15 April 1955
Flags at Bideford Liberal Club and Bideford Bowling Club, of which he was a member, were flown at half-mast on Saturday for the funeral at Northam Methodist Church of Mr Alfred Hocking, Burrows View, Westward Ho!
Mr Hocking, who was 65, for formerly in business at Shebbear and on retirement first came to live at Bideford and later at Westward Ho! For a number of years he was hon. secretary of Bideford and District Local Savings Committee and contributed much to the success of the big war-time savings drives. He was a trustee and treasurer
…2 February 1973
A £50 voucher has been won by Mrs Neta Ware, Milford Mill, Hartland, in a Mosaic Cyprus sherry nationwide competition. She has to redeem the voucher at the off-licence at which she bought the sherry - Walton's Supermarket, High Street, Bideford.
The second part of the competition does not end until March 31.
The Gazette article is dated 2 February 1973
12 January 1943
A bridegroom who returned to this country last summer after three and a half years service with the RAF in Iraq was married at Bideford Baptist Church on January 2nd. He is Flight-Sergt Thomas John Paddon, only son of Mr and Mrs R Paddon, 20 Chingswell Street, Bideford, and his bride is Miss Florence Maud Mills, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J H Mills, 14 Victoria Grove, Bideford. Flight-Sergt Paddon is an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School and joined the service from school.
The wedding ceremony was conducted by
…15 December 1942
A wedding of much local interest was solemnised at St Mary’s Church on December 8th, the bridegroom being Sergt A G L W Braund, only son of Leading Seaman Braund and Mrs Braund, 5 Elmscott Terrace, Bideford, and the bride, Miss L W Bedler, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Bedler of 19 Bowden Green, Bideford.
The Rev R Y Stone officiated and Mr R Harper was at the organ. There was one bridesmaid in attendance – Miss Phyllis Bedler. Sgin G A Lockyer carried out the duties of the
…16 March 1943
There was much local interest and a large attendance of friends at the wedding at Westward Ho! Church on March 4, of Pte John James Montague, Military Pioneer Corps, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J Montague of Glasgow, and Miss Doris Myrtle Hutchings, only child of Cllr and Mrs G W G Hutchings, of 5 Westbourne Terrace, Westward Ho!
The Rev H Hancox officiated at the ceremony and Mrs Kelly was at the organ. The bride was attended by Misses Violet and Edith Ellis and Pearl Montague and the best man was Mr Harry Montague.
…20 January 1942
On Saturday January 10th, the wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Mr William Frederick Hookway Grant, son of Mr and Mrs William Grant, 6 Kingsley Terrace, Bideford, and Miss Dorothy Alice May Blackmore, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Ernest Blackmore, 12 North Road, Bideford.
The Rev R A B Chambers officiated and Mr R Harper was at the organ. There were two bridesmaids – Miss Doreen Harding and Miss Joyce Vine. The duties of the best man were carried out by Mr Jack Newcombe, Mr J
…21 April 1942
of Signalman William D French, Royal Corps of Signals, son of Mrs Frenceh and the late Mr French, of Church Walk, Bideford, and Miss Daisy Kathleen Pennington, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles F Pennington, of Highborough, Pinecroft Terrace, Clovelly Road, Bideford.
The ceremony was conducted by the Rev R Y Stone.
The full Gazette article is dated 21 April 1942
27 October 1942
the wedding took place of Mr Donald Evans, Merchant Navy, second son of Mr and Mrs A Evans, 23 Meeting Street, Appledore, and Miss Irene Mary Taylor, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs W G Taylor, 3 Kingsley Road, Bideford.
The ceremony was conducted by the Rev R Y Stone. Mr R Harper was at the organ. The bride was attended by her two sisters as Matrons of Honour, Mrs Joan Peterson and Mrs Gwyneth Smith. Mr D G Smith carried out the duties of best man.
A reception was held at
…28 April 1945
Romance and the fortunes of war shone on the marriage solemnised at Bridge Street Methodist Church, Bideford, on August 10th, of Capt Ronald Slade, RAC, second son of Capt and Mrs Slade, 29 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, and Miss Patricia Verbeeck, only daughter of Lieut and Mrs Verbeeck, 100 Boulevard Jacquard, Calais, France.
The bridegroom, who come of a well-known family of five brothers, all Old Boys of Bideford Grammar School, speaks French well, and worked for European Resistance Movements before and after D-Day.
The Rev H Wilkinson officiated at the ceremony and Mr E G
…1943
Recently home from the Middle East, after five years’ service there with the RAF, Corpl Frederick George Raymont, Hill View, Landcross, near Bideford, was married on May 29th at St Mary’s Church, Andover, to Miss Irene Margaret Crothall, daughter of Mr and Mrs W H Crothall, 53 Charlton Road, Andover.
The Vicar of Andover, Rev A C Fletcher, officiated at the ceremony.
Given away by her father, who was wearing medals awarded him for service with the RAMC in the last war, and also a long service medal with the RAF,
…31 July 1945
Five bridesmaids attended the bride at the wedding at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on Wednesday July 18th, the Rev T R Gibby officiating, of Pte Kenneth John Steer, of the Canadian Army, younger son of Mr and Mrs E Steer, of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and Miss Kathleen Helena Hill, younger daughter of Mr L E Hill, of Sylvania, Sask… and Mrs Hill, of Corner House, Monkleigh.
