July 1923

Births – at 9 Richmond Road, Appledore, to Mr and Mrs F H Rendle (nee Gladys Wright), a daughter; at 13 Rockmount Terrace, to Mr and Mrs H G Weekes (nee May Molland), a son; at Junior School, Buckleigh, to Mr and Mrs Edwards Dyson, a daughter; at Reigate, the wife of W Sealey Short (nee Phyllis Richards) of Bideford, a daughter; at Tinnacott Farm, to Mr and Mrs A T Pickard, a son; at Commons Farm, Northam, the wife of H Tucker, a daughter.

Gallant conduct of late Bideford Constable Hutchings - stands over fallen Sergeant Babb and keeps mob at bay. The old-world town of Hatherleigh was the scene of a most disorderly and riotous proceeding. In consequence of cutting the new railway large numbers of men are billeted in the district, and where housing accommodation is not available hutments and tents are brought into use. It has been customary for the ment to come into the town on Saturday afternoons, and some of them become somewhat lively. The police have been most tolerant, and had often gone out of their way to show them kindness.

An application for an occasional licence was granted for Lieutenant Daton to serve refreshments in a marquee at Shebberton Races on Whit Monday. Superintendent Shutler confirmed that there had been no complaints on the two previous occasions when races had been held, everything being conducted in a very orderly manner.

In Alverdiscott, the Rector and Mrs Oak-Rhind organised a whist drive and dance in aid of the churchyard fund. Handsome prizes were presented.

Early on Tuesday morning, the sad news of the death of Capt Alfred Kelly, of the RMS Tanui and who lives at Marine Parade, Appledore, was received with regret. Deceased, who was in the service of Shaw, Saville Co., traded from London to New Zealand and back (via Panama Canal) with passengers and mails, and a general cargo, and the ship only arrived back to London the previous Thursday, from New Zealand. Part of the crew, who belong to Appledore, arrived home on Saturday and the captain was expected in a few days.

A pretty wedding took place in St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the contracting parties being Mr Fred Tucker (son of Mr and Mrs F H Tucker, of Richmond Terrace) and Miss Gweneth Maud Dummett (daughter of Mr and Mrs T Dummett, of Irsha Street). The bride, who was given away by her cousin, Mr John E Labbett, was prettily attired in a grey costume with hat to match. Mr Horace Bracher, brother-in-law of the bride, acted as best man and the service was conducted by the Rev A F Judd of Westward Ho! A large number of guests and friends were present and on leaving the church the happy pair were greeted with showers of confetti. Later in the morning they left for Birmingham where the honeymoon is being spent. They were the recipients of many presents. The bridegroom being carpenter on the RMS Tanui the bridecake, which was made on board the ship on the homeward voyage from New Zealand, was the gift of the late Capt Alfred Kelly, whose death was reported. The cars were supplied by Mr E Hocking of Appledore.

Leonard Cann, Mr Philip Waters jnr and Mr Charles Schillers, assist in rescuing Roy Cook at Appledore.

Early on Saturday morning two large cars, one in charge of Mr F Hamlyn and the other in charge of Mr Shute, of Messrs Dymond and Son, left Appledore with the Vicar and members of the St Mary’s Church choir. Proceeding through Barnstaple they slowed down at Youlstone and Sherwill, glancing towards the last resting place of Admiral Sir Edward Chichester, who was always such a good friend to the Appledore sea-faring community, and then safely negotiating the steep hills at Parracombe, reached Lynton at 10am. There they joined with other church choirs to the number of 300 and processed with their banners through the streets to the Parish Church of St Mary’s to take part in an inspiring service. In the afternoon the party proceeded by cars to Watersmeet and enjoyed a delightful strawberry and cream tea, provided by Mr Attree, at the Myrtleberry Garden where they found the combined choirs of Westward Ho! and Northam. A visit was made to the water cascade and a pleasant drive home concluded a delightful day.

