October 1925
Births – at Hiscott, Clovelly Road, Bideford, to Ethel, the wife of Fred T Upton, a son; a son for Mr and Mrs L Braund;
Marriages – Fulford-Harding; Heal-Parkhouse; Bale-Heale; Bending-Hallett; Harding-Baker; Farmer-Ash; Lyle-Ford; Luxton-Sly
Railway delays from Exeter to Bideford reported by C S Carnegie, Clevelands, Northam.
Torrington-Halwill Railway – death trap level crossing.
Accepted Torrington-Halwill railway ratings were announced at the meeting of Torrington Rural Council – Parish of Frithelstock, £6; Great Torrington, £2; Huish, £5; Langtree, £48; Little Torrington, £32; Merton, £20; Dunsbear Halt, £8; Petersmarland, £24; Petrockstowe, £50; station, £21. This gives a total of £215.
The first anniversary of the opening of the Abbotsham Parish Hall was marked by a whist drive and dance to celebrate the event. Everything passed off admirably.
The attendance at Abbotsham School has been excellent during the past week. They have had 100 per cent during the whole week. This has only happened once before during the last thirteen years. After the afternoon session on Thursday the older children, accompanied by their headmistress, Mrs Beer, visited the new Hospital at Bideford.
Alverdiscott – Harvest Festival services.
Alverdiscott wedding of Mr Hedley Lyle and Miss Margaret Ford.
A meeting of the District Nursing Association was held at Foxdown, Alwington, Mrs Allardice presiding.
A pretty wedding took place in the Wesleyan Church, Alwington, between Mr Sidney Noel Harris of Orchard Hill, Bideford, and Miss Laura Oke of Alwington. Both parties being well known and much respected many people assembled to witness the ceremony. The Rev J T Halstead officiated. The bride was charmingly attired in a coat-frock of pretty brown cloth with hat of brown corded silk to match. The bridesmaid, Miss Ida Lott, wore a pretty dress of sapphire blue velvet with hat to match. A reception was held at Sunbury. The presents were numerous and handsome. Congratulatory telegrams were received during the day. Amid showers of confetti and hearty good wishes, Mr and Mrs Harris left in the early afternoon and proceeded to Plymouth where the honeymoon is being spent.
At a meeting of the Committee for the Parkham and Alwington Nursing Association (Miss Spring being the honorary Secretary), held at Alwington Rectory, it was decided that in order to raise funds for the nurse’s salary etc. a jumble sale should be held in the Schoolroom at Parkham sometime in November. Members of both parishes were present at the meeting.
Two enterprising young ladies of Alwington Parish, Miss A Lott and Miss H Jeffery, thought a whist drive and dance would enliven a dull evening. An evening was fixed on and the schoolroom got ready. Many young people from the parish and neighbourhood attended in spite of short notice. The affair was most successful and £3 has been handed over to the Rector toward new church lamps. Mr Holloway kindly acted as MC while Mr Joseph Daniel and Mrs Parsons managed the refreshments. Mr Elston took the entrance money.
The presentation by his workmates at Hayes to Mr S Cox, was made by Mr W Harris, late of Appledore, and not, as stated through a misunderstanding in last week’s issue, by Mr P H M Labbett.
Appledore Sailors’ Rest annual meeting.
The Glasgow tug Wrestler safely towed in the Norwegian barque Stjerno from Newry to be repaired by Messrs P K Harris and Sons. She had experienced very rough weather on the passage.
Whilst trawling in the bay, the motor trawler Bertha of Appledore, caught a fine sturgeon, and being known as a ‘royal fish’ the crew on returning to port handed their catch over to the Customs officers, who on Friday sent the fish away. The sturgeon, which was a fine one and in good condition, was seen by large crowds of people.
The wedding of Mr Arthur Saunders and Miss Catherine Hutchings at Appledore.
The marriage of Mr Lewis Cann and Miss Ida Cox at St Mary’s Church, Appledore.
A wedding of considerable interest to Appledorians took place recently at St Sidewell’s Church, Exeter. The contracting parties were Mr Leonard Sparkes, youngest son of Mr James Sparkes, retired, and Miss Bertha Elizabeth, second daughter of Mr and Mrs William Down, and granddaughter of Mr J T Slader, for over 49 years clerk of St Mary’s Church, Appledore. The happy couple are going to reside at Honiton, and until recently Miss Bertha Down was at Appledore, where she was most popular with all.
The remains of Mr Sydney Jewell, son of Mr and Mrs Richard Jewell, of Myra Court, West Appledore, were laid to rest at St Mary’s Churchyard. Mr Sydney Jewell, through his paternal grandmother, was descended from the old Appledorian family called Hancock, who at one time owned considerable property in West Appledore, and have given their name permanently to Hancock’s Slip.
