Life During World War II

World War 2 continues but what else was happening in North Devon at that time?

Tuesday, December 5

Births – a son for Florence (nee Hobbs) and W G Dark; Michael, a son for Doris and Albert Dymond; at Appledore, a son, John Hedley Charles, for Florence (nee Lamey) and Major R L Kenyon; a daughter, Patricia, to Mrs G A Mugford (nee Jewell).

Silver wedding – on December 6th 1919 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, John Henry Vanstone to Kate Burnett.

Deaths – William Easterbrook, beloved husband of Eva Easterbrook, late of Parkham; Mary Ann Harris, Marland Terrace, Bideford; Charles Jewell, Mollwyn, Abbotsham Road; Private Frank Edward Osburn, Queen’s Royal Regiment; Mary Pickard, Higher Gunstone, Bideford.

Christmas traffic arrangements – Southern National Omnibus.

As Christmas draws near the Post Office prepares to face its perennial problem of dealing with a vast mail. This is not a war time problem. But each year of war has imposed a drain on the expert staff of the Post Office and a corresponding strain on those still on duty. Part time and temporary staff will do their best as before, and none will appreciate the help the public give more than they. Badly packed parcels are one of the greatest troubles both for those who do the packing and for those who have to handle the packages. The Post Office do their best to handle parcels carefully. But no amount of care can possibly ensure the safety of an insecure parcel. Competing with bad packing in the matter of thoughtlessness is bad addressing.

Milk is no. 1 – but Beef is also needed.

The news has been received with much regret that Cpl John Evans, RAF, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J H Evans, of Bude Street, Appledore, is missing, presumed killed, through enemy action. His father is the mate of a tug and has been engaged in work in connection with the landings in Europe, and he also served with the Merchant Navy. His father is the mate of a tug and had been engaged in connection with the landings in Europe, and he also served with the Merchant Navy during the last war. With him and his mother, one sister and three brothers, much sympathy is felt.

Appledore has been pleased to hear that among those awarded decorations recently for gallant and courageous services in North-West Europe are three officers and non-commissioned officers and other ranks all who have been well-known and respected in the estuary town. Lieut H Hargreaves, Lieut Billington, and Sub-Lieut. J Taylor receive the DSC, Sergt Briggs, PO Eagle, PO Living…, L-Cpl Hedley and Marine Dean receive the DSM. It is regretted that PO Lord lost his life and PO Nesbit, another popular figure, has been wounded.

At a largely attended public meeting held in Bideford Town Hall a General Committee was appointed to manage and administer a fund to be known as the “Borough of Bideford’s Fund to welcome home HM Forces” a development of an idea first launched during Mr J H Sharley’s Mayoralty. Organisations and bodies holding funds for this or similar objects are to be invited to amalgamate and merge such funds into and become part of the common pool.

News has reached Bideford of the death in Italy in March as a result of wounds received in action of Lt M E Tucker, Seaforth Highlanders, Canada, youngest son of the late Mr W A Tucker, Bidefordian and well known local sportsman before emigrating to the Dominions. His uncle is Mr A E Tucker of Bideford.

Pte F E Osburn, 27 Bull Hill, Bideford, previously reported missing, when taking part in the Normandy operations, is now reported as having been killed in action. He was serving with the Queen’s Royal Regiment. Aged 33, he was an Old Boy of Bideford Senior School and before joining the Devonshire Regiment was employed at Messrs J D Whitefield, Grenville Street, Bideford. Pte Osburn, who leaves a widow and two young children, was the fourth son of the late Mr A Osburn and of Mrs Osburn, Chudleigh Terrace.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the wedding took place of Mr Robert Henry Ellis, RN, eldest son of Mr and Mrs W Ellis, of Bull Hill, and Miss Agnes Waters, eldest daughter, of Mr and the late Mrs W Waters, of Liverpool. Rev T R Giddy officiated. Given away by her uncle, Mr B Prust, the bride was attired in a dress of heavy white satin and a long embroidered veil. Pink and white chrysanthemums and trailing fern formed her bouquet. The chief bridesmaid was Miss V Hillman; the younger bridesmaid, Miss E Ellis; and Mr George Spry carried out the duties’ of best man.