Properties in Market and Meeting Streets, Appledore, for sale.

Yarnscombe Church Trustees have authorised the sale of East Ashridge Farm, Westleigh, a small-holding of 34 acres. It has been purchased by R W Crang of the Coach and Horses Inn, Appledore, for £1000.

Formerly stationed at Appledore until promoted to Scotland, Mr S G P Hannam has been appointed from St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, to Preventive Officer in charge of Customs and Excise at the Custom House, Appledore. His many friends will be glad to welcome him back to the district again.

The combined choirs of Northam, Westward Ho! and Appledore churches joined with others numbering 300 and processed through Lynton with banners to a service at St Mary’s Church. Following the service, a visit was made to the water cascade.

At a meeting of Bideford Town Council the Mayor, Mr H W Huxham, announced an invitation from the Rector, Rev W N Manning, to attend a festival service at St Peters’ Church, East-the-Water. Mr J F Fulford said after he expressed his intention of accompanying the Mayor someone had written to him anonymously that he hoped they would not support Roman practices. He was disgusted at receiving such a communication. If other members received such a letter he hoped they would treat it with the contempt he should. (Hear hear). Mr F T Upton said he had received a letter:

The unique ceremony of conferring the honorary freedom of the Borough of Bideford upon five past mayors in recognition of their long and faithful services to the town and district was attended at the Town Hall with two hours speechmaking and an enthusiasm and interest that will be long remembered. The occasion was a remarkable one in many respects, and it is doubtful if in some of its features it ever has been or will be equalled in this or any comparable borough. The five gentlemen so fittingly honoured – Mr Alexander Greig Duncan and Aldermen John Cock, Thomas Goaman, John Moore Metherell, and Thomas Pollard, all Justices of the Peace and ex-mayors of the Borough – have each a record of public service ranging from over a quarter to a third of a century, and the aggregate municipal service of the four aldermen extends to upwards of 130 years. The county service of one of the aldermen also goes into a long period, and that in connection with the County Council alone has entailed upon him over 1,600 journeys to Exeter.

Need of isolation hospital.

Miss Annie Bazeley, daughter of Mr H M Bazeley, clerk of the peace for Bideford, and who has been for some years a member of Bideford Guardians and chairwoman of the Boarding out Committee, has been chosen by Commandant Allen, head of the Women’s Auxiliary Service (formerly Women Police Service) to go to Cologne to work as a policewoman.

Little thirteen year old Phyllis Dark, of 25 Barnstaple Street, East-the-Water, had a narrow escape from serious injury. She had been walking along the bridge footway with her mother, when without warning she darted across the road right into the path of an oncoming Indian motor cycle, ridden by G W Lewis and his friend, W Dark. Lewis was unable to pull up in time to avert an accident and the child was knocked down. She was picked up from underneath the motor cycle in a semi-conscious state, bleeding from the nose. After being seen by Dr Littlewood, she was removed to Bideford Hospital. No bones were broken and fortunately the child was not seriously hurt.

Gammaton, Woodville and Stone farm properties are sold to Mr Bellew, Mr J Pope and Mr A J Nicholls.

Buy summer sports kit from H F Elliott in the High Street, Bideford.

There are reports of local cricket matches in every paper, the closest result being the win of Raleigh over Torrington by one run. If you are in need of a tonic after all this activity, try Orange Quinine wine, 2 shillings a bottle from V H Hogg, Chemist, 85 High Street, Bideford.

Miss Ruby Wood has been appointed a supplementary teacher at the Clovelly Council School.

The annual Clovelly Sports held in Mr J Jewell’s field at Wrinkleberry, proved a big success. Did your relative take part or could they have been one of the “ bevy of young ladies under the charge of Mrs Bushell sold coloured balloons on the sports field.”?

Bearhaine, Frithelstock, is for sale.

Women’s Institute members from Horwood and Newton Tracey enjoyed a char-a-banc outing to Woolacombe for luncheon and tea.

