August 1924

Births – Oerton – August 1st at 5 Bay View, Northam, the wife of Thomas Oerton, jun,. a daughter; Taylor – August 4th at 15 Lower Gunstone, Bideford, the wife of J J Taylor (well known golf professional at Crews Hill, London), a son; August 19th at Tapeley Lodge, Instow, to Mr and Mrs Colegate, a son.

Marriages – Eastmond-Bonetta – August 9th at St Mary’s Church, Bideford; Greenslade-Kivell – 25th August at St Mary’s Church.

Deaths – John S Braunton (14 Union Street, Bideford); George Blight Fisher (12 Buttgarden Street); Olive Garvice; Clara Walker (Marsland, Bideford); Eric Spring; Cedric Mark George Stoneman; Maria Branch (31 High Street); Minnie Jenkins (Horns Cross); Elizabeth Ann Lesley (Bude Street, Appledore); Elizabeth Jane Spindler (Tapeley, Instow).

The weather 100 years ago seems to have been much the same as we are experiencing this year. For a Bank Holiday the weather was as disappointing and depressing, as it could possibly be. When it was not actually raining the district was shrouded in a steamy mist. Yet, notwithstanding….

Advice for landladies...don't forget

And you might need to keep your lodgers entertained with a wireless - take it to Stephens, Brain & Co. Ltd, in the High Street, Bideford..

At Barnstaple and District Employment Committee, in reference to unemployment figures at Bideford, it was reported that 20 men were asked for for ballasting on Torrington-Halwill Railway. The job was put to over 40 men considered capable of doing it, but the manager was only able to get one to come forward, a shipwright who volunteered. Mr Labbett said the men were seafaring men and out of the lot not ten were fit for navvy’s work, and he complained they lost the dole by refusing.

Kenwith Barton, in the parishes of Abbotsham, Northam and Bideford, is for sale.  

Mr and Mr T H Kelly of 1 Odun Road, Appledore, celebrated their golden wedding receiving many congratulations. They were married at the Congregational Church by the Rev T J Leslie. Mr and Mrs Kelly went to South Africa where for many years Mr Kelly was engaged as traveller by one of the largest firm of merchants at Port Elizabeth, finally settling at Appledore, their native town. There are four sons and one daughter.

Appledore licensed victuallers were at Bideford County Sessions granted permission to keep their premises open from 10am to 10pm continuously on Regatta day (13th August).

A visitor’s impression of the Appledore midden.

The Fete and Fancy Fair held at Appledore on August Bank Holiday, was in spite of the weather, one of the brightest and most successful events held for some time. The Committee of the Appledore Regatta and the Appledore Football Club, amalgamated for the effort, and with a fine spirit of harmony, carried the whole thing through splendidly. The Hon. Denys Scott, with great kindness, placed his beautiful grounds, The Holt, at the disposal of the Committee, and met with officers in the morning and helped them to select the most sheltered spots.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore, of the late Mr Richard Cole, eldest son of Capt and Mrs Cole, of Irsha-street, whose death occurred after a prolonged illness….

Engine off line at Bideford. Was it foul play?

Prior to the ‘break up’ for the summer vacation all the scholars and staff of Bideford Edgehill College assembled in the gymnasium to make a presentation to Miss E O Johnson, BA, who has been Headmistress for fifteen years, and is leaving to take control of her new school at Arley Castle, Worcestershire. Mr Robert Blakemore, chairman of the College Executive presided. Apologies were announced from Mr J H Beckley, the Rev W B Reed, and Alderman J U Fulford, JP. Amongst those present were Mr J Rounsefell, MA, Rev W And Mrs Treffry, Rev John Ford Reed, Rev W Rodda, Mrs R Dymond and Mrs Blackmore. During Miss Johnson’s term some 600 girls had passed through the school.

Buy Burton’s jams from The India & China Tea Co. in High Street and Grenville Street, Bideford.

A slight argument between a touring car and a heavy ice motor van in High-street, Bideford, resulted in the back axle of the latter being put out of action and the car having to be towed away for repairs. A motor car and a motor cycle and sidecar, driven respectively by Mrs L C Smith (accompanied by her mother, Mrs Montague) and by Mr R J Hearn, of Bideford (accompanied by Miss Pickard, Northam) collided at the blind corner outside the Mermaid Inn, High-street, Barnstaple. Miss Pickard was thrown out of the side-car and badly bruised, whilst the motor cycle was considerably damaged. The damage to the car was slight.

Bideford v Instow cricket match ended in a win for the homesters by 79 runs. For Bideford, H Downing took 4 wickets for 4 runs, and H Cowell 4 for 4. Rice took 4 wickets for 30. H Mules made a useful 31 for Bideford. Score:

Ingleside, 17 Westcroft Terrace, Bideford, for sale.

The famous Trealaw Silver Band visited Bideford during the August Bank Holiday weekend. On Saturday evening a concert was given in the Church Institute, presided over by Councillor H W Huxham, deputy Mayor. On Sunday afternoon a splendid, well attended concert was given in the Market, with his Worship the Mayor, Mr F T Upton, in the chair. Ensign Smith, Captain of the Bideford Salvation Army extended a hearty welcome to the Mayor.

Daisy Day held in Bideford proved a huge success, realising a larger amount than every before. A total of £35 2s 6d was collected by a willing band of helpers with Miss M Leonard, again as the enthusiastic secretary. She received a warm letter of thanks from Rev W Hodson Smith, the Principal of the National Children’s Home and Orphanage.

In the last three months, the Bideford Hospital stall in the Pannier Market has received 2000 eggs and 38lbs of butter as well as a variety of other comestibles. There were two hundred entries for the Bideford Horse Show but the rain affected attendance as it alternated between heavy rain and thick mist. Bideford Sports Ground Tennis Hard Courts are now open to the public. The charges are 2/- per court per hour for two players and 3/- for four players.

