Dunkirk 26 May-4 June 1940
Operation Dynamo was the operational name for the Dunkirk evacuation which took place between 26 May and 4 June 1940. More than 335,000 allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches and harbour at Dunkirk which is in the north of France.
A hurriedly amassed fleet of over 800 vessels – known as the Little Ships of Dunkirk - rescued troops. The flotilla included fishing boats, Thames vessels, pleasure craft, yachts, lifeboats and merchant marine boats which were called into service.
Western Morning News 19 June 1940
21 May 1940
Want a lift?
International events move with such speed and terrible consequences nowadays that it may be, although we all devoutly hope otherwise, that before this issue is printed the Government may have decided to carry out the second scheme of evacuation of school children. Under this scheme, Bideford Borough is due to take 1,500 children and Bideford Rural district 1,000. Mr W J Langford headmaster of Bideford Grammar School is chief billeting officer for evacuees.
The chairman of the canteen section of the Bideford Women’s Emergency Service Committee (Miss A E Lee) wishes to thank all those who have untiringly and generously given of their services and support to the Bideford WVS Canteen and Rest Room during the five months it has been open. As present circumstances are such that the services of the Canteen are not at the moment required it has been temporarily closed. The organised is confident that those who have helped in the past will readily do so again when needed.
Births – to Mr and Mrs G H Haime, a daughter;
Marriages – William Acford and Elsie John; Douglas Clarke and Rosalind Bowden; at Parkham, Thomas Hockin and Dorothy Dunn; G May and Maud Crossman;
Emphasis on the necessity of full cooperation between the contributing Councils and the fire service and on the difficulty of summoning the fire brigade during the daytime now that the use of sirens was prohibited was made by Chief Officer C Morris of the Bideford, Northam and District Joint Fire Brigade of the Joint Fire Committee. The Chief Officer said he did not ask for things without authority and it was up to the Councils to back up the volunteer firemen and the auxiliary firemen for some of them were getting ‘fed up.’ At the present moment he was reduced by more than half of what he had available on September 1. If they had an air raid he would not be able to deal with it as well as he would have been able seven months ago.
Abbotsham WI held their monthly meeting in the Parish Hall. Mrs Grahame presided. The tea hostesses were Mrs Davies and Mrs Glover. Mrs Lampard-Vachell gave a most interesting lecture on ‘Good teeth’. She was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The prizewinner at the whist drive which followed was Miss M Wheeler.
John Withecombe, a farmer of Cockington Farm, Alwington, was fined £1 with cost on a summons alleging he had permitted the carcases of two sheep to remain unburied in a field accessible to dogs.
To St Mary’s Church, Appledore, Thursday afternoon was an especially important occasion for the Vicar as he rededicated the church organ which has been re-opened after undergoing a thorough restoration, including the installation of an electric blower, tubular heater and three new stops. The Vicar thanked all who had generously supported the fund.
The funeral of Miss Bennett, eldest surviving daughter of Capt and Mrs Sydney Bennett, of 16 The Quay, Appledore, took place at St Mary’s Church, the Vicar, Rev H C A S Muller, officiating. Miss Bennett had been a great sufferer for several years. In earlier days she had occupied situations in several well-know families as nurse and it was evident by the various letters received that she had won the affection and love of many of the children of which she had had the charge, and of their parents. In 1931 she was under-nurse to Lady Rachel Stuarly, a daughter of the Marquis of Londonderry. The bearers were Messrs A Cawsey, W Hocking, J Lunn, R Lamey, F Stevens and A Braund.
The funeral of Mr William Found, of Newport Terrace, Bideford E, took place at the Church cemetery. Mr Found was a naval pensioner and had seen many years service with the Royal Navy. The Rev Chambers officiated.
The wedding has taken place of Mr Archibald May, youngest son of Mr and Mrs W May of 3 Bilton Terrace, Church Walk, Bideford, and Miss Maud Crossingham, of Shirley.
