• 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 End of the line

  • 2 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 3 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 4 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 5 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 6 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 7 School crossing patrol begins

  • 8 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 9 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 10 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 11 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 12

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 13 A man and his wheel

  • 14 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 15 Picking the pops

  • 16 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 17

    Was a missionary
  • 18

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 19 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 20 In their new robes and hats

  • 21 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 22 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 23 Pannier Market's future?

  • 24 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 25 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 26 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 27 Hartland postman retires

  • 28 The cab at the corner>
  • 29

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 30 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 31 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 32 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 33 First ship in 8 years

  • 34 Littleham family's five generations

  • 35 Weare Giffard potato

  • 36 Over the bank together>
  • 37 New civic medallions

  • 38 Peter poses for TV film

  • 39 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 40 Burnard family reunion

  • 41 New life for Hartland organ

  • 42 Ships at Bideford

  • 43 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 44 Modern living at Bideford

  • 45 Twenty-one yachts

  • 46 Meredith and Son ad.>
  • 47 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 48 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 49

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 50 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 51 Just over a year old

  • 52 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 53 They are parted pro-tem

  • 54 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 55 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 56 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 57 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 58 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 59 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 60 Sight of a lifetime

  • 61 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 62 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 63 Emergency ferry services

  • 64 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

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

  • 66 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 67 New look in the hayfields

  • 68 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 69 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 70

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 71 Some mushroom!

  • 72 Torrington children build igloo
  • 73 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 74 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 75 Jumble sale fever

  • 76 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 77 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 78

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 79 A roof-top view - where?

  • 80 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 81 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 82 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 83 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 84 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 85 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 86 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 87 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 88 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 89 New Post Office

  • 90 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 91 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 92 So this is the mainland!

  • 93 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 94 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 95 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 96 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 97 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 98 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 99 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 100 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 101 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 102 113 years at Instow

  • 103 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 104 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 105 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 106 Riverside mystery

  • 107 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 108 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 109 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 110 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 111 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 112 Out of puff!

  • 113 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 114 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 115 Some 240 exhibits

  • 116 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 117 Life begins at 80

  • 118 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 119 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 120 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 121 Finished in 1876

  • 122 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 123 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 124 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 125

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 126 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 127 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 128 Dustmen of the days of yore>
  • 129

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 130 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 131 The young smith of Abbotsham>
  • 132 North Devon Driving School

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

  • 134 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 135 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 136 Artisans' Club

  • 137 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 138

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 139 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 140 Mobile missionary

  • 141 Recognise this resort?

  • 142

    Relatives all over the world
  • 143 Warmington's garage ad

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

  • 145 Torrington's new amenity

  • 146 Clovelly nightmare

  • 147 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 148 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 149 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 150 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 151 Northam footballers of the future

  • 152 Revenge in style

  • 153 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 154 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 155 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 156 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 157 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 158 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 159 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 160 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 161 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 162 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 163 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

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

  • 165 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 166 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 167 A story to tell!

  • 168 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 169

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 170 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 171 No sale of Springfield House

  • 172 Variety in summer weather

  • 173

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 174 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 175 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 176 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 177

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 178

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 179 Circus comes to town

  • 180

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 181

    New gateway
  • 182 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 183 Clovelly custom

  • 184 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 185

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 186 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 187 Police station view of Bideford

  • 188 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 189 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 190 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 191 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 192

    Married in 1908
  • 193 Lundy memorial to John Pennington Harman V.C.

  • 194 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 195

    Bidefordians
  • 196 Torrington in 1967

  • 197 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 198 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 199 For crying out loud!

  • 200 From Bobby to Brian

  • 201 School's link with cargo ship

  • 202 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 203 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 204 Northam's almshouse

  • 205 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 206 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 207 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 208 All aboard the ark

  • 209 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 210 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 211 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 212 It really was the 'last time'

  • 213 Hartland Dancers
  • 214 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 215 Puppet characters introduced

  • 216 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 217 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 218 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 219 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 220 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 221 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 222 Devil sent packing

  • 223 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 224 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 225 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 226

    Exhibition of school work
  • 227 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 228 Bideford regatta

  • 229 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 230 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 231 Decontrol of meat

  • 232 No laughing matter

  • 233

    Building works
  • 234 The art of the thatcher

  • 235 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 236

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 237 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 238 Blanchards ad.>
  • 239 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 240 Capers on the cobbles

  • 241 Loads of black and white

  • 242 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 243 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 244 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 245 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 246 Last train from Torrington

  • 247 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 248 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 249 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 250 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 251 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 252 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 253 When horses score over the tractor

  • 254 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 255 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 256 Traditions and skills still there

  • 257 New shipyard on schedule

  • 258 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 259 Happy Days!

  • 260 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 261 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 262 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 263 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

  • 264 Private home for public pump

  • 265 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 266 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 267 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 268 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 269 All for the love of a lady!

  • 270 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 271 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 272 Waldon Triplets
  • 273 Doing time - over 300 years of it - at Hartland

  • 274 Filming at Hartland

  • 275 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 276 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 277 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 278 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 279 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 280

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 281 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 282 New art gallery opened

  • 283 Hartland's invitation

  • 284 Bridging the stream

  • 285 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 286 Bideford loses training ship

  • 287 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 288 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 289 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 290 Picking the pops

  • 291 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 292 Allhalland Street - then and now

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

  • 294 Liked holidays here - so starts business

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

  • 296 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 297 Bideford computer stars

  • 298 New addition to Quay front

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

  • 300 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 301 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 302

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 303 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 304

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 305 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 306 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 307 Centenary of Gazette

  • 308 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 309 What's the time?

