• Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
  • Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
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  • 1 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 2 Clovelly custom

  • 3 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 4 East-the-Water's call for new school

  • 5 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 6 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 7 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 8 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 9 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 10 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 11 New Lundy stamps

  • 12 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 13 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 14 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 15 The art of the thatcher

  • 16 It really was the 'last time'

  • 17 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 18 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 19 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 20 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 21 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 22 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 23 Appledore's largest

  • 24 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 25 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 26 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 27 Sweets derationing

  • 28 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 29 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 30 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 31 A story to tell!

  • 32

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 33 Torrington's new amenity

  • 34 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 35 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 36 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 37 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 38 First ship in 8 years

  • 39 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 40 Picking the pops

  • 41 Centenary of Gazette

  • 42 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 43 New look in the hayfields

  • 44 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 45

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 46 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 47 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 48 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 49 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 50 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 51 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 52 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 53 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 54 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 55

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 56 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 57 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 58 He beat the floods

  • 59 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 60 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 61 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 62 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 63 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 64 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 65 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 66 Last train from Torrington

  • 67 Service with a smile

  • 68 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 69 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 70 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 71

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 72 When horses score over the tractor

  • 73 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 74 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 75 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 76 New Post Office

  • 77 Riverside mystery

  • 78 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 79 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 80 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 81 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 82 From Bobby to Brian

  • 83 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 84 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 85 North Devon Driving School

  • 86 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 87 Bridging the stream

  • 88 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 89 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 90 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 91 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 92

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 93 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 94 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 95 Torrington in 1967

  • 96 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 97 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 98 No laughing matter

  • 99 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 100 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 101 Penny for the guy

  • 102 What's the time?

  • 103 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 104 A roof-top view - where?

  • 105 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 106 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 107 Bideford computer stars

  • 108 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 109 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

  • 110 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 111 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 112 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 113 Devil sent packing

  • 114 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 115 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 116

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 117 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 118 Capers on the cobbles

  • 119 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 120 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 121 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 122 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 123 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 124 Can spring be far away?

  • 125 Ten year old scrambler

  • 126 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 127 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 128 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 129 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 130 Bideford loses training ship

  • 131 Private home for public pump

  • 132 Jumble sale fever

  • 133

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 134 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 135 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 136 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 137 Sixty-two year old Picarooner makes ready for season

  • 138 Not Bideford's answer to the moon rocket!

  • 139

    Bidefordians
  • 140 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 141 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 142 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 143 End of the line

  • 144

    Married in 1908
  • 145 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 146 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 147

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 148 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 149 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

  • 150 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 151 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 152 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 153 One of the luckier farmers in getting in the problem harvest

  • 154 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 155 New shipyard on schedule

  • 156 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 157 Parkham plan realised

  • 158 New choral society's growing response

  • 159 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 160 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 161 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 162 Northam's almshouse

  • 163 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 164 Doing time - over 300 years of it - at Hartland

  • 165 Pannier Market's future?

  • 166 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 167 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 168 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 169 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 170 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 171 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 172 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 173 Malibou boys are all-the-year-round surfers

  • 174 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 175 Life begins at 80

  • 176 Torrington children build igloo
  • 177 Waldon Triplets
  • 178 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 179 Loads of black and white

  • 180 School's link with cargo ship

  • 181 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 182 School crossing patrol begins

  • 183 Puppet characters introduced

  • 184 To build racing cars in former blacksmith's shop

  • 185 Warmington's garage ad

  • 186 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 187 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 188 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 189 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 190 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 191 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 192 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 193 Modern living at Bideford

  • 194 Off on a great adventure

  • 195 The Geneva marionettes

  • 196 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 197 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 198

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 199 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 200 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 201 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 202 New life for Hartland organ

  • 203 Bideford 'What's my line?' challenger

  • 204 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 205

    Was a missionary
  • 206 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 207 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 208 Grenville House for Bideford R.D.C.

  • 209 Bideford regatta

  • 210 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 211 Traditions and skills still there

  • 212 Filming at Hartland

  • 213 Mobile missionary

  • 214 Northam footballers of the future

  • 215 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 216 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 217 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 218 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 219 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 220 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 221 Police station view of Bideford

  • 222 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 223 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 224 By pony and trap to market

  • 225 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 226 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 227 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 228 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 229 Hartland Dancers
  • 230 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 231 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 232 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 233 Reed threshing 'putting the clock back' at Weare Giffard

  • 234 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 235 They are parted pro-tem

  • 236 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 237 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 238

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 239 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 240 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 241

    Relatives all over the world
  • 242 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 243 For crying out loud!

  • 244 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 245 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 246 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 247 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 248 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 249 Happy Days!

  • 250

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 251 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 252 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 253 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 254 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 255 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 256 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 257 So this is the mainland!

  • 258 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 259 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 260 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 261 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 262 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 263 Emergency ferry services

  • 264 Revenge in style

  • 265 Diamond Jubilee of St Peter's Church, East-the-Water

  • 266 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 267

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 268 Some 240 exhibits

  • 269 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 270 A man and his wheel

  • 271 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 272 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 273 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 274

    First prize
  • 275

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 276 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 277 Burnard family reunion

  • 278 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 279

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 280 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 281 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 282 Weare Giffard potato

  • 283 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 284 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 285 Artisans' Club

  • 286 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 287 Some mushroom!

  • 288 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 289 New civic medallions

  • 290 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 291 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 292 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 293

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 294 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 295

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 296 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 297 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 298 Hartland's invitation

  • 299 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 300 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 301 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 302

    Exhibition of school work
  • 303 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 304 All for the love of a lady!

