December 1923

Births – James Edward Barrow;

Marriages – John Henry Blackmore to Flossie Matilda Shell;

Deaths – Lottie Louisa Logsdon; Ellen Paddon; Louisa Pellifeant; Charles Cornish; Mary Jane Kelly; E J Wills; William Clements; James Colwill; John Cowell; James Ellis; Percival Stanley Nance-Kivell; Emma Skemp; John Mark Tucker;

North Devon Railway – Torrington Rural Council’s special precepts.

Torrington-Halwill Railway. Hatherleigh Station question.

It was reported to the Plymouth and District Local Employment Committee in connection with the Halwill-Torrington Railway that following the report of the Ministry of Labour official made a few weeks ago, improvements had been made in the conditions, and at present an additional number of storm shelters had been erected.

Christmas excursions on board Southern Railway 

Christmas preparations are vying with the General Election for coverage in the Gazette this month. At this time Bideford and the surrounding villages were part of the North Devon, Barnstaple constituency and all the political parties are given space to put forward their policies ahead of the vote on 6 December. The Gazette of 11 December is largely taken up with Election results, which nationally puts the Conservatives into a minority following great Liberal and Labour gains. The Liberals were particularly successful in the South West. The sitting MP in 1923 was the Conservative Basil Peto who lost out to the Liberal Tudor Rees, and It is reported that the result of the poll came as a surprise to all parties. This was always a very closely fought seat with power changing from party to party at each vote.

Good things for the festive season from The India & China Tea Company, and Farleigh's Stores in Bideford.

The funeral of the late Mrs Mason, of Portledge, took place at Alwington. The oak coffin, bearing the simple inscription, “Jane Mason, died 8th December, 1923, aged 84 years” was conveyed by hearse and accompanied by a large number of friends over the hill from Portledge to the parish church of Alwington. Here, at the entrance, the cortege was met by the Rev H C Spring, the Rector, who led the way into the church, which was filled by a large number of villagers and friends. The service proceeded quietly – there were no hymns sung by request.

The people of West Appledore were awakened in the early morning by the repeated blowing of a fog horn. The ketch Hematope, owned by Captain Eastman and in the charge of Captain Edwin Cole was discovered wedged on rocks close to the Royal George. She was carrying a valuable cargo of manure and headed for Bideford. Several attempts were made to offload the cargo and refloat the ketch but these were unsuccessful. Eventually she was broken up. The Hematope was built in America over seventy years ago and is the last of the American ships to be sailing over Appledore Bar.

Messrs Marles, Squires and Tythecott are involved in a startling accident at Appledore.

Mr E Hocking, motor car proprietor of Appeldore, had a stroke of bad luck.

Marriages in Appledore for Miss Edith Maud Hocking and Mr Frederick Arthur Huxtable; and Miss Annie Slade and Mr George Davis Lang.

News has reached Appledore that Mr Albert Ford, son of Mr William Ford, foreman of Messrs R and J Cock’s and Mr William Harris, son of Mr John Harris, and grandson of Councillor P K Harris, have successfully passed their Master’s Certificates, the former at the early age of 21, and the latter 23, the last mentioned not going to sea till he was 16. It is a brilliant achievement on the part of both of them.

Appledore was depressed to hear of the sudden illness of Mr Lewis Lawday, and hope is expressed that he will be spared to weather the illness. The death occurred at Pitt House, of Mr Alfred Tovell, who had been in ill health for some time past. Deceased, who was formerly engaged in the mercantile marine, had been in all parts of the world, but on account of his health was obliged to give up going to sea several years ago. He leaves a widow and one son (who resides at Devonport) for whom the greatest sympathy is felt in their sad bereavement.

The first meeting of the North Devon branch of the Historical Association took place at Edgehill College, Bideford, by kind permission of Miss Johnson. The first lecture was on “Italian cities of the Middle Ages”.

The funeral of the late James Colwill, who died at Moreton Cottages, Meddon Street, Bideford, after a long illness contracted while on active service with his Majesty’s Forces in the late war, took place at the Church Cemetery, the Rev W N Manning officiating.

