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.

24 December 1954

Palmer – On December 21st 1954 at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, to Frances (nee Holman) and John, the gift of a daughter.

Ashford-Vaggers – The engagement is announced between Barbara Mary, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs G Vaggers, of Briardene, Myrtle Street, Appledore, and John, only son of Mr and Mrs J Ashford, 140 Filton Road, Horfield, Bristol.
Davis-Berry – The engagement is announced between Anne, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Berry, Alpha Place, Appledore, and Charles Henry, only son of Mr and Mrs Davis, Beehive Cafe, Bideford.
Lloyd-Pavey – The engagement is announced between Mildred, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs T Pavey, 36 Lethaby Road, Barnstaple, and Anthony John, youngest son of the late Mr Mark Lloyd and Mrs Lloyd, 18 Meddon Street, Bideford.

Tucker-Millar –The marriage will take place between Mr Alex Tucker, jnr., and Miss Heather Millar, on January 1st 1955 at Caxton Hall, London.

Marshall-Dunn – On December 26 1929 at the Parish Church, Bideford by the Curate Rev W G Eeles, BA, William Marshall formerly of Appledore, to Phyllis Rose Dunn of Bideford. Present address ‘Rosevale’, 8 River Bank Cottages, Bideford.
Newcombe-Jeffery – On December 26 1929 at St Mary’s Parish Church, Bideford, by the Rev W G Eeles, BA. Thomas Alfred Newcombe to Laura West Jeffery. Present address 9 Coldharbour, Bideford.

Births, engagements and marriages

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