March 1925

Births – at Staff College, Quetta, to Marjorie (nee Bennet), wife of Capt J A Ferguson, OBE, Indian Army, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs G Raymond, a son; to Mr and Mrs Sing, Westcombe Cottage, a son; to Capt and Mrs V Slade, a daughter (nee Doris Shute); at Chudleigh Nursing Home, to Mr and Mrs T H Bale, of Rock House, a daughter; a daughter for Mr and Mrs Frayne at Glenlyn, Abbotsham.

The coasts all round Devon and Cornwall suffered badly by the gales. Roads at Weare Gifford were impassable to wheeled traffic for a time owing to floods in the Torridge Valley, caused by the heavy rains. At Hartland Quay the last end portion of the old Quay wall was washed away by the storm, and there were also two heavy falls of cliff, one on each side of the Hotel, which was undamaged. The bad weather has also affected local farmers, with the losses of new born lambs being very heavy. Let’s hope the farms recover quickly as adverts appear for cattle auctions and livestock prize days at Stibb Cross and Parkham later this month.

An influenza epidemic is affecting attendance at schools. Two of the worst are Elmscott School, where only two out of twenty-eight pupils were present, while at Newton St Petrock there were twelve in school out of a normal forty-four children.

As Lady Day (25 March) approaches, there are several jobs going in the farming industry:

Wanted a young man to milk and feed cattle; J Bellew, Gammaton; Lad of about 16 wanted to help with milking and feeding cattle; G Lee, Winscott; Man wanted to work on farm; J P Cork, Adjavin Farm; Man wanted to work with cattle; J S Ashton, Thorne Dairy, Buckland Brewer; Mrs Hinde of Fordlands offers a reward for finding her black Persian cat, while Mr Edward Forsyth of Crossfell, Raleigh, will also reward the return of a rough haired terrier puppy bitch which strayed somewhere in the North Down Road area.

Buy the new model Aeolian Pianola Piano from J T White.

The North Devon Farmers, Ltd.

J U Fulford & Sons Ltd, Queens’ Wharf, Bideford (and at Bude) is calling.

A wedding for Mr William Darch and Miss Lillian Tallin at Abbotsham.

Abbotsham news - It is with deep regret we have to record the death of Penry Ley, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Ley, of Riccards Down, who passed away in Bideford Hospital. Always of a bright and willing disposition he was a great favourite of everyone and the greatest sympathy is felt with the parents in their sad bereavement. 

The Bishop of Exeter had held a Confirmation service in Abbotsham parish church. Six candidates were presented from this parish and three from Newton Tracey. A highly successful dramatic entertainment and dance was given which was kindly organised by Mrs Bernard Kempe and Mr McDermott in aid of the fund to provide fittings for the Parish Hall. Our usual kind friends provided refreshments. The net proceeds amounted to £8 18s.

The election for the Parish Council took place in the Alverdiscott Schoolroom. Eight nomination papers were handed in and on a show of hands the following were elected: Messrs w clements, T Phear, J Prance, R Sanders, W Scoynes. Mr J T Lyle presided.

Alwington news.

Flags were hoisted at Ford to commemorate the wedding of Miss Ethel Lott and Mr Herbert Mitchel at Woolsery Church. The bride formerly lived at Ford Farm and is the sister of Mr Leonard Lott the present tenant.

A splendid photograph of the late Capt Charles Cole has been unveiled during a service at the Appledore Sailors’ Rest by Mrs Harvey, who in a few words spoke of his devotion to the Sailors’ Rest and to the Mission. It is with great pleasure we learn that Messrs Cocks Brothers, of the Richmond Docks, have offered to replace the fine old flagstaff at the Sailor’s Rest, which came to grief during the recent heavy gales, and which had, for many years, has been used as a storm signal. The munificence of the donors is greatly appreciated by the authorities of the Seamen’s Christian Friendly Society and by the townspeople generally.

Frederick Carter, whose family live in Appledore, is injured.

The funeral of Miss Lydia Scilly, who had of recent years resided in Bideford though hailing originally from Appledore, took place. Rev J J Nelson, Pastor of the Baptist Chapel took the first portion of the service in the chapel, and after the service, the deceased was carried shoulder high by four members of the Parish Church, Messrs W Heard, W Dunn, R Dunn and J Slader. The deceased had quite outlived her generation and had been a very hard working woman in her day. She was one of the last of those who used to help to discharge the ships that came laden from Caldy with limestone, and being tide work had to be quickly discharged. Mr Saunders made all the funeral arrangements.

The terrific storms and high spring tides caused a considerable amount of ground sea in Appledore harbor, and shipping suffered badly, many breaking adrift, whilst boats have also been swamped. Northam Urban District Council took prompt action in dealing with the damage to its portion of the damaged wall, pathway, etc. by the Beaver Inn, West Appledore. Instructions were given to rebuild at once, a Sub-Committee was appointed with power to act, and the work commence under the supervision of the Council’s Surveyor.

Furniture from Kingsley House, Appledore, for sale.

Sale of Sea View, Irsha Street, Appledore.

At Bideford County Session, Col F W Bennet, in the chair, and Rev C h G Vivian, Messrs P F C Elwes, J U Fulford, J M Metherell, W Harris and R Pearse Chope also on the Bench, Messrs James Lowther and J A Penny were granted a music and dancing license for the Gaiety Theatre, Appledore. Another effort in aid of the Appledore Rowing Club is to be made tomorrow night when Mr Alfred Green’s Concert Party will give a performance in the Gaiety Cinema, which the proprietors have kindly placed at the Club’s disposal. A humorous yet refined entertainment is assured.

Property sale – Mr A W Cock, FAI, held a well attended auction at the Royal Hotel, Appledore. Lot 1, Kingsley House with vacant possession, was withdrawn at £350; lot 2, no 35 Irsha-street, was sold to Mr F Tucker at £215; lot 3, no. 17 Irsha-street, was sold to Capt T Hutchings at £125, and lot 4, no 61 Irsha-street was sold to Mrs Poole at £134.

