July 1922
September weather in July provides a bountiful supply of mushrooms.
Acacia Cottage, Fairy Cross, Alwington, is being sold by Mr Edward Bailey.
Buy a Chevrolet Touring Car for £250 from Elliott & Sons, or an all British Deemster car for 300 guineas from Walter J Pitt, or you can hire a Vulcan car from D J Madge, 9 Elmsleigh Terrace, Clovelly Road, Bideford.
More about the Deemster car can be found HERE
Or you can catch the Guy Bus from Bideford to Exeter, which is run by W J Pitt.
At a Bideford Rural District Council meeting, Woolsery petitions to have ‘an absolute death-trap’ repaired; the work at Tithecott Bridge, Buckland Brewer is delayed because the quotes are too high; the matter of an Alwington quarry is adjourned; Melbury Reservoir will be excavated to increase its capacity; and 15 houses have been erected in the district.
By Order of W B Seldon, Town Clerk, inhabitants of the Borough of Bideford are advised that the Town water supply is being turned off.
Messrs R Blackmore and Sons conducted a largely attended auction at Tanton’s Hotel for the sale of about 18 acres of accommodation and building land, a part of the Molesworth estate. Unusual local interest was evinced as Lots 1, 2 and 3 comprised about 5 acres the remaining portion of the Pill Marsh on the Bideford side of the Westward Ho! Railway track, where the Bideford Bowling Club have laid out a splendid green. It has frequently been urged that this stie ought to be acquired as a sports ground for the town. There was brisk bidding for the ground when offered in one lot, and a fear that the opportunity of its being secured as a sports field lost. The bidding started at £1,000 and the property was eventually knocked down at £1,470 to Mr A W Lister who we understand was prompted with provisional support, to secure the site for Bideford. It is therefore now open to the sports clubs of the town to formulate a sound scheme and there ought to be no difficulty in the necessary support forthcoming. Lot 4 of pasture land adjoining ‘Hubbastone’ was secured by Mr Dennis at £770. An enclosure of land was secured by Mr Adkin and a portion of the Foreshore and land at the bottom of Limer’s Lane was also secured by him.
Properties for sale in Bideford – No. 66 High Street; No. 4 Dorchester Terrace, Park Lane; and No. 13 Sunnyside.
The Secretary of the Bideford Gas & Coke Co. W D Joce, advises that the price of gas has been reduced.
The christening and launch of the ‘Isabel’ was a successful event from every point of view. The BAAC Club Committee and the crew are very satisfied with the boat and wish to offer their grateful thanks to all who gave donations (large or small) to enable the boat to be purchased. They wish also to acknowledge the services of the band (under Mr A Dunn), Mr B Edwards, Mr J Elliott, Mr W B Pickard and all who rendered assistance in connection with the launch. Rowing practice is now in full swing and with the Appledore Regatta throwing open their races to W.E.A.R.A clubs the racing this year is likely to prove exceptionally keen. The good feeling existing between the rival clubs was splendidly shown last Monday and the sight of the eleven boats rowing to the Bridge was one to be remembered.
The re-opening ceremony of Edgehill College, Bideford, took place and a striking sermon – The Altar and the Temple - was preached by Rev J Moore. This saw the realisation of the first portion of the rebuilding scheme – the main educational block - after the disastrous fire which gutted the College two years ago. The second part – the erection of a spacious assembly hall, main entrance hall, domestic science room, etc. at the old Villa End – will not be undertaken until financial position justifies. More about the history of Edgehill College can be found HERE
Bideford quayside was the scene of considerable excitement, and became the broadcasting station for a series of mysterious and sensational rumours, which soon spread over the whole town and brought crowds of inquisitive visitors to the river bank. On Thursday evening, a disarmed ML boat, or submarine chaser, sold of the service, came up the river and moored at the Quay. She was observed to have a double crew, and some on board were evidently not sailors. Only three slept on board, the remainder putting up at a hotel. All was quiet when PC Bulgin passed along the Quay at 5.30am but half an hour later, and a shout for ladders, and deckhand McCarthy ran to the nearest fire alarm and called the fire brigade, which was quickly on the scene, under Capt Morris. Harbour-master Prance, who lives almost opposite, was also one of the first on the scene. A big volume of flame was then issuing from the after hatchway. The brigade quickly got two hosepipes playing on this, and succeeded in confining the fire to the wardroom which was completely burned out.
