February 1966

Births and anniversaries – Langdon-Westcott – February 18th 1941, Leslie John to Margaret Daisy; Mr and Mrs Douglas Payne; Jill and Malcolm Hurrell, a son, Jeremy Charles, brother for Dale; Eileen and Roy Perryman, a son, Neil; Jennifer and Keith Seymour, a daughter, Jane Louise, a sister for Amanda, Mark and Paul; Pamela and David Whiteland, a brother for Neil; Vera and Kenneth Williams, Susan May and Alan Glyn, a brother and sister for Barbara; Christine and Arthur Harris, a son, brother for Andrew; Rosemary and Jeremy Hodgson, a son, James Llewellyn, brother for Virginia; Marilyn and Mike Bennett, a son, Michael James; Margaret and Terry Glover, twin girls, Amanda and Michelle; Ann and Ashley Martin, a son, Andrew Paul, brother for Bruce; Freda and Robert, a daughter, Teresa Lorraine, sister for Andrew; Pam and Mike Soady, a daughter, Louise Helen; Barbara and Victor Bartlett, a son, Ian Robert; Joan and John Feltham, a son, Kevin; Gina and Robert Frayne, a daughter, Juliet Susan, a sister for Marcus; Elizabeth and Christopher Hewetson, a son, James Edward Christopher; Ann and John Heywood, a daughter, Wendy Jane, a sister for Susan Mary; Rene and Walter Husband, a son, a brother for Brian, Anne and Jeffrey; Ann and David Poole, a daughter, sister for Jeanette;

School lavatories at Abbotsham ‘scandal’ says Mr Lacey.

A 17-year old weighlifter from Appledore set two records and equalled another in the Devon and Somerset boys’ championships. In winning the under-11 stone title, Arthur Fisher lifted more in the snatch and jerk than anyone before, and then equalled the best for the jerk. His snatch brought cries of ‘no lift’ but the referee explained that the Appledore boy’s difficult technique was legitimate. Arthur travelled alone to Taunton to compete as an individual entry. His overnight stay meant him missing his usual job of keeping goal for Appledore Football Club first team.

Bideford will be playing floodlit football at the Sports Ground by next season. The Supporters’ Club Committee took their boldest step when they decided to go ahead with a £10,000 floodlighting scheme.

Successes with new-style oars; Bideford Reds report at annual dinner.

Mr Howard receives the tankard from Mr Way. On the right is the Mayor

Last year’s experiment of allowing public houses in the Bideford division to be opened from 11.30am to 1.30pm on Christmas Day had ‘probably resulted in furthering domestic peace’ said Police Supt. W T G Pill at Bideford Brewster Sessions. He said that the police offered no objection to an application by Mr C M B Sessions to vary the hours to 11am to 1pm.

The proprietor of the New Inn, Bideford, has no printable comment!

Miss E R (Daisy) Sing, who for over 50 years has been employed in the shop stationery department (Coles and Lee) of the Bideford Gazette Ltd, retires. Miss Sing whose home is 49 Lime Grove, is a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Stafford R Sing. Her brother, Mr R W Sing, a director of Devon Trading Co. lives at Teignmouth, and there are two sisters, Mrs O Waldon and Mrs J Jennings.

The 12th birthday party of East-the-Water Darby and Joan Club took place at the Community Centre. The Mayor, Mrs E J Brown, and the Mayoress, Mrs P Galliford, and over 80 members, helpers and friends attended. Among the guests were organisers of other Clubs and other WVS workers concerned with the work of founding and fostering such clubs in the district including Mrs Keen, Mrs Buckingham, Mr Morgan, Miss J Phillips, Mr Langdon, Miss A Lee and Mr Wright. Mrs Pridham welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress.

Frogmen went into the Torridge to survey for recovery purposes the tail of the RAF rescue helicopter which crashed in the river over four months ago after hitting a power cable. The tail was spotted by a man who began work at Instow Army camp. It is believed to have drifted about 100 yards towards Bideford bridge where the ‘copter went down near Forest Hill. The main fuselage was recovered after the crash from which the four-man crew escaped. The RAF are keen to recover the tail, about seven feet in length, which could otherwise be carried on to the salmon beds and damage nets, of, if it went through the bridge, become a navigational hazard.

