November 1962
Recently announced Admiralty decision that all Britain’s 74 remaining inshore minesweepers are to be wiped off the Royal Navy’s books, is of special interest to many along Torridgeside. Eight of these vessels, at a cost of about £250,000 each, were built here during the past ten years or so, four by P K Harris and Sons Ltd, at Appledore, and four by M W Blackmore and Sons Ltd, at Bideford. The total cost to the Admiralty for the 74 was £20,000,000. Sixty-five Ham class minesweepers, named from Abbotsham to Yaxham, were built less than 10 years ago. Most of them have been lying at ‘ghost’ bases. Reason for the Admiralty decision is an urgent need for economy and because the future use of the vessels is considered limited as their work could left to larger types.
Mussels in hot water trouble fishermen.
John Backway and Peter Diwell are awarded Queen’s Scout certificates.
Rededication of Appledore Church’s re-cast bells will take place November 18th. Here the Vicar, Rev R C Dixon, points out the inscription on the Unity bells – I ring that we all may be one – to the Rev Donald Cox, of the Seamen’s Mission, and to the churchwardens Mr Reg Harris and Mr Tom Parsons.
Presenting physical efficiency awards to members of Appledore Boys’ and Girls’ Sports Club at Appledore Hall, Police Inspector Donald Cowling, of Bideford, said a lot of the trouble which was being caused by youngsters today arose from boredom. The Appledore club was founded by Mr Peter Plant, the local police constable, a year ago. Two sets of twins were among the boys presented with certificates and badges by Inspector Cowling. Three-star awards went to John Hocking, Kenneth Taylor and David Hooper; two-star to Alex Floyde and Tony Barter; and one-star to Philip Williams, Ronald Taylor, Michael Eastman, Arthur and Alan Fisher, John Barter, Robert Floyde, Alan Waters, John Smale and Colin Litson. The club leader, Mr Tony Barter, received on behalf of the club, its one-star plaque.
Twenty cent piece not counted. Total raised in aid of the Appledore churchyard fund is just short of £90. “Though a long way short of our hoped-for target of £150 it is nonetheless a useful sum which will enable us to look after the essential items of upkeep” writes the Vicar, Rev Royston Dixon, in the current issue of Appledore Parish Magazine.
Edith Watts, of Old Coastguards, Western Hill, Appledore, is fined, as is Margaret Sylvia Pow, of the Bungalow, Bay View Road, Westward Ho!
A former member of the Old Age Pensions Association and the women’s section of the British Legion, Mrs Ethel Joanna Dunleavy, widow of Mr John Dunleavy, of 11 Providence Row, Bideford, has died aged 66 in the Exe Valley Hospital. Pastor G J Hacker officiated at the funeral service at the Higher Cemetery, and Mrs Hancock accompanied the hymns. Immediate mourners were: Mr and Mrs A T Kelly, son and daughter-in-law; Mr and Mrs J Smith, son-in-law and daughter; Miss Jennifer Kelly, granddaughter; Mrs N Bennett, sister; Mr and Mrs R Greenslade, brother and sister-in-law; Mr S Greenslade and Mr K Greenslade, nephews; Rosemary, niece.
Besides being a local oarsman with Bideford ARC, 20 year old Mr David Elliott, of Old Barnstaple Road, Bideford, is becoming an expert in the growing of chrysanthemums. At Bideford Horticultural Society’s show he won several classes for cut flowers, including the best exhibit, and the Dunn Cup for most points in this section. With him in the photograph is the show secretary, Mr W D French.
Mr and Mrs T E Brock, of 3 St Helen’s, Northam Road, Bideford, celebrate their golden wedding.
One of a party of eight men of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment who have recently returned from a canoeing expedition through France, is Private Bert Cloke, whose home is at 36 Barton Tors, Bideford.
After extensive renovations and redecoration costing more than £500, Bideford Conservative Club’s new skittle room and alley were formally opened by the local MP, Mr Percy Browne. He celebrated the occasion by bowling the first ball down the alley, and later joined in a 10-man team from Bideford who tackled a team from Barnstaple Conservative Club. The Bideford team consisted of Bill Waters, Colin Beer, Tom Anstey, Derek Johns, Alwyn Fitton, Kingsley Sollis, Frank Gill, Percy Brown, Dave Hopkins, and Mike Bonetta.
Appeal by Mr Arthur A Beer, of Northdown Road, Bideford, against the refusal of Northam Urban Council, acting on behalf of Devon County Council to permit the erection of a petrol filling station on a site at Clevelands Northam has been dismissed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Reasons for dismissal, states the Minister, were: that the proposal would represent to those living in the vicinity a loss of enjoyment of their homes; that the proposal would introduce an additional element of danger on the class A road; and that the degree of need was insufficient to outweigh these disadvantages.