Mr R Harper presided at the organ.
The bride, given away by Mr J Lang, was attired in a long brocaded silk gown
…30 January 1940
There was much local interest in the wedding at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on Wednesday, of Mr John Underhill Fulford, eldest son of Alderman and Mrs H W Fulford, of Glenburnie, Bideford, and the eldest grandson of the late Mr J U Fulford, and Miss Barbara Mary Wear, younger daughter of Mrs Wear, Aysha, Westward Ho! and the late Mr Alfred Wear (Stock Exchange, London).
Both the bridegroom and the best man, his cousin, Mr Dennis Cockram, who are serving with the forces, wore uniform. Before enlisting, the bridegroom was a
…28 August 1945
A Bideford Victory bride and bridegroom were Miss Margery Doreen Taylor, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Tom Taylor, of Blacksmith’s Arms Inn, Bideford E, and Corpl Leonard Charles Stewart Davey, RAF, only son of Mr and Mrs C E Davey, of Belle Vue, Waltham Avenue, Guildford, Surrey, formerly of 27 Meddon Street, Bideford.
They had chosen Thursday, August 16th for their marriage and by happy coincidence this turned out to be VJ plus one. Thus they will always be able to say that the town was decorated, the
…12 August 1941
as an amateur boxer and athlete, Gunner Joseph William Victor Folland RA, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Frank Folland, 88 Calf Street, Torrington, was married at St Mary’sChurch, Bideford, on August 2nd, to Miss Barbara Francis Westlake, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Samuel Westlake, 9 Bowden Green, Bideford.
The ceremony was performed by Rev R A B Chambers. The bridesmaid was Miss Joan Westlake. Mr R Cudmore carried out the duties of the best man.
Gazette article dated 12 August 1941
13 February 1945
in the wedding on January 30th at the High Street Methodist Church, Bideford, between LAC David Charles Blake Lang, RAF, eldest son of Mr F G and the late Mrs Lang, 36 Old Town, Bideford, and Miss Daphne Grace Stevens, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J Stevens, 2 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho!
The Rev T E Clarke officiated at the ceremony. Mrs Cox presided at the organ. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr F A B Stevens. The duties of the best man were carried out by Mr Frank Babb.
Gazette
…14 March 1944
of the wedding which took place at St Michael’s Church, Torrington on Wednesday March 1st of Signalman Reuben J L Alexander, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Alexander, 23 Well Street, Torrington, and Corpl Violet May Perkins, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W J Perkins, Longham Farm, Coryton, Okehampton.
The best man was Torpedoman Stanley Davy, RN, a Torritonian who had met Signlmn Alexander in Tripoli. Among the guests was Leading Seaman Braunton, of Bideford, who has been a shipmate of the bridegroom.
The Vicar
…17 February 1942
of Corpl W G Popham, second son of Mr and Mrs G H Popham, 9 Marine Parade, Appledore, and Miss Alice Mary Paddon, only daughter of Mr and Mrs R Paddon, 20 Chingswell Street, Bideford.
The ceremony was conducted by the Rector of Bideford, the Rev Preb. W N Manning. Mr R Harper was the organist. Miss A James was the chief bridesmaid and there were two small attendants. Sergt C J Popham, RAOC, brother of the bridegroom, carried out the duties of the best man.
A reception
…18 November 1941
at the wedding at St Helen’s Church, Abbotsham, on Saturday November 8th, of Sergt Constantine Charles Prust, Fairview House, Abbotsham, and Miss Martha Banks, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A E Banks, 17 Droversdale Road, Bircotes, near Doncaster.
The bridegroom, who was in the Territorials, has been on service since the outbreak of war. Prior to this he was a member of the office staff of the Bideford Gazette. A member of Bideford Wheelers, he had also taken a keen interest in the Boy Scout movement.
…21 April 1942
the wedding took place of Gnr Robert Sydney Fiddes, of Wallsend-on-Tyne, and Miss Linda Ethel Maud Mountjoy, second daughter of the late Mr R Mountjoy and Mrs W Sheppard, 4 Waterloo Terrace, Bideford.
The service was choral, Mr R Harper at the organ, played the wedding marches. The Rev R Y Stone officiated. The bride’s sister, Miss J Mountjoy, attended at bridesmaid. Sergt A Fiddes discharged the duties of best man.
A reception was held at the bride’s home where the bridegroom’s father and sister proposed the health of the happy couple.
…A cheery, breezy, virile soul blew into the office one day last week and shot a ray of sunshine
A cheery, breezy, virile soul blew into the office one day last week and shot a ray of sunshine through the gloom of 'inquest morning', and court-marshal follows court-marshal on the sins of ommission and commission of the preceding week. The visitor was Salvation Army Young People's Sergeant Major, merchant, and real estate agent, Justice of the Peace, R C Braund of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada (where the Quaker Oats come from), and a direct descendant of the Braunds of Bucks. Directly I saw him I was struck with his similarity in build and
…At Thursday's luncheon of Bideford Rotary Club, Mr W T Braddick, who for the last six years
At Thursday's luncheon of Bideford Rotary Club, Mr W T Braddick, who for the last six years has been hon. secretary of the Club commenced his term of office as president in succession to Mr M F Lee.
