April 1925
Bank Holiday traffic
There has been a record catch of salmon on the Torridge; one boat caught ten splendid fish in an afternoon, which is unusual for the start of the season.
Results of the local council elections and messages of thanks from those elected are reported in the Gazette throughout the month.
Births – to Joyce, wife of Cary M Durbin, of Ceylon, a daughter, Sheila Mary; to Mr and Mrs S Lee, a daughter; at Chudleigh Nursing Home, to Mr and Mrs Cyril Vaughan, of Swan Inn, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs F Short of Bridgeland Street, Bideford, a daughter; at Dairy, Chanters Lane, Bideford, a son to Mr and Mrs F Petherick; at Fore Street, Northam, a daughter for Mr and Mrs Wattsl
Marriages – Alfred C Short and Dorothy Strong - Each edition of the Gazette this month has a special column for weddings; although many brides are still wearing costumes, a few have opted for what we would now consider bridal gowns worn with “bridal falls” or veils.
Two farmers are retiring this month and selling livestock; they are Mr E Taylor of Webbery Barton, Abbotsham and Mr T Chamings of Harepath, Beaford.
Church House, Alverdiscott, with gardens and field/of pasture land, was sold at Barnstaple by Mr J Smale to Mr Southcombe for £165. Messrs Pitts Tuckers were the vendors solicitors.
Mr A R Southcombe was re-elected people’s warden for the fifteenth successive year. Capt Channer, after serving as rector’s warden for the past three years, resigned with regret owing to pressure of business. The rector appointed Mr F J Farrnington, of Webbery Barton as his warden. The verger and sexton, Mr J T Hawke, received the keys of the church on his reappointment and the sidesmen – Messrs I Lewis, T Phear and W Newcombe – were re-elected.
Landkey Band of Hope and Bible Class play at Alverdiscott Sunday School.
Miss Mary Elizabeth (Bessie) Arnold of Tythes Ford. Alwington, passed away peacefully after a very long and painful illness, very patiently borne. The funeral took place at Parkham, the officiating minister being the Rev C M Ashdown. A short service was held at the house, the neighbours at Ford joining in singing the deceased’s favourite hymn.
Great interest was taken in the confirmation service conducted by the Bishop of Exeter at the Church of St Mary’s, Appledore.
A splendid and most successful jumble sale of the Appledore Branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society…
Rev A C Brockett, of Taunton, is inducted at the Appledore Congregational Church.
During Easter, Sir William and Lady Reardon Smith, accompanied by their daughter, Miss Gracie Smith, and stayed with Miss Smith, Sir Wiliam’s sister. Photographs of Capt Powe and Mr William Lamey are unveiled at Appledore Mission.
Amidst much mourning, the mortal remains of the late Lieutenant Frederick Sidney Martin, DSC, late RN, of West Haven, Bude Street, Appledore, were laid to rest in the Chuchyard, Appledore, a most appropriate spot, facing the sea which he hed loved so dearly, for one who fought so nobly in the battles of the Falkland Islands and Jutland. A Chief Petty Officer assisted by three Petty Officers and two of HM Coastguard Force Board of Trade carried the coffin in real naval fashion, shoulder high, it being covered with the Union Jack, which rested amidst beautiful flowers, the sword, belt, cocked hat, war and decoration medals, of the deceased officer, neatly arranged on a cushion.
During the recent heavy weather in the Bristol Channel the Appledore ketch Millom Castle was dismasted off Lundy Islands when running for shelter and some fears were entertained for her safety, but fortunately she reached port under her motor power. The vessel, in charge of Capt George Slade, had left Appledore in company with the three-masted schooner Haldon, under Capt William Slade, a brother, both being bound for Glasgow.
At a special sitting of Barnstaple County Court his Honour Judge Lindley, accompanied by Captain Nicholson, RN, heard a claim made by four Appledore men, Alfred Evans, James Slade, Robert Hocking and Victor Leslie, against the owners of the schooner Hejmdal, of Copenhagen, her cargo and freight for salvage services rendered by the plaintiffs to the vessel in the Appledore Pool. The amount was £300 and £30 was paid into court.
Bideford Rural District Council’s meeting heard a report from the surveyor – “who drives a car” – that there were hundreds of pot holes which should be filled in at once. A proposal was put forward to purchase a tar boiler at an estimated cost of £16 as “stones put in without tar and ramming were thrown out at once by the motor traffic”. A vote of thanks was given to the chairman, Mr W Harris, who is not seeking re-election. He stated that he had been a council member continuously for thirty-one years and chairman for the last twenty, during which time he had not missed more than three meetings.
Buy your new Spring Hat from Stewart & Co’s in Mill Street, Bideford.
Bideford sportsmen will learn with regret of the death of Mr Frederick Wright Gill…
Buy a second-hand car from Mr W J Pitt, of Bideford Motor Works – outside the Pannier Market.
Alice May Kerry, of Toronto, marries William John (Cherry) Backway, formerly of Brookfield Street, Bideford.
