Four sisters reunite in Bideford

Four sisters, average age 73, are staying together under one roof for the first time since girlhood. Mrs Alice Billings (78) now of Toronto, Canada, returned to North Devon last month which she first left in 1913, to be reunited with her sisters and brother.

Mrs Nellie Harris (70) of 17 Fore Street, Langree, and Mrs Edith Gerry (81) of Sutcombe, have temporarily moved in with Mrs Dora Hutchings (64) who lives at St Elvis, Northdown Road, Bideford. Their brother, Mr George Beal, lives at 2 Hillside Terrace, Pitt Lane, Bideford.

Born in Frithelstock, Mrs Billings emigrated to Canada 12 months after her fiancé and they were married. She returned home for a period during World War I in which her husband was fatally wounded and subsequently re-married. She last visited her family in 1951.

Left to right in photograph are: Mrs N. Harris, Mrs A. Billings, Mrs D. Hutchings, Mrs E. Gerry and Mr Beal.

Gazette article dated 20 June 1969