January 1924

Births – a son to Mr and Mrs Horace Bracher (nee Mildred Dummett); a daughter to the wife of R J Arnold, MPS, 14 Allhalland Street; a daughter to Mr and Mrs R Featherstone (nee Vera Nancekivell); a son to Mr and Mrs Frederick T Squires;

Marriages – Rodney Dark and Edith Dorothy Blake; Ernest Albert Violet and Evelyn Ayre; William Greenaway to Miss Cann;

Deaths – Alexander Greig Duncan; Mary Hannah Evans; Susan Hutchings; McCullum Day, Thomas Sanders; Louisa White; Pollard; R A Parsons; William Stedwill; Richard Drew Westaway; Frederick Richard Bragg, CPO (retired), RN, late of Penkenna; Susannah Cook of Northam; Ellen Copp; Captain Ernest Phillips, of Montreal, Canada;

For many months Lenin has been a shadowy figure in the background of Russian politics, a name still to conjure with, but himself ill, half-paralysed, scarcely able to make his wishes known and evidently approaching his end. And now he has died. He lived just long enough to learn that the theory which he had held persistently from early manhood, and had forced relentlessly on his country, could not even by a dictator be made workable.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution will celebrate its centenary this year, and the December issue of ‘The Lifeboat’ the Institution’s journal, gives some account of what the celebrations will be. There will be an anniversary dinner in July, at which the Prince of Wales, the Institution’s President, will preside, and to which all holders of the Institution’s gold medal, the V.C. of the lifeboat service, and representatives of foreign Lifeboat services will be invited. Celebration suggestions so far received include street cries and the playing of street organs.

Railway crisis.

Later in the month, it is reported….

Owing to the dislocation of the train services deliveries and despatches will be very irregular. The 1st delivery will be made if the train service permits at about 9am, and will include correspondence from all parts. A 2nd delivery will be made at about 3pm and will as a rule include local postings only. A despatch is made every morning at about 8am, but an evening despatch cannot be guaranteed. Two days last week there was no train service in the evening. A notice will appear in the Head Office window each day as to the latest hour of posting and the arrangements for the day.

Mr Lewis Lawday, one of the prominent tradesmen of Appledore, died after a few days illness. He was a native of Bishop Nympton and after following the pursuits of farming he was attracted to Appledore, which was then at its zenith in shipbuilding. He reached Appledore at the age of 21 and joined Mr Klibbet’s shipbuilding yard. Meanwhile in conjunction with his wife, Miss Holland, of Yelland….
The funeral was largely attended, and flags on the ships in harbour were at half-mast, as well as the flag at the Sailors’ Rest. A short memorial service was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, previous to the cortege leaving for Fremington for the interment.

Appledore news - In the recent school examination of the Associated Board of the R.A.M and R.C.M, held in Bideford, Dorothy Stoneman (pupil of Miss Davison) passed in the Lower Division. Elsie Waters (pupil of Miss B Tatem) passed in the Primary Division.

The Sailors presented a pleasant Christmas Eve at the Sailors’ Rest at Appledore. The usual brand tub was supervised by Mr and Mrs Harvey, assisted by Capt Thomas Hutchings. The Vicar, on behalf of Miss Brayley, presented the men with pipes, tobacco and cheroots. Mrs Daw and others also contributed to the welfare of the sailors.

A very pleasant whist drive was held in the Appledore Vicarage in aid of Appledore and District Nursing Fund, £5 2s 6d resulting. Ladies, 1st, Mrs Lamey, silver inkstand (given by Mrs Moore); and Mrs Gogg, vases (Mrs Anderson). Gentlemen: 1st, Mr John Slader, pipe in case (Mr Anderson); and Mr Frank Ford (Mr Hocking). The hidden prize was obtained by Mrs S Ford, scent bottle (Mrs W Kelly). Mrs Daw gave a prize and kindly distributed the prizes.

During Christmas several Appledore sailors and shipwrights returned home and claimed their brides. Albert Day married Rose Fogwell; James Screech married Violet Powe; and Frederick Huxtable married Edith Hocking.

His Honour Judge Lindley was engaged for two and half hours at Bideford County Court in hearing an action in which Mrs Annie Hutchings sought an injunction against and £50 damages from Mr George Cork farmer, of Appledore, in respect to the erection of a garage which, she alleged, had kept out the light from rooms at The Myrtles, Appledore, thereby causing extra expense in artificial lighting, discomfort, and depreciating the value of the property. Mr G F Lefroy, appeared for plaintiff, and said what Mr Cork had done was regarded as an unnecessary act of hostility.

A Fancy-Dress dance at was held at Beaford Victory Hall; the Gazette gives the names of the winners but sadly gives no details of their costumes.

Bideford said goodbye to 1923 with a muffled peal rung on the bells of the Parish church. After a brief wait while the muffles were removed from the clappers, the crowd lining the bridge cheered as the bells rang out full to welcome in the New Year. As the weather was fine it is thought that the whole population of the town were either present at the event or heard the bells from their homes. Two hundred and forty people attended the dance at the Music Hall and welcomed in the New Year with a Spot Waltz as the clock struck twelve. (Does anyone know what a Spot Waltz was?)