Cordings, The Men’s Shop
That it was aimed at having one hundred groups formed in Bideford, was revealed by Mr W E Ellis, who is chairman of the Bideford National Savings Committee at the meeting of the Bideford and District Chamber of Trade, when an address on ‘National Savings Groups’ was given by Mr D A Jennings, of Exeter. “The first thing we wish to do is to persuade as many people as possible to save. It is an excellent investment for people of limited means.’ Mr W E Ellis stated that now the committee in Bideford had been re-formed, they proposed to make a big drive and to ask every firm in the town to form a savings group.
Bideford Town Silver Band will play dance music in the Park and will give a concert on the Broad Quay, both at 7.30pm. Bandmaster J Heal.
A fine of 10s was imposed on Bertram Beer of Torridge Street, Bideford E for riding a pedal cycle without a red rear light at Yeo Bridge, Littleham.
Ada Dunn and Sidney Ackland, both of Bideford, are fined.
William John Lee, of Winscott Farm, near Bideford, is fined.
At Bideford Borough Petty Sessions Frank Sunderland, of Allhalland Street, Bideford, was fined 10s 6d for driving a motor car not carrying two obligatory white lights to the front and a similar amount because the vehicle had no rear lights. PC Hutchings said there was only one front light on the car.
The funeral took place at Bradworthy Parish Church of Miss Carrie Gliddon, who passed away at he age of 69 years. The Rev A E Dobson officiated and Miss Joan Kerslake presided at the organ.
The wedding of Mr Francis Littlejohns, Eastacott Farm, Clovelly, to Miss Edith Tucker, of Yearistone, Bickleigh, took place at Crediton.
News of the death of Mrs Edith Gregory, wife of the Vicar of Hartland, Rev Ivon Gregory, has been received with deep and widespread regret. The sympathy of many friends and especially of Hartland on whose behalf she had devotedly worked with her husband for over 20 years, is extended to the Vicar and family.
At a boxing tournament held at Barnstaple, Young Farmer Dennis, of Hartland, was knocked out by Tiny Green. Fred Gough of Parkham was knocked out in a contest with Eddie Gill.
The Vicar of Hartland pays the following tribute to Mr John Prouse, oldest man in the parish, who died last month at the age of 90. “He was indeed a staunch churchman and right up to the end he attended the services. When anyone regretted that they could not go to church because of the weather one pointed to John Prouse who diligently went to St Martin’s Sunday by Sunday walking in all weather, even on the bitterest days of last winter, and often without an overcoat. A more loyal man could not be found in the parish. The Vicar for 32 years found him a faithful ally and friend. May he rest in peace and may light for ever shine upon him.”
Mr G A Knapman, of Torrington, was elected chairman for the ensuing year at the annual meeting of the North Devon Joint Isolation Hospital Board. He succeeds Mr F W Moon. Mr J Millman, of Torrington Rural District, was elected vice-chairman.
Congratulations on behalf of the Bideford Council School managers were extended by the chairman, Ald J M Metherell, to Mr C S F Harding, headmaster of Bideford Senior Mixed School, on his 21st anniversary as headmaster. Ald A R Adams also associated himself with the remarks and said how much they were indebted to Mr Harding for his valuable services. He had turned out the boys very well and deserved their congratulations.
Freehold residence for sale by Dr E H Walker in Torrington. Formerly part of Castle House.
28 May 1940
Helping stranded soldiers.
At last week’s meeting of Bideford Town Council it was reported that the Civil Defence Commissioner, Fire Brigade Commissioner and others had carried out an inspection of the ARP Services of the borough. An inspection had also been made of the Fire Station and appliances. The Commissioners had expressed themselves satisfied in the way in which the services were being carried on and also the way in which the equipment was being kept.
Receipt of an application from members of HM Forces to be allowed to fish in the reservoir at reduced charges was reported at the May meeting of Bideford Town Council. It was decided that members of HM Forces residing or stationed within a radius of five miles of Bideford should be allowed to fish at the reservoirs upon payments of half the usual fee.
As a result of a bridge party held at Tregudda, Bideford, a sum of over £4 was raised for soldiers canteen huts, in connection with the appeal made by Cardinal Hinsley.
A public warning.