Five grandsons in uniforms were among the bearers at the funeral of Mrs Louisa Bidgway, of Sentry Corner, Bideford. The funeral took place at Torrington cemetery with Rev C J Barker officiating.

Members of Devon Constabulary were the bearers at the funeral of Mr John Pike, of Poughill, Royston Road, Bideford. An ex-Police Constable, Mr Pike served in H. Division Devon Constabulary for twenty-six years, and retiring in 1925, he took up residence in Bideford.

A petition signed by over 130 residents of the Bank End and its immediate vicinity against the proposal of Bideford Town Council to lease a portion of the Hansen field to Devon Concrete Works Ltd, has been submitted to the Ministry of Health and asking that a public inquiry should be held.

“All the members of the Council very much appreciate the services of Bandmaster Heal and of the band...

At Bideford Grammar School Junior Speech Day, the Chairman of Governors, Alderman F E Whiting, again presided over a crowded assembly of governors, parents and friends of the School. The prizes were distributed by Mrs F E Whiting and she was accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs H W Fulford. The headmaster, Mr W J Langford, using notes from his report of the previous day, again gave a full account of the work and progress of the School during the year.

Showing at the Strand Cinema…

Situations vacant – “Woman wanted daily for housework – Mrs Palmer, Rock House, Orchard Hill, Bideford”; “Wanted boy or girl, aged 16, to help in delivery of milk and in dairy – Apply Ashplant’s Dairy, 33 Mill Street, Bideford”;

Shareholders of Western Counties Building Society at an adjourned meeting, held at the Town Hall, Bideford, decided by poll in favour of fusion with the Queen Anne Building Society by a large majority.

A dance organised by the Girls Club was held in the Parish Hall at Buckland Brewer, to raise money for Christmas Gifts for local men and women serving in HM Forces. The sum of £8 was realised.

A very pretty wedding, which created considerable local interest, was solemnised at All Saints’ Church between Miss Mary Pengilly, who is serving in the ATS, RAOC (Tanks), younger daughter of Mr and Mrs W H Pengilly, Wrinkleberry, Clovelly, and Pte Frank Kilbourne, RASC.

War Office thanks to the Clovelly Branch of the RNLI.

Members of HM Forces recently home on leave have included: Gnr Arthur Westlake, RA, serving somewhere in N. Scotland, youngest son of Mr and Mrs W Westlake, Turnpike, Higher Clovelly, and his wife Cpl D Westlake, ATS, serving in the South of England.

Padstow and Clovelly Lifeboats, and the Hartland and Bude Life-Saving Apparatus teams were called into service in the early hours when a 600-ton Norwegian steamer became a total wreck in stormy seas. Information was first received by Hartland Coastguards and the lifeboats launched. Visibility was only about 50 yards owing to fog and rain, and rescue work was carried out under the greatest difficulty.

The dairy farm known as Church Park Farm at Fremington is for sale.

Like the handing over of a torch which their service to the nation in its hour of need has kept burning brightly and resolutely, the 24th (Hartland) Battalion, Devon Home Guard, symbolically handed over to the Army Cadet Force in a changing of the guard ceremony which was one of the features of Sunday’s “stand down” parade of the Battalion. After attending a united service at the Parish Church, the Battalion, with Women Auxiliaries and Torrington and Hartland Army Cadet Force, paraded through various streets to the music of the Battalion’s own band and the Command Officer, Lieut-Col J E Cruickshank, took the salute and subsequently addressed the assembly. After the march past, The Commanding Officer proceeded to the centre of the Square where he addressed the gathering – their first and last Battalion parade.

Mr William Henry Johns has passed peacefully away after a trying illness of several months at his home, 71 The Square, Hartland. He never fully recovered from incapacity brought on by service at Salonica in the last war. A Society Steward in the Wesleyan Church and bass member of the choir, Mr Johns was very fond of music. He was also a Trustee and regular attender at the United Church. He was married to Miss Tryphena Cook.

