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.

The day school has been visited by Mr W Butler, HMI, who expressed his pleasure at the good work being done.

A plot of ground has been provided, and the boys are busy gardening.

A successful concert, in aid of the YMCA, took place. The artistes were wounded soldiers from Torrington, Sergt Hector, Ptes Bracewll and Arden, the Misses Webber and Lile, Mrs H Vincent (Torrington), Miss Tanton (Marland) and W E Crosse, the Revs Wyer Honey (Marland) and W E Crosse-Crosse (Petrockstowe), Messrs F J Weber and J H Sillifant (Torrington). There was a crowded audience and the total profits were £11 12s. 11d., including 5s from the school children.

Gazette article dated 2 April 1918

Women of Devon

who want to help their country in its hour of need as Motor Drivers should apply for particulars of our course of instruction to Bideford Motor Works
Personal attention. Success guaranteed.
Gate change or Ford car.

Clovelly-Bideford Fish Supply

Sir – Rumour having been circulated that only certain wholesale buyers are able to obtain supplies from there, and if they were stopped the fish industry of Clovelly, Bideford and District would suffer, allow me to say that for the last 48 years I have travelled from Clovelly and Bucks to Bideford daily, that being my only source of income.

Since my husband died 16 years ago I have managed to keep my little business together, thereby being the means of supplying fish, etc. to the home of hundreds of working people. Two years ago my only assistance (an adopted son) was called to the Colours, since when I have struggled to keep going. Today, for certain reasons, others are offering much more than fish is worth at Clovelly, even higher prices offered at Bideford Quay. It is needless to add that with every hawker given a fair chance, giving a fair price at Clovelly and retailing same at a reasonable price at Bideford, it would be greatly to the advantage of local consumers instead of, as now, when the greater bulk of the fish is sent upwards. Again the exporters even offer to buy up stocks of smaller hawkers for that purpose.
I may also add that the number of boats controlled by any one party is not all, as there are others who control as many and buy from the fishermen the whole year round, not winter only.
The injustice to both retailer and consumer is the excess prices offered for exportation, and to secure a monopoly for obvious reasons.
I remain, yours respectfully,
Mary Jewell
West Bucks
Gazette article dated 26 March 1918