All men between the ages of 17 and 65 who wish to respond to the appeal for Local Defence Volunteers should apply to their local police station at the earliest opportunity. Total number of men who have registered for enrolment in the Local Defence Volunteers in Devon is now over 10,000.
Bideford’s morning postal deliveries.
Hartland has given a loyal response to the appeal for local Defence Volunteers formed to combat any possible parachute landings in this country. Most of our farmers are keen sportsmen and know how to handle a gun and many are also ex-service men and so we can promise a warm reception to any unwelcome visitor from the skys.
News has reached Hartland of the death of Mr F W Vine, the third and surviving son of Mr and Mrs P Vine, of Pattard farm, which the Vine family have held for more than 300 years.
Marriages – Ronald Hunkin and Stella Mills; 2nd Lieut Ian Symington and Elsa Markham Lee.
At the great age of 95 years which gave her the title of one of the oldest residents, if not the oldest, in Abbotsham, Mrs Elizabeth Bucknell passed away at her residence, Little Lynch, Alcombe. Mrs Bucknell, who was the widow of Mr Edwin Bucknell, was a native of Abbotsham, being the second daughter of Mr Thomas Chappel Holman whose family had been established in that locality for many generations.
Appledore is pleased to hear that Mr Donald Cawthron has won a Hamlyn grant and Mr Jacques, a Sir William Reardon Smith grant to the University College of the South-West at Exeter. Both are scholars at the Bideford Grammar School. Mr Mead, also of Appledore, a cousin of Mr Cawthron, has for two years in succession won the chief prize for athletics at Shebbear College.
The many friends and acquaintances of Mrs Emma Quance, wife of Capt William Quance, of Bayside, Appledore, heard with regret of her passing to higher service, at Bideford Hospital, where she had undergone two operations within a few months. Mrs Quance, the elder daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Parkhouse, was of a cheerful disposition, which she maintained throughout her period of weakness, always hoping for ultimate recovery. She had been a lifelong Methodist and for many years previous to her marriage taught in the Sunday School, and at the time of her death was Chapel Steward. She leaves a husband and son.
The marriage arranged between David Knight and Helen Boyle, will take place at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, on June 3rd. All friends are welcome at the church.
Typical of the many such Empire Day celebrations being held throughout England were those which took place at the Bideford Grammar School and Bideford Senior (Geneva) School. At the Grammar School a special service was observed and the headmaster, Mr W J Langford, read the Empire Day message from Lord Bledisloe. This was followed by the reading of various extracts representing the peaceful quality of the Empire by three masters, Mr S R Clarke, Mr D Harie and Mr R R H Rowe. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. At the Geneva School the Seniors and Juniors assembled in the playground with the head teachers – Mr C S F Harding and Miss Guy – and the staffs. The proceedings opened with the saluting of the trophy of the Navy, Army and Air Force flags and the Union Jack, in honour of those now serving and those who have fallen. The Union Jack, hoisted by Mrs W E Ellis, was then saluted. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of Parry’s ‘Jerusalem’ and the National Anthem.
An inquest will be held at Bideford Hospital on George Taylor, of 21 High Street, Bideford, who received fatal injuries following a fall from his pedal cycle at Northam. Mr Taylor, who was a cousin of Mr J H Taylor, the famous golfer, had formerly been green-keeper at Westward Ho! and at St Enodoc. He was a popular figure at Northam in which district he had been a gardener for about 21 years. There is a family of three daughter and two sons.
Death of Mr A W Molland of Rockmount Terrace, Bideford.
Scandalous!
A large clod of earth fell from a passing aeroplane and became embedded in the centre of a Bideford tennis court, but fortunately just after the players had finished their game.
Reporting the receipt of a Home Office memorandum giving the outline of a scheme for the issue of stirrup hand pumps for the use of informal fire parties, Bideford Town Council announced it had decided to cooperate in any such scheme. It was stated that should the Council be prepared to cooperate two stirrup hand pumps would be allocated to the borough.
Cinema entertainment.
Stephens, Brain & Co. Ltd, Bideford, offers the complete answer.
