A happy preliminary

to the 'Lend strength to Britain' National Savings drive in Bideford and district was the presentation by the Mayor, Mr W H Copp, on behalf of the Local Savings Committee, of a Savings certificate to baby Nicola Jane, daughter of Mr and Mrs F G Beck, of Silver Street, Bideford.

There is a story behind this little ceremony. It was while voluntary workers for National Savings were having their annual social gathering at Mitchell's Cafe, Bideford, that Mr Beck, the manager of the cafe, learnt that his daughter had arrived in the world. When this became known to the Savings Committee they decided to mark the happy occasion appropriately by the presentation of a National Savings Certificate, with best wishes for a long and happy life and good saving.

This it was that the Mayor of Bideford wearing his chain of office, visited the cafe and made the presentation. Just behind the Mayor's shoulder is Mr W E Ellis, chairman of Bideford and District National Savings Committee.

Continuing to encourage thrift at the earliest age, the Local Savings Committee are presenting a 15s Savings Certificate to every baby born within the Savings area this week.

Gazette article 28 March 1952