July 1924

The tragedy which occurred on the new railroad being constructed between Halwill and Torrington, when two men were killed, was investigated by the Okehampton district coroner, Mr H C Brown. The deceased were George Drew and George Joll. The exact cause of the bogey carrying the men tipping up could not be ascertained, and it was stated they had been instructed not to ride on the wagons, and also to stop at the place where the bogey was loaded, as there was another gang at the destination for unloading purposes. The jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental death’ and expressed their deep sympathy with the families of the deceased. Mr Boase also expressed the sympathy of Messrs Anderton.

The South-Western Joint Industrial Council for Local Authorities, non-trading services (manual workers), met at Exeter Guildhall and fixed the rate of wages payable to the various grades for the quarter commencing on the first full week in July as follows: - Grade A, 52s; B, 44s; C, 37s; D, 32s. This is a reduction of 2s in each grade owing to the fall in the cost of living. Messrs J M Metherell and R Vicary were welcomed as representatives of the Bideford Corporation and Ilfracombe respectively. Bideford Urban District Council instructed the Surveyor to reduce the wages rates in accordance with the new scale

Bideford Urban Council’s suggestion that adjoining authorities should contribute towards the maintenance of an up-to-date motor fire engine to be purchased by that body for use in the borough and district, was reported upon at the monthly meetings of the three local authorities concerned. Northam Urban District Council considered the question, when it was ascertained that the estimated capital outlay would amount to £1,250 and that the annual cost of repayment of loans until 1931 would approximately amount to £540 per annum and after all six years for the repayment of the loan charges on the new fire engine £750 and other loans now running the annual charges would then be considerably reduced.

The weather was on people’s minds in the summer of 1924 just as it is today. In case there was a good summer - 

In case it was wet - 

Shebberton Race Club at Abbotsham has reduced the price of admission to the race meeting on Wednesday 9 July. Hardy-Colwill’s buses will run from Bideford to the race course from 12.30pm as require at a fare of 6d each way. (About £1.80 today)

A delightful flower service was held at St Mary’s Church in Appledore when the scholars of the Sunday School were encouraged to give flowers and eggs for the local hospital and Poor-law Institution at Bideford. The children, who were beautifully dressed…

Alexandra Rose Day.

A very pretty wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore. The Vicar, Rev Hugh C A S Muller, officiated, and the contracting parties were Mr Reginald Norman Redclift, son of Mr N Redclift of Fore Street, Northam, and Miss Millicent Eastman Taylor, second daughter of Captain and Mrs Walter Taylor, the New Quay, Appledore. The bride looked….

About 60 members of the Appledore Women’s Conservative Association had a most enjoyable outing when they proceeded by charabancs to Wear Gifford, where a delightful strawberry tea was provided. After tea the party visited Torrington, returning home about 9 o’clock. More trips from Appledore….

Mr A W Black, resident of Appledore, will be published.

Discussions over the Marine Parade improvements in Appledore have still not reached a settlement. It was decided to start afresh, and the whole of Northam UDC will meet with the “frontagers” (people owning a property adjoining a street or water) at Appledore to discuss the matter on the spot.

This story is particularly relevant: On the subject of the Appledore Refuse Deposit, Northam UDC intends to apply to the Burrows Committee for permission to erect a groyne at the end of the Burrows and deposit and bury refuse there.

The thunderstorm which broke over Bideford last week was the severest experienced in the town for upwards of 50 years. There was a very heavy storm on a Sunday afternoon about nine years’ ago but it was eclipsed by that of last week. Clouds had been gathering for some time and about seven o’clock distant flashes of lightning could be seen, accompanied by peals of thunder. By quarter past seven the storm was at its worst. Vivid flashes of fork lightning were followed by heavy crashes of thunder and torrential rain and hail, which flooded the lower levels of the town - with houses in Barnstaple Street flooded to a depth of eighteen inches; damage to the Torridge Inn and the Kingsley Hotel; while water rushing down from Market Square entered Tanton’s Hotel which was flooded to a depth of four inches. The storm was of short duration, but for several hours afterwards thunder could be heard in the distance.

In property news, 2 Richmond Terrace, Meddon Street, Bideford has been sold at auction to Mr F S Mingdon for £305. Lower Lodge in Westward Ho! is also for sale, (Scan 97 1/7 4 – e)

Lavington garden party at Queen Street by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Boyle.

The second annual general meeting of the Bideford and District Electric Supply Company Limited was held at the Town Hall, Bideford, on June 18th. Mr H N G Stucley, JP, presided, and there were also present Messrs E W S Bartlett, J U Fulford, JP, Thomas Fulford, J N A Houblon, MIEE, F G Smith-Richards, and Sir R Murray Hyslop, JP, (Directors); Mr R Blackmore, Messrs Tupper, Mathews, Pitt, Shepherd, Bond, S Fulford, W R Blackmore, R B Blackmore and W H Paddon (shareholders). Messrs W J Oxenham, AMIEE, (Manager), Ward (Hole, Seldon and Ward, Solicitors), Martin (Ware, Ward and Company Auditors), and Sexton (Crompton and Company Ltd). A letter was read from Major Ascott, OBE, one of the Directors, expressing regret at being prevented from attending in consequence of military duties.

