October 1964

The funeral of ex-Police Sergeant Ernest Victor Barnacott, who served in Devon Constabulary, took place at Abbotsham Parish Church. Mr Barnacott, who was 72 and a widower, lived at Homesworthy, 9 Northdown Road, Bideford. He was a member of an Abbotsham family and his father had been a policeman there. The Vicar of Abbotsham, Rev E G Bevan, officiated and interment took place in Hatherleigh churchyard.

Officers of Alverdiscott YFC, photographed with principal speakers, Mr F Coleman and Mr W Shapland, and Mr W Gubb, at the club’s annual dinner and dance at Alverdiscott Hall. Other officers are Mr P Squire, Mr D Hopkins, Miss C Holland, Mr T Johns, Miss S Lauder, and Mr P Kelland. Last week the YFC held a harvest festival service, the preacher being the Rector, Rev B Tinsley. The service was followed by a supper and auction which made over £19. This was sent to the Charlie Chester Homes. The auctioneer was Mr H Pavitt.

Dying art that is older than Christendom. Rare features of harvest festival decorations in the parish churches of Alwington and Parkham were two corn dollies. The making of corn dollies, which are said to have a pre-Christian origin, is something of a lost art. Those seen at Alwington and Parkham were the work of Mrs Galbraith, of Staines, who regularly spends holidays in the Alwington district. On a recent visit she made two, one in the shape of a crown and the other in the form of a cross, from stalks of corn she gleaned in a field which had been combined. The dollies were then given to the Rector of Parkham, the Rev J E Lynn, who hung one in each church. In the picture, he is showing one of the corn dollies to interested onlookers at the Bell Inn, Parkham.

The Appledore Seamen’s Mission has been transformed saving at least £50 says Mr David Magill.

The Seagate Hotel, Appledore, is sold for £19,000 to a Kent hotelier, Mr D H Hughes.

Appledore boy Alan Waters, handed a message from the chairman of Northam Council, Mr H E Hopkins, to the Duke of Gloucester at St James’ Palace, London. The message was on behalf of all boys’ clubs in Devon. Alan, who lives at 112 Irsha Street, and is an apprentice boat-builder, was accompanied on the trip by Arthur Fisher.

The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Marshall Slee, widow of the late Mr William Henry Slee, of 19 Elm Grove, Bideford, took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford. Mrs Slee was 87. The Rev Gladys Smith officiated. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs Lang and Sons, Grenville Street, Bideford.

Mr Frederick John Palmer, of 28 Clifton Street, Bideford, whose death at the age of 74 occurred in Bideford Hospital was a long serving member of Bideford AFC. In his younger days he had been a first class amateur player and at one time he was playing for Portsmouth’s first team. It was also not generally known that in his day he was one of Devonshire Regiment’s leading boxers. Mr Palmer, a Bidefordian, was a painter and decorator and prior to his retirement was employed by Bideford Corporation. Last year he was presented with a silver star and an illuminated address to mark 50 years membership of the National Society of Painters. The number on his Bideford branch union card was 2. Through his work for the RAOB and Bideford British Legion he devoted time to visiting patients in hospital. He was also a committee member of Bideford AAC, a past president of Bideford Homing Pigeon Society and a member of Bideford Youth Employment Committee. He leaves a widow , and a son, Mr Robert Palmer.

Rating assessment on Honestone Street house is slashed. A valuation court at Bideford was told what it was like to live next door to an abattoir. Mr K C Glover, 19 Honestone Street, Bideford, wrote to the panel saying that he had to put up with smells from Bideford slaughterhouse, which was ‘just over the wall’ from his property. At night there was noise from cattle waiting to be slaughtered the following day. Slaughterhouse workers were continually lighting fires to burn rubbish and he could not have the windows open because the fumes get into the house. Washing hung on the line often had to be washed again.

With rejoicing and thanksgiving Bideford Baptists’ new church in Mill Street was opened and dedicated. The opening ceremony was performed in the presence of a large crowd by Sir Donald L Finnemore, a leading Baptist layman, who opened the main door. The key was presented to Sir Donald by the architect, Mr Richard Fraser, who called upon him to “declare this building open for the high purpose to which it is to be dedicated.” To the singing of the choir the procession moved into the main building for the service conducted by the Minister, the Rev Alan T Fleetwood. The Mayor, Mr E C Hart, accompanied by the Mayoress and the Corporation attended in civic state.

Closely connected with an achievement rare in these days – the building committee of Bideford Baptist new church. They and all other local Baptists will realise a dream. The committee comprises: Mr F Burrow, Mr A C Hooper, Rev Alan T Fleetwood, Mr F R Garnsey, Mr C W Stephenson, Mr J H Heard, Mr R Hopcraft, Mrs D Westacott, Mrs T Slade, Mr S Squire, Mr S Langdon, Messrs S E Green, W S Darch, A P Frayne, D Jackson, J F Garnsey, and H V Lucas.

