25 years ago

November 27, 1997

An eight-tonne steel flood defence gate was lowered by crane into the River Neet at Bude on Friday as part of a £1.1-million flood alleviation scheme by the Environmental Agency. A weir, which is due to be commissioned before Christmas, will automatically contrast flood water and manage levels in the Neet for watersports and recreational activities. A fish pass is also being incorporated into the weir. The scheme, due for completion in 1998, was developed following the terrific floods in 1993 when 91 properties were affected. Other features of the project which are underway include the construction of a flood bank at Petherick’s Mill Industrial Estate, creation of a wetland next in Bude Marshes Nature Reserve, additional footpaths around the area and the basis of a new cycle route to be developed by North Cornwall District Council.

Members and past members of the Family Planning Association services in Launceston, gathered to present Mrs Jean Wills with flowers and a celebration cake on Friday evening to mark her retirement as a volunteer receptionist, a job she has done for the past 25 years. Presenting the bouquet was Dr Jane Musks who herself has served 25 years.

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40 years ago

November 27, 1982

Lifton Brownies and Guides got together at the local Primary School last week to help raise funds in a sponsored knitting session. The girls, ably assisted by local Cub Scouts and parents knitted many squares for blankets. Cash from the event will go towards the Guide Camp at South Zeal.

Some 15 jobs at the agricultural tractor and machinery business formerly carries on by Jeffrey Engineering Ltd, at Scarne, Launceston, have been made more secure with the purchase of the premises by another distributor. The business will reopen on Wednesday under the ownership of Messrs Gliddons, Massey-Ferguson distributors at Barnstaple and Williton. It will be known as Gliddons, of Launceston.

During the Prime Minister’s visit to Bodmin last Friday, several local people had the opportunity to chat with her. Mrs Thatcher had a cup of tea to hand as she conversed with Miss Madge Walkey, of Camelford, and Mr Bill Budge, of North Hill, chairman of the North Cornwall Conservative Association.

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50 years ago

November 25, 1972

Mr E Gilbert of Launceston has been made the first life member of the Devon and Cornwall Fuschia and Geranium Society. He was presented with a certificate and silver vase at the Society’s annual dinner at Liskeard.

Brian Uglow, W E Cottle and Sons, S O Gynn, A W Stehens and B H Rossiter were presented with trophies at the 21st annual dinner of the Cornwall and Devon Pedigree Pig Breeders’ Association at the Eagle House Hotel, Launceston. Association President, Mr W H Ley, replied to the toast proposed by Mr M Bridges, field officer MLC.

South Petherwin Women’s Institute is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. Formed in 1922 the Institute now has 32 members. At the jubilee fayre the president, Mrs F Screech, welcomed Mrs Donnelly, county chairman, who opened the event.

In the Boundary Commission’s final proposals, Holsworthy rural district will transfer from association with Tavistock and Okehampton to a joining with Bideford and Torrington.

Llew Courtenay, who had a good game at full back, scored one of the tries for Launceston Castles in the 29-10 victory at Tavistock. The Castles’ other try scorers were Eric Uglow (2), Spencer Allin and Stuart Thorne, with Roger Hoskin kicking three conversions and a penalty goal.

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60 years ago

December 1, 1962

For the first time in its history of nearly 70 years, the Stratton Rural District Council held a social function on Monday, when members of staff, with their wives and guests, gathered at the Bullers Arms Hotel, Marhamchurch, for dinner.

Mr Jim Hughes, prospective Labour candidate for North Cornwall, has been visiting railway employees in the division in an endeavour to make on-the-spot enquiries concerning the threatened railway closures in the South West.

Mr R Neal, of Launceston, won the open hedging competition in the western area agricultural contest held at Porthcurno.

A Bridestowe farmer, Mr Ronald Thompson, took part in a recording of a Common Market discussion in Westward TV studios.

During the morning services at St Teath parish church on Sunday, the Rev T J Bailey blessed an artificial respiration resuscitator given by Mr and Mrs E George and daughter for the use of the district.

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70 years ago

November 22, 1952

“Our seasons chose the scene,” entered by Dried Milk Products Ltd, Davidstow, gained the award for best entry in Camelford carnival’s tableaux classes. Taking a place of honour in the procession was the carnival queen, Miss Mary Burnett, and her attendants, Misses Maureen Hill and Mary Prout.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral at St Andrew’s Church, Stratton, of Mr Charles Kivell, aged 59, of Trevalgas, Poughill, joint senior partner of the firm of Messrs Kivell and Sons, auctioneers and estate agents of Holsworthy, Stratton and Bude. With his father, the late Mr William Kivell, and with his brothers he had acted as joint secretary of the Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural Association for 40 years.

No showing at the Tower Cinema, Launceston, is High Noon, starring Gary Cooper and Golden Girl with Mitzi Gaynor and Dale Robertson.

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80 years ago

November 28, 1942

Shops and business premises at Launceston will close for only two days this Christmas instead of the usual three. The Chamber of Trade have decided on this because of food rationing difficulties and the shortage of staffs.

Speaking at Delabole last weekend, Mr T L Horabin, MP for North Cornwall, said Britain was fighting not only to win the war, but also to win the peace for the common people. “The real test will come on the Beveridge Report,” he declared. “Already vested interests such as the insurance companies, are pouring out funds to torpedo that report.”

A canteen and rest centre for the troops has been opened in Fore Street Methodist Schoolroom, Camelford, complete with wireless set, newspapers, books, games and refreshments. Mrs Wilson is the president and Mrs A R Hansford, treasurer, Mr J R Bennetts led a sing-song there on Sunday evening.

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90 years ago

December 3, 1932

A garage and lorry, the property of Mr L Brown, builder at Treforest, West Hill, Wadebridge, were completely destroyed by fire on Monday.

Mr E Mitchell, of Palmer’s Bridge, Bolventor’s postman for 27 years has been presented with an easy chair on leaving for Lewdown.

Harrises, Marhamchurch, a cottage and nine acres, was auctioned by Messrs Kivell and Sons on Wednesday for £530 to Mr J O Honey (Pyworthy).

Entries for Launceston Fanciers’ Show on Tuesday in the town hall numbered nearly 600. The president is Mr J Harvey, and the secretaries are Messrs W C Downing and C Brown.

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100 years ago

December 2, 1922

Gilbert Hartrop, aged 41, farmer, of Harheyes, Week St Mary, was found dead at Launcells on Thursday, having apparently been thrown from his gingle.

Hunting with the East Cornwall Hounds at Trebarwith, North Hill, on Friday, Miss Doris Shellebear, aged 24, of Tavistock, was thrown when her horse trod in a rabbit hole. She died in Launceston Hospital.

A steam waggon and trailer ran away down Whimble Hill, Holsworthy, crashing into the bridge at the bottom. The driver escaped with a shaking.

Canon H Wright, BB, has accepted the living of Lezant.