franklin gave a most interesting talk on the work of the Royal Navy in which he stressed the importance of the protection given to our convoys, and also the part played by the Navy in the amphibious landings of the past year. This month’s competition was for a home-made handkerchief with hand-embroidered initials. There were six entries which are being judged by Mrs Barclay Black.

Before a special sitting of Bideford Borough justices, a labourer of Luppingcott pleaded ‘guilty’ to stealing a ladies handbag containing two purses, a string of pearls, wallet and cash, the property of Margaret Leahey, of Higher Webbs, Littleham. Mrs Leahey was at the Maltscoop Inn, Bideford, assisting with the serving of customers and found her handbag missing when the bar closed. The accused was seen on the Quay by PC Symons and had the bag in his possession. Announcing a sentence of one month’s imprisonment, the Mayor commented “It was a bad thing to do on the holiday.”

Much regret has been felt at the death of a well-known and much respected Northam personality, Mr A Richards, who only six weeks ago retired after serving in various capacities with Northam Urban District Council for 49 years. The funeral will take place at Northam Methodist Church.

It was with deep regret that the people of Parkham heard of the death at her residence, Casa Mia, Northam, after a short illness, of Miss Blanche Feodore Morgan, daughter of Mrs R J Morgan. For some years the family resided at Hoops, Horns Cross, where they were held in high esteem. The funeral took place at Parkham Parish Church, the Rector, Rev S A Hensley, officiating.

Please return your bottles and stoppers.

Tuesday, May 22, 1945

Sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs W L Youngs, of Honestone Street, Bideford, in the loss of their eldest son, Pte Albert Lewin Youngs, who was aged 27 and was killed while serving with the MEF during field firing exercises.

Recently home, happily looking fit and well, from a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany is Dvr-Mechanic Barry Eastmond, RAOC, fourth son of Mr and Mrs Eastmond, of Sunnyside, East-the-Water, Bideford. Missing in the fighting in Crete, he was afterwards reported safe as a prisoner-of-war in Southern Germany. He has seen service in Libya, Greece and Crete. Prior to the war he drove for his father-in-law, Capt S Guard, on the Pride of the West bus service, and for the Southern National Omnibus Company. His wife was formerly Miss Florence Guard, They have a daughter, Evelyn, who is attending Stella Maris School. When he arrived home, flags decorated Hill Cliff Terrace, Appledore, where he lives

Petty-Officer Card, husband of Mrs Card, who has been manageress at Bromley’s Café in his four years’ absence as a prisoner-of-war first in Italy and later in Germany, is back again, looking fit. Home from Brunswick prisoner-of-war camp is Lieut D Skipwith, son of Col and Mrs Skipwith, of Bideford, looking fit and well. During the war Col Skipwith has commanded the Army Cadet Force in North Devon. Pte M Richards, son of Lieut-Col and Mrs W V Richards, Crossfell, Bideford, and who was with Messrs Bazeley, Barnes and Bazeley before joining up, is home again after his long sojourn in a German prisoner-of-war camp, bright in spirit and health.

Recently awarded the British Empire Medal ‘for zeal and wholehearted devotion to duty’ is Engine Room Artificer Charles Henry Featherstone, Royal Navy, of Brookline, Abbotsham Road, Bideford. He is the eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs Charles Featherstone, and a grandson of Mrs Hookway, the Kings Arms, Bideford Quay. His wife and their daughter, Mary, attended Buckingham Palace on VE Day to see him receive his award at the hands of the King.

Liberation of the Channel Islands brought sad news for Mrs G Beer, Honestone Street, Bideford, whose home is at Guernsey. Her first news from the Island was to inform her that her father, Mr S G Jones, had been taken ill and died last February.

The first arrival at Clovelly from a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany was Pte L Butcher, brother of Mrs S Squire and son of ‘Pop’, who arrived and was warmly welcomed.

