Mrs Hilder is President
19 December 1958/p>
Former president13 May 1977/p>
Special recruiting drive to start9 April 1954/p>
Easy chair21 June 1957/p>
Held at the Rifle Hall25 June 1965/p>
Hartland Young Farmers' ClubFeb 1965/p>
Girl Guides and Brownies2 July 1965/p>
Plans for the new year5 February 1965/p>
Mr Roland Davis31 October 1952/p>
From Northam7 July 1965/p>
Sweets and salad dressing7 July 1961
Second place19 April 1974
Soon to be ashes3 November 1972
20 entries for Baby Show17 June 1960
Supper dishes demonstration16 November 1962
A mammoth task18 January 1963
Gift for The Chalet14 November 1975
Commonwealth youth3 May 1957
Spring meeting1 May 1959
Other activities planned27 July 1956
Former president13 May 1977/p>
First WI Chairman From North Devon
Mrs Ruth Courtney, who lives in Bay View Road, Northam, has become the first WI member from North Devon to be elected chairman of the 15,000 strong County WI Federation.
She is a former president of the Abbotsham institute, which she joined 22 years ago, and for seven years was secretary of the Bideford group of WIs.
Mrs Courtney, born and brought up in Dartmouth, holds an honours degree in French and Latin and spent some earlier years teaching. She is the wife of Mr Gerald Courtney who before retirement taught at Bideford Grammar School for many years.
The full Gazette article is dated 13 May 1977
Easy chair21 June 1957/p>
So enthusiastic were the nine girls
of a patrol in the second Appledore Company of Girl Guides to make their own contribution to mark the centenary of the birth of Lord Baden Powell, founder of the Scout movement, that they organised a jumble sale at Appledore and raised £7 10s.
Then came the problem they had apparently overlooked in their enthusiasm – to what use were they going to put the money? However, this was soon solved because it was discovered that the Torridge Hospital, Bideford, requires six easy chairs for the men’s day room. They purchased a chair and last Saturday afternoon the Matron of the Hospital, Mrs J Morris, received it on behalf of the hospital from the girls who were accompanied by Mrs Coham-Fleming (District Commissioner) and Miss M Gorrell (Appledore Guide Captain) and then conducted them on a tour of the hospital.
It is hoped to make a collection among ex-Girl Guides in the town and present the hospital with Easy Chair No. 2!
The nine Appledore girls are:
...
Held at the Rifle Hall25 June 1965/p>
A specially decorated cake
made by one of the members to mark the jubilee of the Women’s Institute movement was cut by Mrs M Everett at a fete organised by the Instow institute.
Col D A Bullock had offered the loan of his garden for the event but owing to the unfortunate weather the stalls had to be moved into the Rifle Hall.
The event was opened by Mrs M Hughes with Mrs Everett visiting the shilling parcels stall
Stallholders were: Mrs Baker, Miss N Pilkington, Mesdames D Molland, P Staddon, J Molland, C Bond, Baron, Fry, Yeo; Mrs and Miss Coster; Mesdames Jones and Rocke. Teas were served by Jennings, Richards, Staddon, Yeo, Facer, Beer, Hooper, and helpers, and the door steward was Mrs L K Richards.
About £19 was made for institute funds.
Gazette article 25 June 1965
Hartland Young Farmers' ClubFeb 1965/p>
Hartland Y.F.C triumph at North Devon final
Hartland Young Farmers' Club, which has been struggling to survive, won the North Devon YFC public speaking contest at South Molton. They are the first club from this part of the area to have won the compeition since Bradworthy did it some eight years ago.
Members of the Hartland team were Paul Pyatt, David Walter, Jean Goaman and John George. Mr Walter spoke on 'Co-operation and the small farmer.' Before Christmas Hartland won the Torridge Group YFC speaking contest.
Their performance is all the more impressive as the club has barely 20 members and has been fighting to stay in existence. Said Club chairman Mr Michael Heard "We are having a bit of a job to keep going through a lack of members. This win was a real surprise'
Gazette article dated February 1965
Girl Guides and Brownies2 July 1965/p>
For Jenefer Fleetwood, of Bideford, Friday evening was a doubly special occasion
Not only was she enrolled as a Girl Guide but she received from the hands of Miss M E Bindloss (County Guide Commissioner) the Star of merit award, recognising her fortitude over a long period of medical treatment and her determination to share in Brownie and Guide activities.
Her parents, the Rev and Mrs A T Fleetwood, older brother Michael and younger sisters, Elizabeth and Catherine, were present at the ceremony.
Jenefer was a Brownie with the 8th Hornchurch Pack until a year ago when the family moved to Bideford when her father became minister of Bideford Baptist Church. A pupil of Westcroft Junior School Jenefer is now a member of the 1st Bideford Guides who were among those at the ceremony.
There was a surprise presentation at the gathering when Miss A E Lee, on behalf of the local Girl Guides Association, presented a token of appreciation to Mrs E A Booth, who for nine years was captain of the 1st
...
Plans for the new year5 February 1965/p>
Little Torrington WI
has started the New Year with their annual dinner party.
