• 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 Over the bank together>
  • 2 Parkham plan realised

  • 3 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 4 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 5 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 6 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 7 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 8 Clovelly nightmare

  • 9 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 10 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 11

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 12 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 13 Hartland's invitation

  • 14 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 15 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 16 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

  • 17 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 18 Jumble sale fever

  • 19 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 20 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 21

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 22 Cruising down the river

  • 23 Bridging the stream

  • 24 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 25 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 26 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

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

  • 28 Just over a year old

  • 29 Northam's almshouse

  • 30 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 31 Caught in the act>
  • 32 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 33 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 34 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 35 No sale of Springfield House

  • 36 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 37 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 38 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 39 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

  • 40 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 41 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 42

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 43 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 44 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 45 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 46 No laughing matter

  • 47 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 48 New Post Office

  • 49 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 50 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 51 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 52

    Bidefordians
  • 53 Bideford computer stars

  • 54 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 55 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 56 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 57 Simple Item 138
  • 58 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 59 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 60 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 61 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 62 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 63 For crying out loud!

  • 64 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 65 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 66 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 67 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 68 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 69 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 70 Devil sent packing

  • 71 Capers on the cobbles

  • 72 Artisans' Club

  • 73 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 74

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 75 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 76 Finished in 1876

  • 77

    Relatives all over the world
  • 78 Sight of a lifetime

  • 79 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 80 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 81 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 82 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 83 New choral society's growing response

  • 84 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 85 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 86 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 87 Colour TV salesman at eight

  • 88 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 89 Lundy memorial to John Pennington Harman V.C.

  • 90 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 91 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 92 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 93

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 94

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 95 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 96 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 97 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 98 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 99 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 100 School's link with cargo ship

  • 101 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 102 So this is the mainland!

  • 103 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

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

  • 105 Ten year old scrambler

  • 106 All aboard the ark

  • 107 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 108 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 109 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 110 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 111 Mobile missionary

  • 112 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 113 Loads of black and white

  • 114 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 115 New addition to Quay front

  • 116 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 117 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 118 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 119 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 120 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 121 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 122 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

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

  • 124 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 125

    New gateway
  • 126

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 127 Last train from Torrington

  • 128

    Exhibition of school work
  • 129 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 130 End of the line

  • 131 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 132 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 133 Filming at Hartland

  • 134 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 135 First ship in 8 years

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

  • 138 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 139 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 140 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 141 New look in the hayfields

  • 142 New civic medallions

  • 143 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 144 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 145 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

  • 146 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 147 Appledore's largest

  • 148 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 149 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 150 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 151 Blanchards ad.>
  • 152 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 153 New gateway to King George's Fields

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

  • 155

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 156 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 157 Off on a great adventure

  • 158 Variety in summer weather

  • 159 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 160 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 161

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 162 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 163 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 164 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 165

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 166 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 167 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 168 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 169 First steel ship built at Bideford

  • 170 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 171 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 172 By pony and trap to market

  • 173 Littleham family's five generations

  • 174 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 175 Meredith and Son ad.>
  • 176 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 177 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 178 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 179 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 180 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

  • 181 School crossing patrol begins

  • 182 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 183 113 years at Instow

  • 184 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 185 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 186 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 187 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 188 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 189 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 190 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 191 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 192 Out of puff!

  • 193 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 194

    First prize
  • 195 North Devon Driving School

  • 196 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 197 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 198 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 199 Clovelly custom

  • 200 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

  • 201 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 202 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 203

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 204 A roof-top view - where?

  • 205 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 206 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 207 Torrington's new amenity

  • 208 Fleet of foot and fair of face

  • 209 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 210 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 211 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 212 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 213 Buckland goes to County Show

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

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

  • 216 Weare Giffard potato

  • 217 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 218 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 219 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 220 Twenty-one yachts

  • 221 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 222 All for the love of a lady!

