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.

New Bandmaster at Bideford in 1964

At the week-end Mr W Garrett, who was president of the Southern Counties Brass Band Association for 11 years, commenced his appointment as bandmaster of Bideford Town Silver Band. His appointment fills a long standing vacancy.
Mr Garrett comes from Guildford where he was bandmaster of the Godalman Borough Band and conductor of the Westborough Ladies' Choir. He has also been bandmaster of Weymanns Works Band and the Miles Aircraft Works Band.
He will be pleased to welcome any players of any age, and anyone wishing to learn, at rehearsals held in the band room at Westcombe, Bideford, at 7.30pm on Mondays.

Buffalo Banquet

The 10th annual banquet of the Rose Salterne Lodge, RAOB, GSB, was held at Vicary's Joiners' Arms, Bideford, on Wednesday last, there being about 70 members and friends present.

1.12.1903 Buffalo Banquet

The chair was occupied by the Worshipful the Mayor, Mr E J Tattershill, JP and the vice-chair by Kt John Pedler, KOM, ROH, SP. Others present included Lieut Robert Newcombe, RN, TC (Devonport), Councillor Stanley Heard, Mr W K Wickham, Bro. W France, Councillor Bro. W H Friendship, Messrs W B Johns, Clarke, R Kivell, L V Rowe, W B Short, A Blight, D Harvey, J Colley, J Butler, E Northwood, P Courtney, L Bright, S Dark, H Glover, H Townsend, S Bishop, J Woolf, W G Ames, E Glover, C J Perry, Erskine, G Prouse, A W Donati, Phil Fulford, W Dight, M Andrews, J Penhorwood, F de Dodd, W J Booker, F E Stephens, J Priscott, W Tithecotte, Kt Walwin Tedrake, KOM, W H Hoare, Daniels, W Curtis, G Sanders, H Wonacott, H Phillips, J Parker, Evans, T Sanders, E Mackenzie, Kt R Butler, KOM, PGS, W B Johns jnr, B Tanton, G Doidge, Meyers, Watts, Watkins, Councillor Parkhouse (Torrington), Evans, L Ashton, S Ashton, G Andrews, J Avery, R Judd, R Featherstone, S Diamond and others. The loyal toast was given by the Mayor, the National Anthem being rendered with much enthusiasm. The Secretary on being called upon, read a letter of regret from Bro. the Rev. R W J Smart, who was unable to attend through illness.
The toast to ‘Our Imperial Forces’ was proposed in a most able manner by Primo A W Donati, and responded to by Lieut Robert Newcombe, RN, TC, who gave a most interesting description of the Navy past and present. Sergt R C Vincent, 4th VBDR, in replying referred to the new Maxim, presented to the volunteers, and spoke of the efficient state of the Bideford Companies. The next toast, the Mayor announced as being the toast of the evening. It was that of the ‘Rose Saltern Lodge and Buffaloism’. Primo George Doidge, of the Torrington Vale Lodge, Torrington, in proposing it , spoke of the value of Buffaloism in uniting members together in one good cause, and the good feeling
existing between their lodge and the mother lodge of North Devon. The toast was suitably acknowledged by Kt Pedler, who expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present; and Kt R Butler, who spoke of the growth of the lodge from its formation. He was very proud to see his Worship the Mayor occupying the chair. Bro. W B Short CM, responding, referred to the advantages of the Order, and the pleasure it gave him to be one of their officials.
The ‘Town and Trade of Bideford’ was given in a most interesting manner by Kt Walwin Tedrake and responded to by Primos C J Perry and F E Stephens. The ‘Visitors’ was proposed by Primo W B Johns who said it gave him the greatest pleasure to be able to welcome the visitors. He hoped they would thoroughly enjoy themselves and be with them again next year. Lieut R Newcombe upon rising to respond was loudly applauded. He dealt with Buffaloism and his connection with the order, and he heartily congratulated the Rose Salterne Lodge upon the excellent position they held. He was proud to think that, years ago he had been the one suggest that a lodge should be founded in Bideford. He wishes the Lodge every prosperity. Primo B Tanton (Torridge Vale Lodge, Torrington), also replying, testified to the pleasure it gave their members to attend any function in connection with the Bideford Lodge. He thanked the members for the assistance they had always readily given to them, and considered they owed much of their present
gratifying position to the fact that ‘Buffs’ were always ready and willing to help one another.
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman was proposed by Councillor Stanley Heard amidst continuous cheering. The Mayor, upon rising, was accorded a hearty and most feeling reception. His Worship replied thanking the members present in his usual eloquent manner, his speech being listened to with rapt attention. He spoke for a considerable time upon the lodge and it members, and at the conclusion was accorded such applause that not only testified to the appreciation of his speech, but to their admiration as a man. Kt Pedler, also replying, considered himself honoured to be allowed to face his Worship as vice-chairman. They were all greatly indebted to Mr Tattershill for his kindness in presiding over that dinner.
The ‘Press’ was submitted in a very creditable manner by Primo Dight, and responded to by Kt Tedrake, Councillor W H Friendship and Mr W H Hoare. The ‘Host and Hostess’ proposed by Bro. George Prouse, was well received, everyone being able to appreciate the excellent manner in which the wants of the members were provided for. Host Vicary suitably replied.
Those who contributed to the harmony of the evening were: Primos W B Johns, W J Booker, Bro. Phil Fulford (who sang a topical song written by Bro. R Butler); Primos R C Vincent, R De Dodd, E Northwood, C J Perry, G Doidge, W G Ames, J Avery and Bro. Townsend. Bro. Andrews and Master Joe Johns were at the piano.
The committee responsible for the arrangements were, the host (Primo R H Vicary), Kt R Butler, Primo W J Booker and Bro. W B Short. The dinner was the most successful every held, and everyone present spent a most enjoyable evening. The National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne concluded the programme.

Members of the Kingsley Lodge of the RAOB hold a concert and dance

Members of the Kingsley Lodge of the RAOB held another successful concert and dance, which was well patronised at the Church Institute to celebrate the Royal Wedding.

The room was beautifully decorated with the silver bells and festoons and the crests of the RAOB in gold, painted by Brother Long. Brothers Glover and Hoblin are to be congratulated on their artistic designs in decorating the room. The concert proved a great success.

The programme was under the control of Brother Heal and consisted of the following: Overture, Brother Squires; songs by Misses Cleave, Crocker, Langbridge and Judd, and Messrs Dunn, Brother Hearn and Whitaker; Slip Dance by Brother Long; instrumental duet, E J Grant and Brother Heal; recitation Miss Adams; duologue Mr and Mrs Symons. After the concert a first class programme of dances followed, until the early hours of the morning, Brother Glover acting as MC.

The following ladies kindly gave their services as helpers at the refreshment tables: Mesdames Cleverdon, Snell, Lewis, Strudwick, Wicketts, Harris and the Misses Blight and Hoblin.

All the members of the RAOB of the Ye Kingsley Lodge that could attend gave every assistance, with the energetic hon. sec., Brother Waldron, to make the concert and dance such a splendid success. The singing of ‘God Save the King’ brought to a close a very pleasant night’s enjoyment.