A wedding of interest to a wide circle of friends took place at Bagborough when the marriage of Miss Betty Dening of Toulton to Mr Robert H Deubler, of Old Bank House, Bideford, was solemnised. The ceremony was conducted by Mr Douglas Brealey, of the Blackdown Hills Mission, assisted by Mr Stenbridge, and a large attendance at the service was an evidence of the esteem in which Miss Dening has been held in the neighbourhood, as also were the numerous presents an evidence of the popularity of the both bride and bridegroom.
A very pretty wedding was solemnised in St Mary’s Church, Bideford, before a large congregation on Easter Monday by the Rev C B Crofts, the contracting parties being Aubrey Cooke and Hilda Mary Short. At the Parish Church of St Mary’s Bideford, the wedding was quietly solemnised by special license of Mr George Fluck, stationer, of High Street, Bideford, and Miss Frances Coombe. The Rector, Rev W N Manning, officiated.
Bideford Board of Guardians employ F A Pearson as the Registrar of Deaths and Vaccination Officer for Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho! At Bideford Guardians meeting the Master reported the receipt of a box of books from Mrs Lane (Instow) and also magazines from Miss Tupper (Bideford) for the inmates.
Stanley Kivell, son of Mr R Kivell, baker, of East-the-Water, Bideford, was riding a horse over Bideford Long Bridge when the horse shied at the steam of an approaching tractor, and fell with its legs under the wheels of the vehicle. The horse had to be shot and young Kivell, who had a narrow escape, was thrown clear on to the pavement on the other side of the road.
For the first time in the ‘History of Geneva’ a very decided change took place during the past year, the both schools (Girls’ and Infants’) having been united and worked as one school. It has proved most successful and encouraging.
New Inn Hotel, Bideford, and Porto Bello Inn, change hands.
Members of Bideford Farmers’ Union were very disappointed on hearing that the latest proposals in regard to improving accommodation at Bideford Cattle Market go very litter farther than rearrangement of the present space, and do not provide for the considerable and much needed enlargement for the making of which adjoining property has already been purchased and the money for paying for it obtained on loan sanctioned on the representation that the property was required for market enlargement.
The funeral of the late Mrs Alice Middleton, who passed away at 12 Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, took place at Littleham, Rev Kerrich officiating. The immediate mourners were,
We regret to announce the death of Mrs Pound, widow of Mr James R Pound, formerly in business in Mill Street, Bideford, which occurred at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Featherstone, of Marine Gardens. The late Mrs Pound, who is the sister of Mrs Embery and the late Mr R T Hookway, architect, of Bideford, was held in great regard by a wide circle of friends, being of a most genial and kindly disposition. She was a much respected member of the Lavington Congregational Church.
21 Barnstaple Street, Bideford, comprising the business and stock-in-trade of a grocer and general store is being sold by Mr H C Symons.
Miss Carrie Fishleigh, of Mill-street, Bideford, while on a visit to her grandparents, Mr and Mrs R Blight of the village, was taken suddenly ill and had to be taken to her home in a car kindly lent by Mrs A Scott Browne, of Buckland House, Buckland Filleigh.
Funeral at Bradworthy of Mr R Sanguine.
We regret to report the death of Mrs C Dayman, Newlands, Bradworthy, after a brief illness. The funeral took place in the Free Church with Rev S J Granville conducting the services at he Wesleyan Church and the graveside. Messrs J Piper, W Gloyn, W May, W Bromell, W Petherick and C Barrett carried the deceased to her last resting place.
Fancy dress at Clovelly organised by Mrs Bushell of the New Inn Hotel in aid of the National Lifeboat Institution.
At Clovelly, the Easter festival was observed by parishioners and visitors with joy and gladness. The weather was delightful.
Rev W Forster Coppard, BA, and Miss Dorothy Brent Reed, are married at Frithelstock, Torrington.
The marriage took place at Hartland Wesleyan Church of Mr William Pascoe and Miss Clara Shute, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs H J Shute, of Stoke. Rev G J Granville officiated and Mrs G H Headon presided at the organ. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a brown dress with hat to match. She was attended as bridesmaid by Miss Ethel Jeffery who wore a dress of grey with hat en suite. Mr Charles Pascoe, brother of the bridegroom, was best man.
Jessie Jeffery and Charles Pengilly are fined.
Mr Batten removed from Hartland Lighthouse to St Catherine’s, Isle of Wight, on Friday, 27th March. He is succeeded by Mr Page, from Beachy Head. Mr Guppy has removed from Hartland Lighthouse to a station near Pembroke Dock.
Palladium withdrawn from sale but sells later in the month to Mr Gifford.
Mr G F Woods has been appointed collector of taxes for Hartland. Other applicants were Messrs Percy J Heard and A J Loughlin.
Mr William T Buckler was due to retire at Easter after 25 years’ mastership of Elmscott school. By arrangement with his successor, Mrs M T Scott, he put in an extra fortnight’s duty. At Midsummer he will remove to 79, The Square.
About half-past nine on Easter Sunday evening, a sudden bright light – meteoric possibly – enabled things to be seen like daylight for a few moments at Hartland. A similar phenomenon was witnessed at Bideford, Penzance and some other places in the West of England.
