Bideford Rotary 1925-2025
Rotary is a global network where people unite and take action to create lasting change. There are more than 45,000 clubs who work together and see themselves as community-builders, people of action and problem-solvers. Rotary was started by Paul P Harris, a Chicago attorney, on 23 February 1905. “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” Its two official mottoes are “Service above Self” and “One Profits Most Who Serves Best”
In 1912, the Rotary Club of London was the first acknowledged Rotary club outside of North America. Although the Dublin club was operating before London, it did not receive its charter until afterwards.
Famous Rotarians include Roald Amundsen; Neil Armstrong; Sir Edmund Hillary; Orville Wright; Prince Philip; Luciano Pavarotti; John F Kennedy; Pope Francis; Bill Gates, Margaret Thatcher; Dolly Parton; and Capt Sir Tom Moore.
The suggestion of forming a Rotary Club in Bideford was put forward at a luncheon held in Friendship's Cafe, Market Place, on 22 May 1924. Starting a Club, choosing membes, holding meetings and establishing committees takes some time and it was almost a year after that luncheon in May 1924 that Bideford Rotary Club was formed; on April 7th 1925 the Council was elected and at the first luncheon following various committees were appointed; Bideford Rotary was under way.
The North Devon Herald, Thursday, February 26, 1925
At the Barum Rotary Dinner held in Bromley’s Café, the Chairman said “they hoped in the near future Barnstaple would not be the only club in North Devon…” Rotarian C W Brannam proposed “The Visitors” which was acknowledged by the Mayor of Bideford, Dr E J Toye. The Mayor of Bideford expressed a great admiration for the principles of rotary and hoped they would have a club in Bideford.
Gazette, Friday April 14 1925
A meeting of the founder members of Bideford Rotary Club was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening last, the Mayor of Bideford, Dr E J Toye, president occupying the chair, when the election of officers on the local governing body was completed, the following being elected: Vice President, Mr F Lee; treasurer Mr H C Whitehead; secretary Mr J H Farleigh; Council Messrs F T Upton, JP, W H Marsh, A H Hopson, H I Meredith, J H Lowther, and W J Pitt. It was decided the Club should meet regularly on the second and fourth Thursday in every month, at Friendship’s Hotel, the first luncheon, however, to be held on Thursday, April 30th.
Gazette, 5 May 1925
The first meeting since its formation of the Rotary Club of Bideford, was held at Friendship Hotel, on Thursday, the President, the Mayor of Bideford (Dr E J Toye) presiding, also present Rotarians F Lee (Vice-President), H Hopson, J T Miller, Jackson, W H Marsh, R Blackmore, Ward, J S Owen, F Routley, J D Herridge, J H Farleigh, W W Perkins, R J Arnold, F E Whiting, H C Whitehead, and W C Friendship. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from F T Upton, JP, W J Pitt and F C Backway. By laws, as recommended by the Council were adopted, provision being made for the election of honorary members and associates. The Club will meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Friendship’s Hotel at 1pm for luncheon. The following were elected the committees with the officers of the Club as ex-officio members: Membership Rotarians, J I Baker and E W Ellis; programme Rotarians, Herridge, Upton, Marsh and Whiting; Fellowship Rotarians, W C Friendship, J H Lowther and R J Arnold; Rotary Education – Rotarians, Rev A Clegg, F E Whiting, and H I Meredith; Boys’ work – Rotarians, H C Whitehead, F C Backway, W W Perkins and R Blackmore. At a meeting of the Barnstaple and Bideford Clubs it was resolved to do all in their power to get American, Canadian and other overseas visitors to North Devon during the summer months. The Clubs are anxious to do everything possible to ensure their comfort, and still be most pleased to give every information and help.
Gazette, Friday March 9, 1926
The presentation for the first time of the President’s collar and badge marked the first annual dinner of Bideford Rotary Club, held at Tanton’s Hotel, Bideford. The tables were very daintly arranged, as were the whole proceedings. The new President, Mr F Lee, presided, accompanied by Mrs Lee, and was supported by the Mayor of Bideford, (Alderman J M Metherell) and the Mayoress, Sir Murray Irwin (Chairman of Northam Uran District Council) and Lady Irwin, Dr E J Toye, ex-Mayor and Immediate Past President, Major Charles Lock, Mr F E Whiting (vice-president) and Mrs Whiting, Mr H A Law, Mr Masters, Mr J Farleigh (secretary, Bideford Club) , Mrs Farleigh and Mr G Farleigh, Alderman A R Adams, Messrs O W Ward, A G Bromley, B N H Orphoot, A King, H M S Mathews, H I Meredith, W T Godfrey, and others.
Paul Harris, of Chicago, the Founder of Rotary, visited in 1928.
