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.

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

Buckland Brewer Social Evening

The second social evening in aid of the Buckland Brewer Nursing Association was again on Wednesday last an unqualified success, the parish room, as on the first occasion, being crowded.

Highly diverting round games, songs, duets, etc. occupied the first part of the evening, the efficient vocalists being Mrs Rogers, Mrs Heale, Miss Fulford, Miss Steer, Miss Heale, Miss Yeo, Miss Smale, Capt Figgens, Mr C Hookway, Mr Tucker (Post Office), and Mr Ede. In her inimitable manner Miss Tucker gave an irresistible reading entitled ‘The Three Sillies’. After an interval for refreshments dancing was indulged in, the able pianists being Miss Clements and Miss Tucker. The whole proceedings were marked with much enthusiasm and vigour, due to the assiduous and painstaking Committee, of which the esteemed and genial squire, Mr Rogers, Orleigh Court, is the Chairman. As a result of these record gatherings the Association will be materially benefited as the whole of the provisions were kindly given by the lady members of the Committee. Although invidious to particularize, the bountiful and practical generosity of Mr and Mrs Rogers contributed very substantially to the unique and successful occasions.
Gazette article dated 19 March 1918

The Hoops Inn

Littleham

At the New Inn Hotel, Bideford, on Tuesday, Mr A W Cock offered for sale by auction 'The Hoops' Inn. The property was withdrawn at £225.
Coombe Cottage was withdrawn at £120 but has since been sold by private treaty. Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward were the solicitors for the vendors.
Gazette article dated 12 March 1918