July 1925

Control of the Coastguard.

Cycling offences for Stacey John Bucley, Bideford; William Mills, Bideford; Arther Fee, Torrington; James Johns, Taddiport; Richard Gomer, Wear Gifford.

Abbotsham news.

Abbotsham Cottage Garden Show was held in the grounds of the Rev E Dansey, Kenwith. About 1,000 people entered the grounds, 500 sitting down to tea.

Fete at Alverdiscott with outspoken criticism of the Government’s policy by Rt Hon George Lambert.

Funeral at Alwington of Miss Bessie Goaman, daughter of a farmer at Hartland.

It has been learnt with pleasure that the Bishop of Exeter has become a vice-president of the Seamen’s Christian Friend Society, of which The Hanson Memorial Sailors’ Rest and Mission at Appledore is a branch. The launch at Appledore was recorded of a three-masted brigantine from Mr Cox’s shipyard. She was built for the Newfoundland trade, and was christened ‘Minnie’ by Miss E Cox.

PC Perrin, who was for many years stationed at Appledore, where he was held in high esteem, and latterly at Bickington, has, on completion of his service, now retired from the Force. His many friends wish him long life and happiness.

The bell-ringers of St Mary’s Church, Appledore, go on a trip.

Flower and Egg Service at St Mary’s Church, Appledore.

Narrow escape for the son of Mr John Mills of Vernon’s Lane, Appledore.

Mr Michael Howard and Miss Kathleen Bennett are married at Appledore.

An Appledore Marine Parade improvement.

The funeral of Mrs Sarah Ann Short, widow of the late Mr Isaac Short of New Quay, Appledore, took place amid manifestations of esteem and respect. The ceremony performed by Rev A C Brockett at the Congregational Church was of a very simple but impressive character.

There is relief that Royal Assent has finally been given to the Bideford Harbour Act.

There is a long report of Bideford Horse Show in the paper of 21 July, with all the results given over three tightly packed columns of newsprint. For the first time the show was held on a Wednesday instead of on August Bank Holiday and the experiment seems to have been justified through a much higher level of attendance and entries.

The first advert that caught our eye was from W J Cording and Son, Bideford, promoting their tailor made suits, highlighting the fact that back in the day men wore suits as a matter of course.

Shop keepers in the Gazette area are being warned to be on the alert as counterfeit £5 are in circulation in the region. R Dymond and Son are selling by auction a donkey, complete with jingle and harness. Mr A G Bromley, of Bromley’s Cafes, Ltd, Barnstaple and Bideford, has been elected on the Council of the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners, and Caterers.

The many services which Mr F A Searle has rendered to the town and district during his 38 years’ residence in Bideford, his unfailing courtesy, and the invaluable help, his sound advice, encouragement and assistance have been to many members of the local business and professional community, were testified to with much sincerity at the Town Hall. Mr Searle had been Borough Treasurer for about 32 years. He had lived in Bideford about 38 years and had been Manager of Fox, Fowler & Co’s Bank (now Lloyds) for about 32 years. He had also been Treasurer for the Northam Urban District Council and Bideford Union, and Bideford Grammar School.

Engineer Lieut. Commander H W Ascott, the only son of Major W Ascott, OBE, of Buttgarden Street, Bideford, has been gazetted Engineer-Commander.

The story of an attack on the manager of the local Labour Exchange, by an out-of-work labourer, in a principal thoroughfare of the town was told at Bideford Borough Sessions when Mr W T Braddick, Queen Anne’s, summoned a man with common assault. The man had issued a cross-summons. After a retirement, the Bench found the first case was proved and the maximum penalty of £5 was imposed with a month allowed for payment.

A collision took place on the blind bend at Westcombe Corner in Bideford, involving three vehicles. A 14 seater charabanc driven by John Henry Fry overtook Mr E Hocking’s car on the bend. The charabanc then found itself faced by a 20 seater charabanc owned by Hardy-Colwill and coming from Westward Ho! The resulting confusion took some time to resolve. Mr Fry was found responsible and fined £6-5-0 including costs. At Bideford Borough Sessions before the Mayor and other magistrates, Messrs Bartlett, Bayliss and Co. Ltd, Bideford, timber merchants, were summoned by HM Inspector of Factories for a breach of the Factory and Workshops Regulations, 1922, in failing to fix a cylindrical cutter block to a planing machine. Mr T Oerton, junr, appeared for the defendants. 

Miss Hilda Pearse, of Allhalland Street, has been successful in obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Science in the recent examination of the University of London. Miss Pearse was a student at University College, Reading, and was formerly a pupil at Edgehilll College.

Leonard Claude Guillaume, of Bideford, is saved.

Bideford and District Hospital in Meddon Street is for sale.

Nos 25 and 26 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, for sale.

Bideford Head Post Office will be open a half hour later each weekday, telegrams being received until 7.30pm. In the course of a few days an automatic stamp vending slot machine will be placed outside the Head Office which will enable persons to purchase stamps when the office is closed.

Chimney fire at Burridge Court, Meddon Street, Bideford – Mrs Middleton is helped to safety.

About 200 parents and friends were present at the annual sports of West Bank Girl’s School, held at the cricket field, Westward Ho! under ideal weather conditions. Interest was taken in the competition for the school challenge cups which were eventually won by B Routley (senior) and J Nixon (junior), and also in the contest for the house shield, which was secured by Grenville House. The prizes were presented by the Mayoress of Bideford, Miss Keene, an old pupil of the school, who was thanked by the principal, Miss Abbott.

