One Hundred Years Ago – April 1925.

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

www.bidefordarchive.org.uk

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Bank Holiday traffic – There was a considerable influx to North devon for the Eastertide and about 1,000 visitors arrived at Bideford on Thursday and Saturday by train.

You can buy your new Spring Hat from Stewart & Co’s in Mill Street, Bideford.

Bideford sportsmen will learn with regret of the death of Mr Frederick Wright Gill.

Alice May Kerry, of Toronto, marries William John (Cherry) Backway, formerly of Brookfield Street, Bideford.

A wedding of interest to a wide circle of friends took place at Bagborough when the marriage of Miss Betty Dening of Toulton to Mr Robert H Deubler, of Old Bank House, Bideford, was solemnised. The ceremony was conducted by Mr Douglas Brealey, of the Blackdown Hills Mission, assisted by Mr Stenbridge, and a large attendance at the service was an evidence of the esteem in which Miss Dening has been held in the neighbourhood, as also were the numerous presents an evidence of the popularity of the both bride and bridegroom.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised in St Mary’s Church, Bideford, before a large congregation on Easter Monday by the Rev C B Crofts, the contracting parties being Aubrey Cooke and Hilda Mary Short. At the Parish Church of St Mary’s Bideford, the wedding was quietly solemnised by special license of Mr George Fluck, stationer, of High Street, Bideford, and Miss Frances Coombe. The Rector, Rev W N Manning, officiated.

Bideford Board of Guardians employ F A Pearson as the Registrar of Deaths and Vaccination Officer for Northam, Appledore and Westward Ho! At a Bideford Guardians meeting the Master reported the receipt of a box of books from Mrs Lane (Instow) and also magazines from Miss Tupper (Bideford) for the inmates.

Stanley Kivell, son of Mr R Kivell, baker, of East-the-Water, Bideford, was riding a horse over Bideford Long Bridge when the horse shied at the steam of an approaching tractor, and fell with its legs under the wheels of the vehicle. The horse had to be shot and young Kivell, who had a narrow escape, was thrown clear on to the pavement on the other side of the road.

For the first time in the ‘History of Geneva’ a very decided change took place during the past year, the both schools (Girls’ and Infants’) having been united and worked as one school. It has proved most successful and encouraging.

New Inn Hotel, Bideford, and Porto Bello Inn, change hands.

Members of Bideford Farmers’ Union were very disappointed on hearing that the latest proposals in regard to improving accommodation at Bideford Cattle Market go very litter farther than rearrangement of the present space, and do not provide for the considerable and much needed enlargement for the making of which adjoining property has already been purchased and the money for paying for it obtained on loan sanctioned on the representation that the property was required for market enlargement.

The funeral of the late Mrs Alice Middleton, who passed away at 12 Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, took place at Littleham, Rev Kerrich officiating.

We regret to announce the death of Mrs Pound, widow of Mr James R Pound, formerly in business in Mill Street, Bideford, which occurred at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Featherstone, of Marine Gardens. The late Mrs Pound, who is the sister of Mrs Embery and the late Mr R T Hookway, architect, of Bideford, was held in great regard by a wide circle of friends, being of a most genial and kindly disposition. She was a much respected member of the Lavington Congregational Church.

Miss Carrie Fishleigh, of Mill-street, Bideford, while on a visit to her grandparents, Mr and Mrs R Blight of the village, was taken suddenly ill and had to be taken to her home in a car kindly lent by Mrs A Scott Browne, of Buckland House, Buckland Filleigh.

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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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Shipping notes No. 240 (March).

Bideford Quay.

The Oldenburg returned to Bideford 07.00 19th, after drydocking at Sharpness.

Yelland Quay.

No shipping this month.

Appledore.

In port –

Sea Melody – (ex- Yvonne, H.C. Freya 2007, Oosterborg 2004); built 2002; flag Barbados; from Ternezuen ; arrived 28/3, sailed 31/3; cargo 3,500 tons rape meal.

Bristol Channel Observations.

1/3 at 07.25 cargo vessel Catania, 2,595 tons d.w., owners Fehn Shipmanagement Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 10.23 aggregate carrier Aastind, 9,200 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 07.28.