Rev Herbert Trotman, who has laboured as pastor of the Bideford Baptist Church for the last ten years, has resigned his appointment, and will be leaving, with the regret and good wishes of his many friends, for his new sphere of ministry at Gillingham, Dorset, towards the end of March.

The death occurred suddenly early on Friday morning of Mrs Sarah Avery Snow, the 78 years old widow of the late Mr Thomas Snow, a retired Canadian farmer. Mrs Snow, who lived alone at 4 Richmond Terrace, Meddon-street, Bideford, had been under medical care recently.

By the death of Alderman Thomas Pollard, JP, which took place at Carlton House, The Quay, Bideford has, within the space of a few weeks, lost the second of the five honorary freemen it made a little over six months ago. Although in failing health for some time, Mr Pollard, who was in his 87th year, and a native of Bideford, had only been confined to bed for a few days over a fortnight.

At a special meeting of the Bideford Town Council, over which the Mayor, Mr F T Upton, presided, Mr W T Goaman, the senior councillor, was unanimously elected as an alderman, in succession to the late Alderman T Pollard. The Rector and Churchwardens made an application to Bideford Town Council for a grant towards the cleaning and winding of the Church clock, as it is deemed to be a public benefit. The Council agreed to pay the full cost of £36.11.1d.

Legacy for Bideford Hospital – the secretary has received official information from the Executors of the late Mr Alex G Duncan (Mr John Duncan and Dr Hedden) of a legacy of £1,000 free of legacy duty, for the endowment of a ‘Duncan Bed’ at the Bideford Hospital. This munificent gift is the culmination of nearly 40 years’ generous support and service by the deceased gentleman.

About a hundred of Bideford’s poor sat down for Mr T Goaman’s annual tea, held in the Baptist Schoolroom. For just on a quarter of a century this has been Mr Goaman’s kindly way of expressing his sympathy with those who have met life under adverse conditions. On New Year’s Day, through a thoughtful provision made by the late Mr A G Duncan, the inmates of the ‘White House’, Bideford, were given a splendid dinner, as ample in respect of fare as the well-remembered Christmas dinner provided by the Guardians on Christmas Day. Mr Duncan had this year given directions and details, he himself was detained in bed, for carrying out the feast. Mr John Duncan, his son, and Dr and Mrs Hedden attended, and distributed money gifts to every inmate.

The London Bidefordians held a New Year social evening at Atherington’s Hotel, London. The Gazette publishes a full list of those present.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the contracting parties being Miss Olive May Davey, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs B Davey, 32 Elm Grove, and Mr Reginald Palmer, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J Palmer, of Woodville Cottage, Orchard Hill. The Rev C B Crofts officiated.

Three months notice of the resignation of Mrs Wilson, headmistress of Geneva Infants school, where she had served for 37½ years, was received with regret. In her letter, she thanked the managers for their unfailing kindness and bore testimony to the fact that she had been supported by loyal and faithful teachers. On the motion of the chairman, Mr G Boyle, the managers unanimously expressed their appreciation of Mrs Wilson’s long and faithful services, and steps were taken to carry on the work.

At Bradworthy, a dance to augment the funds of the local brass band was given in the Temperance Hall under the patronage of Rev A E Dobson. The music was supplied by the band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster Cholwill.

Messrs E Hockridge and Son have 17 fine lambs on their Holyrood farm at Bradworthy.

The Young Men’s Club held a dance in the Church Room. Pianists were Misses Leake Burrow, F Clay, Bertha and Gertie Pillman. Refreshment helpers were Misses Lottie Burrow, F Colwill and E Heywood. Mr H Prust was MC.

Under Clovelly news - At the funeral of the late Mr Harry Robins, of Wrinkleberry, the Rector officiated, the mourners present being Mr Richard Robins, Mrs Lily Parsons, Mrs Ellison Johns (Highford Cottages), Messrs Lionel Parsons, Richard Johns, William Robins, Fred Robins, Miss Gwennie Robins, Mr George Headon, Messrs W T Westlake, Thomas Johns of Highford, Mrs Richard Robins. The bearers were Messrs William Beer, John Bromell, William Cruse, William Elliott, junr, James Lott and John Slee.

A very successful social was held in the New Inn Garage, Clovelly, kindly lent by Mr Bushell, on New Year’s Night, in aid of the Bideford Hospital. The garage was gracefully decorated with flags kindly lent by Mr Somerville. Winners of the various competitions were:

The Christmas Market at the Church Room in Hartland brought in about £23. It is a surprising fact that for several years the amount has not greatly varied. Stallholders were: Mrs Gregory, Mrs Britton, Mrs Whitehead, Miss Prust, Rev H Whitehead, Mr Wilton, Miss Dolly Prust, and Miss George. The Christmas stocking competition organised by Miss O Galsworthy was first won by Mr Lock, given again and won by Miss Dorothy Pillman.

At Hartland - Providence Sunday School New Year’s Entertainment was a great success. After a free tea to the children, there were games followed by an entertainment, those taking special parts including …

Mr A J Metters, chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, reported to the Holsworthy Urban Council, that at the fire which occurred in a shed at the rear of Market-square, at 4am, not a single member of the fire brigade, and very few others heard the fire bell and when the brigade got to work it was found that the supply of hose was only just sufficient to reach the fire. It was a warning to the Council that something must be done to make the brigade and fire appliances efficient.

