Bideford

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.

The latest indications were that Kingsley Hospital at Bideford would close under the reorganisation programme, confirmed the Medical Officer of Health for Bideford Rural Council, Dr N Bowring Betts, at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

He told Mr Jack Prince: ‘It is not being used to capacity by any means’. He thought, however, that the hospital might be used more for the care of older people who needed a rest but could not get a hospital bed. He pointed out that it was planned to use the Bideford and District Hospital for geriatric cases.
When Mr Prince said he hoped this did not mean that anyone who was seriously injured in an accident would have to go to Barnstaple for attention, Dr Betts commented ‘This tendency is already in operation – anything of a serious nature must go to Barnstaple’. Mr Prince said it was a serious state of affairs when one considered the delays which might be experienced because of heavy traffic during the summer months and Dr Betts agreed that it could be quite serious, but presumably there would one day be a fast road through to Barnstaple. He could not envisage there being a house surgeon at Bideford in the future.
Mr W T Harris pointed out that on the other hand there would be better facilities at Barnstaple and Sir Dennis Stucley said in an emergency it was far more important to have the best facilities and skills concentrated centrally and this would fully balance the adverse risk of extra time in journeying for some cases.

Had been bandmaster and bowler – Funeral of Mr Joe Heal

From 1936 to 1943 bandmaster of Bideford Town Silver Band which, under his direction, built up a wide reputation, Mr Josiah (Joe) Heal, died suddenly at his home, 12 Chingswell Street, Bideford, at the age of 70.

In his musical interest he followed his father’s footsteps. He was a member of the 6th Devons Territorial’s and of their band, he served overseas with the battalion in the First World War. In between the world wars he played with the Torquay Military Band and subsequently became a member of the Torquay Municipal Orchestra taking part in many broadcast programmes. His principal instrument was the trumpet. He was a keen bowler and had successes in a number of competitions.

Fellow members of the Bideford (Strand) Bowling Club – Messrs F G Parr, R Passmore, A J Seldon and P Wadey – were bearers at the funeral. The Rev Alan Fleetwood officiated at the service at Bideford Baptist Church.

Immediate mourners were: the widow, Mr and Mrs A Heal, Mrs G Babb, Messrs R Babb and E Bartholomew, Mrs R Snow and Miss M Shutt. Absent were: Mr and Mrs S Laird, Mr and Mrs E Heal, Mrs E Bartholomew, Mr and Mrs A A Heal, Mr and Mrs W Heal. Others present included: the Mayor of Bideford, Mrs E J Brown; Mr and Mrs A C Hooper (also representing Mr F Snell); Mr and Mrs F Horner (also representing Messrs J Waldon and H W Mules), Mr and Mrs H Rendle, Mr and Mrs G Lilley (also representing Mr R Mitchell), Mr and Mrs C Harris, Mr and Mrs Davies, Mr and Mrs E Blackmore.

In addition to other representatives mentioned elsewhere Bideford Bowling Club was represented by Messrs C Morris, F A Pearson (also representing Messrs G P Crabb and C Kelly), S M Marshall, H Littlejohns, R Gerry, H W Elliott, L Lott, J Ward, W and A W Blackmore, E W Cox, A J Joslin, R J Webb, F Hallums, S Luxton, H A Glover (also representing Mr J Headon), A J Luxton, C G Metherell, T Johns (also representing Mr R Smith), E H Hopcraft, A R Allin, T Heard, H Wilson, S Griffin and J Slade.
Others attending included: Messrs F C Backway (representing 6th Devons), R Boyle, W Turner, A F Rogers, C A Bright, R Hopcraft, R Brimacombe, H Phillips (representing British Legion), F G Carter, S Rockhey (also representing Mr K Hearn), H Braund, M V Fogaty (also representing H Bartlett), D Westacott, C S Short (also representing Mr S Short, chairman of Victoria Park Bowling Club), R J Hearn, B Edwards, Mesdames Charles Brough (also representing Mr W Simmonds), G H Blackmore (also representing Mr C A Whittaker), W Taylor, C Bawden, P Wadey, I Davies, A J Seldon, D Kent, R Day, Hicks and Cross; Miss Pursey.
Flowers were: the dearest and best of husbands, Nance; Jeane and Russell, Sara and John; Maude, Percy and David; Els and Eddie, Stephen and Carey; Gwen and Reg; Arthur, Julie and family; Margaret, Ron and family; Mrs C M Congdon, Susan and Anne Marie; all at No. 11; Mr and Mrs C Harris; E Hooper and F Stoneman; officials and members of Bideford Bowling Club; Stan and Gladys Lang, Robert and Bruce; Harold and Gladys Rendle; Edna, Edgar and Arthur Pursey; Flo Thomson.
Funeral arrangements were by Messrs Lang and Sons, Grenville Street, Bideford.

Gently does it in 1972!

Gently does it, and with other traffic held up, to allow this long load to travel down the 'one-way up' High Street at Bideford.

The temporary suspension of the normal traffic flow in High Street for this load was caused by the closure of the main road at Torridge Hill for repairs and the narrow corners of the alternative route.
The 62-feet beams, manufactured by Laminated Wood Ltd, of Clovelly Road, Bideford, were beginning the long journey to the Newcastle upon Tyne area where they will become part of a swimming pool building.
Gazette article dated 3 March 1972