August 1922

Rail excursions from Bideford using L&SWR.

 

Torrington-Halwill Railway – rural council and the stations and halts. At a Bideford Council meeting, Mr W T Goaman drew attention to the fact that a Finance Committee’s report recorded the first instalment of the sum of £1,900 the Council is investing in the Torrington-Halwill Railway which he said had been started and they hoped would soon be in full swing. The Mayor was very pleased that Bideford with the Government, was one of the two first to pay their instalments on the Railway. It showed Bideford believed in progress.

Later in the month, Torrington Rural Council took a drastic step to withhold a second contribution until details of all the halts and sidings was provided.

Drunkenness is on the decrease – less than half the total for 1913.

Football is not a suitable game for girls but lawn tennis and netball receive approval, with cycling in moderation.

Births, marriages and deaths announced this month: Hannah Alford of Bideford; Charles Cutcliffe of Bideford; Annie Geraldine Slocombe of Bideford; William Ware of Bideford; Ede-Cutland; Oatway-Sheppard; Elizabeth Ellis at Westcott, Abbotsham; John Francis Rennie; Mark Heywood Babb married Lucy Ethel Smith at Bideford Wesleyan Church; Harry Clement Sargent married Nellie Constance Parsons at St Margaret’s Church, Northam; George Willy Vincent died at Glen Ferns; ex-Lance Sergt William Wilson died at 38 Mill Street, Bideford; a son to Mr and Mrs A Williams at the School House, Merton; Charles Walter Short married Doris Rose Kivell; Sophia Bouverie, daughter of the late Lieut John Peter Pleydell, Royal Marine, died at 7 Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho!; Mary Short died at 5 Willett Street, Bideford; a daughter for Mr and Mrs P Westcott at Hill View, Clovelly Road, Bideford; the marriage of George H Fogaty to Ethel Cridland; Berners-Wilson; Samuel Davey; Lily Veal Harding at 14 Bull Hill; Percy Pickard;

A pretty wedding was solemnised in the Wesleyan Church at Ford, the bridegroom being Mr Sidney A Luxton, of Bideford, and the bride, Miss Alice Penelope Lott, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Edward Lott, Ford Farm. The Rev F T Buckingham officiated and Miss Kivell presided at the organ. The bride looked extremely well in a dress of ivory satin with hat to match. She carried a lovely sheaf of madonna lilies. The bridesmaids, Miss Ethel Lott and Miss Lucy Colwill, wore pretty dresses of salmon pink crepe corona, with picture hats to match. They also wore gold and pearl brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom, and carried bouquets of sweet peas and pink carnations. The Church was crowded with friends and relatives and a reception was held at Ford Farm. Among the many handsome and useful presents received was a beautiful silver tea service from the members of the church and choir for services rendered as organist for several years. After the reception the happy couple left for London where the honeymoon is being spent. The bride’s bouquet was placed on her grandmother’s grave after the wedding ceremony.

Mr Robert Ford, of Town Farm, Alwington, passed peacefully away after a short but painful illness. The funeral took place at St Andrew’s Churchyard when a very large number of friends and neighbours attended. The coffin was borne by Messrs F Wickett, J Nance-Kievell, G Beer, J Peard, W Grigg and John Serjeant.

Great sympathy is felt throughout the parish for Mr and Mrs Smale of Dydon, Alwington, whose second daughter, Hilda May, passed away at the early age of 17. The deceased was a favourite with old and young, being of a bright and happy disposition. The coffin, of best English oak with brass mountings, was laid in a flower-lined grave, the bearers being Messrs F J Palmer, Philip Colwill, B Dark, S Hockin, P Daniel and G Bailey.

The Rector and Miss Spring entertained a large number of Church members to tea in the Rectory Grounds at Alwington. All whose names were on the electoral Roll were invited and although some were prevented from attending owing to sickness and business – the attendance was good.

At Bideford County Sessions the license of the Ship Inn, Appledore, was transferred from Ellen A Lamey to Walter Hooper.

Mr A W Cock, FAI, will offer for Sale by Public Auction at the Marine Parade, Appledore on Thursday, August 24th, 1922, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the Motor Fishing Boat ‘Bertha’ as she now lies on the Beach opposite Marine Parade. The boat is well fitted throughout, and has 30 hp pertrol-parrafin engine. The Boat and full inventory may be inspected on application to the Auctioneer at his officer, 7 Grenville Street, Bideford.

