AssociationsA Selection of News Articles Related to Local Associations

  • 1 Easy chair

    21 June 1957/p>

  • 2 Held at the Rifle Hall

    25 June 1965/p>

  • 3 Hartland Young Farmers' Club

    Feb 1965/p>

  • 4 Girl Guides and Brownies

    2 July 1965/p>

  • 5 Plans for the new year

    5 February 1965/p>

  • 6 Mr Roland Davis

    31 October 1952/p>

  • 7 From Northam

    7 July 1965/p>

  • 8 Sweets and salad dressing

    7 July 1961

  • 9 Second place

    19 April 1974

  • 10 Soon to be ashes

    3 November 1972

  • 11 20 entries for Baby Show

    17 June 1960

  • 12 Supper dishes demonstration

    16 November 1962

  • 13 A mammoth task

    18 January 1963

  • 14 Gift for The Chalet

    14 November 1975

  • 15 Commonwealth youth

    3 May 1957

  • 16 Spring meeting

    1 May 1959

  • 17 Other activities planned

    27 July 1956

  • 18 Life saving

    25 September 1964

  • 19 Nearly 140 attended

    17 February 1956

  • 20 12 September 1975

  • 21 Lack of speed

    11 August 1967

  • 22 Certificates awarded

    11 November 1947

  • 23 A tale to tell school friends

    3 June 1977

  • 24 Founding members still there

    5 February 1971

  • 25 SWEB demonstration

    18 January 1963

  • 26 1958 revelry

    10 January 1958

  • 27 Road Safety Committee

    16 December 1960

  • 28 The First Company Cavaliers

    13 November 1970

  • 29 Over £25

    17 April 1959

  • 30 Winners

    11 March 1977

  • 31 Clovelly and Appledore lifeboats called

    10 August 1937

  • 32 Entertainment

    9 May 1958

  • 33 Too many Joans

    4 January 1974

  • 34 Legacy left

    2 May 1958

  • 35 Profit made

    2 April 1965

  • 36 Sterling work

    3 August 1951

  • 37 Mr Willis takes the biscuits

    4 February 1955

  • 38 Sobering talk

    7 May 1951

  • 39 New experience

    7 November 1958

  • 40 Coach trips in June

    23 May 1958

  • 41 Pannier Market

    27 February 1959

  • 42 Held in Sutton Coldfield

    2 August 1957

  • 43 100 members and guests

    2 March 1951

  • 44 Be Loyal

    3 March 1950

  • 45 Appledore Mothers' Meeting

    3 March 1950

  • 46 A trip to Taunton

    19 February 1954

  • 47 Mrs Dwight is the winner

    30 March 1972

  • 48 Competitive!

    11 March 1955

  • 49 Concert party entertainment

    2 April 1971

  • 50 Thanks from the Parish Council

    19 April 1973

  • 51 Mrs Chantler reported on handicrafts

    1 June 1972

  • 52 Raised over 12 months

    16 February 1973

  • 53 Mrs Vaggers tells fortunes

    7 November 1958

  • 54 Pleated velour cushions

    5 March 1971

  • 55 Annual outing to Lyme Regis

    1 August 1958

  • 56 Income up and expenditure down

    6 May 1960

  • 57 Win a bottle of sherry

    3 March 1950

  • 58 Mrs Cade iced the cake

    10 February 1950

  • Easy chair

    21 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

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  • Held at the Rifle Hall

    25 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.

    25.6.1965 Instow WI

    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

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  • Hartland Young Farmers' Club

    Feb 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.

    February 1965 Hartland YFC

    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

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  • Girl Guides and Brownies

    2 July 1965/p>

    For Jenefer Fleetwood, of Bideford, Friday evening was a doubly special occasion

    2.7.1965 Bideford Jenefer Fleetwood

    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

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  • Plans for the new year

    5 February 1965/p>

    Little Torrington WI 

    5.2.1965 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

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  • Mr Roland Davis

    31 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.

