September 1922, 1972 and 1997

September 1922

Births, marriages and deaths advertised – Gibson – at 13 Mount View Road, Crouch Hill, London, to Christine (nee Maunder), the wife of Captain T Gibson, a son; Purkiss – to Mr and Mrs R C Purkiss (nee Phyllis O’lliffe), 37 Ennsmore Gardens, SW, a son; Goundry-Matthews – at Bideford, the Rev John Alfred Goundry to Hilda May, daughter of Mr and Mrs Mathews of Appledore; John Grigg Pickard, age 52 at Marsh Farm, Northam; Burridge-Ball – at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Leslie William Burridge to Millicent Sophie Louise Ball, of 5 Salisbury Terrace (by special license); Barrow-Dingle – at Lavington Congregational Church, Roland James of Torridge House, to Dorothy Christine, Buttgarden Street; Powell-Hancock – at Weare Gifford, Robert Cunningham to Mary Margaret of The Hill; Elizabeth Jane Couch, of Bideford, at 7 Richmond Terrace, Appledore, aged 58; William May at 15 Pitt Hill, Appledore, aged 58; Edward Parnell, aged 25; Frances E Wren, widow of Capt. Robert Fellowes Wren; Parnall-Whitefield – at the United Methodist Church, Bideford, John Herbert to Emily Nellie; to Mr and Mrs C F Butcher (nee Olive George, Parkham), a son; Bartholomew-Oliver – Reginald to Elsie, both of Bideford (by special license); Daniel-Mills – at Beaford Parish Church, Reuben Daniel of Alwington, to Emily Mills; Prust-Fulford – Florence Mabel Fulford of Torridge Hill, Bideford, to Frank Prust of Morwenstowe; Symons-Delbridge – Herbert Charles, Terminus Inn, East-the-Water, to Elsie Doreen, East-the-Water Post Office; Hilda Braund, the dearly beloved and only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Braund, Bucks Mills; The Rev John Dene of Horwood House, Bideford; Caroline Thompson in her 75th year; and Reginal James Stafford Pengilley at the Union Club, Westward Ho!

Household furniture from Coombe Cot, Abbotsham, is to be sold by Public Auction.

Through the kindness of Mr Hawkins, of The Bungalow, three seats have been placed on the Quay at Appledore, and have proved a great benefit, both to residents and visitors.

Presentations at Appledore – an interesting ceremony took place at the United Council Schools Appledore when the esteemed headmaster, Mr J Mathews, who is retiring from the profession (having reached the age limit) was presented with a gold mounted fountain pen and handsome leather initialled suit case. He is succeeded by Mr S V Ford. Miss H M Mathews, LLA (Mistress), who is leaving to be married, was presented with a pair of sterling silver candlesticks suitably engraved.

A very neat but pretty wedding took place at Tonyrefail, South Wales. The contracting parties were Mr Frank D Copp, eldest son of Mr Fred Copp of Sunnyside, Bideford, and Miss Annie Fairchild.

Mr John Herbert Parnall marries Miss Emily Nellie Whitefield, of Clovelly House, Bideford.

At the Palace, The Sentimentalists and Romance.

The Bideford Science, Art & Technical Schools reopen Friday September 22nd.

New Drill Hall at Bideford – between the Strand and the Pill. Col Radcliffe, in declaring the Hall open, referred to the honour he had in taking the 6th Devons to India in 1914 and to Mesopotamia in 1915, when no men were stauncher, no men were more loyal, and none were better in an admirable Battalion than the men of Bideford.

John Braunton, ostler, pleaded guilty at Bideford Borough Sessions to driving a pony and trap without lights in Meddon Street 46 minutes after lighting up time. Defendant, who was summoned for a similar offence in 1911, said the Police did their duty well. Fined 3s. PC Bulgin stated the facts.

William Augustus Courtenay is fined 9s for driving with a number plate which was obscured.