Clovelly people were very glad to hear that Mr and Mrs D Cook of Higher Clovelly, had received notification …

The sympathy of many friends in Northam district is extended to Mr and Mrs C H Griffey, of Meadbank, Northam, in the death on active service …

Lance-Sergt Bertram Sussex, Royal Engineers, son of Mr and Mrs James Sussex of Taddiport, Torrington, has been mentioned in despatches for a second time.

Street teas …

A thanksgiving service in the parish church at Alverdiscott, on VE Day, was conducted by Rev F H Franklin, Rector. Many of the congregation subsequently joined Methodist friends at their chapel, where service was conducted by Rev F E Poad and Mr Colwill (Northam) gave an address. On the Sunday a united service in the Methodist Church was conducted by Rev F E Poad. Rev F H Franklin gave an address. The Home Guard paraded.

Appledore continued its VE celebrations when in several streets impromptu tea parties were held for the children. When the children had finished the housewives who organised the occasion sat down to a tea party for themselves. The Vicar of Appledore, Rev H C A S Muller, visited most of the parties.

Royston Road …

Shamwickshire celebrates.

Pitt Lane, Elm Grove and Myrtle Gardens held their VE tea, following by music and dancing, and a very happy and successful occasion it proved: so much so that tentative arrangements were made for the victory tea to mark final victory! There were gay decorations and a splendid repast. A collection for the cancer campaign fund brought in £1 16s 6d.

Bideford Home Guard Band, under Bandmaster Headon, continues its round of service, and especially during Victory Week celebrations.

Arranged at very short notice, an excellent social evening to celebrate VE-Day was held on Tuesday, May 8^th, at the Baptist Schoolroom, Bideford. At the request of the Forces themselves, Messrs A C Hooper, W L Cording and H Lee, assisted by Mr J Roy Ellis, opened up again their Forces social and the room was packed with a jolly crowd who thoroughly enjoyed the games, music and competitions arranged for them.

On Ascension Day there were three masses in St Peter’s Church, Bideford. There was a large number of communicants. On VE-Day the church was open for private prayer, and a large number of people were going in and out during the day. Rev G F Bird was the celebrant at all the services.

Torrington continued its VE celebrations, May 12^th, with more dancing in the streets, with fancy dress maypole dancing as a special attraction. The Mayor and Mayoress, Ald and Mrs L S Hutchings, entered wholeheartedly into the occasions and won the silver cup, first prize for the fancy dress dancers. There was an impressive parade and attendance to a united service of thanksgiving held in the Parish Church and which the Mayor and Corporation attended in state and members of the Forces and many local organisations were represented.

About 30 children of Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! were given a VE tea on the Terrace. It came as a pleasant surprise as none of the children had any idea they were to have a tea until they returned from school. The national anthem was sung and three cheers given for Mrs R Cole and Mrs R Hoskin, of 7 Kingsley Terrace, who gave the children such a happy time, which was appreciated very much.

Capt Pine-Coffin has nominated the Rev G W Colborne, Rector since 1938 of West Buckland, to be Rector of Alwington.

Mr W J Langford, who has been the Headmaster of Bideford Grammar School for the past eight years, has been appointed Headmaster of Battersea Grammar School and commences his new duties with the September term.

Mr James Giddy, of Rockmount Terrace, Pitt Lane, Bideford, whose death at the age of 82 after a short illness, occurred on May 12^th was a well-known boat owner and Torridge personality. His wife, Eda Elizabeth Giddy, had predeceased him. The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, the Rev F Hobbs officiated in the absence of Rev M Wadey through illness.

Transfer of business from Mr Muxworthy to Mr Jenn – Trafalgar House, Old Town, Bideford.

In response to many requests that the show should be revived, a meeting of the committee and subscribers of Bideford and District Horse Show decided that the show combined with a gymkhana should be held on August 4^th. Mr H W Fulford, Mayor of Bideford, felt that a horse show on its own would not be so successful. There had been very successful gymkhanas for various causes locally during the war.

