December 1959
Did you buy a Woolaway bungalow?
Knitter is reprimanded at Bideford Magistrates Court.
Births announced this month – a brother for Nicola born to Jean (nee Seward) and Michael; Peter John Andrew to Valerie (nee Keen) and Morley; Linda Joyce Dunn to Doreen (nee Johns) and Austin; at Tideways, Julia Mary Sawtell; a son, Michael Terence, for Terence and Margaret Tithecott; a daughter, Lynda Grace, for Roselyn (nee Harris) and Roland; at 39 Irsha Street, Appledore, a daughter, Susan, to Valerie (nee Harris) and Bill;
The decision of Alwington Agricultural Discussion Group to invite members of the local Women’s Institute to participate in their fourth annual show, held in the Village Hall, resulted in entries being increased by nearly 100% to 195. Mrs Johns presented the prizes and the secretary, Mr W H Johns, thanked all who had contributed to the success of the show, of which Mr John Cork was treasurer. The judges were Mr S A Brimacombe (Buckland Brewer); Mr E W Turner (St Giles); Mrs V F Bowyer (Northam); Mrs E Hemmel and Mrs H R Daniel. The prize list included – J Wickett and Son, J L Hillman, A Hockridge, J Cork, S Brown, Miss I Brown, G Boundy, S Brown, P Martin, N Westaway, D Morris, Mrs G May, Mrs F Poole, K Poole, F Heard, Mrs E Westaway, R Trewin, Mrs C E Hillman, Miss Ann Lewis, Mrs C E Hillman, Mrs K M Lewis, Miss D Ridd, Mrs D Morris, Mrs E Westaway, Mrs B Walter, Mrs I Hockridge, Mrs E Johns, and Mrs F Honeywell.
Another tug, the Llanwern, was launched from the yards of Messrs P K Harris and Sons Ltd, at Appledore. She will be the first diesel-electric tug built at Appledore and is a sister vessel to one launched about a month ago.
Just about 51 years ago Arthur Evans, on holiday from his home in a Welsh mining village, attended a dance in Bideford Music Hall, now the Palace Cinema, and met Mary Ann (Polly) Lamey of Appledore who worked in the collar factory in the Strand. Twelve months later on December 27th 1909 they were married at Bideford Bridge Street Methodist Church by the Rev A J Aldington. After 31 years living in Ogmore Vale, near Bridgend, they moved to 10 Alpha Place, Appledore and there the family will quietly celebrate the golden wedding anniversary. They share their home with a son, Mr Glyndwr Evans, who will be at the party with his brother, Donald (lives in Bideford) and sister, Mrs G Smith of Appledore. Son Jack, of Port Talbot, will not be able to attend.
The wedding has taken place of Mr Horton Michael Giddy, only son of the Mr and the late Mrs Lyle Giddy, of Hyfield, Bideford, and Miss Rosalind Mary Short, adopted daughter of Mr and Mrs E Butler, of Greysands, Appledore. Rev Father C Scanlan officiated and Miss Yarnitzki accompanied the hymns on the organ. The bridesmaids were Miss Ann Butler and Evelyn O’Malley, and the best man was Mr Brian Walters. In the spring the bride and bridegroom will be travelling to New Zealand where they are making their home.
The lobster caught by Mr Nicholls, of Bideford, isn’t so large.
Fellow members of Bideford AAC’s novice championship crew formed a guard of honour at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, for Mr Benjamin John Evans, twin son of Mr and Mrs G Evans, of 67 Clifton Street, and his bride, Miss Elizabeth Ann Langbridge, second daughter of Mr and Mrs B Langbridge, 11 North View Avenue. The Rector of Bideford, Rev T Derwent Davies, officiated. The two bridesmaids were Misses Jennifer Cann and Shirley Clark, with the duties of the best man carried out by the bridegroom’s twin brother, Mr George H Evans. Mrs A Newcombe made the wedding cake.
