October 1959

 

A group of 27 young Germans has arrived to spend a fortnight in North Devon on an exchange visit. Some of them are guests in homes in Bideford district. They were welcomed on their arrival by Miss E Gartside and Mr Barnes, the teachers of the English Group, and met their English hosts. While they are here they will be taken on several coach trips, ranging from holiday resorts to trips to Exeter and Plymouth. They took tea at Southcott House with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr Ambrose Fulford, and his daughter, Miss Gladys Fulford. In the evening they were entertained by Bideford St John Ambulance Nursing Cadets, at their Headquarters at Market Place. The photograph was taken during a game at a party.

Abbotsham farmer, Mr William Jackman, of Lake, is mourned.

Fifty-nine years ago Mr Charles Hooper and his wife took charge of Abbotsham Church of England School at a salary of £80 a year, and that began a happy association with the village that has lasted. He continued to lave in Abbotsham until six years ago but he has still retained the old home in Coronation Terrace, which rev R W Sealy had built for him. Always there was something to occupy his time and school was no nine to four job; in those days the headmaster was also a teacher. In the evenings there were such things as shooting (Abbotsham had a successful miniature rifle club of which he was secretary for 30 years), bell ringing, choir practice and police duties. He and the Rev Sealy started a lodge of the National Deposit Friendly Society and of this Mr Hooper was secretary for more than 30 years. Keen on outdoor sports, he played cricket for Northam and Westward Ho! He began his career as a student teacher where he was born – St Giles-in-the-Wood, and among his pupils was Mrs Charlotte Babb, mother of Mr Cyril Babb, well known local farmer and butcher. At 91 Mr Hooper remains a remarkable man.

Mrs Sybil Tucker, who has lived at the New Inn, Abbotsham, for the past 50 years, has retired and is making her home in the adjoining cottage. At Bideford Petty Sessions the licence was transferred to her son, Mr Donald Henry Tucker. Mrs Tucker succeeded her husband as the licensee on his death some 13 years ago. Previously her parents were licensees there. Announcing that the transfer would be granted, Mr R B Blackmore, presiding, said that the justices had associated Mrs Tucker with the New Inn for a long period and she had had an honourable tenancy there. The time came when all had to give way to others, even though it was not always pleasant. “We are pleased that you are going out in such an honourable way,” he added.

Weed winners at Abbotsham were Miss F Moggridge, Mrs Bowyer and Mrs Winter.

Alverdiscott anxiety as Ministry of Health reassures on polio.

Babbacombe in the Parish of Alwington is to be let.

Ubiquitus writes: Prominently featured in a recent issue of the Sunday Pictorial was a photograph of a recent ‘Clan Coffin’ reunion on Nantucket Island, USA, said to be the first of such reunions since 1881. Over 400 turned up – including one Coffin who owns a cemetery! – and they honoured the energy and enterprise of the family which sprang from Tristram Coffin who went to America in 1642. Tristram is still a family name. The ‘Clan Coffin’ has a link with North Devon as the ancestral home of the Coffin family is Portledge House, Alwington, which a few years ago was let and converted into a hotel. Records show that the family of Coffin – over the centuries it became linked with the Pine family and is now Pine-Coffin – has been associated with Portledge and Alwington since the time of William the Conqueror.

Discovered in an attic of the Bell Inn, Appledore, sometime ago when a clearance was being made on a changeover, some plans, believed to be unique, for the building of Penzance luggers, a type of vessel no longer in use, have been exciting the interest of experts on coastal shipping. Placed out with waste paper, the plans were spotted by Mr Jim Harris and they have now been inspected by Mr Basil Greenhill, an authority on sailing ships; Cmdr Oliver Hill, who has been in charge of the reference section of the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich; and Capt W J Slade, of Bideford, whose book on local vessels was published earlier this year. The plans have been taken away for further examination, and it is thought likely they will eventually be housed in the Museum at Greenwich. They are thought to the work of the late Mr Harry Lesslie, father of Mrs Sarah Powe, who followed him as licensee of the Bell, which she gave up some time ago.

