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.

Underneath a beribboned portrait of Mr Winston Churchill and his famous V-sign, the Hon George Lambert and Mrs Lambert smilingly receive congratulations at Bideford Conservative Club, after Mr Lambert’s election as the first MP for the new Torrington Division.

The Hon George Lambert and Mrs Lambert are greeted with cheers by supporters when they visit Bideford Conservative Club after the declaration of the poll. On Mr Lambert’s right is Sir Giles Sebright, chairman of the Torrington Division United Liberal and Conservative Association, and, at the top left Capt A Wilkinson, the agent.

Hon G Lambert Becomes First MP for Torrington Division - 9,539 majority in three-cornered fight

Result of the General Election in the new Torrington Division was: The Hon G Lambert, National Liberal-Conservative 19,128; Mrs E Rashleigh, Liberal 9,589; Mr T B H Chappell, Labour 8,735; National Liberal-Conservative majority 9,539

Article dated 3 March 1950

‘Rest Cure’ Fun‘

Specially produced for the entertainment of residents at Torrington View Welfare House, Torrington, a play entitled ‘The Rest Cure’ had some hilarious moments.

It was produced by Mrs H M Ashley.

The cast consisted of Mr Ashley; Mrs F Davey; Mrs I Quick; Mrs P Taylor; Mrs L Juniper. Scenery was by Mr C Crompton and Mr Parfitt. Adding to the variety of the evening were other items and the residents joined heartily in the community items. Mrs A Hookway, one of the staff, sang and played the piano, Mrs L Hutchins played the accordion and Mr G Copp the harmonica.

The Gazette article is dated 5 March 1965

£100 Rise For Torrington’s Next Mayor

A rise of £100 to £400 for next year’s Mayor was agreed at Torrington Town Council meeting.

It was also decided that because of the heavy expenditure incurred by the present Mayor, ‘sympathetic consideration’ will be given to any request for an additional contribution.
Councillor Michael Street pointed out that the new mayor would give up office on March 31 1974, and would therefore not be involved in the expense of the May Fair luncheon. The only major expense would be mayor-choosing. In the circumstances it seemed a tremendous rise.
Reorganisation of local government would not mean the end of May Fair, said Councillor C Quick.
Replying to a further question from Councillor Street, the Town Clerk, Mr A W G Fitt, said there would not be a mayor of the borough after March 31, but it was anticipated there would be a mayor. This was being considered by the Boundary Commission. The borough would have parish council status from April 1 and following on was the question of whether there would be a mayor.
Gazette article dated 16 March 1973