  • 305 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 306 113 years at Instow

  • 307 Sight of a lifetime

  • 308 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 309 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 310

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 311 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 312 Open-air art exhibition by 'under 40' group

  • 313 Peter poses for TV film

  • 314 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 315 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 316 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 317 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 318 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 319 Littleham family's five generations

  • 320 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 321 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 322 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 323 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 324 Twenty-one yachts

  • 325 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 326 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 327 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 328 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 329 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 330 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 331 Hartland postman retires

  • 332 Circus comes to town

  • 333 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 334 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 335 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 336 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 337 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 338 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 339 Lundy memorial to John Pennington Harman V.C.

  • 340

    New gateway
  • 341 Simple Item 138
  • 342 Recognise this resort?

  • 343 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 344

    Building works
  • 345

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 346 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 347 New addition to Quay front

  • 348 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 349 Six footed lamb

  • 350

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 351 The cab at the corner>
  • 352 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 353 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 354 No sale of Springfield House

  • 355 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 356 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 357 Variety in summer weather

  • 358 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 359 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 360 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 361 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 362 Cruising down the river

  • 363 Ships at Bideford

  • 364 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

  • 365 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 366 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 367 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 368 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 369 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 370 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 371 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 372 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 373 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 374 All aboard the ark

  • 375 Out of puff!

  • 376 Bideford - as Rowlandson saw it about 1810-15

  • 377

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 378

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 379 Picking the pops

  • 380 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 381 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 382 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 383 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 384 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 385

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 386 Clovelly nightmare

  • 387 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 388 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 389 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 390

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 391 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 392 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 393 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 394 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 395 A bird of their own!

  • 396 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 397 Finished in 1876

  • 398 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 399 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 400

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 401 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 402 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 403 Decontrol of meat

  • 404

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 405 In their new robes and hats

  • 406 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 407 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 408 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 409 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 410 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 411 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 412 New art gallery opened

  • 413 Just over a year old

3.5.1957 Robins win Hansen Cup

Robins Win The Hansen Cup

May 3rd, 1957

Bideford AFC pictured with the Hansen Cup after they had defeated Bude 2-1 in the final

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and suddenly it's spring

Cadds Down Farm

1 March 1974

Joined by Trixie, the pony

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  • Seafield House - the "Spooky House" of Westward Ho!

    The house on the cliff edge known locally as ‘Spooky House’ or even ‘Haunted House’ , was built about 1885.

    The road was especially built to enable access to the house and was initially known as Seafield Road; later it became Merley Road.

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  • Torrington May Fair Queen and Her Attendants

    Names from left to right:Joan Ricketts; Joan Newcombe; Jean Wernhem; Margaret Sweet; Enid Ovenden; Rona Elsworthy; Doris Short; (back row);
    Eileen Short; Miss Margery Bennett (Queen); Joyce Downman; David Fiddian (Page); Peggie Sussex;

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  • 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.

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1911 Coronation Medal

Coronation Medal Presented on June 22nd 1911   Learn More

The Hoops Inn

The Hoops Inn close to Peppercombe Beach

The Quay at Appledore

Appledore Quay where Taw and Torridge Rivers meet 

 
Wynne Olley

Crowning Glory

12 October 1962

Their finest achievement to date...

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Shipyard goes into liquidation 1963

Liquidator appointed

4 January 1963

Difficulty in retaining labour...

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World War 1

Westward Ho!

13.7.1918 Westward Ho

On Friday last, at Northam Churchyard, the funeral of the late William Henry Norman, of Westward Ho! took place, the service at the church and graveside being conducted by the Rev Gerald G Payne Cook (Vicar). The polished coffin, with brass fittings, bore the inscription ‘William Henry Norman, died 30th June 1918, aged 74 years’.
There was a large number of wreaths, and a large attendance. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr N Allin, of Northam.

While fishing with a rod and line from the rocks at Westward Ho! last week Mr A W Heard was successful in landing a fine salmon bass, weighing over 8½lbs.

Gazette article dated 13 July 1918

World War 1

Westward Ho!

2.7.1918 Westward Ho

On Wednesday, the 26th, tea was given by Mrs Hammersley to the wounded soldiers from “The Commons” and Torrington Hospital, at Westward Ho! followed by a concert organised by Mrs Cutbill, assisted by many well known local artists.
Cigarettes were handed round to the men during the performance by Miss Mary Granville and Miss Jane Smith, who also made a silver collection amongst the rest of the audience in aid of the ‘Westward Ho! Wounded Soldiers’ Tea” Fund which realised £10
Gazette article dated 2 July 1918

Bideford Bride-To-Be To Cross The Atlantic

Westward Ho! bridegroom now with Canadian Air Force

27.6.1958 WHo Beer

As the coastline of Canada appears on the horizon from the bows of the liner, Empress of England, so the wedding day for 20 years old Miss Rosemary Beer, 25 Meddon Street, Bideford, will be nearer both in days and miles.
Rosemary, who is the only daughter of Mr and Mrs F Beer, will commence her 3,000 mile voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from Liverpool, a fortnight today, July 11th.
She and her fiancé, Mr Terry Powell, aged 24, elder son of Mr and Mrs W Powell, 2 Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho! plan to marry in Toronto in the middle of August.
When Rosemary does get married she will walk up the aisle on the arm of a former well-known Bideford footballing personality, Mr Franz Belak.
Carefully packed away in her luggage will be numerous wedding presents, including a cheque from Messrs F W Woolworth and Co Ltd, and a clock from the Bideford staff.
Rosemary will be accompanied by her mother and aunt when she leaves Bideford to go to Liverpool and before she get married in Canada, she will live with her great-aunt, Mrs Nell Smith, in Toronto.
Full Gazette article dated 27 June 1958

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