January 1923

Happy New Year everyone! If one of your New Year resolutions is to move house, Chaplin & Co is ready to assist.

To help you plan your year, the supplement to the 2 January Gazette has an Almanack giving postal information, lists of public offices and bus details. It’s not good enough quality to reproduce here but if you like this sort of thing pop into the Archive sometime and have a look. The first paper of the year also carries a “Fifty years ago” item - in 1873 Mr W I Vellacott was Mayor of Bideford, the constables appointed by the Watch Committee were W Fisher (Superintendent) and J Warren (Constable) and the price of coal was 1s 1d per hundredweight.

New for this year, the Gazette is starting a Home Feature – written for ladies by ladies. In the first week, topics covered include hair styles, recipes and how to give a Domino Dance; later in the month there is an article on how to stencil on fabric as an alternative to embroidery, and a recipe for Russian Toffee.

Advances are being granted on houses, shops, farms, fields etc on very favourable terms, with easy monthly repayments of principal and interest. Contact the North Devon P & T Benefit Building Society, Bridge Buildings, Bideford. There are at present too many copper coins in circulation - those showing the head of Queen Victoria uncrowned are the most worn and regarded as the most suitable to be withdrawn. In other news, it is cider making season and casks are for sale. 

The first day of 1923 saw the dawn of a new era in railway travel. On that day the ninety-three railway companies of Great Britain were reduced to four groups. The following are some of the facts of the four new groups.

Ordinary railway fares are being reduced.

The question of signing a cheque for £1,200 in respect of the third call of the Torrington Halwill Light Railway scheme, came up for consideration at a meeting of Torrington Rural Council. Mr Puddicombe said that, before they signed the cheque, he thought they should make a protest. There was still nothing definite about the accommodation they were going to get at Water Gate, the Council should in making a protest insist, as they were big subscribers, on getting a plan to find out where the proposed stopping places were to be provided.

Births, engagements and marriages – a son to Mr and Mrs Cox of 5 Richmond Terrace, Bideford; a daughter for Mr and Mrs A E Fulford; Skinner-Palmer – Henry John Skinner to Ethel Mary Palmer, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs J Palmer, Woodville Cottage, Orchard Hill; a son to Mr and Mrs A F Capern, Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada; Greenslade-Storey – Sydney, son of Mr and Mrs Greenslade, Bridgeland Street, to Edith, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs R Storey of Brixton; a daughter to Mr and Mrs Parkhouse, Myrtle Cottage, Appledore; Yeo-Glover – Mr E William Yeo, son of Mr and Mrs Yeo of Instow, to Miss A Kathleen Glover, second daughter of Mr Henry Glover, of Abbotsham Road; at 5 Bay View Terrace, Northam, a daughter to the wife of Thomas Oerton; a daughter to Mr and Mrs G Hill, Bridge End, Bideford; Steeksma-Small – Lieut Ernest Steeksma (Tank Corps) to Elizabeth (Trilby), younger daughter of Mr and Mrs A Small, of Appledore; a son to Mr and Mrs Thomas Williams (nee Maud Newcombe).

In several instances, an event put on for the children is referred to as a “Christmas Tree” rather than a party. 

One of the most successful Variety entertainments ever given in Abbotsham was held. It was arranged by Mrs Bernard Kempe and Miss A F Turner. The first part of the programme consisted of songs and choruses, interspersed with clarionette solos by Mr Prior and readings in the Devonshire dialect by Mr Hooper, which received great applause.

The children of Alwington school gave a concert as a farewell to Miss Partridge, retiring after 35 years as head mistress. Her parting gifts from parents and colleagues were a Chesterfield couch with cushions, a silver tea set, an inscribed trefoil tray and a set of silver teaspoons.

The 95-ketch Rainbow, of Appledore, belonging to Capt Archibald Hooper has become a total wreck.

