One Hundred Years ago – November 1925.

E H Hopcraft, 1 Mill Street, Bideford – addition of Ladies’ Saloon; G Hopson & Son, 24 Mill Street, Bideford – the Nersag Mattress Support.

Posting Stables, Orchard Hill, near Bideford – horses, carriages, carts, harness, implements for sale by auction.

A Christmas treat for the children of Bideford.

Mr H W Huxham, of Bideford, has been appointed specialist judge of Scandaroon pigeons at the Palace.

Bideford Baptists at the conclusion of their bazaar had the satisfaction of learning that the debt of £142 3s 3d on the Hillgarden property had been completely wiped out with about £10 over. The success was due to the loyal cooperation of Church workers, who prepared an attractive array of stalls and tastefully decorated the Assembly Hall, where the sale of work was held. The opening ceremony, performed by Mr and Mrs R M Rowe of Ilfracombe, was presided over by Mr F T Upton, JP.

At the close of Bideford Borough Sessions, the Mayor, Dr E J Toye, mentioned that as that was the last occasion he should be presiding as chief magistrate, he wished to express his thanks to the Clerk, Mr T A Goaman, and all the officials concerned, for their assistance in the conduct of the business of the court, and which had perhaps given him sometimes the appearance of greater legal erudition than he could claim.

Alderman W T Goaman expressed the pleasure and honour it gave him to propose the election of Alderman Metherell, and mentioned that it was only after some amount of pressure by his colleagues that their good friend was prevailed upon to allow his name to be submitted to the full Council. They realized that although he had filled the office with dignity on two occasions some nineteen or twenty years ago, yet he had done so much public work and had made such sacrifices, material and physical, for the sake of the borough and the district and the county that they felt they would be doing the town an honour and Mr Metherell an honour if they made him Mayor for the third time of this historic town.

A few members of Bideford Swimming Club visited Mr and Mrs Jack Bale, in their new home, and Dr M W Littlewood (captain) in a few well chosen words asked them to accept a small oak table from the members of the Club as a wedding gift.

Mr John Duxbury, a clever elocutionist, gave two recitals in the Bideford Assembly under the auspices of the Bideford and Wesleyan and Baptist Recreation Club. Both recitals were particularly well attended, and Mr Duxbury was given a great ovation. The chair was occupied in the afternoon by Alderman John Cock.

Bideford Borough Magistrates on the application of Mr O W Ward granted Mr J T Miller, of the New Inn Hotel, an extension until 11pm on the occasion of the Mayor’s banquet on November 11th.

Considerable interest was taken in an alleged poaching prosecution which came before Bideford Borough Magistrates and was dismissed after a hearing extending to nearly two hours, though the Bench expressed the opinion that the police were perfectly justified in bringing the case forward. Frederick Charles Nicholls, tailor, of Honestone Street, was summoned to put it briefly, for having been found in possession of rabbits which it was alleged he had poached.

The marriage was solemnized at the United Methodist Church, Bideford, of Miss Annie Cleave, daughter of Mr and Mrs Cleave, of Sunningdale, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, and Mr Alec James Luxton.

Her many friends will learn with great regret of the death in Guy’s Hospital, of Miss Mabel Wheeler, elder daughter of Mr G J D Wheeler, of Victoria House, Clovelly-road, Bideford. Death of Mr H Deighton Pearson, brother of Dr Ellis Pearson, of the Strand, Bideford. The funeral took place, the Rev W G Eeles, of Mrs Margaret Verren, of the old King of Prussia house, New-street, Bideford. Mrs Verren was landlady for 45 years prior to its closing about twelve years ago. A licence for selling beer had been held for 300 years previous. The bearers were six nephews and great nephews, Messrs John Verren, J Verren jnr, William Verren, Albert Verren, Fred Verren and Bert Verren. Mr T Andrew, Clovelly Road, Bideford, has died.

