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2014-04-07T20:27:05Z

Avrilsalmon:

THE JUBILEE HALL

From the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald
May 10th 1935
Clifford Chambers

The village was gaily decorated with flags and bunting for the Jubilee Celebrations. The festivities commenced with a service in Church conducted by the Rector, the form being the same used at St. Paul's.

The afternoon was devoted to sports for children and adults, prizes being given for each event. In a large barn kindly lent by Mr. Bluck, the children sat down to tea, and afterwards received Jubilee mugs at the hands of Mr. G. Douty.

At 6 o'clock all the adults were entertained to a dinner which comprised a plentitude of good old English fare. After the meal, there was an excellent entertainment which took the form of conjuring and ventriloquism. The day ended with a large bonfire on Martins Hill and the fine display of fireworks.
To commemorate the Jubilee, in the afternoon Mr. and Mr. Rees-Mogg opened the new Village Hall which will be a great acquisition as the village has been without a hall for over two years.

Photo:Clifford Chambers in the 1930's:Celebrations of George VI and Queen Elizabeth's Coronation in 1936
Photo:Homes and Buildings: aerial view of village 1938

It was in 1957 - about 8 years after Mrs. Rees-Mogg's death that a meeting was called at the Jubilee Hall and the Minutes of that meeting presented a sorry picture.

The Jubilee Hall was in an unhappy situation. Expenses were heavy and there was no possibility of a reduction in hire charges. The Rector, Rev Cecil Lake suggested that an extension could be made to build an additional room for general purposes.

A year later the Hall was STILL in a very unsatisfactory situation, so a new Chairman was elected – Tony Green with Miss Hodgson acting as both Secretary and Treasurer, the members being Mr. A Dodd, Mr. Richardson,. Radbourne, Mr. G. R. Gillett, Mrs Hudspith and Miss James, and the Rector ex officio – also representatives of the village organizations

First of all – the most urgent was seen to – the cutting of the grass and attending to the guttering of the the Jubilee Hall IMMEDIATELY! By October 1959, the financial position had improved with £52.4s.9d in hand, and an application was made to Gloucester for permission to grant any party hiring the Jubilee Hall, setting up a bar, and this was completed by May 1960.

By 21st March 1961, the Hall had received the gift of a water heater in the kitchen from Miss M. Adams, but there was an urgency for external painting of the Hall, but no money available. And in 1964, it was agreed to start Bingo at the Hall. In April 1969 the Hall had £106.14.2d in the Bank partly due to the installation of a bar. At last plans for the exterior or interior of the building were in hand!

On 28th March 1969 it was reported the MEB were in the process of re-wiring, and the builders had completed the porch roof. But now another problem had occurred, eight feet of dry rot and decay in the Hall floor. And this section needed complete re-flooring. So it was expected the final cost of this work would be nearer £500, the Hall paying as much as they can, and the balance coming from the Church.

In April 1971 the WI came to the rescue and thoroughly gave the Hall a good clean-over – cleaning and polishing the Jubilee Hall floor, window sills and kitchen. By July the same year several quotations had been received for the exterior and interior painting – the one chosen, Messrs Brookes of £239, the Church paying £100 towards the cost of £105.93 for the exterior

After a lot of discussion, it was decided that as user bodies of the Hall were mostly represented on the PCC, the Hall sub-committee would not continue as such, but would now be run by the PCC,. However the Secretary/Treasurer would still be kept separately, and Mrs. Ullyatt would be asked to keep on with this appointment and would be accepted onto the PCC.

Now things were happening fast, for by June 1972 the Hall were purchasing material for new stage drapes and Mrs. Bramwell and Mrs. Ulyatt had agreed to make them.

On 7th August 1975, an electric slot meter was installed by the MEB at a cost of around £39 , organised by Mrs. Pauline Ullyatt. Then on 31st May 1979, Mrs. Ullyatt reported that new curtains had been fixed to the hall windows and the trestle tables were being repaired. The new window curtains and pelmets were already in position

In 1961 the door curtains in the Hall had been made and hung by Mrs. Ullyatt at the suggestion of Mrs. Kingston who saw the need for a blackout when films or slides were shown.

THEN CAME THE BIG CHANGE IN THE PARISH!

The next Rector would be living at Welford, not Clifford, and Clifford Rectory would be sold. As the Rectory was a place where many Church meetings took place, arrangements had to be made to have a room or rooms added to the Jubilee Hall. Gloucester was asked if we could employ our own Architect to do alterations with any plans being sent to Gloucester for their consideration. They in turn will let us know how much they would be prepared to allow us, towards the cost.

And from the Minutes of 15th July 1981, the Minutes read:-.

“ The Churchwardens had met with Winston Walker who had, since, sent notes on our ideas to enlarge the toilets, kitchen and additional room for the Rector's office, and these were read out by Dr. Bramwell.

It was agreed to accept his ideas for the toilets and the Committee room, but to ask if it was possible to extend this room to make a private office for the Rector. It was also decided to ask him if he could sketch his ideas for the kitchen and to suggest to him the possibility of moving the stairs to the other side of the stage to allow for expansion to the kitchen there.

10th September 1981
A sub-Committee of the two Churchwardens, Mrs. Ullyatt and L Salmon, Mrs. J. Hancox and Mrs. Bramwell will meet to discuss the proposed alterations to the Hall on 30th September, and these plans will be discussed with Mr.Winston Walker. The plans will be brought to our next Council meeting.

10th November 1981
Draft plans were shown and explained by Dr. Bramwell, and the Architect thinks these extensions will cost in the region of £40,000/£45,000. Dr Bramwell will go to see the Planning Department at the Council to see if our ideas would need any modification before they would be allowed to be passed, and then we should press Gloucester to see how much they will be prepared to put up.

14th January 1982
Hall extension.
Dr. Bramwell discussed this with local Planning Department who preferred we put a pitch roof instead of a flat one on the new extension. This will put up the cost, but he had had the plans revised and they were now ready to be forwarded to Gloucester together with the estimated costs. Dr. Bramwell would forward them together with a letter being sent to the Rector (Canon Hawkins) and Mr. Ullyatt giving arguments for the necessity for this extension due to the closure of our Rectory, and asking for considerable help with the cost.
And a fete was planned for 16th June for funds towards the cost of the Hall alterations.

26th March 1982
Dr. Bramwell read a copy of the letter he wrote to Gloucester with our proposed plans and the estimated cost of £42,000. He then read Gloucester's reply, and they agreed to give us £25,000 towards the cost. We agreed to accept and Dr. Bramwell will write to them. He will also see W. Walker to see if we can nulify the costs and get the plans in for passing.

Mr. Walker has given his costs so far at a very modified rate of £400 which it was agreed to pay - £200 to come from Hall funds and £100 from Fabric Fund plus £700 donation given to Hall.

29th April 1982
Gloucester willing to grant us £25,000 towards the cost . Thanks to Mrs. Ullyatt for all her work she and her husband do at the Hall.

1st March 1983
Tenders had gone out to six firms, five returned: lowest £24,672: top £36,531 for completed job. Winston Walker checking these over with surveyor and Moss' tender being the lowest will be signed.

And, at last on 13th March 1984, the Parochial Church Council met in the new Committee room at the Jubilee Hall under the chairmanship of Rev. George Baisley,
the Hall extension at long last being completed and the furnishings now under way, Mrs. Bramwell kindly making up the curtains fr the extension. The main hall floor was to be professionally cleaned and sealed now that all building was complete. The decorating of the main hall to be left until it was known how much Gloucester are paying of the extension account and how much we may have to pay.

When the Hall was completely paid up by Gloucester, it was agreed to have an official opening by the Archdeacon. On 24th September 1984, it was recorded that the Extension, as far as was known, has been paid for by Gloucester of £21,000, we still awaiting the final account by Moss. The Rector's Office to be the only responsibility of the Church Funds. The two Quartermain paintings for the Rector's office have been valued at £500 each. Dr. Bramwell to get these insured.

Then in May 1985. Dennis Reynolds felt it necessary to put 6” insulation over the Hall and stage, this coming to £193.20 plus VAT. Dennis and Lawrence Salmon started on this work on 18th September that year

Mrs. Joyce Dale had left a bequest of £1,000 to the Hall. Dr. Bramwell had already bought 40 new chairs out of this at the cost of £403. It was decided that, from the balance of £600 we should buy some more trestle tables to replace the old wooden ones, and perhaps 20 more new chairs. As there were sufficient funds in the Hall account, it was decided to go ahead with painting the main body of the Hall.

On 8th January 1986 the Minutes stated
Insulation credit received £84 – bill came to £157. Materials supplied for sides, and working party to lay this. Electrics - L. Salmon thought it would be a large job to put electrics all on one wall. This to be left until kitchen is done. Floor not done. Dennis Reynolds to investigate this and report. Painting not done – now to be left until roof insulation done. Tables and chairs – extra chairs bought. Small sample table on display which was examined by all and agreed to purchase 6 of these at at cost of £220. New cups had been bought to replace badly chipped ones. 6 new trays also to be bought. Cleaner – position to be advertised at £2 per hour to see if we could get someone back.

On 20th February 1986 it was reported that Dennis Reynolds and Lawrence Salmon had completed the Hall roof insulation and they had enough material left to do both sides of the stage roof and thanks were extended to them for completing this work. Hall floor – Dennis Reynolds had this in hand and hopes to be able to report on this at the next meeting. Cleaner left until AGM as Dr. Bramwell wishes to retire from the position of Secretary/Caretaker. He was thanked from the chair.

Lawrence Salmon took over the job of Secretary Caretaker in May 1986. and reported on 28th January 1987 that he was now responsible for bookings and fees, passing on the latter until the end of the financial year in March when he would have whole responsibility.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE HALL
The Womens Institute
Mrs. Rees-Mogg introduced the W.I. to the women of the village in 1938 by having an enormous party of over one thousand people in her garden. Some of these guests were from abroad as the party was part of a worldwide celebration of the Associated County Women of the World.
The lady-villagers who attended, walked down the drive back home unanimous in two things:-
"Yes - it was a lovely party"
and
"We must start a Womens Institute in our village"

Unfortunately, the War intervened, and it wasn't until 1945 that, at last a W.I. was established with Mrs. Rees-Mogg as President, Miss Dunkley secretary, and Mrs. Timperly the village head-teacher as treasurer. Miss Dodd with her great music ability, trained a choir of members for carol singing, and of course, she made sure that every member could sing with confidence at the beginning of each monthly meeting, the stirring words and music of 'Jerusalem'.

Notes from Maisie Wilkes
"I joined the W.I. in 1948. W.I was 'jam and Jerusalem' then, but became a much wider thing later. We had a Drama Group, as well as a Choir. The Drama Group used to entertain at Christmas meetings not only for our own W.I. but for villages around like Preston, Long Marston etc. We also entered Drama Competitions, travelling to Earlswood, and Solihull to take part, and were very successful.

The Choir and other members sung carols round the village on two nights of Christmas week, sometimes tracking through the snow to houses just outside the village. And we had a hand-bell ringing team which also travelled to other W.I.'s

We entered National Competitions of the W.I. and won awards for our Village Scrap book; supper table and many more.

The W.I. thrived during the 1950's/60's because then the W.I. mums of young children, were able to leave their children in care of dads those nights.
The W.I. moved on from 'Jam and Jerusalem' then and the topics and talks were more varied and we had started to expand to do more County work and even more competitions

The Drama Group had a lot of fun much to our producers disgust at times. On year, we had to do a hospital play, when four or five of our members at that time were pregnant."

Photo:Clifford Chambers in the 1980's:Founder members WI celebrating 50 years

PANTOMIME - CINDERELLA BY CHOIR AND SUNDAYS SCHOOL TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHOIR GOWNS FOR THE CHILDREN

THE SCRIPT OF THE PANTOMIME “CINDERELLA” Stage Manager's copy with all his instructions.........also additions by Avril to explain various names referred to in the play – and who they were - living in the village at the time (1973)

Trevor - can you make sure the cast have brought the following (note from Avril – this was Trevor Morris!).......1. Chris Rawlings pimps, plastic beaker 2. Ian Cole pumps, plastic beaker, marble........3. Stuart Dodd, Pumps, plastic beaker, marble, fishing basked ,.....4, Christine Carvell, pumps........5.Stephen Leonard-Williams, pumps, twisted root, jacket of Sunday sit, one crown, false ears, one marble.........6. Kevin Roles, pumps, plastic beaker, conker on string, wheel of rusty bike......7. Abigail Barrow, Pumps, plastic beaker, one marble.......8. Ian Brigham, pump, bongo drums.........9. Katrina Barrow, Pumps, plastic beaker, riding hat, whip.....10. Paul Leonard-Williams, pumps guitar......11. Martyn Spragg, pumps, scroll, invitation cards, quill pen.....12,.Carolyn Spragg, pumps, plastic breaker...........13,.Mrs. Scott, knitting, knitting bag red velvet cushion

Do in order – so you can't get lost

CAST:- Cinderella: Denise Reynolds - Prince Charming: Carolyn Spragg -
King: Stephen Leonard-Williams - Queen: Elaine Harris - Baron: Oliver Fowler -
Ugly Sisters: Paul Leonard-Williams and Ian Brigham - Fairy Godmother; Christine Evans - Buttons: Neville Evans - Dandini: Martyn Spragg Villagers and guests to the ball: Chris Reynolds; Chris Rawlins; Abigail Barrow: Katrina Barrow; Ian Cole; Christine Carvell: Deborah Carvell: Kevin Roles: Debbie Roles:
Stage Managers: Trevor Morris and Robin Ashfield -Lighting & Sound – Lawrence Salmon - Pianist – Alex Dodd
Production team: Mrs. Scott; Mrs. Leonard-Williams; Avril Taylor

SCENE 1 Trevor – make sure the following are on your side of the stage:- Chris Rawlings – Stuart Dodd – Stephen Leonard-Williams – Abigail Barrow – Katrina Barrow – Martyn Spragg – Ian Cole – Christine Carvell – Kevin Roles – Ian Brighan – Paul Leonard-Williams -
No scenery for first scene. Alex Dodd will play through once – then open the curtains ready for Stephen. All villagers on stage playing marbles and conkers spread out over the stage as curtain is drawn back

Villagers singing Morning my friend........Neighbour good day.....Here comes Dandini.......What has he got to say?
To the tune – possibly Big Ben tune striking the hour – but uncertain now after all these years!

Dandini Good morning people All villagers stand and gather around him but spread out...........Dickon What brings you here?........Dandini I have a letter from the King to the Baron. Is this his house?...........Mattie Yes. Here it is..........Willum Do you know what is in the letter?..........Dandini It's an invitation to a Ball at the Palace.........
Dickon Isn't there one for me?...........Dandini You! Don't be daft..... Trevor – ring bell as Dandini mimes pressing a bell-ringer.....Enter Paul Leonard-Williams and Ian Brigham.........Minnie Oh good morning Dandini. Oh dear! I haven't taken out my curlers..........Gertie Lucky me! My curls are natural! Goodmorning Dandini – and what do you want?............Dandini I have a letter for the Baron and the ladies of this house............Gertie and Minnie shrieking Oh a letter! From the King! Oh quick! Let's have it. Let's see.........both of them singing to the tune Hallo Hallo – whose your lady friend.......Hallo! Hallo! This has just arrived...Here's an invitation from the King....Just look there.....that's the happy date.....Oh! Oh! oh! I am in such a state....
Hallo! Hallo! What are we to wear?........Nothing that we have will do at all........For we must have a bash at wearing something gorgeous.....Dance dance – dancing at the Ball.

Minnie Oh! Oh! I feel faint. An invitation to a Ball. Oh Gertie! Hold me up!.......
Gertie Listen! It says, “To celebrate the betrothal of his son Prince Charming, who will choose his bride from among the ladies at the Ball. Aaaaaaaaah!...........Minnie Me! A Princess!............ Gertie You! You must be joking! With me there-..........Dickon interrupting What about Cinderella. Is she going to the Ball?........Gertie Cinderella! At the Ball!!!.........Minnie A fine Princess she would make – all dusty from the fire and greasy from the cooking!

Enter Baron from right with fishing basket with pike in it which he promptly, drops onto the stage (right) near footlights........... Robin – can you then hand to him the part of the rusty bike, wellington boot, broken jug twisted root and jacket

Mattie Hallo Baron! Been fishing........Willum What's your luck?..........Simon What did you catch?.........Everyone sings to the tune Three Blind Mice....... What's your luck?........What's your luck?...........What did you catch?.........What did you catch?

Baron moves left to where Trevor is standing off stage and sings the reply...........A rusty bike and a Wellington boot......A bit of a jug and a twisted root........And the jacket of somebody's Sunday suit...........And that's my lot........Trevor – can you stand near to Oliver Fowler during this song and take various articles from him as quickly as possible

Baron Actually I did catch one fish.............Mattie Oh what? A salmon?.........Baron walking back to his basket No – not a salmon. A big fine pike (picking up the pike from the basket and showing them. Then dropping it back in the basket )......... Simon Yuck! We can't eat that!...........Dickon Try the Rectory! They'll eat anything!........Note from Avril - The Leonard-Williams boys and their friends were well known for their love of fishing, and were always catching pike in the river – which always finished back at the Rectory for Mrs. Leonard-Williams to cook.

Gertie Oh no you don't! We'll have it for lunch – and Cinderella can cook it. We can't afford to waste anything now.........Minnie We've got to economise. We need the money, you see..........Baron What's all this in aid of? Why are you so keen on saving all of a sudden?...........Gertie Dear Popsie. Guess what! We're invited to a Ball at the Royal Palace.........Minnie And the Prince is going to choose his bride! Oh Popsie! Fancy being a step-father to a Princess!..............Gertie We must have new dresses.......Minnie And cloaks.........Gertie And shoes.........Minnie And underwear......Gertie And jewels..........Minnie And hair-do's...........Gertie And facials.........Minnie And manicures..........Gertie And dancing lessons............Minnie And Elocution lessons.........Both Mustn't we Popsie? Please Popsie?..........Baron If I were a rich man..........Minnie Don't be silly Popsie. When I am married to the Prince, then you will be rich.............Gertie Come on darling Popsie. Let's go inside and talk about money...........EXIT BARON, GERTIE AND MINNIE LEFT

Mattie Poor Cinderella! They are unkind to her. Why can't she go to the Ball..........
Dickon Here she comes..............ENTER CINDERELLA FROM RIGHT............
Everyone Hallo Cinderella............Willum Cinderella, did you know that the King has invited you to a Ball at the Royal Palace?.............Mattie He is holding it for Prince Charming who will choose his bride from among the ladies at the Ball.............
Dickon But your sisters won't let you go.............Simon They say you are only fit to look after the fire...........Mattie Is that why they call you Cinder – Ella?............
Cinderella (singing to the tune “Early one morning”with children coming in on the Chorus ) I'm called Cinderella 'cause I sit among the cinders I do all the cooking and sweep the parlour clean Poor Cinderella. Pretty Cinderella How could your Ugly Sisters be so mean?..........The King has invited his subjects to a Party The others are going, but I'll be left behind Poor Cinderella. Pretty Cinderella How could your Ugly Sisters be so unkind..........The loveliest lady will be married to Prince Charming
But I'm just a kitchen-girl and haven't got a chance. Poor Cinderella,. Pretty Cinderella. How could your Ugly Sisters keep you from the Dance
EXIT CINDERELLA LEFT (THE CAT CREEPS UP FROM RIGHT TO THE FISH BASKET, GRABS THE PIKE AND RUNS OFF WITH IT RIGHT AND EXIT, CHASED BY THE VILLAGERS ALL SHOUTING) CURTAIN

-oOo

Trevor – for the Second Scene two chairs and round table centre left. Nearer the stage far right place a stool. The white table will only be used at the performance. Use a card table for rehearsals. SCENE TWO - THE PALACE Curtain opens to the King with crown on, sitting on the chair to the right, writing, and the Queen sitting on the other, knitting. Prince Charming standing near the stool looking down at the floor and shuffling his feet around looking fed-up! Trevor – make sure Martyn Spragg is on your side of the stage.......................Queen addressing Prince Charming
Really Eldest and Dearest knit four. I think you might help. I'll never get my knitting finished at this rate slip one, knot one, pass slipped stitch over............King How do you spell Lieutenant? …...........Queen Lieutenant? We don't invite Lieutenants purl six...............King This is the Lord Lieutenant my dear. Anyway, what are you knitting?..............Queen Well, it started as a baby's vest knit two together.........King
But you haven't got a baby!.............Queen I had when I started it. But he grew – so it turned into a toddler play-suit twist two..............King You haven't got a toddler!......Queen I had – but he grew, so it turned into a football jersey slip one.............King But you don't know any footballers................Queen I did! But he grew, so it turned into a grand-dad vest............King But you haven't got a grand-dad!............Queen Don't be silly dear. It's for our Eldest and Dearest – dear Charming - - and I do want to get it finished before he grows any more...............
Charming I'm twenty one. I'm not likely to grow any more...............Queen
I married your Father when he was twenty one. He hasn't grown upwards since then, but he's grown outwards – rather a lot..............King There! That's the last five hundred invitations, and if you can't find a bride amongst that lot........Charming interrupting But this isn't any old bride. She will be my Queen and I've got to spend the rest of my life with her............King Well – I spent the rest of my life with your Mother. If I can do it – so can you................Charming It doesn't sound much fun..............ENTER DANDINI LEFT...........KING HANDIND HIM INVITATIONS Here you are. That's the last batch.............King and Queen sing to the tune “She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes” There'll be dancing at the Castle when they come...There'll be dancing at the Castle when they come.....There'll be dancing at the Castle....Postman's knock and pass the parcel......There'll be dancing at the Castle when they come......DANDINI JOINS IN........And the Prince will have to choose his bride.....And the Prince will have to choose his bride......And the Prince will have to....
The Prince will have to.........The Prince will have to choose his bride............ Queen
Oooooh! And I'll have to stop my knitting when they come.........THEY ALL SING AND DANCE – with the exception of Charming........Yes. She'll have to stop her knitting when they come..............Yes, she'll have to stop her knitting when they come.........Yes, she'll have to stop her knitting......For it really isn't fitting........For the Queen to do her knitting when they come........THEY ALL EXIT DANCING LEFT - EXCEPT CHARMING WHO WALKS OUT SLOWLY BEHIND THEM - LOOKING FED UP
-oOo-

SCENE 3 THE BARON'S KITCHEN

Centre stage back, square table with chair at the back and a chair either side of the table. On the table various dresses, curlers, hair brushes, tongs. At back right is the 'door' leading 'outdoors'. On left 'door' leading to 'rest of house' middle stretch of stage..............Front of stage left and near the footlights - a chest with (a) Cinderella's Ball gown (b) her glass slippers (c) a riding whip and (d) a riding hat - all inside it.. To right of stage near footlights a stool with a washing basket to one side and behind it............When the curtains open, both ugly sisters are just in front of the square table. Cinderella is to the right of the ugly sisters and a reasonable distance from them so they don't hit her as they get ready for the Ball. Buttons is further down stage near the washing basket with the cat..............Minnie is using the hair tongs on Gertie then attempts to get her own corsets on........Gertie Ow! You clumsy thing! You've burnt me!..........Minnie You told Dandini your curls were natural. Pull me in Cinderella........Cinderella does so...........Gertie Well – they are – heat's natural isn't it. More than your waistline is!...............Minnie Ow! That's enough Cinderella. There- don't I look like Twiggy?..........Gertie Twiggy! Tree trunk more like! Give me my dress Cinderella. (Cinderella does so). Don't crumple it like that, you clumsy slut............Buttons Cinderella clumsy! Look at yourself you silly old nag...........
Gertie making a threatening gesture towards him What did you say, you cheeky thing?...........Minnie Help me with these eyelashes Cinderella. They are called “Man Catchers”. (Cinderella helps with her eyelashes) Oh! I hope they catch the Prince..........Gertie squirting perfume on her My perfume cost £5 and it is called “Passion Royal”..........Minnie Ugh!.........Gertie There, I'm ready. How do I look Cinderella?........Cinderella You look – very …..fine. Where did you get your dress?...........Gertie At the W.I.Jumble sale. All the best people get their clothes at Jumble sales. They have that 'je ne sais quoi' which one never gets in the shops these days..........Minnie Not if they're mean like you. Mine came from Mary Quant and they cost the earth...........Buttons The more you pay – the less you get – so it seems!
Gertie I had a bit of luck with my wig, though I need to wear these false ears with it. I got the wig from the Theatre – through a friend..........Buttons Whose was it? Ratty's (note from Avril – The wind in the willows was on at the Theatre at that time)
Minnie moving down stage to footlights There – I'm finished too. I think I look really groovy, don't you think?...........Gertie joining her down stage Yes, like a ploughed field........They both sing – Gertie first........Anything you can wear, I can wear better........I can wear anything better than you.........The two argue in song No you can't - Yes I can.....No you can't - Yes I can.........Minnie No you can't No you can't No you can't.........Any man you can charm, I can charm faster....I can charm anyone faster than you........The two argue in song.... No you can't Yes I can........No you can't - Yes I can.............Gertie No you can't No you can't No you can't........I could charm Dandini – in my new bikini.......Minnie I could do it better in a slinky sweater.........Gertie I can sing like Sandie Shaw.......... Minnie Who wants to do that? So can the cat......Cat Miaow............Minnie Anything you can dance I can dance better........I can dance anything better than you...........Gertie & Minnie No you can't Yes I can No you can't Yes I can No you can't - No you can't. YES I CAN.........CINDERELLA MOVES FORWARD HURRIEDLY TO SEPARATE THEM BARON ENTERS FROM RIGHT...........Cinderella You look very fine. Minnie! Gertie! Now you have all your new clothes, would you lend me some of your old ones, so that I can come to the Ball too?..........Minnie & Gertie
You!...........Minnie Who do you think you are? Get along with you! Poke the fire – scrub the floor - clean the windows. How dare you suggest going to the Ball with us............Gertie catching sight of the Baron Popsie! What do you think of us? …....Baron Weeellll..........Minnie Aren't we fantastic?..............Buttons I'll say you are!!!..........Baron Isn't that a bit.......old fashioned.............Gertie This? It's real gear this is.............Baron I see! Isn't that a bit low?..........Minnie But it's the very latest from Carnaby Street..........Baron What about Cinderella! What is she going to wear?............Gertie Cinderella! Don't be silly. She's not going!.........Minnie Come on! The coach is waiting. Goodbye.........BARON AND TWO UGLY SISTERS SWEEP OUT TO THE RIGHT AND BACK OF STAGE......

CINDERELLA MOVES TO THE STOOL AND SITS ON IT AND SINGS. BUTTON STAYS NEAR HER. CAT SITS ON THE FLOOR NEARBY..........
Cinderella singing to the tune …...uncertain........All alone – yes – I'm all alone.......There is no-one left but me.....All alone – and I've never known.......All the fun they share at the Castle there.......Buttons putting his arm around her shoulders and singing........What alone! No! Your'e not alone.........There is someone here with you........Who will dry your eyes and sympathise..........And who lives and dies all alone too.........Button Silly things! Even in that old dress, you are much prettier than they are. If the Prince saw you, he'd want to marry you, like I do. Will you marry me Cinderella?.........Cinderella No Buttons! I'm afraid not, but I'm very fond of you. You're the only person who is kind to me. Oh and you pussy! Oh well, I must go and hang the washing out......Cat purrs and rubs his head against her as she bends down to pick up the basket.....Buttons I'll do that for you Cinderella. I'd do anything for you. Picks up the basket and takes it out right – at back of stage/............
Cinderella sitting down on the stool again Oh dear! I do wish I could go with them. I should love to go to a Ball.

FAIRY GODMOTHER COMES IN LEFT AND STANDS LOOKING OVER TOWARDS CINDERELLA ON THE STOOL. CINDERELLA JUMPS UP AND STEPS BACK IN ALARM.......Fairy Godmother Goodevening Cinderella! Why are you crying?...........Cinderella Oh! You did make me jump. Who are you? Can I help you?............Fairy Godmother I am your Fairy Godmother............. Cinderella You don't look like one................Fairy Godmother I'm a Welsh one.

Note from Avril. Christine Evans, a year beforehand, had been bridesmaid at her sister's wedding to a Welsh groom, and her bridesmaid outfit was the National Costume of Wales. She wore this as the Fairy Godmother – hat and all.

Fairy Godmother Tell me – why are you crying?.......Cinderella sobbing Because my step-sisters have gone to the Ball – and - and I do wish I could go too............
Fairy Godmother Dry your tears. You SHALL go! There – cheer up............Cinderella (standing) I'd like to go - but - I am afraid I can't! I haven't anything to wear – except these shabby clothes.........''''Fairy Godmother I have a beautiful dress for you. Now! Where are my mice. (calling to left side) Mice! Mice! Come on!..............Cat looking excited and expectant Miaow...........Fairy Godmother pruning herself up ready for the magic
Now – let's get down to work. Sleeves up! Tummy in! Shoulders back! Chin up! Do a little dance (she does so) Now I think we're ready. Calling once more to the mice.) Mice! Come on!..........

The mice enter in a long line going across the stage – round the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella - and the chest – and back again, eventually coming to a stop facing the Fairy Godmother

1st Mouse Four steps forward.........2nd Mouse Four steps forward (looking back to the third mouse) Mind my tail!..........3rd Mouse Four-steps-forward-mind-my-tail......4th Mouse (Looking behind him at the 5th mouse) Ouch!........5th Mouse Ouch.........4th Mouse looking indignantly at the 5th mouse.....No! That's not your line!....... 5th Mouse Four steps forward...........4th Mouse That's better!.........Cat eagerly following after the mice Miaow...........6th Mouse Ouch cat! You're treading on my tail...........Cat Miaow..........6th Mouse indignantly Go away – and get off my tail........Cinderella moving over to the Cat Pussy! You really must behave...........Fairy Godmother Just a minute! There are only six mice. Where are the other two?.......Fairy Godmother goes left to the side curtain Come on! Come on! Don't keep me waiting!.........7th Mouse (rushing onto stage quickly followed by 8th Mouse I had to go and look for the littlest mouse..........Fairy Godmother Oh – tut - tut! Where were you hiding?.............8th Mouse I wasn't hiding! I was fast asleep..........Fairy Godmother
Well – open your eyes wide. I have work for you to do. Right mice – open the chest!

The mice gather around the chest – and open it – and take out Cinderella's Ball dress

Cinderella Oh Fairy Godmother! What a lovely dress...........Fairy Godmother
Put it on Cinderella. Gather around Mice. The mice gather around Cinderella with some more material they have taken out of the chest. Who's peeping? Mice shouting That cat!.........Cat Miaow...........Fairy Godmother I'll settle that Cat in a minute. He'll wonder what has hit him.........

Buttons enters from right with empty washing basket Buttons. I've hung the washing out Cind...... Why – what is happening?.............Fairy Godmother Out you go young man! You can't stay here while a lady is dressing for a Ball...........Buttons Who are you?.........Fairy Godmother
Never you mind. I am getting Cinderella ready for the Ball. Buttons putting down the washing basket in its original place Oh – is she going. I'm so glad...........Fairy Godmother And if you want to be of any help, you can find me a pumpkin.............
Buttons We have a big one. We got it from the Harvest Festival. Mr. Harris grew it.

(Note from Avril. Mr. Harris was noted for growing the biggest vegetables each year for the Garden Show)

Fairy Godmother That's good! Put it down outside the door............Button exits right back Fairy Godmother Good! That's got rid of him. We don't want a man here critisizing everything we do, and making out he can do much better. Who laughed just then?.........The mice That Cat!........The Cat Miaow! Spit!..........
Fairy Godmother Right! Another mark on the scoreboard. That Cat certainly has a lot of punishment in store for him,. Cinderella– are you ready?............Cinderella Yes..........Fairy Godmother Come on then. Let's see you. Who is that wolf whistling?.............The Mice That Cat............Cat Miaow..........Fairy Godmother
If I hear one more peep from you, I'll magic up forty Boxer dogs to chase you up the tallest tree. We'll start off with Mrs. Haines' dog – and then we'll go on to the Labradors. They'll soon finish you off!

Note from Avril. Mr. Haines was regularly seen walking his Boxer dog with his wife Kay. When Mr. Haines died suddenly, Kay married his best friend Leslie Ball who also loved Boxer Dogs)

Cat Miaow.....The mice gather together front centre stage and sit down. Cat stays where it is.......Cinderella Oh Fairy Godmother! What about shoes? I can't dance at the Palace with bare feet........Fairy Godmother Bless me! I nearly forgot! Here you are! Taking them out of the chest.........Cinderella How lovely! They are made of glass!...........Fairy Godmother They are! They are fairy slippers and will only fit the one person for whom they are made. Now! Off you go and enjoy yourself..........Cinderella How shall I go? It's too far to walk – and I would spoil my lovely clothes...........Fairy Godmother Oh dear me! I had forgotten. I've got transport for you outside – if that young man has done his job properly..... She walks to side stage right at back I just need to wave my wand...........(She does so - Buttons rushes in from that exit and comes to Cinderella)..........Buttons Guess what Cinderella! A beautiful coach! One minute a pumpkin – the next a coach! A golden coach with royal blue velvet seats and gold tassels.........Cinderella Oh! Oh! Oh! I can't believe it!......... Buttons Cinderella! You do look beautiful in that dress........Fairy Godmother moves forward centre stage Fairy Godmother Now then! Some horses! Where are those mice?...............Mice scramble to their feet and stand to attention lined up to one side of Fairy Godmother lst Mouse Here we are!
2nd Mouse All present and correct.........3rd Mouse And standing at the ready......
4th Mouse With our tummies tucked in...........5th Mouse And our shoulders back-to-front..........6th Mouse If only that Cat would get off my tail............Cat Miaow..........Cinderella Come here pussy. (Cat moves towards Cinderella) Now behave. These mice are not for eating...........7th Mouse Oh dear! I think the littlest mouse has fallen asleep again!...............8th Mouse I'm not sleepy really. Just a little tired..........Fairy Godmother Eight white horses you will be. Now! Quick march! (She points them to the right exit). Outside that door and stand in the proper places. The mice march out in line Mice One two – one two – one two etc.........Fairy Godmother follows behind them and as the last one leaves the stage, waves her wand. Cat M.....i.......i.....i.....i......a......o.....w. He rushes to the chest and throws himself in. Fairy Godmother turning to Cinderella There! There are your horses! Now! A coachman!........Buttons There's a big rat in the rat-trap.......... Fairy Godmother Just the thing! Go and put it by the coach...........
Buttons moves towards the right back exit turning to Fairy Godmother to say:-Buttons And there are two green lizards sitting on the wall...........Fairy Godmother
Splendid! Then you can have two footmen, Cinderella........ She follows Buttons to the right exit – and Buttons exits Cinderella May I go and have a look Fairy Godmother?..........Fairy Godmother moving right down and pointing to the 'window'
Look out of the window my dear – just in case the magic goes wrong...............................Cinderella moves to her side and looks out of the 'window'
Cinderella Oh! Oh! Oh! What a beautiful coach – and just look at those lovely white horses. Oh! There's Buttons. He's got the lizards and he's just putting the rat on the coachman's seat.........Fairy Godmother waves her wand Cinderella
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Fairy Godmother! It's perfect!........................................

.
Fairy Godmother sings to the tune Where have you been all the day, Billy Boy, Billy
Boy Say goodbye and off you go.........To the Ball! To the Ball..........For your coach is here to take you to the Ball..........It will take you in a trice..........With it's team of mettlesome mice...........To the dancing and the romancing.........With Prince Charming at the Ball..........Buttons enters right back stage......... Fairy Godmother
But wait Cinderella! There is just one thing. Mind you leave before the clock strikes twelve. If you don't, all your lovely things will vanish, and you will be shabby little Cinderella again............Cinderella I won't forget. Goodbye dear Godmother......Cinderella exits right back with the Fairy Godmother and Buttons following her to the 'door , Fairy Godmother and Buttons singing..........Say goodbye and off you go.........To the Ball – to the Ball.........For your coach is here to take you to the Ball.......It will take you in a trice.......With its team of mettlesome mice....To the dancing and the romancing........With Prince Charming at the Ball

DO NOT CLOSE THE CURTAINS UNTIL THE CAT RUNS OUT The Cat clambers out of the chest with a riding whip and hat – and runs after them. CLOSE THE CURTAINS!

SCENE 4

ANTE-ROOM AT THE PALACE

The 'doors' are roughly the same as in the last scene – but in place of the square table is a 'Throne' – not quite centre stage and more to the back than in the middle of the stage There is a large vase of artificial flowers left near the footlights The King with oversized crown on, and Queen enter from right and stand centre – the Queen knitting as usual

Queen Well! That's 136 guests. Oh, it's nice to have a crowd at the Palace.............
King My crown's too big for me. How can I address my people when I'm speaking through two diamonds and six rubies. I can't think how you managed to get the measurements wrong...............Queen Well – I was in that much of a hurry luv, that I didn't notice you had your gardener's hat on at the time. It looks very nice you know. …........King And I didn't want these people coming here either. I was going to clean out my goldfish pond today. It hasn't been done for two days – and look at my flower bed! There are at least four weeds in it............Queen Never mind Luv. You can do your gardening tomorrow. After all, we don't often have Balls here..........
King I don't like them. They upset my corns. Let's cancel it............Queen But some of them have arrived already. Anyrate – it's for our Eldest and Dearest – bless his heart. Ah me! He was such a sweet little duck when he was tiny..........King That reminds me. I haven't been to see my ducks yet. They'll never lay any eggs if I don't go and talk to them..............Queen I thought you went to see them first thing this morning..............King I did – but I tripped over my pyjama trousers. You made them too big for me, and the elastic's too tight. It digs into my tummy and gives me bad dreams............Queen They're such a pretty colour though. Shocking pink looks so becoming on you luv. Ah! Here come some more visitors. Now, do smarten yourself up luv. (she calls right) Eldest and Dearest! Come on! More guests are arriving, (turns back to the King) Now luv - put your crown on straight and stop twitching your eyebrows.

Enter Prince Charming right Prince Charming How many more guests are coming Mother? He stands beside the Queen.........Queen Three hundred and sixty four. I hope you have found plenty of nice girls to chat to..........King Hallo Charming. Why can't you find a wife in a decent way, like everyone else. I hate Balls! I want to clean my goldfish instead – and my crown is slipping down again....... Queen Hush luv. Here come our next guests........

(enter Dandini from left) Dandini announcing His most Regal Excellency – the most Noble, Gracious, Highly Favoured Esteemed and Wellbeloved Medical Officer for Health, Dr. Ivor McCroscope and his wife Mrs. McCroscope.......

Note from Avril. Mark Harris took the part of the Medical Officer for Health by wearing a kilt and sporran with his white shirt as he entered the Palace.. Dr Bramwell was the Medical Officer for Health for South Warwickshire at the time of this show, and he was renowned for celebrating Burns Night each year complete with kilt, sporran, bagpipes and piping the haggis..........All the guests as they arrive either bow or curtsey to the King and Queen before crossing over stage and exiting by 'door' on right Dr, Mc How do you do your Majesty. How's your temperature today? Take these four times every five minutes.........Queen And this is my son Charming.......Mrs. Mc to Charming My goodness! Isn't your hair long – and your trousers are very tight – aren't they!.......Charming It's the fashion.........Mrs. Mc It's a disgrace!..........Dr. Mc Come on my dear. Let's go into the Ballroom. Start up the bagpipes. They exit Dandini announcing The Master of Ceremonies and General Organiser of village Entertainments – Mr. R. U. Redinou, and his wife Mrs,. I. M. Redinou..........Mr. Red Nice of their Majesties to have invited us to the Palace. I hope they'll join us in a game of darts later in the evening...........Mrs. Red Ah at last! This carpet is very faded. It has a lot of dirty marks on it...........Mr. Red This place is probably used as a bingo hall. (Note from Avril. The village hall was used for Bingo every Wednesday at that time) The furniture isn't very posh. Look at this stature. It should have been thrown in the dustbin long ago...........King But I'm the King!...........Mr. Red Oh – how do you do your Majesty...........Mrs,. Red to the Queen What are you knitting? I can give you a far better pattern. That one is no good. The head has gone crooked and the edges aren't straight........Mr,. Red This stature is a fine speciman. It's got a good figure. How much would you take for it?.......Queen That's my Eldest and dearest..........Mr. Red Is it? What do you feed it? It grows very well.........Mrs. Red Come on dear. I can hear the music playing. I hope we'll hear the Top Ten They exit........Dandini announcing.....The Captain of the Girl Guides – Miss I. C. Gurlzinbleu.........Miss G Hallo everyone. Stand to attention. Line up for inspection, and let me see your reef knots. Hallo your Majesty. Oh I'm glad to see you keep your buttons shining. Your medals could do with a little more polish, and you must get my Guides to work on your crown. With a bit of spit and elbow grease, they could transform it into a shining diadem.........King Could they make it smaller?..........Miss G Yes! Yes! They can do anything. (To the Queen) And what are you knitting your Majesty? Dishcloths?..........Queen This is a Grandad-Vest...........Miss G. A Grandad-Vest! Fancy! Are you working for your Needlework Badge? …...... Dandini announcing The Reverend Dai A'pe Williams..... Miss G Oh – here come some more guests. I'd better leave you to them. She exits.......Rev, Aaaah Majesty. I can't stop long I'm afraid. I appear to have lost my Church Choir. Can't find them anywhere, I suppose you haven't seen them, have you?........King I'm afraid not.......Rev And our Choir Master seems to be missing. It's very unfortunate. Choir practise will be starting shortly and I've got no-one to help me.........King You could always borrow our Court Pianist. He's hanging around somewhere........Note from Avril. The Church Choir Master and organist was the pianist for our show, and was just below the stage on the Hall floor, ready to play the piano.........Rev Aaaah. Thank you He exits.........Dandini announcing.....The President of the Flower Arranging Club, Miss M. T. Varz.......Miss V. Good evening your Majesties. I took the liberty of bringing these buttonholes for you. Oh dear! Who did your flowers? They are much too wide for their height, aren't they! There – that is better. I must go and look at the ones in the ballroom. She exits........Dandini \announcing The Verger, Mr. Ivor Robenstaffe.........Mr. R. Hallo your Majesty. I should sack that young man. He's no good at all. You want a good strong voice like mine to announce the guests. Note from Avril – Jack Radbourne our Verger was well known for his loud voice with the words all joined together so no-one really understood what he was saying – or singing) It's never let me down so far. And I can lead in the dancing if you like. Just strike up the violins and I'll soon get going..........King Thank you. If you go through that door, you might find a young lady who you can take on your arm in the next waltz............Dandini announcing.......The President of the Womans Institute .Miss J. U. Salem.........Miss S. Now then – what's the subscription? Oh, don't we have to pay any? Your Majesty I am delighted to be here and I am looking forward to eating some of your Palace-made cookies. Will there be any cookery demonstrations? I'm longing to try out some new recipes............King I'm afraid there won't be enough time......... Miss S Oh, what a pity, but you will make enough time for us to sing Jerusalem. It's such a stirring tune............King We were going to finish with the National Anthem..........Miss S. Oh, you can have that too – but you must – simply must – have Jerusalem. To the Queen - Oh, your Majesty,. I see you've been doing some knitting. Is it for our Bring and Buy?.........Queen I'm afraid not...........Miss S.
What a pity. Perhaps you'll be able to find something for our Jumble Sale instead. Any silver, candleabra, Persian Carpets, golden thrones – or anything like that?........
Queen Well – I don't know.........Miss S Perhaps you'll have a look around. How nice the music sounds. She exits right.........Dandini announcing....The Baron Shoestring and the Misses Gertrude and Minhelma........Enter Baron and Two Ugly sisters from left and approach King and Queen....Baron Your Majesty. May I introduce my daughters to you. This is Minhelma.........Minnie Oh King – would you like to have me as your daughter?........King It's bad enough having you as a brother let alone anyone else! Note from Avril. Stephen Leonard-Williams playing the part of the King was the younger brother of Paul Leonard-Williams playing the part of Minnie) Anyrate – it's for Charming to decide.............Baron And this is Gertrude.........Gertie Your head is very small. Your crown keeps slipping down. Have my ears! She takes off her false ears and places them on the King's ears.........
King Thank you! That's much better! What a clever idea.............

Dandini There your Majesties – that's the lot...........King Is that really the lot?......
Dandini It's all I have on the list.........King But we have only had 379 guests so far – and I sent out 500 invitations!............Dandini I know – but there's a Dart Match on, and you know how popular those are............King to the Queen Oh dear! Come on my dear. Let's go into the Ballroom. They both go off-stage right........

Charmingto Dandini
There's no-one here that I'd dream of marrying,. They are all as plain as puddings and as dull as dishwater. Whatever can I do? Trevor can you make the noise of horses hooves! Someone else has arrived. Go and see who it is Dandini

Dandini exits left and immediately returns Dandini Indeed – someone else has arrived. Your highness – come and see for yourself............Charming moves left to Dandini – then steps back in amazement as Cinderella enters. They both move to centre stage.............Charming bowing low and taking Cinderella's hand.....Good evening Princess. Your very humble servant........Cinderella curtseying Your highness........Dandini Allow me to take your cloak Princess He does so. Trevor be ready to take it from him.......Charming Princess, will you do me the honour of dancing with me........Cinderella But – shouldn't you be dancing with some other lady?...........Charming For me – there is no other lady.........