The opportunity of working on the erection of a new church comes to a few building workers and this group of men who were engaged on the new Baptist Church, appreciating that fact, marked the occasion by having their photograph taken. They are: Messrs W Petherick (Bideford), A Hill (Crediton), R Adams (Barnstaple), B Riley (Bideford), B Davey (Northam), W Martin (Horrabridge), W Bryant (Crediton), R Yeo (Bideford), T Adams (Plymouth), D Adams (Plymouth), G Moore (Bideford), S Lamdon (Bideford), J Chubb (Bideford). Mr J Dyer (Bideford), also worked on the project.

For the first time a junior harvest queen was crowned at Bideford Salvation Army young people’s harvest festival held at headquarters, 4 Honestone Street. She is Lynn Cole, daughter of Mr and Mrs Reg Cole, 4 Meddon Street. In the presence of a good congregation, and in a hall that had been effectively decorated with flowers and produce by Mr Waring and helpers, she was crowned by Mrs F Patt who was received by the Commanding Officer, Envoy Rita Baker.

Did you buy spit roasted chicken from The Buttery at Tanton’s Hotel in Bideford?

Bideford licensing justices approved plans for the addition of 26 bedrooms to Tanton’s Hotel, Bideford. The extension, it was said, would take in the whole of Hampton Terrace, but there was no intention to alter the river front of the property, a registered building. Mr G N Crowther appeared for the hotel.

Is the BBC taking money from licence payers under false pretences? The Mayor, Cllr Eric Hart, thinks so.

Mr E E May, NFU representative on the Bideford and District chamber of Trade suggests a change to early closing day, though Mr F Patt and Mr E Blanchard aren’t in favour. 

Later in the month, the following article was published by Ubiquitus.

Even before the new season on grass pitches had started Bideford Rugby Club found themselves the winners of a trophy. It was won at the sevon-a-side tournament on the sands of Westward Ho! some weeks ago. In the photograph are J Folland, M Morris, M Eastman, A Harris, C Balsdon, R Hunkin, W J Lock, T Langbridge and G Squires.

Bideford Town Band, under their new bandmaster, Mr W M Garrett, are on the march again. At Exeter in the South Western Counties championships they won three firsts, a second, a third and a fourth. Successes included D Thorne, T Bryant, R Barnes, I Jenkins, A Coles, C Jewell, B Cloke, R Brennan, Miss D Brennan, and V Jenkins. Band practices take place on Mondays and Fridays of each week with learners classes on Wednesdays, at the Council’s Westcombe depot. Mr R G Barnes is honorary secretary and Mr R Brennan, honorary treasurer.

A shock for Mr Frank Godfrey, licensee of the Kings Arms, Bideford.

A Bideford ex-policeman is to be recommended for a national award for his services to the road safety movement. He is Mr Len Clarke, now rate collector for Bideford Rural Council. Until his retirement from the police force last July, after 27 years service, Mr Clarke was a representative on Bideford Road Safety Committee, and at their meeting on Friday the committee decided to nominate Mr Clarke for the trophy awarded annually by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to the person they feel has done most for road safety. Mr Clarke was nominated last year for the award but his nomination reached ROSPA too late to be considered.

Mr Puddicombe, a member of an old Bideford family, catches a fine bass at Appledore. His father, the late Mr W H Puddicombe, a photographer, had a studio in the Strand, Bideford.

Iffield, North Road, Bideford, is for sale.

Over 2,000 saw Camera Club exhibition. At the first meeting of the 1964-65 season, the chairman of Bideford Cameral Club, Mr J D Philipp, presented the three cups competed for last year. The Joliffe Cup, for efficiency and enthusiasm in club activities, was won by Mr R Petherick, Mr E C Beadle gained the Holman Ham trophy for his winning print at the exhibition, and the colour slide cup was won by Mr John Jeffery. It was reported that the exhibition at the Art School in August was a great success. The attendance exceeded 2,000 and 850 voted their choice of the first three places in the print section. The only correct result of this popular vote was by a visitor from Bristol, Mr A Rogers. In an open competition for monochrome prints Mr R Petherick gained the first three awards. In a similar competition for colour slides Mr John Jeffery was first, Mr J E Reynolds second and Mr W Hodges third.

Dr David Own was not too busy to call on Mr W H Chubb, an honorary freeman and former Mayor of Bideford, and a founder member of Bideford Labour Party. He is seen pinning a rosette on Mr Chubb at his Honestone Street home.

Coming events cast their shadows before earlier every year, or so it seems, and these youngsters were out in Bideford’s High Street with their guys in anticipation of November 5th. But perhaps there is a special excuse this year in view of the political fireworks of recent weeks!