  • 223 Sweets derationing

  • 224 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 225 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 226

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 227 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 228 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 229

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 230 New life for Hartland organ

  • 231 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 232 Puppet characters introduced

  • 233 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 234 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 235 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 236 Burnard family reunion

  • 237 Torrington in 1967

  • 238 Bideford regatta

  • 239 Private home for public pump

  • 240 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 241 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 242

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 243 It really was the 'last time'

  • 244 Some 240 exhibits

  • 245 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 246 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

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

  • 248 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 249 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 250 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 251 Happy Days!

  • 252 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 253 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 254 Picking the pops

  • 255 Riverside mystery

  • 256 Disastrous dock fire at Appledore>
  • 257

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 258 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 259 From Bobby to Brian

  • 260 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 261 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 262 He beat the floods

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

  • 264 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 265 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 266 Record player of 80 years ago

  • 267 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 268 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 269

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 270 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 271 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 272 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 273 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 274 Service with a smile

  • 275 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 276 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 277 Traditions and skills still there

  • 278 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 279 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 280 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 281 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 282 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 283 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 284 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 285 Recognise this resort?

  • 286

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 287 They are parted pro-tem

  • 288 Torrington children build igloo
  • 289 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 290 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 291 Penny for the guy

  • 292 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 293 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 294 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 295 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 296 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 297 Life begins at 80

  • 298 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 299 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 300 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 301 A lost Bideford 'island'

  • 302 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 303 Some mushroom!

  • 304 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 305 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 306 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 307

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 308 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 309 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 310 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 311 Ships at Bideford

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

  • 313

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 314 Can spring be far away?

  • 315 When horses score over the tractor

  • 316

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 317 Diamond Jubilee of St Peter's Church, East-the-Water

  • 318 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

  • 319 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 320 New art gallery opened

  • 321 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 322 Dustmen of the days of yore>
  • 323 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 324 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 325 Police station view of Bideford

  • 326 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 327 A bird of their own!

  • 328 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 329 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 330 The young smith of Abbotsham>
  • 331 Gateways with rhymes>
  • 332 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 333 Fishermen of Greencliff

  • 334 Peter poses for TV film

  • 335 The art of the thatcher

  • 336 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 337 New Lundy stamps

  • 338 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 339 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 340 Northam footballers of the future

  • 341 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 342 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 343 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 344 Decontrol of meat

  • 345

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 346 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 347 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 348 Hartland postman retires

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

  • 350

    Married in 1908
  • 351 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 352 The Geneva marionettes

  • 353 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 354 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 355 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 356 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 357 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 358

    Building works
  • 359 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 360 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 361 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 362 Six footed lamb

  • 363 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 364 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 365 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 366 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 367 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 368

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 369 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 370 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 371 Emergency ferry services

  • 372 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 373 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 374 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 375 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 376 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 377 New shipyard on schedule

  • 378 Revenge in style

  • 379 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 380 Bideford loses training ship

  • 381

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 382 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 383 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 384 Circus comes to town

  • 385 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 386 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 387 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 388 In their new robes and hats

  • 389 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 390 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 391 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 392 Braddicks furniture ad.>
  • 393 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 394 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

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

  • 396 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 397 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 398 Warmington's garage ad

  • 399 A man and his wheel

  • 400 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 401 Modern living at Bideford

  • 402

    Was a missionary
  • 403 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 404 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 405 The cab at the corner>
  • 406 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 407 Picking the pops

  • 408 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 409 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 410

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 411 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 412 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 413 Waldon Triplets
  • 414 What's the time?

  • 415 Centenary of Gazette

  • 416 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 417 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 418 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 419 A story to tell!

  • 420 Pannier Market's future?

  • 421 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 422

    Successful motor cycling team
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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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North Devon Footballer Married At Torrington

Of particular interest to football enthusiasts in North Devon was the wedding which took place at St Michael’s Church, Torrington, on Tuesday between Mr Cecil Green, youngest son of Mr F Green, 55 Meddon Street, Bideford, and the late Mrs E Green, and Miss Norah Rose Verona Vickery, only daughter of Mr and Mrs F F Vickery, the Royal Exchange, Torrington.

