Life during World War II

The war continues but what else was in the news at this time? 

December 7, 1943

News has reached Mr and Mrs A C Bowden, Terminus Inn, Bideford, that their son, Trpr John Bowden, who was taken prisoner of war in the battle of Tobruk by the Italians has now been taken to a Prisoner of War Camp in Germany.

Much sympathy is extended to his young wife and to Mr and Mrs P F Burbridge, of Bradbourne House, Appledore, in their anxiety following intimation that they son, Flight-Lieut Peter Burbridge, RAF, is ‘missing; from recent operations over enemy territory. He is an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School and married Miss Oldknow of Lichfield. His elder brother, William, is serving with the Eighth Army.

On leave – the following local men have been home on short leave: A B Arthur Pickett, RN, elder son of Mr and Mrs F A Pickett, Underdown; Drvr Fred Robins, RA, husband of Mrs F Robins, Mount Pleasant; Gunr Charles Pengilly RA, youngest son of Mr and Mrs W H Pengilly, Wrinkleberry; Miss Mary Abbott NAAFI, third daughter of Mr and Mrs Oscar Abbott, High Street, Clovelly, has also been home on leave.

Capt W J Harris of Fernlea, Appledore, who has been engaged on convoy work throughout the war, was awarded the OBE for gallantry about twelve months ago but was away at sea. Recently he returned home and was able to go to London accompanied by his wife and daughter to receive the award at the hands of the King. Capt Harris is the grandson of the late Mr P K Harris, shipbuilder.

Two former colleagues of a North Devon Territorial Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, and who were at Bideford Grammar School together, have recently had a happy reunion. They are Capt Kenneth Rowland Gray with the 16th Punjab Regiment, younger son of Mr and Mrs F R Gray, of 11 Park Avenue, and Officer Cadet Eric Carter, only son of Mr and Mrs J Carter of St Jean, Old Barnstaple Road. India was their meeting place. Both are keen readers of the Bideford Gazette.

Births – Coates – to Lilian, wife of A J Coates, a daughter; Fulford – at Aysha, Westward Ho! to Barbara (nee Wear0, wife of Lieut J U Fulford, a son, Jonathan Underhill; Heywood – at Kilmorie, Northam, to Kathleen, wife of Flying Officer S G Heywood, a son; Johns – to Betty (nee Souch), of Flaxmans, Parkham, wife of W S Johns, RAF, a son; Lindsey – to Dorothy (nee Davis), wife of Corpl N Lindsey, RAF, a son, Jeffery; Norman – at Haere-Mai, to Edyth, wife of D Norman, Clonbur, Westward Ho! a sister for Seymour, Sandra Loreley; to Mr and Mrs T J Pester, a son, brother for David; Withecombe – to Margaret (nee Bailey), wife of Leonard Withecombe, a son, David Ernest.

This year the strain on the Post Office will be unusually severe. The Department has lost more of its trained staff for service with the Forces and the reserves of labour, transport and accommodation which would normally be available have been depleted in the interests of the national war effort.

Fuel supplies to controlled premises are fixed.

Staff-Lieut J A Meek and Pte C White thank the good folks at home in the village of Abbotsham for the Christmas box.

An organist is wanted for Abbotsham Church after Christmas. Apply Vicar.

The wedding was solemnised at the Alminstone Methodist Church between Miss Kathleen Stevens and Pte Thomas Cann. The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs A Stevens of Ashmansworthy Farm, Woolsery, and the bridegroom has recently returned from more than three years’ service overseas. He is the younger son of the late Mr and Mrs John Cann of Worden Farm, Bradworthy. The bride placed her bouquet on her brother’s grave in the churchyard at Woolsery West.

At Alwington Methodist Chapel the wedding has taken place of Mr Hedley Parsons, eldest son of Mr and Mrs C Parsons, of Woodtown, Fairy Cross, and Miss Jessie Rout, late of Croydon, the daughter of Mr and Mrs C H Bicker. The bride was given away by Mrs Bailey, Miss J Squires and two little girls were bridesmaids.

The Vicar of Appledore, the Rev H C A S Muller, has had the sad experience of being associated with six funerals on six consecutive days. The Vicar cannot recall such an occurrence in the whole of his forty-tow years in the Ministry.