Vindication can be said to have come, belatedly, to a local explorer who died in what were long considered to be strange circumstances 100 years ago. Although John Hanning Speke, who was born at Orleigh Court, Buckland Brewer, on May 4th 1827, discovered the source of the Nile, the glory that should have been his was largely withheld, and only in this centenary year has an attempt been made by various writers to end the perpetuation of what one has described as ‘slanderous gossip and innuendo.’ Speke’s discovery was made in 1858 when he was a member of a Royal Geographical Society expedition commanded by Richard F Burton. Lake Victoria was reached by Speke alone (Burton had remained at Tabora stricken with fever) and Speke concluded, correctly, that he had found the source of the Nile. Burton refused to accept this and thus began a bitter dispute – ‘the Nile Duel’ – which reached a climax in 1864.

Clovelly Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild has had a record year.

Clovelly herrings ahoy!

Mr Peter Mills may have found canvassing in Clovelly’s steep High Street somewhat arduous, but when he met a group of local people he did not waste an opportunity.

The funeral of Mr Charlie Dayman, of Mount Pleasant, Hartland, took place at St Nectan’s Church, Hartland. The Vicar, Rev A T H Jones, officiated and Mrs Jones accompanied the hymns. Bearers were Messrs L Middle, A Thorne, D Newton, L Webber, E Johns and L Beer. There was a large attendance.

The funeral has taken place at Instow Church of Mrs Emily Gammon, wife of the late Mr C C Gammon, of 5 Lime Grove, Bideford. She was 83. The Rector of Instow, Rev H L Hustwayte, officiated. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs Lang and Sons, Grenville Street, Bideford.

Littleham Parish Church of St Swithun loose tiles crisis: £2,000 needed.

For the first time two local Women’s Institutes have shared their monthly meeting and in addition Mrs Earle and Mrs Spurgi, both Voluntary County WI Officers, attended. Littleham invited Abbotsham WI to their Village Hall and were welcomed by Mrs D Hill.

Bernard Leslie Folland of Solwill Court, and Cedric Edmund Askew, of Grange Farm, both at Merton, are fined.

Abbeyfield House at 5a Cross Street, Northam, is to open December 1st.

Public conveniences will be erected on Northam Burrows before the next holiday season. The cost will be £1,560. The Burrows Joint Committee comprising members of Northam Council and the potwallopers’ Burrow Committee, has agreed that the conveniences should be coin operated and erected near Sandymere. The exact position of the toilets has yet to be decided. The charge for taking a car on to the Burrows by non-residents of the manor is to remain at 2s.

A native of Northam, Mr Arthur M F Palmer, is the new Labour MP for Central Bristol, His parents live at Lakenham Hill.

The funeral of Miss Lilian May (Mary) Mason, of Green Pastures, Northam, took place at St Margaret’s Church. Miss Mason, who was 77, was a retired Queen’s Nurse. The Rev J R Lucas officiated and the organist Mr F Hutchings accompanied the hymns. Bearers were Messrs S Kelly, R Lamey, G Mounce and T Shutt. Funeral arrangements were by Mr H T Hancock, 4 Lenards Road, Northam.

The funeral of Mrs Annie Mounce, wife of Mr Charles Mounce, of 22 Windmill Lane, Northam, took place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, followed by cremation at Exeter. Mrs Mounce was 86. The Vicar, Rev J M Lucas, officiated, and the organist Mr F Hutchings, accompanied the hymns. The funeral arrangements were by Messrs A Griffey and Sons.

The funeral of Mr Sydney George Bowden, husband of Mrs Cecilia Bowden, of 2 Tower Street, Northam, took place at the Congregational Church, Northam. In his youth Mr Bowden who was 58, served in the Merchant Navy for several years. The Rev A E Green officiated and the organist, Mr H A Littlejohns, accompanied the hymns. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs Littlejohns, Fore Street, Northam.

The funeral of Mr Harry D E Goodall, husband of Mrs Lucy A Goodall, of 16 Fore Street, Northam, took place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. Mr Goodall was 77. The Rev J M Lucas officiated and the organist Mr F Hutchings accompanied the hymn. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs Littlejohns, Northam.