Instow Poppy Day collections have this year produced the record sum of £63 1s 3d. The organiser was Mrs Cartwright, and collectors Mesdames Taylor, Aldridge, Marden, Sillman, Joslin, Slater, Brereton, and Parkhouse.

Knill Cottage, Instow, is for sale.

The funeral of Miss Blanche E M Wren, who died at the age of 82, took place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, with Rev E B Bridger officiating. Miss Wren was the eldest daughter of the late Capt R F Wren.

News of the tragic death of Gunner T Lock, RA, aged 41, of St Giles, came as a great shock to the people of St Giles and Torrington. Gnr Lock, who had spent his leave with Mrs R Baker, his sister, at Calf Street, Torrington, had only returned to his unit a few days when he met with a fatal road accident when on duty.

Among those helping to manage one of the biggest provision ‘shops’ in the world, supplying the armies of liberation in Europe and the East, is Corporal Pat Heywood, daughter of Mr and Mrs F Heywood of Peagham Farm, Torrington. Before joining the ATS she was at home with her parents. Corpl Heywood is a former pupil of St Giles Council School. Her sister, Betty, is a driver in the ATS.

Two Torrington brothers – Pte Clifford Quick, serving with a North Country Regiment, and Corpl Sidney Quick, with a London unit – recently had a reunion in Italy. They are the sons of Mrs C and the late Mr Quick, of New Street, Torrington.

The Weare Giffard WI monthly meeting was held at Miss Bird’s house. The chair was taken by the President, Mrs Lampard-Vachell, who opened the meeting by referring to the great loss sustained by the Institute in the passing of Mrs Sutherland.

Tuesday, December 12

Births – a daughter, Lesley Helena, to Marjorie (nee Thomason) and Capt R A Brown; a son, Brian Malcolm, at Hillsboro, Landcross, to Joyce (nee Clarke) and J Jones; at Hurstlea, a son, Robert, to Mr and Mrs Charles Roker (nee May Mountjoy); to Pte and Mr Charles Shortridge (nee Doris Bartholomew).

Marriage – Cpl V J Copp to Miss Kathleen Fitzgerald.

Silver Wedding – On December 17th 1919 at the Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, Thomas Colwill to Dorothy May Buse; On December 15th 1919, Wilfred F H Palmer to Helena Beatrice Bettie. Present address: Quoile, Clovelly Road, Bideford.

Deaths – at Sandhurst, Bideford, Joseph Henry Farleigh; Robert John Farthing, son of the late Mr and Mrs J Farthing, Westleigh; Hubert William Fedric; Margaret Carson Graham, of Cotfield, Westward Ho!; Grace Catherine Hallowes, Langtree Rectory; John Tucker Heard; Emmla Parkhouse at Ford View, Weare Giffard; William John Trott of Bideford; at Appledore, George Tucker; formerly of the Cottage, Church Walk, Bideford, dearly beloved wife of Charles R Watkins and youngest daughter of Henry Richards.

The National Fire Service in Devon and North West Cornwall was called out to deal with 47 outbreaks of non-enemy fires during October. Official figures for the district, Fire Force Area No. 18, show that the causes of seven outbreaks are at present listed as unknown, but of the remaining forty, 27 were the outcome of carelessness. Careless smokers started six fires, while chimney fires numbered five. Children playing with matches, misplaced rubbish fires and defective electrical circuits each caused one fire.

Christmas postal deliveries.

The Appledore branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has received an expression of the War Office’s deep appreciation of the splendid work of the Appledore lifeboat in connection with the rescue of the crews of two Army caissons adrift in the Bristol Channel in October.

The Vicar of Appledore, Rev H C A S Muller, would like to thank all those who so generously responded to the Church Gift Day effort and to those who so very kindly arranged the distribution of envelopes. Over 300 responded and at present the Fund has reached the excellent result of £63, and will probably reach a much higher total.

Appledore registers the ‘Appledore Warriors Welcome Home Fund’.

