Featured Articles

Christmas Eve at the Front

An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

The painting reproduced here

which was bought by a Bideford window cleaner for a few shillings is believed to be a Bonington and to be worth thousands of pounds. A water colour, it shows a French street scene, the monument in the foreground depicting Joan of Arc.

Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

For five years the painting has hung above the TV set at 108 Clovelly Road, home of Mr Frank John Walker who declared this week: ‘I have never paid more than 30s. for a picture in my life.’

Mr R.L. Roland, curator of the Burton Art Gallery, examined the find and was convinced that the painting was a Bonington. Other experts who have examined the painting agree that it is an original. Photographs of the painting have been sent to the London galleries and this weekend the picture itself will be taken to a leading art dealer in London. Should local experts be proved right it will be sold at Sotheby’s.

Gazette article 30 March 1964

Northam’s almshouse

Since 1867, this has been Northam’s almshouse

It is situated in the area behind the Post Office and at the time of writing had six residents.

The building has eight rooms spread over two floors, each room possessing a coal-burning stove for cooking and heating, an alcove for a single bed and a coal store.
There is a stipulation residents must be women and able to look after themselves. No rent is paid.

Northam's almshouse

An earlier almshouse which was demolished nearly 100 years ago is understood to have been near the present building. Applications for accommodation are usually made to the Vicar of Northam or to one of the other trustees. Northam receives £195 18s. 6d. annually from eleven charities, the first – Berriman’s Gift – dates from June 1622. More than half these charities are for the poor and aged of the parish, though two, one producing £12 10s. 4d. annually and the other 4s., are specifically towards the upkeep of the almshouse.

Gazette article 7 February 1964

Chess – their bridge over the years

Chess bridges a gap of 80 years

Chess bridges a gap of over 80 years in the ages of these two Bideford enthusiasts seen concentrating on their weekly game to which they both eagerly look forward.

As his opponent and mentor in the game 10 year old Trevor Cooper, son of Dr and Mrs R.A. Cooper of Limers Lane, Northam, has 91 year old Mr T.A. Goaman of Greenbanks, Chanters Lane, Bideford, hon. freeman of Bideford and former Mayor.

Chess their bridge over the years

They were brought together when Alderman Mrs Muriel Cox, a daughter of Mr Goaman, heard of Trevor’s eager search for someone to teach him the game. He had taught himself the names of the pieces and the moves and had reached the stage when he needed practice in playing. Mrs Cox was delighted for him to come along for some games. Thursday afternoon is chess afternoon and it was not long before the boy found himself with a distinguished and learned opponent who has enjoyed chess over a long lifetime and who also taught the game to his alderman daughter when she was ten.

Gazette article 24 January 1964