Featured ArticlesA Selection of Articles From the Archive That We Thought Most Newsworthy

Businessman and Ex-Mayor - Death of Mr Hobart Braddick

Death of Hobart Braddick - 1961
 

One of the leading businessmen in North Devon and one whose enterprise and publick service found notable expression in Bideford district, Mr George Hobart Braddick, of 'Three Elms' Northam, died in hospital on Wednesday. Mr Braddick, who was active in the family business until his recent illness, was 85.
In 1953, Mr and Mrs Braddick, a former Mayor and Mayoress of Bideford, celebrated their golden wedding. Mr Braddick was one of the 12 children of the late Mr and Mrs J J Braddick. He attended the old Board school at the top of Gunstone in the days when Mr Baxter was headmaster. On leaving school he joined his father in the auctioneering business and about 1905 he established his own furnishing, removals and storage business. Electrical and house agency branches were later added and the business has steadily grown into one of the principalof its kind in this area. Mr Braddick's progressive personality was widely acknowledged.

In 1939 he was one of the prime movers in the launching of a £50,000 holiday centre in Cornborough Road, Westward Ho! (later sold) and he had played a prominent part in the modern development of Westward Ho! in the form of holiday centre, camping and caravan sites. His business interests extended all over North Devon.
In 1925 he was elected to Bideford Town Council but after a three-year term of office he did not seek reelection. In 1933 he was pressed to stand again and was returned next to top of the poll. He served for 15 years altogether - as did his father before him - and his enterprise and business experience were of great value.
In 1940, he and his wife began two very strenuous war-time terms of office as Mayor and Mayoress, being particularly associated with the looking after a large influx of evacuees.

For nearly 40 years Mr Braddick was leader of the Sunday School at Bridge Street Methodist Church - where he was married in 1903. He had served as Society steward and in other lay offices of the Methodist Church and was a Trustee of a number of chapels. Throughout his long, active life he always retained a keen interest in work for yound people.
In addition to the widow, he leaves a son, Mr L G H Braddick, two grandsons (Messrs G and I Braddick), all associated with the family business, and one granddaughter, Mrs M Wicks.
The funeral of Mr Braddick takes place at Bridge Street Church tomorrow (saturday).

Gazette article dated 14 January 1961

 

Login Form