August 1925
We start August with another advert for the well-dressed man about town. This time H F Elliott of 75 High Street is encouraging him to update his sports clothes.
Married women teachers.
Fire at Abbotsham Barton, a farm tenanted by Mr Andrews.
Rick fire at Kenwith Barton.
A very large seam of anthracite coal has been found in Alverdiscott district at a comparatively small depth. This is the result of a systematic search undertaken by those who recently acquired Bideford Paint Mines.
Alverdiscott church tower repaired.
There is an old font at the Alverdiscott Parish Church, which has been standing there for many years, although it does not properly fit, and obviously does not belong to the pedestal on which it stands. It would be of interest to many to know whether the font originally belonged to another church in the district or not. The Rector, Rev A H Oak-Rhind, would welcome any information. Later in the month …
The Chancellor of the Diocese has appointed the Vicar of Appledore, Rev H C A S Muller, a Surrogate, which carried with it permission to issue special licences for marriages, etc.
Good coverage is given to the Centenary celebrations of the Appledore Lifeboat Station, one of the oldest on the British Coast. As readers will know, the 200th anniversary fell this year.
Presentation for PC Ernest C Perrin after his 17 years stationed at Appledore.
Appledore Congregationalists hold a successful fair in aid of a fund for church organ repairs and the provision of a new primary room. Intended to be held in the Holt Field (by permission of the Hon. Denys Scott), …
At the recent School Examination of the Associated Board of the RAM and RCM, Rose Harris and John Smith, pupils of Miss E Davison, passed in the elementary division. Perfect school attendances – Appledore Senior Council School
Another of the fast diminishing number of the genuine old mast and yards and deep water sailors has passed away recently in the person of Captain George Eastman, who in his later years had conducted the Prince of Wales Hotel at Appledore with much success, and the large assembly from far and wide at his funeral spoke of his popularity and the great respect felt for him and his family.
The death occurred at Adelaide, South Australia, of Miss A Holland at the age of 79. She was the only surviving sister of the late Mrs M Lawday, of Appledore.
Two hundred and sixty three years ago the Independent Church was born at Appledore. Sermons were preached by the pastor, Rev A C Brockett, and a special choir repeated the anniversary hymns. The church was beautifully decorated. Miss Beara presided at the organ.
Considerable indignation was expressed, both by residents and the general body of visitors alike, when it was found that during the night vandal hands had disgracefully disfigured the very fine and greatly admired marble statue of Kingsley, erected by public subscription at the end of the Quay Parade and near the entrance to Victoria Park, Bideford.
Wireless demonstration at the Kingsley Statue, Bideford.
The funeral of Mr Frederick Richard Bettiss, whose death occurred at 7 Grenville Terrace, Bideford, took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water. The Rev C B Crofts officiated. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs A R Adams and Son.
A campaign to raise a special fund for the provision of a Children’s Ward at the new Bideford and District Hospital was successfully inaugurated at a largely attended and representative public meeting, called and presided over by the Mayor, Dr E J Toye and held in Bideford Town Hall. The meeting was a gratifying reflex of the public interest in the project, and augurs well for the successful issue of the effort. Before the close of the meeting the Mayor announced that about £100 had already been promised towards the £2,500 required. A full list of the people attending and supporting this endeavour is given in the Gazette of 4 August.
Bideford and District Hospital gifts.
By the death at Bideford of Miss Louisa (Nurse) Arnold, there passed away one who for 21 years gave devoted service to the Bideford and District Hospital in its earlier days. When in Dr King’s time a small infirmary was added to the Dispensary, Miss Arnold had in her charge four or five beds at the Institution. In the 1887 Jubilee, when a removal was made to Meddon-street, Miss Arnold went there in charge of 22 beds, and held the post of Matron until her resignation in 1905, when she was succeeded by Miss White. Miss Arnold continued private nursing in the town for many years, and by her cheerful kindness endeared herself to many hundreds of Bidefordians.
Bideford Harbour Act – cost increased by opposition.
The Misses Smith are to be congratulated on their enterprise in transferring their business of tea rooms and café to the Quay. Their new shop front would do credit to any town, and instead of detracting, is an assist to the quay-front, and then finished with the specially designed swing sign with the little red house above which will continue on the name of “The Red House Café” it will be one of the most interesting fronts in North Devon. It is understood that shortly they propose keeping open in the summer months to late in the evening for the sale of ices, fruit and cream, coffee, etc. which is a much needed want for residents and visitors in the town. The architects for the alterations were Messrs Orphoot Whiting & Bryce of Bideford.
At Bradworthy, there was a record attendance at the annual show of the Poultry and Horticultural Society held under the presidency of Major E J W Spread, OBE, MC, and the exhibits were nearly double those of last year, the quality being excellent. Messrs F Basdon and F J G Bryant were the joint secretaries.
The United Methodist and Wesleyan Sunday School scholars, with their teachers and officials to the number of 125, visited Westward Ho! for their picnic. They were favoured with excellent weather. The arrangements were made by Misses Wade and G Martin.
Master Donald Arthur, infant son of Mr and Mrs C Jenkins, of Cleverdon Farm, Bradworthy, was taken suddenly ill and although medical attendance was immediately forthcoming, the child passed away. Much sympathy will be extended to the sorrowing parents in the great sorrow and loss.
Bradworthy news.
Stuart Braund, of Bucks Cross, who was a Bideford Grammar School pupil, passed an examination for Aircraft Apprentice, held recently at the University, Exeter.
Mrs Susan Braund, of Bucks Mills, is mourned.