Flag decorations across the road greeted Mr Kenneth Stevens, of Newhaven, and Miss Lilian Doris Staines, after their wedding at the Congregational Church, Appledore. The bride is the elder daughter of Mr and Mrs George Staines, of New Quay, Appledore. The Rev R W Mould officiated. Mr J U Empringham discharged the duties of best man. Master David Jones presented the bride with a lucky silver horseshoe. The bride’s bouquet was later placed on the grave of Mrs Maria Harding.

Believed to be the largest sum ever raised for a good cause by Bideford and district at one time, a total of over £5,000 has resulted from the recent appeal on behalf of the Merchant Navy Comforts Service.

Films being shown at the Palace, Bideford.

On Tuesday evening fireguards throughout the Bideford and Northam area had a regional test exercise, the object being to test the communications under the new plan. The Regional Fireguard Officer, Mr Spear, and the Fireguard Officer, Mr E Thomason, made a tour of the whole of the combined area during the course of the exercise, which was held in conjunction with the NFS. Fireguards turned out in good strength. The new fire station East-the-Water and the NFS mobilising point at Northam were both in operation. The exercise was ably umpired by the Wardens’ Service.

A fine of 30s was imposed on Leonard Short of Bridgeland Street, Bideford, in respect of an infringement of the black-out.

Well known in Clovelly and Northam districts and a senior member of the local branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Mr Frederick James Steer, of Kimberley Terrace, Northam, has died. The funeral took place at Northam Parish Church with Rev H P D Pinhey officiating. The third son of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Steer, of Bucks Mills, Mr Steer served an apprenticeship as a mason with Messrs Jewell of Clovelly, and for several years was attached to the staff at Clovelly Court. He subsequently settled at Northam where he carried on his work as a master mason. He was a keen and prize winning horticulturist. He married Miss Elizabeth Greenslade and two sons survive – Mr William Steer and Mr John Steer, and one daughter, Miss Jane Steer.

Hartland Home Guard held an invitation whist drive for all ranks and their lady friends in the Church Hall. Ample refreshments were provided, and an excellent time had by all. Prize winners: Mrs Chuter, Miss Ivy Beer, Miss G Shepherd, Mrs D Prouse, Pte G Rooke, Sergt E Heard, Pte J Fulford, Pte W J Walter. Sergt A J Loughlin acted as MC.

Much sympathy was shown at the funeral of Mr Henry John Richards, Cross Street, Northam, who passed away after a brief illness,aged 41 years. Son of Mr Harry Richards, of Church Walk, Bideford, he was engaged on reconstruction work away arising from a recent raid, when sudden illness overtook him.

A thatched cottage at Lower Dundridge, Parkham, is to be sold.

The funeral took place at Parkham of Mr William Henry Elston who was for many years employed by Mr W H Rogers, formerly of Orleigh Court, Buckland Brewer. Rev A J Jefferies officiated at the service.

December 14, 1943

Acting Flight-Lieutenant Frank Burbridge, who is reported missing, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The name of Flight-Sergeant George Bradford, eldest son of Mr and Mrs C G Bradford, The Square, Northam, has been mentioned in despatches in recognition of his service with the RAF.

Able Seaman Kenneth Davis, young son of Mr W Davis and the late Mrs Davis, of Avon Road, Bideford, has been mentioned in despatches for a second time. His first mention was for Russian convoy services, the second for services in the Mediterranean zone. On both occasions he was aboard the same destroyer. He served his apprenticeship as a printer with the Bideford Gazette Ltd.

Mr Eric Braund, whose parents live at the Quay, Clovelly, is home for a few hours.

Clovelly men recently home on leave have included: Petty Officer Lewis Pengilly, RN, son of Mr and Mrs Pengilly of Wrinkleberry; Pte J W Willcocks, RAMC, son-in-law of Mr and Mrs D Cook, Sierra, Higher Clovelly; Drvr Mec John Searles, S/L, RA, son-in-law of Mr and Mrs James Cruse, has spent a short leave at the Retreat, Higher Clovelly.

Major Desmond Valentine RAMC, in practice at Appledore before the war and who went to India in 1940, has been promoted and is in charge of a hospital with 400 beds. Dr Desmond Valentine is a brother of Lieut-Col A W Valentine, who while commanding a battalion of the Devonshire Regiment in Sicily won the DSO.