Over £400 was raised at a Christmas Bazaar, opened by Mrs Pine Coffin, in the Church Institute, Bideford, in aid of electric lighting at St Mary’s Church. The Rectory working party under the guidance of Mrs Manning, wife of the rector, raised £100 on their stall. The newly installed electric lighting of St Mary’s Church, Bideford, was switched on, and a special thanksgiving service commemorated the occasion. Rev W N Manning gave an appropriate address to a large congregation. At eight o’clock the building was flooded with electric light.

Bideford Amateur Rowing Club encourages you to buy a ticket with proceeds allocated to the purchase of a new boat to replace the Carnival.

An unpleasant incident marked the initial meeting in the Labour campaign at Bideford. Mr Gifford spoke from the Victoria terrace balcony immediately on the conclusion of a meeting addressed by Capt Tudor Rees, the majority of the audience remaining. Mr Walter Cole, a member of Bideford Town Council, and chairman of the Divisional Labour Party, presided, and met with a very hostile reception when attempting to speak.

Mr Charles T Bell of Heale House, Bideford, issues a disclaimer.

Messrs Hansen Shipbuilding and Shiprepairing Company Ltd successfully launched another steamship from their Bideford yard. There was an excellent tide, and the new boat, the s.s. Wheatplain christened by Lady Hansen, met the Torridge in a graceful manner. This is a sister ship to s.s. Wheatcrop, and this launch completes a contract for four vessels with Messrs Spillers Steamship Company.

The Westward Ho! Art Club exhibition at Bridge Hall in Bideford has been a great success. No paintings were included this time, the exhibits being of artistic woodwork, etchings, book binding, needlework and handmade lace. Photography was also included for the first time thanks to the help of Colonel F W Evatt of Instow. It is reported that the etchings in particular were varied and of a much higher standard than one would have expected.

The ladies section of the Bradworthy Young People’s Guild was exceedingly successful in every way. Miss B Wade ably presided over a congregation that filled the Wesleyan Church. A dialogue given by Nurse Bashford, Misses Dymond, F Cory, Westaway, Piper, Jennings and F Martin, won unstinted praise. Two recitations by Mrs Cleave of Lane Mill, will be long remembered by those who heard them. Solos were ably rendered by Misses E Mitchell, Hockin and Bartlett; a duet by Misses G Martin and Chubb; and a quartette by Misses F and G Martin, Chubb and Piper. Miss F Martin and Mrs Cann were accompanists. A coffee supper which followed and to which the majority sat down terminated a very pleasant and successful evening.

At Bradworthy, the death of Mrs Grace Jones of Lower Village is announced, and the funeral of Mrs R Gloyn, of Kimworthy, took place in the Free Church Cemetery, Bradworthy.

The new skittle alley at Buckland Brewer has been opened, the ceremony being conducted by Mr W H Rogers of Orleigh Court. Tea was followed by skittling, music and dancing. Everyone regretted when the clock struck midnight and the gathering dispersed after singing the National Anthem.

A very quiet but pretty wedding took place at All Saints’ Church in Clovelly, the contracting parties being Miss Doris Littlejohns and Mr Jim Jennings.

We regret to announce the death of Capt C H Bate at his residence, The Square, Clovelly, in his 70th year. Capt Bate had been living ashore since his ship was torpedoed in the Bay of Biscay in 1916, when he was adrift in an

Polling at Clovelly School was quiet, with eleven votes being cast between 7am and 8am, and only three votes after 8pm. Out of a total of 305 people eligible, 248 cast their ballots.

Entertainment at Hartland.

William Goaman, Elmscott, Hartland is fined.

At Hartland, Messrs Dennis and Gregory were reappointed school managers.

Bideford Rural District Council, Mr W Harris presiding, accepted the Ministry’s offer of 50% towards the cost of the repair and improvement of the road from Baxworthy Corner to Hartland, the work, which includes widening the road to 20ft, for a distance of about 2,000 yards and improving four corners, to be carried out by the Council and to be completed within 2 years. The Council had asked for 75%. Hartland Parish Council has complained to the Rural District Council that danger signs erected on the road can sometimes project so far as to become themselves a danger to traffic by obstructing the view. New signs are to be positioned at the corner of Fore Street, at South Lane and in Townsend.

