September 1924

The disappointing summer weather continued in 1924 as it has in 2024. The prolonged spell of unfavourable weather has adversely affected cereal crops, corn being as yet unripe and badly laid due to the effect of wind and rain during the planting season. Oats and wheat are also suffering, while some potato crops are very diseased.

The paper carries two very long and closely typed reports on its inside pages - one covers the Liberal fete at Upcott, where the MP Captain Tudor Rees spoke at length on the Government’s record and the other details the annual report of the Western Counties Building Society, which had a good year and a record turnout at the annual meeting.

Crime in Devon - Prospective Women Police. At the quarterly meeting of Devon Standing Joint Committee, Mr G C Davie presiding, the Chief Constable, Capt Vyvyan, stated that, during the past quarter, 274 indictable offences were reported to the police, in connection with which 119 persons were apprehended and summoned, against 206 and 91 in the corresponding period of last year. Since the last report one Sergeant had retired on a medical certificate, one constable had retired on a pension, and one constable had resigned. The Force was now ten below the authorised strength of 424. Earl Fortescue moved that a report be presented for the last three years on the number of cases on criminal assaults on women and children. His lordship said the reason for asking was because of the recent report issued in connection with the employment of police women where it was recommended that police women be employed in the investigations of sexual crimes. Their employment would mean additional expenditure and it would be of advantage if the information suggested were obtained before the matter of employing police women was taken into consideration. Later that month, a letter from Annie E Bazeley was published.

Births – at Providence House, to Mr and Mrs Wilfred J Sluman, a son; at Hatfield, a daughter to Mr and Mrs Ede (nee Clara Cutland); a daughter for Mr and Mrs W G Friendship; a son for Mr and Mrs F A Huxtable (nee Edith Hocking) at The Quay, Appledore; 

Marriages – Barrow-Battiscombe; Kievell-Pugsley; Harris-Newcombe; Hatton-Stephens;

Deaths – Babb, at Hillside Terrace, Belvoir, Bideford; Lang, at Old Town; Elizabeth Newcombe, Meddon Street, beloved wife of Charles Hodge Christmas; Jack Littlejohns; at Cold Harbour, Ann Rooke; at 21 Quay, Bideford, Laura Wicketts; Malynda Neal, sister of Mrs Clara Munden, Beechwood, Odun Road, Appledore; Mary Cole at Fermoy Cottage; Juliana Stubington, at the Priory, Westward Ho!; Sarah Jane Hoyle at Hummacott, Landkey;

At the Vicarage, Abbotsham, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G W F Brown, held an inquest upon Leonard Herring, who was found in a dying condition in the road between Cornborough and Abbotsham, and expired before medical aid could reach him. Mrs Laura Hall, of Old Stone, Abbotsham, said she engaged deceased as house-parlourman, through an advert in The Times newspaper. He told her he was single and that his home address was Cromer Cottage, Sussex Place, Hammersmith. He slept out in lodgings. Mrs Edith May Hadley, of 1 High View Terrace, Westward Ho! with whom deceased had lodged, said a fortnight ago he came home ill and remained in bed three days, being attended by Dr Francis. He looked ill but did not complain. Mr Michael Carmody, of Bideford, spoke to riding along the Cornborough road in the direction of Abbotsham when he saw deceased lying face downwards in the road. There was no indication of his having been knocked down by a vehicle.

The Vicar, Rev Canon Kempe, who attended the inquest mentioned that he should like to say he thought it a disgraceful thing that the parish had no mortuary, and if the Coroner could say a word or two in reference to the matter he should be glad. The Coroner agreed with the Vicar. He wished to thank the Vicar for his kindness in allowing the body to be brought there and placed on his premises.

Much interest was taken in the wedding which took place at the Wesleyan Chapel, Fremington, of Miss Alice Hilda Gear, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs G Gear, of Collacott Farm, Fremington, and Mr Ernest George Jeffery, of Webberly, Alverdiscott, second son of Mrs Jeffery, of Sidmouth.

The freehold farm known as Garnacott in the parish of Alverdiscott is for sale.

The Alwington children attending the Church Sunday School held their annual treat at the Rectory and in spite of showery weather spent a most enjoyable time. The young people, with the Sunday School teachers and other friends assembled at 3.30, and after sack racing, jumping, swinging and other games enjoyed a beautiful tea to which they did full justice. Before dispersing hearty cheers were raised for the Rector and Miss Spring and the National Anthem was sung. The Day School at Alwington reopens on 8 September, when the new mistress (Miss Proctor of Plymouth) will take up her duties.

Bideford County Magistrates at the Sessions granted on the application of Mr T G James for Messrs Seldon and Lefroy a protection order to Mrs Mary Elizabeth Fry in respect to the Coach and Horse Inn, Appledore. A protection order was also granted to Mr Samuel Guard in the respect to the Rising Sun, Appledore, which Mrs Fry is leaving to go to the Coach and Horses. 

Mrs Malynda Neal, widow of the late Mr Mervyn Neal of Port Pirrie, Ontario, Canada, passed peacefully away at Beechwood, Odun Road, Appledore, at the residence of her widowed sister, Mrs Munden after a prolonged illness. In latter years she had been a regular attendant at St Mary’s Church and a loyal supporter of the Vicarage whist drive and other social work connected with the local Church life. The Vicar in his sermon made appropriate reference to her passing.

The masts of the old battleship Revenge, being broken up at Appledore, have now been completely removed.

A very pretty wedding was held at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the Vicar, Rev Hugh C A S Muller, officiating. The contracting parties were Mr Charles Augustus Daniel, ship’s carpenter of s.s. General Smuts (Messrs W H Smith and Sons, of Cardiff and Appledore) son of Mr Samuel Daniel, West Appledore, and Miss Ethel Harvey, the only daughter of the late Captain Thomas Harvey, of the Manchester Canal Tug Boat Company, and the late Mrs Caroline Harvey.