    31.10.1952 Bideford Davis Pinwire

    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

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  • From Northam

    7 July 1965/p>

    Queen's Guide Badge

    9.7.1965 Queens Guide badge1 P Griffey

    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

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  • Sweets and salad dressing

    7 July 1961

    A demonstration of sweet making

    7.7.1961 Langtree WI

    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

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  • Second place

    19 April 1974

    Bideford Rifle Club, winners last year of the Journal Herald Cup,

    19.4.1974 Bideford rifle club

    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

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  • Soon to be ashes

    3 November 1972

    It will break the hearts of many of Torrington's inhabitants -

    3.11.1972 Torrington Cavaliers1

    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

     

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  • 20 entries for Baby Show

    17 June 1960

    W.I. organise Village day out at Frithelstock

    17.6.1960 Frithelstock WI

    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

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  • Supper dishes demonstration

    16 November 1962

    Over £50 was raised as a result of the annual sale of work organised by Alwington W.I.

    16.11.1962 Alwington WI

    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;

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  • A mammoth task

    18 January 1963

    Jobs for the girls are being found in Bideford by local artist John Mills

    18.1.1963 Bideford Guides2

    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”

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  • Gift for The Chalet

    14 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!

    14.11.1975 WI WHo

    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.

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  • Commonwealth youth

    3 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.

    3.5.1957 Commonwealth Youth

    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

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  • Spring meeting

    1 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.

    1.5.1959 WIs

    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

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  • Other activities planned

    27 July 1956

    Music, songs and dancing

    27.7.1956 German visitors

    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

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  • Life saving

    25 September 1964

    ….at Little Torrington

    25.9.1964 kissing Torrington

    What’s in a kiss? It could be a matter of life or death as members of Little Torrington WI discovered at their monthly meeting when one of their guests was Annie. Annie was the dummy brought along by Mr Palmer, of Northam, a St John Ambulance officer, to demonstrate the kiss of life method of artificial respiration. Mrs Ian Elliott thanked him on behalf of the institute.

    Mesdames Popham, P Beal, G Andronick and Miss Jean Crocker were tea hostesses. Mrs G Crocker organised the social time and the winners were Mrs R J Watkins junior and

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  • Nearly 140 attended

    17 February 1956

    That Contented Feeling At Torrington

    17.2.1956 Associations Torrington

    The above picture shows nearly 140 people sitting back and experiencing that contented feeling that comes after an enjoyable meal. They are Torrington old age pensioners and the occasion was the annual party of Torrington branch of the Old-Age Pensions Association, held at Torrington Town Hall on Wednesday of last week. 

    This year, as was reported in our last issue, for the first time the meal took the form of a ‘knife and fork’ dinner. ‘I took the idea from a similar party held recently at Bideford for Bideford pensioners’ Mr J H Long, secretary

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  • 12 September 1975

    A round up

    12.9.1975 WIs

    Clovelly

    At Clovelly WI Mrs Blackmore gave a very interesting talk and demonstration on make-up. She was thanked by Mrs W Goaman.
    Mrs B Slee reported on the AGM in London. Competition results: Mrs F Robins, Mrs L may, Mrs J Burrow.
    Mrs K Braund was in charge of the raffle which was won by Mrs F Gregory, Mrs W Pengilly and Mrs R Dean.
    Hostesses were Mesdames S Nicholls and W Pengelly. 

    Parkham

    At Parkham WI, held in the new extension of the Allardice Hall, the president, Mrs George, reported on her trip to London for

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  • Lack of speed

    11 August 1967

    But £450 is raised for charities

    11.8.1967 donkey derby

    Rain held off just long enough for Bideford Round Table’s second annual donkey derby meeting on a course off Sandymere Road, Westward Ho! on Wednesday of last week and the event attracted the support of a large attendance.

    As a result £450 was raised for local charities.