You can buy Quicksilver weatherproof coats from George Boyle Ltd of Bideford. 

Bideford Gas & Coke Co. is advertising...

World’s Wonders and World’s Stores in Bideford.

Following on from a story last month, notices have now been served by the Licensing authority to reduce the number of licensed premises in the area, as it is considered that 285 people is not enough to keep a public house going. Allowing for visitors and increased numbers on Market Days, there are still too many public houses to be viable. The Gazette of 3 March prints a list of houses with details of the owners and relevant populations. Renewing the licence for the Terminus Inn, Bideford.

There is a good variety of films on offer at the Palace in Bridgeland Street, Bideford, ranging from Souls for Sale, through The Thief of Baghdad to The Ten Commandments.

Fifty years’ service at The Bideford Gazette Office by Mr W H Hoare.

At a special meeting of Bideford School Managers, it was decided to further advertise for applicants for the post of certified assistant at Old Town Boys School, Bideford, Mr Cawsey having withdrawn his application. It was suggested that the words ‘with drawing qualifications’ should be added. Miss May Harris and Miss Kitty Cann, pupils of Edgehill College, have passed the recent London University Matriculation Examination.

The death occurred at his residence, the Strand, Bideford, of Mr William Joce, JP, in his 93^rd year. The deceased was educated at the Bideford Grammar School which at that time was on the site of the present Bridge Buildings. He took a very keen and intelligent interest in local affairs. He followed the career of his father to a large extent succeeding him in 1886 as secretary of the Bideford Gas Company.

Funeral of Mr T A Fogaty.

A pretty wedding took place at Bideford Parish Church, the contracting parties being William Thomas, only son of Mr and Mrs W Beer, of Rocklea, East-the-Water, and Audrey, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs H Steer, The Bungalow, Upcott. Mr J Bonetta acted as best man. A reception was held at Rocklea.

Mr Stanley Bluett and Miss Florence Rogers are married in Plymouth.

The very handsome solid silver tea service presented to Mr G J D Wheeler on his retirement from the National Provincial Bank was chosen from the very extensive stock of G F Truscott (late Squires), Silversmiths, High Street, Bideford and Sidmouth.

At Bradford, the funeral of Mr John Rowland, of Morcombe, Ashwater, took place at the Chapelyard. The funeral of Mr T Walter, who passed away after a long illness borne, took place in the Bradworthy Parish Churchyard. The service was conducted by Rev A E Dobson. The bearers were nephews of the deceased: Messrs Walter.

At Bradworthy, Woolsery Wesleyan choir favoured the Young People’s Guild in a very creditable manner. Mrs Cleave (Woolsery) gave the connective readings, Mrs Andrews being the organist. A coffee supper followed, of which a goodly number partook, the congregation numbering almost one hundred.

Six names have been mentioned as aspirants for the two Bradworthy seats on the District Council, whilst for the ten seats on the Parish Council as many as twenty possible candidates are named.

The dangerous corner at Bradworthy Mill is now being removed, and although not yet complete, a great improvement will be visible when the promoters have carried the whole of the scheme through. Littleford Corner has been improved but still remains incomplete – possibly it will be finished when the County Council commence work on the corners at Bennett’s Cross and Five Lanes End.

The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Ann Becalick, who passed peacefully away on the 6^th inst. took place at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, in the presence of a large and representative gathering. Deceased was the widow of the late Mr John Becalick, who for many years farmed Burnstone. Highly respected and well known in the district she will be greatly missed and much sympathy is felt for the sorrowing relatives.

The wedding has taken place at Hartland United Methodist Church, Pastor Trudgeon officiating, of Mr William T Hockridge, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J T Hockridge, of Farford, to Miss Edith Brimacombe, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs G Brimacombe, of Blegberry. She was attended by her three sisters as bridesmaids. Mr Arthur Hockridge, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. The presents were numerous and useful. Later the happy couple left for Newton Abbott, en route for London, for the honeymoon.

At the United Methodist Church, Pastor Trudgeon expressed thanks for the work done in church and school by Messrs Charles and John Moore (Welsford) who are leaving for Victoria, Australia. He wished them ‘God-speed’ on behalf of the congregation. Whist drives in aid of Sunday school funds were held at Hartland, the prizewinners being Mrs Kievill, Mrs Gilchrist, Miss Clay, Mr Barter, Mr R Johns, Mr W Bagilhole, Mrs Clay, Miss Maud Johns, Miss Ethel Rowe, Mr Gilchrist, Mr W C Nichol, and Mr Tom Pennington.

At Hartland, an aeroplane was seen flying from the north-east of the parish to the south-west about 11am on Saturday morning last.

The ‘Palladium’ is for sale in Hartland.

The British Legion whist drive and dance in the Palladium was very successful. Mr A J Loughlin was MC for 26 tables at whist. Prizes were won..

Fields known as Bidwells, Hartland, to be let.

A returning wall is to be built at the foot of the cliff at Hartland Point, where the sea has been undermining the ground below the Lighthouse foundation. It is expected that thirty men will be employed nearly two years on the work. The widening at Hartland Mill Hill is the first improvement since 1887 when Charles Gilbert, a young farm servant of Stoke Barton was killed there. He had driven his master, Mr John Ashton, to a political meeting in town, and on his way home the horse ran away and he was thrown against the cottage wall.

Hartland news.

Instow Spring Flower Show.

The funeral of Mrs J Dobbs, of 2 Victoria-terrace, Instow, widow of the late Mr John Dobbs, took place at Instow. The deceased, an old and highly respected inhabitant, had been confined to her bed for the past four years. She was a native of Bideford, being a daughter of the late Mr Alfred Haddon.