The Bideford and District Football Association (the President of which is Mr P K Harris, of Appledore) having during the past season carried through a very successful league programme, decided in April last to enlarge the scope of its activities and to hold a Summer Sports’ meeting. The scheme was enthusiastically taken up by the teachers of the elementary schools and the results were seen in a very successful afternoon’s sport on the Bideford Sports Ground, when scholars from twelve schools competed for the honour of their schools in the presence of between 3,000 and 4,000 delighted spectators. Scholars from twelve schools competed in a series of races and challenges at the inaugural Bideford Summer Sports meeting. The events included relays, tug-of-war, high jump, skipping, sprint races of various distances, country dancing and maypole dancing. Torrington Council School won the girls’ prize, Bideford Old Town School the boys’ prize and Northam School the mixed prize. 

In the presence of a very large congregation of friends, the marriage was celebrated of Mr James Laidlaw Murray to Miss Phyllis Irene Huxham, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs H Willett Huxham, ex-Mayor and Mayoress, of Bideford. The Rector, Rev W N Manning, officiated. The bride was charmingly attired in a toilette of white marocain, with veil and wreath of orange blossom, and carried a bouquet of mauve and pink sweet peas. Mr Kenneth Bishop carried out the duties of best man. There were no bridesmaids. The Church bells rang merrily during the morning, and flags were gaily flown on both sides of the river, and on the vessels at the Quayside, while a salute of fog-signals heralded the happy couple’s departure from the Railway Station.

A charmingly picturesque wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, when Gwladys, the second daughter of Mr and Mrs H Butler, The Quay, was married to Cecil Lawson, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs George L Ellis, Mill Street. The ceremony, which was quietly celebrated with only relatives of the families as invited guests, was performed by the Rev C B Crofts. Mr R Harper presided at the organ. Following the wedding Mr and Mrs Butler held a reception at 2, The Quay. Mr and Mrs C Lawson Ellis left for London and Paris for the honeymoon.

The annual dinner of the Bideford Association Football Club held at Friendship’s Hotel was more than a social event in the history of local football for while it marked a concluding stage in the activities of the Club so well known as the Town Football Club, it also heralded a new interest and enthusiasm in the game as it will be fostered by the recently constituted body of management under the Club’s revised title.

By kind permission of Miss Abbott, a very successful garden fete was held at West Bank School in aid of the 3rd Bideford and the newly started Church Company of Girl Guides. A good number was present and the weather favourable when…

Work on Bideford Bridge, which had been suspended, has now resumed.

Pastor E E Hill preached his farewell sermon at the Bradworthy United Methodist Church. He leaves at Conference for Megagissy, with the best wishes of all, for during this three years ministry, he has endeared himself to many by his pulpit work, and his regular pastoral visitation.

The funeral took place of Miss Lily Bryan, daughter of Mr and Mrs Bryant, of Lower Village (Bradworthy) who passed away after a long illness patiently borne.

Quite an interesting event took place at Buckland Brewer in the Wesleyan Church, when the marriage was solemnised between Mr H M Mules and Miss Clara Cock, third daughter of Mr J Cock (Gorwood).

The marriage of Miss Esther Graham Stokes, daughter of the late Mr Graham Stokes and of Mrs Stokes, of Buckland Brewer, with sub-Lieut J G Hewitt, RN, son of Mr and Mrs George Hewitt, of Marton, New Zealand, will take place on August 2nd.

Captain Phillip Dunn of the trawler “Teazer” fishing in Clovelly Bay recently caught a sturgeon weighing 21lbs. At Clovelly, Mr R Gist’s heifer gave birth to two calves, Wednesday, July 2nd.

Clovelly children’s treat given by Mrs Hamlyn.

In Hartland news - On Wednesday evening Arthur Rowe, of Springfield, who had been working Baxworthy horses in the water-cart in the town lately, was cycling homeward after putting away the horses when the bicycle broke and he was found by James Edward Peard unconscious. Taken to his home in a jingle Dr Faraker found him suffering from concussion. He was still unconscious next morning.

Hartland Football Club held a Whist drive and dance in the Church Room, where eight tables were filled. The prizes were won by…

Hartland parish church was the scene of a pretty wedding when Mr Francis Herbert Knott was married to Miss Nellie Sanders, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Sanders, Ball Hill, Hartland. The ceremony was performed by the Rev Ivor Gregory. The bride who was attended by two bridesmaids Miss Daisy Sanders and Miss Joyce Mills. The best man was Mr Frank Heal.

Half a mile of road near Blagdon Moor Gate, much used by visitors motoring to Hartland Lighthouse, has been repaired and has now been taken over by the Council. Regarding the narrow state of many roads in the Hartland area, a surveyor has been instructed to present a report on what can be done to improve the situation. A traveller bound for Cornwall was descending the steep, sharp turn of Wargery Water Hill in a motor car when it tipped over on its side. Seven men from Stoke Barton turned it up again, and the journey was resumed – with a broken windscreen.

Work has started on the new Parish Hall at Huntshaw. The site has been cleared and stone extracted from Maryport Quarry. Voluntary labour is being provided by the young people and the haulage is being undertaken at no charge by local farmers. A fund-raising fete held recently included skittling for a pig (for the gentlemen) and for two live ducks (for the ladies).

Littleham garden fete will be held at the Rectory.

Mr Herbert W Mitchell, Lieut Commander, RN, retired, wrote from Culver House, Littleham, asking for a discontinuance of blasting in the quarry owing to damage to the house from vibration. The firing of charges had been going on for 28 years. 

Rev Lane resigns from the rectorship of Lundy.

Mr Peto visited Lundy and spoke to the Islanders. The Vicar of Appledore held an afternoon service, which was well attended, and Mr Peto read the lessons. Mr May, who escorted Mr Peto, showed the latter the various places of interest on the Island, and he lunched with several others at the Manor House, where Miss Sage, as usual, made excellent arrangements.