Now that Devon Education Committee has decided to include a new secondary school for boys and girls at Bideford in the 1962-65 programme, to be sited adjacent to Bideford Grammar School, there is growing interest about what will happen to the existing Bideford County Secondary School at Geneva Place. Although erected over fifty years ago, the building has the appearance of having many years of usefulness in front of it in one capacity or another. What will it become? Pictures of some of the schoolrooms can be seen AT THIS LINK (opens in new window)
The funeral of Mrs Florence May Short, 5 Marland Terrace, Bideford, took place at High Street Methodist Church. The Rev G E Gregory officiated and Mr H Thorne played the organ. Immediate mourners were: the widower; Mr J Glover; Marion, Godfrey and Graham, Jean, Studley, Mrs B Anstey, Mrs D Scott, Mrs H Parish, Mr F Glover, Mr T Glover, Mr H Glover, Mr and Mrs F Collins, Mrs F Glover, aunt Louie and uncle Phillip Knight; Mrs Little, Mrs Griffiths, Mr and Mrs W Patt, Mrs Kelly, Mrs Bond, Mrs E Stacey, Mrs S Gilbert, Mrs Rodgman, Mrs Shortridge, Mrs Palmer and numerous friends. Unavoidably absent were: Mr and Mrs E J Glover. Bearers were Messrs B Anstey, D Scott, H Parish and Mr L Potter.
The Rev R H Foster officiated at the funeral of Mr James Singer Pritchard of 49 Newton Road, Bideford, who was employed for more than 38 years by Messrs W H Smith and Sons, and had worked at Sidmouth and Bideford railway stations. Family mourners included Mr Frank Shortridge and Mr R Gerry. Bearers were Messrs Andrews, Butler, Jewell and Taylor. Others attending were: Mr and Mrs H Shortridge; Mrs C Shortridge, representing Mr J Bartholomew; Mr C Way; Mr and Mrs L Beer; Mr W Shute; Mrs Steer; Mrs Bewes; Miss G M Glover; Mr R Halbert, representing Mr and Mrs J W Halbert and Mrs Fisher; and Pastor H J and Mrs Argall.
Did you buy music and records from Shepherd & Bartlett in Bridgeland Street?
Another chapter in a remarkable success story was begun in Bideford when the Mayor, Mr Ambrose Fulford, officially opened new premises in Bridgeland Street for Bob Ray Ltd, a firm specialising in motorcycles, three-wheelers and motor scooters.
Owl falls down the chimney of Mrs E J Mitchell of Ford Cottage, Bideford.
Two Bideford families are hoping to spend next Christmas Day bathing and basking in the sun – in Australia. They are going because they feel that there are no opportunities for their children here. The families are Mr and Mrs E W Mortimer and their children Denise, Francis, Anthea and Christopher, of 1 Capern Road, Pynes Estate, and Mr and Mrs G W Kerslake and their 2 daughters, of 2 Railway Cottages, Torridge Street. Says Mr Kerslake, a gardener at the Kingsley Hospital, “There is nothing around here for the girls except shop work.” He hopes to continue his occupation in Australia. The Mortimers are fortunate. A house awaits them in Newcastle, and there is a job for Mr Mortimer who has been employed at the REME unit at Instow.
The dogs – and their owners – who go to night school at Bideford had a prize day at Bideford Rugby Hall. The occasion was the first competition organised by the Bideford and District Dog Training Society, the trainers being Mr and Mrs P Bensley of Northam. The Mayoress of Bideford, Miss Gladys Fulford, attended and at the conclusion presented rosettes to the winners. She was thanked by Mr K F Sollis. Winners were – Mr W Croft, Mrs D G Pinnell, Miss I Humphrey, Mrs Hockin, Mr Jack Way, Mrs Buckingham, Mrs W Pearce, Mr B Pinnell, Master H Bensley, Mr J Way, Mr V J Boyle. In the picture are Mr Croft and Mrs Pinnell.
Bideford Musicals’ latest production ‘Uncle Harry’ is being filmed and recorded by T.W.W and extracts from it will probably be included in a magazine programme entitled “Here and there” to be televised on Christmas Eve. “We are the only musical show in North Devon anyone has come to televise” Mrs Eileen Smith, co-author and producer with her husband David, told the Bideford Gazette. They live at Waytown, Bideford East. The photograph shows one of the scenes – Joyce Curwen, Rudolph Langhorne, Roy May, Muriel Cookney, Maureen Williams, Eileen Smith, William barber, Iris Easton and Yvonne Richards. Later in the month, the following article appeared:
Place your yuletide orders at Wickhams in the High Street.