A smart “information for visitors” board will shortly be erected near Bideford Bridge End giving brief particulars of attractions such as the Long Bridge, the Free Library, Chudleigh Fort and Victoria Park.

By the kind invitation of Mrs Corbett the members of the Bradworthy Women’s Institute held their monthly meeting in the grounds of West Down House. An enjoyable evening was spent, and the Games Committee are to be congratulated on the way in which they arranged the sports, games and competitions. The prizes were distributed by Mrs Wilson.

Smithlands at Bradworthy for possession.

A party of 120, in charge of Mr Cole, and consisting largely of the Buckland Brewer school children went to Westward Ho! on an outing during the week. The weather was all that could be desired. 

Buckland Brewer Garden Show and Sports.

Later in the month …

Frederick Moore of Bulkworthy is fined 3s.

Raising funds at Clovelly.

Clovelly motor accident.

Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr and Mrs Thomas and family, Coastguard Station, Clovelly, on the serious illness of their eldest son, Stanley.

Clovelly Turnpike fire at the house occupied by Mr and Mrs Arthur Beer and their aged mother.

The annual Hartland Wesleyan outing took place. Mr William’s char-a-banc conveyed the party of 22 through much beautiful scenery, Kilkhampton, Holsworthy, Hatherleigh, Okehampton and its Castle, Lydford and its famous Gorge, Lewdown, Lifton, Launceston and its Castle, Whitestone were enjoyed in ideal weather, with ample pauses at the most interesting points. Home was reached about ten.

At the Devon Quarter Sessions, Sir Trehawke Kekewich presiding, two seamen – Bennett and Reynolds, were charged, at Hartland, breaking into the store belonging to the County Council, and stealing two pairs of rubber knee boots, both pleaded guilty. Mr A Hawke, for the prosecution, said that Bennett had bene convicted on three different occasions for trivial offences under different names. The Chairman said that as Bennett had been previously convicted he would receive six months hard labour. There were no previous convictions against Reynolds, so he would go to prison for six weeks in the second division.

Pattard, Hartland, to be let.

Biteford at Hartland for sale.

Farm sale at Hartland. After the cattle market, Kivell and sons offered for sale Higher Welsford and Thirley marshes for Mr Jesse Jeffery, of Gorwin. Lot 1 – 5 enclosures west of the main road 30 acres. Started at £400 and sold to Mr W Heard, of Warmleigh, for £600. Lot 2 – 7 enclosures east of the road, 61 acres. Started at £300 and sold to Mr T H Pomeroy, of Nertherton for £450.

There is now no hearse at Hartland, the only one in the village having been sold to Sidmouth, where it was removed. Is this evidence of the low rate of mortality at Hartland?

Mr Jabez Howard, who carried on the blacksmith business at Elmscott, nearly 30 years, in succession to his uncle John Britton, has been unwell for a couple of months. He tried to get a bed in an Exeter hospital for an operation but there was no vacancy. Dr Walters, locum tenens for Dr Kay obtained his admission to an institution in London. The day after the operation Mr Howard had a relapse and died, aged 52. Great sympathy is shown with his wife and family. Mrs Howard has herself been long afflicted.

An accident befell Mr William Vanstone of Stoke, whilst at the Hartland Point improvement work. A pick axe glanced and went right through his boot and foot. First aid was rendered and later Mr William Gifford, of Milford Hill, took the injured man home in his trap.  

Miss Ellen Medland is Holsworthy’s ‘pretty maid’.

In aid of the Parish Hall Building Fund a charming and successful little garden fete organised by the Rector, Rev C E Davis, MA, and Mrs Davis, with the assistance of leading and active parishioners, was held in the Rectory Grounds, Huntshaw, and was very well patronised by visitors from a wide area. Explaining the object of the fete the Rector said they all knew they had recently opened a Parish Hall and inspection of it was invited that afternoon. They had spent on it about £450 in addition to the site and the stone for the building. The site was given to them by Lord Clinton, who gave the stone also, and the farmers hauled it from the quarry in the wood. Towards the money cost they had practically raised £400. As some of them knew, they had had some very kind help, especially from two old Huntshaw boys who had made good in the world.

A garden social and tea at Tapely Park, Instow.

Miss Beatrice Lovell, a pupil of Miss C C Dark, of Instow, has passed her elementary examination in pianoforte. 

Mr Hosegood of Bideford was fined £3 and costs for driving a motor charabanc at Instow to the danger of the public. Gladys Sprague, summoned at Braunton Divisional Sessions for riding a bicycle without a light at 11.35pm on June 13^th, did not appear. PC R L Gammin, stationed at Instow, gave evidence and a fine of 5s was imposed.

The police have taken action in regard to the danger caused by broken glass, etc. on the sands at Instow. The defendant in last week’s police case probably had some justification for his plea that he did not know he was doing wrong – an illegal wrong, of course – in smashing up a glass bottle where pieces would be a danger to children at play, and others lightly shod. For he had only to look round and see cartloads of similarly dangerous debris. The very nature of a lot of the rubbish includes old pails, tin cans, glazier’s glass and shards of household utensils and shows that the residents have been using the place, and especially nearer end of the sandhills as a dumping ground.

