Northam Methodists' Celebration Day 18th April 1957

Proposals first conceived nearly 20 years ago became reality at Northam Methodist Church when two vestries - one for use by the Minister and the other for use as a committee room were officially opened.

The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs L Heywood, of Bradford, who was introduced by the Minister of Northam Church (Rev C F Burdon Hunter) to the crowded congregation.  A solid silver key, which she will keep as a memento of the occasion, was handed to Mrs Heywood to unlock the vestries by the builder, Mr Cyril Cox, of Bideford.

During the service a framed plaque commemorating the gift of furnishings to the minister's vestry by the family of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Bellew was handed to the Rev. Burdon Hunter by Mrs A R Allin.

Among the many friends attending the celebrations was the chairman of Northam Urban District Council (Mr G W G Hutchings) and Mrs Hutchings.

Convener for the tea was Mrs W Burrows, Mesdames R Babb, Wilcox, Twose, Hulme, Harding, Sawtell, Cleverdon, T E Colwill, Bellow, Heywood, Violet, Moyse, Kelly, Shutt, Griffey, Symes, Misses Ruth Spry, Davies, Parkhouse and Ackland.

In the evening a much enjoyed concert was presented by the High Street Methodist Choir, Bideford, under their conductor, Mr W R Blackmore, and Bideford Amateur Orchestral Society, conductor, Mr F T Peters.  Mr Leslie Heywood presided.  Soloists were Miss Christine Taylor and Mr Henry Thorne.  The organist was Mr John Trigger.

A financial statement was presented by Mr P J Reed.  The Chairman thanked Mr Peters and Mr Blackmore for their splendid services.