February 1924

A settlement of the strike of railway locomotive men was reached after 19 hours continuous conference.

It is estimated that the strike cost the strikers and their union £230,000 in loss of wages and strike pay. The companies’ loss of revenue is estimated at £4,000,000. It is almost impossible to estimate the incidental loss caused by the dislocation of other industries. Despite the settlement of the enginemen’s strike, labour troubles in England are by no means at an end.

At Friendship's Cafe in Bideford, a exhibition of 'fuel-less' cookery. Do you know what this 'wonderful invention' consisted of?

The prevalence of colds and influenza is seriously affecting the attendance at the elementary schools. There were 70 absentees from one school at Bideford on one day. At the commencement of the month the attendances at the principal schools in the town were up to about 95 per cent.

Mrs Harriett Hall of Oldstone House, Abbotsham, is summoned and fined 6s.

News was received with regret of the death of George Worth, the youngest son of Mr and Mrs H Worth, of Moreton Lodge, on the Hartland Road, Abbotsham. The funeral took place

A successful dance has been held in the schoolroom at Alverdiscott. During an interval, the Rev A H Oak-Rhind presented a leather writing compendium to Miss Newcombe for her voluntary care of the parish church while without a verger.

News of the death in London of Major John Hendley Morrison Kirkwood, JP, DSO, of Yeo Vale, Alwington, was received in the Bideford district with much regret. The body was cremated at Golders Green, where the chief mourners attending the funeral service were the widow, Mr Robert and Mr John Kirkwood, Miss Diana Kirkwood, Mrs Aubertin, and Col C H Kirkwood. Mrs Morrison Kirkwood, Major Kirkwood’s mother, is at present in Egypt.

Later, a funeral took place ….

A large proportion of the Appledore population is down with influenza. From one shipyard it is stated 40 men were home out of 70. In one of his sermons, Rev Hugh C A S Muller, while sympathising with all who were suffering or had suffered from the influenza epidemic, mentioned that it was the saddest week he had known for a long time, and he felt sorry to think that his Sick and Needy Fund could not provide sufficient milk and other necessities in the present emergency, as there were over 300 cases of illness.

About forty rabbits were sent to the Vicar by Mr A Christie, of Tapeley Park, Instow, for distribution to the poor.

A local Chamber of Trade for Appledore?

Appledore fisherman, William Cox, acquitted.

After a lapse of several years the Appledore Branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society under the auspices of Mrs Hugh Muller assisted by Mrs Harvey, gave a large social evening with a delightful supper at the National School. Over a hundred young people of both sexes sat down to a splendid supper, which was entirely catered for by Miss Martha Bilton, of the Vicarage Staff, and the following kindly supervised the tables: Mrs Hugh Muller, Mrs Harvey, Mrs Louie Lamey, Misses Minnie Cook, Maudie Fishwick, Minnie Lamey, Bertha Guard, Gwendoline Guard, Muriel Lamey, Hilda McCarthy, Florence Jenkins and Miss Ethel White.

In sunshine, a large gathering assembled at St Mary’s Church, in Appledore, to witness the wedding of Miss Elsie White, the second daughter of Captain John and Mrs Harriet White, to Mr Philip George Kelly Laverty Harris, the eldest son of Mr Frederick and Mrs Harris, of Dockhouse, and foreman shipwright of the firm P K Harris and Sons and grandson of Councillor P K Harris. Mr John Eastman, uncle of the bride, gave his niece away. Mr Frederick Harris, brother of the bridegroom ably discharged the duties of best man. At the conclusion of the service at Church the bells were nicely chimed by Mr J Heard. The wedding guests were photographed by Mr Ellis, and a very happy day was concluded by a Cinderella dance, and later in the evening the happy young couple left for Langton House, kindly placed at their disposal by Councillor P K Harris.

A pretty wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore. Owing to the Vicar’s illness, Rev J A S Castlehow, Curate of Northam, kindly officiated. The contracting parties were Mr John Kelly Cobbledick, shipwright, and Miss Vera Powe.

Appledore received the sad news of the death of Mr Harry Cox. He served his shipwright apprenticeship at Appledore and was a regular attendant at the Appledore Young Men’s Bible Class. He married Harriet, daughter of Mrs Tucker, of One End Street, and has left a widow and two children. He was the eldest son of the late Captain John Cox, who was the eldest son of the late Captain James Cox of the Trinity Stores, and a son of the famous Coxswain Cox for many years in charge of the Appledore lifeboat, and a grandson of Nelson’s great coxswain Cox, who was nicknamed ‘Warrior’.

