• Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
  • Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    Welcome to the Bideford & District Community Archive

    ...The Gazette Newspaper 1856 onwards.

    Read More
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  • 1 New civic medallions

  • 2 Emergency ferry services

  • 3 Happy Days!

  • 4 The art of the thatcher

  • 5 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 6 Sixty-two year old Picarooner makes ready for season

  • 7 Circus comes to town

  • 8 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 9 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 10 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 11 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 12 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 13 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 14 Filming at Hartland

  • 15 One of the luckier farmers in getting in the problem harvest

  • 16 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 17 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 18 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 19 Some 240 exhibits

  • 20 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 21 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 22 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 23 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 24 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 25 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 26 Simple Item 138
  • 27 Torrington in 1967

  • 28 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 29 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 30 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 31 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 32 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 33 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 34 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 35 Puppet characters introduced

  • 36 Pannier Market's future?

  • 37

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 38 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 39 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 40 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 41 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 42 East-the-Water's call for new school

  • 43 Blanchards ad.>
  • 44 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 45 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 46 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 47 Hartland's invitation

  • 48 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 49

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 50 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 51

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 52 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 53

    Building works
  • 54 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 55 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 56 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 57 Police station view of Bideford

  • 58 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 59 First ship in 8 years

  • 60 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 61 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

  • 62 Sweets derationing

  • 63 Loads of black and white

  • 64 Traditions and skills still there

  • 65

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 66 Lundy memorial to John Pennington Harman V.C.

  • 67

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 68 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 69 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 70 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 71 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 72 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 73 When horses score over the tractor

  • 74 Mobile missionary

  • 75 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 76 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 77 Picking the pops

  • 78 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 79 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 80 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 81 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 82 A story to tell!

  • 83 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 84 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 85

    Was a missionary
  • 86 The Geneva marionettes

  • 87

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 88 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 89 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 90

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 91 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 92 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 93 Decontrol of meat

  • 94

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 95 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 96 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 97 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 98 Can spring be far away?

  • 99

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 100 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 101 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 102 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 103 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 104 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

  • 105 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 106 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 107

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 108 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 109

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 110 Grenville House for Bideford R.D.C.

  • 111 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 112

    First prize
  • 113 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 114 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 115 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 116 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 117 The cab at the corner>
  • 118 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 119 Centenary of Gazette

  • 120 Last train from Torrington

  • 121 Malibou boys are all-the-year-round surfers

  • 122

    Bidefordians
  • 123 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 124 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 125 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 126 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 127

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 128 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 129 Some mushroom!

  • 130 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 131

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 132

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 133 Riverside mystery

  • 134

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 135 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 136 Open-air art exhibition by 'under 40' group

  • 137 A bird of their own!

  • 138 Picking the pops

  • 139 Penny for the guy

  • 140 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 141 Torrington's new amenity

  • 142 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 143 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 144 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 145 Hartland Dancers
  • 146 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 147 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 148 Disastrous dock fire at Appledore>
  • 149 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 150 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 151 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 152 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 153 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 154 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 155 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 156 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 157 Torrington children build igloo
  • 158 New art gallery opened

  • 159 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 160 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 161 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 162 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 163 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 164 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 165

    Relatives all over the world
  • 166

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 167 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 168 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 169 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 170 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 171 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 172 Recognise this resort?

  • 173 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 174 Waldon Triplets
  • 175 School's link with cargo ship

  • 176 North Devon Driving School

  • 177 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 178 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 179

    Exhibition of school work
  • 180 In their new robes and hats

  • 181 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 182 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 183 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 184 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 185 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 186 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 187 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 188 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 189 New look in the hayfields

  • 190 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 191 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 192 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 193 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 194 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 195 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 196

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 197 Ten year old scrambler

  • 198 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 199 Northam footballers of the future

  • 200 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 201 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 202

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 203 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 204 All for the love of a lady!

  • 205 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 206 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 207 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 208 No sale of Springfield House

  • 209 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 210 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 211 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 212 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 213 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 214

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 215 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 216 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 217 Off on a great adventure

  • 218 Gateways with rhymes>
  • 219 He beat the floods

  • 220 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 221 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 222 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 223 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 224 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 225 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 226 A man and his wheel

  • 227 The young smith of Abbotsham>
  • 228 Jumble sale fever

  • 229 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 230 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 231

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 232 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 233 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 234 Private home for public pump

  • 235 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 236 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 237 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 238 Dustmen of the days of yore>
  • 239 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 240 It really was the 'last time'

  • 241 New choral society's growing response

  • 242 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 243 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 244 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 245 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 246 Reed threshing 'putting the clock back' at Weare Giffard

  • 247 Peter poses for TV film

  • 248 Capers on the cobbles

  • 249 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 250 Bideford computer stars

  • 251 Devil sent packing

  • 252 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 253 By pony and trap to market

  • 254 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 255 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 256 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 257 No laughing matter

  • 258 Artisans' Club

  • 259 Parkham plan realised

  • 260 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 261 Burnard family reunion

