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 showing that prior to the development of a bridge, there was a ford at Bideford where the River Torridge is estuarine. During times of low tide, it is possible, though not advisable, to cross the river by walking on foot. Bideford currently serves as the main town of the Torridge local government district. Referring to the 2011 Census, the town has a population of close to 17,107. Bideford is broadly famous for being the location during which the American GIs arrived in 1942 during WW2. Originally located there to work in radar stations throughout North Devon, rising numbers of troops landed in Bideford during the course of the war. Bideford is well respected for its New Year's Eve celebrations. This consists of thousands of people from the neighbouring towns and villages arriving in fancy dress outfits congregating on the quay for entertainment in addition to a firework show. The event includes many local bands. The town has a lengthy record of communal New Year's Eve celebrations. A tradition from 1605 was for inhabitants to try to run across the bridge within the time taken for the bells of St. Mary's parish church to chime at midnight. In the same year, the mayor established a trust fund to raise money to buy food for the poor and elderly who applied at the Mayor's Parlour. This still happens and occurs on New Year's Day. For all of your property improvements, be certain that you employ reputable professionals in Bideford to make sure that you get a good quality service.