Bideford Borough Food Control Committee announces on the 2nd September that a special retail market for the sale of fruit, vegetables, fish and any kind of produce that may be available at reasonable prices will be held in the Pannier Market every Friday evening from 5 o'clock till 7 pm, commencing Friday October 3rd until further notice. Applications for a stall or from others wishing to send produce for sale should be made as early as possible to the Market Controller, Mr Stoneman.
The Ministry of Food state that the prices of bananas should not exceed 3d each and this fruit is not at present under any official control. However ration books are still in use and Farleigh’s Stores and others have large adverts entreating their customers to bring in their new books for registration to ensure a ready supply of Sugar and butter.

Devon County Council has been recommended to advance £40,000 towards the construction of the railway line from Torrington to Halwill Junction. Since 1847 the lack of railway services in the district has been noticeable. In 1888, 1895, 1898, and 1901 applications have been made to Parliament but each scheme fell through due to the problem of raising the necessary capital. There would be considerable passenger traffic due to the linking of Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and Bideford in the north to Launceston, Wadebridge and Padstow further west.

A film company engaged on a representation of “Westward Ho!” proposes to take scenes by the sea and at Bideford. For ship scenes and fights with the Spaniards they have acquired the replica of Sir Richard Grenville’s ship “Revenge” which was made for a Shakespearean exhibition at Earls Court. It will be taken down and brought to Bideford in pieces by rail and then put together and launched.

Police pay has been reviewed and the new rates are shown. We have tried to establish how the rank of Sergeant Major fits without any success. If you can help please get in touch.

Towards the end of September a story about the controversy regarding the Bideford War Memorial and the Chudleigh Fort area of East–the-Water is given four complete columns of the six on the page. Remarks like “this site 300 years ago was where men fought for truth and righteousness” added to a very contentious situation. If you are curious about the outcome please visit us and we will show you the newspapers.

Also at the end of September the railway strike nationally is gaining momentum however we can inform you that trains from Exeter continue to run to North Devon stations to move goods and important perishable commodities. Trains were met with desultory sympathy from local railwaymen.

The property market is still very active and we are showing part of the page which has some well-known homes for Sale.