Welcome to the on-line edition of the Community Newsletter for Bideford and adjoining towns, villages, and rural area.
‘Bideford Buzz’ is produced by a team of volunteers and relies on our local community for articles. If you are interested in supporting this newsletter we’ll be glad to hear from you.
Editor – Rose Arno (Bideford Buzz).
Telephone 07929-976120, or E-mail: [email protected]
Final proposals to reshape and reimagine the future of local services in Devon are formally considered by councillors.
Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better has been published by seven of Devon’s district councils, outlining a new model for local government to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for the county and its communities.
In December 2024, the UK Government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a ‘two-tier’ system comprising a county council and district councils, are being asked to develop new unitary authorities.
East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon district councils have been working together to shape the proposal. Torbay Council has collaborated with the districts in developing the case but is pursuing its own submission which would see it remain as a unitary authority.
The districts’ proposal, known as the 4-5-1 model, includes:
Torbay and Southern Devon – a unitary authority made up of South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon.
Exeter and Northern Devon – a unitary authority made up of East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge.
Plymouth City Council remaining a standalone unitary authority.
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The 4-5-1 model has been designed to create three robust and balanced unitary authorities in which services are designed and delivered close to communities, as well as unlocking place-based economic growth that will ensure no community is left behind.
It facilitates the transformation of public services and promotes integrated delivery across health, social care, education, housing and community services.
Financial modelling conducted as part of the proposal forecasts savings of at least £77.1m from year six, and a cumulative saving of £508m by 10 years.
The initial investment associated with setting up the new councils would be recouped within three years.
In a joint statement, the councils’ leaders said:
“We believe this proposal truly delivers the best possible outcomes for all of Devon’s 1.2 million residents, with three authorities that are big enough to be financially sustainable and deliver major services while remaining local and accessible with communities at their hearts.
“This proposal has been built by rigorous evidence-based analysis and assessment, and extensive engagement with residents, businesses, partners and community groups. The result, this reimagining of Devon, will give our residents the local services they want, tailored to their needs, and ensures our councils are future-proof and resilient for generations to come.”
Each council formally considered approving the proposal at their own respective meetings between 25 November and the deadline for submission of proposals on 28 November.
The full proposal, Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better, is available to view at https://www.reimaginingdevon.org
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With the festive season fast approaching, Torridge District Council is encouraging residents to think ahead and make choices that reduce waste this Christmas. By planning early and shopping smart, we can all do our bit and even save money along the way!
Over the next few weeks, the Council will be sharing practical tips and advice for a greener holiday period. Taking time to consider how and what we buy can not only help reduce the amount of waste produced but also save you money!? Many of us will be tempted by seasonal sales. But with increased spending comes increased waste. In the UK alone, over 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging are thrown away at Christmas, and the surge in online shopping adds millions of extra parcels and packaging.*
Small changes can make a big difference – here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
Shop locally – Support community businesses and help cut down on unnecessary packaging.
Choose sustainable wrapping – Use recycled or recyclable cards, wrapping paper, and reusable gift bags. Avoid glitter, foil, bows, and ribbons as these can’t be recycled and should therefore go in your black bag.
Plan your meals – Around 4.5 million Christmas dinners are wasted every year in the UK.* Careful planning helps prevent overbuying and ensures leftovers are enjoyed. For creative recipe ideas, check out Have Your Food And Eat It Recipe Book – Recycle Devon.
Recycle packaging – Items like plastic advent calendar trays, cream pots, brandy sauce pots, pudding basins, sweet tubs, and mince pie trays can all be recycled.
Rehome Unwanted Gifts – If you don’t receive what you want this Christmas, consider donating any unwanted items to a charity shop or pass them on through local Facebook groups.
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This year, Torridge District Council is supporting Small Business Saturday, by providing free parking in its car parks across the district on Saturday 29 November 2025.
Small Business Saturday is annual event which aims to highlight small business’ success and encourage consumers to ‘shop local’ and support local shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
The festive season is an important trading period for businesses and Torridge is in the lucky position of having many high quality and unique independent retailers right on its doorstep.
To support consumers and business owners and in partnership with the local town councils, there will also be a number of free parking days throughout December as an incentive for people to shop locally and to engage in festive community events.
