August 1923

Births – at Roysdon, Chanter’s Road, on August 26th to Mr and Mrs Frank Day, a daughter; August 22nd at 4 Victoria Terrace, to Mr and Mrs J Burnett, a son (nee Ruth Jewell).

Deaths – Sanguine – August 2nd, at New End Hospital, Hampstead, Arthur Henry Sanguine; Clarke – August 11th at Taff Embankment, Cardiff, W H Clarke; Leverton – August 9th at Westcombe, Bideford, John D Leverton; Morrish – August 8th at the residence of his father-in-law, H Steer, Munition Works, Charles Morrish, aged 36; Ellis – August 16th at 47 Mill Street, Edmund Ellis; Andrews – August 1st at Rugby, Eliza Andrews, late of Northam; Eastman – August 23rd at Haycraft Cottages, Maria Eastman.

Marriages – Titley-Payne, August 1st at Hartland Parish Church, Francis Clamford to Eleanor Winnifred; Stanbury-Wright, August 7th at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, William Francis, only son of Mr and Mrs W J Stanbury, of Northam, to Lillian Selina, second daughter of Mr and Mrs W Wright, of Appledore; Glover-Short, August 18th – Stanley Francis to Edith Lucy; John J Heal to Bessie Jane Elliott

In news from further afield, the death is briefly reported of the 29th President of the United States of America, Warren Gameliel Harding. He was automatically succeeded by the Vice President, Calvin Coolidge.

Torrington Rural Council, Mr W H Briffin presiding, received a letter from the clerk to Devon County Council, stating that the form of application for debenture stock in the North Devon and Cornwall Junction (Torrington-Halwill) Light Railway Company had not yet been completed by the County Council nor had the first instalment been paid.

Prospect of better train facilities.

 

A parcel wrapped in brown paper and unaddressed was left at Bideford Railway Station. After a few days it was unwrapped by a porter and discovered to contain a chemically preserved severed head, supposed by its appearance to be that of a Malay States native. The paper expresses the hope that someone will sone come along and claim it!

Hampitt and Smytham in Alverdiscott are for sale at public auction on instructions from the executors of the late Mr W G Lee.

At Appledore Church Sunday School in the presence of a large staff of teachers under Mr A Hutchings, the Superintendent and nearly 300 scholars, the Vicar, Rev Hugh C A S Muller presented Miss Lilian Selina Wright, daughter of Mr Wright, retired police constable, and Mrs Wright, of Richmond Terrace, which a beautiful and large silver-plated epergne table centre on her approaching marriage to Mr Stanbury of Northam. On presenting the beautiful present, the Vicar said he had known Miss Wright as a child, had seen her grown up, had realised what a splendid and regular teacher she had been, how she always won the affection of her pupils, and how she had thrown herself heart and soul into the Sunday School work, and how they would all miss her. They asked her acceptance of the present as a mark of their esteem for her. Miss Winifred Lamey had very kindly offered to take her class. Mr Hutchings in a few well chosen words mentioned that Miss Wright had been a great help to him, as she had always been so regular and punctual – Miss Cork added her testimony, Miss Wright had been a helpful companion to work with, and she had shared a class with her with much pleasure. Miss M Guard a pupil of Miss Wright’s class also added her best wishes on behalf of the Class, and Miss Beatrice Hooper, representing the Infant teachers mentioned their regret at Miss Wright’s impending departure. Miss Wright suitably replied and thanked them all for their kind present which she would value very much, and appreciated their kind wishes.

Mr William Stanbury and Miss Lillian Wright are married with Miss Augusta Hutchings as bridesmaid, and Mr Arthur Saunders as best man.

A pretty but quiet wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, on Sunday, August 26th, the Vicar officiating. The contracting parties were Mr Hammond, son of Mr Hammond, retired coastguard, Royal Navy, and Miss Florrie Jewell, daughter of the late Mrs Moyses, and step-daughter of Captain W Moyses, of s.s. Ortona.

Bideford County Magistrates on the application of Mr R W Young (for Mr T A Goaman) granted Appledore licence holders an extension of time enabling them to keep open from 10am to 10pm on Regatta Day.

At Bideford County Sessions a protection order was granted Mr Sidney Lamey in respect of the licence of the Dock Inn, Appledore. Mr Lamey stated he had held a licence at Spitafields for three and a half years.

