May 1925

It is reported that the prospects for a good crop of fruit are promising. The blossom on pear trees is meagre, but apple and plum trees are a veritable picture. Bush fruit, especially gooseberries and currants are certain to be plentiful.

Successful concerts held at Abbotsham.

At Abbotsham, much sympathy is felt with Mrs Tallin in the death of her husband, Mr Albert Tallin, and with Mrs Darch (daughter), and Mr Wilfred George Tallin (son), especially the latter, who is on foreign service on Wei Haiwei Island with HM Forces, the Royal Marines, and who has not seen his father for some three years.

Alverdiscott Parish Council has called attention to dangerous corners on Alverdiscott Road. This has been referred to the relevant committee of Bideford Council.

Alverdiscott Church tower – repair fund fete at Webbery.

News in Alwington – Mrs Poole receives a receipt, and the funeral of Mr John Frain takes place.

Devon County Licensing Committee refused confirmation of a hotel licence for a North Devon house at Yeo Vale, Alwington, which it was suggested had certain historical associations, and in respect of which there was certain opposition before the Bideford Bench. Lord Portsmouth presided. There was no opposition before the committee.

At Alwington, great sympathy is felt throughout the neighbourhood for the family and relatives of the late Mr M Ford, of Goldworthy Farm, who passed peacefully away after a long and trying illness. The deceased was a general favourite and the number of people who attended the funeral was, in spite of heavy rain, very large. The coffin, of polished oak with brass fittings, bore the inscription “Michael Ford, died April 30th, 1925, aged 41.” The bearers were …

PC John Ridd, for some time stationed at Appledore, has been promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Alphington.

On Holy Ascension Day, Mr and Mrs W Heard, who have the popular Sexton and Caretaker of St Mary’s Church, Appledore, for many years, celebrated the 26th wedding anniversary of their wedding which was taken by Rev W H Brind, a former curate of Appledore.

Lieut A W Valentine, MBE, elder son of Dr Valentine, MD, TD, of Appledore, was married to Miss Gweneth Eleanor Griffiths, third daughter of Commander L Griffiths, RN (retired) and Mrs Griffiths, of Southsea. The church was prettily decorated.

Miss Mary Guard, a daughter of the late Captain and Mrs Samuel Guard was found dead in her home at Irsha Street, Appledore. Her sister, Mrs Nellie Craner had just left her. Dr Valentine was promptly summoned and could only pronounce life extinct. As the doctor had attended her for several years and was able to certify the cause of death there was no need for an inquest. Deceased was much respected being a Sunday School teacher at the Church School for many years, and a member of the Church choir, taking also an interest in all the social life of the parish, till her health failed her.

Appledore was saddened by the unexpected death of Mrs Louis Guard, widow of the late Captain Samuel Guard, of the Retreat, which occurred at the early age of 60, leaving ten children to mourn their loss and for whom there is great sympathy. We regret to announce the death after a prolonged illness of Mrs Elizabeth Kelly, of Alpha Place, the widow of the late Captain W H Kelly. The deceased lady before her illness was a prominent church worker.

The funeral of the late Mr John Carter took place at Appledore Churchyard, the Vicar of Appledore officiating. As the deceased had for over forty years acted as signalman and winchman of the lifeboat, assisting Captain Stephen Hare in earlier days, the members of the committee and the lifeboat crew attended, the latter under Coxswain George Craner and Vice-Coxswain Stephen Bignell acting as bearers. Miss Beatrice Hooper presided at the organ. Mr John Harvey read the lesson whilst the Vicar referred to Mr Carter’s discharge of his duty in quickly assembling the crew to rescue the perishing.

After residing 42 years at Appledore, Mr Samuel James, ferryman, has left Appledore with his family to return to his native home Lyme Regis …

Messrs M W Blackmore and Sons launched at their works, Appledore, a passenger motor launch built to their own design in accordance with B.O.T requirements to the order of Messrs c White and Sons, of Aberystwyth, to ply on excursion trips in Cardigan Bay under Steam Certificate 6. After an appropriate prayer by Rev A G Brockett, and the christening ceremony performed by Miss Sofie Blackmore, The Pride of the Midlands took the water gracefully amid rousing cheers.

The annual supper of the Appledore Football Club was held in Reed’s Assembly Hall and a great time was spent by a large company. The hall was brightly decorated and together with the daintily laid tables presented a pleasing scene. An orchestra consisting of Mrs and Misses Reed, Mr B Reed and Miss R Abbott played selections of music. Rev H C A S Muller who presided remarked how proud they were of the Appledore players, especially the juniors who had set up a record for the Club in goal scoring and to crown the whole had brought back with them two cups the Pickard Cup for the second year and the J H Reed Cup.

While the River Bank and Park Committee’s report was under discussion at the meeting of Bideford Urban District Council, Mr F T Upton referred to a reference in the press to the unexplained disappearance of the captured German guns from the entrance to the Park and asked what had become of them. The Committee might inform the Council whey they had been put away in the Council’s yard.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Bideford Electric Light Company it was announced that the mains system is to be extended in the Bideford and Northam areas, with the hope of then carrying supply to Great Torrington, Weare Giffard and Instow. In the public notices, an abridged prospectus is printed giving full details of all the proposed areas, shares being offered at £1 each. ‘A’ shares in the Bideford Gas and Coke Company are selling at prices varying from £17-10-0 to £18-0-0.

An advert for hair care from R J Arnold. 

