‘Disillusioned’ are the men of Welcombe, or so it is claimed.

Disillusioned because they say there is an acute shortage of women of marriageable age in the area, and no immediate hope that the position will change. “There are twenty men here chasing four girls” said one farm worker gloomily to a Bideford Gazette representative, adding that Welcombe had more than its fair share of bachelors between the ages of 30-50. “Even when we do get into town there is too much competition” added the farm worker. “There the girls seem to prefer the town boys and Army camp fellows, with more money and softer ways”.

The problem is reflected in the fact that weddings at Welcombe are not very frequent. According to a quick check there has not been a wedding in the Parish Church since 1956 and 1951 was the last year when there was one in the Methodist Chapel. The Rev A T H Jones, Vicar of Hartland and Welcombe, replying to a Bideford Gazette reporter, agreed that the problem mentioned by the farm worker existed. “Nothing can be done about it at present. The position is likely to be reversed in a few years’ time…. There are many more girls attending Welcombe Church Sunday School than boys”.

The full Gazette article is dated 5 September 1958