CommemorativeA Selection of Commemorative News Articles

  • 1 World War 2

    26 September 1939

  • 2 World War 2

    5 September 1939

  • 3 Torridgeside fundraising

    1977

  • 4 Torridgeside celebrations

    1977

  • 5 Long Live the Queen

    February 1952

  • 6 1958 & 1972

    Collections

  • 7 15 February 1971

    D Day

  • 8 12 January 1943

  • 9 21 December 1943

  • 10 Local news

    21 December 1943

  • 11 The Symons Family

    21 December 1943

  • 12 Lots of fundraising

    21 December 1943

  • 13 Capt Strick

    21 December 1943

  • 14 The Marshall Family

    14 December 1943

  • 15 A Morrison or Anderson?

    14 December 1943

  • 16 Radio van in attendance

    August 1945

  • 17 No big processions

    August 1945

  • 18 Much service

    August 1945

  • 19 Fireworks

    August 1945

  • 20 Service of thanksgiving

    August 1945

  • 21 Peaceful sleep broken

    August 1945

  • 22 A grave omission

    August 1945

  • 23 Decorations, thanksgiving and dancing

    August 1945

  • 24 Home Guard Band in attendance

    August 1945

  • 25 A lot of tea!

    August 1945

  • 26 Fireworks

    August 1945

  • 27 Boat trips

    August 1945

  • 28

    May 1945

  • 29 Celebrations in Torrington

    May 1945

  • 30 Bideford celebrates

    15 May 1945

  • 31 Effigy of Hitler

    15 May 1945

  • 32 1911 Coronation Medals in Bideford

    I went to see Mr David Wright about the Westward Ho! Railway exhibition and during our conversation he produced this medal.

  • 33 Coronation Letter From the Mayor

    To the Editor of the "Bideford Weekly Gazette"
    Dear Sir, I am sending you herewith for publication

  • 34 Coronation - Abbotsham - 1937

    Coronation Day will commence early at Abbotsham where a service will be held in the Church at 8am.

  • 35 Coronation - Alwington - 1937

    Arrangements have been made at Alwington for all to listen-in to the broadcast of the Coronation Ceremony

  • 36 Coronation - Appledore - 1937

    At Appledore, Coronation Day will be gala day indeed for the children, who are especially being catered for.

  • 37 Coronation - Bucks Cross - 1937

    Parishioners of Bucks Cross are going to celebrate the Coronation in true spirit. The Committee responsible

  • 38 Coronation - Clovelly - 1937

    Parishioners of Clovelly are sending a telegram of loyalty and good wishes to the King to-morrow as part of their Coronation

  • 39 Coronation - Northam - 1937

    The pealing of the Church Bells, at an early hour, will let residents of Northam know that the great day has arrived

  • 40 Coronation - Parkham - 1937

    Public subscriptions amounting to £40 have been raised at Parkham and a varied programme of events will be enjoyed.

  • 41 Coronation - Putford - 1937

    Putford Church bells will be rung at intervals throughout Coronation day, when all the parishioners will participate with true

  • 42 Coronation - Westward Ho! - 1937

    To-morrow, when Westward Ho! joins in the Empire wide celebrations of the Coronation, local history will, in a certain sense

  • 43 World War 1

    2 April 1918

  • 44 World War 1

    16 April 1918

  • 45 World War 1

    23 April 1918

  • 46 World War 1

    13 April 1918

  • 47 World War 1

    27 April 1918

  • 48 World War 1

    20 April 1918

  • 49 1937 Coronation - Lundy

    29 May 1953

  • 50 1937 Coronation - Littleham

    29 May 1953

  • 51 1937 Coronation - Parkham

    29 May 1953

  • 52 1937 Coronation - Putford

    29 May 1953

  • 53 1937 Coronation

    29 May 1953

  • 54 1937 Coronation - Westward Ho!

    29 May 1953

  • 55 1937 Coronation - East-the-Water

    29 May 1953

  • 56 1937 Coronation - Woolsery

    Fifteen sports events for children and fourteen events for adults at 2.45pm and 6pm respectively are among the principal

  • 57 Hospital Decorated for Coronation 1937

    At Bideford Hospital gay decorations in the wards commemorated Coronation Day and the patients were each given

  • 58

    5 June 1953

  • 59

    5 June 1953

  • 60

    5 June 1953

  • 61

    5 June 1953

  • 62

    5 June 1953

  • 63

    5 June 1953

  • 64

    5 June 1953

  • 65

    5 June 1953

  • 66

    5 June 1953

  • 67

    5 June 1953

  • 68

    5 June 1953

  • 69

    5 June 1953

  • 70

    5 June 1953

  • 71

    5 June 1953

  • 72

    5 June 1953

  • 73

    5 June 1953

  • 74

    12 June 1953

  • 75

    12 June 1953

  • 76

    12 June 1953

  • 77

    12 June 1953

  • 78

    12 June 1953

  • 79

    12 June 1953

  • 80

    12 June 1953

  • 81

    12 June 1953

  • 82

    25 June 1918

  • 83

    20 July 1918

  • 84

    19 June 1953

  • 85

    20 August 1918

  • 86

    20 August 1918

  • 87

    20 August 1918

  • 88

    4 August 1918

  • 89

    20 August 1918

  • 90

    25 August 1918

  • 91

    7 September 1918

  • 92

    12 June 1953

  • 93

    12 June 1953

  • 94

    10 September 1918

  • 95

    10 September 1918

  • 96

    17 September 1918

  • 97

    17 September 1918

  • 98

    17 September 1918

  • 99

    17 September 1918

  • 100

    29 October 1918

  • 101

    8 October 1918

  • 102

    1 October 1918

  • 103

    22 October 1918

  • 104

    26 October 1918

  • 105

    24 September 1918

  • 106

    19 November 1918

  • 107

    12 November 1918

  • 108

    3 December 1918

  • 109

    10 December 1918

  • 110

    17 December 1918

  • 111

    17 December 1918

  • 112

    17 December 1918

  • 113

    21 December 1918

  • 114

    24 December 1918

  • 115

    31 December 1918

  • 116 Insurance against Zeppelins

    6 January 1917

  • 117

    29 December 1918

  • 118 Share a birthday

    4 March 1960

  • 119

    10 December 1918

  • 120

    20 June 1944

  • 121

    16 November 1918

  • 122

    12 November 1918

  • 123 Memorable day

    5 June 1945

  • 124 Reporting for duty

    5 June 1945

  • 125 Great kindness

    12 June 1945

  • 126 £20 to POWs

    12 June 1945

  • 127 Appledore knows how to celebrate

    15 May 1945

  • 128 Nearly 2,000

    15 May 1945

  • 129 Mr Morrison

    15 May 1945

  • 130 Bells are rung for 2 hours

    15 May 1945

  • 131 An injury to Mr Walters

    15 May 1945

  • 132 Large congregation

    15 May 1945

  • 133

    15 May 1945

  • 134 And street teas for the children

    15 May 1945

  • 135 Glove workers present Union Jack

    15 May 1945

  • 136

    15 May 1945

  • 137 Old and young

    19 June 1945

  • 138 Unveiled and dedicated

    19 June 1945

  • 139 Tea parties

    22 May 1945

  • 140 Mr Screech

    22 May 1945

  • 141 Jubilant atmosphere

    22 May 1945

  • 142 Old Boys

    29 May 1945

  • 143

    22 May 1945

  • World War 2

    26 September 1939

    War-Time Souvenir of a Most Successful Season

    26.9.1939 BARC 2

    Taken in front of the new Club premises on September 9 th , which should have been Bideford Regatta Day

    To wind up a great season in which they have not only opened new Headquarters, but also won the Senior and Junior Rowing Championships of the West of England, the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club had the above group photograph taken.

    Of the 143 members, just over seventy were able to be present; the fact that it was not a half day for many, naturally prevented a fuller attendance.  The names of the members are:

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  • World War 2

    5 September 1939

    Air Raid Precautions

    5.9.1939 ARP

    Mr B G Lampart-Vachell (Mayor of Torrington), chairman, Devon County A.R.P. Committee; Mr H V Cope, A.R.P. Controller for North Devon; Mr T Burton, Honorary A.R.P. Organiser for Bideford Borough; Mr F R Gray, Borough Surveyor in charge of rescue and repair squads; Mrs H W Fulford, Chairman, Bideford Women's Emergency Service Committee; Mr C Morris, Chief Officer, Bideford, Northam and District Joint Fire Brigade

    Gazette article dated 5 September 1939

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  • Torridgeside fundraising

    1977

    Mayor's Call to Ex-Servicemen

    The success of Bideford ’s money-raising effort for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Appeal Fund is threatened.

    The town has been asked to raise around £3,000 of Torridgeside’s £13,000 towards the County’s allocation of £250,000 by means of an appeal to industry, a house-to-house collection and a flag day. The flag day and collection are being organised throughout the country by the Royal British Legion, but in Bideford the branch is defunct although a few stalwarts periodically hold a committee meeting. Because of this, Bideford’s Town Mayor, Mr Clifford Coates, has called a meeting of local ex-Servicemen and women

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  • Torridgeside celebrations

    1977

    The Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II

    marked the 25th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the thrones of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. The anniversary date of 6 February 1977 was commemorated in church services, and large scale parties and parades took place throughout 1977, culminating in June with the official "Jubilee Days", held to coincide with the Queen's Official Birthday. How did North Devon celebrate?

    Jubilee 1977 Queen Elizabeth

    Loyal message

    On behalf of the residents of Torridgeside a message of congratulation was sent to the Queen by the chairman of Torridge District Council, Mr Michael Sumner. It said:

    “Most Gracious

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  • Long Live the Queen

    February 1952

    New Queen flies home: Today’s Proclamation

    The news was not broken to the wider world until 11:15 am when a BBC newsreader read the words "It is with the greatest sorrow that we make the following announcement..." on the radio. The news was repeated every fifteen minutes for seven occasions, before the broadcast went silent for five hours. As a mark of respect the Great Tom bell was tolled every minute for two hours, as well as the bells at Westminster Abbey. The Sebastopol bell, a Crimean War trophy at Windsor Castle that is rung only upon a royal death, was tolled 56

    Read More
  • 1958 & 1972

    Collections

    Poppy Day Collections 

    Northam and Westward Ho! branch of the British Legion collected over £77 in a Poppy Day collection (1958).