The Appledore motor lifeboat was put to its severest test since its commission a few months ago when, in the early hours of Sunday morning, a call was received to proceed to the s.s. Kirktown, a steamer of 1,500 tons, which was supposed to be ashore on Lundy Island.

Mrs Mary Elizabeth Popham, Bude Street, Appledore, is mourned.

New Year’s Day at Bideford Hospital.

The International Staff Band has arrived, entering Bideford via the Bridge. 

Mr W B Pickard of 2 Queen Annes, High Street, Bideford, has died.

Fire outbreak at Moreton House.

At Bideford Borough Sessions before the Mayor, Mr H W Huxham, in the chair and other Magistrates, David Satterthwaite pleaded guilty to the chimney of his house, 39A Mill Street, being accidentally on fire on the 8th. PC W J Hutchings said about 5pm sparks were coming from the chimney and falling in the street and on the houses adjoining. He went to the house and saw defendant, who was endeavouring to extinguish the fire. The fire place was full of burnt and burning soot and the fire was still roaring in the chimney. Witness asked him when he had the chimney swept last and he replied that he did not know exactly, but it was not long ago. The Bench imposed a fine of 2s 6d.

A new hobby is suggested in the form of “BEAVER!” – a new card game billed as “the jolliest game on the market”. This is obtainable at Messrs Coles and Lee, The Gazette Office, at a cost of 2 shillings.

Bideford Town Council has decided to renew its “by no means extravagant” annual expenditure upon advertising the borough as a holiday resort, especially now that they have plenty of water.

Children from Sunday Schools in Buckland Brewer have an enjoyable time.

There was a good muster of ringers at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, on New Years’ Eve. The Old Year was tolled out and the New Year ushered in with merry peals. The Rector, Rev TL Simkin, was present and exchanged New Year’s Greetings with the ringers and others present.

Mrs S Jewell has a grandson, born to Mr and Mrs A F Capern.

The mystery of a north Devon wreck, the Perrosien of Paimpol, a French schooner, remains unresolved. ‘The lifeboat was launched and proceeded to the vessel. It was blowing very heavily and there were very heavy seas. The position of the vessel was then on the range off Bucks Mills, the boat having passed right across Clovelly. Asked if would have been possible to have boarded the schooner, Capt Pengilly said it was impossible.

Getting back to Clovelly it was found impossible for the lifeboat to land owing to the seas as she would have been smashed by the huge boulders, and she proceeded to the westward towards Gallantry Bower.Some days later the body of a sailor was found on the beach at Lee Bay. His clothing was blue and similar to that worn by French sailors. The life belt to which he was attached had no name on it, as would be the case with English Vessels. It will be interesting to follow this story and see if any more information comes to light.

Hartland children collect wild flowers.

Edistone Prize giving entertainment took place on Friday at Hartland. Pastor Hill took the chair with Miss J Bragg at the organ. Those taking part in the programme included: Stanley Heard, Ida Cloke, Evelyn Bragg, Ivy Cornish, Fred Westlake, Wesley Heard, Myrtle Hill, Elizabeth Heard, Mary Bragg, Jack Walter, Stanley Heard, May Bragg, and the scholars. Mr Hill presented the prizes. Tree, tea, games and supper were given by the scholars and refreshments were also provided for visitors.

The Associated Board of the R.A.M. and R.C.M London – Francis H Christmas has successfully passed the Rudiments of Music and Pianoforte Playing (Advanced Grade) examinations recently held at Barnstaple and Exeter. He was prepared by Dr H J Edwards, Hon, R.A.M.

Mr Reginald Dallyn (Instow) and Miss Evelyn Tucker are married.

The ’Rainbows’ a Pierrot Concert Party from Bideford, under the direction of Mr Willie J Barry, recently gave a high class entertainment in the Rifle Hall, Instow, in aid of the funds of the Instow AFC. Those taking part were Mr W Barry, and the Misses Ethel McBaine, Mabel Langbridge, and Jo Hopson. The acting was of a very high order, especially that of Miss Hopson in the part of the female servant Mary.

