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.

Mr and Mrs J Cook’s anniversary next Tuesday

The best wishes and congratulations of many friends go out to Mr and Mrs James Cook, of Broom Hill, Parkham, who on Tuesday next celebrate the diamond anniversary of their wedding.
Mr and Mrs Cook were married at St Andrew’s Church, Alwington, on February 2nd 1895, by the then Rector of the parish, Rev Mr Frith, and the bridesmaid who attended Mrs Cook was Miss Annie Greenslade, who now lives at 20 Bridgeland Street, Bideford.
Born at Worthygate in Parkham parish, Mr Cook was one of a family of twelve children of whom two brothers and four sisters are still alive. Mrs Cook was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Short who lived in Parkham Village several years ago.
Mr and Mrs Cook have a family of five. Two sons gave their lives in the 1914-1918 war and a third son, Mr George Cook, died at the Old Mill, Parkham, some few years ago. They have sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
For most of his life Mr Cook has been employed on farm work and for fifteen years was in the employ of the late Miss Pitcairn at South Yeo.
The full Gazette article is dated 28 January 1955.

Funeral of Mrs W Melvin

For over 20 years a Parkham District nurse, Mrs Isabella Melvin, SRN, SCM, a Queen’s Nurse, of ‘The Bays’, Horns Cross, died on Friday at the age of 60.

Mrs Melvin was the wife of Mr Wilfred Melvin, and had lived in the parish for 23 years. Her services were deeply appreciated and she will be mourned by many as a friend.
The memorial service in St James’ Church, Parkham, was conducted by the Rector, Rev J E Lynn, and Mr M Chubb was at the organ. Cremation was at Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire.
Principal mourners were: the husband; Mrs Campbell; Mr and Mrs Walter, Mrs Huxtable, Miss Walter, Mr G Walters, F Brock, Miss Reynolds (also representing Dr Doyle and headquarters staff), Miss Archer, Miss Kerrick, Miss Broad, Miss Farley.
Bearers were Messrs F Ellis, P Lang, A Dean and R Yarde.
Others attending included: Sergeant and Mrs Spry, Mr and Mrs J Turner (representing Mr and Mrs Freeman), Mr and Mrs Manger, Mr and Mrs A D Pickard, Mr and Mrs H Ley, Mr and Mrs H Chubb, Mr and Mrs Slee, Messrs P Mitchell (representing North Devon Farmers Ltd), G Heywood (also representing Mr J Steer), W George, W Jenkins, T Andrew, J Wickett, A Jewell, Mesdames Jewell, F Ley, T Rowe, J George, Hockridge, R Brent, R Hill (also representing Mr and Mrs Wilcox), A Stoneman SRN, F M Stoneman (also representing Mr and Mrs W Glover), A Dean, W Colwill, C Rowe, A Ley, J Chubb, S Metheral, E Ackland, T Hockin, F Adams, L Hockin, F Poole, E Poole, A Daniel (representing the staff of Parkham School), J E Lynn, F Sines, G Hill, F Collins, Misses L Turner (Hoops), J George (Cabbacotts), H Jewell, E Dunn and many others.
Floral tributes were from: Wilfred: members of the North Devon branch of Royal College of Midwives; colleagues, Bideford Group; Mrs Teague and Mrs Osbourn; Dr Doyle, Miss Reynolds and staff of HQ Exeter; F Brock; Connie, Eric, Jim and Percy Mitchell; neighbours at Abbotsham; Mr and Mrs R Hill, Tome and Edith White; Ken and Ellen; Margaret and Christine; Iris, Bill and Kay; Greta and Roger; Mr and Mrs E R Walter and family.
Funeral arrangements were by Trapnells Ltd, High Street, Bideford

Gazette article is dated 13 January 1961

Archway of Oars Greet Couple at Parkham

An archway of oars was formed by fellow members of Bideford Amateur Rowing Club at St James’ Church, Parkham, on Saturday to greet Mr John Hutchings, youngest son of Mr and Mrs F Hutchings, of Beachside, Torridge Place, Bideford, and his bride, Miss Sylvia Wendy Smale, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs S Smale, Goldworthy Cottage, Horns Cross.

Peals on the bells also greeted the couple.
The four tier wedding cake made by the bride’s godmother, Mrs Eileen Tucker, was iced in the BARC colours.
The Rector, Rev T Nicholls, officiated at the wedding and Miss A Lott was the organist. Bridesmaids were Misses Susan Barrow, Ann Thomas, Tracy and Joanne Fanson and Suzanne Hutchings. The bride’s brother, Paul, and the bridegroom’s nephew, Stephen Hutchings, were page boys. Best man was Mr David Godfrey.
Following a reception at Durrant House Hotel, Mr and Mrs Hutchings left for a honeymoon in South Devon. Among presents received were a carpet sweeper from the staff of John Blundells Ltd, an electric toaster from Elliott’s Garage and a clock from the staff of Elliott’s. The bride’s flowers, provided by Blackmore’s of Bideford, were placed on the grave of the bride’s grandmother. White’s Bakery, Westward Ho! iced the cake.