The funeral has taken place at Appledore Parish Church, of Mrs Emily Maud Powe, of 2 Sea View, Appledore, who died, aged 78, at the home of her daughter, Mrs V G Stevens, 8 Pitt Avenue, Appledore. Mrs Powe was the widow of Mr Thomas Henry Powe, who died only a few weeks ago. The service was conducted by the Rev L C Mallett, and Mrs Parkes was the organist. Immediate mourners attending were: Mrs V G Stevens, Mrs Selina Jewell, daughters; Tony, Michael, Sidney and Dorothy, grandchildren; Mr T Jewell, Mr R Stevens, sons-in-law; Mr E Powe, Mrs E Jewell, Mrs E G Berry, Mrs B Heard, Mrs O Powe, cousins.

Mr Sidney Cann, of 57 Irsha Street, Appledore, coxswain of Appledore lifeboat, and Mrs Ruth White, of Cranford House, Westward Ho! who were married at Westward Ho! Baptist Church, had planned a quiet wedding but members of the lifeboat crew had other ideas. Under the leadership of the engineer, Mr L G W Richards, they formed a guard of honour outside the Church and gave the couple ‘a roaring send-off.’ Rockets soaring into the air set all the local dogs barking, Mr Richards told the Gazette, and indicated to Capt P Brennan, local hon. secretary of the RNLI ‘Cox’n spliced: launched on service.’ Mr Cann, is understood to be the longest serving officer in the Institution. He has served with the Appledore lifeboat for more than 30 years and holds the Institution’s bronze medal and bar. He has helped to save some 250 lives and also holds a silver medal for long service. His bride owns a baker’s shop in Westward Ho! The Rev G H Watkeys officiated at the service and Miss Beer was the organist. Given away by her son, Mr Peter White, the bride wore a black dress with a turquoise bodice overlaid with black lace, a black coat and turquoise accessories. Mr Richard Cann, nephew of the bridegroom, was best man. Following a recpetion at Beachlea Café, Mr and Mrs Cann left for a honeymoon in Eastbourne.

Did you buy ‘Glamour Girl stockings’ from Chopes Bargain Shop, High Street, Bideford?

Anerley, 12 Honestone Street, and 2 Hillside Terrace, Bideford, are for sale.

There is a demolition sale of North Bank House, North Road, Bideford.

Houses condemned because of ‘minor points’.

These three new temporary classrooms, constructed of Red Cedar, will shortly be in use at Bideford County Secondary School. They will help to relieve present and anticipated pressure on existing accommodation. The headmaster, Mr J E Down, describes the new additions as delightful classrooms. Light and airy, each is fitted with a modern slow combustion heating.

Pynes Lane may be closed to vehicles.

When Mr Ron Littlejohns of 57 Elm Grove, Bideford, returned home, his wife told him there was a bomb at the bottom of their garden. Their son, Michael, and his friend, Richard Smith, of Mill Street, had come across the bomb while playing in the vicinity and had innocently hauled it up on top of the garden shed.

Ubiquitus writes - The Giddy family, of Bideford, are climbing the tree, and I’m wondering what the late ‘Grandfather’ Giddy, Mr William Giddy, who sailed as sail-maker in the Clipper Days, would say if he could see the fine new headquarters, the ‘Rectory Showrooms and Works’ which his three great-grandsons may take a share in as they grow older. Mr Ivor Giddy, aged 34, reminded me of how his grandfather, the ‘palm and needle man’ of sailing days, and father of 13, on ‘swallowing the anchor’ combined his sail-making craft with domestic work on floor coverings, etc. His son, Horace, followed on, inheriting the traditional skill, forming Bideford Carpet Service, and now his only son, Ivor, is opening up next weekend a new vision for the family craft, ranging from carpet-laying of the biggest seaside hotels to the floor covering and reupholstery of domestic dwellings of any size. Their bold enterprise has certainly brightened up the appearance of the High Street-Pitt Lane corner and is a credit to the town.