Instow Conservatives and Unionist men meet in the Billiards Room of the Marine Hotel.

A lamb at Mr Andrews’ Putshole, Langtree, born in December, is believed to be the earliest in the district. The carol singers on Christmas and New Year’s Eve collected over £3 to be sent to the Starving Childrens’ Fund. Mrs Jones, wife of Mr P B Jones, Chairman of the Parish Council, has badly dislocated her foot. All wish her a speedy recovery.

The inhabitants of Langtree and neighbourhood were pleased to see that the Torrington Rural District Council are taking up the matter of a station at Water Gate on the new Torrington and Halwill Railway. The Langtree Parish Council took the initiative in this matter some months ago by instructing their Clerk to write to the promoters of the railway and Lord Clinton, urging them to have a station at Water Gate. His Lordship readily took the matter up, and we believe is leaving no stone unturned to achieve this purpose.

Mr Splain, Chief Officer of Coastguards, is about to leave Lundy, much to the regret of the inhabitants. There were twenty entries for a recent bagatelle tournament. The first prize was won by Mr Maskell, of the South Lighthouse, and the second by Mr Lang, the storekeeper.

Lundy football match against the Mainlanders.

Christmas on Lundy. How the islanders observed the festivity.

The Merton Schoolroom was crowded on the occasion of the School Concert. The Rev E J Jeffery, in a few well chosen remarks, stated that the quality and standard of the performance that evening reflected the greatest credit on both Mr and Mrs Williams. He emphasised that not only in social enterprise but also in the usual school work the same enthusiasm was shown by Mr Williams and his assistants; and encouraging and very satisfactory results were being obtained. Mr Williams suitably replied. Over £11 was taken. All the children at the recent Bishop Phillpott’s Prayer Book Examination were successful. The results were: - First Class, 1; Second class, 9; third class, 8, passed 1.

Annery Kiln Cottages, Monkleigh, for sale.

During a social at the Martyn Hall, Morwenstow, a novel feature was the Confetti Dance – has anyone heard of this? A ewe belonging to Mr J Goodenough of Stanbury Barton, Morwenstow, gave birth to two fine lambs on 9 January - these days we would not consider this to be unusually early. The draughts championship tournament held in Morwenstow village club was won by Mr C Braunton with 27 points.

At Parkham, Master Jack Lee picked wild strawberries on December 31st and an apple tree may be seen in blossom at Mr R Brend’s. Mr C Moore of Moore Farm recently lost a good horse. The old sundial, which dates from 1731, has been redecorated and the tablets, containing the ten commandments in the church, have been dealt with in a very workmanlike manner by Mr Mitchell of Bideford.

At Shebbear, the Vicar has distributed the boot tickets and book prizes from the Fortescue Charity at Christmas to children attending the Council School, also the Harrington Charity for deserving poor.

Fireman George Blight, a native of Shebbear, has just retired from the Cardiff City Fire Brigade.

Wilfred Larkworthy and Elizabeth Vanstone marry at Torrington.

Upwards of £40 was realised for the Waifs and Strays Society by the excellent fancy dress dance, organised by Mrs G D Copp, and held in the Drill Hall, which was artistically decorated for the occasion. There was an attendance of over 200 adults and children, most of the latter being in fancy dress. Excellent music was supplied by Miss F Johns, and the refreshments and table decorations were well carried out by Mr William Luxton.

A tea and concert arranged by the Rev J W Mayo have been given to the inmates of the Torrington Union. The tea, which was much appreciated, was followed by a concert. Afterwards came a well-laden Christmas tree, arranged by Mrs Mayo, Mrs Stormer, Miss Barrow and Mrs Dymond. Each inmate was presented with a gift from the tree. Rev Mayo expressed his thanks to the Master and Matron, Mr and Mrs Harrison, for their hearty cooperation.

