ON THIS PAGE SO FAR ARE 4 ARTICLES:

                                                    1     Introduction to the Extracts of 100 years of Parish Council Minutes 1894-1994

                                                    2     The Extracts themselves

                                                    3    A list of Parish Council Chairman since 1894

                                                    4    The Millennium Topograph on Selsley Common

PARISH COUNCILS WERE CREATED BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1894.

  The then Prime Minister was William Ewart Gladstone, elected MP in 1832 and

Prime Minister from 1868-74, 1880-85, 1886, 1892-94.

WORDS OF EXPLANATION:

I began compiling these extracts from the Minutes through an interest in the doings of the Parish Council over 100 years, but it soon became evident that one could build up a "mind's eye" picture of life through the extracts which is what kept me to the task.  In fact it was, I confess, more interesting to imagine what was going on outside Parish Council meetings than inside them!  Local water supplies were of great importance and interest as readers will see.

The readings did, however, provide interest in their own right and they might be useful as a kind of index to the main volumes - a quick reference as to the content of the hand-written books.

I often wondered why the Clerk's name was never mentioned in the Archers Radio Programme, but it is hardly surprising, since their names were rarely recorded in the Minutes and Clerks are usually the back room boys.  I myself usually omit it, assuming that everyone who reads them knows that the Clerk must have been there.  Who else would have written them up otherwise?

Readers of the main volumes will notice that the books contain many different hand-writing examples and it was not always the case that a Clerk wrote them - KSPC was for a period in its early years without a Clerk & the function was carried out by one of the Cllrs who had agreed to take on the role, unpaid - for serving Cllrs are not allowed to receive payment, even if they do the Clerk's job. 

Interestingly, I found in the Minutes of December 1930 the following note: "The Minutes were read by the Chairman, but before they were confirmed Mr Dangerfield said there was a difference of opinion as to the correctness of the Minutes as written by the Clerk (F Morse, just as he announced his resignation) & the Chairman.  After a discussion it was proposed by Mr Dangerfield, seconded by Mr Chandler & carried that the original Minutes written by the Clerk should be read as well.  The Clerk's Minutes were then read.  The Chairman said he considered the very little difference between the two was not worth discussing.  The Clerk had always sent the draft Minutes to the Chairman for his approval or amendment before entering them in the Minute Book.  After a short discussion the Minutes were passed".

Some of the more recent volumes have not yet made their way to GCCs Records Office in Alvin Street, Gloucester as they are, from time to time, still useful in the Parish.

                                                                               EJR CLERK 1994

            EDITED SELECTIONS FROM

            100 YEARS OF

            KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL

            as read from Minute Books covering the period

compiled from March - September 1994 by current Clerk, Mrs E J Roberts.

(October and November recently added)

(I hope to add the Minutes for December 1894 and December 1994 when scanned)

These extracts can only represent a very small "snapshot" glance at each month's meeting, but they do present an unfolding series of stories which I hope you find interesting.  One thing is certain, the same problems haunt us today & are as perennial as the roadside weeds.

Some of the phrases in use at the time have been incorporated into the text but I have resorted to modern methods, which are not always grammatically correct, to keep the records as brief as possible.

I apologise for using abbreviations in the text; this again was necessary.  An alphabetical key is printed on the inside front cover of the folder.   Spellings, names & phrases are also as found in the Minute Books which were not always consistent!

The object of the exercise was to produce a shortened version of the last 100 years!!  A separate small book records the names of every serving Councillor.

The Volumes consulted for these records are noted where each begins.   Parish Council Minutes are recorded in Volumes 2-6 as labelled by Gloucestershire Record Office. See next page for 1st Volume.

There is one useful Volume which immediately precedes the period of study.  It is labelled P190a 1/1.  It starts off being the Overseers' Vestry Minute Book and continues by being the Parish Meeting Minute Book, Parish Meetings being distinct from Parish Council Meetings.  In Parishes with Parish Councils they are required to be held at least once a year & are then generally known as the Annual Parish Meeting.

Writing from Stanley Park on the 17th December 1894, William H Marling (as he signed himself, although he was a Baronet), Chairman of the Parish Meeting held last on 4th December 1894, summoned elected Members to the first meeting of the newly-formed:

            K I N G S   S T A N L E Y   P A R I S H   C O U N C I L

Ref Gloucestershire Record Office Volume labelled P190a 1/2

21st DECEMBER 1894 British School.  All 9 elected Cllrs were present & a small no of ratepayers including Messrs C Fletcher, R Gleede, & A C Parsons.

Assistant Overseer, A E Morse, read the notice convening the meeting & laid the Circular dated December 12th 1894 received by the Overseers from the Local Government Board before the Council.  Declarations accepting office were then signed.  S S Marling was elected provisional Chairman & having read some portions of the Circular, called on the Council to elect a Chairman.  W D Hartley proposed & Daniel Guilding seconded that Sir W H Marling be elected Chairman - unanimously agreed.  Sir William thanked the Council & assured them his chief desire & aim would be to endeavour to carry out Council business in a straightforward manner & for the best interests of the whole Parish.

W D Hartley elected Vice Chairman.  After some discussion, A E Morse was appointed Clerk to the Council.  His remuneration to be decided by the District Council.

Mr Edward Winterbotham of Capital & Counties Bank at Stroud had applied for the office of Treasurer; there being no other he was appointed without remuneration, security to be given by him according to scale laid down by the County Council.

Chairman/Vice Chairman/Clerk would draft Standing Orders & submit them next meeting.  Meeting places discussed; a suggestion was made that they be held alternately at each of the 3 Elementary Schools, Selsley, British School & KS National but it was ultimately agreed to meet at the British School.

Distribution of the Parochial Charities was mentioned; to be distributed by present trustees this year. It was then alleged that some favour in the past had been shown to parents sending their children to the National School.  This provoked a quarrel & rejoinder that the past should not be discussed but it should be done properly in future.

Complaints made about unsanitary condition of lower portion of the Parish (re heading Sanitary Allotments) & unsatisfactory condition of the road to Red Piece Allotments.

Chairman would ask Rector for information re Parochial Charities.

The first signatories of the Declaration of Acceptance of Office Book were:

Arthur Edward Chapman

Ephraim Ireland Claridge

Daniel Guilding

Frederick Harrison

William Dye Hartley

Albert King

Samuel Stanley Marling

James Shipway

George Pegler Tocknell

Sir William Henry Marling, Bart

There are 10 names, but only 9 elected Councillors.  I cannot solve that mystery except to say that by the next year I could only "find" 9 listed as Members - the missing one being George Pegler Tocknell. Names of Members attending each meeting were not listed until May 1895 & it was subsequently often a matter of reading through each year's Minutes or Declarations Book until the 9 names were found.  

Now read on for the next one hundred years                            EJR Clerk 1994

 JANUARY 1895 British School.  Mr WEF Hallett rep School Managers proposed to charge 6/- per meeting for fire/lights/cleaning/use of furniture during time of office of present Council; accepted.  Chairman to communicate with Stroud Rural District Council for extra remuneration for Assistant Overseer, A E Morse, in consideration of his services as Clerk to KSPC.  Resolved that as a rate of 3d in the £ produced c £30, Mr Winterbotham be required to find security for £100 & Gloshire County Council be requested to approve & accept Crown Accident Insurance Co Ltd as guarantors. Resolved to adopt a special printed form of cheque.  To provide for current expenses a Precept for £20 would be issued to the Overseers.  Standing Orders (rules for conduct at mtgs) were examined, amended & approved.  Chairman had written to Rector, Rev A C Jennings, asking for information on the Parochial Charities; it had been returned endorsed "opened at School House & returned unread by Mrs Jennings".  Some Cllrs said if Rector had directed Mrs J to return it, his behaviour was discourteous/improper, others disagreed & said whatever their opinion, it was better passed over in silence.  However a resolution on the matter had been put to the Council & it was carried. 

 FEBRUARY 1895 British School.  To obtain headed note paper/letter copying book & press.  3 Cllrs authorised to sign cheques - any 2 of whom could sign, countersigned by Clerk, to be honoured by Treasurer (above).  Info on the Parochial Charities now obtained from Rev A C Jennings.  The Act (Local Government Act 1894) did not empower KSPC to administer them, but to appoint new Trustees in place of Churchwardens.  Chairman proposed this be discussed in Committee which was at first opposed; some doubtful points were then discussed & Chairman would write to the Charity Commissioners asking for more precise information.  Allotments to go on next Agenda.

 MARCH 1895 British School.  Clerk to write to Rector & Churchwardens asking them to appoint a meeting with reps of KSPC to examine Parochial books, documents & papers & to hand over such of them as KSPC was entitled to the custody of agreeably with the Local Government Act 1894 & KSPC Standing Orders.  To ask also for info as to terms of the Trust of the site of the Old Day School on which a house now occupied by Mr Robinson since built.  Chairman could not yet name terms on which he could let the Red Piece to KSPC for Allotments.  There would probably be 40+ applicants & he would look for other places.  Memorialize Postmaster General to give whole of KS Borough an afternoon letter delivery & put a pillarbox at Middleyard.  Various footpaths need repair; some had objectionable stiles; Committee set up to inspect/report on them.  Chairman promised to try & ascertain what was included in term "public footpaths" as used in the LGA 1894.  Same committee to inspect various drains/watercourses following Member's request that the attention of the proper Authority be called to the dangerous condition of "dipping places" in High St, Broad St & Shoot Lane. 

 APRIL 1895  Annual Council Meeting. Sir William Marling elected Chairman for ensuing year.  3 Overseers appointed: Francis Weetman (not Cllr)/Everett Francis Holman/William Dye Hartley.  Chairman received anon letter re non-delivery of letters at Woodside; anyone communicating with KSPC should do so by writing to Clerk/sign their name.  KSPC would try to obtain better service.  Wheatenhurst Highway Board declined to repair certain footpaths at the Borough.  Memorialize Board to repair them & ask County Council to take over/repair footpaths from Church St to National Schools.  Rector handed certain papers/documents to KSPC but Chairman said National School/School House Trust Deeds should remain with Rector & Churchwardens.  Rector said KSPC had nothing to do with Pegler's Charities; although agreeing, Clerk advised that papers of all Parochial Charities should be in his custody.  Henry Bishop & J Paley Marling appointed Trustees of Parochial Charities for KS in lieu of Churchwardens.  Committee appointed to consider Allotments for Selsley.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MAY 1895 British School.  Cllrs intended to meet Highway Board on site inspection they were due to make of the footpaths needing repair.  Decided not to ask for afternoon deliveries of mail but concentrate of getting a daily delivery in Woodside, Pen & Coomb Lanes.  Chairman willing to let Red Piece (9 acres) to KSPC @ £26/year tithe free, KSPC to pay rates.  He would dig & give at his Selsley Hill quarry any stone reasonably required for repair of road to Red Piece.  A few questions were raised but no decision taken.  Visits had been made to various pieces for allotments in Selsley but further enquiries needed.  The state of the road from Dudbridge to the Free Meadows was raised.  Chairman said that although he was not obliged to he had repaired this road, leading to the Blue Row & other cottages & to Ebley Mill & it was now passable.  There had been complaints of soapsuds getting into the well in Pump Court Selsley which belonged to the Chairman who would investigate.

