• 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 Bicycle now does donkey work

  • 2

    New gateway
  • 3 Ancestral home nestling in lovely combe

  • 4 Boys win hockey on the sands challenge

  • 5 The Geneva marionettes

  • 6 Pretty pennies at Beaford

  • 7 Hartland postman retires

  • 8

    10-year-old scrambler practices
  • 9 Broomhayes £1,000 Surprise
  • 10 Practical sympathy at Northam

  • 11 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 12 Peter poses for TV film

  • 13 Bideford loses training ship

  • 14 Variety in summer weather

  • 15

    First prize
  • 16 New Lundy stamps

  • 17 Westward Ho! Tennis Club Winners
  • 18 TV features Bideford's New Year bread ceremony

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

  • 20 Thriving 'orphan of the storm'

  • 21

    Wynne Olley's styles impress International Hair Fashion Designer
  • 22

    Cadets are given certificates
  • 23 First ship in 8 years

  • 24 Torrington children build igloo
  • 25 Eleven million pound scheme's official opening

  • 26 New shipyard on schedule

  • 27 Tramps camp by riverside throughout arctic weather

  • 28 Penny for the guy

  • 29 A sense of humour in advertising

  • 30 Sunshine and shade at Appledore

  • 31 Jumble sale fever

  • 32 Pannier Market's future?

  • 33 Revived market off to splendid start

  • 34

    Toasted with musical honours
  • 35 Dismantling of wireless mast

  • 36 First steel ship built at Bideford

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

  • 38 Bideford has built over 500 post-war homes

  • 39 Second Monte Carlo Rally

  • 40 No ancient Grecian temple this

  • 41 What is future of railway goods yard?

  • 42 Ten year old scrambler

  • 43 Off on a great adventure

  • 44 Bringing shopping home by goat

  • 45 End of the line

  • 46 Rowing triumphs at Bideford

  • 47 By pony and trap to market

  • 48

    Birgitta Whittaker
  • 49 Sweets derationing

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

  • 51 In the tortoise nursery - eight hatched at Bideford

  • 52 Hartland's invitation

  • 53 Entente cordiale in Bideford

  • 54 Wasps' nest in sewing machine

  • 55 A Weare Giffard speciality - delicious strawberries

  • 56

    Hamburger is part of modern life
  • 57 Faints as she wins national competition

  • 58 Torrington school's sundial - fashioned by Headmaster

  • 59 Lady Godiva comes to Torrington

  • 60 Bridging the stream

  • 61 Watch the dicky bird!

  • 62 A story to tell!

  • 63 Jalopy joy for children of Shamwickshire

  • 64 John Andrew Bread Charity
  • 65 Speeding communications: Bideford firm's new installation

  • 66 Championship Trophy for Hartland
  • 67 Alwington School closing after 120 years

  • 68 Some mushroom!

  • 69 New choral society's growing response

  • 70 Designed and made in Bideford

  • 71 Record player of 80 years ago

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

  • 73 New Lundy air-mail stamps

  • 74 Panel sprint for Bideford broadcast

  • 75 Steep street of old Bideford

  • 76 Bideford's first woman councillor

  • 77 Eight and a half million pound Taw development scheme

  • 78 Bideford shipyard workers cheer new minesweeper

  • 79 Clovelly's 91 year old horseman

  • 80 Twenty-one yachts

  • 81 Four hundred residents leave Bideford!

  • 82

    Was a missionary
  • 83 Torrington's new amenity

  • 84 Centuries old but today busier than ever

  • 85 Calf thinks of mare as mum

  • 86 Bideford-Torrington road gets 'carpet coat'

  • 87 Torrington Youth Club rewarded by party
  • 88 A lost Bideford 'island'

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

  • 90

    Womens Skittles Competition in Buckland Brewer
  • 91

    First Girls at Bideford Grammar School take part in Play
  • 92 Warmington's garage ad

  • 93 Torridge wins on time schedule

  • 94 New gateway to King George's Fields

  • 95 New look for Torrington Lane

  • 96 Appledore schooner broadcast

  • 97

    Successful motor cycling team
  • 98 Sooty is quick on the draw

  • 99 Barley from Bideford to Bonnie Scotland

  • 100 Bideford electricity window display qualifies for area competition

  • 101 No sale of Springfield House

  • 102 Prizewinning babies at Torrington

  • 103 Panto time at Westward Ho!