James Parkhouse, the contractor under the Northam Urban District Council for the scavenging and removal of house refuse from Appledore, was summoned by the Police for an offence under the County Bye-laws for unlawfully placing refuse on the beach at Appledore.

At Thursday’s meeting of the Barnstaple District Unemployment Committee attention was called by Mr Labbett to the serious fact that for six weeks a number of Appledore men, who were alleged to have disobeyed regulations, had had to walk daily to the branch office at Bideford to register without receiving a penny. They had received no notice from Bristol that their benefit was disallowed or suspended, but had been simply told by the branch manager that their case was not yet settled. Mr Brind promised to look into the matter on his return.

At Appledore, during the past month the town has been crowded with visitors, but the weather has been sadly against their enjoying themselves, and nearly all complain of the need of a shelter or some accommodation and indoor attraction during wet weather.

The front page of the Gazette at the start of the month is all about the advantages of gas and is sponsored by the Bideford Gas and Coke Co Ltd, who traded from Bideford Quay and one paragraph headline – very much of its time – is that “even a man can cook with gas”. Other benefits include "Several dishes may be prepared at the same time, each having the requisite, though perhaps, quite different heat; and they may be watched in an atmosphere of comfort entirely absent when the old-fashioned kitchen range is used. There is none of the labour and worry arising from ashes, dust and smoke."

Visit G Hopson & Son in Mill Street, Bideford, to see an exact replica of the chair found in the Tomb of King Tutankamen.

Mrs Annie Braund, the well-known Bideford elocutionist, has been invited by the British Broadcasting Co. to transmit a selection of her repertoire from their Plymouth Station on Friday, the 19th inst. at 8 o’clock.

Properties in Higher Gunstone for sale by auction.

A special dance will be held at the Drill Hall, Bideford, with Mr H F Short’s Orchestra.

Book early at Bright’s Library, The Quay, Bideford, for char-a-banc trips.

After forty years’ of energetic and conscientious service, Bideford’s Sanitary Inspector, Mr John Lugg, sent in his resignation to the monthly meeting of the Urban District Council, the members of which accepted it with much regret and the general expressions of appreciation of Mr Lugg’s painstaking work, and good wishes for his happiness in retirement.

The funeral of the late Mrs Rowena Jane Lang, wife of Mr George Lang, upholsterer and cabinet maker, of Grenville-street, Bideford, after a long illness, took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford.

The funeral of the late Mrs Mary Ann Babb, wife of Mr Fred Babb, of 3 Hillside Terrace, Bideford, took place at the Higher Cemetery. Members of the Brethren from Barnstaple conducted the funeral service.

We regret to record the death, which took place at his residence, 4 Buttgarden Street, after an illness of several months’ duration, of Mr George Walter, a Bideford resident for upwards of 50 years past, and one of the older school of sturdy, upright Methodists who command universal respect. Born at Meldon, Buckland Brewer, 72 years ago, Mr Walter came to Bideford as a young man. A carpenter by trade, he for some years followed that calling on the Raleigh estate, subsequently keeping the Temperance Hotel, Honestone Street, in addition to carrying on business as a carpenter, etc. His wife predeceased him during the war, but he leaves four childrent, Mrs Harris, wife of the Rev R J Harris; Mrs Johns, of Tavistock; Miss Annie Walter who has been keeping house for him; and one son, Frank.

The funeral of the late Mrs C H Christmas, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs A Clements, of 74 High-Street, Bideford, and who died after a long illness patiently borne, took place, a large number of mourners attending.

The funeral of Hilda Pyke, the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Pyke, at the early age of 14 years, after a long illness, took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, Bideford.

The wedding took place at St George’s Church, Hanover-Square, London, of Major John Hill Pattison, DSO, and Mrs John Kirkwood, of 14 Grosvenor Square, widow of Major ‘Jack’ Kirkwood, who, with his family, have for generations been associated with estates at Yeo Vale, near Fairy Cross. Major Kirkwood was for some time the member of Parliament for Southend. Mrs Kirkwood is the only child and heiress of the late Sir Robert Lyle and Lady Lyle, and lost her husband early this year. The bridegroom is a popular officer of the Essex Regiment. The bride, who was unattended by bridesmaids, looked charming in a gown of chestnut brown crepe georgette, with a tunic slashed with chiffon, and the whole embroidered with copper and gold beads. Her ornaments were pearls, and she carried a few choice blooms of deep red carnations tied with ribbon of her husband’s regimental colours, and fastened with a buckle fashioned as the regimental badge.

Bideford Fair with Tiny Tim and Lola.

Ford Cottage, New Road, Bideford, for sale.

Is your mattress like Ickybow Lane?

Through the kindness of Col and Mrs Didham, the 3rd North Devon Troop of B.P. Scouts were entertained to tea at Middleton, Northdown Road, Bideford, on Wednesday afternoon. The Troop paraded under Scoutmaster F J Ash.

Every week during September the paper gives extensive coverage of sports events across the region. The various regattas, bowls tournaments and golf meetings have lists of winners and their scores from events from Torquay, Dartmouth, Exeter, Bideford and Westward Ho!. Still with sport, in the first football match of the season, Bideford lost at home to Heavitree - the home side were thought to have played better but both teams were criticized for keeping the crowd waiting as the match started nearly thirty minutes late.

Looking to the future, the Gazette carries an advert for what we now think of as bi-focals - Mr Isaac attends Bideford and Torrington.

And looking to the winter, buy your hot water bottles from R J Arnold, the chemist in Allhalland Street, Bideford.

We record with great regret the death of Mrs Holden, Bradworthy, who passed away in Stratton Hospital, after a long and painful illness. She leaves a husband and one child to whom much sympathy will be extended. 