 JUNE 1895Q British School.  GPO might deliver letters daily if Woodside, Pen & Coomb Lanes were repaired - KSPC to communicate with Highway Board.  KSPC had written to Charles Pool asking his terms for letting "Dead Man's Acre on Selsley Hill & to Miss Elizabeth Pool re the "one acre piece" at Selsley.  Miss Pool had replied verbally that she had no land to let to KSPC & she knew here brother had none either.  It seemed that land would only be obtained at Selsley by compulsion.  Various details of obtaining Red Piece for allotments again discussed but the thought of having to raise a loan to repair a roadway led to any decision being postponed.

 SEPTEMBER 1895Q  GPO would deliver letters daily to Woodside, Pen & Coomb Lanes.  To hold a public meeting for Selsley inhabitants to inform them that KSPC were prepared to obtain Miss Pool's land (by compulsion) & to ascertain names of those willing to take it (for allotments).  KSPC resolved to write to the County Court of Quarter Sessions to urge a boundary change to be made so that several local Parishes were included within the Stroud Highway District.  Wheatenhurst Highway Board still refused to repair pathways in the Borough.  The Chairman would pursue this matter.  The 3 Dipping Places (March) would be covered over by lids.  The stream was polluted by drainage. 

NOVEMBER 1895  The public meeting in Selsley had declared in favour of taking a portion of arable land in occupation of William Hall.  KSPC to contact him to talk terms.  Charles Cook's shed & some tubs of manure were a nuisance on Selsley Common; Jane Cook's builders had left refuse on a bye-way at Selsley & Mrs E Vick had built a wall on the Common - they would be asked in writing to remove them. The District Council to be asked to look at the polluted stream at the Borough.  £3 to be spent under protest to repair the footpath in front of the Crown Inn.(It should be Wheatenhurst Highway Board)  Resolved to ask the Lord of the Manor to remove the Pound & level the land & ask him to give the stone to repair the above footpath.  Chairman said if Mr Leigh agreed he would plant & fence a tree on the site of the Pound.  Having been asked, Chairman would consider planting some trees on the Common land in front of the Crown Inn but he would not like to enclose it.   

DECEMBER 1895Q  It was hoped 5 local Parishes would be subtracted from the Wheatenhurst Highway Board & will now be included in the Stroud Highway District.  George Pegler Tocknell was appointed Trustee for Paul's Charity.  Mr Leigh (Lord of the Manor) agreed to the removal of the Pound & he would plant a tree there.  Mr Leigh to be advised that some person had removed turf from Selsley Common.  Charles Cook had still not removed the nuisance pig manure from Selsley.  It seemed Mr Hall did not want to let his land out as allotments either so the County would be contacted re possible compulsion.  The stream at the Borough was indeed polluted with drainage & other refuse.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

 MARCH 1896Q British School. No objection to Charles Cook's request to Mr Leigh for permission to repair cart road on Common from highway to home.  Rev A C Jennings advised Parochial Charities Accounts would be ready for Annual Parish Meeting.  Alleged dangerous place in a footpath in Mr Guilding's field.  Mr Shipway thanked Chairman for improving fences of Red Piece Allotments & providing gate & stile & asked if he would improve the road thereto. Chairman said he would consider it but this was not KSPC's concern/he was out of order raising it. Chas Collier had agreed to divide the stream.  2/3 of the water to be taken to supply village.  Cattle Pound measured 26 Sqft.  Reviewing 15 months work, Chairman felt expenditure very moderate.  Precepts totalling £30 issued to Overseers/only half spent.  Despite difficulties, he hoped admin of all Charities which were their concern would ere long be satisfactorily arranged.  Daily postal deliveries obtained in parts of Parish, some footpaths improved, water supply to village being improved & its pollution being prevented.  He was sorry Allotments not procured for Selsley but they had tried/arable land was in short supply; still hopeful. He congratulated Council on general harmony of proceedings/good attendance.  He had tried to act with strict impartiality/thanked them for their support.  Members paid tribute to Sir William's great attention & the assistance his Secretary, Mr Hallett rendered.  Sir Wm added that for every hour spent at mtgs, 3 devoted at home to KSPC business.  County Council advised they would meet to consider custody of some KS Charity documents.  Clerk should attend with documents in his custody.

 APRIL 1896 British School. Annual Mtg. Sir William Marling elected Chairman for ensuing year.

Election year; Members signed Declarations of Acceptance.  Overseers of the Poor re-appointed as last year.  Thomas Riddiford (not a Cllr) elected Waywarden for year.  Mr Hallett offered use of Schoolroom for Meetings for reduced sum of 4/- (was 6/-) per mtg, incl light/fire/cleaning/furniture. Too high Mr Shipway said but his was a lone voice.  County Clerk had forwarded documents re Selwyn's Charity.  Circular from Local Government Board with orders re Accounts/Notice of Audit/Statutory form of Financial Statement.  New kerbing to be laid in High St following KSPC's request.  Chairman hoped Sir John Dorrington's motion re (Smallpox) vaccinations might be carried at the Board of Guardians.  Mr Chapman against compulsory vaccination but Chairman said it touched life & health so vitally he felt the District Councillor for the Parish should support the motion.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MAY 1896 British School. Special Meeting.  Mr Chapman said many Ratepayers had spoken to him re probability/danger of infection from Smallpox, asking that the Whitsuntide Fair be not held.  Perhaps KSPC had no power but might express an opinion/ask Lord of the Manor to use his powers to prohibit the Fair.  He proposed "in order to lessen the danger of importing Smallpox into the Parish & in compliance with the wish of numerous Parishioners, KSPC asks Sir William H Marling, Bart., Lord of the Manor of the Borough of King Stanley to prohibit the Fair/other entertainment on the Green or other open spaces during Whitsuntide & earnestly request the aid of the inhabitants in preventing the same".  Mr Bishop said visitors would increase risk of infection.  Mr Hartley said people who were not of the most cleanly class would bring Shows from Gloucester/thought KSPC well-advised to request a ban.  There was some suggestion made about use of the Stroud Club House for large demonstrations but that apparently was unlikely to attract infection as it was, Chairman advised, attended by a rather different class of people.  Charity Commissioners did not regard Selwyn's as an Ecclesiastical Charity within meaning of Local Government Act 1894.  Webster's more complicated as it depended on what legal interpretation might be put on terms of the Will.  Resolved "that KSPC consisting of persons interested in Webster's Charity is of opinion that the "Charity's Day School" indicated by the founder, being the only Charity Day School then existing, British School founded in 1846 & Selsley Church of England School founded in 1865, have an equal title with National School founded in 1871 to be included in the term "Charity Day School of the Parish", & further that as about half of the present corpus of the said Charity forms no part of the original Charity but arose from fines under the Factory Acts incorporated by the Charity Commissioners, National School is not entitled to the entire income of the said Charity.  That KSPC therefore apply to Commissioners for a Scheme for said Charity".  Returning Officer advised recent Parish Council Election cost £10-10-0.

 JUNE 1896Q British School.  Boundary post KS/Leonard Stanley Parishes on North side of main road known as Bubble Lane moved to South side.  County Council to be asked to replace it in its proper position.  Chairman had attended Audit & explained there that expenses of meetings had been higher as British School had bought furniture expressly for Council Meetings; charge now reduced.  Auditor also questioned whether Clerk's journey to Gloucester was necessary.  Election Bill paid.  Mr Bishop asked if KSPC could do anything to prevent pollution of the stream at Middleyard or lay a pipe to convey sufficient portion of the water from Coldwell to Middleyard so it might be obtained there in a pure state.  After discussion Chairman suggested Clerk write to Chairman (Sir W H Marling Bart.) asking for his opinion whether such a scheme would in any way infringe rights of Stroud Water Company.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

AUGUST 1896 Special Meeting. British School. Draft proposed Order for Apportionment & Management of Deacon's Close Charity received from Charity Commissioners read & approved.  W J Paley Marling/Henry Bishop appointed Trustees of that portion of the Charity henceforth to be known as the "Poor's Charity".  Commissioners had written to Trustees of Webster's Charity suggesting they apply to them for an order establishing a Scheme for regulation/application of the income of this endowment.  Complaints received that persons from other Parishes turned cattle out into the Free Meadows; Selsley Hill also trespassed similarly.  Committee set up to consider ways to stop it.  Chairman wished water could be provided on the Common to prevent cattle straying.  Parishioners present said a Parish Pound was still required.  Alterations likely at Dudbridge Iron Works/would be convenient time to widen the road nr Dudbridge Station.  Chairman produced a plan/& would give land for it.  To memorialize the County to ask for it to be done.  The memorial listed the following close by: an important woollen mill, carpet factory, chair factory, dyeworks, large iron works, large flour mill & 2 brick fields.  A pipe should be laid to convey pure water from Coldwell to Middleyard but not on the rates.  Unlikely that Stroud Water Company could interfere.  Committee to consider the matter.  Nuisance on the road at Middleyard caused by persons throwing various kinds of refuse thereon.

 SEPTEMBER 1986Q  British School. Chairman doubted wisdom of KSPC having asked Mr Leigh, Lord of the Manor to do away with the Pound; vote was taken/agreed to rescind that resolution/asking him to put up a wooden Pound if he put one up atall.  Overseers submitted proposed Basis of County Rate to KSPC with a letter calling attention to the proposed increase in the "Net Annual Value" of the Parish by £524, & stating that compared with proposed values of Leonard Stanley & Stonehouse Parishes, both showing a decrease, this one should have been materially decreased. Agreed, if Overseers directed their Assistant to attend Gloucester meeting & object to the proposal, he should also be directed to object on behalf of KSPC.  Estimated cost of installing a cistern at Coldwell & 330 yds of pipe to Pen Lane was £26-16-8 but land owners objected to pipes on their property.  Engineering difficulties meant increased cost (£29-0-0) by following bed of stream. Other options discussed but no decision made as KSPC did not feel able to pay the whole cost.