The funeral of Mrs A Pinnock, Home Lodge, wife of Mr J Pinnock (butler to Mrs Hamlyn, Clovelly Court) took place at All Saint’s Church, amid manifestations of sincere sympathy and regret. Always of a bright disposition, she had a host of friends, by whom she will be sadly missed. The utmost sympathy is felt in the parish for the bereaved relatives. The impressive service was conducted by Rev T J V Simkin. The grave was beautifully lined (by special request of Mrs Hamlyn) with moss, white sweet peas, with asparagus sprengerii, the work of Mr H Tuke, head gardener Clovelly Court.
Good takes of mackerel were reported at Clovelly. One boat belonging to Capt Pengilly caught between 500 and 600.
The steamer Velindra brought visitors to Clovelly.
At the flag day organised for Frithelstock fo the Devon Cancer Fund, emblems were sold by Misses O Johns, B Hookway, O Ford, G Johns and Groom. The amount raised was£4 1s.
At Frithelstock, the funeral of Mrs Harris took place at the Free Church Cemetery, the Rev E P Groom officiating. Although harvest was in full swing, a large number of friends met to pay a last tribute to one who had lived in the parish for many years. A memorial service was held in the United Methodist Church.
Mrs Ellen Pyne, is leaving Hartland’s New Inn at Michaelmas. She will be succeeded by Mr A B Kingsley of Mill Street, Bideford.
Hartland Benefit Nursing Association has issued its 30th report which shows that £125 was paid out during the year, but the balance in hand increased from £46 to £53. There are over 20 subscribers. A picnic in aid of the Hartland Nursing Association was held at Blackpool Mill.
At the Nursing picnic bowling, Alfred Bailey won the fowl and Eric Oke won the pig.
There was a fine display of exhibits at the Hartland Cottage Garden Show but the inclement weather considerably affected the attendance. A feature of the show was the splendid lot of vegetables. The Hartland Brass Band played upwards of 200 children to the Deer Park, where the prizes were presented by Mrs Grenfell. Mr R Yeo, of Northam, judged the vegetables and flowers; and Mesdames Gregory, Grenfell and Wilton the needlework and bread; the sports judge was Capt Dudgeon MFH; starter for the athletic events, Mr F E Stephens, of Bideford; and for horse events, Mr Wm J Pillman. There were several relays at the public tea at the Palladium. Mr J Andrew Burrow as MC at the ball and in addition to the programme by the Band, Miss Lott, of Alwington and Miss Buchell, of Clovelly, played the piano.
Kivell & Sons offered Biteford farm at the King’s Arms, Hartland. Put up at £1,400, bidding ceased at £1,800, for which the owner, Mr John Henry Prouse, refused to sell.
The funeral of Mrs A E Williams, elder daughter of Captain Dark, of Instow, who was drowned while bathing at Biarritz, took place at Biarritz where she had for some months been residing with her husband, who was formerly for many years chief accountant on the North Eastern Railway, and their family.
John Parkhouse, of Instow, was summoned for driving a motor van to the danger of the public at Fremington. He pleaded guilty.
The following children of Littleham worked very hard in connection with the Lifeboat Flag Day and are much to be congratulated on their success: Norman Westaway, Willie Upton, Laura Cook, Violet Smale, Marjory Cook and Cyril Lyle. They collected £1 10s for this most excellent cause.
Captain Dainting, accompanied by Captain Hargreaves has visiting Lundy and inspected the rocket apparatus, which was exercised, under the superintendence of Lieutenant Sleep, RN, and the Inspecting Captain expressed his entire satisfaction at the smart way the apparatus was handed.
The question of Lundy being purchased by any person not a British subject is raised in the House of Commons.
The steamer ‘Neath Abbey’ made an excursion from Bideford to Lundy Island, although there were not more than 60 people on board. When starting on the same trip from Barnstaple the boat went aground in the river and the passengers had to be taken off.
Hon. F D Acland speaks at a Liberal fete at Monkleigh.
Household furniture from Quarry, Northam, for sale.
A link with older Northam has passed away in the person of Mr John Littlejohns, who died at his residence in Cross Street. The deceased was a well known figure in the village and very highly respected. In his younger days he was a ship’s carpenter and made many voyages in that capacity in the old sailing ships. He was a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party, being the oldest and one of the founder members of the Northam Unionist Club. He leaves a widow and several sons and daughters to mourn their loss and will be greatly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.
Parkham Garden Show and Sports invariably attracts large entries, and this year will prove no exception to the rule. Horse and foot events will again be a great attraction and the number of side shows should be larger than ever. The arrangements have been undertaken by a strong committee, and given fine weather, the show should prove a huge success. Later in the month ... …
The wedding has taken place at Rowden United Methodist Church of Miss Bessie Ward of Southcombe Farm, Shebbear, and Mr Edgar John Hocking. Rev William Bennett officiated. A large number of friends witnessed the ceremony. Luncheon was partaken of in the home of the bride. The wedding presents were numerous and costly.
East Badworthy, Shebbear, is for sale.
The paper of 4 August carries two columns of extremely small print recording Shebbear College’s annual prize day. As this event usually happens in mid-July it is possible the article got overlooked and has had to be squeezed in!
A fire took place at Halwill Farm near Stibb Cross. This farm is occupied by William Brown. The fire crews discovered that the nearest water source was over 1 mile away so the rick was completely destroyed.
The new Torrington to Halwill railway has passed its initial stage satisfactorily. The service at present is limited but the number of trains running will be increased over time. However, the action of Southern Railway in making the Barnstaple to Torrington line a branch line, necessitating a change at Barnstaple, comes in for much criticism.
At Torrington, Mr John Short dug a stalk of Great Scott potatoes from his garden, which, although having only four tubers weighed 5lbs 12 ozs. The largest was 2lbs 2ozs.
