100 Years Ago - June 1921
In Parkham, farmers and gardeners are noticing the difference in the weather between this year and last. In June 1920 many potato crops were only just being planted but this year the crop is so far advanced that new potatoes have already been dug. The shortage of rainfall is still causing problems for the mangolds and corn.
Bideford’s reservoirs are more than 10% down on last June. Rainfall so far this year measures only 8.8 inches. To conserve drinking water, the supply is being turned off between 4pm and 7am daily.
It is reported that Bideford Bay is teeming with jellyfish called Medusa. This could also be a result of the unusually warm weather. (Medusa is a term for a stage in jellyfish life, rather than a particular species.)
Birds are nesting inside Horwood Church, where the door is usually left open. The Rector has put up a notice requesting that they are not disturbed.
Way’s Motor Garage at Westward Ho! has been taken over by Mr C E Stent.
Mr B Arnold has been bitten on the leg by a boar pig at Torrington. The animal was sleeping in a pen. Mr Arnold roused it and attempted to pat it, upon which it bit him.
John Reed, an experienced bell-ringer, visited Lundy and found the bells to be in good order.
The first vessel from Germany to be seen in this region is currently discharging timber at Bideford, having sailed from Hamburg. (Sadly, the vessel is not named)
The annual club walk of Bradworthy's Female Friendly Society took place in glorious weather. Read more about these Societies HERE
Due to problems with the gas supply which eventually 'konked out', the Bideford Gazette was printed with the use of a Lister petrol engine, provided by Mr A W Bennett of Market Square, and blow lamps. 'Read all about it!'
The 1921 Census was postponed from April 24th to June 19th due to industrial disturbances. Mr F A Pearson, assisted by nine enumerators, will carry out the work in Bideford. Precise descriptions are needed for describing an occupation and housewives will have their work detailed as 'Home Duties'. One hundred years on, the 2021 Census took place on 21 March.
There is a problem with foreign rats in Appledore, which are believed to be coming ashore from boats. A vessel now in from Palestine is said to be infested with the beasts. Captain Dark, the Sanitary Inspector, said he was not going to catch them, but he would be prepared to get someone else to do so.
50 years ago – June 1971
In a follow up to the last story, the local Medical Officer, Dr C J Carey, declares that there are no rats on ships docking in Bideford. He has inspected 9 vessels, 5 from foreign ports, and all are clean in every respect. The 2 rats recently seen on the Quay probably came from a pile of wood which has been left there for some time.
Over 400 people visited the gardens of Moreton House, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, when it was opened to the public for the first time by Mr J R Crabbe, head of Grenville College, under the National Gardens Scheme. Read more about this Scheme which continues today HERE and HERE
Forty members of the Westward Ho! Senior Citizens Club have taken an 8-day trip to Holland at a cost of £34 each. The Malibu Restaurant in Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! is closed after a mystery fire in the kitchen. Mr & Mrs K C Tarrant took over the restaurant from Mr J W Needs just a month ago.
Caynton House in Mill Street, Torrington, home of Captain Peter Sleight, has been broken into. Items taken include a transistor radio, a travelling alarm clock, brief case, razor and a bottle of whisky. Torrington is going to have a brighter “loo” – the main background wall in the South Street toilet block is going to be tiled in white with random tiles in pink, blue and other colours. A huge new condenser was brought into operation on the roof of the Unigate Factory in Torrington. A mobile crane had to be brought from Taunton and special insurance taken out to cover the lifting operation.
Mr Henry Smith, of Rosemoor Cottage, Torrington, retired after 60 years tending the Rosemoor House and gardens. He is 80 years old and was presented with an easy chair by Colonel J E Palmer, his wife, Lady Anne, and her mother, the Countess of Orford. Listen to Lady Anne Berry talk to Sue Scrutton USING THIS LINK
Three teams of girls from Edgehill College were among 32 teams to complete the 10 Tors challenge. Robin Trapnell’s team was the second to arrive at the finish line.
Parkham Rectory has been sold at auction; having 4 bedrooms, outbuildings and 1½ acres of grounds, it was bought by Mr F W Williams for £6,750.
The start of Clovelly Revel Week was marked by 47 people, including the Queen, Lorraine Slee, attending a dinner held at the Red Lion Hotel. Jonathan Rowe was first home from a sponsored walk from Langtree to Clovelly Parish Hall, and he was followed by Peter Vanstone. Hartland won the cricket match, and first prize went to Clovelly Primary School (Mrs Howarth) for its entry. Tony and Stephen Perham took second prize. Over 500 hot dogs were sold at the barbecue. The Red Lion Hotel in Clovelly
Residents at Fairlea, in Northam, had to be rescued by firemen. Thankfully, it was a test, and the residents' parts were played by Bideford Girl Guides and St John Ambulance Cadets. Firemen from Bideford, Appledore and Torrington fought the blaze and representatives of the welfare services also participated in the operation.
25 years ago – June 1996
Blights Motors of Handy Cross, Bideford, is selling the new Ford Fiesta Classic at £6,995 on the road.
Webber’s estate agents is offering a 3 bedroom semi detached house at Hartland for £52,500 and a cottage style house at Dolton with 2 bedrooms and central heating for £39,950.
Residents of the Londonderry Estate in Bideford protest against Lovell Homes plan to build 4 houses on the “village green” at the entrance to the estate.
Torrington pensioner Edith Petherbridge has won a Mediterranean cruise for two people on a Devon Air Ambulance scratch card. She will take her sister, Irene, with her.
A gladiator dual is the highlight of a fete at St George’s School, Northam; welly wrangling, face painting and a licensed bar are also on offer.