  • 104 Do recall the old windmill at Northam?

  • 105 Christmas tree on Bideford Quay>
  • 106 Yelland potter's exhibition at Bideford

  • 107 Bideford stock car racing entry comes in second

  • 108 Where Bideford rope-makers walked>
  • 109 Inscribed Bibles and silver spoons for babies

  • 110 Clovelly custom

  • 111 Bideford childrens' cinema opens

  • 112 Simple Item 138
  • 113 Just over a year old

  • 114 Liked holidays here - so starts business

  • 115 Bideford Liberals' fashion show

  • 116 Revenge in style

  • 117 Escaped crane moves into Kenwith Valley

  • 118 Thrush builds nest in cauliflower

  • 119 Floral dancing at Appledore

  • 120 X-ray shoe fitting

  • 121

    Relatives all over the world
  • 122 Picture bought for shillings may be worth thousands

  • 123 Works at craft he learned over 65 years ago

  • 124

    Mrs Whapham finds ferret in Bridgeland Street while shopping
  • 125 Life begins at 80

  • 126 America's tribute to 'J.H.'

  • 127 Old Girls revisit Edgehill

  • 128 Bideford triplets' first birthday party

  • 129

    Double Baptism on Torridge
  • 130 Success to Festival of the Arts

  • 131 Meeting at 10 Downing Street

  • 132 Bideford's first triplets for 12 years

  • 133 Torrington acclaims 400th anniversary of granting of charter

  • 134 Dustmen of the days of yore>
  • 135 Television comes to Torridge District

  • 136 Bideford's private wharves busier

  • 137 Ships at Bideford

  • 138 Battle of the gap at Westward Ho!

  • 139 Decontrol of meat

  • 140 New look in the hayfields

  • 141 Torrington in 1967

  • 142 Recognise this resort?

  • 143 Fundraising trip for RNLI

  • 144 School crossing patrol begins

  • 145 A craftsman's 'potted' history

  • 146 Charter granted by Philip and Mary

  • 147 North Devon author featured in TV documentary

  • 148 A man and his wheel

  • 149 On her 'maiden' trip from Bideford

  • 150 Olympic riders to compete at Bideford Horse Show

  • 151 Hartland Dancers
  • 152 Future of Torrington almshouses

  • 153 Big develolpment at Calveford

  • 154 Traditions and skills still there

  • 155 Bideford A.F.C annual dinner
  • 156 Devil sent packing

  • 157 Braddicks furniture ad.>
  • 158 Private home for public pump

  • 159 The creative urge on Saturday morning

  • 160 Four sisters' nostalgic reunion

  • 161 Larkworthy Family play in Shebbear's Football Team
  • 162 Mural in the whimsical fashion

  • 163 Birds' convalescent home at Instow

  • 164 Capers on the cobbles

  • 165

    Gus Honeybun meets local children
  • 166 Meredith and Son ad.>
  • 167 Thorn-apple found in Littleham conservatory

  • 168 Riverside mystery

  • 169 Shoes certainly not made for walking

  • 170 Bideford firm develops new non-spill paint

  • 171 Church renovation rejoicing at Northam

  • 172 Parkham plan realised

  • 173 The art of the thatcher

  • 174 Can-carrying over cobbles has disappeared

  • 175 Over the bank together>
  • 176 Bideford skifflers, they're no squares

  • 177

    Holidaying in north Devon
  • 178 Down at the 'Donkey House'

  • 179

    FA Cup Match for the Robins
  • 180 Open-air art exhibition by 'under 40' group

  • 181 Harvest service in Bideford 'pub' bar

  • 182 Designed all furnishing of new chapel

  • 183 Smiling welcome to Hartland visitors

  • 184 Puzzle corner at Bideford!

  • 185

    Married in 1908
  • 186 At Bideford Arts Ball>
  • 187 Weare Giffard potato

  • 188 Puppet characters introduced

  • 189 Vessel built 300 feet above sea level

  • 190 Making way for the double-deckers

  • 191 East-the-Water sets town an example

  • 192 Sailing to victory at Appledore

  • 193 What's the time?