Turning to sport, the Appledore and Instow Regatta is reported in depth on page 5 of the 7 August paper and provides the names of all winners. It states that the weather was ideal for both rowing and sailing.

“Jan Stewer” visited Bideford and performed to large audiences in the Church Institute over two days. The chorus to “Old uncle Tom Cobley and all” was sung lustily by the audience. A ventriloquial duet was given by Mr A J Coles and Old Peter. (“Jan Stewer” was a popular storyteller and author who used Devon dialect, his real name being A J Coles.)

If you want to look smart for your evening out, this could be the solution bought from H F Elliott in the High Street, Bideford:

Bideford Regatta – great event on Torridge. Never has there been a greater amount of enthusiasm apportioned the holding of the Bideford Regatta than the generous share which accompanied the even. To Bidefordians young and old it is the one occasion in the year which commands attendance and secures the greatest interest and popularity. The morning was heralded with a beautifully fine sky and, though cloudy at intervals, the weather was regarded as ideal. Thousands entered the town, thronging the main streets and Broad Quay, which looked especially gay with numerous flags and decorations fluttering in the breeze from the front buildings and masts on craft plying up and down and moored in the river. A happy, jovial spirity – the Regatta good temper – prevailed, a happy disposition determined to make the most of all the fun going.

Bideford housing problem with trio of owners engaging in court proceedings – Mr Sidney Violet, Mrs Nora Couch and Mr Frederick Richard Davis.

The Donkey Parade held at Clovelly, by kind permission of Mrs Hamlyn, on August 4th, was favoured with glorious weather and proved a great success. The judges were Capt Keith Channer and Capt Pike. The prizes were awarded as follows and given away by Miss Mary Asquith.

Thomas Jarvis is conveyed by Mrs Hamlyn from Clovelly to Bideford and District Hospital.

Travelling on the Bideford-Clovelly road is an increasing source of danger. The number of char-a-banc cars now passing daily along the road becomes larger with each successive summer, but the control of speed and reckless driving does not appear to grow in the same proportion, and dangerous driving is too often allowed. For the common safety of all users of the roads it is essential that a stricter and safer procedure is adopted.

A very pretty wedding, which created considerable interest in the district, took place at the United Methodist Chapel, Hartland. The contracting parties were Miss May Cruse, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs William Cruse, Hugglepit and the Rev Alfred Trudgeon, Meeth, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Trudgeon, Port Loe, Cornwall. Both parties are well known and there was a large number of friends at the chapel to witness the ceremony. The service was conducted by the Rev L Orchard, Pastor, assisted by Pastor Hill. Miss Edie Heard presided at the organ. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids, the Misses Olive and Flo Trudgeon. Mr Cyril Andrew, Woolsery, carried out the duties of best man.

Miss Pascoe, who had been staying at Blagdon, cycled via Youltry for Hartland Town. When nearing Lower Lashlist stile on a steep place she was thrown off, breaking a leg. Dr Kay was called and attended the sufferer, and also kindly sent her right on to Bideford Hospital in his own car.

Bert Ayer has been fined £1-12-0 for driving a County Council steam roller at excessive speed through Hatherleigh. He denied the charge. The speed was estimated at 8 mph with sparks coming from the funnel. In court the County Surveyor said it would be impossible to drive the vehicle at such speed, but Mr Ayer was ultimately found guilty.

The centenary celebration programme of the North Devon Cricket Club, founded in 1823 and established at Instow since 1837, commenced on Friday and will extend until Tuesday, August 21st. It is an exceedingly attractive one, and is drawing a large number of spectators. In its early days the Club was largely of a social character, and the programme for the centenary is in keeping with this feature of its history, for the ‘social’ side of the celebrations will be, to many, as appealing as the matches. Wallace Ash’s Band has been engaged for the week’s social events, which will include an ‘at home’ at the cricket ground on the afternoon of the centenary match between Mr G E C Wood’s eleven and North Devon Cricket Club. Last evening there was an old time North Devon Cricket match played in top hats followed by the centenary fancy dress ball.

Mr Westcott, headmaster of Langtree School, is to be congratulated in being the means of two more scholarships, won by Horaco Westcott and Cyril Huxtable. And he organises a successful Sports Day:

While Mr F P Ellis, of Langtree, was looking at his cattle in one of his fields, one of the heifers suddenly attacked him, causing him to fall heavily on the back of his head, but luckily escaped with a severe shaking and bruising. The ringers, choir, Rector and Churchwardens of Langtree have had their annual outing, visiting Ilfracombe. The journey was made by chars-a-banc and motor cars, the party numbering about 40. Many availed themselves of the opportunity of a Channel trip to Lynmouth which was much enjoyed.