A large number of sailors assembled at St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore, to pay their last respects to the late Mr John Berry, one who had served for 31 years in the Appledore lifeboats being 2nd coxswain of the Saunton boat for 18 years under the late Coxswain Smallridge and for 13 years in charge of the Appledore lifeboat.

An Appledore man met with a somewhat severe cycling accident. Mr James Green of Myrtle-street, was cycling down Orchard Hill when the handle bars worked slack, with the result that all steering and braking control became impossible. Gathering speed, the machine eventually crashed into the wall near the Westward Ho! turning. Mr Green was thrown heavily, sustaining injuries to face and limbs.

Next month, one of the last wooden line-of-battle ships ever to be built will come over Bideford Bar to be broken up at Hinks Yard. She will be towed by two tugs from Clyde Shipping Company in and the charge of Captain Richard Hooper of 4 Richmond Road, Appledore. The vessel is now known as the Empress, but her original and better known name was Revenge. For many years she has been used as a training ship for the Merchant Service.

Sentry Corner site in Bideford – layout and plans available.

Work is taking place on Bideford Bridge, during which the parapet has been removed and replaced with wire railings.

A two-ton petrol lorry belonging to the Anglo-American Oil Company left its depot at East the Water loaded with 300 gallons of oil and many two-gallon cans of petrol. The driver was Charles Cloke, a married man aged around 48 years, of 15 Marland Terrace, Bideford and an experienced driver. His assistant was his son Charles, 21 years old, also married and living at 5 Silver Street, Appledore. Part way across the bridge the lorry was seen to veer to the left, the wheel slipped off the edge of the bridge and the lorry went over. Thankfully the tide was low. Many people witnessed the accident so help was quickly on its way, including Dr Ellis Pearson who gave immediate first aid. Both men were taken in a boat to the slipway then by car to Bideford Hospital. The younger man suffered only superficial injuries but his father was badly hurt. It is thought that a loose stone could have upset the steering enough to send the lorry crashing through the temporary barrier. The after-effects of this horrific event prompt many other comments in the Gazette during the month, including the danger to school children who have to cross the bridge four times a day in term time. The local hotels who normally advertise their luxury accommodation to people arriving by train are also concerned. The Town Council is giving the matter much thought.

Miss M Windeatt Roberts gave a talk to the Young People’s Guild at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford on the topic of Collecting. She spoke about the recreative value of a hobby, noting that King Charles 11 collected spaniels and Mr Gladstone collected Leeds pottery. Among the many other options put forward were brass rubbing, memorial inscriptions, door-knockers and ivory back-scratchers. She was also ahead of her time in suggesting that one member of every family should take responsibility to record the history of that family in documents and photographs, recommending a loose-leaf file as the ideal method of keeping everything together.

Miss Bazeley and Miss Brayley, lady Guardians, gave their annual treat to the inmates of the Bideford Poor-Law Institution, providing their guest with a tea and a Christmas tree, with presents for the children. There also attended and helped:

The paper of 12 February has a long report of the first ever Bideford Eisteddfod, which was held over three days and organised by the Wesley Guild under the leadership of Misses F & B Daniel. There were over 450 entries. Does anyone know if this event was ever repeated?

There has been a fire at Saltrens, Bideford, residence of Alderman J U Fulford. Weatherboarding over a gable window was spotted well alight and flames were spreading under the roof. The household staff and workmen got it quickly under control and the damage – estimated at between £40 and £50 – will be covered by the insurance. The cause is thought to be sparks from a chimney igniting an old bird’s nest.

The funeral of Mrs Ellen Copp, widow of the late Mr W H Copp, of 10 Torridge Street, Bideford, took place. A short service was held in the Bethel by Mr Haimes, the deceased having been a member for about 50 years. Rev W N Manning officiated att he graveside. Messrs J Dark, T Stacey, G Colwill, W Shute, H Backway and J West acted as bearers.