E C Midlen, F Sanguine, R Blackmore, H W Fulford, R Arnold, A Fulford, J S Owen, Rev W Treffry, Rev H C A Townsend, C J Martin, N M Braggins, W E Ellis, J S Dymond, F Lee, W J Pitt, A H Hopson, and a Plymouth Rotarian and his son, F Whiting, Paul Harris, M F Phelan, J H Farleigh
The North Devon Journal, February 14, 1929
“At a whist drive in connection with Bideford Rotary Club an auction sale was held of a consignment of Biddeford-made cloth goods sent over by the sister club of Biddeford, Maine, U.S., as a contribution to the Boys’ Welfare Fund. The sale realised £15.”
Gazette, Friday May 31, 1932
Bideford Rotarians taken overseas
Gazette, Friday May 31, 1932
Torrington Cottage Hospital
Devon and Exeter Gazette, Friday, July 10, 1936
“Rotarian Bertram Hamlyn has succeeded Dr E J Toye as President of Bideford Rotary Club, and Rotarian H W Fulford has been appointed Vice-President.”
Gazette, February 1, 1938
“For forty years, Dr Edwin Josiah Toye, M.D, F.R.C.S. (Eng.) faithfully and well served the town and district of his adoption. His widely recognised ability as a doctor and his equal ability and aptitude for public work will be sadly missed. On Monday of last week, he went about his rounds as usual, finishing with the evening surgery. Shortly after he retired for the night, he was suddenly taken ill and died just after midnight. His passing, accentuated by its unexpectedness, came as a great shock, as the news spread through the town and wide, on Market day. Although he had an exceptionally large professional practice, Dr Toye found time for many spheres of public service. He was a great supporter of Bideford Hospital, and it was most appropriate and gave general satisfaction that during his Mayoralty there was the laying of the foundation stone and the subsequent opening of the new Bideford and District Hospital buildings in Abbotsham Road. His year of office was also distinguished by the opening of Bideford Long Bridge after renovation. Dr Toye was formerly Medical Officer of Health for Northam and the experience of his professional life was greatly valued in his four years service on Bideford Town Council from 1923-27.”
Dr Edwin Josiah Toye died 25 January 1938
The North Devon Journal, March 31, 1938
“In memory of the club’s founder-president, the late Dr E J Toye, Bideford Rotary Club has presented to its associated ladies’ branch of Rotary – the Inner Wheel – a president’s badge, suitably inscribed. The presentation was made at a supper party held at the club’s headquarters, Tanton’s Hotel, Bideford, on Wednesday, on behalf of the club, by the president, Mr W H Fulford, and accepted on behalf of the Inner Wheel by Mrs W E Ellis, the president.”
In an article dated 12 April 1938, the bequests made by Dr E J Toye are publicised.
Gazette, May 30, 1944
“There is no link which can bind citizens more closely and solidly than friendship between individual citizens, remarked the President of Bideford Rotary Club (Mr E H Gaud) at Thursday’s annual meeting. During the past twelve months our Club has had a great opportunity of forging such links and has taken full advantage of it.”
The North Devon Journal-Herald, July 27, 1950
“Mr Leslie Braddick, son of a former mayor of Bideford, and himself president of the Bideford A. F. Supporters’ Club, has been elected president of the local Rotary Club for the current year. Mr H Blackmore has been elected vice-president, and other elections include Mr R C Fishleigh (secretary) and Mr E H Gaud (treasurer).”
The 75th Charter Anniversary Dinner and President's Night which was held at the Commodore Hotel, instow, on Friday 26th May 2000,
Highlights from 1925-2000
1925 – Greetings from the Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco, Maine, USA
Feb1927 – A Youth Rally was organised “to focus public attention on the splendid work being done by the various organisations working among the youth of Bideford.” Almost 300 youngsters participated, and 1,500 public attended.
June 1927 – Weekly, instead of fortnightly, luncheons commenced on the 9th.
June 1928 – Bideford Rotary Club received a visit from Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, who addressed the Club, and shook hands with every member. A photo recording the visit was taken outside Tantons Hotel.
June 1936 – Train trip organised to visit RMS Queen Mary at Southampton, upon her return from her maiden voyage.
1940 – The minesweeper Brecon Castle adopted by the Club. Cigarettes were despatched regularly, with the Inner Wheel members knitting woollen goods to be sent to the crew’s members.
Feb 1943 – Bideford Rotary organised an appeal around the district for the Merchant Navy Comforts Service, when almost £5,000 was raised – double the target!
July 1944 – An appeal for Bideford Hospital was undertaken by Bideford Rotary Club. The target for the three Council areas was £2,000. A ‘marvellous result’ was achieved.
Feb 1955 – To mark the 50th Anniversary of Rotary, five trees were planted at the rear of the Port Memorial Gardens, and two teak seats provided.
May 1973 – Bideford Rotarians first visit to Uelzen Rotary Club.
September 1975 - Bideford's Victoria Park is the Rotary emblem with wording reminding that this year Bideford Rotary Club has celebrated its golden jubliee.
Mr Jim Shackleton, Torridge District Council's parks superintendent with Mr Ron Smith who was president of the Rotary Club when it marked its jubilee by handing over a fully-equipped ambulance to Bideford and District St John Ambulance Brigade.