Owing to an attack of influenza the King was unable to attend the recent Investiture at Buckingham Palace and the Duke of Gloucester officiated. Among those invested with the DSO was Maj Henry Bazeley, Royal Artillery, the only son of Mrs Bazeley of Weare Giffard and the late Mr H R Bazeley. An uncle of Maj Bazeley is Lieut-Col W N Bazeley, of the firm Bazeley, Barnes and Bazeley solicitors of Bideford.

Mrs Ackland, of Old Town, Bideford has recently received this photograph of her wson, Sergt Cecil Ackland whose wife and two sons live at Landcross. Prior to the war he worked for Mr Owen Richards of The Downes, Monkleigh.

Among those who attended a recent investiture was Capt Jackson Page, of the 8th Battalion of the Devon HG, and a master at Shebbear College, who received the MBE in recognition of his services to the Home Guard.

From a General Hospital in the Central Mediterranean zone to which he is attached as a member of the RAMC, Pte F Shortridge has written to the Editor saying how, as a “New Street lad” from Bideford, he was proud to see what a grand turn-out the Street had for Wings for Victory and other local war efforts.

After 12 months probationary formation, during which time they have certainly not been idle, having assisted at the Methodist pleasant hour for troops, been very helpful at the picture shows at Bridge Street and raised £32 at the fete for the Merchant Navy, the Bideford Toc H Women’s Section has now been recognised officially and become a Group. Bideford has the distinction of having the first group in North Devon, in fact this is the first group this side of Exeter.

Births: at Chudleigh Avenue, to Dorothy (nee Lane), wife of Sergt F Bartlett RAF, a daughter, Angela Jean; to Mr and Mrs S T Holloway, Lime Grove, a daughter; to Ida (nee Bromell), wife of Alan F Poyser, a daughter, Jane; to Helena (nee Davis), wife of James Shugar, a son, Brian James; at Babeleigh Barton, Parkham, to Margaret, wife of Sidney J Tucker, a daughter; at Royston Road, to Betty (nee Tuplin), wife of R D Whitefield, a daughter, Laurinah.

At the Congregational Church, Appledore, the wedding took place of Mr W Godbold, of Lowestoft, and Miss Ella Prout, only daughter of Mrs N Prout and the late Capt E Prout of Oakville, Market Street. The reception was held at the Brigade Hall, where about 50 guests were entertained, and there were over 50 presents. Later the happy couple left for Kings Lynn where the honeymoon was spent.

The funeral of Miss Margaret Smallridge, aged 85, of Irsha Street, Appledore, took place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. Miss Smallridge was buried in the grave of her parents, the late Coxswain James Harvey Smallridge and Mrs Smallridge, of whom she was the third daughter. Her illness is understood to have been brought about as a result of blitz effects.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the wedding took place of Sapper Kenneth Miller, RE, and Miss Phyllis Dark, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A J Dark, of Sentry Corner. The Rector of Bideford, Preb Manning, officiated.

Films being shown at the Strand Cinema, Bideford.

Anglo-American Christmas House Party.

For having wireless sets without licences, fines of 30s each were imposed by Bideford Borough Bench on Frederick Preston Luke, of Buttgarden Street, and Jane Potter, of Meddon Street. Mr F F Annear appearing on behalf of the Postmaster General mentioned that when it became known a Post Office test was being taken 71 licences were taken out immediately in Bideford.

Sudbury’s Gloves Ltd have organised a special dance of old and new fashion dances, to be held at the Church Institute. All proceeds are to be given to the Bideford Fanciers Society and various other charities.

The funeral has taken place of Mr Frederick R Jewell, of Hart Street, Bideford. Mr Jewell was a native of Bradworthy. The Rev R Y Stone officiated. The widow, Mrs W Turner and Miss E Jewell, daughter, were prevented from attending through indisposition, and his son, Drvr G Jewell and grandsons, PI Bliman, Flying Officer J Butler, Gunr R Butler and L/Bomber F Butler who are on active service, were unavoidably absent.

The wedding took place at St Nectan’s Church, Hartland, of Mr Guy Bloomer of Nottingham, and Miss Edna Leigh, only daughter of Mr Reginald and the late Mrs Leigh. Rev Philip P Leigh AKC (brother of the bride) officiated and Rev Gregory gave the Blessing and administered Holy Communion. A reception was held at Stowford Cottage, the home of the bride.