The Parish Church of Instow was the scene of a fashionable wedding when members of two local families holding a high place in the esteem of residents generally, were united in holy matrimony. The bride was Miss Marjorie Grace Evatt, only child of Colonel and Mrs F W Evatt, of Greenhills, Instow, and the bridegroom, Mr Arthur Gay Lambert Everett, eldest son of Capt and Mrs Everett, also of Instow. The bride was attended by the Miss M Whitaker and Miss M Dodd; Little Master John Douglas Withers was a page; the best man was Mr G E D Wood, of London, the All-England cricketer. The wedding presents numbered over 200 and were very handsome and costly.

Much interest was evinced in a wedding which as solemnised at Instow, the nuptials being those of Miss Helen Elizabeth Constance Durnford-Slater, daughter of the late Capt L Durnford-Slater, Royal Sussex Regiment, and Mrs Durnford-Slater, of Instow, and Commdr Harold Gordon Cooper Franklin, RN, HMS Barbam, son of the late Mr George Cooper Franklin, FRCS, and Mrs Franklin, of Fareham, Hants. The Durnford-Slater family is highly respected throughout North Devon, and the interest taken in the event was not confined to the Instow district. The town and front were gaily….

The School Managers at Langtree decides to close the school for the Christmas holidays from December 20th to January 2nd. The agreement in connection with the appointment of Miss Down was executed, and the head master, Mr Westcott, presented the balance sheet in connection with the children’s sports.

A free supper given to the ex-Service men of Langtree parish in the church room, followed by a social evening was fairly well attended and quite enjoyed by those present. Dancing was indulged in, and thanks were given to Mesdames Jones, Burrows, Thorne and Walters, and to Mr P B Jones for making all the arrangements.

Colonel T S Hobbs, of Canade, donates gifts to Langtree inhabitants.

The mortal remains of Mrs Ann Brooks were laid to rest in the Parish Churchyard at Langtree.

At St Margaret’s Church, Northam, the church in which she was christened 21 years ago, the marriage took place in the presence of a very large congregation, of Miss Evelyn Marjorie Bennet, daughter of Col and Mrs F W Bennet, of Fairlea, and Capt. John Ferguson, Rajputana Rifles, son of the late Mr and Mrs J Ferguson.

A very successful whist drive was held at the Schools Northam. Large contingents came from Westward Ho! Appledore and Bideford, and there 48 tables and a good number of onlookers. During the evening Mr Bottomley, the Chief Conservative Agent for the Division was introduced by the chairman, Mr Sidney Thompson, and made an interesting and amusing speech. Thanks are due to all who helped to make the evening such a success, especially the MC, Mrs Miller, Mr Sussex, Miss Hearn and the Misses Teace. The prizes were won by the following:

On Election Day itself, polling at Parkham passed off very quietly, each party working with a determined effort.

At Parkham, Mr Martin unfortunately had a fall from his pony on returning home near Foxdown. He was cut about the head and had no recollection how the affair happened. 

A very interesting evening was spent at the ex-Service Men’s Alley in Parkham, when a skittle competition took place. Three tied for first place, viz., R Ley, G Jewell and L Walter, and for fifth S Metherall and W Dack. On playing off, L Walters took 1st (duck); G Jewell (fowl); Ley (cigarettes); P Squire (rabbits); W Dack (rabbits).

The marriage was solemnised at Shebbear Parish Church, the Vicar, Rev T E Fox, officiating, of Miss Edith Hocking, eldest daughter of Mr W Hocking, of North Hay Farm, Shebbear, and Mr Frank Archibald Hutchings, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J Hutchings, Petersmarland. Owing to a family bereavement the wedding was of a quiet nature. The best wishes of their friends will go with the newly married couple, who will reside at Willaton, Petersmarland.

At the adjourned meeting of Torrington Town Council, the Mayor, Mr C M Doe, presided, others present being Messrs F W Hodge, M Passmore, W T Luxton, M Chapple, R Moore, R E L Penhale, T Heywood, T Andrews, C Popham, H Vincent, W Grimshire and J Wightman. The lease of the market expired on December 1st and it was agreed to let the same by tender. A letter was read from Devon Education Committee asking the Council’s sanction for their men to repair the asphalte playground at the Council school – Mr Luxton considered it would be depriving local contractors, and moved that the Council do not undertake the work. Mr Penhale seconded and it was agreed to.

An interesting ceremony took place when the Girl Guides’ new headquarters in Church Walk were opened. Mrs Scott Browne, the Divisional Commissioner, was received by a guard of honour of Girl Guides and on entering the Club Room, by the Brownies’ Howl.