This advert for Puritan soap has a coupon to cut out for money off gifts – is this the first time for an offer like this?

Bideford’s highly esteemed Town Clerk, Mr W B Seldon, met with an injury to his head whilst motoring and which might easily have been more serious. He was, we understand, passing Southcott Corder, East-the-Water, in a car with his wife and daughter, when another car came out suddenly on to the road forcing the other to make a sharp swerve alongside the hedge to avoid collision. In the jolt Mr Seldon sustained a scalp wound which required to be stitched, but the injury we are glad to learn is not regarded as serious.

At a meeting of Bideford Town Council, it was reported that Bideford Harbour Bill had passed its second reading in the House of Lords, and will go to the unopposed committee stage to be heard by the House of Lords. The Council appointed the Borough Accountant to attend to prove the preamble. At a meeting of Bideford Chamber of Trade it was resolved to recommend the closing of shops at noon instead of one o’clock on June 3rd, the occasion of the Bridge reopening.

The extraordinary behaviour of a Bideford seafaring man on Barnstaple Long Bridge will claim the attention of Barnstaple Magistrates. In a railway story, Mrs Blanche Cook of Tower House, The Strand, Bideford, was summoned for causing nine chickens to be conveyed from Bideford to London by train in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering. In fact all the birds were found to be dead on arrival. Mrs Cook, the wife of a local dentist, disputed the charge but was found guilty and fined £5.

Twelve lads of the Church Lads’ Brigade, under Sergt-Major Johns, formed a guard of honour at the christening of the second daughter of Captain and Mrs Snell, at St Mary’s Church, Bideford. The Sergt-Major, in a short speech, asked Mrs Snell to accept a silver Christening Cup, suitably inscribed, “To Valerie Adams Snell, from the Bideford Company, CLB.”

The Old Town Garage, Clovelly Road, Bideford. Have you obtained the Rhode Mileage Chart?

Reliable and artistic furniture from Bishop’s.

Furniture from 3 Gernville (Grenville) Terrace, Bideford, for sale.

P.S. Parr comes to Bideford as Inspector. 

Ex-Sergeant Broad is presented with a handsome sideboard.

Mr W H Rogers was re-elected chairman of Bideford Board of Guardians and Mr J M Metherell vice-chairman.

Bideford’s brilliant win in the Torridge Cup Final.

Mr Frank Verren and Miss Decoutter are married at the Sacred Heart Church, Bideford.

The marriage took place at Bideford United Methodist Church of Mr F Leslie Haughton, Camelford, and Miss Florence L Adams, Westcroft, Bideford. The Rev William Rodda officiated.

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.

Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Potter, of Handy Cross, Bideford, in the loss they have sustained by the death, after only a brief illness, of their eldest daughter, Miss Gladys Potter. Mr Wadey officiated at the funeral which a large number of relatives and friends attended as a mark of sympathy and respect. The funeral of the late Mrs E Sherborne, of Silver Street, Bideford, took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. The Rev W G Eeles officiated. Floral tributes were sent from the sorrowing husband and family. The funeral of the late Miss Harriet Sing sub-postmistress of Trafalgar Place, daughter of Mr and Mrs R W Sing, took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, the Rev J T Halstead officiating. The funeral of the late Mrs Ellen Pound, widow of Mr J R Pound, who a generation ago and for many years carried on the business of a decorator in Mill Street took place at the Old Town Chapel Cemetery. 

Flags were flown at half-mast on the Municipal Buildings at Bideford on the occasion of the funeral of the late Mr R E L Hookway, who had been borough surveyor for twenty years. The Mayor and Corporation attended in state, joining the cortege at the Bridge End on its arrival from Westward Ho! members of the local lodge and headed it in Bridgeland-street. The Bridge Trustees were represented by their Chairman and other members, six senior Council workmen acted as bearers, and the County Surveyor’s staff was also represented, whilst a large attendance of the professional and business element, as well as working men of the town and district testified to the general esteem in which the deceased was held by all classes.

We regret to record the death of Mr Thomas Lancey Hamlyn, decorator, late of 15 Buttgarden Street, Bideford, which occurred at his residence, Coniston, Clovelly Road, at the age of 66.

Double wedding at Bideford – Pearce-Hill, and Hill-Jeffery.

Bideford Long Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic early next month for the long awaited re-opening ceremony. Luncheon will be by ticket only at the Athletic Club, cost 6 shillings.

At Bradworthy Sunday School anniversary services were conducted at the United Methodist Church by Rev F Dennis, who preached two excellent sermons to crowded congregations. On Monday afternoon, a children’s service was followed by a public tea. In the evening the annual public meeting was held, during which the scholars gave suitable recitations, and dialogues in a very pleasing manner. Rev F Dennis made an ideal chairman. Special hymns and anthems were rendered by the choir and children at all the services.

Clay pigeon shoot at Berridon Park, Bradworthy.

At Buckland Brewer, the wedding of Miss Frances Hancock, Eckworthy, and Mr Francis Marshall, of Frithelstock.

Marriage at Bucks Mills of Mr Paul Ellis, of Clovelly, and Miss Gladys Braund, of Bucks Cross.

You are invited to Stewart & Co’s show of the latest Millinery, Dresses, Highneck jumpers, etc., at Mount Pleasant, Clovelly, May 21st and 22nd. Expert milliner in attendance the first day.

At Hartland, Wilfred Kievill is included in a list of Sheffield school-boys who won elementary certificates of the Royal Life-Saving Society. He also received a proficiency certificate and a bronze medallion.