Few can have been so closely associated, and for such a long time, with local government and other administrative spheres in Bideford and district than Mr Braddick, For over forty years he has been collector of rates for Bideford, a position he still holds. For thirty-five years he was collector of
Brass plate
A steam roller brass plate and booklets were donated by Richard Sandercock on 6 January 2015. His great-grandfather was Richard Dingle (Dingles Heritage Fairground at Lifton) who had 3 sons (no issue) and 1 daughter who married a Sandercock.
JP Downing of Horwood, Devon, ordered a Clayton and Shuttleworth steam roller (TA6236) from Dingles in 1913 – there was a legal requirement to have identification of the owner on the roller, hence the plaque.
The Downing Family history is:
1891 Census shows:
John Petheridge Downing (aged 35) married to Cora S Downing (aged 32)
…new trustee of Bideford Bridge 1967
Mr Frank E Whiting has served in the town in many capacities, and in particular for the past 42 years as warden of Bideford bridge. He retired from this appointment that day and was immediately unanimously welcomed as a trustee of the Bridge. ‘Next time’ remarked Mr Whiting somewhat reflectively, ‘I suppose I shall be sitting at the bottom of the table as the youngest trustee, instead of sitting near the chairman and giving my usual report on the care and
…In political circles, the talk of the week has been the resignation of Sir Richard Acland from
In political circles, the talk of the week has been the resignation of Sir Richard Acland from the Liberal Party. His decision created no surprise among the stalwards of Liberalism in North Devon. Sir Richard's speeches in this Division and in other parts of the Country and votes in the House of Commons, have made it quite obvious that he could not be firmly depended upon as a staunch Liberal. He was 28 years of age when he entered the political arena in the North-West Devon Division and his acceptance as the Liberal candidate
…Under the heading 'Think again, Acland,' a recent edition of 'Eighth Army News' has been hitting out
Under the heading 'Think again, Acland,' a recent edition of 'Eighth Army News' has been hitting out at the Member of Parliament for North-West Devon, Sir Richard Acland's knowledge of what the Army thinks. The article, an editorial, stated: 'Sir Richard Acland, a Member of Parliament, has been complaining in the Commons. He has been complaining that the forces - that's us - were not given the faintest idea of the subjects exercising the minds of the people at home. The Honourable Member for Barnstaple may be taking a popular line
…Sir Richard Acland, M.P. for North-West Devon, is presenting to the National Trust the largest single
Sir Richard Acland, M.P. for North-West Devon, is presenting to the National Trust the largest single acquisition in its history - some 17,000 acres of his estates in Devon and Somerset, which have been estimated to be worth £250,000. The land consists of the Killerton estate in Devon and the Holnicote estate in Somerset. In addition, the National Trust is buying 1,000 acres of adjoining land. Of the estates, 6,000 acres are already leased to the Trust. Sufficient income will be derived by
…Edward Capern was born in Tiverton, Devon on January 29, 1819,
Edward Capern was born in Tiverton, Devon on January 29, 1819, where, at nine years of age, he was sent to work in a factory. He afterwards learned to make shoes and later became a house carpenter. Then he took to portrait painting. By this time Capern had learned to read and write, and the office of letter carrier was obtained for him at Bideford.
He was a Rural Letter Carrier from Bideford to Buckland Brewer and its neighbourhood for seventeen years, covering a distance of thirteen miles daily (Sundays included) for which he received a
Sir Richard Acland, M.P. for North-West Devon and now serving as a lance-bombardier in the
Sir Richard Acland, M.P. for North-West Devon and now serving as a lance-bombardier in the Royal Artillery, is featured in a Christmastide interview by a special correspondent appearing in a current issue of the 'Methodist Recorder'. The article describes Sir Richard as a 'prophet of goodwill in battledress... bold enought to echo in the House of Commons the claim of the pulpit through many a year that only Christianity fearlessly and honestly applied can bring us peace and goodwill." Sir Richard is stated to be becoming known far beyond his native Westcountry. His books 'Unser Kampf' and
…Bideford businessman Mr Graham Braddick, Devon and Southern Counties clay pigeon shooting champion
Bideford businessman Mr Graham Braddick, Devon and Southern Counties clay pigeon shooting champion, who has been selected as first reserve for the All-England team. He thus wins his first England blazer badge and joins in the team another Devonian, Mr Arthur Pickard, of Beaford, who has been a regular member for the past four years. The team meets Scotland, Ireland and Wales at Leamington Spa on July 17th and 18th.
Mr R G Balsdon, who has been appointed a director of Bideford Gazette Ltd. joined the Gazette
Mr R G Balsdon, who has been appointed a director of Bideford Gazette Ltd. joined the Gazette from Bideford Grammar School as an apprentice to journalism. During the war he joined with the Devons, was commissioned and saw active service as a captain in the Reconnaisssance Corps in Western Europe. Shortly after his return, he transferred from the editorial department to the commercial side as advertisement manager, gaining knowledge of all departments, and is now commercial manager.
Aged 47, Mr Balsdon is a member of the Rotary Club, of which he was the
Sir Richard T D Acland, Bart., J.P., M.P. for North-West Devon, who succeeds to the title on the death
Sir Richard T D Acland, Bart., J.P., M.P. for North-West Devon, who succeeds to the title on the death last week of his father, Sir Francis Acland, P.C., M.P
Of the three sons, the eldest, who succeeds to the baronetcy, is Mr Richard Thomas Dyke Acland, who was born on November 26, 1906, educated at Rugby and Balliol College, Oxford, and is a barrister-at-law. He contested the Torquay Division in 1920 and first fought N.W. Devon in 1931, winning the seat in 1935.