‘More than a party’ plea succeeds as six licensees, within the vicinity of the Pannier Market, are granted an extension.

Kenneth Edward Drew, of 4 Model Terrace, Bideford, was fined £2.

Young sparks! Yes, and bright ‘young sparks’ too, for they are members of Bideford County Secondary School radio club which is recommencing its activities after half-term, following summer recess. The Club is under the supervision of Mr D T Bailey, metal work teacher at the School, seen watching them in the photographs as they share construction and repair work on sets. Christopher Bonner has progressed to the stage of making a push-pull amplifier, and Jimmy Colwill has built his first transistor set.

The impressive new assembly hall at Stella Maris Convent School, Bideford, was dedicated by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymuth. Parents will assemble for the annual prize day which coincides with the formal opening of the new hall, which is the largest of its kind in Bideford.

Lavington Congregational Church, the oldest of Bideford’s free churches, welcomed Bideford’s first woman minister, with the ordination and induction of the Rev Gladys Smith, who comes from the Pear Tree Green Congregational Church, Southampton. Speaking on behalf of Lavington Church, Mr Harold Blackmore, said they would long remember the ministry of the Rev A J Herring, Mrs Smith’s predecessor, but she had already won a place in the hearts of her congregation.

Ubiquitus writes - Although it was their wish that the anniversary should be a quiet affair, their friends would regard it amiss if I did not mention that many extend congratulations and good wishes to Mr and Mrs Stanley Bate, of Moreton Cottage, Clovelly Road, Bideford, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Since retiring to Moreton Cottage after 25 years as a ship’s carpenter and serving on a cruiser in the First World War, Mr Bate, a native of Clovelly, has written occasionally for nautical magazines, has been recorded by the BBC, and has produced an interesting booklet recalling some of the history and his memories of his home village.

Highlight of the annual Scout bazaar was the hobbies department where the Cubs, Scouts, Guides and Brownies had their skills in the making of some very interesting and amusing models on display. One catching the eye was a small ship made solely out of matchsticks by Alan Watkins of Clovelly Road. ‘Bideford Swimming Pool’ was the wishful title of a model by Geoffrey Rodgers. First prize went to Anthony Davies.

Many friends attended the funeral at Higher Cemetery of Mrs Elizabeth Ann Penhale, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Leonard Copp, of Strawberry Cottage, at the age of 90 years. Mrs Penhale was the widow of Mr John Penhale, late of Buckland Brewer, and of 47 Meddon Street. The Rev G E Gregory officiated, assisted by the Rev R H Foster, with Miss G Glover as the organist. Immediate mourners were: Mr and Mrs L Copp; Mr and Mrs G Penhale and Mr and Mrs B Bulley; Mr and Mrs D Copp; Mr and Mrs S Cann and Shirley; Mr and Mrs G Davies and Mr C Cory. Unavoidably absent were: Mr W Penhale, and Mr H Prance. Both are in New Zealand.

Buckland Brewer WI, presided over by Mrs Stokes, enjoyed a very pleasant evening with Miss Ruby, of Launceston.

Clovelly’s British Legion is to carry on.

Clovelly Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild show receipts of just on £240 for the past year. Main items include: Whist drive, £24; Flag day, £64; Lifeboat boxes – Mrs L Symons, £1; Mrs H A Burrow, £3 10s; sale of Lifeboat books, Miss H Jewell, £58; Mrs M Morris, £84; subscriptions, £4 10s.

Mrs Toynbee is fined £5.

Memories of a wedding journey to Bideford by pony and jingle were being recalled at a family gathering at Knotty Corner, Fairy Cross, in celebration of the diamond wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs Arthur Beckley. Both are just over 80 and very active.