It is reported in the Gazette that Southern Railway has named their latest engine “Hartland Quay”. It is known that the Southern has a tradition of naming their engines after places served by their railway, but this choice seems a little confusing. Can any reader explain?

News has only now reached his mother, Mrs Vanstone, of Morwenna Cottages, from British Columbia, of the death of Mr Richard Thorne at Campbell River, Vancouver Island, on April 3rd at the age of 41. A native of Hartland, his father conducted the carrier’s business for the last 26 years managed by Mr T J Williams.

The United Methodist Sunday School anniversary at Hartland had favourable weather. Mr Saunders, of Bude, preached most appropriately, the morning text being Judges xiii. The singing was sweet, especially by Ivy Branton, Edna and Gladys Harris, and Annie Rowe.

Residential mixed farm, known at Park, for sale at Horwood.

PC Phillips, of Instow, has been promoted to Sergeant and removes to Hallwill.

Landcross Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary services.

Lundy islanders entertained.

Seals, said to be fairly common off Lundy, are thought to be the cause of damage to salmon fishing in the local rivers.

The marriage of Mr B Treavett and Miss H Staddon at Northam.

Bideford Town Council, at its quarterly meeting had before it a communication from Northam Council asking for its support in the appeal to be issued for help in the scheme to arrest the coast erosion at Westward Ho! Alderman J Cock thought it a matter that in the first instance at any rate should be talked over in Committee. Everyone of them, he was sure, without exception, was in deep sympathy with the Northam Council and would do what they could in the matter. He moved that it be referred to the members present to sit in Committee at the rising of the Council with power to deal. Alderman W T Goaman, seconded, and the matter was agreed to.

Mr J Hookway, a baker living at Cleave Houses, Northam, was driving his horse and cart out of Limer’s Lane towards the main road when a passing motor cycle frightened the horse which bolted, smashing the cart against a wall.

The funeral took place in Northam Churchyard of the late Mrs Ellen Jane Burch, who passed away after a long illness. The deceased was the widow of the late Mr Hooper Burch, who was for 27 years sexton of the Parish Church at Northam, and who died some 29 years ago. Mrs Burch, who was 81 years of age, belonged to a well known Appledore family, but had resided in Northam for a considerable period and was held in great esteem by a large circle of friends.

We regret to record the death of Mr Thomas Steer, son of Mr and Mrs F Steer of Kimberley Terrace, Northam, at the early age of 27 after a long illness. During the Great War, the deceased was stationed as Sergeant with the Royal Artillery in Salonica, where his service no doubt undermined his constitution. After the war, Mr Steer worked in partnership with his father, who is a well known builder. He was also closely connected with Northam Church. The great sincerity which he put into his work will be much missed by his brother officers and clergy connected with the parish Church.

The Reaper’s sickle has caused a heavy death roll on the north side of the parish, five people having died within a mile, the latest being Mr Lytton, who was taken to Bideford Hospital and operated on, but without effect. In musical circles he will be greatly missed. His clever brush and pen has done much to enliven many a play. He was also a clever ventriloquist. The young people with whom he was always delighted to entertain, will greatly miss him. Great sympathy is felt for the widow at the sudden sunset of her husband’s life.

Property and land for sale in Parkham.

Later in the month –

Parkham WI.

A successful social has been held in the Parkham Council Schoolroom, in aid of the ex-Service men’s skittle alley. Songs were given by Messrs F Symes, A Colwill, and G Jewell, Miss Jewell and Miss Ley. Music for dancing was supplied by the brass and jazz bands, combined with Mrs Jacob, sen, Mrs Ley and Miss Brend.

At Shebbear, in connection with the Mid-Torridge branch of the British Legion, Mr Robert Mill has been appointed a member of the Relief Committee to represent the parish. Mr Mill saw a great deal of service during the war in Gallipoli, Egypt and France.

We regret to report the death of Mrs Beatrice Piper, wife of Mr Augustus Piper of Modbury Cottages, Buckland Filleigh, which took place at the age of 35 years. Mrs Piper was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Mair, of Shebbear, and had a wide circle of friends who deeply mourn their loss.

The oldest building society in North Devon, established in Great Torrington, encourages you to become your own landlord.

Following a long and painful illness, Mr John Fursman passed away at Mill-street, Torrington, at the age of 80 years. Deceased in his younger days was a very prominent man in the borough as a road contractor.

Great Torrington Agricultural Society Annual Exhibition.

At a meeting of Torrington Board of Guardians, Mr J Squance in the chair, the Master, Mr Harrison, raised the question of laundry. One of the inmates who usually helped in the work was ill and another had taken her discharge. At present there was only one person available, and she had to assist with the nursing in the Infirmary. To get outside assistance would cost 25s, or 20s, a week and he suggested it might be better to have another officer. The average number of articles passing through the laundry every week was 800, and if these were sent out, and average one penny a piece – and the Guardians would not get sheets washed for that – it would mean 70s. The Board thought the work should be kept in the House and the matter was referred to the House Committee.

The wedding was solemnised at Torrington of Mr William Lock and Miss Elsie Gent.

It was May Fair day at Great Torrington, and with it memories of the by-gone ages were revived. The town was in a gay mood for the extensive programme of merry-making, and the utmost good humour marked all the proceedings. The magnificent English Bowling Championship Trophy won by Mr Reg Hodge last year was the chief decoration among the civic plate and reference was made in the speeches to the honour brought to Torrington and the county by this young Torringtonian’s brilliant success. The four ancient silver maces belonging to the town were also objects of much admiration.

