Bideford

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.

Surrounded by a collection of traditional corn dollies is Mrs Grace West, 23 Milton Place, Bideford.

Mrs West learned the age-old art just two years ago when she was given a two-hour lesson by a Beaford man. She took it from there.
She does the work as a hobby and has made several for her friends. She also takes them to schools, women’s institute meetings and other gatherings where she explains their origins. The corn comes from Abbotsham and she supplements this with reed given to her by a thatcher friend.
Mrs West’s ambition is to make a corn dolly peculiar to Alwington.

The full Gazette article is dated 1 June 1972

Children’s Three-Day Eisteddfod At Bideford

Three day eisteddfod for young people, which consisted mainly of singing and musical items, was staged last week at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, by the Bideford and Torridge District Sunday School Union.

A total of 14 churches participated in the event which was similar to one held by the union a couple of years ago.

Churches represented were Howe Congregational (Torrington), Torrington Methodist, Bridge Street Methodist (Bideford), Bideford Baptist, Buckland Brewer Methodist, Lavington Congregational, Frithelstock Baptist, Torrington Baptist, Bethel Interdenominational, High Street Methodist (Bideford), Gammaton Methodist, Northam Methodist, West Down Congregational, and Dolton Baptist.
The shield for the highest average marks gained by a Sunday School with under 30 scholars was won by Landcross Methodist, and a similar shield for schools having more than 30 scholars was won by Buckland Brewer Methodist.
Special medals for the girl and boy under 12 gaining most marks were won by Joy Bryan and Julian Grail and the medal for boy and girl over 12 by Barbara Bartlett and Peter Shepherd.
One of the most outstanding exhibits was in the knitting section where a garment made by Isobel Colwill, of Landcross Methodist, received maximum marks. Young Alan May, of Torrington Methodist, received a second class aware in the short story writing section.
In the woodwork section a girl, Elizabeth Heywood, gained a 3rd class award.
Trophies and certificated were presented by Mr Harold Martyn, headmaster of Bideford County Secondary School. Judges were: Miss E Mills, Mr G Slatter, Miss Nell Farleigh, Mr J E Reynolds. Mr C W Barfoot, Mr F J Thompson, Miss A E Lee, Mr J Paterson, Mrs G Swain, Mrs A Hooper, Mrs Gibbs.
The full Gazette article is dated 3 May 1963

Never Let Name Of Bideford Be Erased

Call at Traders’ Dinner

Referring to the possibility of changes in local government in the future, the Town Clerk of Bideford, Mr F C Backway, told members of the Bideford and District Chamber of Trade, at their annual dinner that he hoped the name of Bideford would never be erased from the signposts of the district, but he was sure the local authority could look to the members of the Chamber to rally round if ever Bideford was in danger of losing its identity.

The President, Mr W J G Coad, presided at the annual dinner dance which was held at the Royal Hotel, Bideford. The Presidents of Torrington, Holsworthy, South Molton and Ilfracombe Chambers were among the guests. A toast to the ladies and visitors was proposed by Mr B Newton, vice president of the Chamber. The evening concluded with a dance.

The secretary of the Chamber, Mr C S Holland, was toastmaster at the dinner and Mr A Goodman MC for the dance. In the picture are Mr W J G Coad, Mr J S Holland, Mr B Newton, Miss M Coad and Mrs B Newton.

The full Gazette article is dated 1 April 1955.