A representative congregation attended the funeral at St Nectan’s Parish Church, Hartland, of Mr Ernest William Pyne, who died suddenly at his home at Blagdon at the age of 74. Family mourners were: Mr and Mrs E Barnes, Mr and Mrs R Buckler, Mr and Mrs J Pyne, Betty and Peter Barnes, Rex and Rita Drayton, Mr F Pyne, Mrs F Pyne, Mr P Pyne, Miss L Vinnacombe, Mrs E Vinnacombe, Mr W Heal, Mr and Mrs F Butler and Marion, Mr L Middle, and Mrs Harris. Bearers were Messrs M Heard, W Slee, E Davey, I Brimacombe, A Smith and Curry. There were fifty floral tributes.

Hartland Parish Council agrees to contribute towards repairing bridle paths.

The car dumped by an ex-RAF man on Northgate car park, Hartland, which has provided Bideford Rural Council with a headache for a long period, has, members were told, been disposed of to a local person who is to remove it.

In Hartland there are houses, the tenants of which have to cross the main road and walk about 50 yards, latterly through a patch of ground overgrown with weeds and nettles, in order to reach their lavatories – chemical closets housed in semi-derelict stone hovels. Some of them prefer to use the town’s public lavatories nearby. The houses in question belong to the Town Trust but a Bideford Gazette representative was told that there are plenty not belonging to the Trust where similar conditions obtain. As usual, finance is at the bottom of the trouble, even though it is not the whole story. The properties in the main are let at absurdly low rents – there has been no increase at least since before the first World War. Only two of the dozen cottages owned by the Trust produce what could be termed real revenue and that is merely because they have recently been re-let. Some of the other houses are so small and so constructed that improvements are wholly impracticable. A number of them have no back doors, let alone yards where toilets could be built. That does not apply to all. “We offered to build lavatories here once but the sanitary authorities would not allow it because there was insufficient water for the flushing purposes” said the Trust member. Some of the houses have lavatories on the sewer but they have to be flushed with buckets of water.

Winning the North Devon Constituency for the Liberals will cost Mr Jeremy Thorpe two bottles of champagne when he visits Hartland Quay Hotel; and he will enjoy meeting his obligation with a flourish. At the beginning of the by-election campaign in the Torrington division, just over 18 months ago, Mr Thorpe, while on a visit to the hotel, was ribbed about Liberal prospects. This led him to promise to stand a bottle of champagne in the bar if and when Mr Mark Bonham-Carter, the Torrington Liberal candidate, was returned. Mr Bonham-Carter went on to win the by-election and, remembering his promise, Mr Jeremy Thorpe sometime ago revisited Hartland Quay Hotel and bought a bottle of champagne which was shared out among those present who were Torrington electors. Toasts were ‘No re-count next time’ and ‘May the best man win.’ To these everyone, whatever their political opinions, could drink with equal sincerity. Mr Jack Walter, with whom Mr Thorpe made the original bet: ‘When I get in I’ll stand you two bottles.’ So, as they say, Jack and his fellow electors in the neighbourhood of Hartland Quay will be all right. But Mr Thorpe will be toasting with mixed feelings for whereas he is in Parliament, Mr Mark Bonham-Carter is now out.

Local golfers, Col and Mrs W Wright, of Myrtle Cottage, Instow, and the Royal North Devon Golf Club, put up a first-class performance to reach the final of the nation-wide Daily Mail amateur mixed foursomes tournament, closing stages of which were played on the gruelling championship course at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s.

The savoury results of Mrs Killick’s demonstration on ‘High teas’ were sampled by several appreciative members at the monthly meeting of Langtree WI. She was thanked by Mrs K Hill on behalf of the Institute. Afterwards Mrs Killick judged the competition – Victoria sponge from a given recipe – and awarded place of honour to Mrs C Huxtable and second to Mrs J Dymond. A happy social half-hour was preceded by the tea break. Tea hostesses were Mrs D Mills and Mrs Wheeler.

Lt-Col W B Churchill-Longman, of Heale House, Littleham, displays a ‘deadly’ plant he has identified in his conservatory. The Ministry of Agriculture have been warning farmers, country families and weekenders against this rare sub-tropical plant which has made its appearance in this country. It is the Datura stramonium, or American thorn-apple, which is described as very deadly to small children or to cattle. Dangerous drugs, sometimes used as narcotics, are extracted from the plant in countries where it grows naturally. In February, Mr M P Moore, found a similar specimen in his garden at Eastover, Mount Pleasant, Bideford.