Peals of bells greeted the bride and bridegroom on leaving St Mary’s Church, Bideford, after the wedding of Sgt Patrick Turner, RAF, only child of Mr and Mrs H Turner, of 13 Sentry Corner, and Miss Winn Burge, now residing at Sunnyside, Mines Road. The Rev T R Gibby officiated. The duties of the best man were carried out by Pte S Bidgeway, RAMC, uncle of the bridegroom. A reception was held at the bridegroom’s house, the wedding cake being made and presented by Mrs Smale, of Weke Cottage, Torrington. The honeymoon was postponed owing to the shortage of the bridegroom’s leave.

At Clovelly, Mrs Hesketh organised a whist drive and dance in aid of the British Sailors’ Society.

Clovelly Anchor Day collection.

At Hartland, Messrs Kivell and Sons sold in the Church Hall, Vines and Rendells Eddistone, 125-152 acres to Mr Arthur Hockridge, High Park, Bideford, for £2,250. Mr Brimacombe, occupier, bought it from the Croscombe trustees only a few months ago. He will, through ill health, retire to Sunnymead, lately vacated by Mr T J Williams.

Many friends in Hartland will regret to hear of the death, which occurred in Birmingham, of Mr George W Perry. He was 63, often visited Hartland, and was married in 1918 to Miss Annie Evans, of The Terrace, Hartland.

The Life Saving Shield of the Ministry of War Transport for the best wreck service during 1944 has been awarded to the Hartland Life Saving Company, in respect of the services rendered to the Norwegian vessel s.s. Sjofna which stranded at Welcombe Mouth on the night of November 23^rd 1944, and the official presentation will be made at the Church Hall, Hartland by the Chief Inspector, HM Coastguard.

The Patron, Mrs Saltren-Willett, has appointed the Rev G H B Southern to be the Vicar of Monkleigh.

The funeral took place at Northam Methodist Church of Mr Frank Edward Champion, youngest son of Mr W G Champion, of Lakenham Ryse. Mr Champion who was a chief marine engineer died at the age of 44. Bearers were Messrs T Colwill, F Snell, C Mounce, S Kelly, H Heaman and N Saunders. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr A Griffey, Cross Street, Northam.

The wedding took place on April 1^st of Marine Frederick John Paddon, RM, only son of Mrs Paddon and the late Mr Paddon, of Kimberly Terrace, Northam, and Staff Nurse Maureen Shea, SRN. The reception was held at Isleworth, where many guests were entertained, and the honeymoon was spent at Bedford.

The penny-a-week collection for Northam, including Orchard Hill, for the two months ending May 12^th was £100 1s 8d. Mrs D Parkhouse and Miss C M Davis, organisers.

A former Mayor of Torrington, Mr R E L Penhale, has died at Torrington at the age of 86. Well known among the agricultural community, having until his retirement some years ago carried on an extensive practice as a veterinary surgeon, Mr Penhale was for a long period a member of Torrington Town Council and Mayor in 1911.

The monthly meeting of the Weare Giffard Women’s Institute was held at the Hall.

Woolsery Methodists celebrated their Sunday School anniversary. Rev A Evens Clarke, of Hartland, preached. Mr C B Griffiths was organist throughout.

Stork margarine.

Tuesday, May 29, 1945

Mr Churchill has resigned his Premiership of the Coalition Government, and, at the request of the King, is forming a ‘Caretaker’ Government to meet the House of Commons today. Tuesday’s Parliament will be dissolved on June 15^th, and the General Election take place on July 5^th. Counting of votes will be on July 27^th.

Reported ‘missing’ when his ship was sunk off Crete four years ago, the death in action of Assistant Supply William Richard Westlake, only son of Mrs Westlake and the late Mr W H Westlake, of 9 Glendale Terrace, Bideford, is now officially presumed.