By the kind invitation of the Rector and Mrs Moyses, the children and teacher of the Weare Gifford Church Sunday School were entertained to tea at the Rectory on Thursday.

The men of Weare Giffard to the number of about thirty by the kind invitation of Major Paine, greatly enjoyed a day’s rabbitting on Boxing Day. The men had good sport, about 32 rabbits being bagged. Mr A Gomer has received a letter from the Secretary of the Waifs and Strays Society thanking him and his party of carol singers, formed of members of the united Church and Chapel Choirs, for the sum of £4 15s. Mrs Chamings and Mrs Short very kindly provided refreshments at their houses and their kindness is much appreciated.

A disastrous fire, resulting in the destruction of a block of three small thatched roofed cottages and damage to an adjoining house, occurred at Westleigh. The adjoining house, a comparatively new building, slate roofed, double fronted, occupied by the owners Nr and Mrs Braunton and their family, was undoubtedly saved by the efforts of the Bideford Fire Brigade and other helpers. The three cottages were reduced to a heap of ruins. During the height of the fire, it being almost on a hill top, the smoke was plainly seen from Bideford, and as far away at Torrington Common and Saunton. The families rendered homeless were Mr and Mrs G H Saunders with the children (who were in the first house to catch fire), and Mr and Mrs T Tucker, and their four children. The Sanderses have gone temporarily to friends at Lovacott, and the Tuckers with the Huxtables at Souchcott. The three cottages destroyed were the property of Mr A L Christie, JP, DL, of Tapeley Park, and were insured.

Household furniture from The Cottage, Westward Ho! is for sale.

Bell-ringers’ supper held at Woolsery Vicarage.

January 1973

Draft wardings for the first election of the Torridge District Council made by the Home Office followed exactly the recommendations of the steering committee as approved by the constituent councils, the Town Clerk, Mr L B Galliford, told Bideford Town Council. They give a council of 36 – nine representatives for Bideford, three for Torrington borough, seven for Northam urban district, four for Bideford rural council, six for Torrington rural district and seven for Holsworthy rural district. The Home Office, said Mr Galliford, had told them that Bideford borough would be designated by order as the authority to appoint the returning officer and would have to pay his expenses for the first election.

Mr Philip Waters and Mr Joseph Need may be Appledore candidates to fill a vacancy on Northam Urban Council.

£100 gift to Appledore lifeboat branch.

At the Boat Show, opened at Earls Court, the full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake's historic ship the Golden Hinde, now under construction at the Appledore shipyard of J Hinks and Son, is the subject of three feature stands. Visitors are able to see work in progress on the ornate reproduction Tudor furniture and the cannon for the replica. Two shipwrights from J Hinks and Son's yard will be handcrafting two of the spars for the main mast.

A welcoming cup of tea greets the first of two Ugandan Asian families who are being found homes by Northam Urban Council. The family travelled from Honiton camp to their future home, no. 21 The Mount, Appledore. Mrs Parkash Kaur Rajput and her daughter, Balbir, are seen with Major J P Foulds, of Georgeham, a long standing family friend who brought them in in car, from the camp. Also in the picture are Mrs T P Keene, Mr J A Wright and Miss G Yeo.

A lamp standard and a nearby support pole were left leaning at an angle after a ship which was being manoeuvred into a dry dock at Appledore was blown against the Quay wall by a sudden gust of wind. Part of the guard rails buckled and, following the incident, a small cabin cruiser, the Snow Goose, owned by Mr Keith Luxton, of Appledore, and which had been moored nearby, was found to have its hull damaged. The ship, the 2,000 ton coastal tanker Swansea, owned by Shell-Mex and BP Ltd, was not damaged.

For many years a member of Northam Burrows Committee, taking a prominent part in organising the revival of ‘potwalloping day’ to strengthen the pebbleridge in 1957, Mr Charlie James (Jim) Tucker has died at his home, 40 Western Avenue, Appledore. He was 69. Before his retirement through ill-health he was an agricultural worker and was employed at Watertown farm for many years.