Lord Glanelly has very graciously promised £100 towards the £450 required to renovate, re-ventilate and cleanse St Mary’s Church. The Vicar will be glad of further subscriptions so that the work can be started.

The wedding of Miss Annie Elise, elder daughter of Mr Arthur Galsworthy, CC. and Mrs Galsworthy, of Appledore, and Mr Edgar White, only son of Mr and Mrs C White of Lavender Hill, London, was quietly solemnised at Bideford Wesleyan Church. The bride was becomingly attired in a dress of pale gray georgette, with hat to match, and was attended by her sister, Miss Ella Galsworthy, as bridesmaid. She wore a dress of mauve crepe de chine with biscuit coloured tulle hat trimmed to match. She received a gold wristlet watch from the bridegroom. After a reception to the immediate members of the family the happy couple left for the Channel Islands for the honeymoon.

Following on from stories reported in earlier months, the new Appledore motor lifeboat ‘VCS’ – the first of its type on the North Devon coast – was named and launched. Rev J B White said that it was a very proud day for Appledore and Appledore’s Committee. For some years they had been discussing the possibility of having a motor lifeboat at that station, and although he never dreamt that he should see it they now had a boat which was the very acme of perfection. No money had been spared, and nothing that human ingenuity and skill could devise had been omitted. Moreover, everything possible had been done to secure the safety of the brave fellows who had to out in her to rescue people from shipwrecks. Capt Prideaux Brune accepted with pleasure the new lifeboat on behalf of the Local Committee. He trusted that she would be able to render services as efficient as those of their late boats, the ‘Jane Hannah McDonald’ and the ‘Robert and Catherine’.

On the occasion of the Patronal Festival, the Vicar and Mrs Whitaker kindly asked all the adults of Bucks Mill Parish to tea and games. In spite of the bad weather many turned up, and spent a most enjoyable time. At 7 o’clock a service was held in the Church which was attended by all denominations. This is the second year that the Vicar and his wife have entertained the whole Parish which tenders to them its best thanks.

The funeral of Mr Charles Cutcliffe of Park Lane, Bideford, took place on 31 July, the Rev H Trotman officiating. The bearers were also from the choir and congregation of the Church; several friends were waiting at the cemetery.

On Monday morning, August 14th, a very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Bideford Wesleyan Church, the contracting parties being Miss Lucy E Smith, of 66 Mill Street, Bideford, and Mr Mark H Babb, younger son of Mr and Mrs G Babb, Marine Gardens, Bideford. The Superintendent Minister, Rev W H Chamings, officiated. The organist was Mr E G Laycock. The duties of ‘best man’ were carried out by Mr Leonard A Ash. The bride, who was given away by her aunt, Miss M Smith, was attired in an old gold crepe de chine dress, with a picture hat to match, and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums, roses and maidenhair fern, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaid, Miss Winifred Squire and Miss Doris Glover, wore pretty pale blue dresses with black hats to match, and carried bouquets of carnations and maidenhair fern. The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of many useful and valuable presents, including a case of stainless cutlery from the firm of Messrs R Braund and Co, with whom the bride has served 12 years. The bridegroom’s gift to the bride was a gold pendent set with aquamarines and pearls, and the bride’s gift to the bridegroom a set of gold links. Each of the bridesmaids received a gold brooch set with aquamarines. After the reception, which was held at Friendship’s Café, the happy couple left for their honeymoon, which is being spent in Bournemouth and London.

Eastside, No. 1 Barnstaple Street, Bideford, is for sale.

The death of an old and respected parishioner, Mrs Joseph Jewell, of Bradworthy Mill, is reported.

A garden party was held to raise funds for repairing the Bradworthy Parish Church tower.

Mrs Christine Hamlyn is selling Highworthy, Clovelly.

All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, was the scene of a pretty wedding, the nuptials being those of Miss Maggie Squire, the second daughter of Mr and Mrs Squire, of Home Farm, and Mr John Henry Thomas, eldest son of Mr H Thomas, of Bideford. The Rev T L V Simkins performed the ceremony.

