A Happy New Year to our readers from all of us at the Bideford and District Community Archive
January 1925
The eclipse of the sun on 24 January was marred by heavy cloud; the only features noticeable in Bideford were “a darkening of the sky and an unusual coldness”.
The Babes in the Wood pantomime and concert kindly given free of expense by Mr and Mrs Bushell’s concert party from Clovelly in aid of Abbotsham Parish Hall Building Fund drew an enthusiastic audience which is suggested to have been the largest gathering ever held in Abbotsham. Canon Kempe presided. Every number was rapturously received and redemanded. Mrs Bushell was the recipient of a handsome bouquet at the close of her song. The takings amounted to over £17.
Abbotsham raises money for the Appledore Branch of the National Lifeboat Institution.
A very successful whist drive and dance (organised by the young people of the parish) was held in the Church Schoolroom, Alwington. The attendance was remarkably good and an enjoyable evening was spent. After all expenses had been met …
Joseph and Beatrix Brown, and Granville Landsborough Findlay, of Yeovale House, Alwington, are applying for a licence …
Appledore Rowing Club campaign to raise £100.
The Vicar of Appledore promotes Denmark as a honeymoon destination.
At the Seamen’s Mission the elder scholars of the Mission Sunday School have been entertained to tea by Mr and Mrs Harvey, Miss S Milton also kindly assisting. After justice had been done to the good things provided, a most enjoyable evening was spent, songs and recitations being contributed by the scholars. A gramophone and good selection of records, operated by Mr R Slade and his sister, added greatly to the enjoyment and was much appreciated by the sailors who were invited to the entertainment.
At Appledore, elder scholars of the Mission Sunday School were entertained to tea by Mr and Mrs Harvey.
In the presence of a large number of friends and relatives, the marriage was solemnised in St Margaret’s Church, Northam, of Mr Charles Henry Scadding, of Shepton Mallett, and Miss Doris Mary Abbott, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs F A Abbott, of Appledore.
During the week the firm of Messrs Bazeley Barnes and Bazeley solicitors advised the relatives at Appledore of Captain Thomas Langdon Popham that they had received telegraphic information from Nassau in the Bahamas Island, announcing the death of Captain Popham, who at the time was in command of a ship trading in the West Indies. Deep sympathy is felt for his widow who is probably in the United States and also for his sister, Miss Popham, and his brothers, Mr John and George Popham, who reside at Appledore, where Captain Popham’s parents resided and were much respected.
On Friday afternoon the funeral of the late Mr W Taylor, of No. 1 Homeside Terrace, Appledore, took place. The Vicar …
The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Shutt of No. 7 Meeting Street took place at the Appledore Churchyard. Being a member of the Baptist community the first portion of the service was held in the Baptist Chapel, Rev J J Nelson conducting the service. At the Churchyard gates the Vicar met the cortege and concluded the service at the grave taking the committal prayers.
A serious accident occurred at Appledore when Captain Hooper, while superintending the breaking up of the old Revenge fell from her side on to the beach, a distance of about 25 feet, sustaining severe injuries to his back. He was taken to Bideford Hospital and it was reported that although his condition was critical, there being grave injuries to the spine, he is making progress towards recovery. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs Hooper and family. Mr Hooper is most popular with all classes and much respected.
After a short but severe attack of bronchial pneumonia, Mrs Elizabeth Shutt, of Meeting Street, Appledore, suddenly passed away. She was the widow of the late Mr Frederick Shutt, and before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth Tamplin. During recent years she has looked after Mrs Avery, the elder sister of Sir William Reardon Smith. She was much respected and her death greatly regretted.
Since the resignation of the Rev R Dobbie in December 1923, the Appledore Congregational Church has been without a pastor, but the work has successfully carried on as usual, with assistance from the lay preachers of the district, to whom the Church owes a debt of gratitude. In March next, activities will commence with the pastorate of the Rev A C Brockett, of Taunton. This gentleman will come with the good wishes of a large circle of friends.
Bideford Rural District Council, Mr W Harris presiding, interviewed the selected four of the 21 applicants for the vacant post of Road Surveyor for the District and appointed Mr G E Muller, Member of the Institute of Municipal and County Engineers, and assistant surveyor to Goring Rural District Council, Reading. The salary is £250 a year, inclusive of travelling expenses. Mr Muller is 41 years of age.
Bideford Bridge – new carriageway opened to traffic.
At the recent examination of the R.A.M. and R.C.M. the following pupils of West Bank School were among the successful candidates; P Berry, A Reeve, and U Radford. Miss Mounthaes and Miss Benson prepared them.
Freemasonry at Bideford – installing ceremony.
A meeting will be held in the Bideford Working Men’s Conservative Club for the purpose of inaugurating a Society for Political Discussions.
