June 1924

Southern Railways advertises its ‘early summer & Whitsun holidays’ from Bideford

The warmer weather which has come for the Whitsun weekend is greatly welcomed in the district. Since the brief fine spell of conditions during the Easter, all North Devon practically has been subjected to a monotony of alternate rainy and suppressed sunshine weather. June, which should be the month of summer, has been with us a week before breaking into the true warmth and sunlight that is hers by right. May Whitsun be the gateway to lazy, woolpack clouds and spotless skies!

A meeting in connection with the great Lifeboat Institution Centenary will be held.

Thefts made the news this month. John Blower, a seaman from Liverpool was working on the ketch Lilla which is lying at Brunswick Wharf. He admitted stealing 32lbs of beef, 14lbs of pork and a pair of boots belonging to the Captain, Richard Jewell. Blower was found asleep in New Road and taken into custody. Questioned by the police he said he had stolen the meat because he was hungry and had sold it in the first pub he came to. The bench did not fully believe this reason and told him he had better sign the pledge and leave off the drink. A fourteen-year-old schoolgirl appeared in the Children’s court in front of three magistrates to answer a charge of stealing a lump of coal worth 4d from the Bideford Gas and Coke company, having been seen leaving the premises with the coal in her hand. She pleaded guilty and was bound over to be of good behaviour for three months on her father’s surety of £5. Another girl, aged 16, was similarly charged but said she had only been holding the coal for the younger girl. She was given the benefit of the doubt. John Moyes Tregaskis, the master of the steamship Avontown which is currently lying in the Torridge, pleaded guilty to concealing 6 bottles of brandy and whisky plus a quantity of tobacco with the intention of avoiding paying duty. He was fined £13 which is roughly three times the duty he would have paid.

Mr Skidmore Ashby, JP., who is at present staying at Bagnoles de l’Orme, Normandy, hoped to be home at Rixdale, Abbotsham in time for the July meeting of the Shebbertown Race Club.

As a result of shortage of freights and a dearth in shipping two large steamers arrived at Appledore to lay up.

We congratulate Mr Kenneth John Hinks, aged 11, eldest son of Mr and Mrs John Hinks, Bude-street, Appledore, on obtaining a scholarship at Bideford Grammar School. He has been attending Appledore Church Schools under Mr Thomas Parsons. Also Matilda Gorrel, daughter of Mr and Mrs Sydney Gorrel, of Alpha Place, granddaughter of Mr John Slader, of the Quay, who has been attending the Devonport School, and latterly the Council School at Appledore, on obtaining a scholarship at Edgehill College.

In delightful weather the Vicar, the President, in introducing Mrs Daw of Yeolden, who had kindly come to open the fete at Appledore Vicarage on behalf of the Nursing Association, reminded the parishioners how she had helped to raise money to build their beautiful Church. Mrs Daw on declaring the fete open…

News has reached Appledore of the death of Mr R Darch, late Stoker Petty Officer of HM Royal Navy. He was a son of the late Mr Darch of Bideford, a successful shoeing smith who had won several competitions in his trade. Mr Darch married Katie, the daughter of the late Captain James Cox, who for many years was in charge of the Trinity Stores in Appledore.

Richard Curtis, Francis Curtis and John Williams, youths, were summoned for playing football on the highway at Appledore on 15th May, to the annoyance of passers by. PC Ridd said there had been numerous complaints, and defendants were each fined 3s.

Springfield Terrace, Bideford, property for sale.

There is a long report about the naming and launch of the Bideford Amateur Rowing Club’s new boat. She was launched from the river bank watched by a crowd of around 1000 people in spite of a steady and persistent downpour. The boat was named Swiftsure by Mr Stucley and the naming ceremony was performed by Miss E F Stucley. Both local clubs then escorted the new boat up the river in a procession of blue and red.

Mr and Mrs J Gregory who left England with their family for New Zealand about 16 years ago are spending a holiday with their daughter in Bideford, their native town.

The shortage of affordable housing made the news in 1924 as it does in 2024. The Mayor of Bideford, Councillor F T Upton, presided over the monthly meeting of Bideford Urban District Council, the other members present being Alderman J Cock, J M Metherell, J U Fulford, and W T Goaman, and Councillors A R Adams, W H Huxham, W Cole, T Cleverdon, J S Dymond, A H Hopson, Dr E J Toye, G Rattenbury, and R Butler. The tender of Mr Branch of Bideford for the erection of four brick houses according to amended plans at £2,090, was accepted, on the motion of Mr A R Adams. This is in line with Government targets to supply houses at a purchase cost of £500 or to let at 9 shillings per week. However, some people are already having to pay rent of 14 shillings a week for suitable accommodation and it is feared that the new houses would actually go at a higher rate than most working folks can afford. 

All 390 allotments owned by Bideford council are now let. Six have been let rent free for a year to unemployed men with large families on condition that they are cleared and brought into cultivation. The weather has not been good so far this year for farmers and market gardeners. However, the rain has now stopped and haymaking has started across the region. It is reported that “the shears are heavy”. Tree fruit is disappointing but loganberries and raspberries are cropping well. Strawberries are small in size but the quantity is large.

The Fire Brigade Committee reported on the cost of a motor fire engine in place of the present steamer. A reconditioned engine would cost £675, and, with the housing, the approximate capital expenditure would be £1,200.

The funeral of the late Mr W B Hamm, the young Bideford bank clerk who succumbed to injuries received in an accident through avoiding a girl cyclist riding the wrong side of the road, took place at Exford, and was largely attended. Earlier in the month, it was reported ….

