Call at Traders’ Dinner

Referring to the possibility of changes in local government in the future, the Town Clerk of Bideford, Mr F C Backway, told members of the Bideford and District Chamber of Trade, at their annual dinner that he hoped the name of Bideford would never be erased from the signposts of the district, but he was sure the local authority could look to the members of the Chamber to rally round if ever Bideford was in danger of losing its identity. 

The President, Mr W J G Coad, presided at the annual dinner dance which was held at the Royal Hotel, Bideford. The Presidents of Torrington, Holsworthy, South Molton and Ilfracombe Chambers were among the guests. A toast to the ladies and visitors was proposed by Mr B Newton, vice president of the Chamber. The evening concluded with a dance.

The secretary of the Chamber, Mr C S Holland, was toastmaster at the dinner and Mr A Goodman MC for the dance. In the picture are Mr W J G Coad, Mr J S Holland, Mr B Newton, Miss M Coad and  Mrs B Newton.

The full Gazette article is dated 1 April 1955.