William Hocking of Buckland Brewer brings an action against Reginald Frank Hoyle of Instow.
It is reported at the Northam Urban District Council meeting that there were 9 births and 1 death recorded the previous month, and that the population is increasing.
Northam Manor Court is held.
The Northam, Westward Ho! and District Horticultural Show takes place at Clevelands on July 19th.
A cottage residence at Lower Holwell, Hoops, Parkham, is for sale. Late in the occupation of Mrs Sarah Dunkerton.
For sale – Bulland, in the Parish of Parkham, a good cottage and holding of 45 acres.
Albert John Prance of West Putford sues Richard Arnold of Alscott Farm, Shebbear.
Mr Clark, mail cart driver and postman, travels 97,000 miles in North Devon.
Torrington-Halwill Railway – the first sod is cut at Hatherleigh. Later in the month it was reported that good progress is being made with the foundations for the new viaduct of the Marland Company’s line.
A country residence known as Ingleside is for sale at Weare Giffard.
Buy an all British Cubitt car from Way’s Garage in Westward Ho! More on the Cubitt car can be found HERE
July 1972
June broke weather records!
Local property prices – Seaspray, 13 New Street, Appledore; No. 2 Northam Road, Bideford; Enfield, Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!; and No. 10 St Mary’s Close, Taddiport.
S E Seward is keen to ensure that Captain Paul Davis should be credited with preserving the Kathleen and May.
Fund-raising foot-a-fete for skittlers with plaques presented by Graham Bond. Winners of the baby show were Justine Potter, Brian Vickery, Dean Kelly, Darren Hookway, Susan Prance, and Nicola Andrews.
Doctors Clive Richards and Hilary Candler were married at Bideford Parish Church. Both qualified at Bristol University, and both are to work at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. The bridegroom, elder son of Mr and Mrs E G Richards, of Meru, Exton, and Malawi, is an Old Boy of Blundells, and the bride, only daughter of Dr and Mrs T Candler, of 28 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, an Old Edgehillian. The Rector, Preb T Derwent Davies, officiated; Miss Sian Richards, bridegroom’s sister was bridesmaid; and Dr Pat Magill, of Exeter, was best man. A reception was held at the bride’s home.
Ubiquitus writes – With news of notable examination successes and a wedding in the family there has naturally been good cause for rejoicing in the Bridgeland Street home of Dr Thomas and Dr Stella Candler. Their elder son, Christopher James (Kim) has obtained a double first in engineering at Cambridge, where he has been at Selwyn College for the past three years. He capped this success by being awarded the University’s ‘Baker’ prize for civil engineering, in which profession he intends to make his career. From Edgehill College Junior School he went on to Norwood School, Exeter, and then Sherborne School. Now 21, he is shortly to do a tour of duty with Voluntary Service Overseas, in the Caribbean. His sister Hilary, who has just become the bride of a doctor, has graduated at Bristol University Medical School with honours. She went to University from Edgehill College.
Members of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club’s football section were bearers at the funeral of Mrs Dorothy Fisher Nichols, wife of Mr Stanley Nichols, of 25 Elm Grove, Bideford. Mrs Nichols, who was 69, was a staunch worker for and committee member of Bideford AAC. The Rev Martin Fredriksen officiated and Mr Dalby was the organist.
The funeral has taken place at All Saints Church, Clovelly, of Mr Harry Headon, of 27 North Hill, Clovelly, who died at the age of 66. The Rector, Rev R O H Eppingstone, officiated and Miss Moore was the organist.