At Holsworthy, Mr Maurice Jeffery marries Miss Kate Martin, of Chapel-street.
In Horwood, quite a gloom was cast over the village by the death of Mrs W Congdon, of West Barton, and the greatest sympathy was expressed for her bereaved husband and four sons. Mrs Congdon was an ardent worker with the United Methodists at Holmacott and will be sadly missed. The esteem in which the deceased lady was held was shown at the funeral, the Parish Church being crowded by the large congregation.
Those present at the first meeting of the new Instow Parish Council were Messrs E Joslin, A Pilkington, F N Hulton, E Martin, T Anstey, H Orphoot, W H Yeo and J Cann. Mr J P England, who at the last meeting gave in his resignation after acting for 24 years as Assistant Overseer and Clerk to the Council, was also present, pending the election of a successor.
The Vicar of Appledore made a special trip to Lundy Island in s.s. Lerina to hold the Easter services. St Helen’s Church had been beautifully decorated by the islanders under the guidance of the churchwarden, Miss Sage, of the Manor House. The Vicar held a Communion which was well supported, those attending including Mrs Plunkett Greene, of London, who, with a house party, was spending Easter in the island.
Lundy Island difficulty – provision of medical service under the Insurance Act.
The Rectory, Merton – household furniture for sale.
The wedding was solemnised at All Saints Church, Merton, of Miss Doris Stoneman and Mr Walter Cox, both of Merton.
Properties for sale at Monkleigh.
Amid manifestations of esteem and sorrow and regret the funeral took place at Monkleigh Parish Churchyard of the late Mr Charles Turrall, whose death occurred at this residence, The Downes with tragic suddenness. The funeral service was taken by the Vicar, the Rev E Evelyn-Smith and the immediate mourners were:
Winifred Heaman and Albert Moyse are married in Northam.
Field-Marshall Sir William Birdwood, the new Commander-in-Chief of HM Forces in India is staying with his sister, Lady Stuart, and Sir Robert Stuart, at Bidna, Northam.
At the annual general meeting of the Northam Parish Cricket Club a very encouraging report was given of the past season, which justifies a certain amount of optimism for 1925. It is praiseworthy to note that although the club is in its infancy and has a very limited membership, no engagements had to be cancelled owing to inability to raise an eleven, neither was a short side fielded on any occasion. The chief honours in batting went to Mr W H Williams, J T Payne and R Smith, and in bowling to J Ponyter and J T Payne.
At Bideford County Sessions, Mr Benjamin Burnett, Northam, applied for a music and dancing license for a room at the back of the Kingsley Hotel, Northam. The Bench granted the license on condition that an extra door was put on the premises and no intoxicating liquor sold.
Bros Cleverdon, Lewis, Bryan and Woodyatt (all primos of Ye Kingsley Lodge, Bideford) are the founders of the new Ye Amyas Leigh Lodge which has been opened with fitting ceremony at Northam.
A meeting will be held in the Vestry Hall, Northam, to endeavour to re-establish a branch of the British Legion in Northam. The chair will be taken by General Boyle, CB, CMG. All ex-Service men are heartily invited to attend.
Northam Women’s Liberal Association.
We much regret to report that Mr William Henry Worth, of 4 Searle Terrace, Northam, met with a fatal accident whilst at work in the garden of his employer, Mr C S Carnegie, at Clevelands. Mr Worth was washing rockery when his foot slipped from a board he was standing on and he fell. He was immediately taken to Bideford Hospital where he was attended to by Dr Littlewood but succumbed to his injuries early next morning.
A concert has been held in the Parkham Council Schoolroom in aid of the Foreign Missions Hospital Bed in Africa and Colporteur in China. Mrs Knowles and Miss Sluman were responsible for children. The action songs were well carried out. Pianoforte solos were given by the Misses C Parr, T Lang and M Jewell, duets by Mrs Oldacres and Miss Ley and Miss H Jewell and Mr G Jewell. Mrs Knowles gave a violin solo on Welsh Melodies and a sketch was also given. After the concert a supper took place all the provisions being given for the occasion.
Penhaven fire at Parkham.
The April monthly meeting of the Parkham Women’s Institute was held on the day of the Melbury Races, and it speaks well for the spirit of the Institute that, on the circumstances, 44 members were present. The business part was soon over. Lady Clinton lectured on ‘Citizenship’ after which she judged some cakes. The prizewinners were Mrs Daniel and Mrs Palmer, one prize being presented by Mrs Allardice. Lady Clinton put before the members a very lofty ideal of women’s position as citizens, and ended with the striking words – “In small things, liberty: in great things, unity; in all things charity.”
Recent weather has enabled good progress to be made with agricultural work. A portion of the field potatoes have been planted and the drilling of corn is well advanced. Grass is growing well.
At Shebbear, the Walter and Smallcombe Charity was distributed in the Council Schoolroom on Good Friday to about forty parishioners by Mr W H Leach, parish councillor, and Mr A Chapman, clerk to the Parish Council.
