The news in November 1960

Presided over by Mrs Winter, Abbotsham WI has a talk and film by representatives of a firm of biscuit manufacturers and was supplied with biscuits and cakes for refreshments. Mrs Shore gave a vote of thanks. Other ladies at the meeting were Mesdames Hooper, Ridd, Beckley, Daniel, Beer, Bruce, Redcliff, Hocking, Hearn, Miss Daniel and Mr Bowyer was MC.

Alwington WI raised over £60 at its autumn annual sale. Mrs R Daniel judged the competition and the winners were Mrs C Jeffrey, Mrs I Walters and Mrs W Turner. Messrs W Branch and I Lewis won a chicken, and other prize winners were Miss G Pedrick, Mr W Allin, Mrs K Hill, Miss Helen Cork, Mr G Lewis and Mrs J Dyke. At its meeting, Miss Aldridge judged the competition with the winners: Mrs S Poole, Mrs P Daniel and Mrs I Walters. Miss M Allin proposed thanks to the speaker.

Clovelly WI voted in new officials – Mrs J C Hilton, the Hon. Mrs Asquith, Mrs R Tridgell, Mrs J Cottle, Mrs R Harris, Miss V Webb, Mrs J Searle, Mesames W Pengelly, A Taylor, R Cook, K Braund, M Westlake, Aust and Miss J Pengelly. Hostesses were Mesdames D Gray, R Eppinstone, and Misses S Bennett and S Ellis. Mr John Cottle have an interesting report on the past year’s activities, with Miss V Webb presenting the financial report.

Mrs Smyth-Richards gave Frithelstock WI a talk on ‘How to be a good member’ and aided by Rev A C Hunt and Mr G Jenkins as tellers, the following were successful in the vote – Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Daniel, Mrs Jean Hearn, Mrs J Hunkin, Mrs M Hearn, Mrs Buse, Mrs W Hunkin, Mrs Poole, Mrs A Hearn and Miss Elizabeth Bond.

Hartland WI held its annual Autumn Fayre with Mrs Penhale of Holsworthy opening the ceremony. Veronica Sluggett presented a bouquet. The baby show was judged by Dr and Mrs Mavor of Spekes Cottage with the winners being Hazel Bragg, Denise Short, Mandy Homewood, Gillian Squires, Peter Coombes and Roger Shute. In the photograph, are Dr Mavor, Mesdames O’Donnell, J Heard, Hobbs, Dennis Shute, Colwill and D Bragg. At the monthly meeting, Mr Harrison, temporary headmaster at Hartland School, was the question master.

At the request of Shebbear WI, a refugee family has been granted £50. The following people were appointed: Mrs Wallington, Mrs Buckley, Mrs Fortescue-Ffoulkes, Mrs Spencer, Mrs Danby, Mesdames Horne, Kelly, Channing-Pearce, Green and E Lott. Tea hostesses were Mesdames Curtis, Court, Danby and Miss J Curtis.

Miss Primmer spoke at Torrington WI and was thanked by Mrs Williams. Mesdames Weeks, Sweet and Cotton won the competition, and the hostesses included Mrs Heywood, Mrs Popham and Mrs Pollard.

Mrs Killick organised the election of officers and committee at the annual meeting of Westward Ho! WI. The results were Mrs Stevens, Miss Capper, Mrs Moore, Mrs Ingrouille, Miss Cole, Miss Kent, Mrs Littlejohns, Mesdames Buse, Cole, Kendall, Powell and Wilkes. Mrs Hilder retired as President after five years in office.

Woolsery WI celebrated its 21st birthday at the annual meeting, and marked the retirement of Mrs L M Cardew. She was presented with a fireside armchair and an inscribed album. Mrs K Allin made a two-tiered cake which was cut by Mrs Griffiths and Mrs Dennis and eaten with wine provided by Mrs P Chapple. Ten of the 25 founder members were present including Mrs Raffe and Mrs Thomas. The elected committee comprised Mrs Dennis, Mrs Raffe, Mrs Allin, Miss Cleave, Mrs Perkins, Mrs Gilbert, Mesdames Burrow, Cardew, Hill, Thomas, Raffe and Dennis. Mrs Gorrell will continue as a social time organiser. Hostesses were Mrs Andrew and Mrs Knight.