The many friends of Mr Stanley Maxwell, of Littledene, Torrington Road, Bideford, will hear with regret that he passed away at Rosehill Sanatorium, Penzance. He was a prisoner-of-war for three and a half years which undermined his constitution. He was repatriated in September 1944 but never recovered from the hardships he had undergone. May will remember him as a prominent pedigree poultry breeder.

One of five soldier sons and brother of Major (Temp. Lit-Col) D A Seagrim, the 7^th Batt. Green Howards, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the Mareth Line assault, Maj. Hugh Paul Seagrim, DSE, MBE, Hyderabad Regt, is believed to have lost his life in Burma where he was first reported missing, then a prisoner of war and is now thought to have been killed by the Japanese while voluntarily acting as a hostage, although no official intimation has yet come through.

Bideford Senior School Old Scholars’ Association had a special welcome for six Old Boys – J Bowden, H Eastman, J E Evans, F C Mower, S Raymont and A Smale – at their Club night which was specially organised to do them honour and attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, Ald and Mrs H W Fulford.

Mrs J L Anstey, of Higher Clovelly (who by the way is over 93 years of age) was pleased to receive a letter from her son, ‘Bert’, who has been in Guernsey since the German occupation. In it he describes some of the conditions under which they have had to live – a full description of which would fill a good sized book.

Over sixty evacuees were entertained at a farewell party in the Women’s Institute at Hartland. Tea was served by Mesdames D Gifford, G H Hendon, L Mugford, A Pengilly, Walt, Pillman, E Pomeroy, E Prouse (Natcott), H Prouse, W Prouse (St Leonards), A Short, Idris Thorne, Misses E Heywood, Olive Jeffery, Eileen Prouse, Pat Prouse, Margaret Short, Ruby Westlake. Festivities continued with dancing and singing. Votes of thanks to all concerned concluded a very happy evening.

Recently mentioned in despatches ‘for gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe’ is Dvr George Sydney Cole of 16 St Giles, Torrington. Aged 33, Dvr Cole is the son of …

Maj Robert John Puddicombe, of the Devonshire Regt, son of Mr John Puddicombe, vice-chairman of Torrington Rural Council, has been promoted to lieutenant-colonel.

A London mother has written expressing her admiration and gratitude to the people of Appledore for the wonderful and generous time they have given the children during memorable VE celebrations in which her child has been privileged to share. It meant hard work, but it will always live in the their memories, she says.

Geneva Revels.

Kenwith, Abbotsham, has a sale.

Four sons and two sons-in-law were the bearers at the funeral at Appledore Congregational Church of Mrs Evelyn Powe, of Enterprise, Market Street, Appledore. The Rev R W Mould officiated, assisted by Rev H C A S Muller and Rev A R Richards (Seamen’s Misison). Mrs Powe was the second daughter of the late Capt William Stocker, of St Austell, and Mrs Frances Stocker, who also resided in Myrtle Street. Prior to her marriage, she was a member of Mr Vincent’s staff at the Collar Works. Nine children survive her – five sons and four daughters.

An old custom, the painting of a dark blue mourning strip around the three-masted ship Kathleen Mary in which the family is interested, being commanded by his eldest son, Capt Thomas Jewell, was observed at the death of Captain William Henry Jewell, of Vernons Lane, Appledore. In 1891 he married Miss Clara Rees – they had four sons and one daughters, two sons and the one daughter surviving. In 1921 he married at Cardiff miss Bessie Rees, the widow of Mr John Rees who was the gunner on the steamer ss Sante Amelia, torpedoed in 1917 with the loss of all hands. Mrs Jewell, his second wife, was the eldest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs James Bowden.

“It is a matter of great urgency” declared Mr C R Anderson at the last meeting of Bideford and District Chamber of Trade at Tanton’s Hotel, Bideford, when reference was made to a suggestion for utilising the N.F.S station at East-the-Water to meet industrial needs. Mr Anderson said it was an ideal site: labour was here and work was assured for several years. In other places, pointed out Mr Anderson, they had the sites but no labour.