One of Bideford’s oldest and most respected inhabitants passed peacefully away at 6 New Street, Bideford, in the person of Nurse Rounsfille at the age of 89. Of a most kindly disposition, she was greatly beloved by a very wide circle of friends. She leaves two sons, Messrs W Davis and J Davis, JP, and a daughter, Mrs J Brayley, to mourn their loss.

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One Hundred Years ago – October 1925.

A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during October 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.

www.bidefordarchive.org.uk

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Railway delays from Exeter to Bideford reported by C S Carnegie, Clevelands, Northam.

The wedding was solemnized at St Matthew’s Church, Exeter, of William Henry, only surviving son of Mr and Mrs W H Luxton, of Clovelly Road, Bideford, and Laura May.

Champion oarsman, John Bale, weds Henrietta Heale.

Mr and Mrs James Priscott, of Park Lane, Bideford, received many congratulations on their golden wedding day. Married 50 years ago, they have lived in Bideford during the whole of their married life, for many years carrying on business in Mill Street. Their numerous friends wish them health and strength and many more years together.

Before the ordinary business of the court was proceeded with at Bideford County Sessions, Mr H N G Stucley on behalf of his fellow magistrates, welcomed Miss E Bazeley to the Bench. The occasion was unique because this was the first time a woman magistrate had been appointed in Bideford. He thought it was an addition long overdue. Miss Bazeley thanked Mr Stucley for his kind words, and said she would always do her best on the magisterial bench.

The Triumph of Righteousness at the Town Hall, Bideford.

Apathy. At a general meeting of the British Legion (Bideford Men’s Branch) held at the Town Hall, Capt E C Hope-Hall in the chair, the attendance being small.

Bideford Gun Club hold their opening clay target shoot at Moor Park, Sentry Corner.

The senior crew of Bideford Amateur Rowing Club, together with the rowers who helped to win outright the Bideford Regatta Challenge Cup, were entertained to dinner at Friendship’s Café, Bideford. Mr E Grimes, the Club Captain, presided and amongst those present were Messrs W J Smith, G H Bainbridge, F T Upton and W T Goaman. The seven rowers who won the Regatta Cup (Messrs Mitchell, Morris, Rendal, W Johns, H Johns, A K Chope and Bale) were each presented with a replica thereof suitably inscribed.

Elementary schoolchildren in the Bideford district co-operated in a praiseworthy manner for their fancy dress dance revels, held in Bideford Market Hall on behalf of the funds for the children’s ward of the new hospital. The onus of the organisation and direction fell on Mr C S E Harding and Mr L B Beer who carried out their duties with the greatest possible success. The children were marshalled into order prior to their entry to the market and their orderly appearance afterwards drew much delighted comment from the crowded audience. When all were ready the company came to attention to sing the National Anthem. The judging was of necessity an extremely difficult task, as the variety of costume was most bewildering.

Friends and neighbours paid a great tribute to the memory of Mr S Hopkins, of Chingswell Street, Bideford, by attending the public cemetery in large numbers, Rev J T Halstead officiated. Mr Hopkins, who was a retired tradesman, had been ill for a long time and died at the age of 62. He was a Bidefordian who always met his friends with a cheery word and a pleasant smile, and was highly respected by all. The bearers were his old comrades, viz. Messrs Jessie Bennett, H Blackmore, F Ebsworthy, S Ray, J Squires and W Shortridge.

The funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Baker, of Brunswick House, Bideford, took place in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends at the Old Town Cemetery, Bideford. Deceased, who was the widow of Mr John Baker, a well-known and esteemed merchant of the town, and had carried on the business since his death, was the only daughter of the late Mr H Ascott. Widespread sympathy has been expressed with the her daughter, Mrs C E Stent) and two son in their sad loss. The Rev J T Halstead officiated in the unavoidable absence of the Rev Alfred Clegg. Six employees of Messrs I Baker and Sons (Messrs F Glover, W Bailey, W Lake, S Lee, J Brock and G Elston) acted as bearers.

