After two years in Torrington we had managed to save £1000, no mean feat when you consider the wages we were on and we were paying in rent. We decided that Torrington was not really for us, but we had come to really like Bideford. It was still quite a small place then without all the large housing estates that have sprung up over the last 30 years. North Devon was still a very isolated place thirty years ago. The link road from Tiverton was still at least 15 years away and to get to the M5 meant a tortuous journey south to Exeter or a cross country treck eastwards towards Taunton. I don’t think the link road has lived up to it’s promise. It has not brought the promised jobs but has brought thousands more people. Now I’m not against the people coming but there is still a shortage of jobs, too many people are chasing these jobs which has resulted in Torridge having the second lowest wages in England. I digress.
We didn’t look at many houses before we found the one we wanted. It was a bit of a project – nothing too serious but enough to get our teeth into. It was a 1920’s terraced, been empty for two years, and untouched for probably 20, nice longish garden, backing onto an orchard and a boy’s school. It was 1973 and it cost us £6750.00.
We didn’t know it then but the road was like a village in it’s self. We had lovely neighbours both sides and we soon got to know everyone. There was a real community spirit with everyone looking out for everyone else . We set too bringing the place up to date, doing the kitchen, installing central heating, new bathroom, decorating. This was done very gradually as finances would allow and of course there was no such thing as B and Q or Homebase here then. Everything had to be ordered from old fashioned builders merchants or the ironmongers, or a drive down to Exeter to find a DIY store. No we are falling over all these type of places and all you have to worry about is getting the best price.
I’ll save further descriptions of this road and life there for another time.
The picture is of the replica ship The Matthew built to commemorate Cabot’s crossing of the Atlantic in 1497. Google it for the long description. It was visiting Ilfracombe harbour the other day when OH was there.
We didn’t look at many houses before we found the one we wanted. It was a bit of a project – nothing too serious but enough to get our teeth into. It was a 1920’s terraced, been empty for two years, and untouched for probably 20, nice longish garden, backing onto an orchard and a boy’s school. It was 1973 and it cost us £6750.00.
We didn’t know it then but the road was like a village in it’s self. We had lovely neighbours both sides and we soon got to know everyone. There was a real community spirit with everyone looking out for everyone else . We set too bringing the place up to date, doing the kitchen, installing central heating, new bathroom, decorating. This was done very gradually as finances would allow and of course there was no such thing as B and Q or Homebase here then. Everything had to be ordered from old fashioned builders merchants or the ironmongers, or a drive down to Exeter to find a DIY store. No we are falling over all these type of places and all you have to worry about is getting the best price.
I’ll save further descriptions of this road and life there for another time.
The picture is of the replica ship The Matthew built to commemorate Cabot’s crossing of the Atlantic in 1497. Google it for the long description. It was visiting Ilfracombe harbour the other day when OH was there.
8 comments:
My sister has lived in North Devon for about 40 years. When I was a little girl is used to take HOURS to get to her place (fairly near Barnstaple). Its a beautiful place to live though Toady. I bet you're glad you moved there.
I think i went to bideford last year??? It' lovely to hear from you and i'm franticaly trying to catch up with everyone...keep on at that mp.. loved your nile pictures, and you don't read at all shy!xx
God isnt it amazing how the world has changed, wouln't get a garden shed for that price now even here in France !
How did we manage without B&Q etc - but we did, didn't we - wonderful hardware stores with wooden floors.
I love stories about starting out and look forward to hearing more about your road and your house.
Loved the photo of the ship replica. I come from Cape Breton Island, one of Cabot's stops in the new world. If you ever go there, you must drive the Cabot Trail!
House prices were so much more realistic and in better proportion to earnings then......... I'd hate to be starting off nowadays.xx
Hello from New York, Toady, I do like it when you digress.
Help me out from my ignorance, please. What is B&Q? If it is obvious, please everyone, do not laugh!
Seriously, it is fascinating to read what you write about changes in Devon. It is hard for me to believe that it has been 40 years since I first moved to New York. I accept the inevitable changes, even if I do not embrace them.
xo
Toady I was really touched by your suggestion on my blog re getting a publisher but I wouldnt know where to start looking for someone to do that! I used to loe lying in bed listening to the late night story on BBC!
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