Mr Harold Miles, of Instow, a member of Barnstaple Board of Guardians and Rural Council left for the Argentine on a business trip. Mr H Miles has been re-elected unopposed to represent Instow on Barnstaple Rural Council. Mr H Turner presided over the Instow parish meeting for the election of the parish council at the vestry room. Preceding it was a meeting of the council, at which Mr J P England, who been clerk to the council and assistant overseer for 49 years, tendered his resignation, which was received with regret and appreciation of his services.

The death of Mr Thomas Lock, of Richmond Terrace, Barnstaple, took place at the age of 74 years. Deceased was a native of Instow where he lived for many years.

Few parishes take greater interest in the election of Parish Council than Langtree, and there was a crowded attendance at the Parish Meeting. Twenty candidates were nominated for nine seats. All the old members were nominated, and a poll was demanded. The candidates are as follows: J Adams, Andrew Balsdon, W H Burrows, G Bond, A Balkwill, W Brownscombe, T Beer, S W Cole, J Curtis, G Daniels, W Goss, A W Hill, W H Hackwill, snr. P B Jones, C Moore, A Nicholls, W H Short, M Withecombe and C Walters. The latter withdrew leaving 19 candidates to go to the poll.

A successful whist drive and dance has been held in Langtree Church Room, about 100 were present. The proceeds have been devoted towards the summer outing for the ringers and choir. The prize-winners were Mrs L Hackwill, Collacott, Mr T Beer, L Vickary, W Goss, F Dymond and O Westlake.

Mr George Davey and Miss Ada Ayre were married at St Swithin’s Church, Littleham.

Twenty six steamers sought shelter at Lundy.

Lundy islanders are regretting much the approaching departure of Mr Worth who has been the bailiff for Mr May, the tenant in chief on Lundy. He has not only been most successful in his farming under stormy conditions but has been most popular with his workmen and those with whom he came into contact. Mrs Worth has also been a great help in the Church Choir and it is chiefly for the better education of their five children that they are leaving the Island.

Mr Sleep, the popular Chief Officer in charge of the Admiralty Detachment on Lundy Island has proceeded with his wife on fourteen days leave to Saltash, and Signalman Petty Officer Smith, who was recently awarded the Royal Humane Society Vellum for gallantry, climbing down a cliff to rescue a visitor, is in temporary charge of the Detachment.

 Death of Mr C Turrall of Downes, Monkleigh.

The Hastings (Nebraska) Daily Tribune records that Edgar golfers will have one of the best courses in that section of Nebraska when their new links, which Al Hearn, professional of the Hastings Country Club, who has laid out the course, are opened in March. The course, which will be about 3,000 yards long, has a creek running through it, and trees make natural hazards. Mr Hearn, who is a native of Northam, laid out the old course two years ago.

We regret to record the death at Bay View, Northam, of Mr Daniel O’Connell, of Ballynabloun, Kerry. Last September he came to live in a pleasant residence at Northam, commanding magnificent views of Bideford Bay from Baggy Point to Hartland. His health had been fairly good until the last three or four weeks, and during even his short time in North Devon his pleasing personality has made him many friends.

The funeral of the late Mr Lewis Shute, whose death was within a week or so of his 69^th birthday, took place in Northam Churchyard, a large attendance, both from Bideford and Northam, testifying to the high esteem in which he was held by a large circle of friends. A ship’s smith by apprenticeship at Johnson’s shipyard (where Messrs. Baker’s yard is not situate), Mr Shute was subsequently for some years foreman in charge of Abbot’s foundry, afterwards at Tardrew’s, for many years at Stephn Brain and Co’s and then until latterly a foreman at Hansen Shipbuilding yard at Bideford. In his younger days he was an enthusiastic Volunteer, and his association with and interest in rowing was practically life long.

Capt Alves seeks your vote for Northam Council Bideford Guardians.

Attractive building sites or accommodation land at Northam.

The funeral of the late Miss Elizabeth Hearn took place at Northam Churchyard, a number of deceased’s friends being present. Rev Castlehow officiated.

A very highly successful whist drive and dance was held in the Council School at Parkham in aid of the Parkham and Alwington Nursing Association. About sixty took part in which the prize winners were:

Parkham entertainment.

The Bohmian Concert Party from Holsworthy gave an enjoyable concert in the Parkham Council Schoolroom in aid of the Football Club funds. Each item was well rendered. The attendance was satisfactory, but when they visit again no doubt a greater number will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing them. The Party give their services to any deserving cause. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr Douton thanked them for their services and a hearty vote of thanks was passed.

Parkham news.

Miss L Gammon of Bexhill, London, is on a visit to her sister-in-law, Mrs M S Gammon (Hay House). Miss Gammon is the daughter of the late Rev John Gammon, who was governor of Shebbear College for some years during his ministerial time. She is always a welcome visitor to Shebbear.

The Torrington Fire Brigade received a call to a fire at Elliots Cottage, situated at Gribble, Little Torrington, the property of Mr William Martin. The cottage stands abutting the highway and is covered with thatch. Whilst the midday meal was being cooked it was noticed the chimney was on fire. Mr Martin being in possession of chimney sweep’s outfit quickly got the fire down except from one spot where owing to a defect in the chimney a large hole led almost to the ridge of the roof. Capt T Heywood quickly set the smallest man in the brigade to climb the chimney by aid of ladders and quickly reached the defective spot, averting which might been a serious outbreak. Little damage was done to the property.

The death of Mr H Holwill of Torrington.

Torrington-Halwill Railway to open when?

Torrington Bowling Club would like more competitions.

The funeral of the late Mrs M J Wills took place at Westleigh. Her sudden demise came as a great shock to her friends, as she had been a constant attendant at Appledore and Bideford Markets for over 50 years. She was highly respected for her straight and upright character and will be greatly missed in the village where she had resided all her life. She leaves two sons and one daughter to mourn their loss. The funeral was very largely attended by parishioners and friends. The Rev C Finzel conducted the service.