8.6.1937 Green Vickery wedding Torrington

The bridegroom has been prominent in football circles in North Devon and comes from a very sporting family, being the youngest of four brothers, all of whom have played ‘soccer’ for Bideford and Torrington.
The marriage service was conducted by the Vicar of Torrington, Rev W Keble Martin, and Mr S J Parkes was at the organ. Miss Lilian Hearn was the only bridesmaid. The bridegroom’s brother, Mr F Green carried out the duties of best man.
At the reception, held at the bride’s home, the guests were received by Mrs F F Vickery.
Later in the day, Mr and Mrs Cecil green left for a honeymoon motor tour.
The full Gazette article is dated 8 June 1937

Births and Marriages

19 June 1945

Dickson – June 12th to Kathleen (nee Symonds), wife of Major R C Dickson, Royal Signals, a daughter.
Hunkin – June 15th to Mary (nee Lake), wife of W Hunkin, of West Ash, Frithelstock, a son, William Roger.
Lesslie – June 9th at the Dibden Purlieu Nursing Home, to Gwen (nee Sluman), wife of Walter Lesslie, 11 Hollydene, Hythe, Southampton, a daughter, Sandra Mary.
Roberts – June 11th at The Wayside Nursing Home, Maidenhead, to Mr and Mrs L G Roberts (nee Vera Headon), a second daughter, Jennifer Margaret.
Seagrave – June 15th at Braunton Nursing Home, to Gwen (nee Chugg) wife of Mr Derek Seagrave, a son, Jonathan Richard.
Squire – June 12th at the Nursing Home, Torrington to Margaret (nee Crocker), wife of A G Squire, 2 South Street, Torrington, a daughter, Janet Margaret.

Bennett-Rendle – June 11th 1945 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, by Rev T R Gibby, Desmond Bennett, son of Mr and Mrs A Bennett, 3 Pitt Hill, Appledore, to Joyce, daughter of Mr and Mrs H Rendle, 34 Meddon Street.
Rendle-Rocke – June 9th at Church of Christ the King, Bromborough, Cheshire, by Rev Father Velaide, Pte A Rendle, son of Mr and Mrs F Rendle, 12 Stanhope Terrace, Bideford, and Miss Winifred A Rocke, daughter of late Mrs and Mr Rocke, 18 Mainwaring Road, Bromborough.

19.6.1945

Births, engagements and marriages

14 June 1963

Hunt – June 10th 1963 a the General Lying-in Hospital, London, SE1, to Lois (nee Eady) and Dr Roger Hunt, a sister for Rachel
Rice – June 6th in Singapore to Patricia (nee Anderson), wife of Derek, formerly of 3 Myrtle Gardens, Bideford, a daughter, Linda Gail
Tolley – June 8th at the Grenville Nursing Home, to Fiona (nee Greene) and Gerald, a son, Jeremy Mark

Blackmore-Martin – Mr and Mrs Blackmore, 84 Stucley Road, Bideford, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their son, Albert, to Joan, daughter of Mr and Mrs Martin, 4 Vennclose, Instow
Nicholls-Poole – Mr and Mrs K Poole, Parklands, Fairy Cross, have much pleasure in announcing the engagement of their daughter, Mary, to Colin, son of Mr and Mrs G Nicholls, Hill Ash Farm, Langtree

Welsford-Day – On June 18th 1938 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, by the Rev Mr Wilson, Cyril J Welsford to Ruth Day.

Steer-Pidler – On June 11th 1913 at St John the Baptist Church, Instow, Wilfred Heywood, of Bidna Farm, Northam, to Annie Jane, of Fullingcott Farm, Instow. Present address: Bryglyn, Kingsley Road, Bideford

14.6.1963

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