We regret to announce the death of the late Mr Fred G Copp, of 4 Sunnyside, East-the-Water. Deceased was well known and held in great respect in the district, having been employed by Messrs John Cock and Sons for close on forty years. The funeral at East-the-Water cemetery was officiated by the Rev C B Crofts. The cortege was headed by the deceased’s fellow workmen, the bearers being Mr J Hancock, O Squires, H Kivell, H Branch, J Glover and H Heale. Other friends and neighbours followed.

We regret to record the death of Mr W H Colmer, shoemaker, who had been in the employ of Messrs Prouse for over 50 years, and resided at 1 Milton Place, Bideford. He passed away after a long and painful illness patiently borne, and was buried at the Church Cemetary, East-the-Water. Rev C B Crofts officiated.

The death of Mr Frederick Fulford, manager of Bideford Gas Works, is announced.

We regret to record the death at the age of 83 years, of Mrs Elizabeth Bishop, at her residence, Meadow-view, Clovelly Road, Bideford. She was the widow of Mr William Bishop who was a well-known inhabitant of the town, and she was herself held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. She leaves a son and four daughters with whom and other members of the family much sympathy is expressed in their loss.

At Bideford Borough Licensing Sessions Inspector Doidge said the number of licensed houses was 32, the same as the previous year. Once innkeeper had been convicted and fined 21s. Nine persons had been proceeded with compared to ten. The population (1921 Census) being 9,125, there was one licensed house to every 285 of population. The conduct of the license holders had been good and there no objection to any of the licenses being renewed.

On the application of Mr H R Bazeley, a twelve months’ music and dancing license was granted in the name of the Rector, Rev W N Manning, for the Church Lads’ Brigade Hall, Allhalland-street, Bideford, Mr A M Alford applied for a protection order in regard to the license of the Old Porto Bello Inn, Honestone Street, in favour of Mr John Day, who comes from Norfold, and whom had purchased the freehold of the premises.

For the chimney of 4 Mill-Street, Bideford, of which house he is the occupier, being accidentally on fire, George F Strudwick was fined 3s by the Bideford Magistrates. PC Worwood said the defendant told him the chimney was swept in September last.

At the Hartland funeral of the late Mr R Bert Walter, the Vicar officiated. The mourners attending included the widow and Miss Ida Cook. The bearers were Messrs William Beer (Anchor), W Heard (Greenlake), L Heard (Galsham), Mervyn Pillman (Longfurlong), T Walter (West Street) and T A Walter (Etson).

Mr John Dennis gave tea to Elmscott Sunday School. The rewards were distributed after which the evening was devoted to games and singing.

Household furniture from Verne, Instow, is for sale by public auction, with instructions from Mrs Pike.

At the Green Dragon Inn, Langtree, Messrs Greenwood of Exeter offered a block of freehold cottages (lately owned by Mr H E Nethaway) for sale by auction. First offered in one lot the highest bid was £335 but as this was below the reserve the cottages were offered to and bought by the tenants by private treaty.

The members of the Langtree Church Recreation Room learnt with regret that Mr J Johns relinquished his post as caretaker. His resignation was rendered imperative by advancing years, aggravated by a recent accident, from which, it is gratifying to state, he is recovering. Since his appointment on Lady-day, 1921, he has fulfilled his various duties keenly and zealously, and to the entire satisfaction of all. The duties will now be temporarily undertaken by Mr J Adams.

The scholars of Langtree Church Sunday School were given their annual tea in the schoolroom, when Mrs G Mills and Miss J Budd presided at the tables. After tea parents and interested adults were admitted and merriment began. Indoor games, including forfeits, musical chairs, jolly miller, skittling, dancing, singing, etc. were indulged in and heartily enjoyed. Books and prizes were distributed by the Rev B Hallowes. At the conclusion ringing cheers were given for the rector, the pianist (Mrs W Brownscombe) and the cooks.

16th North Devon (Northam) Troop Boy Scouts organise a fancy dress ball at the Kingsley Gym, Westward Ho!

The Indian General Service Medal with Afghan Bar for service in 1919 on the Frontier has just been received by Pte J Eastman, of Fore Street, Northam, who was a member of the 16th Devons.

At Bideford County Sessions, Montague Thomas Littlejohns, a motorman, of Northam, was summoned for unreasonably obstructing traffic at Fore Street, by leaving a motor lorry alongside the kerb for 20 minutes. PC Phillpotts gave evidence, and the Magistrates held that the case was proved, and defendant was fined 3s.

