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.

Many important incidents may have happened on March 20th, 1901;

in fact it may possibly have been a very important date in history. It certainly was as far as Mr and Mrs W. Joslin, of West Farm, Westleigh, were concerned. It was the day of all days for Mr Joslin and for Miss M.E. Reed, daughter of a well-known Braunton family. It was their wedding day.

An equally important date was that of March 20th, 1951, when Mr and Mrs Joslin celebrated their golden wedding. Among the guests were the two bridesmaids, Mrs L. Isaac and Mrs W. Lake, also the best man, Mr A.J. Joslin.

It was also an exacting day for the Post Office and telephone exchange, who were kept exceedingly busy delivering telegrams, letters and connecting ‘phone calls. Activities at West Farm were constant from early morn until late at night Relatives and friends gathered together in large numbers, not only to celebrate the happy occasion, but also to pay tribute to two well-known personalities who by their service and loyalty have firmly endeared themselves over a very wide area.

Mr and Mrs Joslin’s contribution to the Methodist cause, and their devotion to the little chapel on the hill at Westleigh has almost become legendary. Their home during fifty years of happy married life has been an ever-open door to countless numbers of ministers and preachers. On special occasions such as anniversary and harvest, the house has been full to over-flowing with worshipping visitors and friends.

In addition to being a well-known farmer, Mr Joslin has played a very prominent part in the public life of North Devon, having served the Westleigh Parish Council for about forty years, represented the parish on the Barnstaple Rural District Council for 39 years, and been Chairman of the School Managers at Westleigh Council School for over forty years.

In the sporting world he is best known as a bowler of outstanding ability. A very popular member of the Bideford Bowling Club, he has played regularly for Devon in county matches since 1925, taken part in the E.B.A. Championships (Rinks) 1928, (pairs, in partnership with his brother, A.J. Joslin) 1949, and has been a successful competitor for many years at the Bideford and Ilfracombe open tournaments.

Including among the numerous presents from a wide circle of friends, was a set of glasses, subscribed to and presented on behalf of past and present scholars and teachers of the Westleigh School, by the eldest scholar. A bouquet of flowers was also presented by the youngest girl of the school.

A few years later, Mr Joslin retired from Barnstaple Rural Council - Mr Joslin (opens in new window)

Gazette article dated 30 March 1951

Oldest Postman’s Last Delivery

Bideford’s oldest postman, Mr Arthur Rowe, hangs up his bag

Mr Rowe of 29 Elmdale Road, Bideford, did not start his post office career until he was 65 – and that was after retiring from over 40 years’ service with the Royal Blue and Southern National as a driver. “I found I wanted something to do with my time” he recalled. For the last nine years he has been riding his bicycle on a round which took in Limers Lane and Durrant Lane.

“I was the oldest postman – but not the oldest-looking probably” he said.

Gazette article dated 29 March 1974

Local men are honoured

Local men in New Year Honours

Three men with Bideford and district associations appeared in yesterday’s New Year honours list.

Mr Reginald Pickard, of the Redlands Hotel, Sidmouth, who is awarded the O.B.E. is a member of a well-known Bideford family, and has had a notable career in local government.

Mr Thomas Russell McDonald, of Viewfield, Torrington, who receives the M.B.E. is a Scot who has worked in Devon since 1919, being head forester to the Clinton (Devon) Estate Company.

Mr R.W.F. Thorne, of Vale Lodge, Hartland, who is appointed M.B.D. began his career as a telegraph boy and rose to be superintendent in charge of the cable central telegraph office which deals with overseas telegrams. Until his retirement last November he controlled 500 telegraphists and 50 supervising officers.

Gazette article 2 January 1959