Buckland Brewer exhibitors win trophies at the Three Societies’ Show at Bideford. Mrs G M Brimacombe, of Tythecott, won the trophy for the most points in the poultry-dairy produce classes, and Mr W Scoble, of Waffapool, is winner of the ‘hoof’ section trophy for the best pig exhibits. In the picture is his son-in-law, Mr R Barron.
Lynn Carlyle, of Walland Cary, Bucks Cross, is fined.
North Devon’s famous Clovelly has a namesake village near Sydney, Australia, and when she was in Sydney during a world tour earlier this year Miss Dorothy Luard, of Lulworth, Westward Ho! made a special point of visiting the village. She told the Gazette “I was determined to see the Australian Clovelly for I thought a brief account of it might give interest and pleasure to those living in our Clovelly.”
Clovelly Mothers’ Union held a fun fair run by Clovelly bell-ringers, and a Christmas sale, organised by the Union members. Sideshows were run by Messrs F May, W Johns, R Johns, E Johns, J Johns, E Bragg, A Johns, and J J Headon. Refreshments were served by Mesdames J Burrow, A Burrow, W Johns and J Westlake, Stallholders were Mesdames Eppingstone and R Kelly; Miss V Webb, Miss H Jewell, Mesdames O and B Abbott, J Burrow, F May, T Jones, E Bragg and Ashton, R Tridgell, J Johns, J J Headon, H Taylor, W Johns, J Westlake.
Better for the majority says Head Postmaster as changes are to be made to the Clovelly postage service.
Clovelly lifeboat called to go to the aid of Esso Chelsea but not needed.
There’s a family reunion for Mrs Kate Simpson Robinson, of Oriel Lodge, Frithelstock, as she reaches her 99th birthday.
Hartland Vicar’s plea is rejected.
Over 100 children take part in a school concert at Hartland. The temporary headmaster, Mr J G Harrison, thanked all the children for their performance, also the parents who had lent clothes and other items. The ‘Bloaters’, a play, probably took the honours for here was some acting equal to that from those of mature years, in particular from Jennifer Horsley, Chris Searles and Jean Stone. Other participants included Stephen Hobbs, Sally Holmes, Rita Harris, Christine Green, Jimmy Conibear and Peter Braund. Accompanist during the concerts was Mrs Ida Pillman.
The death has occurred at his home at Edistone, Hartland, of Mr L Jeffery, at the age of 72 years. He was the son of the late Mr John Jeffery, of Tosbury, and leaves a widow, one son and one daughter. The funeral service took place at Hartland Methodist Church, the Rev B Titmus, of Bude, officiating. Mr Wesley Heard was organist. Family mourners were: the widow; Mr and Mrs S Oke; Mr and Mrs M Jeffery; Mr J Oke; Mr and Mrs W Shaddick; Mr J Colwill, Mrs L Jeffery, Mrs E Jeffery, Mrs T Timms, Mr and Mrs J Scoynes, Mr and Mrs T Walter; Mrs G Poole, Mr and Mrs W Scoynes, Mrs W Johns, Mr and Mrs K Johns, Mr J V Jeffery, Mr B Walter, Mr D Poole, Mr G Timms.
Frost Cottage in Langtree is for sale.
Peter Wood, the son of Mr and Mrs C Wood, of Dunn Farm, Littleham, has won 56 prizes for jumping at horse shows and gymkhanas, with two horses, White Reign and Bashon.
Over £7 was raised in aid of the Parish Hall as a result of a Hostess Whist Drive, organised by Mr Reg Rawle. Mr H F Hedden was MC and Mr R Rawle at the door. Later in the month, the Hall and the adjoining skittle alley were filled to capacity at the annual poultry whist drive with refreshments being served by Mesdames F Lyle, W Johns, C Cook, G Moore, E Waring, L Rawle, R Rawle, D Hill, G Hearn, K Phelps, L Hedden, A Nicholls, Misses L Colwill and D Lyle.
