The Mayor of Bideford, Mr E D Williams, took the salute at Jubilee Square, Bideford, on Sunday

at a parade of local youth organisations held to mark Commonwealth Youth Sunday. Later, at a service at Bideford Bridge Methodist Church, he read a national message from the Queen. The Mayoress, Mrs Williams, was also at the saluting base and service.

The parade was organised by Bideford Youth Committee, whose secretary is Mr G A Waters, the local education welfare officer.

Bideford Town Junior Band played selections opposite the saluting base at which the Mayor was met by the Rev A J Herring – who represented the Chairman of Bideford Youth Committee, Mr J Sinclair – and Cllr G A Ellis, the Town Council’s representative on the Youth Committee. Also were other members of the Council and the Town Clerk, Mr F C Backway.

The parade, which was led by Bideford Town Silver Band, formed up on the Pill, under the direction of the Town Marshall, Mr Harry Phillips.

Youth organisations represented at the parade were: Bideford Coy Girls’ Training Corps (under Miss Babb); Bideford St John Ambulance Cadets (Mr G Clarke) and Nursing Cadets (Miss M Williams); Bideford Boy Scouts (Group Scoutmaster P Hopkins and Mr J Sinclair); Bideford Cubs (Miss Ellis); and Bideford Girl Guides (Mrs Coham-Fleming, Commissioner). Those on parade were thanked for their attendance.

The service was conducted by the Rector of Bideford, Preb J A Durling, with Mr Hudson at the organ. There were readings by a member of the GTC and a Bideford Grammar School Company Army Cadet.

An address was given by the Rev G E Gregory who was taking the place of Rev R H Foster.

Proceeds of a collection taken at the service are being sent to the Commonwealth Youth Committee headquarters in London.

Gazette article dated 3 May 1957