Several near accidents have been caused between vehicles leaving Bideford health centre in Abbotsham Road and others travelling towards Abbotsham, administrators of the health centre have told the Town Council. They blamed the presence of cars parked opposite what will be a joint entrance to the centre and the hospital. The Council are asking the County Council to extend the restriction on parking westwards by 450ft.

Bideford Shipyard Ltd announced that they have secured a new order worth between £70,000 and £80,000 to build a 90ft long passenger vessel for the Blue Funnel Cruises Ltd of Southampton. Work on the new vessel, which will be the longest built at the Bideford yard, is expected to start in March. Completion will take about 12 months.
First member of Bideford St John Nursing Cadets to win the coveted Grand Prior certificate and badge is Sergt Jenny Gordon. Twelve proficiency subjects have to be taken to win the badge. In recognition of her work, Sergt Gordon was also presented with a travelling clock from the local St John Association. Among those present were Major Gracey, Mr R Mitchell, Mrs M D Lavers, Major E Hill, and Mrs F E Cowling. Mrs Lavers presented certificates to the following cadets: L Fishleigh, E Shortridge, J Cann, Y Parish, M Spearman, C Vounc, P Bloyce, B Smith, R Summers, A Fishleigh, W Hood, J Kelly, S Marshall, M Strong and T Walker.

Mr Alfred Short hands to the Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, Mr and Mrs J W Needs, a china replica of the famous Calgary Stetson, sent by the Mayor of Calgary in reply to a letter of civic greetings from Bideford taken to that city by Mr and Mrs Short on their recent Canadian visit. Mr Short, now in his 70s, is an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School. On his retirement he was Bristol district territorial general manager for Boots Chemist.

In accordance with the bequest of a Bideford merchant, John Andrew, over 360 years ago, loaves were distributed to the aged and needy of the town at Bideford Town Hall on New Year’s Day. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs J W Needs, distributed 40 loaves to which was added a total of 25lb of butter from the Mayor’s Benevolent Fund.

Despite the handicap of a heart complaint, and only recently out of hospital himself, Mr Monty Walton, of 11 Alexandra Terrace, Bideford, takes delight in entertaining ‘fellow patients’. Last week he cheered the patients of the Torridge Hospital, Bideford, with a one-man variety show. He is a member of the Magic Circle and is also a ventriloquist.

Celebrating their golden wedding will be Mr and Mrs James Henry Bedler, of 90 Pynes Lane, Bideford. For 45 years they lived at Bowden Green. Mr Bedlar, who is 74, was formerly a member of Bideford Town Council’s outdoor staff. His wife, who before her marriage was Miss Lillian Mary Jenkins, is 69. Of the six surviving daughters, four live in Bideford. The daughters are Mrs L W Braund of Stucley Road, Mrs G Lockyer, of Launceston, Mrs J West, of Grenville estate, Mrs C Shapland, of Stucley Road, Mrs W Hoper of Lynton, and Mrs S Prouse, of Pynes Lane (with her parents. There are 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A family party is being held.

Bideford Rural Council are to go ahead with their scheme to pump sewage into the sea at Bucks Mills subject to aeration modifications as suggested by Dr S C Burgess, a member of the Jeger committee. Later in the month, R Fran Sutton of The Old Chapel wrote to the Gazette.

A well known native of Clovelly who had served in the Merchant Navy for many years, Mr Stanley Bate has died at Donnington House at the age of 87. Mr Bate, son of a master mariner, was a descendent on his grandmother’s side of Salvation Yeo, a character immortalised in Kingsley’s ‘Westward Ho!’.

At a whist drive in aid of Clovelly lifeboat funds the draw for a table light in the form of a ship, made by Mr C Shackson for the last time, was won by Mrs A Shackson. Many of the other prizes in this special draw run from the lifeboat house throughout the summer went up country. The effort made a profit of £94.58½. The whist drive and a draw in the room made £36.74 profit.