The resignation of Sergt-Maj Dunn, captain of the Fire Brigade, who is leaving Holsworthy, was accepted, and Mr William Kinver accepted the chairmanship of the committee.

A Bohemian Concert Party from Holsworthy gave an excellent concert at West Putford in aid of the Church Path Fund.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Michael’s Church, Horwood, between Mr Reginald J Cutland, of Romsey, and Miss Annie Cutland, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Cutland, Lovacott, Newton Tracey.

The funeral of Mrs Bellew, widow of Mr William Bellew, late of Orchard Farm, Instow, took place at Instow Churchyard. Deceased, who was 86 years of age had resided for some years with her daughter, Mrs Joslin, at Woodtown Farm, Alverdiscott.

The annual social and dance, in aid of the Instow and Westleigh District Nursing Association, took place Dec 27th. The Rifle Hall was prettily decorated by the members of the Working Men’s Club. The room was crowded, about 250 people being present. Refreshments were all contributed by the residents of the villages. The splendid sum of £23 2s has been handed to the Nursing Association.

The goodwill spirit of Christmastide was manifested in characteristic fashion by Mr A L Christie, of Tapely Park, Instow, and his tenantry. Good wishes were reciprocal, the tenantry also receiving the annual gift of pheasants and many friends shared in the same pleasure. Cottagers in outlying places as well as those of Instow and Westleigh received a brace of rabbits, and consignments were forwarded to the Barnstaple and Bideford hospitals and to the poor law institutions. The disposal of the whole of the game and rabbits from Tapely to deserving poor and to sick patients is in accord with the estate custom and the kindness of the donor is greatly appreciated.

Mr Charles Moore, of Cholash Farm, had the misfortune to have three of his best Christmas turkeys stolen. The thief had the audacity to kill the birds on the premises before removing them. It is to be hoped that the police will be successful in bringing him to book.

Mr Dennis Kent, Langtree, is to be congratulated on the splendid sum he has collected in this parish for the Barnstaple Infirmary, viz. £13 15s 6d. The Langtree Male Voice Choir and Concert Party entertained at Beaford Baptist Chapel and at Newton St Petrock.

Mrs Withycombe and Mr Johns are injured at Langtree.

A very pleasant and sociable married v. single skittling match took place in the Langtree church room alley in which the married were defeated by a narrow margin.

It is with feelings of deep regret that we record the death of Mrs Shortridge, the beloved wife of Mr R Shortridge, of Heale Cottage, Littleham. She had been in failing health for some years but only took to her bed for the last time on December 29th, and in spite of careful nursing and assiduous attention passed over in the early hours of the morning of January 17, in the presence of her husband and two daughters. Mrs Shortridge had been a resident of the parish for close on fifty years…

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at St Michael's Church, Horwood, between Mr Reginald J Cutland, son of Mr and Mrs R Cutland, Romsey, and Miss Annie Cutland, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Cutland, Lovacott, Newton Tracey.

Lundy islanders and medical treatment.

The funeral of Mr Richard Drew Westaway took place at Monkleigh, the last rites being performed by the Vicar, Rev Evelyn Smith. The deceased was well known having resided in the parish and district for many years. The mourners were….

The funeral of the late Miss J H Williams, formerly well-known at Northam and Bideford, but who died at Bournemouth, took place in the Northam Churchyard, Rev G G Payne Cook, R.D, Vicar of Northam, performing the obsequies. Miss Jane Hoare Williams was the last of the three daughters of the late Mr Thomas Williams, of Northam. She carried on a business as bookseller and stationer at 16 High-street, Bideford, for a number of years, retired and spent some time at Kingsdown, Abbotsham Road.

Her very many friends will regret to learn of the death which took place at the residence of her daughter of Mrs Susannah Cook. Born in Northam in 1829, the late Mrs Cook was Northam’s oldest inhabitant. She had resided in the village during the whole of her long life, and by her death one of the remaining links with older Northam has been severed. Mrs Cook was for many years in business at the Golden Lion Hotel, retiring about a quarter of a century ago, since when she has lived with her daughter, Mrs Burch, at the Square, Northam. Her kindliness of manner to both old and young made her a great favourite in the village and she will be very sadly missed. She leaves a son and daughter to mourn their loss.

His Honour Judge Lindley again had before him at Bideford County Court a house possession case in which A H Lillicrap, a motor engineer, now in rooms at Bank House, Northam, sought an ejectment order against Miss Laura Taylor, in respect to a house in Tower-street which he had purchased for occupation.

Miss Florrie Bond and Mr Archie Vanstone, of Shebbear, were successful in winning the first prize in a waltzing competition at Sheepwash. Mr Robert Mile won the second prize in the open, and second in the sweepstakes, at a clay pigeon shoot.

A bachelor’s tea at the New Inn Cross, Shebbear, was held.

The Vicar of Shebbear, the Rev T E Fox, has gone to the French Riviera.

A waltzing competition at Sheepwash was won by Miss Florrie Bond and Mr Archie Vanstone.

At Torrington Cinema, 800 children – some brought by car from surrounding districts – were entertained by Mr S Vivian, a magician. He made cakes from flour and candle grease which when cooked were very nice to eat, turned rice into water and drew bon-bons from an empty hat. Before being taken home each child was given an orange and a quarter pound of sweets. In the evening the adults were entertained by the Town Band, some Devonshire readings and a comic film.