The marriage of Mr Reginald Parish and Miss Gladys Hobbs, was quietly solemnised in the parish church at St Giles by the Rev G W Walker. The bride, who was given away by Mr J Couch, was becomingly attired in a brown costume and biscuit colour silk hat, and carried a bouquet of choice white flowers. She was accompanied by Miss Parish and Mr Doble of Exeter was the best man.
Mr Cedric Dewey, MP, for the Southmolton Division, who is taking considerable interest in the question of the fabric glove trade, which is of vital concern to Torrington has been asked to lead the deputation to the President of the Board of Trade, when representations in regard to the future of the industry will be put forward.
Conservative concert in the Drill Hall, Torrington.
During the interval at a match at Torrington, Preb F Emlyn Jones (president of the Torrington Association Football Club), on behalf of the club and supporters, presented three of the players, the Vodden brothers – Bert, Cyril and Fred – each, with a magnificent clock, in oak case on their marriage. Not only did they make them this presentation as players, said Mr Jones, but as friends.
The Mayor presided at the monthly meeting of Torrington Town Council, when it was stated that the new case for the Mayor’s chain had been obtained at a cost of £4.
A tablet to distinguished Torrington family, Doe.
Vagrants at Torrington Union for the last fortnight numbered 74, against 59 in the corresponding period last year. Torrington Guardians increased the salaries of the Master and Matron by £10 a year each, making a total for the two of £145, the Master agreeing to withdraw his application for a similar post at Southmolton.
Torrington-Halwill Railway – speeding up wanted. Mr J Squance said his opinion was that the Council had been ‘somewhat taken in’ over the business as an investing body. It had almost been a pledge that the completion of the railway would be within two years from the commencement, but in about a month’s time it would be three years ago the railway started. (A member; in July) The Council borrowed a good deal of money to invest in the railway with the hope that at the expiration of two year there might be some little income in rate from the railway for the benefit of Council who had become investors, and more particularly for the benefit of those local people who had invested heavily with the hope of getting some return.
Later in the month it was reported that ‘the announcement that the directors hope the Halwill-Torrington railway will be opened to traffic in about five weeks time was contained in a letter from the Clerk to Devon County Council, read at a meeting of Torrington Rural Council.
Funerals at Torrington. Mrs Agnes Slee, widow of Mr Henry Slee, JP, who predeceased her three years ago, and was widely known passed away at Torrington at the age of 87 years. The funeral of Mrs Mary Ann Easton, wife of Mr Walter Easton, Mill Street, Torrington, who passed away following a brief illness took place.
The Gazette of 14 April has a long and interesting report on the history of St Nectan’s Church in Welcombe, written by Mr R Pearce Chope JP.
Following the serious coastal erosion at Westward Ho! reported on last month, a meeting of Northam Council proposed tipping rubbish into the hole by the Bath Hotel, but not anything likely to cause a nuisance. This was agreed. The chairman, Mr W J Pursey, was absent from the meeting, being in London trying to obtain grants to improve coastal defences. The meeting, the last before elections, finished with a vote of thanks to the (un-named) Gazette reporter, who it was said “has come here regularly the past three year. Sometimes there is very little to report but he always gives us a good record of the meetings”.
Two motor cars, one driven by a local lady, were in collision at Westleigh Cross, of the Bideford-Barnstaple road. The vehicles were damaged but there were no personal injuries.
Household furniture for sale at St Gerrard’s, Westward Ho!
Rev John Snelson Shenton, MA, formerly curate of Appledore, and lately of Tiverton, was instituted to the valuable living of Winkleigh, by the Right Hev. Lord William Gascoyne Cecil, who was supported by Rev W J Bradford, Rev Hugh C A S Muller, Rev A F McCarthy, and several neighbouring clergy. A large contingent from Appledore, including the bell-ringers and other prominent Church people, had motored over in Captain E Hocking’s two charabanes, and the bell-ringers after the service rang a merry peal on the beautiful bells. The Church was crowded.
The week beginning 20 April will be RAT WEEK in the Bideford Urban District area. All inhabitants are urged to do everything in their power to exterminate rats and mice. A free supply of poison can be obtained from John Ackland, Sanitary Inspector, at the Town Hall.
April 1975
An Appledore man who joined Devon and Cornwall Constabulary 10 years ago, PC Sidney Craner is leaving Bideford at the end of the month on promotion to sergeant at Ashburton. He was presented with a life-saving award last year for rescuing a woman from drowning in the River Torridge.
The re-enactment of the Bloody Corner battle at Northam in conjunction with Torrington Cavaliers raised £135, the annual meeting of Appledore Pirates was told. Other fund raising events had enabled the Pirates to give £350 to Appledore lifeboat branch and leave a balance of some £200 on which to base this year’s programme.
The funeral has taken place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Mrs Winifred Guard, of Vernons Lane.
Mr Frederick Henry Sussex of Bude Street, Appledore, who has died, served in the Army during the war and afterwards worked for Barnstaple Brick and Tile Company and Messrs Rawle, Gammon and Baker. The funeral service was at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, followed by cremation.