We regret to report the death, which took place under tragic circumstances, of Mr Cedric Mark George Stoneman. The deceased was the son of Mr and Mrs George Stoneman, of 25 Brookfield-street, East-the-Water, Bideford, and was for several years a clerk in the office of Messrs Hole, Seldon and Ward, Solicitors, after which he took up an appointment at Chard. Mr Stoneman, who was of a very obliging disposition, and always ready to be of service, was well known in junior local football circles. Much sympathy is expressed with his relatives in their sudden and sad bereavement.

Success attended the second annual exhibition of the Bradworthy Poultry and Horticultural Society held in the Vicarage Grounds under the presidency of Major E J W Spread, OBE, MC, reflecting great credit on the energetic secretaries, Mr A F Balsdon and Mr J Bennett, whose efforts were ably seconded by a strong local committee. The grounds loaned by the Vicar, Rev A E Dobson, readily transformed themselves, the Bradworthy band, under Bandmaster Cholwill, discoursing suitable selections during the afternoon. The judges were Messrs W M Appleton, R Walter, J Bevan, Monro, Mesdames Spread, Martin, T Blight, S G Dobson, and Mr S Bromell as treasurer. The prize list included: Mrs R Jennings, Miss V Agnew, W G Vivian, W Pickard, Major Spread, H Rich, F Mitchell, W Wickett, T Blight, W Seldon, Com. Corlett, Mrs Braund, Mrs W Parfett, S Trewin, G Holden, Miss Furze, Mrs Betts, Mrs Gloyn, Holden, W Harding, Mrs R Jennings, Miss Ashton, Bere, Miss Turner, Miss G Martin, Rev Dobson, Master A Trewin.

After being closed for the installation of new choir seats and a renovation of the whole premises, the Wesleyan Church at Bradworthy has now been reopened. The door was unlocked by Mrs Saunders (Stratton) who after being introduced by Rev G H Schofield, have a very inspiring message to the congregation.

The wedding took place at St Mary and St Benedict, Buckland Brewer, of Sub-Lieut John G Hewitt, RN, HMS Barham, only son of Mr and Mrs G Hewitt, New Zealand, and Miss Esther G Stokes, elder daughter of the late Mr Graham Stokes, and Mrs Graham Stokes, Glen Cottage, Buckland Brewer. The Rev J F Kendall, vicar of Richmond and the Rev G Clitheroe, vicar of Buckland Brewer officiated. The bride was given away by her brother, and the bridesmaids were Misses Mary Stokes, Halland, Elizabeth Berger, and Patricia Cuthbertson. Sub-Lieut J P Wright, RN, was ‘best man’.

Burn the Buckland Brewer cottage down?

Clovelly news - at the recent School Examination (Div 1) of the Associated Board of the R.A.M and R.C. M, M Anstey and E Thomas, pupils of Miss I Bushell, passed successfully.

Considering there are 200 cars and charabancs a day going to Clovelly, and the tremendous amount of traffic on the Bideford-Westward Ho! road, this district has been particularly free from serious accidents.

As a result of the sale of flags at Frithelstock, in aid of the Devon Cancer Fund, the sum of £6 has been sent. The following young ladies were the collectors: Miss Greta Johns, Miss Olive Ford, Miss Olive Johns, Miss Hookway, Miss Groom and Miss Moore.

Hartland Cottage Garden Show. The sixty-second exhibition of the Hartland Cottage Garden Society was favoured with good weather, and beat all records. There was a fine array of exhibits; the band played wonderfully well; the sports were well contested and not too long drawn out; and the visitors who came in such large numbers expressed their utmost satisfaction. Nearly 200 schooldren, headed by the Band marched into the South Deer Park soon after two oclock. Mr Charles Dayman, of Millhill, took 14 firsts, 1 second, 3 third, and 3 fourth prizes – 21 out of 23 entries.

The Vicar officiated at the funeral of Mrs M A Passmore of Hartland.

The funeral of the late Mr C H Cleverdon took place at Hartland, the Vicar officiating. 

The funeral of Mrs R Jeffery of Rosedown took place with Pastor Trudgeon officiating. Mr F Christmas accompanied the hymns, and Messrs E Beer, W Branton, T and R Hobbs, G, L and J Littlejohns acted as bearers. 

After a long illness Mr Frederick Bond died of consumption at Harton Cross. Over 130 men took turns in carrying the coffin to the churchyard for the funeral at Hartland with the Vicar officiating and Miss Bertha Pillman playing at the organ.. Those acting as official bearers were: Messrs John Bragg, J A George, Thomas Heard, J K Jeffery, Charles Oke, and Walter Wickett.

Mr Mann, who is staying at Beckland, accompanied by his wife, met with a serious cycling accident when going down Highdown hill. He was thrown off near Yapham Cross and sustained severe injuries. Mr Henry Colwill of Exmansworthy was fortunately at hand with a cart and conveyed Mr Mann to Mr C Vanstone’s and another gentleman went for the nurse and Dr Kay. Soon after, the sufferer was removed to Beckland where he lay unconscious for some time.

The flag day in aid of the Devon Cancer Fund, was organised by Miss Florrie Colwill of Hartland. Young ladies selling the St George and Dragon badges were:

The funeral of Mr John Pethebridge Downing, whose regretted death at Horwood at the age of 69 was reported last week, took place at Horwood, the Rev T B Dimond Hogg (Fremington) and G V Yonge officiating. Mr Downing is renowned as the man responsible for introducing steam rollers into the district.

North Devon Sailing Club, Instow, carried out eleven races in July, the aggregate prize for the month, given by Mr J S Marriott, being won by Brig-Gen Sanders, Dr Scott being second. The Peto Challenge cup was won by Dr Scott, Mr D C Sanders being second, and Mr Isemonger third. The weather affected the Bank Holiday crowds, with Westward Ho! and Instow being shrouded in “a steamy mist” and the beaches almost deserted.