Trevor – while Charming and Cinderella are singing and dancing, can you get the following couples in order – ready to come dancing in:- 1st couple – Oliver and Deborah - Nigel and Christine - Katrina and Mark - Emma and Ian Cole - Lizzie and Chris - Stuart and Julie - Stephen and Elaine

Charming singing to the tune Strauss Blue Danube.........O Lady I long......To dance with you........Cinderella I just can't believe......That this is true........I didn't expect......The Prince to meet........Charming.......... I never have seen.........A maid so sweet.......And while we are dancing....Side side.......I'll ask you to be......My lovely bride........Cinderella.......A royal Princess?........Charming.........Nothing less..........
Both.........What a dream of happiness.........They both dance out of the room right

Minnie and Gertie enter from right and come to centre of stage Minnie Well Gertie! Did you see her? Whoever is she?........Gertie She reminds me of someone, but I can't think who! They always fall for those obvious man-chasers. Poor Prince Charming! Mark my words, she'll lead him a proper dance...........
Minnie Did you see her shoes? Plastic! That's what they were. Plastic! You could see her toes through them. Disgusting I call it – and no nail varnish either.......
Gertie Well, I wouldn't demean myself by making myself cheap like that. Come on Minnie, if the Prince hasn't the sense to ask us to dance, at least we won't be wallflowers..........CUE LAWRENCE FOR STRAUSS WALTZES............Ugly Sisters start to dance as the following couples come in dancing from left - Oliver Fowler and Deborah Carvell - Nigel Barrow and Christine Carvell - Katrina Barrow and Mark Harris - Emma Dench and Ian Cole - Lizzie Bailey and Christopher Rawlings - Stuart Dodd and Julie Pardo - finally King and Queen.......As they dance, Ugly sisters exit left. Lawrence, be ready to switch music from Strauss to Pop Music.........
As very loud pop music starts, Ugly Sisters enter left and come straight down to footlights on left, Minnie playing guitar and Gertie playing bongo drums. All the dancers switch from dancing to Strauss and start modern dancing..........When music finishes, Dandini to enter from right...........Dandini announcing loudly......Supper is served ….....All the guests, and the Queen rush out exit to right - leaving the King hidden behind the throne. After a pause, his hand appears at the top of the throne – then the other hand. Finally his head with the crown tipped on one side. Slowly he straightens his crown – then walks slowly and solemnly to exit on right.........PAUSE....Enter Dandini with Queen.........Queen Dandini! Who is that young woman dancing with the Prince?.........Dandini She gave no name your Majesty, but from the way the Prince is gazing at her.......Queen nodding her head......
Enter King from right minus one false ear King Thank goodness for that. I've had enough. My corns are killing me and I've lost one of my ears. How can I dance with my crown lopsided...........Queen Now that Charming has found a wife, there's no need to carry on with the dancing...........King I think it's about time this Ball came to an end in any case. The elastic is going in my trousers, and I can't keep them up much longer...........Queen We'll wait until Charming announces his engagement, and then we'll send everyone home...........King I shall abdicate as soon as I can, and then I shall have time to go fishing...........Queen And I shall be able to finish my knitting........All three exit to right........LIGHTS GO OUT – BUT NO CURTAIN

THREE HOURS LATER LIGHTS!............enter Prince Charming and Cinderella from right.......Charming This has been the most wonderful evening of my life. Lovely Princess, won't you please tell me your name.........Cinderella Oh your highness – what am it to say? How can I tell you LAWRENCE SOUND OF CLOCK STRIKING MIDNIGHT PLEASE NOW What is the time? Please tell me..........Charming The clock is striking midnight.........Cinderella Midnight! Oh, I must go. Cinderella runs to exit left with after an interval Prince Charming following – but not running.........Charming calling after her....Go? But the Ball will not end for hours! Of course you must not go!. Princess - stop - stay!........Dandini enters from left.....Charming still calling after Cinderella....Dandini! Princess – stop! Dandini! Quick!......Dandini Your highness! What is the matter? Where is the Princess?..........Charming She is gone! Dandini, go after her. Catch her! Bring her back. She cannot go.......... Dandini exits left......... Charming walks back to centre stage I don't even know her name!.........Dandini returns from left and shakes his head to Prince Charming.........Charming She is gone then? Where? Which way?.........Dandini I didn't see her. I saw no-one but a shabby kitchen-maid running down the road. No-one else. But I found this. Shows glass slipper to Prince Charming. Charming takes it from him and faces the audience looking at the slipper.........Charming It is hers! So tiny! So dainty! No-one else could wear it. Dandini, I swear to you I will marry no-one except the lady to whom this letter slipper belongs............CURTAIN

SCENE 5 THE BARON'S KITCHEN Square table centre back with a chair either side and one at back of table. On the table the Baron's 'dinner' -possibly the pike!..........Robin – can you line up the couples in the following order :--1st couple Lizzie Bailey and Christopher Rawlings - next Martyn Spragg - 2nd couple Kevin Roles and Abigail Barrow - 3rd couple Katrina Barrow and Ian Cole - 4th couple Nigel Barrow and Deborah Carvell - 5th couple Stuart Dodd and Emma Dench - 6th couple Julie Pardo and Mark Harris - 7th couple Christine Carvell and Carolyn Spragg.........Also make sure the following are on your side of the stage - Elaine Harris and Stephen Leonard-Williams......... Trevor – can you make sure you have on your side, the tray containing the plastic beakers ready to give Buttons

CURTAINS OPEN TO GERTIE AND MINNIE SINKING INTO THE CHAIRS EITHER SIDE OF THE TABLE. BUTTONS IS TO THEIR RIGHT BUT A LITTLE NEARER TO THE FOOTLIGHTS THE BARON IS LEFT STAGE AT FRONT LOOKING TIRED - and IN HIS SOCKS. His slippers are near to Buttons

Gertie I feel shocking!..........Minnie So do I!.........Buttons You look it too!.......
Gertie Who told you to speak - impudence! Well – I wonder who the Prince will marry after all that.......... Minnie He didn't even dance with anyone except HER!.....
Buttons Who is HER?..........Gertie A strange Princess! Mind you – she was quite good-looking - if you like that type...........Minnie Well – HE liked the type alright. But no-one knew who she was!............Baron I heard that the Prince doesn't know either........... Gertie Fancy! Playing hard-to-get I suppose. The sly thing!...... Enter Lizzie Bailey and Christopher Rawlings - Martyn Spragg (Dandini) Kevin Roles and Abigail Barrow - Katrina Barrow and Ian Cole - Nigel Barrow and Deborah Carvell - Stuart Dodd and Emma Dench - Julie Pardo and Mark Harris - Christine Carvell and Carolyn Spragg(Prince Charming) all spaced out around the stage Buttons in surprise It's Dandini – The Prince's friend!.........Baron looking very flustered....Where are my slippers?...... Buttons gets them for him and he puts them on........Good-day Signor Dandini. What can I do for you?..... Dandini moves to centre stage Dandini I am the bearer of a proclamation from the Prince.......The Ugly Sisters sit up and take notice and as Dandini speaks rush forward to him – one of them bringing a chair..........The Prince has said.......That he will wed.......The lady whose foot.......This slipper will suit.......Ladies! One at a time please. You first Madam.......

Gertie placing the chair down and promptly sitting on it.....Miss if you please........ She snatches the slipper from Dandini and tries it on....... Ouch! Ow! There is something in the toe, I'm sure........Dandini No! The shoe is far too small. Stop Madam, you will break it......... Minnie grabs the slipper from Gertie and pushes her off the chair, sitting on it herself and attempts to put the slipper on her foot...........
Minnie There! It's on! Oh how exciting! Where is the Prince?............... Prince Charming hides behind Deborah Carvell.........Dandini to Minnie.....Permit me Madam. Madam! This is a shoe, not a corn plaster!..........He turns to the Baron...”Are there any more ladies in this house?.......Gertie None!........Buttons Yes there is. What about Cinderella?........Dandini Cinderella! Who is she?...........Gertie Only a kitchen wench with feet like a cart-horse!..........Button Cinderella has feet like a fairy!..........Dandini Whoever she may be, she must try the slipper. Go and fetch her! Buttons exit left.........Baron stepping forward and pushing the Ugly Sisters towards back of stage........What these ladies say is not true. Cinderella is my daughter – their step-sister. But I fear it cannot be her slipper. She was not at the Ball..........Buttons enters left bringing Cinderella by the hand. They both face Dandini. Prince Charming steps slightly forward un-noticed by Ugly Sisters, Baron Dandini and Cinderella and Buttons........... Dandini to Cinderella.....
Lady, I have been ordered by the Prince to find the owner of this little slipper. Will you please try it on?...........Cinderella sitting on the chair and looking up at Dandini who hands her the glass slipper..... But what will happen if it fits me?.......Gertie Fits you! What impertinence! Do as you are told child and then get back to your work.......... Charming stepping nearer at the sound of Cinderella's voice. Cinderella sits on the chair and tries on the slipper ….... It is she! He steps forward and kneels before Cinderella. Cinderella – will you marry me?.......

Cinderella standing up and facing Charming........But Prince, I am only a poor girl, working in the kitchen and waiting on my step-sisters.........Charming taking her hand and leading her to centre front near the footlights......No matter. When you marry me, you will be a Princess and they must wait on you. Dandini, ask my parents to come here........As Dandini exits right, the Fairy Godmother enters left – with the cat following. Cat immediately smells the Barons dinner and goes over to the table, snatches it, and brings it to the footlights left.........Fairy Godmother standing front facing Cinderella and Charming......Well Cinderella! So you did enjoy the Ball?........Cinderella Oh Fairy Godmother, I owe it all to you. But I wish that I still looked like a Princess as I did then..........Fairy Godmother Come with me, and we will see what we can do.........Fairy Godmother and Cinderella exit left. Baron walks up to the table and finds his meal is gone. He turns and walks towards Charming Baron Well highness – er – son. I'm sorry I can't offer you any dinner (he notices the Cat with his dinner) - but it left in rather a hurry!........ Charming But we must drink. Drink to my future wife and our happiness.........Baron Oh yes! What a good idea. Buttons bring in the lemonade.........Buttons exits left. Trevor be ready to hand Buttons the tray containing the drinks – as quickly as possible...... Buttons returns with tray taking it to first Baron and Charming – and then around the group.
Minnie and Gertie huddle in a corner left back whispering to each other

Baron Here's a glass your highness - er - son. Have a drink everyone. Now then, let's have a toast. To Prince Charming and his bride – my daughter Cinderella..........
Everyone Prince Charming and Cinderella..........Baron Now that everyone's drunk the toast, I'll sing a little song.........The cat gives a mighty screech Miaow and spit, picks up the Baron's dinner and tries to exit left, but hindered by various people and chased off the stage by Christopher Reynolds - both exit left...........Mattie Poor puss. I don't think he can like your singing.........Willum Couldn't we dance instead? I'm always ready for a dance.........Dickon We'll sing and dance – that is if you don't mind us dancing over your furniture...........Baron Carry on. It's good strong, sturdy stuff.........All the couples get together and whirl around the stage with one couple dancing on the square table. - all singing to the signature tune of 'The Archers an everyday story of country folk'......... All we hoped has come to pass........Cheers for Cinderella........Through a slipper made of glass........She has nobbled her feller.......
To her marriage in pumpkin carriage..........She'll soon be driving in splendour...........
So we hope the kindly fairies........Will joy and happiness send her........During the singing and dancing the two ugly sisters have made their way to the front of stage centre left. Baron and Charming return to front of centre stage right. The two dancers on the square table sit on the table listening

Minnie No! That won't work either........Gertie Alright then! You think of something. I've thought of hijacking the coach and.....Baron interrupting.......What are those two talking about?.........Buttons moving forward........They're probably thinking what to put in the advert.........Baron What advert?.........Buttons The advert to put in the Post Office window (Note from Avril - in those days we had a Post Office regularly used – now the home of Myles and Linda Pollock).......Baron What for?.........Buttons To advertise for two husbands of course...........Minnie That's a good idea!.........Gertie And we'll put a notice in the Working Mens Club.......
Fairy Godmother and Cinderella - in her Ball gown - enter from left and come to centre stage........Mattie Oh Cinderella – what a beautiful dress...........Phyllis And I do like your hair-do........Bertha You will be a beautiful Princess - Cinderella.........Sue I wonder if there are any younger Princes............Beatrice The very smallest Prince would be just right for me..........Isabel Oh Cinderella, can I be your bridesmaid?........Christopher Reynolds enters left with the Baron's dinner – the cat prowling in behind him........Baron Good gracious! That looks like my dinner....
Fairy Godmother looking sternly at the cat.....It's going to be my supper instead. I think I deserve it don't you. Good pussy, you know who does the work here!..........Cat Miaow!

Enter from right, Dandini, following by King and Queen – still with knitting in her hand. King and Queen come to centre stage standing to right of Cinderella and Charming......... King Well Charming! Dandini has just told me the news. Congratulations. Have my crown! Hands over his crown and puts it on Charming's head..........Charming Thank you father.......King It fits you better than it does me.
…....Queen How nice this all is and what a pretty daughter-in-law for me. You can wind my wool for me every morning if you like..........Charming No! She is going to help me rule my Kingdom. She'll be busy opening schools and factories and visiting Hospitals and attending State Opening of Parliaments.........Queen Oh, what a pity! I suppose I'll have to do my knitting on my own. I'd better start knitting the wedding dress. I hope you don't mind being married in orange luv. It's the only wool I have............ Charming Her wedding dress will be made of the finest silk covered with the daintiest lace I can find in the Kingdom.........Cinderella Oh – that will be pretty.........Fairy Godmother I'll have to tell my silk worms to get busy. Pussy are you coming with me?...........Cat Miaow.........Fairy Godmother Goodbye Cinderella. You see, a happy ending comes to all those who deserve it.........
Cinderella Goodbye dear Fairy Godmother..........Fairy Godmother and Cat go to side of stage back left but stay by the back curtains for the final song..........

The couple sitting on the square table stand up – and everyone holds their plastic beaker in their hands to sing again:but with the last few lines different words........All we hoped has come to pass.........Cheers for Cinderella........Through a slipper made of glass.......She has nobbled her feller........All that's pretty and droll and witty........We think that we have employed it.........Now our Pantomime is ending...........We hope that you have enjoyed it
CURTAIN THE END.

W.I. AND THE SLIDES AND TAPE WE SENT TO NEW ZEALAND

Avril Salmon (then Taylor) attended her first W.I. meeting at Clifford Chambers when she arrived in the village in 1967, having been heavily involved in the W.I. in the village she had come from. Within a year, she had been put on the Committee and given the job of “New Zealand Link” This involved sending correspondence to the link Secretary in New Zealand, Mrs Isla Tait at Gore W.I. after every monthly meeting.

Not quite sure how this 'link' had come about, she was told that Gore W.I. in New Zealand had sent our W.I. food parcels during the last War. When Avril found out many years later, that our W.I. didn't start until 1945, the older members, with their memories, had passed on, so no-one was able to tell her the facts.

However, she wrote letters each month to Isla which she tried to make as interesting as possible. A few months later, she accompanied her letters with little sketches of the humorous bits that took place each meeting of our W.I. But there were some meetings that weren't all that interesting for her to illustrate – or even write about.

Then she had the idea of sending photos, but as the idea of this correspondence was to have it shared amongst all the members of the Gore W.I., photos were not really appropriate.

So she put in her camera a film that would produce transparent photos. And why not – she thought – accompany these slides with a recording of W.I. members talking about the slides – so members of Gore W.I. will enjoy both views of our village and slides of various activities that went on in our village and around the area. Avril asked the W.I .members at the next meeting what they thought about it and would any of them be willing to record a message on the tape to be sent with the slides. The result was a 'yes' and a few put up their hands who were willing to help in the recording.

So after taking photos around the village and the area, and being given more photos by the members, she trundled round the village over many evenings for some weeks, with her very heavy tape recorder, and took recordings.

It was good! And successful! Avril always took care that a reasonable gap existed between each recording, so the voices did not overlap each other. All the members – except one – were willing for Avril to operate the tape as they talked about the photos in their hand.. Only one preferred to be in charge of the tape herself, so Avril left the tape with her, pointing out that the tape was in the right position for recording, with several seconds of tape well past the last recording, and all she had to do was move one knob, at the same time as moving another knob and the recording would start.

This member came to see Avril a few days later very apologetic. She had somehow recorded over part of the previous recording. But when Avril listened to the tape later, she found that fortunately, in an amazing way, both voices could be heard together and the previous recording could be heard easily over the last recording. So she left it, and when she sent the transparencies and the tape to Gore W.I. she explained the problem and hoped they would hear clearly the previous recording.

It was a long time before she ever thought about the slides again. She continued writing to Isla for many years – even though she was no longer able to go to the W.I. meetings. She had married by then and had her first child, but when baby No. 2 came along, he was a child who believed in screaming loudly from 7.00pm to 11.00 pm so all the whole village could hear – and Avril's husband found it was a bit too much for him! And that was the end of Avril's attendance at W.I. meetings though she carried on writing and sending Christmas cards to Isla until Isla's death, and she continued – and still writes – to Isla's daughter.

It wasn't until a friend mentioned to Avril what happened to the tape and slides, that Avril thought she would write to Isla who by now had left her W.I. due to ill health, and she found out that both tape and slides had been returned to Clifford some years later, to the then Secretary, Maisie Wilks. Maisie at the time Avril received the message from Isla, had become very ill and had died. Also the W.I. had ceased to exist, for it was replaced by Chamford.

After a message that she placed in the monthly Clifford News, Avril found the tape and slides had been left with Mary James and with no W.I. now existing, it was decided that the tape and slides would be left with Mary on behalf of Chamford.

However, there was no link with Gore W.I. from Chamford, so Avril, after many difficulties lasting several years, managed to acquire both tape and slides once more. But, unfortunately, found that some of the slides were missing.

But here they are, voices – many of whom are no longer with us – and the slides with just the voices only, where the slides are missing. So click onto here – and enjoy these voices from the past and the slides bringing back so many memories.

FILMS AT THE HALL

During the War the Vicar of Quinton drove every Thursday to Clifford Chambers with the back seat of his car full of projector and stand and latest popular film (black and white of course) and anything else he needed to put on a film show at the Jubilee Hall. Each Thursday he would set it all up, and once the Jubilee Hall was full of an audience of children and adults (and many had to stand as all the seats were taken very quickly), he started the film and then left his audience to watch the entertainment while he went off to the New Inn Pub for a drink

Most probably he had done the same at Quinton, for he seemed to know just when to leave the Pub and go back to the Hall in order to switch over the film to the next instalment – start it again, and go back again to the Pub to finish his drink.

It was a very popular entertainment, with many feeling they just couldn't wait until the next Thursday before they had this fascinating entertainment..

Maurice Woodfield remembers that for a few Thursdays they had to have this entertainment in the Village School as the Jubilee Hall had been taken over for something else. This or course meant a slightly longer walk for the Vicar to reach his drink at the Pub.

There was also dancing every Saturday but not always at the Jubilee Hall. The dance group went from village to village in the area, and the people followed them wherever they were – and sometimes it was Clifford Chambers' turn to have them. .

Chamford

By the late 1980's, many members were wishing their husbands could come along to the Meetings. And then, when it was realised there were not enough volunteers to form a W.I. Committee, nor likely to be in the future, a vote was taken. It was then very clear that the general feeling was to start an association which would involve men and women, meeting once a month.

A competition was held for the best name for this new association. The winner was Claire Woulfe with 'Chamford' i.e. first part of 'Chambers' and last part of 'Clifford'.

Clifford Wives

"Clifford Wives were formed in November 1965 by Norah Worth who lived at Red Hill Coach House. They were originally called 'The Young Wives', but when the original members aged and were not so young, it was changed, first to St. Helen's Wives, and then to Clifford Wives, so it could be open to all ladies whether they were a Church member or not."

Clifford 60's Club

Clifford 60 Club was formed in May 1973 by Mary James and Maisie Wilks, with over 50 members, meeting once a fortnight, but in the 1990s, membership had reduced dramatically in numbers, and for many years became just a monthly lunch at the New Inn in place of the fortnightly meetings."

Quest Club – told by Avril Salmon
“.....arrived at the Jubilee Hall in September 1982 when the Rectory was sold and what had been called the Sunday School and Children's Church then changed its name to Quest Club. Christine Wheeler and I had been left in charge of this work by Miss Baker, and we were totally unprepared for it! I had a toddler and Christine's son was only a year older. We started in the September. By November, I realised another baby was on the way, and Henry arrived on 27th May the following year, but by then Christine also found a baby was on the way too! So, with her taking over completely during May, I then had to take over completely in August when Calvin was born. It was a struggle
.
We were helped with the material published by Scripture Union which gave us brilliant ideas on how to tell the Bible story and add to the story, various activities that really attracted the children - involving craft-work, puzzles, games and cooking.

Numbers grew, and by 1989, many siblings wanted to come too. So we used the Rector's Room for the under 5's with a teenager taking them, first Sara Salmon then aged 14, and when A levels took over her life, Helen Sage then aged 14. Both girls also used the Scripture Union material which they found very helpful and the little ones really looked forward to their session on Sunday mornings. When exams loomed for Helen, then one of the mothers took over, Jen Snow and continued to do so until 1998 when the work came to an end.

Christine and I took the 5-8s in the Church Room, but when the older ones reached the age of 12, I knew we had to start another group, this time meeting one evening in the week in the Church Room.

By this time, with both Henry and Calvin starting school full time, Christine had started work again, and had gone into the managerial side. This meant weekend work. Volunteers took over Christine's side of the work (the activities) while I concentrated on the Bible Story and the best way to make it really interesting and applicable to the children. Our two regular volunteers were Janet Reason and Sarah Collins, with Sarah having an amazing gift at craft work. There were some Sundays neither of them could manage, but other volunteers took their place.

Lawrence helped me with the evening Quest Club for 9's to 13's; mainly team games in the main hall which they enjoyed thoroughly, ending with the spiritual side with plenty of questions and interesting discussions. By this time we were calling the three groups Infant Quest Club, Junior Quest Club and Senior Quest Club.

And we carried on growing in numbers - 33 young people coming regularly, and we had to start another group - 14's to 18's , first of all meeting in my house. There were nine altogether in this group, and we called ourselves Yoyo (You're Only Young Once). Welford had three young people in that age group, and they joined up with us. This brought some relief to me, as Welford volunteered to take them 3 Sunday evenings each month and I had them on the fourth.

Then, of course, they went to University, and my 9-13's came into this group - 12 boys and one girl - and all they wanted to do was play football!

They definitely had to go into the main room at the Hall. No-way was I going to have them in my small living room. We joined the Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, and were able to buy a table-tennis table, and also some 'five-a-side' football posts to put in the Rec. We also took them on outings to ten-pin-bowling, ice-skating, and to the snowdome, and, for the older ones, paintballing. But they were not interested in discussions or quizes or anything they considered boring, boring, boring. We brought speakers in on First Aid, Self Defence and even Wine Making - but still it had to be football more than anything else.

By this time, I had approached my 60th birthday, and one of the last events we had before I became ill, was a Strawberry Cream Tea with music provided by the talented children in our three main groups. And it was on that very day I caught a virus with very nasty side effects, one of which was that my thyroid glands were attacked, and the start of my back-trouble that I still suffer with. So, with me lying on a board fixed under the mattress of my bed for 5 months and doing nothing else except two trips a week to physiotherapy, everything had to come to an end. This was in 1998.

And now the Church room is no longer used by children, as there is no Youth work for the children of this Parish, and the Rector's room hasn't been used as a room for the spiritual needs of the Parish since that year.”

Easter Breakfast

"Why not hold an Easter Breakfast", the Scripture Union Magazine suggested one Palm Sunday many years ago, "and invite the Church family along?"

It was too late that year to organize one, and after discussion Avril and Christine thought it a Great Idea to have one in the Jubilee Hall for the following year. Avril made a note at the end of her diary, and at the beginning of the following year, she entered it in her new diary, at the same time, placing an article about it in the January Parish Magazine, followed by references to it in the February one.

In the March Magazine, she put requests in for food, crockery, toasters, and hostess trolleys, and peoples' individual preference for food - and the response was amazing!

Ninety people said they would be coming. In the two weeks before Easter, 90 name-places were made of different shades of card in the form of a round stone fastened to an equal number of 'tombs.' (which kept the name-places upright). A table-plan was blue-tacked to the wall of the hall, and as people arrived, (those who hadn't been at the Easter communion service arriving first, and the others coming later), they were able to find their places easily at the tables. And there, in front of them was the grapefruit, or cereal, or yoghurt they had ordered; the next course being toast and croissants kept warm in the hostess trolley.

On a table by the stage was a large wicker basket full of painted eggs. "How many children are coming?" asked Betty Dench when she volunteered, not only to hard-boil the eggs but paint them also and decorate them. As so many people were coming including guests staying with them, plus their children, we weren't quite sure, so we gave her the number of children then living in the Parish, and hoped for the best. Consequently, not only the children, but our senior citizens went home that day with a beautifully decorated egg.

One table was reserved completely for our noisy teenagers who, when all the food was eaten and people were sipping their coffee/tea/fruit juice, performed a humourous play on the stage called "The Sin Busters" which brought plenty of laughter coming from the adults and, when the Sin Busters fought against the two baddies by firing foam sprays at them of all different colours, even louder laughter came from the children. The baddies were pretty well covered with this stuff by the end as they ran off the stage and through the hall, scattering the foam in all directions as they passed the tables. Fortunately the foam came off easily.

We repeated the Easter Breakfast for many years, each time putting on a different type of entertainment. When Christine left Quest Club, Clare Lewis helped with the Easter Breakfast, and eventually took over the organising completely with Avril just helping. Then when a few years later Avril became ill, Clare was joined by Jen Snow helping.

But when first Clare moved out of the Parish and later Jen too, Easter Breakfast just came to an end, and was no more. It's a pity! We still have the hostess trolley with us though, given to the Jubilee Hall at the time of the first Easter breakfast. In fact, it was last used Christmas 2010, and still worked well.

Clifford Jubilee Hall a refuge for a homeless family.

Bobby – (an American citizen) and Emmanuel (a french citizen) and their two year old son Jonathan (born in the u.k.) arrived in the village, living at The Manor – Bobby as gardener at The Manor. But their stay there wasn't long!

Bobby with his long hair tied back, and Emmanuel were from what one would describe as the hippy set, and Bobby had been caught growing canabbis in the Manor greenhouses

They were thrown out straight away with their little boy, and they came to Avril seeking help. Brian Oulton allowed them to stay one night only at his flat; after that they slept in a child's tent pitched on the lawn of Doug and Clare Lewis' house in The Nashes. But that night, it poured with rain. The tent was not waterproof – so more had to be done for them.

Tony Reason took control. The Jubilee Hall was used as a refuge for them for a few days while Tony sorted out the legal work, first of all to get them married in order that both could go back either to America or France, and to sort out with Social Services a place for them to stay until all the legal work had been done.

In the meantime, Emmanuel had wonderfully transformed the Jubilee Kitchen into a homely living room and kitchen, and the Rector's room into a bedroom, using rosy pink material draped over the lights to soften the room and a large mattress on the floor with colourful bedding. .

The wedding was fixed at the Registry Office, and Bobby with a braided cap on his head, Emmanuel with flowers under her hat, little Jonathan speaking both English and French behaving himself beautifully, Tony (with camcorder) and Janet, Clare and Avril all suitably attired for a wedding and holding bags of confetti, attended.

Social Services found a B & B for them in Stratford, and later a caravan, so Tony, in particular, could relax knowing we had done all we could for them.

It wasn't so good for the family. Bobby's father said he would have Bobby back to work for him permanently, in USA, but Emmanuel's family had a proposition regarding Emmanuel and Jonathan. Her father, in France would pay for private schooling near his home, for his little grandson, and give work to Emmanuel, but although he had no objection to Bobby visiting his wife and son, Bobby was not to live with them! He was not a citizen of France – neither did he hold a French passport. The private school offered to Jonathan would give him the best education that Bobby and Emmanuel could ever wish for. The other grandfather in USA could not offer that. So the last we heard was that Bobby was living and working in the USA and Emmanuel and their son were living permanently in France.

A sad story, but what a story to add to the events going on at our Jubilee Hall.

GREAT FUN AT CHRISTMAS AT THE JUBILEE HALL – 2010!
Avril Salmon's story

“Fourteen people were coming to us for a Christmas celebration, who included two very active children, one active toddler and one baby crawling everywhere - so we booked the Jubilee Hall for the Tuesday after Christmas, so that the children would have plenty of room to move and have their being.

Then the ice-weather came, and builders' sand was spread over the pavement and the path leading up to the Jubilee Hall. People coming to events, walked in and out of the Jubilee Hall, and the sand spread its dust over the mat in the entrance hall and into the hall. The hoar frost came. The world looked beautiful, but the inside of the Jubilee Hall looked even more sandy, especially the mat.

Then a thaw came and, at last we were able to scrape and sweep up the sand and place two bucketfuls in a plastic container and place it beside the sandbags for future use. In place of the sand, we sprinkled salt, and Avril could start cleaning the Hall mat and floor.

She started the first on her knees scrubbing it with a nail-brush - but it worked, and the mat didn't look quite so yellow. On her knees she began washing the main Hall floor - and this was when she heard the sound of water coming, as it seemed, from a plug near the Hall floor.

It was 'The Leak' that had puzzled the Hall Committee for some two years, once it was realised that the Hall's water bill was higher than it should be. Searches could not find 'The Leak'. The plumber was called and the matter was dealt with.

Then the snow came. It was when Avril had finished cleaning the main Hall floor and started, the next day on the floor of the smaller room, that she found out no water was coming from the taps. "Oh no!" groaned Lawrence who, at that time was caught up in helping to prepare the Church for a candlelit service (with P.A. which had to be brought from the Jubilee Hall to the Church.)

This time the plumber was unable to come out, but acting on his suggestion, the heating was turned on in the smaller room at a low temperature. The door leading to the kitchen remained open, but the other closed, so that the heat would circulate into the kitchen. Lawrence opened the doors of the cupboards under the sink and draining tops, so that heat would reach the pipes inside.

Then, on Christmas Eve, when Avril went to the Jubilee Hall to start decorating for the celebration, she found water pouring down on the inside kitchen window, bouncing off onto the draining boards below and from there, onto the floor. "Oh no! groaned Lawrence leaning on his broom, his face grey from exhaustion as he attempted to sweep the snow from his garage door. "Oh no!" and his eyes closed in despair.

Worse was to come, for inspection revealed that water was also pouring from the light in the gents' toilet. Water was seeping from under the fridge in the kitchen - which didn't come from the fridge, but somewhere among the pipes. The plaster around the kitchen window was damp. All stop taps were turned off - everywhere.. The light circuit bringing light into the toilets and the main hall were also turned off. Avril still worked, decorating the main Hall each day, until late afternoon, and had to fumble her way out to the entrance door and Hall path in the dark.

But the Hall looked good with the dark green curtains decorated with Christmas baubles; one large Christmas tree in one corner with a half-moon of chairs plus four children's chairs, all resting on warm red carpeting. Tables placed alongside the stage, were laid for 14 people with decorated cloths and candles. Many thick candles were placed on the stage on tinfoil in front of the decorated green curtain, and scented candles were on all the window sills. A small silver Christmas tree by the hatch, and a taller silver one at the other end of the stage all added more light.

"You're not lighting those candles" said Lawrence when he first saw all the candles. But we had to, with the Hall in darkness. Only plugs were working in the main Hall, so we used two of the Jubilee Hall lamps to give a little more light.

It was beautiful - but hard work, as we had to bring so many jugs of water to place in the kitchen, and some more in the ladies toilet for washing hands, and two buckets of water to flush the toilets.

The Hall supplied us with a hostess trolley for warming up the plates and sausage rolls etc. The toys kept below the stage, were brought up to keep the children amused, and they loved racing up and down the length of the Hall with small bicycles and prams and baby walker (with the baby in it!). There was a Thomas the Tank Engine tent to crawl into. We portioned off a section of the length of the Hall with chairs draped over with duvet covers (Thomas the Tank Engine being one, and a Manchester United another!) plus sheets, so that a railway could be set up and played within that area, so little babies didn't crawl in and break it all up.

And our Christmas celebration was all in candlelight. Delightful!

'Great Fun' you ask? Well - yes - for you couldn't possibly say we had a boring and dull time over Christmas. Hard work - but yes - it was fun - Great Fun!”

Hall

2014-03-18T21:04:37Z

Avrilsalmon:

Roimond

2014-03-14T20:20:47Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "Tom there are quite a lot of photos of this family to put in somewhere!! ROIMOND I feel I'd like to start this article by saying “Once upon a time, there were two houses. ..."

Tom there are quite a lot of photos of this family to put in somewhere!!

ROIMOND

I feel I'd like to start this article by saying “Once upon a time, there were two houses. One was called 'Pepper Box'; the other was called 'Salt Box'. The postman always knew where to deliver letters - too! Where the two houses stood is just a mound of earth now on the B4632 going into Stratford, but it was at Pepper Box that Bob Tustain lived when Margery Salmon and Margaret Lively used to cycle past, hoping to catch the eye of tall handsome Bob.

He started off life in one of the farm cottages on Bridgetown Farm along the Banbury Road, having to walk, at the tender age of four-and-a-half to Alcester Road School and back, with only older brother Joe to look after him. He excelled at school in sports and in his last year, was appointed Captain of Sports. By the time he finished school at 14, father was working for Mr. Metters at Cross o' the Hill and the family were living at Pepper Box. From there, Bob joined in all the sporting activities at Clifford and was one of the first members to join a newly formed Working Men's Club at Clifford. He was a champion footballer, playing for Clifford to begin with, then moving on to Welford, Broad Marston, then Brailes.

An accident while playing the game, tore his kidney and he was ill for a long time. After that he was advised not to play football again, and he was left to gaze at all his football trophies and cups. Undaunted, he went on to cricket and tennis.

On leaving school at 14, he started work as carpenter for wheelwrights who, within a year became bankrupt. Archers were advertising for a young lad, and Bob applied. “Would you,” Mr. Archer asked him, “like to try a hand at black-smithing?” “Oh yes,” replied eager Bob and from then on he never looked back, celebrating over 50 years with the firm. He learnt the art under an old craftsman who so so strict that he gave Bob a hard time, but Bob admitted afterwards it was good grounding for him.

In the meantime, young Margery Salmon was attracting his eye. They had first met when the two families, out for a Sunday afternoon walk met and the two respective fathers stopped to chat. After that, it was a glimpse as the two girls cycled past. Then Bob, during a holiday visit to Brighton, took the plunge and bought Margery a gold brooch. From then on, the two were often seen together at the football and cricket matches.

Bob and his family were non-conformists and were inclined to visit the Baptist Church on Sundays now and then. Bob, with many other young men, attended the P.S.A (Pleasant Sunday Afternoons) at the Hippodrome in Wood Street. The building was packed each meeting when prominent people in the sports world would talk about their faith. Margery attended several with Bob, but Bob became irritated because Margery always had to hurry home for the evening service. She was in the choir and no way was she going to miss a service. “Why don't you come with me?” she pleaded and Bob came – and never stopped coming. He was confirmed in 1927 at the age of 21.

At the time, our Church too was packed every Sunday with people wanting to hear Canon Brookes preach. Mr. Baxter would attempt to hand out hymn books as the people poured in, and show newcomers to seats. In 1930 he asked two young men to help him – Bob Tustain and Cyril Green – the very first sidesmen.

Bob and Margery were married in 1936 and lived the first 20 years of their life at No. 2 The Nashes. Bob started a tennis club at Clifford and Margery every Saturday morning, would slip through the entry to the tennis court on the corner of The Nashes, mow the grass and mark out the court. In the afternoon she would be keeping the cricket score while Bob played and in the evening they played tennis.

The War came and the tennis finished. Because Archers were involved in agricultural implements, the men weren't called up. Bob instead, joined the Home Guard. Margery worked at Josephs and they both had to look after an 11 year old evacuee.

Bob had a vegetable garden. He loved gardening, especially vegetables and his plot was huge – right next to the Methodist Church. Their son Raymond, was born in 1947 and, finding No. 1 quite a squeeze (for Margery's mother was also living with them) they looked for somewhere else to live. The vegetable garden seemed an ideal spot for the house. Bob and Margery designed it' Harry Passmore worked out the plans and Moss Builders of Mickleton built it. In September 1956 the house was ready for them to move in. Rev. Lake joined all the family in a little service of blessing with Raymond carrying the bowl of water. On each door, the Rev. Lake sprinkled a cross, and with a little prayer, passed onto the next room. The Tustains had blissful, happy years in that home. The home “Roimond” was named more after Raymond Salmon who had died in the 1st World War, rather than Ray, the little boy living there with his parents.

Bob, in the meantime, was making fascinating things at Archers- a grill and door for David at the jeweller of Waterside; beautiful scroll work on the signboard of The Race Horse, Warwick, and in the village, the bull weathercock which gazes over the field, leading to the river. And the lantern over the Church porch. Warwick Castle held a 'Son et Lumiere' and found their lanterns were in a broken state. Bob replaced them: beautifully made – a real work of art. I have also seen a photograph of a bier made for Africa; a glass panelled box on fragile wheels topped with metal scroll work and two plumes – Bob having done the ironwork on it.

Clifford Church - Church Door Dedication

Bob partly retired from Archers in 1971 but still carried on working three days a week until 1975. it was in 1975 the BBC contacted him as the only blacksmith in the area, to do a documentary on the Farming Today series shown at 12.30 every Sunday morning. It was a lovely programme and I think we all enjoyed watching it. The whole of the programme was devoted to Bob and his work.

One of Bob's friends at Archers became ill in 1971 and Bob went to visit him in hospital. Being Bob, he also chatted to the man in the bed the other side of him. When his friend recovered and left hospital, Bob continued visiting his new acquaintance and once more chatted to the man in the bed the other side of him. He was still doing that 10 years later – with different patients of course! The men in the Ward looked forward to Bob's visit every Friday. He cycled everywhere and I was always amazed at the seemingly leisurely way he would cycle uphill on his large bike while I spent all my energy pushing my small bike uphill.

His love of plants extended to everyone. “I've got a little plant” he would say to anyone digging in the garden. “It would look just right there. Would you like it?”

Bob died very suddenly in April 1983, but I think there's a little bit of Bob in every garden in the village.

Barn Close

2014-03-14T20:06:11Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "BARN CLOSE (formerly part of Seth Smith's land) - AND PEGGY EVANS 'Barn Close' was part of Seth Smith's 'empire' of fruit trees and market produce attached to the barns th..."

BARN CLOSE (formerly part of Seth Smith's land) - AND PEGGY EVANS

'Barn Close' was part of Seth Smith's 'empire' of fruit trees and market produce attached to the barns there – also part of Barn Close and the Barn flats. In order for more houses to be built in rural areas, the Government through the County Councils insisted that every Parish had to be willing to give up sections of land for houses/bungalows, and Clifford Chambers Parish Council were told that 16 properties had to be built in the village. The area now known as Barn Close owned them by Mr. Barratt, was to be used for this. .

I have to include someone in these Memories who only came to the village at the end part of last Century, and was seen on the arm of Taffy (David) Evans. The long marriage of Taffy and his wife Sheila had come to an end, and for a long while Taffy felt lost – and lonely – and was seen many times with first one lady and then another on his arm.

Tom can the photo of Peggy be put in here

Then Peggy was seen on his arm. She was such a joyous person – wearing clothes that spoke of sunshine and singing birds – even when she was wearing Winter clothes! Yet, her life, right from birth, had been a struggle for her to survive.

She was born with only one lung - one of twins, in an ambulance! . She always thought that the reason she survived and her healthy twin didn't, was because the ambulance crew fought to save her life because of breathing difficulties, and didn't notice the healthy twin also needed attention.

Most of Peggy's life was taken up struggling to breathe. As a child lying in bed and coughing and coughing, there were many times when she heard the neighbours banging on their front door demanding that her father 'stop that child from coughing all night long and keeping other children awake' and she longed to die so that she would be no more trouble to anyone.

She was eight, when, with her young sister and little brother, she and all her school were bundled onto a train from Liverpool where they lived, to 'somewhere in Wales' to escape the bombing of the Liverpool docks.

She remembered that no teacher accompanied them on that long journey in their carriage. All those children sat there, with a packed lunch given them by the teaching staff and left to look after themselves. But Peggy had a problem. Not only could she not stop coughing and irritating the children, but her little brother needed the toilet. And there was no toilet.

In the end he messed himself, and the smell caused even more unkind remarks to be hurled at Peggy. But worse was to come.

At the Welsh station, one by one the children were picked out by various ladies and taken away by them. Peggy watched her little brother being taken away crying. Then her sister. Finally just Peggy was left, a very white-faced and ill-looking child with flaming red hair that had a tendency to curl.

No-one wanted to care for her during the children's evacuation there. The children's WVS lady took her around from door to door where the answer was always “No we have no room” But finally she was taken to a house where there was one room free - up in the attic, and the family had to take her.

It was not good for Peggy. If visitors came, Peggy was told to go upstairs and stay out of the way, sometimes eating her meals alone up there. When the family went out, Peggy was not to go with them. She had to stay behind – but not in the house. They couldn't trust her in the house. She had to stay on the front door-step until they returned.

On one of these occasions, Peggy's breathing was so bad, she was unable to get breath to speak. The family left her there, but fortunately called on the Doctor and informed him of her illness. And that was where the Doctor found her, sitting on the doorstep unable to breath. An eight year old girl far away from home. She was in hospital for a year, and when she came out she was placed with an elderly brother and sister who loved her – in fact adored her – that when eventually the War was over, Peggy did not want to go back and live with her family.

Back at home, her condition didn't get any better. She told me that one year, the attendance register showed that she had only managed school for one day only, and of course, when in Wales, the attendance register showed that she missed school the whole of the year.

Lack of schooling due to her illness meant that, by the time she left school to work, she could neither read or write in a way to satisfy any employers. Also her constant stays in hospital each year was not acceptable to anyone wanting to employ her full time.

She began doing voluntary work, and was still doing that into her seventies. She married while still quite young, and amazingly managed to carry full-time and bring up - four children! But many times during their school years, Peggy was in hospital with the children having to be put in care.

Her husband left her more than once, with Peggy struggling to keep the family together. He also got into debt and Peggy was left paying off the debt for many years, while she worked as caretaker in a Church. There had been one day before she had this job, when the whole family were turned out because the rent had not been paid, and Peggy tried to make the children comfortable sleeping on two park benches. It was a night she never forgot, and one of her voluntary jobs she took on in her 70's was working in the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen helping the homeless feel cared for and loved, for she knew what they were going through.

Eventually happiness and security came when, after her husband's death, she fell in love with a divorced man and father of 6 children who treated her with the love and romance she had always longed for. By this time she was a grandmother- and he was a Grandad, living in Barn Close She at last began to feel 'family' of a rather larger family than she ever thought she would have.

Her breathing problems weren't quite at an end, but due to modern medicine she was having far better health than she had ever had throughout her life. She would skip, dance, jump with excitement that her life was now 'living' throughout the warm months, though excess heat in summer made her breathing bad. The winter weather though always usually meant one or two days in hospital full of antibiotics

But by this time, other problems had started. Her heart for a start. Her heart had had to work so hard throughout her life, that it was now weak. Then she developed cancer of the skin, in many places on her body which required treatment. And there were other problems too.

We had to say 'goodbye' to our joyous Peggy before she reached the age of 80, but not before she had prayed for everyone, not just once, but constantly throughout the last 20 years of her life, particularly those ill in hospital.

Tenants at No 38

2014-03-14T19:56:54Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TENANTS OF NOS. Nos 38, 39, 40, 41 In the early part of the 1900's – and probably before in the 1800's - these cottages were where the farm workers for Home Farm live..."

THE TENANTS OF NOS. Nos 38, 39, 40, 41

In the early part of the 1900's – and probably before in the 1800's - these cottages were where the farm workers for Home Farm lived. While Mr. James was tenant of the farm, the Simmons boys lived in these cottages. When Mr. James died, the tenancy of the Farm house was taken over by a Mr. Bluck, and the Manor Estate from then on, employed David Simmons to work on the Estate.

The cottages were formed together in a back-to-front 'L' shape. David Simmons and his young wife lived in the top section; their front windows looking over a lawn with fruit trees in it and beyond the village street, their back windows looking on to their back yard with, beyond, that, part of the village school playground.

Soon a family came along, Arthur, and Renee. After Arthur's birth Mrs. David Simmons was often seen walking with Arthur in the pram. She was a very quiet woman, and didn't make friends easily, but seemed to be quite happy. However, when Renee (Irene) was born, things went bad for her. Nowadays it would be called very severe post-natal depression and be treated with success. Then, it was “Just cope with it as best as you can. Concentrate on your beautiful baby and look after little Arthur!”

