Commemorative

Christmas Eve at the Front

An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

There is no mistaking the happy greetings of these youngsters from East-the-Water School as they flourish their Coronation Souvenir beakers.

29.5.1953 East the Water School

The scene was repeated with equal zest at other schools and souvenir distributions. This was the beginning of an exciting week for the children that will be remembers long after school days have finished.

The Gazette article is dated 29 May 1953

Bideford Recalls First Elizabethan Glories

In heralding the new Elizabethan era, Bideford recalls with pride its greatness as a port in the adventurous days when the first Elizabeth sat on England’s throne and these thoughts find expression in the Borough’s Coronation celebrations.

Another Revenge will lie alongside Bideford Quay dressed overall, Elizabethan galleons sailing the world are featured in the decorations, a fireship will float down the Torridge and the day of celebration centres round the Elizabethan Fair, a modern version of the type of carefree family event with which our forebears marked the coronation of Gloriana. An ambitious decorative scheme, full of dignity and yet in keeping with the gaiety of the occasion, has been arranged by the organising committee in conjunction with the Bideford and District Chamber of Trade for the Quay and Kingsley Road, and in High Street and Mill Street. The scheme has been carefully planned to blend with the decoration of the Long Bridge arranged by the Bridge Trustees.

Most of the houses in the town and the streets not included in the official scheme are adding their colourful contribution and traders have taken advantage of the occasion to complete the picture with patriotic displays. The Chamber of Trade are organising a competition for the best decorated street outside the official scheme and judging by three members of the Barnstaple and District Chamber of Commerce takes place on Monday afternoon.

Touring the schools in the town this week the Mayor of Bideford, Cllr C A Grant, presented souvenir mugs to all schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 15 resident in Bideford. Babies born in the Borough between midnight on June 1st and midnight on Coronation day will receive a souvenir silver spook, the gift of Cllr W H Copp. Special arrangements have been made for the Old Age Pensioners and they are being entertained to a free tea at the Bridge Street Assembly Hall on June 10th by Cllr and Mrs F Patt, of Raleigh View, Raleigh,

Bideford. Hon. Secretary of Bideford Coronations Committee is Miss M Mercer and the hon. treasurer, Mr R C Fishleigh.

29.5.1953 Coronation2

The full article is dated 29 May 1953

Competitions at Appledore

Special coronation prizes are being offered at Appledore for the best decorated street, house and shop.

The winning street will receive £2 which is to go to augment that street’s public tea, and coronation souvenirs will be awarded the winners of the other two sections of the competitions. During the afternoon of Coronation day children’s sports are being staged in the Paddock at the Holt by permission of the Hon. Denys Scott and Mr Hector Jewell. Dancing on the Quay is planned under the direction of Mr J E Boyles, who is also organising the dance at the Appledore Hall. Sandwiched between the dancing will be the bonfire and fireworks.

The Coronation Committee is under the chairmanship of Rev A E Green and the joint hon. Secretaries are Mr J H Dryer and Mr W Goss.

The 1st Appledore Company of the Boys’ Brigade have planned a special Coronation effort. They will be entertaining over 80 Appledorians who are over the age of 70 to a Coronation supper and concert.

The full Gazette article is dated 29 May 1953