The funeral took place of the late Mrs Maria Abbott, of Mill-street, Bideford, widow of Mr John Abbott. Mr G J D Wheeler officiating. The chief mourners included Mr William Abbott, postmaster, Bourneville; Mrs Hobart Braddick, Mr Ernest Hookway; Mr W Johns (Huish), Mr Hobart Braddick, Mr Leslie Braddick, and Mrs and Miss Boundy.

Work on the reconstruction of Bideford Bridge has been suspended. It is stated that the reason for the cessation has nothing to do with labour conditions but the thinking behind the stoppage is not stated. 

A case of sleepy sickness which occurred in a working class district at Bideford was removed to the Isolation Hospital, where the patient, a married woman aged 34, is receiving every attention.

Bideford and District Hospital acknowledge with best thanks gifts of tea, butter, cream and sugar, from Mrs Copp; flowers and vegetables, Mrs Headon; cream, Captain Hope Hall; and bed table, Mr Henderson.

Visit H F Elliott, 75 High Street, Bideford, for Scotch Tweeds and 'clothes that grow old gracefully'

At Bradworthy, the friends of Mr T Gilbert, who has been so seriously ill, will be glad to know that he is continuing to make progress. The wedding has been solemnised of Miss Hilda Dyte and Mr Alfred Slee, of Bradworthy.

The funeral of Mr J P Seldon took place in the Free Church Cemetery. Rev G H Schofield officiated in the Church and at the graveside. The bearers who carried the deceased to his resting place being Messrs W and H Cory, A Petherick, F Gliddon, A Everson, and J L Martin.

A Conservative garden fete held in the grounds of Berridon Hall, Bradworthy, kindly lent for the occasion by Major and Mrs Spread, was a great success. During the afternoon an address was given by Major Kenyon-Slaney. Tea was provided, the visitors numbering about 250 being entertained. The prizes for pigeon shooting were awarded: Mr T Bartlett; Major Kenyon-Slaney. Skittle competition: Mr Boundy; Mr A P Oke; Mr Grant.

A further remand was asked for at Bideford in a case in which 2 labourers, of Buckland Brewer, were charged with stealing from the Post Office. Much attention has been paid to the security of the post office and the ease with which access could have been gained. Supt Shutler said certain very important information had only come to the knowledge of the police that morning, and they were therefore not prepared to go on with the case at once. Mr T Oerton, jnr. for the accused, had no objection provided bail was granted. The men had already been in prison a week. The Bench, Mr H N G Stucley presiding, granted a remand for a week, allowing bail, defendants in £5 each, and their father’s surety in £10 each. The following week, people enduring three hours in a stuffy crowded court heard an amendment to the charges which confirmed the value of the stolen postal orders. Some of the orders had been passed on by one of the accused; one more was found in his lodgings; and another order had been given to his sister. After a further long discussion regarding the security of the post office during which contradictory evidence was given by witnesses, one defendent admitted receiving the postal orders and passing them but denied stealing them. As he had a history of offending, he was jailed for three months. This is a long and convoluted story which is well worth visiting the Archive to read.

The marriage arranged between Sub-Lieut John Hewitt, Royal Navy, his Majesty’s Ship Barham, only son of Mr and Mrs George Hewitt, of Marton, New Zealand, and Esther Graham, elder daughter of the late Mr Graham Stokes and of Mrs Stokes, of Glen Cottage, Buckland Brewer, will take place on Saturday, August 2, in the Parish Church of St Mary and St Benedict, Buckland Brewer.

Lady Baird has announced her intention to erect a hall at the top of Fremington Hill in memory of her late aunt, Miss Arundel Yeo.

Mr R Pearse Chope, JP, writes from Fosfelle, Hartland, to the press:

A great rally of the Kilkhampton Circuit was held in the Hartland United Methodist Church. There was a large congregation at the morning service when Rev L H Court was the preacher. Luncheon was laid in the Palladium, decorated with flags kindly lent by the Vicar, who also attended. The carvers were Messrs William H and William James Cory, William and James Cruse, and ladies helping were Mesdames Bennett (Bush), J Bragg, Brimacombe (Kennerland), T and W Bromell, W Carthew, E Chubb, W Cruse, T Elliott, Hambly (Shop), J Heal, Heard (Moore), Heard (Lutsford), Elam and James Hockridge, W Howard (Gooseham), J K and T T Jeffery, Kivell, Page, T H Pomeroy, J Slee, Sleeman (Gooseham), T Stone, T Westaway, E J Wonnacott, G Hawkins, L Short, W H Westlake, and Misses M T S Cruse, Annie Colwill.

At the funeral of Mr John Snow, of Burrans Down, Hartland, whose lamented death was recorded last week, Pastor Hill officiated, Miss Brimacombe being organist. The body of the chapel was nearly full. The bearers were Messrs Prouse and Pillman, John K Jeffery and George L Littlejohn, George Moore and Charles Colwill. The mourners were:

I J L Saltmarsh and K G Symons, of Instow and North Devon Cricket Club, played for the successful Devon team against Surrey 2nd in the minor counties championship match at the County Ground, Exeter.

We regret to record the death of Mrs Sarah Gayton, wife of Mr W Gayton, which took place at Instow at the age of 81 years. The deceased lady had been seriously ill for a few days only. Mr and Mrs Gayton, who celebrated their golden wedding about two years ago, had spent the whole of their married life at Instow.

A pretty wedding was solemnised at Instow Parish Church. The bride was Miss Nora Fry, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs William Fry, of Bar View, Instow, and the bridegroom Mr Albert Hogg, a member of the staff of the income tax office in Barnstaple.

A large number of friends and sympathisers representative of many of the surrounding communities attended the funeral at Littleham Churchyard of Mrs S Vaggers, a well known figure and a prominent Wesleyan. Deceased, who was respected by all in her wide circle of friends, after coming successfully through a serious illness had gone to stay with her uncle, Mr Thomas Goaman, of Buttgarden Street, Bideford, when she suffered a relapse. Deceased leaves behind her husband and a little daughter, Gertrude, to mourn her loss.