Committee members of Appledore British Legion women’s section entertained at their 7th birthday party with interpretations of Widecombe Fair, Appledore Palm Court Orchestra, and The Young Generation. Soloists were Mrs P Bignell and Mrs T Tucker with Mrs D Watts as accompanist. There was an Easter bonnet parade too, judged by Mrs A Valentine and Miss G Fulford. It resulted: Mrs J Harding, Mrs W Bailey, Mrs M McArthur.
A pleasing ceremony took place at the Appledore Royal British Legion Club when Mrs Marjorie Bennett, of New Street, Appledore, was presented with the Legion brooch for many years service as a poppy seller. The presentation was made by Mr John Bailey, the Poppy Day organiser, after a tribute by the branch secretary, Mr W C Lamey.
Men working at Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd withdrew their labour after a breakdown in wages talks. Their action, which was unofficial, followed a statement by the yard’s management that unless various bans and restrictions imposed by the men were lifted immediately, there would be no alternative but to lay off any men who refused or were unable to do their normal work. The men plan to hold a mass meeting in Bideford.
Join Kathy at Braddicks Radiogram Centre in Mill Street, Bideford.
Bideford will have a lollipop man once more!
MFV 647, or TS Bideford, is to disappear.
Bideford born actor Paul Seed, grandson of Mr and Mrs J R Seed, of Rectory Park, Bideford, is a young man much in demand for stage and screen roles. He is taking a leading part in ‘Norman, is that you?’ which opens at the Phoenix Theatre, London. In it, Harry Worth makes his West End acting debut. Paul, who plays Harry’s stage son Norman, is probably most widely-known through his co-starring role of Frank Orchard with Ray Barrett in the BBC2 television industrial espionage series ‘Double-dealers’. Other TV appearances include ‘Z-Cars’ and ‘Doomwatch.’ His art teacher father, Mr John Seed, attended Bideford Gramma School and Bideford School of Art.
Provision of two double temporary classrooms at Bideford Grammar School in estimated to cost £17,232 stated a report to Devon County Council meeting. Improvements to the kitchen of Bideford Secondary School are also proposed.
After a hard day in the saddle police motorcyclist John White could be forgiven for wanting to forget all about motorcycles in his off-duty hours. But not John. As soon as he gets home his thoughts turn once again to the ‘bikes’ that play such a large part in both his working and leisure activities and which carry him some 24,000 miles each year.
Mr Brian Glassock and Wimpy are helping war orphans.
More than £100 in cash was stolen from a Bideford Dairies milk float left unattended outside Bideford Post Office while the driver was delivering. A car left in the New Street car park, Bideford, was broken into and a cassette player stolen.
Afloat on the River Torridge following her launch from Bideford Shipyard – the trawler Vision, the third of four similar vessels being built for a Bridlington firm at a cost of around £160,000 apiece.
For nearly four years the cash prize awaiting the Bideford and District Angling Club member to land the first specimen fish in competition has lain unclaimed. But Mr and Mrs Peter Mitchell of Northdown Road, Bideford, struck the jackpot together whilst fishing at Instow. Peter landed a new club record flounder to win the competition and more than £15 in a pool money. And his wife Pam hauled in a flounder to also top the specimen weight and in nearly £5 in the ladies’ section pool.
It takes an extremely strong willed man to retire from work and then not to take any further interest in it. That’s the view of Mr Reg Crawley, formerly managing director of the Bideford light engineering factory of J Leete and Son, who just joined the official ranks of the retired.
Furniture sale – Eldoret, Mount Raleigh, off Raleigh Hill, Bideford.
Two centenarians at Elm Grove, Bideford – Miss Harriet Diamond, and Mrs E Bradford.
Mrs Annie Thomas of East-the-Water, Bideford, has just had the thrill of her long life. She has met the son to whom she last waved goodbye when, as a boy of 15, he sailed for Australia. That was 47 years ago. The son, Harry, has also met sisters and a brother who only vaguely remembered him. They include Mrs Dorothy Streater and Mrs Kathleen Harris. Mr Thomas left England under an emigration scheme run by the Boy Scout movement in order to go farming in Australia. He was never really alone ‘down under’ for another sister had emigrated about the same time. She returned to this country on a visit 27 years ago and is now here again.
The funeral has taken place at the North Devon Crematorium of Mrs Jessie Horrill, formerly of Lime Grove, Bideford. She was the widow of Mr Stanley Horrill.
Buckland Brewer play group whist drive winners were Mesdames Pengelly, Johns, Stoneman, Heywood, Andrews and Miss Pickard, Messrs T Johns, G Brimacombe, P Mills and G Beard.
The Parsonage House, Buckland Brewer, for sale.
At a coffee morning held by Buckland Brewer play group a presentation was made to the two retiring supervisors, Mrs Rose Heywood and Mrs Vivian Rose. A total of £11.50 was made towards play group funds.
Six nephews were bearers at the funeral service at Buckland Brewer Parish Church, followed by cremation, of Mr Reginald Thomas Prance, a retired farm worker, of Rolles Terrace. Bearers were Messrs Trevor Johns, Alan Prance, Graham Hunt, Roger and David Blight, and David Seaman. Another nephew, Mr Stewart Prance, was organist.
