Do you remember the news from March 1956?

Births, Engagements and Marriages - Cole – to Dorothy and Norman; Corzier; Owens; Williams-Cooper; Jewell-Wills; Bissett – to Beryl and Albert; Scott – to Dorothy and Richard, a son Richard Peter; Bailey – to Winnie and John, Betty Anne, a sister for Terence; Beer – to David and Medeline, a brother for Ella; Channer – to Barbara and Anthony Mosely, a sister for Phillys, Gervase, Donal and Guy; Green – to Evelyn and Victor, Alex Mark, a brother Sara; Lawrence – to Kathleen and Richard, a son Ian Charles; Ley – to Daisy and Bryan; Slee – to Jean and Gerald, a brother for Rosemarie; Taylor-Hearn; Hurford-Hambly; Smith-Crealock; Squance-Squire; Whitefield – to Betty and Jim, a daughter, Carolyn Elizabeth; Ayres-Cole; Quick-Butler; Curtice-Heard; Slade-Quance; Copp – to Betty and Gerald, a daughter, Denise Sheila; Hill-Fowler; Fennell-Farleigh; Mounce-Squire; Rowe-Prouse; Cooksley-Ashplant

The wedding of Mr Williams and Miss Cooper took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, officiated by Preb J A Durling and accompanied by Mr Trigger. The bride was attended by Misses Cherry Beer and Linda Baker, with the duties of best man carried out by Mr Dennis Bahn, and as ushers, Frank Beer and Charles Piper. Music at the reception, held at Tanton’s Hotel, was provided by Mr George Weeks and Mrs Bob Lamey.

Mr Abraham John Bragger and Miss Sylvia Margaret Williams are sent good wishes by their fellow employees at East Yelland Power Station. Bridesmaids were Miss Marlene Elston and Misses Maureen and Patricia Williams, with the best man, Mr Jimmy Bragger. The reception was held at the Rose of Torridge Café, Bideford, and the couple went to London for their honeymoon.

Mr and Mrs Albert John Slade, Hilltop, Raleigh, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Mr Slade was the first man in Newton St Petrock parish to drive his own car. Prior to marriage, Mrs Slade was Miss Ellen Balman Quance.

The death of Mr John Philip Hambly is announced. Previously he was the landlord of the Pebbleridge Hotel. 

Personal friends were the bearers at the funeral at Landcross Parish Church of Mr Charles Reginald Marshall, of Wyltowyn, Landcross, whose death occurred at his home at the age of 75. Mr Marshall served for many years in the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Master-at-Arms. A knell was rung on the Church bell prior to the funeral service which was conducted by the Rector of Weare Giffard with Landcross, the Rev J M Lucas. Mrs Westcott was the organist. Family mourners were Reg and Fred, Edith and Madeline, Jean and Pat, Doreen, Edmund, Dennis and Ron. Unavoidably absent were the widow, Irene, Reg and Anne, Mrs M Curtis, Mrs R Clements, Jim and Bob, Mr Mervyn Harris, Gladys and Walter. The bearers were Messrs C Acland, G Gomer, A Husband, G King, S Smaldon and J Swain. Friends attending included Mr and Mrs H Lillie, Mr and Mrs W J P Turner, Mr and Mrs H Porter, Hilda, Phyllis and Dorothy, Messrs E Redcliffe, J H Ebsworthy, E Colwill, W Folley, Teluk and W Coad, Mesdames Maxwell, S Smaldon, Westcott, King, J Clements and E Shutt, Misses T and H Maxwell.

The funeral of Mr Herbert John Hancock, whose death occurred at Sandhurst, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, took place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, with the Rev E B Bridger officiating. The bearers were Messrs M Littlejohns, T Shutt, H Heaman and A Hearn. Immediate mourners were Mrs E Crocombe, Mr and Mrs W Westcott, Mrs H T Hancock, Messrs H, W and M Littlejohns, Mesdames W, M and E Littlejohns and Mrs V Elliott.

The funeral of Mr P G Blackburn, of Straiton, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! took place at the Holy Trinity Church, officiated by Revs Bridger and Hardy, accompanied by Mrs Kelly. Immediate mourners were Mr Graham Blackburn, Mrs Barbara Dent, Mesdames Woodhams and Middleton; Messrs Kennedy and Ralph.