It didn't work. She never left her house. If anyone came to the door, she would open it just a little, so one eye could be seen, and that is all anyone ever saw of her. It was tragic for both children, for although they could go out and play, they could not invite any friends in. No-one knew how the children were fed, but they seemed to be well looked after in that direction, and their clothes were always clean.

Mrs. Rees-Mogg had some very attractive houses built in The Nashes for her workers, and moved David, his wife and children to one of these much larger houses, but it didn't help Mrs. Simmons in her illness. She still stayed behind her door; never coming out.

Arthur, their son, acquired a motorbike – and a little dog – and it was quite amusing to see Arthur drive from his house and along the main road, with his little dog sitting on the engine, enjoying the ride immensely. He married Sheila Lunnon from Springfield Cottage on the Shipston Road and Renee found happiness in marriage to a Mr. Hartwell where they lived in one of the houses at The Nashes where Renee was able to keep an eye on her mother and help her with her problems.

David, in the meantime, found himself working alongside Mr. Hebburn in interviewing future staff for the Manor Grounds, and one of the ways these two men decided on who would be good for the job, was to examine their hands – both sides!. And they did this before asking any questions!

Eventually, Jack Radbourne and his wife, Dorothy moved in to the top part of the 'L' cottage, when they left The Pub, living there until their deaths. Dorothy was a dear soul, cooing over babies in their prams, and talking about her childhood to the Mums. But she and Jack never had any children.

As for Jack, after working for the Manor as a lorry driver, he became a general 'oddsbody' working at the Churchyard; cleaning at the Clifford Working Mens Club etc. However, it always seemed that when anyone saw him, Jack was always either leaning on a spade or a broom. Just leaning? No-one ever seemed to see him actually working!

-oOo-

The other part of the 'L' comprised three cottages. Nearest to the village street lived Austin Simmons and his wife, but with no children. Austin was another farm worker who, when the tenancy of Home Farm changed, became under the employ of the Manor. It was when the 2nd World War came, and Landgirls were around – one rather attractive to Austin – that things changed for Austin. For his wife did the most natural thing. She told his employer about Austin's discretions – though no-one really knows if it was just a flirtation – or something more!

Austin had the sack!

Rev Pippet (or his wife by then) employed Austin, and the family moved nearer to Red Hill House, where he looked after the large garden there

Austin did have another love - bell-ringing - and was captain of the team for years in our Church. He was so enthusiastic, he always throughout the years, had a good team working with him, with sometimes a waiting list of eager boys wanting to join.

When Austin and his wife left, a Mr. & Mrs. Lively moved in; one of their daughters marrying Mr. Lee, living in a cottage on Orchard Hill Farm. Two of their sons worked at Mr. Steeles' Farm – Forge Farm.

By 1967, the Manor had changed hands. Mr. Bradshaw had exchanged the Manor for Sweet Knowle, and the owner of Sweet Knowle, Major Pagan-Taylor, now became the owner of Clifford Manor. He brought with him, not only his wife and his three sons, but also their Nanny. Nanny Wise. And she lived in this end part of the 'L' until her death.

-oOo-

In the middle section of that 'L' lived Frank Simmons living with his Mum and Dad, his elderly Dad mending shoes in a shed in the back yard. When David and his family moved out of the 'L' cottages, Frank moved in to take their place at that cottage, his mum and Dad having died by then.

Frank had no children. He eventually moved to No. 51 which, at that time was owned by Seth Smith, and Frank worked for him as a gardener.

In that middle section, soon came Chubb Wiltshire. His Christian name was Geoffrey. No-one seems to know now, why he was given the nickname of Chubb. Maybe, with the River Stour so near, he went fishing often with friends, and that was all he could catch! But that is only a guess.

His wife, was the sister of Alf Rolls, and she took on the job of School caretaker, enjoying the work and the children. Chubb in the meantime joined the team of bell-ringers. But it was quite noticeable that his bell often clashed a bit with the others because he pulled at the wrong time. So it was possible he did not become a bell-ringer until after Austin's death! Austin would have suggested to him that he be 'reserve', and only use him as a last resort.

-oOo-

And the other end nearest to the school, eventually housed a Mr. & Mrs. Cross whose daughter Rita, married Alf Rolls. They must have been a very devoted couple, for when one of them died, the next day the other died – joined together in holy matrimony – joined together in death.

Fun Days

2014-03-14T19:45:45Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "FUN DAYS The teaching aids we had from Scripture Union gave those of us teaching the children of Quest Club, not only an excellent way to present the Bible stories, but how t..."

FUN DAYS

The teaching aids we had from Scripture Union gave those of us teaching the children of Quest Club, not only an excellent way to present the Bible stories, but how to live the Good Life. Plenty of ideas. Good ones! In fact, excellent ideas involving drama, movement, craft work, cookery, games etc.

One of their summer ideas when the end of the school year approached was one of those “Why not!”

“Why not have a Fun Day bringing the parents, children and the people of the Church altogether in an open space with a barbeque and games. If the area is large enough, why not have a rounders match – maybe children v. grownups. And then, to finish, why not have a “Thank you” service before the children break up from their schools and everyone leaving on their holidays.”

We liked that idea; the Church liked that idea; the parents liked that idea – and of course the children LOVED the idea, Naturally, the Recreation Ground was chosen for the Fun Day, and the Church, the following day, for the Thank You Service..

People volunteered their barbeques, but we usually made-do with two. Barbeque food came from all quarters. There was always enough. One of the parents who was a teacher, provided us with rounder bats, and posts. Lawrence Salmon, in charge of it all, felt it best to use a soft tennis ball as all the children – including the under 5's wanted to join in.

Old Village photos- Funday-newteam
Funday-announcing team

Many matches were played throughout the afternoon, and nearly always, it was the children who won each match! And nearly always, it was a lovely day. One year, we had a cold day, but at least dry. Most years, we baked in the sun.

Old village photos – Funday-batting
FunDayfielding – Funday-spectators

Those who felt they were at an age to watch rather than play, sat in the shady areas in the Recreation Ground on the chairs we brought from the Jubilee Hall, though many brought their own garden chairs – some with an appropriate umbrella which was very handy, as these umbrellas gave enough shelter from the sun, for at least 3 people.

Old village photos –Funday-cool-spot

There was always plenty of soft drinks and cans for everyone, but we felt we couldn't manage tea! Some wondered, occasionally, if some of the adults had hidden away from the children a slightly stronger drink for themselves! But if they did, it was well hidden!

An icecream van was brought from Wellesbourne full of lollies as well as favourite icecream. The only unfortunate thing with that was, once a pack was started, the rest of the pack could not be returned to the shop. The Salmon family had to buy the rest of the contents of these opened packs, but as the Salmon children numbered 5, and their friends an extra 8. with thirsty throats needing lollies and icecreams, the contents of these half-empty packs were soon sucked and licked away.

The Thank You Service the next day was not quite so well attended, but the parents were there. We decided to present to the Quest Club their attendance prizes for the year gone. This was a left-over of Sunday School Attendance prizes, and Miss Baker pressed on Avril when she handed this work over to her, the need to continue with these attendance prizes, to encourage the children to come and hear the 'Good News of This Great Event that would Change People's lives'.

We continued with this prize-giving at the Thank You service for only two years, until we realised that the children in the Choir who did not come to Quest Club were seeing all the children receiving their prizes and being clapped - when they had nothing! Actually, each Christmas the Choir children were given their 'wages' for the whole year of singing in the choir, so they could spend it on a present for themselves to put under the Christmas Tree.

From then onwards, the prizes were given out at the Fun Day with the Rector needing a loud speaker as he announced the name of the child .loud enough for the child to hear amongst all the noise and come and receive it.

Old village photos FunDay

Flooding 1999

2014-03-11T21:02:51Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "EASTER FLOODS 1999 AVRIL'S STORY Friday – Good Friday in fact and therefore Lawrence was able to come home early. We were going, later on to the Jewish Passover at Welfor..."

EASTER FLOODS 1999
AVRIL'S STORY

Friday – Good Friday in fact and therefore Lawrence was able to come home early. We were going, later on to the Jewish Passover at Welford village hall and wanted to have chance to get ready for it well in time, so we decided then and there to do the Tesco shopping.

The rain all day had been quite heavy, but in the afternoon, I noticed one of the windows was allowing the rain to come in. This had never happened before, and I thought a leak had started due to the old age of the window. I had no idea that the fierce strength of the rain hammering against the windows was causing this.

As our car reached the end of the village street, and we paused to make sure the coast was clear for us to cross, I noticed muddy water pouring, in quite a volume, between the roots of the hedge bordering Rectory Farm. And I had never noticed that before either in all the rain storms we had had.! It poured across the Campden Road, and our car splashed its way through it.

There was another surprise at Tesco car park, water was bubbling out of a soak-away cover as if it was a small fountain. It must be blocked with something” I remarked to Lawrence. “And the rain water can't soak away.”

Our shopping I suppose took just over half-an-hour, and we carried our bags out to the car park, stopping in amazement to find all the parked cars (including ours) were in a large pond which was getting deeper and deeper every minute. I just had ordinary shoes on, though Lawrence had tough steel tapped shoes. But our feet were soaked by the time we reached the car. We were now realising that something was really wrong.

Back at the village, we saw the village street was turning into a river, the water coming, not from the River Stour, but from Martins Hill where there is a reservoir (possibly built by the Romans) fed by an underground stream. Water was pouring down the hillside and straight into the houses along The Nashes. Then into the Campden Road, and then along our village street.

Running into our house and looking out of our back window, I realised that the River was nowhere near our back garden – yet. So we were safe from that side of our house.

We still had the sandpit that my children had used for many years, mainly because I was still entertaining small children in my house, and on summer days, these little ones loved to play in the sand. But that sand was quickly shovelled into some old potato sacking, packed solidly and dumped onto our front door step.

Then feeling we were safe, we put on our wellington boots and went out and inspected the situation all the way along the village street. From the main road down to The Close the village street was completely covered by a fast flow of water, and as we watched the next area of the village street to Forge Cottage was soon covered.

“It will reach our cottage and beyond.” muttered Lawrence, “As long as it doesn't come above the pavement!”

But it did! Not straight away, but as soon as the water lapped over the pavement outside our house (and our house was a step-down from the pavement), we knew we were in trouble. Tom, due to start University in September, and Henry still at High School were both at home for the Easter Holidays. They had spent most of the morning and afternoon busy on computers and guitar upstairs, unaware of what was happening outside. At our shout, they came running down.

We managed to drag our piano out of the dining room, into the hall, and then with some manoeuvring, into our kitchen which was slightly higher than the hall. But to make sure, Lawrence insisted the whole piano had to be lifted onto the kitchen bench. And that was an effort, with me desperately anxious in case they dropped it and it would crash onto the kitchen floor. (It was bought with money my father left me in his will – so it was precious to me.)

It was useless rolling up our carpets. They were pretty-well worn in any case. But the chairs we piled onto our dining room table, with the assurance from Lawrence that the table wouldn't suffer too much with its legs in water! The two cosy armchairs in the living room, were piled onto the sofa – and after that there was little we could do apart from wait to see if the water would come over the sandbags and into the house.

The water never did enter that way. Instead it soaked through our ancient brickwork, and it was the dining room (being a little lower than our living room) that suffered the worst damage.

James being still at University was spending the Easter holidays working at a garage, and by the time I had collected all the towels I could find as well as some buckets, James had come home with tales of everything he had seen.

He soon joined Tom, Lawrence and Henry on their knees on a wet carpet laying out the towels to soak up as much water as they could; then wring the towels into the buckets – and these filled faster than I thought they would.

I got cups of tea and coffee going and soup to give the men some energy, but they worked hard all that evening to try and keep the rest of the house reasonably dry. The front part of the hall suffered with wet carpet, but as the carpet was very worn, I rolled it up and dumped it out into the soggy back garden, and used a mop continually to soak up some of the water and pour it into another bucket. The carpet in the living room squelched as we walked into it, but in the dining room, as I walked over the carpet, water came out of it and almost over my shoes. All the men were soaked up to their waists, and their shirts were getting so spattered with water as they rung out the towels, there didn't seem to be any dry parts on them at all.

Ivy Radbourne was suffering far more than we were – not in her house (which probably by now was in a bad way) but in her car. She was driving Vic home from a visit to the hospital and Vic was on crutches!

Their car stalled in flood water, and Ivy and Vic felt helpless, feeling the flood would take their lives away. In spite of the fact that cars are supposed to keep on moving in situations like this, one driver stopped and helped them. He had a larger car, and helped them to get out and into his vehicle. Then he took them to his house which wasn't touched at all by floods, being on a hill.

Ivy was almost in tears when, eventually she and Vic came home and told us about their journey.. Tears, not from their near-death experience, but the extreme kindness of this couple, who fed them, run them baths, made up beds for them in their spare bedroom and looked after and cared for them as if they were their parents. And this kindness extended until they were eventually able to get back to Clifford..

By 10.00pm, I was tired and decided to go to bed, and leave the men to it. I had to be fresh the next morning to look after them when they needed to eat and rest. James, having to work the next morning, also went to bed. All through the night, those 3 men worked hard. By the morning the rain had stopped, but their hands – especially Henry's were covered in blisters, wrinkled and were so white, there seemed to be no blood in their flesh..

While they eat breakfast, I tried to mop up a bit more water from the dining room carpet. Then tackled the living room carpet. Before having a much-needed sleep, Lawrence and Henry helped roll back the sodden carpet in the dining room while Tom attempted to lift the furniture so they could remove the carpet underneath. Then Lawrence, Henry and Tom carried it out to the back garden and that finished up with the hall carpet.

While they slept, I mopped over the tiles in the dining room and hall until they were dry. The water had receded off the pavement and was now moving sluggishly just along the village street. By afternoon, the tarmac of the road was showing until eventually the whole village street was revealed – with only the road near the Council Houses still being covered with water.

But even the oldies in our village had no memory throughout their years living in this village, of a flood quite like this. It was History!

Flooding 2007

2014-03-11T20:54:32Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "FLOODS OF JULY 2007 Avril's Story Friday 20th July 2007 Floods I lay on the lawn on the Thursday morning looking up at the cloudless bright blue sky and could not believe th..."

FLOODS OF JULY 2007

Avril's Story
Friday 20th July 2007 Floods

I lay on the lawn on the Thursday morning looking up at the cloudless bright blue sky and could not believe that the forecast for tomorrow – the planned day of the Barbeque – was torrential rain! All through that day, there was not a sign of a cloud in the blue, blue sky – not even a little fluffy one. Yet the warnings kept coming – and as I chatted to people in the village, we were all agreed that the forecasters were playing an April fool joke in July.

Friday 20th July 2007 from 4.00pm onwards, was to be a Barbeque in my garden, planned for the children and parents of Milcote, Willicote, Wincot, Sheep Leys, Preston Fields, Campden Road, Welford Road and the bungalows in Shipston Road – and the village – to meet together. As all the children in the Parish go to so many different schools, it was thought it could be a lovely way of getting to know each other.

The warnings of really bad weather were still arriving on radio and TV on the Thursday evening, and I began to think that quite possibly we might have to use the Jubilee Hall.

By 3.00pm the next day, Friday, I was receiving phone-calls from people in The Nashes – “Help! - the water is pouring in through my back door and out through my front door. Where are the sand-bags?” And then came a phone call from The Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, two members of whom were coming to talk to the children. “Avril, we're in floods here. All over the road. Do you think we ought to cancel it – or it is o.k. where you are?”

By 3.30pm Friday 20th July, I was sending urgent emails, and Karen Embury was making urgent phone messages, to all the families - “Barbeque postponed”! Then Marjorie Hadden rang, “I don't want to make a fuss Avril”, she said, “but I've got brown water coming out of my tap when I switch it on, and when I flushed the toilet just now, it filled up with muddy water!” By now, I was making I suppose my sixth telephone call to Councillor Peter Barnes for instructions.

From then on where I was concerned, it was phone calls to the Garden Centre asking for sandbags; ringing the Chairman of the Parish Council as the Garden Centre wanted 'The Authority' of the Parish Council to guarantee that the Council would pay for them – and seeing from my window volunteers splashing through the little river which was our village street, to help in the distribution of the sacks. Then blankets and flasks of hot water being dispersed to our Senior Citizens in Barn Close who rang to say the flood waters were in their back gardens and coming up towards their homes

Eventually the phone calls ceased, and I was able to walk around the village. Fire engines to pump the water out of houses had arrived though one was stuck on the Campden Road where a large torrent of water flowing over the road had caused the engine to stop. The house built for Miss Wilding all those years ago had the water reach halfway up the stairs. Nearly all of the flood waters came from the underground spring under Martins Hill that fed an ancient reservoir built, so folklore said, by the Romans.

Only a few houses were flooded with actual river water – the Mill being the main one, where one car parked in the drive was completely covered with water. River water flowed over the flood plain dampening the back walls of part of Karen Embury's house (which took until the following February to dry out!). But most of the houses whose gardens lead down to the flood plain did not suffer, as the houses were on a higher level than the river meadow..

It was well after 11.00pm on the evening of 'That Day' when, realising we now needed even more sandbags, I felt it necessary to see how the sheep in the river meadow at the bottom of my garden were faring. Earlier on, I had seen their anxious faces peering through the bars of our fence, but, on investigating, had seen they still had a stretch of grass to stand on – and possibly the river had reached its peak!!!

Now, as I got nearer to the fence, I realised with horror that the water was now coming through the fence into my garden, and the sheep, pressed hard against the fence, were watching me apprehensively in silence.

Concern for the sheep standing in flood water which was still rising, caused me to forget the circular dip I had dug out in my lawn two years earlier, to keep my fun pool on the level when filled.

The noise – and language - I used as my ankle twisted as it dropped suddenly and unexpectedly into this dip, caused the sheep to step back further into the flood.

I was unable to stand, so I quietly crawled to the fence, and pulled myself up, standing on one foot with the sheep looking at me as if I was something from outer space. And yes – there was water everywhere, with just a few long blades of grass right up against my fence, showing through – and the water was still rising!

I managed to limp back to the house, phoned David Smith the farmer, who lives and mostly farms over the other side of the river, and, under his instructions, shouted to Henry to drive his car from our drive, across the farm lane which runs alongside our garden, down to the field.

Then, limping to our neighbour, Tony Reason, whose front drive is very near the field gate, banged on his door, and asked if the sheep could stay the night on his drive.

Henry, in the meantime, pleased that his battered old Peurgour which was very good at making terrible grating noises when he turned the engine on, could be put to use as a sheep gate, drove his car off our drive, and parked it right across the farm lane, so the sheep would be unable to get out into the village street.

Then it was a question of me pulling back the stiff spring on the gate and opening it. But I was faced with a dilemma. The way the gate opened, would block the way for the sheep to get out of the field unless they went out into the flooded field and swam round the open gate and into Tony's drive.!

By this time, someone from the Working Men's Club had joined me. I left the gate slightly open to enable the sheep to come through one at a time, but giving more room for the sheep to approach the gate without going too far into the flood; and then limped my way back into my garden and to the other side, where Henry was stationing himself ready to start making appropriate noises to urge the sheep to the gate.

It worked to begin with. The rather startled sheep sloshed their feet through the water to get away from Henry's noise, heading straight for the open gate. Then the man at the gate added to Henry's noise by calling the sheep to come to him.

Startled by the noise coming from both ends, the sheep did the only thing sheep can do – plunged into the flood and swam for all their worth away from both lots of noises and towards the deep waters and the river..

Henry and I watched in dismay, silent and not knowing what to do, hoping that our silence would cause them to turn back to us.

But some had reached a shed not quite submerged by the water, but the contents, including a tractor were barely visible. We heard two make a desperate baa and then a gurgle as the water filled their mouths. This, to us, was their dying breath It hurt us to hear it. In the distance, against the dark glow of the water, we could see an even darker blob of a little head streaking through the water aiming straight for the river – and we could do nothing but watch. To me, it was very tearful, for there was nothing we could do.

Lawrence, who had sensibly gone to bed at that time of night – until he had heard about the sheep – had got dressed again and now was coming across the lawn to us. He instructed me to go to the Reason's front drive and stand in front of their sensor light to keep it going, so he and Henry had better light to work with.

Then I made another mistake! So upset about the sheep and their possible ending, as I squeezed in between Henry's car and our fence, I completely forgot that, for the last two days, in beautiful sunny weather, Lawrence had been chipping and banging out the cement foundations of the iron support to our fence - and had left a hole!!!!

And yes! It was my poor sprained and hurting ankle that dropped into it. My wellington boots must have given it some support – but it hurt! From then on, I spent a long time waving my arms from time to time just to throw light on all the rescuers – and on those sheep that were uncertain, and too frightened to think, that they wanted to be rescued!

And help arrived from the Working Mens Club headed by Nigel Radbourne, followed by David Richardson and his son Scott – and many others. I had my back to them, as I wanted to concentrate on that sensor light – and, in any case, from where I stood, I could see little of what was going on.

Henry has since told me what went on from then on. The men waded into the field with some standing the other side of the gate and others, more into the flood, so that, when the sheep came towards the gate, they would be forced to go to the proper exist and safety.

Nigel and Scott then waded deep into the water and made their way to where the frightened sheep were swimming desperately. By the time the water was up to their necks, they had just about reached the sheep. They also had to feel their way along with their feet, as they were walking amongst machinery and other things hidden under the dark water.

Somehow, the sheep came through the gate, and I heard their feet on the stones. I had to turn and look as they headed straight for Henry's car; then turned, and came back to me, looking at me anxiously. I stayed as still as I could, but had to turn back to the light, as it had gone off again. I noticed, with the next lot that came through, that one poor lamb was plastered with mud. He looked so pathetic.

Henry told me afterwards, that when this sheep was dragged out of the mud, it just lay motionless and Henry thought it was a gonner – until David Richardson did some thumping – or the equivalent – then there was a little movement and David heaved him/her onto his/her feet.

Then I was told we had them all – all that could be found. The gate was shut. I limped across the Reason's drive and the farm lane, and squeezed through a little gap in our fence – Henry kindly moving the iron barrier we had put up there. No way was I going to try and squeeze past Henry's car that night with that dark hole waiting for my sprained foot!

My nervous cat Daisy, was now mewing pathetically for me and wouldn't come out of her hidey-hole, but I was too much in pain to do anything but say soothing words to her as I limped back across the lawn to my back door.

That night, as I lay in bed with my throbbing foot – having taken some pain-killers beforehand, I heard Nigel's voice outside in the road. By this time it was getting on for 2.00am
“I'm fed up!” he said. “I've lost my ********* trousers. I'm going to bed!”

How he lost them, I just don't know, but his yellow waterpoof jacket was still dangling from the fence at the bottom of my garden on Sunday morning.

Nigel had worked harder than all the rest of us together, starting early in the morning, when most of us were still in bed, dealing with a flooded house – and then finishing the night like this. But he really is a hero. But two sheep had drowned.

On Saturday morning, he appeared at our door – still early! - with dry clothes and his feet in slippers – and in pain. He feet had become so swollen, and he couldn't get them into his shoes.

He really is Our Man of the Moment. Raise a glass to him!

Shipston Road

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "The Tin Tops (Tabernacle) Tin Tops had a corrugated roof – though it is possible the roof was originally a thatched one but was replaced with the corrugated roof when the t..."

The Tin Tops (Tabernacle)

Tin Tops had a corrugated roof – though it is possible the roof was originally a thatched one but was replaced with the corrugated roof when the thatch rotted. It was set in the field next to the large house - Springfield House. This large house was not in the Parish of Clifford Chambers, but the field – along with Tin Tops – was definitely in the Parish of Clifford Chambers.

Monty Preston lived in this corrugated roof cottage with his wife and only child – Patricia. Pat (as she was called), was a beauty – small but very articulate as well as attractive with beautiful blonde hair. She attracted the attention of Tony Green in the village, married, and spent their early year of marriage at The Nashes. They in turn had only one child – a girl – a beauty – slender and taller than her mother and just as articulate as her parents – and with a very sensible head on her shoulders.

Monty, as far as I can make out, was just a farm worker, but his daughter – and grand-daughter made one think they were descended from high-thinking people. Perhaps, despite Monty's humble working life, he was!

Shipston Road Bungalows

It seems certain these bungalows were built on a part of a field in the parish of Clifford Chambers, sometime between the two world wars.

John Bailey was not the first owner of the first one – now called “The Thistles”. He and his wife when they first married, squatted at Atherston Aerodrome. This was quite common after the Second World War when the empty buildings and Nissen huts built by the War Office for training 'our boys' for the War – were very suitable for housing those bombed out of their homes and those needing somewhere to live.

As things became better for this young couple – and things became better for the country on the whole - , John and his wife bought “The Thistles” a beautiful bungalow with a large garden where he grew plants in his greenhouses, and kept chickens in another part of the garden in between his proper work of a tool-maker.

But his greatest treasure was his old steam-organ which he worked on throughout the years, polishing, and cleaning, and mending and repairing – until it was spotless and ready to show around the country.

TOM - PHOTO OF THIS STEAM ORGAN PLEASE AND ONE OF JOHN BAILEY

Clifford Manor

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Avrilsalmon: /* Past Owners */

[[Manor Cottages]] | [[2 Manor Cottages]] | [[Clifford Manor Estate Auction]]

= Clifford Manor =

[[File:Clifford manor.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Clifford Manor]]

''“Our first halt was at Clifford Chambers – a village of a few well-to-do cottages on the Stour. But the pride of Clifford is its Manor House. Tall white gates in a high brick wall form the end of the turf-bordered road, called by courtesy the village street. Within the gates stands the old house.''

''We peeped through the bars of the white gates that rose so stately between their stone pillars, and were presently invited in by the courteous owners.''

''A delicious old garden lay inside the high walls. A straight broad gravel drive led up to the front door, with smooth borders on either side, filled with every kind of fragrant old flower – clove pinks, white pinks, pansies and columbine, snapdragons and gorgeous larkspur. Beyond the borders, quince and apple, and nut trees grew among the peas and potatoes beside green alleys under sunny walls. On a side lawn near the house stood an ancient mulberry tree, propped with many posts, yet still bearing plenty of fruit.''

''Inside the house, everything of course was oak. In a delightful little sitting-room with a high carved mantel-piece, priceless old Worcester china heaped and crowded every table. We felt certain that, hidden away in corners, we should find great jars of pot-pourri made from the petals of the fragrant Damask Roses. It was a pretty summer picture altogether, as we turned away – open doors and windows, roses everywhere. Beyond the old moat, now part of a meadow, the pink and white stars of the wild rose shone twenty feet high among branches of black fir trees.”''

- from an article written by Miss Kingsley appearing in ‘English Illustrated Magazine’ 1866

== Anglo-Saxon History ==

The first known owner of the Manor plus land, plus 2 Mills – and more land! –was Algar, a great Saxon Thane (holder of lands by military service in Anglo-Saxon times ranking between nobility and freeman). It passed, on his death, to his son Brictic – and here comes the interesting bit! Brictic was sent by Edward the Confessor (who died in 1066 – just so that you know the period we are talking about!) to the Court of Bruges as an English ambassador. There, he caught the eye of a noble lass called Matilda. She was very much impressed with him. In fact, it seems she was besotted with him. He rejected all her advances, came back to England, and promptly forgot her!

She didn’t forget him! Her later marriage to William of Normandy brought her, eventually, to England. When her husband became King, she took her revenge on poor Brictic. He was sent to prison. His lands were confiscated and passed to – Queen Matilda! So, for a while, the Queen of England was our Lady of the Manor. I was so intrigued by this, that I named my daughter after her - much to her present disgust!

Soon after the Domesday Book was completed, the Manor, Mills and land were passed to the Benedictine Abbey and convent of St. Peter at Gloucester, and it remained in their hands for four centuries. And here comes another interesting bit! Up until the time the property came under the ownership of the Church, the Manor, plus buildings and land were known as Clifford. Nothing more! Now we have the ‘Chambers’ bit added! Any money or lands given to the Church were designated into different funds within the Church. This particular ‘offering’ called ‘Clifford’, was placed in a fund – or office – which kept the Abbot’s Chamber properly furnished. The one in charge of this fund or office was the Camerarius or Chamberlain – though I really do not know why ‘Chambers’ had to be added onto our particular village, when probably other areas were also financially helping this fund without having an ugly name like that added to their identity!

== Past Owners ==

The book ‘Clifford Manor,a history’, lists names of free tenants, customary tenants and other tenants in 1266, but the only names I could recognize as village names were William ole Winnecote, Henricus de Wilicote and Rogerus Silvestre, though an interesting one was Adam Bruggemon (Bridgman) who had to keep the bridge in repair.

As for the owners, - once the property was taken away from the monks by Henry VIII (which, by now, boasted a Church and lands called Mounckes Close and Moorse Hill) - two were knighted, one was involved in the Civil War (and as he was a Royalist, was on the losing side, taken prisoner, then escaped!) One was a barrister-at-law and two were Vicars and became Rectors of Clifford Chambers. Their names you will recognise – Raynesford (later Rainsford), Dighton, Annesley, West.

HERE ARE THE DETAILS OF CLIFFORD HISTORY AND THE MANOR

From the Chronicles Anglo-Normandy I 73 Freeman iii 86 1070

“William the King 'forgetting it would seem that such hatred might be deemed to savour of love, granted his wife's prayer and imprisoned Britric - transferring all Brictric's land to The Queen Matilda

The Lordship of Tewkesbury, including the Manor of Clifford, thus became the property of Queen Matilda.

Before her death, the Queen conferred the Manor of Clifford to Roger de Busli (or Bushley). (It is held by one authority that Roger's wife Muriel was in some way connected with Matilda)

The Domesday Book

Roger de Busli is registered as the Lord of the Manor of Clifford

THE SURVEY
“In Clifford are:- - 7 hides pertaining to the Manor of Tewkesbury - 3 carucates in demesne - and 14 villans with 5 ploughs - and a mill worth 12s - two acres of meadow

Between the male and female serfs there are:- - 13 ploughs and a Church - and a priest with one carucature. The value 8l. now 6l.

This land the Queen gave to Roger de Busli· It is geldible for 4 hides in Tewkesbury Immediately after the compilation of Domesday - , Roger de Busli and Muriel his wife granted Clifford formally to the Benedictine Abbey and Convent of St. Peter at Gloucester

And the Parish deemed it none for Clifford to become:- CLIFFORD CHAMBERS -
for the revenue from this land went to a specific office – that was - the Chamberlain.

The Chamberlains duties were the clothing of the monks and the proper furnishing and upkeep of the Abbot's Chamber - and the Guest Chamber – for hospitality was one of the first duties of a monastery

In 1266, four manors were contributing to the Abbot's Chamberlain - Clifford – Buckland in Devon – Guiting – and Hinton
(see History of the Manor and Advowson of Clifford Chambers reprinted from the Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucester Archives)

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/GLS/CliffordChambers/ManorChurch.html

(This custom of bequeathing lands to monasteries became one of the recognised ways of avoiding death duties. A Monastery was as reliable a manor-lord. The monks were enlightened farmers and led the way in mediaeval agriculture.)

Extent of the Manor of Clifford in 1226
There were five free tenants:- Robertus le Freman held by charter as an inheritance:-four virgates of land and two acres of meadow each of which virgates consists of 30 acres - paying 25 shillings and sixpence a year twice yearly
.
IF he dies the lord of the manor has his house, his armour and accoutrements if he has any - and IF on his death he leaves children under age, the Lord of the Manor has custody of his children and their lands, and controls their marrying. And IF when he dies his heir is legally of age, he, the son, is to pay homage to his Lord and perform whatever service is due with his land

Radulphus de Eylestone lives on his land free - being one virgate of land containing 48 acres - BUT must follow the Earl of Warwick and do service for his lord at the Hundred of Kington and is liable for all services at the Court of Clifford. AND IF he dies, his heirs, land and hereditaments are subject to the same conditions as those of his senior in service Robert le Freman.

Henricus son of the Smith holds:- one virgate of land containing 48 acres for the same service in all things as has been said for Randulphus AND IF through default of the said Randulphus and Henricus, the lord of the manor shall suffer loss, the same shall owe him full indemnity.

Willelmus son of Symon holds one virgate of land containing 48 acres by charter
and owes seven shillings a year for the same, paid twice yearly And he shall follow the court of Clifford. And if he dies all things shall be performed as for the said Randulphus. And he shall render whatever service is due with his land.

William son of Robert -do-

Others
Two mills which were wont to return sixty shillings and sixpence quarterly will be in the hands of the lord of the manor on the feast of the Annunciation next, because then the leases of the said mills will terminate.

William the Miller holds 12 acres of land for the term of his life and that of his wife, and returns thence ten shillings a year quarterly. He performs small customary duties which pertain to the land, instead of paying taxes.

The whole ville of Clifford pays yearly sixpence in common for certain small pastures.

Nicholaus Hentelove hold one messuage with courtyard and two acres of land and pays three shillings twice yearly. And he supplies labour according to the number of his animals. And he shall pay pannage (i.e. pay for the privilege of feeding his swine in the woods) namely for a full-grown pig one penny and for a young pig a halfpenny, until it is weaned or able to be weaned.

And if he brews in order to sell, he shall give 12 gallons of ale per ton (ad tonnutum) or as toll or its equivalent

And he shall redeem his son and daughter (i.e.pay merchet or a sum of money for freedom of marrying). He shall not sell ox or horse without leave. And when he dies his lord shall have his best beast by way of heriot (melius averium suam nomine haerieti)

Adam Textor holds one messuage with courtyard and pays twelve pence twice yearly,. And he shall lift hay for his lord for four days, and it shall be worth two pence. And he shall do three bederipas (bedrip – a special duty at harvest time) and they shall be worth four pence halfpenny. And he shall perform other duties even as Nicholaus.

William Marescallus holds - do- with one acre of land and pays -do-

Alexander Sinne holds -do- and pays two shillings and sixpence twice yearly. And he does three bedrips of value fourpence halfpenny. And he shall help in lifting hay for his lord for four days to the value of two pence a day. All his other duties are similar to those of Nicholaus.

Hugo son of Laurentii -do- -do-

Thomas le Careter -do- -do-

Christina Widye holds a like tenement and she helps with the hay for four days to the value of two pence per day. And she does three bedrips to the value of fourpence halfpenny. And pays two shillings and sixpence twice a year. And all her other duties are similar to those of Nicholaus.

Matilda the widow of Galfridus -do- Christina

Johannes Lasteles -do-

Adam Bruggemon (Bridgeman) holds one messuage with courtyard and with certain pastures and pays two shillings twice yearly. And instead of all services he shall keep the bridge in repair. And there is there a certain annual toll from the whole ville of Clifford namely fifteen shillings of which ten shillings goes to the hundred of Theuk and five remains for the lord of the manor.

William de Winnecote holds five cottages in fee to his lord and pays nine shillings yearly and no other service to his lord except to the Court of Clifford. And he pays homage to the Abbot of Gloucester and when he dies his lord the abbot has the custody of his rents aforesaid and of his heirs until they are of age.

The sum of the rents of this class of tenant amounts to seventy-six shillings and six pence without the farm of the mills.

Customary tenant: Be it remembered that he has a larger holding. (This sentence is written in red ink)

Ricardus de Porta holds one virgate of land and half an acre of meadow, the virgate consisting of 36 acres. And he shall plough half an acre in the Autumn and half an acre in the Spring and he must harrow that land at seed-time. And it shall be worth fourpence altogether. And from the feast of St Peter in Chains he must in every week do manual labour for four days with one man, and for every day he is owed a halfpenny. And he shall provide transport to Gloucester twice a year to the value of eight pence. And he must also every week on the fifth or sixth day at the will of his lord provide transport to Hinetone and Boclande and he is owed for that day a penny halfpenny

And he shall wash and sheer his lord's sheep for two days and is owed a penny for whatever work is allotted to him on those days. And he must scythe his lord's meadow for four days and for any further day's work he is owed a penny. And he must help in the lifting of the crops of his lord for three days and more if necessary and he is owed a halfpenny for whatever days that are not allotted to this work. And he must carry the crops of his lord for one day and he is owed two pence beyond the manual labour of that day which can be valued at a half-penny. And he must carry firewood wheresoever the lord shall wish and he is allotted one day for that work. And he must do two bedrips before the feast of St Peter in Chains with two men and they are worth three pence.

And the total value before the autumn work is fourteen shillings and sixpence halfpenny

And from the feast of the Blessed Peter in Chains to the feast of the Blessed Michael he must work at his master's board (in messe domini) for five days with one man and it is worth a penny halfpenny each day. And he shall do eight bedrips with two men worth altogether two shillings. And he must carry his master's corn twice a week for four weeks worth a penny halfpenny each day beyond the manual labour. And he must bring his lord's sheaves to the grange for one day worth a halfpenny. And he must furnish help according to the amount of his land and number of animals. And if he brews to sell he must give twelve gallons of ale (ad tonnutum) or its equivalent price. He must pay pannage for his pigs. He may not sell horse or ox without leave. He must redeem his son and daughter. And when he dies his lord shall have his best beast by way of heriot.

The total value of his work in the autumn is eight shillings and a halfpenny.

Walter son of Yvon holds one virgate of land containing thirty six acres, and he does everything even as the said Richard. It is to be noted that he has a larger holding.

Each of the following 'holds one virgate and does everything even as the said Richard:-
Henricus de Wilicote - Alicia Williames - Nicholaus de Middletone - Matilda Adam - Relicta Johannis Rondulf - Willelmus le Orl - Ricardus Palmerius - Ricardus de Ovetone - Thomas Rawe - Nicholaus le Orl - Bertram Belami - Robertus filius Willelmi - Sampson Neweman - Johannes filus Willelmi

Item at Sileston: Galfridus de Forde holds one virgate of land containing 28 acres, and from the feast of St. Michael to the feast of St. Peter in Chains he must work with his hands every week for four days with one man, and it is worth a halfpenny each day. And he must supply transport twice a year to Gloucester, worth eightpence. And on the fifth or sixth day of each week he must supply transport to Hyntone or Boclande worth a penny halfpenny a day. And he must plough half an acre and harrow it at seed sowing; and he shall be free (of all other work) during his week of ploughing. And he shall tend and shear his lord's sheep for two days worth a penny. And he shall scythe his lord's meadow for four days worth twopence a day. And he shall help in lifting crops for four days worth a halfpenny a day. And he shall carry crops, and it shall be worth twopence beyond the manual labour of that day which may be taken as a halfpenny. And he must carry brushwood wheresoever his lord wishes. And he must do two bedrips before the first of August (ante Gulaustum) with two men and they shall be worth three pence. The rest he does even as Richard de Porta.

Each of the following 'holds one virgate of land and does everything even as the said Galfridus' - Willelmus de Rye - Thomas le Orl - Rogerus Silvestre - Radulphus Frankeleyn - Alicia Mauger - Ricardus Newcomene - Robertus de Forda.

Chrisina relicta Carectarii holds half a virgate of land and does half service in all things even as Galfridus.

All the aforesaid customary tenants give an annual aid of twenty shillings, and all owed mill-carriage, that is to say mill-stones to the lord's mill or they gave in common thirteen and a farthing.

Item – at Clifford there are four ploughs for the arable land in demesne and there are thirty six oxen for each plough eight oxen and four besides.

It must be remembered that the lord of the manor owes defence and arbitration to his tenants; he must be able to protect their property and persons, and must also provide a court of justice in the hall of the manor-house.

The successful working of the system depended on the personality of the lord of the Manor, whether these ancient dues remained constitutional or developed into tyrannical extortion.

Rectors of Clifford Church

1274 - Robert le Wise - 1324 Thomas de Bradwalle - 1344 John Kyngcot - 1349 – John de Wynchecombe - 1361 – Richard Bundy - 1391 – William Wayte - 1458 – Thomas Jolyff - 1465 – Rocharfd Skardeburgh - 1467 – Hugh Cheswell - 1494 – John Dorseley - 1501 – Edward Frocester - 1513 – William Sklatter – 1533 Abbot Parker - 1542 – John Browne - 1574 – Walter Roche - 1578 – Richard Faune - 1578 Edward Vernon - 1585 – Hugh Powell (removed) - 1586 Edward Vernon (reinstated) – 1603 – William Albright

A letter was sent regarding William Albright to the County Committee

Mr. Albright was considered “without doubt one of the Puritan intruders”. The Vicar of Quinton Wm Thornborough complained that he is being disturbed in his duties by William Albright clerk. The County Committee were directed to assist Thornborough and prevent these disturbances.

Mr. Albright had something to say for himself and appeared before the Committee at Goldsmith Hall in June 1648.

The Committee wrote as follows to the Commissioner of Plundered Ministers:-

“ Mr. Albright minister of Clifford has appeared alleging that he has preached constantly for one an a half years at Quinton on the parishioners' promise of allowance for his pains. There has been an increase in the living from the tithes of Edward Savage who has compounded and from these, Albright desires satisfaction.

“As you best know his deserts, make him such allowance as you think fit.

“Albright says that Mr. Thornborough is very meanly endued for his called 'not being able to put up any prayer but what he readeth'.

“Enquire into his sufficiency and let the inhabitants receive the benefit intended by the increase to the maintenance”

1662 - Jaspar Moris – 1667 – Wm Watts - 1687 – Christopher Smith - 1729 – Richard Dighton - 1732 – Robert Goodall - 1734 – John Martin - 1776 – Stephen Mason - 1787 – John Brewer - 1793 – Arthur Annesley - 1803 – Arthur Annesley - 1845 – Framcis Annesley - 1879 – Francis Hanbury Annesley - 1895 – Rev Archibald Pippet
Owners of the Manor and lands

The Rainsford's possession of The Manor were:-

free warren lands tenemnts meadows woods and hereditaments called Wincott in the parish of Clifford: free warren in the manor of Clifford and in all lands meadows etc. to the said manor belonging: free warren in the manor of Aleston, free fishing in the waters of the Stower; the advowson of the church of Clifford; 2 messuages, one cotttage and 2 virgate of land in Clifford; 20 selions of land there late parcel of the demesne lands of Clifford; one parcel of meadow there called Brooke meadow; one messuage and half a virgate of land, meadow and pasture there in the tenure of Richard Wilkes, and of divers lands meadows pastures and hereditaments there.

-oOo-

All this changed when Job Dighton, barrister, took over the guardianship of Henry Rainsford, who inherited the property on the death on 10th April 1648 of his father. Henry Rainsford reached the age of 18 on 12th May 1648.

Henry, under age, took up arms for the King – was ruined with his family in the King's cause; made prisoner by the Parliamentary forces at Oxford. But managed to escape.

To compound his possessions, he had to lease the Lordship and Manor of Clifford and the Hamlet of Allston to his guardian Job Dighton for 99 years. A sum of money 1,371l. 3s 10d. He was then aged 26. He went overseas and died in East Indies unmarried.

From then on the Dighton family carried on with the succession of owners of The Manor and land.

Owners of the Manor and lands

The Rainsford's possession of The Manor were:-

free warren lands tenemnts meadows woods and hereditaments called Wincott in the parish of Clifford: free warren in the manor of Clifford and in all lands meadows etc. to the said manor belonging: free warren in the manor of Aleston, free fishing in the waters of the Stower; the advowson of the church of Clifford; 2 messuages, one cotttage and 2 virgate of land in Clifford; 20 selions of land there late parcel of the demesne lands of Clifford; one parcel of meadow there called Brooke meadow; one messuage and half a virgate of land, meadow and pasture there in the tenure of Richard Wilkes, and of divers lands meadows pastures and hereditaments there.

-oOo-

All this changed when Job Dighton, barrister, took over the guardianship of Henry Rainsford, who inherited the property on the death on 10th April 1648 of his father. Henry Rainsford reached the age of 18 on 12th May 1648.

Henry, under age, took up arms for the King – was ruined with his family in the King's cause; made prisoner by the Parliamentary forces at Oxford. But managed to escape.

To compound his possessions, he had to lease the Lordship and Manor of Clifford and the Hamlet of Allston to his guardian Job Dighton for 99 years. A sum of money 1,371l. 3s 10d. He was then aged 26. He went overseas and died in East Indies unmarried.

From then on the Dighton family carried on with the succession of owners of The Manor and land.

UNTIL

Alice daughter of Francis Keyt Dighton married Rev Arthur Annesley DD Trinity College Oxford, vicar of Chewton Mendip in Somerset. Their son Arthur Annesley applied for Rector in 1793. He and all the Rectors of that family from then on lived at The Manor until the Rev Pippet took Holy Orders at Clifford, and lived in a house he built for himself and his family.

The Manor and land then came into possession of the West family in 1865 - then Gratrix in 1903 – followed by Miss Kathleen Wills later Douty until her husband's death and then Mrs. Rees-Mogg on her marriage to Col. Rees-Mogg.

== Rees-Mogg ==

When I first came to the village in 1968, people could just remember a Mr. Gratrix as owner; “a very strange gentleman”; but their greatest memory was of Mrs. Douty, later Mrs. Rees-Mogg. She bought the Manor as Miss Kathleen Wills, younger daughter of Sir Frederick Wills (who made his fortune in cigarettes!) in 1909. On 21st September 1909, Miss Wills married Dr. Douty who was in practice at Cannes.

