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]
BEST ALE IN THE WEST AT SHAM FEST?
REAL ales from across the South West will be competing in Bideford for the title of ‘Sham Fest Champion’ this weekend.
The annual Sham Fest beer festival kicks off at the Pollyfield Centre in Avon Road, Bideford, this Friday (17th October) and continues on Saturday.
There will be 21 ales on offer, plus ciders, craft gin and rum, live music and hot food at the event, which raises money for the local Food Pantry and other community causes and charities.
But before the doors open to the public, a panel of judges will be sampling each ale and picking the festival champion, plus handing out a silver and a bronze award.
Organiser Huw Thomas said: “This is Sham Fest’s third year and thanks to wonderful support from all our sponsors, this will be our biggest beer festival by far.
“We’ve got ales coming from across Devon, plus beers from several Cornish breweries and a couple from Wiveliscombe in Somerset.”
The competition to choose the best beer is being organised with help from members of the North Devon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Judges given the tough job of picking the best beer will include local MP Sir Geoffrey Cox, volunteers from among the sponsors, the Mayor of Bideford and trustees from the Pollyfield Centre.
Huw said: “We’ve got a wide range of beers, from quite light ‘session’ ales, to IPAs and stronger bitters, plus stouts and other darker beers. Top of the list in terms of strength will be Keltek’s award-winning Grim Reaper, which is 6.0% alcohol, and Grizzly from Somerset’s Black Bear, which is a 6.2% English strong ale.
“Luckily for the judges, they don’t have to drink a pint of each one!”
He added: “But it’s not just about the beer. Sham Fest is growing into a real community event. Admission is free and we’ve got a wide variety of live music over the weekend, from Dixie jazz to sea shanties, acoustic covers, reggae and rockabilly”.
Doors are open from 6-11pm on Friday and 1-11pm on Saturday. For more information, look for Sham Fest on Facebook or Instagram.
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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 20th October 2pm – 4pm: Meet at Northam Burrows Visitor Centre for a walk around the coast path, with local historian Dave Edgcombe.
Thursday 6th November 3pm – 4pm: Meet at Westward Ho! Slipway for a sandy stroll along the beach.
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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Torridge District Council is inviting residents to help choose public art designed to celebrate Westward Ho!
Torridge District Council, supported by The Burton at Bideford, is introducing public art to the village as part of its mission to revitalise Westward Ho! by supporting, developing and promoting cultural activity in the town.
Funding for the project has been secured from a S106 agreement which stipulates it has to be spent specifically on public art. People with a connection to Westward Ho! are now being asked to share their views and ideas on what type of public art they would like to see in the village, by filling in a form or completing an online survey.
Whether it’s a mega centrepiece or an art trail, a stone sculpture or a mural – it’s now time for the community to have their say on what themes and stories make them feel proud and would really create that added wow factor!
The survey is open from Friday 3 October 2025 and will close on Monday 3 November 2025. Feedback from the questionnaires will be used to inform the artist brief, which will be advertised to artists towards the end of the year.
The Project Steering Group, made up of representatives from Torridge District Council, Northam Town Council, The Burton Gallery and local people, will then appoint the artist that best fits the brief. Anyone who is interested in joining the Steering Group can also apply via the online survey.
It is intended that the new artwork will be in situ for Summer 2026.
Share your views by completing the online survey at torridge.gov.uk/artwestwardho
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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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The Society’s 103rd annual open exhibition runs from 27 September until 2 November at The Burton at Bideford. Free entry.
The Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society (WHOBIDARTS) Annual Open Exhibition returns to The Burton at Bideford later this month.
Founded in 1922, WHOBIDARTS’ annual exhibition has been held at The Burton since 1954 and it remains the Society’s most important event and showpiece, featuring work in a range of media.
The annual show gives artists from across the South West the opportunity to see their work exhibited at The Burton. The exhibition is open to members and associates of the Society as well as non-members, with over 300 artworks on display and available to buy.
The Ken Doughty prize is awarded each year to an outstanding artwork chosen from the exhibition. Ken Doughty served as Chair of WHOBIDARTS from 1993 and president from 2002. Last year’s winner was Jenny Smy for her painting Headland II.
Eilean Eland, the Chair of WHOBIDARTS, commented:
“WHOBIDARTS is very pleased to be able to welcome visitors to our open exhibition for the 103rd time. It’s a great privilege to show our work at The Burton and visitors will find a lively and inspiring exhibition with a huge range of artworks. Sales are always brisk and comments from visitors are almost always warmly appreciative. This year we will host a Visitors’ Choice opportunity for people to commend their favourite works. As work can be taken home when purchased, new work will frequently appear, so it’s worth coming more than once!”
