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My role as Bideford’s Beadle & Macebearer.
In 2009 I had the great honour of becoming Bideford’s first lady Beadle, and later in 2010 of being appointed as the first lady Macebearer. Ever since I was a child I have been interested in the ceremonial and regalia … Continue reading
Posted in History, Local People
Tagged Beadle, Bideford, Bideford Town Council, macebearer
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The font in St. Mary’s parish church, Bideford.
There is little doubt that the Font in St Mary’s Church is the oldest artefact in Bideford. It has been expertly confirmed that it dates from about the year 1080, and it has been described as an exceptionally fine and … Continue reading
Carnival 1992.
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Posted in History
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Westward Ho! celebrates 150 years.
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
Crossing the Torridge – 11 bridges between Bideford & Torrington !
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
Posted in Environment, History
Tagged Bideford, railway, river Torridge, Rolle Canal, Tarka Trail, Torridge bridges, Torrington
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Memories of St. Peter’s Church, East the Water.
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
Memories of Bideford Hospital.
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
Graham Frisby (1958-2013).
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
Posted in Local People
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Street art.
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Posted in Environment, News, Photography
Tagged Bideford, bideford buzz, development, MacDonalds bideford, Premier Inns bideford, street art, woodland
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Some memories of World War 2 in Bideford.
REME soldiers were stationed at Instow and many families made friends with them. The church in Bridge St on a Sunday evening hosted by various churches would put on a singsong after church services, and somehow provided simple refreshments for … Continue reading
Bideford Bridge goes to war – part 4.
Peter Christie concludes his history of Bideford Bridge in World War 2 More notes from Frank Whiting’s reports. That the Allies were winning the war is shown from an entry in April 1944 which reads, ‘Now that the Government have … Continue reading
Posted in History
Tagged Bideford, Bideford Bridge, Bideford Bridge Trust, Peter Christie, World War 2
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The original “Lost Shops” list.
Here’s the original list, serialised in “Buzz” over the last few months. Thank you to everyone who responded with their own memories and additions. Listed below are some of the businesses that Bideford has lost over the last 50/60 years … Continue reading
Bideford Bridge goes to war – part 3.
Peter Christie continues his history of Bideford Bridge in World War 2 More notes from Frank Whiting’s reports. No more war items are recorded for seven months when, in March 1943, the minutes contain the following, ‘A matter I have … Continue reading
Posted in History
Tagged Bideford, Bideford Bridge, Bideford Bridge Trust, Peter Christie, World War 2
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Floods and salt marshes.
All sorts of habitats have been affected by the floods this winter, and in many places it’s the human habitation in low lying areas that has been the most spectacularly damaged. Then, when you see the thick red-brown colouration of … Continue reading
‘Red Velvet’ cake (courtesy of Blazeys of Bideford).
Red Velvet Cake. Easy, super moist, melt-in-your mouth soft with a light chocolatey red velvet taste – decadent, delicious and delightful ! Ingredients – Cake 250g plain flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda. 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon … Continue reading