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.

Fifty years service as a minister has just been completed by the Rev R H Parsons, of Bethel Church, East-the-Water, Bideford, and the occasion was celebrated by a family social gathering at the Bethel on Monday, November 4th.

Beginning his career in 1896 as an Evangelist, Mr Parsons took over a Mission Hall at Sudbrook, and later returned to London to join the Lectures Department of the National Sunday School Union, and worked with the Mission at Paradise Row, Stockwell. In 1905 he was appointed secretary of the All Nations Missionary Union, and in 1906 he was baptised and ordained, and went to the North Brixton Baptist Church. Mr Parsons came to Bethel in 1933, where he will be long remembered for his organisation and energy in the improvement schemes he has put into force. He was also responsible for the formation of the Bideford Veteran’s Club, which was founded to provide shelter and recreation for the old men congregating round Bideford Bridge, and has now a membership of thirty.
At Mr Parsons’ jubilee gathering, the principal speaker was Rev G F Dempster, a former colleague of Mr Parsons and later Welfare Superintendant of the British Sailors’ Society. He preached to a large congregation on the Sunday morning and evening.
On the Monday evening the chair was taken by Mr Horace Mann, Barnstaple, who gave a much appreciated address. All were delighted to welcome again the Rev R Pyke, who led with the Scriptures and commendary prayer. Mr W T Braddick, president of the Bideford and District Free Church Federal Council, brought greetings from that body, and the Rev Bertram F Hardy (Appledore Baptist0 spoke on behalf of the clergy and ministers’ fraternals, of which Mr Parsons has been secretary for thirteen years.
Mrs Parsons received gifts from the various societies of the Church, and then gifts from friends were received. Members and friends of Bethel had already given a handsome gift to Mr and Mrs Parsons.
The Rev B Headlam, who worked with Mr Parsons in Brixton and Battersea some forty years before, paid a surprise visit from London, and spoke in high esteem of his association with Mr Parsons.
At the close of the inspiring evening, ladies of the Church provided refreshments.

Janet Polley goes to Canada

Brother’s success means Canada trip for Janet.

An exam success gained by a 30 year old Bidefordian now living in Toronto, Canada, has also meant a ticket to adventure for his younger sister.
When Bideford Grammar School Old Boy Michael Polley qualified as an insurance company manager it brought a pay rise. From this, together with earnings as a part-time lecturer in drama, he has saved up enough to pay for a passage to Canada for his 17 year old sister Janet.
Until Tuesday Janet, a shop assistant, lived with her parents, Mr and Mrs George Polley, at 8 Kenwith Terrace, Bideford. Now she is on board a liner on her way to a new life in Canada.
In Toronto she will stay with her older sister Ann, who is the wife of a university lecturer.
Janet, who was educated at Stella Maris Convent School, has no job to go to but Michael is convinced there are opportunities for her in Canada. She will have a month’s vacation with Ann before looking for work.
There is a possibility of a real family get together in Canada, for Mr and Mrs Polley’s 19 year old youngest son Robin is thinking of emigrating. He recently auditioned for a place at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London but found the £80 a term fees too steep. Now he is seriously thinking of making the trip across the Atlantic.

Article from the Gazette August 1963

Mr Arthur Pearson - Remarkable Record

Veteran chairman of Bideford open bowling tournament committee, 82 year old Mr Arthur Pearson was as active as ever in his duties at this year’s event.

His is a remarkable record for he has been associated with the tournament throughout its 42 active years – it was not held in the war years. In the first tournament in 1927, he was runner-up in the singles championship to that Torrington bowler of renown, the late Mr Reg Hodge.
Arthur, who joined the club in 1919, is not its senior member and his services to it in many ways, notably as secretary, were recognised some ten years ago when he was made a life member.
The annual tournament is not only a keen, sporting occasion but also one that is enjoyed and remembered with affection for its genial comradeship – and Arthur Pearson has done as much as any to ensure that happy spirit.
Among other leading officials at the tournament were two former colleagues at Bideford police station. Making his debut as tournament secretary this year was Mr Arthur Seldon who for 30 years, until retirement 11 years ago, was a PC in Devon Constabulary. And hon treasurer of the tournament and one of its directors was Mr Ernest J Turner, who retired from the force as an inspector stationed at Bideford in 1955, after 31 years service. Coming here in 1950 he took up ‘serious’ bowls three years later, but Mr Seldon was playing years before that. During his time in uniform he twice won Devon Constabulary’s singles title and he captained the constabulary team in addition to his activities with the local club.
It used to be said that bowls is an old man’s game. That is no longer true, if it ever was, but certainly it keeps the veterans young in mind and body!

Gazette article August 1973