At Torrington Borough Sessions before Messrs G Chapple, M Chapple, S Webber and H Taverner, a man and wife of no fixed abode, appeared on remand, charged with stealing various moneys and goods at Torrington on May Fair Day.

The Bench found the female guilty and sentenced her to one month’s hard labour. The male prisoner was found guilty on all six charges, and was sentenced to three month’s hard labour for each offence, the sentence to run concurrently.

Sea damage at Westward Ho! Council’s SOS for funds.

A sub-committee from Devon County Council led by the Earl of Portsmouth will visit Westward Ho! on June 3rd,

The funeral took place of the late Mrs Elizabeth Ann Woodcock, of High View Terrace, Westward Ho! whose death occurred suddenly after a very brief illness. The deceased was very well known and highly respected, being up to the time of her death verger of Westward Ho! Church. We regret to record the death of Mrs Ellis, 5 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! which occurred at the great age of 87 years. Mrs Ellis was the widow of the late Mr Henry Ellis, who for many years was in charge of the Coastguard Station at Westward Ho!

The marriage of Mr Stuart J Cowell, MB, MRCP, and Mary Penelope, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Cecil Smith, of Link House, Westward Ho!

The Championship Committee of the Royal and Ancient Club, St Andrews, has invited the English and Scottish Golf Unions to select their respective sides for the annual international contest between the two nations on the Royal North Devon course, Westward Ho! on Saturday, May 23. It is good that the recent storms have not seriously impacted the Royal North Devon Golf Club, as sides for the forthcoming match between England and Scotland have been announced, the names appearing in the paper of 19 May.

Mrs Donnell and Mrs Heriz-Smith, of Belvoir, Bideford, most kindly entertained about 80 children of the Woolsery Council School. Tea was laid at the Vicarage Schoolroom, where the party was welcomed by the Rev G L and Mrs Edwards, Miss Stucley, of Moreton House, Bideford, gave a delightful talk to the children on the growth of the Empire, telling them that the right spirit was to look upon Woolsery as an important, if small, piece of the Empire; that in 20 years time they would be all grown men and women, and the Empire’s progress depended a lot on what they thought and did in Woolsery. In doing their best in all their work and home life they were helping to run this great Empire of ours. Cheers were given for the King and Queen and Royal family, and the National Anthem sung.

May 1975

One of the six finalists in the British Bacon Curers’ Federation cookery competition to be decided at the Bath and West Show is Mrs Beatrice Griff, a member of Abbotsham WI, who lives at Carnbrae, Abbotsham. Her chosen dish is ham and egg pie.

A coffee morning held at Springfield, Riccards Down, Abbotsham, the home of Mr and Mrs J Hockin, raised £15 for Alwington Play Group.

Gifts totalling over £400 towards the cost of the work were received when Alwington Methodist Church was reopened with a dedication and gift service following renovations which included redecoration and a new kitchen. At the service, over which the minister, Rev Peter Willis, and the superintendent minister of the Bideford circuit, Rev W J Joyce, presided, special items were provided by past and present members. Those taking part included Mrs E Ley, Mrs G Heywood, Mr and Mrs David Reed, Mrs Mann, Janet and Rosemary Andrew, Robert Lee, Stephen Headon and friends of the circuit youth.

A sale in aid of Alwington Church funds, which was opened by the Rector Rev T Nicholls raised £190.

Mr Alf Fisher of Meeting Street, Appledore, earns a medal from the Belgian Royal Federation of Veterans of King Albert I.

Three little girls were sad when Hammy, their pet hamster, suddenly disappeared. Tracey and Paula, daughters of Mr and Mrs Michael Roberts of Appledore were dismayed when their sister Debra told them that Hammy had vanished. A search revealed a tiny hole in the bathroom but there was no sign of the hamster. A week went by. Then the house next door, which is used for the holiday season, was opened up and inside was Hammy, extremely dirty and hungry, but in the eyes of three girls loveable nevertheless!

Appledore Conservation Committee told Northam Town Council that they had no objections to a planning application to convert a former grocery store into a licensed better shop at London House, Appledore, provided there was no nuisance from noise and that any curtaining or blanking off of the windows was not detrimental to the visual aspect of the locality.

In a week when the return of unofficial strikers to Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd was followed by a hint of a new major order worth about £7 million, there was little hope for the future operation of the Bideford factory of Bowlight Engineering. Indications are that it could close by the end of next month.

A warning that disaster could threaten West Appledore.

Cousins were bearers at the funeral of Mr Philip Harris, of 3 The Quay, Appledore. He was a shipwright and a member of a well known Appledore shipbuilding family. Bearers were John Craner, Leonard White, Barry White and Alan Daniel.

Snoopy the fox cub is lucky to be alive because of Malcolm Shute, of Barton Tors, Bideford, Barbara Hopper, Barbara Riley and Berice Davidson.

Mrs Ivy Badcock guesses correctly to the half penny.

The Art School building on Bideford Quay is in its last term as the art department of the North Devon College. Proposals are being made for the art school to become an arts and craft centre, for use mainly by adults as part of Bideford Community College. In this event Mr James Paterson, at present head of the art department of ND College, will continue in charge at Bideford as warden of the centre. The students at present attending full time courses will be transferred to a new creative block at N Devon College.