'' '''Wedding of Miss Kathleen Wills''' 
''The wedding of Miss Kathleen Wills and Dr. Edward Douty of Cannes took place on Tuesday afternoon at St. Paul’s, Knightsbridge. The bride was given away by her brother Sir Gilbert Wills and wore a white satin dress draped with old lace. Her five bridesmaids wore white chiffon dresses and pink and mauve sashes and their white chiffon hats were trimmed with pink carnations and silver leaves. No reception was held after the wedding owing to the recent death of Sir Frederick Wills, and the bride and bridegroom left early for their honeymoon which was to be spent at Stratford-upon-Avon.''

''Many costly gifts were received from the numerous friends of the bride and bridegroom. Among those who gave gifts were the Dowager Lady Cairns, Lady Carnarven and Princess Pless. It is stated that the newly married pair intend taking up their residence at Clifford Manor House.''

- FROM THE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON HERALD dated 24th September 1909

In 1910, Dr. and Mrs. Douty restored to the Manor everything that had been sold in 1865 by the Annesley Family to the West Family of Alscot Park. (The Rev. Francis Annesley had bought back just the house from the West family in 1891 at the price of £2,079.). Now, in 1910, the Douty’s bought back the Manor Farm (and lands) from the Wests and, in 1911, bought from the Wests the advowson (the right to be Patron of Clifford Church and appoint Rectors), plus many cottages in the village.

Two years after her marriage, Mrs. Douty was left a widow with a baby son, Gilbert to bring up.

However, back to the Manor, Mrs. Douty, in the book she had printed in memory of her husband (compiled by Philip Hope Bagenal), had a description of how the Manor (or rather Priest’s house) might have looked in the days of long ago - “with clay and thatched outbuildings round it. A granary, a hall for the Court of Justice, a bakehouse, stables, a dovecot arranged round it, a moat on three sides, the river on the fourth, and the villagers’ clay houses forming a wide street approaching the Manor and Church.”

== Fire ==

This original Manor or Priest’s house, dated about late 15th/early 16th Century, was still standing when, in 1918 an ancient but smouldering timber in a chimney spluttered into life one night. Mrs. Douty and her 8yr old son were in Bournemouth where Gilbert, the young boy was recovering from chicken pox. Only 2 maids and an odd-job-man were sleeping in the house, and they only became aware of it at 6.00am the next morning! One maid rushed down the village street in her nightgown and made enough noise to bring every man and boy out into the street. David Simmonds galloped on a farm horse to Stratford to summon the fire brigade. By the time the horse-drawn fire engine arrived, the fire had taken such a hold due to a strong wind blowing, that little of the original Manor was left.

This was a great shock to Mrs. Douty, for in her book that Mr. Philip Hope Bagenal had written, with her approval, came the following:- “A single stack of flues is grouped in the centre of the house with the stairs beside it. The fireplaces and flues are built of stone, and the stairs, though now of timber, were probably of stone in their original state. The masonry work would thus be a solid core in the centre of the house, and the danger of fire be minimised.”!!!!

The enclosed letter printed in the Stratford Herald dated 5th April 1918, is interesting:-

''“Sir,''
''I feel sure the deepest and most sincere sympathy is felt for our kind and generous neighbour Mrs. Douty, in the calamity that has fallen upon her in the destruction of her beautiful old manor house.''

''This lamentable fire has caused many to discuss the adequacy of the existing means available for dealing with such disasters. I am told the Stratford-upon-Avon fire engine did not arrive on the scene till one hour and a half after the fire had been discovered, and, but for the promptitude of Mr. James of Clifford in sending in his horses to bring out the fire engine, a further delay would have occurred. We all know that promptitude of action is all important at the outbreak of fire. I should like to ask what means are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such disastrous delays in the future? Are any arrangements being made to horse the fire engine, or is it to be left till the outbreak of a fire to hunt round the town for horses? Considering the valuable historical property in Stratford and the immediate neighbourhood, it seems to me – and I know I am expressing the opinion of a great many influentual people – it is time the town should possess a motor fire engine?''

''Francis H. Hodgson''
'' Clopton April 3rd 1918”''

Another letter followed from him in the Herald dated 17th April, stating that he was willing to subscribe £50 towards the purchase of an
engine and two guineas per annum towards the upkeep. This offer was repeated in a letter the following week; this time from Mrs. Douty.

After the fire, another timbered and beautiful building was built on the ashes of the old Priest House, and Mrs. Douty had placed in the high brick wall running alongside the tradesmens entrance, a large bell to ring in emergencies to awaken the village!

[[File:Restoration of manor after fire.jpg|thumb|400px|Restoration of Clifford Manor after fire]]

== Village Wedding ==
[[File:Col_rees_mogg_and_others.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Col. Ress-Mogg]]

When I first arrived in this village in the late 1960’s, many people in the village could remember The Wedding, especially two ‘children’ who were invited with their parents to St. Margaret’s, Westminster, to see Mrs. Douty marry Col. Rees Mogg. Kath Salmon could remember with delight, how the car in which they were travelling back to Clifford, was mistaken for the bridal car. Mr. Ainley, Mrs. Douty’s Agent, had to hurriedly get out of the car to persuade the lads of the village to hold on to their ropes until the right car came along. Eventually it did, and the lads tied ropes round it, and the newly married couple were pulled along the village street to the Lodge (the Manor still being rebuilt after the fire) with Col. and Mrs. Rees Mogg regally waving to the villagers standing either side of the village street. Then, on arrival at The Lodge, they both stood up in the car and gave speeches even more regal! The bride had been treated very regally in the village for many years, due to Miss Wilding’s insistence that her pupils must either curtsey or take off their caps (depending on sex) when her car passed them.

FROM THE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON HERALD Friday June 30th 1922
 MARRIAGE OF MAJOR REES-MOGG AND MRS DOUTY
 (it is interesting to read that two of the bridegrooms’ guests at the wedding were Viscount and Vicountess Althorp – Princes Di’s grandparents!)

''“On Wednesday afternoon at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster, the marriage was solemnised of Veterinary-Major Graham B. C. Rees-Mogg 1st Life Guards, younger son of the Rev. H. J. and Mrs. Rees-Mogg of Midgham, Berkshire, and Kathleen, youngest daughter of the late Sir Frederick and Lady Wills of Northmoor, Dulverton, and widow of Mr. Edward Douty.''

''Sir Gilbert Wills, the bride’s brother, gave her away and Captain Astley, a brother-in-law of the bridegroom was best man.
Troopers of the 1st Life Guards formed a guard of honour and trumpeters blew fanfares in honour of the bride and bridegroom.
The bride’s dress was of deep cream charmeuse, veiled with pleated net draped with lace, and she wore a gold net toque with a gold lace veil, and carried a shower bouquet of red roses. She had no bridesmaids, but during the ceremony, her little son stood near her and held her bouquet.''

''The Dean of Westminster performed the rite assisted by the Rev. the Hon. Edward Lyttelton, and the Bishop of Gloucester gave the address. The second hymn was sung to a tune written by Mr. G. F. Bloomer of Stratford-Upon-Avon.''

''Among those present were……..Viscount and Vicountess Althorp, and the Rev. F. H. and the Hon Mrs. Hodgson.''

''The village of Clifford Chambers was gaily decorated with flags and floral arches for the auspicious occasion, and on the arrival of Major and Mrs. Rees-Mogg in the evening, the villagers assembled en masse by the New Inn, attached ropes to the motor-car, and so escorted the occupants to Clifford Lodge. Rose-petals and confetti were showered upon the happy couple, and a tiny jet-black Persian kitten was handed to the bride as a mascot.''

''The bride and bridegroom thanked the villagers for their kind and hearty reception. Peals were rung on the Church bells during the evening.
Presentation''

''Last evening (Thursday) practically the whole village assembled to make two presentations to the bride and bridegroom.''

''The Rev. F. H. Hodgson (Rector of Clifford) presided, and among those present were the Rev. W. A. and Mrs. Pippet, Miss Pippet, Messrs. J. R. Black and John James (Churchwardens), Mr. J. R. Steele, Mr. and Mrs. Matters etc. The Rev. F. H. Hodgson said that he felt that was a great red-letter day in the history of the Parish of Clifford. They were met there that evening to give a hearty welcome to Major and Mrs. Rees-Mogg. He was sure they all wished them every happiness in this world, and they were there to present them with a parish gift. The speaker proceeded to graphically describe the wedding service at St. Margaret’s, Westminster at which he was present, and he mentioned that in all his long life (and he had been to a good many marriage services) he did not think he had ever attended a more beautiful ceremony, or a more impressive one.''

''The gifts, Mr. Hodgson continued, had been subscribed for by the parishioners and tenants, and also Mr. Oliver Baker who had his share in it as well. It was an expression of their affection and gratitude for all Mrs. Rees-Mogg had done for the parish since she had come to live at the Manor and he was sure she would accept it with a great deal of pleasure.''

''Mr. Hodgson then presented the bride and bridegroom with a Cromwellian leather settle, with oak feet, which is about 300 years old, and also a Ruskin bowl from the children.''

[[File:Col_rees_mogg_dog_and_others.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Col. Rees-Mogg]]

''In reply, Mrs. Rees-Mogg said that she did wish to tell them how deeply she appreciated the splendid present that they had given them. They had shown to her husband very clearly that which she knew already – that at Clifford they were surrounded by most kind, warm and hearty neighbours and friends. Through the days of sorrow and years of loneliness and through the dreadful disaster, they had all given her proof of their goodwill and sympathy. She was glad that their marriage did not mean saying goodbye as so often was the case after marriages. In that case, it only meant that instead of finding two friends at The Manor (for they must count her son Gilbert) they would in future, she hoped, find three. (applause). They had made their homecoming delightful with the glorious welcome they had given them, and she thanked them all a thousand times for it, and for the beautiful presents they had given them. Those were tokens of good wishes which they would value all their lives.''

''The bridegroom also spoke, and in the course of a short speech thanked them all for their hearty welcome the previous night. He was not unacquainted with village life, having had his home, when on leave, at a village rectory or vicarage, and he added that he was sure they would be lenient with him if he did anything which might not meet with their approval. He again thanked them for the welcome and the presents, after which the bride announced that there was a piece of wedding cake for each one.
Loud cheers were given for the bride and bridegroom following the presentation and after each had received a neat packet of wedding cake, the ceremony terminated.”''

== Gilbert Douty ==
[[File:Mrs_rees-mogg.jpg‎|thumb|400px|right|Rees-Mogg family with young Gilbert Douty]]

Gilbert was sent to a boarding school and was only seen in the village during holidays. However, on his 21st birthday, he was given a sports car by his mother – and everyone saw him in the village then! In fact, his mother, very concerned at the speed with which Gilbert drove his new possession through the village, made a point of finding out from her son when he was intending to go out his in his car! Then word was sent round the village, so the mothers would keep their small children off the street until Gilbert was safely on his way out of the village. There was not much warning however, when he came home from his excursions, and the villagers would watch him roar up the village street, and hope children would have the sense to scurry out of his way. Those working in the Manor gardens would see the cloud of dust as Gilbert’s car came up the drive, and the car, with a quick turn, would skid to a stop with the gravel spitting against the front door of the Manor.

Mrs.Rees-Mogg was quite an attractive woman, not tall; in fact she looked quite small compared to Col. Rees-Mogg’s towering height. She suffered terribly from asthma, and was very sympathetic towards her tenants who also were ill, particularly those with breathing problems. She would go to great trouble at re-housing them in one of her other cottages in an attempt to relieve their suffering.

Her attempts at motherhood were not very successful however! With Gilbert losing his father before he was two, there was no man in his life to discipline him. In her loneliness of widowhood, his mother had given him everything he wanted. By the time Col. Rees-Mogg turned up in Gilbert’s life, Gilbert had become a very spoilt twelve-year-old child, and made it quite clear that he did not like his step-father disciplining him! I have been told that, as Gilbert became older, Col. Rees-Mogg stayed away from him as much as he possibly could, walking out of the back door as soon as Gilbert walked in the front!

Kath Salmon could remember, on sunny Sundays, the Misses Lupton cycling from Stratford to play afternoon tennis at the Manor.

Tragically, Gilbert died from an accident in his late twenties.

FROM A BIRMINGHAM NEWSPAPER dated 12th July 1938

''“DEATH AFTER DANCE
POLICE CONTINUE THEIR ENQUIRIES
MEMBER OF MIDLAND FAMILY''

''A DETECTIVE OFFICER ATTACHED TO THE Chief Constable’s office at Northallerton, North Riding, is continuing his investigations today into the strange death of Mr. Gilbert Edward Frederick Douty (aged 28), member of a well-known Midland family, following a dance in the village hall at Oswaldkirk on July 2 last.''

''The inquest was opened yesterday and adjourned until July 21. Only formal evidence was given by the young man’s stepfather, Lieut.-Colonel Graham Rees-Mogg of Clifford Manor, near Stratford-on-Avon, and Prince’s Gate, London S.W.''

''Mr. Douty had driven away from the dance in his car, accompanied by a young woman, when a missile struck one of the windows. He got out to investigate, and it is believed that he was then struck over the head.''

''He was admitted to a York nursing home, where he developed pneumonia and died yesterday.''

''The police have made a number of enquiries in the village, but have been unable to trace anyone who saw anything of the incident.''

''‘No one knows anything at all about it. I don’t think it was anything to do with any of the villagers,’ the postmistress at Oswaldkirk told a reporter. ‘Ours is a very respectable village.’''

''A close acquaintance of Mr. Douty told a reporter that the incident occurred some time after 2.a.m. on July 2. After Mr. Douty had left the dance, he was knocked unconscious, and with the execption of a few brief intervals, he did not regain consciousness. The only person he recognised was his mother.''

''Mr. Douty, who was educated at Eton and Cambridge, was undergoing training in the estate office of the Earl of Feversham at Helmsley, a few miles away from Oswaldkirk. He is the son by her first husband of Mrs. Rees-Mogg, formerly Miss Kathleen Wills, sister of Lord Dulverton, chairman of the Imperial Tobacco Company.''

''Though ill herself, Mrs. Rees-Mogg travelled north with her husband the day after the accident, and she has not yet returned to Stratford-on-Avon.''

''The funeral has been arranged for Thursday afternoon July 14th, at Clifford Chambers Parish Church.”''

<gallery perrow="2">
File:Funeral_sevice_sheet_Gilbert_Douty_A.jpg|Funeral service sheet, Front
File:Funeral_sevice_sheet_Gilbert_Douty_B.jpg|Funeral service sheet, Back
</gallery>

==Servants==

From Peter Stenson, Claines, Worcestershire:

:My Mother, Doreen (known as Dorrie) Marjorie Stenson nee 'Roythorne' went to work at Clifford Manor on 4th May 1936. She was then aged 16. She was employed as an under-house-maid for the grand sum of seven shillings a month!

:The other staff she remembered were: - Mr. Hall, carpenter and outside work - Mr. Salmon 'odd man' and gardener - Mr. Holman butler - Caroline head housemaid - 'George' hall boy (irrespective of their real name all the hall boys were called George!). 'James', footman (whose real name was actually George but had to be called 'James' for the same reason as the hall boys being called 'George') Gilmore 'Gillie' Whittle footman - Mrs. Yateman cook - Mary Owen kitchen maid - Kitty Jenner second scullery maid (she could not be called by her proper name Kathleen, as it was Mrs. Rees-Moggs first name) - Lillian head scullery miad.

:Kitty and Mary were my Mum's best friends at Clifford and, although the work was hard and the hours were long, she did recall having lots of fun too. Mrs. Rees-Mogg was known as one of the more enlightened and kind employers that my Mother worked for.

:Mother had to be up at 5.00am. Her first job was to collect and empty all the slops from the bedrooms in a bucket.

:One morning when the house was full of guests, she rushed into the servants' bathroom where she poured her slops into the lavatory. She rinsed out the bucket and turned to leave the bathroom only to discover that the bath was occupied by the Bishop of Gloucester! Fortunately there was a good covering of soap bubbles floating on the water. She hurried red-faced from the bathroom.

:The next time she saw Dr. Arthur Caley Headlam was on Wednesday February 24th 1937, when he confirmed my Mum and Kitty at the village Church.

:Mrs. Rees-Mogg was very keen that all her staff attended Church regularly. She presented Mother with a signed Book of Common Prayer within weeks of her starting at the Manor, and insisted that she get herself confirmed as soon as possible. After the confirmation, she also presented Mother with a signed copy of 'Daily Light on the Daily Path'. The Rector F Meridith Brookes also presented a Plain Communion Book. Mrs. Rees-Mogg also supplied some rather nice light grey material so Kitty and Mum could make confirmation dresses.

:Mother's other early morning jobs, were to clean and lay fires in all the occupied bedrooms. She was terrified of dropping anything in the grate and waking the sleeping occupant. She also had the main stairs to sweep with a brush and dustpan. No wonder she had painful knees in later life.

:One of her least favourite jobs was washing a long green-tiled corridor which had to be cleaned with stale milk. This had to be collected from outside the dairy. Mother used to cheat by adding hot water to stop her hands freezing on very cold mornings.

:Mrs. Rees-Mogg, not surprisingly, had a fear of fires and one of the first things Mum had to do when she started, was to have fire practice. The local Fire Brigade was in attendance and, after a demonstration, all the staff had to slide out of an upstairs bedroom window, and down a canvas tube. All the female staff had to pin their dresses up to prevent the men waiting at the bottom of the tube, from seeing their knickers!

:All sorts of fun started as soon as the family left the Manor for various social events. One one occasion, the footman chased the shrieking housemaids around the garden with a snake in a basket. 'James' also donned a lion-skin, complete with stuffed head and jumped out on the kitchen maid who was on her way up the stairs. In the chase that followed, he managed to scratch her cheek with one of the lion's claws. She had a permanent reminder of her lion attack.

:Colonel Rees-Mogg had a rather distinctive speech impediment and seemed to spend quite a lot of time in bed with real or imagined illness. Although my Mother tried to creep quietly past his bedroom one mid-morning, he called out “Dorrween! Dorrween - ask Holman to bwing me the Daily Miwaa”. Why a person in his position should be reading the Daily Mirror remains a mystery.

:During the early years of the war, there was a plane crash nearby and Moses, one of the scruffy terriers that roamed about the buildings and gardens, brought home a souvenier of the crash – a human finger, which he left on the lawn. On another occasion – a quiet afternoon when sitting in the garden over-looking the river, the staff were upset by the arrival of the otter-hounds in full cry.

:My Mother also remembers the great upset that was caused when Gilbert Douty was killed after being hit on the head by a bottle.

:At Christmas time, the family provided gifts for all the staff and we still have the amber necklace that Mother received in 1938.

:In 1940, at the prompting of her father, my Mother applied to the Air Ministry instead of going into the forces, for a job as a clerk. She had no sooner started, then she was moved to Worcester where she later met my Father.

:Mother died after a short illness in April 2012 aged 92.

Clifford Manor

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Avrilsalmon: /* Past Owners */

Rectory

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Avrilsalmon: /* Campaign to save The Rectory */

= The Old Rectory =

[[Parish Magazine April 1930]]

[[File:The_rectory_tenanted_by_3_families.jpg|thumb|right|The Rectory tenanted by 3 families]]

The Old Rectory, originally of course called The Rectory, was, for many years just cottages. The Annesleys, Rectors for many years, lived at The Manor, and the Rev Pippet had a house built for himself and his family at Red Hill, so, for all that time, the black timbered house with white wattle and daub near the Church, was occupied by villagers.

Mr. and Mrs. Betteridge lived in two rooms. Their front door faced the Churchyard and opened straight into their living room. To get to their bedroom and storage room upstairs, they used the main staircase; the rest of the house being bolted off. The delightful sloping back-bedroom was used by them for storing apples, and below this was the room where Mrs. Betteridge salted the pig.

Mr. Betteridge had great difficulty in walking towards the end of his life, and for many years beforehand had trouble with his legs, so all the work was left to his wife. She was a marvellous lady, always ready to sell the best of her eggs to anyone who came to the door, Eggs were bought from The Rectory and milk bought from The Hollies across the road, so it was a very busy part of the village at one time.

Mrs. Betteridge wore clogs (and she was one of the last to wear the white bonnet so common years earlier), and the echo of her clogs on the stone-flagged floor could be heard the moment you knocked at her front door. She kept poultry (which she killed and dressed herself), ducks and pigs. The ducks filled the orchard and would always drift down to the river. Regularly at sundown, Mrs. Betteridge would clip clop down to the river calling, “Come on! Dil! Dil! Dil!”, and would be answered by several hundred “quacks” from all directions, and most of the ducks answering didn’t even belong to her! They just liked the sound of her voice coming to them across the water.

Mr. Betteridge, when his legs would permit him, was a bellringer and regularly every New Year’s Eve after ringing the New Year in, would invite the other four bellringers back to his home for a good supper of rabbit pie, cooked specially for the bellringers by Mrs. Betteridge. The rabbits were supplied by Nipper Livey (real name Enoch) from Cold Comfort Farm, and what a delicious spread it was! The only time he could not join his fellow ringers and friends, was on Boxing Day. This was the day the ringers sang more than rang. Unfortunately for Mr. Betteridge, they walked too – round to all the farms, singing. However, Mrs. Betteridge would invite them all in when darkness came and the walk finished. Then, with stomachs full of rabbit pie (again!) he would join them ringing a peal. Mrs. Betteridge would also give them warm cider with a little ginger heated on her stove in her enamel saucepan.

Very sadly Mrs. Betteridge did not have a pleasant ending to her life. She had moved to No 13 to make way for the new Rector, and fell down the stairs one morning. Harold Mole found her late afternoon. He opened her back door to get her milk jug (he was delivering milk at the time), and found her lying at the foot of the stairs unconscious. She had been there many hours, and never recovered.

Mr. and Mrs. Franklin lived in the middle section of The Rectory. The only thing that can be remembered of Mrs. Franklin was her taking the baby out for an airing in his pram.

Puffy Wheeler (baptised Charles) and his wife lived in the kitchen end of The Rectory. He would come to the door puffing and blowing through his whiskers. I think it is he I have to thank for my son’s expression on referring to the death of anyone as “kick the bucket”! Evidently, Puffy Wheeler shouted this to my father-in-law, Len Salmon, every time he saw him with his rabbits when Puffy was out delivering the dough cakes and flour. “That rabbit will kick the bucket before long”, he would shout. My father-in-law used the expression in front of James – hence the consequences. Puffy worked as delivery boy for the other Mill on the main road.

Mrs. Rees-Mogg was the Patron of the Church and it was she and not Gloucester who decided that Canon Brookes would be an ideal Rector. The Rev Pippet having died, his widow and daughter stayed on in the house he had built. Therefore Canon Brooks had nowhere to live except The Rectory, and the tenants had to leave, Mrs. Rees-Mogg finding cottages for them. She then paid for new wooden and tiled floors to be put over the stone flags. Eventually, in 1927, Canon Brookes moved in with his wife and 10 year old twin sons.

[[File:Aerial_view_village_1938.jpg|thumb|left|Aerial view of the village, 1938]]

As well as looking after the spiritual needs of Clifford, he also looked after Atherstone, and I should think he was the only Vicar to work under two Bishops – Coventry and Gloucester! Services at Atherstone I think were on a Sunday afternoon and in the fine weather he cycled across the fields to take the services. As well as that afternoon service, he had the usual services at Clifford, plus visiting the village school regularly every week to take services there. Canon Brookes was a small man with a nasal tone to his voice, but he was a brilliant speaker.

[[File:Canon_Brookes.jpg|thumb|right|Canon Brookes]]

He had been Canon of a large Church and congregation, but on developing heart trouble, was advised to seek a smaller parish. Talk of his sermons spread, and soon a Stratford Blue double-decker bus arranged by the Manager of the Company, was booked every Sunday evening to bring people from Stratford to the service. To get a good seat, people needed to arrive half-an-hour before the service! Twice, morning service on the BBC was broadcast from our Church with Canon Brooks as preacher.

He retired in 1954 and Rectors after that had a lot to live up to. Rev Brown who came after him, died very suddenly – almost at his post. He had attended a meeting at Atherstone, I was told, to discuss its future association with Clifford, and died on returning home. However, when the Rev Lake arrived on the scene, he made it quite obvious he did not like the idea of serving two Bishops. The Bishop of Coventry tried to persuade him to stay with Atherstone but it seems he wasn’t successful.

The Rev. Lake was a jolly man with a great sense of humour. He had been prisoner of war and in one of his sermons, gave a demonstration of one of his activities while in prison. He mimed opening a prison window, then roared out in a melodious but extremely loud singing voice, the chorus “Let the blessed sunshine in; let the blessed sunshine in; open wide the windows, open wide the door. Let the blessed sunshine in” He called on Betty Harris one day while she was having a bath. Not knowing who the caller was, Betty shouted out where she was, knowing that with the bathroom next to the front door, she would be heard clearly. The Rev. Lake’s reply was, “Would you like me to come and scrub your back?”!

Canon. Patterson came next, and found himself serving Clifford and Marston Sicca. (Incidentally, from old Parish Records, I have found out that Clifford applied to Marston Sicca District Council for anything to do with roads, hedges, ditches.).

Canon Patterson was a bachelor needing a housekeeper. The elderly housekeeper he brought with him, became so elderly she could no longer do the work required. As no other housekeeper turned up to take her place, Rev. Patterson had to leave.

The Rev David Leonard-Williams was the next Rector to live at The Rectory with his energetic wife and two young lads, plus - living along the village street - his delightful and prayerful mother-in-law.

Up until they arrived, the Sunday School was always held in the Church vestry on a Sunday afternoon, though when Rev Pippet had been the Priest in Charge, the children met at Red Hill House.. Now, with a young family, the Leonard-Williams encouraged the children to meet on a Sunday morning in one of the big rooms at the Rectory.

Rev. Leonard-Williams had a very dry wit. “Rector”, whispered one of the choir boys to him in the choir vestry. “Look! This wooden cupboard has woodworm in it.” Rev Leonard-Williams (who had been an architect before taking up Holy Orders) looked over his glasses at the offending cupboard. “Then,” he said, “you had better keep your head away from it!”

The villagers were delighted when, after Rev Leonard-Williams left, they found out that Canon Hawkins was coming as Rector. They had never met him, or heard his preaching, and as most of his preaching had taken place in Nigeria, this wasn’t surprising. The person they did know well, was his wife. They had known her and her twin sister since the girls were 10, when they came to play with their twin cousins in The Rectory – for Mrs. Hawkins and Miss Talbot, her sister, were the nieces of Canon Brooks!

Canon Hawkins was a very shy and gentle man who had witnessed great suffering during the civil war in Nigeria, both those in grief over the loss of loved ones, and those who were going through the trauma of killing a fellow human-being. His shyness made him put a great effort into his work. He visited everyone who was ill – even those who were suffering from nothing more than a common cold! He took the childrens’ services, teaching them new songs by singing them unaccompanied. One time he surprised the choir when our organist became ill one Sunday and there was no time to find a replacement. After announcing each hymn, he came into the choir pews and with an, “Excuse me” to the choir, climbed over the back of the choir pew onto the organ seat, switched the organ on and played the hymn,. Once the hymn finished, he switched off the organ, climbed back over the seat and back to his seat to take the next part of the service, until he announced the next hymn.
Mrs. Hawkins and Miss Talbot conducted the Sunday School with Miss Baker the village headmistress. They organized a yearly bonfire night with hot soup and jacket potatoes. The Rectory was constantly open to everyone and anyone – every room in fact – to such an extent we all felt The Rectory was our home too. The Sunday School was held there, one class being in their dining room, another in their living room, another in the Rectory’s study and teenagers in their kitchen where delicious smells would be coming from their Rayburn. The garden was a joy to be seen, for both Mrs Hawkins and Miss Talbot were very keen gardeners. The Mothers Union held their meetings in their living room.

[[File:Mothers_union.jpg|thumb|right|Mothers Union 1981]]

May dancing took place on their front lawn and every Monday evening, the children came for “Rectory Games” in the paddock and orchard, accompanied by much shouting from the boys and a few odd screams of excitement from the girls. During winter and spring, the children met in the Rector’s study for drama, mostly on Mission Work. We missed the Hawkins when they left for retirement

[[File:Childrens_goodbye_to_hawkins.jpg|thumb|left|Children's goodbye to the Hawkins]]

– and we missed The Rectory too, for Gloucester Diocese had decided the up-keep of The Rectory was too high. Also, we had lost our connection with Marston Sicca and were now joined with Welford. Welford was the larger village; therefore the Rector from now onwards would live at Welford.
Gloucester Diocese sold The Rectory to its present owner.

==Campaign to save The Rectory==
From Coventry Evening Telegraph
Saturday 6th October 1979

Villagers Petition Bishop to save Rectory

Residents in a tiny South Warwickshire village are calling on a Bishop to reconsider the closing of their 16th Century Rectory.

The Gloucester Diocesan Pastoral Committee plan to close the picturesque Elizabethan Rectory next to St. Helen's Church at Clifford Chambers, and to move the Rector to Welford-on-Avon where he would serve Welford, Weston and Clifford. Chambers

“We have lost our shop, our post office and our village school – this was just the final straw”, said mother of three Mrs. Avril Salmon, who organized a 250-name petition protesting at the move.

The Committee say that the Rector, the Rev. David Hawkins – or his successor when Mr. Hawkins retires in two years' time – should be based in Welford because it is the most densely populated of the three villages.

But Mrs. Salmon says that the Rectory is used as a social gathering point for numerous local organisations and they fear that if it is closed, the village's Sunday School for one might be unable to meet.

Focal point

The petition signed by nearly every member of the Parish, has been presented to the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt. Rev Robert Deakin, who is chairman of the Pastoral Committee.

The petition describes the Rectory as the focal point of village life and says that it “contributes to a feeling of unity and concern for others which makes Clifford Chambers such a pleasant place to live in.”

Villagers are also worried that the Rectory could be sold to some-one with no interest in the village, or even turned into a hotel or tea shop.

Mrs. Salmon said, “We didn't put up a fight when the shop,school or the post office closed, but this time I was determined not to sit on my backside.”

Year of the Child

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "YEAR OF THE CHILD 1979 While Miss Baker was around, we had every chance of having a Parish celebration somehow or other, and in 1979, she, as Headmistress of our Village Scho..."

YEAR OF THE CHILD 1979

While Miss Baker was around, we had every chance of having a Parish celebration somehow or other, and in 1979, she, as Headmistress of our Village School found out early on in the year, that, in the summer there would be a national celebration of Year of the Child. So naturally she began the 'stirring' to involve as many people as possible in the Parish to be involved in this.

Please note – Miss Baker did not think in terms of 'village'. To her, village meant Parish and all the surrounding areas in the Parish. No-one was to be left out. So everyone in Shipston Road in our Parish was informed. - ditto those at Willicote and Wincote and Milcote.

So, the day was a resounding success. It was opened by Mrs. Oulton, who known as actress Peggy Thorpe Bates, was often seen on our televisions.

Old Village Photos YrofChild-opening

There was a Street Party for all the children on the pavement outside the Jubilee Hall.

Old Village Photos Yrofchild-streetparty

The Fancy Dress must have caused some parents problems, for the costumes were to be outfits resembling what children of other nations were wearing. And here are some of them – but not James Salmon who was supposed to be dressed as an Arab draped in a sheet with the addition of sunglasses on his nose, but insisted instead on joining the procession on his bike dressed as himself. Fortunately the Judges decided to ignore him!

Old Village photos YrofChild-fancydress

There was a show or concert in the Jubilee Hall, showing sketches by the children of children's Nursery Rhymes throughout the ages.

And, last of all competitive games in the Recreation Ground and possibly more following.

Old Village Photos YrofChild-watching games

Can anyone remember?

And here are some of the photos taken on that day:-

Summer Synagoes

2014-02-27T19:57:30Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "SUMMER SYNAGO'S Miss Baker was sorely missed when she died, for there seemed to be no more extremely-organized Parish events. Avril Salmon, who saw her garden as a gift from..."

SUMMER SYNAGO'S

Miss Baker was sorely missed when she died, for there seemed to be no more extremely-organized Parish events.

Avril Salmon, who saw her garden as a gift from God, felt it would be nice to share this with the people of the Parish, and if possible start once more, some sort of Parish event. But what to put on the general invite going out to everyone was a problem. It would definitely not be a fund-raising thing, or a Garden Party but just a day of enjoyment of the company of each other, and sharing food together.

She tried to find a simple way of describing it, and her friend suggested Synago, coming from the word Synagogue, meaning a gathering or assembly. The Latin title of this was synagoga, so she just left off the last two letters.

The first year was a great success with plenty of food being brought, cooked on the barbeque by volunteers, and ate by everyone. Along with chairs and tables from the Jubilee Hall, people bought plenty of umbrellas and in some cases, their comfortable garden chairs.

Village Photos Synago's 6, 7 & 8

Avril made sure there were plenty of provisions for children of all ages, from toddler's toys, toy cars and railway, and dressing-up clothes.

Village Photos Synago's 1, 2, and 3
At that time a Mother and Toddler group were meeting at the Jubilee Hall. And we were allowed to borrow many of their equipment.

Village Photos Synago's 4

We had several 'musicians' in the Parish, and borrowing a rather Buckingham-Palace-looking gazebo, the musicians plus instruments and amplifiers were placed under this in the shade, with leads going into the Salmon shed and connecting to the plugs there. So, amongst all the chatting and shouting and laughing, music was, heard throughout the afternoon and evening.

Village photos Synago's 9

Because of its success, another one was held the next year, with the addition of a fun pool, bought by the Salmon's next door neighbour Chris Pritchard, and later given to the Salmon family for future use.

Village Photos Synago's 5

At the very first Synago, Tony Reason brought his camcorder spent the whole afternoon and some of the evening recording the event – click on here to see it:-

Video

Old-age and children leaving the Salmon Household slowly brought the Summer Synago to an end. For how could invites be sent out to a garden full of weeds and where creaking joints slowed up the preparations needed to get everything ready in time!

BBC Radio Treasure Hunt

2014-02-27T19:54:29Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "COVENTRY & WARWICK RADIO TREASURE HUNT And we won! It all started with a phone call from the then Chairman of our Parish Council to Avril Salmon.. “Avril – I hope you..."

COVENTRY & WARWICK RADIO TREASURE HUNT

And we won!

It all started with a phone call from the then Chairman of our Parish Council to Avril Salmon.. “Avril – I hope you don't mind, but I have given your number to the Coventry and Warwick Radio people· They have phoned me, wanting to do some sort of Treasure Hunt in our village which seems to involve children. And this really isn't a Parish Council thing. Can you deal with it Avril? You know all the children in the Parish. May I leave it with you?”

Di, one of the people in charge of this Treasure Hunt explained on the phone to Avril when she rang, that her team were going round to all the villages to get them all to join in with this Treasure Hunt.

The 'treasures' the villagers of each Parish were to find, were all connected in some way with their individual area. So far, one village had found all their 'treasures' using various means, including transport, to find them. The last item however had to be found in a very short time – seconds more than minutes, though minutes were counted and this one village had managed it in a fairly good record time – which could be beaten!

And the prize was 50 tickets to the London Show “Starlight Express”.

But when she told Avril the date and time the team would be coming to our village, her heart sunk. All her family the day before would be attending a wedding in East London and coming back home late, and the next day, she would be taking Quest Club at the very time this Treasure Hunt was to start.

Worse still, Lawrence wouldn't be there to help. As an Officer in the local Boys Brigade, he had to attend, with the Stratford Branch, a Sunday morning Parade in Coventry that morning, taking Henry their youngest son with him.

Avril started the organizing. She hoped that by doing that, she wouldn't have to join in the game. All the children, once they knew about it became VERY excited. The older ones were not sure, but when as the day approached, they became more keen. However, Avril began to realise that the parents were assuming she would be there in charge. Janet Reason was her helper on that day at Quest Club, and she was willing to take the Club on her own. Sara, Avril's daughter, was taking the 3s to 4s at Quest Club at the same time and she was willing to carry on, while the Treasure Hunt went on.

Quiet a crowd of children plus Avril all waited on the morning of that day, on the pavement outside the Salmon house for the team to arrive. Di went into panic when she arrived. “Avril, where are the cars and the adults? We need them. Some of the 'treasure' can only be found with people driving cars.”

The children went dashing off in all directions to get their parents and ring their friends to come and bring their parents, and by the time broadcasting started, we had about five adults there, including Sue Jackson who came along to find out what was happening – and she had her car nearby! In fact, she was a great help dashing off in her car to find 'treasure'. One of the 'treasures' we had to find was someone who had the same surname as a member of the Cabinet. We had to do some real thinking for that one. Did we know any!

All Avril could think of was Clarke – but then, was the Mr. Clark in our village spelt with a 'e' or not! No-one knew, but Sue solved the problem of a finding someone who shared the same surname as a Cabinet member. She dashed off in her car to our local Garden Nursery and brought back with her Mr. Lamont – after she had dashed in where he was working saying “Oy! You've got to come with me. You're needed as part of the treasure of a Treasure Hunt. Come on! I'll bring you back.”

Di Sage in Shipston Road, had driven her two children to join in the Treasure Hunt, dropped them off and went back home, turning the radio on, so she could listen. She also found a tape so she could record the programme.

Then came one of the' treasures' to find! A tent, with ground sheet, sleeping bags and two people in it, drinking mugs of hot cocoa. She put the kettle on, dashed upstairs, grabbed two sleeping bags; collected the tent, and ground sheet;threw them all into her car, and then went back into the kitchen to make a flask of cocoa. Picking up also two mugs, she soon turned up at the village with everything that was needed to score several marks.

After that, she found things so exciting, she decided to stay until the end, leaving the tape running back at home. But of course, there was no-one there to turn the tape around when it reached the end, so although we have a good recording of most of it, the last bit was not recorded.

And here is that recording:-

And so we have no recording of our triumphant end – unless someone DID record it and we knew nothing of it. So – here's hoping!

And the last 'treasure' to find was a remote control. Paul Sage, standing by the open window of the Salmon dining room, plunged his hand in, and grabbed the remote control that was on their windowsill. “Here it is!” he shouted.

“What” shouted the man at the radio station. “You've found it! In three seconds? I can't believe it!” But Di gave him a description of the remote control she had in her hand and the answer came back from the Radio Station, “Well – congratulations Clifford Chambers. You have won 50 tickets to Starlight Express”.

And what a cheer went up from all our crowd - heard throughout Warwickshire I would imagine – well, to those who were listening to their local radio station!

BBC Broadcast from the 1950s

2014-02-27T19:50:07Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with " NOTABLE EVENTS AT CLIFFORD BBC broadcast of Morning Service at St. Helen's Church in the 1950's Two broadcasts by the BBC Home Service were made at Clifford during the time ..."

NOTABLE EVENTS AT CLIFFORD
BBC broadcast of Morning Service at St. Helen's Church in the 1950's

Two broadcasts by the BBC Home Service were made at Clifford during the time of Canon Brookes' ministry, and both those times, those listening to the wireless (as it was then called) throughout the land on a Sunday morning, heard the announcer say “This morning's service is from the Church of St. Helen's at Clifford Chambers in Warwickshire. The service is led by Canon Meredith Brookes, and the organist is Miss Doris Dodd.”

Or words similar!

It is believed a recording of one of the services – probably the last service made in the 1950's – was handed to Miss Doris Dodd, and it is hoped one day, it will appear on this web site, for all to hear once again.

Village Paths

2014-02-27T19:43:23Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TARMACCED VILLAGE PATHS photo Width of village path by Rectory to Manor Cottage 1980 Photo: Homes and Buildings: aerial view of village 1938 Whilst a Parish Councillor..."

THE TARMACCED VILLAGE PATHS

photo Width of village path by Rectory to Manor Cottage 1980
Photo: Homes and Buildings: aerial view of village 1938

Whilst a Parish Councillor, many people approached me about the narrowness of parts of the village path. Where once they were able to walk along this tarmacced path easily, some of them pushing a pram (the wide and deep ones that were used in the 1940's) many parts of the village path had now been taken over by either hedges or grass verges. In some places, the path was so narrow, it was safer to walk on the road instead, especially if there had been a rain-storm drenching hedges, which soaked the pedestrians if they walked along the path.

Sometime after her arrival at The Manor, Mrs. Rees-Mogg (though she might have been Mrs. Douty at the time) paid for the village path to be tarmacced and the aerial view photo shows just how neatly the path looked then – and the hedges beside the path.

Photo: Homes and Buildings; aerial view of village 1938

I have also placed on this site a photo of the path near to the Rectory leading down to the Manor Cottages. This was taken in 1980, with my oldest child Sara on a chopper bike, James behind her on a wide and sturdy tricycle, and William on a smaller tricycle with no peddles and a smaller width – just to show how wide the path was then.

Old village Photos; Width of village path by Rectory to Manor Cottage 1980

As my job as Councillor was to act on behalf of the Parish, I asked permission of the |Parish Council to take measurements of various sections of the path to attempt to find the original wooden edges which first held the tarmac. They agreed provided I asked permission of the owners of the cottages who were looking after the grass verges of the path, and keeping the grass well clipped, and those with hedges alongside the path.

I had the help of Julian Crang to help, and with him plunging a sharp-edged tool into the grass verge by the path, we were able to discern where the tarmac was under the grass roots, and where there was just soil. With a deep cut in the soil made by Julian both sides of the path, I was then able to take measurements and write them down.

And this is what I found:-
Village Paths

road side full measurement house side
covered by grass of exposed tarmac covered by grass

Outside 6 Orchard Place 8”/.20m 5'3”/1.60m

Angled Narrow side path in grass bank7”/.18m 3'8”/1.118m 7”/.18m

Outside 4 Orchard Place 12”/.305m 4'6”/1.372m 15”/.382m

Entrance to 3 Orchard Place ) 7”/.18m 3'9”/1.092m 7”/18m

One side of drive 1 Orchard Place 5”/.128m 3'/.915m 4”/.102m

Churchside of drive 1 Orchard Place 6”/.152m 3'2”/.965m 5”/.128m

Hedge of Red Walls 14”/.355m 3'9”/1.092m 11”/.278

Entrance to Barn Close
(Main Road side 17”/.431m 4'6”/1.37m 19”/.482

Entrance to Barn Flats 4”/.102m 4'/1.22m

Result of finding edge of village path near to Manor Cottage boundary

3.4”/3'8” 1'3”/1'5
Here, I was able to find under the hedge, the original wooden edging laid down when the path was first tarmacced. Unfortunately I was unable to find the edging on the grass edging opposite, because the soil was too wet, and I could not shake the grass away from the soil – so the measurement 3'4”/3'8” is an estimate.

Problem revealed when attempting to remove grass verge to edge of the tarmac of the village path:-

DRASTIC BREAKING UP OF TARMAC!

The following are possible investigation sites of about 6” in width along the various areas of path:-

along the path running alongside the slip road near to the house 'Roimond'
the section of path by No. 5 Orchard Place, as it leaves the village path and crosses over the grass section to the path running alongside the slip road.

the section of path by Barn Flats

the section of path by the brick wall of the recreation ground

the section of path outside No. 38

the section of path at the boundary of Manor Cottage

Wells in the Parish

2014-02-27T19:25:18Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "WELLS IN THE PARISH Wells sunk into the gravel and sand on which the village and Parish is built, provided an adequate water supply for Clifford and Milcote. By 1930, some ..."

WELLS IN THE PARISH

Wells sunk into the gravel and sand on which the village and Parish is built, provided an adequate water supply for Clifford and Milcote. By 1930, some houses were connected to the Stratford Water Supply, and before the 2nd World War, the whole village was so connected, though some wells were still in use in 1955.

Details of wells in Clifford Manor Estate
(according to the Auction Particulars of 25th June 1951)
(and according to the memory of Nigel Radbourne)

Shipston Road
Monks Barn Farm – water from a well is pumped from the yard up to a tank in the roof

Field past Springfield House going towards Shipston on right hand side of road -Pump where two cottages used to be

“The Thistles” water from a well is pumped to a tank in the roof.

“Gilead” - well at back near house.

“Woodlands” - well at back

“Badger's Croft” according to Nigel, the well here is 80/90' deep

“Farnicombe” - – well probably also at the back.

The village
Nos. 38, 39, 40, 41 – water from pump in garden

Nos. 31, 32, 33, 34 water from pump adjoining No. 32

Nos. 49, 50 - water is obtained from a pump at the rear of 'the Carpenter's shop' adjoining (Carpenter's house is now Prospect House – Nigel also thinks there is a well in the front garden of one of the Charity houses next door)

Nos. 28 – outside washhouse with sink, copper and pump. now believed to be at the back of No. 31

“Eastcote” adjoining No. 50 - well water (was No. 49 but now part of Prospect House)

Cottage No. 45 – well water from a pump

Nos. 46, 47 – water from pump in garden (Nigel is pretty certain this is in No. 46's garden)

Nos. 42, 43, 44 – water from pump in garden of No. 43

Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17 – share a well with pump in garden of No. 14 (sewerage pipe now goes through it!)

Post Office – water from a well beneath the shop

No. 13 – water from a pump in yard

Welford Road
Rectory Farm - well in yard.

1, The Nashes – scullery with copper, sink and pump.