At Devon Quarter Sessions before Lord Coleridge, Colonel Moore-Stevens and Mr J Halse, a seaman pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking into the dwelling house of Henry T Shepherd at Landcross, and stealing a gold and diamond ring, suit of clothes, pair of boots, pair of stockings, and pocket knife, the property of Mr Shepherd; also with stealing a gold and diamond ring, a gold ring and pearls, together of the value of £36, the property of Edith Shepherd. Prisoner denied a charge of having received the goods. He said he had applied to the police to call witnesses on his behalf.

The police instituted inquiries as a result of which PC Huxtable found in a field a suit of clothes, which prisoner subsequently identified as his property, after being apprehended on the Bideford road, when he put his hand in his pocket and produced the three rings spoken of.

On Monday, July 20^th, a flag day in aid of St Dunstan’s was held at Littleham, when the following children acted as collectors: - Phyllis Beer, Joyce Colwill, Laura Cook, Marjorie Cook, Lizzie Gliddon, Hilda Hearn, Enid Lyle, Barbara Northcote, Ada Stevens, Phyllis Smale, Viole Smale, John Cole and Cyril Lyle. The Mistress has since received a letter from the Divisional Secretary of St Dunstan’s gratefully acknowledging the receipt of £2 10s, as a result of the sale of flags.

Messrs Knight, Frank and Rutley (in conjunction with Messrs Ellis, Son and Bowden) are instructed to sell practically the whole of Lundy Island, the area coming under the hammer being 1,047 acres.

Rev Gibbins visits Lundy.

Appledore lifeboat out to Lundy searching for a Brazil steamer.

Preaching at St Helena’s Church, Lundy Island, the Vicar of Appledore referred to the great sorrow that had befallen Captain Dark in the death of his daughter, Mrs Williams, at Biarritz, Spain. Captain Dark and his son Captain Fred Dark had for many years maintained an efficient service between the Island and the mainland, both in the Gannet and now in the Lerina. During the service…

At successful jumble sale was held at Petticombe, by the kindness of Gen. and Mrs Gwyn-Thomas, who were assisted by several willing helpers, the Monkleigh and District Nursing Association will benefit by £13 13s.

At an auction at Tanton’s Hotel, the freehold residence Elmfield situate in the parish of Northam, was withdrawn at £3,750.

News has been received with regret of the death of Mr Frederick Turner which occurred at Deanoyers Street, Montreal, Canada. Mr Turner lived formerly at Tower Street, Northam, and was a member of the postal service staff for 21 years, emigrating in 1911. He leaves a widow, six sons and three daughters. The late Dr Joseph Bower Siddall, of Malvern, and formerly of Conibear, Northam, whose death took place on July 4^th, was one of the original members of the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and whilst living in the neighbourhood held the post of President. He was also the founder of the Union Club, Westward Ho!

Midnight blaze at Messrs Hardy-Colwill’s Garages, Northam. As a result of what appears to have been an electric wire fusing, fire broke out between the Pill and Chanter’s Lane, causing damage to the extent of £300. The blacksmith’s shop, electrical stores were destroyed but through the timely efforts of volunteers who hurried to the scene, some still wearing their night attire, valuable property and machinery were saved.

The distribution of prizes to the students at the Northam Evening School took place in the Northam Schoolroom. There was a large attendance. Major General Sir Murray Irwin presided and emphasised the importance of education.

In the compulsory liquidating of the Hansen Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Company, Limited, of Cleavehouses, Northam, Mr G D Pepys, Official Receiver, has issued to the creditors and shareholders a summary of the Court’s statement of affairs, which shows that there is no possibility of any dividend for the unsecured creditors. Sir Sven Hansen attributes the failure and insolvency of the company to the abnormal depression which arose in the shipping industry shortly after the company was incorporated.

Later in the month …

Mothers’ Union fete at Northam.

Northam Burrows invite the Potwallopers.

Later …

(As a child and teenager one of our volunteers remembers going “potwalloping” with her father and grandfather and schoolfriends.)

The annual summer conference of the Bideford and Torridge District Sunday School Union was held at Parkham Wesleyan Church. The conference was opened by Mr W E Ellis, the subject being ‘The Child in the School or the Man in the Street.’ A helpful conference followed, amongst those taking part being the Vicar, the Rev S A Hensley. A large company partook of the excellent tea provided by the friends of Parkham. After tea a good number took advantage of the Vicar’s kind invitation to inspect the Vicarage grounds.  

We regret to record the death of Mr John White, of East Badworthy Farm, Shebbear, following an operation. He was a man always ready to do a kind turn and was beloved by all who knew him. The internment took place at the United Methodist Cemetery, Rowden. The Rev W Bennett officiated. The immediate mourners were Mrs S Davey, Miss E and M White, Mr W and A Davey, Mr and Mrs S Sanders, Miss Mary Wheeler. The bearers were Messrs J Brooks, R Arnold, J Wheeler, J T Pett, snr, E Bond and M Underhill.

Owing to double-dipping regulations in force at present, no sheep are able to enter this month’s Stibb Cross Market. At other markets and auctions, sheep can be sold if double dipped and accompanied by the correct forms. However, the county has now been declared free of Foot and Mouth disease and the final restrictions have been removed.

Talking points at the Torrington Town Council - planning for Goose Green, Torrington.