A garden fete at Hillsleigh, Instow.

On one Wednesday afternoon, Instow beach welcomed over 1000 Sunday School children from Barnstaple and South Molton for treats.

Properties in Lennard’s Road and Castle Street in Northam for sale. They were bought by Mrs Ren and Mr Henry Dalling.

Northam, Westward Ho! & District Horticultural Society Open Show at Clevelands, by kind permission of Mr C S Carnegie. Later in the month, it was reported that Flower Show had over 500 entries.

Northam Bells

Gentleman’s Freehold Residence, Broomhayes, Northam, for sale.

Parkham - The projecting or blind corners near Kilvenstool are receiving the attention of the Rural District Council. The dangerous pond has been filled in, and the deep quarries are also being filled up with good solid metal, which will naturally widen the road by a good many feet, thus disposing of the danger which has hitherto existed.

A freehold nursery garden of around 3 acres situated in St Giles has been sold at auction for £100. The seller was Mr W J Page and the purchaser Mr J Balman.

Mr G Friend, eldest son of Mr John Friend, ironmonger, of Torrington, has obtained his degree in Science (B.Sc) at the Bristol University.

Mr Richard Montague Ebsary and Miss Elsie Andrews are married at St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington.

The funeral took place at Torrington Cemetery of Mrs L B Buckland, wife of Mr R G S Buckland, MBE, retired superintendent of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company. Mrs Buckland, who was 70 years of age, was the second daughter of Dr C R and Mrs Jones, who for many years resided at Castle House, Torrington. She was married in 1884, accompanied her husband on foreign service. During the war she did good service in the Pack Store of the Auxiliary Red Cross Hospital, Sidney House, Torrington. She leaves a husband, two sons and a daughter to mourn their loss. The Vicar, Rev F Emlyn Jones, officiated at the funeral.

Four large steamers are presently lying in the river off Westleigh Corner, one being the Spanish cargo liner SS Jose Taya.

Rich grazing marshes at Westleigh for sale. Currently in the occupation of Mr C H May and Mr W Joslin.

Westward Ho! Art Club’s second exhibition of paintings and statuary was held at the Bridge Hall, Bideford from 12 to 19 July. A full report with names of artists can be found on page 5 of the 17 July paper.

At a Northam Urban District Council meeting, presided over by Mr W J Pursey, with reference to coast erosion, the Office of Works wrote to the effect no contribution would be made, and the consent of the department of the Board of Trade would be required for any works on the foreshore. Having regard to the financial position, the Council decided they could not do any further work, and to inform the Office of Works to this effect. It was agreed, however, to repair the slipway at Westward Ho! at a cost of not exceeding £10.

At Bideford County Court before Mr H N H Stucley, the Mayor (Mr H W Huxham) Rev C H V Vivian and Messrs J Cock, J U Fulford, W Harris and W J Pursey, W J Wiley of the Bath Hotel, Westward Ho! was summoned for driving a motor car without a proper license. The defendant pleaded guilty.

Building sites and accommodation lands at Westward Ho! for sale.

Thatched cottage, Rose Care, in Westward Ho! for sale.

At Torrington Rural Council Mr W H Griffin presiding, the Sanitary Inspector, Mr R Gomer, reported having inspected, with the local members, various cottages at Winkleigh which had been the subject of reports from the County Council, and the local representatives recommended certain work being carried out. It was decided to serve the necessary notices and also to serve notices in other instances where work was in default.

The old established and popular Woolsery Colt Show has this year expanded into a Woolsery Agricultural Show, and a very successful meeting is anticipated on July 30th. Entries close July 17th. Mr M Westaway, Alminstone, Woolsery, Bucks Cross, S.O. is the secretary.