There was a very pleasing little ceremony at Appledore when Capt J F Donald, DCM, RA, was presented with a silver cigarette case by the Appledore Home Guard.

Showing at the Gaeity Cinema, Appledore,…

The proud tradition of Bideford Church Lads’ Brigade was stressed at the golden jubilee supper held at the Church Institute Bideford. In 1894, when founded, the Church Lads Brigade was a pioneer movement in Bideford for the training of youth, and with 50 years of progress behind the Brigade has a tradition that will help to sustain it in the front rank of youth interest in the future. With that positive note animating the proceedings, Bideford Church Lads; Brigade, the Old Comrades’ Association, their lady supporters, and representative civic guests including the Deputy Mayor Ald F E Whiting, Ald H A Huxham, and Mr A Sharp (headmaster of Bideford Art and Technical School), spent a most enjoyable birthday party.

Names from left to right: Front row – R J Trigger, C E Tucker, Sgt J Holwill, 2nd-Lt C Shortridge, Mr S Capper, Rev T R Gibby, Capt W H Pope, 2nd-Lt S T Holloway, W Westacott, S/Sgt S Way, Sgt E Johns, W Jenkins, sitting – Pte F Cole and Pte J Ebsworthy.
Second row – L/Cpl M Bonetta, Cpl K Johns, L/Cpl P Adams, Ptes B Rogers, G Adams, C Cole, M Drew, L/Cpls R Beer, J Jeffery, J Way, R Kelly, Cpl G Dunn, L/CPl G Tithecott, Pte E Giddy, L/CPl A Cloutman.
Third row – Ptes L Oke, A P Moule, D Yelland, E Hubber, J W George, W C Hooper, F Ash, R Cluett, D Headon, D Way, M Yeo, I Bettiss, J Bosher, M Goss, D Colwell, J Oke.
Fourth row – Ptes W Gordon, C Ashton, D Bidgeway, S Card, F W Tithecott, A Miles, M Oke, P Wrey, J Daniel, N Glover, J Quill, S J Eastmond, M R Richards.
Back row – Ptes F D Fenton, W H Mitchell, A Tithecott, F Tithecott, G Spry, L J Dibble, P T Thorpe, F Daniel, G Glover, J Glover, D Mitchell.
Absent through business – R C Cade; Absent through sickness – Ptes W J T Burns and T Bennett

Born at Bideford 35 years ago, the son of Bideford parents, Temp. Acting Ldg Seaman John Hedley Brock has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for courage, resolution and skill while serving in HM Ships in anti-U boat operations. Married with a five year old son, his home is at Weston-super-Mare. His father, Mr Brock senr, was formerly with the Bideford Gazette and married Miss Queenie Trapnell, daughter of the late Mr Frank Trapnell, High Street, Bideford. Official notification has now been received that Pte Robert Davidson (Bobby Phillips), formerly of Barnstaple Street, Bideford East, is now a prisoner of war. A paratrooper, he took part in the Arnhelm epic. Prior to entering the Service he worked at Sudbury’s Glove Factory. He is an Old Boy of Bideford Senior School and a keen sports fan.

A fine of 10s was imposed by Bideford Borough magistrates on John Rapson Pile, in respect of an infringement of the black-out at 42 Torrington Street, Bideford, on November 11. PC Marshall gave evidence. Defendant told the magistrates that the house had been temporarily unoccupied and a mason had been in to examine the wall near the stove. It had been necessary to put the light on to see and he (defendant) had forgotten it. He pointed out that the ground floor was two feet below Bideford Quay level and this and other factors meant that the light was not visible at a very high altitude.

Bideford Girl Guides – presentation of Irwin Cup.

At the recent examination of the Royal Schools of Music the following pupils of Mrs Lee, Lime Grove, Bideford, were successful: Tom Bonetta, Alan Hoare, Cynthis Jancey, Rona Ridd, Christine Taylor, Michael Bonetta, John Cripps, Shirley Riminton, Anthony Grant, and John Cripps.