Campden Road
Cold Comfort Farm – water from a pump and additional supply from private estate reservoir at Martins Hill

(These are some descriptions in these Particulars of “soft water pump” - whatever that is!!)

The Manor – Engine room containing Lister 4.h.p engine driving Lee-Howell compactom pump, pumping water from the river to a reservoir on Martins Hill

Manor Cottage according to Nigel, there is a well outside the Manor-side of the cottage underneath the present patio.

The Rectory – well by the outside steps leading to “stable!”

Nos. 20,21,22,23 well somewhere in back gardens.

The Lodge – according to Nigel, one well by the side of the house, and two by the garages with tank under

Nos 18 & 19 – - Maisie Wilks could remember one, but not where, when she and John lodged with Sister Hawkins

No. 1 – according to Nigel, well in garden which might also serve No. 2.

The Close – Definitely one somewhere

Barn Flats – well at the back

The Laurels well at back.

No. 54 well at back

No. 53 – well at back

Present allotments – well

Orchard House - Nigel is certain there is a well here somewhere.

The Hollies - do-

Clifford Forge – (by back door) well 80'90' deep

What Avril found out while 'canvassing' round the Parish
and also from Nigel

Milcote

May Bank well

Aaron Leys – well centre back

Clifford Hill Farm – underground springs bubbling up to surface.

There is a cottage on the Greenway near Milcote Manor called “Well Cottage”!!!!!

Burnetts Cottages – well in field and this is pumped up also to Redhill House and Greville Mount

Milcote Hall – two wells

Campden Road

Sheep Leys Covert – – well

Willicote Pastures - there is a well by the front wall of 2 Willicote Farm Cottages,) very close to where it adjoins No. 1 Willicote Farm Cottages

Willicote House – previous owner says there was a well by side door, which was tested in 1980's and declared contaminated! (So was the well at Burnetts Cottages, but owners placed necessary equipment to kill bacteria etc. and Severn Trent Water Authority declared it safe to drink.)

Milcote and Station Road

2014-02-27T19:12:20Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "STATION ROAD (NOW MILCOTE ROAD) AND MILCOTE STATION most information taken from http://www.maxwebcreation.co.uk The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway was completed..."

STATION ROAD (NOW MILCOTE ROAD)
AND MILCOTE STATION

most information taken from http://www.maxwebcreation.co.uk

The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway was completed in 1852-1853, and it opened a branch from Honeybourne to Stratford-on-Avon on 12th July 1859

About that time, a new road was cut through farmland at Clifford Chambers and Milcote, and named Station Road. This led not only to this new station and railway line, but past it over a level crossing to the villages of Weston-on-Avon and Welford-on-Avon, cutting off Mr. Butler's farmhouse 'Western Sands' from his farmyard and barns.

Up until then, the road connecting Clifford Chambers to Weston-on-Avon and Welford-on-Avon was, what we now refer to as the Bridle Path, leading past Stanley's farm; up the hill (to where another new road was laid out to reach the Sewerage plant); and then on past the three farm cottages and onto what is now referred to as The Greenway. A Railway-built house, (now named Chambers Crossing Cottage), provided accommodation for the man in charge of the level crossing on Station (Milcote) Road. Just across the line are 3 other cottages. Milcote Manor had a 'drive' leading from this 'road' to the Manor house.

The 'road' then went on to Weston-on-Avon as the bridle path still does – and then on to Welford-on-Avon

The Stratford-Upon-Avon Railway became part of the Great Western Railway in 1883, and on 1st August 1899 by an Act of Parliament the GWR obtained permission for the construction of a high speed line between Honeybourne and Cheltenham stopping, when arranged, at Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe, and Bishop's Cleeve.

This produced a good line from Stratford-upon-Avon to the West of England with doubling between Stratford and Honeybourne taking place in 1907/1908.

Eventually the line between Stratford and Honeybourne was used only for goods trains, eventually stopping probably sometime 1970. Avril Salmon, then Avril Taylor, when she first arrived in the village, woke up the same time each night, by the sound of a goods train coming to a halt on this line, with all the coaches clanging into each other; then the train moving forward a little; stopping again with wagons clanging, and eventually chuffing off into the distance.

Eventually, her body and brain became accustomed to this noise, and she slept right through it after that!

Long Marston and Honeybourne rail connection continued for use by the Ministry of Defence,but this was closed when the Royal Engineers Depot was closed.

Telephone Kiosk

2014-02-27T18:45:17Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE VILLAGE TELEPHONE KIOSK This was always at the corner of the village shop, near to the pavement until the village shop was closed and became just a house EXTRACTS FROM TH..."

THE VILLAGE TELEPHONE KIOSK
This was always at the corner of the village shop, near to the pavement until the village shop was closed and became just a house

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

“The Parish Council would like to know our feelings on moving the phone kiosk, and we felt this could be accommodated on the green opposite its present position.”

GOOBYE TO OUR RED TELEPHONE KIOSK

We missed our familiar red telephone kiosk when it was taken away. People were coming into the village and removing phone books, breaking glass and attempting to rob the 'till'.and generally vandalising the kiosk. Two men one early morning, were seen actually standing on the top of the kiosk trying to remove something, but by the time the Police came, they had gone..

The Parish Council approached the Police to see what could be done, and were told the best way forward was to buy one of the new forms of kiosks which were supposed to be vandal-proof.

And that is how and why, sometime in 1987 while all the children were at school apart from the pre-school children, who of course watched the process, our familiar red telephone kiosk was pulled up from its moorings and replaced with the present one we have.

Old Village Photos -Goodbye_to_the_old_telephone_box

Village Post Box

2014-02-27T18:42:25Z

Avrilsalmon:

THE VILLAGE POST BOX

The letters to Clifford were brought from Stratford in a red pony cart by Mr. Box – and Mr Horseman, waiting outside the Post Office at 7a.m. carried his allocation on his back to Preston-on-Stour and the outlying farms. He died at his post for he fell into a ditch one cold winter's day, and died as a result.

POST BOX

The Post Box for posting letters was approached along what is now the car park of the Clifford Club, the letters falling into a wire cage set on the inside of the Village Shop, and it stayed there until the Village Shop closed down.

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCL
14th July 1974

“A letter had been received from the Parish Council asking for permission to site the pillar box in the corner of the Jubilee Hall boundary fence”

Village Post Box

2014-02-27T18:37:49Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE VILLAGE POST BOX The letters to Clifford were brought from Stratford in a red pony cart by Mr. Box – and Mr Horseman, waiting outside the Post Office at 7a.m. carried h..."

Outskirts

2014-02-17T17:36:23Z

Avrilsalmon:

THE PARISH OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE

Photo:Homes and Buildings: May Bank

'May Bank,' Milcote Road

Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester with their children lived in this large three-storey house, though very few had memories of them, mainly because they did not mix with the people in the Parish.

Len Salmon could vaguely remember Mr. Sylvester travelling along the Milcote Road in his fancy barouche driven by two smart black horses, but his memory of the first car they had, was more accute. That brand new shiny car was very noticeable, for the Sylvesters were among the very few in the Parish who had a car.

They had staff there looking after this large house, and more for the garden. As far as anyone can remember, their children, Minnie and Lily never went to a school, so possibly they were educated at home by tutors.

It is believed that Minnie married – Claude thinks her husband was Alf Rolls' brother – and made their home at Welford. Lily remained unmarried, living with her widowed mother and then, after her death, living on in the large house. It seems that she was unable to look after it. Maybe her parents felt their daughters did not need to know such things – as servants would do that for them. It is uncertain if she even knew how to cook.

She did, however, know how to use the telephone and order food. They were one of the first to be fitted up with a telephone – possibly when Mr. Sylvester was still alive. Lily, each week, put through her order to Ballances,the Grocers, and Len Salmon, the Delivery Boy, would bring it to the house. But no-one came out to take it from him. He had to leave it in a certain place, and in the post would come a cheque for the goods, so the shop knew she had received her groceries.

There was no running water in the house, for all water had to be drawn up from the well there, and Claude was not certain even if there was any electricity there either.

Lily did come out of the house occasionally by phoning for a taxi to take her to her Solicitors, Doctors, etc. She enjoyed keeping poultry, cattle and sheep on her land, for the house came with land, and paid various local people to look after them.

When she became very frail, no-one saw her – except her nose and one eye. This was how far she opened the door if anyone called. Rev Leonard-Williams, on hearing about her, felt he should call and introduce himself, but it was difficult to do so with a nose and one eye. On his enquiry to ask if she was well, he received a soft reply “Yes thank you” and to his enquiry if she wanted anyone to help, “No thank you”, and then the door was shut.

It was when she died, that the full extent of the damaged house was revealed, and walking around the damp place, one felt sorry for this little lady who, it seemed, just lived in her kitchen during her last years.

The top floor was too dangerous to reach due to the wet, soaking wooden stairs. Even the stairs up to the second floor looked as if they could collapse up if one trod rather heavily on a step. On the ground floor, wallpaper in each room was so soaked, it came away in one's hands, leaving folds of it hanging limply. The house stank of mould, decay, and rot. The kitchen was where she ate, lived and apparently slept, with the stone floor coping well with the damp, and the kitchen mats being ones that could easily dry out when placed over a clothes line.

But she seemed happy just to be in her own home with her memories of days that were hopefully happier than those in her last years.

The Tin Tops (Tabernacle)

Tin Tops had a corrugated roof – though it is possible the roof was originally a thatched one but was replaced with the corrugated roof when the thatch rotted. It was set in the field next to the large house - Springfield House. This large house was not in the Parish of Clifford Chambers, but the field – along with Tin Tops – was definitely in the Parish of Clifford Chambers.

Monty Preston lived in this corrugated roof cottage with his wife and only child – Patricia. Pat (as she was called), was a beauty – small but very articulate as well as attractive with beautiful blonde hair. She attracted the attention of Tony Green in the village, married, and spent their early year of marriage at The Nashes. They in turn had only one child – a girl – a beauty – slender and taller than her mother and just as articulate as her parents – and with a very sensible head on her shoulders.

Monty, as far as I can make out, was just a farm worker, but his daughter – and grand-daughter made one think they were descended from high-thinking people. Perhaps, despite Monty's humble working life, he was!

Shipston Road Bungalows

It seems certain these bungalows were built on a part of a field in the parish of Clifford Chambers, sometime between the two world wars.

John Bailey was not the first owner of the first one – now called “The Thistles”. He and his wife when they first married, squatted at Atherston Aerodrome. This was quite common after the Second World War when the empty buildings and Nissen huts built by the War Office for training 'our boys' for the War – were very suitable for housing those bombed out of their homes and those needing somewhere to live.

As things became better for this young couple – and things became better for the country on the whole - , John and his wife bought “The Thistles” a beautiful bungalow with a large garden where he grew plants in his greenhouses, and kept chickens in another part of the garden in between his proper work of a tool-maker.

But his greatest treasure was his old steam-organ which he worked on throughout the years, polishing, and cleaning, and mending and repairing – until it was spotless and ready to show around the country.

Tom photo of this steam organ please and one of John Bailey

Outskirts

2014-02-17T17:33:20Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE PARISH OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE Photo:Homes and Buildings: May Bank 'May Bank,' Milcote Road Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester with their children lived in this large three-storey h..."

Tenants at No 23

2014-02-17T17:18:59Z

Avrilsalmon:

__NOTOC__
[[Main Street|Back to the main street]]

[[File:Mary ann salmon.jpg|right|thumb|Mary Ann Salmon]]

I’ve already mentioned that, in the early part of last century, there were two William Salmon’s living in the village – distantly related. At the same time, there were two Mary Ann Salmon’s living in the village! All four lived comparatively near to each other.

In No 23 lived one! Mary Ann Salmon (Diggie’s mother and mother to the Sophy mentioned before). She was a gentle poverty-stricken lady. Before her marriage to Thomas Salmon (a shepherd on the Manor Farm) she was Mary Ann Odell. Her husband died when Diggie, the youngest of their four children, was quite small. Diggie could just remember his father saying sternly to him “You will call me Father!” – when Diggie (copying the other children in the village) called him “Papa”!

George, their eldest son, never gave his mother financial support. In fact, all the family referred to him as the Black Sheep, and deliberately lost contact with him when he left the village. Years later, the family was contacted to say that George had died, and could the family contribute to the cost of the funeral. The answer was “No!” It is assumed he was buried as a pauper somewhere in Salisbury.

Annie and Sophy, the daughters, married as soon as they could. Annie lived with her husband in a delightful Pub called “Cottage of Content” at Barton. When Len Salmon took his wife Phyllis, to see his aunt, Phyllis was disgusted that Aunt Annie never brought her out a cup of tea! No way would Phyllis walk into a Pub!

Sophy, after her marriage to Darkie Mullis, the boy next door, may have lived with her In-laws for a while, but eventually moved away. They weren’t too far away, for Sophy kept an eye on her Mother, visiting her regularly and bringing her meals – until she did the Dreadful Thing!

Diggie was constantly at No 23, and would often take his Mother along to Manor Cottages for a meal. His two children, Len and Kath, adored her.

====The Workhouse====

Len especially loved staying the night with her. His evenings at her cottage where he could chatter to her without fear of any scold, and get a chuckly and humorous response, gave him many delightful memories that lasted his lifetime. However, she was so poor, there was not enough food in her house to feed him, - and little for herself! For supper, and breakfast the next morning, Len had to slip round the corner to his dreaded Granny Coldicot at No 28. There he had to sit in complete silence, eating everything that was placed before him, before going back to his Granny Salmon,

Mary Ann had a sore develop on her breast which did not heal. Diggie came each evening to wash and clean the wound. Sophy attended to this during the day. She evidently found it too much of a strain to look after her mother. It is possible she consulted her sister Annie about her proposal. She certainly didn’t tell Diggie! One afternoon, as the children were coming out of school, a wagon arrived, stopped at No 23, and Mary Ann was bundled in it, with Sophy’s help, and told she was going to the Workhouse. Kath Radbourne told me of this. She was only a little girl coming out of school with her friends, but she can remember this little old lady sobbing on the wagon, and the sound of her crying could be heard all the way up the street, as the wagon set off for the Workhouse at Stratford.

Diggie, that evening, turned up at No 23 to wash and put his mother to bed, only to find the door locked. That was when the neighbours informed him what had happened. Diggie went straight back home, took a gun and went up Galley Oak to shoot himself. Then he remembered his two children; went back and, as soon as he could, travelled to Stratford Workhouse to see his mother. He visited her every day and was greeted each time with her tearful, “Have you come to take me home Will?” She only survived a few days in the Workhouse. It was a cold place. Babies and the elderly never lasted long in that loveless place. Such a tragic way for a gentle and loving lady to die!

EXTRACT FROM STRATFORD-UPON-AVON HERALD
2nd JANUARY 1914

“At the Workhouse

In the future, Stratfordians will be able to look back with pleasure on the Christmas of 1913 as one of the most agreeable of winter festive seasons.

The weather on Christmas Eve was fine and crisp and Christmas Day itself was all that could be desired.

At 50 Arden Street (and possibly better known as the Workhouse) the day was passed in the good old fashioned way, and the most eloquent testimony of the generosity of the Guardians was furnished by the tramps themselves.

Last year, the vagrants were regaled with the extra fare as well, and the tidings had evidently been noised abroad, for on Christmas Eve, sixty three individuals without any settled habitation, presented themselves for admission to the vagrant wards, making, with the ten who had been detained over the previous night, a total of seventy three.

To provide for such an array was out of the question and so, on the 25th, a dozen were sorted out and allowed to stop, and the remainder had to take to the road again.

The decorations at the Workhouse reflected the highest credit on the officials who,co-operating with the Guardians, did everything in their power to promote the happiness of the inmates.

The Master and Matron (Mr. and Mrs Pickett) directed the adornment of the general body of the house with special attention to the dining hall, and illuminating mottos - all more or less original – were hung upon the walls with seasonal greenery and shields, while a skilful arrangement of artificial flowers imparted a glow of colour which was at once pleasing and effective.

This was very noticeable in the sick ward where the Superintendent Nurse (Mrs. Worth) and her staff of nurses had wrought a delightful transformation by utilising imitation apple blossom, and everything looked spick and span.

The majority of the old folk received individual gifts from friends outside, who realise at this season that:-

It is easy to be pleasant
When life flows along like a song
But the man worth while is the man who can smile
When everything goes dead wrong.

The Mayor gave £1 - Mr. C. T. Garland £1: 1s - Lady Trevelyan £1: 1s - Mrs. A. B. Foster 10s. - and Colonel Studdy 5s. to be devoted towards the entertainment of the old and young assembled within the workhouse walls.

Miss Townsend followed the admirable example set by her sister (the late Miss Harriet Townsend) and sent tea and sugar for the women, tobacco for the men – and a penny each for the children.

Miss Agnes Smith of Rhine Hill dispatched lucky packets (each containing 6d) for all the patients in the infirm wards. Mrs. Whytehead sent sweets, cakes and oranges, and the old men in the infirmary received pipes from Mrs. Mansell: Mrs. Richardson cards for the children: Miss Justins forwarded oranges and crackers, and |Mrs. Bucknall a bag of crayons, while the Mayor had provided a toy for each of the children; and three juveniles recently admitted from the Wootton Wawen Parish received a pleasant surprise in the shape of 1s. each from Mr. W. J. Fieldhouse of Austey Manor.

Naturally the event of the day was the Christmas dinner, and among those who attended this function were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. Winter) Master N. Winter, Miss Winter, the Rev F. C. Watts, the Rev A Barber, Messrs. G. Hemming, W. Parrot and F. Hawkes (Guardians) Mr. S. C. Warden (clerk to the Guardians), Mrs Warden, Miss M. Cox, Miss Brown, Miss F Winter, Mr. G. Edmunds, Mr. A. Tompkins, Master Barber and Mr. and Mrs. E. Davies (Knowle)

Roast beef and pork, with mutton for the sick, formed the principal joints with vegetables and seasoning in abundance, followed by Christmas pudding served steaming hot, and for the few who did not partake of beer, there were mineral waters of various kinds.

At the close of the repast, Mr. Hemming proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the”

and here follow many speeches

…..finishing with:-

“The thanks of the inmates to the Guardians were expressed in the usual way and Mr. F. Hawkes in response said it was his first time among them, but he had been much pleased with what he had seen, and he knew it was the wish of the Guardians that they should all enjoy themselves to the uttermost.
“In the afternoon, there was a celebration of holy communion at the Chapel, the Rev H. Peers doing duty for the chaplain (the Rev F. H. Hastings).

After a substantial tea, the inmates assembled in the dining hall again – and thanks to the very kind manner in which the artistes who had been appearing at the Hippodrome and Picture House during the week, came forward, and gave their services, the inmates had the treat of their lives.

Belford and Mars in their merry-making duets were irresistibly funny. Jimmy Baguley as a rollicking Scotch comedian kept the audience in a continuous roar of laughter and F. W. Reed with his clever songs at the piano also met with considerable success.

Two or thee of the inmates also figured creditably in the programme, and the workhouse girls (who had been trained by Mrs. Burton, delighted one and all with their rendering of “The Lobster Quadrille”.

The piano used for the entertainment was kindly lent by Mrs,. Brenbridge.

More speeches

The singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a memorable day.

====George and Trixie Sylvester====

[[File:George and Trixie Robbins.jpg|thumb|right|George & Trixie Robbins]]

Sometime after Mary Ann’s death, Aunt Alice Bailey moved in, and it was on her death that George and Trixie Robbins arrived at No 23.

Trixie was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Sylvester – a great beauty. She was a big-built girl, but her laughing face, little turned-up nose, large eyes and beautiful curly hair, captured all the boys’ attention. George Robbins won her, married her and, by the time they arrived at No 23, their family had extended to Keith, Glenda and Mick.

[[File:Trixie Robbins and Mick Robbins.jpg|thumb|right|Trixie Robbins and Mick]]

Keith was amazing! George and Trixie were told that he would be dead by the time he reached his teens. Throughout his life, he has done one thing after another that, in another person would have brought death! “He’s like a cat,” someone said to me. “He’s got nine lives!” The villagers lost count of the number of times he fell out of the hay loft opposite No 23 (now part of Barn House). A non-swimmer, he was fished put of the deep part of the river, almost dead – but not quite! He was knocked off his bike by a car going at quite a speed. He fell off the back of his father’s wagon when the horse bolted!

George and Trixie owned a fruit stall and went to every market, leaving early in the morning. Keith never went to school as he was considered, with his learning difficulties, to be unteachable, so he was left very much on his own. He filled the time by walking to Stratford and staying a while at the fruit stall. When he became bored, he would walk home and hang around his Granny Sylvester and Granny Robbins for any food. Getting tired of that, he would walk back to Stratford until his parents became irritated with him. Then he would trundle back to Clifford again to scrounge from his Grannies. Then back to Stratford again! Every weekday was practically the same for Keith.

Keith was strong, with his mother’s build and he was quite a worry to the villagers. He was so willing to help anyone. “I’ll carry that! I’ll carry that!” he would say rushing up to anyone carrying a bag of shopping. With his large head, heavy feet, big frame, plus a mouth that was inclined to dribble, he did present a rather frightening picture to any newcomer in the village who did not know him. His rush to help was so thunderous, one was always uncertain if he would be able to stop in time, and that you would finish up being flattened on the pavement, with Keith’s heavy body on top!

Mentally, Keith never reached adulthood. He was always a child. When both his Grannies died, he felt very lost and alone, often sitting on the doorstep of No 23 for long periods. People would give him food as he was always so hungry. Unfortunately, he had a quick temper and the least little thing would set him shouting and swearing. But instantly his temper would die down and he would start shouting, “Sorry! Sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”

Trixie died of cancer while her two youngest, Vanessa and Tim, were in their teens.

Glenda, by this time was married and a mother, but she came over often to help her Dad, and to help with Keith. Mick left school and worked on the fruit stall with George, but George was beginning to have problems with drink.

[[File:George Robbins.jpg|thumb|right|George Robbins]]

He didn’t drink much, and while Trixie was alive, he hardly drunk at all, but George was one of those rare people who could become quite drunk on only a small amount of alcohol. Trixie was aware of this and always kept a watchful eye on him, but with no wife by his side to caution him, there were many times when he was brought home from the Working Mens Club in a wheelbarrow. Eventually he let Mick take over the fruit stall completely, but still cycled into Stratford frequently. Then he was involved in a terrible accident, and knocked off his bike by a car that dragged him along the road. The only thing that saved his life was his inebriated body, for he was so relaxed as he was knocked off his bike, he was more like a rag doll! After that, he always needed a stick as he walked, but he was always cheerful, and always getting drunk and falling on the ground, sometimes lying there for some while until he was found!

[[File:George Robbins in the Pub.jpg|thumb|left|George Robbins in Pub]]

The Poor Law

2014-02-15T15:20:05Z

Avrilsalmon:

[[Church|Back to the Church]]

<pre> Queen Elizabeth I elected overseers of the poor in each Parish, who had to raise a rate through
the Parish Vestry for relief of the poor. The Churchwardens had to keep accounts. Here are some of
their entries in the Parish Vestry account book:

THE POOR LAW

In the last years of the first Queen Elizabeth's life, overseas of the poor were elected in Clifford, as elsewhere. They had the job of raising a rate through the Parish vestry for the relief of the poor

In the late 1700's, Thomas Spiers was the overseer for Clifford Chambers

January 1773

Mr. Parry to Thos. Spiers for a pr of Stockings for Thos. Godard 8d
George Hyron for mending his coat & breaches 9d
For a pr of stockings 8d
Pd. for a Pair of woolen stockings 8d
Visitation fee 5s. 0d
Horse to Justice Scotts to carry Double 5s. 0d
Pd. Rev. Nason going visitation 7s.6d
For a pair of woolen stockings for Godard 1s 2d
Xtian Martins for waiting upon Charles Moors lady 7s.5d
For 2 dozen sparrow heads 2d
Nov. 27th A fabrifuge Cordial Mixture Eliz. Bozano 1s.8d
Nov 30th repeated 1s.8d
Dec 5th repeated 1s.8d
A bottle of Grants drops 1s.0d

1787

Nov. 2nd Bote Bet Bryan a petycoate with the corn her got in ye harvest

Eliz Norris for nursing Thos Godward of ye small-pox - 13s 0d - A coat waistcoat and breeches to shift Thos Godward after ye small pox 7s.6d - Brandy to wash his hair with 6d. - For fetching Goddard home and washing him 1s. 0D - For a breakfast for Goddard before he went to his place at Shipston 6d

1791

Oct. Thos. Hadland 4 days thatching town houses - 6s.0d Allowed him for beer - 6d

Relieved a woman with a foot pass, at ye same time a soldier and wife with two children with ye small pox to pass 6d

Dec 12th Handy sent over violent complaint. Mother a dying and nothing to burn and no-one would trust em, sent to buy coal 1s. 0d

Dec 18th John Wilton persuaded my wife to give him 2s. 0d
24th He complained so of his wife's illness I p'd him 2s.8d

1794 July 1st George Hyron for repairing stays for Ann Godard 4s.0d

Elisha Hyrons wife for getting her things in order and taking her to her place 2s.0d

Aug 15 A journey to Bourton on the Hill with Sarah Hemmings for her examination her being Pregnant with a Bastard - 9s.0d -Horse hire for her to ride on 4s.6d
Her expencese and corn for her horse - 3s.6d. P'd the examination and warrent to take the man 2s.0d

(Note – John Hobbs of Loxley and Sarah Hemmings were married at Clifford on Oct 9th 1794 in presence of Thomas Spiers and Charles Smith)

Re a journey with Hannah Hancock to Bourton and Campden and Broadway to take ye man 12s.0d

Oct 19th P'd Mr. Prentice for journey to Moreton and Bourton for a licence 9s. 0d
P'd for the licence £1. 19s.6d Expenses at ye Bear Inn for supper for 3 and Horse-corn and liquor and ale - 7s.3d

(Note William Blunn of Stratford-upon-Avon was married in October 1794 to Hannah Hancock of Clifford in Stratford-on-Avon in the presence of Edward Lomas and William Edmonds
In May 1795 Thomas son of William and Hannah Blunn was baptised in Clifford Church and buried the same month.
Three other children born in 1797, 1800 and 1803 also died after baptism)

Oct 10th P'd Betsy Cooks for a ring for Hobb's wife - 6d and further to Hobbs for his wife to accept of that ring - 2s. 0D

at Stratford Fair Lomas got of me to pay a spy for to take young Blun - 1s. 0d

P'd Parkhurst of Preston to help to guard John Hobs - 1s. 6d

Ye Clerk to his office in marrying 2s. 6d

To Handy who is an entire Plague to me 1s. 0d

1795
Aug 1st P'd Mr. William Gibbs towards building Clifford bridge £10. 10s. 0d

Aug 16th A journey to Moreton for instructions concerning the dog tax 7s.6d
Oct 9th P'd Mr. Hughes journey to Bourton for instructions to make the clock and watch assessment - 9s 0d

In 1796 a James Jones became ill and was nursed by Esther Jackson:-
Feb 29th Garfield Hundred of coal 1s. 4d
March 2nd bit of mutton 6d
March 4th Half hundred coal 8d
March 6th Widow Jackson for nursing 6 days 2. 0d
March 8th A hundred of coal 1s.4d
A loaf for James Jones 1s.0d
11th Money to buy mutton 1s.0d
12th To buy coal for Jones 1s.4d
13th To buy bread 1s.0d
14th To buy bread 6d
15th To buy meat 1s.6d
16th Widow Jackson for nursing 2s.0d
To buy bread 1s.0d
17th To buy red wine 1s.0d
18th To buy coal 1s.4d
Jackson for nursing 2s.0d
Jackson for wine again 1s.0d
Yellow Bassilicon Olive Oil & Spts. Turpentine for
petrified places Back & loins 8d
20th To buy wine 1s.0d
22nd Yellow Bassilicon O.O.S.T.repeated 8d
23rd Brown cerates 1d
Garfield for hundred of coal 1s.4d
24th To buy mutton 1s.0d
To buy wine 1s.0d
26th To buy Mutton & Bread 1s.6d
27th Jackson for nursing 3s.4d
To buy mutton & wine 1s.6d

Then a letter

To the overseers of the poor Allchurch
Clifford Chambers 24th Sept 1796

By the Bearer you have account of the expenses incurred by James Jones, for particulars I refer you to his father (the Bearer). I presume you will believe I have acted with humanity and consistence.

I agreable to Act of Parliament and expect you will remit the expenses – or your answer

Your Hbl ST
David Hughes
Overseer of the Poor

Answer
Sir,

The Gentlemen of Allchurch would not condesend to read your letter saying Jones was never sworn to this Parish therefore, they would have nothing to do with the business

Yours J. Watts
Thursday 2 o'clock
24th September

1799

March 13th To what Silvester paid to a pass from England to America 2s.0d

Dec 21st Pd for a hat for Jno Odell secondhand - 6d

1802
Nov 20th Pd Handys to buy a spining wheel 2s.6d

1808
Pd towards a 2nd Militia man the first not joining the rigment - £10. 10s. 0d

1818
Jan 19th Journey to Warwick to release Mary Harris out of the workhouse - 10s. 0d
P'd for 7 week board at 4d per week and 4 weeks board at 5d per week £ 2. 10s.0d

May 16th 3 times to Stratford respecting S Cooks settlement, his wife becomin abusive and troblesome there - 2s.6d

1821
April 13th Pd Joseph Matthew of Quinton bone-setter for putting in Thos Bennits shoulder and curing the same 5s. 0d

Dec 20th Pd John Pitt to take his son Joseph to Birmingham - Capital for the benefit of his eyes 7s. 6d

1823
Feb 26th Gave a Woman as came with a Big Belly redey to Lie in to get shut of her - 1s.0d - Gave a man to see her out of the Parish - 6d
(The Overseers could remove any paupers that did not belong to their parish)

1843
Nov 17th Copy of order for removal of Widow Ann Newberry and her three children from Clifford Chambers where they had become chargeable to the Parish, to Tachbrook their last place of legal settlement
Signed Ralph Smith & Thomas Blom. - Church Wardens & Overseers of the poor.

11th Dec Removed Ann Newberry & her three children to Tachbrook & delivered her to Mr. Gasey (School Master) who stated he was overseer and he paid me £3. 3s. 3d the cost of maintainance under the order.

H. Smith

Among the records is a pathetic letter from a Mr. Thos. Martin to Mr. Richard Spiers, Churchwarden
of Clifford Church. He wrote from Nottingham requesting financial help, as he was unable to work due to
the illness of both himself and his wife. Here it is, written sometime between 1816 and 1826:-

<pre>“ Nottingham July 11th
Sir,
I ham hunder the painfull necesity of once more righting to you. I menchned in my last letter I should be
at Clifford by May quarter was up it was my full intent to have bin there on the 22nd of June. I menched
to Mr. Chapman some time back that my wife was in a Consumtive way as I thought she has bin ill 6 or
7 months but this last 3 months she has bin hunder the Doctors hands and I doe not Expect she will recover
wich was the sole cause of my not bin there - as to my part I have nothing to Expect but to be left with
5 chiltorn she his worn to a mear skiliton and yet the Doctor sais she is not in a Decline but be that as
it may without some Alteration takes place for the better she cannot live long – being placed in this
Dreadfull situation. I hope you will have the goodness to assist me to pay this quarters rent wich shall
be last favor I will ask of you wilst I remain in this place – as the gentlemen of Clifford wish me to
come home if she dies I will be there in a wick after Little did I think when I was at Clifford Ever bein
beholding to a parish but no man knows what he as to hundergo. I have never had sickness out of my family
a month to geather three years next October when I was first taken ill myself and lain seventeen wicks and
ten of them in the Hospital without being able to do any work.
Remain yours
Thos. Martin”</pre>

Origins of the Village

2014-02-15T14:51:06Z

Avrilsalmon:

From the Chronicles Anglo-Normandy I 73 Freeman iii 86 1070

“William the King 'forgetting it would seem that such hatred might be deemed to savour of love, granted his wife's prayer and imprisoned Britric - transferring all Brictric's land to The Queen Matilda

The Lordship of Tewkesbury, including the Manor of Clifford, thus became the property of Queen Matilda.

Before her death, the Queen conferred the Manor of Clifford to Roger de Busli (or Bushley). (It is held by one authority that Roger's wife Muriel was in some way connected with Matilda)

The Domesday Book

Roger de Busli is registered as the Lord of the Manor of Clifford

THE SURVEY
“In Clifford are:- - 7 hides pertaining to the Manor of Tewkesbury - 3 carucates in demesne - and 14 villans with 5 ploughs - and a mill worth 12s - two acres of meadow

Between the male and female serfs there are:- - 13 ploughs and a Church - and a priest with one carucature. The value 8l. now 6l.

This land the Queen gave to Roger de Busli· It is geldible for 4 hides in Tewkesbury Immediately after the compilation of Domesday - , Roger de Busli and Muriel his wife granted Clifford formally to the Benedictine Abbey and Convent of St. Peter at Gloucester

And the Parish deemed it none for Clifford to become:- CLIFFORD CHAMBERS -
for the revenue from this land went to a specific office – that was - the Chamberlain.

The Chamberlains duties were the clothing of the monks and the proper furnishing and upkeep of the Abbot's Chamber - and the Guest Chamber – for hospitality was one of the first duties of a monastery

In 1266, four manors were contributing to the Abbot's Chamberlain - Clifford – Buckland in Devon – Guiting – and Hinton
(see History of the Manor and Advowson of Clifford Chambers reprinted from the Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucester Archives)

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/GLS/CliffordChambers/ManorChurch.html

(This custom of bequeathing lands to monasteries became one of the recognised ways of avoiding death duties. A Monastery was as reliable a manor-lord. The monks were enlightened farmers and led the way in mediaeval agriculture.)

Extent of the Manor of Clifford in 1226
There were five free tenants:- Robertus le Freman held by charter as an inheritance:-four virgates of land and two acres of meadow each of which virgates consists of 30 acres - paying 25 shillings and sixpence a year twice yearly
.
IF he dies the lord of the manor has his house, his armour and accoutrements if he has any - and IF on his death he leaves children under age, the Lord of the Manor has custody of his children and their lands, and controls their marrying. And IF when he dies his heir is legally of age, he, the son, is to pay homage to his Lord and perform whatever service is due with his land

Radulphus de Eylestone lives on his land free - being one virgate of land containing 48 acres - BUT must follow the Earl of Warwick and do service for his lord at the Hundred of Kington and is liable for all services at the Court of Clifford. AND IF he dies, his heirs, land and hereditaments are subject to the same conditions as those of his senior in service Robert le Freman.

Henricus son of the Smith holds:- one virgate of land containing 48 acres for the same service in all things as has been said for Randulphus AND IF through default of the said Randulphus and Henricus, the lord of the manor shall suffer loss, the same shall owe him full indemnity.

Willelmus son of Symon holds one virgate of land containing 48 acres by charter
and owes seven shillings a year for the same, paid twice yearly And he shall follow the court of Clifford. And if he dies all things shall be performed as for the said Randulphus. And he shall render whatever service is due with his land.

William son of Robert -do-

Others
Two mills which were wont to return sixty shillings and sixpence quarterly will be in the hands of the lord of the manor on the feast of the Annunciation next, because then the leases of the said mills will terminate.

William the Miller holds 12 acres of land for the term of his life and that of his wife, and returns thence ten shillings a year quarterly. He performs small customary duties which pertain to the land, instead of paying taxes.

The whole ville of Clifford pays yearly sixpence in common for certain small pastures.

Nicholaus Hentelove hold one messuage with courtyard and two acres of land and pays three shillings twice yearly. And he supplies labour according to the number of his animals. And he shall pay pannage (i.e. pay for the privilege of feeding his swine in the woods) namely for a full-grown pig one penny and for a young pig a halfpenny, until it is weaned or able to be weaned.

And if he brews in order to sell, he shall give 12 gallons of ale per ton (ad tonnutum) or as toll or its equivalent

And he shall redeem his son and daughter (i.e.pay merchet or a sum of money for freedom of marrying). He shall not sell ox or horse without leave. And when he dies his lord shall have his best beast by way of heriot (melius averium suam nomine haerieti)

Adam Textor holds one messuage with courtyard and pays twelve pence twice yearly,. And he shall lift hay for his lord for four days, and it shall be worth two pence. And he shall do three bederipas (bedrip – a special duty at harvest time) and they shall be worth four pence halfpenny. And he shall perform other duties even as Nicholaus.

William Marescallus holds - do- with one acre of land and pays -do-

Alexander Sinne holds -do- and pays two shillings and sixpence twice yearly. And he does three bedrips of value fourpence halfpenny. And he shall help in lifting hay for his lord for four days to the value of two pence a day. All his other duties are similar to those of Nicholaus.

Hugo son of Laurentii -do- -do-

Thomas le Careter -do- -do-

Christina Widye holds a like tenement and she helps with the hay for four days to the value of two pence per day. And she does three bedrips to the value of fourpence halfpenny. And pays two shillings and sixpence twice a year. And all her other duties are similar to those of Nicholaus.

Matilda the widow of Galfridus -do- Christina

Johannes Lasteles -do-

Adam Bruggemon (Bridgeman) holds one messuage with courtyard and with certain pastures and pays two shillings twice yearly. And instead of all services he shall keep the bridge in repair. And there is there a certain annual toll from the whole ville of Clifford namely fifteen shillings of which ten shillings goes to the hundred of Theuk and five remains for the lord of the manor.

William de Winnecote holds five cottages in fee to his lord and pays nine shillings yearly and no other service to his lord except to the Court of Clifford. And he pays homage to the Abbot of Gloucester and when he dies his lord the abbot has the custody of his rents aforesaid and of his heirs until they are of age.

The sum of the rents of this class of tenant amounts to seventy-six shillings and six pence without the farm of the mills.

Customary tenant: Be it remembered that he has a larger holding. (This sentence is written in red ink)

Ricardus de Porta holds one virgate of land and half an acre of meadow, the virgate consisting of 36 acres. And he shall plough half an acre in the Autumn and half an acre in the Spring and he must harrow that land at seed-time. And it shall be worth fourpence altogether. And from the feast of St Peter in Chains he must in every week do manual labour for four days with one man, and for every day he is owed a halfpenny. And he shall provide transport to Gloucester twice a year to the value of eight pence. And he must also every week on the fifth or sixth day at the will of his lord provide transport to Hinetone and Boclande and he is owed for that day a penny halfpenny

And he shall wash and sheer his lord's sheep for two days and is owed a penny for whatever work is allotted to him on those days. And he must scythe his lord's meadow for four days and for any further day's work he is owed a penny. And he must help in the lifting of the crops of his lord for three days and more if necessary and he is owed a halfpenny for whatever days that are not allotted to this work. And he must carry the crops of his lord for one day and he is owed two pence beyond the manual labour of that day which can be valued at a half-penny. And he must carry firewood wheresoever the lord shall wish and he is allotted one day for that work. And he must do two bedrips before the feast of St Peter in Chains with two men and they are worth three pence.

And the total value before the autumn work is fourteen shillings and sixpence halfpenny

And from the feast of the Blessed Peter in Chains to the feast of the Blessed Michael he must work at his master's board (in messe domini) for five days with one man and it is worth a penny halfpenny each day. And he shall do eight bedrips with two men worth altogether two shillings. And he must carry his master's corn twice a week for four weeks worth a penny halfpenny each day beyond the manual labour. And he must bring his lord's sheaves to the grange for one day worth a halfpenny. And he must furnish help according to the amount of his land and number of animals. And if he brews to sell he must give twelve gallons of ale (ad tonnutum) or its equivalent price. He must pay pannage for his pigs. He may not sell horse or ox without leave. He must redeem his son and daughter. And when he dies his lord shall have his best beast by way of heriot.

The total value of his work in the autumn is eight shillings and a halfpenny.

Walter son of Yvon holds one virgate of land containing thirty six acres, and he does everything even as the said Richard. It is to be noted that he has a larger holding.

Each of the following 'holds one virgate and does everything even as the said Richard:-
Henricus de Wilicote - Alicia Williames - Nicholaus de Middletone - Matilda Adam - Relicta Johannis Rondulf - Willelmus le Orl - Ricardus Palmerius - Ricardus de Ovetone - Thomas Rawe - Nicholaus le Orl - Bertram Belami - Robertus filius Willelmi - Sampson Neweman - Johannes filus Willelmi

Item at Sileston: Galfridus de Forde holds one virgate of land containing 28 acres, and from the feast of St. Michael to the feast of St. Peter in Chains he must work with his hands every week for four days with one man, and it is worth a halfpenny each day. And he must supply transport twice a year to Gloucester, worth eightpence. And on the fifth or sixth day of each week he must supply transport to Hyntone or Boclande worth a penny halfpenny a day. And he must plough half an acre and harrow it at seed sowing; and he shall be free (of all other work) during his week of ploughing. And he shall tend and shear his lord's sheep for two days worth a penny. And he shall scythe his lord's meadow for four days worth twopence a day. And he shall help in lifting crops for four days worth a halfpenny a day. And he shall carry crops, and it shall be worth twopence beyond the manual labour of that day which may be taken as a halfpenny. And he must carry brushwood wheresoever his lord wishes. And he must do two bedrips before the first of August (ante Gulaustum) with two men and they shall be worth three pence. The rest he does even as Richard de Porta.

Each of the following 'holds one virgate of land and does everything even as the said Galfridus' - Willelmus de Rye - Thomas le Orl - Rogerus Silvestre - Radulphus Frankeleyn - Alicia Mauger - Ricardus Newcomene - Robertus de Forda.

Chrisina relicta Carectarii holds half a virgate of land and does half service in all things even as Galfridus.

All the aforesaid customary tenants give an annual aid of twenty shillings, and all owed mill-carriage, that is to say mill-stones to the lord's mill or they gave in common thirteen and a farthing.

Item – at Clifford there are four ploughs for the arable land in demesne and there are thirty six oxen for each plough eight oxen and four besides.

It must be remembered that the lord of the manor owes defence and arbitration to his tenants; he must be able to protect their property and persons, and must also provide a court of justice in the hall of the manor-house.

The successful working of the system depended on the personality of the lord of the Manor, whether these ancient dues remained constitutional or developed into tyrannical extortion.

Church

2014-02-15T14:24:35Z

Avrilsalmon:

[[Bell Ringing]] | [[The tolling of the bell]] | [[The Poor Law]] | [[Joining of the Parishes]] | [[Parish Magazines]]

[[File:Church.jpg|thumb|right|Clifford Chambers Church, St Helens]]

There were many colourful characters in our Church. One in 1646, was a William Albright who was described in the records as Rector of Clifford, but someone had added the words “without doubt one of the Puritan intruders”! He also appeared to have intruded into the Church at Quinton, for, in the Proceedings-of-the-Composition Committee, 1648, the Vicar of Quinton, William Thornborough, complained that he was disturbed in his duties by Mr. Albright. Mr. Albright’s reply was that Mr. Thornborough “is very meanly endued for his calling not being able to put up any prayer but what he readeth”!
Rectors of Clifford Church

1274 - Robert le Wise - 1324 Thomas de Bradwalle - 1344 John Kyngcot - 1349 – John de Wynchecombe - 1361 – Richard Bundy - 1391 – William Wayte - 1458 – Thomas Jolyff - 1465 – Rocharfd Skardeburgh - 1467 – Hugh Cheswell - 1494 – John Dorseley - 1501 – Edward Frocester - 1513 – William Sklatter – 1533 Abbot Parker - 1542 – John Browne - 1574 – Walter Roche - 1578 – Richard Faune - 1578 Edward Vernon - 1585 – Hugh Powell (removed) - 1586 Edward Vernon (reinstated) – 1603 – William Albright

A letter was sent regarding William Albright to the County Committee

Mr. Albright was considered “without doubt one of the Puritan intruders”. The Vicar of Quinton Wm Thornborough complained that he is being disturbed in his duties by William Albright clerk. The County Committee were directed to assist Thornborough and prevent these disturbances.

Mr. Albright had something to say for himself and appeared before the Committee at Goldsmith Hall in June 1648.

The Committee wrote as follows to the Commissioner of Plundered Ministers:-

“ Mr. Albright minister of Clifford has appeared alleging that he has preached constantly for one an a half years at Quinton on the parishioners' promise of allowance for his pains. There has been an increase in the living from the tithes of Edward Savage who has compounded and from these, Albright desires satisfaction.

“As you best know his deserts, make him such allowance as you think fit.

“Albright says that Mr. Thornborough is very meanly endued for his called 'not being able to put up any prayer but what he readeth'.

“Enquire into his sufficiency and let the inhabitants receive the benefit intended by the increase to the maintenance”

1662 - Jaspar Moris – 1667 – Wm Watts - 1687 – Christopher Smith - 1729 – Richard Dighton - 1732 – Robert Goodall - 1734 – John Martin - 1776 – Stephen Mason - 1787 – John Brewer - 1793 – Arthur Annesley - 1803 – Arthur Annesley - 1845 – Framcis Annesley - 1879 – Francis Hanbury Annesley - 1895 – Rev Archibald Pippet

[[Charities]] 
[[Chalice and Paten]] 
[[Change-over of Benefices]] 
[[Church Clock]] 
[[Church Porch]] 
[[Churchyard]] 
[[Flag and Flag Pole]] 
[[Heating in the Church]] 
[[Quest Club]] 
[[Straightening of County Boundaries]]

==Vergers==

When I arrived in the village, people were still talking very lovingly about the Verger, John Lively who had died in the 1950’s. The extract from the Stratford Herald gives a good picture of him:-

“His dignified walk up the nave, his steady gait while mounting the steps of the Chancel, and the methodical way he turns to his desk and reaches for his spectacles, all belie his years. In the truly traditional manner, he leads the people, being first with the amens and responses saying them in a loud voice.”