July 1973

Hundreds of holidaymakers as well as local residents were disappointed when the Golden Hinde failed to leave her moorings at Appledore and go on her scheduled sea trials off the North Devon coast. “We regret very much any inconvenience which was caused by the postponement of sailing plans, but it just could not be helped,” said Mr Alan Hinks, principal of Messrs J Hinks and Son, the Appledore firm that has built the quarter-million pound replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship for a San Francisco-based American business syndicate. It now looks as though the Golden Hinde will not be leaving Appledore for her trials for up to another month.

Winkle Cottage, 16 One End Street, Appledore, is for sale

A waterfront scheme that it is suggested could ‘make Appledore’ is the subject of an outline planning application by Northam Urban Council. Behind the project is the surveyor, Mr Clive Barber, and it grew from the need to tackle the township’s ever more pressing parking problem. He believes that for £500,000 a complex could be sited at Churchfield, taking in the former swimming pool that adjoins the Park. The complex would provide parking space for around 350 cars, a small harbour, a boat park, harbour master’s office, toilets and a roof garden. The whole would extend out over the beach for about 60 yards, a sea wall being built around it to form the harbour. The council cannot, of course, see the project through: that would have to be done by the Torridge District Council. But a scheme that has planning permission is more likely to attract members’ attention.

Two calls for Appledore lifeboat.

Bideford Town Council is to go ahead with the scheme to raise Nutaberry railway bridge at a cost of £38,000 subject to conditions. The council was told that this figure is an increase of almost 100 per cent over the estimate submitted by the British Railways Board on which loan sanction had been granted for the work under the infrastructure scheme.

Dr Stella Candler and Dr Tom Candler receive awards from the Order of St John.

When Mr Gilber R Boucher returns home he will find on his desk a letter from the Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Major Ted Hill, inviting him here to share in the borough’s quatercentenary celebrations. The three hours or so that he spent here on Monday were enough to persuade him to return. The party had attended a seminar on recreation for the elderly in Lausanne, Switzerland, and had then travelled to Moscow and had Leningrad. Unimpressed by what they had found in Russia they were glad to get to England. “It was like coming home,” said Mr Boucher. “I love Bideford,” he confessed. “I could settle here.” His one regret was that his wife had not accompanied him. “I always wanted to see our namesake city,” he went on. “I am a sentimentalist and a great believer in preserving our heritage.” Biddeford, Maine, was, of course, founded by settlers from Bideford who continued their craft as shipbuilders. Mr Boucher, on his lightning tour with Major Hill and the Town Clerk, Mr L.B. Galliford, was delighted with a view of the Golden Hinde. He asked that a photograph taken in the mayor’s parlour of all three and featuring one of the town maces should be sent to be hung in Biddeford’s City Hall. He took back a copy of Muriel Goaman’s history of Bideford and he left copies of Biddeford’s newest seal. Mr Boucher, 48, and a general contractor, is now in his second two-year term as mayor and comes up for election – by the city’s 20,000 population in November. He is a Democrat in a city where people of his political persuasion outnumber Republicans by ten to one. But there are primaries, and at the last election he defeated his woman opponent by two to one.

She will also have the distinction, almost certainly unshared elsewhere, of working alongside an honorary freeman. Miss Durant and Alderman Jack Fulford have been associated with the family business of George Boyle Ltd, throughout their working lives. Conferment of the honour will delight many people. Miss Durant, who lives with her mother, Mrs Joan Durant, and her sister, Miss Margaret Durant – headmistress of Pynes Infants’ school – at Darracott, Abbotsham Road, comes from a family with a long tradition of service. Her public work began before she left Edgehill College. She is, perhaps, best known for her association with the British Red Cross – she has been commandant of the Devon 48 division since 1947. She had joined as a VAD when the movement was revived in Bideford in 1932 having been moribund since the end of World War I. Her distinguished service was recognised in 1959 when the certificate of honour and badge (class II) and honorary life membership were presented. Miss Durant works equally energetically for the mentally and the physically handicapped and has been organiser of the blood doning service since the war although latterly she has had an associate. Earlier this month she retired as a Guider having been associated with the movement for much of her life and having at one time run two Brownie packs. Equally faithful is her work for the old as a member of Bideford and district old people’s welfare committee and she is an active member of the committee for cancer research. Miss Durant is a staunch member of and worker for Lavington United Reformed Church and conducts a class in Junior Church. A recommendation of the mayoral sub-committee of the town council was unanimously adopted by the general purposes committee on Monday. The Town Clerk, Mr L.B. Galliford, told Alderman Cecil Cann that there had been six nominations: Miss Durant’s name had been put forward three times. Alderman Fulford, moving the adoption of the report, said that he had known of Miss Durant’s work for 48 years. Councillor James Needs said the decision would have universal support. Alderman Mrs Ethelwynne Brown said she was delighted. Miss Durant would be only the third woman the town had honoured in this way.

