Bideford Rugby Club’s new £10,000 clubhouse was officially opened on Thursday evening of last week by Cllr P J V Fulford, who was Mayor of Bideford when the building was constructed.

Cllr Fulford welcomed the agreement between the rugby and soccer clubs over use of grounds and he wished the Rugby Club all success in their splendid new headquarters.

Afterwards Cllr and Mrs Fulford, accompanied by the present Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Cllr and Mrs C G Metherall, inspected the building and were guests of honour at a celebration match between Bideford Chiefs and a strong North Devon representative XV.

Before the kick-off they went on to the field to meet the players, and in the photograph they are seen meeting Bideford’s team. Vice captain Bert Smale, who was skipper for the evening, is between the Mayor and Cllr Fulford, introducing the team.

North Devon scorers were: Barry Braunton, David Folland, Len Dunn and Thomas, Roger Stone. Bideford replied through a Bert Smale try, converted by Mike Grigg, and a Smale drop goal.

The full Gazette article is dated 12 September 1969