Situations vacant – “Domestic help wanted, resident or daily, could accommodate husband – Molesworth Culworth, North Down Road, Bideford”; “Wanted capable woman for housework, mornings only, including Sunday – Westward Ho! Good wages and good food.”; “Wanted waitress – Apply between 6pm and 7pm. Jenny Forbes Café, Bideford”.

18 Bridge Street, Bideford, is for sale.

The Bideford and South-West Flying Tippler and Tumbler Society held its annual show, the entry providing a record for war-time of 381 tipplers and tumblers in fourteen classes. The total value of cups and specials won was over £40. The judges both remarked on the splendid condition and quality of birds on view.

Pte Iris Sines, ATC, daughter of Mr and Mrs C W Sines, of 107 High Street, Clovelly, who is serving with an AA Battery somewhere in the south of England, has been home on a few days’ leave. Pte Sines was one of the first local girls to volunteer for the ATS.

The whist drive and dance, organised by Miss E Leeks in aid of the National Institute for the Blind, which took place at the Clovelly School, proved particularly successful, the next proceeds totalling £22 3s 3d. There were 17 tables for whist. Mr Thomas E Finch was MC and prize winners were: Mrs C Perham, Mrs P Jones, Mrs E Hutchinson, The Hon Mrs B C Asquith, Mr J L Burrow, Mrs M Coote, Mr O Abbot.

For contravening a Borough byelaw, William Buse, who wrote apologising to the Court, from Church Lane, Frithelstock, was fined £1.

Over £35 was realised at a Christmas sale of work held in the Church Room at Frithelstock in aid of Church funds. In spite of inclement weather, buyers came and a brisk sale of toys and Christmas gifts took place, all being over in less than two hours. Those in charge of stalls were Mesdames J Willaims, G Bond, W B Hookway and W J Fulford, with Mesdames F J Barrow, C Clarke and S Adams in charge of tea. Mr F J Barrow was door steward.

A meeting has been held at the National Schoolroom in Northam to consider the question of setting up a ‘Welcome Home’ fund for members of the Forces. The Vicar, Rev E B Bridger, took the chair.

Lieut Douglas Lambert, DSC, RN, who was sent ashore from a submarine to find the British Minister to Yugoslavia during the invasion of that country, has recently returned to the United Kingdom with the submarine Surf. He is the son of Mrs Cruickshank and stepson of Lieut-Col J E Cruickshank, of Little Meadow, Limers Lane, Northam, he was taken prisoner when the submarine Regent bombed by German aircraft had to sail immediately, leaving him on shore. An Italian officer, taken on board as a hostage, was subsequently exchanged for Lieut Lambert, who returned to Britian to assume a submarine command.

An Assistant Matron is needed at Parkham.

His many friends at Torrington will be pleased to hear of the promotion of Lieut George Greenwood to Captain. His wife and daughter reside at Well Street, Torrington. After the evacuation of Dunkirk he was sent to Ireland, where he took up his commission. He returned to France shortly after D-day with the ‘Civil Affairs’. 

News of the passing in Torrington Cottage Hospital of Mr John Henry Sutton, of Bridge House, Rolle Road, Torrington, was received with sincere regret by a large circle of friends. He served in the last war and was a member of the British Legion. During this war he acted as CD Warden. The high esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large number attending the funeral at the Methodist Church, Torrington.

Leslie Richard Smale, of Weke Cottage, Torrington, appeared before Bideford Borough magistrates on three summonses respecting the use of a motor cycle at Bideford. Pleading guilty in each case he was fined.

Congratulations to Mary Cook, of Blue Coat School, Torrington, on winning a scholarship to King Edwards, Birmingham.

His many friends will be pleased to hear that Mr and Mrs W Olde, of Beach View, Westward Ho! have received official news that their son, Douglas, is now known to be a prisoner of war.

Turn your tennis balls into tyres – the Dunlop war effort.

Tuesday, December 19

Christmas and New Year greetings are tinged with more hope than they have been in the past five years. That hope will be the light guiding our way to achievements of 1945, but to follow it faithfully will require all our courage, skill, understanding and patience.