Royal Hotel, Bideford. At Bideford Transfer Sessions before the Borough magistrates, Mr T Oerton junr. applied for the transfer of the license of the present licensee, Mr A Woolridge Lister to Mr Claude Ernest Haylor, of 18 Portland Avenue, Stamford Hill, London. Mr Haylor said Mr Oerton, was well known in the district from which he came and was well vouched for. Inspector Shutler said he had no objection. Enquiries had been made and the testimonials spoke very highly of the applicant. The Bench granted the transfer.

The funeral of an old and respected parishioner, Mrs John Harding, of Lower Village, Bradworthy, took place and was well attended, blinds being drawn in the village showing the respect in which the family is held. Rev Orchard conducted the services at the house, the United Methodist Church and the Free Church cemetery. Mrs Cann was the organist. Messrs Bond, Jewell and Everson bore the corpse to its last resting place. The chief mourners were Mr J Harding, Messrs Harding, Misses Harding and Mrs T Walter, and Mrs Bailey. Among those present were Messrs Balsdon, S and C Wickett, Lang, W and H Cory, Clarke, J Bromell, Oke, Jennings, Barrett, Grant, R Bond, T Everson, Mitchell, C R Everson, Mr and W Harding, Mr and Mrs W Bromell, Mesdames Cory, Tremeer, Wickett, Harris, Netherway, Butler, M Jennings, Misses Edwards, Barrett, Everson, Bond and many others. Much sympathy is felt for the family in the sudden bereavement.

Household furniture from Sunbury, Fairy Cross, is to be sold by Public Auction.

Fire at Horwood Barton, Frithelstock which Capt T Heywood and the Brigade attended.

There was a fashionable attendance at the wedding in the parish church of Instow of Miss Kathleen Marion Slatter, elder daughter of the late Capt A A Slatter, BSAP, and Mrs Slatter of Salisbury, Rhodesia, and Lieut-Com George Fagan Bradshaw, DSO, RN, (retired), second son of the late Mr R M Bradshaw and Mrs Bradshaw, of Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh. Mrs Slatter is abroad and the wedding took place from the residence at Instow of the bride’s aunt Mrs Howard. Lady Couchman, another aunt of the bride, was present at the ceremony.

Littleham Harvest Festival to take place on Wednesday September 27th 1922.

The Lerina, the Lundy Royal Mail Motor Yacht, is undertaking day trips.

Death of Mr J G Pickard - Northam.

Amongst the many memorials which have been raised to commemorate those who have laid down their lives for the country in the Great War, there is perhaps none more appropriate to our churches, or, in the case of our ancient churches, the restoration of chapels which link us so closely with the devout worship of our ancestors. Such is the lasting memorial raised in the parish church of St Margeret’s, Northam. The new chapel altar has been placed in a central position immediately westward of the organ. Two broad granite steps, with marble and granite altar pace, occupying a space of some 80 square feet, form a dignified dais for the altar. When the altar is decorated as it is designed to be, the whole colour scheme will be extremely beautiful. The modern pews, facing north, which previously occupied the body of the chapel, have been removed and replaced by comfortable chairs, stained to a dark green colour. Two moveable altar rails, of simple but suitable design, with kneelers attached, complete the sanctuary fittings. The whole of the woodwork is of best well-seasoned oak.

It is pleasing to note that Ellis Radclift, scholar of the Northam School, has won the ‘Stuckley’ Free Scholarship, tenable for four years, and open to candidates in the Bideford District. He is the grandson of Mr R Yeo, Porthill Gardens, Northam.

A week or so ago hotel proprietors at Bideford and Exeter were imposed upon by a bogus Earl ‘out for a good time.’ At Exeter a man, who had imbibed not wisely but too well, found safe lodging in the City police court cell, and brought before Exeter Magistrates, airily remarked “I want to settle it as quick as I can, and not make a fuss about it: I am a stranger to the city.” He gave his name as Richard Gomer of Wear Gifford. We are asked to state on behalf of Mr Richard Gomer, Sanitary Inspector of Wear Gifford – and so far as can be ascertained the only person in the parish of that name – that he is not the person who gave the same name and place to the magistrates and in fact was not away from home at the time. Later that month, the issue was discussed at a meeting of Torrington Rural District Council.