  • 194 Huntshaw TV mast

  • 195 They are parted pro-tem

  • 196 Fleet of foot and fair of face

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

  • 198 Little 'Big Ben'

  • 199 Bideford's new market opens next week

  • 200 Space dominates Hartland carnival

  • 201

    Jinxed School Trip
  • 202 Service with a smile

  • 203 Torrington Church's new organ

  • 204 Artisans' Club

  • 205 Found the answer waiting for him>
  • 206 Disastrous dock fire at Appledore>
  • 207 Afternoon tea in the park

  • 208 Photo of town's first car wins prize

  • 209 One thousand visit zoo at Whitsun

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

  • 211 Finished in 1876

  • 212 North Devon Driving School

  • 213 Move for oldest boatyard on Torridge

  • 214 Bideford Liberal club new lounge bar opened

  • 215 Hartland Abbey outdoor staff 60 years ago

  • 216 Eight to strike and a race to win

  • 217 Buckland goes to County Show

  • 218 Eleventh hour bid to save last sailing barge

  • 219 All for the love of a lady!

  • 220 He beat the floods

  • 221

    Appledore boys beat mums at football
  • 222 New civic medallions

  • 223 Two kinds of hovercraft at Bideford

  • 224 Buckland farm workers to receive long-service awards

  • 225 Bravery against bull at Shebbear rewarded

  • 226 Bideford computer stars

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

  • 228 Bideford School Junior Choir Sing in France at Twinning Ceremony in Landivisiau
  • 229 Yeoi Vale House finally demolished

  • 230

    Close associations with North Devon
  • 231 Photo mural in Bideford bank

  • 232 Circus comes to town

  • 233 Pet squirrels at Monkleigh

  • 234 New Estate's view of estuary activities

  • 235 Unique holiday adventure!

  • 236 Teenager Peter Jackson Makes Horror Film
  • 237 Death - and birth - of a telephone exchange

  • 238 Preparations for new Clovelly Court

  • 239 Picking the pops

  • 240 Torrington's shelter for the aged

  • 241 Council agree to demolition of Chanter's Folly

  • 242 Northam loses thatched cottage landmark

  • 243 Emergency ferry services

  • 244 Bideford inquest on French trawlermen opens

  • 245 Farewell to passenger trains

  • 246 They never miss a game at Torrington

  • 247 Baby Kate goes home to Lundy

  • 248 Down at the dump something stirs

  • 249 For South Africa from Westward Ho!

  • 250 Cement-clad boats being built at Northam

  • 251

    Gift from Bideford Town Council
  • 252 Appledore tugs fete London Tower

  • 253 Littleham family's five generations

  • 254 Alderman Anstey's dream comes tru

  • 255 Westward Ho! sand yacht to challenge speed record

  • 256 Colour TV salesman at eight

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

  • 258 Safety-first dipomas awarded to Torrington drivers

  • 259 It really was the 'last time'

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

  • 261 Light reading for the lighthouse

  • 262 Loads of black and white

  • 263 What the television camera saw at Abbotsham

  • 264 Thunderstorm destruction of 25 years ago

  • 265 Landmark at Bradworthy

  • 266 Westward Ho! combined op

  • 267 A roof-top view - where?

  • 268 For crying out loud!

  • 269 Local glove-making factory advertising for staff

  • 270 Westward Ho! public conveniences get go ahead
  • 271 Salmon netting at Bideford

  • 272 Gateways with rhymes>
  • 273 Getting up steam for tomorrow

  • 274 Sight of a lifetime

  • 275 Can spring be far away?

  • 276 School's link with cargo ship

  • 277 Bideford Bridge re-opens

  • 278 Quads join a Langtree happy family

  • 279 Police station view of Bideford

  • 280 Five generations link Woolsery, Clovelly and Bideford

  • 281 Calligrapher extraordinary

  • 282 Born 1883 - still going strong

  • 283 Littleham cow tops 70 tons mark in milk production

  • 284 Head Barman appointed Torrington Town Crier
  • 285 Still hunting aged 80 and a Field Master

  • 286 Repair work on Long Bridge
  • 287 First tankers arrive at new depot

  • 288 An early 'special' to Bideford

  • 289 So this is the mainland!

  • 290 Appledore skill brings 'Hispaniola' to life

  • 291 'Les Girls' of Hartland

  • 292 Bideford schoolboy's courage recognised

  • 293 Donkey work made easier at Clovelly

  • 294 Northam's almshouse

  • 295 Community centre opened at Westward Ho!