Instow assault charge – one defendant fined; case against another dismissed. Dealing with the charge, Mr Copp said that on the date mentioned in the charge his client left his house at Instow, went up to his garden, which was reached by a lane passing his own house. In the same lane was the workshop in which the defendant worked in a workshop. He heard the defendant muttering but the words being partly inaudible he proceeded to his garden, which he shared with two others. He went into the garden and defendant came up, using bad language, and struck him in the face.

Stock from The Barton, Instow, for sale.

Arranged by Mr H Miles, Devon Cancer Flag Day was observed at Instow when the sum of £8 13s 3d was collected by the following: Miss Margaret Sanders, Miss Betty Molland, Miss Jenkins, Miss Gladys Heal, Miss Syliva Miles and Gwendoline Dark. The many friends at Instow and Appledore will be pleased to hear of Iris Lamey’s success in winning a free scholarship in a secondary school at Plymouth. Lately residing at Instow, she is the daughter of Mr Lamey, RN, commissioned shipwright, HMS Marlborough and Mrs Lamey, Devonport. A reward of £10 is being offered after two sheep were found shot dead in fields near The Barton, Instow, property of Mr H Turner.

At Friday’s meeting of Barnstaple Rural District Council Mr Miles drew attention to a number of hydrants in the roads at Instow being completely covered with tar-macadam, and as this was likely to prove awkward in case of fire, suggested some action should be taken. The clerk was instructed to look into the matter of the agreement between the Council and the Water Company.

The funeral has taken place in Medicine Hat, Assinibora, a town on the Canadian Pacific Railway about 660 miles west of Winnipeg, of Mr S J Glover, a native of Langtree.

The death has taken place of Miss Iris G Copp, eldest daughter of Mrs Copp and the late Mr Copp, of Clements Week, Langtree.

The Langtree Church School scholars have had their annual outing, visiting Westward Ho! in good weather. They were accompanied by the Rector and teachers, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The United Methodist Sunday School children have also had their annual out at Westward Ho!

Following upon a complaint that the working of Wrangston Quarry, Littleham, was endangering the stability of buildings in the vicinity, and a warning from the owner that they would receive notice to leave, Bideford Rural Council, acting on a recommendation of a Committee which had investigated the matter, decided to cease blasting at once and to look out for another quarry.

At Bideford County Session before Mr H N G Stucley and other magistrates, Frederick William Dark of Instow, Master of the Lundy Island motor mail boat Lerina the property of Mr A L Christie, of Tapeley, was, under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, summoned for carrying an excess of passengers without a passenger certificate. Mr Gerald Oerton appeared for the defendant. Thomas Hutchings, master mariner, of The Myrtles, Appledore, called as a witness, said he was in the middle of the river and saw ‘a few’ passengers on the Lerina. Mr S G P Hannam, Chief of Customs at Appledore said the Lerina passenger certificate expired in October last year and had not been renewed. Witness said that the defendant was warned not to contravene the regulations of which he was quite aware. Mr Oerton said he had to admit that a technical offence had been committed and asked that it should be dealt with under the Probation of Offenders Act. His client had been on the Lundy service for 30 years and this was the only thing up against him. The Chairman told the defendant the Bench found him guilty, but would dismiss the case, and pay the expenses which included 5s for the witness Hutchings. Mr Hutchings said 5s was a small fee for a Master mariner; he generally got a guinea or eighteen shillings as a witness. The Bench refused to give him more.

With fine weather backing up energetic effort and a deal of hard work by a willing band of enthusiastic workers, Monkleigh Fete was a huge success, from which the District Nursing Association will benefit by some £40 15s after the discharge of all expenses. By kind permission of Mr H Bond the event was held in the Barton Grounds.

There is still some hay waiting to be carried in Morwenstow where the weather over the past few weeks is described as being “catchy”.

We are very pleased to announce that the Vicar of Northam, Rev Gerald G Payne Cook, MA, RD, after eleven week’s illness is leaving the Nursing Home this week for Harrogate where he will undergo treatment and complete his convalescence.

The result of the Daisy Day collection in aid of the National Children’s Home and Orphanage in Northam and District was as follows:

At Parkham, some corn was driven down owing to the recent continuous rough and wet weather, but most of it has since recovered. The land was so saturated with water that the Boy Scouts who were encamped near the school had to look for fresh quarters, permission being given for them to go to the Parish Room.

Parkham annual garden show and sports, favoured with good weather, a capital attendance and a record entry of first class exhibits, was again, under the presidency of Mr F J Oldacres, a glorious success. Thanks to the generous support of local residents, an attractive prize list was provided, and about 60 classes drew an array of exhibits which was a credit to the neighbourhood. There were considerably over 300 entries. Nor was the amusement side of the fixture forgotten. By the generosity of the President, the Parkham Band was again in attendance, and a lengthy and varied programme of sports took place. All the competitors were as keen as mustard. Skittling and bowling for live pigs were as popular as ever. And for the creation of a really healthy appetite, commend one to breezy Parkham’s heights. In making provision to meet these wants, the ladies excelled and the Schoolroom was filled over and over again.

Parkham and the surrounding district learnt with regret of the death of Miss Minnie Jenkins, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J T Jenkins, of Horns Cross. Deceased was well known in local musical circles and prior to her resignation through indifferent health was for several years organist at the parish church. She took a practical interest in the….

Shebbear news - The funeral of Mrs T Curtis took place in the United Methodist burial ground at Lake. Held in high esteem by all who knew her, her demise caused general regret, and deep sympathy is extended to the bereaved husband and family.

Quite a gloom was cast over the parish of Shebbear when it became known that Mr Percy Wheeler, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J Wheeler, of Caute, Shebbear, had passed away, following a second operation. The deepest sympathy will be extended to the deceased’s parents in their bereavement. His funeral took place in the United Methodist cemetery at Rowden.

St Giles Cottage Garden Society Show included choosing the two most popular young ladies between the ages of 16 and 25 years, born and resident in the village, and the one most popular young man.

An order has been given for the complete restoration of the peal of five bells at Thornbury Church. They are to be removed from the old frames, the beams and old fittings removed from the tower and new steel joists with a massive self-supporting iron bell frame installed. The work will be done by William Aggett and Sons from Chagford.