Memorial tablet to the late Rev Hudson Grosett Heaven unveiled in Lundy Church. Members of the Heaven family from Pennsylvania were also present. Six men came over from Shirwell to ring the bells and the Bishop of Crediton, Dr Trefusis, presided over the memorial service.

Sailings of the Royal Mail Motor Yacht, Lerina.

Northam golfers witnessed a decidedly interesting fixture – a two round contest between J Taylor and C Taylor, two well-known Northam golfers. Northam has given birth to many golfers of high repute, and such contests as the one which took place the other day are of the greatest interest to all who live there. Therefore, although the weather was wet at the commencement, the two brothers were not accompanied when they hit off from the first tee in a contest which was going to bring a surprise result. The brother of the professional at Radyr succeeded in defeating his, perhaps, more experienced brother after an exceedingly well fought match by 2 and 1. A fine effort indeed!

A pageant of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress has been given at Northam. There were two performances, both crowded. The Gazette of 21 August gives a full list of cast members on page 2, which you can read at the Archive – did any of your family members in take part? The pageant will be repeated in the Rectory Grounds in Bideford on 24 August.

At Parkham, potato blight has cut down the haulm in the gardens but so far field potatoes are not showing any sign of the blight. Later in the month - the present boisterous weather will no doubt drive down the corn and make it difficult to cut in some places. Corn harvest operations are in hand and the promise of a good yield is well maintained. The blight has affected the garden potato haulm and it is now making its mark on the field potatoes.

For many years the church tower at Parkham has leaked. A few years ago the Rector, Revd Hensley, undertook the difficult task of oiling it with a force jet. This proved effective and he has now undertaken to re-oil it. Parishioners help with ladders but he does all the dangerous work himself. (Does anyone from Parkham know how old Revd Hensley was at the time, and whether he survived the experience?)

Sale of desirable freehold estate in Shebbear – South or Little Furse, and Furse House.

Frederick Wood of Torrington is taken to Bideford and District Hospital by Dr Wilson.

The late Miss Stoneman – following a prolonged illness, Gladys, aged 18 years, the eldest daughter of Mr Robert Stoneman, Well Street, Torrington, died 28th July. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends, Rev J W Mayo officiated. Messrs B Vodden, F Vodden, J Jury, P Reed, W Jury, S Johns and R Johns, were bearers.

An application for housing subsidy was received by Torrington Rural Council and a Committee appointed to deal with the whole housing question.

At the auction by Messrs R Blackmore and Sons, for the sale of the freehold thatched cottage known as ‘Rose Care’ Westward Ho! bids did not advance on £1,050, and the property was withdrawn. It is expected that the property will shortly be disposed of by private treaty. A Westward Ho! property known as Sunset is for sale.

A very attractive wedding took place at the United Methodist Church, Woolsery, the contracting parties being Miss Bessie Jane, the younger daughter of Mr and Mrs W Elliott, of Slade Farm, Clovelly, and Mr John James, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs James Heal of Poundstock. The bridesmaids were Misses Kathleen Ada Heal and Mabel Burrow. Mr Percy Heal acted as groomsman. Mrs S Cardew and Mrs Boundy presided at the organ and the officiating minister was Rev W E C Harris, assisted by Mr Hill and Miss E Edwards.

August 1973

The Golden Hinde million-dollar replica, awaiting sea trials at Appledore where she was built in the yard of Messrs J Hinks and Son, will return to America in 1977, if suitable backers can be found. Mr Gordon Knight, on behalf of the American owners, said that they plan to sail the ship to the States in October even if this means cutting out the scheduled visit to London.

Two harvest jugs made in the North Devon style by Harry Juniper of Monkleigh will be a reminder of the nine years Mrs Eileen Coombs of Footlands, Weare Giffard, spent as headmistress of Bideford church junior school. At the end of term ceremony she was presented with one jug – and she in turn presented one to the school. Also presented to Mrs Coombs on behalf of the school by the Rector, Preb T Derwent Davies, were a dog basket with a log basket to match and a decanter and glasses of Dartington glass.

Girls from Bideford County Secondary School in a recent gymnastic display at the Sports Ground.