    28.11.1958 Poppy Day

    Details: Miss Capper, £1 3s.4d. ; Miss Evans, £1, 15s.7d. ; Miss Feist, £3 2s.9d. ; Mrs. B. Hookway, £5 19s.7d. ; Mrs. Hulme, £2 16s.4d. ; Mrs Humphreys, £2 4s.2d. ; Mrs James, £2 17s.3d. ; Mrs. Jeffery, £5 8s.5d. ; Mrs. Jenkins, £2 11s. ; Mrs. Jubb, £2,10s.10d. ; Mr. H. T. Kendall, £1 4s.2d. ; Mrs. Lumbly, £2 16s. 10d. ; Mrs. Otway, £6 16s. 3d. ; Miss Paravicini, £3 2s.8d. ; Mrs Pound, £1 7s.7d. ; Mrs. C. Prouse, £2.6s.1d. ; Mrs. Vaggers, £1 10s.9d. ; Mrs. Wilson, £2 12s.8d. ; Mrs. A.

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  • 15 February 1971

    D Day

    Do you remember Decimal Day?

    Pre-decimal currency was based on:

    • 12 pennies – 12d = 1 shilling
    • 20 shillings – 20s = £1
    • 240 pennies – 240d = £1

    Prices would be written in pounds, shillings and pennies, so an item costing 7 shillings and 2 pennies would be written as 7s 2d and marked up sale items as 7/2. The ‘s’ and ‘d’ represented Latin words ‘solidus’ and ‘denarius’. Half-crowns, farthings and half pennies were not in use in 1971, having already been ‘retired’ but there were threepence and sixpence coins.

    Threepence – this coin was 12-sided and often called a ‘thrupence’ or a ‘thrupny bit’

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  • 12 January 1943

    Issued by the National Savings Committee

    12.1.1943 savings

    Night raids....
    Daylight raids....
    instruder raids... into
    the dawn- across the
    bars of sunset,
    through rain and storm.
    BUT...whatever the
    weather-
    cloudy or clear
    there is always...
    always a glory
    on their wings-
    for they go to avenge
    the innocent,
    to break the tyrant,
    to release a continent
    from slaver...
    to save mankind.
    No enterprise more
    glorious in the
    story of the world.
    Once they were few,
    now they are many-
    they must be more-
    more-and still more,
    until only they darken
    the new dawn...
    and their tenuous
    shadows are the
    only darkness
    on

    Read More
  • 21 December 1943

    Issued by the National Savings Committee

    21.12.1943 savings

    Thank you Savers
    Thank you for fighting the squander bug
    Thank you for Wings for Victory
    Thank you for Raising the Standard
    Thank you for HELPING TO MAKE THIS A SAVINGS CHRISTMAS
    To you War Savings workers who have done so much to inspire others to do so much - the Nation gives its Thanks. Your work has been grand. Keep it up; as the New Year dawns, we can all look forward to our final reward - Victory.

    In the 21 December 1943 Gazette

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  • Local news

    21 December 1943

    Local News

    29.12.1943 Torridge Chat

    Torrington Tank

    Sergt G H Hanks, of a Tank Battalion, has written as follows to the Mayor of Torrington (Mr B G Lampard-Vachell); ‘Last week I was given a new tank. I see by the inscription on its plate that it is due to the generosity of the people of Torrington that I have the honour to command this grand tank. I would like those concerned, especially of Dolton and Dowland, Sudbury’s Gloves, and Torridge Vale Savings Groups, to know that their great efforts have given us a fine weapon to help in the defeat of the enemy.

    Read More
  • The Symons Family

    21 December 1943

    Bideford and Torrington Interest

    29.12.1943 Torrington family

    Two brothers, members of a family with seven sons in the Forces or other branches of National Service, have recently been able to meet in North Africa. They are Driver John Francis Symons, of 16 Geneva Place, Bideford, and Driver Percival Symons, of 115 New Street, Torrington, sons of Mr and Mrs J Symons, of 30 Torrington Lane, East-the-Water, Bideford. Both are married and have a son.

    Driver J F Symons, who is in Divisional Signals, was employed by Bideford and District Co-operative Society before joining the Forces some three years ago. He was a member

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  • Lots of fundraising

    21 December 1943

    Local Villages

    Woolsery

    The Methodist cause at Woolsery has lost a devoted supporter in the person of Mr James H Wonnacott, of Slade Cottage, Clovelly, whose unexpected death caused deep regret in the district. Mr Wonnacott, aged 62, had lived in the neighbourhood all his life. He served in the Great War of 1914-1918. Before going to live at Slade Cottage, where they have been for over twenty years, Mr and Mrs Wonnacott and their family resided at Woolsery. At the funeral, at Clovelly, where relatives of the deceased are also buried, many local families were represented, and among the

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  • Capt Strick

    21 December 1943

    Abbotsham Officer’s Patrol

    21.12.1943 Strick

    In the brilliant sunshine, but with the threatening rain clouds scudding over the mountain tops, an officer and three men set off on patrol. Their commission was to find out if the Boche still occupied a village beyond the next range of hills.

    Surmounting the first line of hill tops their hearts missed a beat for between them and the next summit, was nothing but sheer hard rock, not even a few clefts for protection. Occasionally there grew a clump of scrub growth. There was only one thing to do – crawl. Down on their side they went,

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  • The Marshall Family

    14 December 1943

    Family’s Proud War Service Record

    14.12.1943 Marshall

    When a Bideford Gazette representative visited Mr and Mrs C R Marshall of Wyltowyn, Landcross, last week, he was the first to bring them the good news that their second son, Sergeant Reginald Leslie Marshall (since commissioned at Pilot Officer), had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty.

    He was among a group of seven Devon airmen whose awards were announced at the same time. All of them had taken part in many successful operations and displayed high skill and fortitude.

    Among friends especially interested in the award is the

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  • A Morrison or Anderson?

    14 December 1943

    Morrison and Anderson Shelters Available

    14.12.1943 air raid shelters

    Sir – I again feel it is my duty to draw the attention of householders to the facilities which have been provided at very considerable expense but which, for various reasons, do not appear to be widely known. I refer to the availability of Morrison (and Anderson) Shelters.

    Approximately 150 householders have seen the wisdom of acquiring and installing a shelter in their homes and this comparatively small number is a cause of some concern in official circles.

    The lives of many children and adults have been saved by the possession of such shelters.

    I am

    Read More
  • Radio van in attendance

    August 1945

    ‘The war’s over!’

    Appledore

    Those words, shouted in Irsha Street, Appledore, a couple of minutes after the Prime Minister had announced the good news on Tuesday, were typical of the jubilation – and relief – that was felt in Appledore and indeed all over the country. Those who heard the announcement soon woke those who had not – windows were pushed up and the news shouted to each other, etc. – and in an abnormally short time Appledore was ‘alive’.

    The St Mary’s Church bells were probably the first in the district to ring – only several minutes after the Prime Minister’s news – and their victory

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  • No big processions

    August 1945

    On the whole it was fairly quiet at Westward Ho!

    At Westward Ho

    When the news was heard on Tuesday, small groups went around the town singing, accompanied by a piano-accordian, and several fireworks were set off, but there were no big processions.

    Bonfires and dancing were prevalent on Wednesday evening, and an Army dance at the Kingsley Gym was well attended. On Thursday there was dance at the Top Camp and bonfires, fireworks, etc. were ‘also in attendance’ elsewhere.

    Gazette article dated 21 August 1945

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  • Much service

    August 1945

    VJ Celebrations – Mayor of Bideford’s Thanks

    Sir

    Will you kindly allow me through the columns of the ‘Gazette’ (which is regarded so affectionately by Bidefordians at home and abroad) to express my grateful thanks and appreciation to all who by personal service, and otherwise, contributed to make the above celebrations so markedly successful.

    The people of Bideford have given much service to the national cause during the anxious war years and they were entitled to enjoy themselves and by every indication they did so very thoroughly. It would be invidious to mention anyone in particular and I hope that all

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  • Fireworks

    August 1945

    For The Allies With Joy and Thankfulness Torridge-side Celebrates Two More Memorable Days

    In a dramatic midnight broadcast on Tuesday, the Prime Minister (Mr Clement Atlee) announced ‘Japan has today surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low’. He then detailed the text of the Japanese reply to the Allied demands.

    Thus was a total of six years’ war by this country and her Allies against the forces of aggression brought to a victorious conclusion.

    Throughout the weekend international events had been moving to this climax. There had been many rumours but it seems that this country was among

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  • Service of thanksgiving

    August 1945

    On Wednesday Hartland was well beflagged

    and the countrymen came into the town and enjoyed a day off.

    There was a service of thanksgiving in the Square conducted by Preb I L Gregory (Vicar), who also gave an address. A dance at the Church Hall for the Welcome Home Fund was crowded out. Messrs Barter, L Littlejohns and Horace Prust were in charge. The Hartland Band provided music.

    Gazette article dated 21 August 1945

    Hartland

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  • Peaceful sleep broken

    August 1945

    The peaceful sleep being enjoyed by the inhabitants of Instow in the first hour of the day that heralded August 15th was broken,

    and oh! how sweetly, by the sound of Appledore church bells ringing out over the waters of the Torridge. They they knew, like the millions of other waking inhabitants of this country, that peace had come at last, not merely the cessation of hostilities in Europe but the end of the greatest of all wars, the subjugation of aggressors near and far. Peace at last!

    Short as was the notice, arrangements were quickly in hand to celebrate

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  • A grave omission

    August 1945

    Sir

    In the careful and well carried out organisation for rejoicing over the Japanese surrender, which took place on the Broad Quay for so many hours on VJ Day (as well as on the following evening), I felt there was one grave omission.

    Since it was possible and timely to break into the programme to let the assembled crowd hear the King’s speech, surely it would have been fitting to broadcast the short but very beautiful service which preceded it.

    There would have been nothing incongruous in that being included in the rejoicing; I feel strongly that on such a

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  • Decorations, thanksgiving and dancing

    August 1945

    Despite the expectation of Japan’s early acceptance of surrender, the streets of Northam were dark and empty just before midnight on Tuesday.

    Northams Rejoicing

    But, within a very short time of the official announcement a complete change took place. Lights appeared in the windows and voices could be heard calling, ‘It’s all over, Japan has given in’. Then followed the music of an impromptu band and choir parading the streets.

    Early on Wednesday morning villagers were busy with decorations. Services of thanksgiving and prayer were held in Parish Churches. In the evening the streets were crowded people wending their way to the

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  • Home Guard Band in attendance

    August 1945

    Bonfires – Dancing – Fancy Dress – Teas

    Torrington

    Torrington certainly had its fair share of VJ Day joy! Bonfires – dancing – fireworks – fun – all had a place in the festivities. Just after the announcement of the surrender of Japan, a large number of people paraded through the streets singing, etc. amid the bangs of fireworks.

    On Wednesday afternoon, the Mayor of Torrington (Ald L S Hutchings), speaking in the Square, said that as Mayor of that ancient borough it was his proud duty to announce that the long-awaited day had at last arrived. ‘The greatest war in the world’s history is over’ he declared,

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  • A lot of tea!

