Local News

Torrington Tank

Sergt G H Hanks, of a Tank Battalion, has written as follows to the Mayor of Torrington (Mr B G Lampard-Vachell); ‘Last week I was given a new tank. I see by the inscription on its plate that it is due to the generosity of the people of Torrington that I have the honour to command this grand tank. I would like those concerned, especially of Dolton and Dowland, Sudbury’s Gloves, and Torridge Vale Savings Groups, to know that their great efforts have given us a fine weapon to help in the defeat of the enemy. If there is any Savings Group interested in the progress of the tank and crew, and they write to me, I will ensure all letters are answered. May the tank and its crew prove their worth in action very shortly. Greetings to all concerned from myself and crew’.

Lunch-Time Shopping

From Mr C Cann, secretary of the Bideford Town Council had before them at their recent meeting a letter requesting support of the efforts being made by the Trades and Labour Council to persuade Bideford shopkeepers to remain open between 1 and 2pm, as it was considered this period was the only available time the majority of workers had for shopping. Cllr W H Chubb explained that at present many war workers were given time off to do essential shopping during their working hours. If shops remained open between 1 and 2pm particularly food shops, they would be materially assisting the war effort by saving the number of hours that would otherwise have to be taken off during working time. After further discussion the Council decided to refer the matter to the General Purposes Committee, who have power to deal.

Air Raid Shelters’ Cleanliness

‘They are not as clean as they might be’ remarked Cllr W H Chubb at the same Council meeting, when making a suggestion that the public air raid shelters should be fitted with gates in order to keep out dogs, etc. He had been surprised at the condition of one shelter he had gone into. Ald H A Huxham said he agreed with this and thought they should follow the example of Barnstaple Council, who had fitted their shelters with gates. These could be unlocked in an emergency by smashing the glass of the key container. Cllr W Harris pointed out that the Council had already decided against having gates fitted to shelters when this matter was discussed some time ago. After further debate it was decided that no action be taken in the matter.

Gunner and the ‘Gazette’

Gunner J Sherborne, now serving with the Royal Artillery overseas, has written to the Editor saying how much he looks forward to the arrive of his copy of the ‘Bideford Gazette’ sent to him regularly by his mother, Mrs T Sherborne, of 6 Bowden Green, Bideford. Gunr Sherborne has served with both the 1st and 8th Armies, in the defence of Malta and in the invasion of Sicily Italy. ‘I am proud to say I met the boys of the Deconshire Regiment in Sicily and passed on my supple of Gazettes. I was informed that several boys from Bideford were in the Regiment, although I did not have the luck to meet any’ he adds. Regarding news from home, he was very enthusiastic over our splendid result in Wings for Victory week.

Another £10,000 From Devon

Mr A Porter, of 81 Queen Street Chambers, Exeter, hon. secretary of the Devon County Committee of the Red Cross Agriculture Fund, has forwarded a further £10,000 to the London headquarters of the Fund. Among the chief items which go to make up this large sum are monies from the following areas: Tiverton, £1,446; Cullompton and District, £1,063; Honiton, £708 19s 2d; Newton Abbot £700; Chulmleigh, £595 16s 3d; Plympton, £541 18s 5d; Bideford, £387 5s; Moretonhampstead, £386 9s 6d; Burrington, £362; Hemyock, Culmstock and Clayhidon, £231 9s 3d; East Anstey and District, £220 2s 6d. A golf match realised £466 0s 8d and sundries make up to £2,261 11s 1d.

National Trust Purchase

An island of 37 acres of glebeland close to Selworthy Church, Exmoor, has been purchased by the National Trust. In the Holnicote Estate, now being acquired by the National Trust from Sir Richard Acland and the trustees of his marriage settlement, was the island and this land had been zoned for some building development. It is in order to safeguard the church and the village that the National Trust has stepped in an purchased the island,

Gazette article dated 29 December 1943