Diary March 1897 - March 1898

1 March Anthony Morris "is full of a supposed apparition of Thos. Lawrence who walks and has been seen by Evans the shepherd at Parton....."

18 March A large D [Diamond] Jubilee Committee formed - the diarist to be one of the joint secretaries. Parish Council also decided to apply for Churchdown to be made a Vaccination Station and to apply for a Railway Siding

8 April When informed that the Churchdown Land Company had bought the Newman Estate, Mr. Swift suggested to J. H. Jones that half an acre could be spared to enlarge the school playground. Mr. Jones agreed to enquire

15 April Yesterday "we were all thrown into an unpleasant state of mind by being told that James Cole was in the neighbourhood - his sentence of five years having expired"

17 April Told they need no longer be afraid of James Cole, for he was killed on the line yesterday. [Press report of inquest inserted 19/4/97]

30 April Shown over the new building at the Grotto evidently intended for an hotel [later to become the Chosen Hotel]

13 May Today the Prince of Wales visited Cheltenham

24 May Talk was re. Mr. Higginson, school-master of Barnwood, being killed on Saturday last at the level crossing near Sugar Loaf, and literally cut in two

20 June Sunday before jubilee celebration. At church pulpit draped with a Union Jack. List of hymns, psalms etc. Singing very hearty

22 June Diamond Jubilee celebration. Wakened at 4am by ringing of church bells. Dinner [mid-day] in a large tent with band playing at intervals. Children's tea at 4pm. Races run. 7.30pm variety entertainment, then dancing. Bonfires on Chosen Hill. 45 others could be counted - Bredon, Malvern, Leckhampton etc.

[Copy of Programme of celebration set out in full in the diary] "The weather was all that could be desired and all passed very comfortably"

16 July Mr J. H. Jones offered 'Trout Hill' to the Parish (at a meeting of the Parish Council) if the Council would plant a hedge on the west side and keep the paths and trees in order. After a debate the Council decided to "view the land (as if they had never seen it before) - in a body and decide"

18 July The curate, Mr. Ramsey, preached and made a valedictory address. Relations between him and the Vicar had been bad for many months, and the diarist was less than enamoured of him

2 Aug. Witnessed regatta at Tewkesbury

23 Aug. Visit to Thornbury. Some notes on history of castle etc.

22 Sept. Mr. Spier, Jnr. Dentist, called and said he was getting on very well at Dragget's Court. [This suggests that there was then a practising dentist in Churchdown]

25 Sept. Informed that license for new hotel near the station had been refused

23 Oct. Attended Dinner at Shire Hall, Gloucester, to celebrate the centenary of the Glouc. Conservative Benefit Society, now having 5000 members. [Menu and list of toasts and speakers set out in full] The proceedings were well conducted but the food was very bad. "To crown all no liquor unless one paid for it extra"

26 Nov. Very favourable Diocesan Inspector's report on Churchdown School set out in full

27 Nov. Servant left after expiry of notice - "the girl is a great expense"

29 Nov. Son Harry ill. Dr. Grosvenor unable to come being in Gloucester, so telegraphed for Dr. Prance, Alderley Villa, Queen's Rd, Cheltenham, who came on his bicycle. He prescribed castor oil and pastiles, and recommended a mustard plaster to the heart if the attacks renewed themselves

25 Dec. Had for Christmas Dinner roast goose (which cost 7s!)

1898

2 Jan. New curate, Rev. Edward Bankes James, of Cambridge, commenced duty. ("Voice a little untamed")

8 Jan. Went to Cheltenham with Rose. Expenditure included: Suit of clothes £1.15.0., fare 6d

2 Feb. Dr. Smithe very unwell - seen by Dr. Cole of Gloucester, who said he was in a very weak state and must take perfect rest and nourishments etc.

25 March [It is clear that Rev. James, the curate, is the son of Canon James, Rector of St. Michael's, Gloucester]

29 March Dr. Grosvenor of Greville Lodge died this morning - from gout in the stomach [!!]