Bottle thrown from a Bideford schooner off Lundy.

A race to Lundy from Appledore and Bideford to save the s.s. Trentwood, of South Shields.

Service at Lundy lighthouse.

The funeral of the late Mrs S Hogan took place in the Monkleigh Churchyard. The Rev E Evelyn Smit, assisted by the Rev E Fizgerald Kerrich (Rector of Littleham) officiated. The chief mourners were….

A Grand Conservative Fete will be held at Yeoldon, Northam and it is expected that Basil Peto MP and Mrs Peto will be in attendance. Attractions will include theatrical performances and an open-air whist drive. Fine weather is hoped for!

Northam, Westward Ho! & District Horticultural Show at The Vicarage Glebe, Northam.

The North Devon Choral Union festival in Northam church was attended by choirs from Appledore, Buckland Brewer and Weare Giffard. The choir members marched in procession to the church from the upper school. Choral Eucharist was sung to the setting “Merbecke”.

At the age of 53, John Henry Taylor, one of the two famous Devon golfing brothers, who were born at Northam, put up a wonderful….

Effects from Holmfield, Northam, for sale.

Before Mr H W Huxham and Mr J H Davis, at Bideford Borough Sessions, Gladys Teepe, domestic servant, Northam, should have appeared but she sent an apology for non-attendance and pleaded guilty to riding a cycle through Mignonette Walk footpath. PC Uglow (Westward Ho!) said an elderly person had to squeeze against the wall to prevent being struck. He was in plain clothes and when he told defendant he was a policeman she said “I’m very unfortunate, aren’t I?” adding that she had seen the notices prohibiting cycling there but was in a hurry. Fined 7s 6d.

Parkham news - Before the recent change of weather haymaking operations were becoming general. Shears are heavy and some hay has been stacked in fairly good condition whilst a large proportion is left to be cut and stacked. Potato blight is making its appearance on the haulmes of the early potatoes and also affecting the tubers (haulmes is now spelt haulms). It is to be hoped that the fields of potatoes will withstand it for a time, otherwise a potato famine will exist during the coming winter. Later in the month it was reported that haymaking operations were carried out with great energy during the spell of fine weather.

A tender for a new bridge, etc. at Babeleigh Water, in Parkham Parish, at £86, was considered too high, and stated to be more than twice the estimate. On the motion of Mr J T Jewell, seconded by Mr W H Rogers, it was decided to abandon the work altogether for the time being.

Two cyclists had a nasty spill at the bottom of Melbury Hill (Parkham). One machine, which was nearly new, had its forks bent and the front wheel smashed, and the back wheel of the other bicycle suffered damage.

Shebbear news - Successful anniversary services in connection with the United Methodist Church at Rowden were held. Rev P W Luxton (Torrington) preached in the morning and Mr J Rounsefell, MA, B.Sc, in the evening. On the Thursday a public tea was held in the Schoolroom, the following ladies presiding over the tables: Mrs Brooks, Misses J and F Vanstone (Gaute), and Miss M Lock. The cutters up were Mesdames Fishleigh, Ley and Vanstone. This was followed by a public meeting, when addresses were given by Rev H E Reed and Rev P W Luxton, recitations and dialogues by the children, and special singing by the choir was much appreciated. Miss Horne was at the organ.

Gloom has been shed over the Shebbear parish by the death of Mrs T Curtis of Rigby’s Hay, who died at Alverdiscott, where she had gone the previous day for a change. She was the daughter of the late Mr Arscott Bridgman, of Pennicknold, Shebbear, and leaves a large family of eleven children, the youngest a baby. The second son arrived in Australia a month ago. The funeral took place at Lake Chapel yard.

In St Giles, Mr J Lock won the contest at skittling for a box of cigarettes.

The Torrington Mayor’s Chain with Badge.

Household furniture, on instruction from Major Graham, is for auction at Rosemoor, Torrington.

Mr Edward Short, poultry and game dealer, of Torrington, was the victim of an alarming accident. Mr Short was engaged on his usual round of business, and whilst driving his horse and trap down the Station Hill, the back strap of the harness broke, which cause the animal to become restive and to commence to kick, and eventually bolt. The unfortunate occupant was thrown violently from the trap into the road, with the result that he sustained a fracture to one of his legs, in addition to a severely bruised shoulder. Mr R J Tippett happened to be motoring by at the time, and conveyed the injured man to the Cottage Hospital, where he was attended to by Dr O’Flaherty. Later Mr Short was removed to the North Devon Infirmary, where he was reported to be as comfortable as could be expected.

PC Hawkins, of Torrington, is removing to Aveton Gifford, near Kingsbridge.

The Torrington troop of Brownies were entertained at Riversdale, Wear Giffard, by the kind permission of Mr and Mrs T Moore. The party, numbering 28 Brownies, were under the command of Miss Fenwick, Miss Atwill and Miss N Norman, and heartily enjoyed the strawberry tea and cream provided by the kind hosts. After an enjoyable time on the lawn cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Moore and the party returned by motor bus to Torrington. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs G M Doe, and the ex-Mayoress, Mrs M Chapple, were also present.

The Royal Humane Society recognises the prompt gallantry of Mr Harry Busby, of Wear Gifford, when he saved young Heywood.