2/3 at 11.45 vehicle carrier Morning Lena, 27,297 tons d.w., owners Eukor Car Carriers South Korea, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.33. At 14.17 tanker Philipp Essberger, 5,738 tons d.w., owners Essberger Germany, inward bound for Barry. At 14.36 hrs ro-ro vessel City of Hamburg, 3,540 tons d.w., owners Louis Dreyfus France inward bound for Avonmouth to collect wings for Airbus Industries. (Seen again at 11.02 3rd outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.16).

3/3 at 07.27 cargo vessel Rix Baltic, 5,030 tons d.w., owners Baltic Shipping Denmark, inward bound for Cardiff. At 14.19 aggregate carrier Aasfjord, 6,300 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, inward bound for Swansea. At 14.37 cargo vessel Koga Ranger, 10,508 tons d.w., owners Hammonia Rederei Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. (Seen again at 14.05 5th outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 09.07).

4/3 at 17.27 cargo vessel Anna, 5,097 tons d.w., owners Focus Shipmanagement Netherlands, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 11.50.

5/3 at 05.42 vehicle carrier Sumire Leader, 19,476 tons d.w., owners Miyako Maritima SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. At 08.05 tanker Kitikmeot W., 19,983 tons d.w., owners Istanbul Culikenrji Turkey, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 00.45. At 14.50 cargo vessel Marietje Nord, inward bound for Newport.

6/3 at 16.06 vehicle carrier Saic Avji Splendour, owners Anji Logistics Hong Kong, inward bound for Portbury.

7/3 at 07.21 cargo vessel Hohe Bank, 3,176 tons d.w., owners Briese Schiffahrt Germany, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 00.56. At 08.06 vehicle carrier Orchid Ace, 17,289 tons d.w., owners Mitsui Osk Lines Japan, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 07.05 9th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.07).

8/3 at 11.32 cargo vessel Baltic Skipper, 3,100 tons d.w., owners Baltic Forest line Germany, inward bound for Cardiff.

9/3 at 11.14 vehicle carrier Auto Achieve, owners UECC Uni Pererssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury.

11/3 at 06.10 container vessel Makrell, inward bound for Portbury. At 06.43 cargo vessel Rix Sailor, inward bound for Newport. At 11.45 vehicle carrier Xian Jiang Fou, owners Cosco Chipping China, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.34 (It was the maiden voyage for this vessel into Portbury).

12/3 at 11.10 cargo vessel Arklow Bay, 8,660 tons d.w., outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 06.06. At 11.58 aggregate carrier Aasli, 6,200 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, inward bound for Swansea. .At 15.57 vehicle carrier Grande Anversa, owners Grimaldi ine of Italy, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.57 cargo vessel Wilson Avonmouth, owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth

13/3 at 08.05 aggregate carrier Aasli, 6200 tons d.w., owners Aasnes Bulk Norway, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 04.52. At 19.40 vehicle carrier Tiapan, 21,021 tons d.w., owners Wallenius Wilhemsen Stockholm and Norway, inward bound for Portbury,

14/3 at 13.10 cargo vessel Arklow Artist, 8,543 tons d.w., owners Arklow Shipping Eire, inward bound for Cardiff.

15/3 at 11.26 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 12,164 tons d.w., owners UECC Oslo, inward bound for Portbury.

16/3 at 10.06 vehicle carrier Mercury Ace, 16,603 tons d.w., owners Polar Express Panama Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 05.46. At 10.13 cargo vessel Arklow Vanguard, 5,000 tons d.w., owners Arklow Shipping Eire, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 11.33 vehicle carrier Niagara Highway, 21,052 tons d.w., owners Kawasaki Kisen K>KJapan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.30. At 12.07 vehicle carrier Hoegh Australis, 18,000 tons d.w., owners Hoegh Autoliners Norway, inward bound for Portbury (this is the maiden voyage for the vessel). At 17.27 cargo vessel Suurhusen, 4,261 tons d.w., owners Rana Shipping Turkey, inward bound Newport.

