Westward Ho!

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.

A plan to convert the station hall at Westward Ho! into a beer garden style public house was approved by Northam Council – but only on the vote of the chairman, Mr John Smith.

The outline planning application had originally been recommended for refusal by the council but the County Council disagreed with them. Mrs F M Hilder said she felt very strongly that the council had ‘missed the boat’ by not acquiring this property. She added ‘it would have been ideal for us, providing a much needed shelter which we have wanted in Westward Ho! for years and years’. Other members agreed but Mr R F Hill pointed out they had not been able to get the capital allocation. What about the old people at The Chalet home? Asked Mrs E M V Patt. Mrs Hilder alleged that on two occasions the discotheque had been closed by the police.
Lieut-Cmdr M B C Sumner contented ‘If a lot of money is being spent in making a good class place they are not going to be bad neighbours. I think the thing should be given a chance. Mr H S Clements moved that they should refer the matter to the Torridge District Council for refusal but Mr G W Harrison declared that there was a demand for this sort of thing.
The full Gazette article is dated 1 March 1974

Jack and the Beanstalk at Westward Ho!

Three of the cast of the forthcoming Westward Ho! pantomime 'Jack and the Beanstalk' hard at work on the costumes.

From left to right - Jean Cockell, Jacqueline Wilkey and Judy Sherborne.
Gazette article dated 14 February 1972

Westward Ho! To Have A New Public House

Second application succeeds.

A new public house, to be known as ‘The Grenville Arms’ is to be established at Westward Ho! After a four-hour hearing on Monday, Bideford magistrates granted Mr John Edwin Kibbler’s application for a licence for premises now known as the Youngaton Private Hotel.
For the applicant, Mr H E Park submitted that the present licensed premises at Westward Ho! were totally inadequate to cater for the demand which existed there.
Mr Leslie G H Braddick, a caravan proprietor, of Vicosa, Westward Ho! stated that his camp was capable of accommodating over 700 people.
A cafe proprietor, Mrs Molly Miall, Seawinds, Northam, joint proprietor of the Bunny’s Cafe, Westward Ho! said ‘I have had many inquiries about licensed premises’.
Mr Charles Thomas Cummings, a house decorator, of Nelson House, Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho! claimed that during June, July and August one had to reach in over people six or seven deep to get one’s change in the two licensed premises at Westward Ho!
Further evidence in support of the application was given by Mrs Esther Hilder, a guest house proprietor, of Cleveland Terrace, Westward Ho!. Mr Henry John Moseley, a guest house proprietor, of The Brackens, Westward Ho! and Mr Claude Wise, a cafe proprietor, Beach House, Westward Ho!
Opposing the application Major Joseph C Dobbs, licensee of the Golden Bay Hotel, Westward Ho! said there was no evidence of any increase in demand. Major Robert A Wickham, a director of the proprietors of the Pebbleridge Hotel, Westward Ho! of Concord, Torrington, told the magistrates that they had to make their harvest in July and August.
After 15 minutes retirement, the chairman of the magistrates, Mr R B Blackmore, announced ‘My colleagues and I have come to the conclusion that a case has been made and a licence should be granted subject to two provisos’.
The full Gazette article is dated 14 February 1958