Seventeen year old Anne Pooley,

daughter of Mr and Mrs Moore, of 5 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! is to travel to Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, with a revue company as a solo ballet dancer.

‘There was a last minutes rush to get a special licence because she is under 18 but it is all settled now, and Anne will be leaving on Boxing Day’ said Anne’s step-father, bandleader Mr Leon Moore, who is a member of Northam Council. Asked if he thought Anne a little young to travel abroad by herself, Mr Moore said ‘No, I think it is a

Blond-haired schoolboy Warren Golder

is a “pint-sized” youngster with what is described in the current trend as a “big rockin’ beat in his voice.”

Fourteen-year old Warren has created quite an impression with dancers, particularly ‘teenagers, since he first began playing his guitar and singing “pop” numbers in dance halls in the Torridge district a few months ago. Warren’s first fans were his fellow pupils of Torrington Secondary Modern School. From odd pieces of wood and strings he constructed his own guitar. Last Christmas his parents gave him a full-size guitar.

Earlier this year Mr Albert Darch, who leads the Torridge

These and other youngsters of the Barley Grove (Blue Coat) School at Torrington

are preparing for their great day, the first Thursday in May, when they will take leading parts in the traditional May Fair.

In the photograph are: Julian Gould; Janet Copp; Jenifer Lock; and Paul Alexander.

Janet is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Bert Copp, of 5 Calvesford Road; Jenifer the daughter of Mr and Mrs John Lock, of 13 Well Street. Julian’s parents are Mr and Mrs Derek Gould, of 154 New Street. His brother was a herald a few years ago and their mother was

First prize-winner in the children’s class at Bideford Carnival

was this delightful tableau entitled ‘Will you be my Valentine?’

It was entered by Mrs Margaret Branch, of Cooper Street, Bideford, who has won first prizes at Bideford Carnivals for the past three years. In the background can be seen the giant heart, which is complete with 12 yards of lace, 12 yards of ribbon and nine yards of sequins.

Dresses were made by Miss Eileen Shute, of Victoria Grove, Bideford, while Mrs Branch added the finishing touches.

The children are: Judith Northcote, Julia Branch, Charmene Edwards and Jane Heywood.

Gazette

Meet Hartland's answer to the Beatles,

the Lektrons, whose efforts have won an enthusiastic following.

Left to right - Brian Jeffery, Mike Coles, Terry Cook, Des Prouse and Norman Westlake.

Gazette article dated 3 January 1964

Following a traditional pattern,

the Christmas festival began in Langtree with a carol service and nativity play presented by the children of the village school.

Then came the school party and finally, Langtree Church Players directed by St. Claire Wallington. The carols at the service were accompanied by Jean Kellaway, a former pupil now at Edgehill College. Glockenspiels were played by children – Stephanie Langmead, Katherine Bale, Robert Soby and Carol Tucker.

The cast included: Julia Langmead, Alison Vanstone, Andrew Nicholls, Stephen Pearce, Theresa Fargher, Alicia Ash, Jeanette Langmead, Louise Heard, Deborah Lakeman, Tracey Lakeman, Edward Bewes, Nicola Ley, Susan Barber,

Torrington's national champion town crier, Mr Herbert Waldron,

the judge at the women's town crier competition at Taddiport Revel with Mrs George Jenkins, of Frithelstock Stone, and Mrs Sid Crees.

Article dated 10 July 1964

It is never too soon to become an enthusiast of old-tyme dancing, as these young students of that dance style know.

They were photographed at the juvenile annual party at the Mosaic Hall, Westward Ho! where they have been instructed by Mr Leslie Wheatley, of Barnstaple, with the helpful cooperation of Mr and Mrs R W Knowles, whose hobby the hall is. Mr and Mrs Knowles, former pupils, are now professional demonstrators. The trophies on display have been won by them at various times.

Seen in the photograph are: Margaret Friendship, Christine Glover, Margaret Ross, Lynda Hodgkins, Janet Pierce, Ian

A rugged part of the Cornish coast, a seaman’s cosy cottage kept spick and span –

and the scene is set for ‘Haul for the shore’, a comedy in three acts by Jean McConnell, performed by the St Giles Players in Torrington County Secondary School.

Pat Drake, who played the part of the newly arrived vicar in the Cornish village, was an excellent choice for the part, competently expressing the gentle change from indignation to participation. When he arrives at the home of Richard Pengelly (Arthur Bell) he is shocked to hear villagers taking goods from ships that have run aground,

Carnival Queen and attendants chosen

Appledore’s Carnival Queen, surrounded by her charming attendants…. with a smiling male ‘entangled’ is the background! Front row: Miss Berice Tucker, Mrs Jessie Ford, and Miss Esther Saunders; Mrs Julia Heal and Mrs Iris Glover.

From the 23 entrants at the choosing of Appledore Carnival Queen and attendants at a dance at the Appledore Hall on Friday three of the five finally selected were married women.