    Speed seemed the last thing the donkeys were interested in. Some of the young riders were a bit shaken by their untimely descent, but there was nothing serious.

    Added attractions included a sulky race between the chairmen of Bideford and Tavistock Round Tables, mice racing, skittling for

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  • Certificates awarded

    11 November 1947

    Safe Driving Awards

    11.11.1947 Safe Driving awards Post Office

    Certificates awarded by the Society for Prevention of Accidents for the year 1946 were recently presented to local Post Office drivers by the Head Postmaster (Mr. S. A. Talboys).

    Mr. Talboys pointed out that the awards were not presented lightly by the Society but had to be hardly earned. Full enquiries were made in connection with every accident and if the driver was in any way blameworthy he was not eligible for an award. During the year in question the distance covered by the official vans was over 91,800 miles and although there were five accidents in

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  • A tale to tell school friends

    3 June 1977

    Hightspeed return home!

    Two schoolboys who went fishing on Sunday ended up having an unexpected – and extremely enjoyable – highspeed trip in an inshore rescue boat.

    Jonathan Gardner, of Woodstock, Sandymere Road, Northam, and Trevor Sparrey, of 60 Morwenna Park Road, Northam, were so engrossed in trying to recover the butt of Trevor’s rod when fishing of a rock near Rocks Nose, Westward Ho! that they did not realise until too late that they had been cut off by the tide.

    But their plight was quickly spotted and Appledore IRB reached them as they were beginning to get splashed with spray

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  • Founding members still there

    5 February 1971

    Little Torrington WI celebrated their 25th anniversary with a party at Beaford House

    5.2.1971 WI Little Torrington1

    Six founder-members were among those present.

    In the picture Mrs H R Daniel, the president, cuts the cake, assisted by the immediate past president Mrs J Goaman, and the youngest member Miss Elizabeth Hocking.

    5.2.1971 WI Little Torrington2

    Article dated 5 February 1971

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  • SWEB demonstration

    18 January 1963

    A demonstration of savoury supper dishes was given by two representatives of the SWEB,

    Misses Sansam and Robinson, at the monthly meeting of Instow WI, presided over by Miss Berry Torr in the absence through illness of the president. They were thanked by Mrs Pollard-Lowsley.

    The competition - home made sweets - was judged by the demonstrators who awarded: 1. Mrs Joy; 2. Miss Feist; 3. Mrs Brimley.

    Tea hostesses were Mesdames Beer and Steward, assisted by Mesdames Louden, Joy and J Molland. A trading stall was run by Mesdames Prouse and Wesley.

    The Gazette article is dated 18 January 1963

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  • 1958 revelry

    10 January 1958

    Members of Hartland Women’s Institute

    10.1.1958 Hartland WI party

    arranged a children’s New Year party in the Church Hall last Friday and our photographer snapped some of the children at the tea table with members of the committee.

    After tea the children enjoyed games and competitions and a highlight of the evening was a puppet show presented by members of the Combe Martin Women’s Institute.

    Members of the committee, are: Mesdames A George, F Johns, W Turner, W Slee, J Clarke, R Johns, M Lovell, J Chadder, W Cottell, L Jeffery and L Webber.

    The previous night the Institute held its annual New Year’s

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  • Road Safety Committee

    16 December 1960

    The Guides beat the Scouts

    Winners of this year’s road safety quiz organised by Bideford Road Safety Committee – Bideford Girl Guides A team.

    16.12.1960 Road Safety Quiz Girl Guides 2

    Left to right: Katherine Denne, Diana Moore, Louise Westwood and Cherryl McDaniel.

    Runners-up were the 2nd Bideford Boy Scouts A team.

    16.12.1960 Road Safety Quiz Boy Scouts 2

    Left to right: Colin Rosekilly, Geoffrey Rogers, Roy Hopkins and David Beckerley.