The funeral of the late Mrs Francis Westlake, wife of Mr Thomas Westlake, of Assells, took place at Appledore. The Vicar, who officiated, referred with deep gratitude to the pleasant Cottage Meeting that he as a curate was privileged to hold in her neat home at Assells, which was a great blessing to those who resided in the hamlet.
The wedding was solemnized at St Matthew’s Church, Exeter, of William Henry, only surviving son of Mr and Mrs W H Luxton, of Clovelly Road, Bideford, and Laura May Sly.
Champion oarsman, John Bale, weds Henrietta Heale.
Mr and Mrs James Priscott, of Park Lane, Bideford, received many congratulations on their golden wedding day. Married 50 years ago, they have lived in Bideford during the whole of their married life, for many years carrying on business in Mill Street. Their numerous friends wish them health and strength and many more years together.
Maybe your Dad or Grandad had a car from Eric B Marsh, Bideford?
Before the ordinary business of the court was proceeded with at Bideford County Sessions, Mr H N G Stucley on behalf of his fellow magistrates, welcomed Miss E Bazeley to the Bench. The occasion was unique because this was the first time a woman magistrate had been appointed in Bideford. He thought it was an addition long overdue. Miss Bazeley thanked Mr Stucley for his kind words, and said she would always do her best on the magisterial bench.
The Triumph of Righteousness at the Town Hall, Bideford.
Later in the month …
Apathy. At a general meeting of the British Legion (Bideford Men’s Branch) held at the Town Hall, Capt E C Hope-Hall in the chair, the attendance being small.
Bideford Gun Club hold their opening clay target shoot at Moor Park, Sentry Corner.
The senior crew of Bideford Amateur Rowing Club, together with the rowers who helped to win outright the Bideford Regatta Challenge Cup, were entertained to dinner at Friendship’s Café, Bideford. Mr E Grimes, the Club Captain, presided and amongst those present were Messrs W J Smith, G H Bainbridge, F T Upton and W T Goaman. The seven rowers who won the Regatta Cup (Messrs Mitchell, Morris, Rendal, W Johns, H Johns, A K Chope and Bale) were each presented with a replica thereof suitably inscribed.
Bideford Council School Managers.
Elementary schoolchildren in the Bideford district co-operated in a praiseworthy manner for their fancy dress dance revels, held in Bideford Market Hall on behalf of the funds for the children’s ward of the new hospital. The onus of the organisation and direction fell on Mr C S E Harding and Mr L B Beer who carried out their duties with the greatest possible success. The children were marshalled into order prior to their entry to the market and their orderly appearance afterwards drew much delighted comment from the crowded audience. When all were ready the company came to attention to sing the National Anthem. The judging was of necessity an extremely difficult task, as the variety of costume was most bewildering.
Friends and neighbours paid a great tribute to the memory of Mr S Hopkins, of Chingswell Street, Bideford, by attending the public cemetery in large numbers, Rev J T Halstead officiated. Mr Hopkins, who was a retired tradesman, had been ill for a long time and died at the age of 62. He was a Bidefordian who always met his friends with a cheery word and a pleasant smile, and was highly respected by all. The bearers were his old comrades, viz. Messrs Jessie Bennett, H Blackmore, F Ebsworthy, S Ray, J Squires and W Shortridge.
The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Baker, of Brunswick House, Bideford, took place in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends at the Old Town Cemetery, Bideford. Deceased, who was the widow of Mr John Baker, a well-known and esteemed merchant of the town, and had carried on the business since his death, was the only daughter of the late Mr H Ascott. Widespread sympathy has been expressed with the her daughter, Mrs C E Stent) and two son in their sad loss. The Rev J T Halstead officiated in the unavoidable absence of the Rev Alfred Clegg. Six employees of Messrs I Baker and Sons (Messrs F Glover, W Bailey, W Lake, S Lee, J Brock and G Elston) acted as bearers.
The funeral of Mrs Sarah Jane Hill, wife of Thomas Hill, of Pillhead Farm, East-the-Water, whose death occurred after a long illness, took place at the Church Cemetery, the Rev C B Crofts officiating. The bearers were Messrs W H Martin, J Chipman, J Huxtable, W J Fulford, C Stevens and C Piper.
We regret to record the death which took place at Rosehill, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, at the age of 80 years, of Mr Richard Cock, retired grocer of Meddon-street, and a member of a well-known Bideford family. Mr Cock, whose wife predeceased him about fiver years ago, was an elder brother of Alderman John Cock, JP. The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, the Rev J T Halstead officiating. Messrs W Glover, E Glover, A Beer, W Harris, W Shortridge and A Jewell acted as bearers.