At Clovelly Empire Day was duly observed at the Council School and the scholar’s contribution to the Overseas League Tobacco Fund for the fighting men was £1 4s. A cheque for that amount has been forwarded to Sir Evelyn Urench by the headmaster.
At Hartland, Edistone Sunday School anniversary was held, Mr C George of Bude, being the preacher. Helpers at the tea included Mesdames W H Walter, F Jeffery, S Heard and J Heard, Miss J Hill and others. Over 200 attended the Youth Club free night. There were plenty of competitions and music was provided by the Harty Five, Messrs H Prust, W Hill, F Johns, E J Fulford, and G Burrow. Refreshments were served by Mesdames Newton, Fulford, Bagilhole, O’Donnell and Burrow.
Muffled peals at Hartland funeral of Mrs Edith M Gregory.
The wedding took place in Instow Methodist Church of Mr Frederick Jenkin and Miss Sylivia Molland, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Molland, of Torridge View, Instow. The organist was Miss M Anstey. After a reception in John’s Café, Instow, the couple left for a honeymoon in Cornwall.
Included among the eight new appointments of Justices of the Peace for the county of Devon was that of Mr John Heywood, of Burrough, Northam.
Empire Day observed at Torrington Senior School.
Capt Harold Black has been appointed to take charge of Torrington Salvation Army corps in succession to Capt G Watts, who has left for Penryn, Cornwall.
The Torrington Bowling Club, in common with most other North Devon Clubs, have had no definite fixtures arranged for the season, but it is hoped that some friendly games may be arranged with neighbouring towns. A game with Bideford was played at Torrington in which the home team won by 80 points to 69.
Miss Barbara Hutchings, of Calf Street, Torrington, marries Mr Walter Smith, of Parkham.
First tournament of the season of Westward Ho! Hard Tennis Court Tennis Club was held, the winners being Miss F Holwill and Mr Hill, runners-up being Mrs Otway and Miss O Hinks. Supper was served after the tournament and was much enjoyed, Mesdames Hill and Otway being responsible for the catering and organisation.
Large congregations attended the Sunday School anniversary celebrations at Woolsery Methodist Church. The preachers were the Rev G G Roberts and Mr Hallett. The public tea was well patronised. Ladies presiding at the tables were: Mesdames J Wonnacott, Chidley, Gerry and J Burrow, assisted by Miss Ivy Cook, Mrs t Easterbrook, Mrs W Hill and Miss M Vanstone, Mrs Hamlyn, Mrs Daniel and Mrs Beer.
4 June 1940
No alarm …
Government Evacuation Scheme
If Bideford receives evacuated children …
It was alleged that a Bideford man, of Torridge Place, East-the-Water, when told he would be reported for having an unscreened light, threatened to ‘chuck’ two members of the special constabulary out of the house. “It must be clearly understood that interference with members of the special constabulary in the execution of their duties will not be tolerated,” said Sergt R L Gammon, who presented the case for the prosecution. The defendant pleaded guilty. This particular light, said Sergt Gammon, had caused the police some trouble for a considerable time. It was visible from the police station. The Bench imposed a find of 25s, the Mayor, Mr J H Bright, observing it would have been less severe if defendant had not insulted the police.
Frederick Skipworth, retired Army officer of Springfield, Chanters Lane, Bideford, was fined 15s and witness’ expenses for allowing a house light to be visible during the blackout. For a similar offence relating to an office, George Wren, clerk of Ashley Terrace, was also fined 15s. Sergt Gammon said this offence related to the window of the Rating Office at the Town Hall.
Decision not to adopt a suggestion of the County Council in regard to making up the salaries of employees joining the forces was made by Torrington Rural District Council at their May meeting. The voting in support of such a course was nineteen to three. The Chairman, Mr J Millman, said it would not affect them very much. There were only six lengthmen and two others, including the surveyor, who were concerned. The Surveyor, Mr L R Jackson, said the roadmen in all but one or two cases would be getting more in the Army than in civil life.