At a special sitting of the Torrington Borough Bench, before Messrs G Chapple, M Chapple, H Tavener and S Webber, 3 men were brought up in custody, arrested the previous day, charged with causing a disturbance in the public street. Two were charged with being drunk and disorderly in New-street. PC Liddon proved the case. Apparently, an altercation took place between a number of men in the street. When he went and tried to part them they got him under and his uniform was torn. On getting free he arrested one, and after persuading one to go home quietly, he became very disorderly and was also taken into custody. One was fined 25s and the other, 20s. The other man was charged with wilfully obstructing the police in the execution of their duty. Defendant pleaded not guilty. PS Kingdon said when the police were struggling with the other defendants, he rushed at the police and acted like a madman. Defendant, who had nothing to say, was fined £2 10s and 2s 6d damage for uniform.
In imposing fines of 10s on two men charged with using obscene language, Torrington magistrates intimated that the objectionable offence must be put a stop to. Evidence was given in the respective cases by PC Ford and PC Lyddon.
In the wide road near Torrington Cottage Hospital, Mr William Hammett, Relieving Officer for Torrington and District was motor cycling towards the town from the direction of St Giles, when Richard Long of Torrington was motoring in the opposite direction. They unaccountably came into collision and Mr Hammett was conveyed to the Hospital in an unconscious condition and suffering from a broken collar bone. Mr Long escaped with a severe shaking and minor cuts.
At the recent examination for the secondary schools, Ernest Balkwill and Maud Hearn, scholars of the Council School, Torrington, were both successful in winning their scholarships. At the recent School Examination of the Associated Board of the RAM and RCM, the following pupils of Miss Elsie B Lile were successful in pianoforte playing – Kathleen Broad, John Trigger, Leslie Nancekivell, W Kenneth Dennis, Kathleen Parsons, George Crocker.
The funeral of Mrs M E S Fowler, of Revetta, Torrington, widow of the late Mr Thomas Fowler, took place, the service being conducted by the Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones.
Torrington and District Constitutional Club and Association will hold a grand fete to be held at Stevenstone Park.
Work had been commenced on the restoration of Torrington Wesleyan Chapel, the committee of the church having accepted the tender of Messrs Grant and Eastmond for £155.
A collision occurred at the bottom of School Lane, near Wear Gifford, between Mr Pratt, a dairy farmer, of Torrington, who was driving a motor car in the direction of Torrington, and Mr H Cooper, of 4 Church Walk, Bideford, a window cleaner who was coming down the hill on his motor cycle. Mr Cooper was taken to Torrington Hospital.
Walter George Wills, smallholder, Westleigh, is summoned and fined.
The Barnstaple troop of Boy Scouts are holding their annual summer camp at Westward Ho! Grimscott United Methodists, instead of going to Widemouth as usual for their annual outing, went to Westward Ho! Considerably over a hundred went by char-a-banc and cars, going through Bideford. Leicester Scouts at Westward Ho! had never seen the sea.
Rev H J Hutchinson leaves Holy Trinity Church, Westward Ho!
At Bideford County Sessions, Mrs Elsie Dawson Lowry, of Thatch Cottage, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! who did not appear, was fined 9s for obstructing the highway with her motor car at Westward Ho! Defendant, who wrote apologising for her absence, expressed her regret at what had occurred, and said she thought the car was close to the pathway. PC Hardy said the car was standing in Golf Link Road, at a point where the road was 18 feet wide. As the car was obstructing 6 feet of the road, it was necessary for him to stay on point duty for three quarters of an hour. When defendant returned she said she didn’t know she had been away so long.
At Westward Ho! Youngaton and the Kingsley Gymnasium are for sale.
The great swimming match came off at the Nassau Baths, Westward Ho! between the well-known champion, W Beckwith and the ‘Westward Ho! Shark’, Mr H V Burn, of Cheltenham College, a gentleman amateur. There were a great many people there for many miles round. The excitement was intense. The terms of the agreement between the parties were to swim 8 lengths of the bath over 15 hurdles for £25 a side.
A day trip from Woolsery to Ilfracombe.
Signs of the future - Worcestershire sauce and a crystal set from Prance, of Northam.
August 1975
The funeral has taken place at St Helen’s Church, Abbotsham, of Mr Charles Turner, of Coombe, Clevelands Park, Northam. Mr Turner, who farmed Abbotsham Barton from 1931 to 1963, was associated with many local activities. A parish councillor, he was also a member of Bideford Rural Council from 1933 to 1955 and was churchwarden for 21 years and treasurer for seven at Abbotsham parish church. He was one of the original members of Bideford Dairies Ltd and was at one time company chairman. Bearers were Messrs John Ridd, Michael Dymond, George King, Bill Moase.
This was the way in which many competitors made an undignified exit at a wild pony rodeo at Abbotsham. It was organised by Miss Mills on behalf of the Stevenstone Hunt. Winner of the men’s event was Mr Nigel Mather and of the women’s Miss Mary Mathews. A clay pigeon shoot organised by Mr H George was won by Mr J Manley, Mr R Westaway and Mr A Pickard.
After two Appledore girls had been rescued after getting into difficulties at West Appledore a warning was given that a privately-owned slipway which is extremely popular with local people and holidaymakers alike would be closed unless there was better supervision of children using it. Sisters were paddling on the lifeboat slip when they got into trouble. Mr Desmond Cox, Appledore lifeboat coxswain, said “If it hadn’t been for the quick work of Mr Mike Bowden, a member of the lifeboat crew who happened to be watching, and a holidaymaker who went away without giving his name, these two girls might well have drowned. The tide makes the slipway, which is owned by the lifeboat, a dangerous spot and there have been too many narrow escaped recently to let this happen again.”
