April1975
visualising it as old and cosy, gleaming with polished wood and brass, filled with good company and presided over by a genial landlord. But now that so many breweries are pursuing ‘modernisation’ policies that de-humanise their premises, visitors are more likely to encounter an atmosphere of clinical artificiality. But not so at one little house at East-the-Water, Bideford. Oh no! where a tradition of national hospitality rests safe in the hand of a licensee who has been in the business for 30 years.
Mrs Ella Bond took over ‘The Ship On
…27 March 1975
Mr Bill Hobbs, who has retired after 30 years with Toy Works Ltd, of Handy Cross, Bideford, with the car radio presented to him by workmates, some of long standing and some comparatively new.
He began to work for the father of the present chairman and managing director, Mr L Holzer, in Marlow at the end of World War II and after 20 years was one of the employees who opted to ‘go West’ when the company transferred to Bideford in 1965.
But in retirement he is returning ‘home.’
Gazette article April 1975
…Established 1797
Under council news it was clear that the advert was the result of a petition to close the slaughterhouse due to bad smells.
Gazette advert dated 2 December 1913
28 September 1948
of the firm of Messrs M W Blackmore and Sons Ltd , who chose as his subject 'My job'.
Mr Blackmore recalled when he used to go to the Brass Foundry at Appledore out of school hours and collect fittings for the racing dinghies built by his father. Scale models of these dinghies were used for experiments at Sandy Mere, a large pond behind the pebbleridge at Westward Ho!
When he commenced his apprenticeship, at a wage of 2s 6d per week, continued Mr Blackmore, timber was
…1973
Departmental Sister required to act as Matron's deputy at Torrington Cottage Hospital, Torrington. Application forms available from Matron.
Evening Bar Help and Grill Chef required. Apply Manager, The Gannet, High Street, Bideford 3148.
Wanted Man for tractor driving and general farm work. House in village with modern conveniences, on school bus route. A R Ford, Webbery Barton, Bideford. Newton Tracey 253.
Provision Assistant required part time, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Apply Manager, Waltons, High Street, Bideford.
Women Required for various light factory jobs. Apply Anglo American Vulcanised Fibre Co., Bideford 5501.
Junior Female required for office work - filing,
21 July 1961
If Bideford Town Council persist with the intention that when the new traffic control plan operates vehicles must travel one-way up High Street, deliveries of certain goods to two shops are likely to cease. This was made clear by Messrs Merdiths and Wickham and Co.
At their invitation, the Mayor, Mr A A Beer, watched unloading operations and agreed that difficulties would be great.
The Mayor had seen the unloading, with the lorry facing down hill, of six cwt. casks of beer. They were eased down skids and swung at the bottom
…5 April 1963
Mr Wilfred Ricketts, manager of the Bideford branch of F W Woolworth Ltd, since the branch opened in 1937, retired on Friday and is now looking forward to devoting much of his time to his favourite hobby of gardening.
He and his wife are continuing to live in Bideford; their home is ‘Wycherley’, Rectory Park.
At the branch’s annual party at the Royal Hotel, a surprise presentation greeted Mr Ricketts. He was the recipient of a set of stainless steel garden tools on behalf of the branch, the presentation being made by the
…13 January 1978
Enjoy CORDON BLEU CUISINE
and FINE WINES in Quiet Comfort overlooking the River
On Sunday Night help yourself to our Candlelit Smorgasbord
Also Sunday Lunches
For bookings Tel Bideford 4400
Gazette article dated 13 January 1978
6 January 1978
Relaxed atmosphere of
THE SAILORS REST
LICENSED RESTAURANT
THE QUAY APPLEDORE
Now open for...
Traditional Sunday lunch
And evening meals from 7.00pm
Table reservations Telephone Bideford 77574
Now taking bookings for Parties of up to 35 any lunchtime or evening
Gazette dated 6 January 1978
13 January 1978
Sat, Jan 14
Freeway
Dancing from 8pm
Sun, Jan 15
Ronnie Wallis Trio
MEMBERS FREE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Guests (Saturday) 50p, Sunday Members only
Gazette dated 13 January 1978
The Worshipful Company of Glovers, one of the ancient guilds of London
The Worshipful Company of Glovers, one of the ancient guilds of London, who each year present gloves for use by the Lady Mayoress of the capital, have asked Sudbury's Gloves, of Bideford, to supply the fabric gloves this year.