The wedding at St Nectan’s of Mr Claude Richard Martin to Miss Eleanor Elizabeth (Nellie) Walter, is reported.

There was an extraordinarily large attendance at the funeral of Mr J H Pomeroy, of Natcott Farm, Hartland. Outside the house, ‘Rock of Ages’ was sung and Mr E Hill prayed. The bearers were Messrs E Heard, W Hockridge, A Jeffery, E Slee, C Moore, W J Stone. Relatives were: his father and mother, Mr William Pomeroy, Mrs Margaret Thorne, Mr William Prouse, James Prouse, Mrs Dennis, Miss Stevens, Mr and Mrs T H Pomeroy, Mr and Mrs A Bond, Miss Dorothy and Master Ernest Pomeroy, Mr and Mrs T Stone, Mr and Mrs J K Jeffery, Mr Hubert Jeffery, Messrs Richard Branch and William Thorne.

On market day in Hartland an in spite of the heavy rain, the following young ladies sold badges in aid of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children: Misses May Allen, Maud Burrow, Dorothy Pillman, Ethel Rowe and Ena Dayman.

Some form of shelter is needed at Instow.

A Garden Fete in aid of the Rifle Hall Building Fund took place in the grounds of Mr C F T Hinchliff at Instow and was largely attended in spite of the disastrous weather. A String Band under the director of Mr R Prior gave selections in the garden. The half-hour concerts given by Mr Willie Barry, assisted by Miss L McGrath, Miss Dark, Miss M Sanders, Miss Short (pianist), Mr Roy Ellis and Mr Carpenter, were greatly enjoyed by enthusiastic audiences. Other attractions were skittling for a splendid pig, presented by Mr W Steer, and which was won by Mr W Smallcorn. Guessing the weight of a fine lamb presented by Mr F Joslin was popular and the winner was Miss Avery. Houp-la! Under the able command of Mr Kelly and “Miss Russell” did a roaring trade. The ‘Mile of Pennies’ conducted by Mrs de Crespigny, raised a considerable sum and will be continued through Instow at a later date. The stalls wer presided over by: Miss Berry Torr, Mrs Orphoot, Miss White, Mrs Douglas Withers, Miss L McGrath, Miss Molland, Mrs Gamble, Miss Wilkinson and the Misses Gamble. Mr C Pedlar, Miss Richards, Mr W Smallcorn, Miss Jackson, Mr C Hare and Miss West were winners in the Waltzing Competition. The winners of the competitions and raffles were: Ham, given by Mrs Turner, won by Colonel Hawkins; pair of ducks and one drake, given by Mrs Cann, won by Mrs Lee; pair of sugar tongs, given by Mrs Johns, won by Mr Hockaday; doll, dressed by Miss Thompson, won by Miss F Chichester; cake, given by Miss Hinchliff, won by Mrs Paul; 5cwt of coal, given by Mr F Molland, won by Mrs Goodwin who kindly gave it back for the benefit of funds; hidden treasure competition won by Mrs Rattenbury. The takings on the day were £109.

The wedding of Miss Beatrice Braunton, of Glebe Cottage, Instow, and Mr Thomas White, of Fremington, was solemnised at St John’s Church, Instow.

Walter Herbert Carder, of Barnstaple, was charged with motor cycling to the danger of the public at Instow. PC Clogg stated that whilst he was near the Marine Hotel defendant came along the main road from the direction of Barnstaple riding at a very furious rate. Defendant admitted he had been going a bit fast, perhaps 20 to 25 miles an hour, but he had slowed down. With blind corners, it was a very dangerous road, added the constable. Major P A Maxwell and Col F Hawkins gave supporting evidence. Mr T H Carder, defendant’s father, said he had no sympathy with riding fast, and appreciated the action of the police in trying to stop dangerous travelling. His son drew up on the signal being given, showing that he had the machine under control. It was not a question of speed, but of riding to the danger of the public. It was a very wide road, and the constable admitted that there was no one else on the road at the time. A fine of £1 was imposed.

The Langtree ringers and choir have had their annual outing, a visit being paid to Ilfracombe. About 40 went in motor cars and charabancs and were accompanied by the Rector, Rev B Hallowes, and the church wardens, Messrs w H Hackwill and P R Jones. The Sunday School children have been given an outing to Westward Ho! by the Rector, and had a most enjoyable day.