Kentwear, New Road, Bideford, is for sale by public auction at Tantons Hotel.
There were 22 members and four advisory members of Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club gathered together in the council schoolroom for their monthly meeting. Owing to poor weather conditions the arranged speaker, Mr Wilson, was unable to attend.
‘Too cautious’ at Clovelly declares Mr Cecil Braund.
A nightmare moment for a van driver who misunderstood directions to the ‘back’ road down to the sea and suddenly found himself bumping down the cobbled steps of Clovelly’s unique High Street! Turning round to retrace his steps (literally) he needed the help of some local people for the slippery cobbles did not provide a good grip.
First wedding to be held at St John’s Church, Cookbury, for 15 years had another link with history. The parish church of Cookbury was dedicated in 1215 by the Bishop Stapledon, whose home was Staple(t)ton Farm. This was the home of the bride, Miss Winifred Alice Colwill, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs John Colwill. The bridegroom was Mr Terence John Coventry, eldest son of Mr and Mrs John Coventry, of Porthbean, Coverack, near Helston. The Rev A Warne conducted the service and Mrs W Baron was at the organ. The bridesmaids were Misses Jennifer Honey and Daphne Withecombe; the best man was Mr Timothy Coventry, and ushers were Messrs Norman Colwill and Graham Thompson.
Fosfelle at Hartland is for sale or letting.
Complaint that the prohibition of waiting in Fore Street, Hartland, is detrimental to her business has been made by the licensee of the Anchor Inn, Mrs Ruth Pyatt. In a letter to Hartland Parish Council she pointed out that all parking facilities were at one end of the town. The parish council sent the letter to Bideford Rural Council, asking them to consider removing the hedge in front of Gregory Terrace housing estate and converting the cleared area into a small car park. The Rural Council said they were of opinion that there was some substance in the complaint and they appointed a sub-committee to investigate the suggestion.
Drifting Admiralty tanker strikes rocks at Hartland. For the full story use THIS LINK (opens in new window)
Lorries left in Square complaint.
During demolition of old cob walled cottages near Hartland Square a silver coin was found in one of the walls and has since been identified by a coin expert, Mr Wyndham S Boundy, of Westward Ho! as a silver crown of 1673, first milled coinage of Charles II’s reign. The coin, which is in fair condition, is worth several pounds. The cottages concerned at very old. Locally it is believed that buildings on the site are mentioned in the Domesday Book.
‘Bangers’ on war memorial.
Hartland’s versatile vicar appeared in the ITV programme “Trend”. This is a programme dealing with religious aspects in the South West. In it the Rev A T H Jones was shown on his rounds on ‘Nibbets’ and also driving the school bus. Many parishioners have commented on the agility which the Vicar showed in mounting ‘Nibbets’ whose comments on a flying vault into the saddle have not been recorded.
Although they have not experienced many wins so far this season, Hartland B skittles team keep cheerful. The team is Messrs C Tape, D Cory, B Redcliff, T Dawkins, L Bomford and K Pillman.
Children of Hartland Methodist Sunday School held their own harvest festival in the chapel which they had themselves lavishly decorated. They had also made all the posters in connection with the celebration. The future of the school looks bright judging by the number of children below Sunday School age in the congregation. The service was conducted by the Rev F C Diffey and the address was given by the Rev J Owen Clutterbuck, of Bideford. The lesson was read by Richard Pitman and recitations were given by David Surgeon and Brenda and Norman Johns. The collection was taken by John Bradley and David Surgeon. Mr Wesley Heard was organist. Afterwards the children distributed the produce to elderly people in the town.
West Lopthorne, Thornbury, near Holsworthy, is for sale.
Instow WI comes of age as Mrs Everett presides, and Mrs Hemmel VCO spoke.
Announcing that Instow ferry, owned by a succession of the Johns family, is to stop running during the winter months for the first time in its long history, the present owner, Mr Fred Johns says “I just cannot afford to keep the ferry going when it is running at a loss.” Apart from interruptions in the service due to extreme weather conditions the ferry has run every day – at least, since the present owner has been in charge. Pointing out that trade has dropped away during the past few years, Mr Johns adds “People seem to have found other means of getting to Appledore. Motorcars and railways have been mainly responsible.” Another reason why the ferry will not run is that the channel has become silted up and for four hours a day landing on the Instow shore is almost impossible. “In order to get passengers ashore at low tide they either have to wear rubber boots or be carried over the mud,” added Mr Johns.