 DECEMBER 1896Q  British School.  County to widen main road at Dudbridge.  Following objection to proposed Rate Basis, County confirmed it would probably reduce it by £136.  Laying water pipes across land at Middleyard impracticable/regrettably it remained for inhabitants to agitate for action to improve matters.  Pump in Broad St which supplied good water needed replacement; costs would be sought.  Contact LSPC re urgent repairs to footpaths which lay in both Parishes.  Borough stream being polluted with sewage.  Rural District Council's duty to abate this nuisance.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1897Q  British School.  KSPC directed names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities be published in Parish Churches.  New Orders from Local Govt Board re 1897 PC Election.  Various overgrown/dangerous hedges to be cut back; advise Wheatenhurst Highway Board.  County Rate Basis reduced by £136. Received new Basis re Agricultural Rates Act 1896: Net Annual Value of land fixed at £117 above value in new Valuation List.  Clerk to object at County Rate Committee meeting (as before) as it made difference of £2-10-0 /yr for 5 years.  Well in Broad St to be checked to ensure water good before ordering new pump.  Mr King had drunk it for 20 years safely but old Mr Alderwick said it was bad.  Order re Deacon's Close Charity stated 1/3 of clear yearly income shall henceforth be the endowment of an ecclesiastical charity - "The Church Charity", remainder to be called "The Poor's Charity".  KS/LS had agreed on work needed at Narrow Lane; posts & iron railing fixed & Mr Marling undertook to place a V-shaped stile in Dyehouse footpath.  LS' part of work done v well.  Blacksmith to repair/place iron lid to dipping place at top of Court House Lane.  Ask County to consider widening road over brook at Stanley Mill; narrowness most dangerous to life/traffic.  Being last meeting of present Council Chairman congratulated them on their work. Disappointed not succeeded in getting better water supply for Middleyard which he heartily wished they had done.

 APRIL 1897 British School.  Annual Meeting & Sir Wm Marling elected Chairman for ensuing year.  It was his 4th term/he looked forward to some other being chosen next year. Messrs Weetman, Hartley & Holman again appointed to serve as Overseers; Mr Groves elected to serve as Waywarden.  All Cllrs were added to the Jubilee Committee (Queen Victoria's Diamond) appointed at the Adjourned Parish Meeting.  That meeting had also requested further action to improve Middleyard water supply & a committee was set up to deal with it.  No trace of sewage found in Broad St Well/new pump to be obtained.  Sewage leak from house in Selsley much worse after rain; nuisance had not yet been abated.

 JUNE 1987Q  British School.  Auditor disallowed 2 payments totalling £2-14-0, surcharging it to Chairman/Vice Chairman who had signed cheques; they had appealed to Local Govt Board whose decision awaited.  Wrote again to Red Lion Inn owners asking them to do something about their hedge/ditch bounding Narrow Lane.  LSPC to be asked to pay half cost of erecting V stiles at each end of the lane.  Mr Price to haul sufficient ashes/lay them on the lane.  Cost of Election £11-6-6. After discussion/voting it was agreed that 1" pipes be laid in the course of the stream to provide water to Middleyard & Chairman would take advice from a Gloucester Architect & call a Special Meeting to report.

(LSPC = Leonard Stanley Parish Council)

 SEPTEMBER 1897Q  British School.  Indenture of Appointment of Henry Bishop as Trustee of Parochial Charities: (Selwyn's, Warlock's, Webster's & The Poor's approved/signed.  Specification ready for Middleyard water supply.  Mr Ball, Mr William Leigh's rep, had written stating he would give the water if provision was made for him to connect with the tank (on his land) at the same level as the KSPC's pipe when fixed & a nominal rent of 1/- per year was paid; accepted.  Subscriptions obtained to a substantial amount towards cost & £5 promised by Chairman so KSPC to accept Mr Thompson's tender for £25-7-6.  Ashes being hauled to/laid on Narrow Lane; good progress but useless to repair footway unless stiles put up each end as horses & cattle were driven there;  LSPC thought a V stile at their end undesirable/they would be asked to reconsider.

 DECEMBER 1897Q  British School.  Mr Thompson's bill for £28-9-0 received; payment held over until Architect's certificate received.  Extra charge explained but there was argument about Miss King's right to connect to the pipe.  Her tenant could get plenty of water if choked pipes were cleared.  After careful deliberation it was agreed to allow connection if it did not deprive Middleyard inhabitants of water.  She was also to pay £1 & enter into formal Agreement.  Similar Agreements between Mr Leigh & KSPC & between Samuel P Cousins & KSPC were authorised for execution.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 1898 British School.  Special Meeting.  Local Govt Board issued certificate remitting Disallowance & surcharge made by Auditor at 1897/8 Audit (he must have been over-ruled/payment deemed proper).  More convenient if the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting took place same date as KSPC's own Meeting so the Parish Meeting would follow immediately after it.  Mr Thompson complained of the bad state of Ford's Lane to the Allotments; Charles Lusty had allegedly placed a large quantity of soil there & would be asked to remove it from this public footpath.  Mr Holman advised that water supply from Baptist Chapel to Greencourt was bad/asked if KSPC could do something.  There were several springs from which a supply might be obtained; Committee set up to further the matter.  Mr S Truscott had removed a tap from Council's main pipe on his premises allowing water to run to waste; he would be asked to remedy the situation.

 MARCH 1898Q  British School.  Possible sources of water supply to residents in Middleyard from Baptist Chapel to Greencourt viewed/not recommended. Mr Truscott still declined to prevent water being wasted by plugging the main. (It sounded as if he may have been partly to blame for the bad supply thereabouts)  He had a supply at the rate of 1 gal/minute with the tap in but was not content with that, apparently requiring some peculiar modification to suit him better.  The New Council would be requested to consider the matter.  Chairman/neighbouring landowner, Mr Denison Jones would both repair footpaths/stiles through land near Dyehouse fields although it was an act of bounty/not to be regarded as precedent/they had no obligation to repair them.  End of year thanks & comments on past year.

 APRIL 1898 Annual Mtg. British School. Sir William Marling re-elected Chairman.  A Vote taken on who would be selected as Overseers for ensuing year - Messrs Hartley, Holman & Price being appointed.  Isaac Groves re-elected Waywarden.  Standing Orders adopted once more.  Refuse was being placed on road near Nags Head Selsley & soap suds allowed to run onto the road nearby.  Clerk to write to bring matter to attention of Mr P Savage, Road Surveyor.  Committee set up again to discuss the water supply problem at Middleyard & respond to Mr Truscott's letter, two Councillors would meet him.

 JUNE 1898Q  British School.  Mr Truscott suggested a stand pipe & tap be connected to Council's main/fixed to his wall 18" high/he promised to sign an Agreement on completion.  To ensure sufficient pressure it would be necessary to put a stop tap on Middleyard stand pipe/committee considered it advisable to obtain a larger supply to the main by inserting larger pipe into Coldwell tank; professional advice to be sought.  Soap suds nuisance at Selsley Hill still not abated & stagnant sewage reported in open ditch nr Fletcher's Row at the Boro'.  Clerk to write to Inspector of Nuisances about both matters.

JULY 1898Q  Special Mtg. British School. Returning Officer's account £10-18-11 for election expenses to be paid.  Chairman remarked in March that as long as Parish Council Contests were the order of the day, Council must pay expenses.  The water committee to erect a stand pipe with tap at Mr Truscott's & reduce the outlet of the Middleyard pipe to 1/2" as Architect recommended.  Draft Agreement between KSPC & Mr Truscott read & agreed.  Meanwhile.. Mr King complained that a new pipe, placed to convey water to Mr C Gwinnell was too large & took all the water which came down the open course in Pen Lane; also Mr Groves had a pipe set in the stream opposite his premises in Middleyard large enough to take all the water at that point causing lack of supply to dipping place at Blakeford & on through lands in occupation of Daniel Guilding etc.  Water committee instructed to deal with this by diminishing size of inlet to both premises.  Footpaths from Stanley Mill Lodge to Upper Lodge of Stanley House & from Mrs Hedge's shop in Church St to National School Master's House in a bad state; County Highways to be asked to repair them.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

AUGUST 1898Q Special Mtg.  British School. Plans for widening road nr Stanley Mill would probably be prepared soon by County Surveyor.  Chairman to support KSPC's previous motion in this matter at County Highways Committee.  KSPC recorded their gratitude for valuable services so long rendered by the late Mr Isaac Groves as Waywarden of this Parish offering sincere sympathy to his widow.  This caused a casual vacancy.   Stroud Rural District Council would take over Parish Highways next April.  Mr Truscott's Solicitors had written advising he was unhappy with proposed stand pipe/unless satisfactory provision made to supply his cottages at Pen Lane within a month he should turn the water from the Council's main into its original course.  Mr Truscott was present & permitted to enumerate his complaints; one being requirement for a bent pipe with 5/8" tap affixed; Council resolved itself into committee to consider response.  His conditions were agreed but under no circumstances would KSPC pay his legal expenses.

 SEPTEMBER 1898Q  British School.  Stroud RDC advised that the ditch near Fletcher's Row be laid with 25 yds of 9" glazed socket pipes/cost being investigated.  Clerk to the Justices appointed Mr Dawson to vacant Waywardenship.  Water committee advised that Mr Truscott did not approve terms of draft Agreement drawn up by KSPC.  As he had not submitted any draft for the committee's approval there seemed no further opportunity for negotiation & concluded that Mr Truscott would carry out the intention expressed in his solicitor's letter/cut off the water supply through his ground.  Mr Leigh's solicitors had therefore been approached for permission to lay pipes almost due north from Coldwell down into Coldwell Lane/he had consented. Certain Gentlemen had been good enough to guarantee money to cover the expense which was felt should not come on the rates.  Mr S Marling v much regretted a letter which had appeared in the press in which uncalled-for remarks were made re his father; he did not think anyone would have written such a letter.  That Sir Wm gave nearly 1/5 of the Subscriptions was proof of his sympathy with the movement.  Water supply from a well served Greencourt for domestic purposes but committee would investigate & report further.  To repair Ford's Lane from Castle St to gate to pasture field known as Field Leaze. Lane used by Allotment holders for taking manure to/bringing produce from Red Piece field/much frequented by villagers.  Mr Shipway thought Sir Wm would give stone/Messrs Marling & Co Ltd would give ashes to lay on top.  Mr W Malpass had offered to clear ditches for 5/-, haul stone from Selsley Hill @ 4/6 a waggon-load & ashes from Stanley Mill at 1/- a load.  On a query as to whether KSPC had power to do this, Mr Marling quoted Section 13.2 of the Local Govt Act 1894 as one he thought gave them power.  His Company would give ashes/he thought Sir Wm would be pleased to give stone if asked.  Committee appointed to carry out the works.

