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 Parish Hall nears completion 30th November 1956

What promises to be one of the most attractive parish halls in the area is now well on the way to completion next door to the village school at Parkham.

Mr G A Jacob, who is Chairman of the Parish Hall Committee said first moves towards a Parish Hall were made in 1942 when a committee was formed as a result of a public meeting and a number of auction sales of gifts were held during a Savings Week and the proceeds invested.

The architect is Mr J H D Wickham, Bideford and the contractors, Messrs Day, Gale and Lamey, of Northam. Other officers of the Parish Hall Committee, in addition to the Chairman, Mr Jacob, are Miss M M Jacob who is Secretary, and Mr G M Honey, Treasurer.

Parkham Bells ring out again 29th May 1953

Teams of bell ringers from an area embracing Bradworthy, Northam and Torrington joined, in turn, in ringing celebration peals on the bells of St James's Church, Parkham, following a special service to mark the re-hanging of the bells.

Mr Stanley Arnold (Rector's warden) of the Bell Inn, undertook the duties of appeal secretary. Visiting clergy included Revs S L C Mallett (Dean Rural and Vicar of Bucks), L Woolcott (Buckland Brewer), G W Colborne (Alwington), W T H Ravenhill (Sutcombe) and C Garland (Putford).

In charge of the tea were Mesdames Daniel, F P Ley, W Pridham, J Williams, Wm Lang, T Pearce, S Metherall, T Wood, J Stoneman, J Piper, F Hitchcott and Miss H Jewell. During tea photographs of the ringers and bells were given to the Rector and Mrs Williams and to each ringer. The photographs were the gift of Mr Stanley Arnold.

Wedding Peals At Parkham

Wedding Peals At Parkham - 14th April 1967

Mr R B Wise And Miss M R Tucker

Peals on the bells greeted Mr Roger Brindley Wise, younger son of the late Mr and Mrs C Wise of 'Underborough' Westward Ho! and his bride, Miss Margaret Rosalind Tucker, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs S J Tucker of Babeleigh Barton, Parkham, after their wedding at St James' Church, Parkham.
The bride is a member of the Stevenstone Hunt and was a member of the Stevenstone and Torrington Farmer's Pony Club.
The Rector - Rev J E Lynn - officiated and Mr D Hobbs at the organ accompanied the hymns. The two senior bridesmaids were the bride's sister, Sarah, and her cousin, Miss Shirley Tucker, Misses Helen and Joyce Brooks. Best man was Mr Norman Shute. Following a reception at the New Inn Hotel, Bideford, Mr and Mrs Wise left for a honeymoon in Eire.