Abbotsham

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.

Brig C H M Peto has sold Kenwith Castle, his Abbotsham home, and has left for Marlborough, Wiltshire.

The new property, says Brig Peto, has about 22 acres, but he is hoping to obtain an adjoining farm to continue his agricultural pursuits. Brig Peto, who is not seeking re-election to Parliament at the next election – he has been Member of Parliament for the former North West Devon Division and, following constituency boundary reviews, for the North Devon Division since 1945 – took up residence at Kenwith Castle at the end of the last war. His late father, Sir Basil Peto, who was also MP for North West Devon for 12 years, was an honorary Freeman of Bideford in appreciation of his services to the community and in particular towards securing the restoration of the title of Port to the borough. ‘I shall, indeed, be sad to go, because my roots seem to have grown down in this neighbourhood and constituency’ Brig Peto said. ‘But Marlborough is within easy distance by road, or rail to London, which is a considerable factor when one has children going out into the world. We want to be able to have them home occasionally for weekends, and this would be practically impossible if we remained here’.

This is a 1954 Gazette article.

Abbotsham - Northam Wedding

Abbotsham - Northam Wedding - 16th January 1970

The wedding has taken place at Bideford Register Office of Mr Kelvin John Charles Ridd, only son of Mr and Mrs John Ridd of 1 Seaview, Abbotsham, and Miss Sheila Mary Rucki, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs John Rucki of 37 Morwenna Park Road, Northam.
Best man was the bride's brother-in-law, Mr John Dyer. The reception was held at Durrant House Hotel.

Silver Jubilee of Abbotsham WI

Silver Jubilee of Abbotsham WI - 10th December 1971

A very successful silver jubilee dinner and dance was held in the New Inn Hotel, Bideford, by members of Abbotsham W.I.
The president (Mrs K Vanstone) welcomed a party of 70 members with their husbands and other guests.
A celebration cake, made by Mrs H Graham and iced by Mrs E Violet, was ceremonially cut by Miss Annie James, the oldest member.
Three past presidents were at the party.
Mrs R Beer proposed the toast to the guests, to which Mrs E Hemmel replied.
During the evening a boquet was presented to the president in appreciation of her efforts in arranging the function.