Author Archives: Tango Alpha

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

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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

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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

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Behind the scenes at Richmond Dock, Appledore.

Work progresses on the recycling of old vessels  –  photos Norman Hardaker. (Compare with our September article here ).

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Waxcaps.

These mushrooms are considered by many as the orchids of the fungi world.   They come in a variety of bright cheerful colours and often have shiny caps.   They belong to the genus Hygrocybe.    As with most fungi, autumn is when … Continue reading

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Wonky Conker.

The “Helping Hand”, which holds up the “Wonky Conker tree”, near Kingsley Statue on Bideford Quay, very nearly didn’t happen at all.  Some years before  its construction, it was decided to chop down the mature trees on the riverbank in … Continue reading

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Richmond Dock revivified.

On Thursday 6.9.2012 Richmond Drydock, Appledore, came back into action  as a working dock with the arrival of the beam trawler ‘Anneliese’ crossing over the sill  on her final voyage to be broken up.    She had been towed from Penzance, … Continue reading

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Recollections of Reed’s.

Dear Editor, Further to September’s BUZZ WORD re Reeds Cafe, as a member of the Reed Family I can give you more information! Albert Reed was the son of Alfred (my great-uncle) and Esther Reed who owned the Baker’s Shop … Continue reading

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S.S. “Hebridean” – July, August 1911.

Helped by a nautical author,  I have been researching the S.S ‘Hebridean’.   We know that in the summer months she left Scottish waters and went south, to Bristol, St Helier and France, but your Bideford Buzz has added another chapter … Continue reading

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Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – 4th June.

Monday 4th June 2012 will see Bideford marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a civic parade along the Quay followed by a family-friendly party in the park.  The parade, led by the Youth Pipe Band, will leave the Town Hall … Continue reading

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One hundred years ago – May 1912.

May 1912. Road Conditions – A County Alderman had a tyre of his motor car wrenched off in the road ruts near Monkleigh. Tidal wave or Bore – a remarkable phenomenon, never seen in the Torridge before, was seen this … Continue reading

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Bideford “New” Bridge 25th anniversary, 20th May.

Bideford’s New Torridge Bridge  was opened to the public on May 20th 1987 –  25 years ago.   This photograph was taken on Sunday 17th May 1987; it was an open day for members of the public to walk across the … Continue reading

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“Matthew” calls at Bideford – 6th March.

These photos, taken by “Buzz” shipping correspondent Norman Hardaker, show the “Matthew” as she visited Bideford on 6th March to take on stores. “Matthew” is a replica of the caravel used by John Cabot for his 1497 voyage from Bristol … Continue reading

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One hundred years ago – March 1912.

One Hundred years ago Horse Ambulance It is expected that the Horse Ambulance required for the Bideford Hospital will cost about £70, and up to the present about £25.12s.6d has been subscribed The Coal Strike This strike which has lasted … Continue reading

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Runner bean chutney.

Runner Bean Chutney (revised, tested, and approved !) Recipe from Bideford Country market, Bideford Market. 2lb Runner beans, chopped or sliced 4 or 5 onions 1.5 pints vinegar 8oz.  demerara sugar 0.5 tablespoon cornflour 0.5 tablespoons turmeric 1 tablespoons dried … Continue reading

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