Associations

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.

On February 21st the Langtree WI celebrated its second birthday by giving a party in the Old School where about a hundred members and guests assembled.

Before the supper Mrs G Hearn (President) made an appropriate speech in which she referred to the work done by the WI in the past and to its plans and hopes for the future.

Mrs Hearn extended a warm welcome to the guests, especially to those who had helped in various ways during the year and to whom an invitation was extended as a token of appreciated. Special reference was made to Mrs Scott and family, of Stibb Cross, who presented the very lovely birthday cake.

Regret was expressed at their absence and Mrs Hearn called for a ‘big hand’ for Mrs Scott, to which everyone heartily responded. Mr S Ley thanked the WI on behalf of the guests.

A telegram of greetings and good wishes was received from Mrs Roucquette (ex-President), now living in Surrey.

An excellent supper, given by the members, was then served by the refreshment committee, who had spent much time and thought in preparing an attractive meal.

Mr Plucknett, of Torrington, provided the music for the evening and organised the entertainment, which consisted of many amusing games and dancing.

Gazette article dated 2 March 1951

Satisfactory Year, But Lot Depends On Dance Income

Westward Ho! Community Association

Excluding the cost of the renovations programme the year could be summed up as ‘Income up and expenditure down’ reported the treasurer of the Westward Ho! Community Association, Mr E N Westoby, at the annual meeting, held at the Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho! on Friday. This position he described as ‘a very healthy state of affairs’.

During the year, the Kingsley Hall had undergone a great improvement, and the total cost was £1,005 towards which there was a grant of £239 from the Ministry of Education. ‘To finish the year with a balance in hand (£63) is something of which the Association can be proud’ added the treasurer.

Most successful projects during the year were the dances, which brought in over £244, which was £150 up on the previous year. Without these dances, continued Mr Westoby, the Associated would be in queer street through the lack of finance. It had been a very satisfactory year, he concluded.

Regret was expressed at the absence of the chairman, Mr H G Morgan, who was in hospital in Barnstaple. It was agreed to send him a letter wishing him a speedy recovery. Mrs I E McHale, the retiring President, announced that the Sunday services, which were to have been dropped because of poor attendance, had been continued and had been a success.

Referring to the improvement of the room next to the Hall, the treasurer said the balance would have to increase before anything could be done. Mrs E N Westoby succeeded Mrs McHale as president. Other officers elected were: Mrs D Hudson, Mr E N Westoby, Mr A W Eagle, Mr M Clarke, Mrs Dale, Mrs Eagle. Committee members elected were: Messrs Gould, F C Twose, A Feron, Leslie, H Lancaster, G Taylor, H Morgan; Mesdames Hambly, M Eagle, Dale; Misses R Hosegood and E de Paravicini.

Gazette article dated 6 May 1960

Demonstration Pleases Parkham WI

The making of pleated velour cushions, which members of Parkham WI have long admired, was demonstrated at their February meeting by Mrs Westaway.

Mrs Priest thanked her. Mrs Heywood won the penny bag competition and Mrs E Lang a competition that occupied the social half hour, which was run by Mrs Priest and Mrs Glover. She remembered 23 of 25 items that were displayed for a short time.

Mrs Blackwood and Mrs Tucker were hostesses.

Gazette article dated 5 March 1971