Before the Mayor and Messrs G Chapple and H Tavener, William Lyons Wood failed to appear in answer to a summons for driving a motor without lights in Calf Street, Torrington. The Bench adjourned the case for defendant’s appearance.

Following a lingering illness Ernest Henry Budd, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs J M Budd, passed away at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr Drew, in Mill Street, Torrington. During the past week another prominent Torrington worthy has passed away, Henry Hearn, of Louise Terrace, New Street. Deceased was a life long member of the Baptist Church, having filled the offices of teacher, and superintendent of the Sunday School. The funeral was largely attended. The acting bearers were Messrs J Tapscott, T J Dyer, C Popham, A Cole, J Parnacott and J Slocombe.

Mr Hedly Millman, of Dolderse, Torrington, and formerly of Langtree, has passed the final B.A. examination of London University with honours in French. Mr Millman was a pupil of Langtree Church School under the headmastership of Mr Kelly (now of Exminster School) and won a scholarship to Barnstaple Grammar School.

The Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! has been chosen to host Golf’s Amateur Championship in 1925.

At the Station Hall, Westward Ho! Miss Ellis and the Misses Cabell were presented with a pair of silver candlesticks each in recognition of their work in the Sunday School and Children’s Guild, by the parents and children and many local friends. Miss Ellis has taught at the Sunday School for 42 years, helped to start the Young People’s Union and the Band of Hope (now converted into the Children’s Guild) and many happy evenings have been spent with the children. The senior boys, assisted by Miss Wicketts, one of the teachers, who made a very nice speech, presented the candlesticks.

At Woolsery, the news of the death of Mr Vanstone, of Cranford, occasioned widespread regret as he was greatly liked for his kindly disposition. Previous to settling at …

Join a Savings Association and buy savings certificates.

December 1973

Abbotsham WI

In 1716 Roger Melhuish, short of cash, handed over properties in Northam and Appledore to trustees in order to endow a son on marriage. The legal effect was that the freehold of the properties passed to the trustees who, by virtue of the settlement, became the owners of the properties. The provisions of the settlement were fulfilled when they sold at a nominal rent 200 year leases, the lets to start after the death of Roger Melhuish, one of the sons. He died on March 25, 1770. On March 25, 1970, ownership of the properties returned automatically to the trustees.

A pre-Christmas dinner gave 160 Appledore old-age pensioners an evening to remember. Its organisation was combined operation. Appledore Pirates provided transport to and from the dinner and at the end of the evening gave each pensioner a quarter-bottle of whisky. Mr W Hardman, of the Seagate Hotel, gave the food; Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd the beer, wines, use of canteen and staff; and other principal helpers were the local Women’s Institute and the Darby and Joan Club. Music was provided by Appledore Silver Band.

“Clear the yard in 45 minutes” was the telephone message received at Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd by gatekeeper Mr ‘Arty’ Harding. Management interpreted this as a bomb warning and the yard was evacuated as police raced to the scene. But it turned out to be a hoax and threequarters of an hour after the message was received.

Vandals who went on the rampage at Appledore on Boxing Day night caused damage to 30 cars and several public telephones. The damage, which included the breaking of car aerials, wing mirrors and lights, and the cutting of hand sets from telephone kiosks, took place between 9pm and 10.30pm. Local police are anxious for anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact them.

The door closes at the Grenville nursing home at Bideford for the last time and midwife Mrs A M Johns, of Woolsery, says goodbye to the last of the 5,000-plus babies born there. Twins, they are pictured in the arms of their mother, Mrs Jennifer Hedden, of 1 Harbour Cottages, Weare Giffard.

Two gifts of colour TV sets brought extra Christmas cheer to patients and staff of Bideford and District Hospital. In memory of her husband, who farmed Norwood, Torrington, Mrs R P Lowe presented one of the sets to George Ward, where he had been a patient on several occasions. On behalf of the hospital Mr Morris accepted the gift and thanked Mrs Lowe. The Vicar of Torrington, the Rev P G Harrison, offered a prayer of dedication. Mrs Lowe is standing next to the Deputy Matron, Miss M Knowles. The other colour TV set was given anonymously for the nurses sitting room.