R Blackmore and Sons, Auctioneers, have been instructed to sell Torridge View, 4 Buttgarden Street, Bideford. The stone-built house is described as being in a high, healthy situation and is connected with Town Water, main sewer and gas main. The main of the Electric Light Company passes immediately outside. The property was eventually sold after the auction for over £900.
Dwelling house known as and being Duoro Cottage, Orchard Hill, Bideford, for sale.
1 Kingsley Street, Bideford, for sale.
At Bideford Council meeting it was reported that the Bridge Trustees had presented two granite posts to the town, which were to be utilised at the entrance to the war memorial at East-the-Water. Mr Huxham, in moving that the Trustees be thanked said the gift was worth at least £80. A proposal to install a children’s sand pit in Bideford Park has been put forward by Councillor H W Fulford.
An attendance of 180 patronised the dance and whist drive held by the local branch of the British Fascisti at Bideford Church Institute, a very pleasant evening being spent. The Mayor, Dr E J Toye, distributed the prizes to the whist drive and other winners: Mrs Brayley, Mrs Ross, Mrs Williams, Mr Seldon, Miss Shute, Miss Evely.
Bideford Bowling Club is holding a dinner at Tanton’s Hotel, on Friday, January 30th, at 6.30pm. All members are asked to make an effort to be present and the Committee invite them to kindly obtain their tickets on or before Monday, the 19th inst. to enable arrangements for the accommodation of visitors. The guests will include Mr R Hodge, of Torrington, the English champion, who will exhibit the trophy he has won.
And if this wasn’t enough to keep people occupied, there was always the Palace Theatre
Tenantry and workmen on the Yeo Vale Estate, near Bideford, have made a presentation of a handsome silver bowl to Mr Robert Lucian Kirkwood, of Eaton-place, SW1, and of Yeo Vale, on the occasion of his coming of age. The gift, which was forwarded to Mr Kirkwood in London, was accompanied by a letter signed by Mr W H Sanders, of Orleigh Mills and Mr Robert Lott. The silver bowl was supplied by Mr Truscott, High Street, Bideford.
A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Anglican Church of the Messiah, Toronto, Canada, the contracting parties being Mr C A Stevenson, of Toronto, and Emily Ellen (Nellie), eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs T Backway, formerly of 24 Brookfield Street, Bideford.
The fiftieth anniversary of the death of Charles Kingsley, the great Devonshire novelist, was commemorated in Bideford, which owes so much to Kingsley, by the placing of a laurel wreath on his life-like statue which graces the entrance to the Park. A eulogy was delivered by the Mayor, Dr E J Toye, and appropriate references also made by Alderman J Cock, who was Mayor when the statue was erected in 1906, and Alderman A R Adams, who was Mayor in 1919, when on the occasion of the centenary of Kingsley’s birth a permanent bronze wreath with inscription was attached.
The death took place at this residence, 19 Lower Meddon Street, of Capt Robert Fisher, who was formerly a familiar figure in Bideford and was captain of the Spirit. He had lived in retirement for several years and was 80 years of age. He leaves a widow and one son to mourn their loss.
We regret to hear that Mr and Mrs W Mathews, 9 Dorchester Terrace, Park Lane, Bideford, have received information of the death of their son, William George Matthews, as the result of an accident. He was 34 years of age, was in the employ of the Imperial Tobacco Company, at Leamington, Canade, and was killed while at work. Deceased was a widower, and was making his home with Mr and Mrs C A Henderson, Mrs Henderson being his deceased wife’s sister.
Plans for the proposed new Bideford to Northam road (previously part of the Bideford to Westward Ho! railway line) are being forwarded to the County Council. Steps will be taken to begin the process of acquiring the necessary land. A story to watch in the coming weeks - Bideford Harbour Bill to go to Parliament.
For those readers who have money left over after Christmas, Trojan is advertising two motor cars.
The gentlemen’s evening of the Young People’s Guild was successfully carried through at Bradworthy. The evening proceedings were brought to a close with a coffee supper.
The whist drive and dance organised for the purpose of raising funds for the Tavistock Conservative and Unionist Association, and held at Bradworthy resulted in the raising of £8 4s 6d which sum has been forwarded to the headquarters.
At the annual meeting of the ex-Service Men’s Memorial Institute in Bradworthy, the officials for the ensuing year were elected. Mr J L Martin was elected president; Mr J Jennings, treasurer; and a committee of sixteen was appointed. The rooms seem to supply a long felt-want in the village.
Although the weather conditions were unfavourable, there was still a large attendance at a concert given by Miss Harris, the chapel organist, at Bulkworthy Vicarage Room in aid of Bideford Hospital.
The dance organised by Mr Perham, in aid of St Dunstan’s Institute for the Blind, which took place in the Clovelly Schoolroom, was quite a success. The proceeds amounted to £15.