Torrington-Halwill railway line opened to public passengers.

Before the Mayor, Mr G M Doe, Messrs Webber, Moore, Penhale, Chapple and Taviner at Torrington, a man, on remand, was charged with unlawfully breaking into St Michael’s Parish Church, Torrington, and feloniously stealing 6s, the moneys of the churchwardens.

At Bideford County Sessions, Mr Spencer Vivian, draper of Torrington, (for whom Mr Reginald Boase appeared) pleaded ‘not guilty’ to driving a motor car to the danger of the public in Monkleigh Village.

Whilst cutting a cabbage in the garden, Mrs Harold Bowden (Warren Road, Torrington) was surprised by the appearance of a large viper. It measured 3 feet 3 inches long.

The engagement is announced between John Sydney Hughes (late RAF) and Henrietta Aline Stubington, youngest daughter of the late Mrs H T Stubington, The Priory, Westward Ho!

At Northam Manor Court the coast erosion at Westward Ho! and the damage to the Pebble Ridge by the sea were discussed at some length. Hearty approval was given to a recommendation of the Jury that the annual throwing back of the pebbles from the Burrows on to the crest of the Ridge should be resumed, and Capt Wicksteed, Chairman of the Burrows Committee, appealed for the earnest cooperation of all parishioners in the organised effort. Numerous promises of provisions etc. for refreshments has been received.

At the Bideford and Westward Ho! Show, held at Westward Ho! there was a large exhibition of horses, dogs, Channel Island cattle, mules, donkeys and goats. No less than 2,500 people entered the show ground and over 100 horses and 162 dogs were entered. The meeting was the best ever held by the Society, Mr Reginald Molesworth was hon. Secretary and Mr E Partridge, secretary. About £120 was taken at the gate. A tournament took place after the show in the Great Nassau Bath.

No 3 High View Terrace, Westward Ho! for sale.

Woolsery Agricultural Show – fine effort damped by continuous downpour.

July 1975

Council house building grinds to a halt.

A collection of Victorian clothing and embroidery is being made on a South West regional basis with a view to forming a travelling exhibition in aid of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council for Research. Already, Mrs Winter of Rixlade, Abbotsham, has given a set of baby clothes from her father’s family and it is hoped to have these on show at a coffee evening for the cause, being held at Chircombe, Bideford, by permission of Mr and Mrs Arthur Pridham.

A Red Cross sale of new and second-hand clothes, etc. organised by Mrs G Winter and held in Abbotsham parish hall, raised £130. The total is nearly double that of last year.

Bulworthy Farm, Alverdiscott, for sale.

Michelle Jones, of Appledore, and Joanna Welch, of Yelland, raise £42 with energy to spare.

Appledore and Instow regatta history.

Homeward bound for Mr and Mrs Jeffery Clarkson, of Irsha Street, Appledore.

Mr Edmund Bond of Alpha Place, Appledore, who has died after a short illness. was apprenticed to the late Mr Charles Gibson at Westward Ho! and took a keen interest in golf. For some time was professional golfer at Datchet and after returning to live in North Devon was head greenkeeper at Westward Ho!. During the war he served in the Royal Air Force.

The funeral of former shipyard manager Mr Philip Harris of Devonia, 3 The Quay, Appledore, has taken place. Mr Harris had worked with the firm P K Harris all his life apart from a few years as a ship’s carpenter with the Reardon Smith shipping company. He was a prominent member of Appledore Sailing Club. Bearers were nephews Messrs J Craner, A Daniel, B and L White.

Mr Emlyn Williams is to be the new headmaster of Appledore County Primary School which has just over 200 pupils. He will succeed Mr Bob Curtis who retires at the end of this term after 17 years at headmaster.

Eleven cadets were enrolled and five probationers welcomed at the annual inspection of Bideford St John Nursing Cadets at St John House, Bideford. The inspection was taken by Miss Grant who was accompanied by Mrs Packard and Mrs MacCaig. The inspecting officers and Mrs Patricia Needs were presented with bouquets by the youngest cadets. Cadet cups were presented to Cpl Y Parish and Cadet A Mathews. Various certificates were presented by Miss Grant to J A Adams, J Bowden, J Cann, F Cook, L Cock, A Curtis, A Fishleigh, J Fishleigh, L Fishleigh, S Hole, J Hooper, P Hooper, C Leatt, A Mathews, M Mitchell, Y Parish, B Schulhof, A Short, D Slade, M Spearman, M Strong, J Stephens, P Stephens, J Summers, C Symons, J Thurlow, S Vanstone.

Safe driving awards under the auspices of the Road Operators’ Safety Council have been presented to Bideford Western National bus drivers. Awards – G E Kelly, R A Parker, J H Elliott, W R Langdon, C H Williams, J O Morrish, E C Wakeley, R J Dymond, L M Ford, A Badger, R C Branagan, G Burns, B J Cole, A C Glover, W J Jeffery, R Kilbride, G Squires, D A Watton and T R Whitty.

The fate of Bideford’s Bull Hill area, seen by conservationists as ‘an irreplaceable part of the town’ and in part by Torridge District Council’s Housing Committee chairman as ‘a bit slummy’ still hangs in the balance. Controversy over whether 14 cottages there should be demolished and the area redeveloped has raged for years. And the district council’s Policy Committee, by a narrow majority, agreed to further delay.