Although primarily held as a social event to foster the community spirit, the first fete organised by Bideford West Community Association made a profit of more than £30 for its funds. Held on the children’s playing field at Meadow Park, the fete was opened by Mr Jim Needs. Mrs Needs was presented with a bouquet by Kirsten Hook. With such an array of bonny babies on view, the judges – Mrs Needs, Mrs Ashton and Mr Sumner – had a difficult task for which prizes of baby clothes were given by H E Fletcher Ltd. Overall champion was Zach Grills. Other winners were Rachel Gardiner, Julie McCaffrey, Justin Slade and Louise Shapland. There was also a good standard of entries in the children’s fancy dress competition. Toy Works Ltd gave the prizes and Mr and Mrs Needs were judges. Winners included – Elaine McCaffrey, Mark Davy, Collette Cogan, Stephen Evans.

Four local men working at Bideford Shipyard Ltd help in the final preparations for the launching of the Grima, a car passenger ferry built for service in the Shetland Isles. She was named at the yard by Mrs W R T T Hamilton, wife of the Lord Lieutenant of the Shetland Isles.

The Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Major Ted Hill, gets ready to bowl the first wood to formally open this week’s annual tournament at the Bideford Strand Club.

Those of the 101 tenants of Bideford Town Council whose modernised houses had previously a particularly high standard of decoration will not, after all, have them restored to that standard. On the recommendation of the housing committee the council agreed to adhere to a former decision that the houses should be returned to tenants as ‘new houses’ – with emulsion painted interior walls. 

Tenants of converted houses had told her they had no fault to find, said Alderman Mrs Ethelwynn Brown. They said the council had already gone to great expense in making the homes so nice and they had ‘no quibbles whatsoever.’

Awaiting her big day when she will lead the procession at Bideford Carnival is Susan Holland with her attendants, Pamela Johns and Rachel Braund.

Beautiful pieces of jewellery were shown to members of Buckland Brewer WI by Mr R W Yeo who spoke at their August meeting on gemstones. It was reported that nearly £30 raised by a dozen members participating in a sponsored walk had been devoted to the Devon Federation appeal, enabling the institute’s full quota to be met. Money raised by 24 members taking part in a sponsored knit is to be given to the Parish Room appeal. The squares will go to charity. Mrs Wicks reported on the National Federation annual meeting in London. Mrs P Mills won the competition – a flower arrangement depicting a nursery rhyme.

Although knifed three times and critically hurt, a former Clovelly man grappled with and finally shot an armed terrorist. The bravery of Constable Bernard Aust , younger son of Mr and Mrs A F J Aust, of Higher Clovelly Post Office, who is serving with New South Wales Police in Australia, has won him three awards for ‘the most courageous act by a member of the force in 1972’. At the time he had been a probationary constable for only three weeks.

Weighty matters added to the fun at a garden party held at Frithelstock vicarage. One of the competitions was guessing the combined weight of the Vicar and the two churchwardens. Mrs J Hunkin was the winner.

Three young children were cut off by the tide on the rocks near Shipload Bay, Hartland. One girl managed to clamber to safety and after the alarm was raised by Mr J V Jeffery, the remaining two children were rescued by the inshore lifeboat from Clovelly.

Hartland detachment of the ATC and its parents’ committee raised £14 by a jumble sale.

Rural doctor’s dilemma at Hartland.

The fund which has been established to build badly needed tennis courts at Hartland will benefit as the result of several events organised in Hartland. A dance at Hartland church hall was followed by a gymkhana, clay pigeon shoot and other competitions at Gorvin Farm which raised about £80, and finally a treasure hunt was held. Cup for most points in the gymkhana was won by M Parrr with K Higgins, J Stewart, B Walter and M Eppingstone as runners-up. Judges were Messrs A Conibear, D Hunt, H Conibear, D Jeffery, with secretaries Mr L Gifford, Mrs P Bowen and Miss B Ross.

In aid of hospital funds a whist drive was held at Hartland. Seven tables were in play and Mr Middle was the MC. Winners were Miss Darnell, Mrs Cooke, Mrs Allin, Mrs Squires, Mr Houchin, Mrs Colwill, Mrs O’Donnell and Mrs Jeffery. Draw winners were Mrs Rowe, Mrs Heard and Miss Westlake.

