Monthly Archives: July 2013

Westward Ho! celebrates 150 years.

Posted on 29/07/2013 by Tango Alpha

150 years ago the “Northam Burrows Hotel & Villa Company” was formed following the success of Charles Kingsley’s novel “Westward Ho!” which he wrote whilst living in Bideford. The company planned to build a whole resort, marketed at wealthy Victorians … Continue reading →

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Crossing the Torridge – 11 bridges between Bideford & Torrington !

Posted on 08/07/2013 by Tango Alpha

It’s surprising how they add up once you set out to count the bridges.! The oldest of course were the pack-horse bridges dating from around the 12th century of which there were three, Bideford, Rothern and Taddiport. All these show … Continue reading →

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Memories of St. Peter’s Church, East the Water.

Posted on 08/07/2013 by Tango Alpha

This church was consecrated on Saturday June 28th 1890 by the Bishop of Exeter.    The cost of the site and building, over £2,000, was defrayed by the then Rector of Bideford, the Rev. Roger Granville.     At the conclusion … Continue reading →

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Memories of Bideford Hospital.

Posted on 02/07/2013 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Hospital 1962 My father had a chemist’s shop in the High Street and I married a local girl just before my final exams. From a London teaching hospital to Bideford Hospital was a steep learning curve for me as … Continue reading →

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Graham Frisby (1958-2013).

Posted on 02/07/2013 by Tango Alpha

Last month I attended the memorial service for Graham at the new Westward Ho! Baptist Church. Graham’s sons spoke eloquently and movingly about their father, a lovely sociable man whom we all remember from trips to Bideford Pannier market where … Continue reading →

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