Births – to Cecilia, wife of WO A Ash, RAF, a brother for Sheila (Owen Cecil); at Durrant, Northam, a son for Barbara (nee Moorhead), wife of Major Anthony Channer, RA; to Mr and Mrs G F Elms (nee Kitty Lamey), twin daughters (Ruth Alison and Mary Elizabeth), sisters for Graham; to Winnifred May (nee Newman), wife of W H Evans, a daughter (Jennifer Ann); a son, David Peter, to Ivy (nee Pearce), wife of Pte P J Gale, Parachute Field Ambulance.

Marriage – Ford-Griffey – at the Methodist Chapel, Appledore, Leonard Ford to Marjorie Griffey, sixth daughter of Mr and Mrs Arthur Griffey, Midways, Northam.

Silver Weddings – Samuel Hopkins to Flossie Vida Scoins; Ralph Alexander Whitaker to Elsie Clarke.

Deaths – Montague John Durant; William Henry Elliott; Salathiel Hancock; Audrey Elsie Marguerite Miller, Annie Mary (nee Evans, formerly of Hartland) Perry; Edward (Ted) Rafell; John Squires.

Wanted advertisements.

A grand whist drive will be held at the Church Institute, Bideford,

Showing at the Palace, Bideford.

Christmas card from Holland from Capt E Hai, RA, who is writing on behalf of a few lads from Bideford and Westward Ho!

Several Devon men were decorated by the King at a recent investiture at Buckingham Palace. Lieut-Colonel Georffrey Pine-Coffin, Devonshire Regiment, invested with the D.S.O., is now attached to a parachute unit. Those getting the MBE included Lieut (E) Lewis Broad, RN, of Myrtle Street, Appledore.

At the monthly meeting of the North Devon Province of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, the Vicar of Appeldore, Rev H C A S Muller, was installed into the Royal chair as Provincial Grand Primo by the outgoing Provincial Grand Primo. Brother Percy J Short.

Mr Jack Way, only son of Mr and Mrs Stanley Way, Fernwood, Bideford, who has recently been commissioned as a first lieutenant and gazetted to the Devons, has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Mr J C Clarke, in making soldiering his career. Sergt Major Clarke, of the Royal Marines, was sent by the Government with Dr Speke, the explorer (who discovered the source of the Nile, and lived at Orleigh Court), in search of Dr Livingstone. Lieut Way, who is an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, and Taunton School, joined up with the RA (heavy AA) and was in Alexandria when war broke.

Home on leave. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School who has spent three years and nine months away from this country in a Japanese war zone, Gunner Kenneth Clifford Blackman, RN, second son of Mr and Mrs G W Blackman, is affectionately remembered in local sporting circles. His hazardous experiences in the eastern war include being a survivor of HMS Repulse, fighting as infantry in the Malayan jungle, and subsequently being attached to the Royal Australian Navy. While in Australia, Gnr Blackman won himself a bride, who is still there but is awaiting passage to England. Mr and Mrs Blackman’s youngest son, David, who is training to enter the wireless branch of the Merchant Navy, is also home on leave.

A wide circle of friends will regret to hear of the death, at the age of 82, of Mr William H Elliott, of Sunset, 1 Chingswell Street, Bideford, founder of the well known local firm of W H Elliott and Sons, motor engineers and salesmen.

A series of classes in the judging of dairy cattle, organised by Buckland Brewer Young Farmers’ Club, culminated in a competition at Bowden (by kind invitation of Mr G Heywood). Twelve members of the club entered and were given four Ayrshire cows to judge. Members from the Braunton, Swimbridge, Filleigh and Bradworthy Young Farmers’ Clubs were among the large crowd assembled in the barn to hear the competitors state the order in which they placed the cattle and their reasons for doing so.

A total of 185 books for the Red Cross, have been collected locally by the members of the Clovelly Girls’ Club, under the direction of Miss Barbara Cruse.

A novelty whist drive at Clovelly.

Hartland Red Cross sale realised £180.

Complaint that the south side of Hartland only had a postal delivery every other day and that this occasioned great inconvenience was put forward by Mr W Heard at the meeting of Bideford Rural District Council and it was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Head Postmaster on the matter.