    August 1945

    Some of Torrington’s joyful scenes marking VJ are seen in the pictures.

    Torrington pictures

    The top picture was taken in the Square on VJ day and shows the dancing after the official proclamation had been made. Young and old joined with zest.

    Although the tea given to the schoolchildren on the following day had to be transferred to the Drill hall because of rain, instead of being held in the Square, this was certainly not allowed to mar the happiness or success of the occasion. There was a wonderful response to the donation for the tea.

    A similar success was the tea,

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  • Fireworks

    August 1945

    Perhaps there was some tasty speciality on sale?

    No; guess again. Remember the fireworks during the VJ holiday? They provided quite a lot of fund, although some of the more boisterous spirits used them thoughtlessly. Well this photograph shows a queue outside a Bideford shop selling fireworks on a VJ morning.

    Queue

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  • Boat trips

    August 1945

    No need to tell it to the Marines,

    they know how much the children enjoyed the trips on the river in the light naval craft on the second of the VJ holidays.

    The top photograph (by I C Williams, Bideford) shows a happy boatload of youngsters about to leave Bideford Quay for a trip. ‘The spirit of Victory’ was the title given to the galaxy of fancy dress, music and merriment photographed at Torrington’s VJ Carnival procession by Pringle and Woodward, Torrington.

    Picture 1

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  • May 1945

    Life continues...

    Bideford Toc H – In the Toc H Room, Honestone Street, on VE-Day a short address of thanksgiving was conducted at 9pm by Padre F Hobbs. On Ascension Day there was a large attendance by members at 9pm when Padre Hobbs gave a short address, which was followed by the Ceremony of Light. Ascension Day is a day of obligation for all members of Toc H, and it is a day of corporate communion. Many members attended communion in St Mary’s and St Peter’s Churches.

    Holsworthy UDC – The annual meeting of Holsworthy Urban Council was held recently, when Mr

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  • Celebrations in Torrington

    May 1945

    With the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs L S Hutchings) leading the fancy dress dancing in the Square, how could one resist such infectious gaiety?

    Torrington fancy dress

    Torrington Square has seen many happy scenes but none happier and more sincerely thankful than those marking VE.

    Read More
  • Bideford celebrates

    15 May 1945

    Torridge-Side’s Joy And Thankfulness

    Two Memorable Days

    15.5.1945 Bideford

    Tuesday, 8 May, will go down in history as VE Day marking the victory of the Allied cause against Germany and her policy of aggression.

    An eagerly waiting world received intimation of this longed for news on the previous night.

    At 3pm on Tuesday our great Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, broadcast an official message concerning Germany’s acceptance of unconditional surrender.

    Monday had been a very expectant day and there were a number of rumours that ‘it has happened’ but the position was finally clarified in a broadcast in the evening.

    Following the week

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  • Effigy of Hitler

    15 May 1945

    Successful celebrations at Westward Ho!

    15.5.1945 WHo

    An effigy of Hitler, dressed in a swallow-tail coat, given by a well known resident, taken around with children ringing handbells and telling all that the burning of same would take place later that evening; dancing taking place around this bonfire until 12 midnight, a collection for the Westward Ho! Welcome Home Fund realising £16; community singing and some amusement in fancy dress concluded on Thursday one of the series of very successful celebrations at Westward Ho!

    Previously, on VE evening at the Kingsley Gym, a crowded Victory concert was presented by the ‘Geneva Revels’

    Read More
  • 1911 Coronation Medals in Bideford

    I went to see Mr David Wright about the Westward Ho! Railway exhibition and during our conversation he produced this medal.

    1911 Coronation Medals in Bideford

     

    I went to see Mr David Wright about the Westward Ho! Railway exhibition and during our conversation he produced this medal. He said he was interested in how and why it had been minted.

    Some research by Mr Paul Morrish, one of our volunteers unearthed the following which explains how and where these medals were given. I am attaching the transcript from the Gazette dated 27th June 1911.

    Bideford Mayor’s Medals

    DISTRIBUTION TO THE SCHOOLCHILDREN

    The Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr J. U. Fulford accompanied by Rev.T NEWTON LEEKE, M.A., Alderman T Goaman

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  • Coronation Letter From the Mayor

    To the Editor of the "Bideford Weekly Gazette"
    Dear Sir, I am sending you herewith for publication

    Coronation Letter From the Mayor - 1911

     

    To the Editor of the "Bideford Weekly Gazette"
    Dear Sir,
    I am sending you herewith for publication a Balance Sheet giving the amounts received by me, the payments made through the Committee, and showing a credit balance of £5.
    It is my intention very shortly to call a public meeting with a view of suggesting the desirability of providing iron gates and railings for the Victoria Park as a permanent memorial, and if this idea is adopted the above balance could be applied to a special fund to be raised for this purpose.

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  • Coronation - Abbotsham - 1937

    Coronation Day will commence early at Abbotsham where a service will be held in the Church at 8am.

    Coronation - Abbotsham - 11th May 1937

     

    Abbotsham

    Coronation Day will commence early at Abbotsham where a service will be heldt in the Church at 8am. School children will be presented with mugs in the morning, and at 2pm sports for adults and children will be held. At 4pm a football match will be played. A free tea is to be provided for all parishioners at 5pm, and half-an-hour later a skittles competition will take place. A social in the Parish Hall commences at 7pm and at 10pm the huge bonfire will be lite and a display of fireworks given. Funds were

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  • Coronation - Alwington - 1937

    Arrangements have been made at Alwington for all to listen-in to the broadcast of the Coronation Ceremony

    Coronation - Alwington - 11th May 1937

     

    Alwington

    Arrangements have been made at Alwington for all to listen-in to the broadcast of the Coronation Ceremony in the Day School. Over £20 were raised by subscriptions and the committee, of which the Rector (Rev. R W Groom) is chairman, Mr J Wickett, hon. secretary, and Mr Stanley Beale, hon. treasurer, have been able to draw up a fine programme of events, which will make Coronation Day, 1937, a memorable one for parishioners of Alwington. At 2.15pm there will be a service in the Church, followed at 3pm by children's sports in a

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  • Coronation - Appledore - 1937

    At Appledore, Coronation Day will be gala day indeed for the children, who are especially being catered for.

    Coronation - Appledore - 11th May 1937

     

    Appledore - Gala Day for the Children

    At Appledore, Coronation Day will be gala day indeed for the children, who are especially being catered for. The Committee responsible have seen to it that there shall be a full day's programme, in which the children are prominently featured. Proceedings commence early at 7.45am, with peals on the Church bells; and at 8.30am maroons will be fired. At 9am the children will march in procession
    from the Marine Parade to a united children's service in the Congregational Church.
    At 9.45am, Officials, Councillors, British Legion, Lifeboatmen, Guides and Brigade

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  • Coronation - Bucks Cross - 1937

    Parishioners of Bucks Cross are going to celebrate the Coronation in true spirit. The Committee responsible

    Coronation - Bucks Cross - 11th May 1937

     

    Bucks Cross

    Parishioners of Bucks Cross are going to celebrate the Coronation in true spirit. The Committee responsible for the arrangements, of which Rev. G S Whitaker (Vicar) is Chairman and Hon. Secretary, and Mrs Cary Elwes, Hon. Treasurer, were greatly encouraged by such a generous response as £25 by public subscription, and have drawn up a splendid programme of events. The proceedings commence with a religious service at 2pm followed by sports for children, free teas for children and adults, sports for adults, after which mugs will be presented to all children

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  • Coronation - Clovelly - 1937

    Parishioners of Clovelly are sending a telegram of loyalty and good wishes to the King to-morrow as part of their Coronation

    Coronation - Clovelly - May 1937

     

    Clovelly

    Parishioners of Clovelly are sending a telegram of loyalty and good wishes to the King to-morrow as part of their Coronation celebrations and it will be sent on their behalf by Mr J C Hilton, chairman of the Parish Council. Between £35 and £40 has been raised by public subscriptions towards the celebrations. The Rector (Rev. P J Somers Cocks) is chairman of the committee and the hon. secretary is Mr John Clements with Mr T E Finch as hon. treasurer. At 2pm there will be a service in the Parish Church. Children's sports

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  • Coronation - Northam - 1937

    The pealing of the Church Bells, at an early hour, will let residents of Northam know that the great day has arrived

    Coronation - Northam - 11th May 1937

     

    Northam - Pageant of Empire

    The pealing of the Church Bells, at an early hour, will let residents of Northam know that the great day has arrived. From then until late at night a splendid programme of events has been drawn up by the Coronation Celebrations Committee, with Mr C E Palmer as Chairman, Captain F C Barton M.C. Hon. Secretary, and Mr B G Billingham, Hon
    Treasurer. Councillors, officials, British Legion and other bodies will march in procession to the Church at 9.45am for a united service at the close of which the Coronation Ceremony will

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  • Coronation - Parkham - 1937

    Public subscriptions amounting to £40 have been raised at Parkham and a varied programme of events will be enjoyed.

    Coronation - Parkham - 11th May 1937

     

    Parkham

    Public subscriptions amounting to £40 have been raised at Parkham and a varied programme of events will be enjoyed. Chairman of the Committee is Mr G A Jacob and Messrs H D Dack and G E Honey are the hon. secretary and hon. treasurer respectively.
    The programme commences at 3pm with a short service in the Parish Church. At 3.45pm there will be a meat tea for the children in the Rectory room and there will be a similar tea for all other parishioners at 4.30pm. After tea there will be sports for the children

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  • Coronation - Putford - 1937

    Putford Church bells will be rung at intervals throughout Coronation day, when all the parishioners will participate with true

    Coronation - Putford - 11th May 1937

     

    Putford

    Putford Church bells will be rung at intervals throughout Coronation day, when all the parishioners will participate with true Coronation spririt in the day's events. A united service in the Parish Church at 2pm will be followed by sports for children and adults which will last throughout the afternoon and early part of the evening, with a break for a free tea for all. At the tea, mugs are to be presented to all children under school leaving age.
    The King's speech will be broadcast at Churston Barn at 8pm and from then until 1am

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  • Coronation - Westward Ho! - 1937

    To-morrow, when Westward Ho! joins in the Empire wide celebrations of the Coronation, local history will, in a certain sense

    Coronation - Westward Ho! - 11th May 1937

    11.5.1937 Coronation Westward Ho Wilkey     11.5.1937 Coronation Westward Ho
     

    Westward Ho! - Making Local History

    To-morrow, when Westward Ho! joins in the Empire wide celebrations of the Coronation, local history will, in a certain sense, be made. It will be the first time that the popular little seaside resort has conducted such celebrations entirely on its own. Usually it has been joined with Northam. The general committee responsible for the arrangements, under the chairmanship of Mr F Wilkey, with Rev. Cecil Eman as Hon. Secretary and Lieut P C Humbby as Hon. Treasurer, have drawn up a splendid programme of events, so that Westward

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  • World War 1

    2 April 1918

    The day school has been visited by Mr W Butler, HMI, who expressed his pleasure at the good work being done.