At Bradworthy, at a committee meeting of the Vicarage Garden Party and Poultry and Horticultural Exhibition, a balance of £31 12s was reported,the whole of which was voted to the Bradworthy tower fund, making its grand total £200. The steeplejacks and contractors are at work on the church tower. During the repainting of the building a clock is being placed in the tower – one dial towards the east, and one facing west. 

Scholars of the Bradworthy United Methodist Sunday School were taken to Bude for their outing. Officials, teachers and scholars numbered about eighty-five. Unfortunately the weather was not at all that could be desired, but nevertheless an enjoyable time was spent. The Trustees of the Wesleyan Church in Bradworthy have decided to instal electric light. The plant has arrived and is being fixed.

Clovelly - At the Bideford County Sessions, Arthur Galloway, engineer, of Stretford, Lancashire, who sent a stamped and directed envelope to be informed the amount of the fine, which he promised to forward by return was summoned for causing an obstruction….

The gift by Colonel Heywood to Clovelly of an ambulance chair is very greatly appreciated. The Inspector of Lifeboats visited Clovelly and was pleased with the efficiency of the management of the local lifeboat. Some weeks ago the boat and crew were photographed, and Capt Pengelly reports that as many as 3,940 post cards were sold to visitors and others interested and about £32 13s realised for the Lifeboat Institution. A very practical way of celebrating the centenary.

The news of the death of Mrs Charlotte Whitefield was received with great regret and sorrow throughout Clovelly. Deceased was very highly respected and beloved by all who knew her. She possessed a sweet disposition and had a host of friends. Her husband, Mr William Whitefield, predeceased her nearly 34 years ago. His tombstone..

The many friends of Rev A O Shaw were sorry to hear that he has passed away in hospital, after a lengthy illness. For six and a half years he was pastor of the Frithelstock group of Baptist Churches, and was much respected.

At Hartland, one of the best concerts given in the Palladium for some time was a party from Kilkhampton, under the conductorship of Mr William H Burrow, kept the audience fully entertained. At the outset Mr Burrow mentioned that if any were not satisfied at the close he would hand their money back, but if any thought the entertainment worth more they could drop coins at the door as they went out. In this way £2 6s was added to the proceeds for the Kilkhampton Church Bell Fund.

The Wesleyan Church was filled with relatives and friends for the wedding of Mr John Henry Brimacombe, second son of Mr and Mrs George Brimacombe, of Bleaberry, to Miss Olive Taylor, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W H Taylor, of the Square. Following a reception at the Palladium the happy couple left for London for the honeymoon.

Rev S J Granville journeyed especially from his appointment at Stratton to officiated at the funeral of Miss O’Donnell, who died after prolonged suffering.

A public meeting was called for in Hartland Church Room, to see if arrangements could be made to light the streets this winter.

Eliza Hewat Garvie of Bideford is ordered to pay court fees of 4s for parking her car on a footpath at Instow.

The North Devon coroner, Mr G W F Brown, held at inquest at Langtree, relative to the death of Mr John Vodden, a retired farmer, of Thorn Farm.

Much interest was aroused as the result of a fire at Langtree when two cottages occupied by a Mrs Ann Johns and her daughter, Mrs Mary Jane Bennet, was burnt out. The whole of the furniture was saved. The property belongs to Lord Clinton and is valued at £300. An urgent call was sent to Torrington Fire Brigade but no water being available within half a mile, the captain of the Brigade went alone. At Torrington Divisional Sessions, John Hay Bennett, appeared on remand, charged with having maliciously set fire to two dwelling houses in the parish of Langtree, known as Penhorwood Cottages. The Bench held that the prosecution had failed ot establish a prima facie case, and the accused was discharged. Witness’ expenses were granted from the local fund.

The annual harvest festival tea and meeting took place at Littleham Wesleyan Church. The attendance was very satisfactory in view of the inclement weather. The report was presented by Mr A J Heywood. Mr T Burton presided at the meeting at which acceptable addresses were delivered by Mr E Luxton and Revs C M Ashdown and J T Halstead.

Information reached Appledore of a gallant rescue by Coastguard Smith, under the superintendence of Mr Sleep, Chief Officer, by means of a cliff ladder, of a visitor to Lundy. IT appears that a Mr Talbot proceeded to climb down a dangerous cliff and got into difficulties and his sister who saw his predicament, nobly attempted to assist him, but failing that managed to scramble back and raised the alarm, which was quickly responded to by the coastguards under Mr Sleep, who rescued the gentleman from his dangerous position.

During the past week the inhabitants of Lundy, especially the young people, had the happiest time of their lives. For a few weeks there has been a party of Oxford undergraduates spending their holiday on the island and these progressive gentlemen come fully equipped with the wherewithal to enjoy their stay to the utmost. Amongst their baggage was an up-to-date equipment for producing kinema films, and the party,

At Northam, general regret is felt at the continued illness of Mr Samuel Fulford, JP. The Rev G Payne Cook, Vicar of Northam, we are pleased to announce has returned from Harrogate, where he has been staying to recuperate after his serious illness, greatly improved in health and able to resume his duties.

After viewing the scene of the accident at the request of the defendant, His Honour Judge Lindley gave a verdict at Bideford County Court for the plaintiff, with costs, in an action in which Mr William John Mills, butcher, of Northam, claimed £56 4s 9d for damage to and loss of the use of a motor car through a collision due the alleged negligent driving of a car by Major L Tamworth, of Orchard Hill House, Northam, at Silford Cross. Major Tamworth counter claimed for £74 8s 1d damage to and loss of the use of his car. His Honour, in giving judgment, said he had come to the conclusion that defendant’s car must have been travelling twice as fast as the plaintiff’s, and that negligence had been proved against him.