17/3 at 09.08 cargo vessel Lady Jasmine, inward bound for Newport. At 12.55 cargo vessel Fast Sim, 2,270 tons d.w., owners Fast Line BV Belgium, inward bound for Sharpness. At 18.03 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Ltd Greece, inward bound for Portbury.

18/3 at 15.23 Auto Eco, owners UECC Uniperssoal Maderia, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again 17.56 22nd outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 19.33 20th, anchored in Blue Anchor Bay in the interim).

19/3 at 09.19 vehicle carrier Cielo Ace, owners Mitsui Auto Carrier Express Japan, inward bound for Portbury.

21/2 at 16.43 container vessel Containerships V1, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 12.52.

22/3 at 09.44 cargo vessel Nelli, inward bound for Newport. At 18.04 container ship Conship Top, inward bound for Portbury,

26/3 at 08.26 cargo vessel Lumen, outward bound from Avonmouth having sailed at 02.00. At 08.40 cargo vessel Peak Anfield, 3,154 tons d.w., owners Gedes Reederei Germany, inward bound for Avonmouth. At 09.23 cargo vessel Astrid Erica, 4,808 tons d.w., inward bound for Newport.

28/3 at 16.53 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, 5,600 tons d.w., owners Dynamis Shipping Greece, inward bound for Portbury,

29/3 at 12.00 container vessel Conship Fun, 11,836 tons d.w., owners Wega Reederei Germany, inward bound for Portbury.

30/3 at 07.42 cargo vessel Patria, 3,519 tons d.w., inward bound for Sharpness. At 12.02 vehicle carrier Donington, 18,241 tons d.w., owners Zodiac Maritime London, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.07 cargo vessel Wilson Flex, 11,4317 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway inward bound for Avonmouth..

31/3 at 15.29 vehicle carrier Graceful Leader, 20,986 tons d.w., owners Ray Car Carrier Isle of Man, inward bound for Portbury.

Regards,

Norman.

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‘Coastwise’ programme – June.

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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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Barnstaple Library programme – June.

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One Hundred Years Ago – March 1925.

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

The coasts all round Devon and Cornwall suffered badly by the gales. Roads at Weare Gifford were impassable to wheeled traffic for a time owing to floods in the Torridge Valley, caused by the heavy rains. At Hartland Quay the last end portion of the old Quay wall was washed away by the storm, and there were also two heavy falls of cliff, one on each side of the Hotel, which was undamaged.

Advertisements – Buy the new model Aeolian Pianola Piano from J T White. J U Fulford & Sons Ltd, Queens’ Wharft, Bideford (and at Bude) is calling. World’s Wonders and World’s Stores in Bideford.

The Terminus Inn, Bideford, renews its licence.

Fifty years’ service at The Bideford Gazette Office by Mr W H Hoare.

At a special meeting of Bideford School Managers, it was decided to further advertise for applicants for the post of certified assistant at Old Town Boys School, Bideford, Mr Cawsey having withdrawn his application. It was suggested that the words ‘with drawing qualifications’ should be added.

Miss May Harris and Miss Kitty Cann, pupils of Edgehill College, have passed the recent London University Matriculation Examination.

The death occurred at his residence, the Strand, Bideford, of Mr William Joce, JP, in his 93rd year. The deceased was educated at the Bideford Grammar School which at that time was on the site of the present Bridge Buildings. He took a very keen and intelligent interest in local affairs. He followed the career of his father, to a large extent succeeding him in 1886 as secretary of the Bideford Gas Company.

Funeral of Mr T A Fogaty.

Mr Stanley Bluett and Miss Florence Rogers are married in Plymouth.

A pretty wedding took place at Bideford Parish Church, the contracting parties being William Thomas, only son of Mr and Mrs W Beer, of Rocklea, East-the-Water, and Audrey, fourth daughter of Mr and Mrs H Steer, The Bungalow, Upcott. Mr J Bonetta acted as best man. A reception was held at Rocklea.

The very handsome solid silver tea service presented to Mr G J D Wheeler on his retirement from the National Provincial Bank was chosen from the very extensive stock of G F Truscott (late Squires), Silversmiths, High Street, Bideford and Sidmouth.

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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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One Hundred Years ago – February 1925.