It had been announced that competitors must be resident in Appledore and a Bideford girl who won her way through to the last six then found herself disqualified because

Competitors on their marks for the start of the women’s pancake race at the Westcountry Inn, Hartland

Running under self-bestowed Harriers titles, they are C Higgins, N Stowell, B Reader, J Madge, M Kemsley, L Pengelly, B Nichols, J Martin, A Moat, C Troman.

First home was Mrs Nancy Stowell, of Hartland, who received a non-stick pan as her prize. Second equal were Mrs A Moat and Mrs B Reader.

Gazette article dated 20 February 1970

"Pretty Maids all in a row" runs the nursery rhyme

and judges at this year's Torrington carnival queen choosing had their work cut out to pick the winner from the various village representatives.

Their choice was 19 year old Miss Diane Baker, secretary to a Bideford chartered accountant and competing as Miss Frithelstock. Her attendants in tomorrow's carnival procession will be Miss Charlotte Goodleigh, an 18 years old student who was Miss Roborough, and Miss Diane Barrow, a 22 year old dental receptionist, who was Miss Huntshaw.

Gazette article dated 6 May 1977

26 Tables in play

A bumper whist drive with 30 prizes was held at the Allardice Hall, Parkham, in aid of the hall’s funds.

Prize winners were Mrs I Ashton; Mrs C Powell; Mrs M Walter; Mrs P Taylor; Mrs B Burrow; Mrs E Stoneman; Mrs P Nicholls; Miss H Dunn; Mrs P M Daniel. Miss H Richards. Mr R Taylor; Mr Hockin; Mr R Hill. Mr D Hocking; Mrs S Prance; Mr Spry; Mr S Clinch; Mr A Harris; Mr G Parr; M Stevens.

At the lucky table were Messrs R Hill and D Honey and Mesdames Rawle and

Clovelly Liberals’ Christmas whist drive held in the Parish Hall attracted 104 players.

Mr G Smith was MC and Miss D Gove was door steward.

Miss Gove presented prizes to Mrs I Ford; Miss J Cornish; Mrs M Cummings; Miss S Hobbs; Mrs L Short; Mrs I Robertson; Miss P Robins; Mrs B Bradford and Mr R Grigg; Mrs Howell; Mrs A Thomas; Mrs Nicholls; Mrs J Shackson; and Mrs Peel. Mr K Pennington; Mr T Nichol; Mr Theo Beer; Mrs M Hobbs; Mr J Burrow; Mrs G Jeffery; Mr R Handcock; Rev R O H Eppingstone and Mrs M

End of term party and carol service

Cheers and shrieks of delight greeted Father Christmas when in traditional costume, and to the surprise of all the children, he paid a visit to Langtree C.P. School on the day of the children’s party.

At the party, which was organised by the school staff, as the result of a jumble sale held earlier in the term, each child received a present from the tree.

This was the children’s day, but as a token of appreciation to their parents for their help towards the party, the children gave a carol service the following

Choice of pantomime at Hartland this year was ‘Aladdin’ and once again it was an outstanding performance.

Mr H Ensoll and his staff of Hartland School deserve every congratulation for their fine presentation.

The junior school provided the performers for the prologue. Alan Colwill made an admirable ‘King Dozey’ and the clear voice of Norman Grills was heard to good effect as the storyteller.

Although he had taken the part at short notice, William Evans was outstanding as ‘Widow Twankey’. The Principal Boy was played with good effect by Betty Turner and Sheila Prouse made a charming Princess.

Novelty acrobatic

But maybe at Beaford?

The sequence where a North Devon actress bared her breasts during a production by the Boutport Players of Eugene Ionesco's 'Exit the King' was left out when the play was staged at Northam Church Hall this week.

'The Vicar of Northam rang me up and told me we mustn't do it' the director, Mr John Longden of Barnstaple, told the Gazette.

Added Mr Longdon 'The Vicar said you can quote me as being an old fuddy duddy if you like but you must leave it out'.

The actess concerned was Miss Jean Maudling, a 22 year

 Coming soon!

Please come back soon there will be lots to see here !!

Dial A Band Christmas Is Near

and if it's Carols you're hoping to hear we'll all do our best to turn out one night and play you a tune to make Christmas bright, so don't get downhearted
whatever you do. If you're housebound we'll do our utmost for you.
The Appledore Band send greetings sincere and wishing you well in the coming New Year

Gazette article dated 12 December 1975

Bideford choice

Bideford’s Carnival Queen this year is Miss Pamela Colome, a 16 year old brown eyed brunette, who was chosen from 22 entries for the competition.
Pamela, who lives at 111 Lime Grove, is a clerk with Messrs E W S Bartletts (Devon) Ltd.
Of her four attendants, Ann Cole, 3 Kenwith Terrace, works in the same office as the Carnival Queen. Another, Molly Wrey, Birch Bungalow, Yelland Road, Fremington, was Carnival Queen last year.
Also chosen were Glynis Tythcott, 25 Higher Gunstone, Bideford, and Alison Beer, 6 Chantry Avenue. This year there war two junior train-bearers, Gillian Pope, Devonia,