The funeral of Mrs Sarah Jane Hill, wife of Thomas Hill, of Pillhead Farm, East-the-Water, whose death occurred after a long illness, took place at the Church Cemetery, the Rev C B Crofts officiating. The bearers were Messrs W H Martin, J Chipman, J Huxtable, W J Fulford, C Stevens and C Piper.

We regret to record the death which took place at Rosehill, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, at the age of 80 years, of Mr Richard Cock, retired grocer of Meddon-street, and a member of a well-known Bideford family. Mr Cock, whose wife predeceased him about fiver years ago, was an elder brother of Alderman John Cock, JP. The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, the Rev J T Halstead officiating. Messrs W Glover, E Glover, A Beer, W Harris, W Shortridge and A Jewell acted as bearers.

Mr M Lewis, 3a Milton Place, Bideford, promotes Doan’s Backache Kidney Pills.

Bideford Branch of Devon Farmers Union heartily congratulated Alderman J M Metherell, for many years chairman of the Branch, and an ex-County Chairman of the Union on having been offered and having accepted the Mayoralty of Bideford for the ensuing year. Mr Metherell was Mayor of the Borough in 1906 and 1907.

Bideford’s new Recorder, Mr W B Faraday, paid his first official visit to Bideford and took the oath at the Quarter Sessions. The learned Recorder was accompanied on the Bench by the Mayor, Councillor Dr E J Toye, and Messrs A R Adams, JP, H W Huxham, JP, and W H Merefield, JP. The Mayor, as chief magistrate for the Borough, said it became his pleasing duty to welcome the Recorder to a post which he himself had described as the chief judicial official of the borough.

Glenover, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, to be sold at auction.

At Bideford Borough Sessions, Walter Ellis, carpenter of High-street, Bideford, was fined 3s for not having his name legibly inscribed on the collar of his dog. PC Brewer stated the facts.

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Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre progresses.

Torridge District Council has announced it has appointed BAM Construction to act as the main contractor for the delivery of the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre. The Centre has been partly funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Community Regeneration Partnership and funding from the UK Government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal, managed by Devon County Council.

Torridge District Council has been working with BAM to progress and finalise the designs for the Centre, which will include workshops, offices and collaboration space together with parking facilities and improved access to the slipway. The Centre is expected to be completed in 2026.

Initial works will involve making improvements to the wall adjoining New Quay Street before works to construct the building commence in the Autumn. Early enabling works to deliver a new quay to provide improved access for users of the building to the estuary, commenced onsite in April. A kind spring has allowed the project to progress at pace.

BAM Construction is looking to use local contractors and businesses wherever possible. In October, a ‘‘Meet the Buyer’ event was held in Appledore. Since then, several local suppliers have joined the project’s supply chain and will contribute during the main construction phase. The team continues to engage with local businesses to ensure opportunities remain accessible throughout the build.

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The Murder Mystery Company.

www.murderwewrote.co.uk

Have You Ever Thought About Murder?

Murder We Wrote is North Devon’s premier Murder Mystery Company, based right here in Bideford. MWW is part of Atlantic Coast Theatre, who were previously responsible for many large-scale popular musicals at the Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple, including; Avenue Q, Legally Blond, Grease, The Addams Family, Footloose and many more. However, following the pandemic, like many clubs and societies, we found ourselves having to move in a different direction. Many members no longer fancied the 8 week intensive rehearsal schedule required for such large-scale productions, nor did they want to learn all those lines, songs and dance routines. So, we decided to form a Murder Mystery Company where the majority of the dialogue is ad-lib, made up as we go and we normally only have a couple of rehearsals for each new storyline or script.