The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Church, Weare Giffard, of Mr Robert Cunningham and Miss Mary Margaret, daughter of Mr Philip Henry and Mrs Rachel Hancock, of The Hill, Weare Gifford. The bride was given away by her brother; the bridesmaid was Miss Eileen Fisher; and Mr Walter Powell carried out the duties of best man. The reception, as the residence of Mr and Mrs P H Hancock was attended by about fifty guests. The honeymoon is being spent in a motor tour through the South of England. Wedding presents included a junket bowl; aluminium cooking utensils; series of 12 sketches; cheques; and silver jam spoons.

Presentation to Rector of Woolsery – Rev G L Edwards leaves Fremington.

September 1972

August was the driest month since September last year, and the hottest since records at the Phayre House weather station, Heywood Road, Northam, began in 1965. Rainfall of 44.1mm (1.74in) was also the lowest for August since records began in 1966. It rained on only nine days with the greatest fall in 24 hours - 20.1mm or 0.83on - on the 12th. It has not rained since (report dated September 8th). 

No. 2 Woodcote, Abbotsham, will not be sold.

Flat out - the inshore rescue boat now on evaluation tests at Appledore. A new type of craft, she is now hitting top speed again after a fortnight's delay during which a new engine was fitted. One idea of the trials is to familiarise local lifeboat crewmen with such craft which many experts believe could do much to fill a gap in local rescue services when the helicopter flight departs on the closure of RAF Chivenor. 

The Union flag draped the coffin at the funeral of Capt George Alfred Perkins, Bideford’s town crier for nearly a decade at St Peter’s Church, Bideford. Capt Perkins, who fought in both world wars, was 74 and lived at 58 Churchill Road. He removed to North Devon in 1942 and had been a member of the Hartland and Appledore branches of the British Legion. His widow, Mrs Christine Perkins, is warden of the Barton Estate old people’s homes. The Rector of Bideford, Preb. T Derwent Davies, officiated at the service. Interment followed at the Higher Cemetery.

Mr Alan Craner, one of the shipwrights, checks the dimensions of a gunport on the full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde under construction at the shipyard of J Hinks and Son, Appledore. The replica, which is scheduled for launching in April next year, is now half-way to completion. After launching the Golden Hinde will stop at a number of South Coast ports and moor for three months in the Pool of London before retracing under sail Drake's voyage across the Atlantic to Panama.

The thatched roof of a Riddlecombe farmhouse, near Ashreigney, was destroyed by fire. Neighbours and the local police constable helped to save furniture. Firemen from Chulmleigh, Hatherleigh, Torrington, North Tawton and Barnstaple were called to the scene, Higher Skellies Farm. Firemen confined the blaze to the roof of the two-storey building but there was also damage to the upstairs rooms. 

A summer fayre, organised by Ashreigney WI, held at Southfields by permission of Mr and Mrs J Cole, raised over £45. Stallholders included Mrs W Cole, Mrs T Middleton, Mrs Cobdon, Mr P M Harris, Mrs J Dummett, Mrs I Ware and Miss N M Harris. In charge of the competition for a flower arrangement in an egg cup was Mrs George and winners were Miss N Harris, Mrs J Cole and Miss V Partridge; children's class - Georgina Middleton, Sandra Powell and V Tithecott. Miss Jean Webber organised the lucky dip. Mrs Webber and Mrs Partridge served the coffee. Skittles were won by Julia Becklake; guessing sultanas in a cake (Mrs Callard) won by Mrs G Ayre; guessing the weight of president and two vice-presidents (Mrs Lambourn) won by Mrs V Partridge; guessing contents of bags, won by Mr N Middleton; treasure hunt organised by Mrs Middleton, won by Russell Golland.

Did you try the Bridgeland Street salon of Jenny N Hoare?