 DECEMBER 1898Q  British School.  County would not widen road at Stanley Mill.  County Surveyor advised that they were considering a scheme for an extensive addition to the roads maintained out of County Rate; Schedule showed that included was a proposal to main 1 3/4 miles of road from Kings Head to Selsley.  Chairman noted disadvantage in scheme which contemplated repair of less important roads by Parish Council & stated that he thought district roads would be more economically managed if taken over by the District Council as contemplated in the Local Govt Act 1894. Agreed/resolution drafted "that in the opinion of this Council it would be a mistake to take over repair of any High Road" & to add the following to the schedule for consideration by County:  From Blacksmiths' to Long Wood, Luggs Lane, School Lane, New St, Peck St Lane, Coldwell Lane, Pen Lane, Coomb Lane, Green Court, Clayfurlong Lane, Peaked Elm to the Cross nr New Inn, Water Lane to Woodchester, Cliffordine to Bell Inn.   Committee said water supply to well nr Green Court unsatisfactory.  Sir Wm had bought Mr Truscott's Pen Lane property, through which KSPC's pipes laid; no longer necessary to remove them.  Considered supplying district of Harmer's Stream with pure water & if sufficient subscriptions, would have liked to erect stand pipe under Peter Alder's wall, but expense deterred them/suggested taking pipe down road/erecting stand pipe at bottom of Old Chapel Lane.  Mr Marling favoured a supply from spring in the Coomb fields belonging to Sir Wm.  Cost not much more/pipes would go through Sir Wm's land & Rev Robert Hall's Glebe; he would probably want a tap for his tenant.  Chairman agreed/consented; he too wanted a tap for his cottage at the Coombs.  Mr Earl supported/ offered £5 to cost if Chairman gave £10.  Mr Marling promised £5.  Agreed to proceed provided about 2/3rds of the expenses be raised by private contribution.

JANUARY 1899 British School. Special Meeting.  County decided not to repair district roads.  Justices Clerk explained 1/6 charge thus: 1/- for Appointment of Waywarden, 6d for oath as per table of fees.  It was paid.  Wheatenhurst Highway Board would consider the matter of piping/covering the ditch in Court Lane shortly.  Cleaning out the watercourse at the Borough in progress/would be completed soon.  Solicitors for Messrs C Hughes/C Pool complained that water supply to their lands was almost entirely stopped through KSPC having placed a small inlet pipe in course of stream at Pen Lane & asked for it to be removed/replaced with a 1" pipe.  It was said they were only entitled to a 1/2" outlet/that some water was lost in Mr Pool's field.  The problem was eventually solved.  H F Thompson's tender for the Middleyard water supply proposal was £43-10-0 & subscriptions over £30 collected.  Agreements between land-owning parties & KSPC seemed on course & work could proceed when these signed.  Chairman's tenant, Daniel Guilding, had repaired stile in Church fields but something better needed as huntsmen knocked rails down.  Sir Wm would be asked to place a stile there with KSPC contributing £1-10-0 towards the cost. 

 MARCH 1899Q  British School.  Solicitors (after prompting) reduced their charges for the Agreement with Mr Leigh re Middleyard water scheme to £3-13-6, but there was still disagreement about paying it atall. Recalling that in September certain Gentlemen were willing to guarantee the whole expense of the alterations some Cllrs did not want this on the rates.  Mr S Marling said certain Gentlemen would undertake to find the money provided the matter was not again referred to.  Chairman said KSPC was responsible for payment/he proposed the bill be paid on understanding that certain Gentlemen would refund the money; agreed.  (were those Gentlemen Marlings & Mr Leigh?)  KSPC in favour of triennial Parish Council Elections.  List of persons receiving outdoor relief read.  Chairman said he believed Board of Guardians did their best in the difficult duty of dispensing relief; he also spoke highly of Mrs Hartley's good work visiting workhouse inmates. Mr Marling felt it was desirable to provide water supply for cattle on Selsley Hill.  There was an overflow of good water on Mr F White's farm which could be utilised; this was welcomed.

 APRIL 20th 1899 British School.  Annual Meeting & Mr J Paley Marling elected Chairman for ensuing year.  Mr A E Chapman was appointed Honorary Clerk to the Council (Serving Cllrs may not be paid Clerks).  The best thanks of the Council were given to Mr Morse for his admirable services during his Clerkship.  KSPC sorry to learn that the Copper Beech planted by fellow Cllr Stanley Marling in wasteland near Kings Head had been mutilated & sorry to think that any inhabitants of this Parish should be guilty os such vandalism.  Mr Stanley Marling said he was sorry too & asked the press not to notice the matter.  Mr Shipway rose to propose a resolution re Scavenging but Mr Chapman rose to a point of order, that in his opinion it would not be legal to bring this matter up now - agreed (it had not been on the agenda & no prior notice had been given so no decision could be taken on it if it was discussed - whatever it was).  A special meeting would be called.  (Special meetings were called to fit in extra business & were arranged in between "quarterly" meetings of March, June, September & December).

 APRIL 28th 1899  British School. Special Meeting.  Remind Stroud Board of Guardians to save the £8/annum - the late Clerk's Salary.  Mr Shipway asked that application be made to the Rural District Council to form KSPC into a Parochial Committee to enable them to undertake the scavenging of the Parish.  However, a committee was formed to investigate the matter.  A committee called the Boro' Water Supply Committee was also formed to obtain full particulars as to expense/method of carrying out a scheme to supply the Boro' with pure water.  Chairman to ask Rector, Rev A C Jennings to get dangerous stile on his land at Middleyard repaired. 

 JUNE 1899Q  British School.  Scavenging Committee reported difficulty in finding suitable places to deposit rubbish, 3 possible sites in different parts: upper part, one of the quarries on Selsley Hill; Middleyard, some land of Mr Hughes & for the lower part, part of withy bed belonging to Mr King of Stonehouse.  No permissions had yet been obtained.  It was thought that one day a fortnight might be sufficient to do the work when the present accumulation of rubbish had been removed, though it was only a guess.  Eventually the work should be put up for tender but KSPC would do it for 3 months to ascertain probable time/ costs involved.  Some reckoning was conjectured: A cart & horse at 7/- a day once a week would cost £18-4-0 a year.

It was feared once-weekly may not be sufficient/could only be ascertained by practical experiment & committee favoured trial.  Water committee reported that it was impossible to divert the water rising at the spring near the Cold Well from its present course, so that idea must be abandoned.  Only other supply seemed to be spring beneath the hill at foot of the Long Wood which presently supplies village with water running down an open course.  From spring to back of Mr Collier's public-house 1200 yds in straight line as measured on OS map.  Proposed to divert stream from this point taking half up Shoot Lane past Blacksmith's shop onto Village Green, & the second up the main road past the pump to meet the first-mentioned branch at the Village Green.  From here there would be but one line of pipes down the village to Mr Birch's house.  Altogether some 2,200 yds, at 1/8 per yd would mean an initial expense of under £200.  This large sum caused discussion & it seemed that it could not be put on the rates.  Committee continuing to investigate.

 AUGUST 1899 British School. Special Meeting.  Scavenging committee had found places to deposit rubbish - disused quarry on Selsley Hill, behind Ebley Mill & a place in Church field for the Borough & Middleyard.  KSPC would now apply to Stroud RDC to permit them to carry out the scavenging scheme.  An estimate for bringing water from Huntleys to the Borough came to £300.  The Rev A C Jennings to be thanked for his kindness in repairing a stile on his land.  Mr J P Marling promised to put a drinking cup at the Spring leading to Selsley.

 SEPTEMBER 1899Q British School. Experimental fortnightly scavenging to commence for Selsley & houses to the top of the Knapp on the 19th; the following day for the lower part of the Parish - Mr Claridge being entrusted with the upper part & Mr Malpass with the lower at 6/6 per day.  Scavenging committee had fenced in the place in Church fields.  Bills would be printed & distributed in the Parish re the scheme.  Stroud RDC declined to do anything about the ditch at Blakeford & footpath at Middleyard; this caused Mr Shipway to protest vigorously at what he considered the laxity of the RDC.  The Selsley water supply committee reported that they were unable to obtain water to carry out any scheme for any supply on Selsley Hill.  It was agreed to place a board with an iron plate in the stream (at top of Court House Lane) to divide it into its proper proportion.  Stroud Water Company to be asked to get a better water supply for the Borough.

 DECEMBER 1899Q  British School.  Mr Malpass would be asked to clear away the rubbish on the waste land opposite the Primitive Methodist Chapel.  The Midland Railway would be asked to erect swing gates to the level crossing at Lightpill in place of the present objectionable stiles.  It was resolved to ask the County Council (again) to widen the dangerous narrow bridge over the Frome at Stanley Mills.  The present width of the bridge is about 12ft, the footpath (pavement) 2ft2".  Accidents are continually happening and the great wonder is that some fatal accident does not occur.  (This still seems extremely familiar today almost 100 years later - only the wonder is even greater)

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1st 1900Q British School.  Mr Chapman for KSPC expressed the pleasure they felt at the relief of Ladysmith/consequent relief & safety of Major Marling V.C. & asked Mr S Marling to convey congratulations to Sir Wm & lady Marling.  GCC would widen bridge by Stanley Mill if the land was given; S Marling said that Marling & Co Ltd would give land but not the buildings.  To write again to Robert Jowling & Co re dangerous path in Sliding Close. Committee set up to consider where they might place seats - funds being raised by voluntary subs.  Owing to the riotous conduct of Cllr Albert King, meeting obliged to be adjourned to March 15th.

 MARCH 15th 1900 Adjourned.  Names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities still annually published on doors of the 3 Churches. Committee to meet district/county surveyors re water course in Shoot Lane.  Sir Wm Marling to be asked to convene meeting of the Parochial Committee following the Annual meeting of KSPC in April.  Nothing done about footpath at Middleyard & ditch in Court Lane; Stroud RDC surveyor to be asked again to attend to these matters & to move drain at bottom of Coombe Lane a little higher up.  County to be advised of/asked to clean out ditch in Church St.  To write to Mr Leigh, Lord of the Manor, asking him to remove dangerous ruin from Common near Mr/Mrs E Vick's at Selsley.  Ask Inspector of Nuisances to investigate nuisance arising upon premises at Selsley occupied by Mr Edgar Harrison.  