    2.4.1918 Langtree

    A plot of ground has been provided, and the boys are busy gardening.

    A successful concert, in aid of the YMCA, took place. The artistes were wounded soldiers from Torrington, Sergt Hector, Ptes Bracewll and Arden, the Misses Webber and Lile, Mrs H Vincent (Torrington), Miss Tanton (Marland) and W E Crosse, the Revs Wyer Honey (Marland) and W E Crosse-Crosse (Petrockstowe), Messrs F J Weber and J H Sillifant (Torrington). There was a crowded audience and the total

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  • World War 1

    16 April 1918

    At the King’s Head Hotel yesterday afternoon Mr A W Cock FAI sold by auction No 4 Bay View Terrace, the purchaser being Mr G H Cork at £385. Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward were the solicitors for the vendor. 

    16.4.1918 Northam

    At a meeting of the Northam Urban District Food Control Committee on Wednesday there were present Messrs W T Charlewood (in the chair), S Fulford, P K Harris, J B Penhorwood, W B Quance, T Slade and Miss I Pickard. The business transacted included the consideration of a number of applications for sugar for jam making (some of which were

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  • World War 1

    23 April 1918

    Support the Bideford and District War Supply Depot today by buying a St George’s Flat or a St George’s match-box cover which will help you to take care of your matches.

    23.4.1918 Bideford War Supply Depot

    Your generous help is needed in order that the splendid work which the Depot is doing for our soldiers and sailors may continue. Remember how greatly our soldiers appreciate the comforts sent them from the Depot, and remember how great is the need of the articles that are being sent out every week to the military hospitals and casualty clearing stations. The women workers cannot make the garments unless

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  • World War 1

    13 April 1918

    Only formal business was transacted at Bideford Manor Court on Saturday. 

    13.4.1918 Manor Court

    The proceedings were of brief duration, but the Mayor (Mr A R Adams) who presided and thanked the members of the Council and jurors for their attendance, reminded them that the Court was no empty form and had been used for legal purposes, even with regard to the late railway on the Quay. Although at the present moment its duties were light, the time might come again when it would serve some good purpose.

    The Manor Court dinner would be held at the same time and place as last

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  • World War 1

    27 April 1918

    Miss Lucy E Andrew, a Devon County Boarding Scholarship winner from the day school, is doing herself and parent school credit at Barnstaple Grammar School.

    27.4.1918 Langtree

    In her Easter examination she came first in her form, and secured 79 per cent of the aggregate total of marks obtainable. She secured full marks for arithmetic and algebra. 

    A very pleasant whist drive in aid of club funds, was held in the Church Room on Thursday last. The Committee responsible for the arrangements were Messrs W Furst, B Box, W Ford, W Brownscombe and H Walters. The winners were Mr J Huxtable, Mr

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  • World War 1

    20 April 1918

    A handsome alms dish has been consecrated by the Vicar.

    20.4.1918 Frithelstock

    The inscription on the dish is 'given for the service of Almighty God and in loving memory of Lieut. Raymond Hogbin, aged 21, who died for his country, September 21 1917'.

    Gazette article dated 20 April 1918

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  • 1937 Coronation - Lundy

    29 May 1953

    While the islanders of Lundy will probably be busy catering for the enjoyment of others – one of the Bristol Channel white funnel steamers is scheduled to call at the island on Coronation day – every endeavour will be made to make the day one of enjoyment and festivity writes the Resident Agent, Mr F W Glade.

    29.5.1953 Lundy

    ‘Without doubt, we shall drink to the health, happiness and long life of our charming and wholly delightful young Queen and that of her equally charming Consort.’The Marisco Tavern will be decorated and the Union Jack will fly at masthead and also at the mast

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  • 1937 Coronation - Littleham

    29 May 1953

    Mrs Mansell, of Hallsannery, is providing souvenir mugs for Littleham’s schoolchildren and he will present these and those provided for the other children in the Parish by the Coronation committee, at the free tea in the Parish Hall. 

    29.5.1953 Littleham

    The Rector of Littleham, Rev A J Clark, will be conducting the united service in the Parish Church at 2.30pm. Children’s sports follow in the field adjoining the Parish Hall until 5pm. Sports for adults take place in the period between tea and the whist drive in the school and the social in the Parish Hall at 8pm.

    Donations and a house

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  • 1937 Coronation - Parkham

    29 May 1953

    A fancy dress parade in the school playground with good prizes and classes for all ages will be a highlight of celebrations at Parkham. 

    29.5.1953 Parkham

    Over £70 has been collected to meet the expenses of the day.

    A United service in the Parish Church at 2.30pm will be followed by sports. All parishioners are to be entitled to a free tea in the schoolroom. To conclude the day there will be a social in the school in the evening. Rev J Williams is chairman of the Parish Coronation Committee; Mr M Honey, secretary; and Mr G Jacob, treasurer. 

    The full Gazette article

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  • 1937 Coronation - Putford

    29 May 1953

    East and West Putford are combining to celebrate the Coronation and some £62 for this purpose was raised from a house to house collection and donations. 

    29.5.1953 Putford

    Mr J Walter, chairman of the organising committee, has lent a field for the afternoon children’s sports which follow the combined service in the Parish Church to be conducted by the Vicar, assisted by Mr Walling (Methodist). Putford’s Women’s Institute have taken over the arrangements for the parish tea in the Methodist Schoolroom and the children will be presented with their souvenir mugs as they leave. Sports for the grown-ups take place in the evening and

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  • 1937 Coronation

    29 May 1953

    He is Trooper J Bright, of the Household Cavalry (The Life Guards), grandson of the late Ald. J H Bright (a former Mayor of Bideford).

    29.5.1953 Trooper Bright

    Born in 1934, he left with his parents to live at Stockport in 1939 but has since spent several holidays at Bideford. He will be recalled in particular by members of the BARC. After the Coronation Trooper Bright will be going to Scotland for escort duties during the Queen's visit there. 

    The Gazette article is dated 19 May 1953

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  • 1937 Coronation - Westward Ho!

    29 May 1953

    Her Majesty’s ‘Invitation to Youth’ broadcast from Capetown in 1947 on the occasion of her 21st birthday, has been printed on a card together with a reproduction of a photograph of the Queen seated at the microphone before making that famous speech and copies will be distributed as a Coronation memento to all children at Westward Ho!

    29.5.1953 WHo

    The day’s celebrations commence with a united service at Holy Trinity Church at 9.15am. To conclude the day a gala evening, which will include olde-time and modern dancing, games and a fancy dress parade, commences in the Kingsley Hall at 8pm. 

    The old

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  • 1937 Coronation - East-the-Water

    29 May 1953

    There is no mistaking the happy greetings of these youngsters from East-the-Water School as they flourish their Coronation Souvenir beakers.

    29.5.1953 East the Water School

    The scene was repeated with equal zest at other schools and souvenir distributions. This was the beginning of an exciting week for the children that will be remembers long after school days have finished. 

    The Gazette article is dated 29 May 1953

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  • 1937 Coronation - Woolsery

    Fifteen sports events for children and fourteen events for adults at 2.45pm and 6pm respectively are among the principal

    Coronation - Woolsery - 11th May 1937

     

    Woolsery

    Fifteen sports events for children and fourteen events for adults at 2.45pm and 6pm respectively are among the principal features of the Woolsery Coronation Celebrations. At 2pm there will be a service in the Parish Church. The children's sports follow the presentation of Coronation mugs. At half past four there will be a free tea in the Parish Room followed by the adult's sports. The day will conclude with a free concert in the Institute, commencing at 8pm. The Vicar (Rev. E L Lewis) is chairman of the Celebrations Committee with Mr G E Mullard

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  • Hospital Decorated for Coronation 1937

    At Bideford Hospital gay decorations in the wards commemorated Coronation Day and the patients were each given

    Hospital Decorated for Coronation - May 1937

     

    At Bideford Hospital gay decorations in the wards commemorated Coronation Day and the patients were each given a copy of the souvenir programme of the National ceremony to which they listened-in. There was a special meal in celebration of the great day. Some of the patients able to go out watched the Bideford Pageant. On the Thursday the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford (Mr and Mrs T A Goaman) visited the hospital wards wearing their chains of office and distributed Coronation beakers to the children.

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  • 5 June 1953

    These happy youngsters at Abbotsham's tea party illustrate that everywhere in Coronation celebrations it was essentially a children's day.

    5.6.1953 Abbotsham
    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Foundation Stone Laid Of Parish Hall

    5.6.1953 Alverdiscott great day

    Alverdiscott will have two permanent memorials to the Coronation. Between the Parish Church and the Methodist Chapel and near the bus stop, an oak wayside seat, which she and her husband presented, was unveiled by Mrs A B Leitch and later, at Stoney Cross, Mr George Ford, chairman of the Parish Council and of the Coronation Committee, laid the foundation stone of the new Parish Hall.
    In addition to their souvenir mugs presented at the free tea, children of the parish were given souvenir tins of toffees.
    Sports went with a swing, young and

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  • 5 June 1953

    Laying the foundation stone of the new parish hall gave an additional local significance to the celebrations at Alverdiscott.

    5.6.1953 Alverdiscott

    It saw the first stage of the fulfillment of a long awaited and long worked for scheme. The photograph shows Mr George Ford, chairman of the Parish Hall Committee and of the Parish Council, and a most stalwart worker on behalf of the hall, laying the stone.

    The Gazette article is dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Appledore’s Proud Array

    5.6.1953 Appledore

    Appledore’s narrow streets lent themselves well to decoration and last weekend found groups of neighbours hard at work erecting archways and crowns, flags and other expressions of loyalty and affection. There was scarcely a house that did not have at least one Royal portrait exhibited in its windows and a feature of the decorations was the great care which individual houses had been decorated.
    Tomouth Terrace and Crescent won the prize of £2 for the best decorated street and this money went towards the street tea for the children who live there. At 6am on Coronation Day

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  • 5 June 1953

    Mt Everest to the 'Fishermen of England'

    5.6.1953 Appledore1

    Time and tide wait for no man, not even for a Queen, but whether it be at Mt Everest, where Britishers had climbed the world's highest mountain, or at Appledore, where the 'Fisherman of England' were not missing the fine catch of salmon from the Torridge Estuary, mugs of beverage were raised in loyal toasts.... Brandy at Mt Everest and Beer at the 'George' and 'Beaver' at Appledore!