Almost certainly this is the only house in Bideford that has any association with the town at the time of the granting of the charter. In fact parts of it date back to 800AD. Now known as Old Ford House – near it was situated the ford before the Torridge was bridged – it was sold away from the farm some years ago. It is now the home of Mr and Mrs Frederick Eccles who moved her about four months ago. Later in the month – The old photograph of Old Ford House was especially interesting to Mrs E M Williams of 30 Pynes Lane, Bideford, who recognised her grandparents, Mr and Mrs Newcombe who farmed from there. Her father did not follow on at the farm but became a policeman.

There is an interesting history to a 17th century silver spoon that Bideford solicitor Mr Jeremy Ferguson loaned to the exhibition of borough silver. The spoon, which turned up in London, was recently bought by Mr Ferguson who has been trying for some years to acquire at Bideford-made piece. This one was made by John Peard.

Bideford Chamber of Commerce recommends that traders ‘remain fully lighted’.

A life size Queen Elizabeth I presenting a charter to Sir Richard Grenville made a splendid backcloth for the rosebud-trimmed Elizabethan fayre held at Lavington church. Stalls were named after celebrities of the time, and tea tables were decorated in Elizabethan style. The minister, Rev Frank Hewis, presided, and one Freeman of the borough, Church Secretary Mr H Blackmore, introduced Bideford’s last Freeman, Miss Phyllis Durant who opened the fayre. The sale of work, she said, had a dual purpose. Miss Ada Lee proposed a vote of thanks, and Melanie Manley, Michaela Ackland and Jessica Ayres dressed in costumes presented bouquets. Miss P Johns designed the backcloth and Pynes School lent the authentic costumes. Mrs W Slade made the tissue roses.

Under the cover of darkness Spaniards invaded Bideford Quay. After a brief battle with local Cavaliers and Buccaneers they were driven off and their galleon moored in the middle of the river was set ablaze by cannon fire. But there was no bloodshed for the ‘invasion’ was a mock one staged as part of the town’s quatercentenary celebrations. The hardy groups of spectators who braved the cold were sustained with free cider and slices of roasted ram handed out by Beaford members. Fireworks from the East-the-Water river bank signalled the time for the Mayor of Bideford, Maj E Hill, to unveil a plaque on the Town Hall wall commemorating the anniversary.

A fancy dress parade for dogs was one of the highlights of Bideford and District Dog Training Society’s Christmas party at Bideford CLB Hall. Winner was Jessie, a border collie, shown by Julia Sawtell, of Windmill Lane, Northam. Mr and Mrs Ron Lewis, of Plymouth were the judges. Entries included a Hulu dancer, cowboy, Robin Hood, circus horse, Scot and a Christmas cracker. The party was organised by club hon secretary, Mrs Pam Gerry.

Scores of Christmas parties have been held for children in the area and more than 80 attended that given by Bideford and District Angling Club. Following their Christmas tea every child received a present from Father Christmas.

On each side of 8 Torrington Lane, East-the-Water, Bideford, the houses stand empty and boarded up, awaiting the attentions of the bulldozer which is to demolish them. No 8 is the home of Miss May Nellie Paddon, the last to leave. She was born in a house on the opposite side of the street and came to No 8 as a very young baby. Next week she is being rehoused in Sentry Corner. “I’ve always lived in this street and would be happiest living near here” Miss Paddon told the Gazette.

To enable work on the Bucks Mills sewerage scheme to continue, the Department of the Environment has granted an extension of the road closure Order at Bucks Mills until April 2. Pebbles to make gabion groynes for much needed sea defence work at Bucks Mills are to be fetched from Clovelly although there are thousands of tons of suitable stones and pebbles right on the site, claims fisherman Mr Trevor Davey. He says they will have to be …

Nephews were among the bearers at the funeral at Hartland Methodist Church of Mr William Henry Rowe who died at 7 Northgate, Hartland. The Rev G R Beadon officiated and Mr Wesley Heard was organist. Immediate mourners attending were: the widow; William, Ambrose and Paul; Elizabeth; Tony, Andrew and Rhona; Tom, Jack and Mervyn; Annie, Ethel and Maggie; Tom Hutchings, Wallace Heard, George Patt, Tom Colwill, Eli Colwill; Edie, Doris and Emily; Ruby and Bill, Betty and Dennis, Ricky and Rosamund, Sheila, Winnie, Elsie, Ivy, Percy and Sid; Ivy, Margey, Jack, Theodore, Howard, Reg, Jim, Edie, Frank, Charlie, Alf, Lizzie and Bill.

