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Golden wedding for Mr and Mrs Edwards

Family surprise adds to happiness of golden wedding

Fifty years ago on a sunny November morning, a horse-drawn carriage festooned with ringing bells drew up outside the Wesleyan Chapel, Barnstaple. The pair of greys were carrying two young people to be married. Mr and Mrs Jack Edwards celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home, 2 Silver Street, Bideford, together with their son and daughter, and families.

25.11.1960 Bideford Edwards golden wedding

The arrival of their son and daughter came as a complete surprise for them. The son, Mr H J Edwards, and his wife, of Swindon, and the daughter, Mrs Edna Ewens and her husband, of Borden, Hants, had left early that morning to arrive in Bideford for the anniversary.

There was also cause for further celebration - it was Sandra Ewens' sixteenth birthday.

Before moving to their present address two years ago, Mr and Mrs Edwards lived for 40 years at East-the-Water, and ever since they have lived in Bideford, a total of 49 years, they have never failed to receive their

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Births

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.

10.12.1954 bmd

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Honeymoon in Parracombe

8 August 1944

A.B/St J Osborne and Miss P Trott

8.8.1944 Osborne Trott

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on Saturday July 22nd, the wedding took place of A.B/S.T John Osborne, twin son of Mr and Mrs W Osborne, 28 Torrington Lane, Bideford E. and Miss Phyllis Trott, daughter of Mrs M Trott, 13 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, and the late Mr F Trott.
Rev T R Gibby officiated at the ceremony and Mr R Harper was the organ.
Given away by her uncle, Mr G Blackmore, the bride wore a dress of white cloque, with veil and headdress of orange blossom.
The bride’s sister, Miss Alice Trott was bridesmaid. Mr Lewis Gorrell carried out the duties of best man. On leaving the church, the bride was presented with a silver horseshoe good luck token by her cousin, Miss Brenda Seviour.
A.B and Mrs Osborne later left for Parracombe for their honeymoon.
Full Gazette article is dated 8 August 1944

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Mr and Mrs Bragg

11 April 1944

Sergt/Observer Alfred Leonard Bragg, RAF, elder son of Mr and Mrs A Bragg of Sherborne, and Miss Barbara May Arlett, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs W H Arlett, Pilgrim's Way, Westward Ho! are photographed after their wedding on March 25th at Holy Trinity Church, Westward Ho!

11.4.1944 Bragg

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Honeymoon in Wembley

22 March 1921

The wedding took place at the beautifully decorated St Mary’s Church, Appledore, on March 28th, of Mr William Berry, son of Mr and Mrs J Berry, 12 Tower Street, Northam, to Miss Daphne Logg, daughter of Mr and Mrs E Logg, 8 Myrtle Street, Appledore.

6.4.1951 Appledore Berry Logg wedding

The Vicar of Appledore, Rev H C A S Muller, officiated at the ceremony. Mrs Helen Muller presided at the organ. “The Lord is my Shepherd” was sung as a solo by Master Tony Redclift.
There were two bridesmaids – Miss M Hosegood and Miss B Logg. Duties of the best man were carried out by Mr Fred Berry.
A reception was held at the Appledore Hall. Mrs P Lamey made the wedding cake which was much admired.
Mr and Mrs Berry chose Wembley for their honeymoon.
The full Gazette article is dated 6 April 1951

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13 March 1945

13 March 1945

Bowden – February 27th 1945 at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, to Amy (nee Daniel), wife of Vernon Bowden, a daughter, Joy Elaine.
Eastmond – February 28th at the Torrington Cottage Hospital, to Lucy (nee Beer), wife of Robert Leonard Eastmond, a son, Robert Michael.
Guard – March 9th at the North Devon Infirmary, to Doris (nee Avery), wife of Gunner H Guard, RLA, a daughter, Patricia Joan Ellaine.
Parsons – March 8th at the Grenville Nursing Home, Bideford, to Phyllis (nee Bond), wife of Pte W Parsons, a daughter.
Smith – March 6th at the Grenville Nursing Home, Bideford, to Mary (nee Husband), wife of PO A Smith, RN, a son, Michael David.