 APRIL 1900 Annual Mtg, British School.  S S Marling elected Chairman unanimously.  Neither District/County felt it was their Council's duty to put watercourse at the Boro' (Shoot Lane) into repair.  Sir Wm Marling was asked/agreed to bring matter up with both to get necessary work done by one of them.  The ruin at Selsley did not belong to Mr Leigh.  The Inspector of Nuisances had visited premises of E F Harrison at Selsley to investigate alleged nuisance.  He thought there would always be a nuisance there...resolved to urge him to take steps to secure an abatement of the nuisance.  Auditor disallowed payment of £4-5-0 for fencing a scavenging deposit area.  Audit Fee £1 paid.  Mr Chapman thanked for his services as voluntary Clerk.

 JUNE 1900Q British School.  Mr Chapman offered to remove stones comprising ruin on Selsley Common; Mr Leigh's permission to be asked.  Mr L also considering water supply/Gypsies on Selsley Hill.  Mr Marling noted surveyor thought there would be no objection to covering ditch at bottom of Court Lane.  H Dangerfield had convened meeting of the Ways & Means Committee at Selsley to which some Parishioners were invited, to consider obtaining seats for Selsley Hill.  Committee to collect subs to cover cost of 6, provided KSPC pay any small excess/would undertake maintenance.  Mr Holman wanted KSPC to petition GCC/Chief Constable to station a Constable at KS. Several felt it unnecessary/held over in view of possible co-operation with LS.  Parapet above bridge over brook at Dudbridge too low/possibly dangerous to children; to write to County Cllr JCC Kimmins to raise it with County. Stroud RDC had paid the £4-5-0 disallowed by Auditor to Mr Alderwick for fencing.

 SEPTEMBER 1900Q British School.  Messrs Tocknell/Dangerfield to deal with issue of alleged nuisance at Selsley now letters had been received from the RDC Sanitary Inspector/Dr Martin from Ministry of Health.  The RDC did not think it necessary to cover ditch at Court House Lane.  That body also responded to a request for the highway near the Knapp to be widened (near road opp premises occupied by John Okey & others which was apparently so narrow as to constitute a danger): they would metal & maintain it if KSPC widened it. Chairman felt KSPC had no power to do this/matter left to him.  Obstacle to widening road to the west of Stanley Mill bridge had been removed/landowners willing to give land provided County does the work, replacing boundary walls to their satisfaction.  6 seats to be installed in positions on Selsley Hill; Chairman offered to supply one if he chose site.  KSPC agreed to do something to protect the well at the Knapp to prevent its continual pollution.  Agreed to ask Sir William Marling to place a new gate at entrance to the Common Meadow near the Oil Mills, also repair gate at Meadow Lane, Dudbridge & put a V stile there & pipe/cover ditch near Blue Row, Dudbridge.  Refuse would also be collected from tenants at Blue Row Cottages.  County to be asked to make a footpath in front of the New Inn & 5 new cottages & 4 cottages adjoining the road leading to the National School, all in Church St.  To place a lidded cover over the dipping place opposite Post Office in High St.  RDC to be asked again to make a footpath in Middleyard from Baptist Chapel to top of Court Lane.  Water wastage at Middleyard to be investigated by committee.

DECEMBER 1900Q British School.  RDC still declined to widen road at the Knapp. They would gravel footpath at Middleyard & move grating at Coombe Lane to a better position.  Bridge near Stanley Mill would be widened in the Spring if work sanctioned by Highway Committee.  Mr leigh did object to Gypsies camping on Selsley Hill; he thought the Police might prevent the nuisance.  Agreed that Mr Leigh/Sir William & KSPC all apply for police action. Sir William unwilling to place a new gate/stile near the Oil Mills as these had been destroyed twice in the past but he was to be asked again.  He had agreed to pipe & cover in ditch at Blue Row, Dudbridge.  Tenants in Blue Row had not put their refuse out at the correct time despite the printed notices sent to them, so someone was sent to talk to them about the scheme.  County would required a large contribution towards the cost of the proposed footpath in Church St.  A site meeting was proposed to discuss the project.  Investigating water wastage at Middleyard, the course of the Coldwell stream was inspected & several leakages were found, also that one owner had diverted the stream on his own property.  A solicitor's advice on the legality of this was to be taken.  To write to Messrs Herbert/Chudleigh re their taking a portion of the stream to supply duckponds, thereby causing a waste.  Some wastage was also apparent at Penn Lane cottages.  Attention of the RDC to be drawn to the bad condition of the lane leading from the Highway to Clayfurlong Cottages.  The seat held by Mr A King was declared vacant.  The Clerk would formally advise Mr King of this fact.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1901Q British School. Stroud RDC asked to attend to these at once: footpath at Middleyard/grating at Coombe Lane/ditches at Woodside. Mr Leigh asked to use his powers as Lord of the Manor to prevent Gypsies camping on Selsley Hill.  All communications received to be laid on the table at next meeting.  Well at the Knapp now protected; work/materials £2-2-8; KSPC to collect subs towards cost.  Although Sir William had agreed to put a new gate at the Meadow nr Blue Row, he was still pursued to provide the others requested. He was also asked to attend to the ditch he'd promised to pipe/cover as it was now in a bad state.  Solicitor did not think landowner, Mr Earl had done anything beyond his rights in diverting a stream on his land.  Tap from KSPC's main at Penn Lane cottages had disappeared. Mrs Chudleigh promised to attend to the alleged waste of water at her duck pond.  Sir William to be asked to replace the missing tap.  Some felt it was KSPC's duty/others that KSPC would hardly have agreed to maintain a tap on private property.

 APRIL 1901 Annual Mtg. British School. Mr S S Marling elected Chairman.            Messrs WD Hartley, HW Price & EE King (not Cllrs) appointed Overseers of the Poor for ensuing year. Sir Wm would install desired gate provided & after KSPC had taken steps to prevent repetition of the wanton mischief by persons who had previously destroyed them. (Terms agreed & arrangements made for security & access next meeting).  He also pointed out that he was under no obligation to do this or cover in the ditch & that a wooden plug in use in place of the missing tap was considered satisfactory.  Mr Leigh did not know what power he had as Lord of the Manor to stop Gypsies camping on Selsley Common.  Mr Earl (now a Cllr) stated he had not diverted the stream - a committee would inspect this alleged diversion.  Brought forward from the Annual Assembly: a committee of the Parish/Parish Council be formed to preserve the Common rights of the Parish; meeting on the 20th. 

 JUNE 1901Q British School.  Committee found no water wastage on Mr Earl's premises caused by having laid a pipe to carry water to the back of his cottages.  No reply from Inspector of Nuisances re alleged nuisance at Mr Edwin Lusty's at Middle Yard, nor had it entirely abated.  Committee reported on Commons/Greens & Mr Leigh's Solicitors advised he had given instructions for a Court Leet.  Parishioners & a Constable had twice forced Gypsies to move off the Common which seemed best way of dealing with it.  Resolved to make a Presentment to Court Leet re proposed water supply for Selsley Hill.  Understood that Sir W H Marling, Lord of the Manor of part of Selsley Common fence the quarries over which he had right.  Trespass notices to be placed in the Free Meadows.  Resolved after vote to put posts & 1 iron rail around portions of Village Green nr the Old Crown Inn.  Dipping places in course of the stream at High St foul with drainage.  Stroud RDC to be advised.

 SEPTEMBER 1901Q British School.  Sir Wm piped/covered ditch at Blue Row, Dudbridge.  Whether KSPC had the right to erect trespass notices on Free Meadows caused considerable discussion; resolved to ask Sir Wm & Rev A C Jennings to join with them to erect them.  Resolution passed last meeting to erect post/railing around portions of Greens rescinded.  Sir Wm's permission was sought by someone to place football posts in the Meadow; he asked KSPC's opinion, which was that leave should not be given.  Henry Bishop had done such good work as Trustee of Parochial (Deacon's Close/Paul's/Webster's/Warlock's & Selwyn's) Charities that he was re-appointed.  George Savage of Court Farm asked to put in a drain taking waste water from there to the ditch in Peck St Lane.  RDC (already consulted) had no objection provided road surface re-instated correctly/no sewage/foul matter was conveyed there.  The RDC asked KSPC to take steps to prevent overflow of water from public supply onto Highway nr Middle Yard Farm; to be dealt with by committee.  Still nothing done to put footpath from Baptist Chapel to Walnut Tree Villa in order - RDC to be reminded of understanding reached some months ago.  Public pump in Broad St to be repaired.  Curbs from Shoot Lane-Walnut Tree Villa were dangerous & those from Baptist Chapel-Stanley Hall; the RDC would be asked to repair them. 

 DECEMBER 1901Q British School.  Sir Wm had made no definite statement re fencing quarries but Mr Leigh had fenced 2. Some were dangerous & should be fenced but whose duty was to fence them?  Rector promised 10/- towards notice board in Free Meadow.  When bill arrived for watercourse works at Middle Yard, 13/9 was shown for making a new connection to Mr C Prout, Walnut Tree Villa.  Bill paid but Mr Prout to be asked to pay 13/9.  Broad St pump repaired/would not work properly.