A wall at Northgate is alleged to be so dangerous that Hartland Parish Council fear it may soon collapse and kill or maim someone. They are to press Bideford Rural District Council to demolish the wall and construct a footpath there now, and not wait until the site is developed. The parish council first raised the matter four months ago.

Mr Wilfred Thomas Dark, of Taunton, whose death occurred in Musgrave Park Hospital, was a son of the late Capt and Mrs F W Dark, of Instow. The funeral took place at the North Devon Crematorium, the Rector of Bideford, Preb T Derwent Davies, officiating. Representatives of Shell-Mex and Esso were among others attending.

Mr Alan Smith, of Heale House, Littleham, joint owner of the yacht Burton Cutter, which was forced to retire from the Cape Town-Sydney leg of the Round the World race, has flown back to spend Christmas at home. But the yacht, under the command of her first mate, Peter Blake, has left Cape Town to cross the South Atlantic to Argentina. There she will enter for the Buenos Aires-Rio de Janeiro ocean racing classic. Mr Smith and Leslie Williams are to fly out to join the Burton Cutter for the race. The yacht will rejoin the Round the World event at Rio for the final leg to Portsmouth.

Members of Monkleigh Youth Club raised between £50 and £60 at their Christmas Fayre held in the Village Hall. This money is to go towards a Christmas party for club members and an Over-60s night to be held in the New Year. Formed at Easter, the club now has 40 members meeting each Saturday. Draw winners at the Fayre were: Messrs R Grigg, A Page, J Hardy, R Spry, A Lawrence and Miss J Williams.

When Northam WI shared in the ‘Plant a tree in 73’ campaign they chose to do so with a red maple, representing the colours of the WI movement – red and green. Watched by institute members who braved the rough weather, the tree was planted in the grounds of Northam Church Hall by the retiring president, Mrs J Foreman. She was introduced by the president, Mrs Grace Smith, who also thanked the Vicar for making available the site which was central for the village.

At Parkham Church and WI combined whist drive in the Village Hall 37 tables were used. Mrs S Rickard was MC.

A profit of just over £65 was made for the Parkham school fund at the annual Christmas sale held in the Allardice Hall. Stall holders were: Mesdames M Williams, M Souch, E Daniel, E Moore, Mrs E Ford, Mrs M Pickard, Mrs J Glover, Mrs Davidson, Mrs J Poole, Rachel Dack, Gillian Ley, Julie Souch and Linda Marsden, Sarah Dwight, Angela Honey and Jayne Dack, Lorna Bollor, Roger Honey, Kevin Glover and Allan Williams, Richard Heywood, Kathryn Ley, Roger Allin and Carol Ford, Rachel Dack, Pamela Hicks and Jennifer Walter.

To date, £79,185 has been received by Torrington Town Council from the sale of council houses to tenants.

Mr T C Biddick, former headmaster, was the principal guest at Torrington County Primary School’s Christmas fair held in aid of school funds. About £200 was raised. Mr Biddick was accompanied by his wife, who is also a retired headmistress, and formal introductions were made by the present headmaster, Mr Leigh Cullen, who also introduced Father Christmas (Mr Herbert Oke) who had to deal with countless orders for the Christmas stockings. A film show was given by Mr Bernard Medley-Smith and Mr Robert Gordon, and refreshments supervised by Doctor Jean Tyler, Mrs Betty Cobbledick, Mrs R Cooke, Mrs Olwen Reynolds and many helpers. Competition winners included H Pollard, P Bond, Mrs Pascoe, P Smale, Mr Rollinson, Mrs Popham, Mrs Crees and Mr Tidball.

Provided the planners agree, about 100 detached and semi-detached houses will be built on a new estate at Torrington. Their cost – between £7,000 and £9,000 – was stated this week. And that will include a garage and central heating. The houses are to be built by Messrs R Harris and Son, of Barnstaple, on 11 acres of land at Castle Hill Gardens which has been sold by Torrington Town Council for £130,000. The land carried outline planning permission for housing development and Mr Tom Bonetta told the Gazette that provided they received the cooperation of the planning authorities on detailed lay-out, they aimed to start building early in March. “We are planning the high density low cost estate which we feel is needed in Torrington” said Mr Bonetta.