At Clovelly, much sympathy has been expressed with Mr and Mrs Cook, Burscott, on the death of their little son Stanley, from pneumonia.
At Clovelly, the death of Kitty Shepherd, of Rose Cottage, was received with sincere regret.
In aid of the National Institute for the Blind, a successful whist drive, organised by Mrs W J Pillman, was held in the Palladium, Hartland. Mr W H Cann was MC. The prize winners were Mrs Gregory, Mr T Fulford, Miss E Cann, Mr J Fulford, Mr L Pillman, Mr P J Heard. A dance followed, the brass band, under Bandmaster P Beer, supplying the music.
A large motor van lettered in praise of Canada stopped at the Council School in Hartland. Propaganda literature was distributed to the older scholars.
News comes from Port Hope, Ontario, of the sudden death of Mr Benjamin Pennington, a native of North Devon. He attended the morning service at the Methodist Church as was his custom, but died just after reaching home, Deceased, who was born at Hartland …
Nurse Bushell, who recently underwent an operation, has had to give up her post and left Hartland on Sunday.
At the monthly meeting of the Bideford Rural District Council, the Chairman, Mr W Harris, before the regular business proceeded with, referred to the loss the Council has sustained since its last meeting by the death of their surveyor, Mr John Turner. Born at Hartland nearly 77 years ago, Mr Turner did some work as a contractor under the Highway authority, and 51 years ago last May he succeeded the late Mr Edward Partridge of Monkleigh as surveyor to the old Highway Board.
A fire in the chimney of a house in High-street, Hatherleigh, occupied by Mr J Brooks, resulted in a call to the Fire Brigade, but its services were not required as the outbreak had been extinguished by Mr A Dennis, who with a sporting gun fired about 30 rounds of shot up the chimney.
At Instow, the dance arranged by Miss Rodd was a great success. The music was supplied by Mr Loosemore’s orchestra, the duties of MC being carried out by Mr F Chichester Ridd
Much interest was evinced in the fashionable and picturesque naval wedding celebrated at the Instow parish church, of Lieut J Bolton Newman, of the Royal Australian Navy, son of Dr and Mrs Newman, of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, and Miss Pamela Anderson, youngest daughter of the late Major Anderson and of Mrs Anderson, of the Balconies, Instow. The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr G Starkey, and her bridesmaids were Frances Anderson, Lois Gove and Norah and Margery Young. The little trainbearers – Master Rowan and Miss Sanchia Grimsdale – made a pretty pair.
A largely attended and very successful social and dance in celebration of the Conservative victory at the last election was held in Langtree Schoolroom. The programme opened with a capital variety concert by artists from Torrington, a dance afterwards being kept up until the early hours of the morning. Hearty cheers were given for Mr Cedric Drewe, MP, and Mrs Drewe, the artistes and helpers, and the programme closed with the National Anthem. Excellent arrangements were made by a strong Committee of which Mr F J Webber was chairman and Mr S W Cole hon. secretary.
Miss Ida Wethaway, of Langtree, marries Rev R H Goldsworthy, of Bristol, in Hong Kong.
In health news, there have been no more reported cases of scarlet fever in Littleham or Buckland Brewer during the last month.
We regret to report that Mr T Huxtable of Heale Farm, Littleham, was rabbit shooting on his farm with a friend when he was accidentally struck in the left eye by a pellet. He was removed to Bideford and District Hospital where it was found necessary to remove the eye. Mr Huxtable’s other injuries due to the accident were very slight, and although still detained at the Hospital, he is making satisfactory progress.
The death of Miss M A Britton, of Langaton, Littleham, occurred at the age of 68. The deceased resided for many years with her uncle, Mr John Bale, who predeceased her some four years ago, and since she has made her home with her cousin, Mr H Nicholls.
We regret to record the death of Mr F Clark, of Summerhill, Littleham, which occurred after six weeks’ illness. The funeral was largely attended. The mourners present were…
Two freehold fields are for sale at Littleham.
The s.s. Lerina has an adventurous journey returning from Lundy.
Lundy is mentioned in the ‘Lloyd’s List and Shipping Gazette’.
The Gazette reports that tiles and slates have been blown off the roofs of newly built council houses in Monkleigh.
At Monkleigh, the school children were entertained at Petticombe during the Christmas by Brig-Gen and Mrs Gwyn-Thomas. All partook of a sumptuous tea and afterwards all in the village received a present from the Christmas tree. Miss Fleming, of Annery, also visited the school and presented each child with a half-crown and bottle of sweets.
A most successful Fancy Dress Ball was held in Monkleigh Schoolroom on New Year’s Eve. The event proved popular and was well patronised. The parade of all in fancy dress caused no little excitement, the judges, Miss and Mr Hopkins, of Beaconside, having a difficult task to perform …
Northam Scouts organised a New Year Fancy Dress dance at the Kingsley Gymnasium in Westward Ho! The Northam Dance Orchestra, in full costume, provided the music.