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

Births – at King’s Arms, The Quay, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs Manning, a son; to Mr and Mrs R H Morrow, a daughter; to Mr and Mrs R Waring (nee Bertha Parson), a daughter; at Lower Meddon Street, Bideford, to Mr and Mrs A J Beer, a son (nee Doris Garland);

Silver Wedding – William Teed Braddick, son of Mrs J J Braddick, to Nellie Tucker.

The local Conservatives had a busy week, with meetings held at Barnstaple, Bideford and Hartland together with a Women’s meeting at Bideford. Mr Basil Peto MP and his wife attended all but the Hartland gathering.

A property – 7 Furzebeam Terrace, Bideford – is for sale.

At the close of afternoon school the senior classes of Bideford Old Town School met together to bid farewell to Mr H W Shute, who has been for over 26 years on the staff of the school and who leaves for the USA.

At Bideford, a very fine concert was given in the Lavington enlarged Sunday Schoolroom kindly arranged by Mrs E H Trapnell, in aid of Lavington Primary Memorial Hall Fund.

The 2nd annual prize distribution in connection with the Church Lads Brigade took place in the Bideford Church Institute. The proceedings commenced with a free tea to the boys and considerably over 100 lads sat down to a wonderful spread provided by the Ladies Committee. After the tea a concert was held at which the following ladies and gentlemen kindly assisted, Mr R Harper, the Rev Feles, Mr Johns, Mr Carpenter, and Miss Kivell’s theatrical party who gave a most amusing and excellently acted sketch.

Frederick and Albert Brock, labourers, were in court having been found in possession of nets known as “engines” and used for catching rabbits. This was the first prosecution under the Poaching Prevention Act in Bideford for many years, although twenty years ago such cases were very frequent. The offence is alleged to have happened at Turner’s Wood near Kenwith on land owned by Mr H N G Stucley. The men were also in possession of a ferret and a terrier. At a Children’s Court at Bideford, a twelve years old boy was summoned for stealing £4 1s 10d from an offertory box in the Vestry at St Peter’s Church on December 27th.

Mr A W Cock, offered at auction at Bideford the freehold shop and dwelling house known as 59 Mill Street, Bideford, in the tenure of London Central Meat Co. Ltd. Bidding went to £700 at which figure the property was withdrawn, but was sold the same evening at a substantially larger figure.

Bideford County Brewster sessions. Mr T Oerton, jnr, applied for the transfer of the license of the New Inn, Westleigh, from Mr J E Goss to Mr James William Brown. On the application of Mr H R Bazeley the music and dancing license of the Kingsley Gymnasium, Westward Ho! was transferred from Mrs P R Moore to himself. Mr W F Watts applied for the transfer of the cinema licence of the Gaiety, Appledore, from Mr Samuel Hawkins to Mr J A Penny. Mr Charles Pickard applied for a music and dancing license for the new Parish Hall at Abbotsham, this being a new application.

The funeral has taken place at Bideford Higher Cemetery, Rev J T Halstead officiating, of Mrs Bessie Barnard, widow of the late Mr Joseph Barnard, of Somerton, Somerset, and youngest daughter of Mr John Dullam, of Lower Yelland, Fremington. Her only daughter, May, predeceased her about ten years ago. Mrs Barnard was a life-long and consistent member of the Wesleyan Church.

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RHS Rosemoor – 2025 programme.

A packed events programme planned for the whole year at the gorgeous gardens just outside Great Torrington.

A highlight is the arrival of the much-loved characters from the children’s classic Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, in a special garden trail which will run throughout 2025.

Young visitors will be able to enjoy this playful, interactive trail which re-enacts some of the adventures of the iconic Little Nutbrown Hare, while exploring the many colours, textures and shapes found in nature. A programme of seasonal activities is also planned to accompany the trail through the year.