The funeral has taken place at Northam Parish Church of Mrs Elizabeth Hannah Hosegood, wife of the late Mr James Hosegood, of 28 Cross Street, Northam, whose death occurred at her home at the age of 80. Officiating at the funeral service was the Vicar of Northam, the Rev E B Bridger, and Mr F C Hutchings, at the organ. Immediate mourners were: Mrs Clark, Mrs Kerry, Mrs Congdon, Mrs Slaughter, Mrs Wood, Messrs Albert, Lawrence, John, Charles and Sidney Hosegood, Mesdames L, C, S J and G Hosegood, Mr F Hosegood, Mr and Mrs L Clark, Mr and Mrs E Lloyd, Mrs Pat Costin, Mrs I Lamey, Master Jim Hosegood, Mr A Clark, Mrs S Berriman, Mrs T Taylor, Mrs G Little, Mrs J Kelly, Mrs Lamey and Mr S Trant.

The funeral took place of Mrs Mary Anne Griffey, wife of the late Mr Charles Henry Griffey, of Meadbank, Northam. She died at Dingleside, Northam, at the age of 86.

Mr Thomas Percy Fulford, a Bidefordian, of Boswyn, Launceston, has died. His wife was Miss Glover and a member of a well-known Bideford family.

Bideford Liberal Club has lost its oldest member in membership as well as in age by the death of Mr John Edward Davis at his home, 2 Sunningdale Terrace, at the age of 93. He was a keen supported of Bideford AFC. The funeral at Higher Cemetery was conducted by the Rev R H Foster and the flag at Bideford Liberal Club was flown at half-mast. Immediate mourners were: Bill, Jack, Tom, George and Edwin; Mary; Doreen; Bill and Hedley; and Vera.

Hartland has lost a unique personality with the death of Mr Thomas Cory Burrow, 46 The Terrace. He was publisher, editor, advertisement manager, reporter, printer and delivery man of the Hartland Chronicle. The maximum circulation of the Chronicle was in the region of 700 copies and as well as parish readers, there were regular readers in Europe, USA, Canada, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Mr John Kellaway Jeffery, of Diamond Cottage, Fore Street, Hartland, died at his home at the age of 93. He leaves two sons – Messrs Arthur and Hubert Jeffery.

Fellow workmates and old friends were bearers at the funeral at the Bethel Free Church, Bideford East, of Mr Edward John Shears, who died at the early age of 21 at his home, 2 Brookfield Terrace, Bideford East. The son of Mr and Mrs P Shears was a member of the Bethel Young People’s Guild and an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School.

The funeral took place at St Helen’s Parish Church, Abbotsham, on March 3rd of Miss Alice Mary Tamlyn, of Oakenbury, Silford Cross, Westward Ho! whose death occurred at her home the previous Tuesday at the age of 84. Miss Tamlyn was the elder sister of the late Mr Richard Tamlyn. The funeral service was conducted by the Vicar of Abbotsham, the Rev L Woolcott. Mrs Woolcott was the organist. Family mourners were Mrs A Robins and Mr G Parminter, cousins. Unavoidably absent were Miss D G M Tamlyn, through indisposition, and Mr and Mrs Borman. Friends attending included Mr F Warde, Mr and Mrs Stevens, Mr T Ashton (Braunton), Mr W Beckley, Misses L, B and J Symonds. Floral tributes were: From nieces and cousins; all at the White Cottage; L, J and R Symonds; Mr and Mrs Pascoe and Elaine; Mr and Mrs Beckley. Funeral arrangements were by Trapnells Ltd, Bideford.

Muffled peals were rung at the funeral of Mr H Dymond, of Poole Cottage, The Green, Frithelstock. He had worked for the Bond family at Pencleave.

Frithelstock Parish Church was full for the funeral of Mr William Boundy Hookway, of Stone Farm.

Mrs R Curtis of Stibb Cross demonstrated the making of paste jewellery at the Frithelstock Women’s Institute meeting. She was thanked by Mrs Egginton. Mrs B Squire was awarded a special prize, and refreshments were served by Mrs Hunkin and Mrs Lock.

A girl attending Buckland Brewer School had to walk over two miles to her home at Hembury Cottages when the driver of the school ‘bus would not take her part of the way.

Buckland Brewer skittles team beat East Putford. In the picture are Messrs W Tucker, P Mills, F Horrell, L Blight, W Lawrence, C Babb, W Vanstone, F Lane, J Dean, S Wilson, L Oke, and H Parr.

Mr Arthur McTaggart Short, who left Bideford in 1896, has been elected President of the National Chamber of Trade. In 1950, as a token of his affection for Bideford and to commemorate the Mayoralty of his brother, he made a gift in cash as well as other gifts.