A wide circle of friends heard with regret of the death of Mr Eric Arundell Bramwell, of Strand House, Bideford, a popular estuary sportsman. He met his wife, the younger daughter of the late Dr and Mrs Ellis Pearson while sailing with the North Devon Yacht Club at Instow, and she went out to India to marry him before the war. They returned to Bideford and for some they ran an antiques’ prams’ and children’s toys business in Mill Street. Mr Bramwell was a member of Abbotsham parish church choir, an instructor in the local Civil Defence, and a member of a bridge team playing in the current competition at the Royal North Devon Golf Club. His sailing boat was always a strong interest with him.

The funeral has taken place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Mr Herbert Charles Symons, whose death occurred at his home, 31 Moreton Park. Mr Symons emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand where he lived for many years. The Rev Ernest Adley officiated at the service and Mr J R Trigger accompanied the hymn.

Mr Arthur E Battrick, licensee of the Strand Cinema, Bideford, seeks the removal of a condition regarding the screening of X rated films.

Effects from The Buttery, 10 Mill Street, Bideford, are for sale.

In the basement room of a closed Bideford church was built a Dalek, dreaded machine of menace of TV’s Dr Who series. Its creator is Mr Michael Muggridge, 64 Clovelly Road and it was made for £6.

Mr M K O Crosley presented Bideford County Secondary School and the 4th year Special Groups (Newsom Groups) with a car. The boys in the group will do the maintenance and use the car in their general study of engines, whilst both boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of car control and car and general road safety. The girls will also have to keep the car clean inside and out.

Mr H W and Mrs M L James are selling a highly desirable and well equipped freehold roadside attested dairy and stock-rearing farm with a detached bungalow residence – Braddon’s Farm at Buckland Brewer.

A Buckland Brewer man, Mr Raymond Prance, has been appointed player-coach of Awaba Football Club in Western Australia. Mr Prance, 25, went to Australia as a physical education instructor at Loughborough, one of the country’s top sports colleges. As a teenager Mr Prance had a trial with Chelsea, and made his debut in Bideford’s Western League side when only 17 and still at Bideford Grammar School. Mr Prance is also an accomplished cricketer and opened the batting for Bideford Cricket Club on a number of occasions last summer. Son of Mr and Mrs W Prance, he and his wife emigrated soon after their marriage and he became a teacher in the Australian Newcastle.

Three new members had been welcomed during the year it was reported at the annual meeting of Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club. The girl member with the most points in the year’s competitions was Miss S Hillman and the boy member, Mr R Hunkin.

In reply to a letter from Mr Trevor Davey, of Bucks Cross, Bideford Rural Council said that the information contained in it regarding the back road down to Clovelly had been passed to the highway authority. Assurance was given that the Rural Council do not propose to close the road.

A whist drive held at Clovelly British Legion headquarters in aid of the men’s section raised £7. Mr H Taylor was door steward and the MC was Mr s Nicholls. There were 12 tables in play and prizes were presented by Mrs Hesketh to Mrs Tridgell, Mrs Smith, Mrs Worthing, Mrs A Lamey, Mrs Goaman, Mr Cottle. Lowest scores – Mrs J Beer and Mrs Andrew; highest half, Mr V Stoneman. The draw was won by Mrs P Littlejohns, Mrs Olney.

A week after he was married at Frithelstock, Reuben Main went to fight in the First World War. Serving with the Devons, he saw France, Italy, Egypt and Palenstine, but only once did he see his wife, Florence, in three years.

While out walking near her home at 4 South Lane, Hartland, at the weekend, Mrs Bessie Colwill saw a 16-inch snake. It was dozing in the winter sunshine on the bank at the side of the road.

‘Operation Toddler’ is a big hit at Hartland. It is a new venture, a kindergarten type school held three times a week at the Church Hall and is organised by Mrs Sheila Wilmouth who runs it with the aid of other public-spirited women on a rota system.

Hartland Youth Club’s membership now totals nearly 100.