The annual social gathering of the Northam Congregational Church was held, and the friends made it the occasion of a presentation to Mr Alfred Green, who has just completed five years’ service at Lay Pastor amongst them. A large number attended and a very enjoyable time was spent. At the conclusion Mrs James asked Mr and Mrs Green to accept a beautiful oak salad bowl, servers and silver break fork as a token of esteem and love.
Northam Football Club. A very successful dance was held at the National Schoolroom. The attendance which numbered over two hundred, included many supporters from Appledore. The room was decorated, chiefly by the aid of Captain Fowler, and Mrs Kelly, while great praise is due to Mr G Kelly, who organised the whole, and to his many willing helpers. The members of the Northam Jazz Orchestra excelled themselves.
The living of Witheridge, vacant through the appointment to St Matthew’s, Exeter, of Rev W M Melrose, has been presented by Preb Benson to Rev J A S Castlehow, assistant curate of Northam. Ordained in 1913, Mr Castlehow has spent the whole of his ministry in the diocese.
Learn about beekeeping from Mr Tattersall Williams at Northam.
A whist drive and dance was held in the Parkham Council Schoolroom in aid of the National Institute for the Blind. About 60 took part in the whist which was enjoyed immensely.
A Batchelor’s Tea was held in Shebbear on New Year’s Day. The Gazette report states that “all the Batchelors proved to be well trained.”
Torrington Town Council received a letter from the Bideford Electric Supply Company, in smilar terms to a communication discussed previously by the Rural Council, to the effect that, in view of the granting of a Provisional Order empowering the company to proceed with the supply in the Torrington district, it was proposed to issue a new prospectus inviting more capital, and wishing to know if there was a certainty of obtaining in Torrington and Weare Giffard a subscription to the new shares of £5,000 in the combined area. Failing this, the company indicated that they would hesitate to proceed with the extension in that direction.
At a meeting of Torrington Guardians the Master, Mr Harrison, expressed thanks to the Board for Christmas fare, to Capt James, Little Silver, who distributed pipes, tobacco and sweets, and to Rev J W Mayo and friends for a tea and concert.
Ex Service men held their weekly whist drive, the successful competitors being Mrs Pullon, Miss A Hooper, Mrs F Knight, W Pitts, E Baker, H Sing.
The Mayor, Mr G M Doe, presided over a special meeting of Torrington Town Council for the purpose of considering the setting back of the corner of Rosemary-lane, abutting Calf-street, where some old cottages are to be replaced by the erection of a motor garage. Mr Larch, the owner and contractor, offered, if the Council would bear the cost, say from £35-40, for rebuilding the end wall, to give the land on the set back.
Torrington Borough Police – Before the Mayor, Messrs S Webber, H Taverner, G Chapple and Holwill. Augustus Passmore pleaded guilty to not having control over a horse and waggon in South Street. PC Ford stated the facts and defendant was fined 5s.
We regret to record the death of Mary Williams Davies, wife of Mr W Davies, the well known draper at Torrington. She was an ardent worker and a devout member of the parish Church.
The wedding was solemnised at Yeovil Primitive Methodist Church, of Mr Clifford E G Lee, of 21 King Street, Yeovil and Miss Cornelia Goad, youngest daughter of Mr John Goad, 20 Cornmarket Street, Torrington, and of Landcross Farm, near Bideford …
The selection of the links at Westward Ho! for the decision of the British Amateur Golf Championship this year has led to reminiscences. The course has been described as “essentially a place for golfing giants, that has produced many famous players, notably J H Taylor, who, despite his fifty-four years, is still a force to be reckoned with, the Hon. Michael Scott, a golfer who has won championships in Australia and France, and has represented Great Britain in this country and in America; the late Mr Johnny Bramston, who played for Oxford, and was one of the finest golfers who every lived. It was on the Royal North Devon Club’s links that Abe Mitchell, then a gardener in the employ of Sir Abe Bailey, at Ashdown Forest, Sussex, played his last game as an amateur golfer. This was in 1912, when Mitchell was defeated by Mr John Ball, at the 38th hole in the final of the Amateur Championship. Those who saw that historic match will never forget Mitchell topping his drive into a ditch and catching the ball in his hand – the sign of surrender – as he played it out of the water.”
Fancy dress in the Kingsley Gymnasium, Westward Ho! organised by the Northam (16th N. Devon) Scouts.
The funeral took place in Woolsery Parish Church of Mrs Susan Slee who was an old and highly respected parishioner, having resided in Woolsery a great number of years. The service was conducted by the Vicar, Reg G L Edwards. Suitable music was rendered by the organist, Miss Short, on the cortege entering and leaving the church, and a hymn sung during the service. The mourners included: Messrs John and Job Prouse, Mesdames Braund and Beer, Mr F Beer and Mrs J Prouse, Mesdames F and R Slee, and C, F and W Slee.