Later in the month …

The flag of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club has been at half-mast mourning Mr Reg Backway who for practically 70 years was actively associated with the club in many capacities. He had been club captain and president. Mr Backway, who lived at Elmdale Road, Bideford, would have been 80 in October. For over 50 years he was company secretary to Heard Bros. Ltd, of Bideford, and their successors, retiring two years ago.

A former Mayor of Bideford, Mr Arthur Beer, is the new President of Bideford Rotary Club.

Clive Foss is off to Africa.

Home from New Zealand for the first time in 17 years and busy greeting relatives and old friends is Mr W A (Bill) Cork, one of the four sons and four daughters of the Cork family of Adjavin Farm, Bideford. A six-footer plus, rugby enthusiasts will recall him as a formidable player at the Grammar School and with Bideford Chiefs and he played for Devon in 1946.

Two former pupils of Grenville College, Bideford, were among 179 officer cadets recently commissioned from Sandhurst. They were Martin Metcalf and Anthony Brown-Hovelt.

New police chief, Inspector David Hicks, for Bideford.

Drive to provide new pavilion for Bideford Grammar School.

It was uphill work for children of St Joseph’s School at Bideford Stella Maris Convent. Having collected silver foil since December 1971 they still had only £50 to show for their efforts on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. But it was different when they on the level – in Bideford Sports Ground – for a sponsored walk. Infants and juniors raised £441. In the picture some of the walkers are seen after a cheque had been presented to Mr Hayden Thomas, by pupil Jeannette Patt. He was accompanied by his seeing eye, Envoy.

Miss Margaret Durant, who has been a member of the teaching staff of Pynes County Infants’ School, Bideford, since it opened in 1955, and its headmistress for the past 13 years, retired at the end of term.

Holyrood House, Bradworthy, for sale.

Despite the weather Buckland Brewer combined churches fete proved so successful that gross receipts totalled £580. After expenses a profit of £470 was realized – a new record and over £100 up on last year’s figure.

Buckland Brewer emerged as clear winners when the Bideford area sports for smaller rural primary schools were held at Westward Ho! Buckland finished with 58½ points, followed by Abbotsham and Westleigh, and then by Monkleigh, Parkham, Clovelly and Woolsery.

Clovelly lifeboat was called out to search an area NW of Lundy after a May Day distress call was picked up by a coastguard station in the early hours. But nothing was found and the search was called off shortly after daybreak. The call is believed to have been a hoax.

Clovelly is one of 54 resorts given a dishonourable mention in the Consumer Association’s ‘Which’ because untreated sewage is pumped into the sea just below low water mark. Remarkably, Westward Ho! where the situation must be infinitely worse, is not listed. The Consumers’ Association indicates that little appears to being done about the situation and claims that more money should be spent.

During the hottest summer for years perspiring Hartland schoolchildren had been able only to gaze with longing at the swimming pool staff and parents provided with the aid of a County Council grant five years ago. The pool had been placed ‘out of bounds’ by the authorities because the filtration plant had not been serviced. Complaints to the county architect’s department proved ineffective.

Hartland retain Revel cup.

At a whist drive held in the WI Room, Hartland, in aid of Tennis Club funds winners were Mesdames Jeffery, J Haggar, M Allin, Messrs S Branton, Houchin, Allin, M Allin and G Jeffery.

Instow County Primary School had a handsome winning margin in carrying off the Torridge area schools sports title for the fifth year in succession, the ninth time since 1966 and the tenth time since the competition was started in 1961. The cup was presented by Mrs Audrey Mayoh, chairman of the Instow school managers, to the Instow team captain, Stephen Beardsley.

The first rain for weeks fell during the opening of Littleham fete and continued until teatime. But in spite of the rain more than £400 was raised for redecorating the inside of the Parish Hall. There was the usual wide variety of attractions. Stallholders were: Mr and Mrs J Bromhead, Mr and Mrs M Gouldsworthy, Mesdames C Cook, D Hill, G Barrow, T Cooper, F Wise, E Nichols, G Hearn, W Johns, G King, S Fishleigh, F Turner, C Lester and members of Littleham Christian Youth Club. Refreshments were by Mr and Mrs D Willis, Mr and Mrs R Blight, Mesdames G Short, D and R Brend, R Headon, R Clements, M Smale. Miss Wendy Griffey won five first prizes in the under-12 classes …

Every picture, it is said, tells a story – but here it could be two. Taken at Littleham fete, the woebegone expression on the dog’s face reflects the rain that at last decided to fall; the somewhat puzzled one on the child’s face could well fit the question “Rain? What’s that?”

Auction sale at Monkleigh Village Hall.

Dutch elm disease was striking very hard in the Northam area and efforts would have to be concentrated to keep it from spreading beyond the district, Northam Town Council have been told.

A Tree Preservation Order is to be placed on ten beech trees at Northam, it was decided by Torridge Council’s Development Committee. The committee were told that this had been requested by Miss P Arnold, of 3 Highfield, Northam. The trees were on a hedge at the rear of her house which forms a boundary between her property and Muddix Farm, Bay View Road. They were of some amenity value not only to Miss Arnold but to her neighbours.

Minister of Northam Methodist Church, the Rev H Maurice Hart, has accepted an invitation to continue after his present term expires next year.