The funeral of the late Mrs Mary Blackford, the widow of James Blackford took place at Northam Churchyard with the Rev Gerald G Payne Cook and Rev Castlehow officiating. The coffin bore the inscription “Mary Blackford, died 25th January 1924, aged 85 years.” There was a large attendance. The following acted as bearers – Sergt Barber, Messrs Richard Hearn, W Alford, C Lloyd, W Taylor and E Kelly. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr R C Littlejohns, Northam.

The funeral took place of the late Mrs Sarah Hammett, wife of Mr John Hammett, of Lenwood Cottage, Northam, who died at the age of 69 years. Deceased was very highly respected in the district as was shown by the very large number that attended to pay the last tribute of respect. Amongst the large number attending were the husband, Mrs Pearse,

A meeting in Parkham has voted to start a Women’s Institute branch. Mrs Knowles will be the first president, Mrs Allardice Vice-president and Miss Sloman secretary.

The present spell of fine weather is enabling ploughing, etc. to be pushed forward with great energy. The lambing season is practically over.

We regret to announce the death of Mrs Grace Chamberlain, of Radford Farm, Shebbear, at the age of 88 years. She was one of the oldest parishioners, a member of one of the oldest families in the neighbourhood and held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends.

A pretty wedding was solemnised at the Parish Church, Torrington, by the Rev Preg F Emlyn Jones, the contracting parties being Mr Charles Popham, and Miss Florence Parkhouse, of Cornmarket-street. Both are widely known in the Torrington district.

Torrington traders have voted to change early-closing day from Thursday to Wednesday, beginning in the first week of May.

Torrington Guardians considered a resolution from the Barrow-in-Furness Board to the effect that no destitute man who fought in the late war should be forced to appeal for Poor-law assistance, but should be special charge upon the nation, and calling upon the Government to lay before Parliament the number of ex-Service men in Mental Hospitals who are chargeable to local rates and the numbers of ex-Service men and dependants receiving out-relief.

Another old and respected Torringtonian has passed away – John Parr, at the age of 74 years. Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiated. The bearer were Messrs J and G Gilbert, W and G Stacey, W Baker and L Braunton.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at Weare Gifford Church by the rector, Rev H Moyses. The contracting parties were Mr E F Clements and Miss R Start. Mr Clements, who is clerk at Messrs R Blackmore & Sons, Bideford, served with the 2nd Devon, and M.G.C. Miss Start for many years was with the late Judge Beresford, of the Hall, Weare Gifford.

Moore’s Rooms at Weare Gifford, the scene of many a good tea-fight, presented a lively appearance when a whist drive and dance, in aid of the usual hard-up Annery Rovers took place. The rooms were tastefully decorated and ....

Mutual animosity between Phoebe Sanders of Ashridge, Westleigh and Betsy Holland, of Matthew Mills, Alverdiscott.

The Café Royal at Westward Ho! is for sale through R Blackmore & Sons. It comprises a main hall, balcony, cloakrooms, and lavatories fitted with slot machines and having entrances from the interior. There are also rear store rooms, a large gas stove and ample washing up sinks as well as parking for cars. Included in the sale is a good supply of chairs and tables. The main hall seats 100 people with 60 more accommodated on the balcony.

We regret to announce the death of Mr Frederick R Bragg, late of Penkenna, Westward Ho! which took place at the residence of his sister at Barnstaple. Although Mr Bragg had been in very ill health for some while before his death, the end came all too quickly.

Miss Grant, of The Fern Street School Settlement, Bromley-by-Bow, London, and Miss Medlecott, hon. secretary of the Children’s Cottage Hospital, Shedfield, Hants, wish to convey their sincere thanks to all those in Westward Ho! who through Miss Ellis, Mrs L M Nicholls (Seadrift) and many other kind friends have been able again to send large parcels of clothes, toys, games, etc. and which have given untold pleasures and help to both these excellent causes which are doing so much for the children in both London and Portsmouth districts.

The funeral has taken place at Winkleigh of Mr Jonathan Short of Westwood Farm.

At Bideford County Sessions Mrs Norah Ann Andrew, of Cranford Farm, Woolsery, was summoned for allowing cattle to stray on the highway. PS Warren said he found five of Mr Andrew’s bullocks straying on the highway at Cranford Cross, half a mile away from the farm. Mrs Andrew, who wrote that the gates of the fields opened on to the highway, and that the cows must have broken out was fined 3s.