George Jenkins, scholar at Langtree School, has won a free scholarship and will proceed to Shebbear College in September.

The remains of the late Mr John Johns of Kiscotts were interred in Langtree Churchyard. The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings and the breastplate bore the inscription “John Johns, died July 15th, 1922, aged 48”. Six workers of Marland Clay Works, with whom the deceased long and ably served, were sympathetically allowed by the Company to attend the funeral. They were Messrs J Adams, T Lawrence, W Dunn, J Stacey, W Dymond and J Pellew.

First Rector of Lundy after 567 years (since the Reformation) – induction of Rev H H Lane.

Later in the month, Mr A C Dark of Instow wrote – It must not be assumed by the recent induction of the Rev H H Lane as Rector of Lundy that the spiritual life of the island has hitherto been neglected. The beautiful church of St Helena is a lasting memorial to the work of the late proprietor the Rev Hudson G Heaven, MA, who for upwards of half a century resided on the island and whose devotion to his little kingdom and the physical as well as the spiritual welfare of its inhabitants will ever be remembered by those acquainted with him.

Lundy has come in for a good deal of prominence lately, and the induction of its first rector for 567 years aroused the interest of people all over the country in this romantic island at the entrance to the Bristol Channel off the North Devon Coast. Ornithologists of course have long known Lundy by reason of its being the breeding place of many of our rarer birds, and others have discovered its unique charms as a holiday place. The latter will be particularly interested in the improvement made through the initiative of the lessee, Mr C Herbert May, in the means of access to the Island by the provision of the Royal Mail Motor Yacht ‘Lerina’ certified by the Board of Trade to carry some 80 odd passengers over the Bar, to Lundy in one director and Padstow and Bridgewater in the other, and a considerably larger number of shorter trips to Ilfracombe, Bude, etc. The Lerina which also takes the mails to Lundy is the only boat of its type with a Board of Trade passenger certificate.

Mr Folland is retiring from the teaching profession at Michaelmas after 42 years service in the Parkham School.

Bulland, Parkham, is sold to Mr W Parish of Holsworthy.

At a meeting of the Rifle Club Committee in Parkham, it was decided to discontinue the Club. After making a presentation to Mr Folland the surplus fund will be augmented for a free public platform and possible outside concert parties or politicians may have to pay for its use if required.

Just as he was announcing the first hymn Mr James Harris, the oldest local preacher on the Holsworthy circuit plan, dropped dead in the United Methodist Chapel, Shebbear on Sunday evening, and the service came to an abrupt conclusion. Dr Jefferies was soon in attendance, but could only pronounce life extinct. The deceased gentleman, who was 75 years of age, was a well known Holsworthy cattle dealer.

A most successful fete was held in Shebbear Vicarage grounds, under the happiest of auspices on behalf of the ex-Service Men’s Club, which was started by the vicar 21 years ago. The gross proceeds totalled £80 being the most successful gathering Shebbear has ever known. Mr Mill managed the skittles, and the prize pig was won by Mr George Squire. Mr Bridgman efficiently ran the ‘Hoop-la!; and Mr William Acland the ‘Aunt Sally.’ Stallholders: - Mrs Coham, Fleming and Croysdale; Mesdames Bridgman, Barnett and Miss Palmer; The Misses Larkworthy; Nurs Willson, Misses Bond and Squire; Mesdames Gammon, Bale, G Pett, Hocking, Sluggett, J Pett Martin, Misses Hill and Hockin. A dance was held in the club room in the evening, and was well attended.

Mr Frank R Boatfield, who has been manager of Fox, Fowler’s, now Lloyds Bank, at Torrington for 28 years, is retiring after 43 years service with the Bank.

Mr Doe, clerk to the Torrington Guardians, withdraws his resignation on settlement of a difference with the district auditor, Mr H H Walrond.

The wedding of Mr John Beer and Miss F Johns at St John’s Church, Skewen, South Wales, is reported.