January 1975
Memories of the sporting scene, 1974.
There was an unusual get together at Alwington when four patrons of North Devon livings met at a special service to commemorate the centenary of the death of Charles Kingsley. Lord Clinton, Lt-Col E C Pine-Coffin, the Hon Mrs Keith Rous and Mrs B W Stevens-Guille between them are patrons of 17 North Devon livings.
The Concord, a former Bucks boat which has been operating out of Appledore for some time, was totally wrecked after she was driven ashore in heavy surf after getting into difficulties with propellor trouble. But her crew, skipper Mr Nick Middleton of Ashreighney – who had his son Tim with him – and Mr Chris Moate of Appledore, were taken off safely by a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor. The Appledore Lundy Puffin, which was also fishing in the bay, was unable to get near enough to the Concord in the very poor conditions to put a line aboard.
The Gokstad takes shape at Messrs Hinks and Son boatyard in Appledore.
David M Eveleigh, writing from Christobal, says he was ‘pleased and proud’ to visit the Golden Hinde replica when she reached the Panama Canal on her way to California.
On a boat trip out of Plymouth members of Appledore Shipbuilders Angling Club landed 48 pollock. The best fish, which weighed in at 23lb, fell to Clifford Davies. Other Club members Peter and Hilary Ruddock found good sport with flatfish on the Taw.
The one-time Gaiety cinema in Irsha Street, Appledore, has been offered to Northam Town Council for use as a museum. The council decided it was a tremendous opportunity but that they should proceed with caution. Four members were appointed to make inquiries. It was later reported – Hopes to establish a maritime museum at the former Gaiety Cinema were dashed.
Northam and District Residents’ Association Committee have been told that following a site meeting of the appropriate committee of Torridge District Council, it had been decided that the proposed play area at Polywell, Appledore, was not acceptable as such and that it should be utilised as an amenity area.
Traffic ‘thundering’ past Knapp House holiday flats at Appledore had convinced members of Torridge District Council’s Development and Leisure Services Committee who had visited the site that further development would be wrong.
Appledore Pirates are to present the local branch of the RNLI with £350 to coincide with the branch’s 150th anniversary celebrations. This was decided at a meeting of the Pirates, who have already spent more than £230 in providing Christmas fare for local old age pensioners.
The funerals have taken place for Mrs Dora Screech of 20 Myrtle Street, Appledore, and Mrs Arabella Colwill, of 13 Meeting Street.
Hopes that the new bridge planned to cross the Torridge at Bideford would be completed by 1979 now appear to have been dashed. It seems that it could be 1982 at least before the project, which is still in the planning stage, will be finished. Cost of the new bridge could be between £5 million and £7 million. In February the question of whether North Devon needs a direct link with the M5 will be debated by the North Devon District Council. The plan for a new bridge over the Torridge is not a new one by any means: as long ago as 1949 a scheme was published in the so-called ‘Plan for Bideford.’
In the three years of showing canaries the Matthews family of Hamilton Close, Bideford, have won 61 first prizes, 12 cups and 19 special awards. Half of which have been won by sisters Angela and Nicola with their rare lizard canaries. Their father Colin specialises in border canaries.
Teenager Alan Edwards won the tankard for Bideford FC’s amateur footballer of the year. Fred Berry turned professional for the Robins during the year. The club’s professional player of the year award went to one of its longest serving members, Derek May.
Graham Bond submitted his resignation after six years as Bideford manager. He did so after making clear his thorough disenchantment with the club committee’s twice recorded majority vote to quit the Southern League at the end of the season and to return to the Western League. He has agreed to defer its implementation until after the away match at Canterbury. Bond’s departure from the club has come in a week which the professionals, too, have hardened their opposition to the club’s decision. Four players have asked to go on the transfer list. Mr Ian Braddick, the club’s vice-chairman, has also resigned.
This is an artist’s impression of the £400,000 high-class residential development proposed by Messrs R Harris and Son (Builders) Ltd on the former Devon Concrete Works site adjoining the River Torridge at Bank End, Bideford. Planning permission will be sought.
Moorlands, Orchard Hill, Bideford, for sale.
Homes in Hamilton Close, Bideford, for occupation from February 1975. Being sold by Leslie Bosher & Company.
A ‘sale of the season’ promoted by Mr Bryan Woollacott, landlord of the White Hart Inn, Bideford, and his wife Glyn, helped by one of their regular customers, Mr Keith Eldridge, raised £162 towards a new day centre. Gifts from local traders were auctioned by Mr Mervyn Bird.
