Westleigh

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.

Acting Town Clerk weds Mayor’s secretary

There was Bideford civic interest in the wedding on Wednesday at St Peter’s Church, Westleigh, of Mr Leonard T Rose, only son of Mr and Mrs H T Rose of Westleigh, and Miss Jessie A Bedingfield, elder daughter of Mrs and the late Mr S G Bedingfield of ‘Little Warren’, Beach Road, Westward Ho!
The Rev T Mortimer officiated at the service. The bride was given in marriage by a friend, Mr T Bellew. The bridegroom’s brother-in-law, Mr Ivor Jones, was the best man. A reception was held at Westleigh. Among the presents received was a set of carvers from members of Bideford Borough Council, and a hearth rug from the staff of the Council

Gazette article dated 6 February 1959

Their Diamond Wedding

Westleigh Anniversary – Congratulations to Mr and Mrs G Watts

Congratulations and best wishes to Mr and Mrs George Watts, of Lower Village, Westleigh, who quietly celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary – sixty years of married life. They were married in Barnstaple on February 14th 1885.
Before her marriage, Mrs Watts was Miss Elizabeth Ann Turner, of Westleigh. She has lived in the parish all her life. Mr Watts is a native of Fremington, and they have lived in Westleigh since they were married. Both are staunch supporters of the Methodist Church.
A platelayer by trade, Mr Watts worked on the railway for about thirty-five years. Mr Watts was a keen cricket enthusiast in his younger days.
Mr and Mrs Watts’ descendents extend into four generations – they had eleven children of whom eight survive, and now the family circle numbers 24 more – 16 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
The full Gazette article is dated 20 February 1945

Mr William Joslin still serving the community after 50 years

Fifty years’ service to the community in a variety ways; that is the record of Mr William Joslin, of West Living Farm, Westleigh, who has just resigned from Barnstaple Rural Council, of which he was the ‘father’.

Although in his 85th year, mentally he is as alert as ever, is steadily recovering from a major operation which he underwent last June and he is still serving.
His most important contribution to the welfare of his fellows has been as a farmer, and it still is, for he continues to farm 135 acres at West Living as he has done since the turn of the century. Not long afterwards he became manager of the village school, which then had between 60 and 70 on the roll. He has seen the numbers decline until now there are barely 40 but his interest has not diminished.
So busy a life demanded relaxation and that Mr Joslin found on the bowling green. He was introduced to the game at a younger age, perhaps, than most when, early in the century, his uncle had a green made at his home. In 1910, at his uncle’s silver wedding celebrations, he won a tournament – and a pair of bowling shoes – and afterwards carried off many trophies as a county player. He and his two brothers achieved fame locally as veterans.

Gazette article 16 September 1960