Northam Urban Council has done much in recent years to clarify names of streets and roads, though I expect there are still many who do not know where White Horse Lane is, or the whereabouts of Broad Lane. I will quote a few which in the last two years have become established: Hilltop Road (Raleigh Hill to Kenwith Bridge), Robins Lane (Raleigh Hill to Top Hole), Diddywell Road (Northam Square to Diddywell), White Horse Lane (Diddywell to Long Lane), Blackmores Lane (Diddywell to Highbury Hill), Chanters Lane (Kingsley Road to Peards slip), Kingsley Avenue (Appledore main road to Hocking’s garages), Hubbastone Road (Newquay Street to Barnstaple Brick and Tile yard), Wooda Road (main road to Barnstaple Brick and Tile Yard), Appledore Road (top of Richmond Road to Cross Street), Richmond Road (Odun Road to Appledore main road adjoining Staddon Road), Staddon Road (Appledore main road to top of Meeting Street and Green Lane), Broad Lane (Appledore main road to Burrows Gate), Lakenham Hill (end of Tower Street to Commons Farm), and Atlantic Way (Commons Farm to former Golden Bay Hotel).

Children at a Northam primary school drew lots to prevent a fight – a dog fight, in fact! It happened where children held a ‘pets exhibition’ to coincide with the launching of a branch of Panda Club – a junior section of the World Wild Life Youth Service – at school. But amongst the cats, kittens, tortoises, white mice, guinea pigs and cage birds, there was only one lone dog – a white poodle. Explained the headmistress, Mrs M A Crombie: “We decided just one dog so that we wouldn’t have any fights in school. The children with pet dogs drew lots.” A special ‘pets service’ conducted by the Rev Gilbert Molesworth, was also held at the school – he is the prime mover behind the formation of the Panda Club at Northam.

A man who once thought himself a confirmed bachelor celebrated 50 years of happy married life. Mr Arthur Ley, now 85, remained single until he was 35. Then he met Miss Hetty Martin, whose mother then ran the Post Office at Parkham, where Mr Ley, a ‘newcomer’ to the district, regularly called. The romance blossomed and at Parkham Methodist Church on October 22nd 1914, Arthur George Ley married Hetty Martin. They farmed 100 acres at Bocombe Farm from 1914 to 1943, when they moved, in retirement, into the village.

Town and district in fight to retain Torrington Cottage Hospital after the General Election.

A hard day’s night for Mr Tom Plows and his wife, Betty.

Ninety-five year old Mrs Mary Mills knitted all the squares for a patchwork bedcover, which Torrington Women’s Institute are giving to their ‘adopted’ displaced family. Mrs Mills is the mother of Mrs Hedley Bowden, a former president of the institute, with whom she lives in New Street. The sections have been sewn together by Mrs Cole.

Torrington WI recently held its 35th Birthday Party in the WI Hall when 60 members sat down to supper. A birthday cake made by Mrs H H Beer, iced by Mrs F Beer, and decorated by her daughter, Avril, was cut by Mrs R H Cotton, assisted by Mrs J Sweet.

£39,000 sewerage scheme for Weare Giffard, and similar facilities are needed at Shebbear. In a later article, the Rev T H Sheriff, of Corner Cottage, Weare Giffard emphasised the need.

Mr Walter John Hedden, of the Barton, Weare Giffard, was fined £6 for selling eggs in contravention of British Egg Marketing Board regulations.

The funeral has taken place at Weare Giffard Church of Mrs Mary Ann Clements, wife of the late Mr Frederick Clements, of Weare Giffard. She died in the Torridge Hospital, aged 88. The Rev M Coyle officiated and Mr D Glover, the organist, accompanied the hymns.

It’s a refusal for the Hon Keith Rous to his request to build a farmhouse at West Bucks.

Mr Scoynes of Ashridge Mills, Westleigh, is hurt by angry heifer.

A new heating system at the Kingsley Hall, headquarters of the Westward Ho! Community Association, costing about £1,400, was formally switched on by a past president of the association, Mr H Morgan. The ceremony followed a united service in which the Vicar of Northam, Rev J M Lucas, the Rev J Winter and the Rev A E Green took part. Later a concert and organ recital was arranged by Mr Bob Mitchells. A collection of £11 5s will be divided between Broomhayes Nursery and The Chalet Old People’s Home, Westward Ho!

Local girl DJ. Wren Writer Susan Insley, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs James A Insley, of Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! is one of seven members of the WRNS who has been chosen to serve as ‘disc jockeys.’

All Hallows Church, Woolsery, was lavishly decorated for harvest thanksgiving by Miss V Cook, Mrs C Perkins and Mrs J Raffe. The morning service was conducted by the Rev R O H Eppingstone, rector of Clovelly, and that in the evening by the Rural Dean, Rev Roy Dixon. A further service again conducted by the Rev R O H Eppingstone, was followed by supper in the Church Rooms. Responsible for the catering were Mesdame F Knight, C Perkins, G Bailey, N Gorrell, J Andrew, J Raffe, R Peard and Miss V Cook. The last named was organist throughout the festival at which a total of £29 9s 9d was raised.

New Zealand ‘trip’ for Woolsery WI.

With Mr L C Mizen, Mr J Andrew and womenfolk, Woolsery Village Hall solves a problem.