The full events schedule truly has something for everyone, featuring crafts, classic cars, cooking, and art – see full listings below:

Plant Heritage Spring Fair Sun11 May

The Great Summer Garden Game-A-Thon Sat 24 May – Sun 1 Jun

Festival of Roses Sat 14 Jun – Sun 13 Jul

Rose Weekend Fri 20 – Sun 22 Jun

Summer Forest Fun Adventure Sat 19 July – Sun 31 Aug

Vintage Weekend Sat 26 – Sun 27 Jul

Summer Flower Show Fri 15 – Sun 18 Aug

Plant Heritage Autumn Fair Sun 7 Sept

Wonder of Autumn Sat 27 Sept – Sun 19 Oct

Festival of Flavours Sat 4 – Sun 5 Oct

Devon Orchid Society Show Sat 11 – Sun 12 Oct

October Half Term Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Living Sculptures Weekend Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov

Winter Sculpture Exhibition Sat 8 Nov – Sun 31 Jan

RHS Glow Illuminations Fri 21 Nov – Thurs 27 Dec

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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, June 22nd.

A guided walk around Woodhouse organic farm for wild flower meadows,

birds, butterflies, dragonflies and possibly deer and otter.Meet at

the CP* at 10.15am or at 11.00am if going direct (Map Ref SS 714

221) (Post code EX36 4JH). Steepish in places. Packed lunch. Possible

cream tea afterwards.

Sunday, July 13th.

Discover some wild plant properties on a herbal plant walk on Braunton

Burrows led by John Breeds. Meet at the Sandy Lane car park (Map Ref

SS 463 350) at 11.00 am. Car park charge. Bring a packed lunch.

Possible cream tea afterwards.

Sunday, August 17th.

Another requested walk around Halsdon Nature Reserve, Dolton, through

woodland and along side the River Torridge for possible kingfisher and

sand martins. Meet at 11.00 am at the lower entrance (Map Ref SS 560

117) with sturdy footwear and a packed lunch. Possible cream tea

afterwards.

Sunday, September 7th.

A walk along the banks of the picturesque River Barle at Tarr Steps.

Meet at the CP* at 9.30am or in the Tarr Steps car park at 11.00am

(Map Ref SS 872 323) Bring a packed lunch. Level walking apart from

the car park down to the river and back. Possible cream tea

afterwards.

Tuesday, October 21st.

The red deer rut on Exmoor. Meet at the CP* at 9.30am or if going

direct then at the Simonsbath car park which has toilets (Map Ref SS

774 394) at 10.30 am. Bring a packed lunch, warm clothing and suitable

footwear.

Saturday, November 8th.

Annual General Meal, at the Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward

Ho!, 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. After the meal there will be entertainment

before the serious part of the evening when you decide what outings

you would like for your branch in the forthcoming year.

Sunday, December 7th.

Coach trip to the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust site at Slimbridge.

Leaving Kingsley Statue in Bideford at 8.00 am and picking up by prior

arrangement at Instow, Yelland, Fremington and Bickington before

Barnstaple Square at 8.30 am. Return journey at 4.30 pm after the

feeding frenzy”.Although there is a restaurant on site it’s best to

bring your own refreshments as well as suitable clothing and footwear.

Non-members welcome.

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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One Hundred Years Ago – January 1925.

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

The eclipse of the sun on 24 January was marred by heavy cloud; the only features noticeable in Bideford were “a darkening of the sky and an unusual coldness”.

Bideford Rural District Council, Mr W Harris presiding, interviewed the selected four of the 21 applicants for the vacant post of Road Surveyor for the District and appointed Mr G E Muller, Member of the Institute of Municipal and County Engineers, and assistant surveyor to Goring Rural District Council, Reading. The salary is £250 a year, inclusive of travelling expenses. Mr Muller is 41 years of age.

Bideford Bridge – new carriageway opened to traffic.

At the recent examination of the R.A.M. and R.C.M. the following pupils of West Bank School were among the successful candidates; P Berry, A Reeve, and U Radford. Miss Mounthaes and Miss Benson prepared them.

A meeting will be held in the Bideford Working Men’s Conservative Club for the purpose of inaugurating a Society for Political Discussions.

R Blackmore and Sons, Auctioneers, have been instructed to sell Torridge View, 4 Buttgarden Street, Bideford. The stone-built house is described as being in a high, healthy situation and is connected with Town Water, main sewer and gas main. The main of the Electric Light Company passes immediately outside. The property was eventually sold after the auction for over £900.