Vandals cause the shutdown of Bideford Pynes Infants’ school. The alarm was raised by the caretaker, Mr Jack Schiller, who discovered the damage, and he immediately notified the headmistress, Miss Margaret Durant. The police and fire service were alerted although there was then no fire. The school presented a scene of devastation and the 200 pupils were turned back as they arrived. Access could have been through a small window and, possibly angered when a search failed to reveal money, the intruders splashed paint around the room used by the reception class. The seat of the fire was two book cases.

For the second year running Westcroft School won the North Devon schools’ under-11 five-a-side football competition. In the final they had a convincing 5-1 win over East-the-Water school to take the unique winners’ trophy which was carved from the same oak used in the building of the Golden Hinde replica.

Reporting that next term there would be a record 320 boys at Grenville College, Bideford, the headmaster, Mr J.R. Crabbe, told the school’s Speech Day on Saturday that he had had to turn away a considerable number of boys for whom there was no room. One of the greatest reasons for the demand for places, not only at Grenville but in public schools as a whole, was “the growing apprehension felt about the development of comprehensive schools and the standardisation and stream-lining of education in Britain.” After his reference at last year’s speech day he had been taken to task, in the correspondence columns of the local press, for daring to criticise comprehensive education, contained Mr Crabbe. Earlier Mr Crabbe had spoken of the school’s trying out of new ideas “and doing what we can to bring a few breaths of fresh air into a system which can be so terribly dull.” The outstanding activity of the year had been the launching of their second appeal. The amount promised or given - £49,000 – had demonstrated once again the loyalty of parents to the school. The object of the appeal was to rebuild Congreve House at Moreton.

Ten boys, of Grenville College, Bideford, leave England for a 15-day expedition to Iceland. The party is led by two of the masters, Mr E J Watkins and Mr P Hawley.

Buckland Brewer Fete to take place on 14 July

To the cheers of pupils of Buckland Brewer county primary school, and of parents and friends, Mr T Cock, chairman of school managers, dived into the school swimming pool and swam a length after he had officially declared it open. In his opening speech he recalled that when the first meeting was called by the headmaster, Mr Wood, to discuss the possibility of having a pool snow was lying four inches deep. He was thanked on behalf of the pupils and staff by Richard Vanstone, and the pool was then well and truly opened with all the children using it.

A threatened boycott by bus drivers of Langtree village has been called off. The drivers, employees of Hill’s Services who said they had been ‘dead scared’ by road conditions at Withecote Hill, between Stibb Cross and Langtree, withdrew their ultimatum when work started to eradicate an accident blackspot. Drivers Messrs Reg Curtis and George Dymond, and the Rector, Rev R A Wallington, who, as a member of Torrington Rural Council, has campaigned for the improvement, were present when a bulldozer went into action to remove offending hedge banks.