What was described as the worst gale experienced for over twenty years caused great havoc at Westward Ho! The famous pebble ridge has been breached in one place and flattened in another, pebbles being flung by the sea considerable distances. Portions of the burrows were inundated by the sea and resembled a huge lake from the Pebble Ridge right round by Pimpley to the Burrows adjoining West Appledore. The forty foot gap in the ridge by Sandy Mere Pit is plainly visible from Bone Hill, Northam. Thankfully there has been no loss of sheep, who made their way to higher ground, and no real damage to the Golf Links which is due to host an important fixture in May.

Northam Urban Council received the report of the engineers on the scheme for the prevention of coast erosion at Westward Ho! and the tentative estimates amounting to £38,000. This was regarded as quite outside the financial capabilities of the Council, and a resolution was passed bringing the matter to the notice of Government departments and the County Council.

At the Station Hall, Westward Ho!, the Children’s Guild held a variety entertainment for the Invalid Children’s Aid association, West Ham London Branch. As well as money raised, many old clothes, books and toys have been donated. Revd H J Hutchinson said it was good to see local children taking an interest in those not as well off as themselves.

March 1975

A start will be made on the North Devon link road with the M5 in December 1978, Devon County Council Planning and Transportation Committee were told yesterday.

Outstanding individual displays by Kim Metherell of the Ship-on-Launch and Elizabeth Copp of Appledore British Legion were features of the annual finals night of Bideford Ladies’ Darts League. On her way to the pairs championship with Jill Bale, Mrs Copp defeated her mother Henrietta Brennan and partner Doris Hare. The knock-out cup went to the Appledore Blossoms, the Division 1 champions, with a victory in the final over the Black Arrows at the Blacksmith Arms.

Appleblossoms team – Jenny Cawsey, Audrey Andrews, Jean Eldridge, Sylvia Sanders, Mary Collings, Nesta Tucker

Derek Kitto, member of both the Appledore Shipbuilders’ and Bideford clubs, fished all day at Clovelly without a bite. Undaunted, he returned the following night and caught on crab bait what is believed to be the best small-eyed ray taken locally from the shore. Tipping the scales at 10;b 8oz, it was a 177 percent specimen.

A 13,000 mile journey across the Atlantic ended for the Appledore built replica of Drake’s Golden Hinde when she sailed into San Francisco six months after leaving Plymouth. She is to be used as a permanent floating museum. American adults who want to inspect the Appledore built Golden Hinde could have to pay up to 2.50 dollars (about £1) a head for the privilege. For children and senior citizens the charge will be a dollar and a half. The snippet of news is among newspaper cuttings received by Bideford businessman Mr Basil Pidgeon from San Francisco reporting the Hinde’s arrival.

The only tender received for Odun House, Appledore, had been far below the reserve figure suggested by the district valuer, Mr R Fish. “It is our business to prevent slums not to create them” Cllr Michael Goss, chairman of the plans sub-committee, told Torridge District Council’s Development and Leisure Services Committee. 

He added that if they granted permission to Mr Waters to convert a boatyard at Ibex Court, Appledore, into a dwelling they would ‘have to relax all the building regulations there are.’

Mr Alfred (Deal) Evans, of Appledore has died.

February, far from being fill-dyke, was the driest month since September 1971, reports the Phayre House weather station, Heywood Road, Bideford. A mere 24.3mm of rain was recorded on 11 days.

A fire at Devon Ornamental Furniture workshops in Bideford.

Braddicks has you ‘taped for pleasure’.

Fears that drainage problems, caused mostly by underground springs, will affect Bideford’s new £100,000 plus primary school at Chanters Road were dispelled by a Devon County Council spokesman. “Special drainage work has been done to ensure there will be no flooding problem inside the school” he said. But already the difficulties which have been encountered have led to revised ideas about the school’s proposed swimming pool, to pay for which parents have raised over £3,000 in the past 3 years. “The original idea to have the pool in the ground is completely out because it would be below the level of the water table and the whole concern would float like a concrete ship,” said Mr Ken Dendle, headmaster of Bideford Church Junior School which with the town’s Church Infants School will be incorporated into the new building.

Bideford secondary schools have joined the campaign against the use by ICI of beagles in experiments designed to discover a ‘safe’ cigarette.

Mr Jeremy Thorpe, MP for North Devon, has expressed concern to the Minister for Transport in the Department of the Environment regarding the maintenance of Bideford Bridge.

Mr Bill Hobbs, who has retired after 30 years with Toy Works Ltd, of Handy Cross, Bideford, with the car radio presented to him by workmates, some of longstanding and some comparatively new. He began to work for the father of the present chairman and managing director, Mr L Holzer, in Marlow at the end of World War II and after 20 years was one of the employees who opted to ‘go West’ when the company transferred to Bideford in 1965. But in retirement he is returning ‘home’.

Join a happy go-ahead team at Atlas Pencil Co Ltd.

Bideford Shipyard Ltd – the yard where 18 months ago the men worked for nothing to keep it viable until a new buyer was found – this week announced new orders worth in the region of £90,000. Between now and September they will build 14 25-feet long workboats for an undisclosed customer in the Middle East. The new orders bring the value of work in hand at the yard to around the half a million pounds mark, revealed the company’s general manager, Mr Roy Anscomb. It was after the yard closed down overnight in August 1973 that the men decided to continue working without pay to encourage potential buyers and their confidence paid off the following month when the business was brought by the Australind Steam Shipping Co, of London.

Greenfields, Clovelly Road, Bideford, for sale by auction.

Property in Dorchester Terrace, Bideford, for sale.