Mr M Lewis, 3a Milton Place, Bideford, promotes Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills.
Bideford Branch of Devon Farmers Union heartily congratulated Alderman J M Metherell, for many years chairman of the Branch, and an ex-County Chairman of the Union on having been offered and having accepted the Mayoralty of Bideford for the ensuing year. Mr Metherell was Mayor of the Borough in 1906 and 1907.
Bideford’s new Recorder, Mr W B Faraday, paid his first official visit to Bideford and took the oath at the Quarter Sessions. The learned Recorder was accompanied on the Bench by the Mayor, Councillor Dr E J Toye, and Messrs A R Adams, JP, H W Huxham, JP, and W H Merefield, JP. The Mayor, as chief magistrate for the Borough, said it became his pleasing duty to welcome the Recorder to a post which he himself had described as the chief judicial official of the borough.
Glenover, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, to be sold at auction.
At Bideford Borough Sessions, Walter Ellis, carpenter of High-street, Bideford, was fined 3s for not having his name legibly inscribed on the collar of his dog. PC Brewer stated the facts.
Bradworthy news.
Mr J Robins, an old and respected parishioner, passed away most suddenly. Deceased had been confined to his bed for a few days only, and previous to this he had worked as usual. The funeral took place in Bradworthy parish churchyard., the vicar, Rev A E Dobson, officiating.
The death of Mrs Smale, Brendon Farm, Buckland Brewer.
Bucks Mills harvest home.
At Bideford County Sessions, two Bucks Mills labourers were summoned for stealing apples from Mr J Turner, Northway Farm, Parkham. The Magistrates found a prima facie case against the defendants, who both pleaded guilty, with the elder apologising and adding that he was very sorry and that they would see that it did not happen again. There were no previous convictions. Each defendant was fined £1, and 5s witness’s expenses.
Miss Eva Prouse and Miss Mary Harding, scholars of the Clovelly Council School, are prizewinners in a recent ‘handwriting competition’ in which there were 62,054 competitors.
Clovelly Harvest Thanksgiving services.
Mr Josiah Headon, son of Mr and Mrs John Headon, the Quay, Clovelly, who has returned home for the fishing season, has been warmly congratulated by friends and parishioners on his recent success in winning the 80 yards open race at the Hampton Open Air Swimming Baths. The prize was a handsome solid silver cup mounted on an ebony stand.
Etson Chapel, Hartland, was nicely decorated for the harvest thanksgiving. Rev F Dennis preached in the morning and Mr James Cruse in the evening. Ladies attending to the tea on Monday were Mesdames Bragg, Cloke, Heard, Pengilly, Misses Heard and Walter. Mr A W Everson presided at the evening meeting, Mr Trudgeon giving the trust report, which showed a balance in hand of £15 7s 3d.
Hartland Parish Church harvest thanksgiving.
At Hartland, the wedding of Stoker Chief PO Lewis Littlejohn and Miss Annie Hobbs.
From some unknown cause Hartland was out of all phone or wire connections all day on Sunday and part of Monday.
In the Market auction field Mr W T Kivell presented (on behalf of a large number of subscribers) a gold watch to Mr John Dennis, JP, in recognition of many years service as bank agent, a member of the market committee, etc. Lloyd’s Bank work is being continued by Mr Cockram of Bideford.
Sale by public auction at the White Hart Hotel of a freehold farm known as Higher Meddon, Hartland.
Dr Paintar, from the County Council Medical Department will lecture in the Hartland Council School, chair to be taken by Dr L B Betts, M.O. of Health. All are invited.
Mishap to Lady Stucley.
Miss Mary Rowland has been notified that she has passed the Teachers Certificate Exam, with a credit in needlework. Miss Rowland was a pupil teacher at Hartland Mixed School.
Mrs Edwin Short, of West Street, Hartland, who had been ill for some time, passed away rather suddenly on Michaelmas afternoon. The funeral took place at the Parish Church, the Vicar officiated. We regret to record the death of Mrs Caroline Walter, wife of Mr William Walter of Edistone, which occurred after an exceedingly brief illness. She was in her usual health the previous day. Much sympathy is expressed with the bereaved family. The funeral at Hartland was very largely attended. Six nephews, Messrs George and Isaac Newton, Sidney, Stanley, Thomas and Thomas Walter acted as bearers.
The funeral of Mr Arthur Lane, of Kowloon, Instow.
The death of Mr Charles Molland of Instow.
Landcross harvest thanksgiving services.