  • 262 Over the bank together>
  • 263 113 years at Instow

  • 264 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 265 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 266 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 267 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 268 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 269 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 270 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 271 New Lundy stamps

  • 272 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 273 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 274 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 275 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 276 Variety in summer weather

  • 277 Doing time - over 300 years of it - at Hartland

  • 278 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 279 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 280 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 281 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 282 Six footed lamb

  • 283 Warmington's garage ad

  • 284 They are parted pro-tem

  • 285 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 286 Appledore's largest

  • 287 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 288 Bideford - as Rowlandson saw it about 1810-15

  • 289 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 290 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 291 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 292 Clovelly custom

  • 293 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 294 Twenty-one yachts

  • 295 New addition to Quay front

  • 296 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 297 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 298

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 299 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 300 Braddicks furniture ad.>
  • 301 Just over a year old

  • 302 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 303 A roof-top view - where?

  • 304 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 305 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 306 All aboard the ark

  • 307

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 308 New Post Office

  • 309 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 310 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 311 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 312 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 313 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 314 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 315 Revenge in style

  • 316 Ships at Bideford

  • 317 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 318 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 319 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 320 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 321 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 322 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 323 Meredith and Son ad.>
  • 324 Out of puff!

  • 325 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 326 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 327 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 328 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 329 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 330 Life begins at 80

  • 331 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 332 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 333

    New gateway
  • 334 Cruising down the river

  • 335 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 336 Not Bideford's answer to the moon rocket!

  • 337 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 338 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 339 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 340 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 341 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 342 From Bobby to Brian

  • 343 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 344 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 345 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 346 Weare Giffard potato

  • 347 Modern living at Bideford

  • 348 Diamond Jubilee of St Peter's Church, East-the-Water

  • 349 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 350 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 351 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 352 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 353 Hartland postman retires

  • 354 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 355 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 356 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 357 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 358 Bideford 'What's my line?' challenger

  • 359 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 360 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 361 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 362 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 363 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 364 Bridging the stream

  • 365 Service with a smile

  • 366 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 367 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 368 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 369 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 370 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 371 For crying out loud!

  • 372 Bideford regatta

  • 373 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 374 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 375 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 376 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 377 So this is the mainland!

  • 378 Littleham family's five generations

  • 379 End of the line

  • 380 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 381 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 382 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 383 To build racing cars in former blacksmith's shop

  • 384 Caught in the act>
  • 385 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 386 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 387 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 388 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 389 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 390 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 391 Finished in 1876

  • 392 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 393 New shipyard on schedule

  • 394 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

  • 395 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 396 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 397 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 398 Clovelly nightmare

  • 399 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 400 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 401 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 402 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 403 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 404 Bideford loses training ship

  • 405 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 406

    Married in 1908
  • 407 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 408

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 409 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 410 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 411 New life for Hartland organ

  • 412 Sight of a lifetime

  • 413 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 414 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 415 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 416

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 417 What's the time?

  • 418 School crossing patrol begins

  • 419 Northam's almshouse

  • 420 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 421

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 422 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

3.5.1957 Robins win Hansen Cup

Robins Win The Hansen Cup

May 3rd, 1957

Bideford AFC pictured with the Hansen Cup after they had defeated Bude 2-1 in the final

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and suddenly it's spring

Cadds Down Farm

1 March 1974

Joined by Trixie, the pony

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  • Torrington May Fair Queen and Her Attendants

    Names from left to right:Joan Ricketts; Joan Newcombe; Jean Wernhem; Margaret Sweet; Enid Ovenden; Rona Elsworthy; Doris Short; (back row);
    Eileen Short; Miss Margery Bennett (Queen); Joyce Downman; David Fiddian (Page); Peggie Sussex;

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  • 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.

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  • Seafield House - the "Spooky House" of Westward Ho!

    The house on the cliff edge known locally as ‘Spooky House’ or even ‘Haunted House’ , was built about 1885.

    The road was especially built to enable access to the house and was initially known as Seafield Road; later it became Merley Road.

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1911 Coronation Medal

Coronation Medal Presented on June 22nd 1911   Learn More

The Hoops Inn

The Hoops Inn close to Peppercombe Beach

The Quay at Appledore

Appledore Quay where Taw and Torridge Rivers meet 

 
Wynne Olley

Crowning Glory

12 October 1962

Their finest achievement to date...

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Shipyard goes into liquidation 1963

Liquidator appointed

4 January 1963

Difficulty in retaining labour...

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Births, engagements and marriages

2 September 1966

2.9.1966

Dymond – On Sunday August 28th 1966 at Exeter City Hospital, to Marjorie and Ken, a daughter, Clare Lorraine, sister for Sally and Sarah.
Garnsey – On August 29th 1966 at 32 Northview Avenue, to Jennifer and John, a daughter, Jane Rachel, sister for Stephen and Paul.
Lamanna – On August 21st 1966 to Anne (nee Pooley) and Pasquale, a daughter, Caterina Joanne.
Parkhouse – On August 27th 1966 at the Grenville Nursing Home, to Patricia (nee Cook) and John, a son, Simon Charles.

