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.

An estate ‘Queen’ and ‘Mayor and Mayoress’ were elected when Town Park Estate, Torrington, held its Coronation celebrations on Saturday last.

Proceedings commenced with a tea for all members of the estate. The Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington, Mr and Mrs J H Long, were presented with a bouquet by Miss Angela Plows. Following tea, olde tyme and modern dancing to Mrs A Popham and Mr P Oke on their accordions held the stage.
The ‘Queen’, Mrs Joan Ayre, a brunette, was crowned by Mrs A Balkwill. The heralds, Messrs Fred Muncey and Joe Howells, escorted the ‘Queen’ and presented her to the ‘Mayor, Mrs Ruby Howells, and ‘Mayoress’, Mr Albert Balkwill.
In the wheelbarrow race for adults, Mr W Ayre received a cut nose and minor abrasion in a spill and in the men’s tug-of-war, the rope snapped under the strain and Mr George Drew fell heavily and injured his leg. Another casualty was Mrs K Drew. The day ended with further dancing to Mr A Jones’ radiogram.
The celebrations were organised by Messrs A Pell and A Balkwill, and Mesdames W Ayre and G Drew, assisted by a small committee. Thanks are extended to Mr F Heale, Weke and Mr C Hill of Crowbeare; the Voluntary Silver Band; and Mrs W Sparkes. The table decorations were later given to the Torrington Cottage Hospital.
The full Gazette article is dated 19 June 1953

Old People’s Home Celebration Dinner

Presentation to Secretary

There was a touching scene at The Chalet old people’s home at Westward Ho! on Coronation night when, at a special celebration dinner arranged by the old people and staff, the toast to the Queen was honoured on the proposal of Col J E Cruickshank.
The eighteen residents of the home had all subscribed towards such a dinner and with the help of the staff, led by Mrs Nichol, matron, competitions run and a whist drive organised to help swell funds.
The opportunity was also taken at the dinner of making presentation on behalf of the residents and staff to Mrs Cruickshank in appreciation of her services. She received her gift of a cut-glass salad bowl from the hands of the matron and was accorded glowing tributes to her services.
Earlier in the day the residents of the home had watched the television of the Coronation, a receiver having been hired for the day.
The full Gazette article is dated 12 June 1963

Torrington’s Good Day

Coronation day at Torrington began with a united service at the Parish Church, the official parade being accompanied by Torrington Voluntary Silver Band.

The service was conducted by Rev C J Barker accompanied by Revs Lloyd Evans, A M Granger and T H Sheriff. The Mayor, Mr J H Long, addressed the Coronation parade.
The weather vastly improved during the afternoon and there was brilliant sunshine for the sports at the Secondary Modern School field.
Adult events results included: W Hopkins; H Baker; B Hearn; D Auberton; F J Gent; R Bennett; C Mules; S Stone; Harold Weeks; J Hill; M Daniels; H Oke; C Ayre; G Baker; C Mules; F Cornish and daughter; W J White and daughter; S Stone and daughter; C Oke, B Hearn.
Free teas for men over 65 and women over 60 were given at the Drill Hall. Children up to school leaving age received a bag of sweets with a Coronation mug as well as their teas.
The only street party on that day was held in Well Street and was staged in two sittings. At the East End the organisers were Mrs T Sussex and Mrs A Jury and a small committee. At the West End of the street, Mrs Alice Redd was crowned ‘Queen’ by Miss Pat Harris. Organisers of the West End party were Mrs G Weeks and Miss P Harris and a small committee.
Mrs George Greenwood entertained on her banjo, Mrs P Reed proposed the toast and Mrs L Drayton responded.
The entries for the carnival procession was rather disappointing. Highlight of the Carnival was the revival of Fred Karno’s Army, under Captain F S Kelly with their Regimental Band, under ‘Bandmaster’ C Mules. In the rear trailed the ‘Scrumpy Wagon’ under Sergt-Major Ernie Quick.
The children’s classes were judged by Mr and Mrs C T Davenport and Mrs and Mrs J Hampshire. Winners were: Jennifer Hoyle; Sandra and Ann Moreley; Jill Martin; Jean Mitchell; David Johns; Rosemary Thacker; Alison Johns and Ann Smith; David Martin; Ann Biddick and Elizabeth White; Lilian Hopkins; Wendy Rowtcliffe; Roy Copp, Dudley Westlake and David Kelly; Mrs E Babbington and Mr A Hoyle; Mrs E M Paton.
After olde tyme and modern dancing in the Square, the day ended when the band led floral dancers to the Old Bowling Green where the Mayoress of Torrington lit the mammoth bonfire.
The full Gazette article is dated 12 June 1953