A very neat but pretty wedding took place at the United Methodist Church Torrington which evinced much enthusiasm. The Rev P W Luxton officiated, the contracting parties being Mr Arthur G Copp (dentist), late of Bournemouth, third son of Mr S Copp (Exeter) and Miss Winifred Mary Copp, only daughter of the late Mr Fred Copp, of Mill Street, Torrington. The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr George Copp (Torrington). She looked charming in a tailor made fawn costume and beaver hat to match. She carried a shower bouquet of pick carnations and lilies of the valley, interspersed with asparagus, fern and evergreens, and wore a gold chain and amethyst pendant, the gift of the bridegroom. The only bridesmaid, Miss L Lott (Barnstaple), friend of the bride, looked very pretty in a fawn tailor made costume, with hat to match, and carried a shower bouquet of pink and mauve carnations. The bridegroom was attended by his brother, Mr A Copp, who discharged the duties of best man. The reception was held at 10 Mill Street, Rev P W Luxton being among the guests. The wedding gifts were numerous and handsome. The happy couple left for Torquay, where the honeymoon will be spent. On their return they take up their new residence at 2 Halsdon Terrace, Torrington.

The annual fete on behalf of the Welcombe Vicarage Fund was held at Well Barn, through the kindness of Mr Frank Cottle.

Fines for Thomas Bennett, William Turner, Eric Westaway, Maurice Bennett, Alice Johns and Eliza Hutchings.

Torridge House, a private hotel in Westward Ho! is for sale. A later report states that biddings did not reach the reserve figure and the property was withdrawn for sale by private treaty.

No 10 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! is for sale.

Furniture from Highfield, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! is for sale. 

A detached residence and garden, known as Eversley, in Westward Ho! is for sale, as is No. 8 South View Terrace, Bideford. It is built of stone and roofed with slate, and comprises a conservatory entrance hall, large dining and drawing rooms with folding doors and a morning room. 

And where was Wyatt's Stores?

August 1972

A well known personality at Abbotsham and caretaker of the Parish Church for 20 years, Mrs Kathleen Jewell of 4 Barton Cottages, Abbotsham, had died at the age of 69. Mrs Jewell, widow of Mr Patrick John Jewell, was a member of Abbotsham Parochial Church Council, the Handbell Ringers and the Dancing Club. The Vicar, Rev R A Ford, officiated at the service and Mr S Hearn was the organist.

In performing the opening ceremony at Appledore WI Sale of Work, Mrs Grace Smith, of Northam, spoke warmly of the WI movement, encouraging visitors to spend freely and enjoy themselves while doing so. She was thanked and presented with a bouquet by the institute's senior member, Miss Willard. Stalls were manned by Mesdames P Bowley, A Cox, Embry, M Hocking, H Turner, E Eastman, B Harris, Mrs Frankland, W Montague, K Cox, R Powe, W Bragg, Briscoe, J Screech, S Seward, Walton, E Cox and Misses B and P Tatem, and Gregory. As a result of the afternoon £108 was raised and will be divided between WI funds, St John Ambulance Brigade, and the Institute for the Blind. In the photograph are Miss Willard, Mrs Venison and Mrs Smith.

No. 1 The Maltings, Appledore, is for sale.

A former Bideford girl whose showbiz career may be said to have begun when she won a talent contest at East-the-Water Community Centre at the age of seven has made her first appearance on BBC TV. As Joanne Westcott she was a pupil at Pynes Infants and Westcroft Junior Schools. As Joanne Justice she has made a name as a singer with Tommy Hawkins Show Band at Bristol’s Locarno Ballroom. Earlier she toured, doing cabaret work solo and appearing with groups. Her father taught her to play a guitar and before becoming a professional she appeared with him in the Westward Ho! Follies. She also appeared in charity shows. At that time the family lived in Pynes Lane. Now 22 and a mother of two young daughters, Joanne, whose husband Terry Bollard is a sales representative, works with the rest of the bank from nine until one every night, five nights a week. Joanne’s brother, Owen, is to be a vocalist with the same Mecca band.

Ron Spry, of East-the-Water, Bideford, broke two club records with one fish. Fishing from Watermouth rocks he landed a ballan wrasse of 6lb and 3 1/2oz. The fish, which took crab bait, set up new Bideford and District and Appledore Shipbuilders Angling Club records and qualifies for a National Federation of Sea Anglers' medal.

An informal group enjoying the new £4,500 sun lounge addition to Muller Ward at the Torridge Hospital, Bideford. The sun lounge was officially opened by Dr William Ruddock. The matron, Mrs M D Ray, and Mr J Morris are also in the picture.