Torrington Guardians, Mr J Squance presiding, approved a recommendation of the House Committee to instal a hot water system at an estimated cost of £25. It was stated that in the opinion of the Master this would save £50 a year in fuel.

Torrington bowlers have maintained in the Devon County championship competitions the splendid record established by members of the Torrington Club in these competitions in recent years. At Paignton, Messrs R J Tippett and R Hartnoll won in the final for pairs, and Mr Reginald Hodge won the singles championship. Last year the singles competition was won by Mr Walter J Slee, also of Torrington, and Mr R Hodge (the son of Alderman F W Hodge, the genial Hon. Secretary of the Torrington Club), had previously won the championship. Messrs W J Slee and R Hodge have also a win in the pairs to their credit.

The wedding was solemnised in the Parish Church, Torrington, by the Vicar, Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones, of Mr Allen Llewellyn Chapple, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Milton Chapple, Rosendale, Torrington, ex Mayor and Mayoress, and Miss Gertrude Amy Doe, fourth daughter of Mrs Doe and the late Mr R M Doe, South-street, Torrington.

A pretty wedding which was solemnised at Flinders street Baptist-church, Adelaide, South Australia, the contracting parties being Mr Arthur Ernest Hill and Miss Kathleen Combe Parnacott, younger daughter of Mr and the late Mrs Parnacott, of 26 New-street, Torrington.

At the monthly meeting of Torrington Town Council, Dr F Pridham, medical officer of health, applied for an increase of his salary, which was at present £30 per annum. Dr Pridham pointed out he had had no increase since he had held the position bu the had not applied before, because being a ratepayer himself he knew how the rates had increased. Mr W Barnwell moved an increased of £10 which was seconded by Mr R F L Penhale but the motion was withdrawn in favour of another by Mr Harold Vincent, seconded by Mr Milton Chapple, that the increase be £20, the latter sum being unanimously agreed to, subject to the Ministry’s approval.

During the past week Mr Drew, of Little Torrington, had a cat which gave birth to five kittens. In the same shed as a broody hen which took charge of the little family nestling them under her wings. Mr Drew, surprised, removed the mother cat and her newly-born to a more secluded spot in another part of the shed. During the afternoon, he was even more surprised to find the hen had collected the kittens and carried them back to her nest.

A Cancer Flag Day collection in the Wear Gifford Parish resulted in obtaining £5 7s. Mr T Wilton directed the collection. Mrs Moyses, Miss Moore and Mr W Wilton acted as collectors. Thanks are due to them for the energetic way they conducted it.

A grand fete at Westleigh.

Westward Ho! coast defence. Mr W J Pursey denies a bogus interview regarding the proposal to spend £6,000 on coast defence works at Westward Ho! intended to take the place of a much more elaborated scheme.

Return visit of Jan Stewer supported by Miss Gladys Latham and Peter at Torrington Town Hall and Westward Ho! Station Hall.

Bona Vista, Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! for sale.

1 Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale.

It was with feelings of very genuine regret the news was received through the continued ill-health of Miss Florence Houldsworth she and her sister had finally decided to transfer their place of residence from Westward Ho! to Richmond. The Westward Ho! Cup Competition which the Misses Houldsworth were instrumental in founding in the early days of North Devon Association Football is still one of the most flourishing of its kind, not only in the locality which it serves, but in the county. Annually have the Misses Houldsworth entertained the finalists and provided medals for them to say nothing of contributing handsomely towards the expenses of the final, which in deference to their wishes has, save one year, always been played in a public park to give those who could ill-afford to pay to see football a chance of seeing a good match.

It was with pardonable pride that, at the Northam Manor Court luncheon, Capt Prideaux-Brune referred to the attraction of Westward Ho! Golf Links, which he extolled as the best in the kingdom. Without doubt these links are known and highly spoken of wherever golfers assemble. It says something for their excellence that they have been placed on the permanent rota of championship courses, and that the amateur golf championship is to be played on them next year.

Westward Ho! Art Club’s exhibition at Bideford Bridge Hall was very successful, but the reporter remarks that next year the committee “might usefully devote more attention to presentation”.

August 1974

An instant Tree Preservation Order was placed on 30 acres of beech trees at Webbery Wood, Alverdiscott, by the Development and Leisure Services committee of Torridge District Council. Mr C Barber, the Council’s chief technical officer, said he had received letters from a considerable number of residents about this attractive area of woodland which it was felt could be at risk. He considered there could be some substance in the anxiety. Cllr W C Tanton said that while the value of the timber would be quite high the amenity value was greater. It was an area of absolutely outstanding beauty.

The top storey of a two-storey barn was completely destroyed together with 240 bales of hay when fire broke out at Alscott Barton, Alverdiscott. Firemen from Bideford and Torrington were at the scene.

Appledore shipwright Mr John Kirkwood Bowden of Tomouth Road is to receive the Queen’s Commendation from the Minister of State Mr Michael Foot at a ceremony in the main conference room at St James’ Square, London, on September 16. The award was made to Mr Bowden for his courage at the Appledore Shipyard in August 1972. For his gallantry Mr Bowden has already received a framed certificate from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.

Carol Edwards, the youngest member of Appledore Band, receives a baritone from Northam Town Mayor, Mr Rupert Hill, her share of the £6,300 instruments now owned by the band. Altogether Mr Hill handed to individual members 24 new instruments bought with £4,000 given by the old Northam Urban Council, in the nature of a ‘deathbed gift’, plus £1,300 raised by the band and a trade-in allowance on their old instruments.