During the past week another prominent Torrington worthy passed away, viz. Mr Henry Hearn, aged 72 years, of Louisa Terrace, New-street, who had been incapacitated from work for some years. He was a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and once Superintendent and Sunday School teacher. The funeral was largely attended. Rev J M Mayo (pastor) officiated, whilst the acting bearers were sidesmen of the Church – Messrs J Tapscott, T J Dyer, C Popham, A Cole, J Barnacott and J Slocombe. The immediate family…

We regret to announce the almost sudden death of Mrs A M Barrow, wife of Mr W P Barrow, an ex-Mayor of the Borough, with whom much sympathy is felt in his bereavement. Mrs Barrow, who was held in the highest respect in the town, was a well known member of Howe Congregational Church.

News was received with great regret of the death which took place at the age of 65 years, after a brief illness, of Mr Charles Robert Doe, wine and spirit merchant, of Horton, Torrington. A member of the Conservative Club, Mr Doe was also a keen a sportsman, playing with the Torrington Bowling Club, and warmly supporting the local cricket and football clubs.

No detail was forgotten by those responsible for the Christmas arrangements for the entertainment of the inmates of the Torrington Workhouse. The Master and Matron, Mr and Mrs Harrison together with the staff, have worked exceedingly hard throughout the festivities and did all in their power to ensure the inmates having a really jolly time. A fine Christmas dinner was provided and also a special tea. Games were afterwards indulged in…

A capital concert was given in the Torrington Town Hall by the Council School children, to raise funds to help pay for a piano recently purchased. A full house made it a great success. A very find programme was submitted. The principals in the plays were: Barbara Furseman, R Baulkwill, N Bromell, M Weeks, V Popham. “Leetle Mr Baggy Breeches” was comical and caused much amusement, the Dutch girl being Phoebe Gist and the Dutch boy Phyllis Hearn, who were called upon for the second time. The girls gave a fine selection of songs, being test pieces sung at the Devon Musical Festival Competition, where they gained the 1st class certificates. The concert was arranged by Miss A Mortlock, Head Mistress of the Girls’ department, to whom great credit is due for the efficient way in which the children had been trained. Before the close Mr C Popham, JP, (Chairman of the Managers) moved a vote of appreciation, which was endorsed by Mr S Webber (Chairman of the Managers). Miss Mortlock acknowledged and thanked them for the remarks. She also thanked the happy band of willing helpers, also Mr Thorne for playing the piano at the practices, and Miss Lile for playing on the occasion.

Torrington Guardians having asked the Post Office for a return of the amounts surcharged on type-written postcards which should have gone at printed matter rates, were informed at their last meeting that if the surcharged cards were returned to the Post Office the amounts would be refunded. A number of cards were stated to have been destroyed, but the Chairman, Mr J Squance, thought it was satisfactory that the Post Office had acknowledged their mistake.

Eleven teams took part in a ringing competition at Torrington over the holiday period. There were seven six-bell teams and four eight-bell teams. High Bickington won the eight-bell category and Atherington the six-bell. The judges were W Fewings, A Chapple, W Lovering and R Gomer.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised in the Wesleyan Church, Torrington, by Rev Reynolds, the contracting parties being Mr Henry Mills, son of Mr and Mrs William Mills, Petrockstowe, and Miss Alice May, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W Adams, New Street, Torrington, late of Bugbear Farm, Little Torrington.

Mr G W F Brown, the North Devon Coroner, returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’ in the case of Weare Gifford labourer, James Priest, 73. C H Tucker, labourer, who identified the body, said deceased left his house (where he had lodged for over three years past) about 9am to do work for Mr Hancock of Weare Gifford. He was carrying a scythe for lawn mowing. Deceased had, as far as he knew, no relatives, was a widower, and had no children. Mr R C Powell deposed to seeing Priest grinding his scythe on his stone in his orchard about 11.30. At the time deceased appeared cheerful and after passing a few jokes he (witness) left with one of his men, C R Clarke, who had been helping with the grinding. Deceased probably intended taking a short cut by way of a field. F C Slee stated that about twenty to twelve he came across the deceased.

Just to be different, Hogmanay was celebrated at Moore’s Tea Rooms in Weare Gifford, proving that North Devon is very catholic in its tastes!

Visit The Moon Piano at Weare Gifford.

A meeting was held at the Station Hall, Westward Ho! on “The Ministry of Women in the Church”. A paper was read by Miss Catherine Yates, licensed teacher in Theology, on “The N.T. and the Ministry of Women.”

The marriage took place at St Paul’s Church, Sandgate, Kent, of Mr Randolph Charles Zouch Drake-Brockman, second son of Mr and Mrs Lewis Drake-Brockman, and Miss Violet Mary Harding, only daughter of the late H O O Harding, Indian Civil Service, and Mrs Harding of Westward Ho! The bridesmaids were Miss M Price and Miss C Alexander. There were also two little bridesmaids, the Misses Jean Cox and Felicia Cox, cousins of the bride. The best man was Mr Roger Mowbray. Subsequently the happy pair left for London, en route for the Continent.

Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward, solicitors acting for Mrs Wiley, approach Northam Council to highlight the serious position of the Bath Hotel in consequence of the non-repair of the sea wall at Westward Ho! The Council repudiated liability and said the current financial position will not enable it to take precautions for prevent further encroachment by the sea.

Household furniture and outdoor effects from Foxwold, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! are for sale.

We regret to record the death of Mrs Martha E Nethercott, whose end came very suddenly at the residence of Mr and Mrs John Cory, Ashmansworthy, Woolsery, where she only came a week previous for a short stay.

And finally – forget the New Year diet!

January 1974

With a total of 1272.54mm, last year was the driest since 1968 when a total of 48 inches was recorded, reports the meteorological station at Ash Cross, Bradworthy. The yearly average there is 1345.85mm.

Schools 1974 – Appledore CP School, Bideford Church Infants School, Bideford Church Junior School, Bideford East-the-Water School, Bideford Grammar School, Pynes County Infants School, Westcroft CP School, Bideford County Secondary School, Edgehilll College, Grenville College, St Margaret’s School, Northam, Shebbear College, Stella Maris School, Torrington Blue Coat School, Torrington CP School.

Philip and Lesley Cox name their daughter after the Appledore lifeboat - Louisa Anne Hawker.

Two hundred and seventy-one years handle the knife for the cutting the cake ceremony at Appledore Darby and Joan Club party. Left to right – Mrs Bridger, Mrs Gayette and Miss Willard. The Appledore club has been in existence for 16 years, but as with most clubs of this kind, there is a shortage of Darbys!

Workmen are expected to rebuild the parapet of the wall at West Appledore which was savaged in the gales. There were slight signs of a bulge in this wall and further examination would be made to assess the seriousness or otherwise.

Ninety-six people of Bideford received 50p each from the eight trustees of the John Andrew Dole. This distribution dates back nearly 370 years. It derives from rend of land at Love Lane, given by a Bideford merchant, John Andrew, for the relief of the poor of Bideford. As has been observed every year, except during the great plague, since the benevolent bequest was established, trustees of the Andrew Dole meet for their annual dinner. In his bequest the founder allowed the trustees 5d per head to provide themselves with supper, but within living memory the trustees have never claimed the money and have paid for the dinner themselves.

Fifty children and 30 adults attended a party at the Community Centre, Bideford, given by the Torridgeside Opportunity Group. Games were organised by Mr Punt from the Lampard Vachell School, Barnstaple. Father Christmas was in attendance.

All the town’s assets other than historic and ceremonial articles and the town band instruments are to be handed over by Bideford Town Council to the Torridge District Council when that body takes over on April 1 next. But Bideford will still have a town council and elect a town mayor. It was decided to retain the chains of the mayor and mayoress; informal badges of office; the maces; the mayor’s, aldermen’s councillor’s and macebearers’ robes; the borough plate; the town crier’s bell, staff and uniform; mayoral portraits; and any other identifiable ceremonial items and other articles given to the council, museum, library, etc. To be offered to the new council are: Trick’s, Love Lane and Pollyfield allotments; the cemetery; Old Town cemetery; Pollyfield, Chudleigh Fort; Victoria Park, river bank, meadow parkland, Stucley gift of marshes; King George’s Field, Pollyfield, Reed’s Field and Sports Ground; Hartland Road plantation; cattle market; and pannier market.

To mark 20 years as Bideford borough beadle, five years as macebearer and 27 as a Town Council employee, a plaque was presented to Mr Ronald Beer. Making the presentation the Mayor, Cllr Major Ted Hill, said that many past mayors and mayoresses had kind thoughts of the way in which Mr Beer had looked after them. “For your kind service and help and devotion to duty we all thank you sincerely,” the Mayor added.

A new vista, topped by St Peter’s Church, opens up at Torrington Lane, East-the-Water, with the completion of the demolition under a clearance order of 22 houses. It marks the half-way stage of redevelopment in this vicinity that has been in the pipeline for some years. Two-storey flats for old people, with a warden scheme, are to be built this year on the site. Occupants of the cleared area have been rehoused by Bideford Town Council. Other new housing will also be provided nearby, utilising another cleared site.

Outline planning permission has been granted for the residential development of the former railway goods yard at East-the-Water, Bideford. Among the conditions, Bideford Town Council were told, is one that not more than 52 units of accommodation should be built as a first phase of the complete development.

After a long silence G3XEF was back on air over the Christmas holiday. G3XEF is the call-sign of wireless enthusiast Michael Fleetwood, who while at college in Bristol has no chance to maintain contact with friends all over the world. But at his home in Abbotsham Road, Bideford, the dental student can retire to his ‘shack’ where his radio transmitter-receiver puts him in touch with other operators. Michael is one of a growing number of ‘radio hams’ although like many of his fellow enthusiasts he feels that the word ‘ham’ has helped to conjure up a false picture of the fraternity. His furthest contact had been in Japan but he regularly ‘works’ America, said Michael.

On April 1, changeover day in local government, Bideford’s library will be absorbed into the county library. This also brings the retirement as borough librarian of Mr Lloyd Firmin, who has held the post for practically 12 years.

Buckland Brewer – Coach and Horses Inn

Buckland Brewer YFC set themselves a special target during last year to raise the money required to train a guide dog for the blind. Now they have been able to hand over the sum of £320 to Mr D J Haydn Thomas, the SW Area Organiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, who was accompanied by his own dog. Mrs Janet Brown, the immediate past chairman of the club, handed over the cheque, and Mr Thomas gave the club in return a framed photograph of ‘Honesty’ a retriever bitch whose training has been paid for by the money raised.