The annual summer tea in connection with the Bideford Maternity and Child Welfare Centre took place at the Church Institute. The kind invitation of the Rector of Weare Gifford and Mrs Moyses to bring the mothers to Weare Gifford Rectory to tea had to be cancelled owing to the inclement weather. Last year the weather was very favourable and remembering the delightful time spent at the Rectory the mothers were keenly looking forward to another visit.

The Mill House, Wear Gifford, is advertising its fruit and cream teas.

Weare Gifford was specially favoured in having a perfect day for The Strawberry fete of the year, held in aid of the village club and piano in the grounds of the Barton, kindly lent by Mr R Powell. Owing to several other attractions, the fete was not quite such a success financially but nevertheless, the fun was brisk and competitions and side-shows well patronised.

The marriage between Major A D Nightingale of Bramston House, Dundle, and Lilian Muriel, younger daughter of Mrs Nicholls, Sea Drift, Westward Ho! will take place at St Nicholas Church, Chislehurst on August 7th at 2.15. Any friends will be welcome at the Church and afterwards at Tudor Hall.

George Edward Beer was fined 18s for driving a motor cycle in a manner dangerous to the public at Westward Ho!

No. 6 Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale.

Westward Ho! fire would have been worse but for PC Uglow.

At Bideford Borough Sessions Evelyn Blanche Steel, of Westward Ho! who did not appear but sent a letter, was summoned for causing an obstruction by leaving a motor car unattended for forty minutes in High-street. PC Peardon stated the facts. The Chairman, Mr H W Huxham: "The lady writes that she was busy eating ice creams at a café. I dare say they were extra cold and took a long time." Fined 10s. 

The fourth annual exhibition of pictures and statuary by the Westward Ho! Art Club is to be held at the Bridge Hall, Bideford, from 29 July to 2 August. Tenders are being invited for the lighting of Westward Ho! and the provision of a shelter on the Recreation Ground.

July 1974

Employment opportunities at Sudbury’s Gloves Limited; Dartington Glass Ltd; Devon Fire Brigade

Eight local postmen were among those from North Devon to receive safe driving awards from Police Chief Superintendent Reginald Goldsworthy at a special presentation. Mr W J Page of Torrington received a first year bar to his 15-year brooch and Mr S J Shute of Bideford was presented with a fourth bar to a five-year medal. Other awards included: Mr B M Davies, Torrington; Messrs R W Lee, A R Parsons and R F Westcott of Bideford, and Messrs A R Johns and F G Prouse of Hartland.

Despite rain Abbotsham Church fete made £294 for parish and village funds. One of the main attractions, dancing by the school children, had to be transferred to the schoolroom. Under the direction of the headmistress Miss A Ball, and Mrs J Frost, it was still a big success. Grenville College boys helped with games and teas were served in the parish hall organised by Mrs F Grigg. Helpers were Mesdames Tyrie, P Schillers, B Brown, F Arthurs, Graham, Cook, Ridd, G Martin, C Cork, R Beer.

The funeral of Mr Joseph Bailey of 1 Church Park, Fairy Cross, has taken place at St Andrew’s Church, Alwington.

Rain intensified the ‘sizzle’ but failed to dampen spirits at a barbecue on West Appledore foreshore organised by the Parent-Teacher Association of Appledore County Primary School. The committee felt they could not disappoint the large number of children who arrived and so, in the drizzle, the bonfire with hot dogs, soft drinks and community singing went ahead. Everyone was determined to make it a happy occasion – and did so.

In a cycling proficiency test conducted by Police Sergeant James on behalf of Appledore County Primary School Parent-Teachers’ Association, all 11 candidates passed. They are Jean Eastman, Claire Hocking, Fiona Payne, Bridget Piper, Tracey Reeves, Gavin Draper, Mark Evans, Bryan Morrish, Gregory Pascoe, Tony Pickett and Stuart Wilson.

For eight hours, except for a brief break for tea, the bells of St Mary’s Church, Appledore, pealed out as 22 teams took part in Appledore’s annual bell-ringing competition. In the six-bells class B, Black Torrington were runaway winners with 44 fewer faults than their nearest challengers.

Appledore lifeboat, recently returned to her station after an extensive refit, was moored alongside Appledore Quay for a service of re-dedication conducted by the Vicar, the Rev Donald Peyton Jones. Appledore Town Band provided the music.

Another piano bites the dust as the competitors in the piano smashing contest get into the swing of things at Appledore Pirates’ ‘Trials of strength.’ Some 450 people turned up to watch the event at Swiss Cottage Field, Northam, and the Pirates raised about £100. Local strongmen and visitors tested their skills at hammer throwing, pebble carrying, tossing the caber and piano smashing. For the ladies there was a five-a-side football competition and the children had their own races. Trophy winners were: Mr A Gresham, Mr Peter Cox, Mr Tony Maytum. The piano smashing winners qualified for free beer.

Torridge District Council are to be asked by Northam Town Council to repair the Blue Lights Hall, which was a bequest to the people of Appledore. Mr H S Clements reported on the election of a new committee for the hall. Repairs, he added, were needed to the floor, electric wiring, a window, and the roof. Funds in the bank were insufficient for the work and, in any case, they needed money in hand to run the hall. An increase in rental fees had been agreed to help offset the rising running costs of the hall.

Northam Town Council are again to draw the attention of Torridge District Council to broken sewer pipes on the foreshore at Appledore. Mr J C Seward said he had received another complaint that there was sewage on the beach at West Appledore. He had been told that the pipes were in such a condition that when they were being cleaned tools sometimes “went right through the sides.”

