Three day eisteddfod for young people, which consisted mainly of singing and musical items, was staged last week at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, by the Bideford and Torridge District Sunday School Union.

A total of 14 churches participated in the event which was similar to one held by the union a couple of years ago. 

Churches represented were Howe Congregational (Torrington), Torrington Methodist, Bridge Street Methodist (Bideford), Bideford Baptist, Buckland Brewer Methodist, Lavington Congregational, Frithelstock Baptist, Torrington Baptist, Bethel Interdenominational, High Street Methodist (Bideford), Gammaton Methodist, Northam Methodist, West Down Congregational, and Dolton Baptist.
The shield for the highest average marks gained by a Sunday School with under 30 scholars was won by Landcross Methodist, and a similar shield for schools having more than 30 scholars was won by Buckland Brewer Methodist.
Special medals for the girl and boy under 12 gaining most marks were won by Joy Bryan and Julian Grail and the medal for boy and girl over 12 by Barbara Bartlett and Peter Shepherd.
One of the most outstanding exhibits was in the knitting section where a garment made by Isobel Colwill, of Landcross Methodist, received maximum marks. Young Alan May, of Torrington Methodist, received a second class aware in the short story writing section.
In the woodwork section a girl, Elizabeth Heywood, gained a 3rd class award.
Trophies and certificated were presented by Mr Harold Martyn, headmaster of Bideford County Secondary School. Judges were: Miss E Mills, Mr G Slatter, Miss Nell Farleigh, Mr J E Reynolds. Mr C W Barfoot, Mr F J Thompson, Miss A E Lee, Mr J Paterson, Mrs G Swain, Mrs A Hooper, Mrs Gibbs.
The full Gazette article is dated 3 May 1963