Some of the many pupils at Bideford County Secondary School who are now taking their Certificate of Secondary Education examinations. This year the pass fail system in the GCE ‘O’ level examinations is to be replaced by five official grades, A to E, and this will affect the description of CSE Grade 1 which for 11 years has been related to the ‘O’ level pass standard. In future the minimum standard for a CSE Grade 1 pass will be equivalent to the minimum standard of GCE Grade C ‘O’ levels pass.

Bideford and District Unit of the Sea Cadet Corps was inspected by Commander Bluett, the Western Area Officer of the Corps. This was the official annual inspection and 32 cadets and five officers and instructors were on parade. Most parents and friends were present and they heard the inspecting officer compliment the unit on it smart appearance and high standards of discipline.

Somewhere in Bideford there is a darts player who is £5 better off than he should be.

A nostalgic moment as a special Canadian visitor to Bideford meets some of the children who over the years have been regularly keeping in touch with him by letter. Mr Bill Backway left his native Bideford in 1923 for Canada and there he stayed, working as a butcher and thenfor 16 years before retirement as a lollipop man in Vancouver. Having been born in Brookfield Street and attended school at East-the-Water he contacted the school and sent a calendar each year. The children decided to reply and for the past 10 years successive classes of children have written to him. Other readers might remember him as ‘Cherry’ Backway in his footballing days.

The Vera Couch Memorial Cup for the best dog or bitch in St Austell and District open show was won by a Labrador dog owned by Mr W G Tucker, of Brown’s Close, Pynes Lane, Bideford.

The funerals have taken place of Mr Fred Slade and Mrs Florence Slade. They died within 10 days of each other and lived for the past 40 years at Glentorr Road, Bideford.

Former Bideford bank manager, Edwin Guad, dies.

Site engineer for Lysachs Construction company during the building of East Yelland power station, Mr Henry Gainey, of Elm Grove, Bideford, has died in the North Devon Infirmary.

When The Edwardians and friends held a sponsored walk from Bideford to Torrington and back, as the opening of a week of events in aid of charity, Sammy a Springer spaniel decided to join in. He completed the course and still had energy to frolic in the Park. One participant, Roger Clark, ran both ways.

Faced with a continual drain on funds of £1,000 a year for maintenance, Lavington United Reformed Church has applied for outline permission to demolish its premises in Bridgeland Street, Bideford, and to rebuild – this time incorporating commercial premises. If the plan goes through it will mean that a well known Bideford landmark – the church’s twin spires which have stood since 1859 – will disappear.

Sarah Woolf of Buckland Brewer, and of the Stevenstone and Torrington Farmer’s branch of the Pony Club competed in a trial for the junior horse trials team to represent Great Britain. It was her first attempt and she finished 17th out of 45. The branch hopes to have a team at the area trials at Molland in which Sarah will be riding.

Gallantry medal for Michael Houchen of the Clovelly-based cruising lifeboat.

For a brief spell four former Clovelly lifeboatmen now all in their 80s relived the occasion 33 years ago when they rescued three German airmen from the sea near Hartland Point. One of the three Germans, wireless operator Rudolph Graf, now a grocer, made a sentimental journey to North Devon to express grateful thanks for his rescue. He and two other survivors from a Heinkel had been drifting in a badly leaking dinghy for nearly eight hours when they were found by the searching Clovelly lifeboat. Waiting to greet Herr Graf were George Lamey, Oscar Abbott and Charles Shackson. On his way to Clovelly, Herr Graf called on the fourth, Mr Harold Braund of Bideford.

This year’s Revel Queen of Clovelly is Nicola Bullen, daughter of Mrs G Perham, The Quay, Clovelly. She was chosen from nine contestants at the annual Revel Queen dance by Mr and Mrs Judd and Mr and Mrs D Hockin. The event at the Parish Hall was organised by Mesdames A Johns and G Shackson. Draw winners were Christopher Symons, Mrs R Tridgell and Mrs A Johns.

Clovelly pier, which acts as a breakwater for the harbour, needs repairs estimated to cost £10,000 to £12,000, Torridge District Council’s Environmental and Leisure Services Committee were told. The Clovelly Estate Company asked if the Council, as coast protection authority, would be prepared to contribute in any way towards the work required.

At St Edmund’s Church, Dolton, local Cubs and Brownie Guides, with their leaders Mrs J Folland and Mrs J Sidey, joined with Sunday School children in a special service. Simon and William Jury acted as sidesmen, lessons were read by Diane Hiscock and John Hartley, and collections were taken by Sarah Corby, Mary Ann Jury and Louise and Mark Thompson. The service was conducted by the Rector, Rev F R Moorse, and Rev David Croad showed flannelgraphs of special interest to children. Mrs R Mitchell was the organist.

Mr John Heal was elected chairman of Dolton Parish Council at its annual meeting. Tributes were paid to the retiring chairman Mr C R Fishleigh for his devotion and service during his 21 years in office. Mr S E Hiscock was re-elected vice-chairman.

Frithelstock’s three street lights should be brought up to county council standard, replacing the existing mercury-type lamps, it was proposed at the annual meeting of the parish council. Financial reports were presented by the Parish Council chairman Mr C Poole (war memorial), Mrs L Budge (charity) and Mr J Allin (Village Hall).