The Editor has received a letter from a corporal of troops formerly at Westward Ho! thanking the people of Appledore, Northam, Bideford and Westward Ho! for the kindness bestowed upon them. He adds “I am sure our regrets at leaving you all were as sincere as your hospitality.”
Appledore helps shipwrecked mariners. The Vicar and Mrs Helen Muller wish to thank all who kindly helped to sell flags at Appledore, those who supported this excellent society that does so much good in these sad days of seafaring tragedies. Receipts were from Miss Monica Tucker and Miss Barbara Tatem, Miss Ellen Scilly, Miss Iris Labbett, Miss Rene Young, Miss Betty Balsden and Miss Gweyneth Evans.
Marriages – by special licence, Charles Hearn to Barbara Osborne; David Knight to Helen Boyle.
There were many expressions of sympathy at the funeral of Mr Jack Griffiths, of South Road, Appledore. For a number of years Mr Griffiths had been boatman for the Taw and Torridge Sailing Club, and in the last war he served in the Navy. The funeral took place at Appledore Methodist Church.
A pretty but quiet wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, the Vicar, Rev H C A S Muller, officiating. The bridegroom was Mr Samuel Reynolds, nephew of Mr and Mrs James Long, ret. RN, of 7 One End Street, Appledore, and the bride Miss Doreen Cummings, only surviving daughter of Mr and Mrs George Thomas Cummings, 5 Norman Terrace, Northam.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Sukhodaya, together with their suite, are staying at Knapp House.
Many friends attended the wedding at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, of Mr David Knight and Miss Helen Boyle. Both bride and bridegroom are valuable helpers of Bideford Hospital, at which the bridegroom, who is manager of the Bideford branch of Messrs Holman, Ham and Co. Ltd, is dispenser. Mr Knight served with distinction in the flying corps in the last war. Miss Boyle is a member of the choir, leader of the primary helpers and also of the Young People’s Fellowship. A reception was held at No. 5 Queen Street, Bideford. Later Mr and Mrs D Knight left for their honeymoon which is being spent touring, and they were the recipients of 150 wedding presents.
Mr and Mrs G H Farleigh, of Bideford, arrived home by air from Rangoon, after an exciting passage which included landing landing at Marseilles in the middle of the German air-raid. They are staying at Belvour Terrace, Bideford.
Mobilised for the Home Front – Braddicks, Bideford.
Wanted
Sir Robert Fosset’s Gigantic Circus and Zoo is visiting Bideford.
In the course of arbitration proceedings under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, and after a ‘pin-prick’ test by three doctors, Mark Scoynes of Meddon Street, Bideford, is awarded judgement against Messrs J U Fulford and Sons, for compensation at the rate of £1 5s a week from March 14, 1940.
At Clovelly, the Sunday School anniversary was held in the Methodist Chapel. Mr T Burton, of Bideford, being the preacher for all services. At the children’s flower service, a lovely lot of flowers were brought by the children and later sent to London to three different East End Missions.
There was a large attendance at the funeral of Mr John Headon Short, son of Mr and Mrs A Short, of Fore-street, Hartland, who died at East Cowes. The coffin was covered with the Trinity House ensign. The service was at the Methodist Church.
Canon Frederick Earle d’Anyers Willis, of Taw Cottage, Instow, has left estate of the gross value of £4,858.
On any future occasions when members of Northam Urban District Council get over-enthusiastic in the course of debates – as they have been known to do in the past – they will be called to order by the use of a gavel, which, with its stand, was presented to the Council by Mr F Wilkey to mark his three years’ chairmanship of the Council. An inscription on the stand states ‘Presented to the NUDC by Councillor F Wilkey Chairman 1934-35-36.’ Accepting the gift with thanks, the Council could not refrain from a little leg-pulling, one member suggesting that if an extension was put on the gavel the chairman could use it in a more effective method on any transgressing councillor than by merely striking the desk!
At Parkham, on Empire Day, the children gave a short programme of national songs and hymns, commencing with the National Anthem. The Empire Day message was read by the headmaster, Mr T S C Biddick and the Rector, who was accompanied by Mrs Hensley, gave a suitable address. The scholars collected over 14s to send to the troops for chocolates and cigarettes, this being the scholars’ own donations.