Ball-Friendship - Saturday March 10th at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, CSM Maurice Ball, RE, son of Mr and Mrs Ball, Treorchy, South Wales, to Florence Elsa, daughter of Mr J Friendship and the late Mrs Friendship, 7 Trafalgar Place, Bideford.
Dennis-Gabriel – at Christ Church, Weston-super-Mare, on February 26th by Rev C K W...

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Presentations

10 April 1959

Presentations were the order of the day

10.4.1959 Torrington Post Office1

at Torrington Post Office when the departing postmaster, Mr H Ash, received a picnic basket from the Torrington staff and friends at Bideford PO, Postman A May received a mirror and fireproof dish as wedding gifts from his colleagues, and Mr W S Hutchings was presented with a 10-years safe driving medal.
Mr W Sillifant, Mr C Pittwood, Miss A Beer, Mrs E Hoyle, Mr V Baker, Miss H Walsha, Miss M Bissett, Mr P Ford (acting postmaster), and Mr W Page.
Mr R Jones, Mr H Ash, Mr R D Cooper (Head Postmaster, Bideford), Mr A May, Mr W Hutchings, and Mr B Quick.
Gazette article dated 10 April 1959

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Married for 60 years

18 July 1958

Next week’s anniversary at Torrington

1958 Torrington Baker Diamond anniversary

Sixty years ago next Thursday, July 24th, two well known Torrington people entered a local registry office and left man and wife. They were Mr and Mrs Herbert Baker, Fair View, Gas Lane.
Mr and Mrs Baker have one son, 57 years old Mr Reg Baker, Mill Street, Torrington, who is a driver for Torridge Vale Dairies (Devon) Ltd. They had one granddaughter, Mrs Stacey, of Calf Street, Torrington, and four great-grandchildren.
Mr Baker, who is 80 years old, has a long record of service to the town. For thirty years he was a member of Torrington Town Council, serving as an Alderman for six years. Just over twelve months ago he resigned from the Council, At that time he was ‘father’ of the Council.
For thirty years Mr Baker has also been a member of Torrington Commons Conservators.
Both Mr and Mrs Baker have lived in Torrington most of their lives. Mr Baker, one of a family of four, was born at Beaford, and Mrs Baker, formerly Miss Ruth Stapleton, was born at...

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5 July 1963

5 July 1963

Potter – June 28th 1963 at Swindon to Jane and Edward, a daughter, Helen Elizabeth, and granddaughter for Mr and Mrs F H Griffiths, Crossways, Buckland Brewer.
Turner – July 2nd at 30 Platts Lane, Hampstead, NW3, to Gillian (nee Chope) and Geoffrey, a son, John, brother for Sarah and Mark.

Snell-Sluman – Mr and Mrs Sluman of Torrington Lane, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their daughter, June, to Terence, son of Mr and Mrs Snell, New Street, Torrington.

Bain-Acford – June 29th at St Helen’s, Abbotsham, Richard, son of Mr and Mrs Bain, of Pine Lodge, Northdown Road, Bideford, to Carole, daughter of Mr and Mrs W J Acford, Ridgeway.
Colome-Bunn – June 29th at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, by Rev R C Dixon, Brian John, son of Mr and Mrs J Colome, 111 Lime Grove, Bideford, to Brenda, daughter of Mr and Mrs L W Bunn, 13 Meeting Street, Appledore.
Moyes-Dawe – June 22nd at Bideford Town Mission, Herbert John, son of Mrs F Moyes, 49 Grenville Estate, Bideford, to...

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6 July 1937

6 July 1937

Lesslie – On June 30th at the Grenville Nursing Home, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs J Lesslie (nee Doris Bright), a daughter.