The funeral has taken place at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Mrs Bessie Griffiths, of Irsha Street. She was the widow of the late Mr Charles Griffiths.
No 1 Holt Cottages, Richmond Hill, Appledore, for sale.
Mr and Mrs John Taylor, of Seaways, Appledore, are leaving for California where their married daughter lives. Eventually Mr and Mrs Taylor are to make their home there and he plans to enter business. Mr Taylor has sold his Bideford business of Taylor’s Booksellers in Mill Street which he has successfully developed over the past 17 years. New owners are Mr and Mrs R M Dye. Mr Taylor, Westminster-born and a former Army major says he is continuing his membership of the Royal North Devon Golf Club.
Pilot meets lighthouse keeper. Captain Vernon Harris, chief Trinity House pilot at Appledore, was among the guests when the new Bull Point lighthouse was officially opened and there he met Mr Fred Sherlock, of Royston Road, Bideford, who is now transferring to Lynmouth Foreland after serving at Bull Point for nearly five years.
Some 2,000 years were bridged at Appledore when another colourful, full-scale replica of a historic ship quietly slid into the estuary waters from the yard of Messrs J Hinks and Son. It was an authentic replica of a Roman galley of the type used to invade England all those centuries ago. Named Britannica, it was built to order of Leisure Sport Ltd. and her ultimate destination is a water park at Egham, Surrey. Mrs Timothy Hartwright launched and named the galley.
Yellow lines danger at Appledore.
Mr Brian Pearson, only son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Pearson of Inglewood, Fordlands Crescent, Bideford, has been promoted senior Lloyds surveyor at the important Japanese port of Kobe.
Bideford’s new librarian, Mr Roger Dale, began his duties within a few days of his 26th birthday. He succeeds Mr David Burwood.
Mrs M Ackland of Landcross, won the Avis Cup for cut flowers at Bideford Cacti and Pot Plant Club show. The blue riband went to Mrs J T Comer for a floral arrangement. She was exhibiting for the first time.
A Croydon firm are moving to Bideford because they have outgrown their existing factory and are finding it difficult in recruiting labour. Trio Wheelgoods, manufacturers of push chairs and push chair hoods, are settling into a new factory on the Alverdiscott Road industrial estate. In Bideford they will employ women as machinists and men on assembly, and plan to build up gradually. Director Mr Sandy Lines of Shirwell told the Gazette that at the moment the home market was depressed but they would be busy on export business of which they did a good deal.
A trawler will be operating in Scottish waters with a hull that has been built twice. Men at Bideford Shipyard are now rebuilding some 30 pieces of hull which was first formed in a yard at Faversham. About two-thirds had been completed at the Kent yard when the company, Southern Shipbuilders Ltd went into liquidation.
For the first time ever the Devon county under-14s water polo championship was brought to North Devon. In a hard fought final Bideford Swimming Club, the northern area champions, defeated Newton Abbot of the southern area 6-5. Scorers were Nick Jones, Robert Paterson and Peter Griffin. Club coach Mr Peter Griffey told the Gazette that he was particularly pleased as the Bideford side had had to train without the facilities afforded to many of the other clubs, especially those in South Devon. “All their training throughout the winter has gone on in a pool which has not even got nets.”
N Shapland, D Jewell, V Hocking, P Griffin, R Paterson, S Parkin, I Mansford, N Jones, P Griffey
Special football attraction – first time in Bideford.
In two play-offs on the same night the Bandits of Lenwood Country Club took the Section B championship of Bideford Summer Skittles League. The first play-off was against the Gateway Girls and the second, against Afterthoughts.
The Bandits and the Gateway Girls prepare to play off
Eleven departments of Bideford Methodist Church made notable contributions to a flower festival promote by Women’s Work with the theme ‘The Living Church’. Each window in the church held an arrangement with the altar providing a centrepiece. Responsible for the planning of the festival and general arrangement was Church member Mrs M W Underill. The three day festival, which was in aid of the Women’s Work Fund of the Methodist Missionary Associaiton, ended with a service of thanksgiving led by Mrs Mary Elliot.
Mrs Doris Miller, who has been cook-supervisor at Pynes County Infants’ School, Bideford, for some 11 years has retired. At an end-of-term celebration she was the recipient of presents and thanks for her work. The children gave her a sun bed and folding chair; the staff a gift token; and the canteen staff a coffee pot.
Crisis avoided at Bideford School as Mr John Dare, the headmaster, says “There are no problems at all.”
Helping to preserve the past are these boys from Bideford County Secondary School. Under the supervision of a master, Mr F W Vowler, they have been assisting with the renovation of a number of exhibits in the North Devon museum Trust’s collection of ‘farm bygones’ at Alscott Farm, Shebbear.
In the picture are Brian Dennis, Steven Dunn, Peter Dunn, Alan Money
Mothers of youngsters attending a summer holiday playgroup at Westcroft School, Bideford, have been forming a human barrier across the busy A39 trunk road to Clovelly as a safety precaution. They did so after being told that the flashing road sign used during normal term time could not be switched on and that they could not borrow a lollipop patrol’s uniform and ‘stop children’ sign. “We decided to take action ourselves rather than take the risk of one of the children being killed or seriously injured” said Mrs Jeanette Lawrence, a member of the parents committee formed to operate the playgroup. She pointed out that over 200 children were crossing the road four times a day.
The Department of the Environment would be unlikely to approve an area of Bideford – of which Bull Hill is part – as a general improvement district, because of the generally high standard of the dwellings. Chief environmental health officer Mr John Richards told the Housing Committee of Torridge District Council this following a detailed inspection of all the houses.