Thomas Short, engine driver, of Woolsery, who had been working at Winkleigh was at Bideford Borough Sessions fined 3s for riding a bicycle without a light near Moreton Lodge. PS Worren said defendant told him he had a puncture which made him late. He had nine miles still to go.

Feb 1974

Some of the local girl footballers who are competing for the title of North Devon Soccer Personality Girl. With the title does a prize valued at £10. The occasion is the first annual dinner of the Legs Eleven ladies’ FC of Appledore, at the Westward Ho! Holiday Centre. An attendance of 450 is expected. In the picture are Barbara Riley, Liz Lawrence, Diane Moore, Rosalind Smale, Christine Hale, Janet Pearson, Liz Stanbury, Anne Powe. Another entrant, Juliet John, was unable to be present when the photograph was taken. Later in the month it was reported that Mrs Christine Hale, an Appledore hairdresser who plays centre half for the Bell Bombers is North Devon’s first Soccer Personality Girl.

There are eight darts players in this picture, but how many relationships? According to one reckoning there are 25 – two sisters, three brothers, two husbands, two wives, three brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, one mother, one daughter, one niece, three aunts and three uncles. On looking at it another way there could be 56. Doug and Jack Bale each have two brothers, two sisters, a wife, a sister-in-law and a niece; Ted Bale has two brothers, two sisters, two sisters-in-law and a niece; Mrs Winnie Bailey has three brothers, a sister, two sisters-in-law and a niece; Mrs Henrietta Brennan has three brothers, a sister, two sisters-in-law and a daughter; Mrs Gillian Bale and Mrs Jean Bale each have a husband, two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law and a niece; and Elizabeth Brennan has a mother, three uncles and three aunts.

The Golden Hinde, the full-sized replica of Drake’s historic ship which was built at Appledore is leaving Devon in April. She will sail from Dartmouth, where she is being refitted, to London and will spend six months moored in the Thames at Tower Pier. Then in September, a year later than planned, she will sail to San Francisco.

Thirty local cowboys are busy looking for their own spread, a place where they can hang up their guns for a while and relax to the sound of music, Western style. For nearly two years they have been on the trail, meeting lonely at monthly ho-downs in local village halls. What they are looking for is a hall where they can listen to their music, hold a dance, and perhaps have a saloon not more than a gunshot away to provide liquor. Until then Sheriff Mason is happy to rub shoulders with the Sundance Kid – he’s Bideford bricklayer Mike Weakley – the Cisco Kid and other desperadoes.

Believed to be the first of its kind in Bideford was a class for ‘expectant’ fathers held at the Health Centre. It has been introduced as part of the regular weekly ante-natal clinic run by the district midwives. It means expectant mums can bring along their husbands to a class at which they can share in a talk and discussion about prospective parenthood.

A gold badge for having given 50 pints of his blood is presented to Mr Jack Sinclair at a blood-transfusion service session at Bideford. Mr Sinclair, who lives at Geneva Place, is caretaker of Bideford County Secondary School and is a former Scoutmaster. In the picture, the Mayor of Bideford, Major E Hill, is seen presenting the badge. In Red Cross uniform are Miss D Thomas, Miss P Durant and Miss P Gammon.

In this plan of the proposed new Bideford Comprehensive School the new first year block is shown in the centre foreground. Behind this block is the new science block which will be joined by a high level corridor to the proposed creative arts block. Seen in the picture immediately above this building is the gymnasium and a classroom block of the present school. On the extreme left is the new general teaching block which is planned and opposite the present Abbotsham Road school entrance at the top of the plan is the new administration block.

A new 71ft lifeboat which should be slipping into the River Torridge this month will almost certainly be stationed at Clovelly when she becomes operational. The new craft has been built at Bideford Shipyard Ltd. She will be followed by four more lifeboats, this time of the 44ft variety, in another RNLI order which will take until 1975 to complete.