Twelve children from the Hartland Methodist Sunday School sat for the scripture examinations organised by the National Christian Education Committee. Results – Junior under 9 years: Alison Manley, Wendy Heard and Huw Thorne, Grade 1 with honours: Martin Reader, Grade 2. Junior 9-10 years: Bridget Bayliss, Jennifer Thorne, Jennifer Allin, Tracey Thorne and Dwayne Heard, Grade 1 with honours: Wendy Bragg, Grade 2, Senior 11013 years: Lisa Manley and David Thorne, Grade 1 with honours.

Children’s part in Hartland anniversary.

A medal for Auxiliary Coastguard Mr John Lovell, who lives at Stoke, Hartland.

Instow man, Mr R J Braddon, is honoured.

Rose Farm, Langtree, for sale.

After 51 years’ active association, Mr Richard Sanders, of Crossleigh, Littleham, principal of W H Sanders and Son, Orleigh Mills, has retired.

Littleham Youth Club entertained girls from Shawleigh, Edgehill, to a tramps’ supper in Littleham Parish Hall. Winners of the competition for the best dress were Sharon Tamalyn, Lucy Stephens, Graham Hooper and Dawn Metherell. Helpers included Mrs J Barber and Mr Philip Pennington.

Members of Appledore bellringers, led by their captain, Mr Peter Dixon, had a special task when they visited Lundy – to make a reconnaissance of the church tower and its bells. The eight bells of St Helena were taken down after the tower was declared unsafe but now one bell has been hoisted part-way and the Appledore ringers explored the possibility of having the single bell property rehung. En-route to the island the Vicar of Appledore, Rev Donald Peyton-Jones, held a communion service and before re-embarking a lifeboat service was held in the island church.

A new term has started and for the 70 pupils of Monkleigh Primary School it means another start on the task of collecting sacks of tinfoil in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Parents and friends help and one of the most enthusiastic collectors is Mrs Curtis, of Meddon Street, Bideford. Other local schools helping include Westcroft, Stella Maris and Edgehill. The headmaster of the Monkleigh School, Mr C S Wingrave-Pain, is coordinator in North Devon for the Association.

Twenty-eight candidates were confirmed by the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev Eric Mercer, at St Margaret’s Church, Northam. The candidates came from the parishes of Northam, Appledore and Littleham.

Tourist Centre at Northam.

Proposed supermarket site at Northam will be inspected.

All parking on Bone Hill should be prohibited, Northam Town Council have told Torridge District Council. Northam war memorial has been cleaned at the cost of £10, it was reported at Northam Town Council.

St Margaret’s, Northam, has been visited by the Magic Lantern Theatre Company, a professional group from the Midlands. They gave two performances using shadow puppets and afterwards the group gave a short teach-in on the equipment and materials used.

Unknown to their teachers and entirely on their own initiative three boys from St Margaret’s School, Northam, went on a sponsored walk. The three classmates – Andrew Peacock, Nicholas Glassock and Stephen Heard – borrowed a pram and walked around the perimeter of Bideford’s Victoria Park to raise money for their chosen charity, Broomhayes Children’s Centre at Westward Ho!

Mrs Phyllis R Galliford achieves a local ‘double’ when named Town Mayor-designate of Northam.

Sally Jobson Scott, of Northam, won the Dulverton West Hunt open junior show jumping even at Mullacott Cross. Sally, who gained her success on The Clyde, also finished joint second on Hunky Dory in the Kerrygold junior Foxhunter event.

Extensions to the Allardice Hall, Parkham, were officially opened 18 years to the day the hall first opened.

Completing a remarkable double Mr Ronald Millman, of Sanctuary, Shebbear, was announced at the County Show as this year’s champion herdsman of Devon, thus retaining the title he won last year when the competition started. A married man with two children, he is employed by Mr Allin Bewes, of Suddon Farm. Mr Millman has won a holiday for two in Canada.

Fluttering French tricolours added a new colourful dimension to Torrington’s May Fair celebrations this year as the town entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of entente cordiale. The May Fair was the ideal setting for the sealing of the twinning link between Torrington and the town of Roscoff in Brittany and the highlight of this year’s opening ceremony was the signing of the twinning charter by guest of honour Dr Marcel Stephan, Mayor of Roscoff.

The Queen, Tracy Jones and her crowner Tanya Beer had similar all-white dresses in ruched material, while the eight attendants wore either pale pink or navy on a white background. Posies of colourful anemones wrapped in gold were carried by the girls to pick out the rich colours of the heralds’ outfits. The heralds – Colin Hiscock and Alan Warne were in period costumes of red velvet topped with red hats with feathers and had shoes with golden buckles. Attendants were: Melissa Davey, Teresa Furse, Sharon Keen, Tina Palmer, Tanya Wheeler, Julie Rich, Gillian Hutchings, and Juliet Sluman.

A new collection designed by Frank Thrower, of Dartington Glass, Torrington, comprises decanters, ice buckets, flower bowls and tumblers, pyramid ashtrays, crystal ring trees, candle lamps, vases, sangria jugs, bowls, seafood cocktail glasses, oil and vinegar bottles and candle holders.

At a ceremony at Torrington Wendy Tyler was presented with her Queen’s Guide badge. She is the eldest daughter of Torrington veterinary surgeon Mr John Tyler and Dr Jean Tyler, of Herons Lake.

The funeral has taken place at the Methodist Church, Torrington, of Mr James Hockridge. Born at Hartland, he farmed at Blakes, Bulkworthy, now being farmed by his son Clifford, and at Towell Farm, Beaford, before retiring three years ago. Hundreds of people from all walks of life paid their final tribute at the funeral of Mr Samuel Joseph Parkes, who for 24 years was Town Clerk of Torrington. His services to Torrington spanned over 50 years. The funeral service for Mrs Louisa Brownscombe, widow of Mr Thomas Brownscombe, late of Loosedown Barton, Winkleigh, took place at the North Devon Crematorium.

