A growing digital collection of stories, records and news from Clifford’s Mesne’s past — shared from newspapers, personal collections, and village memory. Below are a few to get us started.
Have an old photo, story or clipping? Send it to info.cmvh@gmail.com to be included here.
Reach, the UK’s largest commercial news publisher, have confirmed that as long as we rewrite each news piece in our own words, there’s no copyright or license fee to pay.
Apologies if a name is spelt wrong. Transcribing the rather fuzzy digital scans can be tricky – for example capital letter ‘H’s look like ‘B’s and vice versa.
Latest Additions
Sat 02 Dec 1899
The passing of Mr Thomas Lewis of Clifford’s Mesne is met with sincere regret by all who knew him. A skilled craftsman, Mr Lewis had long operated a successful business as both a wheelwright and blacksmith, before turning his attention in recent years to farming.
He also played a key role in the improvement of the area, overseeing the clearing of common land and the creation of new roads—developments that have brought lasting benefit to the district.
Cheltenham Chronicle, Sat 02 Dec 1899 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Sat 19 Dec 1942
The Clifford’s Mesne Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting in the schoolroom, with Mrs Dew (vice-president) taking the chair in the absence of Mrs Oxley, the president.
Plans for the 1943 programme were discussed, and it was agreed that the Christmas party would be held on the evening of January 12. Members also asked the secretary, Mrs Monk, to write to Mrs Oxley with wishes for a swift return to health.
Committee voting for the coming year took place, with Mrs Oxley unanimously re-elected as president. Following tea, Mrs Shacklock organised a round of games, and Mrs G. Huggins was announced the winner of the 1943 motto competition.
Gloucester Citizen, Sat 19 Dec 1942 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Mon 30 Aug 1948
The fifth annual horticultural show, organised by the Clifford’s Mesne Home Food Production Club, took place in the schoolroom on Saturday. The event attracted a large number of entries, with the quality of exhibits described as very high.
Mr H. Hunt, chairman of the club, welcomed Mrs Whitcombe, wife of the Vicar, who formally opened the show and presented prizes to the winners. Mrs Shacklock later proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Whitcombe, the committee, and Mr H. White, who served as acting secretary.
Judging was carried out by Mr W. Greening of Newent (horticulture) and Mrs Whitcombe (flowers).
Horticultural winners included:
Capper Hunt (1 x 1st, 4 x 2nds), M. Marcovecchio (1st, 2nd & 3rd), L. Wadham (1st & 2nd), T. Blakemore (1st & 3 x 3rds), B. Noble and G. Phillips (1st each), Mrs Hughes, Mrs White and T. Warren (2 x 2nds each), Mrs Matthews and R. Williams (each a 2nd), and Mrs Ballinger and Miss Gurney (3rds).
Other results:
Vase of flowers: 1st – Capper Hunt; 2nd – Mrs Turner
Decorated table (women): 1st – Mrs White; 2nd – Mrs Hughes
Junior classes: Norman Ballinger and Joe Phillips (2 x 1sts and 2 x 2nds each)
Following the event, Mr C. Turner conducted a sale of produce in aid of Club funds.
Gloucester Citizen, Mon 30 Aug 1948 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
A note on traditional fête games:
Today we may well have forgotten these games but after a bit of research…
The bran tub was a lucky dip game for children — a large container filled with bran or shredded paper or sawdust, where small wrapped gifts were hidden for players to find by hand. A very common game in the 1940s.
Bowling for a pig was a skittles-style game, often offering a humorous or symbolic prize (once a real live pig, later a joint of pork or token). Very traditional in village fetes.
Houpla (also known as hoopla) was a ring-toss game, where players aimed to throw hoops over pegs and/or prizes to win them.
Tuesday 18th May 1948
A vibrant fancy dress parade was the highlight of a garden fête held on Whit Monday, organised by the Clifford’s Mesne Parochial Church Council. Glorious weather drew a large crowd of parishioners and visitors to The Cottage, kindly lent for the day by Mrs Shacklock.
The Vicar, Rev. S. E. C. Whitcombe, welcomed the Hon. Hildred Mosley of Linton Hall, who officially opened the fête. Miss Mosley noted that it was the first Church fête to be held in Clifford’s Mesne in over 40 years. She was presented with a bouquet by young Primrose Lewis.
Fancy dress winners included:
Children: Jennifer Taylor (“A Royal Bride”), Mary Beard (“Band Parade”), and May Williams (“Red Riding Hood”)
Adults: Margaret Huggins (“Rule Britannia”), Charlie Turner (“Scarecrow”), and May Beard (“Old Mother Riley”)
Women’s Ankle Competition:
Kathleen Hyett and Nellie Ballinger
Stallholders included:
White Elephant: Mrs and Miss Hyett, Mrs W. Bodenham
Produce: Mrs and Miss Rees, Mrs J. Blakemore, Mrs T. Blakemore
Jumble: Mrs J. Lewis, Miss R. Gurney
Teas: Mrs W. Warren, Mrs Apperley, Mrs Noble, Mrs Turner, Miss R. Warren
Ices: Mrs H. White, Miss C. Warren
Houpla: Misses V. Warren, Joyce and Iris Turner
Bran Tub: Mrs Whitcombe
Darts: Mr Rees
Treasure Hunt: Mrs H. Hughes
Children’s Races: Messrs T. and B. Blakemore
Bowling for a Pig: Messrs C. Warren, C. Hunt, T. Blakemore, B. Lewis, B. Blakemore, and H. Sharpe
The day concluded with a well-attended evening dance in the Church Hall at Gorsley, with music by the Blue Eagles Dance Band.