The grounds of Woodville, Bideford, were made available by the Misses Haime for the friends of Bethel Free Church to hold a garden party. It was opened by Mr Brignall, the former pastor, and the speaker was Miss Enid Parker, of the Red Sea Mission team. About 90 were present and some £80 was raised. Thanks were expressed by Pastor Benger for all the work that had gone into the effort.
Mr Ted Wilson of Brennacott Road, Bideford, is up before the lark.
An appeal was made for sightseers to keep well clear when rescue operations are taking part around the coastline. It came following an incident at Bucks Mills when rescue services were hampered by crowds of holidaymakers as they tried to airlift to safety two badly injured boys.
Miss Maureen Thomas, of Bucks Mills, has just been promoted to become the first Woman Observer Officer locally in the Royal Observer Corps.
Bucks Mills Society rebuffed by Torridge Council.
Bomb found at Clovelly.
Water tankers could ease Clovelly supply problem.
A Clovelly man has struck gold. Mr Philip Higginbotham, of Slerra, an ironmongery warehouse manager employed in Bideford, won first prize in a Bostik trade £1,000 ‘gold rush’ contest. His forecasting of future business gained him a British £2 gold piece dated 1887 and currently valued at £180. He will hang on to his prize – at least for the time being.
Clovelly, last year’s winner of the village class of the Britain in Bloom contest, has again been chosen as the West Country’s finalist. It entered the competition for the first time last year, when it also won the best kept village award, and so far this year has gone one better by winning the Abbiss Trophy, which is open to all cities, towns and villages in the South West.
Mr Frank Short of Stoop, Higher Clovelly, was a member of Clovelly Royal British Legion. The funeral took place at Clovelly Parish Church. Messrs J Searles, C Littlejohns, J Jewell, A Turner, L May, B Littlejohns, K Cook and F Jewell were bearers.
Best in show award at Dolton and Dowland flower show was won by Mrs D Piper. The show attracted more than 530 entries and drew many holidaymakers as well as a large number of local people.
Winners at a whist drive in Dolton Village Hall were Mrs G M Smith, Mrs F Heaman, Mrs E Mardon, Mrs F Weeks, Miss A Nightingall and Mrs E Drayton.
After 20 weeks of training, instructor Mr F Jennings can be more than satisfied with the ten keen young bellringers who will augment the regular members of Dolton’s bellringing team. Mr Reuben Clements, one of Dolton’s best known residents, who died at his home Pear Tree House was a bellringer for 85 years. He was captain of the Dolton tower and a well-known bellringing judge.
Fremington Training Camp job advert.
Frithelstock frolic raised £170 for village hall funds. It was opened by Mr George Jenkins of Bideford and formerly of Frithelstock. He was the longest serving secretary of the village hall – from 1958-1966. Mr W Hunkin, chairman of the village hall, welcomed him and Mr Jenkins was presented with a buttonhole by David Lawrence.
At Hartland Point lighthouse, bounded on three sides by the sea, it could have been a case of water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink. The borehole which has been providing fresh water for the lighthouse has suddenly run dry. The three lighthouse keepers and their families are now relying on deliveries of water by tankers normally used for transporting milk to and from Unigate Dairies at Torrington. But thanks to a water diviner it is hoped that everything will soon be back to normal. Work already progressing as the lighthouse living quarters will mean extra protection from the winter storms for principal keeper Ronald Smith and keepers Dave Price and Colin Bale and their families. At a cost of around 31,000 the quarters are receiving double glazing.
Mr E Short had a field day at Hartland’s annual garden show. He carried off the special awards for best exhibit, best local exhibit and for most points in the vegetable classed by a local exhibitor. Other special awards went to: A R Weeks, Mrs S Heard, Mrs J Clark, Andrew Heard and Mrs S Heard.
No shortage of glamour at Hartland Carnival.
‘Big Daddy’ wins at Hartland.
Mr Allan Higgins, proprietor of the West Country Inn Hartland, is wondering whether he should add a phrase to the inn’s brochure “Landing strip available but regret no VC10s.”
The death has taken place of Mr William Upton at Trellick Farm, Hartland. Bearers were Messrs J Bragg, D Bragg, T Old, G Daniel, G Upton, D Hooper, nephews.
There was a British Legion Guard of honour and the coffin was covered by the Union Jack when the funeral took place of Mr Edward Dennis, of Berry Farm, Hartland. He was well known locally as a boxer pre-war and during the war he served as a sergeant in the Royal Devon Yeomanry. He farmed at Berry for a number of years. Bearers were Messrs B Kelly, D Jeffery, B Allin, J Thorne, J George and C Beer. The funeral has taken place of Mr Theodore Beer, of Cullen, Harton Cross, Hartland. He was in business as a baker and grocer for 34 years and in his younger days played football for Hartland. Until recently he was an active worker for the local cancer campaign and for the Hartland Over 60s Club. Bearers were Messrs Braund, Downie, King and Scott. There was a family cross and a posy from his four granddaughters.
Proposal to establish an 18-hole golf course on land at East Yagland, Hartland, by Flight-Lieut Lagnado was given conditional approval. This was linked with an application for a chalet holiday centre development on the farm.
When a landmine was discovered on Instow beach, in a pool in which children were plaing, Auxiliary Coastguard Mr John Oliver of the The Lobster Pot “using a very long rope” dragged it to a less frequented part of the beach.
The funeral of Mr George Hearn of Putshole, Langtree, took place at Stibb Cross Methodist Chapel. Interment was at Siloam graveyard within view of Mr Hearn’s home for 47½ years. He removed there on his marriage in 1928.