Garstand Carris, an 11-year-old cow from Mr Peter Martin’s 40-strong Friesian herd at Littleham, was a worthy winner of the top award in the dairy section at Woolsery Agricultural Show. The strong Devon section was headed by Charles Lewis and Son of Merton who took the championship and reserve awards with their 16 month old Potheridge Conductor and a well-bred heifer.

Captain H L Morgan, of Northam, whose death occurred at the age of 84, was a well known local personality. Not so well known was the fact that he was something of a hero of an earthquake and tidal wave disaster at Napier, New Zealand, in 1931. Capt Morgan was then in command of HMS Veronica, a sloop which was grounded in the harbour by the first shock but later refloated. He organised food depots, policing of the streets and temporary hospitals and for his services he was made CMG. In the First World War he received the DSO and was mentioned in despatches. Retiring in 1934 he served in the Second World War as a sea transport officer.

More patients at the Cottage Hospital, Torrington, reports Dr C F R Briggs.

The sum of £54.39 has been sent to the Royal National Institute for the Blind by the Torrington organiser, Mrs May Hutchings, as a result of local collection. Collectors were Mrs R Lugg, Miss L Baker, Miss J Davis, Mrs Marshall, Mrs L Piper, Mrs G Stapleton, Miss E Petherbridge, Mrs N Mules, Mrs L J Hutchings, Mrs D Nicholls, Mrs V Sander, Mrs M Hutchings, Mrs K Finnamore.

Disgusted Mr Duncan, of Welcombe, tears up his film script.

Mr and Mrs J D F Troman, of Biteford, Woolsery, are giving up farming.

August 1998

Properties for sale at Marine Parade, Appledore, developed by Grencolodge Ltd.

A galaxy of local talent is taking stage at Appledore to help raise fund for the village’s church hall. The 23-strong Bright Stars Theatre Group with its Rising Stars children’s section and Planets juniors is staging its second annual summer old time music hall show.

Pirates paraded through Appledore at the weekend – accompanied by cowboys, Red Indians, Baywatch babes, flower children, devils, punk rockers and a host of other colourful characters. It was carnival day in the riverside village, again organised by the Appledore Pirates charity group in aid of local causes, including their annual pensioners’ Christmas party. Hundreds of visitors watched the procession travel through the village, led by Pirates’ standard bearer Roy Dunn and by carnival queen Sally Ashworth and attendants Lucy Ewington and Stacey Lamb. Winning entries were: Under six years walking – 1 Punk girl, Shannon Cox; 2 Bride, Chloe Jury. Under 12 years walking – 1 Flower power, Rosie Webb and Kelly Cox; 2 Claire Cox and Alex Eastwood; 3 Connie McDonald. Walking senior – 1 Lone Ranger, Terry Bailey; 2 Morris dancers, the Blackbirds. Public houses – 1 Tall Ship, Beaver Inn; 2 Royal British Legion; 3 Seagate Hotel. Mounted characters – 1 Red Indian, James Arbuthnott. Junior tableaux – 1 China Town, Kids around the block. Senior tableaux – Bill and Ben, Barbara Potter and friends; 2 Appledore Arts Festival; 3 Babe watch. Queen of queens – Northam May Queen.

An Appledore man is being hailed as a hero in Canada after saving the life of a young girl. Brian Dent swam into the chilly waters of the Upper Campbell Lake to carry out the dramatic rescue of the five year old who had been blown away from the shore on an air bed. Mr Dent is a strong swimmer but it took him half an hour to pull the girl back to shore.

Forty firemen from across North Devon fought to contain a blaze which threatened the historic New Inn near the Pannier Market in Bideford on Monday. At one stage it was feared that the fire, which had started on the ground floor and travelled up the two floors above it, would reach the roof. One fireman was taken to hospital after electric cables in the building flashed and arced. But he was released after a check-up. The fire is believed to have started in a fuse-board in a kitchen cupboard. The flames moved up swiftly through the cavity walls of the building. “This is what caused the real trouble,” said Chief Fire Officer Trevor Shaddick. “The fire spread through the spaces behind the dry lathe and plaster partitions. “What took place here was similar to the way the disaster at Windsor Castle happened. Fire can travel undetected through voids.” Bideford Fire Service arrived on the scene within minutes of the emergency call at around 11.30 on Monday morning. Their concern for what could be seen happening – and even more, what could not – led them to call for back-up. Pumps from Appledore, Barnstaple and Torrington, plus a turntable ladder, raced to the scene. Police cordoned off roads around the Pannier Market. An ambulance stood by. Although the blaze was contained within an hour, the firefighters stayed on the scene for some hours until they could clear the rooms and lift floorboards to check there was no more danger. For owner Richard Holdcroft, who has been at the New Inn for more than four years, it was the second fire trauma within a matter of days. A week ago a chip pan fire caused smoke damage to rooms in the building. Officer Shaddick said the two incidents appear to be unconnected. A weary Mr Holdcroft sat outside his inn on Monday as firemen emerged from the blackened interior and the crews began stowing away their hose reels and other equipment. Said Mr Holdcroft: - “We will open the inn again as soon as possible.”