The dinner was held at the New Inn, Bideford, and was followed by a social. Mrs Popham was the pianist. There was an attendance of 29 members.
The monthly competition – “My prettiest Christmas card” – resulted 1. Miss E Down; 2. Mrs D Murch; 3. Miss Margaret Crocker.
New activities with the New Year include soft furnishing classes.
Gazette article dated February 5, 1965
Mr Roland Davis31 October 1952/p>
Everyone at the annual show of Bideford and District Horticultural Society and Allotments Association
was talking about and admiring the magnificent leeks and other vegetables grown by 73 year old Mr Roland Davis, of 18 Torridge Street, Bideford.
Mr Davis, who is affectionately known to a host of friends as ‘Pinwire’ is seen proudly displaying some of his wonder leeks and in the other hand is holding the Bideford and North Devon Gazette cup which he won for the second year in succession. The trophy is awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in amateur and allotment holders’ classes of the show.
Last weekend, produce grown by Mr Davis was used to decorate the Blacksmith Arms for a harvest festival. Mr Davis is a veteran of the first world war during which he served with the 2nd Battalion, the Wiltshire Regiment.
31 October 1952
From Northam7 July 1965/p>
Queen's Guide Badge
Pamela Griffey, of Northam, receives her Queen's Guide badge from the County Commissioner, Miss M E Bindloss.
In the centre is Mrs Easton, Captain of the 1st Bideford Guides, of which Pamela is a member.
Gazette article dated 9 July 1965
Sweets and salad dressing7 July 1961
A demonstration of sweet making
given by Miss Rickwood, assisted by Mrs Killick, were features of the Langtree W.I. recent meeting, presided over by Mrs P.J. Dymond (president). Mrs Curtice proposed a vote of thanks.
Mrs Dymond gave an informative report on the annual conference at London and Mrs G. Hearn informed members of the arrangements for the next group meeting.
Competition – resulted; 1. Mrs S.K. Hill; 2, Miss R. Adams; 3, Mrs P.J. Dymond. Tea hostesses were Mrs C. Huxtable, Mrs A. Huxtable, Miss D. Hearn and Miss M. Sutton. Winner of the draw was Mrs A. Huxtable.
The social half-hour competition, arranged by Mrs C. Huxtable, was won by Misses M. Harris, M. Sutton and D. Hearn.
Gazette article 7 July 1961
Second place19 April 1974
Bideford Rifle Club, winners last year of the Journal Herald Cup,
were beaten into second place at this year's team shoot by the Braunton club, who won by nine points.
Picture shows Messrs Rudi Gnoyke, John Slee, John Stacey and Cyril Taylor, members of the Bideford club.
Gazette article dated 19 April 1974
Soon to be ashes3 November 1972
It will break the hearts of many of Torrington's inhabitants -
particularly the young ones - but by Sunday morning all that will be left of this fine looking ship will be ashes.
The vessel, built by Torrington Cavaliers, is destined to be turned into a fiery spectacle when darkness falls tomorrow night as Torrington's unusual contribution to the 1972 Guy Fawkes celebrations.
Gazette article dated 3 November 1972
20 entries for Baby Show17 June 1960
W.I. organise Village day out at Frithelstock
Frithelstock W.I. organised a sale, tea, baby show, cake-making and flower arranging competitions, held in the old day school, and sports in a nearby field which together raised about £20 for Institute funds.
The W.I. president, Mrs. Reynolds, welcomed members and friends and introduced Mrs. Cockram, of Dolton (a former treasurer), who opened the sale. Mrs. Cockram was presented with a buttonhole by Louisa Gallins.
The 20 entries for the baby show were judged by Mrs. Tucker, of the Baptist Manse, Torrington. Prize winners were: Under nine months – 1, Ralph Mills; 2, Evagelia Gallins; 3, Colin Larkworthy. 9 to 18 months – 1, Sarah Woolf; 2, Richard Lawrence 18 months to 3 years – 1, Christopher Ley; 2, Dianne Baker; 3, Geoffrey Hearn.
The cake-making competition was judged by Mrs. Beck, of the Bakery, Stibb Cross, who awarded: Fruit cake – 1, Mrs. J. Hunkin; 2, Mrs. C. Harris; 3, Margaret Bond; highly commended Mrs. C. Poole. Queen cakes –...
Supper dishes demonstration16 November 1962
Over £50 was raised as a result of the annual sale of work organised by Alwington W.I.
The variety of stalls supervised by members included cake, produce, parcel, handkerchief, jumble, miscellaneous and bran tub. Tea was also served by members.
Mrs. B. Daniel, of Little Torrington, judged the large number of entries in the cake competition, awarding: 1, Mrs. C. Jeffery; 2, Mrs. G. Lewis; 3, Mrs. L. Lott.
There followed a social evening and a skittle competition, winners being: 1, Mr. F. Leverton; 2, Mr. G. Smale; 3, Mr. R. Lewis.