What is hoped will be an annual pair-oared fishing boat race from Lundy Island to Appledore ended on Saturday in a win for Appledore lifeboat coxswain Des Cox and his brother Peter. They took six hours 17 minutes to complete a course which, taking into account manoeuvres to gain most advantage of tidal currents, was estimated at about 25 miles. But whether the Cox brothers will have any opposition next year remains to be seen. Although weather conditions were good, apart from a heavy swell, one competitor was heard to comment afterwards that he would not attempt the row again “for a fortune.” Prize for the winners, who won by a 20-minute margin, was a new perpetual trophy given by Mr Ernest Bignell, a local businessman, together with two replicas. Five crews started and second boat home was crewed by “Jacksie” Craner and Tom Ford. Ian Cox, brother of the winners, was in the third boat to finish with Eric Evans, Appledore lifeboat’s engineer, as his partner. It was the first time such an event had taken place and the organisers intend contacting the Guinness Book of Records in an attempt to get an entry made in the next edition. Thick mist handicapped the rowers, but the Lundy Puffin, which accompanied the race, acted as a guide and on one occasion shepherded a Barnstaple crew at one time heading towards Wales back on course. Four crews finished, one crew giving up when still within three miles of Lundy.

Three-star hotel treatment for the Duck family at the Durrant House Hotel in Northam.

In an endeavour to deal with offensive smells, Torrington Town Council has written to the head office of Unigate (Foods) Ltd, telling them of their deep concern and asking them to expedite a solution to the problem. The question of the transportation of waste animal products is being pursued with North Devon Meat Ltd.

Torridgside players who did well in the North Devon junior tennis tournament included three girls from Torrington County Secondary School - Elizabeth Hussell, Jenny Edgecombe and Brenda Tucker. Pictured with them is Mrs Lu Escott, PE teacher.

New president of Torrington Rotary Club is Mr Eric William Escott, manager of the National Westminster Bank in the town. Mr Escott succeeds Mr Stanley Downing. A Devonian, all his 35 years banking service have been in the South West. Throughout World War 2 he served in the West Somerset Yeomanry and then with the Guards Armoured Division. Mrs Escott is a teacher; their sons, aged 20 and 17, are students.

Visible only at certain states of the tide, the wreck is about a quarter of a mile off the slipway. Over the years there is a history of a steady recession landwards by the Pebble Ridge, Westward Ho! and it is thought the vessel came to grief something over 100 years ago when she hit the ridge while laden with cargo. “We are hoping the Army can help us out on the next spring tide by blowing up the wreck, although it could be a tricky operation” said Northam’s Surveyor, Mr Clive B Barber, this week.

Bill Sykes and his band of ragamuffins prepare to pick the pocket of an unsuspecting victim. The scene is taken from the latest summer programme of Westward Ho! Follies who over the years have entertained thousands of holiday visitors. The Follies are a voluntary group of amateurs staging their productions as part of the activities of Westward Ho! Community Association. While not all could reach the polished standard set by Graham Humphrey and Hannah Wrey, all fitted well into their own pieces. The “songs of his choice” is rapidly making Bill Thisby the mature “heart-throb” of Westward Ho! One of the most delightful acts came from the “young ladies” of the cast who not only had their own natural charm but showed a remarkable sense of co-ordination and harmony for ones so young. It is a pity that so far the audiences have been small with only 50-60 attending each week, but it is anticipated that numbers will increase as the holiday season develops.

Taking part are: Rosemary Oke, Vickie Alexander, Marion Owen, Jane Cockell, Judy Sherborne, Bill Thisby, Graham Humphrey, Des Pugh, Ron Jewell, Michael Johns, Peter Mortlock, Terry Cockell, Salli-anne Wilson, Theresa Wills, Mandy Joy, Mandy Cockell, Linda Bryant, Wendy Jewell, Sharon Lamey, Jackie Clements, Julie Lamey, Lesley Pugh, Elizabeth Meadows, Trudi Bryant, Cathy Sale, Sheila Hearn, Julie Hodgkins, Linda Eastman, Caroline Eastman and Julie Maine. 

Sketches are by Ada Powell, pianist is Doris Watts and wardrobe mistress, Jackie Wilkey.