When Bideford Methodist Circuit Youth held a ‘Teeny Boppers’ evening at Northam, around 100 people enjoyed games, a mini-social buffet supper, a sing-along and a magician. Arrangements were made by the Rev Peter Willis and a sub-committee of leaders and young people. Games were supervised by Messrs Eddie Moore, John Dennis and Tom Headon. The mini-social was organised by Messrs Trevor Mills, David Blight and Colin Priest, and Mrs Redmore as their helper. Mesdames D Reed, E Moore and Grant, and the Misses M Yeo and W Elliott served the buffet supper. The entertaining magician was Mr Roy Van-Dyke.

The hopes of Bucks Mills sewerage scheme opponents that the Ombudsman would intervene in their fight with Bideford Rural Council who are going ahead with a plan to discharge crude sewage into the sea have been dashed.

No objection is being raised by Bideford Rural Council to an application by the Clovelly Estate Company for a licence to fell three small clumps of trees – 27 trees in all. The decision is subject to the estate company replanting with hardwoods and a conifer nurse crop, which they had indicated they were prepared to do. The company say they have been advised that the trees have become a potential danger to road users. The trees are sited near the old laundry and Court Farm; northwest of the sewage disposal works; and north of the county road opposite Underdown.

PC Bernard Aust, 24 year old son of Mr and Mrs F G Aust, of Higher Clovelly Post Office, was presented with the George Medal by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at a Buckingham Palace investiture. Mr Aust, now a policeman in Australia, won the award for bravery when tackling an armed terrorist in Sydney in February 1972.

Winners in a Don match held at Hartland in aid of hospital funds were: Mrs M O’Donnell, Mrs E Cook, Mrs Allin, Mr T Squires, Mrs Turner, Mr W Turner, Mrs Jeffery and Mr J Colwill. Draw winners were S Walter, E Harris, J Heard and T Beer. A jumble sale was held, followed by a bingo session, for the same cause.

Guard of honour at Hartland for Mr Arthur George of Downe Farm.

The Imperial Service Medal has been presented to Mr William Tape of Seaview, Hartland.

Hartland Parish Council have had an electric shock. It came in a bill from the South Western Electricity Board who installed two extra street lights in the parish. The price quoted was £23, work was completed last May, and the bill arrived in December. It was for £67. Now the council are waiting for the board to justify a near 300 per cent increase.

Northam and District Men’s Forum, founded in January 1972, has enrolled its 100th member. Prior to the annual meeting an amusing ‘talk at random’ was given by a member, Mr W J Davis. The president, Rev Maurice Hart, presided over an attendance of 86. The following was elected as officers – Rev Maurice Hart, Mr John H Williams, Mr Ernest J Lashbrook, Messrs Alex Munro-Chick, John Pilling, Percy Reed, William J Hook, Norman Alston, John French, Aubrey Hill, Rupert Hill, George Miles, Bert Reed, Charles Gale and James Jennings.

One of a line of trees at Lundy View, Northam, that residents have been trying since July 1971, to get the permission of Northam Urban Council to lop, fell across the roof of the home of one of the campaigners. The sole occupant, Mrs Ellen Richards, was unhurt. Fortunately the fallen tree had been further from her home than others so that only the top fell on the roof and only slight damage was caused.

A muffled peal was rung at the funeral at St James’ church, Parkham, of former bellringer Mr Reuben Yarde, of Longclose, Parkham.

St James’ Church, Parkham, was packed to capacity for the funeral of Mrs Hilda Metherell, of the Village, Parkham. The Rector, Rev Trevor Nicholls, conducted the service and Miss A Lott was at the organ.

Parkham Women’s Institute, thought to be the oldest organisation of its kind in the Torridge district, celebrated its 50th birthday with a special party at which a cake was cut by Mrs W Pridham, who was a founder member, and Mrs A Daniel, the longest active member with 48 years’ service to her credit. The cake had been made and decorated by Mrs E Lang. Following a sit-down meal, Mr and Mrs Trapnell, from Bideford, organised country dancing.

In the picture the Parkham WI president, Mrs George, is seen with four former holders of the office – Mrs Tucker, Mrs Lynn, Mrs Williams and Mrs Dunn.

Known as Sceaft Beara in 1050 and Sepesberia in the Domesday Book, Shebbear has had its name spelt in at least seven different ways over the centuries. Devon County Council have found yet another variation for 1974!