Four years down the line we are finding that the quality of our offering is far beyond other companies who offer a Murder Mystery experience. Normally they might only have four or five characters, one of which doubles as the Police Inspector and you never get to see the body. Whereas we field seven to over ten characters, we don’t double up roles and our Inspector only appears towards the end to help the audience solve the case – and yes, you always get to see the poor victim. We are so lucky to have a team of talented actors who not only bring our crazy characters to life but are also able to perform live singing and even the odd dance routine. Our events are fully interactive with the characters chatting to you at your tables, it’s not a sit down and watch type of stage theatre event. Having said that, you don’t have to get involved and if you pay attention all the clues are there for you to determine who the guilty party is. Our events normally run for about 2 1/2 hours and are based around a meal. How’s that for value for money?

So, where can you enjoy our next performance? We have two bookings coming up in August and October at The Cedars, Barnstaple and we’re looking forward to bringing some haunted fun to The Royal Hotel, Bideford on Halloween. You can check out how our events work and meet our acting team, as well as checking out a photo gallery and details of other forthcoming public events on our website www.murderwewrote.co.uk

Atlantic Coast Theatre is a registered charity, and all proceeds from our events go to purchasing authentic costumes, wigs, make-up, sound and lighting equipment. You can find out more information and how to book us or get in contact via our website.

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Cargo ships dock on back-to-back tides at Appledore.

Appledore welcomed the latest in a run of cargo ships to Navantia UK’s New Quay dock over the weekend. The latest two ships arrived on back-to-back tides – making it the first time that two ships have called successively into the estuary for at least ten years.

Sea Melody” approaches Appledore.

Sea Melody” docks at New Quay dock.

The ‘Sea Melody’, an eighty-nine-metre bulk cargo ship, arrived at Newquay dock in Appledore on Friday 28 March, after sailing from Ghent, Belgium. The ship was carrying over 3,200 metric tons of animal feed pellets for a local agricultural supplies and equipment merchants, who will deliver the product to farms and their manufacturing sites in Devon.

Pilot cutter approaches “Fri Ocean”.

Fri Ocean” approaches New Quay dock.

On Tuesday 1 April,’the ‘Fri Ocean’ was the 8th ship since September 2024 to call at Navantia New Quay in Appledore. Sailing from Rotterdam, the ship was carrying 1,800 tons of wheat gluten feed. The next cargo ships are due into Appledore at the end of April.

Both ships were expertly guided into Appledore by Torridge District Council’s Pilot, Paul Brown. The council through the Port of Bideford are the Competent Harbour Authority for the Taw and Torridge Estuary and are responsible for the safety of navigation and the provision of pilotage.

Torridge District Council and Navantia, in partnership with other agencies, have been working together over the last couple of months to explore the potential possibilities to reopen cargo passage by sea into Torridge. By transporting the product directly to Appledore, rather than other ports along the East or South coast of the UK, the company can eliminate more than 110 lorry journeys from regional roads (per cargo ship). The operation achieves impressive efficiency with a discharge rate of 150 tonnes per hour, enabling complete cargo transfer to ground transportation within a two-day timeframe.

Richard Haste, Operational Services Manager, Torridge District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the return of these cargo ships into New Quay, Appledore. These deliveries are making a very important contribution not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also in putting Appledore on the map as a working and useable port. With more ships due in at the end of the month, we look forward to working with our partners to continue to explore the options for welcoming more ships to the ports of Torridge”.

Head of Operations, Navantia UK Appledore, said: “This partnership demonstrates how maritime infrastructure can directly benefit local communities and businesses. By leveraging our existing facilities to support regional supply chains, we’re helping Devon businesses reduce their carbon footprint while improving access to essential supplies”.

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‘Bideford Legends’ – 5.

Providence House and Pimlico Place, Bideford.

 

Providence House.

Peter Christie, then Mayor of Bideford, unveils the commemorative plaque.

 

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‘Man Down’ mental health support.

 

All men welcome to come along to our friendly, non-judgemental and supportive peer support group.