The funeral of the late Mrs M E Mill, of Tadworthy, Northam, took place in Northam Churchyard. Th deceased lady was well-known in Northam and the neighbourhood, and the large number present at the interment testified to the respect in which she and her family are held. Rev H J Hutchinson officiated.

We regret to announce that news has been received from Collaroy Beach, New South Wales, of the death at the age of 71 years of Mrs Annie England Pickard (nee Pengelly). Before her marriage she often acted as organist at Northam Parish Church.

In another story which sound very familiar today, Northam Urban District Council has been inundated with complaints over the unreliability of the bus service running from Bideford to Westward Ho! and Appledore, many buses being cancelled at short notice. There have also been complaints about the deplorable state of the roads in the area.

Little Bocombe at Parkham is for sale.

A concert and dance has been held in the Council School in aid of funds for the band. Those taking part were members of the band, the Rev G L Edwards (Woolsery), Messrs W Parr, A Colwill, S Arnold, F Lines, the Misses H Jewell, Mr Ley and Mr Knowles. Mr C Hill gave a Devonshire reading and Mr Lytton a ventriloquist performance. The accompanists were Miss Slooman, Mrs Honey, Miss H Jewell, Mrs G Jacob, and the Misses D and D Parr. A refreshment stall was managed by Mesdames Jewell, Brend and Ahey. Refreshments were kindly given by parishioners. The sum of £17 was raised.

A friendly challenge football match took place at Parkham, North v South. The South put in a full team, and a keenly contested game ended with their winning by 2-1. After the match the band played some selections on the Village Green to commemorate Empire Day. A dance followed in the Parish Room. A collection was taken in aid of the Club’s funds.

At Shebbear, a cow belonging to Mr A Chapman, dairyman and assistant overseer, gave birth to two fine calves. Both are alive. Next day this was beaten by Mr J H Buse, of West Wootten, one of whose cows gave birth to three calves. Mr A H Curtice, of Adelaide, South Australia, is now on a visit to his sister, Mrs T Martin, of The Village, Shebbear. He is the eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs J Curtice, who spent most of the lives in this parish. He has been away 45 years, and can see many changes in his place of birth. On behalf of the vicar, churchwardens, and ringers, a presentation has been made of a handsome case of pipes to Mr Hocking Bridgman on his 70th birthday. Mr Bridgman has been a ringer in the Shebbear belfry for over 50 years. Hearty peals were rung on the bells. It is hoped that Mr Bridgman will be spared to ring for years to come.

At Torrington County Court, Mr Reginald Boase on behalf of Messrs C P Adams and W R Adams, Worden Farm, Shebbear, applied for an ejectment order against Willoughby Horne, represented by Mr B T James, in respect of Worden Cottage and garden occupied by defendant as farm horseman. His Honour held that the cottage and garden were not let to defendant but were occupied by him in virtue of his employment and made the order applied for. At Torrington Borough Police Court before the Mayor and Messrs G Chapple, M Chapple and H Tavener, Thomas Yeo, Hole Farm, Little Torrington was fined 7s 6d for allowing his dog to be at large at night. Frederick and Thomas Blight, brothers, were each fined 7s 6d for riding a cycle without a light.

Mr H Brinsmead Squire of Torrington, on retiring from the hon. treasurership of the London Devonian Association, has been presented with a handsome silver tea and coffee service.

Funerals at Torrington – Mr Augustus Daniel with the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiating. Mr W F Friend, of Dolton. The Rev Clifford Clinton officiated, and a large number of mourners were present. The deceased was the son of the late John Shute Friend and a well-known figure being for many years connected with the firm of Messrs Snow and Co. Many of our readers will learn with regret of the death of Mrs Helena Parkhouse, wife of Mr H Parkhouse, of New Street. Deceased was of the brightest disposition and very highly respected by all. There was a large and representative attendance at the funeral at Torrington of Mr William Copp, fourth son of the late Thomas Copp, of Moortown. The interment took place in the Cemetery, the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones officiating. The plastered grave was beautifully lined with myrtle and hydrangeas.

At Torrington Town Council, the May, Mr G M Doe, presiding, Dr F Pridham, Medical Officer of Health, reported that during the months there were seven deaths and three births. Of the deaths one was at the age of 85, another 84, another 78, and one an infant of five weeks. Though the weather had been very wet, cold, and unseasonable, the general health of the borough remained satisfactory.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised in St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, Rev T Mortimer officiating. The contracting parties were Mr William Braunton of Westleigh and Miss Winifred Davey, of Calf Street, Torrington.

Annery Kiln, Weare Gifford, is for sale.

Visit the Mill House Tea Room at Wear Gifford.

A large number of people were present at St Peter’s Church when a wedding was solemnised between Mr Archibald Vernon Pedlar, only surviving son of Mr W H Pedlar, of Honeysuckle Cottage, and Miss Edith Spindler, only daughter of Mr H Spindler, of Tapley, Westleigh. The Rev C Finzel officiated.

The Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary services were held with Rev J Tyreman preaching two inspiring sermons to large congregations. The children enjoyed their annual tea, after which a large number of friends and visitors partook of the excellent tea provided by Mrs W Joslin, assisted by Mesdames Smith, Sanders, Watts, Mountjoy, Burrell, Hearn, Jenkin and the Misses Beer, Radby, Dallyn.

