• Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
  • Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
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  • 1

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 2 Some 240 exhibits

  • 3 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 4 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 5 Mobile missionary

  • 6 A story to tell!

  • 7 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 8

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 9 Last train from Torrington

  • 10 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 11 Life begins at 80

  • 12

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 13 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 14 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 15 Recognise this resort?

  • 16 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 17 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 18

    Building works
  • 19 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 20 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 21 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 22 Clovelly nightmare

  • 23 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 24 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 25 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 26 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 27 Police station view of Bideford

  • 28 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 29 Bideford regatta

  • 30 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 31 Off on a great adventure

  • 32 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 33 New choral society's growing response

  • 34 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 35 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 36 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 37 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 38 No laughing matter

  • 39 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 40 To build racing cars in former blacksmith's shop

  • 41 Bideford - as Rowlandson saw it about 1810-15

  • 42 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 43 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 44 113 years at Instow

  • 45 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 46 He beat the floods

  • 47 Happy Days!

  • 48 Just over a year old

  • 49 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 50 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 51 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 52 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 53 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 54 Parkham plan realised

  • 55 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 56 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 57 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 58 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 59 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 60 Service with a smile

  • 61 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 62 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 63 The art of the thatcher

  • 64 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 65 Torrington children build igloo
  • 66 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 67 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 68 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 69 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 70 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 71 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 72 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 73

    Exhibition of school work
  • 74 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 75 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 76 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 77

    Relatives all over the world
  • 78 Appledore's largest

  • 79 Variety in summer weather

  • 80 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 81 School crossing patrol begins

  • 82 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 83 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 84 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 85 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 86 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 87 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 88 Malibou boys are all-the-year-round surfers

  • 89

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 90

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 91

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 92 Warmington's garage ad

  • 93 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 94 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 95 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 96 Capers on the cobbles

  • 97 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 98 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 99

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 100 Traditions and skills still there

  • 101 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 102 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 103 Northam footballers of the future

  • 104 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 105 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 106 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 107 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 108 What's the time?

  • 109 East-the-Water's call for new school

  • 110 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

  • 111 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 112 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 113 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 114 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 115 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 116 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 117 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 118 They are parted pro-tem

  • 119 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 120 By pony and trap to market

  • 121 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 122 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 123 Revenge in style

  • 124 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 125 New look in the hayfields

  • 126 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 127 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 128 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 129 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 130 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 131 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 132 Puppet characters introduced

  • 133 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 134 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 135 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 136 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 137 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 138 Littleham family's five generations

  • 139 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 140 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 141 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 142 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 143 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 144 Filming at Hartland

  • 145 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 146 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 147 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 148 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 149 Burnard family reunion

  • 150 It really was the 'last time'

  • 151 Reed threshing 'putting the clock back' at Weare Giffard

  • 152 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 153 Peter poses for TV film

  • 154 Northam's almshouse

  • 155 Torrington's new amenity

  • 156 New life for Hartland organ

  • 157 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 158 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 159 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 160 Diamond Jubilee of St Peter's Church, East-the-Water

  • 161 Decontrol of meat

  • 162 End of the line

  • 163 Penny for the guy

  • 164 Picking the pops

  • 165 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 166 Pannier Market's future?

  • 167 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 168 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 169 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 170 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 171 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 172 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 173

    Was a missionary
  • 174 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 175 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 176 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 177 Doing time - over 300 years of it - at Hartland

  • 178 In their new robes and hats

  • 179 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 180 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 181 New shipyard on schedule

  • 182 A roof-top view - where?

  • 183 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 184 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 185 Twenty-one yachts

  • 186 Simple Item 138
  • 187

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 188 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 189 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 190 Ships at Bideford

  • 191 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 192 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 193 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 194 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 195 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 196 Some mushroom!

  • 197 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 198 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 199 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 200 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 201 Waldon Triplets
  • 202 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 203 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 204 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 205 Weare Giffard potato

  • 206 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 207 For crying out loud!

  • 208 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 209 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 210 Sight of a lifetime

  • 211 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 212 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 213

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 214 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 215 Lundy memorial to John Pennington Harman V.C.

  • 216 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 217 Hartland's invitation

  • 218 A man and his wheel

  • 219 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 220 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 221 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 222 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 223 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 224 Artisans' Club

  • 225 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 226 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 227 Bideford 'What's my line?' challenger

  • 228 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 229 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 230 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 231 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 232 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 233 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 234

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 235 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 236 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 237 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 238

    First prize
  • 239 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 240 Circus comes to town

  • 241 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 242 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 243 Devil sent packing

  • 244 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 245 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 246 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 247 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

  • 248 Loads of black and white

  • 249 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 250 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 251 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 252 Centenary of Gazette

  • 253 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 254 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 255 Out of puff!

  • 256

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 257 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 258 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 259 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 260 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 261 So this is the mainland!