    Article dated 16 December 1960

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  • The First Company Cavaliers

    13 November 1970

    Torrington probably experienced the biggest ‘invasion’

    Torrington Blaze

    in its long history on bonfire night when thousands flocked to the Commons to watch what is being claimed as the world’s biggest Guy Fawkes blaze.

    The First Company of Cavaliers, formed after May Fair as a charitable organisation, have seen to it that the name of Torrington has since been rarely out of the headlines. They built the 53ft high bonfire, and are applying for its inclusion in the ‘Guinness Book of Records’. That in itself was sufficient to ensure that roads in all directions from the Old Bowling Green at the Bideford

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  • Over £25

    17 April 1959

    Some members of the Appledore Boys' Brigade band,

    Appledore Boys Brigade

    which, as reported last week, helped to raise more than £25 towards the cost of a public shelter erected on the promenade at Appledore.

    Back row: Lieut A Boyles, E Popham, M Taylor, Lieut W H Smith, H Mathews, M Curtis, D Cawsey, R Fisher, J Eastman, D Curtis, J Miles, D Hocking, D Powe, O Harden.

    Gazette article dated 17 April 1959

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  • Winners

    11 March 1977

    Shebbear Young Farmers’ Club have just completed a notable double, giving them a flying start to 1977.

    11.3.1977 Shebbear YFC

    Seen above are David Ley, Keith Hutchings, Mrs Glynis Pincombe and Michael Bridgeman, winners of the County YFC Brains Trust competition.

    Earlier this year three of the team – Keith Hutchings and his sister, Mrs Pincombe with Michael Bridgman – won the public speaking cup. The last time such a club double was achieved was six years ago by Swimbridge.

    Gazette article dated 11 March 1977

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  • Clovelly and Appledore lifeboats called

    10 August 1937

    Motor Cabin cruiser in difficulty

    In full view of thousands of holiday makers at Westward Ho! at about six o’clock on Saturday evening the Appledore Lifeboat rendered assistance to a motor cabin cruise ‘Helen Mary’ of about four tons in difficulty about one and a half miles from Westward Ho! took her in tow and brought her to Bideford Quay where another large crowd, including many visitors, assembled. There were three occupants of the cabin cruiser, a Mr and Mrs McAlister and their son understood to be from Scotland and cruising around the coast. They came from Ilfracombe on Saturday.

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  • Entertainment

    9 May 1958

    Annual meeting

    Hartland WI

    This colourful scene was included in the programme of entertainment presented by members of Hartland WI to the Atlantic Group of WIs, whose annual meeting was held this year at Hartland.

    Seen in the photograph are: L Goaman, T Johns, F Webber, J Jeffery, J Pillman, W Cottle, S Heard, D Heard, A Short, A George, L Finch, I Pillman, P R Yeomans, A Cory, W Turner, L Jeffery, M Jeffery, G Heywood, F Thorne, J Clarke, E Davey, J Johns, R Johns, K Homewood, A Jeffery.

    Gazette article dated 9 May 1958

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  • Too many Joans

    4 January 1974

    Two hundred and seventy one years handle the knife for the cutting-the-cake ceremony at Appledore

    4.1.1974 Appledore Darby and Joan

     

    Left to right - Mrs Bridger, aged 91; Mrs Gayette, 90; and Miss Willard, 90.

    The Appledore club has now been in existence for 16 years - but as with most clubs of this kind, there is a shortage of Darbys!

    Gazette article dated 4 January 1974

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  • Legacy left

    2 May 1958

    Westward Ho! Community Hall Development

    Plans for laying a new floor to the Kingsley Hall and the construction of a new kitchen outside the main body of the hall were disclosed by the chairman (Mrs Doris Hudson) at the annual meeting of the Westward Ho! Community Association on Friday.