The other sons are Mr Arthur Geoffrey Dyke Acland, of Staveley, Westmorland,
Mr R G Balsdon, the retiring manager, joined the Bideford and North Devon Gazette straight from
Mr R G Balsdon, the retiring manager, joined the Bideford and North Devon Gazette straight from Bideford Grammar School in 1935 and was apprenticed to journalism. After his military service during the second world war, from which he was demobilised as a captain, he returned to the Gazette office and shortly afterwards was transferred from the editorial department to the commercial staff as advertisement manager, and he was subsequently appointed commercial manager.
In 1965 Mr Balsdon was appointed a director of the company which at that time was owned by members
Friday night is fish night at 'Cottesloe' Sandymere Road, Northam, the home of Mr Graham Braddick
Friday night is fish night at 'Cottesloe' Sandymere Road, Northam, the home of Mr Graham Braddick. People arrive from as far afield as Bude, Tiverton and Okehampton to buy and to talk about tropical fish. It all started when Mr Braddick was a schoolboy and his father brought home a can of fish from a London store. Now there is a thriving business which has particularly developed in the past two years and Mr Braddick, who is a director of the family furnishing and holiday accommodation firm, has 30 varieties in a collection
…A former Bideford girl who was taught to play the bass guitar in the Bideford home of her parents
A former Bideford girl who was taught to play the bass guitar in the Bideford home of her parents by her boy friend is now with him in a 'punk rock' group that he formed and who were seen last week on 'Top of the Pops'. The group, 'Adverts' were heard singing their latest record, 'Gary Gilmore's Eyes' which was then 27 in the charts. The only girl member is Gaye Advert, better known locally as Gaye Balsdon, daughter of journalist Mr Ron Balsdon and Mrs Balsdon. Whatever the future holds for her
…Member of a well-known Bideford family, Major J R Braddick, M.C., youngest son of the late
Member of a well-known Bideford family, Major J R Braddick, M.C., youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs J J Braddick, of Silford Farm, Bideford, died at Fairfield, St Agnes, on Tuesday. He leaves a widow. Aged 58, Major Braddick served with the Royal Artillery udring the first World War, when he was awarded the Military Cross and mentioned in despatches. During the 1939-45 war he was also cited for gallantry and good service by the Commander in Chief, Home Forces.
Following the 1914-18 war Major Braddick served in the Colonial
Mr Cyril Braund, a past president of Bideford Rotary club and 30 years a Rotarian will be making
Mr Cyril Braund, a past president of Bideford Rotary club and 30 years a Rotarian will be making club history when he flies to Chicago next week where he will attend the international convention and birthday celebrations being held to mark the 75th anniversary of Rotary. It will be the first time in the club's 55-year history that a member has attended an international convention.
Some 18,000 Rotary clubs from all over the world will be represented at the event which this year is being held in the city where the international
…Back from his 12th visit to the United States is Mr Cyril Braund, of Green Gardens, Northam
Back from his 12th visit to the United States is Mr Cyril Braund, of Green Gardens, Northam, with a new fund of experiences to draw upon.
He and Mrs Braund have again been staying with their daughter, now in Kansas City. He had been there only three days and was sitting sunning himself in a temperature of 75 degrees when by chance an 'Eye Witness Report' television crew pulled up to obtain his views on that night's baseball match. More exciting was time spend with the police - but in the nicest possible way.
…Reverend Leonard Woolcott
A Devonian, Mr Woolcott received early education at the Episcopal School, Exeter. He was ordained in 1914. Writing in the March issue of Hartland Deanery Magazine, Rev. L Woolcott says ‘Although it will be some few weeks before I shall be officially inducted to the benefice of Buckland Brewer, I felt I would take this early opportunity of sending you, on behalf of my wife and myself, our
…Mr C T Wesley senior
After nearly half a century’s work in connection with the railway, Mr C T Wesley, of Alton, Alexandra Terrace, Bideford, retired on Saturday from the position of senior good clerk at the Bideford South Railway Station, having reached the age limit of sixty. Well-known and highly respected by Bidefordians, Mr Wesley has been at Bideford for close on 27 years, actually coming to North Devon, in August 1911 as goods clerk, on what was then the London and South Western Railway. Born at Southwick, near Portsmouth, Hampshire, Mr Wesley joined the railway staff in the
…Death in 1968
Mr Frank E Whiting, who died on Monday at the Torridge Hospital, Bideford, aged 85, was Bideford’s oldest honorary Freeman. That is an honour never lightly bestowed, but few people can every have been more worthy of it. His active service to Bideford continued until October last year, when he retired from his position of warden of Bideford Long Bridge, which he had held for 42 years. But actually his association with that ancient monument and charity was ended only with his death, for the acceptance of his resignation was immediately followed by
…Reverend Leonard Woolcott
Mr Woolcott received early education at the Episcopal School, Exeter, and was ordained in 1914. He was Temporary Chaplain to the Forces from 1914-19 and then, for ten years, was curate of Alverstoke, Hants. From 1929, until accepting the living of Buckland Brewer, he was rector of Langton Malton, Yorks. Writing in the October issue of the Hartland Deanery Magazine, Rev L
