People

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.

8 November 1963

Adams – November 6th 1963 at the Grenville Nursing Home to Peter and Valerie (nee Parkhouse) a son, David Jared William.
Brook – November 1st at 24 Calf Street, Torrington, to Janet (nee Beer) and Bill, a son, Andrew John.
Hocking – November 4th at 10 Ashley Terrace, Bideford, to Jennifer (nee Cottle) and John, a brother for Julia.
Shambrook – November 7th at 17 Victoria Grove, Bideford, to Irene (nee Down) and Brian, a daughter, Rebecca Irene.
Whitfield – October 31st at 47 Beaufort Road, Church Crookham, Hants, to Elizabeth (nee Maxwell) and Ian Whitfield, a daughter, Susan Tamsin.

Martin-Clarke – Mr and Mrs A V Clarke, Clovelly Road, Bideford, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only daughter, Eleanor Shirley, to Henry James, only son of Mr and Mrs G Martin, Nelson Gardens, Stoke, Plymouth.

Dalgleish-Slaymaker – October 26th 1963 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Alex, son of Mr and Mrs Dalgleish, Scotland, to Carol Ann, daughter of Mr and Mrs W G Slaymaker, of the Terminus Inn, Bideford E.
Day-Peake – October 26 1963 at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, Laurence Raymond, son of Mr and Mrs J R Day, Sunnyside, Appledore Road, Northam, to Gillian, daughter of Mr and Mrs E Peake, 8 Tomouth Terrace, Appledore.

Opportunities in New Zealand

Sir

In these days when there is so much talk from dissatisfied immigrants to New Zealand, perhaps the experience of an old Bideford boy might help someone who is contemplating emigrating to this country.
First of all, let me say if anyone is prepared to adapt himself and work, New Zealand is the finest country in the world.
My wife and I left Bideford in 1907 and arrived in New Zealand just after a land boom and conditions were very difficult. As I was unable to secure a position at my own trade I took just was offering, viz. a casual job in a newspaper office. The promise was three hours daily for three days at week at 7s 6d per day. I satisfied the publisher that I was not afraid to work; as a matter of fact for those three days I worked fifty-seven hours and so made a permanent position for myself on the advertising staff.
At present I would not recommend a married man to come out on spec, but a single man or woman, who is prepared to do an honest day’s work has nothing to fear. Housing conditions at present are difficult but the Government is doing everything possible; building societies are generous in advancing loans for the purchase of homes.
After forty years, my wife and I have not a single regret that we decided to make this country our home. Should you desire to confirm this letter, my sister still lives at 18 Milton Place, Bideford, and constantly sends the Gazette to us

R E Holloway
158 Seaview Road
New Brighton, Christchurch

Gazette dated 4 November 1947

Births, engagements and marriages

21 October 1966

Horn – On October 13th 1966 at the Cuckfield Hospital, Haywards Heath, Sussex, to Dawn (nee Glover) and Jim, God’s gift of a daughter, Fiona Alison.
Richards – On October 12th 1966 at Grevnille Nursing Home, to Christine (nee Stephens) and Michael, a son, John Stephen, brother for Anne.

Bowden-Welsford – Mr and Mrs C J Welsford, of Talbot Inn, High Street, Bideford, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their daughter, Mary, to Graham, younger son of Mr and Mrs J Bowden, 6 Darracott Court, Irsha Street, Appledore.

Jones-Stanbury – On October 8th 966 at Okehampton Methodist Church, Marcia Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W J Stanbury, Stewardstone, Folly Gate, Okehampton, to Alan Jones, only son of Mr and Mrs Victor Jones, Avondale, Abbotsham Road, Bideford.
Perry-Treadgold – On October 15th 1966 at St Mary’s Church, South Ealing, Marion, second daughter of Mr and Mrs B Treadgold, to Michael, only son of Mr and Mrs W Perry, 23 Elm Grove, Bideford.
Petherbridge-Pedrick – On October 15th 1966 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, by the Rev T Derwent Davies, Stephen, elder son of Mr and Mrs Petherbridge, 13 Park Lane, Bideford, to Veronica Mary Pedrick, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W Beckley, 5 Fordlands Crescent, Raleigh, Bideford.
White-Andrews – On October 15th 1966 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Barry, third son of Mr and Mrs J White, 26 New Street, Appledore, to Judith Evelyn, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs G H Andrews, The Lamb Inn, Bideford.

Squire, Castle Street, Torrington – Congratulations and love on the occasion of your silver wedding anniversary, October 27th – From Janet and Alan, Hil and all the family.

Bewes-Slade – On October 21st 1926 at the Baptist Church, Newton St Petrock, Harold to Lily. Present address: 16 Buttgarden Street, Bideford.