Celebrating 50 years

Torridge District Council will be celebrating its golden anniversary in April, as it reaches 50 years since its formation in 1974.

To celebrate the milestone, the Council will be going through the archives and calling on residents to share their special memories of those people, places and events who have made a significant contribution to the local community over the last five decades.

A new logo to mark the anniversary has been designed by Jacob Bradley, at T-Level Business Administration student at Petroc college, who has been undertaking a work experience placement at the Council since January 2024.  The logo will be appearing on the Council website as well as on its social media pages.

Torridge District Council  was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The new district covered the area of six former districts (Bideford Municipal Borough, Bideford Rural District, Great Torrington Municipal Borough, Holsworthy Rural District, Lundy Island, Northam Urban District and Torrington Rural District) which were all abolished at the same time.  The new district was named after the River Torridge which flows through the area.  

Mr J D McHardy was the first ever Chief Executive of council with Cllr Prebendary E.P. James, MBE, elected as Chairman at the inaugural meeting.  Bideford Town Hall served as the original office for the Council before it moved to its current location at Riverbank House in 1988.

Cllr Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"The 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Torridge District Council provides an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate and mark the contributions of so many who have had such a positive impact on the place we call home.

We would love as many people as possible to get involved, whether it's nominating a special person or place - or simply sharing special memories.  If you have any photos or film footage that could help us further chart the history of our wonderful district since 1974, then we would love to hear from you."

Steve Hearse, Chief Executive of Torridge District Council, said:

"For 50 years, this Council has proudly served our towns and villages.  We look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality services for the people who live, work and visit Torridge for many more years to come."

If you have further ideas how you think the Council can celebrate email communications@torridge.gov.uk and the team will use as many of those suggestions as possible.