  • 262

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 263 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 264 New art gallery opened

  • 265

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 266 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 267 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 268 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 269 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 270 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 271 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 272 No sale of Springfield House

  • 273

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 274 The Geneva marionettes

  • 275 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 276 First ship in 8 years

  • 277 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 278 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 279

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 280 Bideford loses training ship

  • 281 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 282 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 283 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 284 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 285 Bridging the stream

  • 286 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 287

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 288 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 289 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 290 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 291 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 292 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 293 Sweets derationing

  • 294

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 295 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 296

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 297 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 298 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 299 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 300 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 301 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 302 School's link with cargo ship

  • 303 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 304 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 305 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 306

    New gateway
  • 307 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 308

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 309 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 310 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 311 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 312 Emergency ferry services

  • 313 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 314 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 315

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 316 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 317 Hartland postman retires

  • 318 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 319 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 320 Not Bideford's answer to the moon rocket!

  • 321 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 322 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 323 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 324 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 325 Finished in 1876

  • 326 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 327 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 328 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 329

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 330 Hartland Dancers
  • 331

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 332 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 333 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 334 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 335 Modern living at Bideford

  • 336 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 337 Six footed lamb

  • 338 One of the luckier farmers in getting in the problem harvest

  • 339 Ten year old scrambler

  • 340 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 341 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 342 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 343

    Bidefordians
  • 344 Jumble sale fever

  • 345 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 346 Grenville House for Bideford R.D.C.

  • 347 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 348 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 349 Clovelly custom

  • 350 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 351 All for the love of a lady!

  • 352 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 353 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 354 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 355 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 356 Bideford computer stars

  • 357 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 358 When horses score over the tractor

  • 359

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 360 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 361 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 362 Sixty-two year old Picarooner makes ready for season

  • 363 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 364 Picking the pops

  • 365 The cab at the corner>
  • 366 All aboard the ark

  • 367 Open-air art exhibition by 'under 40' group

  • 368

    Married in 1908
  • 369 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 370 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 371 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 372 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 373 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 374 New Lundy stamps

  • 375 New addition to Quay front

  • 376 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 377 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 378 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 379 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 380 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 381 New Post Office

  • 382 Riverside mystery

  • 383 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 384 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 385

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 386 North Devon Driving School

  • 387

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 388 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 389 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 390 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 391 Private home for public pump

  • 392 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 393 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 394 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 395 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 396 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 397 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 398 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 399 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 400 New civic medallions

  • 401 Cruising down the river

  • 402 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 403 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 404 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 405 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 406 Torrington in 1967

  • 407 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 408 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 409 From Bobby to Brian

  • 410 Can spring be far away?

  • 411 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 412 A bird of their own!

  • 413 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

3.5.1957 Robins win Hansen Cup

Robins Win The Hansen Cup

May 3rd, 1957

Bideford AFC pictured with the Hansen Cup after they had defeated Bude 2-1 in the final

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and suddenly it's spring

Cadds Down Farm

1 March 1974

Joined by Trixie, the pony

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  • Seafield House - the "Spooky House" of Westward Ho!

    The house on the cliff edge known locally as ‘Spooky House’ or even ‘Haunted House’ , was built about 1885.

    The road was especially built to enable access to the house and was initially known as Seafield Road; later it became Merley Road.

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  • Torrington May Fair Queen and Her Attendants

    Names from left to right:Joan Ricketts; Joan Newcombe; Jean Wernhem; Margaret Sweet; Enid Ovenden; Rona Elsworthy; Doris Short; (back row);
    Eileen Short; Miss Margery Bennett (Queen); Joyce Downman; David Fiddian (Page); Peggie Sussex;

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  • 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.

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1911 Coronation Medal

Coronation Medal Presented on June 22nd 1911   Learn More

The Hoops Inn

The Hoops Inn close to Peppercombe Beach

The Quay at Appledore

Appledore Quay where Taw and Torridge Rivers meet 

 
Wynne Olley

Crowning Glory

12 October 1962

Their finest achievement to date...

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Shipyard goes into liquidation 1963

Liquidator appointed

4 January 1963

Difficulty in retaining labour...

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Properties For Sale

Local properties

10.1.1969 property2

MILLARDS HILL, ANSTEY WAY, INSTOW, N. DEVON

THURSDAY 30th JANUARY, 1969
R BLACKMORE AND SONS have received instructions to sell by Auction as above a quantity of Antique and Modern Household FURNITURE, FURNISHINGS AND EFFECTS together with A LARGE SELECTION OF WATER COLOURS AND OIL PAINTINGS by the late Frederick Charles Mulock.
SALE TO COMMENCE AT 10.30am.
On view on Wednesday, 29th January 1969 from 10am to 4pm.
Catalogues available January 23rd, 1969. Price 1/-, or 1/6 if posted.

BIDEFORD - SMALL TERRACE HOUSE IN CENTRE OF TOWN WITH EXCELLENT VIEWS. Living room; 2 Bedrooms; Kitchen; Outside WC; 2 Sheds. Back Garden. All Main Services. Vacant possession. Freehold. Price £1,000.