…Mr C T Wesley senior
On behalf of the staff and friends, Mr R J Trigger, the recently appointed Stationmaster, presented a handsome oak pendulum timepiece to Mr Wesley and mentioned that he had not known Mr Wesley very long but had already been impressed with his work and ability. Inscribed on a silver plate on the clock was the following: “Presented to C T Wesley by the Railway
…Mr Frank E Whiting
When Mr J B Cruse, who is so well known to many of us in the Torridge district and carries with him our best wishes in his year of high civic office, was elected Mayor of Barnstaple reference was made to the part played in the life of that town by its Long Bridge, of which Mr Cruse is Clerk to the Trustees. From Bideford we emphasise the spirit of unity – ranking far above friendly verbal interchanges of bridge fame
…Retires after 31 years service
Members of the Council and official stood and enthusiastically applauded Ald Whiting, who is 74, as he left the Council Chamber on tendering his resignation. Announcing his decision Ald Whiting commented: ‘I do want to make it perfectly clear that my resignation has in no way come as a result of disagreement or difference of opinion with the Council’. The sole reason, he emphasised, was his age, ‘I
…Reverend S Weaver
The new rector comes to Instow from Milton near Gravesend, Kent, where he was Vicar of Holy Trinity Church. The parish embraced the headquarters of London river for Trinity House pilots and he is keenly interested in the sea and sailors which is a happy omen for his new incumbency which is also closely associated with the sea. The institution was performed by
…Reverend S Weaver
His sudden passing was a great shock to the man friends he had made in Instow and district. Rev S Weaver was 59. He leaves a widow.
Cremation took place at Plymouth. On Friday afternoon a memorial service was held at Instow Parish Church, the flag of which was flown at half mast. The memorial service was conducted by the Dean
…Mr and Mrs Wilkey
For thirty-five years Mr Wilkey was a member of Northam Urban District Council and he was Chairman in 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1941. His public services were recognised by the award of a Silver Jubilee Medal in 1935. He is a past president of Northam and Westward Ho! Chamber of Commerce, which he helped to found. For forty years he has been secretary of Northam Burrows Committee. Mr and Mrs Wilkey were married at Barnstaple Parish
…Mr Frank E Whiting
Mr J D Philipp, chairman, presided at the meeting. The hon. Secretary reported a successful year, with an increase in membership, a very friendly spirit and a keen interest among members, and an increased number of monochrome prints entered in the competitions. He mentioned the club’s pleasure at the return of
…Mr Wilkey
A possible explanation is that many former supporters felt so sure their men would be returned that they did not trouble to vote for them, and then when the results were declared were so disappointed that they felt like kicking themselves. Among those who failed to get returned were the Chairman of Totnes Rural Council, who had been a member of the Council for thirty years and chairman for about twenty, and the
…marriage to Doctor Florence Rhodes
Mr F G Kerry (brother-in-law of the bridegroom) was 'best man'. The bride was given away by her brother, Dr R Rhodes, of Grange-over-Sands, Lancs. A reception was held at the Savoy Hotel. Mr and Mrs Frank E Whiting will be leaving Bideford in a few days on a honeymoon trip to Capri. Among many telegrams was one with all good wishes from 'The Mayor, Aldermen
…Durnford-Slater and Valentine
A bar to the DSO he received for the Commando raid on Vaagso, has been awarded to Lieut-Col J Durnford-Slater, of Instow, a son of the late Capt L Slater of the Royal Sussex Regiment, who lost his life early in the last war, and the late Mrs Durnford-Slater
…RNLI award
The awards recognise the bravery shown by the two men when an injured seaman was taken off the ship Manchester Merit a few miles off the North Devon coast last January. At the time, Appledore branch secretary Mr Ivor Wickersham described it as ‘a hazardous operation carried out extremely well’.
…storming Regalbuto
Lieut-Col A W Valentine, CO of a battalion of the Devonshire Regiment storming Regalbuto ridge in Sicily – a report of which gallant action was published in last week’s issue – is the elder son of the late Dr and Mrs William Valentine of Appledore, and brother of Major Desmond Valentine, RAMC, who in peace-time resides at Appledore, being in partnership with Dr J G Youngman.
There is a family tradition of service with the Devonshire Regiment for their late father held the rank of Major and served as Medical Officer with the 6th Devons
…excellent and glorious story of the fighting Devons, intimately illustrated with maps and charts, written by its popular Commanding Officer, Lt-Col A W Valentine, DSO, CBE
With Christmas approaching, readers in Bideford and throughout the Torridge District especially, are recommended to buy up every available copy they can of ‘We Landed in Sicily and Italy’, that excellent and glorious story of the fighting Devons, intimately illustrated with maps and charts, written by its popular Commanding Officer, Lt-Col A W Valentine, DSO, CBE. Priced at 2s 6d per copy, the publishers, Messrs Gale and Polden Ltd have been instructed by Lt-Col to pay all royalties direct to the Devonshire Regiment Old Comrades Association. Men of the 5th (Bideford)
…Worldwide messages of sympathy and tribute have this week poured into Northam
Worldwide messages of sympathy and tribute have this week poured into Northam to the home of Mr John Henry Taylor, ‘one of golf’s immortals’, who died there on Sunday. He would have been 92 on March 19th.