Over £300 has been realised for the British Empire Cancer Campaign appeal made by the Mayor of Bideford, Ald. H W Fulford, by personal letter and a letter published in the Gazette supported by a letter signed by local doctors. About a third of the total was raised by flag day and the balance by direct subscription. Further donations to this tremendous cause, which affects all, would be welcomed.

Dancing successes.

The announcement in a recent issue of The Financial Times that Mr Fred J Sanguine has been appointed managing director of Spratt’s Patent in succession to Mr J W Openshaw, recalls the commercial romance of a Bideford boy who starting as an errand boy in Bideford, has now become controller of a national business undertaking of one and a half million capital and assets of £3,500,000. Mr Sanguine …

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Petty Officer H Hughes and Miss Ruby M Tremeer, eldest daughter of Mrs W J Hudd and the late Mr W Tremeer of High Street, Bideford. A reception was held at Tanton’s Hotel, Bideford, where over 80 guests were entertained. The wedding cake was made and given by Mrs Nugent, Swan Hotel, Bideford. The honeymoon was spent at Clovelly.

Each member of the Buckland Youth Club invited …

A successful whist drive and dance held in Clovelly Schoolroom in aid of the Welcome Home Fund. After expenses, the takings amounted to £23 11s 6d.

Whitsuntide at Clovelly was very quiet, with very few visitors our ‘burros’ had a very east time. The Red Lion Hotel was, however, full. The services at the Parish Church were conducted by the Rector, Rev A S Chandler, owing to the inclement weather, poorly attended.

At Hartland, Mr Claude Mugford represented his Flight ATC at the rally in Hyde Park, London. He is the elder son of Mr and Mrs Lewis Mugford, of Milford Mill.

At the Methodist Church in Hartland, the Rev A Evans Clarke officiating, the wedding took place of Mr Leslie W Littlejohns, second son of Mr W H Littlejohns, of Shears Farm, Morwentstowe, and Miss Joan Walter, eldest daughter of Mr Lewis Walter, of Great Philham. Mr Christmas was at the organ. A reception was held at Harton Manor and Bournemouth was chosen for the honeymoon.

Future of Torrington market is referenced at NFU meeting.

Torrington is continuing in its gesture of presenting £20 to every repatriated prisoner-of-war from the town. This money has been raised by the combined Social Committee of the Home Guard by means of various entertainments, the chairman of the committee being Capt S Kelly, and the hon treasurer and secretary, Mr N L Lockton.

Civic mourners attended the funeral at St Michael’s Church, Torrington, of Mr R E L Penhale, who was Mayor of the Borough in 1911, and was a member of the Town Council for a long period. He was a Borough magistrate of many years’ standing. The funeral service was conducted by the Vicar of Torrington, Rev C j barker. Mr S Parkes was at the organ. The bearers were Messrs S Popham, F W Newcombe, L G Weekes, T Sandford, S Bowden and A G Copp (representing Torridge Lodge, Freemasons).

At the Royal North Devon Golf Club on Whit-Monday there were 21 entries for the Lifeboat Spoon, the competition being in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. This was the club’s first 1945 competition.

Lifebuoy Toilet Soap

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria's death

Alexandrina Victoria, born 24 May 1819, was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. She reigned for 63 years and 216 days.

Why black borders on the newspaper?

This signified official mourning and was used by newspapers, government stationery and public notices to indicate that the nation was in an offical period of mourning. It was a symbol of bereavement and originated in Europe in the 17th century - "mounring stationery' which informed recipients of a death. Following the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, Queen Victoria establisehd long-lasting mourning traditions which included the use of black-edged papers to show reverence.