A North Devon Yacht Club member will be off to Spain as a member of Great Britain’s sailing team in the European championships. Formerly Miss Rosa Bassett, Mrs Lamey is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Bassett of 34 Tadworthy Lane, Northam. A regular competitor in North Devon Yacht Club races, she has an International OK yacht at Appledore.

Mr Percy Reed, of Northam, won the coveted Carnegie Silver Challenge Bowl and the Blue Riband for the best exhibit in Northam Horticultural Society’s 58^th annual show to achieve an ambition he had held since he began to exhibit there soon after World War II.

Mrs Marjorie Ford, of Midways, Long Lane, Northam, whose funeral has taken place at Appledore Methodist Church, worked during the war as an inspector in an aircraft component factory. She took an active part in fundraising and other activities of Northam Methodist Church and in recent years had been a keen supporter of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club. The funeral has taken place at Northam parish church of Mrs Hilda Littlejohns, formerly of Homeleigh, Burrough Road, Northam, She was formerly an active member of the Mothers’ Union at Northam. Mr James Nelson Arnold who has died at his home, Cross House, Northam, had been in practice as an optician at Bideford, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy and Torrington for many years. A Freeman of the City of London, previously he was at Richmond and Kensington and the family came to this district for the Domestic Poultry Keepers’ Council and organised cricket matches for Servicemen. He leaves a widow, a son and three daughters. The son and a daughter live in New Zealand. The funeral of golfing enthusiast Mr Richard Jewell of 3 Seaview, Morwenna Park, Northam, has taken place at Northam United Reformed Church. Mr Jewell was a member of Northam Artisans’ Golf Club and in his younger days had been a scratch player. He worked as yard foreman at W J Lamey and Sons.

About £275 was realized at the annual fete organised by friends of St Margaret’s School, Northam, and opened in the presence of a large crowd by Mr Jeremy Thorpe, Liberal leader and MP for North Devon. A team of young gymnasts demonstrated bar and mat work, and box vaulting. Paula Oke showed that even the smaller children could cope with seemingly difficult activities. Susan Eastmond, Kirsteen Mansford, Timothy Jarvis, Stella Oke, Louise Thompson, Shirley Daniels and Tony Hughes performed solo gymnastics. The headmaster, Mr George Harrison, has trained the children, many of whom had won badges from the BAGA.

“I’ve got one1” In an unusual fishing contest Peter Passmore hooks a lemon

Parkham holiday bungalows scheme refused.

Members heard at the first annual meeting of the re-formed Parkham branch of the North Devon Liberal Association that during the year £80 had been raised for Party funds. It meant that the quota had been doubled, said the divisional agent, Mrs Lilian Prowse, praising a fine effort. Election of officers – Mr G M Marsden, Mrs Butson, Mr Sam Kellett, Mrs Rowe, Mr Hockin.

One hundred per cent rate relief for this and the next financial year is to be granted to The Plough entertainment centre at Torrington – “to give them a chance to get going.” This was decided by Torridge Council’s Finance and General Purposes Sub-committee. The matter will be reviewed at the end of the two years.

Mr Brian Jones, new President of Torrington Rotary Club, is a founder member. Born at Sheepwash in 1929, he was educated at Shebbear College and later at the University College of the South-West where he obtained a BSc honours degree in geography. He played rugby and cricket for the University. He returned to the home farm in 1950, was married in 1955, and became a partner with his father until his death in 1958. Since then he has farmed alone and expanded the farm to its present size of 500 acres.

Contents of 20 Castle Street, Torrington, for auction.

Contents of Little Furze, Warren Close, Torrington, for auction.

Alexandra Rose Day in Torrington realized a record of £132 plus. This is the fifth year Mrs Dorothy Pollard has organised the collection and each year the previous total has been exceeded. 

Keenest of the competitors in Torrington Cavaliers’ sponsored raft race was Norwegian Jan Grieg Gran. He flew from Zurich just to take part and his raft was last but one to finish. He received a letter from his friend Tony Riley, of Bideford, to say “The raft race is on, are you coming?” Their entry was the Gypsy Muff. The only vessel they beat was The Barton Cutter. Both entries were put to shame by the Barton women’s crew, made up of Barbara Riley, Linda Hancock, Betty Cox and Linda Waldron. Their craft, the QE Poo came home first in the women’s event in a time faster than many of the men.

The first 18 one star badges to be awarded in C Company, Devon Army Cadet Force, under the new Proficiency Certificate syllabus, have been presented to cadets of the Torrington School platoon by the CO, Major G Casey.

Torrington to double within 15 years?

The funeral service has taken place at the North Devon Crematorium of Mrs Maud Lugg who died at the Torrington Cottage Hospital. Mrs Lugg was the widow of Mr Jack Lugg, of Well Street, Torrington. Mrs Winifred Hancock, who has died in Torrington Cottage Hospital, was for many years organist at Haytown Methodist Church and took a great interest in the activities of Shebbear Methodist Circuit. She was the wife of Mr Harold Hancock and for many years they lived at Stowford Farm, Bulkworthy. On retirement five years ago they went to live in Torrington. There was a large attendance at the funeral at Torrington Methodist Church. Bearers were nephews Messrs A Jennings, J Bealey, B Down and J Martin. Mr Reginald Trigger, who died in Torrington Cottage Hospital, was a British Railwayman for 45 years. He retired as station master and harbour master at Padstow in 1963. Mr and Mrs Trigger celebrated their golden wedding last year at their home in Calf Street, Torrington. Cremation took place at Barnstaple. The service was attended by the widow and many relatives and friends. One of Torrington FC Supporters’ Club’s longest serving members, Mrs Beatrice Mitchell, of Mill Street, Torrington, has died in the Torrington Cottage Hospital. She was the widow of Mr (Brum) Mitchell. Mrs Mitchell’s work for the local soccer club spanned a period of 40 years.