His home – ‘Wavertree’, Windmill Land, where in latter year he was cared for by a daughter, Mrs P Plumtree, overlooks the Royal North Devon golf club course where he learned the rudiments of a game that was to take him to the pinnacle of fame. The son of a labourer and entering the game as
…22 Castle Street, Northam
The news coincides with the start of the 1970 British Open golf championship which he won five times and was runner-up six times.
Mr Taylor, who died in 1963 at the age of 91, began his career as a caddie on the Westward Ho! links. The house, No. 22 Castle Street, Northam, bears a plaque on the wall near the front door, erected by the Artisan Golfers' Association (of which he was founder member and president), giving
…Here for the event are their five children and twelve grandchildren
Already here for the event are their five children and twelve grandchildren: Mrs Freda Way, from Malaya, and her son Richard; Mr John Trapnell, bank manager at Wokingham, with his wife and three sons, Michael, Howard and Andrew; Mr Peter Trapnell and his wife with Martin, Janine and Robin; Mr David Trapnell, his wife, Della and Marion; and Mrs Pat Hunt, from Surrey, with her husband and
…The son of Mr Hugh Stucley and his wife Angela, of Affeton Castle, will be named George
The son of Mr Hugh Stucley and his wife Angela, of Affeton Castle, Worlington – the Stucley historical North Devon family seat – he will be named George after a 19th century ancestor, Sir George Stucley. It is the first time since the Civil War that a male child in direct line of accession to the Stucley title has been born to a couple living at Affeton. The child was born at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Boxing Day.
Mr Hugh Stucley is the only son of Sir Dennis and Lady Stucley of
Family gather at Appledore Baptist Church
Rev J Sidwick (Pastor) conducted the service, and his theme was appropriately taken from 54th chapter of Isaiah. Miss Mitchell performed the unveiling ceremony. Other members of the family present were Mr and Mrs Lilley, and Mr and Mrs W Smith (Cardiff). Mrs Carter beautifully rendered ‘Open the Gates of the Temple’, Mrs Evans accompanying. The congregation
…Major D F B Stucley
In a secondary capacity he was also the first Mayor of North Devon to be presented. Major Stucley is the 38th member of the Stucley family to hold the office of Mayor of Bideford, from which this month he retires after two years service.
…Major D F B Stucley of Hartland Abbey, is elected
A representative of Hartland Parish since 1937 and vice-chairman of the Council for the past seven years, Mr D F B Stucley, of Hartland Abbey, was elected Chairman at the annual meeting of Bideford Rural District Council on Tuesday. Mr Stucley who last week relinquished office as Mayor of Bideford, a position he has held for the past two years, is the present High Sheriff of Devon.
He spent 45 years with Royal North Devon Golf Club
Well known to golfers throughout the district and further afield, particularly among the older generation, Mr Thomas John Shutt, former caddie master at the Royal North Devon Golf Club, died early yesterday (Thursday) morning. Mr Shutt had been ill for some considerable time. He was 83.
Born at Appledore Mr Shutt had always lived in Northam parish and for many years past had lived at 3 The Square, Northam. He spent his earlier days on a farm and was then appointed a greensman at the Royal North Devon Golf Club, and subsequently
Daughter, Rosemary, goes as well
They would feel very honoured to represent Bideford on that occasion said the Mayor at Monday's meeting of the Town Council when it was unanimously agreed to record formally the Council's congratulations.
Followed by his eldest son, Major Dennis F B Stucley, of Hartland Abbey
Sir Hugh, who was Bideford’s senior honorary freeman, had upheld a family tradition of long and valued service to the community. For generations the family has been connected with the borough and had held land in Devon for close on 1,000 years.
The fourth baronet, succeeding to the title in 1927, he is followed
Presented with the Chief Constable’s certificate for good citizenship
The award was made as a result of Mr Smith’s action when he went to the aid of a man under attack at the West end of Bideford Bridge.
Two assailants, who were armed with a metal bar and a hammer, drove off after Mr Smith had snatched away the bar but he managed to make a note of the car number which he gave to the police. The two men concerned were both given 18 months suspended sentences at Barnstaple
Retains deep affection for Bideford
Born in 1896, Mr Short left Bideford some forty years ago and in Cardiff was introduced to Hire Purchase Sales, acting as organiser and secretary to a combine of twelve retail shops for drapery, millinery, etc. working up sales, developing branches and generally placing the business upon a sound financial basis.
Some years later, following service in the Welsh
Distinction of being first member of district to be honoured for services in the present war
He was promoted to Captain and received the Distinguished Service Order on the last day of last year. The honour afforded considerable gratification in Torrington and district with which the family has long been
…Celebrations at Hartland Abbey
Last (Wednesday) evening Sir Dennis and Lady Stucley entertained some 150 tenants and employees to supper at Hartland Abbey to celebrate the coming-of-age of their son, Mr Hugh G C B Stucley, who is a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues).
On behalf of tenants and employees of Hartland, Affeton, North Molton and Moreton estates, Mr Tom Allin, who farms Stoke Barton (540 acres) at Hartland, presented Mr Hugh Stucley with a gold watch and bracelet and three cases of vintage port. A film and slides of Sir Dennis’ agricultural tour
Grandson of the late Lord Eldon and the late Captain Stuart, RN, of Scotland
He was the grandson of the late Lord Eldon and the late Captain Stuart, RN, of Scotland.