  • 296

    Inter-school Road Safety Quiz Cup Winners
  • 297 Train returns to Westleigh straight

  • 298 Torrington's enterprise's new extensions

  • 299 Brothers reunion 1947
  • 300 In their new robes and hats

  • 301 Clovelly nightmare

  • 302 Lady Churchill congratulates Bideford artists at nursing exhibition

  • 303 Saving money, wear and tear

  • 304

    Exhibition of school work
  • 305 Sweet success at Langtree School

  • 306 Bideford's gift to Sir Francis

  • 307 Boys from Bideford school complete Ten Tors

  • 308 Spring-cleaning the Ridge

  • 309 The young smith of Abbotsham>
  • 310 Passing of a Torrington landmark

  • 311 Water Board mains spread through villages

  • 312 Caught in the act>
  • 313

    Bidefordians
  • 314 Daisy's pride and joy

  • 315 Weare Giffard Hall sold for £11,300

  • 316 Students help model St Sidwell

  • 317 Bideford Zoo's first baby is big draw

  • 318 Torrington to have first woman mayor

  • 319 Allhalland Street - then and now

  • 320

    Youth Clubs Join Together For Entertainment
  • 321 Yeo vale road ruin provides a mystery

  • 322 New addition to Quay front

  • 323

    School of Dancing's Annual Display
  • 324 All aboard the ark

  • 325 Largest salmon caught in Torridge

  • 326 Broomhayes children will keep their winter pet

  • 327 Picking the pops

  • 328 Northam wants to continue pumping from river

  • 329 Up-to-date Bideford!

  • 330 Appledore boy is youngest recipient of RNLI vellun

  • 331 Out of puff!

  • 332 Tibbles home again - and fish supper

  • 333 Tide sweeps under and over the old bridge

  • 334 Holiday traffic in Bideford High Street

  • 335 Alverdiscott is proud of its new parish hall

  • 336 Ship-in-bottle world record

  • 337 Meredith's ironmongers

  • 338 Bideford regatta

  • 339 Bideford blacksmith wins English championship

  • 340

    Andre Veillett and Quentin Reed in Judo Demonstration
  • 341 Golden Bay Hotel ad.>
  • 342 The cab at the corner>
  • 343 Centenary of Landcross Methodist Chapel

  • 344 Blanchards ad.>
  • 345 Wilfred and Mabel visit schools and hospital

  • 346 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 347 Record pebble-throwing day

  • 348 River scenes that enchant the visitors

  • 349 Six footed lamb

  • 350 When horses score over the tractor

  • 351 Holiday scene near Sandymere

  • 352 Homage to a well-loved sovereign

  • 353 TV contest means big job for Bideford Guides

  • 354 Safe door weighing two tons

  • 355 Northam footballers of the future

  • 356

    Mums protest in Coronation Road
  • 357 Quads at Thornhillhead

  • 358 Tomorrow' night's skittles broadcast from Bideford

  • 359 Housing progress at East-the-Water>
  • 360 New fire and ambulance stations

  • 361 Childrens' model of Torrington

  • 362 Some 240 exhibits

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

  • 364 New life for Hartland organ

  • 365 Royal prince visits Torridge-side

  • 366

    Lenwood Squash Club
  • 367 Appledore's new lifeboat

  • 368 Amsterdam to Bideford double success

  • 369 Last train from Torrington

  • 370 Appledore's largest

  • 371 From Bobby to Brian

  • 372 Beach search for mines takes longer

  • 373 Symbol of Lundy independence

  • 374 Chess - their bridge over the years

  • 375 Wine and beer merchants for 150 years

  • 376 Children's procession with foxgloves

  • 377 A bird of their own!

  • 378 Donkey and horses enjoy carnival drink

  • 379 Fish nearly pulled him in

  • 380

    Building works
  • 381 Centenary of Gazette

  • 382 Torridge graveyard of wooden hulks

  • 383 Bank Holiday weather was beach weather

  • 384 113 years at Instow

  • 385 Gift plaque on Clovelly council houses

  • 386 Shipbuilding hobby at Hartland

  • 387 No laughing matter

  • 388 Cavaliers join the Hunt
  • 389 Filming at Hartland

  • 390 Mobile missionary

  • 391 Instow local art show was 'tremendous success'

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

  • 393 Happy Days!