A Halloween party raised £10 for Buckland Brewer WI funds. Mr M Ashton was MC. At its meeting, Mrs Blackmore gave a talk and new committee members appointed – Mrs Stokes, Mrs K Mitchell, Mrs P Mills, Mrs Boundy, Mrs Tritton, Mrs R Cleverdon, Mesdames Ede, W Glover, T Cock, C Andrew, Misses V Bond and M Marshall. Messrs R Howard and L Prance were tellers.

Monkleigh Skittles Club held a whist drive with the winners being Mrs W Tallin, Mrs H Staddon, Mrs A Gilbert, Miss E Brooks, Messrs J Tanton, A Ford, P Mills, M Knapp, M Ford, W Hunkin, Mrs Pearce, J Bullock, Mrs French, Mr Porter, and Mr E Brend. Messrs A Lawrence, D Sanders, H Staddon and W Whitlock helped alongside Mesdames Staddon, Sanders and Whitlock.

To raise money for the Weare Giffard Handicraft Club, a whist drive was held at the Village Hall, organised by Mrs M Cork, with refreshments served by Mesdames Stevens, Beer and Miss Dyer. Mr Smaldon and Rev J M Lucas assisted with the event. Prize winners were Mrs Westaway, Miss Smaldon, Mrs Moore, David Moore, Mr Gomer, Mr Gordon, Miss Rook and Mr Piper.

A successful concert raised funds for Woolsery Methodist Church, compered by Mr Wickett. Mr Wonnacott thanked the party. Supper was served by Mesdames Dennis, Eastabrook, Bray, Johns, Wonnacott, Walter, Pickard, Burrow and the Misses Dennis. Messrs Wonnacott and Bray were door stewards.

Mr Harold Blackmore, after being welcomed by Pastor J Evison, opened the annual sale in the Northam Methodist Schoolroom. His wife was presented with a bouquet by Mrs J Evison. Rev J O Clutterbuck led in prayer with the pianist for the hymn being Mrs E White. Stallholders were: Northam Women’s Pleasant Hour, Mesdames E White, F Passmore, F Twose, F Redclift, M Hocking, E Wilcox, T E Colwill, R Passmore, M Hodgkins, M Cookney, A Ackland, E Burrow, N Bellew, R Seldon, and Misses E Pearce and E Chappel, Messrs E Babb, A Northcott, J Heywood, T Colwill, J Phillips, R Jewell, F Twose, G Colwill, Reg Babb were on the men’s stall. Teas were provided by Mesdames T Jewell, W Boon, W Kelly, A Griffey, W Moyse, Budd, R Babb and Miss J Shutt.

To raised funds for the church, there was a whist drive at Village Hall in Alwington with Mr L G Elston as MC. Prizes were won by Mrs M E Poole, Mrs G Lewis, Mrs C Hedden, Mrs S Poole, Mr F Adams, Mr C Pickard, Mr O Lewis. Refreshments were served by Mesdames G Boundy, L Elston, A Glover, H Hillman, G Lewis, W Mitchell, K Poole and Miss A Lott. Door stewards were Messrs A Bailey and G Leverton.

Over £30 was raised at the annual jumble sale, organised by Mr R A Yeo Jenn and Mr A Edgcombe, in aid of the School and Party Fund at Langtree. The Canteen Staff, Mesdames S Mitchell, E Huxtable and Mr F Ford helped, with Mr and Mrs F Beck donating a cake which was won by Miss Shirley Hutchings.

Mrs Ellis sold over £100 of draw tickets to boost the Clovelly Parish Church organ restoration fund. Mr J J Headon was MC with Mr W Jewell as door steward. Mrs J Burrow and Miss F Ellis were in charge of refreshments. Prizes were given by the Hon. Mrs Asquith to Mesdames F May, M Braund, P Jones, Harmer, P Shackson, J Cottle, S Squires, Messrs B Taylor, F May, N Headon and K Pengelly.

