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.

At the May meeting of the Bideford Bridge Townswomen’s Guild, Miss Phyllis Babb gave a very interesting talk about Jamaica, where she spent a holiday and where she had previously been a teacher.

She also showed some beautiful and very colourful slides of the sunshine island. Mrs Harding voiced the thanks of the guild.
Mrs Jewell, who was in the chair, said some members had paid a visit to the Broomhayes Nursery at Westward Ho! and also reported how much the visit to the exhibition at Fulford House had been enjoyed. Mrs Harding said the drama group expected to present the play ‘The Saint’ again at Barnstaple, and possibly at Fremington, in the near future. Mrs Chantler reported on handicrafts, thanking everyone for their exhibits for the Devon County Show. Mrs Chipman was thanked for having a coffee morning at her house ‘The Old Dairy’, Orchard Hill.
The competition was judged by Miss Babb and resulted: Mrs Chantler, Mrs T Ward and Mrs N Rendle.
Helpers for refreshments for the June meeting will be Mesdames Durant, Heath, Hoare, Mitchell, Mules and J Ward.
The full Gazette article is dated 1 June 1962

Abbotsham WI Plant Five Trees

Abbotsham Women's Institute have supported the 'Plant a tree in 73' campaign by planting five!

The president, Mrs Vanstone, planted a silver birch on the grass verge by the signpost in the village and in the churchyard, the Vicar, Rev R A Ford, accepted from her a blue cedar that she planted with the aid of Major Giles Lomas, churchwarden.
Later Mrs Worthington, Mrs Shekleton and Mrs Courtney, committee members, each planted a larch beside the lay-by near Rickards Down.
Operations were watched by a number of people.
The Vicar thanked the Institute on behalf of the Parish Council.
Gazette article dated 19 April 1973

Another Treat For Senior Citizens

Mr and Mrs Warren, owners of the Blue Dolphin fish restaurant, Bideford, entertained 70 members of the Original branch of the Senior Citizens’ Association to a four-course dinner last week.

This is the second treat – with wine – that they have provided for older people. The secretary of the branch, Mrs F M Rendall, presented flowers to Mrs Warren and Mrs Spencer thanked them and the staff who gave their services.
The chairman, Mrs Jim Jenkins, presided and the Rector (Rev T Derwent Davies) said grace.
The meal was followed by an excellent entertainment by the Edwardians concert party, with Terry Cockell, Jean Cockell, Dorothy White, Monty Walton, John McCourt, Bill Hook, Roy White, Margaret Portlock and Denne Portlock.
Earlier in the day the branch had a successful bring and buy sale at the Centre. Mrs Tremeer was soloist and tea was served by Mrs Shutt and the committee.
Full Gazette article dated 2 April 1971