Looking at the property columns, there are two houses – one vacant – on a main thoroughfare being sold for £900 for the pair. A terraced house in Westward Ho! with five bedrooms is priced at £450 while the seller of an identical house in Northam is asking £950.At public auction at Northam, Messrs R Blackmore and Sons sold Hillside, a detached residence, to Mr Gregory, for Major Wemyss, of Westward Ho! for £650. Attendance was good and bidding starting at £300, proceeded briskly to the final figure. Lower Lodge, Westward Ho! for sale.

A woman of Winkleigh has been missing from her home since 9 o’clock on Thursday morning. She has been suffering from neurasthenia, and her friends think she has wandered off. Anyone seeing her is requested to communicate with the police constable at Winkleigh. Appended is a description of the missing woman – medium height, brown hair, blue eyes, rather hazzard appearance; dressed in light blouse, with pale blue collar, and cuffs, navy blue skirt, light colour stockings. She had no hat or coat, and it is believed no money.

In aid of the Church Renovation Fund, a successful fete was held in the Vicarage Ground, Woolsery West, and in an adjoining field kindly lent by Mrs G Vanstone and Mr O Boundy. Over 500 had tea in the old school, over the Vicarage stables, the catering being efficiently carried out by Messrs Gifford and Sons, of Hartland. Mrs Phillip Elwes, of Walland Carey, who had taken a practical interest in the organisation, kindly opened the fete, and was presented with a bouquet.

The United Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was on Sunday, when Rev F Dennis preached to crowded congregations. On Wednesday, helpers at the tea tables were …

June 1974

Mr Richard Barnett, who in recent years has been a shipwright at the Appledore yard of J Hinks and Son, where the Nonsuch was built, has gone to Canada where he has been engaged to carry out restoration work on the vessel after her extensive tour of that country. The replica, which was built for the Hudson’s Bay Company,

A letter from Appledore branch of the Royal British Legion drawing attention to the state of Appledore war memorial is being passed by Northam Town Council to Torridge District Council. Northam Council were told that while the branch fully appreciate the work of Mr Jack Curtis in cleaning the memorial from time to time it was felt it now needed the attention of a monumental mason.

Members of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club will be fighting against time to complete a near £10,000 extension to their headquarters. A grant from the Devon Playing Fields Association will be forthcoming only if the club finishes work by August 11. Already the band of workers have save the club something like £3,000 by doing all the electrical and plumbing work and they are now busy on the interior decoration.

A planning application for a multi-storey car park in Bridge Street, Bideford, is being resubmitted by Torridge District Council. Cllr Michael Goss recalled that Bideford Borough Council pressed for the development for a long time and it had been favoured by one County department although another was opposed.

Two brothers, sons of Mrs O M Jenn, of The Homelet, Yeo Vale Road, Bideford, are now headmasters in the Torridge area. Mr R A Yeo Jenn has been headmaster of Langtree county primary school for some 12 years and now his younger brother, Mr John Yeo Jenn, has been appointed headmaster of Westcroft county primary school, Bideford.

Persuaded that a sponsored streak might well result in a loss after fines had been paid, girls of Edgehill College’s Lower Fifth crawled around Bideford’s Victoria Park in a sponsored event to raise funds. In all about 2,000m were covered – from the Kingsley statue to the Victoria Park and two circuits there. Sponsorship raised about £25.

Chubb’s Wool Shop in Mill Street, Bideford, will be taken over by Mrs Carole Goss from Hilda Chubb.

Up again in Bideford go the hanging baskets of summer flowers to delight the eyes of residents and holidaymakers alike. Finance, in this year of reorganisation, does not run to more than two dozen but it is hoped to extend the idea in years to come. Some 12 feet from the ground, the baskets are practically vandal proof but pose problems of watering in high summer weather. Vandalism is a headache to parks departments everywhere and that of the Torridge District Council is no exception.

Seen fixing the baskets are Mr Robert Friendship and Mr Edgar Parr

“Left-hand down a bit”… the oft quoted catch phrase hides many a secret dream of steering a giant ship across the ocean. For Miss Mable Smith of Clovelly Road, Bideford, the dream came true when she paid a visit to the bridge of the 45,000-ton P and O liner ‘Canberra’ while on a cruise. “It was a fascinating experience” she said.

A Bideford business dating back to the beginning of the century, and the days of extensive horse transport, is closing following the death of the last principal, Mr W R Blackmore. The firm, R Blackmore and Sons, auctioneers, house and estate agents, and formerly furniture removers, of The Quay, is terminating business on July 5.

Firemen were the bearers at the funeral at Bideford Methodist Church of Mr John Chubb, of 7 Belle View Terrace, Bideford. Mr Chubb had been a member of the fire service for some years.

The death has occurred of Mrs Rosa Hanley, of 24 Cedar Way, High Park, Bideford. She was the wife of Mr Sidney Hanley. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs A Griffey and Son, Northam.

Water authority to look at Bucks Mills sewerage scheme.

Top officials of the South West Water Authority will be at a meeting they have called at Bucks Mills parish hall to hear opinions on the controversial scheme to pour crude sewage into the sea off the local beach.

The funeral has taken place at St Anne’s Church, Bucks Mills, of Mrs Ethel Jane Braund, wife of Mr Joe Braund, of Laburnam Cottage, Bucks Mills. Immediate mourners attending were: the husband; Mrs Stella Powell; Mr Gerald Powell; Mr and Mrs David Powell; Mr and Mrs J Williams; Miss P Dennis. Unable to attend were Mrs F Jenkins and Miss M Braund. Bearers were Messrs C Reynolds, J Walter, D Braund and T Davey.

There were 10½ tables at a whist drive at Clovelly, held in aid of cancer funds. Door steward was Mr C Pengilly and MC Rev R O H Eppingstone. Prizes were presented by Mr C Pengelly – Mesdames F Blight, F Grills, W Pengilly, H Prust, T Squire, R Stoneman, Rev R O H Eppingstone, Messrs T Squire, Griggs, G Moores, A Taylor, G Wilkinson. Draw winners – Miss Wilkinson, Miss D Heard, Mr S Nicholls, Mrs F Blight. Refreshments were served by Mesdames K Westlake and C Pengilly.