Friends representing local organisations with which he had been actively associated were among those attending the funeral at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, of Mr Donald Gold, of Hillclose, Avon Lane, Westward Ho! He had been a catering manager with London Transport.

The Top Ten with Peters and Lee at no. 1

July 1978

Owners of North Devon’s 10,000 dogs have been praised by the district council for clearing up after their pets in public places. Tough new rules were brought in at the beginning of last month which carry the threat of a hefty fine. They make it an offence to allow dogs to foul roads with a speed limit of less than 40mph, their pavements and adjacent land. Shopping precincts, pedestrianised areas, car parks, beaches and recreational and play areas also come under the ban. Leaflets combined with the distribution of “poop scoop” bags has brought a phenomenal response said North Devon environmental leader Cllr Maurguerite Shapland.

Appledore County Primary and Nursery School is described by school inspectors as a happy and secure community with a number of strengths. In their report, inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education also say the school is one where the curriculum is carefully planned and where there is much good teaching. They report that by the end of both Key Stages pupils’ attainment is in line with the national average in English, mathematics and science. In all core subjects pupils are said to build on their knowledge and understanding and make satisfactory progress. Most of the children are said to concentrate well in lessons and to be interested in what they are doing. “Children under five make good progress in their personal and social development. Their positive attitudes contribute significantly to the early gains they make in their learning,” they say. There is praise for the good provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. “Overall the support, guidance and welfare offered to pupils are good. The school is a safe, clean and healthy environment in which to learn and play,” say the inspectors.

Bideford College Cinema – the only one in the town – has announced that it is closing temporarily and is seeking funds to update its facilities. Live theatre will continue to be performed and it is hoped the cinema will re-open next year with the latest film equipment and sound system. “Naturally, we’re extremely sorry we are unable to show films at the moment,” said the college senior administrator Adrian Cole. “We know from the many letters and comments from patrons that the cinema is sadly missed.”

Bideford solicitors and state agents Seldon Ward and Nuttall have reinforced their link with Bideford Amateur Rowing Club with sponsorship of a new boat trailer. The firm has met half the cost of the £2,500 trailer which will transport the club’s racing gigs to events all over the West Country. Previous sponsorship by the firm dating back more than five years has also included one of its gigs. Spokesman Bill Pope said: “We are continuing our support of a club which we think gives measurable benefit to the local community and opportunity for local youngsters. We are pleased to be associated with the club and its development.” Club chairman Peter Bowden said this was the latest state-of-the-art equipment. “It is a cracking trailer. I doubt if any other club in the West of England and possibly in England has a better one,” he said. “We are extremely indebted to people like Seldon Ward and Nuttall for their support and sponsorship. Ours is a spectator sport, but we cannot charge the spectators, so we rely on our sponsors to buy things like this and ensure that rowing continues.”

Our picture shows Mr Pope (left) and Mr Bowden flanked by the new equipment and some of the club’s young rowers

A Bideford factory has become a world leader in its multi-nation corporation. AMP Bideford has just become the first in the world to achieve platinum level in the corporation’s Business Excellence award scheme. This follows two previous gold awards in the scheme, which is based on European Quality Foundation Criteria. Now employing more than 650 people at its Bideford factory AMP of Great Britain Ltd is part of the global corporation AMP Incorporated, which is based in Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 42,000 people in 45 countries. The award was given for improved customer service, more effective employee communication, process improvements, quicker introduction of new products, environmental awareness and increased site profitability. The presentation was made by AMP European president Tom Declemente to Ashley Fulford one of the Bideford factory’s plant managers.

Our picture shows Bideford’s Mayor and Mayoress Noel and Marlene Deakes, North Devon Enterprise Agency chairman John Askew, Ashley Fulford, director of manufacturing AMP GB, Gerald Kanteen and Bideford plant manager Keith Rowles.

Club 18-30 official launch party at the Ivory Club in Bideford!