One of the topics of study at Langtree C.P School concerns trees and the work of the National Forestry Commission. Thanks to the cooperation of Mr Warwick Deal, the head forester in this district, specimens of coniferous trees have been made available for the school. These have been planted by the children who will study and record various aspects of growth. The headmaster, Mr R A Yeo Jenn, told the Bideford Gazette that a follow-up to Mr Deal’s talk will be a visit to Hartland forest.
The funeral took place at Langtree Church of Mr Thomas Beer, a retired farmer of Langtree. The Rev H L Neville officiated and Miss M Boundy was organist. Aw well as family members, present in church were: Mr and Mrs P J Ley, Mrs Paddon, Mr W Steer, Mr W James, Mr F Brown, Mr M Andrews, Mrs Andrews, Mr W H Ward, Mr A Balkwill, Mrs C J Huxtable, Mr E Bond, Mr C Hutchings, Mr T W Goss, Mr A E Soby, Mr W E Brooks snr, Mr W E Brooks jnr, Mr A W Knapman, Mr F Sanders, Mr W Grigg, Mrs S R Hearn, Mr and Mrs A Horn, Mr W J Hearn, Mr J Coles, Mr F W Withecombe, Mr F Grigg, Mr C Walters, Mr J Bond snr, Mr F Shute, Mr W R Harris, Mr J Bond jnr, Mr and Mrs H Ley, Mr H Balkwill, Mr A W Westaway, Mr and Mrs G Hearn, Mr C Bale and others.
Look in at Monkleigh Parish Hall between now and Christmas and you will find members of the Women’s Institute busy at their basket making class, led by their president, Mrs Grigg. Some 18 members, which is a good percentage of the total membership, are in this class which is taken by Miss Mattison, a county instructor. A work basket being made by Mrs Gilber, of Saltrens Cottages, will be a Christmas present for her married daughter in Australia.
A freehold field at Bloody Corner, Northam, is for sale.
A meals-on-wheels scheme was inaugurated at Northam. WVS volunteers Mrs E M Hilder and Mrs T P Keene are seen taking deliveries of the meals in a heated container from the cook at Fairlea home, Mrs Symons. First customer was 78 year old Mr Jack Vaggers, of 8 Cross Street, Northam.
Stephen Walbridge, son of Mr and Mrs Walbridge, of The Chalet, Durrant Close, Durrant Lane, is found.
Thornes Farm, at Roborough, is for sale.
Tercentenary of Torrington Howe Congregational Church was marked when a supper was held in the Schoolroom to celebrate 300 years of worship. Principal guests in a company of more than 70 were the Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington, Mr and Mrs F R Hodge; the Vicar, Rev P G Harrison; the Rev J R Legg (Methodist Church) and Rev S Shields (Baptist Church). All brought greetings and congratulations. Greetings were also received from the Chairman of Devon Congregational Union, Rev R L Ackroyd, and the chairman of the Northern Division, Mr S Griffin, of Ilfracombe. The Rev W Oriel James who presided, announced that £131 was the result of the Gift Day. An anniversary cake made by Mrs F Beer, and decorated by Miss Avril Beer, was cut by Mr and Mrs J H Long, joint secretaries of the church for the past 18 years.
Torrington Town Council was recommended by its Housing and Sanitary Committee not to sell any existing council houses. Reasons given by the committee were that only one third of Council tenants were interested in purchasing and that in most pairs and blocks of houses there were tenants who were for and against purchasing. The committee’s report was adopted.
Mrs Berncie Curtice, of Well Street, Torrington, will soon be on television.
Torrington Town Council, at their meeting last week, welcomed intimation in a letter from the North Devon Hospital Management Committee that the maternity section of the local Cottage Hospital is to be reopened from the beginning of next month. The section has been closed owing to staffing difficulties but these have now been overcome.
At Weare Giffard Church the funeral has taken place of Mrs Thirza Hammersley, widow of Mr Ralph Hammersley, formerly of Weare Giffard. Mrs Hammersley died aged 91 in the Torridge Hospital. The Rev M Coyle (rector) officiated at the service and Mrs J Cork at the organ accompanied the hymns. Principal mourners were: Miss M Jeffery, Mrs A Tamlyn (also representing Mr and Mrs E Jeffery, and Mrs H Jeffery), Mrs J Littlejohns and Miss I Jeffery. Unable to attend were: Mr and Mrs Arthur Jeffery, brother and sister-in-law; Mrs E Parkhurst, sister; Mrs B Jeffery, sister-in-law. Bearers were Messrs T Shutt, A Hearn, G Mounce and P Hocking.