Mr Wallace Day, of Lower Yelland Farm, Fremington, has failed in his attempt to unseat the member on the Milk Marketing Board for the Far West region, Mr Dick Pomeroy, of Great Dinworthy, Bradworthy. The result of the election for the one seat allocated to Devon and Cornwall on the Board was: R G Pomeroy, 15,762 votes; W B Day, 9,751.
Bideford businessman Graham Braddick, to use his own words has been ‘shooting dreadful’ this season. But at the weekend he regained the touch which won him his second England cap last year and carried off the English down-the-line clay pigeon championship at Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham. Among the marksmen behind him in the ratings was Staffordshire’s Brian Bailey, who is in Britain’s Olympic team. Mr Braddick lives at Greenover, Limers Lane, Northam.
Objections have been raised to Northam Urban Council’s plan for private residential development at Burrough Farm. Lieut-Com M B C Sumner said he had discussed the matter with one objector and had told him the views that he would be pressing because this was a subject that had aroused much local interest and one that should be ventilated to the full. “This is one of the most critical sites in the district and the Council must be seen to be aiming at really high-class quality development” he declared.
Council houses are to be offered for sale to some tenants by Torrington Town Council who are to make available mortgages of up to 95%. The scheme will not apply to old people’s accommodation, maisonettes and, at least for the time being, to flats. Garages will not be included in the sale unless they are in the gardens of or are part of the houses. The Council has 395 houses including 19 under construction. Of tenants circularised 110 – more than 25% - replied that they were interested in buying. This number is now expected to increase. The Council adopted a unanimous recommendation of the Housing, Plans, Public Health and Improvement Grants Committee that as a general rule tenants should have the opportunity to buy the house in which they had made their home at full market value, assuming vacant possession, but subject to certain deductions.
Two teachers who between them have contributed 65 years in teaching at Torrington County Primary School in Halsdon Road will be retiring at the end of the present term. They are Mr Thomas Biddick, 60, who has been the school’s headmaster since 1932, and Miss Ena Leate, who is head of the school’s infants department and who has been on the Torrington school staff for the whole of her 40 years in teaching. And before that she spent six years at the school as a pupil! She is in fact now teaching the grandchildren of her early pupils.
Entrants in the fancy dress competition line up at the summer fair at Torrington County Primary School
A crane hauls out of the river the car which went over Bideford Quay edge into about eight feet of water. The driver, Mrs Gray, of Venton Drive, Westward Ho! escaped with shock, cuts and bruises. The photograph was taken by a visitor, Mr P Francis of Banwell.
The funeral of Mrs Ellen J Jewell, wife of Mr S H Jewell, of 8 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! has taken place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. The Rev D Pine officiated at the service.
July 1997
Torridge District Council is scaling new heights in its battle to recycle rubbish. Almost 20% of all household waste is now being recovered. The war on waste is being fought on three fronts: through so-called ‘bring’ schemes using recycling pavilions; kerbside collections; and civic amenity sites. The total amount collected for recycling last year amounted to more than 4,600 tonnes. “We are well ahead of the national figure of 5.4%” said Tony Hosegood, the council’s cleansing and recycling officer. “Our policy of building on earlier successes with ‘bring’ schemes such as the pavilions has been totally vindicated, as has our decision to use South Molton Recycle to carry out the work on our behalf. We introduced kerbside collections which now covers more than 12,000 properties.” Mr Hosegood said a further 1,000 properties at Bideford East has been added to the multi-material kerbside rounds.
New events will draw crowds to the Appledore/Instow regatta.
Since the launch of a mammoth fund raising task a year ago the village of Appledore has achieved more than half the £250,000 needed for repairs to its parish church. “We circulated every house in the parish and wrote to many charities, industries, retailers and organisations. The result has been marvellous and over £130,000 has so far been raised” said restoration fund chairman Mike Wilcox. This had enabled them to re-roof the two side aisles, re-point most of the outside of the church and start work on repairing and reforming the stained glass windows and surrounds. “At least the church should now be wind and water proof for the winter” said Mr Wilcox. But much work still remains and a second phase appeal will be launched this autumn to raise the outstanding amount needed.