    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Pupils of Bideford Secondary Modern School raise their Coronation beakers as if in toast to Her Majesty...

    5.6.1953 Bideford School

    a photograph taken after the distribution of these souvenirs to the Bideford schoolchildren by the Mayor, Mr C A Grant. Standing at the back is the headmaster, Mr J E Down.
    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    With appropriate ceremony the Union Jack is hoisted at Bideford Quayside, typical of the loyal displays made throughout our towns and villages.

    5.6.1953 Bideford

    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Women’s Football At Bideford

    5.6.1953 Bideford Womens football


    In a women’s Coronation soccer match at the King George V Memorial Ground on Coronation Eve, the Bideford West team, by scoring eight goals in the second half, made their total ten goals without reply against their East-the-Water rivals.
    Both teams had trained seriously and considerable interest had been aroused by this match. Hard as both teams tried, however, their efforts were generally accompanied by the laughter from the large crowd present.
    At regular intervals, a flock of about a dozen sheep galloped playfully across the pitch and the referee, Mr L M J Sharley, had

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  • 5 June 1953

    For mothers-to-be in Bideford, Torrington and the surrounding districts Coronation day was tinged with disappointment for, so far as can be ascertained from exhaustive Bideford and North Devon Gazette inquiries, not a single baby was born in this area on Coronation day.

    5.6.1953 Coronation babies


    Several babies were expected to be born at about Coronation day but twins born at Beaford to Mrs Bright, on the Monday, and a boy to Mrs Johns, of St Leonards, Hartland, on the Wednesday were among the nearest to the actual day.
    Quite a number of districts had offered silver spoons as souvenirs to Coronation babies and

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  • 5 June 1953

    Special provision was made at Northam and Orchard Hill for the old people of the two wards.

    5.6.1953 Northam1

    The television programme of the Coronation was relayed for them in the Congregational Hall from 10 o’clock in the morning until 4.30 in the afternoon with a break for lunch which was also taken in the Hall.
    Councillors of the two wards and members of the Coronation Committee assembled at the Council Chambers at 8.45 to witness the hoisting of the flag by Mr John Heywood. Then followed the parade to the united service at St Margaret’s Parish Church.
    Sports for all the

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  • 5 June 1953

    Bonfires and Fireworks Light up the Skies

    Rejoicing

    Services, television, decorations, sports, dancing
    The blazing Coronation night bonfires that could be seen lighting up the skies all around the district were symbols of the warm-hearted loyalty and affection of the large crowds which kept up the day’s celebrations until midnight.
    Bideford greeted Coronation day with the full ceremonial of colour hoisting. Following in the namesake of the first Elizabethan era, TS Revenge took pride of place in the ceremony and from her company of Sea Cadets came the colour parties which did duty at the official flagstaffs on the Quay and

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  • 5 June 1953

    In this Coronation photograph taken at Buckingham Palace,

    5.6.1953 souvenir picture of occasion

    are (left to right): Princess Alexandra of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent, The Duchess of Kent, Princess Margaret, Her Majesty The Queen, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother; (behind) – The Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent; The Princess Royal, The Duchess of Gloucester, Prince William and Prince Richard of Gloucester
    Gazette dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Many thousands in this district saw the Coronation service on television, either in their own homes or in community halls.

    5.6.1953 St Giles in the Wood

    This photograph shows a group of watchers at St Giles-in-the-Wood village hall.

    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Erecting some of the decorations with which Torrington greeted the great day.

    5.6.1953 Torrington

    This photogrpah was taken outside Messrs James Tapscott's glove factory.

    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    Symbolising the Coronation spirit of pulling together is this hearty scene from Westleigh's celebrations where in the tug-o-war competitions the village beat Trayhill, Southcott and farmers' teams.

    5.6.1953 Westleigh
    Gazette article dated 5 June 1953

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  • 5 June 1953

    The Great Day began for many people with the United Service of prayer and thanksgiving in Holy Trinity Church.

    5.6.1953 WHo

    Television revealed, as has never been possible before, the deeply religious significance of the Coronation Service, and none could fail to be impressed by our gracious young Queen’s beauty and dignity through the long hours of her consecration to the service of God and her people.
    Despite strong wind, a crowd of happy children gathered in the Cricket Field for sports after lunch and later assembled in the gaily decorated Kingsley Hall for a truly royal feast of good things. Souvenir

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  • 12 June 1953

    The Coronation in Gevacolor

    12.6.1953 Cinema

    Full length Coronation News Reel

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  • 12 June 1953

    Dr and Mrs C J Carey judge the fancy dress entries in the Square, which provided part of Northam’s festive air on Coronation day.

    12.6.1953 Coronation scenes Northam and Appledore

    Youthful dancers at Appledore enjoying themselves in Marine Parade on the evening of Coronation day.
    First prize for the best decorated street at Appledore went to the residents of Tomouth Terrace and Crescent. They were summoned by bugle at 6am on Coronation day for decoration duty and right well they did their work. As our photograph shows they erected a splendid Gothic arch of evergreens decorated with crowns and the Royal Cipher, flanked by life sized

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  • 12 June 1953

    Typical of the happy Coronation Street teas was this gathering in Elm Grove, Bideford.

    12.6.1953 Elm Grove

    At the head of the tables are Miss H Goaman, Mrs E M Cox, Mrs Grant, Mr C A Grant, Mr A Kingdom, Mrs Backway and Mr F C Backway.
    Gazette dated 12 June 1953.

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  • 12 June 1953

    Coronation Pageant at Frithelstock

    12.6.1953 Frithelstock

    Every child in Frithelstock School took part in the historical pageant play, The Queens of England, and two short sketches, which the school presented to mark the Coronation year.
    Six Queens of England were shown in turn in the six playlets, which commenced with Boadicea and came up through history with Mary Tudor, Elizabeth I, Anne, Victoria to Elizabeth II.
    On the last evening, Mrs Hunt was presented with a bouquet by little Miss Margaret Bond, and bouquets were presented to the producers of the show, Mrs Knowles and Miss Christine Bow. Mrs Hunt presented a

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  • 12 June 1953

    Against a back-cloth of the Union Jack and loyal good wishes, Mrs Bill, wife of Bishop S A Bill, Rector of Instow, cuts the cake which was presented to the parish's Coronation celebrations and formed the centre-piece of the tea held in the North Devon Cricket Club's pavilion.

    12.6.1953 Instow

    Gazette article dated 12 June 1953

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  • 12 June 1953

    Healthy young appetites do full justice to the ample spread at Monkleigh's coronation tea and smile their appreciation at the photographer.

    12.6.1953 Monkleigh

    Gazette article dated 12 June 1953

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  • 12 June 1953

    Special thoughts for children and old people

    12.6.1953 Street Parties1

    In the past ten days street teas to celebrate the Coronation have been organised throughout the district. These happy community expressions of loyalty and neighbourliness are in the long-standing tradition of Coronation and jubilee celebrations.
    Civil leaders, notably the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, have assiduously visited the many parties in response to cordial invitations and have brought messages of congratulations and good wishes coupled with references to the significance to all of the great occasion of Coronation.
    Women’s Street Committees brought to triumphant completion the carefully laid plans for bumper spreads and

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  • 12 June 1953

    With the sun adding to the gaiety of its decorations, Sunnyside, Bideford E, looks a picture, and well upheld its name by being awarded first prize in the competition organised by Bideford and District Chamber of Trade for the best decorated street at Coronation time.

    12.6.1953 Sunnyside Bideford

    There were large baskets of flowers hanging from the middle of the street with laurel arches at each end, window boxes on every house, and Royal portraits, flags and bunting.
    Gazette article dated 12 June 1953

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  • 25 June 1918

    Bulkworthy

    25.6.1918 Bulkworthy

    The Sunday School anniversary in connection with the United Methodists has just been held. On the Sunday inspiring sermons were preached by Mr Yeo, of Bideford, to large congregations.
    On Monday afternoon the Rev R E Wilton gave a very interesting address to the children, after which tea was provided in the School-room, the tables being presided over by Mesdames Jones and Walter, assisted by Miss Eveline Jones and Mrs Featherstone, while Mesdames Blight and Hancock were responsible for the management of provisions.
    The meeting in the evening was presided over by the Rev R E Wilton. Mr Cleverdon

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  • 20 July 1918

    How to use the meat coupons

    20.7.1918 ration book

    In an explanatory statement with regard to the new ration books the Ministry of Food calls attention to the four leaves of meat coupons in the ordinary adult’s ration book.
    The first contains coupons for the first four weeks of the scheme, the second for the next four weeks, and so on. The numbers on the coupons show the weeks in which they are to be used. There are four coupons for each week. Those marked ‘d/d’ will not be available for butcher’s meat. The others marked ‘a/a’ and ‘b/b’ and ‘c/c’) will be

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  • 19 June 1953

    An estate ‘Queen’ and ‘Mayor and Mayoress’ were elected when Town Park Estate, Torrington, held its Coronation celebrations on Saturday last.

    19.6.1953 Torrington Town Park Estate

    Proceedings commenced with a tea for all members of the estate. The Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington, Mr and Mrs J H Long, were presented with a bouquet by Miss Angela Plows. Following tea, olde tyme and modern dancing to Mrs A Popham and Mr P Oke on their accordions held the stage.
    The ‘Queen’, Mrs Joan Ayre, a brunette, was crowned by Mrs A Balkwill. The heralds, Messrs Fred Muncey and Joe Howells, escorted the ‘Queen’ and presented

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  • 20 August 1918

    Beer Prices Under Review

    20.8.1918 Beer

    'The Times' understands that the whole question of the retail prices of beer is now under review, and that a decision will probably be come to before next quarter. An effort will be made to secure for the working man a glass of light beer at a lower price than that now charged for Government ale.
    Gazette article dated 20 August 1918

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  • 20 August 1918

    Eastleigh

    20.8.1918 Eastleigh

    Sergt. G Alford (Devons), whose wife and child reside at Eastleigh has qualified as an Instructor of Musketry and the Lewis Machine Gun. He has also recently won a certificate for bombing.
    Sergt Alford proceeded to India in January 1916 and afterwards to Mesopotamia, taking part in the advance for the relief of Knt. For the past eighteen months he has been in India on account of ill health.
    Gazette article dated 20 August 1918

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  • 20 August 1918

    Hartland

    20.8.1918 Hartland

    Hospital Sunday was observed on August 11th.
    Rev H John Christman conducted both services at the United Methodist Church. His subject in the afternoon was ‘God everywhere; and God knowing all about me’. The evening sermon was from Luke 8, 10, ‘Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God’.
    Bideford Hospital receives £7 10s, which is nearly the same as last year.
    Gazette article dated 20 August 1918