Surveyor promised to gravel footpath at Middle Yard but no order re proposed curbing had been received.  The RDC was also in trouble for not curbing certain other footpaths; RD Cllrs to be asked to press for this with their Council.  Chairman    (S Marling) wrote that he had instructed certain repairs at the Coldwell water source as supply pipe nearly blocked with roots.  Approved urgent, necessary work; £1-0-6 account to be paid.  Miss M King wished to connect with the main near Coldwell; committee formed to investigate request.  Messrs Ball, Smith, Upton & Playne (Solicitors) wrote asking if KSPC approved of the Light Railway Scheme: they did not disapprove generally but thought that as the projected railway will not run though the Parish they are not called upon to pass any formal resolution.  It was decided to ask Stroud RDC by whose permission the sewage pipes are laid in the Free Meadows, what compensation will be granted for the privilege & to whom will it be paid.  Contractors carrying out the works stated they had nothing to do with paying for any damage they caused, referring enquirers to Stroud RDC.  A motion to petition the Midland Railway Company to provide proper surface water drainage facilities at the Station Yard Dudbridge was carried unanimously.  They were also in trouble for not doing anything to replace objectionable stiles with gates at the Lightpill crossing.  It was decided to enlist support of Sir Wm Marling who might use his influence with the company to obtain desired improvement.  There was a dangerous stile on Water Lane Farm Selsley & the path it gave onto, through Brook Leaze field, was in need of repair; the owner's attention would be drawn to these matters, asking that they might be put into proper repair.  The attention of the owner would also be drawn to the condition of the stile in Coneygre field & footpath leading to Coldwell field & a stile & plank over a deep ditch at Blakeford, asking that these be put into proper repair.  The owner, Mr Leigh would be asked to make several improvements on the previous efforts.  Landowners on either side of the ditch at Terretts to be asked to put that footway into proper repair.  Although one Cllr object to KSPC incurring the expenses it was agreed to repair the lane from the V stile near Peck St Farm across the Lower Field; this repair to be carried out by laying ashes.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1902Q British School.  Writing to Sir Wm re dangerous quarries on Selsley Hill over which he had rights/hoping he wd remedy by fencing.  Mr Prout could alter his connection to Stone Trough at Middle Yard having paid 13/9 owing.  Miss M King not permitted to connect with KSPC's Main at Coldwell.  RDC would not object to paying reasonable compensation for damage, asking KSPC to obtain sanction of those entitled to pasturage to any compensation being paid to KSPC; refer to Parish Meeting on 20th.  Midland Railway wd not replace stiles with gates at Lightpill crossing; to impress on them desirability of gates.  Mrs Cholmeley, Woodchester, did not feel it incumbent upon her to put path across Brook Leaze field in order; in abeyance.  Mr Leigh did not object to improvements being carried out by KSPC if details submitted/approved by him. It was intended that he co-operate with KSPC so committee formed to inspect/instruct Clerk re further communications with his Solicitors.  Dole Charities' beneficiaries names still displayed on Church doors in Parish: March 16th.  Better scheme to regulate division of water of stream at Blakeford needed; committee to sort it out.  RDC advised of bad condition of lane at Selsley Bell Inn-Stanley End Farm/on towards Woodchester & Lightpill; committee to meet Surveyor on site.  RDC to be asked to curb path from Stanley Park Farm-top of Pool's Lane Selsley.  To ask Gas Board what steps they would take towards placing/lighting lamps in village streets. Chairman explained that before KSPC could decide anything it wd be necessary to obtain adoption of the "Lighting Act" at a Council Meeting & if adopted it wd entail considerable expense.  He dissented. 

 APRIL 17th 1902 Annual Mtg. British School.  Adjourned to April 22nd, only 4 Cllrs. S Marling elected Chairman.  Overseers for the Poor re-appointed: WD Hartley,

HW Price, EE King.  To convey thanks to them for their past services.  Mr Leigh persuaded to co-operate & would pay half cost of restoring footbridges at Coneygre field/Terretts Brook.  Stroud Gas Co reported estimate of bringing gas through village/erecting 25 lamps(£?).  Committee to obtain information re lighting whole of the Borough.  Mr A Round, Stanley Park Farm said to have taken turf from Selsley Hill - a violation of Common Rights.  He would be asked who gave him permission/how much he removed/where did he take it & why.  Mr Malpass's offer to haul ashes from Stanley Mills @ 6d/load, laying them in lane nr Peck St Farm, accepted.

 JUNE 1902Q British School.  Lane from Bell Inn-Stanley End Farm onwards inspected; RDC Surveyor said it might properly be repaired by them.  KSPC would ask them.  KSPC to repair pathway from near Stanley End Farm-Lightpill as far as entrance to Sliding Close field. Ashes put to good use repairing lane leading from Coldwell Cottage-V stile at top of Coneygre field; Mr Malpass doing the hauling again @ 1/- a load.  Some levelling also required.  Committee to see work done, expense not exceeding 35/-.  Mr Round advised that he had taken 6 loads of turf from Selsley Hill to garden at Stanley Park under instructions from Sir Wm Marling.  Chairman advised that it had been removed for quarrying purposes & he was about to fence around the quarry.  Turf, if enclosed, could not be grazed so no injury was done by its removal.  Chairman believed the Lord of the Manor acting within his rights in removing turf for such purposes.  Matter to be referred to a Parish Meeting.

 SEPTEMBER 1902Q British School.  Stroud RDC had considered repair of lane from Bell Inn-Stanley End Farm onwards but had not made an order.  Committee had spent 35/- on repairing lane from Coldwell Cottage but more ashes were required; they could carry on but must not spend more than 30/-.  A vote was required to carry the following proposal: "that Sir W H Marling having in the opinion of this Council committed an offence against the Common Rights by causing a quantity of turf to be removed from Selsley Hill, be asked to pay 10/- to Stroud Hospital, this being in accordance with a precedent created by a former Council under the presidency of Sir W H Marling for an offence of a similar kind."

 DECEMBER 1902Q British School.  Repairs to lane from Mr Hall's Rick Yard entrance-gate of Sliding Close field cost half sum allocated; balance allotted to repair lane from Bell Inn-Mr Hall's Rick Yard entrance.  Water overflowed catchpit nr Bell Inn damaging the lane; County to be asked to seek a remedy.  Committee to look into several watery matters in Middleyard: Miss King had placed concrete in stream bed to divert some water to a trough on her land & there was some argument as to whether KSPC's tank should be moved higher upstream to prevent waste.

MARCH 1903Q British School.  With repairs to lane at Selsley finished to Mr Hall's gate, further repairs suggested to meet lane leading to Sliding Close gate & £1 was allowed for this.  Sir Wm wrote that he had no intention of paying 10/- to Stroud Hospital as trespass offering for alleged offence against Common Rights as he had committed no such offence/had merely exercised rights which went with ownership of the quarries.  This distinguished his case from previous one. (Jan 1896) Agreed "that an epitome of correspondence/minutes of this & previous case be laid before Mr W Leigh, Lord of the Manor, asking him to do what was necessary.."  An opening made on Mr W Earl's land/believed that water found there originally supplied KSPC's Coldwell tank.  Mr Earl consented that water might be taken making conditions as to a supply to his cottages.  Mr Leigh seemed likely to agree to water being conveyed (through his land) from Mr Earl's to the tank.  In accord with the County Council letter under the Education Act 1902, School Managers were appointed: Selsley School Edward Soloman,  British School George Harrison, National School Thomas Riddiford.  Mr Walter Malpass would be asked by whose instructions he hauled a quantity of turf from Selsley Hill to the Highway nr Stanley Park Farm.

 APRIL 1903 Annual Mtg. British School.  S Marling unanimously elected Chairman & tribute was paid to his ability in carrying out the duties.  Mr Hall was thanked for underwriting almost half cost of repairing lane near his gate.  Mr Leigh did not think he had rights over part of Common from which turf taken.  Mr Dangerfield was not satisfied but KSPC did not wish to act further.  He felt he had done his best to secure justice in this case as KSPC had in the previous one.  If KSPC would not support him now, he should resign his seat in protest. He was asked to reconsider but replied: "My seat is vacant, Mr Chairman."  Dangerous bridge at Narrow lane reported; it was serious/Chairman had seen it/had it repaired.  As it was on the Parish boundary, it was hoped Leonard Stanley would pay half.  Mr Earl had made further demands re proposed water supply to his premises which could not be agreed to so nothing could be done about improving the supply until Mr Leigh's permission had been given to cross his land.  Committee had met residents & RDC Surveyor at Coldwell Lane to inspect Mr Earl's new wall/he had encroached upon the Highway so RDC wd be asked to act to protect it.  KSPC was asked if it approved of Stroud & Cheltenham Tramways Scheme (Electric Tramway connecting KS to other villages/towns in district). It did/hoped every effort would be made to carry it through successfully. After complaints re bad state of Green nr Old Crown Inn it was decided to meet there hoping to find a way to protect/preserve it for Parishioners' use.  Mr Earl had not attended for 12 months/so his office as Cllr was vacant.  Relevant section of the Act read/as he had been ill for part of that time KSPC wd advise him that unless he replied to its satisfaction it would declare the office vacant.

JUNE 1903Q British School. Decided to remove standpipe in Pen Lane & place it nr Mrs Prout's wall, & fitting a tap. She did not like this idea but as it would not be fixed to it  she had no ground for objection.  Miss King looked set to get a tap for Coldwell Cottage, if it was kept closed except when water was required. Meanwhile Mr F Cousins complained about the water supply to his orchard - his reply would be that the committee had taken such steps which they hoped would result in a satisfactory supply to his land.

SEPTEMBER 1903Q British School.  Chairman tried via Miss Leigh/Mr Leigh but failed to obtain permission to lay a pipe across his land to take water to Coldwell; neither would Mr Earl drop his conditions as to use of water on his land to augment supply to the tank.  A petition would be organised/sent to Mr leigh.  To appeal to Mr Earl again; Chairman offering that he himself would pay for pipes to be laid to Mr Earl's sheds, providing Mr Earl wd give the water.  At meeting on the Village Green at the Old Crown 2 Cllrs objected to fencing/some persons contended that they paid a Chief Rent for portions of the Green.  To be referred to next Parish Meeting.

NOVEMBER 1903 British School. Committee Meeting of whole Council to consider draft agreements between Mr W Leigh & KSPC & Mr W N Earl & KSPC; re laying a pipe to convey water from Mr Earl's land to Coldwell; & to laying a pipe in Mr Earl's land near the Coldwell & also from KSPC's standpipe in Pen Lane to Mr Earl's cow shed in Coldwell Lane respectively.  Mr Leigh's agreement was agreed to.  Mr Earl, who was present (he had also attended June/September meetings after a long absence) demurred to the suggested alterations & an agreement was reached in February.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

FEBRUARY 1904 British School.  W J P Marling re-appointed Trustee to Parochial Charities for further term.  Names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities to be published on Church doors 21 Feb.  Parish Meeting for election of P Cllrs fixed 7th March; the Annual Assembly to be held afterwards.  To advise RDC of bad/dangerous state of footpaths/curb stones from Kings Head-Stanley Park, hoping that immediate attention would be given to them.  RD Cllrs for the Parish also to be asked to help.

MARCH 14th 1904 Cheque for 5/-, the Premium on Treasurer's Bond, signed & meeting adjourned (although more than a quorum present) to

MARCH 22nd British School.  Solicitors' costs (Mr Earl/Mr Leigh used same firm) re Middle Yard water supply Agreements disputed.  At £12-12-0, too high in proportion to value of proposed work; KSPC asked for them to be halved.  Stoppage occurred in pipes in the Borough watercourse causing an overflow in High St.  Work to be done locally: cheaper than RDC.  No reply from them re footpath/curb improvements; Sir Wm Marling informed Clerk he would give it his full support at the RDC meeting.  RDC were advised that a bank had slipped/blocking Woodside Lane; now put right.  This being last meeting of present Council, Chairman thanked Cllrs for attendance at meetings/attention to Council business & support they had given him as Chairman.