Mr Bob Lamey, whose home is at Westward Ho! Post Office, has just retired after 36 years at the Bideford depot of Bayly Bartlett, builders merchants and timber exporters.

Over she goes! Louise Thompson rides Pinky over the impromptu fence afforded by a breakwater on the sands at Westward Ho! watched by Nicola Wheeler on Spot. The two girls are members of the Stevenstone Pony Club.

Properties in Kipling Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale at auction.

Plans to convert 60 holiday flats and bungalows at Westward Ho! Holiday Village, Golf Links Road, to full residential use failed to get the approval of the Plans Sub-Committee of Torridge District Council. The planning officer, Mr Tony Hodder, recommended refusal on the grounds that the proposal was contrary to the development plan and would conflict with holiday use of the site. A spokesman for Bancroftland Ltd, the owners, said that his company was not happy about the decision and would press for the scheme to be reconsidered.

A condition of consent to the holding of a Caravan Club rally at Pusehill, Westward Ho! from August 2-16 is that the club marshal their caravan traffic on a one-way system in that vicinity to avoid possible traffic complications.

Maybe you had membership at the new and enlarged Elizabethan Club in Westward Ho!

Woolsery Sunday School anniversary.

On his visit to Woolsery Mr Tony Speller, prospective candidate for the North Devon division will do so in ‘walk about’ style. From the shop he will go to the Parish Church and the two chapels, the school, the new houses and the old people’s home and other parts of the village.

May 2000

St Helen’s Church of England School, Abbotsham, was closed to allow small amounts of asbestos to be removed from an office and classroom. A county council spokesman explained that the problem arose when a wall heater was dislodged in one of the school’s temporary wooden rooms used as an office. An independent company was being called in to carry out air sampling before the children were allowed back. Abbotsham parents and staff are currently keeping fingers firmly crossed for news of a bid for funding to replace the small Victorian school with its number of temporary wooden classrooms with a new building.

Later in the month, it was reported …

Hopes have been launched for the creation of more than 200 new jobs at Appledore Shipbuilders following news of a near £2 million cash injection from the Government. Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd have traineeships available.

Appledore festival will be filled with colour.

An Appledore pensioner is appealing for the return of his much loved miniature trees. After three robberies at his home the widower has asked that he remain anonymous “as I am already paranoid enough.” Most of the items taken from his home were of low value, apart from an expensive hosepipe, his grandson’s mountain bike and two much loved Bonsai trees. “The bike has been stamped by the police with the postcode. I am appealing to anyone who might have been offered this bike or a Bonsai for sale in the hope this might lead to the apprehension of the thieves.”

Every child in the borough of Northam deserves a medal believes Northam Town Council. With that in mind the council has financed the making of enough golden millennium medals to present one to each child. Mayor Councillor Richard Bradford has started the ball rolling by presenting medals to youngsters at Appledore Primary School and St George’s Infants’ in Northam.

Cllr Bradford, Charlotte Redman, Richard Briggs

Rotary Club of Bideford President’s Night will celebrate the club’s 75th anniversary.

Fillings without the drill if you visit Jonathan Hellyer at Queen Anne’s Dental Surgery in Bideford High Street.

Approach to Bideford will be a ‘corridor of colour’ as MEPC, the company behind Atlantic Village shopping development becomes a major sponsor of the town’s Fields of Hope project.

Ford Rise, Bideford, property for sale.

Memories of the former Bideford Church Junior School are to be rekindled with plans for a reunion of former pupils. Former schoolmates Linda Batten (nee French) and Sandra Cottle (nee Eastman) are organising the get together at the old school, which is now the social centre of Bideford Angling Club at the top of the High Street. “We would like people to bring along their memories, old photographs or anything they might still have relating to the school,” said Sandra.

Bideford Scout troop remains closed until uniformed leader can be found.

Two North Devon adventurers grabbed the attention of Ugandan President Museveni when they went mountain climbing in his country. They have returned from an amazing trip in which they were given an armed military escort, were entertained by a president, and climbed the continent’s three highest mountains. They are sworn rivals in a self-imposed quest to become the first climbers in the world to reach the summits of the three highest mountains on each continent.

John Rees-Tucker from Bideford, and Neil Tucker, from Landkey, are pictured

After a century and a half Sofia Margaret has returned to her home port of Bideford – but this time to the High Street gallery of J Collins and Son. The two-masted schooner is seen berthed alongside the shore at The Mumbles in a dramatic painting by George Wolfe. “We have a very good record of the Sofia Margaret’s fascinating history” said gallery owner John Biggs. “She was built by George Cox in 1848 at his yard at Limers Lane in Northam.” J Collins and Son has been selling antiques and fine art in Bideford for what in two years time will mark its half-century.