Mr J H Taylor, Northam’s ‘grand old man’ of golf, five times open champion, was visited by cameramen of commercial TV who took a number of scenes at his home at Windmill Lane, Northam – from which can be seen Northam Burrows where he learnt his golf – and at the Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! Although the film, which was televised on Tuesday evening, undoubtedly gave pleasure to his countless friends in golf in many other parts of the country, this could not be shared locally as it is not possible to receive ITV programmes in N. Devon yet, although there are reports that the sound of such programmes has been picked up from time to time. Wearing a thick overcoat to protect him from the bitter weather, Mr Taylor, who will be 85 on March 19th, was filmed putting on the club’s 18th green. Then he visited the club-house and was filmed with Mr Granville Kelly, the steward, who is retiring after Easter week after 51 years’ association with the club. His son, Mr Sidney Kelly, will succeed him as steward, thus continuing a family association with the club which began in 1864.

It is envisaged that a former ferry, Lerina, will no longer carry passengers and goods to and from the mainland and Lundy. A replacement is being sought.

Lundy’s young owner, Mr Albion Harman, has plans for a more extensive development of the island’s resources and Mr F W Gade, the resident agent, has explained that it is part of the plan to encourage more people to settle down and live on Lundy. Mr Gade said that when the boat that was being acquired by Mr Harman came into service, providing a regular sea link with the mainland, it was hoped that more people would come to live on the island. The first need was for men who could repair the empty houses on the island and make them habitable. Establishment of the boat service would also make it possible for cattle to be exported from the island at a time when they would fetch the best prices.

Mr Gade added that he wished to correct an impression which seemed to be current over here on the mainland that he was leaving Lundy. It had arisen, he believed, out of Press reports of the return to the island of Mr and Mrs Stanley Smith, of Swansea, to look after the Marisco Tavern and stores. “I am still the agent for the owner and I shall continue to be responsible for both the tavern and the hotel which is opening at Whitsun,” he said. Incidentally, the small Lundy community hopes to be watching the first television set to be installed on the island. Mr Smith has taken his set to Lundy and has had a converter fitted to make it work off the 110-volt electricity supply on Lundy.

The secret is out! Two of Lundy’s population are married – Miss Dorothy Caldwell and Mr Jack Evans.

Communal help for those who live in the lower part of Clovelly during the latest coal crisis and shortage of labour.

Keen eyed TV viewers last week, when the launching of a new tanker on the Tyne was shown in the newsreel, spotted that one of the tugs taking her in tow after she went down the slipway was the Ashbrooke, built at Appledore for France Fenwick Tyne and Wear Co. Ltd of Newcastle. The Ashbrooke was named at Appledore last March, after only being begun the previous December, and was completed by early summer. She was part of a combined contract which was the largest ever placed in the British Isles for diesel tugs. The sight of the Torridge-built vessel sturdily doing its job gave particular pleasure to the men who worked on her.

Bobby Cann, 20 Irsha Street, Appledore, receives an RNLI award from HRH the Duchess of Kent.

Licked bedroom window! Mr and Mrs Brewer have to defend their property on the Tomouth estate against ponies.

A column of schoolgirls, with a leader in charge, was proceeding down Stanwell Hill, Westward Ho! and rounding the corner on the wrong side of the road from a traffic point of view. They were spread out some two to three girls abreast. Had a car been coming round the corner smartly to take the hill there might have been an accident. Police Inspector R M Rundle reminds that the safety-first recommendation laid down for a marching body which would include a ‘crocodile’ of schoolgirls, and which cannot use a footpath, is that they should keep to the left hand side of the road. They should have a look-out at suitable distances at front and rear, and at night they look-out should carry lights, white at the front of the column and red at the rear. The Highway Code recommends pedestrians where there is no footpath to walk on the right of road to face oncoming traffic.

Northam Urban Council complete the compulsory purchase order for the field beyond Seafield House at Westward Ho!, together with Rock Nose Quarry. Mr L G H Braddick is agreeably surprised at the sum paid.

Mixed tennis players are on the hard courts at Westward Ho!

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club held a ‘Rowers’ supper’ with the following attendees – Tony Way, Messrs Mitchell, Ellis, Lamey, Day, Mesdames Mitchell, Lake, Galsworthy, Groves, Newcombe, Lee, Perry, Elliott and Poole.

