Good For Appledore, But Even Better For Tom! - 10th April 1959

It was a happy day for Appledore when young Tom Parsons arrived to take up his first teaching job, but it was an even happier day for Tom because that job led directly to the girl who, 50 years ago on Tuesday, became his bride. He and his wife recalled their first meeting when a Bideford Gazette representative talked to them at their home, Ferriwais, The Quay, Appledore. In Mr Parson's class at the Church School was girl named Gladys Tuplin. One day when he was going on holiday to Bristol he met her and her elder sister, Elizabeth, and learned that they were travelling to Cardiff. Of course he carried their luggage from the station to the pier, and, before leaving - they were taking different boats - he bet Gladys a box of chocolates that she would be seasick. 'Naturally' he said 'on my return I had to go to see how she fared, and to meet her sister again, and that started it.' As for Appledore, few men can have served it as faithfully, or to better effect. Since arriving in the township from Combwich, near Bridgewater, nearly 58 years ago, he has worked for the public good. Hundreds of local men and women have reason to be grateful to him for the training they received at his hands. When he retired about 10 years ago he had for 25 years been headmaster of the Church School, to which he returned after a speall at the 'New School.' Mr Parsons recalled that in those days big families were the rule and this meant big classes. He had known aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces in the same class. He is justifiably proud of the fact that he taught three generations. But Mr Parsons interest in youth did not end when school was over for the day. The Lads' Naval Brigade found in him a staunch supporter and, as always a keen musician himself, he started a drum and fife band. Later he originated the Boys' Brigade Band and was a member of Appledore Town Band. An accomplished musician - he can play almost any instrument although he prefers the clarinet - it was natural that he should form the Appledore Ameateur Orchestra which, after 12 years, became a war casualty. It was just as natural too, that he should become choir master at the Parish Church where, since 1939, he has been People's Warden. It is difficult to think of anything for the good of the community that had not attracted Mr Parsons interest. He was a keen sportsman in his youth and, returning from the first World War, he soon found another outlet for his energies. He is a founder member of the Appledore branch of the British Legion, was its first secretary, a post that he held for 25 years, and is still President. Welfare work always appealed to him and he was the obvious choice as honorary employment officer for Devonshire under the county branch of the Legion. The welfare of ex-Servicemen is still claiming his attention. When he retired as headmaster, Mr Parsons promptly turned to local government. He has been a member of Northam Urban Council for 11 years and was chairman in 1954055. He is still a member of the North Devon Divisional Education Committee and a governor of Bideford Grammar School and County Secondary School. Mr and Mrs Parsons' married life has been harmonious in more ways than one. Mrs Parsons shares her husband's enthusiasm for music and in her younger days was a keen singer. She is prominent in the social life of Appledore and still takes an active interest in the Church. Both enjoy good health and Mrs Parsons still runs the home. They have four children - Mrs Catherine Quick of Barnstaple; Mrs Marjorie Parkhouse whose husband is with the Air Ministry; Miss Mary Parsons who is still teaching at Appledore Church School as she did under her father; and Mr John B Parsons, a civil engineer with Aldershot Borough Council. There are two grandchildren. The happy day was marked by a dinner party at a hotel attended by the family and other relatives, including Mrs Parsons's sister Gladys who rightly claims that she 'started it all'.