Three Bideford cottages that the former Town Council acquired to demolish have been reprieved. The cottages - 16, 17 and 18 North Road….

Lily Keen is emphatic that there is nothing unusual about being a lady cricket scorer. Although her parents were Londoners, Miss Keen was born in Bideford and for 34 years she has lived in Mill Street. Before her retirement she worked in the drapery trade and at one time was a millinery buyer, and admits to a weakness for hats. She is a talented needlewoman.

Among the attractions at the Friends of Bideford School’s annual summer fete was a display of karate by members of the local Sei-Do-Kai Club.

When Bideford Young Wives’ Group took an evening off from domestic chores to visit RAF Chivenor’s helicopter search and rescue flight they arrived to find their hosts missing. The crew had scrambled for their third rescue in an hour, and were busy winching to safety three teenage holidaymakers who had been cut off by the tide. But the rescue helicopter was soon back, and with typical gallantry, the crew delayed their supper to demonstrate winching and rescue techniques and to discuss their work locally.

Janet Harding who plays for Toy Works, Bideford, has been adjudged joint player of the year by the Taw and Torridge Ladies’ Football League. Her employers have marked the occasion by the presentation of a specially designed plaque. Miss Harding shares the title with Miss Kathie Richards, of the Bell Bombers.

Oh! my aching feet is the story. These two ladies, Julie Evans and Mandy Lamey, made such light work of the nine-mile sponsored walk from Barnstaple to their Bideford AAC headquarters that they took time off en route for a run-around on Instow beach and still reached Bideford first of the 20 walkers. The event raised around £300 towards a second 42ft boat.

Officers of the South West Water Authority were left in no doubt about the feelings of local people when they addressed a public meeting at Bucks Mills about sewerage plans for the village.

Mr S Nichols, of Haytown, Bulkworthy, the oldest inhabitant, has died. A native of Cookbury, he later lived at Colscott, West Putford, from where he joined the Army serving the Medical Corps.

Helen Christian Drawhill Heffer, of Gardener’s Cottage, Clovelly, directed that her property should be equally divided between PDSA and Dr Barnardo’s. Mrs Heffer died in April.

Dine and wine and savour the gastronomic delights produced by Chef P W Kosnikowski, at the New Inn, Clovelly, with Major and Mrs Clive Cannell.

A garden party at the Vicarage, Frithelstock, raised over £41 for Church funds. Folk singing on the lawn by Mrs Kimber, Mrs Hosken and Mrs Shorter was a popular feature. Stallholders included Mesdames T Braund, J Lemoine, A Moore, A Poole, R Bond, L Adams. Competitions were run by Mr and Mrs Glover, Mrs Braunton, David Adams, Phllip, Charles and Chloe Lemoine and Lee Loveridge, Mrs J Beer and Mrs S Adams. Responsible for teas were Mesdames E Squire, R Fulford and L Budge. Mr S Adams was gate steward. Draw winners were Mrs J Toogood, Mrs J Beer, Mrs Hooper and Mrs L Budge.

The June revel celebrations at Hartland primary school raised about £70 for school funds. Kerry Higgins was crowned queen of the revel. Her attendants were Claire Stowell and Bryony Johns who were escorted by Benjy Macer.

Beech House, Hartland – furniture and effects for sale.

Shaun Pengilley shows the length of his seemingly resigned pet’s ears during Hartland’s comic dog show. Nearly 50 took part to make the show a success. Proceeds were in aid of Hartland tennis court fund.

Guests at the Westcountry Inn, Hartland, had to go without their early morning cuppa. When landlord Mr Alan Higgins turned on the taps, there was no water.

Every dog has his day. And Saturday was Guy’s day – shared with Gayle, the daughter of his owner, Mr Brian Stevens. They helped to raise more than £7 at the annual fete at Littleham where Gayle lives at School House Farm. Patrons were asked to guess Guy’s weight, and the competition was won by Mrs M Smale and Messrs A Mills and T Brend.

Many an adult who has never had the chance to fulfil a childhood wish to sit behind the wheel of a fire engine must have envied these youngsters at Littleham fete.

Bideford yacht Burton Cutter is on her way to Castlebay in the Outer Hebrides on the 460-miles second leg of the Royal Western/Observer Round Britian Race. She is skippered by Leslie Williams, who with local businessman Alan Smith, is the joint owner. Her skipper has reported that she is ‘behaving very well.’ Later in the month, it was reported….

A new heater in St Swithin’s Church, Littleham, has been paid for by the £117 profit on a dance. Over £18 was raised for Church funds at a coffee evening with bring-and-buy stall organised by Mr and Mrs J Ray, of Middle Langdon. Competition winners were Mrs M Smale, Mrs G Wise and Mr C Ackland.

When Mrs E Kaye, lower junior class teacher at Monkleigh Primary School for the past six years, said “goodbye” to her class before going into retirement the occasion was not as sad as it might have been. She told how she had been delving into parish records and that as a result she hoped that one evening next term she would be invited back to give a talk on the history of the school. She was presented with a portable radio, an inscribed scroll and a card signed by all the children. Stephanie Sloman presented flowers. Mrs Kaye was thanked for her work by the headmaster, Mr C S Wingrave-Pain and by the chairman of the school managers Mr J Allin.

Mr Jeremy Thorpe, Liberal leader and MP for North Devon, is to take up with Devon County Council the problems caused in Northam following the parking ban in much of the village. 

Hopes for a car park on part of the Glebe Field to solve the pressing traffic problems have been dashed as the Rev Michael Lucas, told a meeting that he would fight any attempt at a take-over.