Picturesque, cobbled Clovelly, claimed to be England’s most visited village, is in a list of five new suggested conservation areas which Devon Planning Committee are in the process of discussing with the district Councils and other interested people.

Dear, dear what can the matter be? Clovelly Parish Council have been told about ladies who got locked in the lavatory. One each occasion it was the public lavatory near Temple Bar, said Miss Sheila Ellis. 

Posted in Hong Kong, a letter has been received by the Clerk to Clovelly Parish Council, Mrs Muriel Littlejohns, containing an offer by Jin Koo Books to supply a volume containing more than 200 pictures of Chairman Mao and Choe En Lai at a cost of £6. Captions of the pictures were in English as well as Chinese. The Parish Council were not interested in the offer.

Four members of the Hartland Auxiliary Coastguard rescue section have received 20 year long service medals. They are Messrs Reginald Johns, Wilfred Pennington, Kenneth Johns and Richard Wakeley. S R Richards presented the medals.

With the aim of raising money for provision of hard tennis courts in Hartland, a sub-committee of the local Playing Fields Association was formed last summer. A canvass by circular in the district established that there was a call for tennis courts, which have been in the thoughts of the Playing Fields’ Association for 10 years. But funds have been needed for other facilities, such as the football field, children’s playground and the pavilion, plus maintenance costs, and it has not been possible to concentrate on providing for tennis until now.

The attractive freehold property known as Hillside, Landcross, near Bideford, is for sale by public auction.

Over 100 children at St Margaret’s School, Northam, had to wear their overcoats in class for a time this week when the electric heating system in one wing went out of action for the second time in two months.

The work of the Teachers’ Benevolent Fund was chosen by Mrs P M Slade as the theme for her presidential address to the Torridge District Association of the National Union of Teachers. Mrs Slade, a member of the staff of St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School at Northam, succeeds Mr Ken Ainsworth.

Six year old Mark Clements liked his picture of the Queen so much that he decided to send it to her. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Keith Clements of 6 Daneshay, Northam.

Devon County Council are to be asked by Torrington Town Council to consider providing a fully-equipped dispensary at the health centre when, as is contemplated, it is enlarged. The Council, after being told by the Town Clerk, Mr Alan Fitt, that he had had a discussion with an inspector of the Pharmaceutical Society on chemist facilities in the town, decided not to pursue the question of placing an advertisement in the ‘Pharmaceutical Journal.’

Traffic problems at the junction of New Street and Whites Lane.

Grants announced by the Historic Buildings Council for England include £1,250 towards the cost of repairs of Palmer House, Torrington, owned by Mrs B F Dickson. The house is the most important 19th century specimen of domestic architecture in the town. The Palmer family were resident there for several generations and the family’s Arms are emblazoned on the main staircase window. The family were related by marriage to Sir Joshua Reynolds.

In recognition of their good work in raising the means of a sponsored walk around £280 for, among other things, the purchase of equipment, Torrington’s revitalised Youth Club were entertained to a party. During the evening trophies won in a recent darts competition were presented by the chairman, Mr John Kelly. Winners were William Seymour and Wendy Tyler, with Paul Martin and Kathleen Weller runners-up. There were also medals, the gift of a committee member Mr James Martin.

Capt Colin Lowry of Buckleigh has hit upon another productive idea. It is a follow-up of his previously announced collection of pre-decimilisation coins which he turns into cash in £1 lots. Already he has sent off several hundred weights of old coppers to the Royal Mint via RNLI headquarters, and he is convinced there are many more about in boxes and drawers in homes. But now he is particularly interested in collecting ship halfpennies, for the ship depicted is the Golden Hind.

Residents of Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho! which Northam Urban Council are to make up under the Private Street Works code, have told the Council that they want it kept as a private road. And they have offered to have it made up to the Council’s specifications. But members decided that the request should be refused and that residents should be told fully about the disadvantages of the road remaining private. The main disadvantage was that maintenance would have to be carried out by the resident.

