Among the 61 entrants for the children's fishing competition,

which marked the beginning of Bideford's Regatta Week, were only two girls, but one of these - 13 year old Barbara Williams - beat all but one of the boys.

Twelve year old Christopher Hold, of 1 West View Avenue, Bideford, won the prize for the heaviest single fish - 3½ozs – and also the heaviest catch, but as could not win both prizes, the other went to Barbara, of 3 Meddon Street, who had been practising all week but had done practically no fishing before then.

This was the first time she had caught anything.

Barbara fished near the Sea Cadet craft at the bottom of Bridgeland Street, and Christopher just on the lower side of the bridge. Competitors were allowed to fish in an area extending from How’s Yard to Bridgeland Street.

Each prizewinner was presented with a rod by Mr W G Lee, on behalf of the Regatta Committee.

Gazette article dated 9 September 1960