Chairman of Torrington Rural Council, Mr John Millman.
William Tillotson, of Silverlands Cottage, Little Torrington was summoned at Torrington County Sessions for driving a motor-car without a driving licence, and also for having no lights on his motor-car during the hours of darkness. A find of £1 for each offence was imposed.
At Torrington Sub-Committee of Bideford and Torrington Guardians Committee, it was reported that no applications had been received for the post of assistant nurse at the institution. The Clerk said they were having great difficulty in getting nurses all over the country. The chairman, Ald J Squance, said the money was not sufficient. The Master, Mr E Minhinnet, reported there were now 74 patients.
No mermaids appeared although the schoolboy who was seen playing his violin on the rocks at the water’s edge at Westward Ho! during the week was evidently inspired.
The wedding has taken place at Allhallows Parish Church of Miss Edith Prance, only daughter of Mr and Mrs W Prance of Merry Harriers, Woolsery, and Mr Kenneth Martin, second son of Mrs W and the late Mr W Martin, of Kennaland, Brandis Corner. The bride was attended by two cousins, Misses Vera Dack and Winnie Prance. A reception was held at the bride’s home and later Mr and Mrs K R C Martin left for their new home at Alverdiscott. The happy couple were recipients of a large number of presents. The bride’s bouquet was placed afterwards on the grave of the bride’s grandmother in Woolsery churchyard.
Children of Woolsery School on Empire Day contributed 10s towards gifts for the fighting forces. Each child was presented with an illustrated souvenir certificate.
Go to Robert Yeo’s for your summer needs.
11 June 1940
Awards to local naval officers – Capt Stevens-Guille and Sub-Lieut Tillie (HMS Hotspur).
A memorial service was held at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, for Mr Eric Bennett who recently lost his life at sea through enemy action, being the first resident mariner from Appledore to do so in the present war. He leaves a widow and one son.
Mr Eric Powe, younger son of Mr and Mrs J Powe, of Enterprise, Appledore, has safely reached his home in Bude Street, after a fortunate escape from the ss Brighton Queen, four miles outside Dunkirk.
Appledore was sorry to hear that Sapper Alfred Fisher, younger son of Mr and Mrs Henry Fisher of Pitt Hill was wounded in the hand at Dunkirk and that Corporal Jones, RAF, was wounded in the thigh whilst flying. Both are in hospital in England. Mrs R Vaggers of Church Field, Appledore, and Mr and Mrs Arthur Evans, of Meeting Street, Appledore, whose sons, Joseph Vaggers and Donald Evans, are stewards in a steamer, have heard that they have been saved after their ship had been lost through enemy action.
Farmers needed extra labour for harvest and other seasonal work …
War Savings Campaign public meeting in the Town Hall, Bideford.
Overcoming the war ‘hazard’ first.
Bideford Town Council have decided to purchase 500 copies of the recent government publication ‘Your home is an air raid shelter’ for re-sale to the townspeople at the cost price of 3d. Copies are on sale at the municipal buildings and will also be sold by volunteers in the town.
What Appledore is doing …
Heralded by a procession around the town, with music by Bideford Town Silver Band, National Savings Week opened in Bideford. Watch the large wooden thermometer on the Town Hall which will record the local response to the campaign!
Feeding the family in wartime …
Births – at Anchorway, to Mr and Mrs J Hearn, a daughter, June Diane.
Marriages – Sergt D Cooper, RASC, to Ida Slee; Mr Alfred Reed to Miss Gwen Taylor.
Writing in the May issue of the Hartland Deanery Magazine the Rector of Alwington, Rev R W Groom, records “Since it is impossible for us to embark on the restoration of our church bells until after the war, the Church Council at their last meeting decided to invest the money already collected. Now a receipt of £150, invested in the name of ‘the Rector and Churchwardens of Alwington’ is in the church safe.”
In honour of the 64th birthday of the Vicar of Appledore, Rev H C A S Muller, the flag was flown on Appledore church tower.