A former Metropolitan police officer, Mr Brian Corkery Kelly, was granted a protection order by Bideford justices in respect of the Kings Arms Hotel, Hartland, the licence of which had been held by Mr E Frayne. Mr and Mrs Frayne have been at the Kings Arms, Hartland, for the past 41 years, being the first and only tenants of Wickham and Co. Ltd. of Bideford. In retirement they plan to settle at Holsworthy near their daughter Jill, Mrs Charles Cornish. Ubiquitus writes

A Hartland girl may have returned home as a thief was ransacking her home. Soon after closing a door she found open, Janet Heard saw that it had been opened again. And it was discovered that about £200 in cash and other articles were missing. The house adjoins a garage in Fore Street, owned by Janet’s father, Mr William Heard. It is the second time within three months that Mr Heard has been robbed.

When Joseph Brackstone, of 2 H.M. Coastguard House, Stoke, Hartland, was asked by a police officer why he had left his car in Bridgeland Street from 2.40pm to 3.45pm he replied “I have been waiting for the wife.” He was fined £2 when this was related at Bideford magistrates’ court.

Result of a probe carried out by members of Hartland Parish Council into allegations of truancy by some local children attending Bideford County Secondary School was reported to the Council. But the outcome is still unknown. Rev Andrew Jones and the Council chairman, Mr H O’Donnell, reported that they have met the headmaster Mr Martyn. He had claimed that truancy was a very rare occurrence.

This photograph shows some of the progress being made on the £60,000 widening scheme along the Back Road at Instow, the beneficial effect of which will be appreciated by motorists and pedestrians alike.

When the resignation of Rev H L Hustwayte as Rector of Instow takes effect at Easter the patronage of the living will pass, after 100 years, from the trustees of the Christie Estate to the Bishop of Exeter. He will, therefore, make the new appointment and a new chapter will begin in the history of the Church of St John the Baptist, which stands on the hilltop above the village. But it was with considerable regret that the Parochial Church Council learned that their efforts to persuade the Estate to continue the private patronage had failed. It was 700 years ago – in 1260 – that the first Rector of Instow was appointed. He was Clemence de Lungenford. The names of many of his successors were prefixed by “Sir” but this not necessarily denote a title. It was used as a mark of respect. In 1866 a member of the Christie family, Margaret Caroline Cleveland, of Tapley Park, appointed to the living Henry Nemvhard, who was then 66. Since then there have been 10 incumbents.

The funeral has taken place at the Church of St John the Baptist, Instow, of Mrs Beatric Smale, wife of Mr William Smale, of Brooklyn House, Lane End. Aged 75, she died at the North Devon Infirmary. The Rector, Rev H L Hustwayte, officiated and Mrs Attwood at the organ accompanied the hymn. Immediate mourners attending were: the husband; Messrs Sam and Ernie Pidler and Mrs S Lean, sons and daughter; Mr D Pidler, Roger and Jennifer Lean, grandchildren; Mr D Lean, Mesdames S, J and E Pidler, son-in-law and daughters-in-law; Mr Ashely Martin, representing Mrs Ann Martin, granddaughter; Mr G Noble (London). Unable to attend were: Lieut-Com and Mrs Charles Pidler (Australia), son and daughter-in-law; Mr and Mrs S Waters (London); Mr ‘Pop’ Wakeford, Mrs F Knott and Mrs M Hocking. Bearers were Messrs C Braunton, J Molland, A Pedler and T Johns. Others attending included: Mr and Mrs Scales, Mr and Mrs Pedlar, Mr and Mrs Alison, Mr and Mrs K W Tarn, Messrs B Smallcorn, T Anstey, W Martin, and D Prout, Mesdames J Molland, M Pidler, C Piper, J Hayes, J Boundy.

Mr and Mrs Tom Anstey, 3 Marine Parade, Instow, celebrate their golden wedding. Congratulations from a wide area will be flowing into the village.

Mr Arthur Frederick Miller, who died at his home Westover, 2 Windmill Lane, Northam, at the age of 50, had served 30 years at sea, becoming a Master Mariner in the Merchant Navy. He was with the Ellerman Line and C.P.R. After retiring from the sea he formed the Torridge Driving School. Immediate mourners were: the widow, Richard, Miss F E Parkhouse, Mr and Mrs E C Griffey, Mr and Mrs S Boon, Peter and Pamela Griffey, Mrs A Hedden, Mr and Mrs A Hedden, Mr and Mrs H Fulford, Mr F C Davies, Mrs J Adams, Mrs D Tucker and Mrs W Griffey.