At Westleigh Church the funeral took place of Mr John Henry Poole, husband of the late Mrs Florence Poole, of Lower Village. Mr Poole was 65. The Rev J Shepheard Walwyn officiated at the service. Family mourners included Mrs H Perry, Mrs R Poole, Mr J Poole, Mr H Perry and Mr R Poole, Mr D Poole, Mrs F Davidge and Ann, Mr and Mrs B Harris, Mrs M Pickard, Mr R Harris, Mr F Baltesz, Mrs F Huxtable and Miss D Pickard.
At Westleigh Methodist Church, which she had served devotedly, the funeral has taken place of Mrs Mary Elizabeth Joslin, of West Farm, Westleigh. Mrs Joslin, who was 88, was the wife of Mr William Joslin, for many years a member of Barnstaple Rural Council and chairman of Westleigh school managers, and a well known bowls enthusiast. They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in March 1961. The service was conducted by the rev R J Foster, assisted by Pastor J Evison and Mr F Snell was the organist. A service took place later at Plymouth.
The Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho! was transformed into an ancient barn for the country fayre held there by the local Women’s Institute. The atmosphere was enhanced by the traditional costumes worn by the helpers at the attractive stalls and by country dancing by Anne Thurston’s group. Refreshments were served under the supervision of Mrs Cole and competitions were won by Mrs Goodall (dressed doll), Mrs Davy (groceries), Mrs Richards (silver spoon), Mrs Ware and Mrs Watts (cakes). Nearly £50 was raised for funds.
Extra storey allowed when Westward Ho! appeal by Mr F C Meadows succeeds.
A wide circle of friends heard with regret of the death at her home Western View, Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! of Mrs Grace Trapnell, widow of Mr E H Trapnell, who was head of the well-known drapery business of that name now carried on by two of their sons. Mrs Trapnell, who was 76, had been in failing health for some time. Her husband pre-deceased her in 1959. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a year earlier. The second daughter of the late Mr and Mrs George Boyle, of Bideford, Mrs Trapnell had a lifelong interest in music. Freely and modestly she placed her talents at the disposal of local musical occasions and enterprises and in aid of good causes. She was a member of the Kingsley orchestra and concert party and the former Bideford Amateur Operatic Society. There are three sons and two daughters, all married.
One-way traffic suggested at Westward Ho! to reduce traffic congestion. Devon County Council will be asked to consider making Atlantic Way one-way between Nelson Road and the Golden Bay Hotel in the direction from east to west and Nelson Road one-way in the direction west to east. The County Council were also asked to improve the section of Nelson Road from 'the Chantry' to the junction with Atlantic Way.
Broomhayes nursery at Westward Ho! is to get a donation of £800, part of the proceeds of a gala performance organised by the Horse of the Year show in conjunction with the Variety Club of Great Britain. Col M P Ansell, of Bideford, who is chairman of the British Show Jumping Association, was a leading figure in making arrangements for this innovation gala performance held the day before the official opening of the show. He suggested that Broomhayes should be considered when proceeds were being allocated. Mrs Ansell told the Gazette she had been much impressed by the work done at Broomhayes, which is a home and nursery for convalescent children. She understood that among items the nursery badly needed was a large playroom.
Winkleigh Airfield is for sale by the direction of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Miss Rosemary Short, aged 21, a farmer’s daughter from Winkleigh, added two more cups to her fast-growing collection of hairdressing awards. Miss Short, works in the Bideford salon of Mrs Wynne Olley. Another Bideford competitor, Miss Denise Whitaker, celebrated her debut into the competitive world by taking a third award.
The death occurred at Bideford Hospital at the age of 80 of Mr William Elliott who lived at the Manor House, Woolsery, with his sister, the late Mrs Heal, and a companion, the late Mr Bridgman. Mr Elliott’s death has ended a long standing relationship with the Methodist chapel in the village. The funeral service took place at the chapel and interment at All Hallows Church, Woolsery. The Rev F C Diffey, of Hartland, officiated and Mrs J Hockridge was organist. Family mourners were Mr J burrow, Mrs B J Slade, Mr and Mrs J Slee, Mr and Mrs G Elliott, Mr and Mrs G Elliott, Mr and Mrs J Pickard, Mr and Mrs J Dullum, Mrs E Burrow, Mrs M Burrow, Mr and Mrs D Heard, Mrs K J Burrow, Mrs A Slee, Mr A Cory, Miss Cory, Mr and Mrs A Cory, Mr J Cory, Mr and Mrs W Walters. Bearers were Messrs K J Burrow, Andrew, Bryant, Slee, Gerald Elliott, Christopher Elliott, Brian Dullum, A Westaway, A Bray, A Dennis, C J Andrew, J Burrow and S Wonnacott.