Carpentry in the home was the subject of a talk to Clovelly WI by Mr C Wood, of Bideford. He was thanked by Mrs B Slee.
A profit of £80 was made at …
The work of re-slating both the roof of Fremington Parish Church and of the lychgate has now been completed.
Officers elected at the annual meeting of the parochial church council of St Mary and St Gregory Church at Frithelstock were: Churchwardens, Mr S R Adams, Mr R Bond; deanery synod representatives, Mr S R Adams and Mrs L Budge; treasurer, Mr S R Adams; secretary and electoral roll officer, Mr S F C Adams.
Officers elected at the annual meeting of the Hartland Deanery Guild of Ringers held at Buckland Brewer were: president, Rev Eppingstone; chairman, Mr E C Nicholls; vice-chairman, Mr P Dixon; treasurer, Mr R Blight; secretary, Mrs B M Blight.
Landcross Chapel’s electricity bill for the past quarter has been doubled – by vandals who turn on the heaters after breaking in. Extra expense has been incurred in replacing locks broken when the intruders gain entry. But on the credit side more than £100 was raised when a variety sale and concert was held at Littleham Parish Hall by the Happy Wanderers Concert Party to celebrate the chapel’s 121st anniversary. The event was organised by Miss L Colwill, Mr J Perryman, Mrs H Barrow and Mr and Mrs W Prouse and helpers included Mesdames S Hewitt, G Beer, J Dark, G King and C Withecombe, Misses L Barrow and M Dark. Mrs F Hale provided floral arrangements.
Floral art was demonstrated at the March meeting of Langtree WI by Mrs Davie who also judged the competitions. Winners: sweets -
On a recent visit to Liverpool, Mr Frank Tallin, of Monkleigh, and three other bellringers were entertained by University students who share their enthusiasm for ringing. They visited ten towers.
Winners at a skittles week held at Monkleigh Village Hall to aid hall funds were: Messrs R Squire, J Hocking and C Braunton and Mesdames B Prance, N Matthews and G Brown. Highest spare, C Braunton.
Over £50 raised for instruments at Monkleigh village hall for Torrington Secondary School Band.
Party from twin, Mondeville, visiting Northam.
A £6,000 renovation scheme is nearing completion at St Margaret’s, Northam. And good housekeeping has ensured that there is money to meet the bill, which is substantial for the 100 to 150 people associated with the ancient parish church. The energetic treasurer, Miss Amy G Facey told the Gazette, “We have been very very careful and each year have set aside a certain sum.” Following the last inspection by an architect it was known that much work would have to be done. “We decided that with prices rising we had to get on with it. But we still have to tackle Holy Trinity Church at Westward Ho!” And at Northam, she said, the roof had yet to be dealt with.
Wendy Griffey, of Northam, will have a lot to tell her school friends on her return to Edgehill College after school holidays. She had a particularly successful show jumping spell. At Spreyton she took first place in the 13.2 jumping on Nutty and first place in the 14.2 jumping on Harvey to follow up her success at Cholwell.
Dogs on lead rule for Northam Burrows?
It will cost more to take cars on Northam Burrows this summer – and there was also an indication in County Hall that charges may be increased again next year. The new charges were agreed after a report for the estates surveyor, Mr Andrew Smy, that a loss of £12,000 a year was at present being incurred on the Burrows. They cost 317,000 a year to run and income from tolls amounted to £5,000.
Mr Noel Parry, headmaster at Parkham School, to take up new post at Lapford.
Hard work by Parkham villagers over the past four years has resulted in the raising of £3,200 and this, added to a Devon County Council grant of £2,300, has paid for an extension to the Allardice Hall which will be officially opened on May 7, 18 years to the day the hall was first opened. Provided in the new extension is a kitchen, new toilets and room for committee meetings and refreshments.
Mr Ronald Millman, of Santuary, Shebbear, is waiting …
A leading member of the local Baptist Church, Miss Florence Isaac, of Calf Street, Torrington, has died. Service at Torrington Baptist Church followed by cremation at Barnstaple. Bearers were Messrs f beer, D Easterbrook, W Brook and C Hutchings.
The death occurred of Mr Frederick Penny of Town Park, Torrington. He was a retired mason who was well known in the town, and a former Torrington FC player who took an interest in most sporting activities in the town.
An opportunity to mount a combined bid by townpeople of Torrington to buy items from the tomb of Tutankhamun for public display failed when Torrington and District Society were unable in the short time available to give a definite promise of support. Mr Laurie Alexander…
Three Torrington building workers – Kenny Parker, Bruce Walker and Philip Lobbett – will be having perhaps not the best build-up to a day of May Fair celebration this year. They will spend the previous night walking from Plymouth to Torrington.
A jumble sale organised by Torrington AFC Supporters’ Club in the Church Hall made a profit of nearly £49. The secretary, Mr Jim Drayton, thanked all who helped.