    Last year a legacy had been left to the Association and, after careful consideration, it was decided that these two improvements were essential, added Mrs Hudson. ‘Application has been made to the Ministry for grant aid towards these improvements but I can give you no further information at the moment as

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  • Profit made

    2 April 1965

    A profit of £15 6s. was made as a result of a whist drive organised in the Village Hall by Alwington Conservative Association.

    2.4.1965 Alwington WI

    Mr L G Elston was MC and Messrs J Hillman and J Wickett the door stewards.

    Prizes were presented by Miss E Tickner to Mrs E M Cork; Mrs H Hillman; Miss P Beer; Mrs C Hedden; Mrs Gilbert; Mr J Withecombe; Mr R Boundy; Mrs E Whittaker; Mr D Daniel; Mr Parr.

    Competitions were won by Mr S Brimacombe, Mrs J Hillman and Mr R Boundy.

    Refreshments were served by Mesdames G Boundy, C Pickard, C

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  • Sterling work

    3 August 1951

    The thorough enjoyment of a packed audience of 270 reflected great credit on Westward Ho! Follies, who so successfully put on their ‘Grand Summer Festival Show’ at the Kingsley Hall on Friday.

    3.8.1951 WHo Follies

    The Kingsley Hall was the venue for many of the Westward Ho! Carnival Week events, of which this was one, but the audience on Friday must have been one of the happiest of the week.

    Written and produced by Mrs K P Clarkson, who also accompanied at the piano throughout, the whole show went without a hitch and each item was presented with zeal.

    A striking feature of

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  • Mr Willis takes the biscuits

    4 February 1955

    Alwington Women’s Institute at their January meeting adopted a resolution

    4.2.1955 Alwington WI resolution

    that each year the Institute should seek to aid two charities and it was agreed that during 1955 the National Institute for the Blind and the British Empire Cancer Campaign should be helped.

    Final arrangements were made for the Institute’s 24th birthday party to be held this month.

    A very interesting film show was given by Mr M Woolf and Mr L Hoare, of the South Western Gas Board, showing the development of cooking by gas. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs Glover.

    The President, Mrs N T

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  • Sobering talk

    7 May 1951

    At the April meeting of Abbotsham WI, the president, Mrs K Vanstone, and members congratulated

    7 May 1971 Abbotsham WI

    Mrs Courtney on her election to the Devon County Executive Committee.

    Mrs Courtney, a VCO, is secretary of the Bideford Group of WIs, and a past president of the Abbotsham Institute.

    A sobering talk on the work of the Samaritans was given by one of them. Mrs Trapnell gave an entertaining report on her course at Denman College.

    A competition was won by Mrs K Vanstone, Mrs Worthington, Mrs Beer. The flower of the month competition winners were Mrs Beckley, Mrs K Vanstone, Mrs Arthur.

    Mrs Jewell,

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  • New experience

    7 November 1958

    Girls at Hartland are being invited to a meeting at Hartland School Hall on Tuesday evening to consider forming local units of the Girl Guides and Brownies.

    7.11.1958 Hartland Girl Guides

    If such a group is started it is believed it will be the first Guides’ pack ever formed at Hartland.

    It will be a new experience, too, for Mrs. M. Holmes, of Shamrock Cottage, Hartland, and Mrs. M. Heywood, of 10, Fore Street, who have offered to take over the leadership of the group. Neither of them has ever been either a Girl Guide or a Brownie.

    “Invitations to all the girls at

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  • Coach trips in June

    23 May 1958

    Arrangement were made for a coach trip to Exeter and Exmouth in June at the May meeting of Woolsery Women’s Institute at which the President, Mrs C B Griffiths, presided.

    23.5.1958 Woolsery WI

    Members who attended the group meeting at Hartland gave reports of the proceedings and the President congratulated two members, Miss Hooper and Mrs Cardew, who secured prizes there.

    An interesting talk on rug-making was given by Miss Mattinson and she was thanked by Mrs N Allin. The speaker was entertained by Mesdames K and N Allin, who also served tea to the gathering.