The course of the illness

“The condition of the Queen’s health at the close of last week gave cause for the gravest anxiety. Rumours of many kinds were in circulation, and on Friday night the official statements issues at Osborne showed that there was real cause for alarm. The first was from “The Court Circular,” and was in the following terms:

“The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Argyll, and other members of the Royal Family left London on Saturday for Osborne, the Prince returning to the Metropolis on Sunday afternoon in order to meet the German Emperor and the Duke of Connaught on their arrival from Berlin. The Kaiser and their Royal Highnesses remained in London during the night. Prayers for the recovery of the Queen were offered throughout the land on Sunday.”

Daily bulletins issued

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

The Bideford Weekley Gazette and Devon and Cornwall Advertiser, Tuesday, January 29, 1901 - “The dreaded news of the death of our Queen reached Bideford shortly after seven o’clock, on Tuesday evening. At first people questioned the accuracy of the telegram, hugging a pathetic hope against hope that Her Majesty might yet be spared to continue her beneficent reign. But the first telegram speedily received confirmation, and Bideford reproduced scenes described in London, and indeed everywhere else within the Empire. Victoria’s people were dazed. A blow had fallen, the effect of which they could only dimly realize. The sign and symbol of England’s greatness has been struck down, the Mother of a great People had been taken from them, and they mourned with a grief all the more poignant and expressive because of its silence. The streets became hushed, shops were shut and business suspended, and through the brooding silence, ever and anon quivered the dull note of the passing bell. Presently a muffled peal rang out of the Church Towre, but its strident notes jarred on one’s nerves. One longed for quiet to think of the change involved, by the death of one lady, in all our National life.

Cause of death

"From a perfectly trustworthy source I have learned (says the special correspondent of the "Times") sundry details of her Majesty's illness, of which a part, at any rate, may be given without impropriety. For some months, until quite recently, the Queen has been suffering from the most wearisome of afflictions - sleeplessness; and signs that old age had come upon her were not absent. She lost her wonted activity. The wheel chair was used for the smallest movement. At Balmoral the sleeplessness became very troublesome, and it was hoped that the removal to Osborne, high and above the sleep-giving sea, would work wonders. It did do much, but it could not check the malady from which the Queen was suffering - a malady which some may call be the name of senile decay, while others are content to write old age. In fact, a large number of persons have known for some time that the present crisis was imminent. But the Queen was anxious that there should be no premature announcement of her condition, and if it be necessary to supply a reason for this feeling on her part, it is easily to be found in her consideration for her people."

Advertisers in the 29 January edition incorporate their respects and mourning wares ...

Heywood & Son's

Squire & Son

Robert Yeo

The Bideford Weekley Gazette and Devon and Cornwall Advertiser, Tuesday, January 29, 1901 - “On Sunday morning a special service in memory of the Queen was held in Lavington Chapel. The pulpit and Choir gallery were draped in black, relieved with white ribbon and lilies, and at the front of the pulpit a crown and cross wrought in white lilies was suspended. The effect was chaste. Rev E Roberts conducted the earlier portion of the service, and his prayer was comprehensive, and appropriate. The choir sang special hymns and the anthem. Rev George Warren delivered the memorial address which dealt with the loyalty of Queen Victoria.”

Condolences

“Bideford Postmistress and Staff sent a message condoling with the King and Royal Family.

The Mayor of Bideford on Tuesday evening sent a telegram of condolence to the King, and on Wednesday received a message of thanks from the Equerry to the Prince of Wales.

Bideford School Board, and Northam Urban District Council have passed resolutions expressing regret at the death of the Queen, and sympathy with the Royal Family.

Immediately on receipt of the news of the death of the Queen, the Mayor of Bideford (Mr T Goaman, J.P.) sent a telegram to the King on behalf of the town, expressing “deepest sorrow at the loss of our beloved Queen, and humbly tendering very deepest sympathy to the members of the Royal Family.” On Wednesday a reply was received as follows: “The Prince of Wales desires me to thank you and Corporation of Bideford for your kind expression of sympathy. Equerry.”