The choir and Sunday School children of Parkham went to Ilfracombe for an outing kindly organised by the Rector. About 50 made the journey and an enjoyable time was spent.

It is reported that preparations are well in hand for renovating the Bocombe to Nethercott Bridge road. A great improvement has been made by widening it at the narrow part by digging down the banks. When completed this road should be a great boon to the public as the somewhat treacherous hills of Lillyford and Ennis can thus be avoided and a safer road taken from the district.

At the meeting of the Torrington Board of Guardians, Mr J Squance presiding, the Leigh Union asked support for a resolution “That the Minister of Health be asked to introduce the legislation necessary to alter the existing laws relating to the payment of Registrars of births and deaths, with a view to the Registrars being paid wholly out of local rates and partly be fees from the public; any monies received for certificates etc. being paid into a central fund.”

PC White has removed from Torrington to Crediton and has been succeeded at by PC Milford, from Headquarters.

At Exeter Police Court, Harold Settle of Castle Street, Great Torrington, who pleaded ‘not guilty’ was summoned for riding a motor cycle to the common danger of foot passengers in Exeter. The case was dismissed on payment of costs. John Charles Edwards, a motor driver, Chudleigh, was summoned for driving a motor char-a-banc to the danger of the public at Instow. He pleaded not guilty. Police Inspector Leach stated that the defendant cut out from behind a bus at Instow, causing Mr James Tapscott, of Torrington, who was approaching, to crash into a wall, Mrs Tapscott being injured.

A very pretty wedding took place at the Howe Congregational Church, Torrington, the Rev P Luxton officiating, in the absence of the Rev Clifford Clifton. The contracting parties were Mr Harold Evans and Miss Nellie Edwards, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs William Edwards, of Calf-street, Torrington. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked very neat and pretty in a dress of grey crepe-de-chine, with sleeves of Georgette, trimmed with embroidered beads, with hat to match, and carried a sheaf of white gladiolis. The only bridesmaid, Miss Irene Holloway, is niece of the bride. Miss Sylvia Pinkham, the little flower girl, looked very bright and neat, and the duties of ‘best man’ were ably discharged by Mr Stanley Edwards. Owing to a recent bereavement in the family the wedding was a very quiet one. The happy couple being so widely known, they were the recipients of numerous and costly presents.

Mr Reggie Hodge of Torrington has received over forty letters and twenty telegrams of congratulations following his win at the English Bowling championships. Do any photographs of Mr Hodge survive? If so, they may have been taken on something like this:

The Great Torrington Association of Boy Scouts has their annual camp at Buckland Filleigh, the residence of the commissioner, Major A S Browne. Troops from Buckland Filleigh, Black Torrington, Holsworthy, Okehampton, Great and Little Torrington, Shebbear College, Shebbear village, Sheepwash, St Giles, with Cubs from Holsworthy, Buckland Filleigh and Sheepwach made up a total of about 110 boys. The camp was very well organised in small tented units with cooking and washing facilities, but bad weather sadly meant that by the Sunday the boys had to be moved into buildings for the rest of their stay.

There was a fair attendance at the Westleigh Fete, held in the Club ground to provide for the restoration of Westleigh Church tower and the club funds. The excellent arrangements were made by the club committee. The money raised was shared between the Westleigh Church Tower fund and the Cricket Club.

Ada Braunton, a pupil of Westleigh School, has been awarded a County Boarding Scholarship tenable for four years at the Barnstaple Girls Grammar School. As a token of appreciation and good wishes she has been presented by the scholars with a leather attache, and by a number of adult friends with a purse of £11 and a good supply of material towards her general equipment.

The death of Miss F Houldsworth, previously of Westward Ho! is reported.

Sudden death at Westward Ho! of Sir George Beresford Butler. He has been staying at Rowena, Westward Ho! for the past three weeks, and made no answer when called yesterday morning, and was found to have passed peacefully away in his sleep.

September 1974

The WRVS have, in effect, two offices – local and district – at their new address. Mrs L J Dunn, of Abbotsham, has been appointed to the recently-created post of Torridge district organiser, Mrs T P Keene continues as Bideford local centre organiser, and Mrs H R Daniel as Torrington local centre organiser.

Mr G Winter, of Rixlade, Abbotsham, made a clean sweep of the prizes in the Hampshire Down ram class and Mr A T Guard, of St Giles-in-the-Wood, did the same in that for Dorset Down lambs.

Appledore lifeboat and her crew spent nearly 12 hours searching the bay on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in gale force winds and with a bad ground sea running. The boat was launched after reports of red distress flares between Lundy and Baggy Point, but after searching throughout the night they found nothing and returned to Appledore. A search by RAF helicopter had been called off when it became dark. Seas were particularly bad around Lundy, said Mr John Oliver, Appledore RNLI joint secretary.

The condition of sewer pipes on West Appledore foreshore that serve Irsha Street was a justifiable cause for concern, said the chief technical officer, Mr Clive Barber, at a meeting of Torridge District Council’s Environmental Services Committee. The sewers were a honeycomb system of cast iron pipes laid on the beach 40 years ago, said Mr Barber. They were full of holes and would have been disused had the Bideford-Northam joint sewerage scheme come to fruition. Obviously they were now going to have to serve a little longer.

Shock news this week for a 75-year-old Appledore widow that she does not own the house her husband bought 20 years ago is certain to lead to renewed worry by people in the district who have connections with Melhuish estate property. Mrs Daisy Boyles of 25 Market Street, Appledore, who planned to buy the freehold of her house in Vernons Lane so she could sell it, was told the property has been claimed by the trustees of the Melhuish estate. “The whole business stinks” said her son, Mr Arthur Boyles, an Appledore businessman. “One minute she thought she owned a house worth between £4,000 and £5,000 – the next minute she doesn’t.”