The days of trying to decide which supermarket checkout queue is moving the quickest are gone at the new Safeways store in Bideford. For the past month the store has been offering its customers a “futuristic” shop with a self-scanning system providing relief to stressed-out shoppers. The new Shop and Go system allows customers to scan their own goods, with no need to unload and re-load at the check-out. And to make shopping even easier and faster Safeway shoppers in Bideford have the added bonus of being able to bypass the checkouts altogether and pay for their shopping at a stand-alone Easi-Pay terminal with either a debit or credit card. On entering the store customers collect a Handiscan – which looks a bit like a mobile telephone – from the Shop and Go dispenser unit by using their Safeway ABC card. Bideford shoppers are among more than a quarter-million Safeways customers cross the country able to benefit from the system. The company is now aiming to roll out “shop and go” to all its superstores, reinforcing its position as the widest user of self-scanning in the world. Bideford store manager Colin Rudlof said: “My customers want to spend as little time as possible at the checkout and Shop and Go will address this.

Bridget Mitchell and her son, Simon, from Westward Ho! check out the system

One of Bideford’s behind-the-scenes workers has been chosen by the towns Rotary Club as their Citizen of the Year. Bernie Perry received the award from Rotary past-president Eric Hubber at a special luncheon to mark the occasion. For many years Bernie was involved in the Scouting movement, including the 2nd Bideford Troop. He and his wife Maureen have also fostered more than 50 children over a 12-year period. But the Rotary Club’s decision to select Bernie was primarily prompted by the amount of work and dedication put to his position as chairman of the Bideford Royal British Legion and welfare committee and all the unpublicised work, comfort, care and guidance that committee gives to considerable numbers of Legion members in need of assistance. “His work is little known about, but quietly done with great dedication to the Legion,” said Mr Hubber. Bernie had been with the Royal Air Force Police in Malta before coming to Bideford in 1971 to work at the former Bideford Shipyard.

Charity week at Edgehill College in Bideford took place in February but fund raising for the Children’s Hospice South West did not stop there. As they broke up for the summer holidays the students presented trustee Beryl Munns with a ‘bag of gold’ – containing a cheque for £2,100.

The picture shows Mrs Munns, David Stevens, Rose Hungate, Kristina Kastelan and Kristabel Henry

More than 60 budding young athletes took the opportunity to train with Olympic star, Todd Bennett, in a three-day athletics coaching event organised by Torridge District Council recreation development officer Vikki Chatwin and held at Edgehill College.

Spam will be on the lunch table at Major Michael Brown’s Bideford home when his friend Eric Williams arrives in a wartime Jeep for a special reunion on Saturday – VJ Day. The two men were in 136 Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery in World War Two. Eric was a signaller in a forward observation party and Michael was their officer in charge. They served in the steaming, disease-ridden jungles of Burma alongside the Gurkhas. And that is what 73-year-old Eric’s journey is all about. Eric has raised many thousands of pounds for the cause. Michael is asking well-wishers in north Devon to send donations to the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Our picture shows Major Brown at his home in Moreton Drive with two memories of wartime Burma – the tin of Spam and a traditional Gurkha kukri.

A tele-message from the Queen was among many cards and gifts received by Bideford couple Fred and Dorothy Bartlett on their diamond wedding anniversary. Originally from Middlesex, Fred moved to North Devon, and Dorothy was an Appledore girl who moved to Bideford as a teenager.