Reading some of the accounts that have appeared concerning Devon County Council’s proposal to the Boundaries Commission that the island of Lundy should be formally included in Devon, one might suppose that irate islanders – all seven of them (as now resident) – are preparing to sell their freedom dearly on its shores, repelling invaders. Nevertheless it should be said that islanders and friends of Lundy are prepared to fight hard for what they deem to the special quality of Lundy and prevent it being ‘marred’ by the benefits of bureaucracy. There is something to be said in favour of a clear-cut understanding on the legal jurisdiction questions, but whether it needs a hammer blow to crack this nutshell is doubtful. Is it quite so independent as is generally supposed? It is already included in the Torrington Parliamentary Division and islanders are on the voters’ list, they pay national health insurance, and the ground upon which the church stands is understood to belong to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and not the owner of the island. Later in the month, Mr Albion Harman makes a statement.
Burrows Way bungalows, in Northam, to go.
New gates and railings for Northam Methodist Church and Mr Heywood was invited to perform the opening ceremony.
Miss Joan Phillipps, a member of the Church Council and a Diocesan Conference representative, who had been invited to perform the ceremony in recognition of her work for many good causes in parish and village. This was referred to by the Vicar, the Rev E B Bridger, who presided. Jane Newcombe presented a bouquet to Miss Philllips. The Northam sale was organised by Mrs E V Ross and Miss D H Beatson, who were also responsible for the attractive decoration of the hall. Of the 10 stalls, three were the responsibility of the Mothers’ Union, members of which organised an apron competition. Their contribution exceeded £60.
Because he says he cannot rely on British Railways to deliver the goods a Shebbear man regularly drives to London through the night to collect them, Bideford and District Employment Committee were told at their quarterly meeting. Several complaints about the tardiness of the railways were made and it was agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.
No decay at Torrington says Torrington Town Council.
This mouth-watering display of Christmas cakes is not the work of skilled chefs, but of fourth-year girls of Torrington County Secondary School. The sweets were made by first-year girls. The domestic science teacher, Miss W Stevens, said that there was basic recipe so that the cakes were of a basic size, but apart from that the girls were allowed to use their own ingenuity. That they had certainly done, some even having manufactured the decorations. In the picture, in addition to Miss Stevens, are some of the girls and their mothers who were invited to inspect the pupils’ handiwork. Some of them agreed that the cakes were even better than those mother makes!
At Torrington County Primary School’s Christmas concert six-year-old pupils of Class 5 presented a Nativity play. Those taking part were Marion Young, Robert Marson, Brian Alford (who sang a solo with a very sweet voice) and Carol Perrior. Class 7 presented a nursery rhyme scene, which was very colourful. Pupils were under the supervision of the headmaster, Mr T C Biddick and among the large number attending was the Mayor of Torrington, Col J E Palmer.
Some people wanted the rabbits for a bit of sport on a Saturday afternoon, but Torrington Commons would soon be swarming with rabbits, complained Mr C Martin, whose farm adjoins the Commons, at last week’s annual meeting of Torrington branch of the NFU. Mr T C Glanfield, who had earlier addressed the meeting, drew attention to the fact that the Government made 50% grants towards the formation of rabbit clearance societies. For this it was necessary to get the cooperation of all neighbouring farmers.
The wedding has taken place at Westleigh of Lieut Peter Whitfield, elder son of Mr and Mrs C G Whitfield, of Kenwith Road, Raleigh, Bideford, and Miss Rosalind Jeffery, elder daughter of Mrs and the late Mr F Jeffery, of Honeysuckle Cottage, Westleigh. The Rev T Mortimer officiated and the organist was Mr Aldrige.
Having sold the property, The Cottage, Westward Ho! on the instructions of Miss Lesslie Smith, antique and modern household furniture and furnishings are for sale.
Mrs Norah Gibbs, of Westward Ho! took part in the quiz show Abracadabra and returned home £125 richer.
Suggestion by a Mrs Barker that a refuse collection should be made at Welcombe has been rejected by Bideford Rural Council, who feel that there is little need to extend the collection to this ‘very scattered parish.’
Her many friends and Woolsery and Clovelly heard with regret of the passing of Miss Jane T Piper, of Slade Farm, Clovelly, which took place at the North Devon Infirmary. Although she had not enjoyed good health for some years, Miss Piper had always been a most cheerful person, and was out and about when her health permitted. She will be greatly missed at the Woolsery Methodist Church which she attended as recently as the Sunday evening previous to her death. The funeral took place at Bradworthy, where her parents and other relatives are buried. Miss Piper, who was 59, had lived with her brother-in-law, Mr A Westaway, and his family for many years.