Mrs Shirley Parkinson was mystified. Customers kept popping into her Do-it-Yourself shop at Appledore and asking her whether she felt all right. “Yes, thank you” she kept replying – but wondering, nevertheless, why people should be so solicitous. One customer came in four times in one day. It all left Mrs Parkinson extremely puzzled until one caller burst in and asked “It is true? Is it true you’ve won £48,000 on the pools?”

An agreement signed resulted in Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd becoming Government-owned. The Appledore company is part of the shipbuilding assets of Court Line Group which have been taken over by the Government for £16 million after negotiations between officials in Mr Wedgewood Benn’s Industry Department and Mr Rupert Nicholson, Court Line’s special manager.

By one of those coincidences that seem almost unreal wartime memories came flooding back in a chemist’s shop in Bideford. It happened when Mrs Margaret Welply, now living at Irsha Street, Appledore, went to make a purchase at the Bideford branch of Holman, Ham and Co. She spoke to Mr John Reynolds….

Bideford Public Library has lost a bird. Someone took a stuffed corncrake from its damaged case. But the bird was also decrepit. With others it had been put on one side until its fate had been decided. “It would probably have been thrown out any way, “ said librarian Mr David Burwood.

Three Edgehill College girls have had work selected for showing at The Sunday Mirror national exhibition of children’s art in London. The three are Alison Beer, a boarder at the Bideford school; Juliet Gardner, whose home is at Moortown Shebbear; and Teresa Staddon, of 2 Council Houses, Monkleigh. Their work is included among the 658 exhibits chosen from 45,000 entries submitted from all over the country.

It will be a big day for Bideford schoolgirl Deborah Trott, chosen as this year’s Regatta Queen, and pictured here with her attendants, Jacqueline Butler and Stephanie Westlake.

One of a number of arresting sights at Bideford’s regatta carnival also proved that a policeman’s lot is sometimes a happy one. These carefree coppers were part of a Westward Surf Club tableau, ‘Hooligana Choo Choo’ that won the supreme championship. To decide the theme of their topical entries the surf club has a small group of enthusiasts who ‘keep their ears to the ground’’ as carnival time approaches and come up with various ideas said club chairman Peter Griffey. When the final selection is made he gets busy making the framework while Jim Butcher designs the artwork. Other members contribute in various ways.

Bideford West-the-Water Community Association.

Police checked three Bideford schools following a garbled telephone message that there was “a bomb in school.” Bideford County Secondary School, Westcroft County Primary and Pynes Infants Schools were checked but nothing was found. The message, which was picked up by a Barnstaple telephone exchange, was in a young boy’s voice, said the police. None of the schools was evacuated.

Floral flag for anniversary.

Sergeant Eddie Glover, of the Bideford section of Devon and Cornwall Special Constabulary, has been promoted to Inspector. He lives at Torridge Mount and has been a member of the force since 1956. He is employed by Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd. Mr Alan Jones, of Pitt Lane, who has been a special for four years, has been promoted to sergeant to fill the vacancy.

These young rowers have assured Torridgeside of at least one West of England championship this season, whatever happens at Bideford Regatta. Novice champions Chris Richards, Paul Barratt and Garry Evans, all of Appledore, and Stuart Vanstone, of East-the-Water, Bideford, are all under 18. But they stepped up into the novice (under 20) class this year and swept all before them.

About 400 hymns and 90 concert pieces played by Bideford Town Band non-stop in 17 hours four minutes added up to a new world record. And the players hope it will also add up to more than £500 from sponsors towards more than £1,000 needed for new uniforms. The previous record, so new that the claim had not been ratified by Guiness Bood of Records was 15 hours compared with a previous best of 14 hours 11 minutes. “It must be very disappointing for them after so short a time and we felt we had better make it good” said bandmaster Mr Eric Slade. The record set up by musical director Mr Mervyn Sweet is likely to endure. He took up his baton at the start and laid it down for the first time at the finish. During the 17 hours-plus he ate little and drank even less, drawing the considerable energy he needed from dextrose tablets.

Spontaneous combustion in a barn at Buckland Brewer is blamed for the loss of 1,300 bales of hay estimated to be worth £1,000. The dutch barn, belonging to Mr Maurice Fishleigh of Galsworthy Farm, was not damaged by the blaze. Firemen from Holsworthy and Torrington attended the outbreak.

When she visits Holland on a Young Farmers’ Club travel scholarship, Mrs Janet Brown will be keeping up a family tradition set by her cousin, Miss Brenda Canada. Last year, Brenda, of the Village Store, Buckland Brewer, won a national scholarship to Canada.

Nephews were the bearers at the funeral of Buckland Brewer Methodist Church of Mrs Ethel Nancekivell, wife of Mr George Nancekivell, of 4 Ashton Row, Buckland Brewer. Messrs A Hearn, J Hearn, M Hearn and E May were bearers. There were family flowers only.

More fun and games organised by Clovelly Revel committee and held on the Quay were enjoyed by visitors and residents and, especially, children. There were water sports, side shows, a fancy dress parade, bingo, etc. and morning coffee and teas were served.

Mr Cecil Braund, known to thousands of holidaymakers as the Clovelly donkey man, has finally retired – at the age of 81. Generation has followed generation in posing for photographs on first Peter, who obliged for 28 years – and Paul, who has been at it for nearly 20. Said Mr Braund, “I have met and talked to thousands of people from all over the world and made many real friends. Those years have been my happiest ones and I am going to miss them.” It was in 1932, three years after coming to live at Clovelly, that he was asked by Mr E Braund to drive two donkeys on a fifty-fifty basis in the summer months, carrying passengers up the cobbled street. “But they had to weigh under 9st 3lb” he stressed. When the summer season ended, Mr Braund went herring fishing and this was the pattern of his life up to the outbreak of the second world war. Hostilities over, he had one winter’s fishing which was so bad he gave it up completely and bought a couple of donkeys for himself. Not only the visitors have profited from the donkeys’ services, Mr Braund, as well as being the village postman, also collected refuse with one of his donkeys for Bideford Rural Council – and bad weather found him regularly on watch for the coastguards. Now Mr Braund has driven his last donkey up Clovelly’s unique High Street. Paul is off soon to Cornwall. For Mr Braund, he is left with his memories – “such stuff as dreams are made on.”