Teams from Clovelly, Hartland, Woolsery and Buckland Brewer took part in Clovelly Revels sports day and fete.

To stop motorists driving on the Village Green, Frithelstock Parish Council have decided that large stones should be put around the edge. Estimates for wooden posts were too expensive, the Council were told.

Harton town clock, one of the oldest pendulum clocks in the country, has been silent for more than two years, and, it seems, must remain so for the time being. For although the clock is in the peculiar position of being a charitable trust, it is a trust with no income. The trustees are the Vicar of Hartland, the Rev Harold Lockyear and the churchwardens. The clock, which is set in the wall of the former Chapel of Ease in Hartland Square, was made by John Morcomb, in 1622 at a cost of 33s. Before local funds can be made available for clock repairs, the main roof of St Nectan’s church at Stoke has to be re-nailed at a cost of around £2,000. Without the help of a benefactor it seems that the old clock will be stilled for some time.

A rambling old house, Harton Manor, Hartland, for sale.

Messrs Kivell and Sons, of Bideford, sold by auction at Hartland a freehold, individual building plot with adjoining 4¼ acre field situated near Harton Cross, for £4,000. The buyer was Mr P J Heard of Greenlake, Hartland.

There was a guard of honour representing the Royal British Legion and the local Liberal Association at the funeral at Hartland Methodist Church of Mrs Emma Jane Pengilly, of 46 The Terrace, Hartland. She was the widow of Mr A Pengilly. Messrs W Cook, G Johns, W Toase, D Brown, T Johns and D Bolton were bearers. Those present included members of the Over-60s club and WI. There were many flowers.

More than liquid refreshment can come out of a bottle. At the Union Inn, Stibb Cross, the landlord, Mr Sid Croshaw, and his wife, decided to raise money for a treat for the over-60s of Langtree parish. To help the cause customers were invited to drop spare change into a large bottle. Their generosity was such that a party of over-60s were treated to an outing. First they visited Ilfracombe, and then went on to Combe Martin, and to a sumptuous tea at Brazzacott House.

All the children who had been baptised at Langtree Parish Church in the past five years received an invitation to take their mothers to a service in the church, followed by tea on the Rectory lawn. During the short service the Rector, the Rev R A Wallington, showed the children the font at which they had been christened. This was the first time such a gathering had been held at Langtree. It was organised by Mrs Wallington and the Mothers’ Union.

A request from Littleham Parish Council for street lighting in the village will be considered by North Devon-Torridge highways sub-committee late this year.

The round-the-world yacht Burton Cutter sailed majestically into her home port for her first visit. The yacht’s joint owners, Mr Alan Smith and Mr Leslie Williams, and her crew had brought her round from Poole to honour a promise made before she set out on the Whitbread race. Overnight the yacht had anchored off Clovelly. Over Bideford Bar she was welcomed by a flotilla of craft from the North Devon Yacht Club and her appearance at Westward Ho! and Appledore with Clovelly and Appledore lifeboats as escorts sent holidaymakers dashing for their cars to drive into Bideford. On Bideford Quay a large crowd peered downstream. First they saw a sliver of white sail thrusting into the sky and then, as the yacht rounded the bend, she was revealed as the thing of beauty that she is. On she came tacking up the river under full sail at a spanking pace made possible only by the skills of Trinity House pilot Captain Vernon Harris and skipper Leslie Williams.

Appetising looking cakes tempt custom from four young visitors to Monkleigh fete.

Warm greetings have been exchanged between the parish church of our Northam and that of the ‘sister’ parish of Northam, some 60 miles east of Perth, Western Australia. A letter from the Assistant Bishop of Perty, who is also Rector of Northam there, has been delivered by hand by Dr Geoffrey Reynolds, who been on a month’s visit to his parents at Endycross, Bay View Road. The Vicar of our Northam, the Rev Michael Lucas, has written back.

The Town Mayor of Northam is to receive an allowance of £100 a year, but this is to be subject to review.

When Mrs Anne Mills, of Witten Lodge, Heywood Road, Northam, took up her duties as the town’s first woman traffic warden, more than one motorist could not help but take a second look. Mrs Mills, who recently moved to this area, obviously found this amusing, although somewhat unexpected. “I thought people would be used to seeing women traffic wardens as they are a common sight in many parts of the country,” she said. She had no real ambition to become a traffic warden but applied for the job on impulse.

 

The appearance of yellow lines in traffic blackspot in Northam brought a bitter reaction from local traders. Mr Martin Richards, owner of the local supermarket, accused the authorities of having ‘ridden roughshod’ over everyone and of having broken faith. When the former County Council advertised their intention to make an Order, he said, all the local people who objected received letters saying that because of the objections the matter had been referred to Northam Urban Council and before any action was taken objectors would be consulted again. “But we have been completely ignored,” Mr Richards declared.

A plan by a private company to purchase Gibsons Field in North Street, Northam, and construct a car park was revealed by supermarket owner Mr Martin Richards at a parish meeting called to deal with protests that have followed the provision of double yellow lines and a virtual ban on parking in the main and some side streets. Mr Richards said the owner had agreed to sell and that a plan had been drawn up by architects.

Glass engraver John Ford, who lives at Diddywell, finds himself back on a nautical theme. He has been commissioned by the Pim’s drink firm, which is sponsoring a points competition at Cowes Week, to engrave four sizeable glass icebergs and eight tankards with yacht-racing scenes. He faces something of a race against time. He has also received a yachting engraving order from Torbay Yacht Club. Demand for the work of this young engraver from Torrington has increased notably since he was commissioned to engrave a wedding present for Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.