Mr Ray Sawtell, a director of the company, said they were delighted to have been chosen for the work.
Young hairstylists from the salons of Mrs Wynne Olley, of Bideford, Barnstaple, Torrington and Winkleigh
Young hairstylists from the salons of Mrs Wynne Olley, of Bideford, Barnstaple, Torrington and Winkleigh, recorded their finest achievement yet at the women's section of the south-west area hair-styling competition at Taunton. Five girls between them took first and second places in all three classes for women's hairdressing.
They were Miss Nancy Stacey (18) of Barnstaple and formely of Torrington, Miss Rosemay Short (21) of Bideford, Mrs Bernice Weeks (25) of St Giles and who works at the Torrington salon, and apprentices Miss Ella Cox (17) of Bideford and
The old established glove manufacturing business of F A Sudbury Limited.
The old established glove manufacturing business of F A Sudbury Limited.
The assets consist of Factory at Silver Street, Bideford. Also four freehold cottages - Silver Street, Bideford
On Saturday, at Dartington Glass Factory, Torrington, which has many Swedes on its staff
On Saturday, at Dartington Glass Factory, Torrington, which has many Swedes on its staff, the Swedish festival of St Lucia was celebrated.
Many local people joined the factory staff including the Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington (Mr and Mrs W Cockram). It was held in the factory's large blowing room.
The festival is held in honour of St. Lucia, who is to the Swees the symbol of light during the darkest time of the year. Swedish workers chose a 19-year-old Torrington girl, Mrs Jean Baglow, as their
The funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Bideford, of Mr Desmond Harold Garland of 6 New Street
The funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Bideford, of Mr Desmond Harold Garland of 6 New Street, Bideford who was employed at Sudbury's glove factory for 30 years.
The Rev. P Colebrook, officiated and the organist, Mr J R Trigger accompanied the hymns.
Immediate mourners were; the widow; Mis C M Hayman; Mr and Mrs S Penney; Mr and Mrs G Tithecott; Mr and Mrs G Graham; Mr and Mrs A Beer; Mrs Welston; Mrs A G Murray; Mr Murray; Mr and Mrs N Langmead; Mr
The new Appledore Glove Works at New Quay will be officially opened by the Chairman of the Northam
The new Appledore Glove Works at New Quay will be officially opened by the Chairman of the Northam U.D.C on Wednesday 26 February 1947 at 12.30pm.
The premises will be thrown open for inspection by prospective employees on the evnings of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 26th, 27th and 28th Ferbruary, from 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and interviews with the management can then take place. Light refreshments will be served and samples of the goods to be produced at the works will be on view.
EXPERIENCED GLOVE MAKERS FOR
…Advert for body armour that will allegedly protect a soldier on the battlefield
Advert during the First World War 1918 for a chemically impregnated protective vest which could allegedly save a soldiers life. Said to be effective against machine gun fire and snipers.
Advert for cover including Zeppelin risks during world war one
During World War I insurance cover is being advertised in the Bideford Gazette which includes Zeppelin risks.
annual outing surpassed all their previous outings and parties
Four Southern National coaches left Bideford Quay at 7.30am with the Bideford employees and proceeded to Torrington where the main party were all waiting. Everyone helped to take aboard the refreshments for the journey, the final start being made just after 8 o’clock, Proceeding through Hatherleigh, Okehampton, Moreton Hampstead to Bovey Tracey, where a short stop was made for light refreshments, the party then continued
…A tribute to the contribution made
The presentation took place in the Council Chamber, the civic gathering also including representatives of the Services, other local industries, trade and organisations.
Speeches at the ceremony and at the luncheon to which the gathering was subsequently invited at the invitation of Mr C R Andersen (chairman) and other directors,
2 March 1918
A hat well chosen is also a good investment.
For advise on suitability and durability of all millinery for all occasions, also good taste and skill, call on
Mrs W H Short's Milliner, etc.
10 Allhalland Street, Bideford
Gazette article dated 2 March 1918
5 March 1918
Fares: Bucks Cross, 1/9; Clovelly Cross, 2/-; Hartland 2/-
Return tickets issued at double the Single Fare.