Jack Radbourne was the Verger when I arrived, and he based his conduct in serving as Verger, on John Lively, with perfect accomplishment – including the loud amens. Jack also had a strong bass singing voice. So did Ralph Dodd who sat opposite him.

==Choir==

[[File:Church_choir_1938.jpg|thumb|right|Church Choir 1938]]

Ralph sang each bass note with perfect precision and timing. Jack wandered a bit in his bass notes, occasionally hitting the same note as Ralph – and sometimes not! Both men entirely obscured the trebles who sat behind them, boys one side and women and girls the other, and their strong bass voices almost drowned theirs! The congregation didn’t fare very well either! But the two mens’voices could be heard clearly outside in the street.

[[File:Doris_dodd.jpg|thumb|right|Doris Dodd]]

The choir, in 1938, had 7 men and 6 women. Choir Mistress was Doris Dodd.

[[File:Church_door_dedication.jpg|thumb|right|Dedication of Church Door]]

Each May, the Cross and Bearer, Choir, Doris Dodd, Rector and congregation all processed out of the Church and round the village for Rogation Sunday, stopping every-so-often for prayers to be said – for the school children – for those working in the fields – for those serving and buying in the Village Shop etc.

<gallery perrow="4">
File:Small-rogation_sunday.jpg
File:Small-rogation_sunday_1.jpg|Rogation Sunday
File:Small-rogation_sunday_2.jpg
File:Small-Rogation_Sunday_4.jpg
</gallery>

Please note, in one of these photos, the double-decker bus that had brought a number of the congregation from Stratford.

In 1968, the choir consisted of the two men already mentioned, 3 women, 4 teenage girls, 8 little girls, and 8 boys.

The only other time, the choir and congregation left the Church was for the Remembrance Day service round the War Memorial

Photos Church St. Helen's Church - Remembrance Sunday 1972
<gallery perrow="2">
File:Remembrance_sunday_1.jpg|Remembrance Sunday
File:Remembrance_sunday.jpg
</gallery>

To provide robes for all the little ones in the Choir, a Pantomime was held for three days, with one matinee performance, in the Jubilee Hall, with all the younger choir members taking place.

<gallery perrow="3">
File:Cinderellas_ball.jpg
File:Cinderellas_ball_1.jpg|Cinderallas Ball
File:Cinderellas_ball_2.jpg
</gallery>

Denise Reynolds was a sweet little Cinderella, and Caroline Spragg her handsome Prince. Martyn Spragg was a page, but the two who bought the house down were the ugly sisters, played by Paul Leonard-Williams and Ian, his friend.

Elaine Harris was the Queen Mother, and Stephen Leonard-Williams the King. Then we had various children and mice, one of whom was Christine Evans (now Beasley), and I believe Buttons was played by Neville Evans.

The Pantomime was so popular, that people who came the first night, turned up the second night so they could have another amusing night!

At the beginning of last Century, the choir and Sunday School children went to Red Hill House every Christmas Day at 6.00pm for tea in the Pippets dining room. The long dining table was decorated with flags of all nations. After tea, presents were given out from under the Christmas tree.

[[File:Parish_Magazine_April_1930.jpeg|thumb|left|1930 April Parish Magazine]]

Psalms were only sung at Harvest Festival. Miss Wilding played the American organ. Before that instrument arrived, there was an harmonium costing £3 bought with the proceeds of a carol singing expedition. And before that, the congregation had to rely on the various instruments played by the villagers sitting in the Musicians Gallery at the back of the Church. When our present organ arrived in 1931, the American organ was given to the Methodist Chapel in the village.

[[File:Church_choir_1993.jpg|thumb|left|Church Choir 1993]]

The lady who took the register at one time at the Sunday School was Miss Padbury. She originally lived at Mill House, an elegant figure with feather boa and parasol. Len Salmon, born in 1910, could remember, as a little boy, walking up the drive of Red Hill House with the other Sunday School children, to have Sunday School with Miss Monica Pippet. Miss Edwards taught the Sunday School in the 1950’s.

After the War, we had a Choir outing to Weston-Super-Mare. It was my first view of the sea. My Mum gave me a sweet ration coupon to buy a candyfloss for me and my brother. Most of our outings after that were to Cheddar and Weston-Super-Mare. The coach was always full, and we always called for fish and chips on the way home.

[[File:Church_choir_outing.jpg|thumb|right|Church Choir Outing ]]

''MEMORIES OF CLIFFORD SUNDAY SCHOOL (Maisie Wilkes)'' 
We always went three times on a Sunday to Church; choir attendance at morning and evening service, and Sunday School in the afternoon. This was taken by Canon Brooks and Miss Dodd. We always received a coloured stamp to stick into our attendance book.

The Sunday School treat was a tea party at The Manor. This was at Christmas where Mrs. Rees-Mogg always had a present for us – a useful present! I still have the two sewing kits I was given, one in the form of a lady’s bonnet, and one in the form of a girl in a hooded cape, and they are still being used! In the summer we also had a picnic at The Rectory, with games.

----

When I (Avril) arrived, Mrs. Leonard-Williams was taking the Sunday School with the help of some mothers and teenagers.
When the Hawkins arrived, due to such a small number of small children in the village, it was decided not to hold Sunday School for a while. Instead, we had Childrens Church, taken by Rev. David Leonard-Williams, assisted by his wife and sister-in-law, and Miss Baker, the headmistress of our village school.

[[File:Sunday_school_children.jpg|thumb|left|Sunday School children]]

[[Quest Club]] started round about 1982 when the Hawkins left.

Farms

2014-02-14T20:49:34Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "Milcote Hall and Farm At the beginning of the last century, this was in the ownership of Mr. Griffin, though it was believed that the farmer before him was a Mr. Edkins, one ..."

Milcote Hall and Farm

At the beginning of the last century, this was in the ownership of Mr. Griffin, though it was believed that the farmer before him was a Mr. Edkins, one of his staff being Daniel Woodward who later lived in the village, grandfather of May Huckvale and Marjorie Tustain.

Looking nowadays at the cedars growing around the house, makes one wonder if it was a Manor house at one time, with many gardeners looking after the lawns and flower borders and maybe even tennis courts, and also many servants working in the large farmhouse. There is still visible sign of the iron fencing around the property, the same that was also used in the village; very neat and tidy fencing when it was new.

Before the death of Mr. Griffin (or after his death), the property and farm was passed to his daughter, ? who was married to a Mr. Urban Sidney Stanley, a butcher – or rather was a butcher until he took on the farm. It is said that on the marriage of his daughter to Mr. Stanley, Mr. Griffin gave as a wedding present to the couple, a brand new slaughter house which stood where the house Aaron Leys stands now on the Welford Road.

This road sometimes called Milcote Road when it was first laid down, was called Station Road first of all, as it was laid simply to take people to the new station at Milcote, cutting through farm yards separating the farm house from the farm buildings. Later it was known as Wallace's Road; now Welford Road. Fortunately the postman always seemed to know where to take his post.. Before the trains came, the original road that the villagers took to walk to Welford and Weston, was the present bridle path going past the entrance to Milcote Hall

I understand this brand new slaughter house was never used.

Somewhere on the Stanley's land, an air display was always held each year.

Leys Farm House

Mr. Harold Mole was quite a character living on this farm on what sometimes is called Preston Fields and other times Clifford Leys. He delivered his milk around the Parish, first of all with horse and cart, often finishing his round at the New Inn where he could refresh himself with plenty of alcohol, knowing full well his horse would take him home safely while he slumbered on his cart.

Later he took the milk around on a motor-cycle and side-car so he had to be a lot more careful over his consumption of alcohol

Martin Bailey could remember the laughter when Harold came out of the Pub smelling very strongly of mints. “Well” he said, “I've got to go and kill the Rector's cockerell now. I've got to get rid of the smell of drink before I go there.”

Cold Comfort Farm on Campden Road

This was the farm where Claude Hogg spent his childhood from the age of one, enjoying life with his grandparents and his Uncle Henry.

I was told it was very bleak and windy up there on the slope of the hill, and there were plenty of draughts in the house shrieking in through the loose frames of windows, and the crumbling brick work. But it was home and no-one complained.

Photo: Homes and Gardens Cold Comfort Farm

From the windows of that farm, Claude could see Diggie Salmon coming up the slope of Martins Hill to do the 'earth-stopping'. This was always the sign for anyone watching,, to know that the hounds would be coming the next day, and Diggie was having to stop the holes of the foxes' lairs to stop them from going under-ground for safety. Diggie was supposed to do this at midnight, but no way was he going to get up at that time of night. So he did it instead at four o'clock in the afternoon, and if people didn't like it, then they would have to find someone else to do it!

Martins Hill is quite a mystery, with village rumour saying it was man-made by the Romans. Underneath this Hill is a reservoir served by an underground stream and indeed, even in hot weather, the ground at the top of the Hill seems, at places, to be muddy, wet, and quite slippery. Mrs. Rees-Mogg had inspection chambers built at the top of the Hill, so the level of the water could be checked, and a soak-away pipe was set at the bottom of Martins Hill to drain the water away to stop it overflowing down the Hill.

It was very noticeable in the floods of 1990, that the damage done to the houses in the village came not from the river, but from this reservoir overflowing so much, that water poured down the Hill and straight into houses within a very short space of time.

This didn't happen in early days. Neither did it happen during the life-time of Mrs. Rees-Mogg as she made sure that all ditches and drainage holes were cleared regularly. But people buying and moving into old cottages who didn't know the old country ways, and bringing them into the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, filled in the ditches, feeling they were unsafe to have around.

Somewhere around Cold Comfort Farm was an area known as Galley Oak, and the area Sheep Leys Covert was used for rearing pheasants.

Woodfield Manor

This house is built on land where a small cottage, called originally Felix Lodge, was set, very close to the road, but not level with it. In fact to reach the front door, there were steps down from the road. It was believed that once, it was a Toll-gate cottage.

In Claude Hogg's memory it was lived in by a lady who sold cigarettes. Old maps called this cottage Leys Cottage, which is understandable with The Leys being nearby, also Leys Farm and Sheep Leys and Sheep Leys Covert. When the Pollocks bought the cottage, they changed the name to Woodfield Cottage.

Sheep Leys Farm

The land around Sheep Leys, had some connection with Oxford University. Sometime in the 1900's, the farm and land had new tenants, Mr. Arnold Dale and his wife Mrs. Joyce Dale.

They never had any children, though both would have made very good parents. It was something they just had to accept. They were both Quakers. Joyce had attended a Quaker school during her Secondary School years.

Arnold employed two farm workers, with Lawrence Salmon then a schoolboy coming to help. However there was only one farm worker's cottage available – Leys Cottage, later to be called Woodfield Cottage when the Pollocks moved in, and then later still Woodfield Manor. Arnold's father gave his son the money to have a new farmworkers cottage built, and, in grateful thanks, Arnold name it Rochester Cottage, for this was where his father lived in Kent, and where Arnold had spent his early years.

Joyce Dale had the most beautiful complexion and naturally wavy hair which turned silver as she approached old age. Her hair shone in any sunlight and made the normal grey hair of her companions disappear into the background.

Mr. Dale's great love was carpentry. One of his barns was soon turned into a carpenter's shop, and he made all his cattle troughs himself. In fact, anything he needed on the farm that could be made of wood, he made.. He also threw himself into farming, with Mrs. Dale looking after the large farmhouse and producing very tasty meals and other delights. She took an active part in the village activities and joined the W.I.

Then, sometime in the late 1960's Mr. Dale had a stroke – a bad one. The farm work continued for a while, for he had good farm workers working for him, but after a while, the Watts family living at Willicote, took over some of the work of farming the land.

The stroke left him confined to a bed, with Betty Dench coming regularly to give him speech therapy to help him in his speech. When he died, Joyce continued living at the large house for some while, but eventually moved to a much smaller house in Burford Road Stratford.

Tenants at No 33

2014-02-14T20:09:29Z

Avrilsalmon:

__NOTOC__
[[The Square|Back to the Square]]

No. 33 had a whole succession of tenants all through the last part of the 1800’s and into the first half of the 1900’s. Sometime after Will and Phoebe Radbourne moved next door, Jack and Jesse Sylvester moved in with their young family, but when Mrs. Charlie Sylvester died, (Jack’s Mum), they moved into her house round the corner No,. 20. This made No. 33 available for a young married couple, Dick and Pauline Ullyatt, and when, some years later, No. 9 became available for them, they moved out. No. 33 then became available for another young family, Eric and Margaret Greenway and their two young boys, Colin and Alan. When their youngest, Jeanette was born, Eric, with his building and carpentry qualifications, enlarged the property, but then an offer of a much larger house in The Nashes came up, and No. 33 was then sold to Win Baker.

====Winifred Mary Baker====

Winifred Mary Baker was born in London, very much loved, cuddled and adored by her mother, and fussed over by many aunts, but when she was 8, those motherly loving arms were suddenly taken away, and in their place came a little motherless baby sister. No-one filled the empty place of a mother’s love in Win’s heart. No-one attempted to help or comfort her. All attention was focused on the grieving husband and the little new-born baby. Win threw all her love into mothering her little baby sister, but it was many years before her sister was able to give Win the love that she yearned for.

But Win survived! Girl Guides claimed her attention and she threw herself into camping and camp-fire songs, tracking and tying knots. Her love for the Girl Guide movement lasted all her life. I have, in my garage, one of her treasures from those times – her hurricane lamp used in her camping days. Win decided to devote her life to teaching, and applied to a Teachers Training College, but was alarmed, at the medical, to be told to visit her own Doctor! To her relief it was nothing life-threatening. An over-active thyroid (which was noticeable in her slightly protruding eyes) was giving her a rather excitable nature. The College refused her on those grounds. That didn’t daunt Win! She applied to another College and was accepted, and found herself eventually, in a teaching post in what was then Rhodesia. Some years later, her sister joined her, found love, married and settled there. It is quite possible that Win would have stayed there, for she loved the country and the people, but her father, back in England, was getting older and needed her.

It was when she and her father arrived at No 33, that we all got to know Win well. She threw herself into everything practically the moment she arrived, and soon the whole of the village knew of her existence. She took the position of Head Teacher at our village school, organised drama groups and acted in them; organised street parties, and involved everyone in everything (and 'everyone' means the whole of the Parish, including Milcote, Wincot, Willicote, and the bungalows in Shipston Road). “Of course you can do it!” she would say as soon as excuses stated. “I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. You’ll be excellent at doing it,” and would scurry away without hearing the reply. What is more, she made sure there was a written acount of the event in the Herald, and always pleaded for a photographer to come out. Some times she succeeded in the latter, and consequently, events in Clifford, plus photos, regularly appeared in the Herald.

No-one was missed out. She made sure of that. While we had a resident Rector, there was no problem, (though possibly she was around near at hand, to make sure that he didn't leave anyone out in acknowledgment and thanks). When there was an interregnum, and certainly once we came under the 'rectorship' of Welford, she made sure that, if no-one was around to gave a vote of thanks, then she would do it

One of the many words of advice she gave me was this, when she handed over to me the work of the children in the Church, “Avril, you must make sure that every child receives an attendance prize each year – even if their attendance is only one Sunday in the whole of the year. They must have a prize for that one day, for it is not their fault that they didn't attend,. They all all keen and love coming. On no account must they receive any form of punishment when it is the parents' fault.”

She always made sure that, whenever anyone retired from their voluntary work in the Parish, they would have a public presentation of a gift of thanks, however small that service was. And she emphasized that it had to be a public recognition, not just a small 'thank you' in a little group with no-one in the Parish knowing.

[[File:Two head teachers.jpg|thumb|right|Two Head teachers]]

The school children loved her – to begin with, until they came up against her firmness and discipline.! There was always a loving nature in Win; one that cared, sympathised and encouraged, but always with her was the emptiness – the longing for love; perhaps not the love that was snatched away from her when she was a little girl, but a love that cared for her, and about her. Coupled with that was her disappointment that she had to leave Rhodesia (soon to be named Zimbabwe) - the country which she loved so much and where the people she loved - her little sister (now a mother) and her many, many friends - all lived. There were times, here in Clifford, when she became snappy. Her father received a lot of the snappiness. When he died, a few of us received the sharp edge of her tongue. But Win always repented, and would make an extra effort to say ‘sorry’.

She found her faith in ‘Our Father which art in Heaven’ difficult. Her relationship with her father was never good, with little trust, and although she attended Church regularly and instructed the children in her care on God’s goodness, her faith wavered from time to time. At its worst, depression sunk in – and it took a long time to go. She threw herself even more into work, and into the Girl Guide movement, starting a Girl Guide Company here, and later, when that folded up, she became a District Commissioner.

Even in her depression, she was still able to concentrate on others from time to time. On her retirement from teaching, she also gave up her Sunday School work, and I took this over, with Christine Wheeler; both of us a poor replacement for Win. The encouragement I had from her was a tremendous help to me, and she was always willing to help at times when I needed it. She threw herself into campaigning and writing letters for Amnesty International, and when she could, would spend months in Zimbabwe with her sister.

Then her depression became worse. News of a tragic death of a great friend of hers plunged her into deep depression. This was followed by the death of her sister. Both deaths took place in Zimbabwe and she felt so far away from those she loved who were needing her. She found it difficult to lift up her head, and her face no longer was lit by her happy smile. Her loneliness was great. Her grief was terrible, and we were unable to help her.

Then children were born at No 34, and she suddenly found herself treated as a grandmother. This perked her up quite a bit, but the depression never really left her, and diabetes had set in now.

She moved out of No 33 and into one of the bungalows in Barn Close. Her death was very sudden. So many of us were praying for her – had been praying for her for many years - so I know, that in death, she found the love she so desperately yearned for all her life. What hurts me now is, that there is no public record easy to be seen – not even a gravestone – to show that Win Baker ever lived and worked in this Parish. Once the memories are gone, there will be no-one to remember her, and nothing to remind the interested of how she put her soul into every part of life in this Parish.

What hurts me now is, that there is no public record easy to be seen – not even a gravestone – to show that Win Baker ever lived and worked in this Parish. Once the memories are gone, there will be no-one to remember her, and nothing to remind the interested of how she put her soul into every part of life in this Parish.

Avril's request is for a circular bench in the Village Hall front Garden round the tree there - as a memorial to Win Baker who spent all her years here devoted to keeping the whole of the Parish together as a vibrant community.

[[File:Clifford school celebration.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Clifford Children and Clifford School Celebration]]

The Lindens

2014-02-14T20:02:30Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "Photo of the Lindens please THE LINDENS Until it was built “The Lindens” was part of the large field south of the village which stretched from the main road back to the f..."

Photo of the Lindens please
THE LINDENS

Until it was built “The Lindens” was part of the large field south of the village which stretched from the main road back to the farm track leading towards Martins Hill and it was at that special area, Miss Wlding, the new Head Teacher at the village school chose to have a house built for her father and her.

It was well known by all the villagers and, indeed by the Architect and builders, that the area Miss Wilding had bought, was known for slight flooding and damp earth. This was due to water coming down from the reservoir under Martins Hill when extra rain fell. Everyone seemed to know that this reservoir was built by the Romans taking advantage of a natural stream flowing out of a hill, to make the reservoir. They covered the whole of the reservoir with plenty of soil, and it was this massive covering of earth over the reservoir, that eventually became known as Martins Hill.

Miss Wilding made sure that the Architect and builders would do everything to protect her future house, so the ditch at the border of her garden fronting the road, was made more into a pond than a ditch.

The builders made a little bridge over the ditch, the bridge becoming part of her drive, so the water could flow along easily from the long ditch running alongside the rest of the road and under the bridge.. This ditch stretched all along the hedge bordering the road to the next field and the next and onward. From the pond, the water then ran to the drainage area under The Nashes and under the road to the ditches opposite.

From then on, that area was always safe from flooding - though sometimes after extreme rain, the pond almost came up to the level of her front garden, but never flooded over the little bridge, and into her house.

The house was a safe haven for her, away from the eyes of her pupils and certainly far away from Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins who loudly raged war verbally against her whenever she saw the Headmistress. This was because Miss Wilding had, punished her son by plunging the sharp point of her lead pencil into the head of Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins' son.

I hasten to add that Miss Wilding thought, at the time, that she was holding her pencil the right way up! But Mrs Cuckoo Hewins made sure that Miss Wilding would never forget her mistake! With The Nashes being near to hand, Miss Wilding chose to walk that way to school however muddy the path was, with Mr. James allowing her to enter the school grounds through his back garden gate to avoid any more screaming insults from Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins. Her insults were certainly heard quite clearly along the village street! Very embarrassing for this very strict Head Teacher!

After her death, from the memory of those who remembered, Ralph and Phyllis Dodd bought the house and moved in.. Ralph's home, Preston House, from childhood onwards was possibly held by two generations of Dodds, but with two sisters living there, it was time for him to move out.

The family loved The Lindens, and their son Alex, planted a walnut on the 'bank' of the pond, and now its sturdy branches tower over everyone walking along the pavement by the road, and many delight in picking the walnuts as they fall and taking them home to sample.

Alex was married with two children when his parents died, and after that, there seemed to be a whole succession of purchasers moving in, staying for a few years, then selling. But some years later, a family moved in with two young children and decided the pond was not safe for them, filled up the pond, and the length of the ditch, removed the little bridge and flattened the soil

They were still happily living in that house when in 1999 in torrential rain, water poured out of the reservoir, down Martins Hall, and the lady of the house coming down her stairs, came to a halt at the sight of dark water halfway up her stairs. Unable to find the deep ditches that they once filled, the water then spread along to the houses in The Nashes whose gardens back onto the field. Silently the water crept through the grass and borders and seeped under their back doors with the occupants finding their kitchen floors covered in the water and flowing out under their front doors.

Those living in the two bungalows there, (once called The New Rooms), found not only that they were splashing through water in their rooms, but also dirty water was filling up their toilets

It was not good – and still not good, but work has started now on digging up deep ditches and investing in water pumps. The village now has a good supply of sand-bags in various part of the village easily available for everyone to reach, and with everyone helping, flooding isn't nearly so bad as it has been, though those living very near to the River Stour – especially The Mill – accept that they will have to move their furniture up to the next storey and have a boat available to use, near their back door when the Severn Trent Authority issue a red warning..

The New Room (The Bungalows)

2014-02-13T20:17:30Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE NEW ROOM (The Bungalows) The New room opened on 2nd November 1910 for dancing classes and concerts. There was no piano, so Ralph Dodd had to transport the school piano o..."

THE NEW ROOM (The Bungalows)

The New room opened on 2nd November 1910 for dancing classes and concerts. There was no piano, so Ralph Dodd had to transport the school piano on his truck for use every time it was needed. Mr. Betteridge was noted at each concert for singing “White Wings” which was well received!

The New Rooms were made into two bungalows about 1939.

The road before this, had been renamed Edward VII Road, probably when the terraced houses were built, but when Mrs. Rees-Mogg purchased it shortly afterwards, she restored it to its original name The Nashes.

Origins of the Village

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Avrilsalmon:

From the Chronicles Anglo-Normandy I 73 Freeman iii 86

1070

“William the King 'forgetting it would seem that such hatred might be deemed to savour of love, granted his wife's prayer and imprisoned Britric

transferring all Brictric's land to The Queen Matilda

The Lordship of Tewkesbury, including the Manor of Clifford, thus became the property of Queen Matilda.

Before her death, the Queen conferred the Manor of Clifford to Roger de Busli (or Bushley). (It is held by one authority that Roger's wife Muriel was in some way connected with Matilda)

The Domesday Book

Roger de Busli is registered as the Lord of the Manor of Clifford

THE SURVEY
“In Clifford are
7 hides pertaining to the Manor of Tewkesbury -
3 carucates in demesne
and 14 villans with 5 ploughs
and a mill worth 12s
two acres of meadow

Between the male and female serfs there are:-
13 ploughs and a Church
and a priest with one carucate
The value 8l. now 6l.

This land the Queen gave to Roger de Busli· It is geldible for 4 hides in Tewkesbury

Immediately after the compilation of Domesday,
Roger de Busli and Muriel his wife
granted Clifford formally to the

Benedictine Abbey and Convent of St. Peter at Gloucester

And the Parish deemed it none for Clifford to become

CLIFFORD CHAMBERS

...for the revenue from this land went to a specific office – that was the

Chamberlain
The Chamberlains duties were the clothing of the monks and the proper furnishing and upkeep of the Abbot's Chamber
and the Guest Chamber –
for hospitality was one of the first duties of a monastery

In 1266, four manors were contributing to the Abbot's Chamberlain

Clifford – Buckland in Devon – Guiting – and Hinton
(see History of the Manor and Advowson of Clifford Chambers reprinted from the Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucester Archives)

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/GLS/CliffordChambers/ManorChurch.html

(This custom of bequeathing lands to monasteries became one of the recognised ways of avoiding death duties. A Monastery was as reliable a manor-lord. The monks were enlightened farmers and led the way in mediaeval agriculture.)

Extent of the Manor of Clifford in 1266

There were five free tenants:-

Robertus le Freman held by charter as an inheritance:-

four virgates of land and two acres of meadow each of which virgates consists of 30 acres - paying 25 shillings and sixpence a year twice yearly
.
IF he dies the lord of the manor has his house, his armour and accoutrements if he has any - and IF on his death he leaves children under age, the Lord of the Manor has custody of his children and their lands, and controls their marrying. And IF when he dies his heir is legally of age, he, the son, is to pay homage to his Lord and perform whatever service is due with his land

Radulphus de Eylestone lives on his land free

being one virgate of land containing 48 acres
BUT must follow the Earl of Warwick and do service for his lord at the Hundred of Kington and is liable for all services at the Court of Clifford. AND IF he dies, his heirs, land and hereditaments are subject to the same conditions as those of his senior in service Robert le Freman.

Henricus son of the Smith holds:-

one virgate of land containing 48 acres

for the same service in all things as has been said for Randulphus AND IF through default of the said Randulphus and Henricus, the lord of the manor shall suffer loss, the same shall owe him full indemnity.

Willelmus son of Symon

holds one virgate of land containing 48 acres by charter

and owes seven shillings a year for the same, paid twice yearly And he shall follow the court of Clifford. And if he dies all things shall be performed as for the said Randulphus. And he shall render whatever service is due with his land.

William son of Robert -do-

Others
Two mills which were wont to return sixty shillings and sixpence quarterly will be in the hands of the lord of the manor on the feast of the Annunciation next, because them the leases of the said mills will terminate.

William the Miller holds 12 acres of land for the term of his life and that of his wife, and returns thence ten shillings a year quarterly. He performs small customary duties which pertain to the land, instead of paying taxes.

The whole ville of Clifford pays yearly sixpence in common for certain small pastures.

Nicholaus Hentelove hold one messuage with courtyard and two acres of land and pays three shillings twice yearly. And he supplies labour according to the number of his animals. And he shall pay pannage (i.e. pay for the privilege of feeding his swine in the woods) namely for a full-grown pig one penny and for a young pig a halfpenny, until it is weaned or able to be weaned.

And if he brews in order to sell, he shall give 12 gallons of ale per ton (ad tonnutum) or as toll or its equivalent

And he shall redeem his son and daughter (i.e.pay merchet or a sum of money for freedom of marrying). He shall not sell ox or horse without leave. And when he dies his lord shall have his best beast by way of heriot (melius averium suam nomine haerieti)

Adam Textor holds one messuage with courtyard and pays twelve pence twice yearly,. And he shall lift hay for his lord for four days, and it shall be worth two pence. And he shall do three bederipas (bedrip – a special duty at harvest time) and they shall be worth four pence halfpenny. And he shall perform other duties even as Nicholaus.

William Marescallus holds - do- with one acre of land and pays -do-

Alexander Sinne holds -do- and pays two shillings and sixpence twice yearly. And he does three bedrips of value fourpence halfpenny. And he shall help in lifting hay for his lord for four days to the value of two pence a day. All his other duties are similar to those of Nicholaus.

Hugo son of Laurentii -do- -do-

Thomas le Careter -do- -do-

Christina Widye holds a like tenement and she helps with the hay for four days to the value of two pence per day. And she does three bedrips to the value of fourpence halfpenny. And pays two shillings and sixpence twice a year. And all her other duties are similar to those of Nicholaus.

Matilda the widow of Galfridus -do- Christina

Johannes Lasteles -do-

Adam Bruggemon (Bridgeman) holds one messuage with courtyard and with certain pastures and pays two shillings twice yearly. And instead of all services he shall keep the bridge in repair. And there is there a certain annual toll from the whole ville of Clifford namely fifteen shillings of which ten shillings goes to the hundred of Theuk and five remains for the lord of the manor.

William de Winnecote holds five cottages in fee to his lord and pays nine shillings yearly and no other service to his lord except to the Court of Clifford. And he pays homage to the Abbot of Gloucester and when he dies his lord the abbot has the custody of his rents aforesaid and of his heirs until they are of age.

The sum of the rents of this class of tenant amounts to seventy-six shillings and six pence without the farm of the mills.

Customary tenant: Be it remembered that he has a larger holding. (This sentence is written in red ink)

Ricardus de Porta holds one virgate of land and half an acre of meadow, the virgate consisting of 36 acres. And he shall plough half an acre in the Autumn and half an acre in the Spring and he must harrow that land at seed-time. And it shall be worth fourpence altogether. And from the feast of St Peter in Chains he must in every week do manual labour for four days with one man, and for every day he is owed a halfpenny. And he shall provide transport to Gloucester twice a year to the value of eight pence. And he must also every week on the fifth or sixth day at the will of his lord provide transport to Hinetone and Boclande and he is owed for that day a penny halfpenny

And he shall wash and sheer his lord's sheep for two days and is owed a penny for whatever work is allotted to him on those days. And he must scythe his lord's meadow for four days and for any further day's work he is owed a penny. And he must help in the lifting of the crops of his lord for three days and more if necessary and he is owed a halfpenny for whatever days that are not allotted to this work. And he must carry the crops of his lord for one day and he is owed two pence beyond the manual labour of that day which can be valued at a half-penny. And he must carry firewood wheresoever the lord shall wish and he is allotted one day for that work. And he must do two bedrips before the feast of St Peter in Chains with two men and they are worth three pence.

And the total value before the autumn work is fourteen shillings and sixpence halfpenny

And from the feast of the Blessed Peter in Chains to the feast of the Blessed Michael he must work at his master's board (in messe domini) for five days with one man and it is worth a penny halfpenny each day. And he shall do eight bedrips with two men worth altogether two shillings. And he must carry his master's corn twice a week for four weeks worth a penny halfpenny each day beyond the manual labour. And he must bring his lord's sheaves to the grange for one day worth a halfpenny. And he must furnish help according to the amount of his land and number of animals. And if he brews to sell he must give twelve gallons of ale (ad tonnutum) or its equivalent price. He must pay pannage for his pigs. He may not sell horse or ox without leave. He must redeem his son and daughter. And when he dies his lord shall have his best beast by way of heriot.

The total value of his work in the autumn is eight shillings and a halfpenny.

Walter son of Yvon holds one virgate of land containing thirty six acres, and he does everything even as the said Richard.

It is to be noted that he has a larger holding.

Each of the following 'holds one virgate and does everything even as the said Richard:-
Henricus de Wilicote - Alicia Williames - Nicholaus de Middletone - Matilda Adam - Relicta Johannis Rondulf - Willelmus le Orl - Ricardus Palmerius - Ricardus de Ovetone - Thomas Rawe - Nicholaus le Orl - Bertram Belami - Robertus filius Willelmi - Sampson Neweman - Johannes filus Willelmi

Item at Sileston: Galfridus de Forde holds one virgate of land containing 28 acres, and from the feast of St. Michael to the feast of St. Peter in Chains he must work with his hands every week for four days with one man, and it is worth a halfpenny each day. And he must supply transport twice a year to Gloucester, worth eightpence. And on the fifth or sixth day of each week he must supply transport to Hyntone or Boclande worth a penny halfpenny a day. And he must plough half an acre and harrow it at seed sowing; and he shall be free (of all other work) during his week of ploughing. And he shall tend and shear his lord's sheep for two days worth a penny. And he shall scythe his lord's meadow for four days worth twopence a day. And he shall help in lifting crops for four days worth a halfpenny a day. And he shall carry crops, and it shall be worth twopence beyond the manual labour of that day which may be taken as a halfpenny. And he must carry brushwood wheresoever his lord wishes. And he must do two bedrips before the first of August (ante Gulaustum) with two men and they shall be worth three pence. The rest he does even as Richard de Porta.

Each of the following 'holds one virgate of land and does everything even as the said Galfridus' - Willelmus de Rye - Thomas le Orl - Rogerus Silvestre - Radulphus Frankeleyn - Alicia Mauger - Ricardus Newcomene - Robertus de Forda.

Chrisina relicta Carectarii holds half a virgate of land and does half service in all things even as Galfridus.

All the aforesaid customary tenants give an annual aid of twenty shillings, and all owed mill-carriage, that is to say mill-stones to the lord's mill or they gave in common thirteen and a farthing.

Item – at Clifford there are four ploughs for the arable land in demesne and there are thirty six oxen for each plough eight oxen and four besides.

It must be remembered that the lord of the manor owes defence and arbitration to his tenants; he must be able to protect their property and persons, and must also provide a court of justice in the hall of the manor-house.

The successful working of the system depended on the personality of the lord of the Manor, whether these ancient dues remained constitutional or developed into tyrannical extortion.

=Extracts from the Tewkesbury Hundred (Upper) Clifford Chambers=

In 1086 the Parish was called simply Clifford, from the ford where the
road to Stratford crosses the River Stour; the name Chambers was added
by the 14th Century after the Manor had become attached to the office
of chamberlain of Gloucester Abbey.

Clifford village, on the gravel beside the River Stour was probably
formed by the 10th Century. The earliest settlement was perhaps
concentrated at what was later the south-east end of the village
around the Church and Manor House where the wide village street
suggests that the houses were grouped around a green.

Several houses
in that part of the village were built in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In the 18th century several cottages were taken down and extensive
rebuilding took place along the street running west to meet the road
to Stratford. Groups of uniform brick cottages were built at that time
along the north side of the village street and in the area beside the
churchyard later known as The Square. By 1777 the village had extended
almost as far as the junction with the Stratford Road.

School

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Avrilsalmon:

[[File:Children leaving clifford school.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Children leaving Clifford School]]

====Introduction====

The Elementary Education Act 1870 brought forward compulsory education of all the children in the land, and, in the case of our village school, Gloucester Diocese had charge of this. And from then on, plans were made to build a proper school on a patch of land opposite to the then cottage school.

'Aunt Amy' living in her later years at the three storey house (No. 28) could remember in her school years, helping to carry the school books and slates across the road from the cottage school and into the new school. The building of this new Church of England School was finished in 1882, with the addition of a bell to summon the children to school.

====Founding - Extract from Tewkesbury Hundred (Upper) Clifford Chambers====

By will proved in 1649 Thomas Jackson of Clifford Chambers gave £100 for a free school and £50 to which his executors added another £50 for the poor. The money was laid out in land and the income £10 in 1683 was used in the 18th Century mainly to pay the schoolmaster

A house known as the Church House was built in the churchyard before 1548 by the parishioners for the poor of the parish. In the 1670's Henry Dighton wrongfully took possession of the house which he was made to restore to the churchwardens and overseers in 1683 and in the 18th century the house was used for the school.

The master was chosen by the freeholders and the school was held in the house built by the parish for the poor.

FROM THE CLIFFORD BURIAL REGISTER
May 26th 1734
Antarny brayn the Skoolmaster was bured

After 1817 the school was discontinued because a master could not be found; a small allowance from the charity was made to the Sunday School teacher, the rest being allowed to accumulate so that it could be used to provide an adequate salary for a teacher.

After 1874, Jackson's charity was used to support the National School, two-thirds of the income being used for education and the rest for the poor

In 1914 the Board of Education agreed to a Scheme whereby Jackson's charity was transferred from the school and used for further education. Part of the 43 a. belonging to the Charity was sold in 1958 and in 1962 a considerable surplus from income had accumulated.

In 1872 a National school was opened in the house where the earlier school had been held, which had been enlarged in 1871. From 1879 the school received a grant which, however, was partly withheld in 1882 because of the inadequacy of the teaching.

The schoolmaster was replaced in that year by a certificated mistress, and a new school, a small brick building standing back from the village street opposite The Square was opened in 1883. The average attendance was 64 in 1892 and by 1911 the school had a separate infants' department. It became an infant and junior school in 1939, the older children going to schools in Straford,. In 1962 the number of pupils was c.40 and land had been bought for a new school to be built.

====Miss Wilding====
[[File:Boys of clifford school.jpg|thumb|right|Boys of Clifford School]]

Those in the village when I arrived there, had only memories of Miss Wilding as the main teacher – and no-one could ever forget her!

Practically every small child entered the school premises in fear. Once inside, many of them had to sit under the penetrating, powerful eye of Miss Wilding.

She produced such fear in the children that they were frightened of her even before they started school! Many little ones, starting on their first day, were carried or dragged by their mothers to the school door, their screams being heard along the village street. Kath Radbourne, when she started school at the age of 5, was sick every morning as soon as her mother, after breakfast said, “Time for School!” When, at the age of 14, she went out of the school door for the last time, she felt so free – even though, for the rest of her life, she was employed as housemaid! Such was the fear of every small child in that school – and many of the older ones too - of Miss Wilding!

No-one sniffed, blinked, twitched or moved a muscle without Miss Wilding’s permission. She had as many as 90 pupils at one time, ranging from 5 to 14, and they all left the school with an extremely good standard of education. Some of them passed the entrance exam to the Grammar Schools, and those of her pupils who were still living in the village at the time I took these notes, although they trembled before her at the time, told me what a good teacher she was. I have seen a Handwriting Book in beautiful copperplate handwriting, written by a 6yr old. Just one sentence was written over and over again throughout the book by this little boy. “I promise that I will not drink any intoxicating beverage.”!

[[File:Doris dodd.jpg|thumb|right|Doris Dodd]]
Miss Doris Dodd took the infants. Miss Kendrick standards 2 and 3, and Miss Wilding the older children. Much to the envy of the girls, all the boys had art with Miss Dodd while they, poor things, had needlework under the eagle eye of Miss Wilding.

Miss Wilding also introduced musical drill and nature walks. Their nature walks during the First World War were to Galley Oak to pick blackberries to be made into jam for the troops. If a child dared to bring back less than quarter of a pound – then the cane awaited them.

Only once did Miss Wilding make a mistake. “That is NOT RIGHT” she announced to Reg Hewins drumming her pencil fiercely onto the top of his head. Unfortunately, she didn’t check that the pencil was the right way up for a punishment of that kind. It wasn’t! The sharp point scraped against Reg’s skull. There was much blood and much Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins threatening legal action! After that, Mr. James allowed Miss Wilding to walk through the door in his wall to reach the school and to go back home at the end of the day via his garden, and from his garden to The Nashes and on to The Lindens where she lived. This was to avoid her walking past an irate and watchful Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins waiting for her at her garden gate! From then on, until she retired, she walked that way with her erect bearing, reminding one very much of Queen Mary.

One child defied her. He was the only one who did not cringe before her terrible gaze. Caning did nothing to him except make him more defiant. In desperation one day, Miss Wilding turned for help to Col. Studley who was staying at the Manor then. He brought along his riding crop, and horse-whipped him, but even that didn’t break the spirit of the lad. He carried on in his defiant way all through school. However, just before embarking to France in the First World War to join his troop, he turned up at school in his uniform and publicly apologised to Miss Wilding for his waywardness while at school. Miss Wilding was so touched by it, she had him march all the children out into the playgound and teach them drill. Sadly, he was killed shortly afterwards, in action.

Mrs. Rees-Mogg liked to have the children recognize her when her chauffeur drove her along the village street. But if a child – or children – did not raise a hand to their caps in acknowledgement of her presence, or in the case of the girls, give a little bob of a curtsey, she reported it to Canon Brookes.

He would then, probably the next morning, come to the school and with Miss Weldon's permission solemnly inform the children, 'that Mrs. Rees-Mogg was a very important and kind benefactor living in our village, and it is only polite that we recognise her and greet her in the manner that is accustomed to grand ladies.'

There were some tender moments to Miss Wilding. When the funeral procession carrying her father’s coffin passed what is now our bus stop, she saw four little lads on their own, take their caps off and hold them to their chests as a sign of respect. Miss Wilding cried. She told someone afterwards that she could have hugged them for their act of solemnity and reverence.

======Retirement of Miss Wilding======
'''FROM THE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON HERALD 11th June 1926'''

<pre>After a period of service existing over 41 years, Miss Wilding, headteacher
in the Church of England School retired last week.

During that long period she accomplished much praiseworthy work and won golden
opinions from all associated with her. At the last session of the school under
her management, the Rector heartily thanked Miss Wilding on behalf of the Managers,
the parents, the children and the village generally for the very conscientious and
excellent work she had done in the school and out of school during all these years.
He stated that the school had invariably received most favourable reports from
H.M.Inspectors and from the Diocesan Inspectors. A good school was a tremendous
asset to the life of the village and every child had been most fortunate in having
had Miss Wilding’s teaching and influence for so many years.”</pre>

====Straightening of County Boundaries====

The Parish of Clifford Chambers and the nearby Parishes had, from possibly the Domesday Book and maybe even further back in time, been in the County of Gloucester. But from 1931 onwards, the Government decided to straighten all County Boundaries and remove the sections protruding into another County, and as our part of Gloucester definitely protruded, like a pointing finger, into the County of Warwickshire, this 'finger' was promptly removed from the County of Gloucester and placed in the County of Warwick.

======Problems======
Problems arose however, when the Parochial Church Council (probably at the request of Mrs,. Rees-Mogg) decided that, although the Parish was now in the County of Warwick, the Church and the Church property (being the Rectory, the Village School and the Recreation Ground used by the School as their playing field) would remain in the Diocese of Gloucester.

======Extract of Minutes of Parochial Church Council======
'''24th October 1951'''
Correspondence relating to the position of the School was read by the Rector Rev Cecil Lake. He reported the result of the Managers Meeting which was attended by representative from Warwick and Gloucester The sum of £140 p.a. over a period of 30 years would be required to maintain the building as laid down by the Ministry of Education. The Managers had agreed that the school could not be retained as “Aided Status” owing to the heavy burden it will be on the Church. A proposition by Mr. Reece and seconded by Mrs. Lake stated that “having considered the expense, the PCC felt, with regret, that they cannot continue to support the school. It would become “Controlled through default”

'''30th April 1957'''
The school was to be decorated by the Authority during mid-summer. Church funds were not adequate enough to keep the building in good repair.

'''24th October 1957'''
Correspondence relating to the position of the School was read by the Rector Rev Cecil Lake. He reported the result of the Managers Meeting which was attended by representatives from Warwick and Gloucester. The sum of £140 per annum over a period of 30 years would be required to maintain the building as laid down by the Ministry of Education,. The Managers had agreed that the school could not be retained as “Aided Status” owing to the heavy burden it would be on the Church. A proposition by Mr. Reece and seconded by Mrs. Lake stated that “having considered the expense, the PCC felt, with regret, that they cannot continue to support the school It would become “Controlled through default.”

'''30th April 1957'''
The school was to be decorated by the Authority during mid-summer. Church funds were not adequate enough to keep the building in good repair.

'''13th February 1958'''
The school has become “Controlled” from 9th December 1957. All painting and repairs would be held in abeyance as there had been no correspondence from the Education Authority in the matter up to the present moment. The Insurance would no longer be paid by the Church

'''8th April 1958'''
The school had been taken over by the Education Authority on 9th December 1957. An official of the Authority had visited the school and expressed the wish that the Managers at their next meeting would agree to the work being started on the new sanitary arrangements during the summer holiday. The Official informed the Head Teacher that the entire reconstruction of the school would be completed within the next two years.

'''12th June 1958'''
The new Instrument of Management had been approved by the present Managers. It would consist of two Foundation Managers, one appointed by the Diocesan Council for the PCC. (Mr. Reece proposed and Miss Hodgson seconded that Mrs.Huckvale should keep the continuity. Two managers appointed by the Parish Council – two members from the Authority, and the Rector, the Rev Cecil Lake, for the Church School.23rd October 1958

The new Instrument of Managers had been duly signed and sealed. It was necessary for the PCC to appoint one person as a Foundation manager, not necessarily a member of the PCC. Mrs. Lake proposed Mrs. Spragge seconded by Miss M. James. This was carried.