In Bideford on Saturday 6 and 13 December, there will be free parking from 10am at Bridge Street, The Quay, The Manor and Bridge Street car parks.
In Great Torrington, Sydney House car park will be free all day on Saturday 6,13 and 20 December.
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A pioneering partnership between the North Devon World Surf Reserve (NDWSR), the National Trust, Earth Action North Devon (EAND) and the Save the Waves Coalition is driving an ambitious effort to restore and protect North Devon’s rivers, beginning at Combesgate, near Woolacombe.
The pilot Coastal Rivers project aims to improve river health, slow the flow to reduce erosion and flooding, and enhance water quality that feeds into the North Devon World Surf Reserve. By working with the landscape rather than against it, the project is already showing how practical, low-cost interventions can make a measurable difference.
In the Combesgate valley, the National Trust team has completed 27 interventions so far, involving the removal and breaking up of historic land drains and the installation of nature-based measures including leaky dams and baffles. These structures help slow the flow of water and trap sediment before it reaches the beach – reducing polluted runoff from land into the surf zone. By holding more water in the landscape for longer, these interventions help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, support wetland creation, and increase carbon capture and biodiversity. Early monitoring suggests these natural measures are already improving water quality and building resilience.
Thanks to seed funding from the Save The Waves Climate Mitigation Fund, match funding from the National Trust via the Species Survival Fund (funded by Defra), and generous support from Dryrobe, the National Trust team has already made a strong start in the Combesgate valley. Early work is showing how natural interventions, such as restoring vegetation, reconnecting floodplains, and managing runoff, can help rivers recover and thrive.
“This project is about regeneration – restoring balance between land, water, and the coast,” said Claire Moodie from EAND. “With heavier, more intense rainfall now a reality of climate change, we need low-cost, nature-led interventions like these. The work at Combesgate shows how practical solutions can make a measurable difference to water quality and local resilience.”
Alex Palmer, Project Manager, Riverlands, National Trust: “Our Coastal Rivers project aims to improve the smaller streams running directly into sea from our landholding and beyond. These streams are not only important habitats for the species that use them, they are also the last line of defence to stop pollutants entering the marine environment. We are already seeing improvements to these water courses and hope by working in partnership with other landowners we can further enhance their effectiveness.”
The pilot at Combesgate will act as a blueprint for expanding similar restoration work to other rivers and tributaries that flow through National Trust land into the World Surf Reserve, with a long-term goal of improving five catchments across North Devon.
“Our coastal rivers are unregulated and underfunded. It’s down to organisations like the National Trust and smaller, local conservation charities and local landowners to improve river quality and biodiversity,” added Claire. “You can help us continue and fast track this work.”
The project has launched a Crowdfunder and every £1 donated towards interventions will be match funded by the National Trust, meaning support goes twice as far.
Those wishing to contribute to the project’s growth can visit the Coastal Rivers Project crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/coastal-rivers
Adam Hall, co-founder of NDWSR: “Feeling powerless about coastal water quality? We get it. That’s why we’ve created something simple but powerful that everyone can do. As heavier rainfall and runoff events increase, projects like this matter more than ever.”
There is a short introductory film on the project here: https://youtu.be/d9KgyXfhHlk?si=rGo-RCwqSM0ggVYs
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Torridge District Council have installed a new water bottle refill station at the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre to help tackle plastic pollution. The refill station was part funded and supplied by Our Only World, a Cornish based charity set up to promote marine conservation. Partly made with recycled fishing nets the refill station will help reduce single use plastics by enabling visitors to top up their re-usable bottles with drinking water.
It is estimated that one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute world-wide. While these are widely recycled, many of them are not disposed of responsibly and often end up in the world’s ocean where they are harmful to marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins and turtles.
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Bideford Town Band Carol Playing during December
Bideford Town Band are pleased to be playing Christmas Carols for the community to enjoy getting in the festive spirit.
Saturday mornings and Christmas Eve in Mill Street 10.30am to 12 noon
Saturday 20th 11am with the Baptist Church, for community singing – please
come and join us.
Saturday 6th December 7.30pm Christmas Concert at the Pollyfield Centre, Tickets ring 01237 475653 or https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bideford-town-band
Sunday 7th December Bideford Light Switch On 5pm
Thursday 11th December 6pm Tesco Extra, Sticklepath, Barnstaple
Saturday 13th December 6pm Carols by Candlelight CHSW
Monday 15th December 6pm ASDA Bideford
Thursday 18th December 6pm Tesco, Bideford
Bideford Pannier Market
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Please also see our website www.bidefordcinema.org.uk
All showing at The Theatre, Kingsley School.
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Westlife at the Royal Albert Hall (25th Anniversary). (12A) 110 mins.
Saturday 29 November at 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Experience an unforgettable celebration as for the first time ever, Westlife take centre stage at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall for a fun-filled night of nostalgia honouring 25 magnificent years of chart-topping music.??To mark their 25th anniversary, the band will be joined by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, bringing Westlife’s biggest hits to a Gatsby-themed stage for an event that promises a visual and musical feast for fans and newcomers alike.
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The Choral. (12A) 113 mins.
Friday 28 November 7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Sunday 30 November 6.00pm (doors open 5.30pm).
A choral society’s male members enlist in World War 1, leaving a demanding Dr Guthrie to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army.
Stars: Taylor Uttley, Emily Fairn, Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam.
Director: Nicholas Hytner.
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Bideford Quay.
Oldenburg has completed her crossings to Lundy for this year. Now off to Sharpness for her annual drydocking.
Yelland Quay.
No shipping this month.
Appledore – in port.
Screenshot
Helen B – (Ex- Aramis 2004, Helen G ’10); built 2004; flag Antigua & Barbuda; arrived 23/10, sailed 25/10; cargo unknown.
Bristol Channel Observations – not included this month.
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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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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during October 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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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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If you enjoy spending time outdoors, learning new skills or meeting new people, you might want to look at the volunteering opportunities available with the Rangers at Torridge District Council.
Volunteer recruitment is underway once again for an exciting new programme of conservation projects throughout the Autumn to help care for green spaces and beaches in Torridge.
Wednesday 3 December, Beach Clean (10am-12pm) – Bucks Mills.
All volunteer events are free to attend and usually take place between 10am and 3pm. All equipment will be provided but pre-booking is essential. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary.
Please email [email protected] or call 01237 479708 for more information.
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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during September 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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Considerable indignation was expressed, both by residents and the general body of visitors alike, when it was found that during the night vandal hands had disgracefully disfigured the very fine and greatly admired marble statue of Kingsley, erected by public subscription at the end of the Quay Parade and near the entrance to Victoria Park, Bideford.
There’s a wireless demonstration at the Kingsley Statue, Bideford.
The funeral of Mr Frederick Richard Bettiss, whose death occurred at 7 Grenville Terrace, Bideford, took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water. The Rev C B Crofts officiated. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs A R Adams and Son.
A campaign to raise a special fund for the provision of a Children’s Ward at the new Bideford and District Hospital was successfully inaugurated at a largely attended and representative public meeting, called and presided over by the Mayor, Dr E J Toye and held in Bideford Town Hall. The meeting was a gratifying reflex of the public interest in the project, and augurs well for the successful issue of the effort. Before the close of the meeting the Mayor announced that about £100
By the death at Bideford of Miss Louisa (Nurse) Arnold, there passed away one who for 21 years gave devoted service to the Bideford and District Hospital in its earlier days. When in Dr King’s time a small infirmary was added to the Dispensary, Miss Arnold had in her charge four or five beds at the Institution. In the 1887 Jubilee, when a removal was made to Meddon-street, Miss Arnold went there in charge of 22 beds, and held the post of Matron until her resignation in 1905, when she was succeeded by Miss White. Miss Arnold continued private nursing in the town for many years, and by her cheerful kindness endeared herself to many hundreds of Bidefordians.
Bideford Harbour Act – cost increased by opposition.
The Misses Smith are to be congratulated on their enterprise in transferring their business of tea rooms and café to the Quay. Their new shop front would do credit to any town, and instead of detracting, is an assist to the quay-front, and then finished with the specially designed swing sign with the little red house above which will continue on the name of “The Red House Café” it will be one of the most interesting fronts in North Devon. It is understood that shortly they propose keeping open in the summer months to late in the evening for the sale of ices, fruit and cream, coffee, etc. which is a much needed want for residents and visitors in the town. The architects for the alterations were Messrs Orphoot Whiting & Bryce of Bideford.
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