Parents of children who will be attending Torrington Comprehensive School have had the opportunity to discuss future education prospects with Mr Don Howard, headmaster. One of the most asked questions was whether their children would have the same opportunities at the comprehensive. “And the answer I give is a very firm yes,” said Mr Howard. A series of meetings has been planned to explain present and future developments to parents not only of children living in the town but also the rural parishes which will help boost the school’s numbers from its present 550 to about 800 by 1975.

A sister and brother will take leading parts in this year’s May Queen ceremony. Chosen by vote of fellow pupils at the Blue Coat School, the Queen will be Louise Ashton, of 200 New Street, Torrington. Her brother Jonathan will be one of the heralds. The other is Neil Cockwill, whose home is Bellair, School Lane. Naomi Harland of South Street, Torrington has been chosen crowner. The attendants will be: Teresa Bealey, Jane Goosetry, Joanne Luxton, Sara Maddock, Deborah Martin, Meg Matthews, Deborah Pullen, Tyrian Shorters.

A request by Torrington Town Council for financial help towards the cost of the conversion of the Drill hall into an entertainment centre has been turned down by Torrington Rural Council.

In light of the Government’s circular on cuts in local government spending, Torrington Town Council vigorously defended their decision to go ahead with the town’s £75,000 swimming pool scheme. They had the money, thanks to businesslike forbears, and were they going to throw it way and not reap the benefit? asked Cllr J W Martin. The scheme was not something that had been suddenly sprung. Had it not been for a chapter of misfortune they could have had the pool by now.

Later in the month…

Two brothers, Londoners Reg and Bert Ruthen, are steward and assistance steward respectively of the Royal North Devon Golf Club. Such a combination could be something of a record for golf clubs; certainly it is for the RND, although the Westward Ho! club has a tradition of family service. First there were father and son Bryant and Philip Andrews, who followed each other as steward; then Granville Kelly who had completed 51 years’ service with the club on his retirement 11 years ago, was followed as steward by his son Sidney.

February 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. Bangers and beans were on the menu at Abbotsham Parish Hall when members of the Parish Church of St Helen’s put on a We’ll Meet Again night to celebrate the forthcoming millennium. It was a chance for many to dress up in 1940s fashions.

Peelers Cottage, Appledore, for sale. It was originally a malthouse and then turned into a police house in 1845 under the order of the local magistrate. Many of the original police house features have been retained.

Church leaders in Bideford are seeking a meeting with district council representatives in a bid to save their local car park from closure. Councillors drew back from a recommendation to close the free riverside car park at Clarence Wharf, the only council car park at East-the-Water. But it comes up again for deliberation. Nearby Bethel Church has now entered the debate, expressing its concern in a letter to committee chairman Cllr Bill Brook. No other recognised car parking existed in East-the-Water said church secretary Graham Pyke.

Pupils at Grenville College Junior School in Bideford are giving the birds a helping hand. They have been busy making bird boxes in time for the nesting season as part of their practical work in craft, design and technology. Wood for the project has been provided free by Rawle Gammon and Baker’s Chapleton Sawmills near Umberleigh.

Seven teams contested the Bideford Rotary Club’s Youth Speaks competition in the library of Grenville College. This is always a lively contest in which teams of three students present short talks in competition form on a diverse range of subjects. Grenville College was (just) the best in the junior section, Bideford College won the intermediate section, and the senior section was a close run thing between Bideford College and an Edgehill team.

The picture shows Jessica Lobbett, Amalia King, Stephanie Rolfe with Alan Glover and Brian Sims

Vikings are going on the march again. This time it will be a young invading force from Grenville College in Bideford, here pupils are studying the history of the Viking period. The pupils are busy making Viking costumes before following the invasion route taken by Hubba the Dane from Skern at Appledore to Godborough Hill and his subsequent defeat by the Saxons. Helping to put more colour into their history lessons was the unexpected appearance in class of Knights of Devonia member Chris Jewell in full Viking regalia.

Staff at New Look in the High Street, Bideford, went back to the Stone Age for a special day of fundraising.

Picture shows Tracey Crump, Natalie Hill, Anna Braund, Jenny Rayner and Charlotte Dinen

A new Bideford model agency is opening. Launched in the town’s Stallones nightclub the Freelance Model Agency has been set up by freelance photographer Brian Saunders.

Our picture shows Freelance models Richard French, Tara Nicholls, Simone Solomon and Brad Randen

Buy your carpet from John Rockey, Atlantic Interiors 98, 2 Grenville Street, Bideford.