Torrington Blue Coat Primary School’s ‘Hiawatha’ was the first school production to be staged at The Plough and it certainly proved worthy. In working for the production some children chose to act, or to sing, to play in the orchestra, or to make costumes, scenery or props. A total of £42 was taken at the door.

More than recovering from a drop in entries last year, this year’s show of Weare Giffard Horticultural Society, held at the Village Hall, had over 400. In fact, there was every reason to be pleased with the numbers. Mrs Betty Rowe who is joint secretary with her husband Bill, said they were 50 up on last year. Flowers very much caught the eye and provided the best in show and runner-up. Both were won by Bideford exhibitors, Mr Douglas Bond of Lime Grove, and Mr David Elliott, of Glendale Road.

Delighted children of Westleigh CP School had a surprise break from lessons when they received a very special young visitor – Bamber, a red deer fawn. Bamber – named after TV personality Bamber Gascoigne – is the latest addition to the Steer farm at Trayhill, Instow, which already includes racehorses, beef cows, dogs, guinea fowl and peacocks. The young deer was found by prisoners at Witheridge open prison. The visit to the school, where Mr Steer’s grandson Simon started this spring, came at the suggestion of a friend of the family who is a school helper.  

The Westward Ho! Sue Ryder group took £28.75 at their jumble sale.

A brand new ‘Harris homes’ development at Buckleigh Place, Northam – formerly United Service College, Westward Ho!

The Great Nassau Bath, at Westward Ho! known to succeeding generations as the Lido and then the Patio Pool, was opened 100 years ago. Its popularity today is as great as it ever was. The pool was opened a year after the United Services College …

It is hoped that the new toilets and shelter at the top of the promenade putting green area at Westward Ho! will be fully operational this month. This was reported by District Councillor Joe Need to Northam Town Council after the Mayor, Mrs Phyllis Galliford, had expressed anxiety that with the holiday season the new facilities should be in use as soon as possible. There was criticism of further delay in bringing back into use toilets at Churchfield, Appledore.

Queen of Westward Ho! Carnival will be Miss Linda O’Leary, of Bay View Road, Westward Ho! 

‘Gone West’, one of the scenes from Westward Ho! Follies’ 26^th production, ‘Mixed Grill’ produced by Ada Powell and being presented until September 16^th.

Mark Sale, Michael Johns, David Littlejohns, Ron Jewell, Michael Porter, Des Pugh, Graham Humphrey, Douglas Kirk

Woolsery Vicar, Rev Leslie Buttle, eats porridge.

Major Lomas introduces a new attraction at Woolsery and District Agricultural Show.

Before a final decision is taken on whether the plant at East Yelland Power Station should be adapted to permit incineration of refuse for North Devon it was essential that the Northern area site team should complete its survey to find new tipping sites. It was estimated that the work would take about 12 months when an up-to-date assessment of the proposal should be made.

July 2000

Project creates new estuary saltmarshes.

Bay fronted semi-detached property in the centre of Abbotsham is for sale.

Opportunities of apprenticeships and careers in shipbuilding are going begging on Torridgeside – an area with one of the longest traditions of shipbuilding in the UK. While the Bideford area remains an employment blackspot major employer Appledore Shipbuilders is finding it difficult to recruit the young people it needs. Currently there are 45 young people under training within the yard – including its first girl apprentice. Mr Downie hopes that apprentice fitter Joanna Osborne from Holsworthy will soon not be alone.

Tutor Alan Heale and current apprentices Luke Amey and Jimmy Jenkins of Torrington, Joanne Osborne, Martin McDonald and Martin Keen of Bideford, and Rick Weaver of Northam

Appledore’s carnival royalty were chosen at a discotheque in the Royal British Legion Hall. Queen Laura Millard will lead the carnival attended by Jodie Wrey and Katie Ford, Ruby Walsh and Natalie Michael.

Grade II listed period property in Appledore for sale.

Retirement of Appledore Shipbuilders’ long-serving training officer David Waite is not goodbye, but more a change of role, for he will continue to provide his help and advice. To mark 32 years of service Mr Waite was presented with a decanter and glasses by the yard’s production director David Powe.

Pictured with Mr Waite and Mr Powe is Tom Downie

Proposals for a new civic amenity and recycling centre in Clovelly Road, Bideford, will be discussed by the Torridge and Devon County Council partnership committee. The county council’s executive committee is recommending that a site on the Clovelly Road Industrial Estate be developed as a successor to the current Northam Burrows centre, where planning permission runs out at the end of this year.

A hat fit for the Queen Mother is the subject of a novel competition being held by residents of Moreton Avenue in Bideford. Adults and children are being invited to make hats fit for the special lady and to exhibit them at the annual Moreton Avenue Neighbourhood Watch summer barbecue. A raffle, quiz and various games are also planned. Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Angela Lovering is hoping for a large turnout.

