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.

Bideford Rugby Club player and team secretary, Mr W T M Bonetta and the secretary of the Supporter’s Club, Miss Helena Davies, were married on Saturday at St Mary’s Church, Bideford.

27.2.1959 Bonetta Davies wedding

Mr Bonetta is the only son of Mr and Mrs J Bonetta, of 1 Stanhope Terrace, Bideford, and Miss Davies is the second daughter of Mrs A M and the late Mr Davies of Mount Pleasant, High Street, Bideford. The Rev T Derwent Davies officiated accompanied by Mr J R Trigger on the organ. The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr Reginald Mitchell. The best man was Mr Tom Bonetta and ushers were Messrs R Colwill, C Mill and J Eastmond.
The full Gazette article is dated 27 February 1959.

Forgot the Ring Ceremony

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.