Royal North Devon Hussars.
“On the grounds of sentiment there will be many hearts burning in North Devon at the passing of the Royal North Devon Hussars as a separate unit. Founded in 1803 it has had a most successful history, and during the Great War rendered useful service overseas. At the first muster on March 13th 1803, Lord Rolle was the colonel-in-command, and the troops assembled were drawn from South Molton, Torrington, Sheepwash, Hatherleigh, Fremington and Holsworthy; while there was a troop under Major Dave Bassett which did not report to Lord Rolle, and another troop ready to be called if required. The regiment was originally known as the Royal North Devon Mounted Rifles of Yeoman Cavalry but in 1868, by the direction of Queen Victoria, the name of the regiment was altered to that of the Royal North Devon Hussars. The R.N.D.H. will now be incorporated into the 11th Devon Brigade of Yeomanry Artillery and many officers, N.C.O.s and men have intimated their intention of joining the new organisation” Copied from an Editorial Comment.
River Frontage Sale.
At the New Inn Hotel this month, Mr John Smale, Auctioneer from Barnstaple offered for sale, by auction, the freehold business premises, store and quay in Barnstaple Street, East the Water with 46ft of frontage on to the river Torridge. Started at £700, the property was knocked down to Mr R Boase, Solicitor from Torrington, for the North Devon Agricultural Co-operative Society, at £2,100.
Farm Sale at Bideford - Mr Walter J. Slee of Slee & Sons Torrington, held an important clearance sale at Warmington Farm, Bideford, for Mr J. A. Glasse, who is leaving the country. The auctioneer disposed of every lot in quick time before a large company of dealers, farmers, and others. Breeders made up to £7 16s apiece ; lambs up to 91s ; fat steers and heifers, £47 apiece ; fat cows, £44 to £50 ; cows in milk up to £53 5s ; yearlings up to £21 ; colts rising 4 years, £41 10s ; fat pigs £17 to £18 ; fowls 14s per couple, The roots, implements and furniture of the farm also sold at high prices.
The Launch of S.S. “Hubbastone - A red letter day for the industrial history of Bideford. Some 60 years ago wooden vessels were built at Bideford and one of the largest yards was Cox’s at Cleavehouses. The site of the new yard, known as “The Donkey” at the Northam end of the river bank, saw the launching of an all steel ship constructed by the Hansen Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Co Ltd. This company now employs nearly 500 hands and this has added considerably to the prosperity of the district. It was expected that a large crowd would witness the launch of the first vessel from this yard, however many hundreds were disappointed for the launch timed to take place at 8.15am was brought forward and took place at twelve minutes to eight.
Bideford Amateur Athletic Club - The club held a Smoking Concert on a recent Wednesday evening which proved to be a very popular event. Capt.W H Merefield presided over a large gathering of members and friends. Messrs C.Hill and S.Davey arranged an excellent programme in which Messrs. Routley, Allin, Laycock, Oke, Kivell, Shortridge, Barry, Walker, Radford, Backway, Heal, Grant, Parsons, Madge took part. During the evening Mr W Puddicombe distributed the prizes to the club’s rowing men.
Torrington Workhouse Affairs - At a recent meeting of the Torrington Board of Guardians, Col R.A. Moore Stevens, presiding as Vice Chairman, remarked that as bread had advanced in price, Mr Wightman had written to state that he was willing to supply bread for the remainder of his period of contract to December 31st at 1s 3½d per 4lb loaf-against 1s 4d paid in the town. The previous price was 11¾d.This was agreed to.
The Chairman called attention to the fact that for several weeks there had been no visitors report and he asked the members appointed to endeavour to attend in future. It was a good plan because, by visiting, members were able to make reports or suggestions whenever necessary. Next week Dolton and Dowland members are down to attend and he did not anticipate they would make a special journey for the purpose. The Chairman observed that as regarded public work, he had to make many strong endeavours to get to his duties for he found he would lose the thread of it if he did not. If a person undertook public work it was his duty to do it.
Clovelly High Street climbed by Motorcycles. In pre-war days, W.H.Carson was well-known on account of his successful attacks on freak hills. He has now recommenced his hobby by climbing Clovelly High Street on an Excelsior sidecar on Friday of last week. This street, as most readers are aware, is practically a series of terraces or steps, which are paved with kidney shaped stones. The steps number 46, and vary in height from 3in. to 7in. Both the approach and the end portion are steep in gradient and difficult to negotiate. R.E.Walker also climbed the street non-stop on a 2½ h.p. two-stroke model of the same make. As reported in the Motor Cycle October 21st.
Did your family have one of these?