A £100,000 plan to convert five houses in the Strand, Bideford, was revealed at a meeting of Torridge District Council’s Housing Committee. When members showed amusement at the figure they were told by the housing officer, Mr Lawrence choate, that it was not so laughable when it was considered that nine of 10 units of much-needed accommodation would be provided. He recalled that the houses had at one time been offered to the council. Now a housing association were interested and in all probably they would gain the benefit of a grant that would swallow up a considerable proportion of the amount.

Bidefordian Mr Bob Hopkins will be among a party of Rotarians who fly from Heathrow for a six-week visit to the United States. He is due to speak at a Rotary conference in Biddeford, Maine, and will be taking a gift for the Mayor there from the Mayor of Bideford, Mr Frank Colwill. The party will have a full itinerary.

Can you imagine a bookshelf 400 feet long? That is the space needed to accommodate the 4,000 brand new book that Bideford librarian Mr David Burwood says have been added to the stock at the local library in the 12 months since local government reorganisation. But much of his energy has been directed to improving the physical condition of the bookstock, not only for Bideford readers but in order that the library can fulfil its function as the divisional library for the Torridge area in which are six towns and two mobile libraries.

Torridge district’s oldest resident, Miss Harriet Diamond, of Bideford, will be 105. ‘Auntie Mig’ as she is affectionately known, wants no special celebration. She will spend the day quietly with her niece, Mrs Gwendoline Cunningham, with whom she lives at Elm Grove.

A Bidefordian will be the town’s next Mayor. He is Mr Stan Short, who has served on the present Town Council and the former borough council for five years. Mr Short, who is 55, has been a member of Torridge District Council since its formation.

Former Bideford councillor Mr William Barry of Chanters Road has died. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, Mr Barry was a manager with Pearl Assurance Company, first at Tavistock and then at Ilfracombe and Bideford.

Four bed tables have been presented to Bideford and District Hospital by Bideford WRVS from the proceeds of their clinic canteens in memory of Mrs Eileen Turner. In her long and devoted service to the WRVS, Mrs Turner worthily followed in a tradition set by her mother who was the local founder-organiser.

Retiring as chairman of Buckland Brewer Liberal Association – a position he has held since the inception of the branch many years ago – Mr Raymond Vanstone was elected president at the branch’s annual meeting. He was thanked for his services by Mr A C Parsons, The treasurer, Mr R Babb, reported that Buckland Brewer Liberals contributed £40 to divisional funds last year. The divisional agent, Mrs Lilian Prowse, thanked the branch for its efforts. Mrs R Babb was elected chairman; Mr R Babb, vice-chairman; Mrs J Babb, secretary; and Mr D J Daniels, treasurer.

Beaworthy and Buckland Brewer have been placed fourth and fifth respectively in an order of priority for grants for village halls by the Amenities and Countryside Committee of Devon County Council.

Ignoring a warning by Cllr Clifford Coates that they should not get involved the plans sub-committee of Torridge District Council’s Policy and Resources Committee have agreed to discuss with the owners an offer to sell the Bucks Mills lime kilns to the council for a nominal sum. The chief technical officer, Mr Clive Barber, recalled that the former Bideford Rural Council had considered buying the kilns as a site for a tidal tank in connection with the local sewerage scheme.

Move to get Clovelly off its knees. 

Clovelly was hostess to a group meeting of women’s sections of the Royal British Legion. After the business session, Mrs Townsend, county and area representative, gave a talk on the letters of the word courage. Thanks were expressed by Mrs S Burrow, of Hartland.

Accompanied by husbands and friends, members of Frithelstock WI and Monkleigh WI held their dinner and dance at Beaford House.

Mr S R Adams, of 1 Rakeham Cottages, Frithelstock, has been presented with a long service medal by Lord Clinton in recognition of 50 years’ service with the Clinton Estate from 1924 to 1974.

Members of Hartland Garden Society will be heard on the radio in the BBC’s 1154^th edition of ‘Gardeners’ Question Time,’ The programme will be recorded in Hartland Church Hall under the chairmanship of Michael Barratt, of BBC Nationwide fame, who succeeded Franklin Englemann as chairman of ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ in 1972. The Hartland Society, formed over 100 years ago and with a membership today of about 30, originally invited the BBC to visit them for this programme when they celebrated their centenary six years ago.

There were over 300 sympathisers at the funeral at Hartland Methodist Church of Mr Michael Heard, of West Titchberry Farm, Hartland. Mr Heard farmed at Titchberry all his life. Nephew were the bearers – Messrs W Slee, J Clements, L Colwill, l Heard, F Heard and E Heard.

An Order grouping the parishes of Littleham and Landcross under a common parish council is to be made by Torridge District Council.

Special preacher at Littleham Methodist Chapel anniversary was Mrs L Lewis of Shebbear. Using the theme ‘Thanks to God’ she addressed herself particularly to the young people.

St Swithin’s Church, Littleham, was full for the Sunday afternoon annual Mothers’ Day service which was conducted by the Rev L Budge. Mrs J Docking was organist. Children taking part were Mandy Smale, Loraine Hockin and P Bromhead. Lessons were read by Mrs J Brend, Mrs C Barber, Miss Dawn Metherall and Master Peter Hockin, and a collection was taken by Julie Phielps, Rebecca Higgins and Paul Bromhead. A box of chocolates was given to Miss Aileen Badcock, the Sunday School teacher, in gratitude for her services.  

The changing role of Lundy Society.

A natural stone wall screen must be provided for a large bulk storage water tank that the Landmark Trust are to provide on Lundy, the plans sub-committee of Torridge District Council’s Development and Leisure Services Committee agreed. Members hears from the planning officer that the tank, to be constructed of grey reinforced fibre glass panels, would stand on the highest point between the lighthouse and the hotel.

Monkleigh House, near Bideford, for sale.

The funeral has taken place at Northam United Reformed Church of Mrs Agnes Heaman, of North Street, Northam.

