Bideford
Bideford is a traditional port town 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 development of a bridge, there was a ford at Bideford where the River Torridge is estuarine. At periods of low tide, it is feasible, though not always safe, to walk across the river. Bideford currently is the main town of the Torridge local government district. Referring to the 2011 Census, the town has a population of approximately 17,000. Bideford is broadly known as the location where the American GIs arrived in 1942 during the Second World War. Originally positioned there to work in radar stations in North Devon, increasing quantities of troops came over during the duration of the war. Bideford is well known for its New Year's Eve celebrations. This consists of thousands of individuals from surrounding towns and villages arriving in fancy dress costumes congregating on the quay for revelries along with a firework display. Included in the event are a number of local musical acts. The town has a long background of local New Year's Eve celebrations. A tradition from 1605 was for citizens to try to cross Bideford's bridge in the time taken for the bells of St. Mary's parish church to chime at midnight. Within the same year, the mayor established a trust fund to raise money to purchase meals for the poor and elderly who applied at the Mayor's Parlour. This still exists and takes place on New Year's Day. For all of your property improvements, make sure that you pick vetted professionals in Bideford to ensure that you get the top quality service.