Directions:When you get to Marlborough Court, turn left and then left again where the car park is. Look out for the Man Down signage at the entrance of car park. Entrance is at the back of the building, through the metal gates.

Hope to see familiar and new faces for a brew and biscuit.

Let’s Talk About It.

Man down – supporting men’s mental health.

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‘Bideford Legends’ – 4.

Marsh Farm was built on a low-lying site in Northam Road, prone to flooding, and became derelict and abandoned some time ago.

The site has now been redeveloped, with levels raised overall, the stream culverted, and the farmhouse restored to its former state.

These photos are of the building before and after the restoration –

Before –

After –

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British Naturalists’ Association – local events, 2025.

Celebrating Nature and the countryside.

The British Naturalists’ Association is a Registered Charity 296551

Please see below our events for 2025.

Sunday, January 18th , 2026

Annual Birdwatching Bonanza. Meet at the CP* at 9.00am. If going

direct be at Dart’s Farm at 10.15am (Postcode EX3 0QH) visiting Dart’s

Farm, the RSPB Reserves at Goosemoor and Bowling Green Marsh, the

River Clyst, the Goat Walk and possibly Powderham. Packed lunch, hot

drinks, warm clothes. Level walking,

PLEASE NOTE: PARTICIPATION ON ALL OUTINGS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK

CP* is the former Park and Ride car park in Barnstaple by Park School.

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“Bideford Legends” – 3.

The Hamlyn property.

A fine listed building once the property of the Hamlyn family, who were noted decorators of the time.

(Interior photos courtesy of Rightmove).

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The railway shed in Kingsley Road.

Another listed building, originally an engine and rolling stock shed owned by the Bideford and Westward Ho! Railway company.

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“Bideford Legends” – 2.

The Strand Cinema.

The Strand Cinema was opened by Maurice Prince, Jewish entrepreneur, in 1938. During the war Maurice was a civil defence warden and he also helped Jewish refugees who were escaping from Nazi persecution by sheltering them in the dressing rooms of the premises.

Here is the Cinema as it was –

 

And how it is now, as “Strand Court” –

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Grenville Nursing Home.

Grenville Nursing Home wasn’t as lucky as Torridge Hospital, next door, which survived as flats, perhaps because it did not have protected status.

Here it is in 2009, before demolition –

All that remains are a couple of walls –

On the site there is now a small playground and housing development –

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“Bideford Legends” – 1.

Introducing “Bideford Legends”.

My name is Tanya Harrison, I was born abroad and came to live in Bideford in 2017. By profession I am a Teacher of English to foreign students, not a photographer, not a writer, not an expert or historian. I don’t drive which makes me walk a lot, I am attentive to details and curious about the place. Bideford has its unique historical character which is worth memorising.

The aim of my project “Bideford Legends” (FB Bideford Legends) is to show the beauty of the buildings or images that are not very noticeable and sometimes forgotten, to highlight a different view on ordinary things and to encourage our community to share their priceless memories, knowledge, and experience.

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Bideford Carnegie (“Old”) Library.

Now they say the old Library will be converted, probably into a gym.

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Bideford Hospital.

The former Torridge Hospital, which was built as a workhouse. It still looks magnificent but it is said that people didn’t like going there because of its past.

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A tribute to Peter Christie.

Peter Christie.

We were very sorry to hear the news of the death of Peter Christie, Torridge councillor, author and historian, and loyal contributor to “Buzz”. He wrote a host of articles over the years, all of which have been saved for posterity in the Buzz Archives, and many which can be found on this website. He was a loyal supporter of the newsletter from its earliest days in 2005, helping us with funding via his role on the Bridge Trust, Bideford Town Council and Torridge District Council. He answered numerous questions posed by our readers on historical matters and was the ‘go to’ source for many local history queries.

He was also a personal friend and an adviser in my other role as Bideford Librarian.

All of us at “Buzz” send his friends and family our condolences at this sad time. We will miss him.