In Littleham, Miss Aileen Badcock, organised St Swithin’s Church outing to Fowey. Two coaches were filled with Sunday School children, parents and friends.
Four 11-year-old boys from St Margaret’s School, Northam, raised 327 by a Saturday morning sponsored swim. Lester Bird, Jonathan Dare, Richard Hutchings and Neale Blackburn between them covered 1,250 metres in the school pool. At their suggestion the money will buy aids to be used in the teaching of swimming at the school.
Household effects from Dolphin Court, Northam, for auction.
Burrough Farm at Northam should be used for housing only if that did not jeopardise the provision of a new secondary school there. This was the view reached by Torridge District Council’s Housing Committee despite a plea from the chairman, Cllr Mrs Honora Broad, that members should ‘try to think of this purely in relating to housing.’ Cllr Clifford Coates said the committee needed the land 100% but houses meant people and people meant children and this was the best possible site for a school.
The last surviving member of a family who were connected with tin mining on Dartmoor, Mrs Ethel Annie White, of Cross Street, Northam, has died. Born on Dartmoor, she moved to Northam in 1960. She had a lifelong interest in music and was organist at Postbridge Methodist Church from the age of 12 and then at Northam, where she was also the pianist for the Women’s Bright Hour and the over-60s Club. Cremation took place at Barnstaple of Mrs Hilda May Curtis who died at her home, Castle Street, Northam. She was the widow of Mr George Curtis. Messrs A Griffey and Son made the funeral arrangements.
A plea for the preservation of old names was made by Preb Edmund James at a meeting of Torridge District Council’s Development Committee. The former Northam Urban Council had agreed in principle that a road extension to serve new development at Diddywell should be named Cowpark, but the district council’s Housing Committee wanted it called Morwenna Park Road.
The funeral has taken place at St James’ Church, Parkham, of Mrs Winifred Stoneman, of Nattimoor Farm, Buckland Brewer. A former organist of Parkham Church, she was the wife of Mr John T Stoneman. Bearers were Messrs C Fowler, M Fishleigh, P Horn, V Brown.
Rev Anthony Ware who has been on the staff of Shebbear College for seven years is returning to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he began his Methodist ministry. At Shebbear he was head of science.
Some 90 people attended a garden party at the Manse, Stibb Cross, by invitation of the Rev and Mrs B Earley, and £62 was raised for the Women’s Work department of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Church. The event was opened by Mrs L Godden of Bristol and Mr Godden gave slide shows in the chapel. Teas were served on the lawn and there were several stalls.
“Didn’t we do well?” Dean Rawlings and his pet, Abercrombie, after winning a first at Torrington Fun Night dog show
Mr Joe Fairclough first director of The Plough, Torrington, is returning to work in the theatre. For the time being his place will be taken by Eric Moss, well known as the leader of the Soloheim Mungaash New Orleans Jazz Band.
The funeral of retired council worker Mr Lewis Johns of Well Street, Torrington, has taken place at St Michael’s Church, Torrington. Bearers were Messrs P Symonds, A Walters, Wallace Johns and Frank Lake. The funeral took place of Mrs Bessie White of Mill Street, Torrington. She was the widow of Mr J White.
Hymns from the Methodist hymn book provided the themes for a three day flower festival at Torrington Methodist Church which raised £200 for church funds. The festival was the idea of Mrs M Daniel and the arrangements the work of 34 ladies, most of them members of the Atlantic Flower Club whose chairman in Mrs J Littlejohns. Sunday school children also had their special section. The anniversary and festival ended with a concert by the Whitstone Male Voice Choir.
An unusual guest found at Kipling Tors, Westward Ho! held at Bideford Police Station.
Members of the Royal North Devon Golf Club’s ladies team competing in the semi-final of the Still Cup at Torquay rated their chances of making the final so slight that they contemplated spending the afternoon shopping. But they confounded the experts by beating the favourites, Churston. Details: Mrs Kate Brown lost 3 and 2; Mrs Phyllida Youngman won 6 and 5; Mrs Joan Evers won 2 and 1; Mrs Mark Hooker lost on the 19th; Miss Winsome Fulford lost 2 and 1; Mrs Margaret Fulford won 2 up; Mrs Peggy Fourt won 2 and 1. RND 4, Churston 3.
A petition bearing 47 names against the proposed change of use of a holiday flat to a licensed club for Mr A Taylor at Kipling Terrace, Westward Ho! was presented to Torridge District Council’s Plans Sub-Committee. Members refused the application on the grounds of increased traffic hazard, unacceptable access, inadequate parking and that it would be prejudicial to amenities. There was also a direction from the County engineer that the application should be refused.
Prior commitments by some of the regular entrants led to a disappointing entry of five tableaux and only a handful of mounted and walking characters in Westward Ho! carnival. But early disappointment for the organisers was dispelled when it was found that the carnival raised £175 for cancer research, an increase on last year.
Two young Westward Ho! boys hit on a spectacular way to show how well they had progressed since they took up swimming 18 months ago. Unprompted Gary Clarke of Swanswood Gardens and his friend Richard Hall, decide to do a sponsored swim in aid of Cancer Research. And they found their own sponsors. As a result they handed to Dr Roger Hunt a cheque for £76 which they raised by swimming 42 lengths of the Lenwood Country Club pool, a distance of one mile.
Annual donkey derby organised by Bideford area Conservatives at Westward Ho!
B&B opportunity in Westward Ho!
August 2000
Plans for North Devon’s first wind farm of 37 turbines across the hills in an area between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe will go to the government for approval. The site measures 3.5 miles from north to south and 1.25 miles at its widest point east to west across Fullabrook and Metcombe Downs.