Parkham Methodist Church was beautifully decorated with flowers by Mesdames W Colwill and M Hancock for the Sunday School anniversary.

In the past year £1,214.73 was distributed to nearly 20 causes by Torrington Cavaliers. The November bonfire showed a surplus of £423.92 of which £350 was given away as donations.

Revel Day was celebrated by about 120 Brownies from Appledore, Bideford, Hartland, Northam and Torrington in the grounds of the County Secondary School, Torrington. As 1974 is jubilee year for Brownies, each Brownie wore a hand-made golden crown decorated with rosebuds. An impromptu competition was held for the prettiest crown, the winner being Susan Blackmore (1st Northam).

Torrington Bluecoat School – a building described as Dickensian in 1970 – will have to remain in use longer than anticipated. For the second time in two years, the new junior school planned for Torrington, has been slashed from a Devon County Council building programme. The new junior school proposed would have catered for children attending Bluecoat school and the Halsdon Road school. In 1971 when Bluecoat school had 111 children, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr C F R Briggs, referred to considerable overcrowding there. Today there are 160 children.

For the second successive year Torrington senior citizens have enjoyed a week’s holiday at Llandudno arranged at concessionary rates by Mrs G E Moore. This time they returned with three titles from the Ormecliffe Hotel – Mrs L Williams was judged Miss Ormescliffe; Mrs K Vodden, Glorious Grandma; and Mr A Gould, Glorious Grandad. The party was given a send-off by the then Town Mayor, Mrs M E Pitts. Mrs Moore (Trudy) was warmly thanked for the excellence of her arrangements for a memorable package tour.

Weare Giffard Hall sold for £106,000 a year ago was again sold by auction for £80,000. The buyer who is a professor of medicine and has a young family, intends to use it as a holiday home. It is now closed at a hotel. The vendor, Mr M E Wingrove, said that the purchaser would probably only be staying at the Hall twice a year and, as he did not want to leave the house empty between visits, had suggested an arrangement whereby the Wingrove family continued to occupy part of it.

Parishioners of Westleigh have recently launched a campaign to raise £2,000 for restoration work to St Peter’s Church. The project, which they have named FOCUS, aims to provide the money to replace crumbling stonework around the west window and cover other work such as damp proofing and internal decorations. The first money raising event is a flower festival in the church.

Three hundred and twenty nine not out! That is the proud record of these six local cricketers who lined up against each other at Westward Ho!. Probably North Devon’s best known batsman Alfie Robinson squares up at the wicket while fellow North Devon players Derek Blanchard and Nick Madgwick look on with Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! veterans Peter Hawke, Cyril Briscoe and Reg Rawle.

Picture shows P O Hawke, C J Briscoe, N Madgwick, D Blanchard, A Robinson and R Rawle

Silver anniversary for Westward Ho! Follies.

A party of 20 from Westward Ho! Senior Citizens’ Club with their families and friends returned home from an enjoyable week’s holiday in Jersey. They flew to and from Exeter airport and stayed at St Helier. The holiday organiser, Mrs E Pugh, was thanked with a gift.

A quantity of 10p pieces were stolen from a cigarette machine when Westward Ho! Holiday Centre was broken into.

Attention has once again been drawn to the vexed question of Westward Ho! Pebble Ridge and the need for its strengthening in time to face the winter gales. The question overall is clouded by the hard-to-understand situation which leaves the Ridge itself the responsibility of the Torridge District Council – and the Burrows behind it the responsibility of the new owners, the County Council.

Mr P F Morrish, of Bideford, suggests that horses are banned from Westward Ho! beach.

Northam Burrows annual meeting were warned that unless something is done to get horses off the roads at Westward Ho! there will soon be a fatal accident. Mr Ian Davidson, a local horse owner, said at the potwallopers’ annual meeting that a combination of horse manure, cars and people made a glassy surface on some of Westward Ho!’s narrow roads and he predicted that there would be an accident there with a horse slipping and throwing its rider under a car. What were the committee’s views on the formation of a bridle path from Westward Ho! to Pimpley Gate? he asked.

Winkleigh committee of the Cancer Research Campaign have handed over a cheque for £110 and have received from head office of the campaign a certificate of congratulation for having collected £1,000 since the local committee was formed in 1965.

Winkleigh parish church bells pealed for the first time in 15 months. In that time they had been re-cast and re-hung in a new frame at a cost of £4,000 and all the money has been raised. The bill was the greater because the tower clock has Westminster chimes.

Clifford Farm, Woolsery – 50 acres for sale.

Mr W D Burrow, of Hartland, was the preacher for the Sunday morning service at Woolsery Methodist Sunday School anniversary. In the evening the service was conducted by the Rev L A Buttle,

June 1999

Bideford Inner Wheel has chosen farmer’s daughter and farmer’s wife Julie Turner as its new president to take the organisation into the new millennium. Over recent years Julie has been involved not only in agriculture. She has helped develop the family’s Big Sheep tourist attraction on their Abbotsham farm. Another keen interest in the RNLI and she chaired Appledore Lifeboat Guild for 10 years and holds its long-service award. Julie and her husband Mike – a Rotarian for 30 years – have a son, two daughters and three grandchildren.

This splendid sea horse was just one of the decorated door knockers which delighted visitors to the Appledore Arts Festival. There were 200 decorations in all, forming a trail through the village streets for people to follow. Designs ranged from simple pieces of driftwood or flowers to a life-sized King Neptune.