Mr Woollacott handing a cheque to Mrs B Hill, Mrs Woollacott and Mr Eldridge look on
Post Office exchange building in Pitt Lane, Bideford, to be expanded to cope with need for new telephone numbers.
Former Bideford alderman Mr Cecil Cann, of Buttgarden Street, Bideford, who had a long record of service to Bideford district, died aged 74. He was made an honorary freeman of the Borough five years ago in recognition of his public service to the town of his adoption.
Bideford Church of England (County) Primary School in Chanters Road, and Northam Church of England (Aided) Infants’ School which are both due for completion early in the New Year will probably not be opened until the summer term.
Workmen excavating a trench for a new gas main uncovered a 30ft deep, open, stone-lined well in the roadway of Bridge Street, Bideford. It is thought the well is a relic of the time early in the last century when the street was cobbled with steps across the top third.
A Bradworthy old age pensioner, Mr Percival Ayres, lost his caravan home at South Newlands when it was destroyed by fire after he had left to visit his daughter.
Rebuff for the Coach and Horses Inn at Buckland Brewer.
Mrs Sophy Parish, wife of the late William Parish, who for some years farmed at Bullen, Buckland Brewer, has died. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs S Holman, of Barton Gate, Pancrassweek. The funeral took place at the Methodist Church. Bearers were grandsons – Messrs W Tucker, P Hart, R Hart and J Gillard. Funeral arrangements were by Mr G Hill.
The December meeting of Clovelly WI took the form of a Christmas party to which each member invited a guest. Mrs J Burrow, who gained most points in competitions during the year, was presented with a silver cup. Vouchers went to Mrs F Robins and Mrs J Heard. It was announced that packets of tea had been given to all pensioners in the village. It addition to games and dancing organised by Mrs G Goaman, with music provided by Mrs B Slee, a short entertainment organised by Miss U Moore was given by members. A box of fruit was won by Mrs F Gregory. Refreshments were a highlight of the party.
A rare honour is to be conferred by the people of Clovelly on their most public spirited son, Mr J J (Si) Headon, of Ocean View. At a ceremony at the Parish Hall he will be presented with a parchment recording the gratitude of the community to him – equivalent to the conferment of the honorary freedom in the good old days when there were boroughs. Mr Headon was born ‘at the top of the village’ in 1903 and left school at 14 to be apprenticed to Blackmore’s, the then Appledore boatbuilders, at 3s a week.
First prize for attendance at Dolton church Sunday school has been shared by two brothers, William and Sime Jury, with Sarah Corby a close runner-up. Other prizewinners were Robin and Shaun Clements; Kathleen and Paul Coombe; Shaun, Kevin and Nicola Drayton; John Hartley, Jeffrey Jones; Mary Anne Jury; Patrick and Patricia Neal; Adrienne and Dorian Sidey.
Plan to convert the White House, Instow.
A Langtree farmer who got out of bed and looked through the window after he had been awakened by a clap of thunder saw ‘molten metal and sparks coming off the roof with a red ball of fire in front.’ Mr Norman Cole, of Langtree Week, believed that the house had been struck by a thunderbolt but he told the Gazette that friends considered it was a meteor.
Mbeya nativity play was adapted for Langtree.
Any who think that a normal over-sixties’ club celebrates the festive season by providing paper hats with the afternoon cucumber sandwich would have been agreeably surprised at Langtree club.
A close association with Langtree Parish Church extending over 60 years has ended with the death of Mr T W Goss, of Stowford Manor.
The annual carol service in St Swithin’s Church, Littleham, included a nativity play by Sunday School children. Taking part were Susan, Lorraine, Patricia and Peter Hockin, Rebecca, Angela and Patricia Higgins, Dawn, Alison and Claire Metherell, Ann and Mark Gouldsworthy, Stephen Barber, Pauline Clements, Julie Phelps and Mandy Smale. Misses A Badcock and A Willis trained the children and Mrs D Bromhead made the costumes.
Work on the restoration and alteration of the ruined barn and roundhouse on Lundy to accommodate a dozen people has been halted by the Landmark Trust who had advertised it for holiday use for the forthcoming season.
Watched by her Dutch skipper, the Panamanian registered coaster Robert sank about two-thirds of the way along Lundy and about half a mile offshore. The skipper, Mr H Van Den Berg, was aboard the Clovelly lifeboat, which, itself sheltering under the lee of the island, had seen the vessel listing and had taken off the crew before a distress call had been sent out.
Mr Ray Newcombe is the new bank manager at Northam.
Local children have a sneak preview – from the outside – of their new school which will be opening in Jacket’s Lane, Northam.