Petty Officer L Squire and Miss K M Brennan are married at St Mary’s Church, Appledore.
The engagement is announced of Raymond Sinclare, youngest son of Mr and Mrs T Sherborne of Bowden Green, Bideford, and Mary Grace, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs G Collacott, of Union Street, Bideford.
More on the story of Mr and Mrs G H Farleigh of Bideford …
Alexandra Rose Day in aid of Bideford & District Hospital …
Fire Brigade called to an outbreak at the Gunstone Old School in Bideford.
Members of the Bideford Salvation Army Home League spent an enjoyable time at Ilfracombe on the occasion of their annual outing.
One who will be remembered as a ‘good old sportsman’ and an interesting and popular personality of Buckland Brewer, Parkham and district, Mr Charles Smale of Brendon Farm, has passed away. A cheerful and active figure, he was keen on sport with the gun or with the hounds and he had won many prizes for clay pigeon shooting. In his earlier days he served in the Royal North Devon Hussars and could recall some interesting episodes in his camp training at Yeoldon Park. His jovial manner won him many friends.
Buckland Brewer WI.
At Clovelly, a concert and dance was held in the Long Passage, by kind permission of the Hon. Mrs Asquith. The concert was given by the Merrymakers Concert Party under the auspices of Cyril Maude Concert Parties. Proceeds were in aid of the Red Cross. Those taking part included: Messrs J R Ellis, J Gorrell, T Holloway, B Newton, Miss Lee, the Bideford School of Dancing, under Miss J Grant, and the Versatile Five.
Many relatives and friends mourn the death of Mrs Emmeline Gifford, of Biteford Farm, Hartland. She was born at Natcott Lane, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Ann Littlejohn, and was married at Stoke to Mr William Gifford who survives her, as do two daughters, two sons and a granddaughter. There was a large gathering at the funeral which Rev G G Roberts officiated.
Mr Benjamin Pennington died at Stoke. Familiarly known to hundreds of people as ‘Uncle Ben’ had done trapping on most of the farms in the parish, making many friends, being of a quiet and sociable disposition.
Weddings for Lundy Island – Miss Ruth Harman, and Mr Stanley Horsham.
The Vicar of Appledore, who is priest in charge of Lundy, paid one of his welcome visits to Lundy. He conducted services, including the baptism of Master Anthony James Albert, the infant son of Mr Thomas Horsham, the head gardener of Lundy, and Mrs Winnifred Horsham. There was good attendance at the ordinary services including several members of the Trinity Services, Islanders and visitors. On his visits, the Vicar is the guest of Mr M C Harman and Mr F W Gade and Mrs Gade.
By invitation of Mr and Mrs Leslie Braddick, a garden party in aid of the trust funds of Bridge Street Methodist Church was held at Yeoldon, Northam.
Red Cross new quarters at Torrington.
The Rev B S W Crockett will be coming to assist at Torrington Parish Church it is announced in the June issue of the Torrington Deanery Magazine. He succeeds the Rev H Rhodes.
An appeal has been issued in the Torrington area of the Devon County War Agricultural Executive Committee for volunteers who will hold themselves in readiness to work on any farm where there is a danger of the crop being lost for lack of labour. These volunteers are to fill the gaps, not to replace existing workers, and they will be paid full agricultural wages. Volunteers in the Torrington district should give in their names and addressed to Mr Warren, Barclays Bank House, Torrington.
In order to facilitate the calling together of firemen during the daytime, Torrington fire brigade have decided to ring a hand bell, of a similar tone to that of the fire engine, from a motor car in motion. This is to enable firemen, who happen to be out at the time when the bell rings in their houses, to know that a fire call has been received.
Mrs Edith Dent of Hallaton, Westward Ho! left estate of the gross value of £2,971.
Fields of gold at Weare Giffard Hall.
Mr G W G Hutchings, president of the Northam and Westward Ho! Chamber of Commerce, organised a most successful dance at the Kingsley Gym.
Inez Mitchell, a pupil of Woolsery West School, has won a scholarship to Edgehill College, Bideford.