Miss Parkhouse unlocks the door14 February 1969
Re-opened after renovation
After extensive renovation Appledore Methodist Church was reopened. Miss F E Parkhouse, for many years trust secretary, and senior society steward unlocked the door and led the assembled company into the Church.
The rededication service was conducted by Rev Dr W H Mildon. Rev W E Haggett, minister of Appledore Congregational Church read the lesson. Mr Alan Ford was at the organ. Dr Mildon welcomed the chairman of the Northam Urban District Council, Mr George Northcott, and Mrs Northcott. Dr Mildon expressed thanks to Mr W Mills for his valuable help in connection with the decorations and to Mr K Godfrey, trust secretary, for his efficient services in the refurnishing of the church, and to Mr Alan Ford who had arranged the musical part of the reopening.
The general enhancement of the church was much admired. Gifts had been received towards the amenities of the church and all the members have worked with a real team spirit.
Musical items were contributed by Mrs
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Foxgloves25 June 1965
Children carrying foxgloves in procession
to the patronal festival service at St Nectan's Parish Church, Hartland, maintain an old tradition based on the legend that where drops of St Nectan's blood fell foxgloves sprang up.
Prior to this year's patronal festival Evensong, the Bishop of Crediton, Right Rev Wilfred Westall, dedicated the rebuilt Church Cottage in the little tree-lined square before St Nectan's. The Bishop also preached at the service.
Gazette article dated June 25th 1965
Mr BrownOctober 1933
Entrenching Operations Begun
Black Shirts Lend A Hand
The tithe ‘war’ in North Devon was taken a further stage at Buckland Brewer where a County Court Bailiff is in possession of three ricks at Holwill Farm, occupied by Mr Brown. Willing hands assisted in the digging of a trench across a private road and a barricade has also been erected. It is evident that a determined resistance will meet any attempt to remove the ricks, one consisting of hay and two of oats. Tenders for the ricks were recently invited ‘under distress of tithe, by order of the County Court.’ Half a dozen black shirted British Fascists are assisting in the farmer’s cause, which has the sympathy of neighbouring farms.
It is understood that a well-known North Devon auctioneer was approached regarding the selling of the ricks by public auction and that he declined the sale. Mr R A Plathen, the leader of the Fascists, stated that there was a rumour that two of the ricks had been sold, but this was unconfirmed.
North
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Holy family Church26 March 1965
After nearly 40 years of worshipping in adapted buildings and halls,
Roman Catholics of Torrington district have a new church - here is a link to Holy family Church
The church, which will serve some 70 people, in on a site in Gas Lane. Solidly built, its design is on simple and traditional lines.
Named the Church of the Holy Family, it was consecrated last Thursday evening, being blessed by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, Right Rev Cyril Resieaux.
Most of its cost of £9,000 is being met by an anonymous donor, and various money-raising efforts are being arranged to complete payment for the fittings.
The altar is of Portland stone, and two Italian-carved wooden statues have been give by Lady Lacey of Instow.
Rev Father J R Day, RC. parish priest at Bideford, will be in charge of the new church, in which there will be regular Sunday services.
Among guests at the service of dedication were the Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington, Ald. And Mrs R H Cotton, the Vicar of Torrington, Rev...
External and internal renovations15 November 1954
External and internal renovations have been carried out at the Methodist Chapel at Langtree to mark the golden jubilee of the opening of the building and a very successful re-opening day was held on Thursday of last week.
Friends from a wide area gave their support.
The re-opening was performed by Mrs E Johns, of Sutcombe, who was associated with the chapel in its early days and was the first bride to be married from it.
Seen from left to right in the picture are: Rev Harold Sharrett (Hatherleigh), Rev A Olds, Pamela Daniel, Mrs Johns and Pastor C C Capener. After the service there was a public tea, followed by a meeting over which Mr W E Short (Burrington) presided. Rev H Sharrett gave an address and Mr T Squire (Northam) contributed personal recollections of the opening of the building fifty years ago. The Rector, Rev T R Gibby, was among those present at the tea and evening meeting.
Soloist at the afternoon and evening gatherings were Mr Henry Ford.
Proceeds of the day, with those...
1 March 1963
All but five Sunday schools affiliated to the Bideford and Torridge district Sunday School Union took part in the Scripture examination last year, Mrs J Vanstone told the Sunday school union’s annual meeting at Lavington Congregational Church.
Mrs Vanstone said they were pleased to receive entries from Dolton and Frithelstock Baptist Sunday schoosl and a welcome return was made by Abbotsham.
The temperance examination secretary, Mr A E Pettitt, said that four Bideford Sunday schools participated in the temperance exams in November and the results were satisfying.
The general secretary, Miss Delia Jones, pointed out that in October 1962, in the 25 schools associated in the union, there were 907 scholars, 24 fewer than the previous year, and 192 teachers (one less). Of the 156 scholars who left during the year 21 joined the teaching staff.
Treasurer Mr F R Hoyle reported they had a bank balance of nearly £24.
Election of officers: Mrs Goodwin; Miss R Lang; Mr F R Hoyle; Mr Evely; Mr A E...
Mr Herbert Smallcorn2 March 1973
A chorister for 65 years and for 37 years people’s warden at Instow parish church, Mr Herbert Bruce Smallcorn, of 2 Marine Parade, Instow, has died at his home aged 73.
Mr Smallcorn was a former secretary of Instow Rifle and Social Club, and was vice-chairman of the local branch of the Conservative party. He served in the First World War and was a member of the Royal British Legion.
The funeral took place at Instow parish church, followed by cremation at Barnstaple. The Rector, Rev R A Edwards, officiated and Mrs Pearce was the organist.
Immediate mourners attending were: Mrs E Smallcorn, Mr and Mrs T Smallcorn, Mrs R Watson, Mrs A Lockett, Mr R Wilkinson.
Gazette article dated 2 March 1973
Capacity congregation8 May 1964
Gift Sale Raises £238 For Chapel Redecoration
A gift sale of sheep, conducted by Messrs Kivell and Sons at Bideford Market, realised £238 towards the cost of redecorating Alverdiscott Methodist Chapel and the adjoining schoolrooms.
With a further £74 in donations from members and friends, the trustees needed only £20 more to meet their expenses, and this they soon had when the chapel was officially reopened.
Introduced by the Rev J R Legg, Mrs Annie Friend – a former member of the chapel who now lives at Dawlish – unlocked the door with the key handed to her by Mr Frank Ford. A bouquet was presented by Thelma Ford.
Members of several other places of worship were among the large congregation for a service conducted by the Rev Wilfred J Tyrer, of Salcombe, a former minister of the Bideford Methodist Circuit and of the Alverdiscott Chapel.
Mr Tyrer addressed a capacity congregation at a thanksgiving meeting under the chairmanship of the Rev J Owen Clutterbuck. Miss Betty Thomas of...