In Memory of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
The Mayor, Councillor Peter Christie, Town Councillors and all at Bideford Town Council are extremely saddened to learn today (9 April 2021) of the loss of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
He will be remembered for his extraordinary commitment to The Queen. Our thoughts are with The Queen and the Royal Family at this very sad time.
An online Book of Condolence will be made available in the coming days to allow tributes and condolences to be left for the Duke of Edinburgh.
HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh
1921 - 2021
NOTICE OF VACANCY
SIR RICHARD GRENVILLE JOINS CHARACTERS IN BIDEFORD’S COOPER STREET
No historical depiction of Bideford would be complete without the Lord of the Manor himself, Sir Richard Grenville, and he joins The Merchant, The Cooper and the Salmon Fisherman in overseeing Bideford’s shopping gateway, Cooper Street.
Thanks to recent grant funding from Torridge Council, Sir Richard Grenville and The Salmon Fisherman have now been installed, watching over the comings and goings in Cooper Street. The Cooper and The Merchant were installed previously and funded by Messrs Graham and Robert Braddick together with Bideford Town Council.
These metal sculptures are the work of local artists Peach and Bill Shaw who were commissioned to produce the historical characters to enhance Cooper Street and create a “gateway to Bideford shopping”.
Bideford’s Town Mayor and Vice Chairman of Torridge District Council, Councillor Peter Christie commented “Cooper Street is, indeed, in very fine company with the arrival of Sir Richard Grenville, these four characters define the history of Bideford and are delightful artworks.”
So, when you next take a stroll along Cooper Street just take a moment to look up at the buildings and see who is heralding your arrival.
In the company of Sir Richard Grenville are (from left) Bill Shaw, Cllr Doug Bushby, Cllr and Mayor Peter Christie, Town Clerk Heather Blackburn, Mr Rob Braddick and Peach Shaw.
COMMEMORATING THE DISAPPEARANCE OF PIMLICO AND PROVIDENCE PLACE
Bideford has many secrets, as we know, and we can rely upon our local historian and current Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Peter Christie, to unearth wonderful gems from the Town’s history.
The plaque has been installed in a very fitting place – on the wall of No 1 Providence Row, and our grateful thanks go to the owners of that property for their permission to do this.
Councillor Christie explained “Bideford escaped the worst of the 1960s 'slum clearances' but one area did disappear - the two rows of houses known as Pimlico & Providence Place between the High Street and Honestone Street”. He added “On discovering this piece of history I was compelled to commission this plaque to record the presence and appearance of the houses.”
The plaque features maps and photographs which explains where these two rows of houses were originally sited.
CORONAVIRUS 2020
How it has affected this Town Council.
Currently, in light of Government and Health Executive guidelines, Bideford Town Council has cancelled all forthcoming meetings until further notice.
The officers of this Council are working from home, where they can, and the preferred method of contact is email, although there will be someone to answer telephone calls at most times during the day on 01237 428817. Just click on the Contact link to email us or get in contact with your Ward Councillor.
During this terrible time, the Maintenance Team have elected to carry on working, where possible and will be on standby to work with local voluntary organisations should they be required. In the meantime they will observe the 2m rule and work on projects around Bideford that keep them outside and away from the public.
ALLOTMENTS:
Our Allotment sites are open to plot holders and according to Government advice, gardeners are encouraged to tend their plots BUT must adhere to the 2 metre rule and ensure that they sanitise their hands and the gate locks when entering the sites.
Remember that the virus is spread easily so try not to use other gardener’s tools... The weather is great for gardening at the moment and you will reap your rewards later on.
At this time it can be confusing and worrying for us all - for information on what the Council is doing click on the Coronavirus tab in the top main menu.
For more comprehensive and specific information on COVID 19, Coronavirus, or need to know what local services are available from our District Authority please click on the Torridge District Council link.
Devon County Council also provide information on their Community Support Page.
https://www.devon.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/
INTRODUCING THE MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR
On Thursday, 16 May, the full Town Council elected the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor for 2019-2020. Councillor Peter Christie was elected Mayor for the year and Councillor Ruth Craigie was elected Deputy Mayor for the same period of time.
Councillor Peter Christie, representing Bideford North Ward on the Town Council, is a semi-retired teacher, well-known local historian and author of historical books. He is the longest serving councillor on Bideford Town Council, and has previously served as Mayor of Bideford in 1985-1986 and 2004-2005.
Councillor Ruth Craigie was elected as Deputy Mayor. Councillor Craigie, representing Bideford East Ward, has been a serving councillor on Bideford Town Council since 2015.