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  • 4 August 1918

    Langtree

    4.8.1918 Langtree


    The Diocesan Inspector reports on the religious work of the school: “Throughout the school the children were delightfully keen and responsive. It was a real pleasure to talk with them.”
    A very successful thatch and rope making competition has been held at Mr Hackwill’s (Suddon). The results were: Thatching: F Moore; W Ford; R Andrew and O Andrew; J Moyse; T Ford; H Furse. Rope making: F Moore; W Ford; H Furse; O Andrew.
    Competitors, judges and the class instructor, Mr J Huxtable, snr, were entertained to supper by Mr and Mrs Hackwill.
    Gazette article dated 4 August 1918

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  • 20 August 1918

    Instow

    20.8.1918 Instow

    Corporal Edward Wm Yeo, RAMC, a son of Mr and Mrs H Yeo, of Instow, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. The award is fully deserved, for not only is Corpl. Yeo a most efficient and painstaking non-com., but he has seen three years most arduous service. He went through the landing at Gallopoli and the subsequent operations on the peninsula, next took part in the retreat in Serbia, afterwards doing duty in Egypt, Macedonia and Palestine, being still in the latter country. Sergt Yeo has three brothers with the forces and a fourth is working on

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  • 25 August 1918

    Bideford Magistrates Warning

    25.8.1918 Westward Ho Wise

    At Bideford County Sessions on Tuesday, before Mr C S Carnegie, Col Bennett and Messrs J C T Heriz-Smith, A G Duncan, J Cock, W Harris and S Fulford, Olive Wise, daughter of a lodging-house keeper, of Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! was summoned for not obscuring a light visible from the sea on 2nd May. PC Ley spoke to seeing a very bright light coming from a window at 9.50pm. Defendant admitted having forgotten to draw the blind, and when he said he said he should report it she said there were things he ought to report

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  • 7 September 1918

    Lost and Found

    7.9.1918 lost and found

    Will the Lady who took the wrong umbrella by mistake from the Quay Cafe, Bideford, on Tuesday last, kindly return it for her own.

    Lost, August 24-25, from a field in the Abbotsham Road, a NOTT EWE SHEEP, dipped deep red, marked letter P, also green paint on head;
    all reasonable expenses paid - Eastmans, Ltd., Butchers, Bideford

    Read More
  • 12 June 1953

    Coronation day at Torrington began with a united service at the Parish Church, the official parade being accompanied by Torrington Voluntary Silver Band.

    12.6.1953 Torrington

    The service was conducted by Rev C J Barker accompanied by Revs Lloyd Evans, A M Granger and T H Sheriff. The Mayor, Mr J H Long, addressed the Coronation parade.
    The weather vastly improved during the afternoon and there was brilliant sunshine for the sports at the Secondary Modern School field.
    Adult events results included: W Hopkins; H Baker; B Hearn; D Auberton; F J Gent; R Bennett; C Mules; S Stone; Harold Weeks; J Hill;

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  • 12 June 1953

    Presentation to Secretary

    12.6.1953 WHo Chalet

    There was a touching scene at The Chalet old people’s home at Westward Ho! on Coronation night when, at a special celebration dinner arranged by the old people and staff, the toast to the Queen was honoured on the proposal of Col J E Cruickshank.
    The eighteen residents of the home had all subscribed towards such a dinner and with the help of the staff, led by Mrs Nichol, matron, competitions run and a whist drive organised to help swell funds.
    The opportunity was also taken at the dinner of making presentation on behalf of the residents

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  • 10 September 1918

    Eastleigh

    10.9.1918 Eastleigh

    At the Wesleyan Chapel harvest thanksgiving services, sermons were preached by Mr G Babb to large congregations, and on Wednesday last a tea was provided, of which a large number partook. A public meeting followed, presided over by Mr Hulmn, of London. Appropriate addresses were given by the Chairman, the Rev E B Crocker and Mr E Luxon. The report of the Church was presented by Mr W J Copp. The ladies helping at the tea were Mesdames Gear, Copp, Smale, Moule, Shaxton, and Miss Smith and Miss L Martin. At the close of the service the fruit and

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  • 10 September 1918

    Bideford Weekly Gazette
    Tuesday September 10, 1918

    10.9.1918 War weapons

    Bideford and Districts’ very successful War Weapons Week, when it raised £40,500, exceeding the amount asked for by £5,500, has been officially recognised by letters of congratulation from the National War Savings Committee in London, and from the County Organising Secretary (Mr J E Holden) to Mr J H Osborn, the local Secretary, and to Mr F A Searle, temporary Secretary. “We warmly congratulate you and your co-workers upon the success achieved and would ask you to be good enough to convey to all concerned our hearty thanks for their co-operation” runs the

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  • 17 September 1918

    Bideford Innkeeper and His Lease

    17.9.1918 Bideford innkeeper

    At Bideford County Court on Wednesday the application was further considered of J T Arberry to determine the least of the Joiners’ Arms, Bideford, now held under Mrs C J Wiley. The case had been adjourned to see what could be done when applicant joined the Army, which was the reason of his application, he having no one to carry on, and being unable to obtain a tenant at the same rent.
    It was reported that the furniture had been sold and the place closed down. Arberry was not represented, and his Honour Judge Lindley

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  • 17 September 1918

    Littleham Wedding

    Pickard-Heywood

    17.9.1918 Littleham wedding

    A pretty wedding was solemnized on Sept 11th at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Littleham, specifically licensed for the occasion, the contracting parties being Mr Percy Pickard of Littlehampton, Sussex (third son of Mr and Mrs W B Pickard, Queen Anne’s, Bideford) and Louisa Matilda Heywood (second daughter of Mr A J Heywood, and the late Mrs Heywood, of Littleham Court).
    The officiating minister was the Rev J T Tyreman, Superintendent Minister of the Circuit. The bridesmaid was Miss Elizabeth Heywood and Mr Ralph Pickard, in the absence of his brother, Mr A Pickard, ERA, off active service,

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  • 17 September 1918

    Motor Car Offences

    17.9.1918 offences


    At Bideford Borough Sessions yesterday before the Mayor, Mr A R Adams, in the chair, and Messrs J Heywood, G Boyle, J Cock, G W Vincent and T Pollard, Claude Wise, a youth of Westward Ho! and W J Pursey, Westward Ho! for causing petrol to be used contrary to the Petrol Restriction Orders.
    PC Philpott spoke to stopping a car belonging to Mr Pursey and driven by Wise, who he asked if he was driving on business or pleasure. He replied that he had been for a dance. Witness afterwards saw Mr Pursey, who said he

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  • 17 September 1918

    Shebbear

    17.9.1918 Shebbear

    Pte Robert Mill is at home for a well-earned month’s rest, after four years very active service. He was in the NRDY two years before the outbreak of war, and was told off with the troops sent to the Dardenelles, sharing the troubles of Suvla Bay. From there he went to Egypt, and was linked up with the Palestine Expedition, but has latterly been serving in France.

    Writing in the local magazine, the Rev T E Fox, Vicar, says: “There is a custom which you do not find in neighbouring parishes of burying the dead in brick graves. If

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  • 29 October 1918

    29.10.1918 Hartland

    There was a good attendance at the Reading Room on Saturday night under the presidency of Mr Haynes, when Mr C S Parker (who was accompanied by Mrs Parker) addressed his supporters and was at the close, with the chairman, the recipient of a hearty vote of thanks.
    Etson Harvest Thanksgiving services were held on Sunday Oct 20th, Mr James Cruse preaching in the morning and Rev J L Orchard in the evening. The following Wednesday a public tea was presided over by Mesdames Colwill, Heard, and Stone, assisted by Mrs Pennington and Miss Colwill. Mrs J Bragg cut up.

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  • 8 October 1918

    8.10.1918 Parkham

    Parkham

    A postcard has been received from Pte T Pearce stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. No news had been received of him for some months. This is the third Parkham boy to be taken prisoner by the Germans.
    Our Parkham boys appear to be on all the theatres of war. They took part in the Dardanelles, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Salonica, and the Western Front, and also in the North Sea affairs.
    Much corn awaits stacking, and no one can remember such a late harvest in general. In 1903, the wet October would not permit the few

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  • 1 October 1918

    1.10.1918 fishermen

    Devon Sea Fisheries
    Bideford & Clovelly Fishermen Voice Grievances
    The report of the Fishery Officer, Mr Thos. Brehont, of Dartmouth, of the Devon Sea Fisheries for the quarter ending 2 October 1918, deals with his visits to the principal fishing ports in the district, including the North Devon ports.
    At Clovelly the Fishery Officer states he received a serious complaint from the trawlers there, who stated that at various times a considerable amount of steamers anchored in their inshore trawling grounds, and whilst at anchor they deposited a considerable quantity of ashes and clinkers, which they caught in their trawls,

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  • 22 October 1918

    22.10.1918 scuttle

    The British Scuttle And The German Scuttle By Vulcan

    He was a bit of a curmudgeon, and I rather expected to find him grumbling about the coal shortage. But I found him sitting in the kitchen quite cheerily, although the fire was burning low. ‘You see’, he said, pointing to the empty scuttle, ‘I’ve finished my allowance for the day. But that doesn’t bother me’. And he laughed as if at some secret joke he was hugging himself. ‘What are you laughing at?’ I said. ‘Well’ he answered, ‘whenever I see a scuttle I think of the Germans scuttling and the

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  • 26 October 1918

    26.10.1918 Annery

    Fete At Annery

    By kind permission of Mrs Bayly a fete was held on October 16th in aid of the Monkleigh, Frithelstock, Weare Giffard and Landcross Nursing Association. In spite of much illness in the neighbourhood there was a large attendance, and all came in a generous spirit to help a good cause.
    The tea arrangements were in the capable hands of Mesdames G Bond, H Bond, F Barrow, Folley, Lang, Martin, Moore, Squire, Withecombe Milman & Youatt, all members of the Nursing Committee, and gave the greatest satisfaction. There was a fancy stall and jumble sale. The sellers at

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  • 24 September 1918

    Jam Rations

    24.9.1918 Jam rations

    An Order will be issued by the Ministry of Food in regard to the rationing of jam to come into force on November 2nd. It is
    believed the ration will be 4oz. per head per weeks for adults, and 6oz for children. The position of restaurant proprietors has not
    yet been settled, but it is expected that they will be given a certain supply of jam on the same lines as the butter supply they now receive.
    Gazette article dated 24 September 1918

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  • 19 November 1918

    19.11.1918 fuel wood

    Bideford and Northam Joint Fuel And Lighting Committee

    The Fuel Wood Order, 1918

    Notice is hereby given that:
    All PERSONS retailing or otherwise dealing in FUEL, WOOD must OBTAIN A LICENCE for the purpose from the Local Fuel Overseer, Town Hall, Bideford.
    A Licensed Retailer shall not sell more than 2 tons of Fuel Wood to any person for consumption on any premises to which the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, applies, during any period of 12 calendar months, except with the consent in writing of the Local Fuel Overseer of the District within which such premises are situate.

