Diary Aug 1907 - March 1908

3 Aug. Went to see how the new Post office was progressing [evidently in the course of being built]

5 Aug. Flower Show, opened by the Hon. Hicks-Beach. Highest takings ever, amounting to £41.3.1½

6 Aug. Son Leonard works at motor repairing shop - Steels', High St., Cheltenham, an establishment stated to be financed by a man named Fairlie, of Ashley Manor, Charlton Kings, whose passion is "motors"

8 Aug. Travelled to Winchcombe by train by "the new line" - fare 9d. Arrived in 25 minutes "in what is called a motor train". Visited Hailes Abbey, also the church (description), Winchcombe Church (description)

30 Aug. Tale recounted of how the Norman font for Witcombe Church was found. [The font previously in that church was moved to St. Andrew's Churchdown]

6 Sept. Rose (his wife) had another stroke. Unable to speak

14 Oct. Rose much worse - unconscious, laboured breathing

16 Oct. Rose died at 6.30 pm

19 Oct. Her funeral took place

23 Oct. Posted a letter at the new Post Office (adjoining Church View)

24 Oct. Made some payments connected with his wife's funeral, viz. coffin £4, bearers £1, hat bands 1/-

30 Nov. Debt on St. Andrew's Church finally paid

5 Dec. Informed of the arrangements for the proposed Parish Magazine, to be ready in January. Copy to be given to each house

10 Dec. Meeting at the school to consider 'Preferential claims in the Matter of Duties in Commerce' [in the Empire]. Organised by Mr. J. H. Jones and chaired by Dr. R. D. Moore

23 Dec. Paid for coal - 1s/3d per cwt!

1908

15 Jan. The Vicar expressed "great fears re. the "Labour" and socialistic movements - as to the future - and I think he is right"

20 Feb. Rev. Hodson and Dr. Moore are interested in building a "Working Men's Club" in the village

5 March Report on inquest relating to Ellen Smith of Nailsworth, who committed suicide. She was engaged to Rev. Hodson's nephew, the Rev. Austin Hodson, curate of All Saints', Cheltenham

6 March Meeting about the proposed Club

10 March Attended meeting in the Corn Exchange, Gloucester, of the C.E.M.S. Full account of it set out

13 March Agreed at meeting at Chosen Hotel that a 'Recreation Club' be formed