The funeral has taken place at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, of Mrs Eva Griffiths who was the wife of the late Mr David Henry Griffiths and formerly lived at 43 North Street, Northam. She came from London more than 70 years ago. Immediate mourners were: Mr and Mrs T W Hotchkiss, Mrs B Tucker, Mr and Mrs H Rendle, Mr and Mrs R Hotchkiss, Mr and Mrs M Buckingham, and Mrs C Griffiths.

Piggy Lane, Northam, was getting worse and was now a quagmire all the way, the Town Mayor, Mr Rupert Hill, told Northam Town Council. Not many people used the lane because they could not get through. Last year a man had tried to drive his car through and became stuck. It was agreed to take up these points with Torridge District Council.

Rather than deprive Northam of its much needed car park, the latest plan of the Mithras Group to build a supermarket and six lock-up shops on the Bone Hill site would permit it to be provided. This is the contention of a director of the group, Mr Hugh Jones, who told the Gazette of his company’s frustration over the whole development. Northam Town Council have come out against the plan for a shopping complex. This has still to be considered by Torridge District Council’s plans sub-committee.

Keep cars off Bone Hill.

Ninety-five members of Northam Men’s Forum were entertained by a talk given by the well-known local novelist, Claire Ritchie, on ‘Getting the ‘write’ idea.’ The Chairman was Captain Sid Gorrell. The following day was ‘Ladies Day’ when over 90 members and their wives enjoyed a tea at the Kingsley Hall, Westward Ho! followed by entertainment given by Appledore WI Drama Group, organised by Mrs Ann Thomas, and the Torrington Choral Society, conducted by Mr Charles Long. MC was Mr E Lashbrook.

Painting contest at Northam is judged by Mr J Paterson, Police Sergt Keith James and members of Northam and District Road Safety Committee.

Mr and Mrs John Squire of Cross Street, Northam, won £350 worth of heating equipment in a local competition arranged by UBM (Devon) Ltd, formerly Devon Trading.

One of the few women to have held an appointment as Scoutmaster, Miss Gladys Wilson, whose death occurred at 62, was Assistant District Commissioner for Cub Scouts and Cub Scout leader of the 1^st Shebbear Pack.

A request of £300 to Shebbear College building fund was made by Sir Reginald Pridham Baulkwill of Dawlish, the Public Trustee from 1956 to 1961.

Friends of Torrington County Primary School’s annual table tennis competitions were extended this year to include a men’s singles competition with Mr D Daniel beating Mr C Kevern in the final. The same two players with their wives met in the mixed doubles final and Mr and Mrs Daniel won to repeat their triumph of 1973. Both competitions were organised by Mr J Crossman, the deputy headmaster. A beetle drive, organised by Mrs C M Brookes, was won by Georgia Ridgwell, Nicholas Davey and Ian Croxford. Refreshments were provided by the kitchen staff and Friends of the School Committee.

A leading Egyptologist from the Jerusalem Museum, Dr Lynda Hook, has told the Friends of Torrington School that the relics from the tomb of Tutankhamun donated for their fundraising auction are worth about £1,000. The relics were given by retired teacher Miss Kathleen Johnson of Mill Street, Torrington.

Mr J W Martin, president of Torrington Rotary Club, has written expressing thanks to the ‘many hundreds’ of people who have sent their old spectacles to the club. “I am arranging to send over 1,000 pairs to the Missionary Optical Society and we shall continue to collect them for this worthy cause” he writes.

Representatives of Torrington Town Council are visiting Roscoff on April 4 for the official signing of the twinning charter between the two towns. A party from the French town is expected in Torrington during May Fair week to complete the ceremony.

Ticking off for county council who demolished Halsdon House, Torrington.

By an overwhelming majority Mr Gerald Milnes has been co-opted by Torrington Town Council to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Michael Street. The ballot resulted in 11 votes for Mr Milnes, one for Mrs Mayhew and one abstention.

Mr Bill Tuck, chairman of Torrington Rotary Club’s community service committee, has hit on a novel way of providing the alarm system vital for old people who live alone. To equip houses with the orthodox system is costly, but his alarms are being provided by the club for £2 each.

A Torrington man who was in Nagasaki prisoner-of-war camp when the second atomic bomb was dropped recalled the experience to some of his wartime comrades. Mr George Studley of Crowbeare Meadow, was meeting them for the first time since, on March 1, 1942, the light cruiser HMS Exeter was sunk in the Java Sea by Japanese warships and aircraft. He and other survivors were in the shark infested waters for 25 hours before being taken prisoner.

Consideration of the future of Winkleigh school house has been deferred by Devon County Education Committee’s capital programmes sub-committee to await a further report on whether it could be improved for educational use.

As many as eight passing bays to a chalet development at East Yagland Farm, Woolsery, to be provided on a phased basis, should in fact be constructed beforehand, Cllr Bill Tanton told Torridge District Council’s Development and Leisure Services plans sub-committee. The plan was for seven or eight passing bays to serve the 50 holiday chalets Flt-Lt E J Lagnado proposed to provide.

Questions were asked about additional services when the plans sub-committee of Torridge District Council’s Development and Leisure Services Committee approved an outline application for about 130 dwellings on land to the north of the church at Woolsery.

A public meeting is planned at Woolsery to set up an official twinning committee. Support in the Normandy village of Beuvreon-en-Auge, Woolsery’s proposed ‘twin’ is reported to ‘fantastic.’

March 2000

The Queen smiled at Appledore bandmaster Arthur Boyles as she pinned on his MBE and said “I believe you’ve taught a lot of young people to play instruments.” It was the highlight of the recent Investiture Day at Buckingham Palace for a man whose devotion to music for the community spans more than six decades. Another special occasion awaited Arthur when the 50-strong band’s senior and junior sections threw a celebration supper for him at The Elizabethan in Westward Ho!