Up among the leaders of Division IV of Bideford and District Skittles League is the Bideford Liberal Club team: W Piper, S Gubb, R Hocking, R Tanton, G Short, E May.

G Lewis of Alwington B is this year’s individual champion of Bideford and District Skittles League with a score of 66. The championships were played on Monday and Tuesday of this week at Bideford Conservative Club. Highest score on Monday was C Harris, of Frithelstock, with 63. On Tuesday B Shambrook of the Exiles and F Leverton of Alwington scored 64 each, but this was topped later in the evening by the eventual winner. About 60 skittlers took part in the two days. Entries are limited to one man from each team. As a result of a play-off to decide the runners-up of Division III in the League, East Putford A beat village rivals East Putford B 369-335, and will thus be promoted to Division II.

Mr W J Larkworthy thanked the Peter Allen Repertory Company which produced a benefit show for Shebbear Football Club and Shebbear Street Lighting.

Bideford Secondary Modern School beat Braunton Secondary Modern School 3-2 in the final of the Houldsworth Cup. In the final, Bideford opened the scoring through a drive by Cook, but Brooke levelled the scores with a hooked shot. Bideford regained the lead through E Davis. This lead was increased when Cook banged in his second. Braunton then threw everything into a last ditch effort and their strivings were rewarded when Fitzpatrick scored. An equaliser seemed possible but the Bideford defence held out. The team: Leonard Harris, Andrew Davies, Thomas Ford, Kenneth Downing, Victor Philip, John Davies, Thomas Cook, Brian Slade, Michael Powe, Gordon Harris, Brian Staddon.

Table tennis finals won by Derek Preston against Les Taylor.

In the picture are the Newmarket and Royal Naval Association darts teams who met at Torrington – Messrs Ayre, Beale, Fry, Palmer, Haywood, Parsley, Hocking, Brown, Drew, Slade, Lobbett, Colwill, Dymond, and Davey.

At last week’s meeting of Torrington Town Council, Cllr E T Roach asked what had happened about a complaint he brought forward last November about the chemist’s shop on late duty rota in Torrington now closed at 6.30pm on the order of the National Health Executive Council at Exeter whereas doctor’s surgery hours were from 6 to 7pm and this meant that people sometimes had to come in long distances again next day to get the prescriptions made up. The Town Clerk, Mr S J Parkes, said they had been told the whole matter had been referred to the Ministry of Health and the Executive Council were awaiting a reply. “It is disgraceful the way these bureaucrats are holding things up” commented Cllr Roach. At Bideford the hours of duty of the late chemist were till 7pm. The Town Clerk said he was told the reason for the Torrington decision was that there were only two chemist’s shops in the town. The Medical Officer of Health, Dr C F R Briggs, said he personally knew of no urgent case where people had not been able to get their medicine that night; either the doctor had put up the medicine himself of marked it urgent for the chemist to do so. There were many cases which one could not call urgent and he knew it was hard luck on them. The only remedy was for people to come in the day-time instead of the evening but this was difficult when the person was at work. The Ministry owed it to the public declared Cllr C Quick. There was a lot more money wasted on more foolish things than paying chemists for an extra half-hour. It was decided to renew representations on the subject.

Rachel Squire, daughter of Mr and Mrs T Squire, of 25 Castle Street, Torrington, and Alison Johns, daughter of Mr and Mrs W Johns, of 24 Town Park Estate, have been chosen as queen and crowner for the May Queen ceremony. Thomas Blight and Leslie Johns will be heralds.

The picture shows young people representing Methodist Churches and Youth Clubs at Alwington, Alverdiscott, Buckland Brewer, Torrington and Bideford Bridge Street and High Street who assembled for a happy evening together. The occasion was Bideford Methodist Circuit Youth Rally. Those who attended had to brave bitterly cold weather but on arrival were soon warmed up by the genial welcome they received from the Rev W J Tyrer (Torrington Methodist Minister) and others associated with him in organising the event or were official guests, the Rev R H Foster, Mr S Hill, Mr A C Lavers and Rev Leslie Groves. Refreshments were provided by the young people themselves. After a short service, it was announced that, in future, circuit youth rallies would be held once a quarter instead of once a month. “We made the decision because many youngsters who live in outlying districts sometimes find difficulty in getting into Bideford or Torrington, where rallies are held, as often as once a month. One of the ideas behind these rallies is to try and get small groups in outlying districts who cannot form a youth club of their own because of lack of numbers to link up with other young people in places like Bideford and Torrington.” Entertainment during the evening took the form of a puppet show by members of Torrington Methodist Youth Club – Terry Pollard, Peter Webber and Keith Harris – and a film show, presented by the Rev R H Foster and Mr G Low, of the Methodist Association of Youth Club’s 1955 ‘London Weekend’. The evening ended with a helpful talk by the Rev L Groves.