Kipling Terrace at Westward Ho! consisting of 12 houses each of five floors, failed to reach the reserve and was withdrawn at £110,000 when offered for sale by public auction. The auctioneer announced that the property would be withdrawn but open to offers. Further enquiries were received after the auction from people showing considerable interest.

Skin care at Woolsery WI.

December 1998

Stone built character cottage for sale at Abbotsham.

Alverdiscott Young Farmers and their four-footed friends raised £1,200 in sponsorship on a charity ride along the tracks and fields of their parish. From children on tiny ponies to mums and dads on their hunters, more than 40 riders took part in the event in aid of the North Devon Cancer Care Centre Trust. The picture shows riders Lisa Webber, Lindsay Ford, Janet Webber and Caroline Bulled with James Ford, Clifford Milton.

For the 25th consecutive year cries of ‘timber’ on the Portledge Estate at Fairy Cross have heralded the arrival of Appledore’s community Christmas tree. Each year for the past quarter-century members of the Appledore Pirates charity group have collected the gift on behalf of the village and erected it in front of the parish church. It is a tradition which has been maintained by two different owners of the estate. The Pirates were in the woods again to choose this year’s 25ft high tree with the help of Portledge Estates farm manager Bob Davies who is pictured with Pirates John Cole, Terry Bailey and Chris Hotchkiss.

There was plenty of yo-ho-ho and even a bottle of run or two when Appledore pensioners enjoyed their annual Christmas party, courtesy of the Appledore Pirates. More than 100 pensioners benefited from the generosity of the Pirates. There was a sumptuous spread plus musical entertainment from Appledore Silver Band and dancing to Pendulum.

Appledore Shipbuilders is to build two replacement vessels for the Sail Training Association’s famous tall ship training schooners Sir Winston Churchill and Malcolm Miller. In a £10 million deal announced jointly with the STA the yard is due to complete the first of the vessels by the end of next year in time for the millennium celebrations. The identical new ships will be ….

Bideford Chamber of Commerce received no fewer than 70 entries for its festive shop window competition. It is a spectacle which has helped the town create a traditional-style Christmas atmosphere. North Devon Chamber of Commerce chairman Bryan Jones said “I did not expect there would be so many entries but the quantity did not detract from the quality.” The joint winners were The Famous Little Store in Mill Street and Bateman’s Opticians and Designers Florists, both of Bridgeland Street. Chosen for the highly commended awards were The Chocolate Box in Mill Street, Rawston’s Chemist and Scott’s Model Bakery in High Street, and The Art Shop in Allhalland Street.

In the picture – Steve Clarke, Neil Stangham, Linda Evans, Ceri Brown, Karen Taylor, Tonia Quance and Gill Colwill

It is party time aboard and alongside the historic schooner Kathleen and May on Bideford’s eastern riverbank. There is an open invitation to join in the fun, food and entertainment and to look around the 100 year old ship which will become an educational heritage centre, once restored. The party, which will include carols and fireworks, is more a celebration than a fund-raising event.

Christmas gift boxes are forging friendships between North Devon children and youngsters in Eastern Europe. Pupils at Grenville College Junior School are the latest local schoolchildren to take part in Operation Christmas Child. Amelia Bull took part in the scheme two years ago and is still writing to the penfriend in Bosnia.

Terraced house in Hartland for sale.

Double fronted semi-detached house for sale in Hartland.

It was more a case of no room at the school than no room at the inn when Langtree Primary pupils began rehearsals for their Christmas play. One of the school buildings was condemned earlier this year, which meant the hall having to be pressed into service as a classroom. Teacher Fran Shortridge, who wrote the play, cast around for somewhere to perform it. And the management of The Plough arts and entertainment complex in Torrington offered their theatre.

Santa dropped in on Lundy last week when a helicopter arrived carrying a large Christmas present – a Land Rover station wagon. It was airlifted from Chivenor. “This is the best Christmas gift we could wish for. Lundy’s 1,100 acres are criss-crossed and circled by footpaths and tracks. With no roads, our wardens need the right tool to maintain it all.” The airlift to Lundy was carried out by a helicopter which had flown up from the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose.

Dance and dine at Riversford Hotel & Restaurant in Northam.

Rita Songhurst’s holiday chalet in Westward Ho! is ransacked.

Christmas menu for Pig on the Hill, Pusehill, Westward Ho!