Beesley-Powell – On June 26th 1937, at Exeter, Dr C Beesley to Mrs M M Powell, late of Weare Giffard.
Cann-Osborne – At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, June 30th, Sydney, second son of the late Mr W Cann and of Mrs Hocking, of Appledore, to Effie Millie, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A Osburn, 5 Chudleigh Terrace, Bideford East.
Taylor-Bate – On July 5th 1937 at the Baptist Church, Bideford, Ronald B Taylor, only son of Mr and Mrs Reginald Taylor of Northam Road, to Miss Barbara Bate, only daughter of Mr and Mrs S Bate, Moreton Cottage, Clovelly Road, Bideford.

Beer-Parr – At St Mary’s Church Bideford, on June 30th 1887, Mr Charles Beer to Miss Grace Parr. Present address: 32 Myrtle Grove, Bideford.

Ashplant – July 4th at Bideford Hospital, William Francis Ashplant, eldest son of the late Mr W Ashplant, of Northam aged 62 years.
Brimacombe – Betsy, on July...

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Mr and Mrs Copp

13 June 1958

Torrington Golden Wedding

13.6.1958 Torrington Copp1

The Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington, Mr and Mrs W H Jenkins, bring the congratulations of townspeople to Mr and Mrs Percy Copp.
Life is never lonely for Mr and Mrs Percy Copp, 76 Calf Street, Torrington, for their three sons, three daughters and 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild all live near them.
Mr and Mrs Copp’s sons are: Harold, who lives at Taddiport; George of South Street, who is a member of Torrington Town Council; and Reg, of New Street. Their daughters are Mrs Marjorie Popham, Mrs Olivia Newcombe and Mrs Winnie Oke, all of Calf Street.
Mr and Mrs Copp were married at Torrington Parish Church on June 6th 1908. Mr Copp, who is 73, left Barley Grove School, Torrington, when he was only eleven years old and went to work on a farm. Following his marriage he was employed by Torrington Rural Council and by Devon County Council. He was later employed as a quarryman by Mr Adams, of Langtree, and remained in this work until he was 65.
When married first...

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Governor of Cyprus Investiture

29 May 1959

Several well known local people were present at the Governor of Cyprus’ Investiture held on the island last month.


When Flight-Lieut Sykes, of Stratton, received the MBE, Flight-Lieut J H Lamey, MBE, of Appledore, was one of his supporters. The OC of the unit (103 MU) was Wing Commander Pentren-Voak, OBE, of Braunton. Later the party met Miss Ann Backway, of Bideford, and the above photograph was taken by Wing-Commander Pentren-Voak.

 

29 May 1959 Cyprus

Seen in the photograph are: Mrs J H Lamey, Mrs Pentren-Voak, Flight-Lieut J H Lamey, Sergt Ann Backway, Flight-Lieut Peel and Mrs E Sykes.
Flight-Lieut J H Lamey, in a letter, adds “Sir Hugh Foot told me that Sergt Backway was present and asked me to pronounce Bideford the proper way – which I did – and caused a laugh”.
The full article is dated 29 May 1959

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31 July 1945

31 July 1945

Hobbs – July 13 at Aultmohr, Rhu, Edinburgh, to Adeline, wife of W/O Hobbs, J H, RAF, a daughter, Pamela Margaret
Johns – July 23 at the Grenville Nursing Home, Bideford, to Barbara (nee Featherstone), wife of Sgt G B Johns, a son, David Alan
Underhill – July 25 at the Cottage Hospital, Torrington, to Marjorie (nee Huxtable), wife of Ernest George Underhill, Barfield, Frithelstock, a son, William John
White – July 29 at 25 Barnstable Street, Bideford, to Winifred (nee Sherborne), wife of Leonard White, Northam, a daughter, Gillian Margaret

Gifford-Bowden – engagement is announced between Christine (ATS), daughter of Mr and Mrs A C Bowden, Terminus Inn, Bideford, and Stephen (RN), son of Mr and Mrs F Gifford, The Crown, Eltham, London

Graham-Thisby – July 25 at Bideford, George M Graham, late of Redland, Bristol, to Rose Thisby (widow), 4 New Street, Bideford
Hollinghead-Tucker – July 19 at Bideford, PFC Danny Hollinghead, son of Mr and Mrs Hollinghead, Florida, USA, to...