Northam WI midsummer fayre proved even more successful than last year’s, profits being almost double. Introduced by the president, Mrs G Smith, Mrs Colwill, performed the opening ceremony.

Two sisters and their brother had something to smile about at Northam horticultural show. Natalie Hardy carried off first prize and the Lacy Cup, and sister Luciana and brother Mark filled second and third positions in the same class.

Miss Molly Batts, retiring from St Margaret’s School, Northam, would, had she been able to continue, have been just beginning to teach the third generation of the same family. Many parents who, like their children, were taught by Miss Batts were at the school when she was presented by Rev Michael Lucas with a hi-fi stereophonic radiogram and a cheque. Mr Bob Spiller, writing from Rochdale, would ‘never forget the marvellous family triumvirate of Mrs Crombie, Miss Batts and Miss Scilly.

Two typical generations are shown in the picture – Mrs Ann Cole; next to her is Mrs D Clark whose daughter, Susan, is also in the picture.

On the right are father and daughter Mr Roy Smale and Caroline, both former pupils of Miss Batts. 

Parkham’s village hall is among 10 similar causes to get grants through Devon County Council’s Amenities and Countryside Committee. Faced with an unexpected drop in the size of grants from the Department of Education and Science towards Devon village hall schemes, the committee decided it would allocate its own grants of £15,950 to supplement £13, 050 offered.

Five representatives of Torrington Town Council are to make an exploratory trip to Roscoff in France as the first step towards a twinning link. The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs R H Cotton; the Deputy Mayor, Mrs M E Patts; Mr J W Martin and the clerk Mr D Elliott, are to make the trip.

A man who knows every inch of the 620 miles of roads in the Bideford and Torrington rura districts retired after walking and riding over them for nearly 40 years. Mr Edgar Harding of Calf Street, for good measure also had to keep a check on 200 bridges. He began as a roadman working for Mr Thomas Fairchild who had a private contract with the former Torrington Rural Council. Mr Harding’s colleagues marked his retirement with a gift of Dartington glass.

Mr William John Adams, of Homer, Little Torrington – ‘Farmer Jack’ to all his friends – who has died served for many years on the Parish and Torrington Rural District Councils. He had taken an active interest in village affairs and had farmed in the parish, first at Bagbear and later at Homer, all his life.

The dreaded 11-plus examination is a thing of the past for Torrington district children, but those from Bideford and district will still sit it next year. After September’s intake no children from the Torrington area will be accommodated in Bideford or Barnstaple schools as has been the case for many years for those successful in the examination. This is because Torrington County Secondary School goes comprehensive in September 1975, and the Bideford equivalent, combined with the grammar school, does likewise in September 1976.

All 164 children were involved in a musical play, The Magic Toyshop, staged by Torrington Bluecoat School at the Town Hall. It was truly an original production in that it incorporated all the material the children had done musically during the term, together with dancing. The children were asked to give their ideas on the magic toyshop theme, and Mrs John Kimber selected the most interesting and wove the story.

Some of the children are seen in the picture

At an informal party of the Torrington post of the Royal Observer Corps, Mr L G Weeks was presented with the bar to his long service medal, after 24 years of service. The presentation was made by Observer Lieutenant R Symons. Mr Bowyer also gave Mr Weeks a Corps tie from all his colleagues on the post.

In appreciation of his 25 years’ service as borough beadle of Torrington, Mr Jack Avery, who resigned recently, has been presented with an inscribed clock.

Sixteen young cyclists at Torrington have demonstrated their ability to ride their bicycles safely. Together with Teresa Rice, Nicholas Hallam and Steven Jones (not in the picture) they qualified after training from Mr B E Medley-Smith.

Harry Mowe, Andrew Tomlinson, Kevin Spear, Gary Croxford, Tracey Jones, Andrew Palmer, Paul Drew, Alison Boyd, Matthew Cramp, Annette Cramp, Carole Juniper, Naomi Harland and Sally Taffs

Mr Walter Thomas Piper, who died at Torridge View Welfare Home, Torrington, was for many years a prominent member of the Royal British Legion. He lived at 57 Well Street. For long he worked for the World’s Stores at Torrington.

Torrington schoolboy Alan Mitchell was walking across the bridge over the River Torridge at Taddiport when he heard cries for help and looked over to see a boy struggling in the water. Without hesitation he ran along the bank, went into the river fully clothed, and brought the boy safely ashore. The rescue turned out to be Alan’s cousin, Andrew Palmer, and Alan stood before the whole of junior school at assembly to be presented with a special certificate recording his deed. Alan’s grandmother, Mrs L Cox, said “I think Alan deserves a commendation for this – he was a very brave boy.”

The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Willey, wife of the late Mr S E Willey, of 4 Oxman’s Cottages, Westleigh, has taken place. Mourners attending were: Mr Peter Willey; Mrs Mary Willey; Mr B Vallack; Kathleen, Margaret and Carol Willey; Mr and Mrs L Vallack; Mrs K Begley.

Westward Ho! Follies in their 25th anniversary year, offer a greater variety in their summer show than ever. For the first time they have enough male members to allow a balanced cast and this enables them to be more ambitious. The familiar voice of lead singer Bill Thisby is joined by the contrasting tone of Douglas Kirk. John Lee provides another valuable acquisition with his infectious humour and provides a perfect partner for Graham Humphrey. The cast includes: Vicky Alexander, Rita Burrows, Muriel Eagle, Wendy Jewell, Yvonne Kirk, Rosemary Oke, Judy Sherborne, Doris Thisby, Karen Weaver, Jacqueline Wilkey, Theresa Wills, Hannah Wrey, Roger Beale, Graham Humphrey.