After a break of nearly six years Torrington branch of the Labour Party has been re-formed. Mr G Coysh was elected chairman, Cllr M W Coles secretary, Mr R Dymond treasurer; and Mr Rabner vice-chairman. Women’s section officials are: chairman, Mrs Tabner; secretary, Mrs Dymond; treasurer, Mrs West.
A woman driver, Mrs G Webber, of Edmonton, Stoney Cross, led the three qualifiers in the Torrington heat of the Girling Shield car manoeuvrability competition who will now represent that district in the North Devon finals. Mr R Knox, of Dartington Fields, Torrington, finished second, and third was Mr D Mckenzie, of Windsor Road, Northam.
Restoration programme at Westleigh.
A dinner with which members celebrated the 27th birthday of Westward Ho! WI was rounded off by the cutting of a cake made and skilfully decorated by Mrs Powell. Mrs Owen, the president, presided and dancing led by Mrs Taylor followed the meal. Prize winners were Mrs Ebury and Mrs Russell.
Westward Ho! Community Association, confronted by £5,000 roof repairs to the Kingsley Hall, are tackling the task with customary enthusiasm. A ‘200 Club’ formed in January with 100 members and being run by Mr Athur Eagle had already raised £112 towards the repairs and club membership had increased to 209. The president, Mr Bob Mitchell, described the association’s financial situation at the end of its 25th year as good, but he confessed that the roof was ‘a big worry’. It was hoped that three quarters of the sum needed would be provided by grants …
Building land at Nelson Road, Westward Ho!
Beacon Lights, Westward Ho! for sale.
At least 25,000 people are expected to visit Torridgeside for the Martini golf tournament being held at Royal North Devon Golf Club from June 11-14. Martini themselves are inviting over 2,000 guests to the first major tournament to be held at Westward Ho! for 40 years. In this tournament of international standing, 130 players in the PGA order of merit in 1974 …
A new subsidiary company launched a year ago in a purpose built factory at Winkleigh by the Boughton Engineering Group completed £650,000s worth of orders in the first 12 months of trading to meet both national and international demand. TTB (Devon) Ltd, which manufactures a wide range of airport and municipal fire engine chassis and the specialised Vactor multi-purpose industrial cleaning vehicle, have a strong order book worth £4,5000,000 in hand with work guaranteed until January 1977.
David Braund, organist, is a candidate at a confirmation service in Woolsery.
The death has occurred of Mr Lewis James Nichol, of Ivy Cottage, Woolsery. Bearers were Messrs W Collins, W Evans, A Olmann, J Jenn, D Cloke, R Hancock, P Andrew, C Westaway, R Chapple, L Johns, S Wonnacott and J Pickard.
At Woolsery, Senior Citizens’ Friendship Club, Mrs Heywood showed a film of a holiday she spent in Africa.
April 2000
Alverdiscott property for sale.
No 4 Richmond Terrace, Appledore, for sale.
Police to take over Blue Lights Hall in Appledore.
Innovative attractions such as ‘spin the salmon’ and a ‘human fruit machine’ are part of the fun on West Quay, Appledore. Local charity fund raisers are holding an Easter Fun Day, which will include an Easter bonnet parade, dog show, Blues band, egg and spoon race, tombola, ferret in a pipe, stunt kites, treasure island, barbecue, crafts and stalls. The fun is due to start at midday.
Appledore Shipbuilders has been invited to bid for a huge Ministry of Defence order which could keep the yard busy for 18 months.
No 61 Mill Street, Bideford, for sale. Formerly a confectioner’s shop – that business has relocated next door – the double fronted premises are located in a prime position adjacent to the Somerfield supermarket.
Wheel clamping may be coming to Bideford.
Support for Bideford’s Fields of Hope initiative is growing fast. Within two weeks of the launch the scheme has received cash and pledges worth £10,000. This will buy 200,000 daffodil bulbs towards a target of one million it is hoped to plant in and around the town this autumn in time for flowering next spring. In addition to the huge splash of colour which will highlight the town, the initiative will also raise awareness and funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, of which the daffodil is their emblem.
The Rotary Club of Bideford is appealing for help in its bid to send disaster aid to Mozambique. The club, along with others, has been busy responding to the emergency. Aid is being sent in special Aquaboxes, which double as receptacles for mundane but much need items and as containers for safe water, complete with filter cartridge and supply of treatment tablets. The club is inviting donations towards the initial cost of each box, which is £40.
Bideford Twinning Association members celebrated the new millennium by spending a ‘half-way’ weekend with their French twins from Landivisiau. Rather than their normal reciprocal visits the two groups, together 74 strong, this time met in Guernsey. They included Bideford’s Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Chris and Mrs Sandra Leather.
Mobile phones and business cards are the latest additions to the equipment of Torridgeside’s community constables – the men and women in the front line of the district’s Community Safety Partnership. They are aimed at making the officers even more accessible to the community and more businesslike, too. Bideford and District Crime Prevention Panel has presented three mobile phones, which have been allocated to three of the five community constables who cover the Torridge district.
