Names

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 special service in connection with the unveiling of a beautifully coloured Memorial Window, bearing the inscription ‘In memory of the daughters and granddaughters of Elizabeth Reardon Smith, erected by members of the Family’, was the object of the large gathering on Wednesday last.

Rev J Sidwick (Pastor) conducted the service, and his theme was appropriately taken from 54th chapter of Isaiah. Miss Mitchell performed the unveiling ceremony. Other members of the family present were Mr and Mrs Lilley, and Mr and Mrs W Smith (Cardiff). Mrs Carter beautifully rendered ‘Open the Gates of the Temple’, Mrs Evans accompanying. The congregation then adjourned to the schoolroom for tea of which a great company partook. Mr Lang (Secretary) welcomed the members of the family who were present, and voiced the thanks of the Church for the gift of the window. He also spoke of the long association of the family with the Church, and of the generosity of the late Sir William Reardon Smith and the continued help from his successor, who it was regretted was unable to be present owing to his being abroad. Rev Hugh Muller added his congratulations, and Mr W Smith and Miss Mitchell suitably responded.
After tea, Miss R Lang entertained the company with organ music and in the evening the Sunday School scholars contributed a delightful programme. The Primary, under Mrs Tuplin and Mrs Evans, and the Juniors, trained by Miss Lang, presented their songs and recitations extremely well.
Rev J Sidwick presented the prizes to the scholars, and gave a stirring message to the parents. Mr Lang presided, supported by Mr J Heddon (Junior Superintendent). The arrangements for the tea were made by Mrs Sidwick, Mrs Balloch, Miss Hedden, Mrs Lang and Mrs Sutherland.

New Heir to Stucley Title - 1970

A new heir to the Stucley title has been born.

The son of Mr Hugh Stucley and his wife Angela, of Affeton Castle, Worlington – the Stucley historical North Devon family seat – he will be named George after a 19th century ancestor, Sir George Stucley. It is the first time since the Civil War that a male child in direct line of accession to the Stucley title has been born to a couple living at Affeton. The child was born at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Boxing Day.
Mr Hugh Stucley is the only son of Sir Dennis and Lady Stucley of Hartland Abbey. Sir Dennis said this week; ‘This is the first time the Stucleys have made their home at Affeton since the Civil War’. Maj-Gen Sir Thomas Stucley, who was defending Exeter, was turned out of Affeton Castle with his wife and family by Gen Fairfax. The general destroyed the castle and it stood in ruins until 1873, when Sir George Stucley MP for Barnstaple, restored the Gate House. ‘My son went to live in the Gate House two years ago, so our family are back there again after more than 300 years. My grandson is to be called George after Sir George Stucley, who restored the Gate House’.

Westward Ho! Golden Wedding 1958

Best wishes to Mr and Mrs E H Trapnell, for many years esteemed residents at ‘Western View’ Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! who will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on Tuesday next.

Already here for the event are their five children and twelve grandchildren: Mrs Freda Way, from Malaya, and her son Richard; Mr John Trapnell, bank manager at Wokingham, with his wife and three sons, Michael, Howard and Andrew; Mr Peter Trapnell and his wife with Martin, Janine and Robin; Mr David Trapnell, his wife, Della and Marion; and Mrs Pat Hunt, from Surrey, with her husband and Susan, Brian and John. Already here for the event are their five children and twelve grandchildren: Mrs Freda Way, from Malaya, and her son Richard; Mr John Trapnell, bank manager at Wokingham, with his wife and three sons, Michael, Howard and Andrew; Mr Peter Trapnell and his wife with Martin, Janine and Robin; Mr David Trapnell, his wife, Della and Marion; and Mrs Pat Hunt, from Surrey, with her husband and Susan, Brian and John.

The Bideford Gazette of 1908, records that two well known Bideford business families were united at Lavington Congregational Church, the Pastor (the Rev George Warren) married Miss Grace Boyle, second daughter of Mr and Mrs George Boyle, of High Street and Queen Street, to Mr E H Trapnell, only son of the late Mr E Trapnell, JP, and Mrs Trapnell, of High Street. Mr L E Ridge, of another well known Bideford business, was best man. After living for a short time at Queen Annes, High Street, Bideford, Mr and Mrs Trapnell left permanently for their summer house on the front at Westward Ho! The house was extended as their family grew and they have seen Westward Ho! develop all around them.

Mrs Trapnell has always been interested in music, with a reputation among local musical circles. She was a member of the Kingsley Orchestra and Concert Party and since then there have been few musical occasions that have not had her experienced support, including the former Bideford Amateur Operatic Society (in which Mr Trapnell took part) and latterly as an accompanist in the Northam District. Mr Trapnell is a member of the Andrew Dole Trust, the Bideford Bridge Trust and a past Governor of Bideford Grammar School. In his early days he was a keen golfer, and his sons have followed him, all three having won premier awards.Enjoying a sense of humour, Mr Trapnell, as a character actor, often appeared in amateur dramatics produced by the late Mr H Percy Heard. He still continues to make his daily visit to the family firm of Trapnells’ Ltd, in the Bideford High Street, where he has the assistance of his two sons. Both Mr and Mrs Trapnell continue to enjoy fairly good health.