The first thing we noticed when we opened the Gazette this month is that the format has changed. The heading is the same but from issue 3514 the paper is about 2 inches shorter. It reverts to its original size for the last issue of the year, number 3532, but the quality of newsprint is much improved. The price remains the same at 1d per issue.
There has been a fire at Broomhayes, which is owned by Brigadier General and Mrs Southey. Damage is estimated at between £300 and £500. A letter to the Editor in the same edition states that “The fire at Northam on Sunday should bring the need of fire appliances before the members of Northam Urban District Council. It seems out of place for a large rate-paying district such as Northam, blessed with a splendid supply of water, to be without suitable appliances to cope with the fire”. History repeats itself?
The Food Controller has revoked some of the wartime bread orders. From 1st August the sale of new bread can resume. There will be no more restrictions on the shape of loaves, but the sale of bread other than by weight is still forbidden. Loaves must be 1lb or an even number of pounds and rolls not more than 2oz. The weekly butter ration has been reduced by ½ oz, due to a partial failure of supplies of imported butter.
Large quantities of Wortleberries are being picked locally and sent north by train for use in the dyeing industry. Most of the picking is done by schoolchildren in the North Molton district.
A plucky rescue took place at Appledore. The son of Mr John Lamey of Meeting Street fell off Bethel Slip and was in danger of drowning. Captain William Cox of 28 Market Street, standing some distance away, ran to the spot and sprang into the water fully dressed. He swam to the little fellow and brought him safely back to shore. This is the latest of several occasions on which Captain Cox has saved children from drowning.
There was a record attendance at Bideford Horse Show, the first since the outbreak of war, which was held at Moreton Park. The address was given as “Hartland Road”, which we now know as Abbotsham Road. Pony races were a new feature. The show was officially opened by the Mayor, Mr A R Adams, supported by members of the council. The local MP, Mr Tudor Rees, was also present. Prizes amounting to £120 were awarded. Admission was 2/- and the band of Devon and Dorset Sailors and Soldiers provided entertainment.
Northam Manor Court would like to see the Burrows driven as soon as convenient, as it is believed that many unauthorised cattle are being grazed there.
The death has occurred of Mr William Hutchings, one of the last of the hand wool combers. Mr Hutchings, who was in his 80th year, had farmed in Hartland for the last 40 years. He was in partnership with his brother John as wool, grain and corn merchants based in Bideford. He learned the trade of wool combing from his father and preserved the looms on which the last work of its kind was done in the town.
Among the recipes given in this month’s papers is the following, for Duchess Buns:
“Take the weight of one egg in caster sugar, butter and flour. Beat the butter and sugar together for five minutes, add the egg and by degrees the flour. Add one packet of blancmange powder, cherry flavour, then stir in sufficient milk to make it a nice consistency. Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of baking powder and 2oz of dried cherries. Put the mixture in well-greased patty tins and bake for 10 minutes.”
A “motor mishap” occurred in Bridgeland Street, Bideford. About 6.30pm one evening, Rear Admiral G H Hewitt of Westward Ho! was driving a motor car up Bridgeland Street. Going to the right to avoid a railway delivery waggon on his left, owing to the glare of the sun in his eyes he did not notice a pony and trap facing him and standing outside the Congregational Church (Lavington). Mr F Light of Newton St Petrock, the owner, was sitting in the trap awaiting the arrival of his wife, who was shopping. The car struck the trap, knocking it onto the pathway clean away from the pony, which walked off down the street. The trap was badly damaged and knocked down Mr Chas Sampson of Clifton Street, who was on the path. Dr Ellis Pearson attended to those involved but there were no serious injuries.
The Hansen Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing Company is established near Bideford by Sven Wohlford Hansen, a Norwegian shipbuilder with a previous successful history of shipbuilding in Cardiff. Their first steam coaster ‘Hubbastone', 873 ton was launched in 1921, followed by ten more vessels until 1924 when the yard closed due to lack of orders. North Devon Record Office hold the winding up Notice & Order.