Local history was made when 27 girls went through the doors of Bideford Grammar School as regular pupils for the first time in the school’s 350 years existence. Twenty-six of them were 11 year olds who joined the school as a result of Devon County Education Committee’s decision to bring forward their plans for co-education. The other one was a 15 year old who will go straight into the school’s Fifth Form. She is Janice Beadon of Hartland and Mr John Dare, the school’s headmaster, said “I hope she will be the first of many.” Three new full-time women teachers have joined the staff, which already has three women teachers part-time, and two extra temporary classrooms have been provided at the school, although these will not be used by the new intake. About 30 girls selected for grammar school education in the Torridge area will go to Edgehill and about 20 to the Stella Maris School.

On public view for the first time was the new uniform which has been designed for girls attending the Grammar School. It may be claimed that a full circle of association has been appropriately completed for it was the bequest in 1689 by a woman, Mrs Susannah Stucley, of £200 for the maintenance of a grammar school at Bideford that began the real documentary history of the school.

No homes so teachers turn down jobs.

Bideford Health Centre to open next month.

A £1,000 journey ended with a tea-time celebration for a Bideford family. And to mark the occasion a banner and a placard of welcome were displayed outside the family’s house, and the bells of the parish church were rung. It was five and a half years ago that Mr John Stone and his wife Dawn left England with their two children to make a new life in Australia. They returned to the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs Reg Stone, of 6 Myrtle Grove, for a four month holiday with their children Mark and Trudy. Dawn is also a Bidefordian, being the daughter of Mr and Mrs Frank Ellis, of Meddon Street. Before leaving England, Mr Stone worked locally for the Wonderloaf Bakeries.

A moment of memories for Mr Arthur Hooper as he congratulates Mr Ron Cole, captain of Bideford Victoria Park Club, on the club’s achievement in winning the Devon County Bowls Trophy. Mr Hooper is the only surviving member of the Club team that last brought the trophy to the town in 1935.

Sorry I’m late – I had to catch a duck! This was the excuse – unlikely but true – which 20 year old shop assistant Mrs Marilyn Dymond had for her supermarket boss this week. Marilyn was shutting the front door of her house at 72 Clifton Street, Bideford, when she saw a duck making rapid progress down the hill. In chase was Mr Ron Somerville, who had been washing his car in the street when he saw the duck pass by.

A miniature go-kart track was opened in Victoria Park, Bideford. 

Thornboro, Buckland Brewer, is for sale by Public Auction at the New Inn Hotel.

Another stink at Clovelly according to the local postmaster, Mr A F J Aust.

Explosions ‘mystery’ at Hartland cliff fire but Mr E Prouse solves it.

Mr L Grills of Torrington, and his daughter, Mrs J Brooks of Monkleigh, with the first and second prize winning terriers at the Stevenstone Hunt Supporters’ Club terrier and family dog show, held at the Old Kennels, near Torrington Station.

All smiles again – pupils of St Margaret’s School, Northam, with pets given to replace those killed by vandals during the holiday. “We are very grateful to the people who have shown so much consideration over the death of our pets, especially the Gazette… Many thanks to the people who donated the two guinea pigs, Pinky and Perky, and the white rabbit which we have called Liz.”

By Order of the Executors of Elsie Lilian Gouldsmith, The Old Kiln, Limers Lane, Northam, is for sale.

Porthill Gardens is for sale.

Diddywell Manor and annexe, Northam, was sold by auction by Messrs Kivell and Sons, of Bideford, for £20,000. Purchaser was a Mr Holtzer.

Downalong, Limers Lane, Northam, is for sale by auction.

A Torrington young artist in stained glass has provided for posterity a visual record of the town’s Middle Ages leper colony. Christopher Sing, elder son of Mr and Mrs Raymond Sing, of Rock Park, and until recently a student at Bideford School of Art, has just completed a 6ft by 4ft window in the leper chapel on the south side of the little church at Taddiport. An inscription reads “Remember the lepers who lived and worshipped here and all who befriended them.”