APRIL 1904 Annual Mtg. British School.  S Marling unanimously re-elected Chairman.  William Dye Hartley/George Taylor/Henry Frederick Thompson appointed Overseers of the Poor for year.  No reply yet from Solicitors re request to halve bill.  Chairman explained it would originally have been £7-0-8 for Agreement with Mr Leigh & £11-4-4 for Agreement with Mr Earl, totalling £18-5-0; this had been reduced to £15, then £12-12-0. Meanwhile Committee of whole Council to meet at Middle Yard & proceed to Coldwell to inspect.  Pipes at the Borough cleared/grating placed so stones could not easily be thrown into watercourse.  RDC to attend to some curbing when material to hand.  School Managers again appointed: H E Soloman Selsley CofE/ George Harrison British School/Thomas Copner National School.  Chairman explained for Overseers that part of the income arising from rent of Deacon's Close Charity land for half-year ended 29.9.03 had been paid to the Overseers in aid of the Education rate but payment had been withheld from that arising at 25.3.04 possibly due to some new regulations of County Education Committee.  Enquiry to be made.

JUNE 1904Q British School.  Solicitors would not reduce their bill below £12-12-0.  Chairman advised KSPC not liable to pay unless work was carried out but if KSPC was willing to pay £6-6-0, balance would be found privately. An amendment intended to get the work done (better Middle Yard water supply) failed; it was resolved to drop the whole matter.  Chairman was thanked for offering to pay part of the bill.  Covers to Dipping Places in the stream at the Boro' to be inspected, new lids being fitted if necessary.  Mr Dangerfield, re-elected to the Council, proposed that Meetings alternate as much as possible between British School/Selsley CofE - agreed.  RDC to investigate complaint of contamination of well water at the Knapp.

SEPTEMBER 1904Q Selsley School.  Solicitors had written re waste of water at Middle Yard & were referred to Mr Earl for explanation.  No reply from RDC about reported condition of Water Lane.  Chairman wanted KSPC to ask Dudbridge Ironworks to use a less strident steam hooter; he believed it was an annoyance to nearby residents & Rodborough Parish Council were also being asked to complain.  Motion was not supported as several members considered hooter a great convenience to working people in the early morning.  County to be asked to pipe/cover ditch opposite Primitive Methodist Chapel, Selsley & put in a catch pit nr Mr Elliott's. Inspector of Nuisances's attention to be drawn to an overflow of offensive matter from premises of Mr J C Luker onto the road at Selsley.  Mr Camm wanted KSPC to petition the Lord of the Borough Manor of King's Stanley to prevent showmen erecting/placing fixtures on Village Greens except on the dates named in the King's Charter granted to the Lord of the Manor.  It would be put to the Annual Parish Meeting. 

DECEMBER 1904Q British School.  Messrs Phipps & Cousins wanted to terminate their Agreements (re Middle Yard water supply) with KSPC.  As an inspection had revealed the pipe serving them had become choked with roots (now removed), they would be asked to withdraw their notices.  County had explained how they would cover ditch at Selsley - to be done as soon as practicable.  There was a long argument to approve extra payment for extra duties by the Assistant Overseer (also Clerk to the Council which confused issue); but reasoned argument finally prevailed.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

FEBRUARY 1905 Selsley School EMERGENCY MEETING Indenture of John H P Camm, appointed Trustee of (John) Paul's Charity signed.  Mr F Cousins had insisted that KSPC's main be removed from his land - his chief object to safeguard a sufficient supply to the land - Chairman had spoken to him/suggested a ball-tap arrangement connected to KSPC's main to supply his land in case of insufficient supply in the open course.  KSPC thanked him for his efforts but Mr Cousins now had plenty of water & should be satisfied.  To prevent further repercussions, the following was agreed: that in case of further complaint by Mr C of insufficient water it wd be referred to an arbitrator who shall decide whether/not supply sufficient. If that happened KSPC would put a small trough/ball tap in his field connecting it to its main pipe.  County Surveyor to be asked to widen footpath from Selsley Vicarage to Railway bridge be trimming bank which had overgrown the path greatly.  Agreed to thank Mr Leigh for opening the land at Coldwell allowing the augmentation of the water supply & Mr JC Prout for his assistance in the matter.

APRIL 1905 British School. Annual Mtg.  S Marling elected Chairman.  WD Hartley, George Taylor/Henry Frank Thompson appointed Overseers (Poor).  No satisfactory arrangement reached with Mr Cousins who had asked KSPC to allow him to divert water from its main into the stream for his own use.  Under legal advice KSPC took no action/left in abeyance.  Clerk to notify all communications received on the agenda so KSPC might know what they had to consider.  Overseers wrote explaining why their Assistant needed an increase in his pay (letter copied in minutes) but Some Cllrs felt it was too high, arguing that the extra work attached to collecting the Special Expenses Rate was little different to Leonard Stanley.  They won & he would only be paid £3/half year extra, not £4. 

JUNE 1905Q Selsley School.  Overseers again submitted statement showing extra work involved in comparison with other Parishes but only Chairman/one other Cllr favoured pay him sum asked.  Work by County piping the ditch at Selsley to be inspected later as it was not considered satisfactory.  No reply yet from School Managers (Hallett BS/Sykes SS) re request to modify charges for Council meetings. 

SEPTEMBER 1905Q  British School.  Chairman had met Surveyor at Selsley who had improved lid over dipping place at foot of Pool's Lane (cover of catchpit); also discussed contamination of the spring & proposed catchpit near Mr A Elliott's.  Committee formed to take steps to preserve the Green at the old Crown Inn, probably with posts at each end with curbing between.  Chairman said he would be pleased to make a contribution to the cost of the improvement.  GCC wrote about a proposed scheme as advocated by Lord Roberts for the formation of Village Rifle Shooting Clubs - no action taken.  RDC to be asked to complete the new curbing to the footpath in Court Lane.  Mr JCC Kimmins' attention to be drawn to the condition of the footpath through his Brickfield at Lightpill.

 DECEMBER 1905Q Selsley School.  School Managers could not reduce charges for use of premises for meetings.  RDC wished to delay consideration of curbing until Spring.  KSPC's main partially blocked at Pen Lane - obstruction removed.  Proposed Basis for County Rate received; as it was £22 less than the Poor Rate Assessment no action was taken. Henry Bishop thanked for efficient & kindly way he carried out duties of Trustee of Parochial Charities - reappointed for another term.  GCC to be asked to repair Church St footpath & curbing from Mrs Hedge's Boot Shop past Rectory to Red Lion Hotel.  When the RDC finished curbing Court Lane they would be asked to repair footpath from King's Head-New St.  Mr Round to be asked to postpone manuring Free Meadows to later period each year/not to interfere with the grazing rights of the Commoners.  Very offensive nuisance had recurred from Mr Luker's premises at Selsley.  Tenders for work to preserve Green at old Crown Inn all too high despite Chairman's offer/tenders to be sought for reduced work.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

 MARCH 1906Q British School.  Thanks to be given to Mr JCC Kimmins for satisfactory repairs to footpath/fencing of ditch at Lightpill.  Mr Round replied to KSPC's request: he did not manure his land at Free Meadows until all grass eaten off.  KSPC to apply to County for a Polling Booth at KS National School for use by both LS/KS on the Parliamentary Elections.  Clerk to obtain pamphlets for Cllrs showing procedure to be followed under provisions of the Small Holdings Act 1892.  Approved Chairman's action/having supply pipes in stream at Broad St/High St cleared out on receipt of RDC letter which was read out.  Path in Baysums Field Selsley from Green Nook-nr Vicarage in very bad condition.  Mr Round had offered to haul required stone which could be obtained without payment for repairs.  KSPC felt landowner, Sir Wm Marling should be asked to repair it, assisted by his tenant, Mr Round. 

APRIL 1906 Annual Mtg. British School.  S S Marling elected Chairman.  Overseers reappointed as last year.  Curbing in Church St repaired but not footpath it contained!  Unless Sanitary Authority's notice (to abate the nuisance at Mr Luker's premises, Selsley) was complied with, the matter would be brought before next RDC meeting.  Sir Wm Marling agreed to repair Baysums Field footpath provided KSPC repaired footpath in front of Green Nook from Highway-field gate. Agreed & would ask Sir Wm to give material from his quarry for this.  For years KSPC had been asking for better postal deliveries to various parts, including afternoon deliveries!, but that authority could not grant that to the whole of Selsley.  Undaunted KSPC continue trying - to extend afternoon deliveries as far as Antigua Cottage & Stanley End Farm.  A sensible price was found/it was agreed to preserve the Green fronting old Crown Inn by a post & rail inside the curbs.  Chairman to arrange work at once & would pay for it if KSPC paid him £5 this year & £5 next year.

JUNE 1906Q Selsley School.  Nothing had been done about the nuisance at Selsley & in case of rain there would probably be a recurrence of the nuisance on the Highway.  The Chairman consented to draft a letter to the Sanitary Inspector.

Sir William Marling suggested a minor diversion of the footpaths into Baysums Field which would result in them both passing through a new V stile to be erected to the west of the present field gate opposite Cliffordine, instead of the V stile at present at the corner of Green Nook Garden.  Sir Wm said he would be happy to sort it out if KSPC felt this arrangement would be more commodious to the public.  It did & it was agreed to write to the RDC for the legal authority for the diversion.

SEPTEMBER 1906Q  British School.  Sanitary Inspector advised that he would at once report any recurrence of the nuisance at Selsley to the RDC/take their instructions.  The proposed footpath diversion had been approved but the matter would be left for the present as there was a scheme evolving (a proposed new road) to divert the Highway owing to the steepness of Pool's Lane.  County advised that Division 2 of KS would be a separate Polling District at Parliamentary Elections with a Polling Station at the National School.  GPO advised that there would be an afternoon delivery up Selsley Hill as requested.  There was a shortness of water in the course at Church St.  Chairman thought that the course higher up near Shoot Lane probably needed clearing out, so a committee was appointed to look into it!

DECEMBER 1906Q Selsley School.  Regarding the proposed new road at Selsley; negotiations for exchange of land adjoining Baysums Field between Sir William Marling & Mr JC Prout proceeding.  Notices served on owner & occupier of property at Selsley to abate the nuisance caused.  Committee had examined watercourse but could find no serious leakage/loss of water.  Church St supply improved so perhaps some mud had cleared.  KSPC to repair footpath at end of Stire Orchard leading to the Free Meadow.  Curb & railing at the Green by the old Crown completed/Chairman hoped to have land levelled & turfed where necessary soon; he would ask KSPC to pay him the first of 2 £5 instalments next meeting as arranged (April).