Seats must be booked at the Office,
Proprietors: R Dymond & Son, Mill Street, Bideford
Gazette article dated 5 March 1918
9 March 1918
At Bideford Borough adjourned Brewster Sessions yesterday, the renewal of the nine licenses, notices of objection to which n the ground of redundancy had been served by the police at the instance of the Licensing Justices, came on for consideration. The magistrates in attendance were the Mayor, Mr A R Adams, in the chair, and Messrs J Cock, J Heywood, A G Duncan, J M Metherll, S R Chope, W T Goaman and G Boyle. Solicitors present representing owners and licensees were Messrs W B Seldon and H R Bazeley (Bideford) and Thomas and McGahey (Exeter).
…12 March 1918
At the New Inn Hotel, Bideford, on Tuesday, Mr A W Cock offered for sale by auction 'The Hoops' Inn. The property was withdrawn at £225.
Coombe Cottage was withdrawn at £120 but has since been sold by private treaty. Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward were the solicitors for the vendors.
Gazette article dated 12 March 1918
26 March 1918
who want to help their country in its hour of need as Motor Drivers should apply for particulars of our course of instruction to Bideford Motor Works
Personal attention. Success guaranteed.
Gate change or Ford car.
31 July 1964
Mr H N Fulford, chairman of Fulford, Trumps and Co Ltd presented the awards and was himself a recipient.
Local recipients seen in the photograph are:
Mr R J Batten, Mr W J Pascoe, Mr W J Harris, Mr A R Morrish, Mr W G Prideaux, Mr W E Yendell, Mr A Hillman, Mrs G
12 July 1968
Bob Turner wishes to announce that he now has regular supplies of local fish being landed at Bideford Quay (weather permitting) and that when the local trawler cannot go out form Bideford, he will get local fish from Ilfracombe.
Also a fine selection of frozen foods and pet foods.
So, for the freshest fresh fish plus quality and service come to
Bob’s at 3 Allhalland Street, Bideford. Tel 2452
12 July 1968
20 July 1951
Regular Employment in Glove Trade
Top Rates, Bonus, Holidays with pay
We have vacancies for full time indoor workers, experienced and learners
Call or write for details:-
W E Gloves Ltd, 5 Strand, Bideford
Advert in the Gazette dated 20 July 1951
28 August 1964
Measuring 16ft 6in across, the load was one of the widest ever transported from Bideford.
A police escort accompanied the 36ft lorry for the whole of its journey. At their destination in Cheshire they will be bolted together as a huge arch to form the main structure of a new Roman Catholic church.
The local firm was started in 1957
3 November 1972
Mr George Weeks, the manager, reports ‘enormous’ sales in the fresh fruit and vegetables department, including 1,470 cauliflowers. More than 1,000 customers made purchases at the fresh meat counters, on the wines and spirits bar and from the bread shelves, and over twice as much bacon was sold in the three days than was the case in a whole week at Ford and Lock’s old premises in Mill Street.
…19 November 1954
Yesterday morning, Bideford’s last link with collar-factory days, went down with a wallop!
It was the 60-foot high chimney stack, last remnant of the factory off Northam Causeway, Bideford, that was in full operation some 50 years ago. Before the last war, it had become Bideford and District Laundry until during the war years it was completely gutted by fire.
To Messrs Arthur Beer and Son, Bideford builders, yesterday was an important step in their plans to develop a new housing estate in that quarter. It will consist of an extension of North View
19 November 1954
Application is to be made by Northam and Westward Ho! Chamber of Commerce to Devon County Council for Sunday trading to be allowed in the Westward Ho! ward only during the summer months.
Reporting on inquiries he had made of the Ilfracombe Chamber on the question of Sunday trading, the Secretary, Mr G W G Hutchings, read a letter which stated that Chamber had made application for exemption from the Shops Act, which could be given by Devon County Council, in each of the last three years and, although the applications had had
We shall be pleased to accept your order at
C M MITCHELL LIMITED
12 Market Place and 45 Mill Street, Bideford
Ring 36, ALL KINDS OF CATERING UNDERTAKEN
Gazette article dated 25 February 1947
7 March 1958
March 1st was the date from which local glove manufacturers had agreed with their employees to commence paying the increase awarded of 2d an hour for men and 1½d an hour for women.