Bideford Rotary Club has named local athlete Neil Paddon as its Citizen of the Year. The presentation marks Neil’s work as captain of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club for six years and his coaching of youngsters. A local postman, Neil took up athletics himself in 1985 and is also a keen rower. When his own coach left the area Neil took on the group and trained to become a British Athletics Federation coach.

Bideford’s fight for regeneration has received some new helping and business expertise from an unexpected direction – the Parish Church. The arrival of the Reverend Penny Dobbin as curate of St Mary’s has not only added to the strength of the local clergy but brought to Bideford a woman with experience at the sharp end of internation business.

John Biggs has been elected a member of the British Antique Dealers’ Association ruling Council. He is the third generation of his family to be in the trade, and he and his wife took over the running of the family business, J Collins & Son in 1966. The Bideford-based business specialises in 18^th and early 19^th century English furniture and Victorian oil paintings and water colours. Mr Biggs began as an apprentice in the workshop.

Bideford in hunt for the oldest and youngest residents.

Businessman Aubrey Loze took time off from running the Pot Black factory at Bideford to make a journey into the past and the days of World War Two. He went to present a painting to the RAF of a Halifax bomber – the one in which his uncle died along with other crew members when it crashed in Belgium. It was not until last year that Mr Loze and his family were reunited with the memory of Sgt Thomas Vadre Lewis of Chambercombe Manor, Ilfracombe. He had been a last minute replacement for the regular rear gunner when it took off on a bombing mission in October 1943. Then disaster struck. Next of kin were informed that their loved ones has been buried at a military cemetery at Antwerp but somehow the news never reached the kin of Sgt Lewis who remained ‘missing, presumed dead.’ Until last year when it was decided to make the crash site a conservation area and erect a memorial stone. The search was on for the family of Sgt Vadre Lewis, and when Mr Loze read of it he realized it was his uncle.

Mr Loze and Commanding Officer Wing Commander Davie Paton

Pop superstar Sir Bob Geldof and million-selling band Republica are at Clovelly to head the bill in the second of two spectacular all-day music concerts.

Willow the flyaway falcon has found his way safely back home. One of the stars of the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre at The Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly, the Lanner falcon went missing five weeks ago during a demonstration by Jonathan Marshall. More than 300 calls were made to report sightings. Willow was first seen near Woolacombe, then there were sightings around Braunton, reports from the Bideford side of Barnstaple and a sighting of Willow on top of a lamp post by Bideford’s new bridge. The next day he was back home, perched on one of the barns at The Milky Way.

The Reverend Graeme Sims, best known as the world record holding dog handler at the Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly, is leaving to take responsibility for his own churches. For the past two years he has been working as a curate with the Hartland Coast team but will now become resident vicar of tow parishes.

Courtney Heal, of High Bickington, has a winning idea.

Instow property for sale.

Instow property sold at auction.

Semi-detached cottage at Langtree for sale.

It was picnic time at Northam Lodge when visitors from Bristol and West PLC turned up with a hamper and a cheque. As a promotion for its Easy Life accounts the company held a special picnic theme day within its Bideford branch. As part of the day guests were invited to make donations to Northam Lodge. In return they were entered into a draw with a picnic hamper as the prize. Following a successful day, Northam Lodge was presented with a cheque for £164 and Jane Beer of Bideford was presented with a hamper.

Denise Payne, Joanna and Jane Beer, Ann Tomlin, Barbara Davidson, Lucy Cox, Christine Richards, Lyn Vanstone

Converted coach house in Northam for sale.

Northam property – fine detached house with holiday letting – for sale.

Torrington will be filled with song and dance and the fun of fiesta-time when the town holds its first Music and Arts Festival. A packed programme of nearly 50 events – many of them on-going throughout the celebration – will span the four days. The town’s streets will be a major venue. Local primary schools will entertain. There will be busking and Morris dancing. Theatre groups will give performances.

Rock on Torrington Commons.

North Devon Hospice is set to open its fifth fund raising shop in the region. The official opening will take place of the new shop in Cornmarket Street, Torrington.

Pupils, staff, governors and parents of two North Devon schools – Great Torrington Juniors and Pilton Infants – celebrated a unique double. The schools have driven up education standards to such an extent that inspectors from OFSTED say ‘special measures’ are no longer required. Pilton Infants held a ‘jumping for joy’ day. Cllr Palmer went on to Torrington to watch the junior school’s 308 children release giant balloons.

Part-time secretary required in Taffs in Torrington.

Public consultation – Torrington Swimming Pool.

RSPCA volunteer Brian Breetz of Westward Ho! has a gnawing problem – an invasion of rats!

Buckleigh Linen Service, Westward Ho! requires an office junior.

Winkleigh villagers are flexing their muscles, sharpening their wits and getting out their knitting pins ready to take part in their annual festival. Winkleigh Fair gets under way with a packed and varied programme which has something to offer everyone. MEP Emma Nicholson has lent the grounds of her property The Croft for a church fete which will be a highlight. So, too, will be the official opening of the festival when the well in The Square is blessed and all the children of the parish are given millennium mugs. The day will include a parade followed by a service at All Saints’ Church to which children are invited to take eggs and flowers for local senior citizens. Fair week will raise many hundreds of pounds …

Winkleigh Butchers

Going to the Woolsery fayre.

Elaine Hawkins, chairman of Woolsery Fayre Committee, sits in the tepee with some cowboys and Indians