Some Abbotsham people are pondering a pleasant problem

how a surprise bequest of about £1,300 to the parish shall be spent.

It is one-third of the estate of former County Council roadman Mr William Richard Grigg, of Bideford, who died last April at the age of 71. He and his wife, who died before him, are both buried at Abbotsham, and some people believe that there is a connection between this fact and the bequest.

In his will Mr Grigg gave a free hand to the Vicar of Abbotsham (Rev E G Bevan) and churchwardens Major G Lomas and Mr C W M Turner as to the spending of the money.

Major Lomas said they had told the Parochial Church Council that the trustees wished to put the bequest to some Christian purpose in the village rather than merely add it to Church funds or help some established charity.

“The trustees have their own views about it but we have asked members of the Church Council if they have any alternative ideas. We shall consider their suggestions and make our final decision.”

While most villagers are mystified by the bequest, some believe that Mr Grigg wished to show gratitude for the fact that his wife Ada had been allowed to be buried at Abbotsham, which he afterwards frequently visited to put flowers on her grave. Mrs Bevan, wife of the Vicar, said that Mr Grigg had always seemed appreciative.

Postmistress Mrs Dark, who has lived in the village for 25 years, said she never knew Mr Grigg. His wife was a local girl, but they had gone to live in Bideford many years ago.

Article dated 18 June 1965