Our picture shows Tony Pascoe, Jackie Rowlands, and Clive Poole
School reunion for Liz Tucker (nee Shambrook), Mandy Jones (nee Quick), Julie Williams (nee Cann), Sally Childs (nee Riley) and Janice Long (nee Harding). And with local baker Graham Blight among their number the group was assured of a special reunion cake. “It was wonderful and everyone was so enthusiastic” said Liz. “We have decided it is not something you can do every year, but to meet up again in 2005.”
World champion skateboarder Mark Holroyd will help Torridge enthusiasts to mark the successful conclusion of a concerted campaign when he attends the opening of a new £50,000 skateboard park in Bideford. Young people from the district backed their call for a skateboard park with an 8,000 name petition. The young people have themselves played a major role in its design and layout. District council chairman John Rawlinson will officially open the park.
Buckland Brewer property for sale.
Three bedroomed cottage in Buckland Brewer for sale.
Fremington Parish Council is hosting the second Party on the Green to celebrate the May Day holiday. The event will feature a demonstration by local line dancers as well as displays by children who are members of the Banbury’s Bluebird Twirlers. Clubs and organisation will man stalls and the parish council will be working with volunteers to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Parish council chairman Ro Day said “We would like to issue a warm invitation to all local people to join us in having fun, celebrating the holiday and supporting the very worthwhile work of the children’s hospice.”
Past experience as a fell walker and mountain rescue member in Cumbria will hold Fremington vicar the Rev Paul Hockey in good stead when he undertakes a marathon walk next month. Mr Hockey has named his self imposed challenge the St Peter’s to St Peter’s Walk. It will take him from Exeter Cathedral to his own St Peter’s parish church in Fremington, a distance of 45 miles. His effort is part of a £100,000 fund raising appeal for work on the leaking roof and tower of the 760 year old Fremington Parish Church.
Boat struck rocks off Welcombe Mouth, five miles south of Hartland Point.
Villagers of Instow are being called to assemble for a unique photograph as the latest step in its millennium project. A book detailing the history of the village and is inhabitants has proved a huge success. Now the rallying call is going out to all local people to take part in a parish photograph. On May 1 at 4pm they will assemble on the lawns of the Commodore Hotel and an intrepid photographer will mount a ladder on the hotel balcony to capture the upturned faces from above for posterity.
Instow quayside location.
Littleham property for sale.
Is there a big cat stalking the woods at Monkleigh? Mysterious scratch marks on a tree and large paw prints in the mud have left a local man wondering if he has stumbled on a haunt of North Devon’s notorious ‘black beast.’ Stuart Vanstone of Buckland Brewer has added fresh evidence to the debate with his finds in woodland near Monkleigh. While logging in the wood Stuart found two large paw prints in the mud. Each measured some four inches square. Later he noticed that an ash sapling showed a series of deep scratch marks six to eight from the ground.
Northam property for sale.
Descendants of families made homeless by the Great Fire of London will be among the special guests when Torrington Cavaliers carry out their own millennium reenactment of the 17th century tragedy this summer. In a detective story spanning the Atlantic Ocen, the Cavaliers have sought out the descendants as far as the island of St Helena. It was there that families displaced by the fire are believed to have been transported as colonists in 1667. The Cavaliers’ search is continuing in particular for descendants of ‘King’s baker’ Thomas Farynor or Fariner in whose premises the Great Fire is believed to have started.
May Queen-to-be Joanna Down had an early engagement in Torrington when she was at the centre of a ceremony to mark the opening of the town’s new library. Joanna, became the first youngster to receive her gold ‘Booktrak’ award at the library to mark her reading of 100 books and discussing them with library staff. She received her badge from Torrington county councillor Bill Brook.
Stars of the show at May Fair celebrations in Torrington will be Joanna Down and her royal retinue. Joanna is pictured with Roxanne Adams, Matthew Stark, Sam Hardwicke, Rebecca Disney, Holly Hampton, Nicole Bellamy, Rosie Warrington, Melissa Always, Sophie Eggleton, Rebekah Jefferies and Emma Martin. The procession will be led by Carnival Queen Bonnie Hillier of Shebbear.
The Torrington office of the Torridge Volunteer Bureau has moved house. It is now based at the Castle Hill Centre in South Street, where it enjoys newly refurbished premises and access either by stairs or lift.
The Old Laundry is a single-storey barn conversion situated on an exclusive private estate near Torrington.
Gardening celebrity Charlie Dimmock could hardly have chosen a better venue when she visited Torrington for the filming of her latest ‘Garden Army’ TV series. Torrington has always been able to assemble an army, as its Civil War history will testify. And a volunteer army of well over 100 turned up with their spades, forks and hoes to help Charlie in her televised transformation of the town’s walled Vicarage garden in School Lane. In weeks to come they will help her create a special garden for the community, with funding from the Great Torrington Community Development Trust. Charlie also took time out to pop to Torrington Football Club.
Cook required for Heron’s Lea Residential Home, Westward Ho!
Winkleigh property for sale.
Woolsery property for sale.
Woolsery longhouse for sale. It dates from the late 15th century and still retains a wealth of features. Alterations were made to the spacious Grade II listed building in 1653 as a moulded plaster cornice in the dining room testifies.