Rose Arno. Editor, “Bideford Buzz”.

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‘Upstream Thinking’ project has many benefits.

More than 40,000 native trees are being planted for farms and landowners to help reduce land run-off and improve natural water quality as part of South West Water’s catchment management programme, Upstream Thinking.

The trees, which were provided by the Woodland Trust, will be delivered and planted by Upstream Thinking partners Devon Wildlife Trust, and will see a range of native tree species like blackthorn, hazel and oak delivered to farms across Devon.

The native trees will encourage water to soak into the ground and thus help to stabilise the soil, reducing the rate of run-off from land into watercourses and thereby improving water quality. The trees will also help to capture carbon and increase biodiversity on the land.

The latest intake of trees will be delivered to around 60 farms across eight river catchments, taking the number of trees planted across the region by the Upstream Thinking programme to 260,000.

Tim Dart, Upstream Thinking Project Manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be delivery partners on South West Water’s Upstream Thinking programme and for their support in delivering this important project to improve water quality and resilient water resources, along with the environmental benefits this brings for wildlife and people”.

Upstream Thinking is an award-winning catchment management programme delivered in partnership with Westcountry Rivers Trust, the Wildlife Trusts in Devon and Cornwall, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and South West Lakes Trust. The programme involves working with landowners to look at how land is managed to drive improvements in raw water quality in rivers across the region.

Eleanor Lewis, South West Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust said: “The benefits of trees are numerous and we are pleased to be able to support the Upstream Thinking project. Partnership working is key and this highlights how organisations can come together to work with landowners and farmers to find solutions to some of the problems we face”.

South West Water is committed to boosting nature recovery through planting 300,000 trees by 2025, and expanding Upstream Thinking to provide benefits to 146,500 hectares of land by 2030.

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A Devonshire poem about the Piskies.

Here is an amusing poem in the local dialect by J C Harding, who spent his final years in the ‘White House’, which I believe was the name of the Bideford workhouse.

Mr Harding filled an exercise book in his own copperplate handwriting with a collection of poems that he had composed on a number of topics. They are of considerable interest for their subject matter; one is about the sinking of the Titanic, their political attitude (strongly imperialist), and above all their local concerns, such as Appledore lifeboat men, historical events, and the beauty of the district. A few, like this, are in dialect. I hope that readers today can still understand it!

Fortunately the manuscript has survived, as Mr Harding passed it to my grandfather Mr Jack Elliott of the Swan Inn in Mill Street for safekeeping. (My grandfather retired in the early 1950’s). I have owned it for many years, and now that “Buzz” has made it possible to bring it to the notice of the public I am sharing it, and will then send it to the Bideford and District Community Archive.

John Davies.

 

How Zammy Dawe zeed the piskies.

Wat es et young maister, wat es et yu zay,

Du I think thare iz piskies? I du then ees fay;

En wat’s more then thet , I kin tull ee ver shure,

I zeed min wan nite, out pin tap Burden moare.

Aw ees yu kin laff, en zay tes all stuff,

Bit zeeins beleevin, ees, thet’s gude anuff.

Wat,tull ee the story? Wull kum rest yer bones

Bezide aw ma basket, thare, tap aw the stones.

 

Yes yurs ago now, close pin mikkymes dey

I wiz working tu Stickypule vaarm, Welkin wey.

New wan day the maister zed, ‘Zam I declare,

Ef temarra want be the West Kintry vaare.

I mist geet awver airly , the marnin,’ sez ee;

En yu kim awn arter wi dree bastes,dee zee,

Ess,mist try geet min een tu West Kuntry zaale

Ver I think thare’ll be chance ver a purty gude dale.’

 

Next marnin dree Bullucks I draw tu the vaare,

En vury gude bizness the maister din thare.