Bardsley, 30 Abbotsham Road, Bideford, is for sale.

Gift to the North Devon Crematorium of an eight-sided summer house in remembrance of a Bideford businessman, Mr Bertie Tolley, was dedicated by the Vicar of Northam, Rev Michael Lucas. At the same time the ashes of Mr Tolley were laid to rest in a garden fronting the summer house.

Mystery bang caused by Concorde?

A petition called for improved safety measures for children attending the infants’ and junior schools in Coronation Road had been signed by 503 parents and other ratepayers, it was revealed at a Bideford Town Council meeting. On the recommendation of the Highways Committee it was agreed, after much argument, that a footpath should be provided along the south side of Coronation Road at a cost of £350 plus and that the County Council should be asked to provide land for a turning space within the school grounds.

There is no doubt about the reaction of shoppers to the closure of Bideford's narrow Mill Street to wheeled traffic on Saturdays - they think it is wonderful, but some traders reserve judgement.

Three new records were set up at the annual gala of Bideford Amateur Swimming Club, held at the Patio Pool, Westward Ho! In the ladies’ 100 yards breaststroke event Jennifer Wills took the A’Court Trophy; Janice Scott won the Launderama Trophy and in the one length freestyle, Robert Paterson set up a new target of 24 seconds. Referee was Mr Peter Griffey, club chairman and water polo coach. Results were Patrick Braunton, Alan Johns, Nicholas Jones, Robert Paterson, Martin Lane, Roger Moyse, Stephen Jewell, Geoffrey Smale, Philip Griffiths, Jennifer Wills, Susan Cording, Lorraine Scott, Andrea Harris, Jackie Stephens, Katherine Goss, Kim Burnard, Janice Scott, J Wheeler, Mark Noble, Peter Griffin, Michael Price, Antony Pratt, Victoria Noble and Wendy Pratt. Two special prizes were awarded to Joelle Baud, a visitor from France, who had participated in club activities during her stay in the area.

In five subjects the highest possible grade was obtained, and in 12 subjects the second highest grade by boys of Bideford Grammar School in the Advanced Level GCE examinations this summer. This means that 17 out of the 42 passes obtained were grade A or B. As last year, 51 A-level subjects were taken. This year there were only nine subjects in which passes were not obtained, compared with 16 last year. “It has been a good year; we are very well satisfied with the results” said the headmaster, Mr John C Dare. The following pupils achieved results: G J Bastin, K W Brewer, P S Cooper, J E Dell, D R Delpech, A J Denton, C A Foss, A J Green, S J Higgins, J E Lagnado, T J Law, A M Maynard, A J Odam, P O Olins, J W Parkhouse, R N Powell, M T Slade. The following passed in the General Paper: G J Bastin, K W Brewer, P S Cooper, J E Dell, D R Delpech, A J Denton, C A Foss, A J Green, S J Higgins, J E Lagnado, J H Laidler, T J Law, A J Odam, P O Olins, J W Parkhouse, R N Powell, D Short, M T Slade.

Bideford Regatta Carnival queen, Miss Teresa Hatswell, of Abbotsham Road, with her attendants, Misses Pamela Johns, of Orchard Gardens, and Susan Holland of Moreton Park.

Ringing festival at Buckland Brewer.

An urgent appeal for technical support at a hospital in Katmandu, Nepal, was answered by two soldiers of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, one of whom was Sergeant Chris Metcalfe from Fremington. Sgt Metcalfe is the son of Mr and Mrs R F Metcalfe of 30 Elmlea Avenue, Fremington, and is wife Sue is the daughter of Mr and Mrs H Weeks, of Hillingdon House, South Street, Torrington.

99 West Street, Hartland, is for sale. This property was sold to Mrs Montague, of Hertfordshire, for £4,850.

Instow Parish Council members are not happy with the description of Instow in the latest AA ‘Drive’ publication, The Book of the Seaside. While the book describes the sands as a natural playground for children, it adds that ‘tidal currents swirl between the sand flats and swimming is inadvisable.’ Instow’s councillors think that this should be qualified by the words ‘at low tide.’

Windycroft, Instow, is for sale. A later report states that it was sold for £18,000 to Mr Houghton, of Barnstaple.