Torrington’s new Town Crier, Mr Norman Dymond, has attended his first National Town Criers’ contest, held at Hastings. Having taken over from the champion of so many years, Mr Bert Waldron, Mr Dymond must have felt great pressure on him to do well. Mr Bill Matthews, of Holsworthy, a seasoned participant and a former champion, who was this year placed fourth, said “Norman put up a tremendous show considering he had no experience whatever of a major event like Hastings. You can take it from me – and I ought to know by now – Torrington has another champion in the making.”

A 70 year old widow who is a former Mayoress of Torrington will be ‘Queen’ when Torrington’s water carnival is held. Mrs May Hutchings, of 32 Calf Street, Torrington, won the right to preside over the procession by selling £55.88 worth of votes. Her four attendants will all be married women and her crowner, Mrs Ida Hoyle, of Goose Green, Torrington, who sold £50.36 worth of tickets.

Cutty Sark in Golf Links Road and Day Dawn, 37 Nelson Road, both Westward Ho! are to be sold by Public Auction.

Bideford postman John Slocombe, winner of this year's Schoolmasters Cup competition at the Royal North Devon Golf Club's Autumn meeting, is congratulated by losing finalist Charles West, who is captain of the Torrington club.

September 1997

Bideford Carnival has been postponed because the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, is taking place on the same day. The big parade will now be held on Saturday, November 29, which was to have been the date for the town’s Christmas walking carnival.

Jemma Saunders, aged 12, from Bideford, inspects some of the flowers left at Victoria Park, in memory of Diana.

Bideford paid its own tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, with a poignant non-denominational open air service. As the body of the princess was carried from its resting place in St James Palace to her home at Kensington Palace up to 2,000 people gathered in Victoria Park. From tiny tots to great-grandparents they stood with lighted candles in answer to a call Linda Taylor had taken up by the town’s churches. “Linda phoned me in tears and said we really must do something in the town to get people together and express their grief” said Bideford Vicar the Rev Tim Jessiman. Colleagues at the Midland Bank and pupils of Grenville College gave out service sheets, candles and made a collection. A hush fell on Torridgeside on Saturday as towns and villages throughout the area mourned the loss of the princess.

Alexandra Westlake, aged two, with her candle and lamp.

Hundreds of people both young and old converged on The Quay area of Bideford to see the biggest high tide of the year. Water lapped over the quay wall and covered the road to a depth of several inches but there were no reports of serious damage to properties. It was a warm evening and many enjoyed a paddle in the street.

Torridge planners have given a unanimous ‘go ahead’ to the controversial £2.6 million flood defence scheme for Bideford Quay. Councillors were of the opinion that while not perfect the scheme before them must go ahead. To delay might only bring more flooding and anguish. It was, said Cllr Hugo Barton, “the best scheme we are likely to get.”.

Bideford Angling Club members dished up a tasty £1,040 cheque for the children’s cancer charity CLIC. Money was raised through a euchre drive, a skittles marathon and a beard shave by Neil Meadows. In the picture chairman Graham Mountjoy presents the cheque to CLIC secretary Brian Taylor, Pat Humphries and Stuart Humphries.

Joe Inglis, start of BBC TV’s current documentary series, Vets in Practice, will soon be leaving his job in Bideford. He has been working at the Wittern Lodge surgery of Atkinson and Burgess since graduating last year. He chose to come to Bideford originally because he was keen on surfing. One episode will feature Joe, at Chudleigh Fort, perfecting a grass surfing board on which he has taken out a patent.

Prowting Homes is selling properties at Orchard Rise, Bideford, ranging from £99,950 to £143,950.

Prowting Homes is selling properties at Kingsmead Park, Torrington, ranging from £67,950 to £125,000.

The owners of The Culloden House Hotel at Westward Ho! have instructed Webbers Commercial as sole agents to dispose of this detached, licensed hotel at an asking price of £239,950. The agents are quoting a high six-figure turnover and say the property is expected to attract a great deal of interest as it is presented in excellent order.