When a Bideford Gazette representative visited Mr and Mrs C Marshall of Wyltowyn, Landcross, he was the first to bring them the good news that their second son, Sergeant Reginald Leslie Marshall (since commissioned as Pilot Officer) had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty. Aged 33 he is married and has a son. His wife was formerly a nurse at Bideford Hospital and is now a member of the Civil Nursing Reserve. Pilot Officer Marshall is expected home on leave for Christmas. Another son, Acting Sergt Frederick Marshall is serving with the RAF, and there are two daughters, Edith and Madeline, Red Cross nurses, and a sister-in-law in the ATS. His brother Able Seaman William Marshall, the eldest son, was among those on HMS Dorsetshire who lost their lives when she was sunk.

The funeral of Mrs Selina Fursman, wife of Mr James Fursman, of Holland House, Torrington, took place at the parish Church of St Stephens-by-Saltash. Mrs Fursman passed away peacefully at the residence of her daughter. Messrs J R Bassett, F Poad, W Hunt and J E Coaker, friends of the deceased were bearers.

The splendid sum of £89 6s 9d was the result of the Poppy Day effort in Torrington and District this year, being an increase of £16 10s 7d over last year’s total. The organiser, Mr D Dyer and Mr R Hodge (chairman) of the local branch of the British Legion, express their deepest thanks to the lady collectors and to all those who so generously gave.

The funeral of Mrs Emily Dayman, widow of Mr F J Dayman, took place at Torrington. The service was held in the Parish Church, the vicar, Rev C J Barker, and Rev E Eliot, officiating.

At Westleigh, a whist drive, organised by Mr and Mrs M J Pearse, took place in the Hut in aid of the National Institute for the Blind. Prizes were presented by Mrs Figgess to Miss Steer, Mrs Hicks, Mr J Figgess, Mrs May, Miss McGrath. Mr Pearse was MC. The sum of £10 14s was raised.

December 21, 1943

OBE for Lieutenant Rupert Sausemarey Carey

In the year to come there will be many a story of the present war to be handed down with seafaring traditions locally. One concerns the part played by once freightless ketches and other auxiliary sailing craft lying in the estuary, of how military units were held up for 1,500 tons of cement from Barry, with the railway too congested to bring it and no shipping tonnage available. Mr D Merefield Capt J H Hobbs (Harbour master at Appledore) met the authorities with “We’ll find the shipping” and in a short space of time at Bideford, Fremington and Ilfracombe harbour at low tide, the cement was being safely and promptly discharged. So much for little ships of sail that have adorned our North Devon harbours for so long.

In the brilliant sunshine, but with the threatening rain clouds scudding over the mountain tops, an officer and three men set off on patrol. Their commission was to find out if the enemy still occupied a village beyond the next range of hills. All went well for the first 2 hours. With only a small hillock between them and their goal they took a last ‘breather’. “Quite involuntarily we all dropped in our tracks for running footsteps could be heard. Then to our utter amazement a Jerry came into view. He was running half across our path and as suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared behind a clump of trees. There was the sound of voices. This needed investigating and we discovered that we had passed 50 yards of an enemy mortar position.” And that night, too, Capt J R Strick, of Abbotsham Court, Bideford…

The officers and men of the Appledore Home Guard have sent a Christmas gift of 5s to each of the 33 former members of the Company serving in HM Forces. Many of them are serving in the Navy and a good proportion are overseas.

Births: to Barbara, wife of Leonard Merson, a daughter, Angela Marguerite; at 1 Clifton Street, Bideford, to Edith (nee Battison), wife of W T Raymond, RN, a son, George Ernest, a brother for Billie.

Engagements: Ellis-Jukes – Corpl James Ellice, BCMF, and Mary; Jenkins-Scoynes – Pte Mark Jenkins, RAOC, and Doris May, of Little Ashridge, Horwood.

Films being shown at the Gaiety Cinema, Appledore.

Miss Eliza Jane Heal, whose death has occurred at the age of 74, will be much missed by many friends. She was formerly employed by the late Rev G P Scholey, and also the late Mr P K Harris. The funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore.

“If there is any bigger ramp in the country than this question of the National Fire Service I should like to know it, and it is about time something was done to stop this absolutely needless expenditure, in this town at least” said Cllr T Burton. The discussion arose when Cllr W H Chubb having questioned a statement made at a previous meeting that fire-watching cost £40 a night, the Town Clerk, Mr F C Backway, said the cost was about £100 per week. Arising out of Cllr Burton’s comment, the Town Clerk pointed out that the NFS was a different matter to fire-watching, who were only carrying out the orders of the Home Office.