Local jazz band, Solohelm Mungaash, turns down the chance of a 12-week curise to Australia and a six-month tour, and is content to confine themselves to the West-country scene. So successful is the band it is difficult to realise that it was formed only three years ago. The initial moves were made by Eric Moss and Peter Wrighton, who made contact with Gordon Hunt and Malcolm Hurrell (both of Bideford). The band is now made up of Eric moss, trombone, who lives at Tennacott Heights, Bideford and works at Toyworks Ltd; John Shillito, trumpet and vocals; Roger Burland, drums; Gordon Hunt, clarinet, or Moreton Park, Bideford; a PE instructor at Grenville College; Malcolm Hurrell, banjo, of Churchill Road, Bideford, an electrician with SWEB; and Derek Redmore, bass, of Royston Road, who is a sales representative with Currys Ltd.

Paul Williams of West Culworth, Northdown Road, Bideford, is robbed, after leaving to hitchhike with Graham Quance, Hillcrest, Torrington Lane.

One coincidence involving Bideford men on a small frigate on the other side of the world is surprising, but a double coincidence is really something! This is the situation on HMS Danae, involved in exercises off Australia and in the Far East. Serving on board are Leading Radio Operator Christopher Hinks, whose wife and daughter live at Cedar Way, High Park, Bideford, and Lieutenant Michael Lamprey whose parents live at Dymond Road, Bideford. Lieutenant Lamprey is leaving the ship and his relief is Lieutenant Adrian Luxton whose mother lives at Allhalland Street, Bideford.

With orders approaching the three-quarters of a million pounds mark already in hand, Bideford Shipyard Ltd are now looking for skilled men to build up their labour force. “We are optimistic about adding to our order book very shortly” said managing director Mr Roy Anscomb. The Langdale, the first trawler to be built by the yard since operating under its new ownership, is being followed by three more trawlers for the same Bridlington company. Bridlington Trawlers Ltd, and work has just started on the first of four lifeboats ordered by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Guest of honour at a presentation ceremony at Bideford Hospital was Mr I H Hewetson who the day before retired as consultant surgeon to the hospital. He was the last consultant also to be in general practice in North Devon. He is to continue in general practice in the town to which he came in 1938. Mr J R Barker is taking over Dr Hewetson’s surgical work. Surgeons are always referred to as ‘Mr’ but to everyone locally he has always been Dr Hewetson. He was Mayor of Bideford in 1962; made an Honorary Freeman; a founder member of the North Devon Hospital Management Committee; and helped set up the Bideford Hospital’s school for State Enrolled nurses. Dr and Mrs Hewetson live at Weare Giffard.

A bronze bar for 30 years’ safe driving has been presented to a Bideford bus driver, Mr J E P Kelly, and Mr R A J Parker received a bronze bar for 25 years. Other drivers at the Bideford depot of the Western National Company who have gained awards under the Road Operators’ Safety Council 1973 safe driving scheme are: A Badger, R C Branagan, D H Broad, B J Coles, K H Elliott, L M Ford, A C Glover, E K Jackman, W R Langdon, J O Morrish, G Squires, J Stevens, E C Wakely, D A Watton, T P Whitty, C H Williams.

Alexandra House on Bideford Quay is sold. Also part of the estate, freehold vehicle depot known as Pill Yard with eight lock-up garages, realised £15,500 to Messrs B W J Kirkham and D H Noble, and a brick-built store fetched £7,700. A freehold shop and office, No 22 Mill Street, owned by the Bristol and West Building Society, was bought by Mr F Peters and M Peters for £14,000.

The Chocolate Box in Mill Street, Bideford, was broken into by forcing the front door and £134 worth of cigarettes stolen together with a small quantity of sweets and cash.

Thirty founder members, who had been initially well briefed in the format, aims, work and advantages of membership of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes by Mrs W Tilson and Mrs R Courtney, attended the first meeting of the Bideford Institute. Newly elected president Mrs N Peak read congratulations and good wishes from the national chairman and from her own former branch, at Lewes, Sussex. Other officers present were Mrs P Needs and Mrs J Tithecott, Mrs S Coulson, Mrs H Quance, Mrs G Bale, and Mrs C Kelly. Committee members undertook duties – Mrs B Cole, Mrs S Bale, Mrs J Tithecott, Mrs B Parkhouse, Mrs E J Brown, Mrs P Needs, Mrs J Johnson, Mrs E Short, and Mrs D Esau. Fittingly, the first talk was given by a member, Mrs G West, who captivated her audience with beautifully made corn dollies. She described their history, various significances and construction. Refreshments were served by Mrs Tate and Mrs Tomlinson.

Bideford Guides leaving for their camp at Welcombe.

A local policeman’s bravery in rescuing a woman from the River Torridge will be recognised. PC Sidney Craner, of Moreton Avenue, Bideford, will receive a testimonial on parchment awarded by the Royal Humane Society.

The former school in Torrington Street, East-the-Water, Bideford, should be used for local community interests, Torridge District Council Development and Leisure Services Committee are to tell Devon County Council. But they agreed to say that they also supported the project for a maritime museum. Cllr J W Needs said he had corresponded with the chief education officer about the former school for 12 months. Many organisations were asking if they could use a room there while it was empty.

Riverside Cottage in Bideford is for sale.

An application by P F Country Estates Development Ltd for a light aircraft landing strip at Berridon Hall, Bradworthy, has been rejected. Such use would be detrimental to amenities at present enjoyed by residents of the nearby village and would ‘constitute an undesirable and non-essential intrusion into the countryside.’ And there would be hazard to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the access road to Berridon Hall.

Buckland Brewer carried off the West Devon and North Cornwall Cup at the annual rally at Sutcombe of the Torridge Group of Young Farmers Clubs. Shebbear were runners-up. Miss Brenda Brown won the Danish Cup and the Torridge Cup went to Stuart Heal and Keith Hunkin.

Clovelly, which this year, for the first time, entered the Britain in Bloom competition, heard that it had been selected to go forward to the semi-finals. “We are thrilled to bits” Miss Sheila Ellis, the organiser on behalf of the village, she said. There had been enthusiastic cooperation from 98 percent of the villagers. Recent rough weather had occasional anxiety about the floral displays. It was later reported that Clovelly wins the Westcountry Tourist Board salver for being placed first in the ‘Britian in Bloom’ class for villages in the South West with a population under 750.