An open gardens day at Abbotsham raised £550 for the chemotherapy unit at North Devon District Hospital. “In the past two years many villagers have needed the unit, myself included” said Ruth Redmore, who organised the event. She thanked Mr and Mrs D Pinney, Mr and Mrs S Hore, Mrs M Elliott and Capt and Mrs C Graham for opening their gardens. There were thanks to Mr and Mrs George Smale who provided cream teas and their granddaughters Zoe and Shana for entertaining.
Mrs Redmore handing over the cheque to Dr Richard Ayres
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Children stole the starring roles in Appledore Carnival delighting in their parts on floats, as walking characters and even in pushchairs. Among the youngest were Brandon Harris as Winnie the Pooh and Olivia Jones as the Lost Boy and Emily Westlake as Tinkerbell. There were characters of The Wizard of Oz and in fitting nautical theme, Margaret Hotchkiss, Mary Harper and Tracey Harper depicted the Owl and the Pussycat.
Brandon Harris
Barbara Potter, Carol Brown, Mark Woolaway, Sue Lindley
Appledore carnival queen Laura Millard with attendants Jodie Wrey and Katie Ford and fairy queens Ruby Walsh and Natalie Michael in the big parade through Appledore.
The rising time of good news at Appledore Shipbuilders continues with the announcement of another new order worth around 11 million. It brings the yard’s current order book to £76 million and guarantees work there for more than two years. The new order is for a platform supply ship for the Greek company Toisa, which has its headquarters in the UK and for which Appledore has already built two identical ships.
An explosion and fire which ripped through a mobile home in Bideford has prompted fire safety experts to issue advice to gas users. A gas leak is believed to have been the cause of the explosion and blaze which destroyed the residential caravan and most of its contents. The male occupant was away from the site on the Kynochs Industrial Estate. Two fire appliances from Bideford arrived to find it engulfed in flames. While firefighters were unable to save the caravan they prevented the flames from reaching Liquid Petroleum Gas cylinders.
Feet have played a large part in the life of Brian French. For nearly 45 years he has run a practice as a chiropodist in Bideford and for 21 years he used his own feet to good effect as a playing member of Bideford Football Club!
Methodists in the Bideford circuit are preparing to bid farewell to their Superintendent Minister and to welcome a new one. After eight years in charge of the 13 churches and chapels, the Reverend Peter Nock is retiring. Reverend Jane Ashplant, from Surrey, will be welcomed as the new Superintendent.
A millennium wish for the world and other messages from local school children will be among a wide variety of objects and information being buried in Bideford. Victoria Park will be the venue for the burying of a time capsule. One of the millennium events being organised through the chamber of commerce, the stainless steel capsule will contain the children’s messages, a town guide, memorabilia of local organisations, shop items, a locally produced Christian magazine, newspapers, information from a town medical centre, chamber of commerce minutes, a millennium coin, computer disk, Pokemon cards and other items which paint a picture of the town in the year 2000. All are being contained in a capsule made at Appledore Shipbuilders, with the burial spot marked by a piece of engraved local stone.
Hats fit for the Queen Mother made the annual get-together of residents from Moreton Avenue, Bideford, a royal affair. They were made by the residents who gathered on the green in the middle of their development to enjoy a barbecue and games, a raffle and a quiz. The event was organised by Moreton Avenue Neighbourhood Watch.
Ann Sargent, Sally Wetherill, Christine Burnett, Una Denton, Ruth Benny, Jennifer Sargent
Exclusive range of apartments for sale in Bideford.
Huffing and puffing will bring back happy memories to the scores of visitors expected at Bideford Railway Station’s free Open Day. The sights and sounds of trains that ran between Barnstaple and Bideford on what is now the Tarka Trail will be recalled in a living condition. Children can ride along a section of relaid railway on a vintage pump trolley of the kind made famous in the St Trinian’s films. “Gangers whizzed to and fro on it in the 1870s, maintaining the line,” said Lewis Andrews of the Bideford and Instow Railway Group.
Bideford Railway Station Open Day
River Cruise from Bideford Quay with the Dill Pickles
Steps to Stardom, Children of the World, was the title of the summer concert at Buckland Brewer Community Primary School. Every ticket was sold and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment provided by children aged from three to 16. The event was held to raise money for the Friends of Buckland Brewer School.
Fans boycott concert at the Milky Way, Clovelly, with the organiser, Bill Kneebone, blaming apathy and lack of support from local fans. Billed as a star guest, Sir Bob Geldof could not attend. Mr Kneebone said it was too early to think of a repeat venture for next year.
Fremington youngsters are celebrating the completion of their long-awaited BMX track. At an informal ceremony parish council parks and playing fields chairman Rodney Cann and vice-chairman Dave Harris handed over the track at Griggs Field to waiting young bikers and a ribbon was cut on their behalf by Josh Hooper. It has been sited on part of the village’s Griggs Field millennium project, where fields are being transformed into a parkland style amenity area, with seating and planting of trees.
Since taking the plunge to set up their own swimming school, Dawn Kearney and Debbie McKenzie have guided hundreds of local youngsters, both at their own academy based in the Fremington School pool and as volunteers at local swimming clubs. Now with 360 children on the books the Dawn and Debbie Academy is going through a period of change. With Debbie and her partner moving away, Dawn has been joined by Neil Paddon of Bideford, already well known as a long-established and successful athletics coach and a voluntary swimming teacher with the Torridgeside Swimming Club.