At Langtree the church was tastefully decorated for the harvest festival by many willing helpers.
Lundy Island, with all its romantic associations has a new ‘king’ in Mr Martin Coles Harman, chairman of the Rock Investment Co. Limited; the Gas, Water, and General Investment Trust, Limited – the textile machinists of Manchester – and of several other big companies, who purchased the island for £16,000.
In view of the Zeebrugge film now being shown at Bideford, it is of interest that HMS Vindictive was modelled at Chatham by the late Mr James Hughes of Northam.
George Leman, of Chartcote, Northam, thanks supporters of the Stop Watch Scheme.
For stealing a silver watch, the property of Mr Albert Horatio Dickers, of Hillsborough, Northam, a baker’s assistant was fined £1 12s and 10s witnesses expenses at Bideford County Sessions. Mr Dickers, spoke to missing a silver watch from the dresser in the kitchen on October 3rd. The watch was out of order. He reported the loss to PC Hardy. He valued the watch at £3. PC Hardy said on making enquiries, he found the watch at Mr Elton’s watchmaker. Later he saw the defendant and charged him with the theft. Defendant, who pleaded guilty, expressed regret and asked the Bench to deal leniently with him. Such a thing should not happen again.
The post of a surveyor’s clerk for Northam Urban District Council is advertised.
At a meeting of North Devon Employment Committee, at Barnstaple, Alderman A J Reavell, presiding, further reference was made to the proposed new road from Bideford to the Northam road, and Mr Cowell suggested from what he had heard there was a possibility of Northam Council withdrawing their support, which would jeopardise the whole scheme and be a very serious matter for the district, where there was considerable unemployment.
Harvest festival services held in St James’ Church, Parkham. The Church was nicely decorated with flowers, fruit and vegetables, and large congregations attended both the morning and evening service. The Rector preached at both services, whilst Miss N W Ley very ably presided at the organ. The collections at all the services are for the Bideford and District Hospital. The fruit and vegetables will be sold after the evening service in aid of Church expenses.
Mr Philip Down, son of Mr and Mrs J Down of Shebbear parish, is leaving for Australia.
We regret to announce the death of Mrs Susana Lock, wife of Mr John Lock, of Stone Park, Shebbear, who passed away at the age of 69 years. Her hospitality and kind heartedness had endeared her to a host of friends. Much sympathy is extended to the husband and children.
Shebbear news.
Torrington news.
At an auction held by Messrs W J Slee and Son, Efford Beacon, New-street, was withdrawn at £675 and Palmer House at £1,200.
Torrington ex-Service men have commenced their weekly whist drives. On Thursday there was a record attendance. The players gaining honours were Mrs Letts, Miss E Rundell, Miss W Nancolled, Mr F Balkwill, Mr F Cornish, Mr G Loosemore.
A very highly respected Torritonian has passed away in the person of Mr William Bennett, who was for a number of years employed at the North Devon Clay Works. The funeral was largely attended by his fellow workers and members of the ancient Order of Foresters. The service was conducted by Rev Preb F Emlyn Jones. Fellows workers acting as bearers were Messrs F Clements, T Slade, J Copp, T Lawrence, E Quick, W Hammett, T Hammett, J Short, W Dunn, H Baker, A Stapleton and F Parkhouse.
The Rev W H Smale was chosen by Torrington Guardians as chaplain to Torrington Workhouse.
The late Mr Frederick James Wood, landlord of the New Inn, Torrington – funeral at Abbotsham.
The wedding was solemnized at the Weare Gifford Parish Church of Mr John Beer and Miss Florence Gilbert, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Arthur Gilbert, of Honey Beam Farm, Torrington. The Rev R H Moyses officiated. The bridesmaids were Miss Doris Beert and Miss Susan Gilbert.
Household furniture and other effects from Footlands, Weare Giffard, is to be sold by auction.
The auction of a furnished hut at Westward Ho!
Household furniture from Braunton View, Westward Ho! for sale by auction.
Local golfers will be interested to learn of the engagement of Sir Ernest Holderness, the amateur golf champion of 1922 and 1924, and Miss McQuade, daughter of the late Mr R F H McQuade, of Sydney, New South Wales. Sir Ernest’s unexpected defeat by J L Cruickshank, in the second round, provided a sensation at the meeting at Westward Ho! last May when the amateur championship was won by Robert Harris, of the Royal and Ancient. Both Sir Ernest and Miss McQuade live at Walton Heath.
