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.

By the retirement on pension on Saturday of Police Constable Frank Hanford, who has been stationed at Torrington for the last three years, Torrington loses an efficient and courteous officer who carries with him into retirement the best wishes of his many friends in the district.

PC Hurford has served with the police force for 25 years and was stationed at Parracombe, Lynton, Buckland Brewer, Alphington and Elburton, before coming to Torrington. He was one of the officers engaged in connection with precautions during the mutiny at Dartmoor prison and was also engaged in the search for Gaskin and Amy; the two convicts who attempted to escape from Dartmoor prison.
PC Hurford was recently complimented in a recent cast at Torrington by the Borough Magistrates on the very able manner he gave his evidence. He intends to make his future home at Alphington, Exeter.
Gazette article dated 2 Mary 1937

Torrington Golf Facilities Improved

Improved playing facilities at Torrington golf course were reported at the annual meeting of the Golf Club at which Mr W Bowden (President) presided.

Mr L G Weeks spoke of the all-round improvement of the greens and said that a new tee were being constructed. He hoped that during the coming season still more improvements would be carried out, especially in relation to the entrance to the club hut.
Despite poor weather during the past season, Mr A J Perry said that the club had paid its way, although the necessity to employ a gang mower had meant additional expense. Eight new members had joined.
Mr Ken Bowden announced the winners of the last year’s competitions; Mr H Colwill; Mr B Pedley; Mr R Reed.
Officers were elected: Mr W Bowden; Mr L G Weeks; Mr R J Short; Mr A J Perry; Mr K Bowden; Mr B Nash; Miss A Hodge.
The full Gazette article is dated 27 February 1959

Torrington Pensioners’ New Year Party

The annual party organised by the Torrington Old Age pensioners Association for the pensioners of Torrington, was held in the Town Hall, Torrington, 116 sitting down to a turkey dinner.

Torrington pensioners party 5.2.1965

Presiding was the president of the association, Mr F R Hodge, accompanied by Mrs Hodge. He revealed that pensioners had travelled to Plymouth for their annual outing, and on that occasion lunch had also been provided free. Those who had not been able to attend had received 10s at Christmas, and altogether £75 had been distributed, with every pensioner receiving half a pound of tea.
Mr Hodge welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs R H Cotton), who were accompanied by the Town Clerk,, Mr S J Parkes. Following the dinner the pensioners were entertained by the Westward Ho! Holiday Centre concert party.
Winners in a competition organised by Mrs Arthur Dymond were: Mrs Quick, Mrs Brown, D Stacey, Walter Hearn, W M Piper, F Edwards, G Nash, W Green, Mr Sid Pring, Jean Pitts, R Denford, B Davey, Rose Lugg, W Newcombe, V Thompson, J Bower and K Meakin, F Coumbe, B Dymond, A Short, M Hutchings, G Sutton, L Anncar, R Tucker, F Warne, G Tape, J Jury, A Bond, W Babb, J Littlejohns, J Gilbert, D Horne, P Copp, Mrs Ayre, J Johns, T Gist, Mrs Double, Pam Weeks.
The full Gazette article is dated 5 February 1965