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.

First round contests of the Bideford Youth Road Safety Quiz, organised by Bideford Road Safety Committee, were held at the Town Hall last Friday evening, amid much enthusiasm.

Over 100 enthusiastic members of youth organisations in the town saw the Boy Scouts ‘A’ beat the Girl Guides by three points.
Boy Scouts: William Denne, Derek May, David Hoare, Philip Lucas, Bernard Merrick, Michael Wadey.
Girl Guides: Sandra Hitchcock, Janet Vallance, Margaret Rendle, Christine Davis, Evelyn Trick, Alice Davis.
In an even more exciting match the girls and boys of High Street Methodist Youth Club beat the Boy Scouts ‘B’.
High Street Methodists: Janet Bowden, Audrey Badcock, Denise Pope, Raymond Taylor, John Baglow; Andrew Cox
Boy Scouts ‘B’: Norman Hopkins, Patrick Brennan, Michael Ball, Lawrence Fishleigh, Peter Sanders, James Wood.
Question Master was Mr J Minor; Judges, Mr H Salisbury and Police Inspector E H Turner; scorer, Mr W J Quill; recorder, Mr Ron Lake.
Full Gazette article dated 11 March 1955

Parkham WI's 30th Birthday

January 31 was Parkham Women's Institute's 30th birthday but as this day fell on a Sunday, February 3rd was the day chosen to mark the occasion when 20 members gathered at 9.45am for a trip to Taunton by bus to see 'Puss in Boots' on ice.

They stopped at Exeter for lunch and then proceeded to Taunton where they spent the afternoon shopping. In the evening they went to the show.
Thanks are due to Mrs Gist and Mrs Pridham for arranging the trip so well, and to the driver of the bus. Owing to the weather conditions, the roads were very icy in some places.
A well attended whist drive, organised by members of Parkham WI in aid of WI funds, was held in the Parish Room. Mrs Gist was the door steward and Mr Pridham was MC. Refreshments were served during the interval by WI members.
Mrs Williams (President) presented prizes for whist to the following: Mrs S Tucker; Mrs Heywood; Mrs P Ashton; Mrs C Rowe; Mr W James; Mr E Parr; Mr R Stoneman; Mr Gist.
Mrs Gist organised a competition, the winners being Mrs W Brock and Miss M Jacob.
The Institutes's first meeting of the New Year was held on February 11 at which there was a record attendance. In the absence of the President (Mrs Williams), Mrs Gist was in charge of the meeting. One new members was welcomed.
Mr Lee, the expected speaker, was unable to attend and at short notice, one of the members kindly came to the rescue and gave a short talk on leatherwork, which was very interesting. Mrs Tucker proposes a vote of thanks on behalf of fellow members.
The monthly competition - prettiest cup and saucer - brought in a good number of entries. It was judged by Mrs Pearson and Miss George and resulted: Miss F Wade; Miss M Jacob; Mrs Daniel; Mrs Tucker; Miss P Dack; Mrs Piper; Mrs Gist; Mrs Thomas; Misses F Prance, E Dunn; Mrs Barnett, Mrs Pridham, Mrs Earnshaw and Mrs Hitchcott.
Tea hostesses were Mrs Daniel and Miss F Wade. The social half-hour was arranged by Mrs Tucker and Mrs G Jacob, the winners being Mrs Gist and Mrs W Dack.

Gazette article dated 19 February 1954

Guild’s First Birthday Party

Members of Bideford Torridge Townswomen’s Guild and friends spent a very enjoyable time at the Guild’s first annual birthday party.

It was held at Bridge Street Methodist Assembly rooms on the evening of January 27th and was organised by Mrs Cox and Mrs Pridham with the help of an ad hoc committee.
Red, white and green, the colours of the Guild, formed the theme of the decorations of the hall and were also embodied on the birthday cake which had been iced by Mrs Cade. Mrs H W Fulford, president of the Guild, cut the cake and spoke of the happy anniversary.
There were many amusing games and competitions.

Gazette article dated 10 February 1950