Zo he zed tu ma, ‘Zam, yew kin vinish the day

But mind be hoam airly, tu late dont ee stay,

Ver I mist geet awver tu Harton chuch town,

Zo taake thicky shillun, tu du yerzel down.’

 

Wul yu knaw, times like thet wan draps pin owld vriends

Tedden mutch thet ee drinks, er eet wat ee spends,

The time slippeed by vor I knawed ware twiz tu,

En twiz tain vor I thawt thet et hoam I wiz du.

 

Wul I staarted awf hoam, jist a little bit vrisky,

Not nawthin like boozed, tho I’d had leetle wisky.

Twiz a ruff, lownsum rawd, en I’d seven mile tu go,

Bit a bewtivil nite, wi the mune all aglow.

 

I got awn purty wul teal I got pin the moare.

New it zimeed I cudden geet no vaarder voare.

The harder I tried,the moar I wid vind,

Er at laist es I thawt, I got vurder behind.

Thinks IZammy Dawe yu mist be piskie laid,

Ver I’d yurd zim quare caapers they little vooks plaid.

I wiz thare pin the moare, een a purty owld plite.

Aw Zammy owld man yu wuz maazed zure thet nite.

I keept waalkin awn, altho I wiz zure

I wiz offaw ma rawd een the middle the moare.

New awl ov a zidden a lite sheened out claare.

Thinks I tu mezel, thare’s a howze awver thaare

 

Zo I made ver thick lite es well es I may.

But tha vaarder I vaint, et vaint vaarder away.

Then tha thawt et kim entu me fulush owld hed

Thet’s a Jack een the lantern, I’m mitey avraid.

Thare wiz I Zammy Dawe es tired es a dug,

Avraid evvry minit I’d stick een a bug.

Me poare legs wiz akeen, me hed een a buzz

Zo I draaed mezel down be a gurt clat a vuzz.

I cudden a bin thare a minnet I’m zure

Wen the zownds aw sweet mewsick kim awver the moare.

 

The zownds kim cloase up ta ma thare ware I lies.

Aw massy, the zight wen I awpened me eyes,

Thare wiz hunnerds a leetle vooks dansin around,

Es thick es vuzz blawzim they cuvvered the grownd.

Zum dressed een gowld traade, en urd cloathes hed zum,

But nat wan aw min thare wiz es high es yer thumb.

Thare wiz zum riding rown pin the back ov a toad,

En zum ver a grasshopper wadden a load.

Thare wiz zum playeen mewsick, en zum aw min dansed

Arown een a ring they all galloped en pransed.

Zum klimeed the grass stalks es if twiz a tree.

Zich quare owld minewvers I never did zee.

But I tull ee, I wished mezel vaarder away,

Ver I thawt zim ould kickshaw awn me they mite play.

 

New the comicalest crayter yu ever shid zee

Kim away vrim the rest and made vore toward me.

He carred een hees hand a gurt stinging nettle.

Aw I wished mezel back een Westcuntryeen settle.

 

Then vaure he cud raitch ma, the nez thing I knaw

Wiz zumboddy baalin, ‘Yurs owld Zammy Dawe,

Out yur een the cairt howze,rowled up een the straw.

But whare heeth a bin tu I’m zure I dun naw,

Ver he’s cuvvered in mire, en I’m purty wul sure

He’th bin rowlin abowt all the nite awn the moare.’

 

En twiz true, thare wiz I, curled up nice en snug,

Ees rowled een the straw like a vlaay een a rug.

Howevver they little vooks carreed ma thare

I dun naw tu these day, bit I’m raddy tu sware

Een the nite I lied down out pin middle the moare,

En they mist a carreed ma hoam tu vore door.

 

Wats thet yu zay maister, ‘twiz tu menny whiskies’?

Aw no zur, I’m zure twiz they dratted owld piskies.

Bit ef yew nevver zeed wan a course yu dun naw.

Bit zeeins beeleevin at laist tu Zam Dawe.

 

James C. Harding.

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