Northam Methodist Church has had a good year revealed the reports at the annual Church meeting. The minister, the Rev Dr W J Mildon, presided. Mr P J Read, trust treasurer, spoke of the improved position of the trust fund. Mr R Babb stated that the Sunday School had grown considerable. Dr Mildon told of advance in Women’s Missionary work and Mrs Boon had good news concerning the missionary general fund. Church membership shows an increase of six on the quarter. Among the elections were Mr J Lyle, Mr R Babb, Mr G Colwill and Mrs H A Jewell. Mrs Bellew and Miss Davis were thanked for their devoted work for Mission over many years.

Television, rather than taking the place of libraries as had been feared, had created a demand, said Mrs B G Lampard-Vachell when she declared open Northam’s new £7,000 County branch library. When people saw something that interested them they wanted to know more about it and took out from their library a book on the subject. But in one respect television as no friend to the libraries. If a novel was mentioned on the radio, or the author appeared on TV, there were immediately several hundred requests for the book. Yet a year later these would probably have fallen to nothing. The Northam branch has been started 37 years ago when the then village school headmaster, Capt F C Barton, and his helpers voluntarily looked after it and issued about 3,000 books a year. Then, in 1947, a part-time branch library, with paid staff, was opened in a room in the infants’ school with Mrs D Bonetta as librarian.

Still working a five-hour, five-day week is 69 year old Mr Stanley Palmer who, with his wife Elizabeth, of Avril, Burrough Road, Northam, celebrated his golden wedding. Their five children, 20 grandchildren and many other relatives and friends converged on Northam Church Hall for a party. It was arranged by their children Ernie, Molly, Charlie, Florrie and Mary, and the hall had been decorated with flowers given by grandchildren. Mr Palmer, a veteran farm worker, has worked at Stibb Cross, where he and his wife were also caretakers of the chapel for eight years, and at Binworthy, Shebbear, where he remained for 21 years. He then moved to East Bridge Farm, Newton St Petrock, before settling at Northam. Mrs Palmer also helped on the farms. Mr Palmer’s hobby has been gardening and one year at Shebbear show, he recalls, he won 35 prizes with 40 entries.

While dismantling an old chest, Mr F Palmer of Shebbear, discovered some fragments of the Western Flying Post and Sherborne Mercury, dated 1830, which had been used as lining paper.

Approaches have been made to Torrington Town Council on behalf of the proposed Swedish glass factory at Winkleigh requesting the Council to supply six bungalows and a hostel for the firm at an economic rent when the Calvesford Road site is developed. The Council have approved the request in principle.

£1 vouchers distributed – new scheme at Torrington.

The funeral of Mrs Olive Barden, of Queen Anne’s, High street, Bideford, took place at Weare Giffard Church. Aged 53, Mrs Barden was the daughter of Mrs L Andrew of Sentry Corner, Bideford. The Rector, Rev Matthew Coyle, conducted the service and Mr D Glover accompanied the hymns. Bearers were Messrs A and J Beer, John and Joseph Squires. J Hearn and J Hocking. Others present included: Mr and Mrs W J Blight, Mr W Coad, Mesdames Hayward, Wright, W Pascoe, Pope, S Hocking, M James, New, Dodd, Netherway, and P Gomer, Miss Gillian New.

Mrs Doris Hudson arranges a party for children of Westward Ho! and there’s a dalek in attendance.

Speaker at this month’s meeting of Woolsery WI was Miss Harding of the Women’s Advisory Council for Solid Fuel. Her talk about various cookers and room heaters was illustrated by coloured slides. Mrs Dicken voiced the institute’s thanks.

At the annual meeting of Woolsery Agricultural Society, Mr W T Seldon and Mr W J Cory did not seek re-election as joint hon. secretaries. Mr W Johns, of Littleham, is the new hon secretary. It was at last year’s show that the photograph was taken and shows all the secretaries for 60 years.

Mr William Furse, Mr Mark Westaway, Mr W T Seldon, Mr W J Cory, Mr George A Jacob