Named St George’s
Siting of a proposed new comprehensive school for the Northam district on land at Burrough Farm, was given planning approval. A condition is that a footbridge should be constructed over the busy bypass road to Appledore. The committee’s view will now be passed to the Council’s Policy Committee which will consider whether to sell the site to the County. The Burrough Farm land came to the District from the former Northam Urban Council who had intended that part of the land should become a sports and recreational complex and part used for housing. In addition to Burrough Farm the suggested sites were: Diddywell, Knapp House area, three at Appledore, Jackets Lane and Fordlands Farm area, and two at Buckleigh.
Crossing at War Memorial, Northam?
112 at Parkham whist drive.
Assurances given to Mr Peter Mills, MP for West Devon, about a foundry and workshop at Hatchmoor, Torrington, for which planning permission has been granted, have not satisfied him.
Mr Kenneth Blight has retired from the Corner House, Torrington.
No 166 New Street, Torrington, for sale by direction of Mr E S H Sanders.
Mr L W Aplin, chairman of the Exeter Hospital Aid Society, presents three cantilever overbed tables to Miss Pinsent, matron of Torrington Hospital. The money was raised locally – flag days, raffles, selling produce and Christmas cards.
Others – Mrs R Troth, Mrs L Arnold, Messrs Edgecumbe and Brion, Torrington representatives, Mr J Morris, and Miss Hazel
Rev P G Harrison objects and is concerned there is a covenant on the football ground at Torrington.
Isabel’s and K Mayhew, shops in Torrington, have sales.
An infants teacher at Westleigh will be named as this year’s president of the Torridge District branch of the National Union of Teachers. She is Mrs Beatrice Warrener, of School House, Westleigh. She succeeds Mr A Mansford of Northam School.
Mr Tony Hodder, Torridge District Council planning officer, said that there had been no serious breach of the planning regulations – he was commenting on a complaint made that work on an extension to the Headlands Hotel, Westward Ho! had reached first floor level at the time a planning application was advertised. Mr Hodder said that planning permission for the extensions now being built at what was usually known as the Elizabethan Club had been granted by the former Northam Urban Council in January 1974.
Westward Ho! pebble ridge was like ‘the Duke of York’s army’ – as fast as the bulldozers put the pebbles up the sea pulled them down again – Mr S W B Lee told members of Northam Chamber of Commerce. Was there a fixed contract for the work, or was it everlasting? “All I know is that a hell of a lot of money is being spent and a hell of a lot is being wasted” answered Major Mike King.
The Sheriff of Nottingham’s banquet is one of the many colourful scenes in this year’s pantomime production by Westward Ho! Follies. Again written and produced by Ada Powell, ‘Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood’ neatly combines two stories. There is a cast of 30 with 10 backstage helpers.
The death has taken place of Mrs Elizabeth Byrne, of Manor Park, Woolsery, wife of the late Mr Jimmy Byrne. The funeral service took place at All Hallows Church, Woolsery. Immediate mourners were: Mr and Mrs P Byren, and Mrs B Murray and Mr F Webb.
January 2000
Sunday evening entertainment.
Modern detached family home in Abbotsham for sale.
Motorcyclists of the great days of world beating British scramble bikes – and European ones – are invited to go along to the first meeting of a new club. It is holding its first meeting at the Pig-on-the-Hill near Abbotsham and is hoping to draw many enthusiasts. “We’re looking to interest owners and riders of the mid-60s and before” said Graham Brown of the new North Devon (Atlantic) Classic club.
Appledore bandmaster Arthur Boyles is awarded the MBE. Mildred Trible of Holsworthy is awarded the MBE.
Entertainer Noel Edmonds stepped in on behalf of the Children’s Hospice South West to receive a £1,000 cheque from fundraisers at the Beaver inn, Appledore. Pub landlady Alison Stone, daughter Ele and regular Will Hilditch travelled to Barnstaple, where Noel was taking part in a function, to hand over the cheque.
A band of ‘country yokels’ based in a Bideford pub continued their successful charity work with the presentation of four cheques to local causes. The Swan Yokels of the Swan Inn at East-the-Water raised the cash with the support of its regular customers. The Yokel chairman is Michael Hill.
Staff Nurse Fiona Stoate; Dr John Wilson; Jo Howson; Appledore Band
Council backs two ship projects – Revenge, and Kathleen and May.
A popular Bideford dance band is reforming after a 10 year break. Freeway will perform at the Elizabethan in Westward Ho! in aid of Children’s Hospice South West and North Devon Cancer Care Trust. The band will include six former members – Neil Rudkin, Arthur Popham, Brian and Maurice Cole, Liz and Paul Cox – and new member Dave Underhill.
More than 3,000 millennium mugs are being distributed to schoolchildren in Bideford by the town council and Bideford Bridge Trust. The mugs have been designed by local pupils in a competition. Mayor Councillor Chris Leather and Bridge Trust member Douglas Vickers started the distribution with visits to St Mary’s and Westcroft Primary Schools, and to Bideford College. The primary school mugs incorporate the winning designs of Oliver Cole and Rebecca Mumford. For students at Bideford College carry a striking, modern representations of Bideford’s bridge and river by student Tim Laird.