Do you remember the explanation by Police Constable S J Hooper (of Monkleigh) at Langtree County Primary School on how to maintain your bicycle?

After the children of Saltrens Cottages, Monkleigh, had celebrated November 5th traditionally with a huge bonfire in an adjoining field, by permission of Mr F Dunn, and fireworks, they and their parents were entertained by Mrs C Burridge in the Chapel School to hot dogs, baked potatoes and hot drinks.

Joanna and Owen Westcott of Pynes Lane, and Freddy Russell, of Capern Road, raised money for children in areas stricken by the recent floods in Devon. Mrs Judy Harris contributed apple pies with Pat Tucker and Kathryn Jones assisting.

Mrs Trathen, of Quay Cottage in Weare Giffard says that she cannot go on as the village is flooded for the fourth time in a month. Occupants of other houses and Dock Cottages are just as frustrated. However, the children of Mr and Mrs C E Laurens, of Hornbeam Cottage were happy and donned bathing costumes. Mr and Mrs J Horrell, of the Buckingham Arms, Taddiport, built higher barricades. Lt-Col William Henry Mansfield, was saved from drowning by a human chain at Dipper Mill between Bradford and Shebbear.

Mr Percy Browne, who is one of six Devon and Somerset MPs who tabled a motion in the Commons calling for a national flood disaster fund and for urgent steps to aid local authorities, will visit Weare Giffard and other badly hit parts of the constituency to inspect flood damage. Earlier in the week, he met with Sir Keith Joseph, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr Henry Brooke) and stressed the need for some kind of national fund to deal with immediate hardship.

There was a large attendance at the first meeting of the winter session of the Bideford No. 1 Founder Branch of the Old Age Pensions Association, held at the Brigade Hall, Bideford. Mrs D A Pascoe extended a hearty welcome to all members, the chief speaker, Ald F Dunning, and to Mr D French. Mr Dunning stressed that members must continue to press for increased pensions. The time had come when something must be done; one had to fight hard to maintain a decent living standard for the aged. Mrs Burns and Mrs Lang were the soloists, accompanied by Mrs F Hicks. Cheers went up among the members when Mrs Pascoe announced that the vice-chairman, Mr W H Short, would soon be with them again after his illness. Thanks to the guests, speaker and soloists were proposed by Mr D French and seconded by Mrs D A Pascoe. Tea was served by Mrs J Huxtable and helpers.

Members of the Appledore lifeboat crew with the vellum thanks certificates awarded them by the RNLI in recognition of their services when, in ‘a near hurricane’ the lifeboat went out a year ago to aid a Polish ship. In the picture are Messrs G Judd, L Richards, T Jewell, S Cann, F Cane, B Marshall and P Eastman. Mr W Cann was absent.

Lifeboat HQ thanks local helpers at the Appledore branch of the RNLI.

A good deal of interest has been aroused by the trials of the Island Mariner, a tug built in the Appledore yards of Messrs P K Harris and Sons, which has been built for the Island Tug and Barge Co., Vancouver, a subsidiary of McAlister Bros. Inc, New York. The Helen McAlister, was built last year. Two Appledore men were on board when she signalled her departure; Messrs John Eastman and Ivor (Bill) Lloyd.

Appledore Poppy Day collections totalled over £35. Mr Lamey thanked all those who helped including Mrs Jarvis, Miss V Owen, Miss D Owen, Mrs Lewis, Mrs W Lamey, Mrs J Bennett, Mrs G Bignell, Council School, Church School, BL Club, Seagate Hotel, Mr W Lamey jnr, Mr D Lloyd, Sudburys (per Mrs Need), Mrs Cox, Mr McMurray (Royal), Mr Bird (Coach and Horses), Church, and sale of wreaths. Hartland British Legion (Women’s Section) collected £52, and at the Remembrance service in the Church Hall, the collection was over £9.

Mr Donald Brimacombe, chairman of Bideford District Poppy Day Appeal Committee invites sustained and greater financial support in view of the demands on the British Legion Haig’s Fund. Helpers are urgently required for house-to-house and street collections, and volunteers are asked to contact Mrs Arnold, 79 Clifton Street.