The entire adult cast of Westward Ho! Follies take the stage for a ‘Spanish extravaganza’

Mr Charles Lewis of Oklahoma, USA, has died.

Competing in a special Monte Carlo rally for vintage cars is this entry from Winkleigh. Mr Harley is driving his 1926 Hispano Suiza H6B with Mr Ball as navigator. In addition to owning a collection of vintage cars, Mr Harley is in business as a restorer of pre-war cars.

All set for the special Monte Carlo rally – Mr and Mrs Nicholas Harley and Mr and Mrs Anthony Ball

Miss Rosemary Williams of the Vicarage, Winkleigh, has gained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at Leicester University.

Because of bad weather, All Saints’ Church annual fete was held in the Winkleigh Community Centre.

At the June meeting of Woolsery Women’s Institute, Mrs Ursula Slee showed beautiful and varied slides of places she had visited. She was thanked by Mrs Trudgeon and entertained to tea by Mrs Lott and Mrs J Gorrell. Winners of the competitions were: a piece of grandmother’s jewellery – Mrs Rawlings; Mrs Downes. Flower of the month – Mrs Edwards; Mrs Perkins. The penny bag content was won by Mrs Trudgeon and organised by Mrs N Gorrell.

The funeral has taken place at All Hallows’ Church, Woolsery, of Mr William Perkins, formerly of Wallnut, Woolsery. The bearers were Messrs C Wood, D Pengilly, A Perkins, N Gorrell, J Raffe and P Andrew.

A new hotel – Moorhead Hotel, Woolfardisworthy.

July 1999

The Church of St Helen’s in Abbotsham is continuing its Towards 2000 celebration at the end of the month with a flower festival and picture exhibition. The Atlantic Flower Club and some church members will be mounting a floral history display illustrating some of the major events in English history in the last millennium. During the festival, coffees, lunches and teas will be provided in the Village Hall, where there will be a photographic display of Abbotsham in the old days. This display has been put together by local people and photographs from the North Devon Record Office.

Appledore has lost the first round in the fight to save its fire station, but the village and surrounding communities are now rallying resources in a bid to turn the tables. Devon Fire Authority amended cost cutting recommendations at saving £316,000 across the county in the next financial year. But it decided to press ahead with proposals to close the Appledore station.

Later in the month it was reported ..More than 70 local people turned up to voice their concerns at a public meeting into the proposed closure of the Appledore Fire Station. Speakers included Devon’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Chris Horton and Torridge and West Devon MP John Burnett.

Appledore Residents’ Association has been born following a public meeting in the village which attracted more than 200 people. Spokesman Jeremy Bell said the organisers had been overwhelmed by the response. The threat to the village’s fire station was a main issued.

Sandy Brown, Appledore Arts Festival, thanks all those people who took part.

The era of the flapper, the Charleston, the speakeasy, prohibition and art deco are brought back to life in Appledore. Charity performers of The Bright Stars Theatre Group have taken the 1920s theme for their latest variety show which takes stage at St Mary’s Church Hall until the end of August. The show is directed by Mike Sale.

Our pictures show – Betty Maynard, Edie Bawden, Melisa Cobian, Lucy Ewington, Holly Crippin, Samantha and Gemma Bealey

A Royal gathering on a sunny quayside at Appledore. The village’s carnival queen Lucy Ewington is joined by her attendants Kayleigh Wallis and Katie-Marie Powe, and by fairy queens Lucy Powe and Sophie Bailey. The girls will take pride of place in Appledore’s carnival parade.

Go-ahead for Bideford Quay.

A new big cat sighting has been reported – not on isolated farmland but this time in the centre of Bideford! Care workers Hannah Blaney and Kerry Johns were shaken by their encounter near the fire station in Old Town, Bideford. The girls said “It came out an alleyway and absolutely leapt across the road to the fire station and was gone. It was about three feet high and really powerfully built, with a glossy black coat and an enormous tail about two feet long.” A Bideford police spokesman revealed that the girls’ sighting was not the first. “We have had two other sightings of large black cats reported on the outskirts of Bideford in the past three months.”

John Butler, curator of the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, has been named by Bideford Rotary Club as Citizen of the Year. He was presented with an inscribed cut-glass goblet at the club’s annual charter lunch celebrating the anniversary of its formation.

Former RAF Squadron Leader and college bursar Brian Cooke is the new president of Bideford Rotary Club. Mr Cooke was in the RAF for 30 years before taking up the post of bursar at Edgehill College which he held throughout the 1980s. He is picture receiving his chain of office from the club’s outgoing president, Brian Sims.

Tag rugby is the name of the game these youngsters will be playing with the ‘pills’ and tabards they were given at Blight’s Motors in Bideford. Ford dealer Tim Blight donned a tabard himself to hand over the equipment to Westcroft Junior School. The pupils from Westcroft summed it up – ‘Brilliant’ said Chris Flores. ‘You don’t get black eyes’ said Joel Ramsay. And ‘It’s a good game for girls’ said Sarah Richards.