Webber-Downing – the engagement has been announced between Patricia, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Downing, 11 Meddon Street, to Gordon, son of Mr and Mrs Webber, of South Molton.
Floyd-Parkhurst – Mr T Floyd, 2 Pitt Avenue, Appledore, has pleasure in announcing the engagement of his twin son, Robert, to Jane, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs C Parkhurst, 10 Frederick Street, Southampton.
Jones-Willoughby - Mr and Mrs D Willoughby, 4 Shipton Grove, Swindon, formerly of Bideford, have great pleasure in announcing the engagement of their eldest daughter, Ann, to Royston, youngest son of Mr W and the late Mrs Jones, of Calne, Wiltshire.

Brennan-Slade - On August 27th 1966 at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, by the Rev R C Dixon, Ronald, younger son of Capt and Mrs P Brennan, 15 Stanhope Terrace, Bideford, to Susan Ann, only daughter of Mrs and the late Mr John Slade, 7 Burrows Road, Northam.
Fulford-Le-Fevre – On August 27th 1966 at St Peter’s Church, Tiverton, Maurice Frederick, eldest son of Mr and Mrs A C Fulford, Glenside, Glenburnie Estate, to Hilary Le-Fevre, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Le-Fevre, Woodside, Middle Marwood, Barnstaple.
Taffs-Balfour – On August 31st 1966, the wedding took place of Marlene Edith Balfour, only daughter of Mr and Mrs G W Balfour, 65 Barton Tors, Bideford, to Anthony Taffs, third son of Major and Mrs B W Taffs, 16 South Street, Torrington.

Births, engagements and marriages

2 August 1963

2.8.1963
Docherty – July 27th to Betty (nee Kivell) and Charles, a son, Michael Philip, a brother for Robert.
Jordan – July 24th at 40 Old Town to David and Mary (nee Stanbury), a son, Stephen Charles.
Peacham – July 17th to David and Ann (nee Badcock), a daughter, Shirley Ann.
Trewin – July 26th to Isabel and Raymond, a son, Jeremy Godfrey Thomas, brother for Jayne, Fiona and Sharon.

James-Cranleigh – the engagement is announced between Sheila, daughter of Mr and Mrs R J Cranleigh, 25 Pynes Lane, Bideford, to Derek, son of Mrs D James, 1 Sea View Road, Northam.
Lane-Munday – the engagement is announced between Joy, daughter of Mrs G Munday, Cairn Cross, Westward Ho! and Martin John, son of Mr and Mrs P Lane, Winslade Farm, Parkham.

Berryman-Kelly – July 27th at St Margaret’s Church, Northam, Bridget Ellen, daughter of Mrs Kelly, 15 Fore Street, to Lenard Palmer Berryman, RAF, of St Earth, Cornwall.
Colwill-Braund – July 20th at Holy Trinity Church, Westward Ho! Robert Malcolm of Luton, son of Mr and Mrs H Colwill, Bideford, to Janet, daughter of Mr and Mrs K W Braund.
Darby-Heywood – At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on July 27th, Peter, son of Mr and Mrs R W Darby, 1 Northview Hill, Bideford, to Veronica, daughter of Mr and Mrs J D Heywood, 28 Old Town, Bideford.
Fishleigh-Brown – July 27th at Torrington Parish Church, Roger David, of the Somerset County Constabulary, son of Mrs M Fishleigh and the late Mr R C Fishleigh, Romar, Old Barnstaple Road, Bideford, and Elizabeth Jean, daughter of Mr and Mrs W Brown, 2 Mill Street, Torrington.

Mother’s 95th Birthday

Family Gathering at Appledore

9.1.1959 Mrs Lamey Appledore

There was a notable family gathering at no. 4 New Street, Appledore, on New Year’s Eve when the oldest woman in Appledore, Mrs Matilda Lamey, celebrated her 95th birthday.

Seven of her eight surviving children, five of them old-age pensioners, came in to wish their mother a happy birthday. They brought with them gifts and congratulations from her eighteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Although six of Mrs Lamey’s children live at Appledore, they had not met all together in this way for years.

So on New Year’s Eve Mrs Lamey’s eldest daughter, Mrs Ada Revely, John, Fred, Mrs H Tucker, Mrs B Lobbett with whom Mrs Lamey is living, Percy and Randall, all joined their mother in the festively decorated sitting room to cut the birthday cake, made by Mrs Lamey’s daughter-in-law, Mrs Eric Lobbett, of Glenburnie.

Mr Tom Lamey, now living in Hayes, Middlesex, was unable to come down to Appledore for the occasion.

Congratulation cards and telegrams, money and other gifts came into the household with the Christmas mail, and Mrs Lamey is still busy replying to each sender.

‘I am well looked after by my family’ said Mrs Lamey when asked what made her such a bright, communicative person at her age.

She added that she liked to sit by the fire and watch TV ‘especially the horses,’ enjoyed listening to singing and liked a glass of beer occasionally.

Gazette article dated 9 January 1959

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