The morning after Clovelly learned of its achievement in winning Britain’s ‘Floral village’ title and the award for the finalist ‘most active in litter prevention’ thought was already being directed to ensure a repeat performance next year. “The standard will have to be maintained by someone and we shall be looking to the County Council for help” said parish council chairman Mr Jack Prince. Captain Mark Kerr, agent for the Clovelly Estate Company, owners of the village, commented, “We must start planning for next year now so that it will be less of a breakneck effort for all those who took part in getting this wonderful result.”

Frithelstock frolic raised £151 for the village hall maintenance fund. It was opened by Mr E May, of Bideford, formerly of Frithelstock, who was welcomed by Mr W Hunkin, chairman of the village hall. Mr May was presented with a buttonhole by Jaqueline Allin. Various stalls and competitions were organised by the entertainments committee and teas were served in the hall by WI members. A baby show, judged by Mrs S Johns, resulted: 8-12 months Andrew Avery; 12-18 months Susan Farrelly, 18-24 months Michael Avery. Draw winners were Mrs M Allin, C Poole, M Partner, Jennifer Allin, B Bellairs and Mr J Allin. The evening ended with a dance in the village hall.

Prizewinners at a Hartland whist drive in aid of Tennis Club funds were Mesdames M Allin, E Walter, Rippon, W Allin, Messrs S Johns, T Beer, Miss Bomford and Mrs A Pillman. Mr H Shute, Mrs A Littlejohns and Mrs Rippon were draw winners. Eight tables were used.

Two local men who were snatched from a rock after they had been cut off by the tide at Spekes Mouth, Hartland, would never have reached the shore alive, said one of the crew of a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor. Mr Stewart Thomson of Westward Ho! and Mr Alan Tomlinson of Appledore were seen by coastguards to be in difficulties about 50 yards from the shore. They were winched aboard the helicopter and deposited on a cliff top. “There was quite a sea running and the rock would have been covered in a few more minutes” said a crew member.

Bluehayes, 1 Bath Terrace, Instow, is for sale by auction.

A memorial oak font cover was dedicated at Holy Trinity Church, Landcross. It was the gift of the sons and daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Charles Calvert Hibbert, who used to live at Landcross. The sons, Messrs Frank, Tom and Robin Hibbert, now live in Australia. Present at the service were Mr and Mrs Robin Hibbert and their daughter, and his sister, Mrs Henry Williamson, who lives in Norfold and was married at the church. The font cover was designed by Mr J Paterson and made by Mr E Crump, both of Bideford.

Past and present colleagues of Unigate Foods Ltd, of Torrington, where he worked for 37 years, and representatives of other depots were among the large attendance at the funeral at Langtree parish church of Mr John Wyndham Gerry. Mr Gerry lived at 3 The Crescent, Langtree. He has been office manager at Unigate. An Old Shebbearian, he was a former member of Shebbear FC and a founder member of Buckland Filleigh Cricket Club. He saw wartime service with the Army and the British Legion was also represented at the funeral together with other organisations. The coffin was covered by the Union Jack. Bearers were Messrs R C Beer, W Daniels, H Jeffery, C A Popham, E J Folland, J Luxton, A Edgecombe, J Soby, D Bailey, S Gerry, G Mills, R Rawle.

New Lundy stamps.

The announcement of the retirement of Dr William Ruddock, of Bideford, whose emergency dashes to Lundy earned him the name of ‘Lundy doctor’ has coincided with a piece in the Illustrated Lundy News about the introduction of a ‘health service’ there 50 years ago.

A festival of flowers held at Monkleigh Parish Church in aid of Church roof repairs raised £60 in silver collection. The event was organised by Parochial Church Council.

Taking part in her first competition apprentice hairdresser Kim Ann Barlow of Northam, won first place in the Westcountry heats of the L’Oreal national colour trophy competition held at Plymouth. Kim, who lives at Green Gardens, works at the Wynne Olley Salon in Bideford. Her win gained her £50 plus a cup and a place in the national final in London. Another of the Bideford staff, John Woolgar, was placed fourth and will also be competing in the finals.

North Devon photographer Mr Paul Harris found out just how true the saying “It’s a small world” is when he visited Australia on a business trip. In almost every town he visited he met former North Devon acquaintances and ‘friends of friends.’ Among them was Mr Peter Braddick, formerly of Northam, and now the customer-service manager with a pre-mix concrete firm in Adelaide. Mr Braddick is married with a son and daughter, and his wife Sandra’s parents live in Barnstaple.

From former chairman of Northam Urban Council, Mr Vic Bowyer, who some years ago emigrated to Australia, comes an interesting letter. Enclosed with it were cuttings from the Adelaide Sunday Mail reporting that Sir Michael Ansell, of Bideford, blind president of the British Equestrian Federation, is being invited to attend the International Equestrian Expo ’75 to be held in the city.

In the last two months 50 more households have joined Northam District Residents’ Association, making a total paid-up membership of 436. A meeting of the association paid tribute to those who had acted as recruiting officers. There was also praise for the association’s newsletter, 750 copies of the August issue being produced. Copies were sent among others to Mr Jeremy Thorpe MP and to Mr J McHardy, chief executive, Torridge District Council

Pleasant surprise for Northam and District Men’s Forum.

A four-day festival of flowers at Lake Methodist Church, Shebbear, included work depicting the origins of Shebbear College. Many visitors, including some from Italy and the Netherlands, attended the festival, and over £200 was raised for church funds.