Church services

At Alwington - “The sorrowful news of Her Majesty’s death was received here with profound manifestations of regret, muffled peals were rung from the old Church tower and flags were flown at half-mast. On Sunday morning Rev J B Nowell conducted a Memorial Service in the Wesleyan Church. Two of the Queen’s favourite hymns were sung. The pulpit was draped in black. “

The following week, at Alwington …

Appledore - "For the past week the town generally has been in a state of mourning for the late Queen. On Saturday all shopkeepers and tradesmen closed their places of business and the public houses were closed from 11am to 4pm. The Church bell commenced to toll at 9.30am. At 11 o'clock the Town Band met, and at different parts of the town played the 'Dead March in Saul', the groups of onlookers standing reverently the while. At 2pm a memorial service was held at St Mary's Church."

At Buckland Brewer – “A muffled peal was rung on the Church bells on receipt news at the Queen’s death. The Parish Church was draped in black on Sunday, and at each of the three services allusion was made to the great blow which had fallen upon the nation. The Vicar announced the accession of King Edward VII, and the National Anthem was sung. The Dead March was played at the end of the service, the congregation then joining in silent prayer for King and Country.

Clovelly

Hartland and Parkham

Woolsery and Weare Giffard

God Save the King!

The Bideford Weekley Gazette and Devon and Cornwall Advertiser - "The King has been pleased to direct that Saturday next, the 2nd February, be observed as a day of general mourning, and that banks be closed and business suspended under the provisions of the Act, 34 Victoria, Chapter 17. An Order in Council has been issued to proclaim his Majesty's commands."

Funeral arrangements in London

"The outer coffin and leaden shell which will enclose the body of the dead Monarch were despatched from London on Tuesday morning, and reached Osborne in the course of the day. The outer casket is of panelled polished oak. An inscription appears both on the leaden shell and on the oak coffin. The inscription in each case is the same, but for the shell a silver plate has been used, while the inscription appears on an almost square brass plate on the coffin."

The Bideford Weekley Gazette and Devon and Cornwall Advertiser, Tuesday, February 5, 1901 - “On Monday afternoon a meeting of high officials who will be concerned in the funeral arrangements was held at the temporary offices of the Earl Marshal at Westminster, and lasted for close on two hours. At the conclusion of the conference the Deputy Garter King at Arms made the following announcements on behalf of the Duke of Norfolk: “The arrangements for carrying the heavy coffin containing the body of the late Queen on the arrival of the funeral train in London have been entrusted to Lieutenant Lewlie Hamilton, of the Coldstream Guards, and Lieutenant E Seymour, of the Grenadier Guards, and the non-commissioned officers who are to have the honour of acting as bearers upon this historic occasion have been selected by the commanding officers of the various regiments of the Guards. All are men of the very best character, of spotless records, and of superb physique. Not one of them is less that six feet in height. The following is a complete list:

The bearers

"It has been arranged that the Queen's body shall arrive at Victoria Station, London, from Osborne, at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning. There will be an extended route to Paddington, which is expected to be reached at one o'clock, and after the funeral service in St George's Chapel, Windsor, the coffin will rest there temporarily, being subsequently deposited in the Frogmore Mausoleum."

Funeral procession

"In reply to the Lord Mayor of London his Majesty's Office of Works state that all hangings of drapery on the occasion of her Majesty's funeral are to be of purple colour, and not of black, by order of the King."

Demand for photographs

Sixty rulers

The Bideford Weekley Gazette and Devon and Cornwall Advertiser, Tuesday, February 12, 1901 - “The Northam District Council has given permission to Captain Blakeney, R.N., to add to the Diamond Jubilee Memorial on Bone Hill, a stone for each yar of Queen Victoria’s reign since 1897, one to be a broken stone, inscribed: ‘Queen Victoria died 22^nd January, 1901.’ Captain Blakeny, it will be remembered, was the originator of the Memorial.”