Author Archives: Martin Haddrill

Pilton has changed in 42 years

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Alena Cartmell interviews Margaret Scott and Pat Colwill from Pilton WI

Pat Colwill and Margaret Scott of Pilton Women’s Institute (WI) visited The Pilton Story during the drop-in opening time (5 – 7pm) on 21st May 2012 bringing with them albums and stories from their 42 year history in Pilton.  It formed in 1970, because development in North Devon brought many new people and lots of new housing to Pilton – particularly around Bellaire, Northfield and Littabourne.

Interviewed at length by junior reporter, Alena Cartmell, Pat and Margaret revealed how different life was then.  Margaret explained, “In newly-built Lynbro Road there was lots of mud when it rained and we had to put our wellies on to get to Northfield Lane to walk into town.  We didn’t have a car.”  Pat said, “Mobile phones didn’t exist then and people were a lot friendlier and got to know their neighbours much quicker than today.”  They also revealed that in those days TVs were small and black and white only and there were miniskirts, hot pants, the start of rock and roll and Elvis was ‘king’.

Margaret was a nurse at the ND Infirmary and then became a school nurse for 17 years and a School Governor at Pilton Infants School.  Pat worked for Boots the Chemist as a pharmacist and then, being an excellent seamstress, moved to altering uniforms for the nurses at the new ND District Hospital.  She was a Governor at Chaddiford Lane School, now Pilton Community College.  Even in those days, Pilton Church Hall was already well used with a Badminton Club and Pilton Playgroup (follow this link to see Playgroup in 1969) and, of course the WI.  And there are other photographs of Pilton WI on The Pilton Story Archive.

Bradiford House after 30 years

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It may still be seven weeks until the 2012 Pilton Green Man Festival, but Jubilee weekend is a chance for some nostalgia for when it all started.  On Saturday 2nd June (12.30 to 5pm) there will be a Family Picnic in the grounds of Bradiford House – the scene on July 10th 1982 of both a Gypsy Fayre (afternoon) and a Gypsy Barbecue (evening).

Bickington Bluebirds Majorettes (extract from the 1982 Pilton Festival film)

Taking part in the afternoon event were the Bickington Bluebirds Majorettes (left) who also appeared in the 1982 film of the first Pilton Festival made by the late Clifford Davies (showing in Pilton Church Hall at 4pm on Monday 4th June). It is hoped that some of those who appeared will be back in Bradiford to remember this event of their youth.  We were pleased to discover they still exist.

Enjoying the Gypsy Barbecue at Bradiford House in 1982

Some ladies who sadly will not be back in Bradiford this year (although Joan and Dora still live in Barnstaple) are shown here sitting in the garden at the Gypsy Barbecue in 1982: from left to right – Mrs Joan Tancock, Mrs Dora Tancock, Alice Mogridge, Mrs May Nott (formerly Mrs May Brannam). Photograph from Mary Passmore.  At the 2012 Family Picnic the visitors can watch the Pilton v Bradiford Tug of War for the new Jubilee Cup, take part in children’s races and enjoy beer, cider or Pimms.  Anyone can come, but there is very limited parking so people should walk if possible.