More than £350 has been raised by recent flag days and collections at Clovelly. Details: Mission to Seamen £75.05; Clovelly churchyard fund £37.75; Lifeboat £182.62; Cancer funds £43.59; St John Ambulance house-to-house collection £24.90.

For the past 18 years headmaster of Dolton school, Mr H C Gough has just retired. From governors, staff, parents and pupils he received parting gifts of a silver salver and a cheque. An Old Boy of Ilfracombe Grammar School who played rugby, scocer and hockey, he has served on Dolton Parish Council and Torrington Rural Council. He and his wife, who has also taught at the school, are to live on the Spanish coast in retirement.

Fifteen children of St Nectan’s Parish Church, Hartland, are being taken on a singing holiday to Cambridge. They will sing in three churches but to most the great attraction of the holiday is that they will travel by train and tube for the first time. A difficult growing season and dismal weather on the day did not affect entries or attendance at Hartland Garden Show in the Playing Fields. Mr W D Gilbert won the cup for best in show, the equivalent local award going to Mr E Short. Mrs J Goaman won the Mrs J Goaman cup for floral art! A bingo session at night, with Mr W Mugford as caller, helped to boost society funds. 

An RAF Chivenor helicopter rescued a man and his two children from the cliff at Shipload Bay, Hartland. They were winched up into the aircraft and deposited safely on the beach. It is a far cry from Hartland to Cyprus where Leading Mechanic Martin Brown found himself. Martin, whose home is in Fore Street is a member of the crew of HMS Rhyl.

Mr William Payne of Redlands, Instow, has been appointed assistant divisional commander in the special constabulary. Aged 50, he joined in 1956 and has been ‘special’ inspector for the Bideford area. He succeeds Mr W J Crudge of High Bickington. Building land at Lane End, Instow, is for sale.

The Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Richard Cartwright, travelled to Lundy Island to conduct the first confirmation service there for 16 years. Two boys were confirmed. The Bishop was assisted by the Rev Donald Peyton Jones, Vicar of Appledore, and priest-in-charge of Lundy.

Making progress by, in effect, putting the clock back sounds contradictory, but this seems to be the case with communications between the mainland and the island of Lundy. With the Post Office, the Landmark Trust, who lease the island from the National Trust, are looking into the possibility of a single-line telephone link which will involve VHF and calls will have to be made through the operator.

Due to arrive in Northam was the first party of young people from Northam’s twin town of Mondeville, Normandy.

Devon County Council’s request that 21.75 acres of land at Burrough Farm, Northam, should be reserved as a site for a secondary school should be refused. The recommendation of the Development and Leisure Services Committee is being passed to Torridge District Council. It would not be right to ‘freeze’ the land for an indefinite period. The land was within the development area and there was outline planning approval for residential development on about 10 acres.

Mr K Bedford is seeking permission to demolish Witten and Northam Lodge and erect 42 flats on the site and A A Beer Ltd, want to demolish Clevelands House and erect a three storey block of 13 flats.

When you’re raising money for charity what do a few bumps matter…especially when you have the chance to give as well as take? Pillow fights were a popular pastime at Parkham’s annual fete.

A bulldozer sees the last of one of Torrington’s worst bottlenecks in Calf Street. The building that disappeared had provided Torrington Football Club with changing facilities and the Town Band with a room since, in 1936, it was converted from a store by the club with the aid of the Town and Alms Lands trustees and the then Borough Council. The band will practice in the WI hall and store their instruments at the market, and the footballers will change at the County Secondary School.

A dispute that has prevented the printing of the London Gazette has brought joy to the traders of Well Street, Torrington, and annoyance to other residents.

Torrington’s determination to clear the £500 deficit on this year’s May Fair and to put sufficient money in the kitty to start off next year’s event was demonstrated at Saturday’s summer fair at the Vicarage Field. Practically every organisation in the town helped in one way or another and Mr David Elliott, recently appointed clerk to the new Torrington Town Council volunteered to be at the wet sponge receiving end in one of the sideshows. Town Mayor Mr R H Cotton declared the fair open and Mr Jim Martin was MC.

When they go back to school, Alan Mitchell and his cousin, Andrew Palmer, of Torrington, will have something different to tell their friends about the holidays. They were special guests of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary with the visit arranged in recognition of Alan’s bravery in rescuing Andrew from the swollen River Torridge. They were shown over the headquarters by Sgt Tony French.

A falling off in the cleanliness of Torrington streets prompted the local Chamber of Commerce to write to Torridge District Council. Now, the traders have been told, the council are hoping to provide extra litter bins. The notice board to be erected at the Dartington Glass works, including a town map, is almost ready. It is hoped that it will persuade some of the many thousands of visitors to the factory to visit Torrington itself.

Mrs Edith Kate Wickham, of Westward Ho! celebrated her 100th birthday. She moved to North Devon on her marriage to Mr W D K Wickham, owner of the Bideford wine and spirit business. They had seven children of whom 4 survive. They are Major R A Wickham of Torrington, Mr J H D Wickham, local architect of Avondale, Westward Ho! Mrs Helen Askew of Atlantic Way, with whom Mrs Wickham senior makes her home; and Mrs Rachel Lee who lives near Newton Abbott. All four, together with five of seven grandchildren, and all seven great grandchildren, as well as a number of friends, attended a party. On display were a congratulatory telegram from the Queen and, among masses of others, flowers brought by the Town Mayor of Northam, Mr Rupert Hill.

Electioneering history was made at Westward Ho! beach when a hovercraft arrived by sea, bringing Liberal leader and MP for North Devon, Mr Jeremy Thorpe, on the first stage of a pre-election tour of the country’s beaches. Addressing the large crowd, he said New Endeavour, the name of the hovercraft, was what Liberalism and the Liberal Party was all about. Unity and a sense of purpose was what the country needed.

Brothers Stephen and Brandon White in their clown costumes, captured the hearts of many spectators as well as the judges at Westward Ho! carnival.

