Coming soon!
Please come back soon there will be lots to see here !!
Largest children's party so far
28 January1955
From Westward Ho!5 December 1958
From Torrington4 July 1958
Torrington May Fair28 February 1964
Lace, ribbon and sequins26 August 1960
Enthusiastic following3 January 1964
Village unites24 December 1971
Town Crier10 July 1964
Juvenile party19 February 1960
Successful play24 March 1961
Disappointment for Miss CawseyJuly 1956
Nancy Stowell is the winner20 February 1970
Miss Frithelstock is the winner6 May 1977
Bumper number of prizes29 December 1972
Prizes29 December 1972
Newly formed choir24 December 1959
Outstanding!23 December 1947
Exit The King18 December 1970
Coming Soon!Come back and check this page out again soon
Christmas greetings12 December 1975
Largest children's party so far28 January1955
Torridge Vale Social Club’s Annual Party
Some sixty children, who either have a parent working at the Torridge Vale Dairy Co. Ltd, or have a bachelor ‘uncle’ working there, were guests of the social club at a grand annual party held in the factory canteen.
This was no ordinary ‘do’. First buses collected the guests from their homes. When they arrived they found smiling hosts wearing amazing paper hats, ushering them into a magnificent ‘party tea.’ Perhaps the gayest of the hosts was Mr T R Sandford, a senior director of the firm, who as President of the Social Club, amid great excitement, cut the party cake. Beautifully iced and decorated, this was a ‘work of love’ by Mr Aubrey Hancock, an expert baker and confectioner.
There followed a cinema show, a variety of games, then another film show. Another round of games followed, under the direction of the MCs, Mr Jeff Skinner, the Club Secretary, and Mr Lou Baker, the Club vice-chairman. Finally, there came the parting buffet, and all...
From Westward Ho!5 December 1958
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 wonderful opportunity for her.’
Last Christmas Anne took part in a Bristol pantomime.
The tour will take at least three months to complete. Three other British girls are taking part.
Gazette article dated 5 December 1958
From Torrington4 July 1958
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 Dance Band heard Warren sing and at once invited him to appear with the band. Warren did so and was an immediate success. Since then he has been appearing on an average once a week with the band.
When our cameraman pictured Warren in action he was singing at the Carnival queen choosing dance at Appledore on Friday evening.
“Young Warren makes a good impression...
Torrington May Fair28 February 1964
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 an attendant to the May Queen of her day. Paul is the son of Mr and Mrs Laurence Alexander, of 3 Calf Street, and a grandson of the Mayor and Mayoress, Ald and Mrs H H Wightman.
The May Queen’s attendants will be: Gail Parsley, Angela Symons, Mary Warne, Caroline Knight, Pam Sanders (Stoney Cross), Carole Lobbett, Sally Davis and Shirley Beer (Stoney Cross). Except where mentioned otherwise the children come from Torrington.
Gazette article dated...
Lace, ribbon and sequins26 August 1960
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 article dated 26 August 1960
Enthusiastic following3 January 1964
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
Village unites24 December 1971
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, Shirley Knapman, Rico Sergeant, Mervyn Davey, Stuart Fishleigh, Stephen Smith, Billy Carden, Neil Folland, Martin Soby, Diane Johns, David Daniel, Kevin Fishleigh, Alexander Duncan, Vanessa Leverton. Production was by Mrs D Metherell, make-up by Nan and Steve Fovargue and lighting by John Allison
Article dated 24...
Town Crier10 July 1964
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
Juvenile party19 February 1960
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 Sawle, Heather Eastman, Yvonne Ashby-Crane, and Irene Chapman. Mr Wheatley, Mrs Knowles, Mr Knowles.
Gazette article dated 19 February 1960
Successful play24 March 1961
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, and he refuses to sit on a chair that has been washed shore.
In addition to being the producer, John Shellabear took the part of Jem Burden, Richard Pengelly’s uncle. He has made most of its amusing possibilities. The same could be said of John Blaney as the artful old seaman Petrock Pook.
Polly Ipplepen (Bernice Curtice) and the village gossiper Sarah Trows (Olive Tanton) also gave excellent service to the...
Disappointment for Miss CawseyJuly 1956
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 she did not so reside. She was Miss Margaret Cawsey who lives at Clifton Street, Bideford.
From the remaining five girls the judges selected Appledore’s Carnival Queen for 1956 and her four attendants, but a few minutes later Mr W Pitcher, Chairman of the Carnival Committee, announced that it had been brought to his notice that one of the attendants chosen was residing in Bideford. ‘But...
Nancy Stowell is the winner20 February 1970
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
Miss Frithelstock is the winner6 May 1977
"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
Bumper number of prizes29 December 1972
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 J Harris.
Draw winners were: Mrs Rickard, Mrs Heard, Mrs Cornish, Mrs Passmore, Miss J Cornish, Mrs Blighty.
Gazette article dated 29 December 1972
Prizes29 December 1972
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 Braddick; Mrs W Upton; Mrs J Goaman; Mr V Stoneman; Mr S Nicholls, Mrs L Rowe and Mr D Braund.
Draw winners were Mesdames George and Jennings, Miss S Hobbs and Mr B Perham,
Article dated 29 December 1972
Newly formed choir24 December 1959
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 day.
A record number of parent and friends attended to hear the Christmas story, which was told by Rosemary Ruddy, Michael Done, Pamela Ford, Robert Fisher (all of the Junior class), Joyce Curtis, Eileen Vanstone and Marilyn Gerry (Transition) and Alan Bond, Angela Tucker, Marion Hancock and Glenys Beer (Infants’ class).
A feature of the service was the first appearance in public of the newly-formed school choir under the direction of Miss B...
Outstanding!23 December 1947
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 numbers were provided in the Palace scene by Bertha Thorn, Rachel Beer and Lorna Winchcombe.
Prologue characters: Peter Bowkett; Julie Short; Alan Colwill; Rita Buckler; Mary Mitchell; Jean Bragg; Ann Wade; Anne Goaman, Beryl Fince, Rita Walter, Barbara Redclift; Angela James; Phyllis Bragg; D. R and B Heard; J Nancekivell; R Johns; W Colwill; N Allin; M Heard; P Bowkett; M Oke; T...
Exit The King18 December 1970
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 old Northam bank clerk who lives at Westward Ho! and she became the first to appear topless on the North Devon stage when 'Exit the King' was shown at Beaford Centre.
She played the part of the concubine and during one scene she lowered her dress to the waist. 'It was right and suitable if done without offence' commented Mr Longden.
The Vicar of Northam, Rev Michael Lucas, told the Gazette: 'I have no control over what takes place on any other stage in the...
Coming Soon!Come back and check this page out again soon
Coming soon!
Please come back soon there will be lots to see here !!
Christmas greetings12 December 1975
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