Bideford Mayor Noel Deakes has handed over a plaque marking 50 years of the National Health Service to the town’s hospital. He is seen here making the presentation – which included a framed letter of thanks for the services given to the town by the hospital – to senior Sisters Margaret Butson and Kate Mortimer. Alan Eastwood, chairman of Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, thanked Bideford Town Council for supporting the community hospital. The plaque and letter are to be displayed in a public area of the building.

The seaside came into the classroom at Pynes Infants School in Bideford. Keen to give the four and five-year-olds of her reception class some hands-on experience during their studies on holidays and the sea, teacher Kath Ward called on local fishmonger Dan Garnett. Dan of Clovelly Fish gave a talk on fish and brought examples of species to be found in local waters. “The children were able to see, touch and feel and also to draw pictures of them,” said Mrs Ward. “It was a wonderful experience. Often children see fish in books or on the television but they rarely get a chance to touch them.”

A Bideford boy who went to America to seek his fortune has been making headlines with the publication of a book on the country’s seeming obsession with serial killers. Former Pynes Infants, Westcroft and Bideford Grammar School boy Dr Richard Tithecott is assistant admininstrative director, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California. His book is ‘Of Men and Monsters’

Queen Katie has taken over the Bideford carnival throne. This year she will lead the procession as carnival queen with Jennifer Williams and Jodie Platt as her attendants. They will share the royal float with fairy queen Vicki Lamey and flower girl Stacey Newcombe.

Holiday chalet for sale at Bucks Cross – asking price £8,500.

Bucks Cliff House, at Bucks Mills, sold at auction at a price which exceeded £75,000.

In a sought after village location, Hartland, an individually designed detached bungalow is being marketed for sale. Asking price £79,950.

Two long-serving Hartland firefighters received special awards from their district commander. District Commander Bob Prince of Barnstaple presented Hartland Sub-Officer Kevin Surgeon with a long service and good conduct medal to mark 20 years as a retained firefighter. He also presented a certificate of service and plaque to retained firefighter Colin Jones on his retirement from the service after 23 years.

Pictured at the ceremony are the Group Commander for the area Station Officer Dave Turner, Firefighter Jones, Sub Officer Surgeon and District Commander Prince.

Bingo and band concerts to skittles and whist, pram races and the colourful carnival procession itself, there will be plenty to entertain during Hartland’s annual carnival week. Starting on Sunday there will be events every night of next week leading up to the grand carnival parade on August 8. Queen of this year’s carnival is Jenna Bailey with her two attendants Lisa Webber and Catherine Whitehead.

The royal threesome will be joined at the head of the parade by dairy queen Tanja Hackford and her attendants Megan Reynolds and Lisa Dennis, playgroup prince Peter Roberts and playgroup princess Jenny Worby

The sale of Petticombe Manor at Monkleigh was clinched by Scammell Adamson.

A three-year sporting dream is becoming reality on Torridgeside with the start of work on a year £500,000 multi-sports facility at Northam. The years of groundwork by members of the Bideford Blues and Appledore junior Football Club came to symbolic fruition with the joint cutting of the first turf by Torridge and West Devon MP John Burnett and 16 year-old club captain Andrew Beckley. By the end of the year it is hoped to have completed a facility which will include a modern clubhouse, two football pitches and a hard surface playing area to include tennis and netball courts. Special provision is being built in for those with special needs. Project manager Andy Lobato said: “We are delighted building work is now under way and look forward to taking the cub forward to the next phase. This will include the development of other sports for the benefit of local young people – including those with special needs – using a high quality facility which will be unrivalled in the area.” The new facilities would also be open for community use by schools and other organised bodies, said Mr Lobato. The occasion was also used to announce a three-year sponsorship package by Bideford firm Pot Black UK Ltd. making it the club’s main sponsor.

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Detached country house and former coach house in Woolsery for sale (now known as Highfield).

Do you remember watching 'Medicine Woman' and 'Hale and Pace'?