Miss Gertrude E Daymond is appointed new Matron of Bideford Hospital.

Wanted – boy or girl for office work, apply in writing, stating age and salary required, to the secretary, A O Foresters Friendly Society, Bridge Chambers, Bideford.

Wanted general maid, also young girl to assist in shop. Apply Friendship, Market Place, Bideford.

Furnished rooms to let (adults only). Apply by letter to Mrs Keen, Marine Gardens, Bideford.

British Restaurants.

Potatoes for Sale, finest quality, up-to-dates and Field Mashalls, 7s 6d per cwt. delivered at Bideford. Apply to J S Ashton, Thorne Dairy, Buckland Brewer.

Miscellaneous adverts.

Among the students of the West Bank Girl’s School, Bideford, who have successfully passed the Cambridge Certificate Examination, is Miss Ruth Hilton, daughter of Mr and Mrs James C Hilton, East Dyke, Higher Clovelly. Congratulations!

Bideford Rural District Council discuss food items at their meeting where it’s stated that there are only 2 bakers, both based in Hartland.

Organised by Mr Charles Perham, Clovelly, an enthusiastic and energetic member of the Committee, a very enjoyable and successful social, in aid of the Parish Hall Construction Fund, was held at the Council School. The total proceeds amounted to £15 11s.

The funeral of Mrs Maud Louisa Lovett, of Yelland Manor, Fremington, took place. Mrs Lovett was the widow of Mr Frank A Lovett, of Newport, Salop, and the eldest daughter of the late John and Emily Woodrow, of Davenham. She was born at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, where her father was at that time head gamekeeper. She leaves a son who is warrant officer in the RAF in Canada. Mrs Lovett had lived in North Devon for the past thirteen years and resided for a time at Portledge, Fairy Cross before moving to Fremington. She had a very lovable disposition, and was kind and willing to help in anything connected wit the Women’s Institute and the Church.

At the recent examination of the London College of Music, held at Nickline, Barnstaple, the following candidates were successful: Margaret Davey, Gwendoline Feer, Doris Johns, Beryle Stacey, Marion Bennett, Margaret Copp, Margaret Alexander, Patricia Parkhouse. They are pupils of Mrs A Popham, 6 Halsdon Terrace, Torrington.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington, Mr and Mrs B G Lampard-Vachell, offer seasonal greetings.

A whist drive is held at Woolsery in aid of the National Institute for the Blind.

December 29, 1943

This fifth New Year of war will find nearly every British family with at least one of its members separated by the pressing demands of war. Yet there is a chain which binds family and friends together, forged of paper but stronger than steel. We can be thankful that, in spite of difficulties and disappointments, letters have been delivered to every corner of the world throughout four years of war. Let us make every more strong these blessed ties that bind human hearts together.

“They are not as clean as they might be,” remarked Cllr W H Chubb when making a suggestion that the public air raid shelters should be fitted with gates in order to keep out dogs, etc. He had been surprised at the condition of one shelter he had gone into. Ald H A W Huxham said he agreed with this and they should follow the example of Barnstaple Council who had fitted their shelters with gates. After further debate it was decided that no action be taken in the matter.

Gunr J Sherborne writes to the Editor of the Bideford Gazette.

Mr R G Balsdon is appointed to a commission.

The very gratifying sum of £121 4s 8d was realised at the Methodist Church Hall, Instow, by a sale of work organised by Miss Dobbs, Commandant of Devon 72 contingent of British Red Cross Society, in aid of the Prisoners of War fund. The excellent and copious display of toys was due to the skill and energy of the many friends of the contingent.

Official news has been received that Flight Mechanic Herbert J Folland, only child of Mrs and the late Mr Joshua Folland, of Dolton and Merton, is missing after taking part in bombing operations over Germany. A very popular young man, he was held in high esteem by all who knew him and sympathy goes out to his mother and young wife in their great anxiety.

Two brothers, members of a family with seven sons in the Forces or other branches of National Service have recently been able to meet in North Africa. They are Driver John Francis Symons of Bideford and Driver Percival Symons of Torrington.

Sergt G H Hanks, of a Tank Battalion, has written to the Mayor of Torrington.