HARTLAND - ATTRACTIVE MODERNISED COTTAGE close to the Square and shopping centre, 2 miles from Hartland Quay. Suitable for permanent home or small holiday cottage. Lounge; 2 Bedrooms; Bathroom and WC; Kitchen. Main Services. Price £2,500.

RALEIGH, BIDEFORD - ATTRACTIVE MODERN DETACHED BUNGALOW with central heating, in quiet position with good views. Hall; Lounge (15ft x 13ft 6in) with Dining Recent (10ft 6in x 8ft); Kitchen with modern sink unit; Walk-in Larder; Airing cupboard; 2 Bedrooms; Bathroom; Separate WC. Good storage space under bungalow. Good terraced Garden with sunny aspect. Space for Garage. Gas fired central heating boiler. All Mains Services. Freehold. Price £4,750

10 January 1969

Properties For Sale

Here Are a Few Selected Properties in Home Territories

10.1.1969 property

INSTOW. Near beach, 3/4 bedroomed cottage with large lounge, diner, kitchen, bathroom and laundry. No garden. Immediately available at £2,995.

BIDEFORD. On outskirts, large modern 4 bedroomed residence with 3/4 reception and downstairs bathroom. Conveniently situated on level ground with easily managed garden. Large garage. £7,000

BIDEFORD. Modest 2 bed. cottage in good order, couple of minutes Quay. Living room, dining area, modern kitchen. Shower room. £1,250.

BIDEFORD. Selection of 2 Bed. modern bungalows; night storage heating and garage from £2,950. Mortgage facilities available.

LITTLE TORRINGTON. Nearing completion, 2 bed. detached bungalow with garage. Quiet situation in pleasant village. £3,775.

NORTHAM. Outstanding modern 4 bedroomed bungalow, with through lounge, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and garage. Landscaped gardens and full central heating. On level ground this is a prestige residence plus, and a visit will confirm its undoubted good value at £8,500. Offers considered; mortgage facilities available.

BIDEFORD. Near shops and on level ground 2 bedroomed semi-detached house, rewired and with new bathroom. Immediate possession – only £2,550.

SHEBBEAR. An opportunity of acquiring a four bedroomed detached country residence complete with bathroom and mains water and electricity. Quiet but not isolated. £3,650.

BIDEFORD. Elmdale Road. 3 bed. house in good order and available now. 2 rec. kitchen, scullery, bathroom. £3,350.

LILY CLOSE, NORTHAM. 2/3 bed. Chalet-Bungalow, well looked after by owner who reluctantly has to move for business reasons. Good sea views, central heating. Level ground. £4,475.

LYNTON. 9 bed. private hotel with glorious sea views. Owner must sell, with furnishings and will consider £9,000.

WANTED

Cleveland Park bungalow for Mr ‘S’ £5,500 readily available.
Modest cottage for £1,000-ish, Bideford or near for Mr R. Must have small garden.
Smallholding for Mr M. Bideford/Hartland area, preferably with outbuildings.

10 Janaury 1969

‘Won’t Quit’ Granny Sets Council A Poser

Want my own home, she says as site is cleared

25.8.1961 Property Bideford Mrs Geary

Determination of 77 year old widow ‘Granny’ Geary has put Bideford Town Council in a spot.

Most of the houses in Torridge Street, Bideford East, including No. 7 where Granny (Mrs Mary Geary) has lived for 48 years, have to be demolished under a slum clearance order. In fact only Mrs Geary’s and the house next door, now vacant, remain. But Mrs Geary refuses to budge because, she claims, the Town Council have not found her suitable alternative accommodation.

She has been offered a place at High View and a prefab but does not want to move into either.

Her daughter, Mrs Berice Howells, who lives just round the corner at 8 Sunnyside, said she had been told that there was a possibility of a vacancy at Newton Road but this would not be for at least 12 months.

There had been a house in Union Street which was suitable but Mrs Howells alleged, this had not been offered to Mrs Geary.

The Housing Officer admitted a position of stalemate, but said they would continue to investigate all possibilities. ‘Our endeavour is to find her a house’ Mr Netting added.

Asked about the position of Mr T W Sherborne, a member of the Council who owns some of the property and who is clearing the site, Mr Netting said that the Council had instructed that if he did not do the work it should be done by default. There were other houses to be demolished so that Mrs Geary’s home could be left for the time being. In any case, the department would not be awkward.

Mr Sherborne told the Gazette on Monday that he would have to start work on the house next door to Mrs Geary next morning. It would only be a day’s work to demolish it and that would leave No. 7 isolated and in danger of possible collapse. If it did not collapse it would not be waterproof. ‘I cannot wait any longer’ he added. ‘They will have to get her somewhere else now.’

25.8.1961 Property Bideford Mrs Geary

The full Gazette article is dated 25 August 1961

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