Still thinks our pace ‘too slow'

A man who emigrated to Canada 50 years ago because ‘everything around here was too slow’ is at present holidaying in North Devon visiting friends and relatives.

He is Monkleigh born and bred Mr J E Prouse. It was in 1911 that he first obeyed the wanderlust and went to Alberta. In world war one he found himself back in England and when he was discharged in 1920 he came back to Monkleigh with every intention of settling down. Six months later he was back in Canada.

In Vancouver, where he now lives, Mr

Monkleigh WI store cupboards could only produce one pot of home-made jelly for the competition of the month

and this was exhibited by Miss G Cox, one of the junior members.

Mrs L Grigg presided over the meeting, which was held in the Village Hall.

Mrs Lennard gave a very interesting talk on the duties of a JP and was thanked on behalf of members by Mrs Westaway.

Mrs J Gilbert, helped by Mesdames Westaway, Smith and Miss N Gilbert, was tea hostess.

This week the Institute received its annual outing, Dartmouth and Torquay being the venue.

Gazette article dated

More Than Four Inches of Rain - 9th June 1967

More than four inches of rain in May and still bucketing down at Monkleigh on Saturday, but in a good cause.
Seen watching this unsuccessful tilt at the village fete on Saturday are Mr Peter Mills M.P. and Mrs Mills.

£20 For Guide Dog Fund - 11th March 1977

A whist drive at Monkleigh raised £20 for the Monkleigh Primary School guide dog for the blind fund.
Winners were: Martyn Hocking, Mr Lewis Grigg, Mr Jom Martin, Nicky Braunton, Miss Marjorie Redcliffe, Mrs Nina Matthews, Mrs C Taylor, Mrs Beryl Braunton.
MC was Mr Jack Tanton, a draw was run by Mrs Beryl Braunton and Mrs J Glover provided refreshments.

Monkleigh WI - 14th April 1967

At Monkleigh W.I. Mrs Davie gave a helpful talk and demonstration on flower arranging. Mrs L Grigg voiced thanks. The competition results: Mrs Brown, Mrs Powe (who was the hostess with Miss Janet Lawrence) and the penny bag competition was won by Mrs C Beer.

Mrs Morrish, who was welcomed by Mrs Bagilhole, gave practical instruction in folk dancing at the January meeting of Monkleigh Women’s Institute.

There were only three entries for the monthly competition – six meringues. Mrs Morrish was the judge and her awards were – Mrs Bale, Mrs W Gilber and Mrs E Wicks.
Mrs Ridgeman and Miss Shirley Ridgeman were welcomed as new members. On behalf of a well known firm, Mrs Homes served tea and biscuits, and presented each member with a sample of tea.
The full Gazette article is dated 16 January 1959

The wedding took place at St George’s Church, Monkleigh, on March 10th, of Mr Leslie Roy Smale, second son of Mr and Mrs J R Smale, 6 Kimberley Terrace, Northam, and  Miss Bronwen Margaret Gilbert, second daughter of Mr and Mrs W Gilbert, 10 Saltrens Cottages, Monkleigh. 

The service was conducted by Rev R P Newton and the organist was Miss Redcliffe. The chief bridesmaid was Gwyneth, younger sister of the bride, and the two smaller bridesmaids were Jennifer, niece of the bride, and Angela, niece of the bridegroom. Duties of the best man were carried out by Mr Wilfred

An enjoyable whist drive organised by Monkleigh Women’s Institute took place in the Village Hall.

The door steward was Mr Wainwright, and the MC, Mr A Lawrence.
Prizes were won by Mrs Hill, Mrs Johns, Mrs Prance, Miss Evelyn Brooks, Master John Gilber, Mr J Gilbert, Mr Wainwright, Master Alan Prance.
A competition for groceries, in the charge of Mrs E Wicks, was won by Mr W Grigg.
Mrs Smith (President) thanked everyone for their support. Proceeds after deducting expenses amounted to just over £4.
Gazette article dated 3 April 1959

Church Warden Resigns At Monkleigh - 18th March 1977

Closely associated with St George's Church, Monkleigh, since boyhood, Mr William Nethercott resigned as churchwarden at the annual parochial meeting.
The Rural Dean, the Rev R A Ford, who presided, paid tribute to his loyal, faithful service over many years.
Mr Nethercott attended St George's Sunday School as a boy and later became a chorister. First elected to the Church Council 48 years ago he also became a sidesman and was elected people's warden in 1966. From 1971 he represented St George's Church on the Hartland Deanery Synod.
Officers elected were:

Mrs Wainwright - Monkleigh - 20th February 1976

Today is Mrs Marie Wainwright's last day as cook supervisor at Monkleigh Primary School before retirement. The headmaster, Mr C S Wingrave-Pain, will present her with a stereo record-player plus a cheque. A bouquet will be presented by pupil Jacqueline Allin, daughter of the chairman of the school managers, Mr John Allin of Stone Farm. Mrs Wainwright's successor is Mrs Maureen Poole of Frithelstock Stone.