  • 394

    Reds Womens Team Are First To Compete Throughout Season
  • 395 'Out of Appledore' sailing memories

  • 396 Mayor becomes engine driver>
  • 397 New art gallery opened

  • 398 Last of Bideford factory chimney

  • 399 Signed scroll momento of Queen Mother's visit

  • 400 Joe the ginger tabby is 21

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

  • 402 Waldon Triplets
  • 403 Appledore Juniors Football
  • 404 Town's second woman mayor in 392 years

  • 405 Lots drawn to prevent dog fight

  • 406 Celebrations for 103rd birthday

  • 407 Thirty bridges cross Torridge

  • 408 Spray dodging - the new pastime

  • 409 Launching the 'Golden Hinde'

  • 410 Wishing well is pixielated

  • 411 Modern living at Bideford

  • 412 Cruising down the river

  • 413 Champagne send-off for Torrington new factory

  • 414 Gloves fit for a king!

  • 415 New Post Office

  • 416 Polish custom on Pancake Day

  • 417 Burnard family reunion

  • 418 Clovelly donkey film star

  • 419 Fishing light goes out at close of poor season

  • 420 Bideford country dancers on TV

  • 421 They set out for Bideford and became lost

  • 422 Fishermen of Greencliff

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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  • 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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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 and Marriages

3 November 1942

3.11.1942 births and marriages


Harris – November 1st at the Nursing Home, Torrington, to Muriel (nee Folland), wife of Herbert Harris, a daughter.
Mills – October 27th at the Grenville Nursing Home, to Dorothy, wife of Eric G Mills, of Southwood, Buckland Brewer, a daughter.
Molland – October 29th at Vernan, Yelland, Instow, to Dorothy, wife of J Molland, RAF (Middle East), a daughter.
Przepierczynski – November 1st at the Alexander Nursing Home, Plymouth, to Monica and Michael, a daughter, Irena.
Wills – November 1st to Irene (nee Symons), wife of Cyril Wills, RAF, gift of twin boys.

Ellis-Ashton – October 27th at the Parish Church, Chudleigh, by the Rev R H Walker, Frederick Kenneth Ellis, eldest son of Mr and Mrs F Ellis, of Denbury, to Ivy Rose Elizabeth Maud Ashton, daughter of Mrs Ashton (of 46 Old Exeter Street, Chudleigh), and the late Mr J Ashton.
Martin-Davies – On October 24th at Bideford, Thomas Martin, of Shebbear, to Nellie Davies, of Northam.

Births and Marriages

3 May 1963

3.5.1963 births and marriages

Hodgson – April 28 1963 at the Bearstead Memorial Hospital, Hampton Court, to Rosemary (nee Round) and Jeremy, a daughter, Virginia
Slee – April 18 1963 at Halsbury, Buckland Brewer, to Valerie (nee Adams) and Andrew, a son, John Andrew

Moore-Stone – engagement announced between Sylvia, daughter of Mr and Mrs L Stone, The Beacon, Diptford and Anthony Roger, only child of Mr and Mrs W Moore, Burndown, St Giles-in-the-Wood, Torrington

Copp-Guard – Saturday April 27 1963 at High Street Methodist Church, Bideford, Stanley Robert Copp, Greenhaven, Raleigh, to Margaret Jennifer Guard, Dunheved, Glenfield Road
Ferrett-Andrew – April 20 1963 at the Methodist Church, Buckland Brewer, roger, son of Mrs V Ferrett, Boscastle, Cornwall, and Marion, daughter of Mr and Mrs C A Andrew, Buckland Brewer

Hancock-Waters – May 2 1938 at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Aubrey to Margery. Congratulations from Joan, Maureen, Bobby, Arthur and June

Births and Marriages

1 September 1942

1 September 1942 births and marriages

Bell – August 21st at 164 New Street, Torrington, to Mr and Mrs Robert Bell, a son, Alan Graham.
Taylor – August 20th at 18 Alexandra Terrace, to Barbara, wife of Ronald Taylor, a daughter, Janet Elizabeth.

Eggins-Lee – August 22nd at St Boniface Church, St Budeaux, Plymouth, Lieut W J Eggins, Hants Regt, of Bideford, to Corporal P M Lee (WAAF), of St Budeaux.

West-Strudwick – August 25th at St Stephen’s Church, London, William Brenton, son of the late Mr Frederick and Mrs West, to Joyce Ella, daughter of Mr and Mrs George Strudwick, of London, late of Bideford.

Bassett-Rendle – September 3rd 1917, at Lavington Congregational Church, Bideford, Edwin Bassett, of Exmouth, to Beatrice Rose Rendle, of Bideford. Present address: 13 Pimlico Place, Bideford.

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