Births: to Jack and Dorothy (nee Waters), a daughter, first grandchild of Mr and Mrs Elston of Northam; at Holland Park to Esme (nee Hambly), wife of Haydn Vine, a sister for Cleveland.

Engagement: The engagement is announced between Thomas Wilfed Johns, eldest son of Mr and Mrs T Johns, 1 Brookfield Terrace, Bideford, and Gwenda Hibbert, of Warrington, Lancs.

A dance at Abbotsham.

Following the custom of his late father, Sir William Reardon Smith and family kindly sent gifts for distribution to the aged and blind in Appledore. As in previous years the distribution has been carried out by Miss Olive Ford.

The death occurred on Christmas Day of Mr Sydney Waldon, of 1 Kingsley Road, Bideford, whose younger brother Mr John Waldon, died only a few weeks ago. Mr S Waldon was a Bidefordian born and bred and spent nearly 40 years as a clerk with the firm of Messrs Bazeley, Barnes and Bazeley, Bideford. Earlier he was dispenser with Drs Rouse and Gooding, Bridgeland Street. The funeral took place at Northam.

Two Bideford octogenarians, wed over sixty years were buried at the Church of England Cemetery, East-the-Water, Bideford on Christmas Eve. They were Mr and Mrs John Henry Blackmore, Bridge View, Bideford. Mrs Blackmore died on 18th and Mr Blackmore followed on 23rd. They were married in 1883 at the Wesleyan Chapel, both being of Bideford families, Mrs Blackmore’s maiden name being Major. Their family of seven are all living, including Messrs Charles, Jack and William Blackmore, Miss Gertrude Blackmore,Mrs (Nurse) Margaret Budgens, Mrs Ethel Edwards and Mrs Nell Passmore, daughters.

There was much local interest in the wedding at Tavistock Parish Church of Lieut Roy Action, RA, and Miss Dorothy Hewson, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs F Hewson, of Tower House, Strand, Bideford. A number of friends from Bideford attended the ceremony. Before joining the forces the bridegroom was a member of Devon Constabulary and had been stationed at Bideford, and the bride has been a member of the staff of the Town Clerk’s department since early in the war.

Fifteen children and two adults spent Christmas as patients at the North Devon Joint Isolation Hospital, Alverdiscott Road, Bideford, and …

Some 900 children from Bideford, Northam, Westward Ho! Appledore and Westleigh were given their most memorable treat on Christmas Day when officers and men of the United States Army ‘took over’ the role of Father Christmas at the Strand Cinema, kindly loaned by the directors. First came the thrill for many in being taken to the rendezvous in military vehicles, and then the irrepressible happy atmosphere inside, with the theatre filled with excited girls and boys, and acting as hosts among them American soldiers almost as excited as their charges.

The Methodist cause at Woolsery has lost a devoted supporter in the person of Mr James Wonnacott, of Slade Cottage, Clovelly, whose unexpected death caused deep regret in the district. Mr Wonnacott served in the Great War of 1914-1918. Before going to live at Slade Cottage, Mr and Mrs Wonnacott and their family resided at Woolsery.

Members of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, Westward Ho! of which he had been acting secretary during the war in the absence on service of the secretary, Major R H Columbine, were among those attending the funeral service of Mr Michael Alexander Caldwell, OBE, of Marchwood, Limers Lane, Northam.

Parkham Christmas Fund for the prisoners of war.

What’s on at The Cinema in Torrington?

As a result of the sale of fruit, vegetables, etc. organised by Mr W B Clarke, landlord of the Black Horse, Torrington, a sum of £24 3s 5d has been given to the local prisoners of war fund. Mr Clarke wishes to express his very sincere thanks to all those who helped to make the effort such a success.

Children’s treat at Torrington.

A gentleman of good education with considerable business experience (over military age) desires an APPOINTMENT locally, hours 10 to 4, clerical preferred.

For sale, children’s encyclopedia, 8 volumes, good condition: 10s, each book. J Wise, Weare Giffard.

The workers at the Buckleigh Laundry, Westward Ho! met for a few minutes to say goodbye to two of their colleagues who have retired – Mrs Maud Powe of Appledore, and Mrs L Clarke of Bideford, who have each worked at Buckleigh for over forty years. Mr Boyle, presenting them each with a cheque from the firm, said that goodness and devotion such as theirs could never be repaid, but their mates would ever remember them with affection and now wished them many happy years of retirement.