75 years ago THE Sidmouth Fire Brigade received a call to Coles Farm, Bulverton at 7.30 on Tuesday morning. The chimney running through the thatched roof had caught fire and burning material was falling on the thatch to an alarming degree. The Officer C

75 years ago

THE Sidmouth Fire Brigade received a call to Coles' Farm, Bulverton at 7.30 on Tuesday morning. The chimney running through the thatched roof had caught fire and burning material was falling on the thatch to an alarming degree. The Officer C. Colwill, immediately responded and although there was little water available, succeeded in extinguishing the blaze by breaking open the chimney and using chemical extinguishers.

ON Tuesday next "The Pirates of Penzance" make their bow to Sidmouth audiences at the Radway Theatre. Rehearsals are now complete and nothing has been left to chance in order to present this opera and "Trial by Jury" in the best traditional manner. The whole of the cast are determined that this year's production shall rank as one of the best the Club has given, whilst an excellent chorus and orchestra have been trained.

50 years ago

A VERY enthusiastic audience paid tribute to the various artistes who took part in a variety concert at the Manor Pavilion on Tuesday last, in aid of the Methodist Church Re-building Fund. The singing of Jill Nott-Bower and Gillian Smart, with their accompanist, was greatly enjoyed and they gladly gave encore after encore.

THE season now ending has been much more successful for Sidmouth Badminton Club than for some years past. At the end of last season it was doubted whether the Club could carry on, but an influx of new members has improved both the playing strength and the financial position.

25 years ago

THREE-QUARTERS of Sidmouth's hotels are reporting increased bookings compared to last year. The late Easter Bank Holiday, beginning next week, signals the start of the season and Mr. Larry Shenfield, President of the Sidmouth and District Hotels and Caterers' Association said: "It looks as if bookings and interest are up on last year." He said, however, that a trend towards later bookings was being noticed.

OFFICIALS of the Sidmouth Victoria Cottage Hospital Comforts Fund denied this week that they were embarrassed by the size of their bank balance - a staggering �280,000 which is making �400 a week in interest. The figures were revealed at last week's annual meeting. Chairman, Ernie Whitton, said the Comforts Fund could only spend money on projects directly connected with the hospital.