Sport

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.

Football

Although they had an off-day last Saturday, when they lost to Wadebridge, Bideford hopes to see its South-Western League team steadily climbing up the League table this season.

From left to right, back row: Robinson, Pate, Smith, Sutherland, Pickard; front row: Rogers, Miller, Richards, Carter, Reid, Clarke

26 September 1952

Bideford Blues (Bideford Amateur Athletic Club)

play in the Kingsley League Division 1 but this photograph was taken just before their third round Devon Junior Cup game with unbeaten Exbourne. The Blues lost 4-0 and although they have yet to make their mark in the Kingsley League they are keen and it’s hoped their enthusiasm will take them up the table.

Back row – A Moyse, W Barber, E Butler, R Mills, D R Bidgway, J Langdon
Front row – D F Kitto, R Cann, B E Hockin, R Hocking, L Williams

Gazette article 21 November 1952

English Golfers' Goodbye!

English lady golfers

who, despite the terrors of the weather, have enjoyed exciting golf at Westward Ho! for their inter-county and singles championships for 1952, were saying their ‘good-byes’ to their local ‘hosts’ the Royal North Devon Golf Club. There was praise for the greens, and the preparation of the course, and thanks for the hospitality shown, from members, officials and all concerned in the success of the meeting.

Above is a group photo of the Lancashire team, who successfully defended their title as holders of the English Counties Team Championship, playing against Surrey, Worcestershire and Somerset.

Names: Miss F Stephens, Miss M Barron, Mrs Abraham (non-playing captain), Mrs B Newton, Miss Ann Phillips, Mrs Soulby, Mrs Ferguson, Mrs Morland and Mrs Brooks

3 October 1952

The above photograph, taken during the English Ladies’ Singles Championship meeting at Westward Ho!, is an interesting record, including most of the players taking part

Names include: Miss Greaves, Miss Ann Phillips, Miss Elizabeth Price, Miss Pamela Davies, Lady Katherine Cairns, Miss Holdsworth, Miss Jeanne Bisgood, Mrs Allen, Miss Rudgard, Mrs Bolton, Miss Gordon, Miss Halsted, Miss Howell, Mrs Dickenson, Miss Jane Redgate, Miss Jocelyn Davies, Miss Jean McIntyre, Miss Sheila Taylor, Miss Esme Taylor, Mrs D O Taylor, Mrs Lang, Mrs Richards, Miss Machin, Mrs Morland, Mrs Brooks, Mrs Armitage, Mrs Wright, Miss Anstey, Mrs Ferguson, Miss Nancy Jupp, Mr F R Brown, Mrs Newton, Mrs Salmon, Mrs Shearman and Mrs Sumner.

At the prize-giving Miss Holdsworth, presiding, mentioned that that would be the last singles championship played under the auspices of the Ladies’ Golf Union, and referred to the new constitution that had been worked out for the betterment of English ladies’ golf. “This year has been a great year for English women’s golf. We have gained a victory over the USA and many young players of ability have been coming to the fore in the championships.” They were looking forward to a still brighter future in 1953. On behalf of the LGU, she thanked especially the Royal North Devon Club, members and officials, green staff and house staff, for their wonderful welcome and held. They had been made very much ‘at home.’

Miss Lloyd Williams, who presented the championship trophy and awards, congratulated the winners, and recalling her previous two visits to Westward Ho! fo the Ladies’ Championship, welcomed the older golfers present, and particularly Mr J H Taylor, five times open champion, who still retained his lifelong interest in golf. Miss Davies, in reply, on behalf of the players, expressed the great pleasure it has been to play at Westward Ho! the oldest seaside course in England. Miss Gordon also replied and Col D I MacPherson (President of the Royal North Devon Golf Club) said it had been a great pleasure to entertain the ladies once again.

Royal North Devon Golf Club

10 October 1952