Mr H Ensoll has been appointed new Headmaster of Hartland Council school in succession to Mr Stevens. He comes to Hartland from Huccombe, near Kingsbridge.

The following message has been received through a German source, from Pte Stanley Raymont, Hill View, Landcross, near Bideford. “Don’t worry, I am OK. Slight wound in right shoulder. In prisoner-of-war hospital and being treated OK. Love Stan” Pte Raymont was reported ‘missing’ while in action in Italy during October.

Among the 808 members of the Home Guard honoured by HM the King ‘in recognition of meritorious service’ was Capt Frederick Stanley Kelly, of the 24th (Hartland) Battn, Devon Home Guard, appointed MBE. Capt Kelly, whose home is at Torrington, where he is in business as a butcher, was the popular Weapons Training Officer for the Battalion.

H L Penberthy, music specialist in Torrington, apologies.

Thursday, December 28

Births – at Quarry, Northam, to Claire, wife of Major H G Wybrante Hamilton, RE, twin daughters; to Henrietta (nee Taylor), wife of Archie Britain Harbord, CPO, RN, a daughter, Carol; to Mr and Mrs H Smith (nee Cynthia Beer), a daughter, Angela June; to Rene, wife of G T Ward, Mary Tavy, a daughter; on Christmas morning at Fourways, Bideford, to Phyllis, wife of A J Wensley, a brother for David.

Marriages – Ernest Leslie Harding to Eleanor Gwyneth Morris; Clifford Pearce to Gladys Maud Bastier; at Bideford, Ronald C Tredwen to Gladys M Facey.

Deaths – Cecil Stanley Fairchild; Amy, widow of Charles H Gossage and sister of Marguerite B Caldicott; June Elizabeth Lake, daughter of Mr and Mrs Reg Lake; William Smale; George Kelly Southwell.

The annual meeting of the Women’s Institute was held in Alwington Village Hall.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has awarded its bronze medal to Coxswain Sidney Cann, of Appledore, its thanks on vellum to J Hooper, the Appledore motor mechanic and wireless operator, its thanks on vellum to Coxswain George Lamey, of Clovelly, and £95 to the crews and launchers of the two stations, for rescuing fifteen lives from two phoenixes, the caissons used for building the breakwater of the Normandy invasion port.

At St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the wedding took place of Private Ronald James Dent, of the South Staffordshire Regiment, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J W Dent, of Scunthorpe, and Miss Lilian Dorothy Gorrell, daughter of Mr and Mrs F Gorrell, of New Street, Appledore, the Rev H C A S Muller officiating.

The Vicar of Appledore is pleased to announce to his parishioners, those who have kindly supported the Church Gift Day, that the target of £100 has been successfully reached and passed.

Lieut Frederick Cole, an Old Boy of Bideford Senior School and son of Mr Fred Cole, formerly of Bideford, after attending RASC Officers’ Training Centre was selected as the best cadet of the course at the final ‘passing out’ parade, being awarded the sword belt presented by the GOC of the Command and the Commandant of the School. At the outbreak of war he went to France with the tanks and served until the final evacuation at Dunkirk in June, 1940. Three months later he proceeded to the Middle East. When he returned to England last year, he had completed nine years’ service and was recommended for a commission. He is now posted as a full Lieutenant.

Congratulations to Flight Sergeant Leonard W Braund, RAF, on his recent promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer. He is the grandson of Mr and Mrs Albert Braund, North Hill, Clovelly and his home is at 5 Elmscott Terrace, Pitt Lane, Bideford. His advance in the RAF is very commendable.

The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of Mrs M A Harris, of Marland Terrace, who died at the age fo 79. The Rev M Wadey officiated at the service. Bearers were Messrs L Potter, C Potter, S Hedden, T Bairns, E Rendall, K Hearn.

