Associations

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.

It will break the hearts of many of Torrington's inhabitants -

particularly the young ones - but by Sunday morning all that will be left of this fine looking ship will be ashes.

The vessel, built by Torrington Cavaliers, is destined to be turned into a fiery spectacle when darkness falls tomorrow night as Torrington's unusual contribution to the 1972 Guy Fawkes celebrations.

Gazette article dated 3 November 1972

WI Organise Village Day Out At Frithelstock

W.I. organise Village day out at Frithelstock

Frithelstock W.I. organised a sale, tea, baby show, cake-making and flower arranging competitions, held in the old day school, and sports in a nearby field which together raised about £20 for Institute funds.

The W.I. president, Mrs. Reynolds, welcomed members and friends and introduced Mrs. Cockram, of Dolton (a former treasurer), who opened the sale. Mrs. Cockram was presented with a buttonhole by Louisa Gallins.

The 20 entries for the baby show were judged by Mrs. Tucker, of the Baptist Manse, Torrington. Prize winners were: Under nine months – 1, Ralph Mills; 2, Evagelia Gallins; 3, Colin Larkworthy. 9 to 18 months – 1, Sarah Woolf; 2, Richard Lawrence 18 months to 3 years – 1, Christopher Ley; 2, Dianne Baker; 3, Geoffrey Hearn.

The cake-making competition was judged by Mrs. Beck, of the Bakery, Stibb Cross, who awarded: Fruit cake – 1, Mrs. J. Hunkin; 2, Mrs. C. Harris; 3, Margaret Bond; highly commended Mrs. C. Poole. Queen cakes – 1 Mrs. B. Lock; 2, Mrs. E. Lawrence; 3, Mrs Jean Hearn.

Winner of the flower arrangement competition was Margaret Baker.

The sports were held in a field kindly lent by Mr. J. Allan and were organised by Mrs. W.Bond, assisted by Mr. J. Moore, Mr. R. Grout and Mr. A. Hearn.

The winner of an iced cake given by Mr. Beck was Mr. W.Hawkin.

Gazette article dated 17 June 1960

WI Raise Over £50 at Alwington

Over £50 was raised as a result of the annual sale of work organised by Alwington W.I.

The variety of stalls supervised by members included cake, produce, parcel, handkerchief, jumble, miscellaneous and bran tub. Tea was also served by members.

Mrs. B. Daniel, of Little Torrington, judged the large number of entries in the cake competition, awarding: 1, Mrs. C. Jeffery; 2, Mrs. G. Lewis; 3, Mrs. L. Lott.

There followed a social evening and a skittle competition, winners being: 1, Mr. F. Leverton; 2, Mr. G. Smale; 3, Mr. R. Lewis.

Draw prize winners were: premium bond, David Metherell; chicken, R. Daniel; cigarettes, Mr. J. Bailey; sherry, N. Hillman; chocolates, D. Metherell; nylons, Mr J. Wicketts; basket of fruit, Mrs. W. Hockin.

Miss Bird, a representative from S.W.E.B., gave a demonstration of supper dishes. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Honeywill.

The competition – toffee apple – resulted: 1, Mrs. K. Poole; 2, Miss M. Poole; 3, Mrs. G. Lewis.

The social half-hour competition was won by Mrs. Hopper.

Tea hostesses were Mesdames R. Daniel and Adams, assisted by Mrs. Mitchell.

Gazette article dated 16 November 1962