Educated at the Grove, Harrow, he was a keen sportsman, taking an active interest in football, rifle shooting and golf. On leaving school he was articled to a famous aircraft
Presentation at Burton Art Gallery
Seen facing the audience (left to right) are: Mr A McTaggart Short (standing), Mr T Burton, the Mayor of Bideford (Mr D F B Stucley), Cllr Mrs E M Cox, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff (Ald Frank Chapman), the Town Clerk of Bideford (Mr F C Backway).
Guards Chapel is the venue
The ceremony takes place in the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks where 24 year old Mr Stucley, heir to the baronetcy, was stationed when a Lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards. He is now studying farm management in Hampshire preparatory to embarking on a three-year course at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. He will then return to North Devon where Sir Dennis
…Retiring from the Post Office
Mr Short, as man and boy, has completed over 46 years in the Post Office service. He commenced his adult employment at Bideford in March 1901 being appointed to the establishment in September 1905. He was promoted Inspector in September 1941.
Mr Short served in the Army during the first Great
Officially handed over by Sir Dennis Stucley
Sir Dennis, who is a former Mayor of Bideford, told members that he was glad that they were prepared to take over this area of the East-the-Water coast of Bideford. He felt that in the future it would be of great value to the borough. He recalled that almost 40 years ago he offered to dedicate the Spekes Mill area of
Wedding at St Nectan's Church, Hartland
There was a large attendance of other well wishers extending greetings to the wedding couple who, with the ten bridesmaids in blue followed by the choir in their crimson robes, made a charming and colourful picture as they came slowly down the aisle to the west door after the signing of the register.
Unfortunately the weather
The groom's great-aunt is HRH, The Princess Royal
Also present was the bride’s grandmother, Lady Poltimore, who had flown from Rhodesia to attend the ceremony.
Miss Rosemary Stucley is well known locally as a keen horsewoman and
in the footsteps of Dr Johnson and Mr Boswell
James Boswell, the biographer of Dr Johnson, who was born at Edinburgh, early showed a penchant for writing and an admiration for literary men. He fell in with the famous Dr Johnson on a visit to London in 1763 and conceived for him a most devoted regard. He made a tour of the Hebrides with him in 1773, the ‘Journal’ of which he afterwards published.
At the present moment, a Bidefordian, Miss E F (Betty) Stucley, literary minded daughter of Sir Hugh N G Stucley, of Moreton, is following in the footsteps taken by
A peal of bells welcomes him to Hartland
The infant son of Major and the Hon. Mrs Stucley was christened at Bideford Parish Church on Saturday afternoon, February 17th. The Rev Prebendary W Manning, Rector of Bideford, officiated. The child was named Hugh George Coplestone Bampfylde. He wore the family christening robe, the lace of which was made at Philham, Hartland. The godparents are Lt-Col the Hon. Denzil Fortescue, Major David Wills, Mrs John Ward and Mrs David Barbour.
A reception was held after the ceremony at the New Inn Hotel; the guests included employees of the Affeton Castle, Hartland Abbey
…Son of the late Mr E A Stapledon of Northam
On appointment to his new post, the Queen has given direction for Mr Stapledon to be a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George, of which Order he was made a Companion last year.
Mr Stapledon and his wife, who is a daughter of the late Col and Mrs R H Radford, of Stanwell, Westward Ho! are at present on leave and are staying at a
Until retirement, has been a senior partner of a well known North Devon firm.
Mr Stapledon, who was 80, was a son of the late Mr William Stapledon, of Lakenham, Northam, and was educated at the United Services College at Westward Ho! and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
Mr Stapledon first entered into partnership with the late Mr J Groves Cooper under the title of Groves Cooper and Stapledon. On
…second daughter of Mr and Mrs D F B Stucley
to two men
At the September meeting of the Council, the General Purposes Committee was instructed to consider bestowing upon Mr Rogers some fitting recognition of the Borough’s gratitude for his valued services. At yesterday’s meeting the Committee recommended, and it was approved, that the Council should invite Mr Inkerman Rogers to allow the Council to confer upon him the Honorary Freedom of the Borough
…Cllr T W Sherborne disagrees with the choice
The invitation was extended on Monday, the present Mayor (Dr I H Hewetson) having regretfully declined an invitation to continue for a second term. Dr Hewetson's reason, the Town Clerk (Mr L B Galliford) told the Town Council meeting was professional commitments now being carried out by his colleagues.
A member of one of Devon's most ancient families - in the Exon Domesday a Birdwood is recorded as holding a manor for the
…Retired from the position of caddie master
Golfers in several lands will read with interest and affection that Mr Jack Shutt, described as ‘the genial dictator of the caddie world’ has just retired from the position of caddie master at the Royal North Devon Golf Club. His retirement means that the Royal North Devon Club loses the services of the last of a great triumvirate. There was Mr C Gibson the professional, who died in 1932 at the age of 71, after 44 years work for the Club, Mr Philip Andrews who retired from the stewardship, the same year, after
…no previous intimation
Towards the end of the meeting Mr Rogers said that would be his last meeting on the Council and he was vacating his seat forthwith.
Mr G H Braddick: What for?
Mr Rogers said he would give his reasons in his notice to the Town Clerk the following day.
Mr Braddick: We cannot accept it without a reason.