The funeral of Mrs Gertrude Adams, the wife of Mr Sydney Adams of 2 Ashtons, has taken place at Buckland Brewer Methodist Church. Bearers were Messrs M Blight, J Daniel, B Slee, T Brown, G Ferritt and L Blight.

Differences of opinion between the planning authority and Bideford Rural Council about the outline development plan for the coastal strip from Bucks Mills to Westward Ho! have been discussed by the council’s planning committee and an officer of the county planning authority. But the differences have not been resolved and the matter is now to be left for the Torridge District Council to consider.

Andrew Newcombe reels in a record fish at Clovelly.

A model of Clovelly lifeboat in a glass case, made by one of the lifeboatmen, Mr B Tanner, was won in a draw by T Brewer of Birmingham. The draw was made at the Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild annual New Year whist drive, held in the parish hall. Local winners included Mr Abbott (Highford), Mrs Hayes and Mrs Howell. At the whist drive Mr G Smith was MC and Mrs Seden door steward. The prizes were distributed by the Hon. Mrs K Rous.

A winter sale at Skinner of Hartland.

Devon county education committee are recommending a grant of £710 to Hartland Playing Fields Association – provided Bideford Rural Council make a matching grant, the Rural Council were told. But members felt that Hartland parish council should also be asked to play their part. It was agreed that provided the parish council consent to contribute an amount approximating an old penny rate - £80 to £85 – the rural council should give a grant of £150.

No objection is being raised by Bideford Rural Council to the proposed felling by Sir Denis Stucley of 32 trees in Hartland. The trees are in a woodland north of Bow bridge and West of the Abbey gardens. The remainder of the woodland, which can be seen from a limited area only, is to be left for natural regeneration to take place.

Work has begun on an £18,000 scheme to eradicate an accident black spot at Withecote Hill between Stibb Cross and Langtree on a holiday route that carries a vast amount of summer traffic.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Richard Cartwright, plans to visit Lundy at the end of July when it is hoped to present candidates for confirmation.

National Trust’s reply to criticism of the way in which the Landmark Trust administers Lundy.

By seven votes to five, Northam Urban Council agreed that their successor town council should seek powers to take over responsibility for resorts services, halls and war memorials and that they should review the situation when Torridge District Council appoint a leisure and resorts services manager. They also agreed to take over the cemetery on an agency basis, if the district council would provide labour and equipment, and to ask to be told of all relevant planning applications.

The action of Northam Urban Council in letting the Seagate car park to the hotel there for £40 a year was criticised by Capt A E Ford at the council meeting. Ratepayers should enjoy the amenities, he declared. People in Meeting Street had nowhere to park. Mrs Vivian Patt said that in the past cars had been left there indefinitely and other people had been unable to gain access to the park. To let it was the right procedure in that the money helped the rates.

Northam Burrows Committee 1974 – A Hodgkins, H Braund, P B Waters, Col G L Pearce, Lt-Cmdr M B C Sumner, Capt E Hale, T Lamey, N Fulford, M Heywood, R D Bradford, W Badcock, J Need, P Ford, H Ford, L Ford, G Hamlyn, W Gale, F C Twose, H S Clements.

Stallholders at the annual Allardice Hall Christmas Fayre at Parkham were: Mrs S Tucker, Parkham Young Generation, Mesdames W Colwill, T Ford, Mrs W Dack, Miss H Dunn, Mesdames L Dunn, D Morris, Mrs D Honey, Mrs M Honey. Teas were served by Mesdames T Lang, D Pickard, S Metherall, E Daniel and F Bromell. Proceeds are in aid of the hall extension which is expected to cost more than £5,000.

A performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a highlight at the end-of-term concert by Parkham children in the Allardice Hall. Taking part were..

Torrington Commons Conservators 1974 – R G Copp, F J Bryant, F Edwards, Mrs F M Hodge, W S Hutchings, K Kent, J H Long, C R Mitchell, C Quick, Mrs V I Smith, B Sussex, G Williams, S J Parkes.

The death has occurred in London of Mr Lester Burridge, an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School who, until about 20 years ago, spent the whole of his life in Torrington. At one time he played football for Torrington. Aged 52, he was stock manager of Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Co. He returned to this area where he had relatives and many friends several times a year. Flowers were from..

Elusive giant flag not yet up the pole as it taxes the ingenuity of Torrington Cavaliers.

Ten girls have been placed on alternate-day working at Torrington’s Unigate milk factory which has had to cut its production by 20% because of the current national milk shortage. “But with any luck we should not have to make any further reductions and should be back to normal in March when spring milk starts to come in” said the plant manager, Mr M H G Naggs. There is a total work force of 430. Blamed for the shortage is the high cost of animal feed which has led to many farmers cutting back the size of their herds.

Pictured with Mr Peter Mills, MP for Torrington, during a recent visit he made to the Devon and Dorset Regiment, is a Torrington solder, Private Michael Andronik. He was one of several local soldiers who had a chat with Mr Mills. Another local soldier Mr Mills met was Private John Hewitson, who home is at Bradworthy. Pte Andronik was recently selected with three of his comrades to take part in a film which is being made by the Central Office of Information for showing later in cinemas and on television in America.