Harriet Cooper, Director of The Burton, said:
“We are delighted to welcome WHOBIDARTS back to The Burton at Bideford. Part of our mission is to support artists in the South West region at all stages of their careers, and the WHOBIDARTS Annual Open Exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for local creatives to see their work displayed in the same space that has previously hosted work by household names such as Barbara Hepworth, L.S. Lowry, Paula Rego and Antony Gormley. And of course, there is the added attraction for visitors of being able to purchase the artworks they love!”
?The Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society Annual Open Exhibition runs at The Burton from 27 September until 2 November 2025. Free entry.
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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 19 October, Beach Clean (11am-1pm) – Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 22 October, Dune Fencing – Northam Burrows.
Thursday 6 November, Scrub clearance at Bideford skate park (working with Bideford Sustainability Group).
Sunday 23 November, Beach Clean (2pm-4pm) – Westward Ho! Slipway.
Wednesday 26 November, Bramble control – Northam Burrows.
Wednesday 3 December, Beach Clean (10am-12pm) – Westward Ho! Slipway.
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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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during August 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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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during July 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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Shopkeepers in the Gazette area are being warned to be on the alert as counterfeit £5 are in circulation in the region. R Dymond and Son are selling by auction a donkey, complete with jingle and harness.
There is relief that Royal Assent has finally been given to the Bideford Harbour Act.
Mr A G Bromley, of Bromley’s Cafes, Ltd, Barnstaple and Bideford, has been elected on the Council of the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners, and Caterers.
The many services which Mr F A Searle has rendered to the town and district during his 38 years’ residence in Bideford, his unfailing courtesy, and the invaluable help, his sound advice, encouragement and assistance have been to many members of the local business and professional community, were testified to with much sincerity at the Town Hall. Mr Searle had been Borough Treasurer for about 32 years. He had lived in Bideford about 38 years and had been Manager of Fox, Fowler & Co’s Bank (now Lloyds) for about 32 years. He had also been Treasurer for the Northam Urban District Council and Bideford Union, and Bideford Grammar School.
Engineer Lieut. Commander H W Ascott, the only son of Major W Ascott, OBE, of Buttgarden Street, Bideford, has been gazetted Engineer-Commander.
The story of an attack on the manager of the local Labour Exchange, by an out-of-work labourer, in a principal thoroughfare of the town was told at Bideford Borough Sessions when Mr W T Braddick, Queen Anne’s, summoned a man with common assault. The man had issued a cross-summons. After a retirement, the Bench found the first case was proved and the maximum penalty of £5 was imposed with a month allowed for payment.
At Bideford Borough Sessions before the Mayor and other magistrates, Messrs Bartlett, Bayliss and Co. Ltd, Bideford, timber merchants, were summoned by HM Inspector of Factories for a breach of the Factory and Workshops Regulations, 1922, in failing to fix a cylindrical cutter block to a planing machine. Mr T Oerton, junr, appeared for the defendants.
A collision took place on the blind bend at Westcombe Corner in Bideford, involving three vehicles. A 14 seater charabanc driven by John Henry Fry overtook Mr E Hocking’s car on the bend. The charabanc then found itself faced by a 20 seater charabanc owned by Hardy-Colwill and coming from Westward Ho! The resulting confusion took some time to resolve. Mr Fry was found responsible and fined £6-5-0 including costs.
Miss Hilda Pearse, of Allhalland Street, has been successful in obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Science in the recent examination of the University of London. Miss Pearse was a student at University College, Reading, and was formerly a pupil at Edgehilll College.
Leonard Claude Guillaume, of Bideford, is saved.
Bideford and District Hospital in Meddon Street is for sale. Nos 25 and 26 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, for sale.
Bideford Head Post Office will be open a half hour later each weekday, telegrams being received until 7.30pm. In the course of a few days an automatic stamp vending slot machine will be placed outside the Head Office which will enable persons to purchase stamps when the office is closed.
A chimney fire took place at 9.30 at night at 16 Burridge Court, Meddon Street, Bideford. The house is owned by Mr W Wood and occupied by Mrs Catherine M Middleton, 74. Large clots of burning soot fell into her room which quickly filled with smoke, so that she had to be helped out. The fire brigade and police quickly attended and the damage is estimated at £20.
About 200 parents and friends were present at the annual sports of West Bank Girl’s School, held at the cricket field, Westward Ho! under ideal weather conditions. Interest was taken in the competition for the school challenge cups which were eventually won by B Routley (senior0 and J Nixon (junior), and also in the contest for the house shield, which was secured by Grenville House. The prizes were presented by the Mayoress of Bideford, Miss Keene, an old pupil of the school, who was thanked by the principal, Miss Abbott.
