All but five Sunday schools affiliated to the Bideford and Torridge district Sunday School Union took part in the Scripture examination last year, Mrs J Vanstone told the Sunday school union’s annual meeting at Lavington Congregational Church.

Mrs Vanstone said they were pleased to receive entries from Dolton and Frithelstock Baptist Sunday schoosl and a welcome return was made by Abbotsham.
The temperance examination secretary, Mr A E Pettitt, said that four Bideford Sunday schools participated in the temperance exams in November and the results were satisfying.
The general secretary, Miss Delia Jones, pointed out that in October 1962, in the 25 schools associated in the union, there were 907 scholars, 24 fewer than the previous year, and 192 teachers (one less). Of the 156 scholars who left during the year 21 joined the teaching staff.
Treasurer Mr F R Hoyle reported they had a bank balance of nearly £24.
Election of officers: Mrs Goodwin; Miss R Lang; Mr F R Hoyle; Mr Evely; Mr A E Pettitt; Mrs J Vanstone; Mrs Pettitt; Miss D Jones; Mr S G Squire; Mr F Burrow.
Mrs Goodwin was appointed representative to the committee of the Bideford and District Association for the Handicapped and Mr Squire appointed to the Mayor of Bideford’s ‘Freedom from hunger’ campaign committee.
Solos and a duet were sung by Mrs J Granger and Miss G Copp, pianist being Miss Marie Bird. Prayers were led by the minister, Rev Gladys Smith, and guest speaker was Rev Bernard Chart, of Heavitree Congregational Church.
A vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mr Rosekilly.
Full Gazette article dated 1 March 1963