Machinery will move in to repair the ravages made in the Pebble Ridge at Westward Ho! by the recent storms. It will be a race against tide and time, for the work has to be completed before the next especially high tides start. In addition to pushing the pebbles back one estimate is that the huge waves forced the ridge back as much as 20 feet in some places – work will start on building the two new groynes which have been planned to supplement the seven already in place.

Mr T Alasdair-Barclay, Burrows warden, sees for himself how the storms flattened Westward Ho! Pebble Ridge in the Sandymere area.

Capt Colin Lowry of Buckleigh House, Westward Ho! receives a RNLI silver badge.

Dolly Scouloudi, is both the pen name and maiden name of Mrs D Knowles of Park Avenue, Westward Ho! Her new book of poems owes much to the encouragement of TV personality and competition adjudicator, Mr Hedley Goodall who, in this introduction, says the poems reflect the author’s ‘pride in the Devon countryside and the warmth of her friendship.’ Mrs Knowles said “I don’t pretend to be a real professional. I write poetry because I feel I want to: it is a kind of outlet.”

It’s pantomime time at Westward Ho! Latest in a long line of productions presented each year by the Westward Ho! Follies is Dick Whittington, produced by Mrs Ada Powell.

Cathy Sales, Lesley Pugh, Julie Lamey, Elizabeth Meadows, Hanna Wrey, Linda and Caroline Eastman, Jackie Clements and Julie Hodgkins

Bill Thisby, Roger Beale and Des Pugh

In its first five months of existence the Woolsery Parent/Teacher Association has raised £286.09, the chairman, Mr J T Downes, told the annual meeting. The Association is looking into the possibility of building a swimming pool.

All of the Woolsery parish church’s six bells will need to be recast. To meet the extra costs it is planned to invite residents and other friends of the parish to donate £200 a time to pay for each bell’s re-casting. For this, the bell can bear the donor’s name or that of the person in whose memory the donation has been made. The bells are to be re-cast by Messrs Taylor, of Loughborough, who cast them 148 years ago when the firm had a branch at nearby Buckland Brewer. Removal of the bells and their eventual re-erection is being undertaken by Mr Arthur Fidler, of Bow, Devon, who is one of only four bell-hangers in the country. While by church history standards they are not very old, they have interesting features - in having four loops (known as cannons) on top of the bells instead of the usual six. Mr Fidler has recently worked on the Winkleigh and Yarnscombe bells.

The coffin was covered with the Union Jack at the funeral of ex-Army man Mr Arthur Shackson, at Pandora, Venn, Woolsery. The funeral took place at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, the Rector, Rev R O H Eppingstone, officiating. The organist was Mr Stevens. Bearers were Messrs Osward Parsons, Reg Cowell, Graham and Anthony Shackson, Kenneth Rowe and Arthur Braund. Many friends attended the service.

A request by Woolsery Parish Council that they should be told of matters concerning their parish as soon as these had been considered by Bideford Rural Council at committee level has been rejected. It was emphasised that confidentiality would be respected but the rural council decided that since they had only another three months of existence, and that similar facilities would have to be made available to other parishes, there was little point in changing procedures at this stage.

January 1999

The village church of St Helen’s at Abbotsham is preparing to become a focal point for local millennium celebrations, with four events already planned.

One of North Devon’s top visitor attractions has put itself at the forefront of European monetary union by launching its own ‘Ewero’. Three years ahead of the rest of Europe, the Ewero notes have been traded as legal tender from January 1 at The Big Sheep at Abbotsham. A quarter million pounds of Ewero notes valued from £1 to £10 each have been ‘minted’ and are being offered to visitors. The notes can be used to make purchases within the complex in the same way as the Disney Dollar in Disneyworld. “The value of The Big Sheep Ewero is more likely to be affected by the value of lamb rather than the whim of some German banker,” said owner Rick Turner.

Torridge anglers are hoping to have netted more than £1,500 for the Blue Hooker Appeal as the result of a sponsored walk from Bideford Quay to Clovelly harbour. Members of the Bideford and District Angling Club and Appledore Shipbuilders’ Angling Club were joined by bar staff of the Royal George at Appledore.

History will be in the making at Bideford when work starts in earnest on the restoration of the sailing schooner, Kathleen and May. The 100-year-old, 100-ton wooden vessel was brought to the town by local businessman Steve Clarke and has been adopted by the chamber of commerce as a £250,000 project for a riverside attraction. A massive crane will lift the old vessel from the river for her restoration to begin. It is a spectacle which is expected to draw many onlookers to Bideford’s old bridge and quayside.

A Caribbean Christmas was the prize for a Bideford couple after impressing one of Britian’s top entertainment agencies with their musical talents. Multi-musician Martin Lewison and singer Jolanda Seabourne were signed up for a three-month stint of six-star travel aboard a top line Cunard cruise ship. Martin and Jolanda are two of the popular trio Fifth Avenue who are well known for their performances in the region’s Brend Hotels and at local holiday parks. Guitarist John Symonds from Appledore missed out on the trip because of family and other work commitments.