Concerned Appledore residents are planning to set up a village residents’ association to voice their views on local issues. At an informal meeting attending by two dozen villagers strong feelings had been expressed about the enforcement of planning standards, parking, jet skis and rubbish collection, said spokesman Jeremy Bell. Now a second meeting has been arranged. “It is hoped as many villagers as possible will come along and help to elect a committee,” said Mr Bell

Hundreds paid a visit to Appledore’s lifeboat station as its doors were opened for its annual inspection by the public. This year’s even was made even more special as it is the 175th anniversary of the lifeboat service. For lucky girls Marnie Miller of Appledore and Sammy Langdon of Tavistock, there was also the chance to jump into a lifeboatman’s jacket, complete with lifesaving equipment.

‘Appletree Mews’ Marine Parade, Appledore, properties for sale.

Refugee Kids of Kosovo soon to arrive in Plymouth will have a few added extras to their welcome thanks to a charity fashion show in Bideford. Organised by Stallones nightclub and The Studio photography business of Bideford, the fun evening featured fashions from Gems and Convict Clothing, with models from The Studio and volunteers. Around £200 was raised.

Bideford Pannier Market saw its biggest crowds for many years for the re-opening of the Butchers’ Row shopping complex. Television personality Ron Bendell performed the official opening ceremony. The complex comprises 24 small under-cover shops which will be open six days a week. The covered mall has been refurbished by Bideford Town Council at a cost of £370,000 with the aid of Lottery and European cash. The project has already created 17 new jobs and will be a draw for tourists.

Mayor Councillor Chris Leather shakes hands with Ron Bendell, watched by Mayoress Mrs Sandra Leather

Medieval knights and maidens brought colour to Bideford’s historic pannier market as traders celebrated its charter day. To depict the granting of a royal charter in 1272 allowing the town to hold its regular market a copy was delivered to the market hall by a mounted knight and received by the Mayor, Councillor Chris Leather. A guard of honour was provided by other costumed members of the North Devon Jousting Association.

Filming was taking place at the former Bideford Railway Station as two men assembled some of the final pieces of a video which will evoke memories for many who recall with affection the days when trains ran through the valleys of Torridgeside. Ian Pringle and Ian Hayes have joined forces to bring back to life on film the era of the Barnstaple, Torrington and Halwill branch lines. When completed it will take its place alongside more than 20 other productions b Branch Line Videos of Leighton Buzzard. Opened in 1925 the Torrington to Halwill junction railway and its neighbour the Torrington to Barnstaple line carried clay, milk, livestock, coal and agricultural supplies as well as passengers before their closure under the Beeching axe in the mid 1960s.

It was a memorable weekend for Bideford Cricket Club Colt Chris Tanner. On Sunday morning he took four wickets for 9 runs, including a hat-trick in Bideford U15s’ Devon League victory. On Sunday afternoon, Chris played for a Bideford’s men’s side and took 6-22 in seven overs. On Bank Holiday Monday, he opened the batting for Bideford against Claires Court School and top-scored with 28 in his side’s win!

International cricket stole the show at Bideford Cricket Club as the club entertained its first visiting team from South Africa. The Bideford Colts under-15s took the crease against a team of 13-15 year olds from Erika School in Mossel Bay who are on a two-week tour to the UK. The teams exchanged commemorative medals and hopes of maintaining their new-found links.

Route 66 is a unique new American café bar and night spot in Bideford that’s set to blast off like a space rocket from Cape Canaveral! Drink there. Dine there. Dance there. That is, after your eyes have stopped popping out at the décor that surrounds you. The free entertainment venue at the top of Bridgeland Street is sponsored by Budweiser and entry is open to over 18’s. In the windows is its logo – the blue and white Route 66 shield that marks the most famous of America’s highways. Look around the walls and you’ll hardly believe what has been hung there. Like the front end section of a Lincoln Continental, a Buick and a Thunderbird! Route 66 will be featuring live bands, karaoke and theme nights. It has big screen TV.

Substantial wing of a mansion in Buckland Brewer for sale.

Death of respected carer, Mr Francis Henry Tristram ‘Frank’ Bosher, of Buckland Brewer.

A Torridge adventure park has been recognised by a national newspaper as one of the top 50 theme parks in the world. The accolade was bestowed on the Milky Way at Clovelly after a panel of experts from The Independent newspaper visited the park secretly to make an assessment. Owner Trevor Stanbury shared the good news with more than 350 representatives who attended a trade open day.

Michael Mant congratulating Trevor Stanbury

Youngsters from the village school at Clovelly chose a special way to pay tribute to the Blue Hooker tragedy. They swam. The children presented the money they had raised from their sponsored marathon, nearly £300, to the seafarers’ charity the missions to Seamen. Said headmaster Chris Nichols: “We have a policy that all charity events must come from the children. I’m delighted when they do something like this because it comes from the heart.” Luke Gist, Emmie and Daisy Perham, Orry Winchcombe, Sophie Evans, Hettie Pearson, Kieran Vanstone and Kirsty Johnson took part.

 

Thousands are expected to attend a 14-hour Atlantic Highway Rock festival at the Milky Way adventure park near Clovelly. Organisers say the £60,000 festival will cover 50 acres with 20 acres for camping and room for 5,000 fans. Top of the bill will be New Wave punk band The Stranglers. Some of the money raised will go to the Primrose Cancer Appeal and Bude Rugby Club.

Clovelly’s inshore lifeboat was called to the aid of a local boat with 13 people aboard. The Lundy Murrelet, carrying a party of divers back from Lundy Island, suffered engine failure in rough seas. A Sea King helicopter from the RAF Search and Rescue unit at Chivenor circled the boat until the lifeboat arrived.

Young bikers in Fremington are celebrating a first step to success in their campaign for a cycle area of their own. Assisted by community policeman Dave Ringrose and county councillor Reg Cane, the youngsters took their case to the parish council. And they have won agreement in principle for part of the Griggs Field amenity area to be allocated for their use.