Draw prize winners were: premium bond, David Metherell; chicken, R. Daniel; cigarettes, Mr. J. Bailey; sherry, N. Hillman; chocolates, D. Metherell; nylons, Mr J. Wicketts; basket of fruit, Mrs. W. Hockin.
Miss Bird, a representative from S.W.E.B., gave a demonstration of supper dishes. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Honeywill.
The competition – toffee apple – resulted: 1, Mrs. K. Poole; 2, Miss M. Poole; 3, Mrs. G. Lewis.
The social half-hour...
A mammoth task18 January 1963
Jobs for the girls are being found in Bideford by local artist John Mills
Thanks to him Bideford Girl Guides have had added to their list of useful occupations – and a helping to their funds – and he is certainly glad of their help.
Mr Mills, who lives at Hunter’s Lodge, Monkleigh, is responsible for the painting club spot in Associated Rediffusion television children’s programme “Tuesday Rendezvous” and each month he sets a nation wide competition.
The growing interest in the feature has given him a mammoth task, for entries have grown from 200, when the competition began in “Lucky dip” to sometimes more than 10,000. In order more readily to cope with the flood of entries a special post office box number was registered at Barnstaple. From there the entries are brought to Bideford and the Guides set about the task of opening them and sorting them into four age groups. Most of the actual sorting is done by the district captain, Mrs E A Booth, of Bideford.
The full Gazette article is...
Gift for The Chalet14 November 1975
A motor mower is the latest gift from the members of Westward Ho! Women’s Institute to The Chalet old people’s home at Westward Ho!
Over many years the WI have taken a neighbourly interest in the home and its residents and have made various gifts and donations. When they heard that a new mower was needed, its provision was made a special target and the necessary funds were raised by a jumble sale and other efforts.
Members of The Chalet committee attended Friday’s meeting of the WI at which the mower was handed over by Mrs M Owen, the president. It was received on behalf of The Chalet by Mrs C M Congdon, chairman of The Chalet committee.
In the picture (left to right) are: Mrs Owen, Mrs Congdon, Mrs E M Hilder and Mrs Olde.
Gazette article dated 14 November 1975
Commonwealth youth3 May 1957
The Mayor of Bideford, Mr E D Williams, took the salute at Jubilee Square, Bideford, on Sunday
at a parade of local youth organisations held to mark Commonwealth Youth Sunday. Later, at a service at Bideford Bridge Methodist Church, he read a national message from the Queen. The Mayoress, Mrs Williams, was also at the saluting base and service.
The parade was organised by Bideford Youth Committee, whose secretary is Mr G A Waters, the local education welfare officer.
Bideford Town Junior Band played selections opposite the saluting base at which the Mayor was met by the Rev A J Herring – who represented the Chairman of Bideford Youth Committee, Mr J Sinclair – and Cllr G A Ellis, the Town Council’s representative on the Youth Committee. Also were other members of the Council and the Town Clerk, Mr F C Backway.
The parade, which was led by Bideford Town Silver Band, formed up on the Pill, under the direction of the Town Marshall, Mr Harry Phillips.
Youth organisations represented at the...
Spring meeting1 May 1959
Two hundred members
of Bradworthy, Clovelly, Hartland, Meddon, Welcombe, Parkham, Putford, Sutcombe and Woolsery Women’s Institutes attended the Spring meeting of the Atlantic Group of WIs held at the Allardice Hall, Parkham.
The Parkham President, Mrs Lynn, presided.
An address was given by Mrs Hallowell and she was thanked by Mrs Cardew of Woolsery. The group secretary, Miss Balston, was re-elected. Members of the Parkham Institutes provided tea.
Competition results were: Mrs H Grover; Mrs C Allin; Miss A Furse; Miss E Furse; Mrs H Grover; Miss Dennis, Mrs J Andrews.
The evening entertainment was provided by Mrs James, Mrs Earnshaw, Mrs Gist, Mrs Pennington, Mrs Pridham, Miss Jewell, Mrs Jewell, Miss S Honey, Mrs Pickard. The Rev J E Lynn accompanied on the piano-accordion.
The competition organised by Mrs Piper and Mrs Rowe was won by Mrs Heal and Miss F Wade.
The full Gazette article is dated 1 May 1959
Other activities planned27 July 1956
Music, songs and dancing
One of the events planned for the entertainment of 24 German boys and girls from Uelzen, Lower Saxony, who are on a fortnight’s holiday in North Devon, was a barbecue on the lawns of the Pebbleridge Hotel, Westward Ho! on Monday evening.
The photograph shows the German guests with their hosts, members of Westward Ho! Community Centre Youth Club, who were joined by representatives of youth organisations in Bideford and from Surbiton, Surrey, who are also staying in the area and other visitors.
Music, songs and dancing to the accompaniment of the Blue Ribbon dance band of Torrington, soon thawed the ice and later in the evening the visitors presented a group of German folk songs. Accordion solos were contributed by 12 year old John Morgan, of Bideford, whose playing was enthusiastically acclaimed.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr J W Martin who is seen sitting with Mr Donald Ward (North Devon Mobile Youth Organiser).
Among those who helped in...