The six Managers now are – Foundation Managers, Rev W. C. Lake and Mrs. Spragge – Parish Council Representatives, Mr. J. R. Steele and Mr. R. Dodd – Local Education Mrs. Huckvale and Mrs. Bramwell

'''19th April 1960'''
The Rector said that the Water Sanitation had been installed and a number of interior improvements had been carried out. The Education Authority were now going to tarmac the whole of the playground

'''Miss Doris Dodd's illness'''
The Rector expressed the general regret of the village and parish that due to her failing health, she had had to resign her teaching post in the school after forty years. She was continuing as Choirmistress and mentioned her nephew Alex Dodd was officiating at the organ, It was hoped that after an operation, she would be able to resume duties at the organ.

====Further Headteachers====
[[File:Two head teachers.jpg|thumb|right|Two Head Teachers]]

In 1951, Miss Hodgson took over from Mrs. Timperley, and when Miss Hodgson retired, Miss Win Baker arrived, living at No. 33 The Square.

====Sale of the Village School====

======Extract of the Minutes of the Parochial Church Council======
'''6th February 1976'''
The School Closure. As this is a controlled school, we are not directly responsible but as the buildings belong to the Diocese, it was felt that we should add or voice the views of the parents, School Managers and the Parish Council by sending a letter against the closure.

'''23rd July 1976'''
School Closure
Ownership of property stand???? Diocese said that any proceeds be used for Education properties as this was stated in the deeds. Warwickshire County Council Education Department say proceeds should go to them. It was agreed that the Solicitors of both sides would have to sort this out, but we hoped we should be consulted on any plans The film screen and projector was given by the Charities, and it was felt that these should be returned to them for ????? The piano would go to replace the one in the Church.

'''30th September 1976'''
All removable property removed. Gloucester are in process of disclosure with the Ministry regarding sale of the building etc. Clifford would get nothing for the sale. According to the deeds and the 1973 Act of Parliament, the School by law has to be sold and the money invested with other Church Schools in the Diocese.

'''11th February 1977'''
The School is now free to be sold, but Clifford would get nothing from this sale. After much discussion, the Rector will try to get the Diocesan Education man to Clifford to discuss this matter with us.

====The Beginning of the End of the School====

After Miss Wilding, came Mrs. Baxter, followed in 1931 by Mrs. Groely, then Mrs. Russeau. Then, in 1936 came Mrs. Timperley. During her time as teacher, Secondary Schools for boys and girls were built in 1939, in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Clifford became just a Primary School.

(At a “Thank You” service held at the Church on 22nd July 1990, special thanks were given for the life of Mrs. Millicent Timperley – a much loved headmistress at Clifford School from 1937 to 1951.

She was also a staunch supporter and active member of the Mothers Union and Women's Institute, and in her latter years, of the over 60's Club.

The Church however, was the centre of her life and beautifully embroidered alms bags were given o the Church in memory of her life and dedicated at the Thank You service.

Attending the service, was her little great grandson, Rory McGarry, with his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Timperley.)

====Village School Memories during the War Years (Maisie Wilks)====
Wednesdays were always ‘Church morning’! We either went across the road to Church, or Canon Brookes came to the school. Miss Dodd took the infants, and I can still see her, stood with her back to the fire warming her backside, when we were frozen! Mrs. Timperley ran the juniors. She had a cane which was used! Along with the 3 R’s, the girls did knitting and sewing while the boys did gardening. Mrs. Timperley suffered from asthma, and the fumes from the pot-bellied stove in the corner could not have helped! On cold mornings, bottles of milk were put round the stove to defrost the ice on them.

<gallery perror=3 widths=200px height=170px>
File:Clifford-school 1971.jpg|Clifford School 1971
File:Clifford school celebration.jpg|100 years of Clifford School
File:Clifford school william the conqueror.jpg|Pageant of William the Conqueror 1066 - 1966
</gallery>

====Public Use of the School====
The School was also used for the first meeting of Clifford Chambers Parish Council:-

At the First Meeting of the Parish Council of the Parish of Clifford Chambers held at the National School Clifford Chambers on Wednesday the 19th day of December 1894 at 6.oclock in the evening.

<pre>
Present – The Revd Francis Hanbury Annesley
Mr. William Thomas Jordan
Mr. Richard Sidney Smith
Mr. John Thomas Faulkner
Mr. George Fletcher

Declaration of Acceptance of Office
The several members of the Council signed the necessary declaration of acceptance
of office.

Election of Chairman
Moved by Mr. W. T. Jordan
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That the Revd. Francis Hanbury Annesley be and he is hereby
elected Chairman of this Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting in April
next.

Election of Vice Chairman
Moved by Mr. J. T. Faulkner
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That Mr. William Thomas Jordan be and he is hereby elected
Vice Chairman of this Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting in April next.

Appointment of Clerk
Moved by Mr. J. T. Faulkner
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That Mr. Francis Ladbury Thompson Assistant overseer of the
Parish be and he is hereby appointed Clerk of this Council at such increased salary
as may be hereafter fixed.

Appointment of Treasurer
Moved by Mr. W. T. Jordan
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That Mr. Charles Edward Martin Manager of the Old Bank
Stratford Avon be and he is hereby appointed Treasurer of the Council and that he be
required to give security in the sum of £40 for the due and faithful performance of
the duties of such office.

Parish Roads
Resolved – That the Clerk write to the Gloucestershire County Council directing their
attention to the bad state of the footpath (and iron protection from deep ditch) on
the road leading from the “New Inn” to the Stour Bridge near Mr. Smith's Mill

Signed this 22nd day of April l895

Mr. W. T. Jordan
Chairman

Stamped Warwickshire Audit District</pre>

Also, in 1886, extensive work was done at the Church, and it was no longer possible to
hold services there. So the services were taken in the school and scholars then found
themselves gazing at their school walls on a Sunday, this time sitting with their
parents.

====The End====
And then The End came. The school was sold and bought by Mr. Chris Ironmonger who moved in with his young family. So, although it was a house now and not a School, there were plenty of sounds of children's laughter in the house and grounds.

And the building still looks a School more than a house!

2 Manor Cottages

2014-02-11T21:30:44Z

Avrilsalmon:

[[File:Manor_cottage.jpg|thumb|right|Manor Cottages]]

[[Clifford_Manor|Back to the Manor]]

The occupants of No 2 Manor Cottages were the Salmon family – Head Gardener, William Salmon, commonly called Diggie. Diggie was born in the village and christened William, but because he was always digging in the garden when his friends wanted him to play, Diggie he became.
He could barely remember his father, Thomas, a shepherd working on the Manor Farm. The only recollection of him was being told by him, “I am not Papa! You are to call me Father!” His mother, Mary Ann, lived at No 23 where Diggie spent his childhood. Round the corner, in the tall house in The Square, lived Ada Coldicott, and as Diggie matured into manhood, the friendship between them became serious. Ada was working as maid to the owners of the tall, large house on the corner of Scholars Lane and Rother Street. Diggie was working as gardener at Clopton House for Sir Arthur Hodgson.

[[File:Diggie_salmon.jpg|thumb|left|William (Diggie) Salmon]]

On Diggie’s marriage to Ada, he was given the position of Head Gardener at the Manor with, I think, a wage of 22/-d (£1.10) a week. No 2 Manor Cottages came with the job! In the back garden of this cottage were the Manor greenhouses and Diggie had full responsibility of looking after Mrs. Rees-Mogg’s cherished peach trees growing there. There were about 7/9 gardeners under him, who had to report to him at 7.00am every working morning for orders. When Mrs. Rees-Mogg was in residence, Diggie was always summoned to her room every morning, his muddy boots having been scraped clean and wiped with a damp cloth before he dared to set foot in the house. His hands, of course, had to be scrupulously clean. There he stood, cap in hand, just inside the door to answer her questions on the work for that day. Once, when she was suffering from a bad cold, he had to stand, deeply embarrassed, just inside her bedroom while she gave him suggested garden improvements from her bed in her nightie!

I have seen a photo of lawn mowing being done at The Manor during that time, with the pony’s hoofs covered with cloths so no mark would be left on the grass. Len Salmon, Diggie’s son, as a lad helped his father in the Manor gardens using a huge motor mower which, to me, looked extremely heavy to handle but was the newest invention in those days.

[[File:Len_salmon_with_mower.jpg|thumb|right|Len Salmon]]
[[File:Len_salmon_with_mower_1.jpg|thumb|right|Len Salmon]]

[[File:Diggie_and_family.jpg|thumb|left|Diggie Salmon and family in Manor Garden]]

Len and Kath Salmon were both born at this cottage, and their births did not help Ada’s health at all. She was anaemic and at times, very weak and susceptible to colds. The only time Kath could remember her mother with any colour in her face, was when she had a violent row with her mother, who was then living at No 13. There was a mighty slam of the door and Ada was seen by her little daughter flouncing down the village street with bright red cheeks!

During the First World War, Diggie was sent to Gallipoli

[[File:Diggie_salmon_off_for_war.jpg|thumb|left|Diggie Salmon off to war, 1916]]

He hardly ever spoke of his time there, but the journey back home after the War through a part of Russia, played on his mind for the rest of his life. Here he saw signs of the Russian revolution and, for the first time, saw corpses of women and children. What he did talk about constantly, was the fact that, when he left the village in his army uiniform, his mother was sitting on Ada’s rocking chair by the living room window, waving to him; and when he came back almost 3 years later, there she was, still sitting there – and waving!

Ada died in 1923. Len was 13 and Kath was 7. Len, attending KES having won a scholarship there, had to leave school. Money was tight and Diggie wanted him earning a wage. Kath, at the age of 7, was left doing the housework as soon as she came back from school Like Len, she attended the village school under Miss Wilding, and like him, also won a scholarship - to the girls’ grammar school, Kings High, Warwick, cycling to town every day to catch a train to Warwick.

Diggie was not trained in gardening or botany, or in landscaping. Charlie Hebborn was – not to a great degree, but he seemed to have better knowledge than Diggie. Mrs. Rees-Mogg had come across Charlie on one of her many journeys and very soon Diggie was replaced. He was heartbroken. He was sent to work for Miss Weldon at The Lodge.

One of Diggie's comforters was his red setter – a beautiful animal whom he adored and chatted to constantly when he was alone. Now that he was working at The Lodge instead of The Manor, those living along the village street saw this dog often, tearing along the street from Manor Cottage to The Lodge. But when he came to the heavy iron gates of The Lodge, the dog would stop. Then standing on his hind legs, he would press hard on the gates which would then open just wide enough for him to squeeze through.

Diggie had a dog whistle which, of course, no-one heard except the dog himself who was listening out for it from when Diggie went to work. When Diggie thought it was safe enough and no-one was around in The Lodge garden, he would blow the whistle – and within a few minutes there was his dog by his side and looking up at him with trusting and loving eyes, wagging his tail. And Diggie was then happy to go on with his work there .

One of Diggie’s jobs with Mrs. Rees-Mogg was to assist in planting the may trees along the village street; also the poplars that used to grow in the Rec, and the avenue of oak trees along the back of the allotments.

When Mrs. Rees-Mogg decided to retire him, there was further heartbreak. He had to leave No 2 with all its memories and go, with his daughter, to live in one of the bungalows at the end of The Nashes. He hated it there, and was very lonely. He would spend the mornings on his allotment, mostly sitting on a step leading up to a barn nearby, and chatting to the other allotment holders. When they picked up their spades and went home, Diggie would then walk to the War Memorial and sit on the steps, just so that he could see people and chat to them.
When I arrived in the village, Miss Bullock was occupying No 2 – and my goodness, didn’t she keep that brass doorknob and letter box sparkling bright. She was a very active lady, even willing to serve on the W.I. Committee and holding W.I.committee meetings in her tiny living room. After her death, various tenants moved in - and out – in fairly quick succession. The brass knob and letter box on the front door slowly became black – only to disappear altogether, with the door, when the Conways bought both cottages and completely renovated both. The greenhouses that once housed peach trees remained. The jacuzzi is in one of them!

It is interesting to note that, at the end of the 1800’s, the whole building consisted of one house and barn – the house part being the section nearest to the Manor that eventually became No 2.

2 Manor Cottages

2014-02-11T21:29:15Z

Avrilsalmon:

[[File:Manor_cottage.jpg|thumb|right|Manor Cottages]]

[[Clifford_Manor|Back to the Manor]]

The occupants of No 2 Manor Cottages were the Salmon family – Head Gardener, William Salmon, commonly called Diggie. Diggie was born in the village and christened William, but because he was always digging in the garden when his friends wanted him to play, Diggie he became.
He could barely remember his father, Thomas, a shepherd working on the Manor Farm. The only recollection of him was being told by him, “I am not Papa! You are to call me Father!” His mother, Mary Ann, lived at No 23 where Diggie spent his childhood. Round the corner, in the tall house in The Square, lived Ada Coldicott, and as Diggie matured into manhood, the friendship between them became serious. Ada was working as maid to the owners of the tall, large house on the corner of Scholars Lane and Rother Street. Diggie was working as gardener at Clopton House for Sir Arthur Hodgson.

[[File:Diggie_salmon.jpg|thumb|left|William (Diggie) Salmon]]

On Diggie’s marriage to Ada, he was given the position of Head Gardener at the Manor with, I think, a wage of 22/-d (£1.10) a week. No 2 Manor Cottages came with the job! In the back garden of this cottage were the Manor greenhouses and Diggie had full responsibility of looking after Mrs. Rees-Mogg’s cherished peach trees growing there. There were about 7/9 gardeners under him, who had to report to him at 7.00am every working morning for orders. When Mrs. Rees-Mogg was in residence, Diggie was always summoned to her room every morning, his muddy boots having been scraped clean and wiped with a damp cloth before he dared to set foot in the house. His hands, of course, had to be scrupulously clean. There he stood, cap in hand, just inside the door to answer her questions on the work for that day. Once, when she was suffering from a bad cold, he had to stand, deeply embarrassed, just inside her bedroom while she gave him suggested garden improvements from her bed in her nightie!

I have seen a photo of lawn mowing being done at The Manor during that time, with the pony’s hoofs covered with cloths so no mark would be left on the grass. Len Salmon, Diggie’s son, as a lad helped his father in the Manor gardens using a huge motor mower which, to me, looked extremely heavy to handle but was the newest invention in those days.

[[File:Len_salmon_with_mower.jpg|thumb|right|Len Salmon]]
[[File:Len_salmon_with_mower_1.jpg|thumb|right|Len Salmon]]

[[File:Diggie_and_family.jpg|thumb|left|Diggie Salmon and family in Manor Garden]]

Len and Kath Salmon were both born at this cottage, and their births did not help Ada’s health at all. She was anaemic and at times, very weak and susceptible to colds. The only time Kath could remember her mother with any colour in her face, was when she had a violent row with her mother, who was then living at No 13. There was a mighty slam of the door and Ada was seen by her little daughter flouncing down the village street with bright red cheeks!

During the First World War, Diggie was sent to Gallipoli

[[File:Diggie_salmon_off_for_war.jpg|thumb|left|Diggie Salmon off to war, 1916]]

He hardly ever spoke of his time there, but the journey back home after the War through a part of Russia, played on his mind for the rest of his life. Here he saw signs of the Russian revolution and, for the first time, saw corpses of women and children. What he did talk about constantly, was the fact that, when he left the village in his army uiniform, his mother was sitting on Ada’s rocking chair by the living room window, waving to him; and when he came back almost 3 years later, there she was, still sitting there – and waving!

Ada died in 1923. Len was 13 and Kath was 7. Len, attending KES having won a scholarship there, had to leave school. Money was tight and Diggie wanted him earning a wage. Kath, at the age of 7, was left doing the housework as soon as she came back from school Like Len, she attended the village school under Miss Wilding, and like him, also won a scholarship - to the girls’ grammar school, Kings High, Warwick, cycling to town every day to catch a train to Warwick.

Diggie was not trained in gardening or botany, or in landscaping. Charlie Hebborn was – not to a great degree, but he seemed to have better knowledge than Diggie. Mrs. Rees-Mogg had come across Charlie on one of her many journeys and very soon Diggie was replaced. He was heartbroken. He was sent to work for Miss Weldon at The Lodge.

One of Diggie’s jobs with Mrs. Rees-Mogg was to assist in planting the may trees along the village street; also the poplars that used to grow in the Rec, and the avenue of oak trees along the back of the allotments.

When Mrs. Rees-Mogg decided to retire him, there was further heartbreak. He had to leave No 2 with all its memories and go, with his daughter, to live in one of the bungalows at the end of The Nashes. He hated it there, and was very lonely. He would spend the mornings on his allotment, mostly sitting on a step leading up to a barn nearby, and chatting to the other allotment holders. When they picked up their spades and went home, Diggie would then walk to the War Memorial and sit on the steps, just so that he could see people and chat to them.
When I arrived in the village, Miss Bullock was occupying No 2 – and my goodness, didn’t she keep that brass doorknob and letter box sparkling bright. She was a very active lady, even willing to serve on the W.I. Committee and holding W.I.committee meetings in her tiny living room. After her death, various tenants moved in - and out – in fairly quick succession. The brass knob and letter box on the front door slowly became black – only to disappear altogether, with the door, when the Conways bought both cottages and completely renovated both. The greenhouses that once housed peach trees remained. The jacuzzi is in one of them!

It is interesting to note that, at the end of the 1800’s, the whole building consisted of one house and barn – the house part being the section nearest to the Manor that eventually became No 2.

2 Manor Cottages

2014-02-11T21:28:10Z

Avrilsalmon:

School

2014-02-11T21:17:32Z

Avrilsalmon: /* Miss Wilding */

[[File:Children leaving clifford school.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Children leaving Clifford School]]

====Introduction====

The Elementary Education Act 1870 brought forward compulsory education of all the children in the land, and, in the case of our village school, Gloucester Diocese had charge of this. And from then on, plans were made to build a proper school on a patch of land opposite to the then cottage school.

'Aunt Amy' living in her later years at the three storey house (No. 28) could remember in her school years, helping to carry the school books and slates across the road from the cottage school and into the new school. The building of this new Church of England School was finished in 1882, with the addition of a bell to summon the children to school.

====Founding - Extract from Tewkesbury Hundred (Upper) Clifford Chambers====

By will proved in 1649 Thomas Jackson of Clifford Chambers gave £100 for a free school and £50 to which his executors added another £50 for the poor. The money was laid out in land and the income £10 in 1683 was used in the 18th Century mainly to pay the schoolmaster

A house known as the Church House was built in the churchyard before 1548 by the parishioners for the poor of the parish. In the 1670's Henry Dighton wrongfully took possession of the house which he was made to restore to the churchwardens and overseers in 1683 and in the 18th century the house was used for the school.

The master was chosen by the freeholders and the school was held in the house built by the parish for the poor.

After 1817 the school was discontinued because a master could not be found; a small allowance from the charity was made to the Sunday School teacher, the rest being allowed to accumulate so that it could be used to provide an adequate salary for a teacher.

After 1874, Jackson's charity was used to support the National School, two-thirds of the income being used for education and the rest for the poor

In 1914 the Board of Education agreed to a Scheme whereby Jackson's charity was transferred from the school and used for further education. Part of the 43 a. belonging to the Charity was sold in 1958 and in 1962 a considerable surplus from income had accumulated.

In 1872 a National school was opened in the house where the earlier school had been held, which had been enlarged in 1871. From 1879 the school received a grant which, however, was partly withheld in 1882 because of the inadequacy of the teaching.

The schoolmaster was replaced in that year by a certificated mistress, and a new school, a small brick building standing back from the village street opposite The Square was opened in 1883. The average attendance was 64 in 1892 and by 1911 the school had a separate infants' department. It became an infant and junior school in 1939, the older children going to schools in Straford,. In 1962 the number of pupils was c.40 and land had been bought for a new school to be built.

====Miss Wilding====
[[File:Boys of clifford school.jpg|thumb|right|Boys of Clifford School]]

Those in the village when I arrived there, had only memories of Miss Wilding as the main teacher – and no-one could ever forget her!

Practically every small child entered the school premises in fear. Once inside, many of them had to sit under the penetrating, powerful eye of Miss Wilding.

She produced such fear in the children that they were frightened of her even before they started school! Many little ones, starting on their first day, were carried or dragged by their mothers to the school door, their screams being heard along the village street. Kath Radbourne, when she started school at the age of 5, was sick every morning as soon as her mother, after breakfast said, “Time for School!” When, at the age of 14, she went out of the school door for the last time, she felt so free – even though, for the rest of her life, she was employed as housemaid! Such was the fear of every small child in that school – and many of the older ones too - of Miss Wilding!

No-one sniffed, blinked, twitched or moved a muscle without Miss Wilding’s permission. She had as many as 90 pupils at one time, ranging from 5 to 14, and they all left the school with an extremely good standard of education. Some of them passed the entrance exam to the Grammar Schools, and those of her pupils who were still living in the village at the time I took these notes, although they trembled before her at the time, told me what a good teacher she was. I have seen a Handwriting Book in beautiful copperplate handwriting, written by a 6yr old. Just one sentence was written over and over again throughout the book by this little boy. “I promise that I will not drink any intoxicating beverage.”!

[[File:Doris dodd.jpg|thumb|right|Doris Dodd]]
Miss Doris Dodd took the infants. Miss Kendrick standards 2 and 3, and Miss Wilding the older children. Much to the envy of the girls, all the boys had art with Miss Dodd while they, poor things, had needlework under the eagle eye of Miss Wilding.

Miss Wilding also introduced musical drill and nature walks. Their nature walks during the First World War were to Galley Oak to pick blackberries to be made into jam for the troops. If a child dared to bring back less than quarter of a pound – then the cane awaited them.

Only once did Miss Wilding make a mistake. “That is NOT RIGHT” she announced to Reg Hewins drumming her pencil fiercely onto the top of his head. Unfortunately, she didn’t check that the pencil was the right way up for a punishment of that kind. It wasn’t! The sharp point scraped against Reg’s skull. There was much blood and much Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins threatening legal action! After that, Mr. James allowed Miss Wilding to walk through the door in his wall to reach the school and to go back home at the end of the day via his garden, and from his garden to The Nashes and on to The Lindens where she lived. This was to avoid her walking past an irate and watchful Mrs. Cuckoo Hewins waiting for her at her garden gate! From then on, until she retired, she walked that way with her erect bearing, reminding one very much of Queen Mary.

One child defied her. He was the only one who did not cringe before her terrible gaze. Caning did nothing to him except make him more defiant. In desperation one day, Miss Wilding turned for help to Col. Studley who was staying at the Manor then. He brought along his riding crop, and horse-whipped him, but even that didn’t break the spirit of the lad. He carried on in his defiant way all through school. However, just before embarking to France in the First World War to join his troop, he turned up at school in his uniform and publicly apologised to Miss Wilding for his waywardness while at school. Miss Wilding was so touched by it, she had him march all the children out into the playgound and teach them drill. Sadly, he was killed shortly afterwards, in action.

Mrs. Rees-Mogg liked to have the children recognize her when her chauffeur drove her along the village street. But if a child – or children – did not raise a hand to their caps in acknowledgement of her presence, or in the case of the girls, give a little bob of a curtsey, she reported it to Canon Brookes.

He would then, probably the next morning, come to the school and with Miss Weldon's permission solemnly inform the children, 'that Mrs. Rees-Mogg was a very important and kind benefactor living in our village, and it is only polite that we recognise her and greet her in the manner that is accustomed to grand ladies.'

There were some tender moments to Miss Wilding. When the funeral procession carrying her father’s coffin passed what is now our bus stop, she saw four little lads on their own, take their caps off and hold them to their chests as a sign of respect. Miss Wilding cried. She told someone afterwards that she could have hugged them for their act of solemnity and reverence.

======Retirement of Miss Wilding======
'''FROM THE STRATFORD-UPON-AVON HERALD 11th June 1926'''

<pre>After a period of service existing over 41 years, Miss Wilding, headteacher
in the Church of England School retired last week.

During that long period she accomplished much praiseworthy work and won golden
opinions from all associated with her. At the last session of the school under
her management, the Rector heartily thanked Miss Wilding on behalf of the Managers,
the parents, the children and the village generally for the very conscientious and
excellent work she had done in the school and out of school during all these years.
He stated that the school had invariably received most favourable reports from
H.M.Inspectors and from the Diocesan Inspectors. A good school was a tremendous
asset to the life of the village and every child had been most fortunate in having
had Miss Wilding’s teaching and influence for so many years.”</pre>

====Straightening of County Boundaries====

The Parish of Clifford Chambers and the nearby Parishes had, from possibly the Domesday Book and maybe even further back in time, been in the County of Gloucester. But from 1931 onwards, the Government decided to straighten all County Boundaries and remove the sections protruding into another County, and as our part of Gloucester definitely protruded, like a pointing finger, into the County of Warwickshire, this 'finger' was promptly removed from the County of Gloucester and placed in the County of Warwick.

======Problems======
Problems arose however, when the Parochial Church Council (probably at the request of Mrs,. Rees-Mogg) decided that, although the Parish was now in the County of Warwick, the Church and the Church property (being the Rectory, the Village School and the Recreation Ground used by the School as their playing field) would remain in the Diocese of Gloucester.

======Extract of Minutes of Parochial Church Council======
'''24th October 1951'''
Correspondence relating to the position of the School was read by the Rector Rev Cecil Lake. He reported the result of the Managers Meeting which was attended by representative from Warwick and Gloucester The sum of £140 p.a. over a period of 30 years would be required to maintain the building as laid down by the Ministry of Education. The Managers had agreed that the school could not be retained as “Aided Status” owing to the heavy burden it will be on the Church. A proposition by Mr. Reece and seconded by Mrs. Lake stated that “having considered the expense, the PCC felt, with regret, that they cannot continue to support the school. It would become “Controlled through default”

'''30th April 1957'''
The school was to be decorated by the Authority during mid-summer. Church funds were not adequate enough to keep the building in good repair.

'''24th October 1957'''
Correspondence relating to the position of the School was read by the Rector Rev Cecil Lake. He reported the result of the Managers Meeting which was attended by representatives from Warwick and Gloucester. The sum of £140 per annum over a period of 30 years would be required to maintain the building as laid down by the Ministry of Education,. The Managers had agreed that the school could not be retained as “Aided Status” owing to the heavy burden it would be on the Church. A proposition by Mr. Reece and seconded by Mrs. Lake stated that “having considered the expense, the PCC felt, with regret, that they cannot continue to support the school It would become “Controlled through default.”

'''30th April 1957'''
The school was to be decorated by the Authority during mid-summer. Church funds were not adequate enough to keep the building in good repair.

'''13th February 1958'''
The school has become “Controlled” from 9th December 1957. All painting and repairs would be held in abeyance as there had been no correspondence from the Education Authority in the matter up to the present moment. The Insurance would no longer be paid by the Church

'''8th April 1958'''
The school had been taken over by the Education Authority on 9th December 1957. An official of the Authority had visited the school and expressed the wish that the Managers at their next meeting would agree to the work being started on the new sanitary arrangements during the summer holiday. The Official informed the Head Teacher that the entire reconstruction of the school would be completed within the next two years.

'''12th June 1958'''
The new Instrument of Management had been approved by the present Managers. It would consist of two Foundation Managers, one appointed by the Diocesan Council for the PCC. (Mr. Reece proposed and Miss Hodgson seconded that Mrs.Huckvale should keep the continuity. Two managers appointed by the Parish Council – two members from the Authority, and the Rector, the Rev Cecil Lake, for the Church School.23rd October 1958

The new Instrument of Managers had been duly signed and sealed. It was necessary for the PCC to appoint one person as a Foundation manager, not necessarily a member of the PCC. Mrs. Lake proposed Mrs. Spragge seconded by Miss M. James. This was carried.

The six Managers now are – Foundation Managers, Rev W. C. Lake and Mrs. Spragge – Parish Council Representatives, Mr. J. R. Steele and Mr. R. Dodd – Local Education Mrs. Huckvale and Mrs. Bramwell

'''19th April 1960'''
The Rector said that the Water Sanitation had been installed and a number of interior improvements had been carried out. The Education Authority were now going to tarmac the whole of the playground

'''Miss Doris Dodd's illness'''
The Rector expressed the general regret of the village and parish that due to her failing health, she had had to resign her teaching post in the school after forty years. She was continuing as Choirmistress and mentioned her nephew Alex Dodd was officiating at the organ, It was hoped that after an operation, she would be able to resume duties at the organ.

====Further Headteachers====
[[File:Two head teachers.jpg|thumb|right|Two Head Teachers]]

In 1951, Miss Hodgson took over from Mrs. Timperley, and when Miss Hodgson retired, Miss Win Baker arrived, living at No. 33 The Square.

====Sale of the Village School====

======Extract of the Minutes of the Parochial Church Council======
'''6th February 1976'''
The School Closure. As this is a controlled school, we are not directly responsible but as the buildings belong to the Diocese, it was felt that we should add or voice the views of the parents, School Managers and the Parish Council by sending a letter against the closure.

'''23rd July 1976'''
School Closure
Ownership of property stand???? Diocese said that any proceeds be used for Education properties as this was stated in the deeds. Warwickshire County Council Education Department say proceeds should go to them. It was agreed that the Solicitors of both sides would have to sort this out, but we hoped we should be consulted on any plans The film screen and projector was given by the Charities, and it was felt that these should be returned to them for ????? The piano would go to replace the one in the Church.

'''30th September 1976'''
All removable property removed. Gloucester are in process of disclosure with the Ministry regarding sale of the building etc. Clifford would get nothing for the sale. According to the deeds and the 1973 Act of Parliament, the School by law has to be sold and the money invested with other Church Schools in the Diocese.

'''11th February 1977'''
The School is now free to be sold, but Clifford would get nothing from this sale. After much discussion, the Rector will try to get the Diocesan Education man to Clifford to discuss this matter with us.

====The Beginning of the End of the School====

After Miss Wilding, came Mrs. Baxter, followed in 1931 by Mrs. Groely, then Mrs. Russeau. Then, in 1936 came Mrs. Timperley. During her time as teacher, Secondary Schools for boys and girls were built in 1939, in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Clifford became just a Primary School.

(At a “Thank You” service held at the Church on 22nd July 1990, special thanks were given for the life of Mrs. Millicent Timperley – a much loved headmistress at Clifford School from 1937 to 1951.

She was also a staunch supporter and active member of the Mothers Union and Women's Institute, and in her latter years, of the over 60's Club.

The Church however, was the centre of her life and beautifully embroidered alms bags were given o the Church in memory of her life and dedicated at the Thank You service.

Attending the service, was her little great grandson, Rory McGarry, with his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Timperley.)

====Village School Memories during the War Years (Maisie Wilks)====
Wednesdays were always ‘Church morning’! We either went across the road to Church, or Canon Brookes came to the school. Miss Dodd took the infants, and I can still see her, stood with her back to the fire warming her backside, when we were frozen! Mrs. Timperley ran the juniors. She had a cane which was used! Along with the 3 R’s, the girls did knitting and sewing while the boys did gardening. Mrs. Timperley suffered from asthma, and the fumes from the pot-bellied stove in the corner could not have helped! On cold mornings, bottles of milk were put round the stove to defrost the ice on them.

<gallery perror=3 widths=200px height=170px>
File:Clifford-school 1971.jpg|Clifford School 1971
File:Clifford school celebration.jpg|100 years of Clifford School
File:Clifford school william the conqueror.jpg|Pageant of William the Conqueror 1066 - 1966
</gallery>

====Public Use of the School====
The School was also used for the first meeting of Clifford Chambers Parish Council:-

At the First Meeting of the Parish Council of the Parish of Clifford Chambers held at the National School Clifford Chambers on Wednesday the 19th day of December 1894 at 6.oclock in the evening.

<pre>
Present – The Revd Francis Hanbury Annesley
Mr. William Thomas Jordan
Mr. Richard Sidney Smith
Mr. John Thomas Faulkner
Mr. George Fletcher

Declaration of Acceptance of Office
The several members of the Council signed the necessary declaration of acceptance
of office.

Election of Chairman
Moved by Mr. W. T. Jordan
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That the Revd. Francis Hanbury Annesley be and he is hereby
elected Chairman of this Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting in April
next.

Election of Vice Chairman
Moved by Mr. J. T. Faulkner
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That Mr. William Thomas Jordan be and he is hereby elected
Vice Chairman of this Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting in April next.

Appointment of Clerk
Moved by Mr. J. T. Faulkner
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That Mr. Francis Ladbury Thompson Assistant overseer of the
Parish be and he is hereby appointed Clerk of this Council at such increased salary
as may be hereafter fixed.

Appointment of Treasurer
Moved by Mr. W. T. Jordan
Seconded by Mr. R. S. Smith and
Resolved unanimously – That Mr. Charles Edward Martin Manager of the Old Bank
Stratford Avon be and he is hereby appointed Treasurer of the Council and that he be
required to give security in the sum of £40 for the due and faithful performance of
the duties of such office.

Parish Roads
Resolved – That the Clerk write to the Gloucestershire County Council directing their
attention to the bad state of the footpath (and iron protection from deep ditch) on
the road leading from the “New Inn” to the Stour Bridge near Mr. Smith's Mill

Signed this 22nd day of April l895

Mr. W. T. Jordan
Chairman

Stamped Warwickshire Audit District</pre>

Also, in 1886, extensive work was done at the Church, and it was no longer possible to
hold services there. So the services were taken in the school and scholars then found
themselves gazing at their school walls on a Sunday, this time sitting with their
parents.

====The End====
And then The End came. The school was sold and bought by Mr. Chris Ironmonger who moved in with his young family. So, although it was a house now and not a School, there were plenty of sounds of children's laughter in the house and grounds.

And the building still looks a School more than a house!

Tenants at No 32

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Avrilsalmon:

[[The Square|Back to the Square]]

Nos. 29 to 37 had to share a pump and it was a lovely meeting place for a chat. No 32 being the last in the row of houses, had the privilege of the washhouse attached to it. Consequently Mrs Agnes Batsford who lived at No 32, felt she had first right to both the pump and the washhouse, and wouldn’t let any of the other tenants in until she had finished her washing. She was a tarter and would accept no reasons for giving way. Even the fact that one of the families along the row had several children, thus producing an extra amount of washing, made no difference to her. Her washing came first as she was the tenant of the washhouse! Bob Batsford, her husband, was a character. He was a little man who was often seen with a truck and shovel, collecting the horse manure off the road, for his garden. Lawrence Salmon gave him quite a dance when in his pram. As soon as he saw Mr. Batsford walking along the road, he would dive into the well of his pram, pull out all the toys he could find, and hurl them onto the road. Then he would innocently watch Mr. Batsford pick them up and put them back in the pram and this, I understand was a daily occurrence.

Bob would then walk up to the shop to buy his newspaper which he did every morning. By the time he walked back to his home, he had read all the important parts of the paper. All through the War it was always the same. He would stop, with his newspaper in hand and talk to anyone he met. “”If so be we could do ….this or that..... things would be much better. But there – we can't – so it don't matter” and then walk on. And that constant comment always amused Martin Bailey.

Bob died in 1948 and, to keep her company, Agnes had her two grand-daughters come to live with her, Joyce and Kath. Kath worked for Tibor at the Mill. Joyce caught the eye of Vic Radbourne, so that was a good reason for her staying for somewhile with Granny!

One of the Batsford sons Tom, married the daughter of Clerk Lively. Fred, the other son, was left a widower with 2 little girls, when his wife Maggie died from appendicitis. Agnes died in 1955

John and Maisie Wilks moved in sometime later and made their home there for the rest of their lives.

Red Hill House

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "RED HILL HOUSE There has been an amusing rumour around in the village throughout last Century and into this – that when the Rev William Archibald Pippet inspected his futu..."

RED HILL HOUSE

There has been an amusing rumour around in the village throughout last Century and into this – that when the Rev William Archibald Pippet inspected his future living, his wife who was with him, disliked travelling past the common villagers on the way to Church. So she requested a house a reasonable distance from the village and a separate drive placed in the field along the back of the houses; this drive coming out onto the village street between the Rectory and Manor Cottages.

This might be right! But the reason why this impressive house with its large rooms and high ceilings was built on the other side of Campden Road with a good view over the countryside (instead of the Pippet family making their home at The Rectory) - was simply because The Rectory was owned, not by the Church but, presumably, the Annesley family.

The living and Rectory was under a squarson. This is the terminology used in the Church for when a building is owned by a landed proprietor who is also a clergyman of the Church of England – the origin - a blend of Squire and Parson.

Moreover The Rectory had tenants in it. It is thought that the Bishop of Gloucester gave this living to the Rev Pippet because he was reasonably 'well off' and could build his own home.

Church St Helen's Church Rev Pippet

And what a magnificent home it was. If ever you are invited into it by any of the present tenants, and are able to inspect what was once Rev Pippet's bedroom, you wonder however he filled it! There is room enough in it for two four-poster beds plus about three large wardrobes and other furniture!

Each large room has such high ceilings, one can only imagine how cold it must have been in winter, despite fires. Their living room was to the left of their front door as one faced the building, with Rev Pippet's bedroom above that. Their dining room was to the right of the front door, and it was in that room, that the children of the Parish came each Sunday afternoon in their starched collars and cuffs clambering up the steep drive for Sunday School with Miss Monica Pippet..

Clifford Chambers in the 1910's Drive to Red Hill House

The Rev Pippet had his curacy at Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, and there married his wife, and while curate, they were blessed with the birth of a little girl, Monica born 1892 .

Mrs. Mary Ann Pippet came from Street in Somerset, with relatives up north. However two of her sisters married and settled in Stratford-upon-Avon. Celia met and married William Adam and lived at Bringewood, Banbury Road, Stratford-upon-Avon. Liza, the other sister married Carl – and Carl had a brother who served under Rev Pippet - which is maybe how Rev Pippet met his future wife!

Church St Helen's Church Mrs. Mary Ann Pippet

Once settled in Red Hill House, Celia and Liza often called with their children, and Monica enjoyed the company of her cousins, Frances, Kingston, Cicely, and Dorothy – children of Celia and William Adam.

(There has always been a rumour that Mrs. Pippet was related to the Winter family, but it was Dorothy, Monica's cousin, who was. She married Eric Winter, and their children were Brian who lives at Honington, and Heather (now Ferguson) who lives at Loxley. There was a rumour that the shop 'Winters' was closing down, but at the time of this web site, the shop is still going strong and still run by the family – and long may it do so!).

Carl and Liza's children were Gerald and Bruce and they were VERY close to Monica – boys with their daring and mischievous games can be quite appealing to a lonely girl living in a large house with no friends nearby.

For Monica had a very lonely childhood in Red Hill House– in fact lonely teen years also and into womanhood. She was not allowed to go to school – her father taught her everything, but whether he taught her Latin, Greek and Hebrew also, is uncertain! Each day, for as long as she could remember, she had to lie flat on the floor every afternoon for a rest! And he was so strict, she didn't ever dare to ask for a toilet break during her long lessons.

As she became older she had a few governesses teaching her subjects that her father possibly felt was more suitable to be taught by women. These governesses it is believed came from The Manor where they were teaching children there. This would be in the days of course, before Mr and Mrs. Douty arrived at the Manor.

Mrs Douty was a great friend of Mrs. Pippet and in particular, of Monica. In fact she and Monica travelled in 1923 to London for the wedding of the then Princess Royal (Princess Mary) to Lord Harewood, and they both had a wonderful time. The Pippet family found Dr Douty a lovely man, and thought the couple were just right for each other. They were not happy with Mrs. Douty's second husband; in fact, from then on Monica usually referred to her friend as KRM when talking about her.

Monica was taught the piano at a very early age, and then the organ, taking lessons at Stratford Parish Church, and while still young, took on the choir at St. Helen's Church here, playing the organ to their singing. She was so young, her legs didn't properly reach the organ pedals, but she struggled to play them as she had been taught.

It was not good. She was playing before her body was properly developed and throughout the rest of her life, she suffered with her hip because of the struggles she had, to play the organ in a way that would satisfy her father.

Clifford Chambers in the 1910's Monica Pippet

As well as family often visiting, Mrs Mary Ann Pippet made many local friends – one being Ursular Bloom whose father was Vicar of Atherstone, and she came often to visit them. Other constant visitors were Hettie Hawkins a Nurse living in Clifford, her sister Isabel, and another sister Ida who was a Nun. They all knew many well-known people, and name-dropping was constantly happening in their conversation – in an interesting way of course. They made, of course, many visits to The Manor..

The Pippet family had a coachman – and of course coach and horses, the coachman being Bert Gardner always in a rather grand uniform, though it is not certain if he lived in the coachman's house at the time, but the coach and horses were certainly kept in the coachhouse (now a home) when not needed.

Homes and Buildings Red Hill Lodge 1910

As Monica approached her teens, her father was giving both her and her mother problems. Things were not right! From about 1915 onwards, it was noticed that he would forget things. Monica, sitting at the organ for Sunday services, had to be very alert. As soon as her father started stumbling over words and coming out with strange phrases, she would play an “Amen” on the organ or, if a longer time was needed for her father to recover, a hymn. With the choir singing loudly, the Rev Pippet was able to recover to carry on with the service.

Within a few years, he seemed to lose his mind altogether. Monica could remember clearly throughout the rest of her life, of his demand made very seriously, that she should go to the village shop and ask for Pigeon's Milk and Elbow Grease. And she had to do it. She did not dare not to.

At the age of 29 Monica married and was released from her very sheltered and hard life, into the world of being a Curate's wife. The Rev Boultbee was a curate at Stratford-upon-Avon Church (perhaps Monica met him while having organ lessons!) and also was Vicar at Bishopton. They married in 1921 where he took on Shottery and lived in the Parsonage there.. Judith,their only child, can remember going to Red Hill House on many occasions for their Garden Parties, but her Grandfather by then was in what she referred to as “no man's land”. KRM (just called Kathleen by Monica) gave both mother and young daughter many gifts of jewellery and Judith now living in Australia treasures them all, along with the memories that came with them..

One of Rev Pippet's hobbies was photography, and in Warwick Records Office are beautiful glass slide transparencies taken by Rev Pippet for anyone to inspect. However, he made no record of just who his subjects were, so a lot of history has gone in this way. .Rev Pippet died on 18th March 1930, and his widow stayed in the house for a while with Sister Hawkins to keep her company.. She died in 1946, and then Red Hill house was sold to Mrs. Loxton – made into two houses side by side – then into five flats. The house itself went for a very small price, at the time it was sold to Mrs,. Loxton..

And the beautifully kept drive and gardens are hard to find amongst the tangled ivy and other creepers that have taken over – but the view is still just as magnificent as before.

The Nashes

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "The Nashes No. 1 In living memory, Bob and Marjorie Tustain lived here with their son Raymond, but when Marjorie's elderly mother moved in, they had a house built on land wh..."

The Nashes

No. 1

In living memory, Bob and Marjorie Tustain lived here with their son Raymond, but when Marjorie's elderly mother moved in, they had a house built on land which once formed part of the Methodist Chapel.

Both Bob and Marjorie were keen tennis players, and helped in keeping the lawn well cut and rolled so everyone could have a good game of tennis.

No. 2

Mr. & Mrs. Pinfold lived at No. 2 The Nashes with Fred and Jim, and both the sons had shortened lives

Mrs. Pinfold had a rather squeaky voice and a funny eye so her vision wasn't all that good. Jim her son, a keen photographer was developing some photos in the kitchen sink and had left the film plates in the liquid. As the process took some time, he went out of the room. His Mum, with her bad eyesight, just thought it was water in the sink and decided to strain the potatoes into it – so that was the end of those films!

Fred was killed during the war, and Jim died of polio.

Mr. Pinfold was the village postman, and he was the one to bring the telegram to his own house, with news that Fred was 'missing. His death was registered on 21st April 1944. He was aged 23!

He was a Sergeant in the Volunteer Reserves as Air Gunner Royal Air Force. Before being called up, he worked at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre as Front of House Staff, becoming engaged to Mary Jeffrey. Very fond of fishing, he, at one time, worked in the shop in Stratford selling fishing tackle.

A terrible tragedy for the family.

Martin Bailey has a very lovely memory of the time, when a 16 year old enjoying his first motor-bike, he arrived home to be given a message by his mother from Mrs. Pinfold. Could Martin go and see her! Martin spent that short walk to her house wondering whatever he had done to be asked to confront that lady. To his amazement, Mrs. Pinfold asked him if he would like to have Fred's flying gloves. Martin treasured those gloves. They were very special to him, for Fred – as all those who gave their lives for their country – was a hero.

Jim found work at Burchells, meeting, falling in love with and eventually marrying another Pinfold – but no relation! Sadly some years later, Jim died from polio while still quite young.

No. 3

Mr. and Mrs. Alder lived here either before they moved to what is now known as charity house No. 49– or after they had left No. 49! Then Jack Radbourne moved in with his wife Dorothy. It is believed at that time, that Jack was a lorry driver working for The Manor.

Then Mr. Woodward aged 90 retired from The New Inn, and needed a cottage in the village, to spend his last days with his daughter Violet. So Jack and Dorothy took on The New Inn, (both the Pub and No. 3 or course owned by Mrs. Rees-Mogg) and the Woodwards moved into No. 3.

Soon Violet was left on her own, and seemed very happy in her home. However her life finished very rapidly when, being visited by one of her friends and chatting quite happily together while Violet was eating her meal of chicken, a bone became stuck in her throat and neither lady was able to remove it quickly enough. An ambulance was called, but arrived too late to help.