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  • 12 November 1918

    12.11.1918 Armistice

    Armistice Signed


    The Prime Minister announces that the Germans signed the armistice at 5 o’clock this (Monday) morning, and all hostilities ceased on all fronts at 11 o’clcok
    Meanwhile the British troops had re-take Mons, where the ‘Contemptibles’ made their historic stand against the Germans in 1914, and the Allies had driven the enemy out of practically the whole of France.

    Gazette article dated 12 November 1918

     

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  • 3 December 1918

    3 December 1918

    The Military Medal has been awarded to Sapper J T Bewes, RE, son of Mrs Bewes, Cow Park, Northam, and a son-in-law of Mr and Mrs Watts, Candile House, Westleigh for bravery under heavy fire. Another son-in-law of Mrs Watts, has also won the Military Medal, viz. Sgt C C T Hedges, RGA, son of Mr Hedges of Bristol for bravery on the field.

    It was reported at Thursday’s meeting of the Devon Education Committee that the Northam school managers asked what they should do in regard to giving the children another holiday upon a promise made

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  • 10 December 1918

    10 December 1918

    At the Band of Hope entertainment given in the United Methodist Schoolroom there was a good attendance, Mr G H Ley presided. Recitations were given by Kitty Hurst, Phyllis Walters, Ethel Millman, Algie Furse, Reggie Gerry, Fred Dymond, Reggie Blight, Kenneth Gerry, Miriam Hearn and Muriel Fursse, and solos rendered by Misses E Moore, E Nethaway and M Colman

    10.12.1918 Langtree

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  • 17 December 1918

    17 December 1918

    The Council decided to offer no objection to a site in front of Chapel Field being utilised for a proposed War Memorial at Appledore.
    Housing Scheme. 

    The Council is pledged to the provision of 25 workmen’s houses, and after discussion agreed to the Toumouth site as being the most suitable.
    Mr J N Tuplin remarked that there were something like a thousand houses in Appledore, and if, as had been reported to them, 50 per cent, of them ought to be taken down they would want to start on something much bigger than 25. A housing scheme,

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  • 17 December 1918

    A Rationed Christmas Dinner
    Some Hints and Recipes
    By Mrs Pember Reeves

    The Christmas dinner this year will be eaten under entirely new conditions. Never in the memory of any living person has Christmas fallen while this country was under a regime of rationing. But, even so, that does not put a ban on a Christmas like Christmas dinner. The plum pudding, holly decorated, and the familiar dish of mince pies may be there. Stock of different kind is generally available, and wit this as a foundation delicious soups can still be made. An excellent Christmas soup is Brussels sprouts

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  • 17 December 1918

    17 December 1918

    Strawberries and blackberries have just been picked at Southcott by Mr Garfield Martin.

    17.12.1918 Langtree

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  • 21 December 1918

    Women’s Employment In North Devon
    Suggested Gloving School At Bideford

    At a meeting of the Women’s Sub-Committee of the Barnstaple Local Advisory Committee the following were present: Alderman A J Reavell (in the chair), Mrs R Pinkham, Miss S Baulkwill, Miss B Jewell, Mrs T Gregory, Miss F B Wright, Mrs Heriz-Smith, and Mr J W Brannam.
    It was agreed to recommend that the local industries, lace-net manufacture, glove, collar and basket making, and pottery manufacture should be included on Ministry of Pensions list of trades for which War widows might be trained.
    Mr W Pinkham, of the National Glove

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  • 24 December 1918

    Owing to the scarcity of men, dummy male guests will be substitued at parties.

    Who will also be useful as dancing partners.

    24.12.1918 cartoon

    Gazette article dated 24 December 1918

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  • 31 December 1918

    Mrs Stucley invites you to

    LEAGUE OF PITY CHILDREN'S DANCE

    (Fancy Dress optional) on January 8th 1919 at the Church Institute, Bideford, 4pm to 7pm.
    Tickets, 2/6 inclusive; to be obtained from Mr Harper, High Street, Bideford

    31.12.1918 Mrs Stucley

    Gazette article dated 31 December 1918

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  • Insurance against Zeppelins

    6 January 1917

    General Accident, Fire and Life Assurance Limited

    1917 Insurance zeppelins

    Assets exceed £2,500,000
    Claims paid over £7,000,000
    Special features: Accident Insurance – liberal benefits and conditions, low premiums
    Free Fire Insurance every sixth year to private property owners and householders
    Three popular policies of Life Assurance with various options,
    All classes of insurance business transacted
    Latest features: Zeppelin risks
    Write for prospectus,
    Chief offices – General Buildings, Perth, Scotland
    General Buildings, Aldwych, London
    General Manager: F Norie-Miller, JP
    Note – the Bonds of the Corporation are accepted by all Departments of His Majesty’s Government

    Gazette advert dated 6 January 1917

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  • 29 December 1918

    Wedding At Northam
    Heard-Cock

    29.12.1918 Northam wedding

    On Tuesday last, at Northam Parish Church, the marriage took place of Lieut W H Heard, RAF (technical branch), of Normanhurst, Bideford, and Florence Maud, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Frank Cock, of Norman Villa, Northam.
    The ceremony was conducted by the Rev George Scholey, CF (Vicar of Appledore), in uniform a friend of the bride’s family, and was of the simplest character. The bride, who wore a travelling dress, was given away by her father, and the bridegroom’s brother, Mr A Norman Heard, acted as best man.
    The contracting parties being well known the

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  • Share a birthday

    4 March 1960

    Inscribed Bibles And Crested Silver Spoons For Babies

    4.3.1960 inscribed bibles1


    Picture above is the scene at the Grenville Nursing Home, Bideford, when the Mayoress of Bideford, Miss Gladys Fulford, presented inscribed Bibles to the babies born on the same day as the Royal child.
    Born the same day as the Royal Prince’ read the inscriptions. As a personal give, the Mayoress gave the babies silver spoons bearing the crest of the Borough of Bideford.
    At the nursing home, she met Mrs Ruby Vanstone, Northcote, Shebbear, and her daughter, Millicent Ruby, Mrs Anne Fox, her husband and their son, Christopher James.
    In the

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  • 10 December 1918

    10 December 1918

    Second Lieut. W A R Nelson, Royal Fusiliers, youngest son of the Rev John J Nelson, Pastor, Appledore and Westward Ho! Baptist Churches, has been awarded the Military Cross for gallant conduct whilst serving with the North Russia Expeditionary Force.
    The official record is: This officer’s platoon was part of Capt. Edward’s Co. 2/10th Royal Scots. On the 14th to 16th Sept. in operations against Chamova and Navolok this officer showed throughout great dash and exceptional initiative in leading his platoon detailed to clear and hold the village of Chamova and to cover the party from any

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  • 20 June 1944

    Here, surely, is a local record for evacuee billeting!

    20.6.1944 evacuees

     

    Mrs O’Brien, writing to the Editor from Richmond Farm, Appledore, states: “There are eleven of us – six children and five grown-ups and we have been in the same billet since our arrival, October 1940, and, I must add, in perfectly happy conditions. I don’t think that anyone can beat that for length of stay with similar size family”. Mr Wm Rendle, of Richmond Farm, in a footnote in verification adds that they have all been one big happy family. 

    In the picture, from left to right are: Standing, Miss Patricia

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  • 16 November 1918

    16.11.1918 Terms of Armistice

    Terms Of Armistice

    The terms of the armistice are certainly sufficiently severe to prevent the enemy recommencing hostilities. The Prime Minister in the House of Commons yesterday announced that they included:
    The immediate evacuation of France, Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine and Luxemburg.
    Evacuation by the enemy of the Rhineland to be completed within sixteen days. Railways to be handed over.
    Immediate repatriation without repatriation of Germans, of all Allies and United States prisoners.
    All German troops in Russia, Rumania and elsewhere to be withdrawn.
    Complete abandonment of treaties of Bucharest and Brest Litovsk.
    Immediate cessation of hostilities at sea; handing over to

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  • 12 November 1918

    12.11.1918 Clovelly fishing

    Clovelly


    Fishing at Clovelly would seem to be a very profitable occupation at the present time. In addition to large numbers of other fish a tribunal applicant reported last week that since July he had caught 43,366 herrings and mackerel. Clovellys have been making 2½d and 3d apiece, but if these retailed at 2d each the catch of herrings alone would bring in during the past three of four months over £360. Then there were 1,047 whiting and 354lbs of conger and cod. North Devon Journal.

    The Clovelly fisherman probably wishes the Barnstaple paper’s deductions were true.

    Gazette article dated

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  • Memorable day

    5 June 1945

    Sunday May 27th was a memorable day for the Cook family of Higher Clovelly, for on that day, after an absence of over 10 years, Driver ‘Dan’ Cook, RA, returned to his native village.

    5.6.1945 Clovelly Cook

    In an interview with our local representative he gave the following narrative – ‘I joined the Colours in 1935, was drafted to India and six years later was sent to North Africa, where, after going through the campaign in Eritrea and the big fight at Umbullagga, I was eventually taken prisoner when we were surrounded at Knightsbridge, near Tobruk. I was first sent to a prison camp

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  • Reporting for duty

    5 June 1945

    In Bideford and Torrington, as in other parts of the country, sirens are being brought into use again, this time for summoning part time members of the National Fire Service to report for duty.

    5.6.1945 sirens

    This has been found to be a most valuable method of conveying an immediate general call to firemen in time of emergency. only the ‘All clear’ note will be sounded. There will be none of the ‘wailing’ that was associated for so many years with imminent danger from enemy air attacks.

    Bideford was one of the places where such a warning system was operative before the

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  • Great kindness

    12 June 1945

    Now that evacuees are officially returning to their own homes from reception areas such as ours it is pleasing to place on record their appreciation of the hospitality accorded.

    Their thoughts are briefly but none the less sincerely and feelingly expressed in a letter received by a local resident from an evacuee from Surrey. The letter stated “As this is Thanksgiving Sunday I feel I must write to tell how deeply thankful we all feel to you for the sanctuary you gave us all when we needed shelter. All my life I will remember your great kindness to us all’.

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  • £20 to POWs

    12 June 1945

    Presentation At Torrington Ceremony in the Square

    12.6.1945 Torrington POW

    Presentation of £20 each coupled with expression of the town’s pleasure at seeing them back home and best wishes for the future, were made to returned prisoners-of-war from Torrington at the largely attended public gathering in the Square on Thursday May 31st. Torrington is thus continuing its gesture of presenting £20 to every repatriated prisoner-of-war from the town.