Inclement weather did not prevent the annual Remembrance Day parade of Appledore British Legion from taking place.

At the British Legion Service of Remembrance and Dedication in St Michael’s Church, Torrington, Rev E J Welch stressed the need for ex-servicemen to come forward and help in the British Legion activities.

There was disruption at the opening of Bideford’s Field of Remembrance as the Mayor, Mr R P Lake, was about to inspect the guard of honour from RAF Chivenor. At the dedication of Bideford’s Field of Remembrance by Miss Gladys Fulford, it was outlined ways in which the British Legion spends money from Poppy Day.

By coincidence work was taking place on the conversion of the former Head Post Office in High Street, Bideford into shop premises and the conversion of a shop in Northam Square into a Post Office. Particular attention was focused on the arrival at High Street on Sunday morning of two huge steel girders for the main support across the new front of the premises. They are believed to the largest of their kind in North Devon. Travelling overnight by lorry from Bristol, the girders were unloaded by a special team of men and hoisted to their parallel positions as the day progressed. Work is proceeding apace on the conversion of the premises into a store for the North Devon Co-operative Retail Services. The aim is to open before Christmas. Northam Post Office, which has always been situated in Cross Street, although not in the existing premises, is to be transferred to the Square in the New Year. The Sub-Postmaster, Mr A S Harman, said he had expected that Cross Street would become a one-way street, but, in fact, he had always had his eye on the new premises which he regards as the finest site in Northam. The present Post Office building will revert to living accommodation and will still be occupied by Mr Harman and his family.

There is unease about the cost of the crematorium with vague costs ranging from 325,000 to £50,000.

Mr F J Tithecott, wishes to rename First Raleigh ‘High Leigh Road’. Residents of houses 1-5 Kingsley Road, situated to the east of Elliott’s Garage are being invited to name their own street.

Mr J M O’Donnell complains of the mess caused by laying a new main sewer in Fore Street, Hartland. The Surveyor, Mr L J Dunn, said that the mess was due to the extremely bad weather. Residents in the north of Hartland parish are annoyed because they have been omitted from the Rural Council’s refuse collection scheme. The issue was reported by Mr A George. The application by Mr Roberts, of North House, Pimpley Road, Northam, to change the use of his house was approved; as was those of Mr Watson and Mr Swain. Inclusive Holidays Ltd was asked for further details in respect of their application for building sites at Buckleigh.

Mr Edwin C Harding, late of 12 Rockmount, Bideford, is delighted to see that Cmdr Hilary Boase, RN (Retd), DSC, with whom he attended Bideford Grammar School, received an OBE from the Queen. Other schoolboys at the Grammar School were Edgar Cawsley, Cyril Marshall, Jack Milson, Noel Braddick, Ralph Reddaway, Billy Wells and Harold Cottle.

The Clinton Arms darts team from Frithelstock trounced the team from Monkleigh’s Bell Inn. Ron Crout recorded a hat-trick with Bill Gifford the Bell’s marksman. Monty Daniels and Roy Perryman, playing for Does Doughboys, scored twice with Harry Parrish replying. The visiting team included Raymond Short, Reg Baker and Frank Morrish. Six-footer Ron Crout is mentioned later in the month as is Roy Perryman. Westward Ho! Badminton Club was caned by Ilfracombe B.C. Players included W Milton, Mrs D Brown, D Colwill, Mrs B Stephens, E Newcombe and Mrs M Cummings.

Mr Stan Nicholls, of Lower Meddon Street, was caused a painful injury by a giant conger eel. He was taken to hospital by Miss Joyce Gutsell. Mr Fred Odell, of 91 Honestone Street, caught a rare catch at Bishops Tawton. 

Bimbo is the pride of the class. Pictured are the children of the reception class at East-the-Water County Primary School, proud winners of the class for children’s cavies at the Bideford Fanciers’ Society Show. Bimbo is a guinea pig they have been taking care of in their classroom for about two years. Seen with the children is their teacher, Miss C J Bow.