    The penny bag competition, run by Miss

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  • Pannier Market

    27 February 1959

    Torrington women rally round

    27.2.1959 Torrington Guides

    Days of hard work by a party of Torrington women had a sequel last night when Torrington’s newly formed company of Girl Guides moved into their headquarters at the old Boy Scout rooms in the Pannier Market.

    Tonight the contingent of Brownies, which has also just been formed, will hold its first meeting there.

    Four years ago Torrington Girl Guides were disbanded because of a lack of Guiders. But last November, at a meeting of parents of girls, and other women interested, it was decided to try again.

    So the adult committee, of about seven, has

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  • Held in Sutton Coldfield

    2 August 1957

    Jamboree Bound!

    2.8.1957 Scouts

    The Bideford contingent of Boy Scouts, who left on Monday for the World Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham.

    Left to right are: Michael Hoare, Bill Denne, Brian Bale, Michael Balls, Norman Hopkins, Mr L Pegram (Assistant Scoutmaster), Scoutmaster Jack Sinclair (who is in charge of the North Devon Groups at the Jamboree), Christopher Gibbs, Cubleader M Ellis, who is in charge of a first aid post. GSM Hopkins, who is in charge of a transport park at the Jamboree, and his son, Brian, an official messenger, left North Devon last Friday.

    Gazette article dated 2 August 1957

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  • 100 members and guests

    2 March 1951

    On February 21st the Langtree WI celebrated its second birthday by giving a party in the Old School where about a hundred members and guests assembled.

    2.3.1951 Langtree WI

    Before the supper Mrs G Hearn (President) made an appropriate speech in which she referred to the work done by the WI in the past and to its plans and hopes for the future.

    Mrs Hearn extended a warm welcome to the guests, especially to those who had helped in various ways during the year and to whom an invitation was extended as a token of appreciated. Special reference was made to Mrs Scott

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  • Be Loyal

    3 March 1950

    Although the attendance was not so large as last year there was no diminution of the happy spirit of the reunion at the annual dinner of Abbotsham branch of the British Legion, held at Mitchell’s Café, Bideford, on Friday evening.

    1950 Abbotsham British Legion

    The chairman of the branch, Lieut-Col J C Basset, presided and was accompanied by the president, Capt S Bell, other officers of the branch and guests from Bideford.
    After the loyal toast had been proposed by the chairman, Mr W E Powell, vice chairman and hon secretary of the branch, proposed ‘The Legion’. Quoting the phrase ‘Live remembering us’ Mr

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  • Appledore Mothers' Meeting

    3 March 1950

    A very pleasant evening was spent at Appledore Church School by members of St Mary’s Church Mothers’ Meeting, assembled for a supper and social.

    1950 Appledore Mothers

    The supper had been provided by Mrs Kivell assisted by Mrs V Lesslie, Mrs R White and Miss Griffiths. Mr and Mrs T Screech gave general assistance.
    The Vicar, Rev H C A S Muller, presided and thanked Mrs Helen Muller, Mrs Skipwith and Mrs Ramsay for their great interest in a practical way in the Mothers’ Meeting, and those responsible for the arrangements that evening. He also welcomed the guests.
    After supper there was community

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  • A trip to Taunton

    19 February 1954

    January 31 was Parkham Women's Institute's 30th birthday but as this day fell on a Sunday, February 3rd was the day chosen to mark the occasion when 20 members gathered at 9.45am for a trip to Taunton by bus to see 'Puss in Boots' on ice.

    They stopped at Exeter for lunch and then proceeded to Taunton where they spent the afternoon shopping. In the evening they went to the show.
    Thanks are due to Mrs Gist and Mrs Pridham for arranging the trip so well, and to the driver of the bus. Owing to the weather conditions, the roads

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  • Mrs Dwight is the winner

    30 March 1972

    An amusing limerick about the WI was the competition subject at this month’s meeting of Parkham institute.