Mr W H Short of Bideford was the preacher at the Woolsery United Methodist harvest festival. The tea was in the charge of Mesdames Bailey, W Burrow, Andrew, Beer, Chidley, Gerry, Hamlyn, Prouse and Miss Andrew. Mr A Prouse was the chairman and Pastor Trudgeon principal speaker at the evening meeting. The total proceeds for trust funds were about £3 5s.
The Rev G I Edwards, who a few years ago, succeeded the Rev Courtney Burrough as Vicar of Woolsery, has been appointed to the living of Lamerton, near Tavistock. The Rev Edwards has rendered most helpful service to his church at Woolsery, and as a tenor vocalist of rare quality he freely used this talent in raising funds for parochial work.
October 1975
Cllr Stan Brimacombe has helped to persuade Devon County Council to reject the recommendation of their Planning and Transportation Committee that part of the Bideford proposed by-pass should run through Cornborough, Abbotsham.
About 100 attended a harvest supper held in Abbotsham Parish Hall. Entertainment included music on the electric organ and Mr John Cork read Jan Stewer stories.
Alwington Christian Youth Club were winners of a four-village quiz held at Alwington Methodist Church. Other teams comprised members of similar clubs at Littleham, Parkham and Buckland Brewer. Littleham were runners-up. The winning team – Christine Thompson, Robert Lee, Imogen Ramm and Rosemary Andrew – were presented with a silver cup, and all competitors were presented with inscribed pens. Mr T Biddick was question master and Miss Wendy Elliott was scorer.
Bid for ban on estuary anglers.
The erection of a building on the skyline at Look Out, Appledore, made a laughing stock of all planning, declared Mr Harold Clements at Northam Town Council. “We should ask Torridge District Council to expose this” he added.
Four Chinese Editors from Hong Kong, who are visiting this country as guests of the Foreign Office, visiting Appledore Shipbuilders and saw for themselves the production methods used in the covered yard where ships of up to 10,000 tonnes can be built. The four newspapers – Sing Pao; Sing Tao Wan Po; Ming Pao; and Wah Kiu Yat Po – command a mammoth readership extending to all classes.
A busload of school children from Appledore marched in procession from Bideford Quay to Bideford School with banners flying and bearing a protest petition with more than 100 names on it.
Later in the month,
Parents of children at Appledore County Primary School boosted the school’s fund towards heating and enclosing their swimming pool by more than £300. Thirty-four parents who took part in a sponsored walk organised by the Parent-Teacher Association were joined by headmaster, Mr Emlyn Williams, and the former headmaster, Mr Bob Curtis, who retired in July. They walked a seven mile route from Appledore along Bay View Road, around Northam Burrows and back to Appledore. One walker alone raised £64 in sponsorship.
If they have no by-law covering the tipping of rubbish over the sea wall at Appledore, they should consider making one, Northam Town Council are to suggest to Torridge District Council.
It was announced that following wage talks at Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd between management and trade union representatives, pay increases with the Government’s limit of £6 a week have been awarded with effect from October 1. More than 800 men now work at the yard.
Pictured at the first prizegiving of the Bideford Summer Skittles League are major trophy winners Gateway Girls and Unisex. The Gateway Girls, who took the league knock-out cup, received their trophy from Mr Jim Leworthy, representing the donors, Bideford Liberal Club, and Unisex, the champion of champion winners, received the cup donated by Mr Cyril Welsford from league secretary Mrs Brenda Elston.
The prizegiving took place at a buffet and dance at the Elizabethan Club, Westward Ho!
‘Rent free’ system back?
The children’s play area in Pollyfield, Bideford, has fallen into disrepair, Cllr Fred Bailey is pointing out to the Development Committee of Torridge District Council. But local parents should not be victimized because of some vandalism, he says.
Kim Brewer, son of Mrs Alan Brewer of Anstruther, Raleigh, has been awarded a fourth year’s scholarship at the Royal College of Music, Kensington. Kim has already spent three years at the college and is hoping to become a concert pianist. He delighted music teachers from all over the county when he gave a recital recently at a course held at Dartington Hall.
At a ceremony at Electricity House, Bideford, SWEB drivers have been presented with Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents safe driving awards by Chief Inspector David Hicks, of Bideford.
H King, B Dark, R Colwill, G B Johns, P G Shackson, G Cloke, H Eastman, L C Davey, K W Foley, J H Mayne, A Mugford, J Sluman, G Vickery, J Vickery, D G Peacham, E Tanton, P Newcombe, T A Tallin, A Doodson
Glendale, Fairy Cross, Bideford, for sale.
Broadlands Estate, off Alverdiscott Road, Bideford.
Expansion plans for H E Fletcher Ltd, Bideford, and British Plastic Developments Ltd in Torrington.
The Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Trinidad, has sent warm thanks for the gift of £60 from the parish of Bideford towards new Communion plate for the Cathedral. The money was given in retiring collections for missions at St Mary’s and St Peter’s Churches. The Dean visited the parish a month ago.
The sporting McKenzies of Bideford.
At Buckland Brewer YFC’s annual meeting, thanks expressed by Mr George Heywood, who presided, to all those who had helped the club during the year were coupled with a plea for continued support.
A bingo session in Clovelly parish hall was in aid of the Royal British Legion. Callers were Messrs G Smith, S Nicholls and G Shackson. Mr P Thompkins was door steward and refreshments were served by Mr J Gillet. Draw winners were Mesdames K Braund, W Pengelly, J Gillet, M Westlake and Miss S Cock.
A blow was struck for women’s lib at Bideford and District Horticulture Society’s annual show when, for the first time in living memory, a woman took the award for the best exhibit. It was fitting that the chairback – a superb example of drawn threadwork – entered by Mrs Olive Harris of Winsworthy, Higher Clovelly, should end the male domination for it was partly due to an increase in the women’s sections that show entries were boosted by more than 300 to 1,420.
A sale of work in Dolton Village Hall …
Dolton Carnival Queen.
First winners at Dolton bellringing festival of the Reuben Clements Shield, given in memory of that grand old man of bellringing by his family, were Down St Mary.
Dolton Baptists’ new pastor, Mr Richard Oliver.
The September service of Dolton and Dowland Mothers’ Union was conducted in St Edmund’s Church by the Vicar, Rev F Moorse. This was followed by a meeting in the Dolton Village School when it was decided to donate the Deanery festival collection to the organ restoration fund. Tea was served by Mrs A Piper and Miss B Friend.
In aid of cancer funds, a whist drive was held in the Hartland WI hall. Winners were Mesdames Beer, Hobbs, Redclift, Westlake, O’Donnell, P O’Donnell and Messrs Parker and Shute. Draw winners were Mesdames E Jeffery and Burrow, and Messrs Houchin and Shute.
Several thousand pounds damage was done when fire swept through a barn at Fairford Farm, Hartland, and destroyed nearly 1,800 bales of straw. The blaze was discovered by Michael Davey, son of the tenant farmer, Mr Ernie Davey.
Figures of use did not justify a pedestrian crossing at Fore Street, Holsworthy, the North Devon Torridge Highways Sub-Committee were told. An added factor was that it would have been in a dangerous position.
Mrs Judy Morley, of Morreecott, Chilsworthy, has been elected to fill the vacancy on Holsworthy Town Council caused by the resignation of Mr Harry Maunder. A housewife, she is the third woman to become a member of the council. It is her first venture into local government.
When harvest festival services were held at Landcross Methodist Chapel the Sunday services were taken by the Rev E Lambourne and Mr T E Colwill, of Northam. At the gathering on Monday presided over by Mr A Clements, an address was given by the Rev Walter Joyce and Mr Jim Perryman presented the financial report. Miss L Colwill was the organist at all services. Decoration of the chapel was the work of Miss L Colwill, Mrs G Barrow, Mr J Perryman and Mrs G Beer.
Monkleigh Methodist Chapel for sale.
Antique and modern furniture and effects for sale at Monkleigh Village Hall.
Buckleigh Lodge, Bay View Road, Northam, for sale.
Northam to have new car park?
Mrs M Richards, of Cross Street, Northam, was surprised.
Children at St Margaret’s School, Northam, given a free hand for harvest thanksgiving service.
More than £100 profit was made for Northam Cancer Research Campaign as a result of a coffee morning and bring-and-buy stall held at Orchard Hill House by invitation of Mrs Norman Fulford.
Northam footpath from Jackets Lane to Sandymere Road likely to cost £8,500.
The Barton, Parkham
Parkham parish church was filled for a memorial service for Sir Philip du Cros, Bart. The Rev O H Eppingstone officiated and gave an address. Dr I H Hewetson read the lesson.
New headmasters appointed at Parkham and Westleigh.
Funeral of Mr Balsdon, formerly of Shebbear.
The centre, built by the village family doctor, Dr Michael Hall, is a single-storey building designed to accommodate one general practitioner and a trainee general practitioner. The architects were G H Wheeler and Associates of Bideford and the main contractor T M Fallon of Stibb Cross.
Beech House, Shebbear
For the villagers of Shebbear it is a moving time.
Devon Education schools sub-committee will be asked further to consider Shebbear College serving as the secondary school for the local parish and surrounding area. The secretary for the board of management for Methodist residential schools has written to the County Council: “I suspect that it might prove no more expensive to the county to send boys and girls to Shebbear than to sent them to Torrington and, at 16, to Barnstaple.”