No. 4

Mr. and Mrs. Hogg moved in here leaving their small one-year old son living with his grandparents and Uncle Henry, at Cold Comfort Farm. Eventually Claude finished up living there when he married and started life together there as husband and wife.

No. 5

A Mr. and Mrs. Lively lived here – maybe something to do with the Livelys who used to live at Cold Comfort Farm. When the Livelys left, Mr. and Mrs. Harness moved in.

Mr. Harness was always seen each morning cycling into town for work, his stiff ram-rod back never bending in an effort to push his bike up the slopes. Yet he always seemed to cycle with ease, never getting puffed out however steep the climb, and still managed a friendly smile and nod as he passed by pedestrians.

His widow stayed there many years after her husband's death and when she died, one of their grandchildren moved in.

No. 6

Tony Green and his wife Pat moved in here as a young couple, with later the birth of their only child Diana. When they moved into their new bungalow built on The Tennis Court, Nurse Souter moved in with her sister

No. 7

Mr. and Mrs. Ward lived here with their four daughters, until they were moved by Mrs,. Rees-Mogg to one of the bungalows in Shipston Road . I would imagine the children loved that. Although No. 7 had a long garden, it was a very narrow one, but the bungalows in Shipston Road had large gardens, and the girls must have felt they were living in a Palace.

The reason for the move was because one of Mrs. Rees-Mogg's tenants was Bill Beard with his wife Nancy. Bill suffered terribly from asthma and he was living along Duck Lane very near to the river, with all the damp coming up from the river.

So he and Nancy were moved out of Duck Lane with its tiny cottage and tiny patch of garden, and into No. 7. Nancy was from Wales and coped with anything. So did Bill. He was a keen gardener and the long but narrow garden was soon transformed into a garden of flowers and vegetables – in some places growing together. When Nancy died, he continued living there, quite happy pottering around in his garden, and very content with his lot

Sunset and Chetwyn

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "The three-storey semi-detached houses ''CHETWYND AND SUNSET' This three storey house adjoining The Nashes was, I believe, the first building, after The Methodist Chapel, that..."

The three-storey semi-detached houses ''CHETWYND AND SUNSET'

This three storey house adjoining The Nashes was, I believe, the first building, after The Methodist Chapel, that were built maybe in the 1920's along the main road. The other buildings were the two rows of terraced cottages built during Edward VII reign.

Claude Hogg who, in his childhood knew well all the people living along The Nashes, always believed that Chetwyn was used to house the Head teachers who took over from Miss Wilding when she retired. Miss Wilding and her father by the time of her retirement, were living in the white house on the main road – at that time being the last house on the main road leaving the village. It is believed that Miss Wilding had this house built for her retirement and called it 'The Lindens'.

Claude remembers the teachers living at 'Chetwynd' as Baxter, Graylea, Rousseau (who had a son called George whom Claude remembered as being at school with him). He also remembered a part-time teacher, Mrs. Unit, who lived at Shottery and cycled every day to Clifford.

Photo:Homes and Buildings:Chetwyn and Sunset and The Lindens

Then came a much-loved teacher Mrs. Timperley who moved in September 1937 with her husband and son, Trevor.

People for many years have many memories of Mrs. Timperley, but not of Mr. Timperley who possibly died soon after their move to Clifford. Rumour has it that he was rather fond of the 'bottle'.

John and May Huckvale, with their growing family, left the tiny cottage in The Square and moved into 'Sunset' which was always such a puzzle to many people, how they managed to move into a three storey house with large rooms both upstairs and downstairs, while others finished up in tiny roomed cottages. But Mrs. Rees-Mogg made the decisions as to where all her tenant would live

John did his bit for the Parish, organizing concerts and cinema shows in the new Jubilee Hall. He probably had quite a lot to do with the concerts that were held before the Jubilee Hall was built. His only son, also John but always called Jack, also took an active part in the Parish, eventually becoming a Parish Councillor.

The Methodist Chapel

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "27th February 1914 “Primitive Methodist New Church The first Anniversary of this veritable hive of workers was held on Thursday in last week, when a sale of work was opene..."

27th February 1914

“Primitive Methodist New Church

The first Anniversary of this veritable hive of workers was held on Thursday in last week, when a sale of work was opened by the Superintendent minister in the unavoidable absence of Mrs. W. Adam of Birmingham whose late husband gave the site.

At 5.00pm tea was provided, nearly the whole of the provisions having been given and a large company was present to partake of the good things.

The following ladies presided at the tables – Mrs. E. Rouse, Mrs. Coldicott, Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. Radbourne, Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Greenway, Miss Padbury, Miss Malins and Miss H. Rouse.

At 6.30pm the ceremony of gathering in the fruit for The Gold and Silver Tree was performed by Mrs. Stretch, every seat in the Church being occupied.

Solos and a duet were rendered during the evening by Mr. and Mrs. Stretch and Mr. E. Stamp. The Rev. C. Ratcliffe of Banbury preached Sunday last to large congregations.

When one remembers the work of the past twelve months the labours and sacrifice of the little band of workers, the result is most praiseworthy. The Church has a Sunday School and a Band of Hope both strong and prosperous.

Thursdays financial result was £20:3:9d making a total sum of £254 raised toward the outlay of £364 thus leaving only £110 debt which is repayable at £10 per annum free of interest.

This is the second new Church built during the six years ministry of the Rev. H. F. Stretch.

Newbold-on-Stour Church was erected four years ago at a cost of £535 together with 3 cottages, blacksmiths shop and half an acre of land of the value of £800 with an income from the property of £19 per annum and a debt on the whole of £276 of which £100 is free from interest.

The whole of the chapels in the circuit have been repaired and renovated, and the total value of Church property raised from £1,230 to £2, 560.

The Primitive Methodist cause has succeeded in securing a very able minister to follow the Rev H. F. Stretch who goes to Cheltenham in July next, to take charge of the proposed forward movement, and build a new church at a cost of £2,500.

The Rev Henry Parrott of Maldon, Essex, has accepted an invite to the Stratford-on-Avon circuit.”
-oOo-

The Coldicott family at No. 28 were regular attenders. There was a Band of Hope every Wednesday night.

During the 2nd World War the chapel closed, and it was then sold in 1952 to a Mr. and Mrs. Cowcher on condition that no wild parties were held there. They converted it into a house.

It was sold in 1955 to Mrs. Walker.

The Laurels

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE LAURELS Photo:Homes and Buildings: The Laurels taken in 1951 It is not certain if this large house was ever owned by the Manor. Mr. and Mrs. Black lived there. He wa..."

THE LAURELS

Photo:Homes and Buildings: The Laurels taken in 1951

It is not certain if this large house was ever owned by the Manor. Mr. and Mrs. Black lived there. He was a farmer who rented land at Cross-o-the-Hill, Steeles, Forge Farm, a bit of Burrows land and Stanleys land (then under the name of Griffin) the land at Springfield, and some of Clifford land.

Not quite the sort of person one would imagine being a tenant of a large house like The Laurels! He was very well liked; a respected Churchwarden who, in his retirement, bought some land on the Banbury Road opposite the two James' sisters, daughters of Mr. James (another Churchwarden) and lived there until his death.

After the Blacks left 'The Laurels', a Mr. Pearce moved in.

By the time of the 2nd World War, a Mr. and Mrs. English lived there. Mr. English was a Bank Manager at Lloyds Bank, and wealthy enough to own a fridge! When Edie Hastie became seriously ill and very near to death, Mrs. Black supplied her sister with ice cubes to cool her forehead. Their children were Elizabeth, Marcus and Timothy and also, Kenneth Patrick.

Kenneth served in the RAF, and frightened the villagers when during one of his training sessions, he flew extremely low over the Laurels. It was a memorable day for the children playing in the Rec! A row of poplar trees lined the brick wall that ran along the tarmacced path alongside the village street. There was a little gap in this row where the gate leading to the Rec was. Then the poplar trees continued along the gardens of Nos. 43, 44 and onwards.

Ken's spitfire appeared from The Nashes across the Recreation Ground and as he approached this row of poplar trees, he dipped one of his wings quickly and lifted the other, so his Spitfire could 'squeeze' through that gap. Adults in the village street watching this, just stopped breathing – and the children's mouths were open in fear and amazement. But it was noticeable that Seth Smith dived into a hedge, for cover.

Ken was killed during the 2nd World War.

Mr. English also dealt very kindly with the villagers when, during extremely icy weather, insisted they did not cycle to work, but instead travel in his car to work. The family attended the Church services regularly, but otherwise did not mix much with the village. Elizabeth, their daughter, ran the Cubs, meeting in the village school.

Ivy Cottage - No 54

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TENANTS OF IVY COTTAGE NO. 54 When I began making enquiries of the people who used to live in the village, I mentioned No. 54. Miss Smith, the owner at that time was a..."

THE TENANTS OF IVY COTTAGE NO. 54

When I began making enquiries of the people who used to live in the village, I mentioned No. 54. Miss Smith, the owner at that time was a very reserved lady whom I never saw, and I was told she was so deaf, she could hardly hear even when people shouted.

I was told that before the Smith family lived there, Len Barr and his wife Jessie were there. Len was cowman with George Woodfield looking after Max the Bull. They went to live at Aberystwyth.

When I began walking around the village in the Spring of the year I arrived, I loved the front garden of Ivy Cottage. It was almost a small wood with young trees growing, and only a faint sign of a footpath. It seemed to me a mystery of fairy tale and magic, and I wondered if it had always been like that to the children of 90 years ago. I don't know when it had been allowed to grow so freely. It was, to me an area of fairy dell where primroses, violets and daffodils nodded in the dappled sunshine that peeped through the hazel branches. Later in the year, a carpet of bluebells spread into all its shaded corners. Summer brought out the masses of forget-me-nots, daisies and buttercups. It was an enchanted fairy land indeed. When winter's cold began to disappear, the first signs of the enchantment began to appear with large clumps of snowdrops and crocuses in between the trees.

And the history of the people living there, added to the enchantment. Mr. Smith was only ever seen in the evenings when he frightened all the children with his long black coat, his long black beard and his silent walk. He was a great linguist and his customary greeting when he met anyone was “Bonsoir”. He was never seen during the day. He had been a clergyman though it seemed he never attended any Church.

Kathleen his daughter, was never allowed to play with the other children in the village, or even to attend school. Her mother died when she was a little child, and for a while she lived with her Grandparents. It is not certain just when the family came to Clifford, but Kathleen talked about our village having a stream running through it – something she remembered from her childhood, possibly being told about it.

Kathleen stayed all though her childhood and her teens in the cottage and the garden, hardly every coming out. It is not certain just when her deafness started, but by the time she became acquainted with people in the village, she was stone deaf, using a trumpet hearing aid in the early days.

Her schooling came from her father and a Miss Larkin who lived with them, but when she could, she escaped into the garden. She told Joan Smith once that it had always been her place of refuge right from the time she was a little girl.

When her father died, Miss Larkin stayed on as companion and housekeeper, but still they stayed as virtual prisoners in their own home, never mixing with anyone.

Then Kathleen was left on her own, and bravely she took a job as typist at the N.F.U. where she sat perched on a typing chair, swivelled up to its highest point, with her short legs dangling, and typed with such fierceness that every full-stop made holes in the paper, even through many copies.

At last she made friends. One of them was Les Smith who insisted that she spent every Sunday with his family, They made sure she had a good meal but the children suffered as a consequence, for Kathleen's conversation was all about death.

She made friends with the other typists including Betty Hudspith, and at last invited them to her cottage By this time she had acquired other friends – cats! Her house was full of them, and a soft warm furry body rubbing against her legs was far more to her than mouths opening and shutting with no sound penetrating to her. She had a piano, and persuaded her friends to have a sing-song with the cats purring contentedly on their laps or settling down on their shoulders.

When the 2nd World War came, Kathleen became ill and spent most of the war years in hospital.

She was quite a blunt lass. During the bread strike, Joan Smith gave her some of her home-made bread. When eventually bread was being sold once more in the shops, Les Smith brought her her old-type shop-bought bread. She looked at it distastefully. “No thank you”, she said. “I prefer yours!”

Kathleen, like her father, became fascinated with languages and she taught herself to speak fluent German,. She upset her next door neighbour, Ralph Smith, by playing at full volume her German records on her gramophone out in the garden every Summer evening.

The last years of her life were her happiest, for many people in the village came to see her. In 1980, she became so ill, she was taken to hospital. As death approached, she placed her frail hands in the hands of her friends, finding strength and comfort. People now remember her as a little, dignified figure, wandering about her beloved garden – perhaps that's what she is doing now; wandering about in God's enchanted garden in Heaven.

Forge Cottage

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Avrilsalmon: Created page with "FORGE COTTAGE – Home of Seth Smith Photo:Homes and Buildings: Seth Smith, Seth Smith's barns Seth Smith's old barns now Barn Flats “When I began my courting seriously,..."

FORGE COTTAGE – Home of Seth Smith

Photo:Homes and Buildings: Seth Smith, Seth Smith's barns
Seth Smith's old barns now Barn Flats

“When I began my courting seriously,” said Seth Smith once, “I looked at my position. My income was 9/6d a week and my outgoings were 10/-, so I went round my garden and my orchards, collecting everything I could sell, and took it to market”.

And Seth continued doing that for the rest of his life; sometimes twice a day with, first of all, Joe pulling the trolley, then later Merry and finally Prince The trolley contained everything, plums, apples gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and, during the right season, young ducks and chickens. He was helped a good deal in having plenty of land. His front lawn at No. 53 “The Poplars” (so called because of three poplar trees growing in the front garden) had hen coops, as did his back lawn.

He had orchards at the back; orchards where Barn Close is now; orchards where the Council houses are; orchards along The Close. He also owned the three cottages which now comprise Owlet End.

He kept his Aylesbury ducks near there. They were regularly in the river, but came up the bank straight away when Seth called them at night He had strong competition. Mrs. Betteridge at the Rectory would also be calling her ducks. Her high-pitched “Dilly,dilly,dilly,dilly” echoed along the river and stirred the river weeds. Her ducks could be half-a-mile away, but her voice reached them, and it was quite comical how, with loud quacking the ducks would immediately turn and race for home at the sound of her voice. The Aylesury ducks Seth kept for breeding, but his others were placed alive in cages and taken to Garratts with all his fruit and vegetables. On Fridays, Joe would be harnessed to the trap. Seth had his special customers in Stratford and would deliver eggs, fruit and vegetables to them.

As for the blacksmith's business, as the market gardening side flourished that was pushed to one side. To begin with, Mr. Weaving worked mainly in the smithy, shoeing horses, but when he died, Seth had to carry on as well as doing the market gardening. He stopped shoeing horses and concentrated on putting the metal tyres on the wheels that Mr. Dodd made. He got his sons, Ralph and Walter and their friends to help, and some of our senior citizens can remember working the enormous bellows. The lads were also called in to help with fruit picking. Mr. Alder and Mr. Rouse worked for Seth, helping him with the market gardening, but otherwise he relied on his sons and the lads of the village to help. Alice, his daughter was also involved in the work. She was in the barn (now flats) helping to sort out the fruit,. Any that were slightly speckled, she put on a stall in the barn for villagers to buy.

Seth had a good greenhouse too, well heated during the cold weather. Tomatoes were a speciality. He always planted the seeds on Christmas Day and kept them on top of the hob on the kitchen range. Woe betide any who dared to move them from there! When the little plants were strong enough, he transferred them to pots and put them in his warm greenhouse, later transferring them to much larger pots. He always reckoned that, by planting the seeds on Christmas Day, he would have his first tomato on Easter Day, and it always seemed to work – for him!

Seth always wore a cloth cap, but occasionally, when the weather was very hot, he would venture out in a Panama. Somehow the sight of that Panama set the rain clouds gathering and it was quite noticeable that rain followed the wearing of that hat!

Walter, Seth's youngest son died of cancer. Alice married and moved away from the village. Ralph remained after Seth's death, but he sold off all the blacksmith's equipment and just kept the market gardening side. Ralph later married and moved away. A lot of the land was sold for building purposes and the house was purchased by Mr. Barrett

Agnes, Seth's wife was a hard-working cook at Red Hill House before her marriage. She then became a hard-working wife, helping Seth with the chickens. Unfortunately she developed heart trouble. It soon became so bad that all she could manage was the housework and cooking. Eventually even the housework became too much for her heart. On the days when she felt well enough, the cooking utensils and ingredients were placed around her so she could cook without too much movement. A fighter to the end, her heart finally gave out in 1944.

Tenants at No 52 - Glebe Cottage

2014-02-09T16:03:31Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TENANTS OF NO. 52 – GLEBE COTTAGE John Lively is always remembered as living at No. 52, but he started his life at - it is thought - Cold Comfort Farm. One of 10 ch..."

THE TENANTS OF NO. 52 – GLEBE COTTAGE

John Lively is always remembered as living at No. 52, but he started his life at - it is thought - Cold Comfort Farm. One of 10 children living there. According to notes made many years ago, he was minding cows and sheep at the age of 5. At the age of 7, he was scaring birds with clappers. At the age of 12 years, he was rising at 5.00am each day and milking 5 cows – all before 7.00am and getting 3 shillings (15p!) but that was considered a good weekly salary at that time!

He went back to the farmhouse for breakfast each day after 7.00am to eat cold boiled bacon, with a pint (?) of beer and a basin of bread and milk. He was back at the farmhouse for lunch later on, for bread and cheese - and in the evening, there was cold boiled bacon again but this time with vegetables – and yet more beer. Then before retiring to bed, there was supper of cheese and beer – and bed was at 8.00pm

He always stated that he had only two years of schooling – whenever the farm could spare him for the teaching.

Then came a change. At the age of 14 he was promoted to under-shepherd. But better still, at the age of 18 he became a waggoner at ten shillings a week – (50p), and he kept that job until he was 30.

It was at that age, he took on the job of Clerk/Sexton and grave-digger – and that is when he moved into the rather comfortable cottage of No. 52 with the front path crossing over his front garden to his smart front door. Very smart! The cottage belonged to the Church and was always known as Glebe Cottage. He died there in the cold winter of 1947

He had two employers during his lifetime as Clerk/Sexton both connected with the Church. One was Mrs. Rees-Mogg and she, of course, was the Patron of the Church. Mr. Black was the other, and he was a Churchwarden. Mr. Black might have also been his employer (and maybe landlord) when the family worked at Cold Comfort Farm.

John was quite willing to tell his wages at that time. For digging a grave he received half-a-crown – i.e. two shillings and sixpence (12 and a half pence). The Church work for a year gave him £3 – that is what the notes say! He also supplied (and was paid for) wood for the heating and he also sometimes supplied the candles for the services.

Added to this, he became a bell-ringer at the age of 20 and continued bell ringing for services for 60 years. He had also been a member of the choir until he became Sexton

On the morning of a funeral, John would toll the bell – just to let everyone know there would be a funeral that day. Some hours before the funeral service, he would start digging the grave and tolling the bell at the same time! For those not acquainted with this custom, the bell was tolled once each time with quite an interval between the next toll. When the funeral was over, he rang the bell half-way up.

Mrs. Tustain could remember as a girl, counting the times the bell tolled. This was on the day of the actual death of the person – not the day of the funeral. As soon as anyone died, two people were instantly told – the Rector being one, and Clerk Lively the other. As soon as he heard the news, Clerk Lively would go to the Church and toll the bell – so many tolls for a man, so many for a woman and so many for a child. At the time she told me this. Mrs. Tustain could not remember how many tolls each one had.

Clerk Lively was always very busy on a Sunday. Before a service, he helped ring the bells; then he would have the task of lighting all the oil lamps in the Church (and of course putting them out after the service.) He was also bass singer in the choir, but the noticeable thing about him, was the way he led all the responses – and his Amen after every prayer, resounded loud and strong long after everyone else had said Amen.

One other job he was remembered for, was the solemn handing out of 6d an hour to the children who had scrabbled in the dust and dirt of the fields picking up stones for road-making. The stones were placed in heaps along the edge of the field ready for collection, and the children would walk along the village street every Saturday morning to Clerk Lively's house to collect their wages. 6d an hour was quite a treat then.

After his death, John's grandson, Den Beasley took over the task. Den's mother Rose, was John's daughter. Den wasn't her only child. Her second child died soon after birth, and Rose struggled out of her bed to attend the little one's funeral. As far as I can understand, it poured – a real downpour – at the funeral, and Rose caught pneumonia and died. Den's upbringing was left to his Aunt Phoebe Radbourne – Kath Radbourne's mother. After Den's very sudden and tragic death, Jack Radbourne, Phoebe's son, took over the Church duties.

Tenants at No 51

2014-02-09T15:53:53Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TENANTS OF NO. 51 CHARLES AND MARY HOPKINS Charles and Mary Ann Hopkins lived at No. 51 in the 1930's.. Theirs is a tragic story. They had two lovely children. Edi..."

THE TENANTS OF NO. 51

CHARLES AND MARY HOPKINS

Charles and Mary Ann Hopkins lived at No. 51 in the 1930's.. Theirs is a tragic story. They had two lovely children. Edith was born first. Charles Henry came a year later, but little Charles was taken ill and died at the age of 6. Edith was left and her parents watched her grow up into a lovely young girl. Then, at the age of 19, she caught pneumonia and died. The couple were left on their own for another 25 years, grieving for the little family they had lost. Charles died in 1935; Mary Ann in 1938, and there is a lovely gravestone erected to their memory by the Churchyard wall, and two identical pathetic little gravestones side by side, recording the deaths of their only son and their only daughter.

MR & MRS NEVILLE SMITH

When I arrived in the village, the couple living there Mr. & Mrs Neville Smith (with their son Paul living and working in Spain), were an interesting couple. Neville was a brilliant photographer, painter and illustrator of books. But it was his wife Halina and the story she had to tell, that showed another life to how the rest of us had lived. It was full of tragedy, fear, and grief. When she told me her story, she pleaded with me not to print it out until after her death. And I have kept my word. Here it is:-

LIVING IN EASE IN RUSSIA

Halina Smith was born Halina Dine in the village of Ertill in the Ukraine. Tzar Nicholas II and Tzarine Alexandra were on the throne and from their royal majesties downwards, was corruption. There was even corruption in the Church, and right down the bottom of the scale were the peasants, illiterate, hungry with little hope of improvement. They had been given their freedom in 1862 but they were still regarded as serfs.

Halina's grandfather had come from England to work in the Ukraine as an Engineer, and when his son, Halina's father, was born, he made sure that he was registered as a British Citizen. Halina's father kept this precaution all through his life in Russia, visiting the British Consul every year to renew his passport.

He was Manager of a sugar factory at Ertill, married to a German lass and living on the estate run by the owner of the sugar factory. Everywhere in Russia, company owners had vast acres of land on which they built estates for their educated workers, hiring the peasants to do the manual work. Every estate had farms, theatres, concert halls and the equivalent of our grammar schools. The farms provided all the necessary food for the houses on the estate. Every house had its own servants who brought the food in from the farms, cooked, house-cleaned, gardened.

Halina's mother however, liked to cook, and although she had servants to do the main cooking, she often spent time in the kitchen making her own recipes. There was no need for any of the family to go out of the front door shopping. Everything was brought to them. A dressmaker came from time to time and spent many weeks in the house sewing and making clothes for all the family. A shoemaker called once or twice a year, and spent many days at the house making beautiful stout shoes for all the family.

It was a happy existence, but all the way through her childhood, Halina was aware of injustice and cruelty going on around her. She was also surrounded by languages. Her father spoke Polish and Russian. Her mother spoke fluently Russian, French, German, and Polish, and little Halina grew up being able to speak these languages also.

Photo:Village Family:Smith Family: Halina Smith and mother

Life was vastly different to Clifford Chambers. Summer transport was with horse and carriage, but in the winter, it was horse and sledge with sleigh bells.

Father was transferred to Mazevo. Halina, by this time, was being taught by a governess. No schools existed at all for primary school age, through there were plenty of grammar schools and universities for the privileged. It was in Mazevo that Halina became aware of the intelligence of some of the peasant class.

“Can you read and write?” she asked, skipping into the kitchen one day where a peasant girl had just started work as a maid.

“No,” came the reply. “I can't read or write.”

“I shall teach you the alphabet,” announced Halina who was several years younger than the maid. So, during the next few weeks, Halina as 'teacher' taught the maid during the maid's spare time, the letters of the alphabet and how they were pronounced. Within a few months, the maid was reading. Thirsty for knowledge, she read anything she could lay her hands on. Halina remembers her, with her foot on the pram in which Halina's little brother was sleeping, rocking it too and fro absorbed in a book.

LIVING IN RUSSIA TOWARDS THE END OF 1ST WORLD WAR
It was at Mazevo where Halina saw more injustice. The owner of the sugar factory was cruel and heartless to the peasants. To him, they were animals to be treated as animals. Halina remembers seeing an elderly peasant approaching the owner to ask a favour, bent over, his hat in his hand, and falling on his knees before the owner, to plead his request.

The 1914/18 war was in progress, and prisoners of war were appearing, even in the estate in which they lived. Indeed, they had two Austrian prisoners of war billeted at their house. One of them turned out to be a musician, and father instructed him, not only to take charge of the musical concerts in the concert hall, but also to teach his daughter the piano.

THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION

The unrest of the peasants stirred into a terrible revolt which rocked the whole country. It was 1917, and German officers were stationed everywhere, keeping law and order. Mother, speaking fluent German had two German officers staying with them. Halina remembers one of them going on leave and returning with a beautiful doll for her little sister.

However, the family were warned of the danger they would be in when the Germans left. There would be no law and order. Already they were seeing signs of this. By this time, they were in Elinze, sixty miles away from Kiev. There was a Jewish settlement there where terrible persecution occurred. People just disappeared. Her brother witnessed a crowd hanging a Jew in the street. Everywhere was fear. Even the children guarded their tongues for fear of being overheard by spies. Death threatened the family. Halina, by this time, was attending a grammar school at Elinze but she had to leave with her family. Life was too dangerous.

The two German officers went with them on the sledge to the railway station and waved goodbye to then as they journeyed in the train to Kiev. They found out later, that the day after leaving, a mob broke into their house and looted everything, tearing up family photographs and paintings. The Dine family had lost everything.

In Kiev, they lived in a large flat with mother's brother and his wife. Uncle, after a University degree, became a banker, married a Jewish lady and settled down in Kiev with his wife and son, and they gladly welcomed the Dine family.

ALIVE BUT WITH NO FATHER

Father was told it was too dangerous to live in Russia. He must escape to England. He was told to go to the coastal town of Odessa where he was helped by the British Consul there to find a place on a boat taking him to Constantinople and then on to England.

On the boat journey, he made friends with a Mr. Abbe who had a sister living in Birmingham. Mr. Abbe was also escaping the Revolution and planned to join his sister. “You come with me,” he told father who speak no English. “My sister will help you.”

In the meantime, mother felt it best to join her grandparents in Babino. There was great difficulty in doing that. They had to queue for two days to get a permit to travel there.

HAVING TO LIVE AS POOR RUSSIAN PEASANTS

However, in Babino, they were no longer a family with a good and steady job. They now had to live as peasants and the contrast was terrible. They managed to find one room in a peasant's cottage where mother and the three children lived. Mother, never having been employed in her life, now had to find work in order to live. A forestry office offered her employment. The pay was wood, so at least they could keep warm. She worked there until six each day. Then she went to the sugar factory near to her grandparents and worked there until midnight making sacks – her payment, sugar! She insisted however, that Helena continue her education.

There was a grammar school on the sugar factory estate and Halina attended there during the day. Once school was over, she went to the sugar factory and worked in the laboratory – her payment - salt and sugar. They were desperately hungry. Potatoes were their main diet. The sugar beet harvest lasted only during the winter. In the summer after school, Halina worked in the fields with the peasants digging up potatoes. The owner of the potato crop had a daughter who would stand on the edge of the field watching the starving people work with food in her hand. Halina, ravenous for food, one day no longer could stand it. “If you don't want that bread.” she pleaded, “could you spare some for me?”

It was the custom in the country, when a person died, to dress them in their Sunday best and lay them on the table in the house, surrounded by candles. If a family could afford it, a priest would come to pray. After a few days, the body would be placed in a coffin and taken to the local Church. The family would make a round loaf of bread and place it on the coffin with some salt, and there it would stay until burial. Then the bread and salt would be given to the poor. Halina's family were thrilled on the occasion the Priest brought them the bread. They weren't bothered by the fact that the bread had been previously resting on a coffin They were so hungry, they would eat anything.

They had some chickens which lived on grubs as they had no food to give them. So, occasionally there was an egg to eat and occasionally a bit of money when a chicken was sold. Mother noticed one hen walking with a drooped neck and instructed Halina to take it to the market. Halina stood in a line with the other peasants selling their wares, holding onto the chicken's neck to keep it upright. Every time she let go, the neck flopped again. One person showed interest in this plump chicken but hurriedly handed it back once its neck - without the support of Halina's hand - drooped. She eventually sold it, and there was a little money to buy some food.

FEAR

The village peasants themselves were very friendly. One who worked with Halina's mother in the Forestry office, was particularly friendly. Also they made acquaintance with another lady whose husband was a member of the Imperial Army. Those in the Army had a red braid down the outer side of each trouser leg, making it very distinctive. In fear, the lady brought her husband's trousers to Halina's mother. “Would you hide these for me?” she pleaded. “They will find them in my house. They will search and search until they find them. They they will kill me.” Halina's mother kept them, but was worried about their presence in the room. “I must find a hiding place for them.” she confided to her forestry friend. “There's a hole in this sofa. Help me to stuff the trousers in there. They will never think of looking in there.”

Days went by; a couple of weeks went by. Then, one day, the door was slammed open and in walked two Reds with guns. “Where are those trousers?” they shouted at Halina's mother. “What trousers?” she said faintly. “You know what trousers,” said one holding his gun to her head. “Trousers belonging to the Imperial Army.”

“What's in this sofa,” shouted the other one. “A hole! It's stuffed in there. If we find it, we shall shoot you.”

“Yes,” agreed Halina's mother. “If you find them, I will be shot” - for some instinct had told her a few days before, to take the trousers out of the hidey hole and return them to the lady. The family knew then, that not even their friends were to be trusted.

Mobs were frequently coming into the village looting and killing. Sometimes they carried a red flag; sometimes a white flag, showing which party they belonged to, but more often there was nothing to distinguish them as to whose side they were on.

In the meantime, terrible things were happening to the family. Uncle and Aunt, in their large flat at Kiev were deported to Siberia where they later died. No-one knew what became of their son. Mother's mother and sister (Halina's grandmother and aunt) 'disappeared' and even today no-one knows what happened to them.

Halina's great grandparents lived ten miles away on the sugar factory estate. They had two daughters living with them. One was widowed with two small children, but the other daughter was arrested. Great grandmother, on hearing the news, fell down and broke her leg. There was a heat wave on, and the poor lady lay on her bed hardly able to breathe in the heat. Halina and her mother had travelled the ten miles to help her, and Halina can remember sitting by her bed fanning her to keep her cool. But she died. Her daughter however, managed to escape and got to Poland.

Eventually (jumping a few years) her nephew, the son of the widowed sister joined her in Poland where she paid for his education. Jumping many years, he eventually joined the Polish Army during the Second World War and was one of those officers shot by, what was then thought, the Germans, but which now has been proved, the Russians. Only recently has the burial ground been found in a forest, of the terrible massacre of those your Polish officers.

Then, at last, the great grandparents had a letter. It was from father and the address was Pershore Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. The Dine family were summoned to the house and mother read the letter. At last, she realized now was the time to escape.

THE ESCAPE

Mother had jewellery smuggled away. All through their terrible months of starvation, she had never let go of her jewellery, even though it would have meant food for them. She needed every bit of her jewellery to help in their escape. Selling some pieces, she managed to hire a peasant to drive the family in horse and cart to the Polish border – and the Polish border was 250 miles away!

They were dropped off in a square in a small village about thirty miles away from the border. The heat was intense. The family had no food, no clothes – only those they were wearing – and no shoes or stockings. They sat in the square in that boiling heat with nowhere to go.

A Polish gentleman came up to them and took pity on them. He told them of a family who often crossed the border to buy goods. Poland had more to tempt in the way of goods than Russia did. However, when the family were approached, they would not risk taking the Dine family as there were small children,. Children were considered too much of a risk.

The family carried on walking towards the border. They reached a small village where there was a large farm. It was Corpus Christi and the family had gone to mass but the maid told the family to wait. Eventually the farmer and his wife returned and offered the family their barn, and put down some straw for them to sleep on.

During conversation, they found out that the farmer and his daughter regularly went across the border to buy goods. They agreed to take the family across, but only on conditions – strict conditions. They were to do absolutely everything they were told. If the instructions were to lie down, then they were to lie down. If it was to run, then they were to run.

They started walking the next day and in the forest, near the border, they came across a group of women also trying to cross the border. Twelve year old Halina was carrying her five year old sister on her back. In bright moonlight they stepped into a clearing. They were very near the border and had to be so quiet they couldn't even cough.

While they waited for daylight, the women suggested they creep round the back way to the frontier. However, the farmer and his daughter offered to do this to attract the soldiers' attention while the refugees went through the legal barrier.

Then a soldier came out of the bushes carrying a gun. “Where are you going?” he said pointing the gun at mother. “I am going across the border.” mother said falteringly, “to buy my little boy some shoes.” The soldier looked at the group and had pity on them. “Our soldiers,” he said, “are sleeping on the edge of the grass. Run quickly and run quietly.”

They ran! Halina clutched her little sister and ran with her, almost falling over a soldier sleeping in the grass propped up against his rifle. The little five year old, jogged up and down by her sister and gripped by fear, was sick over Halina, but still they ran

FREE!.

They were through! Mother had her British Passport safely tied to her knee and showed it at the Frontier Control office. At last they felt safe. A Jewish family took pity on them and put them up for the night, but the house wasn't clean and the bed crawled with lice.

Mother knew of a Polish Priest who had escaped from Russia earlier. He lived at Wagner but when they arrived at the Presbytery, they were told he had moved on to the next village. That meant more walking but when they arrived, at last they had a refuge and a home.

Eventually, the Priest's cousin arrived and told them of the British Refugee Aid Mission run, it was believed by Quakers. This was back in Wagner so, leaving the two younger children with the Priest, mother and Halina walked back to Wagner.

Halina was very impressed by one of the kindest ladies she had ever met, Miss Williams. The thing that Halina remembers most about her, were her shoes – brogue shoes – English shoes! In her shoeless state, Halina felt this was such luxury. Father's address was shown to her and then things began moving quickly. He was contacted and the British government paid for the family's transport by train to Warsaw where they were put into barracks. Before being housed into the barracks, they all had to strip, be de-loused and have a shower.

REUNION

Eventually, father arrived in Warsaw from England. When he walked in, the family rushed to him and embraced him in tears. Almost three years had passed since they had last seen each other. One of the first things Father did, was to take them to the shops in Warsaw and buy them some clothes and shoes. He also paid for them to live for a while, in a boarding house, until he had arranged for transport for them to England.

They arrived in Birmingham, mother with her four languages and speaking no English. The children also could not speak a word of English. The two youngest were placed in a local school. Halina then aged fourteen was considered old enough for a job, but not speaking the language was felt too much of a disadvantage. She, too, attended the school, but was mostly ignored. It was through father's friendship with a headmistress that she was transferred to a school in a poorer area. There she was given tremendous help. The pupils were instructed to take her around and teach her English.

In fifteen months, she had conquered the language difficulty and was able to get a job.

MR NEVILLE SMITH

Neville William Smith started off life in 1910 at Bourneville. His father was a printer with a firm and when his son showed no success at school, encouraged him in the art of developing prints and illustrations.

Neville's life became wrapped up in photography when his Aunt gave him a Brownie camera. It wasn't a new one. In fact it had survived a day at the seaside when Auntie's children had mischievously filled it with sand. On coming home, Aunt had shaken the sand out of it, and given it to her small nephew. Neville was so fascinated by photography that his family, soon after, gave him for a Christmas present, a cardboard box containing all the necessary chemicals for developing. Neville knew nothing about the art, but by trial and error began developing his own prints.

On leaving school, father got him a job developing prints with a firm, Siviter Smith Blockmakers. Modelling was done by illustration, not photography in those days. One of the lads Neville worked with, was named Emmet. He rose to fame during the 1951 Exhibition and finished up as an artist on Punch with Malcolm Muggeridge as Editor.

Neville, in the meantime, was fixed with a blind date. Very apprehensively he went to the appointed house and through the kitchen door walked a charming auburn-haired Halina. Friendship blossomed slowly.

One of Neville's other activities was cycling. He had bought a bike with his earnings and some Sundays, he cycled with the lads (Tom Holte being one of them) around the countryside. “Anything along there?” asked Neville one day, pointing in the direction of a Pub with a road leading off it. “Oh,” said one, “there's a black and white timbered Rectory along there.” Neville showed great interest. “Can we go and see it?” and throughout the next ten years, the village of Clifford Chambers nestled in his mind as a place that would be ideal to live in.

In 1936, Neville had left the Birmingham firm and started up on his own, but, as soon as War began, orders stopped coming in. He enrolled as photographer to the R.A.F. And was drafted to Blackpool where he learnt the techniques of ground photography. He was only there a few months before he was sent to Brize Norton.

He found it very boring there, taking photos of the squadrons. Some of the framed photos we see of Squadrons were taken by Neville. The R.A.F stipulated only one copy was to be made of each photo, but so many of the officers came to him and asked him for copies. With his industrial contacts, Neville was able to get the photographic material to make them copies.

Halina came to visit him on several occasions and at one time, they had difficulty finding lodging for her, eventually finding a place with an elderly lady who lived alone with her daughter. During conversation, Neville mentioned his interest in the Stratford area. “We have a cousin there,” the daughter said. It was Neville's first introduction to John Wigginton the antique dealer in Henry Street.

Then Neville was sent back to Blackpool on a teaching commission. He went to the building he was trained in a few months before – only to find to his amazement, that it had been taken over by women. The horror came when he went to the cloakroom that he remembered of a few months before, and while there, the door to the cloakroom opened and the air was filled with female voices chatting away; opening and shutting toilet doors; talking in front of the mirror while make-up was put on. Neville had to stay where he was until the female voices had gone and there was silence. Then Neville crept out.

Throughout most of the war, he taught the W.A.F.S.at Blackpool in the art of photography. By the time he married in 1940, he had been promoted to Sergeant. Paul, their son was born in 1945.

America was developing new techniques in photography, so Neville wrote to the American firms asking for more details. The knowledge he acquired through the literature received, enabled him to write and illustrate a book with co-writer George Wakefield, on synchronized flashlight photography.

When the War finished, Neville was discharged and went back to Bourneville where his father, wife and son were living, but he hadn't been there for more than a few days when a telegram arrived asking him to report to the War Office. His heart sank, for he thought he was being summoned to Burma, but it turned out the War Office wanted him to develop the aerial photos being taken of Germany. This was to decide the border line between the Soviets and the Allies. Neville was fascinated by this, and still has the photos of a smouldering, roofless Germany.

It was a small advert that brought Neville to Clifford and to Seth Smith. No. 51 was up for sale. Seth had bought it 'over the fence' from the Hopkins family and now wished to sell it. The Smith family moved in, in 1949 when Paul was four-and-a-half years old. It was then that Neville contacted John Wigginton and was introduced into the world of antiques. “Ah,” said John “photography! Could you photograph some antiques for me?” From then on Neville never looked back. He spent the rest of his working life with his camera capturing all the beauty of antiques for advertising, cataloguing and also for insurance purposes. He was also finding he was having to travel to London to help in illustrating children's books and magazines, but he eventually gave that up, to take on photography full time.

Neville spent a lot of his spare time catching a moment of history with his camera in the life of this village. There were many moments he regretted he hadn't captured – Seth Smith working at the forge for one!

When he retired. he was able to capture a lot of our village history, though I was horrified once to enter our village shop where Neville's photos were on display and be confronted with a photo of me showing a lot of leg and my pants! Jubilee Year, the Year of the Child, Open Days, Fetes – they were all captured by Neville's camera – a wonderful historical record that will keep for ever.

Tenants at No 50

2014-02-09T15:24:39Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TENANTS OF NO. No 50 (now Charity Cottages) Next door to the Woodwards lived Mr.and Mrs.Tom Alder with 6 children. I wonder if the garden was bigger in those days. S..."

THE TENANTS OF NO. No 50 (now Charity Cottages)

Next door to the Woodwards lived Mr.and Mrs.Tom Alder with 6 children. I wonder if the garden was bigger in those days. Six children in a two bedroomed house with a ‘pocket-handkerchief’ garden, must have created quite a problem.

At some time or other, this Mr. & Mrs. Alder lived at No. 3 The Nashes – presumably at the decision of Mr. Rees-Mogg in order to find them a slightly larger house. Their son, Tom was a hairdresser.

After the Alder's left No. 50, there seemed to be a quick succession of tenants at this house. There was a Carl Jeffs – then a Miss Whitehouse – then a Mrs. Cockbill who married someone from the Sewerage works and they lived in the cottage next door to what is now Stratford Garden Centre, - that is the cottage now called Brick-kilne Cottage.

There was also a Mr. Edgington, who was employed by the Manor as a shepherd, his wife being the post mistress. They had a daughter called Rita who married a Mr. Curnin-Waterson, a Sergeant. Mr. Curnin-Waterson liked his surname, and always made sure everyone pronounced both names. I understand he was also inclined to talk with a 'public-school' accent.

In 1967, a Mrs. Giles and her twin sister, Miss Cockbill lived in one of these cottages. Mrs. Giles' husband, Charles (probably Charlie) was one of those 57 young men from the Parish who went to War ( 1st World War) and never came back. Their only child, a boy, was still an infant, and his mother had a struggle to find money to pay the rent and keep him, for her widow's pension did not cover all the necessary costs.

She told me, that she and her sister were born and spent their early years at No. 19, the attached building No. 18 being used as a dairy, the cows being milked in the barn at the rear.

Tenants at No 49

2014-02-09T15:15:16Z

Avrilsalmon: Created page with "THE TENANTS OF No. 49 now Charity House DANIEL AND ANN WOODWARD Daniel and Ann Woodward lived in this small cottage,, having originally come from Weston-on-Avon with their 9 ..."

THE TENANTS OF No. 49 now Charity House
DANIEL AND ANN WOODWARD

Daniel and Ann Woodward lived in this small cottage,, having originally come from Weston-on-Avon with their 9 children (3 boys and 6 girls). First, they lived at Milcote working for a Mr. Edkins who then owned the farm now owned by Mr. Stanley.

They were regular attenders at our Church, and each Sunday morning, all 11 of them would be seen walking to Church along what was known then as the Milcote Road (but now known as the bridle path to the Greenway!) It was not cemented over as it is now, but was just a hard dirt lane – in the Summer! Winter was a different affair, but even the worst weather never kept them away from Church.

Ann wore pattens on her shoes around the farm. These lifted her shoes, and feet, high enough over the puddles, but, on a Sunday, walking to Clifford Church,she would whip off her pattens as she approached the village, tuck them under a hedge, and walk the rest of the way in her shoes. The road in Clifford was muddy too, but fortunately so well planned that there was a decent footpath running alongside the road. No way was she going to enter the Church in pattens!

On dark afternoons and evenings, when they attended the evening services, the oldest lad was made to walk in front with a lantern, so Ann and her daughters could avoid the worse puddles.

The 9 children attended the village school which, in those days stood where the War Memorial is; the two teachers being a Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. Children living out of the Parish had to pay for their education – only a few pennies, but enough to make a vast hole in the weekly wage packet, as Daniel and Ann found out!

Neither she or Daniel could read or write when they first married, but throughout their life together – perhaps with the help of their children learning their letters – they struggled to learn to read. Ann eventually managed to read print. Daniel also learnt to write, and his reading was so good, he could manage to read a portion of the Bible each day. After years of just listening to the Scriptures being read at Sunday services, it must have been a great joy to him to actually read the great words of truth, life and hope, himself.

Photo:Village Family:Woodward Family: Daniel Woodward

Their grandchildren could only remember them living at this pretty cottage. Daniel was a tall, quiet, bearded and adorable Grandfather, who always kept a tin of sweets at his side ready to give his grandchildren when they called.

Photo:Village Family: Woodward Family: Ann Woodward

Ann was the one who kept order in the house. She expected prompt obedience from her children – and grandchildren – and expected everything and everybody to be neat and tidy. In fact, everything about her and her house was neat and tidy, and she not only involved herself in its cleanliness, but her grandchildren too! May, her little granddaughter, was often required to wash the stairs at Granny Woodward’s house. One day, the little mite lost her footing, and fell from the top to the bottom of the stairs, with the bucket of water following her. Granny Woodward wasn’t at all concerned over the battered and bruised condition of her granddaughter. She was far more upset over all the soapy water covering her hall floor!

She did allow her grandchildren a biscuit each when they came to visit her – but only on condition they ate it outdoors! No crumbs were allowed in the house. Her granddaughters, May Huckvale and Margery Tustain, can remember her in a black chenille cap with a black satin apron..

Photo:Village Family:Woodward Family:Fanny Woodward
Photo:Village Family:Salmon Family: Fanny Salmon