Within the next few days manufacturers from Bideford and Torrington, together with the Regional Industrial Relations Officer, will be meeting the Ministry of Labour Conciliation Officer to discuss the position arising out of their decision to abide by the agreement reached with their employees not to pay the wage increase until March 1st
30 March 1951
Mr Paterson has been at considerable pains to ensure the authenticity of the Grenville arms and was advised by the College of Arms. Mr Paterson’s work in stained glass has been further recognised, his design for a Church memorial window having been accepted for display in the ‘Art in the Churches’ section of the Festival of Britain exhibition at Lambeth Palace,
…7 March 1958
It was 48 years ago that Mrs Powe, then a girl of 16, came to the Bell Inn when her father, the late Mr H W Lesslie, became landlord.
As she stood behind the bar this week, Mrs Powe, who has held the licence of the house for the past nine years, talked of the old days at the Bell, days when the pub was full of sailors off the vessels trading into Appledore or from ships that had come to
11 May 1973
He has just retired after having served for almost the whole of the intervening period as company secretary. That ‘temporary’ job lasted 53½ years.
It was in 1921 that he was made company secretary to Heard Bros Ltd. He continued in that position after December 1938, when the company became Brindley’s Garages Ltd, through to last November when the firm merged with N B L Holdings Ltd of Taunton.
Mr Backway, who, with his wife, lives at 25 Elmdale, Bideford,
7 July 1950
About eighty of Messrs Tapscott’s Torrington and Bideford staff and employees travelled in three coaches to Newquay, by way of Boscastle and Tintagel. Lunch was served at Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, and after the afternoon at Newquay, the coaches proceeded to Liskeard for high tea, and thence to Plymouth to hear Donald Peers singing at the Palace Theatre.
Punctually at 9pm they left for Yelverton, where a picnic supper was arranged on the moors, followed by dancing to the accordion, played
1910
Elections come and elections go, but every twelve months brings round Christmas, with its festivities and its gift making. Each year the Bideford tradesmen, who provide for all possible wants, seem to excel themselves, as a run round the town will quickly show.
HIGH STREET
Messrs Merefield & Trapnell, one of the oldest established, as certainly one of the most high-class establishments in North Devon, have an elaborate display of silks and drapery goods suitable for the season. Their show rooms are replete with everything which is to be expected in a high-class establishment
…But alas.... OUR ADVERTISING MAN WAS FOUND ASLEEP IN ONE OF OUR PARKER-KNOLL CHAIRS.
On being roused he frankly admitted 'You can't buy happiness but by jove you can buy comfort'.
Please call and see our range of fabulous Parker-Knoll's
Our advertising man says 'They're a dream'
Braddicks Bideford's leading furnishers
31 Mill Street, Bideford
Gazette dated 1 December 1967
16 May 1958
They danced a successful number in the School’s dancing display which proved popular both in Bideford and Holsworthy. Some sixty pupils took part, and their dresses (all of which were designed by Miss Joan Jordan) were all made by their mothers, to their great credit.
Those in the photo include Jane Dymond, Caroline Morris, Anita Lloyd, Janeen Littlejohns, Julia Curtis, Angela Bowyer, Margareta Fishleigh and Rosalind Beer with Anthony Eagle as ‘Santa Claus’.
An up-and-coming young cornet player, 13 year
…1 July 1960
The Princess Royal will soon be wearing gloves made by the Torrington firm of William Vaughan and Son Ltd, to a design of the Managing Director, Mr M Vincent.
The gloves, three-quarter length nylon for day wear, have been selected by the Princess Royal herself, from samples sent to a London firm.
Gazette article dated 1 July 1960
3 February 1950
To celebrate the occasion of the Golden Jubilee in the business of the chairman, Mr H W Fulford, about 100 senior members of the staffs of the associated companies of Fulford Trumps and Co. Ltd, assembled for a dinner at the Royal Hotel, Bideford, on Saturday.
Presentations were made on behalf of the staff by Mr G E Pascoe and on behalf of the directors by Mr A J Luxton.
Mr H W Fulford, after receiving from the staff an inscribed silver cigarette case and from the directors an inscribed silver ink
4 August 1967
Bideford’s newest rendezvous, the Gannet Steak House and Bars, at 70 High Street, were officially opened on Monday by Mr F E Flood, joint managing director of Ushers Brewery Ltd, who invited the Mayor of Bideford, Mr Harold Blackmore, to carry out the traditional ‘drawing the first pint’.
The Mayor discharged the duty with smooth precision, and is seen between Mr and Mrs Frank Bemmer, who have come as managers of the new Steak House from the Mitre Steak House, Reading.