Other properties for sale – dwelling house known as and being Duoro Cottage, Orchard Hill, Bideford, 1 Kingsley Street,

At Bideford Council meeting it was reported that the Bridge Trustees had presented two granite posts to the town, which were to be utilised at the entrance to the war memorial at East-the-Water. Mr Huxham, in moving that the Trustees be thanked said the gift was worth at least £80. A proposal to install a children’s sand pit in Bideford Park has been put forward by Councillor H W Fulford. Plans for the proposed new Bideford to Northam road (previously part of the Bideford to Westward Ho! railway line) are being forwarded to the County Council. Steps will be taken to begin the process of acquiring the necessary land.

An attendance of 180 patronised the dance and whist drive held by the local branch of the British Fascisti at Bideford Church Institute, a very pleasant evening being spent. The Mayor, Dr E J Toye, distributed the prizes to the whist drive and other winners: Mrs Brayley, Mrs Ross, Mrs Williams, Mr Seldon, Miss Shute, Miss Evely.

Bideford Bowling Club is holding a dinner at Tanton’s Hotel, on Friday, January 30th, at 6.30pm. All members are asked to make an effort to be present and the Committee invite them to kindly obtain their tickets on or before Monday, the 19th inst. to enable arrangements for the accommodation of visitors. The guests will include Mr R Hodge, of Torrington, the English champion, who will exhibit the trophy he has won.

Tenantry and workmen on the Yeo Vale Estate, near Bideford, have made a presentation of a handsome silver bowl to Mr Robert Lucian Kirkwood, of Eaton-place, SW1, and of Yeo Vale, on the occasion of his coming of age. The gift, which was forwarded to Mr Kirkwood in London, was accompanied by a letter signed by Mr W H Sanders, of Orleigh Mills and Mr Robert Lott. The silver bowl was supplied by Mr Truscott, High Street, Bideford.

A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Anglican Church of the Messiah, Toronto, Canada, the contracting parties being Mr C A Stevenson, of Toronto, and Emily Ellen (Nellie), eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs T Backway, formerly of 24 Brookfield Street, Bideford.

The fiftieth anniversary of the death of Charles Kingsley, the great Devonshire novelist, was commemorated in Bideford, which owes so much to Kingsley, by the placing of a laurel wreath on his life-like statue which graces the entrance to the Park. A eulogy was delivered by the Mayor, Dr E J Toye, and appropriate references also made by Alderman J Cock, who was Mayor when the statue was erected in 1906, and Alderman A R Adams, who was Mayor in 1919, when on the occasion of the centenary of Kingsley’s birth a permanent bronze wreath with inscription was attached.

The death took place at this residence, 19 Lower Meddon Street, of Capt Robert Fisher, who was formerly a familiar figure in Bideford and was captain of the Spirit. He had lived in retirement for several years and was 80 years of age. He leaves a widow and one son to mourn their loss.

We regret to hear that Mr and Mrs W Mathews, 9 Dorchester Terrace, Park Lane, Bideford, have received information of the death of their son, William George Matthews, as the result of an accident. He was 34 years of age, was in the employ of the Imperial Tobacco Company, at Leamington, Canade, and was killed while at work. Deceased was a widower, and was making his home with Mr and Mrs C A Henderson, Mrs Henderson being his deceased wife’s sister.

Ships have been sheltering in the bay. The SS Lerina, returning from Lundy with Revd Hugh Muller on board, had difficulty avoiding wreckage in the fairway (an area marked by a buoy just outside the Bar). The crew managed to attach a “reliable rope” to a large section of mast which was drifting in the channel and tow it over the Bar to Appledore.

At Gammaton, Christmas came a little late. The Wesleyan Entertainment and Prize Giving was held on 7 January and featured Mr Bacon as Father Christmas.

And finally:

A story to watch in the coming weeks – Bideford Harbour Bill to go to Parliament.

A Happy New Year to all our readers from all of us at the Bideford and District Community Archive.

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One Hundred Years Ago – December 1924.

A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ over December 1924, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.

A notable feature of the Christmas was the overwhelming and unprecedented rush on the Bideford Post Office. All previous records were broken by the vast amount of inward and outward mails that were experienced at the office during the days preceding Christmas Day. Temporary postmen were employed, and these with the regular staff had difficulty in coping with the work.

Buy your Christmas presents from S. Metherell’s at 3 Market Place, Bideford. Or a Jones’ Family C.S. Hand Machine as supplied to H.M. The Queen.

A new debating society is formed – Bideford and District Debating Society for the Discussion of Current Events.

Mr George Cook’s retirement, after 48 years of continuous scholastic life was marked in a very pleasing manner with a presentation in Bideford Old Town Boys’ School, at which, as the ‘Bell’ School, as it was known, Mr Cook attended as a scholar, and in which as a Master he closed his long and honourable teaching career. The presentation took the form of a cheque which will be devoted to the installation of a wireless receiving set.

Torridge View, 4 Buttgarden Street, Bideford, is for sale.

Prizes in connection with the Poor Stock Charity, comprising cheques of the value of £2 downwards, were distributed at Bideford Elementary Schools, boys and girls, by the Mayor, Dr E J Toye.

Mr E T Frayne and Miss S P Braddick are married in Bideford Parish Church.

Justices Shearman and Salter, sitting as a King’s Bench Divisional Court, dismissed the appeal against the decision of the County Court judge (His Honour Judge Lindley) in the action brought by Mr Cloke, motor lorry driver, in respect injuries sustained through his lorry going over in the river on February 4th. Mr Cloke brought his action against the Bideford Bridge trustees and the contractors, Mr Westacott, who were repairing the bridge at the time of the accident. The County Court judge gave judgement against the trustees and by agreement made an order for the indemnity against the contractor.

At Bideford Hospital the Coroner, Mr G W F Brown, held an inquest on the four year old son of Mr Alfred Grant, a carpenter of Geneva Place, who died as a result of an accident in Abbotsham Road. The Coroner returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’ and the driver, Mr Pascoe, a driver for Mr Glover, was exonerated of all blame.

We regret to announce the death of the late Miss Maud Reynolds, daughter of the late Mr William Reynolds, of Wellington, Somerset, and the late Mrs Emma Reynolds, of Kingsdown, Bideford. The deceased lady had taken a very active part in the church life of Bideford for 40 years and …

The funeral of the late Mr W Dennis took place at the Public Cemetery, Bideford, the Rev J Morris officiating. The funeral of the late Mr W H Hookway, of 4 Queen Street, which took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, was attended, in addition the family mourners by a large number of deceased’s friends, while the Foresters were well represented. A large number of friends heard with great regret of the death of Mr Frederick Thomas Kivell, Riversdale, Torridge Place, East-the-Water, Bideford, after a lengthy illness, patiently and bravely borne. The eldest son of Mr Bob and Mrs Bella Kivell, the deceased was 42 years of age and was an old member of the Bideford Church Lads’ Brigade, and was for many years a member of the band of the Bideford Company of the old Volunteers. A keen and clever musician, his services were in great demand. He served during the war, but the state of his health since has been very precarious. Mr Kivell was held in high respect and the utmost sympathy is felt with his widow and relatives. The death took place of Mr Frank Trapnell, at the age of 79, who was for many years in business in High Street, Bideford, as a tailor and outfitter. For a short period he was a member of the Town Council, acted for a considerable time as sidesman at the Parish Church, and use to be well-known in North Devon hunting circles. Of a genial disposition, he was popular with his townsmen. He leaves a widow, son, and daughter, with whom sincere sympathy is felt. The death took place at 29 Honestone Street, Bideford at the advanced age of 83, of Mr William Garnsey. Deceased was by trade a leather-dresser. For about thirty years he was a member of the Old Volunteers, and he took a great interest in the Ancient Order of Foresters.

An atmosphere of light-heartedness pervaded the Bideford Hospital during the Christmas, laughter came from the wards, and the tasteful Yuletide decorations carried out by the Matron, Miss Jennie Jones, assisted by Nurses Williams and Morgan, made a joyous appeal for the several visitors. Friends were extremely kind with gifts, providing a pleasant time for all.

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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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