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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
One hundred years ago – February 1913.
Wealth Dream Shattered. When Captain Geoffrey Newbold, formerly of the Royal Marines, and Commander Frank Worsley R.N.R., formerly Captain of ‘The Quest’, Shackleton’s Polar Ship, set sail in the ‘George Cochran’ from Appledore last summer with three Appledore men, Messrs … Continue reading
Bideford Bridge goes to war – Part 2.
Peter Christie continues his history of Bideford in wartime. June 1941 onwards- More notes from Frank Whiting’s reports. The next few months are taken up with surveying and costing the damage to the Bideford Laundry buildings (which had earlier been … Continue reading
Posted in History
Tagged Bideford, Bideford Bridge, Bideford Bridge Trust, Peter Christie, World War 2
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Richmond Dock status – December 2012.
Photographs taken at Richmond Drydock on 11th December. First two photos – disassembly of the ‘Bryher’ has now been completed. The nearly-finished vessel on the right is the ‘Annaliese’, and only the ‘Silver Harvester’ appears mostly intact. The ‘Monkleigh’ will … Continue reading
One Hundred Years ago – December 1912.
(From the Bideford Gazette). Advertisements for Christmas. After the jollification of Christmas , the damaged wallpaper and the scratched paintwork will show up – in all these matters Mr R Pye of 8 and 9 Meddon St will be found … Continue reading
Mysteries at St. Margaret’s, Northam.
Whilst clearing ivy from gravestones in Northam Churchyard recently, we came across a very well-carved stone commemorating two families, the Blighs and the Copners. Francis Bligh was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy and died in 1825. Also named were … Continue reading
Bideford Bridge goes to war – Part 1.
Little has been written on Bideford life during the Second World War. Admittedly we weren’t bombed, but we did provide facilities for training both British and U.S. Servicemen and the area played host to the top-secret Combined Operations. One source … Continue reading
Posted in History
Tagged Bideford, Bideford Bridge, Bideford Bridge Trust, Peter Christie, World War 2
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Rubber duck.
In January 1992 the Chinese container ship ‘Ever Laurel’ was carrying 1,810 containers from Hong Kong to Tacoma in America’s Washington State. All was well until the tenth of the month when, during a great storm, twelve of the 40-foot … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Bideford Chamber of Commerce.
You are never too far away from a Chamber Member. If you have a business in Bideford, Westward Ho!, Northam or Appledore and wish to find out more about joining, just give them a call. Bideford and District Chamber of … Continue reading
Behind the scenes at Richmond Dock, Appledore.
Work progresses on the recycling of old vessels – photos Norman Hardaker. (Compare with our September article here ).