They had called their Bideford enterprise the Gannet, bearing in mind years
13 January 1956
Manufacture of a paint that is claimed to be the answer to the home decorator’s prayer – the tin can be knocked over and the paint will not spill, nor will it run down the handle of the brush when a ceiling is being painted – has been begun by a Bideford firm, Devon Paint Ltd., at its factory at the Pill, Bideford.
The firm will be building up a production of a thousand gallons a week at the first stage and nine men are employed at the factory at present.
Orders worth some £15,000 have already
the last 12 being at Messrs Yeo’s of Manchester House, Chingswell Street, Bideford, which they took over from the late Mr Robert Yeo, Mr and Mrs A H Skinner have retired.
At a dinner at the Royal Hotel, Bideford, Mr and Mrs Skinner were presented with a ‘Teasmade’ by Mr and Mrs Stuart Skinner, a fruit bowl by Mr E W Skinner and Mrs Skinner, and a table from staff.
Mr and Mrs Stuart Skinner have taken over the business, Mr Skinner jnr. having entered the drapery trade from school
…10 July 1964
Manufacturers of Dri-Troo Baby Pants and Children’s Wear will be moving to their NEW FACTORY at Clovelly Road, Bideford in DECEMBER
We shall have Vacancies for suitable School Leavers, Young Girls, Part-Time & Full-Time Women & invite those interested to apply NOW at our Torridge Hill Factory for further details
Gazette advert dated 10 July 1964
New Factory May Have Day Nursery
First purpose built factory to be erected in Bideford by a firm already established here will be in production in the New Year.
It is to be built on an acre site off the
12 July 1968
4-course luncheon for Sunday, July 14th
Cream of Tomato Soup or Pate Maison
Roast Devon Chicken, bread sauce, chipolata sausages, sage and onion stuffing, croquette potatoes, new potatoes, brussels sprouts, peas, carrots glace
Fresh strawberries and cream or cheese and biscuits
Coffee
12/6 per person
Private & Club parties, weddings, etc. catered for at reasonable prices
For bookings phone Bideford 3263
Advert dated 12 July 1968
It's now The Pier House
…
12 August 1960
Three people from Bideford district will soon be enjoying a trip to Rome during the Olympics – all expenses paid – as a result of a competition organised by Hoover Ltd. They will fly out and back and spend three days in Rome.
Mr N C Taylor, 39 Newton Road, Bideford, Hoover area manager for North Devon and North East Cornwall, whose area was the most successful in Hoover sales generally over a specified period, has won the trip to Rome for his wife and himself. With them goes Mr M Hudson of ‘Winscombe’, Westward Ho! who
13 April 1973
Congratulations to Northam butcher Mr Richard Bradford, who has just been made president-elect of the South Western Area of the Meat Traders’ Council. Extending from Evesham to Lands End, it is a formidably large area to cover and Mr Bradford will next year find himself travelling many hundreds of miles in his official capacity.
Now 46, he followed his father, the late Mr Charles Bradford, in the family business at Northam and also has a shop at Westward Ho! He has already been president of the North Devon Master Butchers’ Association. The last time North Devon provided
23 June 1950
Determination and perseverance on the part of Messrs Snow, Deakin and Co of Bideford, through the experimental stages of the manufacture of a high-precision engineering instrument has led to the firm, whose factory is at East-the-water, landing a contract to the value of over 100,000 dollars.
The instrument which is making such a valuable contribution to the country’s dollar drive, is the Ernst portable direct reading, Hardness tester. A Swiss patent, the tester is now being produced from British materials by Messrs Snow, Deakin and Co who hold the sole manufacturing and selling
28 August 1964
Wedding Receptions
Cocktail Parties
Private Celebrations
21st Birthdays
Masonic Functions
and catering for all those special occasions
The Ballroom - Lounge - bar and Dining Room are newly decorated and furnished
Resident Band
Full details on request
Atlanta Hotel, Westward Ho!
or Telephone Northam 288
Advert dated 28 August 1964
8 June 1956
It is understood that a leading London newspaper company with interests in commercial television are interested in the purchase of the old-world thatched public house, the Ring O’ Bells, Winkleigh, as a competition prize.
The present owner, Mr Bill Penney, told the Bideford Gazette he could not confirm or deny the rumours at the moment, although he mentioned that newspaper and television men had been there.
In recent weeks, a Derby race-horse, ‘Affiliation Order’ was given away as a prize in a newspaper sponsored competition.
The Ring o’ Bells, described by a resident as a