As baffling as any whodunit is the riddle of the source of petrol fumes so pungent that they periodically cause a Torrington licensee to shut his public house for as much as a day. “I am at my wits’ end’ said Mr Jack Boyd, licensee of the New Inn. ‘It’s been going on for years, it’s like Peyton Place’ and all the resources available at the moment do not seem able to track it down’ declared Torridge District Councillor Michael Street. And a Devon County Fire Brigade petroleum officer, Station Officer Terry Munt, admitted: ‘It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.’

To say that David Scrivener, 20 year old Torrington engineer, had a golfing weekend is something of an understatement. Altogether he played 137 holes!

Job opportunities at Browlodge Ltd in Torrington.

Weekend visitor to Torrington was Mr Peter Frasca, whose home is in Torrington, Connecticut. He fulfilled an ambition to visit the English Torrington while on a three-weeks tour of this country and when he returns he will take with him many photographs including one of Castle Hill, which he described as ‘truly magnificent’. His wife’s family are friends of Mr and Mrs John Ford, of Diddywell, Northam, and formerly of Torrington, and Mr Ford’s mother, Mrs Phyllis Ford, of New Street, Torrington, conducted Mr Frasca on his tour.

Torrington’s first Queen’s Guide, Heather Giles, after receiving her award, shows it to four newly-enrolled Guides. Heather, a Bideford Edgehill College girl, and a former Torrington May Queen, lives at Morton House. In the three years that she worked for her award she gained 14 proficiency badges. Her mother formerly led Torrington Brownies.

In a five-lap decider Mrs Bridget Shapland of Bideford raced home in her Volvo 1780 to take first place in the women’s event at the banger race meeting staged at Westward Ho! in aid of the National Firemans’ Benevolent Fund. After the scheduled two races Mrs Shapland tied for first place with Mrs Margaret Beer of Torrington and Miss Pauline Adams. There was instant success for another Bideford driver Norman Blight. He stormed home in front in his first hot-rod race. Results: Mrs B Shapland, Mrs M Beer, Miss P Adams, N Bowen, R Hutchins, B Hommel, G Roberts, C Hocking, L Adams, N Blight, M Jones, M Nicholls, D Jewell.

Members of Torridge District Council Environmental Services Committee heard the good news – and then the bad – about sea defence at Westward Ho! First the good news. Cost of strengthening the Pebble Ridge estimated at £75,000, will be £46,882.60, the lowest of 11 tenders. Then the bad. There could be little chance of a grant from the Department of the Environment, the Council was told. This is the opinion of the treasurer, Mr L S Mogridge, given when the committee heard that an objection to the scheme by the Northam Burrows Committee could affect the position so far as a possible grant was concerned. Subject to satisfactory discussions, the contractor would be on site September 16 and although it was a 24 week contract it was felt that enough would have been done to strengthen the ridge before the higher tides and storms of the winter. Mr Barber told Cllr Frank Colwill that about 40 gabions would be needed and thousands of tons of pebbles involved.

Family associations with the founding of the Royal North Devon Golf Club were recalled at the funeral of Lieut-Col Richard Cecil Molesworth, who was elected president of the club in May and was taken ill during its autumn meeting. They were mentioned by the Rev Gilbert Molesworth in a brief address when conducting the funeral at the North Devon Crematorium. The Rev Gilbert Molesworth who lives at Berrimans, Lower Cleave, Northam, is a member of the Northdown Hall branch of the family as distinct from the Kenwith branch to which Lieut-Col Molesworth belonged.

Sue Doncaster became a double champion when she carried off the ladies singles event at Westward Ho! Tennis Club’s annual finals day. Her 6-2, 6-2 over the holder, Margaret Petherbridge, was a repeat of the ladies handicap final player earlier in the week. The men’s singles was a triumph for youth with Peter Clarke defeating Rodney Pett. Rodney has been a member of the club for many years while Peter is the first of the club’s junior members to take the title. Pett had to be content with runners-up place again when he and Marjorie Metherell were defeated by another Clarke, this time Peter’s father Bob, and his partner Gill Anstis in the mixed handicap event. Events decided before finals day: Ladies doubles – Betty Stephens and Joy Biddle beat Margery Metherell and Joe Trapnell. Men’s doubles – Tony Butterfield and Alan Briggs beat Peter Clarke and Keith Moses. Men’s singles handicap – Bernard Right.

See the King Bees at The Tyrolean Beer Garden in Westward Ho!

What is four inches long, green with purple and white stripes, a black horn and has numerous legs. This was the poser facing Mr W L Phillips of 38 Beach Road, Westward Ho! when he found such a creature in his garden hedge. First suggestion was that it was a caterpillar of the rare and tropical King George butterfly. But research revealed it almost certainly to be a caterpillar of the privet hawk moth – we think!

Would equipment be made vandal proof asked Cllr Clifford Quick when the Environmental Services Committee of Torridge District Council considered tenders for the construction of conveniences at Winkleigh.

Almshouses at Winkleigh belonging to the Church Commissioners have been fully renovated at a cost of more than £20,000. Empty for more than 20 years, local people claimed the houses were irreparable and said that they should be demolished. They are now a fine example of 16th century architecture, although possessing modern-day amenities such as showers and central heating and are now for sale.

September 1999

The flower festival held at St Helen’s Church, Abbotsham, raised a total of £2,500. The many visitors over the festival all appreciated the work of the Atlantic Flower Club. The festival was part of the church’s Towards 2000 celebrations.

Rain washed away the sand and the wind blew down the palm trees but a charity Caribbean Day at the Royal George in Appledore was a sunny success. Landlord Barry Lewis had organised the tropical event complete with coconuts and a steel band – and himself dressed up as Carman Miranda. It raised £500 for the Appledore Blue Lights Hall which was under threat of being sold off but has been saved by community efforts.