Mr Rogers: I do not want you to accept anything.
1941
William is a driver in the MT section of the Army, John is a driver in the Royal Corps of Signals, Frederick is serving with the Royal Marines, Edward is a gunner in the SL section of the RA, Alfred is a War Reserve Constable, Frank, a Flight-Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, and Lance-Corporal Percival a driver in the AMPC.
Well done!
6 July 1937
Their golden wedding was on Wednesday and they marked it with a family celebration. Twelve telegrams of good wishes and many other messages were received. From their children, and there are ten of them, they received a wireless set and a fireside chair to mark the occasion. Their grandson, Mr Eric Beer, serving in the RAF abroad, sent a cablegram. Among their visitors was the Mayor of Bideford, Mr T A Goaman, who offered cordial congratulations and good wishes.
Before her marriage Mrs Beer was a Miss Grace Parr of Buckland Brewer and
1951
Mr Inkerman Rogers being unanimously elected President.
Com. A W B Messenger, of Bideford, President-elect of the Devonshire Association and President of the North Devon branch, presided over the early part of the meeting until the election of Mr Rogers.
Proposing Mr Roger’s election, Mr R Harper said there was no-one more suitable for the office. Seconding, Mr Vernon Boyle said nothing gave him greater pleasure “I have been, in a way, one of his pupils and he has
8 June 1937
The funeral took place on May 28th of Capt Chester Gayton, of Westward Ho! who passed away at a Bideford Nursing Home on Tuesday, after a long illness at the age of 41. Capt Gayton, who was a native of Croydon, saw active service during the Great War, on the North West Frontier, India. He later took up a Commission in the Indian Army (119th Multans) but was invalided home in 1919 and in 1920, being unfit for further service, resigned from the Army. He was a member of Toc H and the Officers’
…Also been the secretary of Bideford Bowling Club and the old Bideford Football Club
Responsible Officer for co-ordinating arrangements for the food and shelter schemes in conjunction with the local Councils, to meet war time emergency demands on Bideford Borough, Northam Urban and Bideford Rural District, Mr F A Pearson, Relieving Officer and Registrar for births, marriages and deaths for the area, brings to the task wide experience in organisation and essential local knowledge based on some twenty two years as relieving officer in the locality.
A Bidefordian and an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, Mr Pearson originally entered the teaching profession and was for five
10 December 1954
Boyles – December 2nd at 28 Market Street, Appledore, to Anne (nee Lynch) and Arthur, a daughter, Diane Mary, a sister for Peter.
Dennis – December 3rd at the Grenville Nursing Home, Bideford, to May (nee Fishwick) and Jack, a son, Leslie Malcolm.
Fletcher – December 8th 1954 at Denaryn, Northam, a sister for Carolyn and Andrea.
Morrish – December 7th to Joyce (nee Stranks) and John, a sister for Paul, Lynn.
Sluman – December 8th to Norah (nee Husband) and Wilfred, a son.
Squires – December 9th to Margaret (nee Ferrett) and Arthur, a son.
1 March 1963
Lamey - February 24 1963 to Rosalind (nee Johns) and Leo, a daughter, a sister for Karen.
Pryor - February 24 1963 at Beckenham, Kent, to Frances and Arthur, a daughter, first grandchild for Mr and Mrs F Jarratt, Bridgeland Street, Bideford
Reynolds - February 18 1963 at the Grenville Nursing Home, to Mary (nee Taylor) and Colin, a daughter, Sally Louise
Woodland - February 11 1963 at the North Devon Infirmary, to Eileen and Bob, a daughter, Hazel Mary
Brown-Glossop - engagement is announced between Brian, son of Mrs D Brown and the late Mr G Brown, Hilbro, Bay View Road,
…1 November 1968
1 November 1968
Burrow – October 24th 1968, to Nora and David, a daughter, Tanya Jane, a sister for Heather. Cox – October 24th at Battle Hospital, Reading, to John and Irene, a son, David Tyndal, brother for John and Fiona.
Shore-Shenton – The engagement is announced between Richard, eldest son of Mr and Mrs F M Shore, of Durrant Lane, Northam, and Joy, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs V Shenton, of Banwell Close, Bristol.
Sussex-Radford - Mr and Mrs W Radford wish to announce the engagement of their second daughter, Janette Elizabeth, of Lyndean, Stoneman’s Lane, Torrington, to Mr David John Sussex,
…20 December 1968
Dark – December 15th to John and Rosemary (nee Edworthy), a daughter, Sandra Margaret, a sister for David and Michael.
Locke – December 6th at the Barnstaple Maternity Unit, to Michael and Bridget (nee Scoins), a son, Stuart Richard.
Plows – December 12th at the NDDHMU to Jennifer (nee Middleton), and Peter, a son, Andrew.
Wonnacott – December 11th at the NDDHMU, to Hazel (nee Wood) and Gordon, a son, Stephen Andrew, brother for Rachel.
David-Turner – Mr and Mrs Arthur Turner, 25 Richmond Park, Northam, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only daughter, Hazel Denise, to Kenneth Douglas, youngest
…Comes of a family that has many Parliamentary associations
Educated at Harrow School, he subsequently entered the Army as a regular soldier and was commissioned in the 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers in 1915. He was seriously wounded in 1918 and was mentioned in despatches.
During the recent war he was again wounded while leading the 9th Lancers against a German position during the