Trees at The Links, Westward Ho! although the subject of a preservation order are having to be sacrificed to development. But all that are felled are to be replaced.

Mr and Mrs R F C Dallyn, of The Mount, Winkleigh, have celebrated their golden wedding. The anniversary was celebrated with a party at Beaford House Hotel.

Pathfinders and Junior Church at Woolsery.

Moskvich vehicles are available at F C Twose & son in Westward Ho!

January 1998

There was no shortage of support when 25 people from Abbotsham took the plunge into an angry-looking sea on New Year's Day. It seemed that the whole population of the village had turned up on the beach to cheer them on. The midday dip was in aid of the fund to provide the village with an all-weather multi-purpose sports pitch. All the swimmers were sponsored to splash about in the lively surf, which they all did with enthusiasm, despite the cold, blustery conditions. Their efforts raised about £3,500 towards the £80,000 cost of the scheme. "It was great to see so many people from Abbotsham on the beach to support the event" said Jacqui Jury, one of the organisers.

North Devon’s lifeboat heroes helped to make 1997 the busiest year on record for the West Country’s coastal guardians. The stations at Ilfracombe and Appledore made 76 launches. Between them they saved the lives of 6 people and landed ashore another 5. A further 57 people were brought ashore who were not considered in immediate risk. A breakdown of figures shows that 56% of services involved pleasure craft and a further 22% were people without a craft who were cut off by the tide or in trouble in the sea. The first survey of sea users showed that one-fifth of people who use the sea for leisure do not check the weather forecast; more than a quarter ignore the tide tables and charts; and a quarter of leisure users questioned had been involved in a life threatening situation while at sea.

Glimpses of life in the seafaring village of Appledore over more than 3 decades have been assembled on film by a local video company. Two years after the release of their first village video “Appledore, Days Gone By” Alan Braund and Alan Powe of AJB Videos of Bideford have produced a sequel. A royal visit, carnivals, regattas, salmon fishing, a flooded quayside, building of the now familiar Bidna covered shipyard, famous sailing ships and local faces are among its stars – including Alan as a schoolboy!

Pub regulars at Appledore started off their new year with a splash. Nine customers and staff of the riverside Beaver Inn and its neighbour the Royal George washed away New Year’s Eve hangovers with a dip in the briny – in fancy dress! In the run-up to the new year they were busy raising sponsorship and their charity chiller brought in more than £500. 

The new year dippers were Graham and Alison Stone, Neil Hotchkiss, James Walsh, Jules Brummitt, Esta Clarke, Sue and Martin Harries and Jeremy Bell

One End Street is a quaint address for this quaint cottage just off the Quay in Appledore. Extensively modernised and improved, the property has many interesting features. “This is not a house for the keen gardener. There is only a small bin store and yard but it is eminently suitable for the busy person or holiday home owner.” The cottage.

There was no shortage of festive fare in the Varney household at Bideford after a two-minute dash around Normans' supermarket. Dashing dad Andy Varney, of Moreton Park Road, bought the winning ticket in the fund raising event organised by Bideford Lions' Club. In his early morning sprint around the shopping aisles he scooped £260 worth of groceries. And the Lions' Club raised around £500 for local charities. The picture shows Andy with Bideford Lions' Club president Terry Triggs and Normans' store manager Roy Dymond.

A new car park extension with pedestrian access to the town's Panner Market has been officially opened in Bideford. The £400,000-plus project has provided 60 extra parking spaces on a three-level hillside site in Honestone Street and a walkway directly into Market Place. The picture shows Mr Rowe putting his coins into the Pay and Display machine at the new car park, watched by district council chief executive Richard Brasington and Colin Ayres and Peter Hilson.