Oct 1978 – The first occasion of the award by the Club to the ‘Citizen of the Year’ was made to Miss Phyllis Durant.
"For a long time, said Mr Cowling, the club had been aware of the selfless community work undertaken by many people locally with no thought of reward or even acknowledgement and they had decided to institute a good citizenship award as a small measure of public appreciation of this kind of service."
Feb 1980 – To mark the 75th Anniversary of Rotary, a very fine Visitors Book was presented to the Mayor, and President Bob Harding planted a Mountain Ash tree in Victoria Park.
Mar 1986 – It was announced that the new Evening Club, which our members had been instrumental in setting up, would be known as the ‘Bideford Bridge Rotary Club.’
Oct 1990 – The sum of £400 was made available to Rotarian Alan Glover and party towards the costs involved with their journey to Romania with relief supplies.
Jan 1993 – Exchange Student Gemma Cullen from Te Aroaha, New Zealand arrived to spend a year studying at Bideford College.
June 1993 – Joanne Godfrey of Abbotsham was selected to visit New Zealand as our Exchange Student.
Nov 1999 – 75 ‘Fellowship’ roses planted in a new bed in Victoria Park, in readiness to mark the Bideford Rotary Club’s 75th Anniversary.
Article written in May 2000 by Peter Adams
Past Presidents (issued by Rotary Club of Bideford)
1925-26 – E J Toye; 1926-27 – Frederick Lee; 1927-28 – F E Whiting; 1928-29 – M F Phelan; 1929-30 – J S Owen; 1930-31 – W H Marsh; 1931-32 – A H Hopson; 1932-33 – N M Braggins; 1933-34 – R J Arnold; 1934-35 – W E Ellis; 1935-36 – E J Toye; 1936-37 – B Hamlyn; 1937-38 – H W Fulford; 1938-39 – C J Martin; 1939-40 – M F Lee; 1940-41 – W T Braddick; 1941-42 – Rev H C A S Muller; 1942-43 – J R Seward; 1943-44 – E H Gaud; 1944-45 – W Pearce; 1945-46 – E H Hopcraft; 1946-47 – A Sharp; 1947-48 – C Morris; 1948-49 – Rev R Pyke; 1949-50 – A C Hooper; 1950-51 – L Braddick; 1951-52 – F E Whiting; 1952-53 – H Blackmore; 1953-54 – C J Martin; 1954-55 – D W Friendship; 1955-56 – A E Hutchings; 1956-57 – C W Stephenson; 1957-58 – R C Fishleigh; 1958-59 – H Trickey; 1959-60 – N B Martin; 1960-61 – A H Goodman; 1961-62 – A W Bradley; 1962-63 – C S Holland; 1963-64 – A V Garland; 1964-65 – A E Palmer; 1965-66 – J Morris; 1966-67 – R Glover; 1967-68 – M E Brown; 1968-69 – P J Fletcher; 1969-70 – G Latham; 1970-71 – W H Chamings; 1971-1972 – R W Mitchell; 1972-73 – E Blanchard; 1973-74 – A G Olver; 1974-75 – R S Smith; 1975-76 – A A Beer; 1976-77 – C J Braund; 1977-78 – T C Williams; 1978-79 – D T P Cowling; 1979-80 – R J Harding; 1980-1981 – G J Braddick; 1981-82 – Rev B M Tinsley; 1982-83 – W J Elliott; 1983-84 – R E Day; 1984-85 – J F Garnsey; 1985-86 – R Chope; 1986-88 – J M Wright; 1988-89 – M Hudson; 1989-90 – B D Pidgeon; 1990-91 – A G Cox; 1991-92 – T O Derrigan; 1992-93 – M C Turner; 1993-94 – W I Atkinson; 1994-95 – F W J Blight; 1995-96 – E F Hatswell; 1996-97 – T C Malone; 1997-98 – E A Hubber; 1998-99 – B R Sims; 1999-2000 - B H Cooke; 2000-2001 - Neville Jackson; 2001-2002 - Martin Wright; 2002-2003 - T E A Barclay; 2003-2004 - Rev P Nock; 2004-2005 - Rev R Black; 2005-2006 - J B Edwards; 2006-2007 - W J Pope; 2007-2008 - D Lea; 2008-2009 - M C Palmer; 2009-2008 - C M Blanchard; 2010-2011 - T J Corkery; 2011-2012 - R M Williams; 2012-2013 - S Snell; 2013-2014 - H E Hartley; 2014-2015 - J D Ogle; 2015-2016 - M J Chance; 2016-2017 - R C Croslegh; 2017-2018 - J Willoughby; 2018-2019 - M Poole; 2019-2020 - B Sims; 2020-2021 - J Willoughby; 2021-2022 - M Clarke; 2022-2023 - J Eddie; 2023-24 - M Taylor; 2024-25 - M Taylor; 2025-26 - J Balchin.
Credits – Rotary International; Find My Past; Rotary Club of Bideford;