Residents of Hartland and surrounding communities again combined to provide a cracking carnival. From the troubles of Team Philips and the sell-off of the Millennium Dome to The Naked Chef and the wedding of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, the procession through the village maintained the Hartland tradition of topicality as well as depicting old favourite characters. In addition to Hartland Town Band there was a marching jazz band, Samba band and a pipe and drum band. Leading the way was Hartland’s trio of royal tableaux featuring Carnival Queen Samantha Bissett and her attendants Kirsty Rowe and Sarah Heard, Fairy Queen Clare Pomeroy with attendants Tara Stowell and Olivia Short and pre-school Prince and Princess Aiden Toase and Autumn Talman.
Instow Primary School has so many good features.
Pirates have made a colourful return to Lundy. More than 60 residents of Appledore brought echoes of the island’s past as the haunt of raiding buccaneers when they landed there. The costumed group took with them local pub landlord Graham Stone, whom they shanghaied from the Beaver Inn for a mystery 40th birthday treat. Landing on Lundy the group laid claim to the island and searched out some of its history on a pirates’ tour under the guidance of local historian Terry Bailey.
Jonathan Fisher, Glyn and Jan Onione
An Appledore man is searching back more than 1,000 years, hoping to highlight stirring memories of the community’s past and to set up an attraction for its future. Local historian Terry Bailey is on the track of the Vikings. In particular he has been searching for the Hubba Stone – the legendary stone marking the burial spot of Hubba the Dane, whose warriors plundered the North Devon coast in the 9th century. Convinced Lundy holds the key he has spent two years researching and scouring the island. Now, with the cooperation of Lundy agent Paul Roberts and The Landmark Trust, Terry has earmarked a large granite slab found on the island and is planning on transporting it back to the mainland.
Northam coach house for sale.
Parkham property for sale
Torrington Citizens’ Advice Bureau has moved house. The bureau has left its base at the council offices in South Street to take up residence at the new Castle Hill complex, where it has a first floor office.
Magnificent men and women will be landing at Belle Vue Airfield near Torrington for a get-together on September 2. It is the annual fly-in held by the Devon arm of the Popular Flying Association and will include a whole range of light aircraft, among them some from the vintage years of flying. The occasion will be shared with Huntshaw Village fete.
Torrington’s spectacular Streets of London bonfire will not enter the record books as the biggest in the world – because it is too big! After two years of building, the Torrington Cavaliers have created representation of the Pudding Lane area of London, famous as the scene of the 17th century Great Fire of London. But hopes of it reaching the Guinness Book of Records have been abandoned for safety reasons. “We could have beaten it” said Cavaliers’ chairman Dave Kelly. Later in the month …
Mayor of Torrington Bernie Wittram will become one of the comic characters from the television family The Simpsons for a fun walk with a serious aim.
The weather may not have been on its best behaviour, but it failed to spoil the enjoyment of the crowds who flocked to the North Devon Show, held near Torrington. There was lots to see and do for all members of the family, just as the organisers had promised. “Considering the problems that the farmers have had, it’s amazing the number that have visited us today” said the show secretary Tim Webb.
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An eight-day music and arts festival to celebrate the millennium begins in Westward Ho! Presented by the Festival Committee of Westward Ho! Chamber of Commerce, the programme has been put together with the help of a grant from the Millennium Commission. And the good news is that admission is free! The festival is being held on the putting green at the seafront and promises entertainment for all tastes and ages.
Denver Spur will be taking part in the Westward Ho! Millennium Festival
Westward Ho! residents decided to give their full backing to calls for the attempt to build a sewage treatment works at Cornborough to be abandoned. Instead they want South West Water to fall back on an earlier plan to build the facility on Northam Burrows and link it with a long sea outfall pipe. The decision comes as Britain faces legal action by Europe over beaches with polluted bathing waters – among them Westward Ho!
Chrismas comes but once a year – unless you live in Westward Ho! that is. Traders in Nelson Road pulled out all the stops to recreate the festive spirit in the middle of summer. Christmas dinners with all the trimmings were available and Santa Claus himself, complete with little helpers, was in his grotto to greet children. It was the traders’ contribution to the highly successful Millennium Festival.
Fans of television’s Coronation Street will get the chance to own some pretty special memorabilia if they attend a charity auction in Winkleigh. Among the hundreds of lots to be sold in aid of Devon Air Ambulance at the Seven Stars public house will be a cocktail dress worn by Sally Webster and one of Curly’s suits. Both items have been authenticated by the man submitting them for auction – Ben Whittaker, who just happens to be Sally’s dad! They are among several other Coronation lots – including a complete script of one episode and a Newton and Ridley beer mug – which Bob hopes will contribute to a record total for the event. Bob, who has lived in Winkleigh since 1986, helped to start the annual charity auctions in the Seven Stars in 1994.
There was a successful switch for the long-established Woolsery and District Agricultural Show which made its debut on a new site at The Milky Way, near Clovelly. Visitors arrived in good numbers and the new showground provided an ideal viewing gallery for the livestock, arena competitions and trade stands. Shire horse and cart rides, falconry and sheep dog demonstrations, a craft tent and a variety of static stands and trade stalls all helped to strengthen the flavour of the countryside for local people and for holiday visitors. In keeping with the charity tradition show president Royston Johns presented cheques for £760 each to representatives of the Marie Curie and Macmillan charities, funds from last year’s profits.
Vicki Meeson with the show dairy champion, Lynsay Venturi
Woolsery property for sale – attractive gardens.
Music will fill the night air in Woolsery to raise funds for Headway North Devon, which offers support for local people with head injuries and their families. The music night at West Villa Farm features the bands Wilderland, Choke and Mystery Band, plus a barbecue, free camping and parking.