Winners in the competition organised by Torrington AFC for the Torrington Twinning Committee were Mrs Betty Hammett, Mr Bob Parse and Mrs Laurie Croxford.
Oppose car park charges in Torrington.
Once again Torrington faces the prospect of a fight to keep its 12-bed Cottage Hospital. Several times in the post-war period it has done so with vigour and success, but the new threat could be the most serious yet. It comes from the economy axe being wielded by Health Minister Mrs Barbara Castle, following her announcement that some hospitals will have to close in the near future. Any suggestion or implication that the Hospital might be closed would be met with the strongest opposition from the town and the surrounding area.
Part May’s Hill, Great Torrington, for sale.
Torrington Cavaliers Grand Bonfire
Mr Wallace Johns, Torrington council foreman, helps Mrs T Geoghegam of Maryland find descendants.
Mr Bill Tanton, of Cranford, Torrington, who has been making weather forecasts with a 95% accuracy for the past 13 years, was right on the ball with his forecast this year of a warm, sunny summer with much less rain than usual. It more than made up for his wrong prediction for the summer before. For the record, his forecast for the quarter up to mid-December - a mild, acceptable autumn and little or no frost.
Plans to convert Torrington pannier market into a shopping precinct have not been abandoned. A representative of the agents of the would-be developers, Beadle Property Holdings, of Hertford, admitted they had been ‘stalling’ with the council but said that basically the firm were still interested – but in a smaller scheme.
Damage expected to run into several thousand pounds was caused when fire broke out in the premises of the National Westminster Bank in Torrington Square.
Mr Ernest Lawrence, who has died, was a retired ironmonger of the town. The service in St Michael’s Church, Torrington, was followed by interment in Torrington cemetery. Messrs F Bryant, J Skinner, A Brown and J Petherbridge, friends, were bearers.
The funeral has taken place at the North Devon Crematorium of Mrs Mary Besso, of Goose Green, Torrington, who worked for 48 years for the local glove manufacturing firm of Messrs William Vaughan. Mrs Besso raised funds for the wounded soldiers during the First World War and also helped many other charities in the town.
A former member of Westward Ho! Follies and of the Northam Players takes a leading part in a 10-day amateur production in Panama. Mr David Eveleigh is playing the role of the defendant in the Surfside Theatre’s production at Balboa of ‘The Andersonville Trial’ set during the Civil War.
Mr Alisdair Barclay criticises Burrows toilets.
Lost kids problem at Westward Ho!
Tyrolean Beer Garden, Westward Ho!
8-9 Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! – household furniture and effects for sale.
Former Torrington stationmaster, Mr Frederick Newcombe of Uplands, Roborough, Winkleigh.
After 18 months of silence Woolsery Church bells pealed again when ringers from all over the deanery took part in a festival to mark the re-dedication by the Bishop of Crediton, Rt Rev Philip Pasterfield, of the tower’s six re-cast bells. Over the past two years a concerted effort by the villagers has raised the £4,614 cost of the work and their re-hanging on a new steel frame in place of the former oak one. The old bells, which were taken down at the beginning of 1974, had been in use for more than 150 years. Ringers found the re-cast bells had a slightly different weight and key. The money-raising had been ‘a real effort by everyone’ said People’s Warden Mr J Raffe.
Workers at the Central Electricity Generating Board’s coal-fired power station at Yelland will be told of future manning proposals in the light of the decision to put half the plant into ‘mothballs’. There will be a reduction in the present labour force of 200 but the station superintendent said that the figure concerned would be relatively small. “There will be no compulsory redundancy and we shall be relying mostly on natural wastage.”
October 2000
Triple climb may be an annual event
Ken Moore, Ron Walters, Martin Williams, Kevin Edwards, Mark Cowling
Standing a Halloween Jack o Lantern on the window ledge or by the door is an ancient custom, said to keep away evil spirits for the following year. If this is true, Torridgeside should be well protected thanks to schoolchildren who have been spending their half-term at The Big Sheep attraction.
An unusual congregation gathered at Appledore Parish Church as the village held its annual pets’ service. The service marked the Festival of St Francis – the Patron Saint of Animals. “We have done this for the past three years” said the Vicar of Appledore, the Reverend John Ewington.
Pictured are Mr Lewington, Polly Jonks, Karen and Shannon Cox
A Grade II listed building for sale at Appledore.
A bugle call is sounding for the old boys of the 1st Appledore Company of the Boys Brigade. Memories of the comradeship of their youth have prompted former members to organize a reunion – “while they are still enough of us around!” Formed by the late Jack Boyle in 1937 the Brigade ran until 1965, meeting for many years above the coal cellars on Appledore Quay.