Praise for boys who saved sheep. Harry Chambers, his cousins Timmy and Andrew King, and their friend Adam Lloyd had been fishing by the River Taw at Fremington and as they made their way back home they saw sheep struggling in thick, black mud. Harry ran to find help, and the other boys used hands, feet, and sticks in an effort to get the animals onto dry ground. The weight of the frantic sheep in their heavy fleeces was almost more than a match for the youngsters but they carried on trying. Harry by this time had alerted his grandfather Paul Chambers and he joined the rescue efforts. The RSPCA were called. One sheep was saved and there were some proud family grownups, too. Said Andrew and Timmy’s mum, Tracey “They certainly got plastered. But that’s typical. They’s always in the mud somewhere!”

Mountain biker Paul Sanders is back in North Devon after completing one of the toughest challenges of his life. Paul and two friends have just completed a cycle ride right across Spain, from Santander in the north to the Rock of Gibraltar, and back! The works manager of the Clone Zone at the Milky Way adventure park at Clovelly was joined by Hartland pair Terry Witney and Alex Duncan on the 1,515 mile marathon. Between them their efforts have raised almost £1,000 in sponsorship for the British Heart Foundation.

Detached family home for sale in Littleham.

The Atlantic rollers which pound and transform North Devon’s coastline provide the inspiration behind the works of Northam sculptor Barry Hughes which go on show at The Plough, Torrington. A retired art and design teacher, Barry has utilised not only the images of the coastline but also some of its flotsam and jetsum – recurving ancient baulks of wood brought ashore by the tides.

The Princess Royal paid a private visit to Saunders House, Northam, after she officially opened it five years ago. A small crowd braved cold winds to await Princess Anne’s arrival.

Darts players at the Bell Inn at Parkham hit a £5,000 jackpot with their charity fundraising. The money will be divided between Devon Air Ambulance and CLIC. Members of the Bell Beer Monsters darts team Sam Beer, Roger Honey, Jason Lang, Bob Hutchings, Simon Schubert, Ian Glover, Andrew Cann, and Philip Dack were joined by landlord Brian Adams in a mass sponsored headshave. With hairdressers Judith Luxton and Leslie Bennett were kept busy snipping, local auctioneers John Brookes and Lester Bird sold off a variety of goods and gifts donated by local people.

Torrington residents offered blooming good deal.

Good Neighbour of the Year, Dolly James, of New Street, Torrington with Judy Gardner who nominated her for the award. Dolly won a trophy and a dinner-for-four prize.

Former Torrington School pupil Paul Morey has found a new friend during a six-week spell in Belize with the Army – a boa constrictor. Paul lives in Torrington, where his mother, Carol, is eagerly awaiting his return.

Gifts to the community by generous benefactors of Torrington, some dating back to the days of Henry VIII, are still providing benefits for the town. Administered by the Town Lands Charity they provide annual grants to local causes. This year just over £28,000 is being distributed in this way.

British archery champion Andrew Newcombe has made a successful return to the butts. Andrew, from Westward Ho!, came second with the longbow in a shoot held by the National Field Archery Society. In recent years hundreds have been introduced to the sport through Andrew’s tuition at the Milky Way Adventure Park at Clovelly where he runs an archery centre. Now he is planning to start a new archery club, the Milky Way Bowmen.

Substantial Victorian residence for sale in Westward Ho!

A wealth of local talent attracted a packed house to The Anchor in Westward Ho! for the grand final of the nightspot’s annual talent competition. Performers ranged widely in age and style, but all gained a tremendous reception and an acknowledgement from the landlord Dave Sykes of a particularly high standard this year. Victory went to the youth with the teenage band Surge of Yelland. Second place went to seasoned campaigner Abe of Bideford and third to young modern ballad singer Sian.

Individually designed property for sale at Woolsery.

There were howls of delight in a Yelland household after a remarkable success in the biggest event on Britain’s sled dog racing calendar. Andrew Thomson and his Siberian huskies, Spirit and Tegra, made a speedy impact at the premier event of the season in Aviemore, Scotland, and were among 65 entries in the two-dog section. The Yelland racers finished fifth. Ivan Passmore of Torrington, and his Eskimo dogs, Pepsi and Katy, took fourth place.