Ostrich steaks have joined fresh local salmon and Cajun chicken on the menu at Spooners Bistro in Bideford. The arrival of The Tavern in the Port included the opening of the Inn’s 45-seat restaurant. An extensive a la carte menu and selection of well-priced wines await diners. Bon viveur Michael Chubb, who runs the Bistro, is a familiar figure to diners in North Devon. With his late mother Emma he ran Southcott House Restaurant in Weare Giffard which was internationally acclaimed.

Bon viveur Michael Chubb at Spooners Restaurant in the Tavern in the Port, Bridge Street, Bideford

Revellers came from far and wide to welcome in the New Year – Bideford style! Cowboys, Indians, Scotsmen, Vikings, supermen, spacemen, snowmen, policemen and their female counterparts were just a few of the colourful characters who formed an enormous dancing throng across the town’s quayside and its old bridge as the midnight chimes sounded. Police estimates are that between 3,500 and 4,000 people took part in the traditional end of bridge welcoming of the New Year, maintaining Bideford’s reputation as one of the top party spots in the country.

Bideford’s historic long bridge has put on a brighter face for the New Year with completion of a £13,500 project to enhance its under-arch floodlighting. Instigated by the town council, the major overhaul of the lights has seen the installation of a new low-energy system of brighter, longer-life bulbs and easy maintenance equipment. The original lights were put in 10 years ago said the Mayor, Cllr Noel Deakes. “The bridge is very important to Bideford. It is our heritage.”

More than £1 million is being spent on schemes to restore the Victorian pannier markets in Bideford and Torrington, bringing the promise of added attractions for visitors and jobs for local people. Work now under way at Bideford’s historic pannier market will provide the town with a unique 25-unit shopping mall. That is the aim of the town council, which is behind the £370,000 project to bring Butchers Row back to its former glory. Its ornate iron gates and iron ‘fretwork’ decorations will be retained. Matching Petersmarland bricks are being made specially for repairs to the façade and flooring. When Butchers Row is reopened the town would have a new shopping mall but with an old style character, said market manager Paul Naisbett.

Nearly £35,000 of funding has been secured for environmental and tourism enhancements to Bucks Mills. Torridge Leader Company has obtained grant aid and the money will be used to reduce the impact of visitors on the tiny fishing and holiday village and improve the quality of the visit itself.

Goods valued at £750 were stolen when a house in Higher Road, Fremington, was burgled. The house was entered between the evening of December 28 and the afternoon of New Year’s Day. Stolen were 50 CDs, a gold plated pocket watch, a Citizen diving watch and a credit card.

Fremington has lost one of its most stalwart workers with the death of Mr Ron Langton. He had worked tirelessly for the parish hall, of which he was the committee chairman for the past 18 years. During that time he initiated four extensions and many improvements and saw the hall win county and district accolades. Mr Langton was one of the founders of Fremington Garden Club and he was chairman of Freminton Carnival Committee.

A modern, individual detached bungalow in Hartland is being marketed for sale.

A Devon longhouse with seven acres of land near Langtree is for sale.

The flu bug could bring to an end the hopes of Torrington ‘musher’ Ivan Passmore and his team of huskies gaining success in one of Britain’s top sled-dog competitions. Ivan and his dogs are scheduled to go to Aviemore in Scotland at the end of the month to compete against 200 competitors in the Beta Siberian Husky Club Rally. But their trip is threatened because two of Ivan’s three dogs have caught the flu.

Two North Devon students have been offered places at one of Britain’s top universities – Oxford. The success of Willow Bangay and Jo Lovell, both from Torrington, follows a series of rigorous interviews and they need to achieve high A level grades to meet their offers. 

Demolition work has heralded the start of the £700,000 restoration project at the Victorian market in Torrington. It is one part of the community’s £2.3 million Genesis regeneration scheme which is being spearheaded by the Great Torrington Community Development Trust. It will house a dozen workshops where local crafts people will be able to work and to sell their products. Project managers Peter Hood said there were still a few units available to let for local crafts people.

Cricket in the West Indies is the exciting prospect that lies ahead for Great Torrington School pupil Neil Bettiss who has been chosen to tour with the West of England Schools under-15 team. With him on the tour Neil will take two new bats supplied by Island Crickit of Witheridge. His favourite bat has been sponsored by fellow sportsman Simon Dafforn of Torrington.

Thieves and vandals have dismayed one of north Devon's best known charity organisations, The Cavaliers. The chairman, Dave Kelly, said that they had been dismayed by damage caused to the structure and the theft of almost two lorry loads of wooden pallets, and of tools stolen. It is hoped that the The Great Fire of London scene will be completed in time to be opened to the public at Easter 2000 before being razed to the ground during the August Bank Holiday.

Torrington Cavaliers repair damage caused by vandals

Radio and television is what Edgehill College student Hannah Arnold is setting her career signs on. But not as an actress. She wants to be an anchor woman. An impressive collection of trophies and awards for her speech and drama talents suggest that she could well reach her goal. Hannah, of Huxhill Farm near Weare Giffard, hopes to go to university.

Atlantic Sands, Westward Ho! properties for sale.

Property in Westward Ho! for sale.

Residents living near the former Yelland power station site are trying to enlist the help of the Prince of Wales in their fight to preserve a wildlife area there. Planning permission has been given for the covering of soil of old ash beds created during the operation of the power station and which are believed to contain asbestos waste.