Appledore will shine out across the Torridge Estuary when one of the ancient port’s much-missed features returns at Easter. The quay’s festoons of twinkling lights went when it was redeveloped for flood defence. Now they are coming back. “It’s being made possible thanks to £2,000 in grants from the Torridge Leader Project and the Environmental Agency” said Chris Ommanney, who chairs Appledore Traders’ Association.

An Irish naval vessel has come to the rescue of shipyard workers in Appledore, dispelling fears of large scale job losses. With orders due to run out at the end of May the yard was forced this month to issue 90-day redundancy warning notices affecting more than half its 525 workers. This cast a shadow over the whole village community. But what a difference a week has made. The ebb and flow of the shipbuilding industry took another turn on Torridgeside with the granting of permission for Appledore Shipbuilders to extend its covered building yard. With it has come the prospect of bigger ships, greater flexibility and the possibility of up to 300 more jobs. And this only weeks after the yard was forced to issue 90-day redundancy warning notices to more than half of its current 525 workforce because of a lack of orders.

Wildlife artist and wildlife met eye to eye when North Devon falconer Jonathan Marshall took some of his feathered friends to The Appledore Gallery to see the bird of prey paintings of acclaimed West County artist David Blackmore who has been exhibiting in London alongside David Shepherd for the World Wildlife Fund.

A successful auction sale of 24 Irsha Street, Appledore.

A Bideford Community Archive exhibition is to be staged at the Burton Art Gallery, Bideford, on March 30, 31, and April 1 from 10am to 4pm each day.

North Devon Methodists have released a ‘Songs of Praise’ tape to mark the new millennium. The recording was made mainly in Bideford Methodist Church by an augmented circuit choir and a large congregations. Most of the songs are familiar but a hymn ‘Two thousand years’ has been specially written by Methodist minister John Bradley of Torrington.

Members of the Breathe Easy Group of Bideford and Barnstaple have added another item to their list of gifts to help with the treatment of asthma patients. They handed a peak flow meter costing nearly £400 to Dr Mike Cracknell of the Bideford Medical Centre. The equipment was donated in memory of Mrs Margaret Pannell of Northam and with a contribution raised by Bradworthy Bowling Club at a charity day.

Mrs Sylvia Pannell, Dr Mike Cracknell, Veronica Flack, Monica Pennington

Yetland, No 2 Chanters Road, Bideford, is for sale.

It was a ‘vive la difference’ for sixth formers from Edgehill College who spent their half term on work experience in France. Louise Mackie at Brest Airport welcomed travellers; Amberley Rainey served in a city centre clothes shop; Frances Martin worked in a book shop, while Hannah Arnold sold local products to Bretons and tourists. Melissa Cockrill was in reception at a language school; Antonia Bargery divided her time between Brest Tourist Information Centre and shadowing a nurse in hospital, and Emilie LaFlaquiere found her niche translating documents. Head of Languages Mrs Julie Lewis said “This initiative offers students a European dimension to work experience and will be of great benefit when they apply for their chosen course.” Teacher Mrs Cathy Beverley, who accompanied the girls, praised the host families who helped to make them feel welcome.

Melissa taking a call

Bells clanged and sirens sounded, but there was no cause for alarm when a fire crew visited Edgehill College. The visit was arranged by kindergarten staff so the children could see at close hand how a fire engine works. Youngsters were able to go up in the hoist and so, too, was teacher Elaine Henry, who is married to a firefighter.

Elaine Henry with Fire Officer Bill Smith and Rebecca Wroe

Torridge police will be setting up a special display caravan outside the Safeway store in Bideford to highlight the work of the Specials. It was hoped by showing the work and training of the Specials to interest more people in joining them, said Sgt Jeff Pearce of Bideford police. “They are a valuable asset to the smooth running of the police. Torridge has around 40 at present, but we would like to have more.” The display caravan will be outside the store all day and will also be manned by members of the local Crime Prevention Panel and include other policing and crime-related topics.

Scholarship assessments to be held at Grenville College Junior School, Bideford.

Pupils of Grenville College, Bideford, are presenting the stage version of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. It will be a performance ‘in the round’ at the main school hall in Belvoir Road. Directed by John Hadfield with original music by Michael Gale.

Pictured are Alun Mainwaring, Helen Taylor, Brendan Dinen

Properties for sale at Buckland Brewer.

Hartland Air Training Corps was on cloud nine when no fewer than 13 cadets received their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards from Prince Philip. It was the highlight of five years’ work. The cadets were presented – Emma Leach, Benjamin Dawkins, Christopher Fernandez, Michael Heard, John Meincken, Matthew Gifford, Christine Hatcher, and Gregory George. From Woolsery – James Cann and Michelle Hill; and from Clovelly parish, Tammey Snelling. Three other cadets will pick up their awards at a later date – Clare Heywood, Samantha Cooper and Richard Colwill.

Hartland residents at the weekend removed the children’s play equipment from their village playing field after it was declared a high risk area by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Now they are calling on Torridge District Council to think again about its rejection of a request to take over and improve the area. Hartland Playing Fields Association secretary Julia Boyle said their call was being backed by a village petition. “It would seem that Hartland is to be penalised for past efforts in providing playground amenities without financial help from the local authority,” said the association.

You can’t come in! Dave Jeffery, chairman, breaks the bad news to village children

Police are hunting an armed raider who made off with thousands of pounds from Holsworthy Post Office. He went into the Post Office brandishing a gun and forcing the postmistress to hand over the cash.

Holsworthy town centre has been given a major facelift with the transformation of the Manor Offices and surrounding buildings in a £700,000 refurbishment scheme by Torridge District Council. The district council’s own offices have been given a much-needed overhaul. Improvements have also been carried out on the town’s museum, and derelict garages and stores behind the Manor Offices have been converted. A feature of the courtyard is a sculpture by local artist, the late Barbara Pearson. 