    The money has been raised by the combined Social Committee of the Home Guard by means of various entertainments, the chairman of the committee being Capt F S Kelly and the hon. treasurer and secretary,

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  • Appledore knows how to celebrate

    15 May 1945

    Flags, flags, and still more flags!

    15.5.1945 Appledore

    That was one impression of Appledore on VE Day and the day after. With bunting from pre-war Regattas and with ships’ flags, Appledore presented a very gay scene. From Appledore Quay, the docks and shipping looked a mass of colour. Fairy lights were prominent and pictures of their Majesties and Mr Churchill were to be seen in many windows.

    Celebrations at Appledore started on Monday evening, when fairy lights in Irsha Street set the pace and heralded singing, dancing and other frolic – with somebody’s piano out in the street – until 11.30, ending with Auld

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  • Nearly 2,000

    15 May 1945

    United Church Service Relayed To Chapel

    15.5.1945 Bideford thanksgiving

    Official Stand Down Of Civil Defence Units

    Impressive indication of the general spirit of thanksgiving and of the combine war effort of the Fighting Services and Civil Defence units (for whom it was the official stand-down parade), was given at Bideford on Sunday when nearly 2,000 accompanied the Mayor (Ald H W Fulford) and Corporation to a united thanksgiving service held at the Parish Church and which was relayed to an overflow congregation at the Bridge Street Methodist Church.

    The Rector of Bideford (Preb W N Manning) was assisted in the service by the

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  • Mr Morrison

    15 May 1945

    Sir –

    May I take up a little of your valuable space with a letter of thanks to the bakers in Bideford and district.

    As Bread Officer it has been my duty to arrange the supply of bread. This could not have been done without the fine cooperation of all the bakers. As I am now leaving the district, I am taking this opportunity to place on record the difficult task these bakers have carried out. Labour has been scarce, yet with it all, I am proud to say, the public have had a good loaf of bread. I wonder how

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  • Bells are rung for 2 hours

    15 May 1945

    There were large congregations at the Methodist Sunday School anniversary services on May 6th.

    15.5.1945 Hartland

    The Rev A Evens Clarke conducted. Special and regular singing was good throughout, Mr Christmas being the organist. Norman Colwill and Arthur Beer read lessons and with other scholars made the collections.

    Sports were held on the Tuesday following, the Rev A E Clarke and Messrs Ern Short and Arthur Thorne being in charge. Tea was served by Mesdames Colwill, Headon, E Heard, M Heard, Wesley Heard, H James, H Jeffery, Misses E Colwill, K Colwill, E Heywood, I Jeffery, Johnson, Ruby Rowe. Evening services, recitations,

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  • An injury to Mr Walters

    15 May 1945

    Merry peals were rung on the bells at the church throughout the day on Tuesday to celebrate the surrender of Germany.

    15.5.1945 Langtree

    Mr Charles Walters had the misfortune to break his leg owing to the bell rope breaking. Everyone wishes him a speedy recovery.

    Thanksgiving services were held in the evening at both the church and chapel. In the evening a grand social was held in the Old Schoolroom where there was a large gathering and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mrs Barrows, Mrs Madge, Mrs Curtis and Miss Joan Moore supplied the music. Funds were in aid of Welcome Home to

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  • Large congregation

    15 May 1945

    At Northam, the story was just the same – streets and the Northam Urban District Council offices decorated, etc.

    15.5.1945 Northam

    On VE Day 2 morning, a united service was held at St Margaret’s Church, conducted by the Rev Rev E Basil Bridger (Vicar), assisted by the Rev A E Green (Congregational) and the Rev F E Paod (Methodist), the service being relayed by loudspeaker to the Square. In the evening another thanksgiving service was held at the Congregational Church, conducted by the Pastor (Rev A E Green).

    Dances and community singing were held in the square on the eve of VE Day

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  • And street teas for the children

    15 May 1945

    A Grand Climax To Two Happy Days

    15.5.1945 sailing

    Never was the River Torridge, in the full beauty of an evening tide and sunshine, seen to better advantage than on Wednesday evening, when, through the kind cooperation of Rear-Admiral H H C Franklin, a striking array of light naval craft came in formation up the river.

    There were assault and landing craft of many kinds and they were explained, with some interesting references to the active service they had seen, by a naval officer at the microphone.

    The review evoked very great enthusiasm among the large crowd assembled all along the Quayside

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  • Glove workers present Union Jack

    15 May 1945

    Non-stop flood-lit dancing, with the dance bands on a flood-lit wagon, and community singing, led by Mr B G Lampard-Vachell, were some of Torrington’s expressions of joy at the VE Day proclamation.

    15.5.1945 Torrington

    Torridge Vale Dairies Illuminations presented an especially pretty picture, and a hug bonfire was lit at St Giles on VE night by Sgt T Hocking, who only the day previous had returned from prisoner-of-war camp in Germany.

    Torrington certainly made up for the disappointment caused by the inclement weather of May Fair. Streets, etc. were profusely decorated and various celebrations including floral and maypole dancing, which on VE

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  • 15 May 1945

    Sir –

    I was most interested in London-Bidefordian’s letter in your last issue suggesting that a hall would be a fitting war memorial for Bideford, and wonder whether this idea could be taken further so that we could have a Community Centre which would be a lasting tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and would be source of rest, recreation and interest to those who return, together with the community as a whole.

    Nance Littlewood, Bridgeland Street, Bideford

    15.5.1945 War Memorial

    The full Gazette article dated 15 May 1945

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  • Old and young

    19 June 1945

    Some Tears At Parting 

    Tears at leaving their wartime home – and joy at once more returning to their own homes – were mingled on crowded Bideford station at 9.5am on Tuesday morning.

    Young and old were among the party, including the twenty eight elderly ladies who had been staying at Belle View Hotel, Westward Ho! Ex-Mayors helped to trundle the luggage, which varied from ‘prams’ to bicycles, with travelling cased by the dozen, and there was a ‘help your neighbour’ atmosphere. Amid the excitement tinged with sadness, and on a long journey home, how many thoughts went back to those grim

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  • Unveiled and dedicated

    19 June 1945

    ‘Your Kindness and Hospitality’

    19.6.1945 Woolsery seat1

    19.6.1945 Woolsery seat2

    On the village green at Woolsery, in front of the church, stands a handsome new oak seat. This seat is to be inscribed ‘This seat was given by the children evacuated from the blitzed areas to the people of Woolsery in appreciated of their kindness and hospitality 1940-45’

    With the sunshine smiling down and in the presence of a delightful rural community gathering, the seat was unveiled and dedicated by the Dean Rural, Preb, I L Gregory (Vicar of Hartland).

    ‘This is a unique occasion for Woolsery’ said Mr C B Griffiths (headmaster of Woolsery School

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  • Tea parties

    22 May 1945

    Appledore continued its VE celebrations on Thursday May 10th when in several streets in Appledore, impromptu tea parties were held for the children.

    When the children had finished the housewives who organised the occasion sat down to a tea party for themselves. The Vicar of Appledore (Rev H C A S Muller) visited most of the parties taking part in the streets and other places and said a few words, and caused much enjoyment by singing ‘Two Little Girls in Blue’.

    In the evening there was more street dancing, the people dancing in the western part of Irsha Street collecting

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  • Mr Screech

    22 May 1945

    Mentioned in dispatches

    22.5.1945 Appledorian

    22.5.1945 Appledorian1

    The man who actually sank the submarine U-68, which was Admiral Doenitz’s (Hitler’s successor as Fuehrer) first command, is Mr J A Screech, of 77 Dillwyn Road, Sketty, Swansea, son of Mrs Screech and the late Capt W Screech, of Vernons Lane, Appledore, who has been skipper of the famous Swansea pilot cutter ‘Roger Beck’ for more than 20 years.

    Mr Screech served in the Royal Navy during the last war in several large ships including the battleship ‘Revenge’ and the armed merchant cruiser ‘Oceanic’. Later he was posted on defensively equipped merchant vessels and spent eighteen

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  • Jubilant atmosphere

    22 May 1945

    On Sunday, May 13th, the sixty ninth ‘Forces Show’ was given at the Strand Cinema, Bideford, and drew the usual weekly crowd of Forces, being the first show of the VE period and, following the thanksgiving parade, the atmosphere was particularly jubilant.

    22.5.1945 Strand

    To mark the occasion the patients of the White House were once again the guests of the evening. Those who could walk reached the theatre in time to see the usual Sunday night queue. Transportation was provide to bring and return those who could not walk. The variety part of the programme was provide by COXE of Westward

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  • Old Boys

    29 May 1945

    Six Bideford ‘Old Boys’ Welcomed Home

    Geneva’s Great Greeting

    Bideford Senior School Old Scholars’ Association had a special welcome for six Old Boys – J Bowden, H Eastman, J E Evans, F C Mower, S Raymont, and A W Smale – at their Club night on Tuesday, which was specially organised to do them honour and attended by the Mayor and Mayoress (Ald and Mrs J W Fulford). Mr C S F Harding (former headmaster and president of the Association), and Mr J E Down (present headmaster).

    Prominent in the hall was a large banner, ‘Welcome Home from BSSOSA’ above a large

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  • 22 May 1945

    Great spirit of generosity

    Street teas for the children not forgetting dancing and community singing later in the evening in which the grown-ups heartily join, are not well established sidelines of any celebration in this district of any great national occasion.

    Many memories of Silver Jubilee and Coronation have been revived by the wholesale enthusiasm with which various streets and districts have thus marked the VE proclamation. The Welcome Home Funds have been generously supported in this way. Whether it is your idea of fun or not, you have to admit that these occasions are organised in style and, to

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Using Bideford and District Archive to research your family or a specific name.

 

To add more interesting detail to family stories or local characters you can use our index system; over 26,000 pages of the Bideford Gazette have been read and names annotated.

Index cards can be searched at the Archive or you might find a name on the website, more are being added every week.

Search for the name and follow the references at the Archive to find the relevant stories using microfilm copies of the paper.

All Birth, Marriage and Death announcements from the Bideford Gazette are also indexed separately on cards in the Archive and on the website databases.

To search you will need the date of the newspaper and the page number and column e.g. 25-07-1911 3F

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Using Bideford and District Archive to research a house or village or other location.

 

You can find stories related to topics or villages using our index system; over 26,000 pages of the Bideford Gazette have been read and annotated on to index cards which can be browsed at the Archive.

You might also find references on the website, details are being added every week. When you have found topics of interest follow them up at the Archive using our microfilm copies of the paper.

To search you will need the date of the newspaper and the page number and column
e.g. 15-08-1882 4E


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