8 October 1954
Standing “as a real monument of what can be accomplished by the co-operation and loyal working together of a few ordinary village folk” – in the words of the Vicar, the Rev. H.A. Robins – Shebbear’s new £2,500 village hall was officially opened on Saturday.
Work on the erection of the hall started fourteen months ago and the money has been raised by the villagers organising various social events supplemented by a grant of over £900 from the Ministry of Education and a number of interest-free loans from local well-wishers.
The opening ceremony was performed by Mr.
…A Closewool sheep belonging to Mr P Jenkinson of Alscott Farm, Shebbear, had quins on
A Closewool sheep belonging to Mr P Jenkinson of Alscott Farm, Shebbear, had quins on March 9th, and this week Mr Jenkinson told the Gazette that all were doing well, though necessitating artificial feeding every two hours. Mrs Jenkinson, Nigel and Sarah, are pictured keeping the proud mother company with her five children.
…More than fireworks and bonfires
Hundreds of onlookers gathered around Shebbear Square on Saturday and witnessed the village's ancient
Hundreds of onlookers gathered around Shebbear Square on Saturday and witnessed the village's ancient tradition of turning over the "Devil's Boulder", a giant stone weighing about 5-cwt and lying beneath a 700-year-old oak near the entrance to the Parish Church.
The ceremony was performed by six stalward bell-ringers. First, five local ringers, brothers Will and George Ackland, cousin Walter, Will Haine, the captain, and Robert Mill. They were reinforced by a visiting ringer, Mr Lake, of Torrington. A discordant jangle on the bells was sounded in order to exorcise the Devil. The
16 November 1962
The school society started the afternoon’s ringing in the parish church. Later, guild members took their turn on the ropes.
It was the first time the guild has met at Shebbear. The college has about 30 boys in its Change-Ringing Society. The youngest of these is 11 year old Peter Denton, of Dolton, who took an active part in Saturday’s ringing. Following the afternoon’s ringing a short service was held in the church, conducted
…4 May 1973
And he has dismissed an appeal by Mr M J Moast against the refusal of the local planning authority to permit the erection of four houses at Bottledown Cross there. Their provision, he adds, would constitute an undesirable and unacceptable intensification of sporadic development in the countryside outside the reasonable limits of the village. The appeal site, the inspector points out, is about three quarters of a mile from the village and 400ft
…5 January 1973
Mrs Jennifer Moast, of Battle Down, Shebbear, had not heard officially of the award when the Gazette telephoned her with the news.
Capt S Gorrell, of Northam, who brought to the notice of the authorities Mrs Moast’s action, was given news of the award in a letter from the Royal Humane Society.
The full Gazette article is dated 5 January 1973
8 February 1974
Devon County Council have found yet another variation for 1974!
Article published in the Gazette 8 February 1974
1 October 1954
Towards dusk tomorrow (Saturday) evening in Shebbear Square, almost under the Great Tree itself, scenes from the rural life and history of the parish will be told in pageant form as the culminating feature of celebrations associated with the opening of the new village hall.
With years of endeavour behind them, the villagers are celebrating a notable achievement in having themselves built the new hall which will meet a long-felt want.
As long ago as 1937 the site for the hall was purchased but then came the war and the need to concentrate
…4 July 1958
Completion of an improvement scheme estimated to cost nearly £14,000 at Lake Methodist Chapel, Shebbear, was marked on Tuesday with a full day of celebrations, commencing with re-opening and dedication.
Proceeds of the day's celebrations, together with previous gifts, grants and promised gifts, amounted to £12,423 6s. 8d.
Work on the scheme, which was required to meet present day demands, began last October. While it has been in progress Sunday morning services have been held in Shebbear Parish Church and evening meetings in the Village Hall.
The full Gazette article is dated 4 July 1958
…23 October 1959
Mr John Nankivell proposed the loyal toast at the dinner, which was attended by about 150 members and friends. Mr Charles Bellew proposed the toast ‘Shebbear YFC’ which was responded to by Mr Jack Quance. ‘The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ was proposed by Mr Alan Bewes, and was acknowledged by Mr John Yelland. Among those present at the dinner was Mr W
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