A semi-detached house at Baxworthy, Hartland, is for sale. It enjoys a very private rural location surrounded by miles of Forestry Commission land.

A major boost is in prospect for the Torridge tourism industry with news that the International Holiday Inn group has plans for one of the biggest new holiday developments in the district for many years. Planning application has been made for a £4.5 million development comprising a new four-star, 90-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel plus conference and banqueting centres at the Hartland Forest Golf and Leisure Park.

Charming cottage style bungalow in Hartland for sale.

Hartland Primary School open day.

Instow property for sale.

Detached 2 bedroom cottage in Littleham for sale. Later in the month, it was reported that the property sold at auction for £96,500 with nearly 50 viewers.

Puffins and butterflies put on a display for local naturalists when they paid a visit to Lundy Island. Members of the Taw and Exmoor branch of the British Naturalists’ Association spent the day enjoying the island’s flora and fauna. More than a dozen seals were swimming in the clear water or lolling on the rocks at Gannets Bay. The butterflies seen included a Painted Lady. “Some 37 species of birds were noted like sheerwaters and fulmars” said secretary Brian Sims. “But the highlight was Lundy’s symbol, the puffins.”

Four hundred day trippers spent an unexpected night at sea when the historic paddle steamer Waverley developed a fault off the North Devon coast. The 52 year old steamer was on her way home from a trip to Lundy when she was disabled by a fault in a paddle wheel. She was forced to remain at anchor four miles off Foreland Point, to await the arrival of a tug. A lifeboat was called out from Barry to stand by the vessel and other lifeboats at Mumbles, Ilfracombe and Minehead, and the Chivenor RAF Search and Rescue helicopter were held in readiness, although not needed. A spokeswoman for the Waverley said passengers had been kept entertained and provided with refreshments and coaches were awaiting their arrival at Barry to take them back to Penarch and Clevedon.

Monkleigh property for sale. A Grade II listed double-fronted lodge house, situated close to the Tarka Trail, is to be offered for sale by auction. The property, which is in need of modernisation, was once part of the vast Annery Estate and at one time used to be known as the Butler’s Cottage.

Retired Northam butcher Richard Bradford has donned the town’s mayoral chain for a third time. One of the region’s most experienced local councillors, Mr Bradford has sat on Northam Town Council for 20 years and on Torridge District Council for 18 years. Mr Bradford was awarded the MBE in recognition of his services.

External decoration of Allardice Hall, Parkham.

A hand-made and engraved Dartington Crystal vase was auctioned for charity and the Chelsea Flower Show Royal Gala Preview Dinner in London. An anonymous bidder bought the vase for £5,500 which was shared between The Royal Variety Club and the Army Benevolent Fund. The vase was engraved with an interpretation of a new rose especially grown by Harkness for the occasion. Called Variety Club, the rose was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Howzat! Young cricketers in the Torrington area are now able to hone their skills on a purpose-built all weather wicket in the grounds of Great Torrington School. The £5,500 project was instigated by Torrington Rotary Club, drawing grant aid from the Lord’s Taverners and Sports Match and matched funding from local firms W H Tolley builders, and D and I Bridgman and Son, agricultural merchants. With two of the school staff qualified cricket coaches local youngsters are now once again enjoying the crack of leather on willow. Our picture shows mike Bridgman, Richard Beer, Peter Adams, and young players Neil Bettiss, Mark Bettiss and Michael Wigley.

Weare Giffard property for sale.

Westleigh thatched cottage for sale.

England’s oldest seaside golf course – the Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! – is hosting a grand charity golf day packed with prizes. The event will raise funds for the Bideford and Barnstaple Breathe Easy Group support group for the British Lung Foundation. “Already we have more than 50 entries” said organiser Mrs Monica Pennington. The three-ball Stableford team event is open to all. It includes an auction and a raffle with prizes which will be presented by radio personality Ian Brass. Later in the month, it was reported that the golfers raised £2,121 for the charity.

Leasehold lock-up shop at Westward Ho! for sale. Situated in the heart of the village, the property comprises some 300sq ft, plus a toilet. The current occupant is a gentleman’s hairdresser.

A freehold residential development site in Nelson Road, Westward Ho! is being marketed with planning permission for 21 residential flats and associated parking. A spokesman said: “This site is considered a rare opportunity for a quality development in a coastal resort which is going through a transition from a caravan and chalet holiday resort to a self-sufficient coastal town.”

Family photos were probably the last thing wanted by the thief who stole a handbag from a helper at the Cancer Care Trust’s charity shop in Westward Ho! Their owner holds out little hope that her money, credit cards and car keys will be found. Most of all she is upset at losing the pictures. “We hope the thief may have thrown them down and someone will find them, along with the owner’s large black bag” said Jennifer Bonetta of the Trust.

They sang, they danced, they skateboarded and they surfed in the streets of Westward Ho! throughout a bumper Bank Holiday weekend of fun. The Torridge holiday resort’s annual Potwalloping Festival organised by the local chamber of commerce and the Lions’ Club of Bideford was an outstanding success and a major charity fund-raiser. Among the highlights was skateboard and inline skates racing organised by Dave Wenman of the Life on the Burrows surf shop. Nearly 50 competitors took part and more than 1,000 spectators lined the race route. Winners were: Inline skates – Cameron Hinton, Andrew Coley, Lewis Blight; Skateboards – Glen Phil, John Martin, Jake Barry; girls – Ami Berry; crazy luge – Clayton; fancy dress – Asylum nightclub; youngest finisher – Joseph. Weekend coordinator said it had been a wonderful weekend and most of the resort’s businesses were very happy.

Woolsery Show being advertised.