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.

In aid of the Institute, a dance was held there on Thursday of last week.

Door stewards were Messrs R Chapple and J Phillips. Mr A C C Moore gave a bottle of sherry for a competition, which was organised by Messrs H S Thomas and J Phillips. Mr W Perkins was the winner.
Miss G Prance and Mr H Allin assisted with the arrangements and refreshments were served by Mesdames Blythe, Cardew, Law and Raffe.

Gazette article dated 3 March 1950

Supper And Social

A very pleasant evening was spent at Appledore Church School by members of St Mary’s Church Mothers’ Meeting, assembled for a supper and social.

The supper had been provided by Mrs Kivell assisted by Mrs V Lesslie, Mrs R White and Miss Griffiths. Mr and Mrs T Screech gave general assistance.
The Vicar, Rev H C A S Muller, presided and thanked Mrs Helen Muller, Mrs Skipwith and Mrs Ramsay for their great interest in a practical way in the Mothers’ Meeting, and those responsible for the arrangements that evening. He also welcomed the guests.
After supper there was community singing, dancing and games organised by Mrs Muller. Mrs Skipwith contributed a dance in Scotch costume. Mrs Clara Broad was at the piano. The evening concluded with thanks and prayers.

Gazette article dated 3 March 1950

Abbotsham British Legion Dinner

Although the attendance was not so large as last year there was no diminution of the happy spirit of the reunion at the annual dinner of Abbotsham branch of the British Legion, held at Mitchell’s Café, Bideford, on Friday evening.

The chairman of the branch, Lieut-Col J C Basset, presided and was accompanied by the president, Capt S Bell, other officers of the branch and guests from Bideford.
After the loyal toast had been proposed by the chairman, Mr W E Powell, vice chairman and hon secretary of the branch, proposed ‘The Legion’. Quoting the phrase ‘Live remembering us’ Mr Powell said these simple words stood out as a vivid reminder of their comrades who gave their lives in two world wars. ‘We know that life continues in a free land because of their sacrifice’ he continued, ‘Live remembering us – we can best achieve that ideal not in sentiment or emotion but by service to our fellow men’.
Proposing a toast to their guests, Capt J A Meeks especially referred to Mr W H Short and Mr W H Chubb. Mr Short said how much he valued the National Certificate awarded him for his work on behalf of the Legion and mentioned that Mr Harry Chubb, a fellow guest, had, in fact, been in the Legion earlier than he had.
Major D A Campbell proposed the toast of ‘The Ladies’ and in her reply, Miss Luard expressed their pleasure in sharing the enjoyment of the gathering.
During the evening entertainment was presented by Sylvani and Sunya with Brian Powe, George Ford, John Cox and William Harris.

The full Gazette article is dated 3 March 1950