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.

Rector’s Apology at Bideford Wedding

The wedding ceremony of Mr Michael Bonetta and Miss Helena Davies was, it seemed, completed and the congregation sat back in their pews as the bridal party walked from the altar to the Lady Chapel, where the register was to be signed. It was then that the bridegroom asked the Rector ‘When do I put the ring on the bride’s finger?’

The full Gazette article is dated 27 February 1959

Who was born, engaged and married?

Births, Engagements and Marriages

Chugg – On January 26 1973, a Berkeley Cottage Hospital to Elizabeth (nee Carder) and Bill, a son
Dennis – On January 29 1973, at the NDDHMU, to Marilyn (nee Lawrence) and Ernie, the gift of a daughter, Sharon Jane, sister for Stephen.
Ellis – On January 16 1973 at the NDDHMU, Barnstaple, to Robert and Glenis (nee Ebsworthy) the gift of a baby daughter Teresa Marie. Sincere thanks to all concerned.
Lester – On January 23 1973, at the NDDHMU, Robert and Christine (nee Plumb) were blessed at last by a wonderful son, Morley Lewis. Grateful thanks to the doctors and all staff of the Clinic and Bassett Ward. Our thanks to all relations and friends for the interest shown and gifts sent to us and our son. ‘He’s a lucky boy to have so many ready made friends and wonderful relations’ – Chris and Robert Lester.
Turner – On January 29 1973, at the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Edinburgh, to Jean (nee Fowler) and Christopher a son, a brother for Simon.
Violet – On January 24 1973 at the NDDHMU, to Gillian (nee Maynard) and John, the gift of a daughter, Anna Clare, a sister for Rebecca. Sincere thanks to all staff concerned.
Weeks – On January 29 1973, at the NDDHMU, to Paul and Linda (nee Jeffrey) a daughter, Karen. Grateful thanks to all concerned.

Short-Bryant – the engagement has been announced between Donald, fourth son of Mr and Mrs E J Short, 2 Barton Tors, Bideford, and Ann, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs S Bryant, 25 Bowden Greent, Bideford. Congratulations from both families.

Croxton-Cunningham – On January 27 1973, at the Registry Office, Bideford, Sheila Joyce, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs E J Cunningham, 10 Tomouth Road, Appledore, to Nicholas, only son of Mr and Mrs Croxton, of Bude.
Dunn-Jeffery – On January 27 1973, at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, by The Rev Preb T Derwent Davies, Kelvin John, only son of Mr and Mrs A J Dunn, 3 Waterloo Terrace, Bideford to Christine Mary, second daughter of Mrs G Bignell and step-daughter of Mr G Bignell, 16 South Road, Appledore.

Katie Bayliss is 100 years old

Katie Holds Court On Her 100th Birthday

From her bed in the centre of a ward at Bideford’s Torridge Hospital on Wednesday Miss Kate Bayliss held court, surrounded by a company which included the Mayor and Mayoress (Dr and Mrs I J Hewetson). There would have been every excuse for excitement, for this was a celebration to mark the 100th birthday of Katie (as she is known to her friends) but she remained as placid as ever.

It is a long time since Katie left her home in the Malvern Hills to move to North Devon. During the First World War she and her sister kept the ‘Black Horse’ at Torrington and later they ran a guest house at Instow. Among their guests was Mr R Gale and ultimately, when he married, she went as housekeeper to the family at Fremington.

Katie had no relative to greet her on her birthday – there is none left other than Mrs Ethel Sewell, of Newport, a niece, who is in her eighties – but there were many friends including members of the Hospital Advisory Committee, some of whom have known her since she became a patient in 1954.

Her first visitors were the matron, Mrs Mary Morris, and members of the staff including the chef. She sang her favourite song – Grandfather’s Clock – and recited. The melody was heard by guests at the party in the afternoon. It had been played on the radio on Sunday morning by Dudley Savage.

Katie enjoyed the party fare that had been provided. It included a magnificent cake made and given by Mr and Mrs Fred Patt. Mrs R Foster had written a poem in Katie’s honour and this was read by the Rev R Foster. The Mayor was thanked by Mrs Clogg of Fremington.

The full Gazette article is dated 1 February 1963