Major Roger Warren of Bideford has been awarded the Queen’s Commendation for valuable service in the New Year honours. He served as a battery commander with the Royal Artillery. Major Warren, a former pupil of Bideford Grammar School, is the youngest of three sons of Fred and Ann Warren of Raleigh, Bideford.
A Bideford community is among those which could be left without a post office if Government plans to switch benefits payments to banks goes ahead. And it has no banks! East-the-Water is a community in its own right, part of Bideford, and has two sub-post offices. “There is a real possibility that we would have to close” said Lyn Hadden, who runs the Sentry Corner sub post office at Barton Tors with her husband George and son Jon. Graham Beer runs the East-the-Water sub post office in Barnstaple Street.
Bideford carnival memories were revived at a ceremony at the town’s amateur rowing club when the proceeds of last year’s parade were divided between good causes. Carnival queen Tia-Rae Stock presented £400 to the local branch of the British Diabetic Association, £100 to Bideford St John Ambulance and £120 to buy Christmas gifts for patients at Bideford Hospital.
York Place in Northam Road, Bideford, presents a rare investment opportunity. Offers in the region of £650,000 are being invited.
Baby Emily Brookes made history by becoming the first baby born in the new millennium at North Devon District Hospital. She made her appearance at 4am, surprising her parents, Sharon and Richard Brookes, from Bradworthy.
Architect designed family home in Bradworthy for sale.
Barn conversion for sale at Buckland Brewer.
Three bedroomed semi-detached cottage within walking distance of Clovelly for sale.
Bob the panda made his entry in style at the Children’s Hospice South West in Fremington. The cuddly toy arrived with an escort of police and firefighters and arms full of sweets for the youngsters. He was a present from North Devon fire chief Bob Prince, who won him. It was quickly agreed that the children’s hospice would provide the best home and Bob decided to deliver him in person, with help from Inspector Kevin Harris.
Fremington nature reserve plan goes on display to the public.
Fremington Players will be setting sail at the Parish Hall with a pantomime version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
Homeowner Richard Medland faced a roomful of planners and in three minutes got them to drastically change a plan they were set to pass. His calmly argued case persuaded North Devon district councillors to call for alterations to the layout at Landkey’s new community ground. Retired officer Mr Medland is one of four owners of homes in front of the Millennium Green where a changing pavilion and car park are proposed. “We’re not trying to prevent Landkey from having a pavilion and car park but the mountain of topsoil there will make the site ten to 15 feet above natural ground level.”
Langtree barn conversion for sale.
Puffin island Lundy with its world renowned natural beauty has given up a dark and dirty secret it kept for hundreds of years.
A Grade II Listed cottage for sale at Monkleigh.
Who owns this magnificent bird of prey? The buzzard with falconer David Rampling was rescued in Northam. It had been flying around listlessly around the grounds of Lakenham Convent for more than a week.
Torrington awoke on New Year’s Day to a message of peace and goodwill, spelled out large by a local farmer. The number 2000 and a white dove of peace decorate a field of winter wheat at Burwood. Glen Bealey and farm worker Kevin Poole crept out under the cover of darkness to create their work of art in straw and old tyres. Glen’s father added the piece de resistance with the dove painted on a large board and attached to a telegraph pole.
Torrington is assembling its own garden army to help in the design of a public garden being created outside the town’s nearly completed new library. This was the Torrington version of the television Charlie’s Army, said Community Development Trust director Andrew Lightfoot. In addition, there is an area planned on low maintenance permaculture principles in memory of former Vicar of Torrington the Reverend Keeble Martin, author of Concise British Flora.
More than two years of work on Torrington’s £2.3 million Genesis project is complete with the opening of a new Tourist Information Centre and town library at Castle Hill. They share a home at the reconstructed former hotel building with the 1646 Civil War heritage centre and the busy Thomas Fowler IT centre. Castle Hill is also occupied by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Volunteer Bureau, and the Registrar, with both town and district councils expected to follow shortly.
Kate Greaves completes the computer coding of all the library books
Artist Shan Miller of Torrington, who paints on wood, is celebrating her 2000 works with an exhibition at The Queen’s Theatre.
A detached 17th century cottage in Weare Giffard is for sale.
Building plot for sale at Weare Giffard. The auction will take place at Lenwood Country Club, Northam.
Treasure will be found at Westward Ho! during the coming weeks when Kingsley Village Hall is turned into Treasure Island for the annual pantomime. The Westward Ho! Follies will be putting on a swashbuckling version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story – complete with parrot.
F C Twose & Son at Nelson Garage has a job vacancy.
The Haddon, Cliff Tops, Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! available to buy.