Mrs Mary Smith, wife of the Irish Minister of Defence will name the latest ship to come out of Appledore shipyard – Le Roisin, meaning rose. It is a fishery protection vessel.

Situated in the heart of Appledore, a two-storey bakehouse conversion is for sale. The sale includes The Old Bakehouse; Daisy Cottage; 12 Bude Street; and 12a Bude Street.

Customers and staff took more than a splash of water with their drinks when double birthday celebrations at a Bideford pub were turned into a charity fundraiser. Nearly 20 people left the King’s Arms to leap into the river from Bideford’s historic bridge. It was the highlight of a night of fun to celebrate the 50th birthday of owner’s wife Sue Phipps and the 40th birthday of manager’s wife Caroline Hawker. More than £100 was raised for the North Devon Cancer Care Trust.

Buy your funeral plan from Trapnell & Sherborne Funeral Directors.

Care staff wanted at Riverview, Grange Road, Bideford.

A former toll house in Bideford is for sale.

Completely Wood by name, a new Bideford business offers the complete solution to wood furnishings and joinery for the home or commercial premises. From their base on the Alverdiscott Road Industrial Estate, partners Matthew Petherbridge and Mark Adcock offer a complete service. Matthew learned his trade with local firms and finished with a City and Guilds qualification. Mark’s speciality is in wood spraying and he has been running his own business for more than three years before teaming up with Matthew.

Visitors are pleased with the range of information and services they receive from the Tourist Information Centre in Bideford and the way in which they are delivered. Questionnaires distributed showed almost total satisfaction by the 400 respondents but there was still room for improvement which will include facilities for the disabled, credit card bookings, and looking at ways of satisfying requests for more information on the resort of Westward Ho!

Mr Bradford, Talia Sulman, Nicky Crispin, Jerry Waller

Former Bideford Grammar school boy Mike Waters is returning to North Devon to perform in Ilfracombe with OneKingPoets. Mike, who also played rugby for Bideford Chiefs, has for the past 20 years, organised improvised and run experimental music clubs in London. Mike who left Bideford in 1970 is returning to celebrate his 50th birthday.

A new association set up for old soldiers arranged a trip around Appledore Shipbuilders as its first event. The Bideford branch of the Royal Army Service Corps/Royal Corps of Transport Association was formed at the beginning of this year and now has two dozen members. Chairman Bill Wills thanked the shipyard and personnel manager Roy Henstridge for an enjoyable visit, which was followed by refreshments at Appledore Royal British Legion Club.

Hartland property for sale.

A search for a missing North Devon man ended when he was spotted on a ledge on 300ft cliffs at Shipload Bay near Hartland. Hartland Coastguard Rescue Team, Clovelly lifeboat and the police helicopter were involved in the successful rescue operation. It was a ‘difficult and awkward’ operation as the emergency services worked in a heavy mist and fog, and for some while the man refused to let his rescuers near. Clovelly lifeboat made the four-mile journey in visibility down to 30 metres. A second cliff rescue team was called from Westward Ho! as back-up.

Greystone, Instow, is for sale.

More than 800 inhabitants and their pets were evacuated from their homes in the estuary village of Instow after the discovery of a World War II depth charge on the beach. In one of the biggest local emergency operations since the war they were dispersed to the homes of friends and families further afield and to an emergency rest centre set up at Bideford College. Police and Royal Marines carried out a clearance of the village and the quayside at Appledore was also closed to traffic. The Royal Navy bomb disposal experts examined the device and began the ticklish job of making safe the dustbin sized charge containing some 300lbs of explosives. It was a task completed against the clock before high tide at 8pm. The day was supposed to have held a special birthday treat for Lorna Gaunt but as she and husband Pat sat down to tea and birthday cake at the Instow home of son Paul, his wife Cindy and two grandchildren, there came a knock on the door and they had to leave. “We are refugees from a depth charge” said Alec Gostling but he was full of praise for the emergency services.

Stumped! Test umpire David Shepherd with his dog Skipper

Biddy Hall and her dog, Spangles, with Alec Gostling

Young Torridge teacher Emily Champion is preparing to spend more than two years working with children in Thailand. Emily, of Monkleigh Pottery, is joining Voluntary Service Overseas on a long-term project to help integrate children with disabilities into mainstream schools in the Samui Prakan district of the country. Taught at Buckland Brewer Primary School and at Great Torrington School, Emily graduated as Bachelor of Education and was a primary school teacher for four years.

Property at Monkleigh for sale.

A property in Chope Road, Northam, is for sale.

Torrington’s police station is to open to the public at regular hours following the appointment of a station inquiry officer. With the appointment of support officer Lorraine Kenneally – whose husband Shaun is a detective constable at Bideford – the station will now be open for periods each day.

Pictured are Dr Harry Cramp, Mrs Anne Tattersall, Steve Matthews and Mrs Kenneally

Keyboards don’t come much bigger than this. Or organists much younger than Edgehill College pupil Ashley Withey who lives in Torrington. Organ, piano, saxophone, trumpet and guitar – Ashley plays them all. He won a music scholarship into the Senior School at Edgehill.

Volunteers are being sought to help create a 17th century rose garden in Torrington which will form part of the 1646 Heritage Centre at Castle Hill which opened at Easter. With the aid of volunteers it is hoped to complete the groundwork in preparation for planting in just two hours.

If you think a kite is just something colourful that flutters in the wind, take a trip to Westward Ho! for the Kite Jamboree. There will be kites of all shapes and sizes, plus double the fun with twin-line kite flying, precision quad-line flying and fighter kites. For the more adventurous there is kite-buggying. Top teams will be performing the stunts and giving instruction, not only with kites, but frisbees and boomerangs, too!

Westward Ho! property for sale.