North Devon’s own Test cricket umpire David Shepherd of Instow has been presented with a special award to mark his 50^th Test match. David was presented with a specially commissioned silver award prior to the start of the first Test between India and South Africa in Mumbai, India. He was also the first recipient of a bronze award to mark his 40^th Test match in Bangalore in March 1998. David Richards, chief executive of the International Cricket Council, said: “Shep has been at the top of his profession for a number of years and this award is due recognition of his ability and durability. He has become, without question, one of the best and most respected umpires in international cricket and he is one of the sport’s most popular figures.”

Villages in Littleham know what answer will lie in their soil – a traditional Devonshire hedgerow of beech, ash, field maple, crab apple, willow, hawthorn and elder. The 165 saplings they are planting will have grown enough in three years’ time to be layered to form a boundary hedge on the new recreation field. The trees are the gift of the International Tree Foundation and are part of a village project which will include a pong to mark the millennium. Tom Hynes of North Devon Coast and Countryside Services joined Simon Jennings, Lionel Badcock, Trevor Thompson, Keith Faulkner and Tim Bourke for the planting.

Luxury detached bungalow in Admirals Court, Northam, for sale.

On offer is a split-level semi-detached family home at Northam.

Northam couple, Albert and Jean Adcock, celebrate their diamond wedding.

Eight special North Devon children left for Florida and a holiday of a lifetime, thanks to The Children’s Holiday Foundation North Devon which provides holidays for local children with life threatening conditions. Before they left Northam doctor Robin Buckland, on behalf of the charity, received a $450 boost towards the cost of the trip from the Portman Building Society.

Northam Golf Club is to host the Devon Artisan Golf Championship at the end of July. The Northam club was established in 1888 and is the oldest artisan club in the country, playing on the oldest links course.

For sale – Cottage Meadow, Bocombe, Parkham.

Torrington youngsters clean up.

A mulberry tree that can trace its roots back to the palace of King James I is to be planted in Torrington as part of the town’s living memorial to those who died in the English civil war. The ceremony will take place in the newly created Torrington 1646 Physic Garden. Project coordinator Peter Hood said “The physic garden was created by community volunteers and is laid out in a formal, four-square style. A mulberry was thought ideal, especially when one whose rootstock was 17^th century became available, but with limited funds it could not acquired.” However, the tree is being donated by Eggesford Gardens, of Chulmleigh.

Entertaining duo are Ashley Withey and his sister, Jessica, of Torrington whose musical talents are taking them up the popularity scales. Keyboard, violin and vocals – they supply them all for parties, pantomimes and other events. They are the children of gardener Len and his wife Jane, of Station Hill who had a family of music makers. Their brother Wesley plays drums, Andrew is a rock band drummer and sister Emma teaches dancing.

Torrington schoolchildren are preparing for their special roles in the town’s biggest celebrations – those for May Fair. This year’s May Queen chosen by pupils at Torrington Junior School is Joanna Down. At the Great Torrington Secondary School, Bonnie Hillier of Shebbear was chosen as carnival queen. She is seen with attendants Michelle Piper of Bideford, and Beverley Harris of Stibb Cross.

The race is on to make Torrington’s version of the Great Fire of London the biggest bonfire in the world. Builders Torrington Cavaliers are appealing for help with their creation of a corner of 17^th century London on the town commons, which will be ceremonially razed to the ground in a millennium charity spectacular on August Bank Holiday. “We want Torrington’s great fire to have a place in the Guinness Book of Records,” said Cavaliers’ chairman Dave Kelly. Members of the Sealed Knot are already lending a hand and schoolchildren are playing their parts by making stock such as bread and buns and butchers’ products for display in the windows of the mock shops.

North Devon Meat Limited, based in Torrington, need production operatives.

The pressure was on in Torrington for the re-enactment of a spectacular 17^th century experiment. Sixteen heavy horses thrilled 3,000 people on Torrington Commons as they strained to pull apart the two halves of a copper sphere, held together only by air pressure. Organised by Merton barometer maker Philip Collins the spectacle recreated an experiment carried out in Magdeburg in Germany but celebrated scientist Otto von Geuricke.

Weare Gifford property for sale.

Wanted: Scad divers who will take up the challenge of this latest daring sport before thousands of spectators at Westward Ho! Potwalloping Festival in May. Scad diving? The word stands for Suspended Catch Air Device and is what might be described as bunjee jumping with no strings attached. “It’s the unique thrill ride” said Roz Evans, who is helping to organise what promises to be a sensational feature of the festival. The jumper drops 150 feet without any attachments and lands in a huge suspended double net.

A brief return of popular Bideford band Freeway has raised £1,500 for good causes. After a break of more than seven years the band got back together again under the auspices of the Lions’ Club of Bideford for a one-night charity show at the Elizabethan Club in Westward Ho! Our picture shows Neil Rudkin, Arthur Popham, Brian and Maurice Cole and Dave Underhill with Colin Purdew, Kath Hayles and Jennifer Bonetta. Completing the band are Liz and Paul Cox.

Attractive double-fronted bungalow in Westward Ho! for sale.

Former show home for sale in Westward Ho!

Celebrating the silver anniversary of their group, members of Woolsery Senior Citizens Friendship Club gathered at the village hall for a birthday party. Among them were three of the founder members, Stanley and Olive Souch and Freda Paddon and eldest member Emily Webber, who will be 100 in June. The club was formed by the late Stanley and Doris Quance and includes members from Clovelly, Bucks Cross, Woolsery and surrounding areas.

A most attractive detached former farmhouse in Woolsery is for sale.

Strawberry fields could provide hundreds of new jobs in North Devon in a project allied to the development of a new gas-fired power station at Yelland. A large South West horticultural company has plans to construct commercial greenhouse within the derelict Yelland site to utilise waste heat from a gas-fired power station proposed there by Rolls Royce. Behind the scheme is Advanced Marketing Services Ltd, a major supplier to supermarkets and hotels throughout Britain, but with close North Devon connections.