Exciting times are ahead for the community at East-the-Water, Bideford, with plans for a near £1 million expansion of its Pollyfield Community Centre. The management committee has teamed up with a major national charity to find money for a project which will enable the centre to keep pace with the demands of the growing community by providing additional facilities for the elderly, the young and a variety of other groups and organisations. “Two years from now the Pollyfield Centre will not be as we know it. We have just been too successful for our own good. The centre is now used from 9am to midnight every day and there is not enough room for all the meetings and clubs. There is enough demand for twice the number of rooms we have.” said Community Association chairman John McKenzie. Over the next few months the local community was going to be very busy as a feasibility study was carried out to decide…

A dream has come true for young skateboarders and BMX bikers on Torridgeside with the official opening in Bideford of a purpose-build skate park. Answering a mass petition from local youth, Torridge District Council has used part of the Bank End car park for the development of the £50,000 project. The opening ceremony was performed by district council chairman Royston Johns assisted by world BMX champion Mark Holroyd.

Mr Johns, Tom Reed and Mark Holroyd

A Bideford sewer ventilation pipe is to be added to the Images of England website being created by the National Monuments Record, the public archive of English Heritage.

Working party to look at future of Kathleen and May.

Spring is in the air at Edgehill College in Bideford where enthusiastic young gardeners have added colour to the front of the Preparatory School. The gardening club meets every week and with the help of some willing parents, has transformed an area by the front gate into a lovely garden complete with bird table and bath.

Mark Percival, Kristofer McAllister and Matthew Underwood

Nineteen local schools have taken up the invitation of Bideford Bridge Rotary Club to plant a tree in celebration of the new millennium. With the support of the Silvanus Trust, the Rotary Club has provided each with a native tree of their choice.

Edgehill College students chose to plant a young oak tree

Distressed relatives are appealing for help to stop people removing floral tributes and containers from graves at the Higher Cemetery in Bideford. “Two people who came up here this morning found flowers, pots and baskets had gone completely. People are getting quite upset,” said a local resident. A council spokesman said that no official complaints had been received from the public, but he had heard comments from staff members that this was taking place.

Buckland Brewer barn conversion for sale.

More than 400 children and adults enjoyed a day out at the Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly.

The village of Dolton is making a special effort this year to gain honours in the Community Council of Devon’s Best Kept Village competition. An appeal is going out to all its residents to do their bit to show off the village at its best. Spokesman John Cotter said “In the past Dolton has come fairly well up in the final placings but, so far, the win has eluded us. That is until, hopefully, this year.” The object of the competition was to encourage a real sense of community and to improve the general appearance of villages. Judges were looking for villages which did the best with what they had.

When staff at Children’s Hospice South West in Fremington were offered lesson in the ancient art of Tai Chi, they jumped at the chance. Nurses and others at the hospice are taking a short course at the Matt Fiddes Black Belt Academy with Matt and Andy Coles as instructors.

For sale in Fremington

Headlines in Fremington is now able to offer another late night opening, and with two new stylists added to the team, appointments will be available with additions Sharon Underwood and Kay Jackson to the team.

Barn conversion in Hartland for sale.

Northam Burrows County Park changes hands

Burrough Farm, Northam, property for sale.

Northam Sub-Postmaster David Harman told how he was forced to hand over cash to an armed robber in a daylight raid. The hooded intruder rushed into the Post Office and tried to smash through the counter screen with a weight. He brandished a large kitchen knife and demanded money, threatening that someone would get hurt. The robber is believed to have run from North Street into Honey Street and then on to Borough Road and Lenards Road.

Proposed Millennium Hall for Northam?

Northam’s May Queen will have her big day in June this year. The annual May Fair organised by Northam Revellers has this year been incorporated into a special Millennium Fair with other local organisations. May Queen Amy Williams will be crowned in the town square, and will share the limelight with her young Princess Laurie Chandler and escort Tim Vinall.

On the outskirts of Shebbear, a Grade II listed traditional Devon longhouse for sale. The property is owned by the Trustees of the Methodist Secondary Schools Trust of which Shebbear college forms part and was sub-divided in the early 1970s to provide staff accommodation.

Stepping back in time at fair of heritage centre. Torrington is the place to be if you want to know what happened at a sheep castration supper! The Torrington 1646 Heritage Centre is offering a chance to step back in time to this and other events as part of a 17th century fair.

Former pupils of Torrington Secondary Modern School will gather in the town’s Torridge Vale Social Club for a reunion. Everyone who started at the school in the September of 1971 is invited to enjoy a disco and buffet. About 85 are already attending. Organiser Shirley Baker (nee Scoynes) can supply tickets.

Young Toni Alexander epitomised the colour of Torrington’s annual May Fair carnival parade with her prize winning entry. Starting out as a drab green Very Hungry Caterpillar she took judges by surprise when she spread her wings to become this beautiful butterfly – and carried off two of the top prizes in the walking section.

Unseasonal cold winds blew at Torrington May Fair but nothing could diminish the warmth of the welcome to the large crowds who turned out for the annual crowning of the May Queen. Centre of attention was Joanna Down who was crowned by Roxanne Adams. They were joined by boy heralds Matthew Stark and Sam Hardwicke and young attendants Rebecca Disney, Melissa Always, Holly Hampton, Sophie Eggleton, Nicole Bellamy, Rebekah Jefferies, Rosie Warrington and Emma Martin.

Barn conversion for sale at Weare Gifford.

Property for sale in Westward Ho!

Thrills galore are guaranteed at this year’s three-day Potwalloping Festival being held in Westward Ho! A full programme of events has been drawn up for all three days. But the big draw will be the first appearance in the region of SCAD Diving. This pastime involves freefalling 150 feet through the air from a platform suspended by a crane over a specially constructed net which ensures a soft landing.

Woolsery cottage-style property for sale.

Spacious bungalow in Woolsery for sale.