Pools winner tires of quiet life

Big pools winner, Mr John Jury, stood in his almost-completed juke-box café at Torrington on Saturday and told a Bideford and North Devon Gazette reporter: “There is absolutely nothing in this town for ‘teenagers – or anyone else for that matter.”
“It’s getting worse” he went on. “At this rate the place will soon turn into a village. Perhaps this juke-box café will help brighten the town. This will be the only juke-box in the district.”
For the past two months 45 years old Mr Jury, of Calf Street, Torrington, has been working on the

Hartland’s 100th Show Worthy Of Occasion

Hartland Garden Society’s centenary show on Saturday was in every way worthy of the occasion. Exhibits were numerous and, despite the drought, of good quality, and the supporting programme was popular with the crowd. Even the weather was perfect, although heavy showers in the morning, which broke the long dry spell, had caused the organisers some anxiety. Hartland Town Band gave the show a good start by leading from the Square to the Playing Field a parade that included the Tetcott Foxhounds.

A popular innovation was the Devon police dogs.

There were many sideshows

Tomorrow’s Carnival Belles

Torrington May Fair Carnival Queen, Mrs Doreen Mills of Langtree, surrounded by her attendants, will lead tomorrow evening’s carnival procession at Torrington.

She is seen here in the centre with her attendants – Miss Rosemary Mitchell, Petrockstowe; Miss Pamela Barkwell, Shebbear; Miss M Watkins, Little Torrington; Miss Jean Moore, Weare  Giffard.

Rehearsing For Their Great Day

The young May Queen, Josephine Squire, and her retinue take part in a rehearsal last weekend for their leading parts in yesterday’s celebrations at Torrington.

With her is the crowner, Caroline Bastin, and her attendants Angela Vanstone, Lesley Folland, Sally Darch, Lynn

Happy time had by children

Some of the 123 children – the majority of them belonging to employees – who spent a happy time at a party on Saturday organised by the sports and social committee of Torridge Vale Dairies, Torrington.

Employees without children were each allowed to invite a small guest and, parents included, about 185 enjoyed a wonderful tea, always a highlight on such occasions, prepared by the canteen staff.

The company were welcomed by Mr R M Boyer, a director of the firm, who also said Grace. A film show aided digestion before a programme of party games was

Appledore Regatta Excitements

Two hundred yards in the lead, and rounding the marker buoy for the last leg in the Dymond Cup 18-foot sailing boat race at Appledore and Instow Regatta on Saturday, Mr Bill Prust’s ‘Kathleen Gillian’ capsized, throwing the two-man crew into the estuary water. As the Kathleen Gillian rounded the marker the tipping line suddenly broke. Mr Jimmy Cox, sailing with Mr Prust, perched himself in the gunwale to try to manipulate the sail by hand but a sudden gust of wind, coming just at the wrong moment, put the craft right over. Messrs Tom Fishwick and

Wild West Rodeo

Whip-cracking, steer roping, side shows and skittling for a pig, were the attractions offered to visitors at Coombe, Abbotsham, on Saturday, in an attempt by the Parish Hall Committee to raise £150. The money is needed for repairs to Abbotsham Parish Hall.

Good weather favoured the gymkhana, held in the grounds belonging to Mrs Richards, one of the chief organisers.

Great attraction of the afternoon was a Wild West Rodeo display given by Dick Brooks, a farmer, of Down Farm, Dolton.

There were 26 entries in the gymkhana. Results – Jane Hartnoll, Anthony Brogan, Tessa Stokes, Helen Brooks,

Thunderbirds are not the only ones who are ‘Go’ ing places – so is 21 year old Terry Curtis of Instow! 

As was mentioned in a recent issue of the ‘Gazette’, most of the models in the £350,000 film ‘Thunderbirds are go’ based on the ITV series ‘Thunderbirds’ are made by him.

Son of Mr and Mrs E J Curtis, of Clay Banks, Instow, formerly of Bideford, Terry attended Bideford School of Art and the North Devon Technical College. About three years ago he took samples of his work to the AP Film Company, of Slough, and landed a job on

Competitors in this year’s Taddiport Revel Tub race ‘hold it’ for the Gazette cameraman.

In the tub are the two youngest entrants, Roger Baker and David Baker. The others are Raymond Short, Roger Davies and Roger Dymond.

The Gazette article is dated 12 July 1957

Babies From Strawberry Village

Whatever their diet – it can hardly be strawberries and cream at their tender age – these three bonny babies from Weare Giffard seen at the Baby Show at Alverdiscott Gymkhana last week certainly make a charming trio.

At the top is Malcolm Moore who won first prize in the under one year class and below are Rachel Stedwell and Hazel Congaran who were placed second and third respectively.

Gazette article dated 20 August 1954