There is a long report of Bideford Horse Show in the paper of 21 July, with all the results given over three tightly packed columns of newsprint. For the first time the show was held on a Wednesday instead of on August Bank Holiday and the experiment seems to have been justified through a much higher level of attendance and entries.
And finally, a smart “information for visitors” board will shortly be erected near Bideford Bridge End giving brief particulars of attractions such as the Long Bridge, the Free Library, Chudleigh Fort and Victoria Park.
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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.
13 October – Tomasso Starace Trio.
3 November – Eddie Gripper Trio.
10 November – Howl Quartet.
24 November – Bruce Adams with Martin Dale Quartet.
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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during June 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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Jim Hearn and Dora Hoblin are married at St Mary’s Church, Bideford. The marriage took place at Bideford Wesleyan Methodist Church of Mr Sidney Violet and Miss Olive Cole.
Providence House, Bideford, for sale, and Tresillian, at Raleigh.
In these days of increasing fuel costs, Bideford Gas and Coke Company Limited stress that they supply cheaper fuel.
Bideford Urban District Council’s meeting, generous recognition was made of the smart and effective services of the Bideford Fire Brigade at the alarming outbreak in High-street. In his official report the captain of the Brigade, Mr Morris, set on record that on May 25th he received an alarm of fire about 3.45pm by the Fire Alarm System. The maroon was also fired. The captain immediately proceeded to the Fire Station and ordered that the hose was to be taken to the fire which had occurred at the premises of Messrs Stephens Brain and Co. ironmongers, in High Street. Found that a furious fire was raging at the back of the premises, apparently having commenced with the oil stores. The hose was connected to the hydrants in High Street and New Street and carried through Messrs Stephens and Co’s passage and through Messrs Cox and Lee’s premises adjoining. Meanwhile the engine was manhandled down from the Fire Station. The danger was well over by 7pm but the Brigade remained on duty till 10pm and two men remained on duty all night. The total fire brigades’ and helpers expenses (including £18 5s for the Barnstaple engines and Brigade) amounted to £59 12s 4d.
The future of the Bideford War Trophy guns was decided after a heated debate in Committee. The Council in committee now reported in favour of the offer of the Officer Commanding the 6th Devon (TF) to park the guns in front of their Drill Hall on the Pill (almost opposite their former position at the Park Gates) being accepted, the Council to keep the guns in proper order and condition.
A Fete takes place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford.
At an inquest at Brightstone, Isle of Wight, on the body of a seafaring man who was washed ashore it was stated that his clothes bore as the name of the maker “George Boyle, tailor, Bideford” and in his pocket were spectacles stamped “George Way, optician, The Square, Barnstaple.”
At an inquest held by the Coroner, Mr G W F Brown, Mrs Mary Hamlyn of Higher Gunstone, Bideford, identified her brother, Arthur Ebsary, as the deceased man who was found at the top of Raleigh Hill by Miss Squires. The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.
The Long Bridge, Bideford, is re-opened. Residents along the Quay front and Bridgeland Street are invited to display flags and decorate their premises for the occasion of the Bridge Opening.
With the severing of a silken ribbon barrier with a pair of presentation golden-handled scissors and the unveiling of a handsome bronze tablet bearing an inscription, Earl Fortescue, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, re-opened the celebrated ‘Long’ Bridge of Bideford after its extensive reconstruction and widening, the preparatory work for which was commenced on the piers and cutwaters some thirteen years ago. The occasion, quite rightly, was made one of great public rejoicing; the town was gaily beflagged, and the ceremony witnessed by many thousands of visitors, including many figuring prominently in the public life of the county. A book titled “The story of the Long Bridge” is on sale, priced at 1 shilling “and as much more as you can afford”. Every penny will go to the Children’s Ward at the hospital. Photographs of the ceremonies are found in the paper of 9 June together with comprehensive lists of all 200 characters who were represented in the pageant.
Church Girls’ School, Bideford – As the result of the examination held on May 16th 1925, at the Barnstaple Grammar School, two free scholarships have been awarded to Irene Gladys Stephens and Marjorie Vera Bartingale.
Before the Mayor (Dr Toye), and Messrs J Cock, J U Fulford, G Boyle and J H Davis – Augustus Moore, coal heaver, of Strand Cottage, Bideford, was fined 3s for not having a name on the collar of his dog. For driving a motor lorry without a license, Owen Found, High Bullen, St Giles, was fined 3s.
Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs S England, of Elm Grove, Bideford, in the loss of their daughter, Rose, who passed away at the age of 31 years after a long illness patiently borne. The funeral took place at the Public Cemetery and was largely attended. Rev J T Halstead officiated.
Go to Heard Brothers Ltd at Westcombe and Broad Quay, Bideford for a complete four seater car for £125.
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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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A collection of articles from the ‘Bideford Gazette’ during May 1925, kindly selected by Bideford Community Archive.
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While the River Bank and Park Committee’s report was under discussion at the meeting of Bideford Urban District Council, Mr F T Upton referred to a reference in the press to the unexplained disappearance of the captured German guns from the entrance to the Park and asked what had become of them. The Committee might inform the Council whey they had been put away in the Council’s yard.
Bideford’s highly esteemed Town Clerk, Mr W B Seldon, met with an injury to his head whilst motoring and which might easily have been more serious. He was, we understand, passing Southcott Corder, East-the-Water, in a car with his wife and daughter, when another car came out suddenly on to the road forcing the other to make a sharp swerve alongside the hedge to avoid collision. In the jolt Mr Seldon sustained a scalp wound which required to be stitched, but the injury we are glad to learn is not regarded as serious.
The extraordinary behaviour of a Bideford seafaring man on Barnstaple Long Bridge will claim the attention of Barnstaple Magistrates.
At a meeting of Bideford Town Council, it was reported that Bideford Harbour Bill had passed its second reading in the House of Lords, and will go to the unopposed committee stage to be heard by the House of Lords. The Council appointed the Borough Accountant to attend to prove the preamble.
At a meeting of Bideford Chamber of Trade it was resolved to recommend the closing of shops at noon instead of one o’clock on June 3rd, the occasion of the Bridge reopening.
Twelve lads of the Church Lads’ Brigade, under Sergt-Major Johns, formed a guard of honour at the christening of the second daughter of Captain and Mrs Snell, at St Mary’s Church, Bideford. The Sergt-Major, in a short speech, asked Mrs Snell to accept a silver Christening Cup, suitably inscribed, “To Valerie Adams Snell, from the Bideford Company, CLB.”
Furniture from 3 Gernville (Grenville) Terrace, Bideford, for sale.
P.S. Parr comes to Bideford as Inspector. Ex-Sergeant Broad is presented with a handsome sideboard.
Mr W H Rogers was re-elected chairman of Bideford Board of Guardians and Mr J M Metherell vice-chairman.
Bideford Football Club has brilliant win in the Torridge Cup Final.
Mr Frank Verren and Miss Decoutter are married at the Sacred Heart Church, Bideford.
The marriage took place at Bideford United Methodist Church of Mr F Leslie Haughton, Camelford, and Miss Florence L Adams, Westcroft, Bideford. The Rev William Rodda officiated.
5 May 1925 – The first meeting since its formation of the Rotary Club of Bideford, was held at Friendship Hotel, on Thursday, the President, the Mayor of Bideford (Dr E J Toye) presiding.
Much sympathy is felt with Mr and Mrs Potter, of Handy Cross, Bideford, in the loss they have sustained by the death, after only a brief illness, of their eldest daughter, Miss Gladys Potter. Mr Wadey officiated at the funeral which a large number of relatives and friends attended as a mark of sympathy and respect.
The funeral of the late Mrs E Sherborne, of Silver Street, Bideford, took place at the Church Cemetery, East-the-Water, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. The Rev W G Eeles officiated. Floral tributes were sent from the sorrowing husband and family.
The funeral of the late Miss Harriet Sing sub-postmistress of Trafalgar Place, daughter of Mr and Mrs R W Sing, took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, the Rev J T Halstead officiating.
The funeral of the late Mrs Ellen Pound, widow of Mr J R Pound, who a generation ago and for many years carried on the business of a decorator in Mill Street took place at the Old Town Chapel Cemetery.
Flags were flown at half-mast on the Municipal Buildings at Bideford on the occasion of the funeral of the late Mr R E L Hookway, who had been borough surveyor for twenty years. The Mayor and Corporation attended in state, joining the cortege at the Bridge End on its arrival from Westward Ho! members of the local lodge and headed it in Bridgeland-street. The Bridge Trustees were represented by their Chairman and other members, six senior Council workmen acted as bearers, and the County Surveyor’s staff was also represented, whilst a large attendance of the professional and business element, as well as working men of the town and district testified to the general esteem in which the deceased was held by all classes.
We regret to record the death of Mr Thomas Lancey Hamlyn, decorator, late of 15 Buttgarden Street, Bideford, which occurred at his residence, Coniston, Clovelly Road, at the age of 66.
Double wedding at Bideford – Pearce-Hill, and Hill-Jeffery.
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