Lundy ponies are transported by Mr George Symons to be sold.

A strong recommendation that something should be done about signposts at the corner of Bone Hill, Northam, so that future accidents should be avoided, was made by the chairman of Bideford magistrates, Mr T C Buckland.

How much do we really know about the facts underlying the legendary defeat of Hubba the Dane by King Alfred the Great’s men at Kenwith and at Bloody Corner? Mr R J Lloyd, the artist, who resides with his young family on the Strand, Bideford, is on the march, and has permission in due course to begin excavations of the legendary site to find physical evidence. Meanwhile our readers are invited to check up on any old remains they have, which could possibly date back 1,000 years, such as iron axe-heads, metal shield bosses, metal trappings, or buckles, and human bones. Evidence in national and local museums is of the scantiest, so readers, have a look round your curios and contact Mr Lloyd. Truth must out! Later that month, Mr Frank Withecombe show Ubiquitus two ancient iron spikes from a field adjacent to Bloody Corner.

The funeral has taken place at the Parish Church, Parkham, of Mrs Mabel Peard, of Hordlands, Parkham. She was 72. The Rev J E Lynn conducted the service, and the organist, Mr M Chubb, accompanied the singing of the hymns. Immediate mourners were: the husband, Mr Fred Peard; Dorothy and Caroline, daughters; Paula, granddaughter; Mr W Kelly, son-in-law; Knighton and Betty, brother and sister-in-law; Mr W Moore, Mr T Moore, Mr C Moore, Mrs L Hockin, Mrs Tucker, Mrs E Wren, nephews and nieces.

Tenders of £452 from Messrs Blanchards for improvements to two houses at Halsbury, Parkham, was accepted by Bideford Rural Council. Total cost of improvements to the houses, including the laying of a water main by the North Devon Water Board, would be £596 11s 9d, the Council told, and they agreed to make application, subject to the necessary assurances, for loan consent to the extent of £597, repayable over a period of 20 years by half-yearly instalments.

Every Wednesday 80 year old Mr George Pett, of Moorfield, Shebbear, sets off on a three-mile cycle ride for a whist drive. His wife, aged 77, is just as energetic, for she enjoys attending village dances. Last week Mr and Mrs Pett celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home. There was a family party at which their three children – Mrs Molly Sanders, of Pitt, Shebbear; Mr Richard Pett, of Berry Farm, Shebbear; and Miss Marion Pett, who lives with her parents – were present. Also at the party were the couple’s four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, the youngest being 2 weeks old John Chamberlain, son of Mrs Sanders’ youngest daughter. Mr Pett was born in Shebbear and went to school there. His father farmed Barn, and when Mr Pett left school he helped on the farm. His wedding to Miss Edith Baulkwill, of Landcross, a farmer’s daughter, took place at Monkleigh Church on September 22nd 1909. During the 1914-18 war Mr Pett served with the Devon Yeomanry in France and on his return farmed Barn. He bought Berry Farm and continued to work the combined farms until his retirement when he went to live at Moorfield, a smallholding. Mr Pett, who often helps his son with work on the farm, has several hobbies. In particular he likes cards, cricket and horses. Mrs Pett still does her own housework and helps her daughter with managing the house.

Mrs Nankivelly, wife of Mr John Nankivell, President of Shebbear Young Farmers’ Club, cut a cake decorated with 21 candles at a dinner held in Buckland Filleigh Parish Hall to mark the ‘coming of age’ of the club. Mr Nankivell proposed the loyal toast at the dinner which was attended by about 150 members and friends. Mr Charles Bellew proposed the toast ‘Shebbear YFC’ which was responded to by Mr Jack Quance. ‘The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ was proposed by Mr Alan Bewes and was acknowledged by Mr John Yelland. Among those present at the dinner was Mr W Wilson, County Organiser. Afterwards a ball was held at Shebbear Village Hall.