Bideford is fast becoming the centre of New Year's Eve celebrations in North Devon with some 2,000 revellers congregating on its quayside to welcome 1998. Clowns joined in the New Year fun in the form of Ray Martin, Yvonne Sheridan, Sharon Martin and Kevin Dalling. And Mr Batten wants the celebration even bigger!

Marking the anniversary of the death of Captain James Braund of Bucks Mills.

The Glory of Steam will be the title of a special slide show to be given at Fremington Village Hall on February 2. All proceeds will go to the North Devon branch of the Leukaemia Research Fund. The slide show will be given by Mr P Triggs, a rail expert from Taunton. A cup of genuine railway tea will be included in the admission price of £3.

Did you use Headlines in Fremington?

Property for sale in Hartland

Barbara Wearne, from Instow has so far raised £4,687 for the British Leprosy Relief Association as a result of a sponsored cycle ride she undertook in Malawi last May and June. The grand total for the ride has reached £50,000.

Straws in the wind was the right way to describe what the gales did to the thatched roof of the pavilion of North Devon Cricket Club at Instow. The club - at 175 years old the most venerable in the West Country - is also one of only two with thatched roofs in the whole region. The club has been struggling for the past year to raise £26,000 for a re-thatch. Last weekend's gales blew a large section of it away. "We're really facing disaster" said projects manager Colin Payne. "We have raised the £5,500 target we set ourselves towards it."

Ashmores Hardware Store in Northam's Fore Street has new owners - Rob and Kay Chamberlain.

House with a history for sale in Northam. In 1880, the local vicar organised the building of a working men's club. The property was built in Gothic style and had a meeting hall, reading room, and smoking room. It was inaugurated on July 2 with a public tea at which 240 people enjoyed cake, buns and strawberries, followed by hymns and prayers. Today the property is split into several commercial and residential units. The part which is now for sale is the former steward's house and the asking price is £57,500.

Berry House in the centre of Shebbear is an interesting architectural mix of 300 year old Devon farmhouse which was extended in Victorian times. Offers over £169,500 are invited.

Joan Hilsden, Well Street, Torrington, is concerned about the voting process for the proposed new supermarket on South Street car park.

The new year has brought new steps forward for Torridge estate agents Bond Oxborough Phillips as there local services are being expanded with the opening of a new office in Torrington. And the launch of the agency’s own website on the Internet is also providing a worldwide audience. The new premises at 13 Fore Street will enable them to provide an improved service for the town and its surrounding villages said Neil Phillips. The office is managed by Steve Barfe, who is assisted by receptionist Diane Lilley and weekend negotiator Lana Bellinger.

Torrington is mourning the loss of its town clerk, Charles Long. Apart from his civic work he will be remembered by many local people as a teacher at Bideford School for 26 years. Mr Long became Torrington’s town clerk after he retired from teaching in 1988. He and his wife ran the Torrington Singers.

Pantomime tradition of family entertainment for all ages is epitomised in the latest charity production by the Torridge based Bright Stars Theatre Group. At 78 Edith Bawden of Westward Ho! is the senior member and a familiar figure on local stages since she came to the area 20 years ago. Grandmother Maggie Smale plays the lead role and is accompanied by her granddaughters Gemma and Samantha Bailey as two of the delightful young fairies. Others are Melissa Cobian, Lucy Henderson and Holly Crippen. The Hutchings family of Westward Ho! contribute four members of the cast with Steph Hutchings, husband Keith, and sons Matthew and Nathan. Other members of the panto party are Betty Maynard, Mike Sale, Lionel Hodge, Geoff Skinner, Len Higgins, Margaret Andersen, Richard Andersen and Olwen Hembrey. 

In the picture are Edith Bawden, Gemma and Samantha Bealey, and Melissa Cobian

In the picture are Maggie Smale, Joan Hall, Stephanie Hutchings and Matthew Hutchings. 

Braddicks Holiday Centre Ltd in Westward Ho! need a general maintenance man. 

Woolsery property for sale.