Bideford
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 means 'by the ford', with records showing that prior to the development of a bridge, there was a ford at Bideford where the River Torridge is estuarine. During periods of low tide, it's possible, though not advisable, to cross the river by wading on foot. Bideford at the moment serves as the central town of the Torridge local government district. As recorded in the 2011 Census, the town has a population of close to 17,000. Bideford is extensively known as the place in which the American GIs arrived in 1942 during WW2. Initially positioned there to work in radar stations across North Devon, growing quantities of troops landed in Bideford throughout the war. Bideford is famous for its New Year's Eve celebrations. This consists of thousands of individuals from the close by towns and villages arriving in fancy dress costumes congregating on the quay for a party and a firework display. The event includes numerous local musical acts. The town has a lengthy record of communal New Year's Eve celebrations. A historical custom from 1605 was for locals to try to run across the bridge in the time taken for the bells of St. Mary's church to chime at midnight. In the same year, the mayor established a trust fund to raise money to purchase food for the poor and elderly who applied at the Mayor's Parlour. This continues to be in place and takes place on New Year's Day. For all of your home improvements, be certain that you pick trustworthy pros in Bideford to ensure that you get a good quality service.