The Anchorage, The Quay, Instow, is for sale.

Stapleton Cottage in Langtree is for sale by public auction.

Holly Cottage in Monkleigh is for sale.

The report of the brutal killing of two pet rabbits at St Margaret’s Church Primary School at Northam has resulted in many messages of sympathy and offers of help from people living in the district. ‘We have been tremendously impressed about the way people care” said Mr Malcolm Hassam, teacher of the fourth year pupils who regarded the rabbits, plus a guinea pig which disappeared at the same time, as their special pets. As a result of the offers of help, new pets will be waiting for the children when they return to school after the summer holiday. One offer came from Mrs Portlock, of 29 North Street, Northam.

Fine weather and a change of day, from midweek to a Saturday, helped Parkham St James’s Church fete to make a record amount of £200. In addition to old favourite stalls several new attractions were featured this year, including an inter-Church fancy dress competition and a ducking stool where parishioners were given the opportunity to duck the new Rector, Rev Trevor Nicholls, with a bucket of water. Tea was served during the afternoon. The day concluded with a social evening in the Allardice Hall, the entertainment being organised by Mr Tony Lang.

Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant Jim Short, from Torrington, seen in the tropic surroundings of Singapore, is serving with the RAF Support Unit in the new ANZUK Force there. Jim was brought up in Torrington and went to school in Exeter. His parents now live in Bathford, Somerset. His wife Margaret is a Newcastle girl and sons, Stephen and Martin, love the life in Singapore.

Stonehaven, Warren Lane, is for sale:

The Cottage, 68 Atlantic Way, Westward Ho! is for sale.

The offer of a field at Woolsery for use as a playing field, made by Bideford Rural Council to Woolsery Parish Council, has been withdrawn.

Furniture and effects from the Schoolhouse, The Village, Woolsery, are for sale.

Sponsored ring at Woolsery to raise funds for All Hallows Church.

 August 1997

Full of character, Magourney Cottage in Appledore is for sale at £98.000.

A mass shave of Lions’ heads and beards in Bideford has raised cash for the Devon Air Ambulance. At a discotheque at the Robins’ Nest, a trio of Bideford Lions’ Club members put their heads on the block. Northam butcher Roy Anscombe sacrificed his beloved moustache and refrigeration engineer Colin Rickard waved goodbye to his hair. Fork lift engineer David Rendle, dubbed President Lincoln by his friends, played out the part of the American president as he lost both his beard and moustache. The trio are pictured with Sally Clegg and David Leworthy, who wielded the scissors and razor.

After announcing that they were Bideford’s new Lottery millionaires, Barbara and Ron Martin, have been bombarded by calls from the media worldwide and have this week put an end to interviews. But Barbara was not sorry that they had gone public and one good reason was the good calls, the positive cards and congratulations.

Injury to a young pony rider has brought a call for the RAF to avoid low flying over agricultural shows. Sally Jobson-Scott of Northam said her daughter Vanessa had hurt her back after being thrown from her pony at Woolsery Show when it was startled by low flying jets. “Half the horses in the showground went crazy” she said. “Vanessa took a nasty tumble.” She has made a formal complaint to the RAF through the National Farmers’ Union and is pursing a claim against them. A spokesman for the RAF confirmed that the complaint was being investigated. But pilots needed to carry out low flying training, he emphasised.

Phil Day, journalist and sports commentator, and former Editor and general manager of the Bideford Gazette, who lived at Raleigh, Northam, has died aged 68.

An exciting new project has been launched by the Devon Wildlife Trust to work with the people who live and work in communities on the upper reaches of the River Torridge and its tributaries. The Torridge Headwaters Project hopes to catch the imagination and enthusiasm of those living and working in a wide area around Woolsery, Bradworthy and Holsworthy to help enhance the landscape and character and richness of the wildlife in this part of Devon. Restoring the wet, tussocky flower rich Culm grassland is also an aim of the project, especially where fields have been drained or ploughed but have some remnants of their original nature.

Rubbing shoulders with 2,500 other Scouts and Guides, Woolsery Scouts attended the Jamboree at the Royal Cornwall Showground, just outside of Wadebridge. Woolsery Scout Leader Chris Quance, with his wife Tonia, the assistance scout leader, and helpers Emma and Becci Tanner.