Misses Ada and Hetty Dark retire, and Mr Dark and Mrs Waring make a collection which is presented by Mrs Davy and Mrs Prouse. The ladies will be replaced by Mrs Dickins.

After helping at Torrington Blue Coat School jumble sale, a worker prepared to leave for home but found her brown winter’s coat missing from the place where she had left it. Inquiries revealed that the coat had been sold in error and the buyer could not be identified. Extensive enquiries were continued to locate the coat which bore a brooch on the lapel and contained peppermints and a powder compact in the pockets. The coat was subsequently found and returned to the owner. Apart from this ‘mishap’ the sale proved a success and a profit of £19 was realised for school funds. Helpers included Mesdames W Webber (the coat owner), Capel, G Martin, L Eastmond, S Bennett, L S Hutchings, V Sanders, F Glover, R Smith, B Williams and Miss E Beer. Refreshments were served by canteen staff. The competition winner was Mrs Glover.

‘Cockleshell Heroes’ film to be shown at the Strand Cinema and there's a link with this district.

The Silver Threads concert party of Bideford branch of the Old-age Pensions Association is now in full swing again after having to cancel several engagements last month because of bad weather conditions and illness. On Friday last the party gave a three-hour show at Hartland Church Hall to a capacity audience. Proceeds were in aid of Hartland AFC. The concert was well received by the audience, and Mr J Gorrell, appearing on the stage at Hartland for the first time for 10 years, was especially popular. On behalf of the club, Dr W K Somerton expressed thanks to Mrs Pascoe and her party, which was acknowledged by her and Mrs M Rendall. Refreshments were afterwards served to the party by Hartland AFC ladies’ committee. Compere of the show was Mr D French and Mrs J Hicks was pianist.

Miss Jane G Roberts takes up her duties as Matron of Bideford and District Hospital, in succession to Miss E M Botting.

Bideford’s private wharves were at their busiest since the war on Tuesday when this picture was taken. The latest to be deepened for coastal vessels is that of Messrs I Baker and Sons Ltd, in the foreground, where m.v Celebrity is discharging cement. At the Devon Trading Co Ltd, in background, the m.v Stan Woolaway is discharging gravel. If need be, Bideford, including its municipal quays, can now accommodate five vessels of aggregate tonnage of 3,500 at the same time. Bideford (including private docks) handles sea-cargoes averaging 2,000 tons weekly.

Mr O W Ward has retired as Steward of the Manor of Northam after 25 years. He has been succeeded by Mr M W V Richards.

Gerald Hopkins of 28 Stucley Road, Bideford, Joan Mary Moore Jenyns of Cheveralls, Limers Lane, Northam, and Leslie Braddick of Vicosa, Westward Ho! were fined for traffic offences.

Mr Ron Lake, of Bideford, assisted by Mr L Rowson, helps with the RAC international car rally at a check point at Stibb Cross.

Bideford Road Safety Committee is to write to the Town Council requesting them to recommend the Devon Education Committee to provide a fully approved traffic warden at the new county primary school at Coronation Road to ensure that children cross the road in safety. This was decided at a meeting of the committee on Friday of last week. It would not wise to have a zebra crossing erected at Coronation Road because this might lure the children into a false sense of safety and they might walk straight across the crossing right in front of oncoming traffic which would not have chance to pull up in time, said the chairman, Mr R P Lake. Members were told that providing a traffic warden was not as simple as some might think. It was not just a case of getting any person to act as a warden; the warden would have to be in uniform and approved officially by the Police, said Mr J Minor. “The traffic is not extremely heavy past Coronation Road at this time of year, but next term the danger will be increased because of holiday traffic” continued Mr Minor. “I still think traffic comes down Clovelly Road too fast” he added.

Village schools recommended for closure include: Alwington; Littleham and Landcross; Little Torrington, and Roborough. Torrington Rural District Council is to write to Devon County Council against the closure of village schools.

Properties for sale – 1 Cowpark Terrace; 30 Fore Street (both Northam); Moorhead at Woolsery (to view, contact Mr Jollans); Lower Twitchen Farm, Buckland Brewer

Buy malt vinegar from Corona for 1’ 8d.