Flower power has helped the people of Winkleigh up the first rung of the ladder towards a £3,000 target needed to save the magnificent carved interior to their church roof. A festival of flowers based on the church’s seasons attracted visitors and local people and raised more than £230 for the cause. The festival was arranged by Mrs T Nancekivell of Dolton and arrangements were contributed by Mrs Williams, the vicar’s wife, church warden’s wives, women of the Parochial Church Council and helpers.

Attendance at Woolsery show was the highest in its 69 years of existence. And the large crowd were not disappointed. Although the outbreak of swine vesicular disease meant the loss of the pig classes, compensation was to be found, especially in the cattle classes.

Woolsery bellringers rang a bell in a different way with this display

Woolsery School summer sports and fete were opened by Mr C B Griffiths, of Brixham, headmaster of the school from 1938-1972. The Sports trophy was won by Kingsley House. Proceeds were for swimming pool funds.

For twenty-one years the power station at East Yelland, in the Taw and Torridge estuary, has been generating electricity. And it looks as though it will continue to be a well-known part of local industry for a long time. Dispelling fears that current development could mean the phasing out of the station, the superintendent, Mr Michael Sinden, said “East Yelland will be here for many years yet.” In 21 years, the station has generated 12,700 million units of electricity and burned 6¼ million tons of coal. In 1973 £2,500,000 was spent of fuel, representing 77% of the station’s running costs. Construction began in 1950 and the first turbo-generator began to supply current in the summer of 1953. The station is now an accepted part of the skyline but when it was planned conservationists were not altogether happy. But a sensitive Board did all they could to allay fears, going to no small expense to use especially chosen bricks to blend with the surroundings. The station now has a clean bill, “What little dust does pass into the atmosphere is dispersed over a wide area; we are pretty good neighbours.”

August 1999

Appledore and Instow Regatta widened its scope with a greater variety of activities both on and off the water, and attracted large crowds on both sides of the Torridge estuary. Crowds lined the whole length of the quayside to watch the races and also the innovation of gig races featuring teams of Sea Cadets plus the local events such as the canoe and outboard motor races, the popular greasy pole and miller and sweep battle. On the opposite side of the estuary, a small committee of villagers organised a fun day on the beach including sandcastle building and tug-o-war competitions, children’s sports, face painting, Punch and Judy and local celebrities in the stocks. “We have always had some events on regatta day but thought we should try and make more of it,” said spokeswoman Joanna Northridge.

Youngsters wait for the egg and spoon race – Alex Holdsworth, Rebecca Pearce, Thomas Cox, Tom and Joe Dimelow

Rosie Northridge and her sister, Emily, winners of the Under Six sandcastle competition

A gripping world championship attracted more than 200 young competitors to Appledore Quay. Visitors and locals were drawn to the quayside for the unique Appledore crabbing contest, which is part of the annual Appledore and Instow Regatta Week. Lines baited with all manner of meat and fish were dangled as squealing youngsters lured out the crabs into waiting buckets of water. Four young members of the Brace and Baker families visiting their grandparents in the village were declared world champions after hoisting 137 of the crustaceans from the river. Their championship winning bait – British beef from the local butcher. Their prizes included the official world crabbing championship trophy, a decorated plate made by internationally known potter Sandy Brown, who lives in the village. In total the 58 teams caught nearly 1,000 crabs in the hour-long contest and returned them to the river after the official count.

Stuart and Portia Baker, Luke and Steven Brace and a proud dad display their trophies

Rosie and Emily Northridge with their catch

Cllr Frank Elliott asks why there are so few letters of complaint about the fire station closure at Appledore. And T A Clarke of Westward Ho! comments as well.

Fun was not the only thing on the minds of Appledore residents as they gathered for their annual carnival. Among the tableaux was a message from the wives and supporters of the village firefighters, whose station is under threat of closure. Their ‘before and after’ message showed two houses, one complete and the other partially demolished by fire. A disco, barbecue and draw on the quay front raised funds for the fire station fighting fund. Organised, as usual, by the Appledore Pirates charity group the event raised funds towards their annual Christmas party for local pensioners. Winners were: Tomouth Road gang, Fire station supporters, Lucy Ewington, Georgina Jury, Glo and Rachel Bailey and Betty Ford, Royal British Legion Club, and James Arbuthnot.

Queen Tia-Rae Stock will reign over Bideford’s carnival celebrations – she was chosen at a judging ceremony held at Bideford Amateur Rowing Club. Katie-Marie Dunn and Leanne Newton will be queen’s attendants; Jessica Lewis, carnival princess; and Helen Richards a flower girl. Mike Humphries, carnival secretary, is appealing to everyone in the town to back the carnival and make it the biggest parade of the millennium. “In recent year we have had good parades, with wonderful support from outside the town. But we could do with more entries from within Bideford. We have ironed out concerns about insurance for floats, and if they don’t want to enter a float at least they can dress up and join the walking characters.” This year’s theme is ‘the circus comes to town.’

Giants of steam will be the main attraction at Bideford Railway Station when the Bideford and Instow Railway Group holds its eighth annual open day. A 1916 Sentinel steam lorry will be joined by steam traction engines to bring a nostaligic feel to the former railway station. In addition, vintage pump trolley rides along the relaid railway will be taking place, and free, open top, double-decker bus rides will be given around the town. A railway museum in the rebuilt signal box will be open.

Properties at Castle Meadow, Buckland Brewer, is for sale.

The end of Lifeboat Day at Clovelly became the beginning of a real-life rescue by local lifeboatmen and the coastguard cliff rescue team. Scores of visitors had watched the day’s events and evening was drawing in when the emergency call that a man was cut off by the tide. The Atlantic 21 lifeboat was launched and coastguards rushed to the scene.

Residents of Hartland are preparing for the official opening of a new parish hall with the qualities of a Dr Who ‘Tardis’.