    30.3.1972 Parkham WI

    Winners were: Mrs S Dwight; Mrs P Priest; Mrs E Lang; Mrs E Ford; Mrs S Pickard.
    Visiting speaker was Mr Mounce who showed coloured slides of crests and of familiar places in the Bideford area, which members were invited to name.
    Mrs E Rowe thanked Mr Mounce for an enjoyable evening.
    Draw winners were Mesdames P Dunn, Smart, Heywood and M George, and Mrs Heywood won the penny bag competition.
    Tea hostesses were Mesdames H George and M Pickard.
    The Gazette article

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  • Competitive!

    11 March 1955

    First round contests of the Bideford Youth Road Safety Quiz, organised by Bideford Road Safety Committee, were held at the Town Hall last Friday evening, amid much enthusiasm.

    11.3.1955 road safety quiz

    Over 100 enthusiastic members of youth organisations in the town saw the Boy Scouts ‘A’ beat the Girl Guides by three points.
    Boy Scouts: William Denne, Derek May, David Hoare, Philip Lucas, Bernard Merrick, Michael Wadey.
    Girl Guides: Sandra Hitchcock, Janet Vallance, Margaret Rendle, Christine Davis, Evelyn Trick, Alice Davis.
    In an even more exciting match the girls and boys of High Street Methodist Youth Club beat the Boy Scouts ‘B’.
    High

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  • Concert party entertainment

    2 April 1971

    Mr and Mrs Warren, owners of the Blue Dolphin fish restaurant, Bideford, entertained 70 members of the Original branch of the Senior Citizens’ Association to a four-course dinner last week.

    2 April 1971 Senior Citizens Association

    This is the second treat – with wine – that they have provided for older people. The secretary of the branch, Mrs F M Rendall, presented flowers to Mrs Warren and Mrs Spencer thanked them and the staff who gave their services.
    The chairman, Mrs Jim Jenkins, presided and the Rector (Rev T Derwent Davies) said grace.
    The meal was followed by an excellent entertainment by the Edwardians concert party, with Terry

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  • Thanks from the Parish Council

    19 April 1973

    Abbotsham Women's Institute have supported the 'Plant a tree in 73' campaign by planting five!

    19.4.1973 Abbotsham WI

    The president, Mrs Vanstone, planted a silver birch on the grass verge by the signpost in the village and in the churchyard, the Vicar, Rev R A Ford, accepted from her a blue cedar that she planted with the aid of Major Giles Lomas, churchwarden.
    Later Mrs Worthington, Mrs Shekleton and Mrs Courtney, committee members, each planted a larch beside the lay-by near Rickards Down.
    Operations were watched by a number of people.
    The Vicar thanked the Institute on behalf of the Parish Council.
    Gazette

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  • Mrs Chantler reported on handicrafts

    1 June 1972

    At the May meeting of the Bideford Bridge Townswomen’s Guild, Miss Phyllis Babb gave a very interesting talk about Jamaica, where she spent a holiday and where she had previously been a teacher.

    1.6.1962 TG

    She also showed some beautiful and very colourful slides of the sunshine island. Mrs Harding voiced the thanks of the guild.
    Mrs Jewell, who was in the chair, said some members had paid a visit to the Broomhayes Nursery at Westward Ho! and also reported how much the visit to the exhibition at Fulford House had been enjoyed. Mrs Harding said the drama group expected to present

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  • Raised over 12 months

    16 February 1973

    A cheque for £500 was presented by Bideford Round Table, at their meeting at Tanton’s Hotel on Thursday week, to the new ambulance fund of Bideford and district St John Ambulance Association.

