Bideford is a traditional port town that's on the estuary of the River Torridge in North Devon, located in the southwest of England. The town's name translates as 'by the ford', with documents demonstrating that prior to the construction of a bridge, there was a ford at Bideford where the River Torridge is estuarine. Through low tide, it is achievable, although not advisable, to wade across the river. Bideford currently serves as the central town of the Torridge local government district. As recorded in the 2011 Census, the town contains a population of around 17,107. Bideford is widely famous for being the place through which the American GIs arrived in 1942 during World War Two. Originally situated there to work in radar stations across North Devon, increasing quantities of troops landed in Bideford throughout the duration of the war. Bideford is well respected for its New Year's Eve celebrations. This involves thousands of individuals from the close by towns and villages arriving in fancy dress outfits congregating on the quay for entertainment along with a firework display. The event includes various local musicians. The town has a long record of communal New Year's Eve celebrations. A custom from 1605 was for inhabitants to try to run across the bridge within the time taken for the bells of St. Mary's church to chime at midnight. During the same year, the mayor set up a trust fund to raise money to purchase food for the poor and elderly who applied at the Mayor's Parlour. This still exists and is on New Year's Day. For all of your home improvements, make sure that you pick reputable specialists in Bideford to make sure you get a good quality service.