Appledore Carnival Queen Jemma Hopkins poses with her two small attendants both named Katie – Katie Morse and Katie Ford. Jemma was chosen for her Royal role from more than 30 contestants and will be crowned at the carnival on August 16.
Her home town was where North Devon Cancer Care Trust founder Jennifer Bonetta went to receive a cheque for £500 toward the chemotherapy unit at the district hospital. The Beaver Inn at Appledore where the presentation took place is a stone’s throw from the house in Irsha Street where Jennifer was born. The idea to help the trust came from Mrs Chris Rendall whose husband died from cancer. With her daughter Karen and the backing of the pub landlord, Graham Stone, a euchre tournament and raffle were held. Joining in the cheque presentation are Nathie Sharrock, Alan Craner, Graham Stone, John Smale, Jennifer Bonetta, Chris Rendall and Karen Rendall.
Students from Grenville College in Bideford carried off top honours at the finals of the Devon Young Technologist competition, organised by the Rotary Clubs. Matthew Sherry from Buckland Brewer and Rebecca Dixon from Langtree made music in more ways than one. Matthew took the overall award with an electric guitar which he made for his design and technology GCSE examination. Rebecca has had several offers for the music stand which brough her the runners-up award. But she intends to use it herself while playing clarinet in the school orchestra. Grenville College was presented with a shield as the winning school, while Matthew received £300 and Rebecca £75.
Big vote for camera plan.
Ladies in waiting – to take the starring roles in this year’s Bideford Carnival. Chosen at the weekend were carnival queen Gemma Lamey, attendants Victoria Grills and Tammy-Marie Griffin, fairy Queen Leanne Newton and flower girl Katie Dunn.
Did you hire ‘inflatable equipment for children & adults’ from Leisure Hire?
Bideford toy shop owners Ron and Barbara Martin went out for a drive on Sunday unaware that their National Lottery ticket had made them millionaires. They had not watched the draw on television and they could not find the numbers in the their Sunday paper. It was not until Monday when Barbara was visiting a friend that she checked the draw on Teletext. “I could hear by heart beating as I checked the list. I must have checked in half a dozen times. It was like being in a trance.” Their lucky numbers, Barbara revealed, had been given to her by a local tarot card reader! The Martins received their £2.7 million cheque at a reception at the Commodore Hotel, Instow.
Appledore celebrates its new anti-flood scheme and Bideford takes a decisive step towards quayside defences.
Fremington-in-Flower has sprouted two impressive and artistic new features as the village expands its efforts in the Britain-in-Bloom competition. Fremington is a relative newcomer to the competition having entered for the first time last year.
A truly ‘special’ occasion at a Westward Ho! restaurant marked the retirement of Torridgeside’s most senior volunteer policeman, Senior Section Officer Christopher Dawson of Northam. Forty of his Special colleagues and former Specials gathered to wish him well. Mr Dawson has been a Special for more than 24 years. He was presented with a Newport pottery plate and Dartington Crystal iceberg, and his wife with a bouquet.
Farming at its peak and family fun at its best will combine to draw visitors to the region’s biggest one-day event – the North Devon Show at Landkey. One and a half miles of trade stands – 280 of them – will line wide avenues, crafts will fill a big marquee, and there will be everything from horses, Red Devon and Belgian Blues cattle, and tractors to a theatre and Thomas the Tank engine.
Volvo’s commitment to a cleaner motoring environment will be strengthened this year as the company’s pioneering gas-powered S70/V70 goes on sale priced from £20,925; the cleanest production car available in the UK today. The Bi-Fuel S70/V70 can be run on compressed natural gas or petrol.