Brigade members outside Ilfracombe swimming baths while on camp in 1941/42
Hope bulbs arrive by the ton in Bideford for a momentous millennium display.
Green fingers have been called for in Bideford as the town started the planting of its Fields of Hope – sites which will be filled with a million daffodils. When they flower, the bulbs will form a feature to highlight the town as well as raising funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Instigated by the Bideford Town Management Company the initiative took root at Edgehill College, where the first bulbs were planted by town Mayor Cllr Noel Deakes and his wife Marlene followed by staff, parents and pupils. The planting continues at the Pollyfield Centre, in town centre planters and at more Clovelly Road and Caddsdown sites, Old Barnstaple Road, town approaches, the Parish Church and at Safeways supermarket.
Bideford groundsman Gareth Phillips has received a top award for his work. Gareth, who is head groundsman at Grenville College, has gained the National Diploma in Turfculture from the Institute of Groundsmanship, the professional organization for those involved in the maintenance and care of sporting and recreation grounds. He is only the 119th person nationwide to achieve this award since it was created 44 years ago.
A Garden of Hope was officially opened in Bideford to provide a setting of beauty and tranquility. The creation of the public garden in Church Walk has been led by the Parish Church. “While St Mary’s Church has been leading this project it really has been a community effor.” said curate the Reverend Penny Dobbin.
Rev Penny Dobbin, Paul Wilson and John Duckham
Nick Martin advertises.
Show home at Grenville Ridge, Bideford.
Opponents of Bideford’s controversial flood defence plans are calling a public meeting in the town. It is being billed as a parish meeting by seven local electors under the rules of the Local Government Act and will be held in the Town Hall. Spokesman Tim Langdon said “The meeting is primarily being called because of a growing mistrust over Torridge District Council’s handling of the flood defence for Bideford Quay.” Central to the latest arguments is the operation of Bidefor Port, its use by the local clay industry and a desire to maintain its suitability for a heritage quay attraction.
No alcohol – and a hard line on drugs – is the pledge of one of the businessmen behind plans for a new-style club which is due to open in Bideford. Sam Adair, who is leading the consortium behind the creation of The Mission in Silver Street, hit back this week at a ‘poison pen’ campaign against the enterprise. Neighbouring residents had already voiced concerns about the opening of the club in their midst and have held talks with the management.
Craftworkers flock to Atlantic Village Pavilion.
Changing times and changing scenes are attracting attention at one of Bideford’s oldest hotels. The riverside Tanton’s Hotel in New Road is now under new ownership, with the arrival of Chris Richer and Charles Gardner. Changing scenes through the skills of barmaid Claire Jenkinson, who has transformed a former menu blackboard into a work of art. Her chalk picture has attracted attention from customers.
A spacious detached bungalow at Higher Clovelly is for sale for £169,000.
Local scenes are well represented in this year’s autumn exhibition of 19th and 20th century water colours at the High Street studio of Bideford antique and fine art dealers J Collins and Son. There is a classic Clovelly in an earlier-than-usual High Street scene by Henry Claude Mornewick.
Fremington Parish Council and North Devon District Council are asking Roundswell residents to come up with ideas for the new community and sports facility to be built next year on land at Tews Lane.
The future of Northam Burrows is to be reviewed by Torridge District Council which has assumed ownership of the land from Devon County Council. The Burrows management plan is now 10 years old and needs updating. “Ten years may not seem a long time but since the plan was first adopted there have been quite a few changes in the policies which affect the area” a district council spokeman said.
Burrough Farm properties, Northam, for sale.
Antiques café/tearoom in Cross Street, Northam.
A Northam pensioner, Mrs Violet Cawsey, appeals for the return of her suitcase.
Torrington Pannier Market celebrates its birthday, a year after its rebirth.
Weare Giffard 17th century cottage for sale.
Last remaining home at Galleon Way, Westward Ho! for sale.
The Turret and Cliff Cottage, off Merley (Mereley) Road, Westward Ho! will be sold at auction.
Woolsery barn conversion for sale.
Merry Harriers Nursery, Woolsery
Hundreds of residents of Yelland, Fremington and Instow went along to exhibitions to see plans of the proposed new power stations on the Taw estuary. Now awaiting Government approval, the £200 million ‘Yelland Energy Centre’ would be fired by natural gas and could be up and working by 2004. “This is the first stage of the consultation process and we were pleased at the level of interest” said Rolls-Royce Power Ventures development director Alistair Jessop.
Visitors who attended the exhibition at Instow