The run-down state of one of Bideford’s oldest and largest cemeteries has brough complaints from local people and from as far afield as the USA! Now the town’s parish church is calling on the local authorities for help with a problem it says is too big for it to tackle alone. The cemetery at Northgate, East-the-Water, is run down and overgrown by weeds. It is the responsibility of St Peter’s Church, a daughter of the parish church of St Mary across the river. The Rev Tim Jessiman of St Peter’s and the new Rector of Bideford Rev Malcolm Strange have promised to do all they can. But having visited the site and seen the scale of the problem they say the church will need help. “It’s huge. At least the size of three or four football pitches,” said Mr Jessiman. They would be arranging a short-term solution by getting the undergrowth cut, he said. But he was also seeking grant aid from the town and district councils for ongoing maintenance. With money also from the church they should then be able to pay contractors. Local resident George Evans said the cemetery was in a dreadful state. “It is not only vandalised, but also very overgrown.” His brother and two grandparents were buried there, said Mr Evans. Visiting from Iowa, USA, Joan Allen (formerly Lock) went to the cemetery to see the grave of her parents. On returning home she wrote to the Gazette and Advertiser: “It was an utter disaster area. Weeds, brambles, you name it. If I did not know where my parents were buried I would never have found their grave. It is a disgrace to the community. It made my heart break to see it like that. A beautiful old town like Bideford needs to take care of its history and those who used to live there.”

Three colourful new murals adorn the walls of one of North Devon’s smallest churches. Half way up the famous cobbled High Street in Clovelly, tiny St Peter’s Chapel seats just 20 people. It was more than full on Sunday for a special service to dedicate the murals created by local artist Fiona Creighton-Balfour. Now living in Bideford, Fiona once lived in the fishing village and attended the chapel as a youngster. She studied art first at Bideford School of Art and then Winchester Art School, where she obtained a BA in fine art. The murals were the idea of her parents Roger and Gwen Creighton-Balfour of Higher Clovelly, who used to live almost next door to the chapel and cared for it for many years. Our picture shows Fiona with the Vicar, the Rev Martin Hunnybun, and the murals.

Team agents Scammell Adamson are marketing a luxurious Victorian residence in Instow at an asking price of £385,000. The property is presently divided into owner’s accommodation, three self-contained holiday apartments, and two further detached letting units, all enjoying river views. The owner’s accommodation includes entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, office/bedroom, bathroom, two bedrooms, utility room and cellars. There is double glazing and gas central heating. Two holiday letting cottages are also double glazed and the three self-contained holiday apartments for between two and four people all have separate entrances, gas central heating and double glazing. Outside there is a games room, launderette, a heated swimming pool with a telescopic cover, which can be opened in fine weather, and a double garage. The property enjoys well tended and attractive grounds laid mainly to lawn.

Jacobs Field, in the pretty village of Parkham, is a development of nine detached houses and bungalows being built by Sharman Homes, The first bungalow is nearing completion and has already been sold to a local buyer. A variety of styles is available, including two and three bedroomed bungalows and four bedroomed houses. The bungalows are priced from £79,950 and the four bedroomed houses from £97,500.

Dartington Crystal of Torrington pulled its weight in the recent House of Lords versus House of Commons charity tug-o-war event. The contest was followed by an auction to help boost fund raising for the Macmillan Cancer Relief fund. One of the items on sale was a unique Dartington Crystal bowl made at the factory, engraved with the insignia of both Houses and the signatures of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and predecessors, John Major, Margaret Thatcher, James Callaghan and Edward Heath.

Westward Ho! is set to rival the Copacabana when Salsa by the Seaside hits town this month as the centrepiece of a summer festival. Organisers are confident that the sensuous sounds and rhythms of Latin America will bring a major boost to the resort’s tourist trade. The dance festival is brought to Westward Ho! for a second year by Rachel Anstis, who is an events organiser in Leeds, but whose family comes from Northam. Salsa, samba, merengue, mambo and lambada were providing the hottest dance craze sweeping the country, said Rachel. And Latin music was also infiltrating television screens, with advertisers quick to pick up on the infectious rhythms. More holiday bookings had resulted from last year’s event at Westward Ho! with coach loads coming from Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, she said. Many of them had returned to North Devon for holidays since the event. On the Saturday some of the country’s top dancers will be showing how its done at the Kingsley Leisure Centre and there will be live music from top Latin DJs.

Tanya Cusan from Colombia and Alex Beckford show how it should be done

BAPS Publishing in Westward Ho! is a new company run by a well-known local name in the world of creative artwork and print – Phil Crouch. Phil originates artwork, layout and text to suit the client, using the advanced technology of Apple Macintosh.

Property for sale in Beach Road, Westward Ho!