Entertainment this month includes films at the Strand and Palace Cinemas. Or you can see ‘The Arrow of Song’ at the Kingsley Hall in Westward Ho!, or attend Balls at Torrington Town and Appledore Halls. At Edgehill College there is a concert by members of the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Or you can buy something from Nicklin’s ‘The Music Centre’, in Mill Street. It’s National Piano Week and you can see, hear and play one for yourself at Shepherd & Bartlett in Bridgeland Street.

Mr and Mrs E Joslin, of Raddy Farm, Instow, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs Joslin was formerly Miss Gertrude Mary Harris. Mr and Mrs J N Pallister, of Rosedown Cottage, Hartland, also celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with their daughter, Mrs S Laverton. Mr and Mrs Jack Edwards, of 2 Silver Street, are suprised on their golden wedding anniversary by the appearance of their son and daughter, Mr H Edwards and Mrs Edna Ewens.

Miss Margaret Joyce Andrew, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Gilbert Andrew, of Hillcrest, Woolsery, married Mr Anthony Gifford at Woolsery Methodist Church with the Rev F C Diffey officiating. Mr Dennis Fanson was best man, ushers included Mr Peter Andrew, and the bride’s sister, Shirley, was bridesmaid. As the couple left the church, they were presented with tokens by Wendy Edwards, Graham Quance, Nigel Andrew, Norman Andrew and Diana Dark. Among many presents were those from Crimp Garage and Gale’s of Bideford.

Mr Douglas Gregory and his wife, of 5 Glen Torr Avenue, Bideford, are sailing to Australia to see family. Mrs Audrey Evans, Joyce, and Barbara and Ron Martin are already there, with Mrs Ruth Abblett sailing in December. Their son, Desmond, hopes to soon join the family. At Clovelly, a New Zealander from Gisborne, Mr Maurice Dickinson, has taken up duties as sub-postmaster. His predecessor, Mr John Hardman, has moved to Sittingbourne, Kent. Mrs Montague, her husband John and two sons emigrated from Northam to Canada four years ago. After Mr Montague was unable to find a job in Vancouver they decided to return to England but on the way they visited relatives in Ontario, and there he was offered a job. The family, staying at 2 Cowpark Terrace, Northam, plan to return to Canada in the spring.

Mr Lawrence Gumbly, of Irsha Street, Appledore, and his cousin, Mrs Olive Montague, formerly of Northam, are ‘back home’.

Did you have your hair cut by Keith Seymour at 21 Rockmount, Bideford? Who won the £1 premium bond at C & I Matcham in Old Town? Visit The Corset Parlour, the corsetry specialist, and The Pixie for all your baby linen and children’s wear.

The book, Lady Chatterley's Lover, has arrived in Bideford. Read more about the controversary HERE

Merrywinds, Bay View Road, Northam, is for sale by auction.

At the annual meeting of National Savings workers, organised by the Torrington Savings Committee at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, the Mayor of Torrington, Col Palmer, presented a bronze key token to Mr S J Fovargue, of Post Office Stores, Langtree, as the secretary of the local group making the most progress in the past savings year. Mrs E Tucker was second and Miss M L Bissett, third. A 20 year’s service medal was presented to Miss J Beer, of Messrs Sudburys and was handed to her by Lieut, L G A Parkes. Later in the month, you have a chance to win a savings certificate!

At the annual meeting of Little Torrington and District Young Farmers’ Club, Mr David Daniel reported an increase in membership and Miss Watkins, the balance in hand. Mrs G F Stevens-Guille presented cups to Miss M Watkins and Mrs Brenda Patt, and Mrs R H Daniel with a bowl and cheque for her services. Elected officers were Rev P G Harrison, Mr John Down, Mr G H Crocker, Mr Ian Elliott, Mr Brian Cottle, Mr L Goaman, Miss Jean Daniel, Mr Denys Crocker, Miss Mary Watkins, Mrs B Patt, Mr Coline Harris, Miss Jean Crocker, and Miss Margaret Crocker.

There is a value to the travelling library emphasised by figures provided by Mr Patrick A Drake - the monthly issue of books has increased from 4,700 to 7,000.

You can travel from Bideford and Torrington to London on 3 days a week for a return fare of 44/3, or everyday to Ifracombe and Mortehoe.