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]
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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The ranger team at Northam Burrows are running a series of free guided walks this Autumn, offering the chance to get some fresh air in the stunning local landscape and discover its seasonal wildlife.
The ‘Nature’s Tonic’ walks, held on Thursdays, feature gentle hour-long excursions on easy terrain. These walks are ideal for those who may not be overly active but want to enjoy some fresh air and friendly company. On the other hand, ‘Good Start to the Week’, held on Mondays, offers a longer hike on more challenging terrain. We regret that dogs are not permitted to join these guided walks.
Dates for the walks include:
Monday 17th November 2pm – 4pm: Meet at Northam Burrows Visitor Centre for a walk to the Skern saltmarsh, looking at birds and other wildlife.
All events are free to attend and there is no booking required. However, toll charges may apply for vehicles wanting to park on Northam Burrows. For further information, please visit www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrows
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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.
Sunday 23 November, Beach Clean (2pm-4pm) – Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 26 November, Bramble control – Northam Burrows.
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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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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Events list for North Devon Jazz at Beaver, Appledore, to the end of November.
10 November – Howl Quartet.
24 November – Bruce Adams with Martin Dale Quartet.
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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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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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Providence House and Pimlico Place, Bideford.
Providence House.
Peter Christie, then Mayor of Bideford, unveils the commemorative plaque.
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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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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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Celebrating Nature and the countryside.
The British Naturalists’ Association is a Registered Charity 296551
Please see below our events for 2025.
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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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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