  • 310 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 311 Can spring be far away?

  • 312 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 313 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 314 They set out for Bideford and became lost

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

  • 316 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 317 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 318 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 319

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 320 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 321 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 322 Pretty pennies at Beaford

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

  • 324 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 325 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 326 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 327 Gateways with rhymes>
  • 328 Sweets derationing

  • 329 Six footed lamb

  • 330 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 331 Photo of town's first car wins prize

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

  • 333 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 334 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 335

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 336

    First prize
  • 337 Off on a great adventure

  • 338 Appledore's largest

  • 339 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 340 Braddicks furniture ad.>
  • 341 Caught in the act>
  • 342 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 343 By pony and trap to market

  • 344 He beat the floods

  • 345 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 346 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 347 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 348 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 349

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 350 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 351 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 352 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 353 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 354 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 355 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 356

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 357 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 358 Cruising down the river

  • 359 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 360 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 361 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 362 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 363 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

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

  • 365 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 366 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 367 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 368 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 369 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 370

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 371 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 372 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 373 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 374 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 375 New Lundy stamps

  • 376 Disastrous dock fire at Appledore>
  • 377 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 378 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 379 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 380 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 381 Service with a smile

  • 382 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 383 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 384 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 385 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 386 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 387 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 388 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 389 Penny for the guy

  • 390 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 391

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 392 Ten year old scrambler

  • 393 Parkham plan realised

  • 394 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 395 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 396 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 397 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 398 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 399 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 400 Grenville House for Bideford R.D.C.

  • 401 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 402 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 403 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 404 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 405 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 406 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 407 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 408 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 409 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 410 Simple Item 138
  • 411 The Geneva marionettes

  • 412 New choral society's growing response

  • 413 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 414 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 415 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 416 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 417 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 418 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 419 A bird of their own!

  • 420 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 421 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 422 Bideford's new market opens next week

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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  • 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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  • 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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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, Engagement and Marriages

24 December 1965

Quick – On December 15th 1965, to June (nee Branch) and Brian, a son, Jeremy James.
Thorp – On December 8th to Roselyn (nee Eastman) and Desmond, a daughter, Marie Josephine, at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester.

Willcocks-Slade – Mr and Mrs T Slade, 58 Grenville Estate, Bideford, have much pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only daughter, Jennifer, to George, second son of Mr and Mrs J Willcocks of Higher Clovelly.

Cloke-Squires – On December 26th 1940 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Percival John Cloke to Eileen Vera Squires. Present address: Marester, Pynes Lane, Bideford.
Gray-Wilkey – On December 26th 1940 at the Baptist Church, Westward Ho! by The Rev Mr Hobbs, Frank Gray to Alice Mary Wilkey. Present address: 3 Venton Drive, Westward Ho!
Babb-Howard – On December 24th 1925 at St Nectan’s Church, Stoke, Hartland, Theodore to Marjorie by Rev I L Gregory. Present address: Lester, Tower Hill, Buckland Brewer, Bideford.
Blackmore – On December 25th 1905, Jack to Rose. Love and best wishes to mum and dad on your diamond wedding. From your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

24.12.1965

 

 

Birth and Engagements

31 December 1965

Isaac – To Mr and Mrs B Isaac, 20 Victoria Grove, a Christmas Day brother for Carole and Jane.

Brock-Pengilly – The engagement is announced between Irene Elizabeth Rose Pengilly, of 80 Meddon Street, Bideford, and Colin George Brock, 5 Greenings Road, Buckland Brewer.
Clarke-Twose – Mr and Mrs F Twose of 1 Nelson Road, Westward Ho! have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their youngest daughter, Thelma, to Barry, only son of Mr and Mrs Clarke, 10 Myrtle Gardens, Bideford.
Curd-Godbold – Mr and Mrs W Godbold, 29 Myrtle Street, Appledore, have much pleasure in announcing the engagement of their eldest daughter, Marjorie, to Christopher, only son of Mr and Mrs R E Curd, of Kilmorie, West Yelland, Fremington.
Emery-Hodgkins – Mr and Mrs A Hodgkins, of 5 Burrows Way, Northam, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only daughter, Lynda Margaret, to Roger David, only son of Mrs K Leverton, of 26 Northview Avenue, Bideford.
Mitchell-Haywood – Mr and Mrs T L Haywood, 92 Clovelly Road, Bideford, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only daughter, Patricia Ann, to Andrew Paul, only son of Mr and Mrs J H Mitchell, 119 Clovelly Road, Bideford.
Powe-Hosegood – Mr and Mrs F J Hosegood, 47 Grenville Estate, Bideford, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their second daughter, Maureen, to John, twin son of Mr and Mrs G Powe, 84 Irsha Street, Appledore.
Stapleton-Tolley – Mr and Mrs A H Tolley, Wyndcroft, New Street, Torrington, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their only daughter, Margaret Ann, to David, only son of Mr F Stapleton and the late Mrs Stapleton, 23 Milton Place, Bideford.

31.12.1965

 

Christmas Eve Baby

Perhaps the stork came to see the decorations,

for ‘The Stork Club’ was the theme of decorations in the maternity ward of Torrington Cottage Hospital over Christmas. Anyway, on Christmas Eve a daughter was born to Mrs Betty Catherine Sussex, of Torrington.

Here she is seen receiving one of her first visitors – Santa Claus with a gift for the new arrival. With her is the Matron, Miss Heath, and Sister Bricknell, of Taddiport.

30.12.1960 Torrington birth1

30.12.1960 Torrington birth

It is two years since a Christmas baby was born at the Cottage Hospital – last year the maternity section was closed due to staffing problems.

Gazette article dated 30 December 1960

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