Parkham

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.

Parkham Women’s Institute, thought to be one of the oldest organisations of its kind in the Torridge district, celebrated its 50th birthday with a special party at which a cake was cut by Mrs W Pridham, who was a founder member, and Mrs A Daniel, the longest active member with 48 years’ service to her credit.

8.2.1974 Parkham WI3

The cake had been made and decorated by Mrs E Lang.
In addition to members there were guests from Buckland Brewer WI and the Atlantic Group and the county chairman, Mrs Hareheart, who also attended, presented Parkham with golden jubilee certificates from the Devon Federation and from NFWI executive committee.
A congratulatory card was received from the local VCO, Mrs Courtney.
The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion by members with gold flowers and foliage.
In the picture, the Parkham WI president, Mrs George is seen with four former holders of the office – Mrs Tucker, Mrs Lynn, Mrs Williams and Mrs Dunn.
Following a sit-down meal, Mr and Mrs Trapnell, from Bideford, organised country dancing which was enjoyed by everyone including one 93-year-old ex-member and one present member in her late 80s.
Gazette article published 8 February 1974

Fancy Dress Big Feature Of Parkham Fete

Second prizewinners in the adult class in the fancy dress parade that has become a big feature at Parkham Church annual fete.

Depicting the ‘Good old days’ and the TV feature of that title are Mesdames A Daniels, W Jewell, E Gist and Westlake.
There was a large entry in all three classes and proceeds from the fete topped £100.
Other winners were: Misses Lilian Metherell and Isabel Johns; Mrs Pearl Dunn; Paul Metherell; Martin Wonnacott; Alan and Brian Hockin and David and Graham Parr; Heather Johns; Marilyn Wonnacott, Caroline Judd, James, Sally and Mary Dendle; Angela Honey.
Full Gazette article dated 31 July 1964

World War 1

Parkham

The Sunday School anniversary services have been duly observed by the Wesleyans of Holwell. This is generally the last to be held in the neighbourhood.
The outlook for the corn harvest is much better since the recent good rain. In many instances the spring corn was behind owing to the continuous dry weather, and some through rather late tilling, and the root crops were also suffering for the want of rain.
A potato weighing 1½lbs has been dug by a cottager recently. The specimen was Early Puritan.
Mr C Mugford has so far recovered from his recent operation that he is allowed to return to his home. The others under treatment are also progressing favourably at the Bideford Hospital. Mr R Vaggers is also reported to be much better.
Gazette article dated 23 July 1918