Forty-three child cyclists rode their machines along to the Torridge Dairies to take part in road proficiency tests, organised by Torrington Road Safety Committee. Forty-one of the boys and girls achieved the required proficiency and at a later date will be awarded emblems to mark this. The tests were supervised by PS Kenneth Alway, with the assistance of PC Cobham and motor patrol officers, one of whom talked to the children about the work of the patrol cars.

Pointing out that the maternity section of Torrington Cottage Hospital had been closed for some considerable time and Lynton Cottage Hospital would be closed to in-patients for some time, both because of staffing difficulties, Mr W H Tall, at Monday’s meeting of the North Devon Hospital Management Committee, asked for an assurance that every possible effort was being made to get the staff required. The secretary, Mr J C Woolley, said the committee had advertised extensively for staff; it was doing all it could. Two staff nurses had applied for posts at Lynton, and there was a tentative inquire at Torrington.

Some of the audience at the BBC ‘Any Questions?’ broadcast from Torrington County Secondary School. The spontaneous discussion was by Messrs Robert Carr, Christopher Mayhew and Jeremy Thorpe, with Mr Freddy Grisewood as question master. Inevitably the discussion contained more than the average amount of political argument, in view of the General Election, but there were lighter moments. Questioners came from Torrington and district.

If more local interest can be aroused there is a chance that Torrington County Council School will have its swimming pool next summer. “A few more donations would certainly enable us to start next year.” said Mr J W Bastin, the Headmaster. There is now the sum of £600 in hand, an appeal made to Torrington and district traders in midsummer having raised about £40. They anonymous donor’s gift has thus been doubled. Devon County Council are showing interest in projects of this nature and it is possible that some assistance may be forthcoming from the county.

The Old Toll Cottage, Taddiport, Torrington, is for sale.

There were numerous expressions of sympathy at the funeral service in St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, for Mrs Mary Susan (Pollie) Eslick, wife of Mr Thomas Eslick, who died at her home, 3 Calf Street, aged 79. The Rev P G Harrison officiated, assisted by the Rev W H Smale, of Peters Marland, and the organist was Miss M L Wright.

It is many years since the river Torridge, seen here at the Old Quay, Weare Giffard, has been reduced to such a trickle as during the past summer and early autumn.

Off to mission work – valedictory service and gift at Woolsery as Rev Eric J Lott, younger son of Mr and Mrs W T Lott, of Springfield, Woolsery, will be leaving England shortly for South India.

Competition subjects at the meeting of Woolsery WI were a ginger cake and a miniature harvest festival arranged on a tray. They were judged by Miss Ellis who had earlier spoken on and given a demonstration of Devonshire dishes. In the ginger cake competition the awards were: Mrs A Hill; Mrs G Lott. Harvest festival display awards were: Mrs L Cardew; Mrs L Chapple. Miss Hooper thanked Miss Ellis for her visit. The speaker was entertained by Mrs G Bailey and Mrs D Stevens, with Mrs R Moore assisting. The penny bag contest, run this month by Mrs N Gorrell, was won by Mrs J Gilbert.

At Woolsery there was much local interest in a presentation ceremony at the School. Referring to the Woolsery Youth Club, Mr Griffiths, said, amid laughter “I think in some quarters the Club was looked upon as a matrimonial agency.” Referring to the club decision to help others, Mr Griffiths said it was so refreshing, when one heard and read so much about gangs, Teddy Boys and violence, to find a club giving such gifts so generously. He was very proud that they were such a credit to the community. Seen in the picture are: Mrs E Johns, Mr C B Griffiths, Rosemarie Souch, Mr Jim Vanstone, Mr J Raffe, Mrs Raffe, Mrs J Jenn, Mr Ron Westlake and Mr Ron Chapple.

Royal North Devon Golf Club success in County foursomes at Westward Ho! with David Trapnell and J Giddy winning the open scratch foursomes cup of Devon Golf Union.