Actor Joss Acland bumped into the Star Wars gang and promptly awarded them a prize. He was one of the judges of the walkers’ section at the annual Hartland Carnival. And he presented the Jennings and Osborne families with the stag statuette for being the most entertaining walking entry in the parade. The village was crowded for the grand parade, which featured many floats on topical themes, including the millennium bug.

Hartland Carnival Queen, Megan Reynolds, flanked by Kirstie Hathaway and Emma Reynolds.

Instow has a small school which is big on soccer and successful, too! The year the boys and one girl who make up its team have won seven-a-side tournaments and finished runners-up in the village schools’ rally at Merton. The team is sponsored by Clovelly Catering.

Matthew Wright, Matthew Wilson, Jayson Woolmington, Emma Fishleigh, Jack Davis, Steven Marlow, Sebastian Wheeler, Toby Penton and John-Henry Ashton                                        Charlie Harding was unable to be at the photo-call

Loads of animals, loads of fun and a superb scenic setting – the RSPCA’s annual North Devon Fun Day at Tapeley Park, Instow, promises to be a day to remember for animal lovers. And it will raise much needed funds to help continue the organisation’s work for the benefit of local animals. The opening ceremony will be performed by Westcountry Television news reader James Dagwell. Now in its third year, the event has grown and it is hoped to exceed the 2,000 plus people who attended last year.

Property for sale at Littleham.

A stunning splash of colour which greets visitors to the Glebefields sheltered housing development in Northam is testimony to the hard work and green fingers of its residents. The 45 pensioners who live there have put a year of fundraising and countless hours of care into creating the beautiful gardens and floral displays. Visitors leave full of praise for the show, among them Cllr Richard Bradford, who said “I visited the development and was absolutely stunned by the beauty of it.”

Northam gardeners are angry after thieves wrecked their special display to enhance the entrance to their town. Answering a call for help from the town council, members of Northam Horticultural Society volunteered to prepare and plant the ancient horse trough and the flower borders on the town’s approach road. Their work created a colourful show. But then the thieves struck. One of the Burning Bushes which were a feature disappeared overnight. “It was not pulled up and discarded as one might expect from vandals but completely missing. This smacks of something other than vandalism,” said society secretary David Fletcher. “The vacant spot was filled with another plant. Some days leater the same thing happened.”

Northam’s Vicar has sprung to the defence of its graveyard following criticism by a visitor to the town. The Rev John Thompson says that, far from being a disgrace, the churchyard and adjoining council cemetery are among the best kept in the county. Mr Thompson said he thought the writer of the Letter to the Editor complaining about the churchyard must have got the wrong town! “The criticism is simply not warranted and very hurtful” he said. “We are proud of the way that our churchyard looks and the high standard of care and maintenance which it receives from our churchyard gardener, who works extremely hard.” The letter which prompted Mr Thompson was that of a Danish visitor Mrs Else Petersen, whose brother-in-law is buried in Northam cemetery. She said “They leave me feeling more and more depressed – weeds everywhere, dead flowers and ruined headstones.” She compared this to Denmark where, she said, all graves had seasonal flowers and were beautifully laid out and tended to.

Endford Water Gardens and shop at Shebbear.

Local protesters have welcomed a decision by Torridge District Council to reject moves for a delay of the public hearing into the ‘Torrington stink’ saga. There was talk that if this was not heeded they would be calling a public meeting and inviting protest groups with similar problems in other parts of the country so that they cold show a united front to the Government, said councillor and campaigner Margaret Brown. The Planning Inspectorate has asked for a postponement of the Torrington enquiry to await new Government guidelines. But the council’s environmental standing sub-committee agreed unanimously to call for it to go ahead as planned in Torrington on September 28. The inquiry is into an appeal by the meat rendering plant Peninsular Proteins against the district council’s refusal to grant the company the necessary permission to carry on its work until problems of smell have been resolved.

Torrington was given over to misrule – an appointed Lord and Lady of Misrule taking charge of the town for three days of public revelry. The town’s annual revels and commons fair featured such entertainments as pantomime horses, giant musical chairs, a rock concert, revival of an ancient raft race and ‘flanning’ of the unwary. Poets did battle with words – and local octogenarian George Stacey was crowned the town’s ‘poet for the millennium’. Panto horses raced through the square and would-be matelots sailed and dragged makeshift craft down the shallow waters between the bridges at Town Mills and Taddiport. The art of ‘gurning’ presented some horrible sights at the Commons Fair but more ‘charming’ was a contest to entice worms from the ground. Roundheads and Cavaliers were everywhere as The Sealed Knot wet up camp on the Commons.

There are no jokes about bowling a maiden over at Bideford, Littleham and Westward Ho! Cricket Club, where the women take the game as seriously as the men. For the first time in its long history the club now has a fully fledged women’s team in addition to girls who compete with the boys in youth sides. It has 15 members ranging in age from 11 to 5, with an open invitation to others to join. Their captain Ann Martin is a qualified cricket coach. There was help on hand in honing skills with a visit from county cricket development officer Matt Evans from Exeter for a coaching session at the ground.

A surfboard helped Torridge District Council environmental and leisure services chairman Cllr Dick Bradford to get over the authority’s message on beach safety at Westward Ho! With the area full of holiday visitors the council is keen to underline the need for care in the sunshine and safety on the beach. The potential dangers of sunbathing were at the top of the list with a warning that a tan may be fashionable but is also a sign of skin damage.

Cllr Bradford, Mr Hart and lifeguard Laura Hellyer

When Michael Devonold was searching for a business idea, he found it in an unusual place – his grandmother’s recipe book! He discovered the old-fashioned recipe for fudge tucked away when she died a couple of years ago. Michael, a qualified chef, immediately recognised it as the break he had been waiting for. He went to North Devon College to take a course in business and finance, and set about finding premises. The result is Fudge Fancy, and Granny’s fudge is made before the eyes of the customers in the Nelson Road shop in Westward Ho!

Buckleigh Linen Service require staff.

The Old Granary, Marshall Farm Estate, Woolsery, for sale.

A semi-detached character cottage in Woolsery for sale.