Gloucester Citizen, Tue 18 May 1948 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Women’s ankle competition:
A playful and good-humoured fête attraction where ankles were judged — often while the ladies were hidden behind a curtain or screen, with only ankles visible to the judges. Popular in the early 20th century, it was more about fun than fashion!
1800s
Thursday 28th November 1895
The first in a planned series of affordable entertainments was held in the Schoolroom on Friday evening. With the Vicar absent, Mr O. Price took the chair and introduced a varied programme of songs, readings, and recitations.
Performances by Miss Hunt, the Misses Davies of Newent, Miss Elsie Price, and Messrs. Rawlings, Harris, Hunt, Lewis, and Price were warmly received by a full room of appreciative listeners.
Buoyed by the evening’s success, organisers announced that similar gatherings would be held throughout the winter, with the next event scheduled for 6th December.
Ross Gazette, Thu 28 Nov 1895 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Thu 9th February 1888
After the recent concert in Clifford’s Mesne, Mr J. Jayne expressed his gratitude to all who supported his charitable efforts. Following the evening’s success, he was able to present Miss Mears with a donation of five guineas for distribution among the district’s poor district.
Ross Gazette, Thu 09 Feb 1888 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Thu 4th August 1887
With their departure from the area approaching, the Misses Price generously offered to host this year’s annual treat for the children of St Peter’s Sunday School. On Tuesday afternoon, the children made their way to Boulsden, the home of the Misses Price, where they were treated to a lavish and much-enjoyed tea.
Although plans had been made for outdoor games in the adjoining paddock, poor weather meant these had to be cancelled. Nonetheless, the children were entertained as best as possible under shelter and each received a small gift from the “lucky bag.”
The day concluded with the distribution of prizes—this year provided by the Vicar—and a rousing three cheers for the kind donors of the day’s festivities.
Ross Gazette, Thu 04 Aug 1887 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Thu 31st January 1889
Following a recent concert in Clifford’s Mesne, Mr J. Jayne expressed his heartfelt thanks to all who supported his charitable efforts. As a result of the evening’s success, he was delighted to present Miss Mears with a donation of four guineas for distribution among the poor of the district.
Ross Gazette, Thu 31 Jan 1889 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Fri 29th September 1899
The village came together on Thursday to celebrate its annual Harvest Festival. The church was thoughtfully decorated by the ladies of the parish, with a particularly striking arrangement at the font symbolising the path to the Cross.
Mrs O. T. Price returned to the organ after a lengthy absence, providing accompaniment for the service. The lessons were read by Mr Cyril Roxby, son of the Rector of Cheltenham, while the sermon was delivered by the Reverend E. L. Roxby, who spoke movingly on two texts: “Ye are God’s husbandry” (1 Corinthians 3:9) and “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
A collection was taken in aid of the Gloucester Infirmary.
Gloucestershire Echo, Fri 29th Sep 1899 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Sat 4th November 1899
In a remarkable act of instinct and loyalty, a dog owned by Mr McWilliams of Cliffords Mesne came to the rescue of a young child last week. The child had accidentally fallen head-first into a shallow tub containing around two feet of water — a situation that could have ended in tragedy. Fortunately, the dog acted swiftly, gripping the child’s clothing and pulling them free from danger, returning the little one safely to solid ground.
1849
James Wood, age 27 of Newent, born in Cliffords Mesne, was convicted of poaching. He was tried and found guilty and given a 2 month custodial sentence in Littledean Gaol.
Gloucester Archives, 1849, Q/Gli/16/5 entry number 911
Mon 14 August 1899
The Church of St Peter’s in Clifford’s Mesne was filled to capacity on Sunday afternoon, as villagers gathered for a funeral sermon in memory of Mr William Grubb. Mr Grubb, who had faithfully served as parish clerk since the church’s founding, had been laid to rest the previous week in Newent Cemetery.
The Vicar, Rev. J. W. Story, delivered a sermon based on the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, highlighting its central message of humility. In speaking of Mr Grubb, he described a man of deep meekness and quiet grace — someone whose every action within the church was guided by love and devotion.
Mr Grubb had often said that all he had, he owed to Christ, and he strove to live a life in imitation of Him. The Vicar reflected that such a life brought inward joy far greater than outward pride. Though the passing of prominent figures may be publicly noted, the sincere and faithful life of Mr Grubb would be remembered by all who knew him — a quiet legacy, and a living monument.
Gloucestershire Echo, Mon 14 August 1899 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
1900s
Sat 9th December 1922
A well-attended whist drive took place in the Clifford’s Mesne School Room to support the village piano fund. Among the ladies, Miss D. Sysum claimed first place with a score of 181, while Miss Apperley followed with 176. The “booby prize” was closely contested, with Mr Knight and Miss Burker both scoring 143; a tiebreak cut saw Mr Knight take the honours.
In the gentlemen’s game, Mr Reginald Lane secured first prize with 183 points, and Mr Norman Apperley came second with 177. The gent’s booby prize was awarded to Mr W. J. Wood, who scored 124. Mr John Price served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. (CMMC!)
Gloucestershire Chronicle, Sat 9th Dec 1922 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
Thur 27th December 1900
Clifford’s Mesne’s charming little church was beautifully adorned for the Christmas season. Holly featured prominently throughout, adding a festive touch, while white flowers were thoughtfully arranged around the font and behind the altar. A total of 20 villagers received Communion during the service.
Ross Gazette, Thur 27th Dec 1900 – courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive