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8 March 1963

8 March 1963

Dark – March 2 1963 to George and Phyllis (nee Adams), a daughter, Teresa Doris Edith, a sister for Derek and Trevor.
Dymond – February 27 at Park Nursing Home, Claremont Terrace, Glasgow, to Esme (nee Passmore) and Derek, a sister for Andrew.
Garner – March 5 at Bromley, Kent, to Hazel (nee Prance) and Ken, a son, a brother for Barry.
Taylor – March 5 at the Grenville Nursing Home, to Fay (nee Pearce) and Michael, a daughter, Karen Fay, a sister for Denise.
Tucker – March 6 at the Grenville Nursing Home, to Marie (nee Woolf) and Alex, Tanporte, Westward Ho!, a daughter.

Rendle-Poole – engagement announced between Dorothy Jean, daughter of Mr and Mrs Poole, 61 High Street, Bideford, and Robert William, son of Mr and Mrs Rendle, 9 Myra Court, Appledore.

Kittermaster-Walker – February 14 1963 in New York, Dr A R Kittermaster, son of the late Sir Harold Kittermaster, KCMG, KBE, and Lady Kittermaster, Beaconfield, to Jean Rosemary Younger, daughter of Mr and Mrs Eric E...

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Honeymoon in Parracombe

8 June 1943

Pte T E Shortridge and Miss F T Daniel

8.6.1943 Shortridge Daniel

The wedding took place on Saturday, May 15th, at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the Rev R Stone officiating, of Private Thomas Edwin Shortridge, younger son of Mr and the late Mrs J Shortridge, 35 Clifton Street, Bideford, and Miss Florence Tryphena Daniel, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs S Daniel, 1 Newport Terrace, Bideford.
Mr R Harper presided at the organ.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a dress of white ring velvet with trailing veil and headdress of orange blossom. Her only ornament was a locket in the form of a prayer book, lent by her friend Miss W Knight. She was attended by two bridesmaids and a page boy – Miss M Daniel, Miss Pam Shortridge and Alan Daniel. Mr W Shortridge, brother of the bridegroom, carried out the duties of best man.
On leaving the church, the bride was presented with lucky horseshoes by Misses Pam Shortridge, Patricia Blackmore and Gwen Trott. Sapper G Shortridge and Pte R Shortridge, CMP, were unable...

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Large group of friends attended

7 May 1940

Lavington Church Workers

7.5.1940 Durrant Farr

Bdr G M Durant and Miss J K Farr
Bride’s Father Officates
A guard of honour of four fellow Royal Artillery NCO’s, all former scholars of Lavington Sunday School, greeted Bombardier George M Durant, RA, only son of Mr and Mrs M J Durant, Darracott, Bideford, and Miss Joan Kate Farr, elder daughter of the Rev and Mrs W J Farr, Lavington House, Bideford, after their marriage at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, on Saturday.
There was a large attendance of friends at the church, which had been specially decorated with tulips and lilac by Miss P Durant, Miss A Lee and Miss D Wilton. The ceremony was performed by the bride’s father, who is pastor of Lavington Church and a former chairman of the Devon Congregational Union.
The bridegroom is grandson of the late Mr and Mrs G Boyle.
The full Gazette article is dated 7 May 1940

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Pretty weddings in December 1940

7 January 1941

Military Bridegrooms

7.1.1941 Gray Wilkey

Pretty Scene at Westward Ho!
There was a pretty scene at the Westward Ho! Baptist Church on December 26th when the wedding took place between L/Cpl Frank Gray, younger son of Mr and Mrs B Gray, Holt Cottage, Appledore, and Miss Alice Mary Wilkey, twin daughter of Mr and Mrs F J Wilkey, Venton Farm, Westward Ho!
The Rev F Hobbs officiated and Miss S Barrett was at the organ. The bride was attended by her twin sister, Mrs J K Moore. Driver W R Langdon, brother-in-law of the bridegroom, carried out the duties of best man. The ushers were Messrs M Wilkey and M Wyatt.

Pte H Connor and Miss D Akast

There have been a number other pretty local weddings in the district.
At St Mary’s Church, Appledore, on December 31st, the wedding took place of Pte Hervey Connor, of the Royal West Kent (the Queen’s) Regiment, son of the late Mr T J Connor, RE, of London and of the late Mrs Connor, and Miss Doris Akast, youngest daughter of the late Mr F J Akast and of Mrs M Akast of...

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Organist was Mr Darch

6 June 1944

Bideford Wedding

6.6.1944 Langdon Payne

Three sisters of the bride were bridesmaids at the wedding at Bideford Baptist Church, on May 22nd, of Craftsman Ronald Arthur Payne, REME, elder son of Mr and Mrs A E Payne, 2 Wensley Green, Leeds, and Miss Evelyn May Langdon, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs S Langdon, Rose Lea, 2 Wimbourne Terrace, Bideford.
The Rev F Hobbs officiated at the ceremony. Mr W S Darch was at the organ. The bride’s three sisters – Misses Kathleen, Vera and Joan Langdon – were bridesmaids. Gunner Fields, friend of bride and bridegroom, carried out the duties of best man. Mr H Phillips and Master John Langdon were ushers. AC 2 J L Payne, and Flying Officer R C Langdon, were unable to attend.
On leaving the church the bride was presented with horseshoe tokens by Master Denis Langdon and the Misses Hazel and Caroline Chope.
The full Gazette article is dated 6 June 1944

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Honeymoon at Ilfracombe and Southampton

6 March 1945

S/Sgt H J Bates (US Army) and Miss R Hearn

6.3.1945 Bates Hearn

Much local interest was taken in the wedding on February 17th at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of S/Sgt Harold John Bates, US Army, only child of Mr E E Bates and the late Mrs Bates, of Quentin Road, Brooklyn, 29, New York, and Miss Rona Hearn (NFS), only child of Mr and Mr E B Hearn, Beachside, Torridge Place, Bideford.
Preb W N Manning, Rector of Bideford, officiated and the organist was Mr R Harper.
Three bridesmaids attended the bride – Misses Jean Jewell, Doreen Westcott and Judith Butler. The duties of the best man were carried out by Mr Hector Jewell, uncle of the bride. On leaving the church the bride was presented with a silver horseshoe by Suzanne Jones. The reception was held at the Church Institute, Bideford. Catering arrangements were by Mrs Trickey, Cleverdon’s Hotel.
The full Gazette article is dated 6 March 1945

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Reception at the Royal Hotel

6 March 1945

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on February 19th, of Corpl Robert T Terhune, US Army, only son of Mr and Mrs Walter Terhune, of Milford, Mass. USA, and Miss Joan Williams, only daughter of Mrs F Williams and the late Mr Harry Williams, 2 Sunnyside, Bideford.

6.3.1945 Terhune Williams

The Rector, Rev Preb W N Manning, officiated at the service. Mr R Harper presided at the organ.
The bride was given away by her uncle, Sgt/Major Bert Beer. The duties of matron of honour were carried out by Mrs G Sims, Able Seaman Frank Luckett, Royal Navy, was best man. On leaving the church the bride was presented with three silver horseshoes by Miss Eunice Sims, Miss Patricia Pym and Master Owen Sims. The reception was held at the Royal Hotel. The bouquet and flowers were supplied by Messrs Braund Bros, High Street.
The full Gazette article is dated 6 March 1945

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