Torrington

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.

Mr Reginald T Jones,

seen in the centre of the picture wearing the Imperial Service Medal, could conceivably be the last of Torrington Post Office staff to receive the decoration.

No one seems to know whether the award, from the Queen, made for meritorious service, will be discontinued under the forthcoming changes in administration.

Mr Jones has just retired after completing 45 years in the Post Office service, beginning as a messenger and finishing as postman higher grade.

The medal was presented by the head postmaster of Barnstaple, Mr J Eddleston. Mr W S Hutchings, the then Mayor, and also on the Torrington Post Office staff, on their behalf presented an electric clock. Miss Avril M Beer, postal and telegraph officer, handed Mr Jones a barometer, the gift of Torrington and Bideford Sports and Social Club.

In the photograph with Mr Jones are Mr H R F Young, Mr B E J Quick, Mr D A Gould, Mr P Ellis, Miss M L Bissett, Miss E Hoyle, Mr W J Page and Mr L Steer.

Gazette article dated 30 May 1965

Sun shines on Church fete at Torrington

Opened on Torrington Vicarage lawns by Mrs R A Wallington,

the wife of the Rector of Langtree, the annual St Michael’s Church fete proved a great success, about £142 being raised for Church funds. In brilliant sunshine helpers on the various stalls were busy throughout the afternoon.

Mrs Wallington was introduced by the Vicar, Rev P G Harrison.

There were over 20 entries for a fancy dress competition for children. The competition was won by Ann Searle dressed as a poodle. Second prize went to Jennifer Slade and Linda Marson as hula-hula girls, with Sheila Marson, Bo-Peep, and Jennifer Oke, English Rose, third and fourth respectively.

Stall holders were Mesdames H Vincent, Warne and Bromhead; Miss L Mathews and Mrs J Heard; Mesdames J Nicholls, K Finnamore, R Lugg, A Ayre, E Ebsworthy, J Darch, T Vodden, Gordon, K Blight, M Hutchings, W Hoare, H Oke and others; Mesdames L Eastmond and C R Popham, Miss Gordon; Miss E Beer; mr C R Mitchell and Miss K Mitchell; Mesdames Coombe and F N Coomber; Jill and Anita Coombe; Mesdames G Norman and L J Hutchings; Mesdames J Sweet, W J Plucknett, H Dennis; Mesdames C Moore and G Darch; Messrs W Webber, J Downing, B Edyvean, Blight; Mr T R McDonald; Messrs B Mitchell and Webber.

The cake competition was won by Mr Walter Webber who re-presented the prize which was then won by Miss A Hooper. Other winners were: Mrs L Marson, Mrs E Webber, Mrs S Copp and Mr A Squire.

Gazette article 25 June 1965

Sudbury's Glove Factory

A topical note

in more ways than one was sounded by this tableau at Torrington Carnival. Entered by the girls of Sudbury's Torrington factory, with uniforms lent by the local Voluntary Silver Band, its humorous touch was perhaps a sign that the recent misunderstanding involving the band and May Fair was on the way to being resolved. Martial music was supplied by radiogram.