    Round TAble 16.2.1973

    The money was raised by the tablers over the past 12 months, and includes proceeds from their Christmas carol float and the donkey derby at Westward Ho! which have become regular features of local community life.
    Handing the cheque to Major E Hill, chairman of the St John Ambulance Association, the chairman of the Round Table, Mr Martin Burdick said how much they had enjoyed raising the money

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  • Mrs Vaggers tells fortunes

    7 November 1958

    The Autumn Fayre organised by Westward Ho! W.I. at the Kingsley Hall on Wednesday of last week, proved a most successful occasion, proceeds amounting to £83.

    7.11.1958 WHo WI Autumn Fayre

    It was opened by Mrs. M.P. Ansell, of Bideford, who was introduced by the President, Mrs. Hilder. On behalf of all the Institute members, Mrs Joan Moore, W. I. Secretary, presented Mrs. Ansell with a bouquet.

    Mrs. Robson, with willing helpers, was in charge of the Handicrafts stall, on which was displayed some very beautiful work. Mrs. Babb and her helpers dispensed the teas, Mrs. Lake ran the draws, the Cake and Produce Stall

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  • Pleated velour cushions

    5 March 1971

    The making of pleated velour cushions, which members of Parkham WI have long admired, was demonstrated at their February meeting by Mrs Westaway.

    5 March 1971 Parkham WI

    Mrs Priest thanked her. Mrs Heywood won the penny bag competition and Mrs E Lang a competition that occupied the social half hour, which was run by Mrs Priest and Mrs Glover. She remembered 23 of 25 items that were displayed for a short time.

    Mrs Blackwood and Mrs Tucker were hostesses.

    Gazette article dated 5 March 1971

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  • Annual outing to Lyme Regis

    1 August 1958

    Congratulations were extended by Mrs R Rawle, presiding over the monthly meeting of Littleham Women’s Institute in the Parish Hall to Mrs E Hemmel on being chairman of the Education and Public Questions sub-committee of the Devon Federation.

    1.8.1958 Littleham WI

    It was decided to hold the Institute’s ‘Austrian’ meeting early in October. Mesdames I Olins and W Johns discussed arrangements with the members. The secretary, Mrs D Hill, organised the annual outing which was spent at Lyme Regis and a tour of the South coast.

    The speaker was Miss Ruby and her subject was smocking. She demonstrated many stitches and brought many

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  • Income up and expenditure down

    6 May 1960

    Westward Ho! Community Association

    6.5.1960 WHo associations

    Excluding the cost of the renovations programme the year could be summed up as ‘Income up and expenditure down’ reported the treasurer of the Westward Ho! Community Association, Mr E N Westoby, at the annual meeting, held at the Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho! on Friday. This position he described as ‘a very healthy state of affairs’.

    During the year, the Kingsley Hall had undergone a great improvement, and the total cost was £1,005 towards which there was a grant of £239 from the Ministry of Education. ‘To finish the year with a balance in hand (£63)

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  • Win a bottle of sherry

    3 March 1950

    In aid of the Institute, a dance was held there on Thursday of last week.

    1950 Woolsery WI

    Door stewards were Messrs R Chapple and J Phillips. Mr A C C Moore gave a bottle of sherry for a competition, which was organised by Messrs H S Thomas and J Phillips. Mr W Perkins was the winner.
    Miss G Prance and Mr H Allin assisted with the arrangements and refreshments were served by Mesdames Blythe, Cardew, Law and Raffe.

    Gazette article dated 3 March 1950

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  • Mrs Cade iced the cake

    10 February 1950

    Members of Bideford Torridge Townswomen’s Guild and friends spent a very enjoyable time at the Guild’s first annual birthday party.

    1950 Bideford TG

    It was held at Bridge Street Methodist Assembly rooms on the evening of January 27th and was organised by Mrs Cox and Mrs Pridham with the help of an ad hoc committee.
    Red, white and green, the colours of the Guild, formed the theme of the decorations of the hall and were also embodied on the birthday cake which had been iced by Mrs Cade. Mrs H W Fulford, president of the Guild, cut the cake and spoke of the

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