Bridgeland Street stands as a symbol of one of Bideford’s most prosperous periods. Its wide carriageway and large houses, built to specific designs and proportions, were specially constructed to cater for the wealthy merchants attracted by the town’s blossoming tobacco trade with Virginia and Maryland at the end of the 17^th Century. As the name suggests the street was developed by the trustees of Bideford’s ancient long bridge who bought up land for the development. It’s buildings still provide local landmarks, not least the impressive twin spires of the Lavington United Reformed Church. Also of interest is the Red House with is facing red ‘mathematical’ tiles. This façade was added to the building to avoid a tax imposed on bricks.

A new magazine produced by young people for young people will soon be going through letterboxes in East-the-Water, Bideford. H20 Tales from the East Side is being compiled by a group of 10 local youngsters on the community computer at the Pollyfield Centre. It was planned to give out the magazine free to young people through Bideford College and also make it available for sale in the community.

Our picture shows Brendan Garnett-Frizelle, Russ Gaydon, Leslie Stebbing and Adam Gerke at work on ideas for the first edition

A new park has sprung up in the centre of Bideford. From seeds grown by Torridge District Council have grown the Old Town Gardens. Created on the old, walled playing field site next to the Fire Station, the new gardens offer separate play areas and equipment for toddlers and junior aged children plus the creating of paths and seating, planting of trees and general enhancement for the benefit of other users.

Picture shows Torridge District councillors David Brenton, Pam Paddon, Peter Christie, Hugo Barton, John Rawlinson, Mervyn Lane and David Daniel

It was far from smooth going for the gentlemen who volunteered to take part in a sponsored leg and chest wax at Bideford Angling Club. There were a good many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as they went through the process of being ‘de-fuzzed’ to raise funds for the children’s charity CLIC.

Grenville College. Bideford, came top of the class for first time entrants in a Rover Cars Dealer Career Challenge regional final. The three-strong team made a go-kart into a dragster machine called the Grenville Growler. The students took part in an all-day event at Dillington House, Somerset, and also won a race to build a go-kart and a competition to drive a go-kart round the track against the clock.

Chris Beer, Richard Cook and Henry Brown are pictured with Richard Ker

A former stone barn at Buckland Brewer is for sale.

Believed to date from the 17^th century, this Buckland Brewer property is being marketed. It includes what was once the original barn, dairy and carpenter’s workshop.

A £560,000 millennium project for the regeneration and enhancement of Fremington Quay could be started this autumn and completed by next spring. At a public meeting villagers were told that the money had now been promised and provided all strings could be drawn together within the next week a late September start is on the cards. Fremington parish council councillor Ro Day said it would be there for everyone in North Devon to enjoy. “It is a really exciting project” she said. 

People in Instow, Westleigh and West Yelland are to be invited to tell the planners what sort of community facilities they want. Said Instow and Westleigh parish clerk Bill Pain; “We need to find out exactly what local people want from a new community hall. Especially the younger people.”

The ‘Pleasure Steamer’ Balmoral includes Lundy in her summer trips.   

Originally called The Butler’s House but in more recent years known at Treasury Lodge, the property at Monkleigh has been sold at auction for £82,000. The property in wooded grounds is one of several around the perimeter of the old Annery Estate.

Northam’s May Queen was crowned – two months behind time, but as welcome as ever. Lack of the town’s springtime revels this year meant that Northam did not choose its May Queen, but she must be there to perform her traditional duty of opening the summer church fete, it was decided. So in the Vicarage gardens Dawn Patt became May Queen, with young Jez Trick as her Prince and Lauren Bedler as her Princess, just in time to declare the church fete open. The crowning ceremony was performed by deputy mayor Andrew Eastman.

Lilybridge, Northam – final phase now available.

Northam Methodist Church has taken on a colourful new look for the millennium. The Victorian chapel in Cross Street has undergone a £16,000 facelift.

The picture shows the Rev Andersen, Mr Punchard and Arthur ‘Tim’ Northcott

Torrington Cavaliers’ chairman Dave Kelly has been to the East End of London seeking a Cockney character to light the town’s millennium bonfire. An authentic Pearly King and Queen were on his invitation list too. Now taking shape on Torrington Commons are the first buildings in the ‘Streets of London’ structure being built by the Cavaliers in preparation for their re-enactment of the Great Fire of London during the summer Bank Holiday of 2000. Torrington’s own historic Black Horse pub, which fits in with the period, will be featured.

When Torrington’s Clearwater Brewery needed some ideas for eye-catching pump clips and labels to promote its tasty brews, it consulted the experts. It went to the art and design department of North Devon College. Clearwater’s ales are named after fish, such as Tiger Perch, Carp Ripple, Sea Trout and Russian Sturgeon.

Job opportunities at North Devon Meat, Torrington.

Eggs and flowers will again give a unique start to Winkleigh’s historic fair week. Parish organisations will assemble in The Square for a parade to All Saints’ Church for a special service at which local children are invited to give their gifts of eggs and flowers for distribution to senior citizens in the village.

Five very special people during Winkleigh Fair Week, are Serena Bolt, Liesa Down, Kelly Ashmore, Georgie McEvans and Emma Blyth

Learning how to keep your balance was the skill to be learned by these boys having a joust on the Manor House lawn during Woolsery Street Fayre. Crowds flocked to the village for the annual event, which raised just under £2,000 for local organisations.

A substantial detached six bedroom restored farmhouse with adjoining one bed cottage with a range of outbuildings and stone barns, is for sale in Woolsery.

Woolsery’s new hard play area – part of the £800,000-plus village hall scheme, has been officially opened. It provides the village with two tennis courts and facilities for many outdoor games. The area is also floodlit.

Pictured are Debbie Meeson and Kate Harding