The scholars of Bideford Senior School had the privilege of a visit from a mobile exhibition entitled ‘Young America’. This proved to be both enjoyable and instructive, and will certainly do much towards bringing together the schoolchildren of the two English speaking nations, and to foster cooperation in the future. Sergt Emore, an American teacher in uniform, was in charge and much of the success attained wad due to his efforts. He addressed the boys and girls in a style both easy to follow, and at times very amusing, on some of the similarities and small differences between life in the two countries. He concluded by offering to put Bideford children in touch with ‘pen friends’ on the other side of the Atlantic. Sergt Elmore was assisted by Sergt Spangley, and mention must be made of the organisers, namely the US Office of War Information, together with The Kinsmen, an association formed by the parents of British children evacuated to the USA and the Dominions.

The affectionate good wishes of the many hundreds of children who have passed through her classes will be extended to Miss E Turner, who, at the conclusion of the recent tern, has retired after 50 years as a teacher at Bideford. Indeed, it can be…

Queen Mary was so delighted with performance of Hamlet at Bristol Grammar School recently, that she asked that four of the characters might be presented to her, including the ghost, John Farleigh, son of Mr and Mrs J S Farleigh, Bristol, and nephew of Mrs J H Farleigh, Sandhurst, Bideford.

A children’s party at East-the-Water NFS station.

Apart from those away on National Service, not everyone who had planned to spend Christmas at home could do so, for instance, the patients at our hospitals. But even if misfortune did necessitate spending Christmas confined to a hospital bed, there are some consolations, as the 34 patients at Bideford and district hospital, Abbotsham Road, have discovered. Thanks to the matron, Miss G E Daymond, medical, nursing and domestic staff, civic visitors, members of the Hospital Committee, and the generous gifts of these and many other friends, the patients had a Christmas they will long remember – a Christmas in which happiness triumphed over temporary misfortune.

At Buckland Brewer, as a result of a whist drive, a dance and subscriptions, the organisers have sent £1 4s 4d to each member serving with HM Fighting Forces, as a Christmas gift. All friends are thanked for their generous support for such a worthy cause.

After serving with the Devonport, Dover and Portsmouth Commands, Lieut Overington Smith, RNVR, of Clovelly has returned to the Village, having been placed on the reserve list. Lieut O Smith also served in the last war.

The December meeting of Instow Women’s Institute was held in the Wesley Schoolroom, 27 members being present. Miss Berry-Torr presidedand announced that the Treasurer, Mrs Rowe, had resigned and Miss McGrath had been appointed in her place, also the secretary, Mrs Wickham had resigned. Mrs Brereton has taken on the entertainment work, with the help of Mrs Braunton, Mrs Valentine, Mrs Eyre and Mrs Wickham.

Northam public officers.

The Christmas prizegiving in connection with Northam Junior Youth Club was held at the British Restaurant, Northam. The Club Leader, Miss Ruffles, who returned to Bristol the following day, expressed the thanks of the committee and members of the Club to all have done so much to help since its beginning in March 1941.

Parkham Victory Hall

The Cinema, Torrington.

Torrington public officers and war time organisations.

Torrington’s Women’s Institute Christmas Social.

The wedding has taken place at St Joseph’s Chapel, Sale, of A/B Joseph Kennedy, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Patrick Kennedy, and Miss Patricia Burke, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Martin Burke, of Mill Street, Torrington.

Evacuees at Bellevue, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! aren’t too old to help.

In the recent examinations of the Associated Board of the RAM, and RCM, Dorothy Beal, pupil of Mrs Andrew, Westward Ho! passed grade 1, violin, with credit.

As a result of two whist drives and dances, organised by Mrs Sanders and Mrs J Harris in Westleigh Village Hall, in aid of Christmas gifts for men and women from the parish serving in HM Forces, a sum of £30 was realised which enabled a postal order for 18s 2d to be sent to each member wishing them good luck and a speedy return.

The Clubland Follies of Bideford gave an excellent performance at Woolsery, and played to a full house. The proceeds of this show were given to the Club funds. In the past the Follies have raised a large sum for War and Local Charities and it is the hope of Mr F J Lee, the producer, and his party that they do even more for these charities in the future.

Welgar Shredded wheat – for nourishment, energy and staying power.