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1907Q  British School.  2 sleepers & ashes were used to repair footpath at Stire Orchard; Mr P Steel of Red Hill Farm had v kindly done the work, including hauling voluntarily & he would be thanked by letter.  Proposed new road at Selsley in abeyance as Mr Prout did not see his way to make the necessary land exchange. Agreed to write letter of condolence to Mr H Dangerfield in his serious illness.  Being the last meeting of present Council, Chairman thanked Cllrs for the kind support they had given him during their term.  He was also thanked by the Council which was indebted to him, not only for his guidance in the Chair but also for his great assistance/kind action in meeting expenses to improve the Village Green. 

APRIL 1907 Annual Mtg. British School.  S S Marling elected Chairman unanimously.

Overseers (of the Poor) appointed: WD Hartley, EE(Edward Ernest)King, HF Thompson.  School Managers re-appointed:  Henry E Soloman Selsley CofE, George E Harrison Blakeford (late British) School &  Thomas Copner KS CofE School.  William John Paley Marling re-appointed Trustee of Parochial Charities.  A repair was required at Meadow Lane; a committee would inspect & carry this out at a cost not exceeding a few shillings.  That Committee was to inspect a path through Mrs Cholmeley's field at Selsley to ascertain what repairs were required; she would then be advised & asked to carry them out. 

JUNE 1907Q Selsley School. An irregularity allegedly occurred in Mr MG Cartwright's election; agreed in accord with S 47(4) of the Local Government Act 1894 that he be co-opted to the Council. Path through Mrs Cholmeley's field to be repaired by KSPC for £1-2-6. Rev AC Jennings to be advised that the gate to Free Meadow at KS end had disappeared/invited to replace it.  To ask Sir William Marling to go ahead/repair footpath in Baysums Field, without making the agreed diversion, left in abeyance waiting for news of proposed new road at Selsley.  Chairman suggested that as the well at top of High St had some years ago been considered impure, it be filled in; he would be glad to plant a tree there.  It was however agreed to pump out the well & analyse the inflow.  If satisfactory a pump would be erected for villagers' use.

SEPTEMBER 1907Q Blakeford School.  Rector of KS, Rev AC Jennings, declined to accede to KSPC's request to replace the missing gate.  The well water had been analysed & found to be fit for domestic use (the analyst's bill was £1-1-0).  A pump might be sited near the grating at the corner of Shoot Street; committee appointed to carry out work at a cost not exceeding £5.  There had been a complaint about footpath at Oxleaze field leading to Ryeford.  Marling & Co would give/haul stones to make repairs if KSPC would arrange for the work to be done.

 Ref Gloucestershire Record Office Volume labelled P190a 1/3

DECEMBER 1907Q Selsley School.  Chairman had spoken to Sir William Marling on subject of Baysums field/footpaths.  Sir Wm assured him that the Green opposite Green Nook did not belong to him & he could have no intention of enclosing it.  He did not want to improve the present footpath from Dudbridge as he considered his alternative proposal a very preferable scheme.  A long discussion ensued/it appeared that Parishioners found little favour with the proposals.Chairman would not therefore urge Sir Wm to spend £40-£50 on work which would not be appreciated; the matter was allowed to drop.  Miss Mary King objected to a pump being fixed to her wall nr the dipping place at corner of Shoot Lane; it was not necessary to fix it there.  Cost higher than allowed: including fixing Iron pump £8-12-6, Lead pump £6-10-0.  Lead was not considered desirable.  Resolved to ask the RDC about better footpath accommodation in Shoot Street.  Water was allowed to run to waste from KSPC's main at Pen Lane cottages; tenants to be advised of this & a push tap would be installed.  A motion to ask the RDC to pipe & cover the ditch at Blakeford was withdrawn when it was heard that this had been brought up several times previously; the RDC had not thought it necessary & KSPC was hoping 2 other matters might receive their attention!

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1908Q Blakeford School.  Chairman said Mr JH James had suggested a Lead pump would be most suitable/offering to provide/erect/connect it for £7 - accepted.  Mr Cartwright reported that tenant, Mr Guilding, strongly favoured a swing gate on footpath at Shepherd's Leaze Field.  Agreed to erect iron swing gate for total of £3.  RDC to delay repairing surface drain at High St until Mr James had installed pump.  Newly-installed push tap at Pen Lane had to be replaced by an ordinary one; it did not allow enough water through.  Rector, AC Jennings felt it inconvenient for residents to go to Rodborough to register deaths & advocated appointment of a Registrar for KS/LS.  KS to ask LS if they felt it was worth pursuing.  Extracts read from circular re provision of Small Holdings or Allotments from Board of Agriculture & Fisheries.  Mr Dangerfield believed there was some demand for allotments at Selsley.  Time permitting the matter would be brought up at the Parish Meeting.  Chairman said he would not ask for the 2nd £5 instalment for works to the Green at the old Crown & for this he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. 

APRIL 1908 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling unanimously elected Chairman.  Same Overseers as last year.  It had been suggested that water splashing on the footpath from the pump would be an inconvenience if it were placed on the corner as decided.  If KSPC were willing to reconsider, it could be placed over the well; Chairman was willing to pay to fence it with iron railings & gate.  KSPC was & he was thanked for his generous offer.  No further action needed re registering deaths as it could be done by post.  To repair Fords Lane & see Miss M Lusty re repair of a drain which emptied itself into the ditch at the lower end.  Alteration to watercourse on Mrs M Lusty's premises at Shoot Lane suggested to ensure better supply to Church St; committee to deal with it.  2 dipping places in Shoot Lane to be closed to prevent blockages occurring when boys threw stones in. Treasurer's Book showed a balance of 5d.  A Precept was made upon the Overseers for £5. 

UNE 1908Q Blakeford Sch.  No tender yet for hauling stone from the Barracks to repair Fords Lane.  Chairman said he'd heard it was not suitable anyway; KSPC could have stone from Stanley Mills for the fetching if it was suitable.  Committee had arranged for ditch on Mrs Lusty's premises to be dug out & some alterations made to the pipes which should secure a proper supply of water to the course at Church St.  A hedge belonging to Mr E Gleede which overhung the ditch needed to be cut back & his permission would be asked.  Mr Reginald Frank Clissold was appointed School Manager to KS CofE replacing Mr Copner who had resigned.  The footpath at the lower end of Park Field would be repaired as it was almost impassable at times when water & mud collected there.  Clerk to find out whether Mr Dangerfield, who had moved from the Parish, still intended to remain a Cllr.

SEPTEMBER 1908Q Selsley School.  Pump now erected at top of High St & Blacksmith had the fencing in hand.  Fords Lane was still not repaired.  Mr Malpass had promised to see the stone at Stanley Mills but had not yet called.  Mr Gleed had cut his hedge back & the ditch had been dug out re improvements to Church St water supply.  Large stones or sleepers would be put on the path at Park Field, not ashes which would block the course of the water.  Mr Dangerfield resigned as Cllr (& Vice Chairman).  Mr A King had offered to pay £1 towards opening up the well on the Green nr Red Lion Inn but no action was taken.  Chairman would much like to procure a good turf on the Green nr old Crown Inn but Mr Jolly feared it was hopeless so long as children played there.  Mr Camm asked whether the playing greens at the 2 schools might be used by the children during the evenings. 

DECEMBER 1908Q Blakeford Sch.  Pump & iron railings surrounding it now completed.  Mr Malpass had hauled/laid some stone in Fords Lane & repair would be completed by obtaining/laying coarse gravel to field gate.  Mr P Savage had placed stepping stones on the footpath in Park Field; thanks were recorded.  Mr Arthur F Workman was chosen as Cllr to fill the vacancy & Mr Cartwright was elected Vice Chairman.  To write to Mr VH Leigh's Land Agent with a view to obtaining a water supply on Selsley Hill by an easement from the supply to Mr Leigh's farm, occupied by Mr W Fowler, which adjoins the Hill.  County Surveyor to be asked to make a footpath (pavement) in front of the houses on the south side of Bath Road & to suggest that the road leading from Selsley Vicarage to the Bell Inn might be much improved if some flint was mixed with the stone when it was next metalled. 

MARCH 1909Q Selsley School  New Member, Mr A F Workman signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.  Chairman had gravel laid around the pump.  The total cost, including pump/railings, £13-6-5, of which KSPC had agreed to pay £7-0-0; Chairman was thanked for his kindness in paying balance.  He hoped it would be v useful & convenient to that part of the village.  Chairman had met Land Agent at Mr Fowler's farm to inspect source for proposed water supply to Selsley Hill: not v large so a trench would be dug to trace it.  County Surveyor promised to make footpath in front of new houses in Bath Road built by Mr James & later, if the small piece of Mrs Brunsdon's garden could be secured, it may be extended.  He promised also to repair/gravel pathway in Church St from Mr Prothero's house to Red Lion Inn. 

APRIL 1909 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling elected Chairman once more.  Overseers appointed as last year; the official documents being signed as usual.  Sufficient water had been found at Mr Fowler's farm & provided Mr Leigh consented a galvanised iron trough would be installed to hold the water.  A committee would carry out the scheme.  KSPC objected to the closure of the Telegraph offices at KS & Selsley for a half day although it agreed staff should have time off.  Either cover should be provided or telegrams should be delivered from Stonehouse at no extra cost to recipients.   Boundary ditch at Bath Rd to be cleaned out before summer to prevent offensive smells arising during hot weather.  Complaints made at Annual Parish Meeting that repairs to Fords Lane were unsatisfactory - Mr West to be asked to dig out his ditch which should solve the problem.  Watercourse again blocked, causing an overflow at Shoot Lane.  A committee would deal with it. 

JUNE 1909Q Blakeford Sch.  Mr Leigh was willing to give the water for a supply to Selsley Hill & also to erect a drinking trough on the hill & do fitting & connections at his own expense, reserving the right to remove them if necessary; his offer accepted & he was thanked for his generosity.  Blockage removed from watercourse at Shoot Lane.  Mr West had neither replied to KSPC's request, nor had he dug his ditch out.  Mr Copner was asked to speak to Mr West & Mr Malpass to ask them to dig out their ditches to improve conditions at Fords Lane. 

SEPTEMBER 1909Q Selsley School.  It seemed that there might not be enough force for a trough & ball tap on Selsley hill & KSPC would probably have to be content with the Pool which was being provided there.  Mr West said Fords Lane was too narrow to take 2 ditches.  A committee would inspect and decide what to do next.  Pump in Broad St needed to be repaired.  Chairman offered to have it done at a small expense at Stanley Mills; agreed.  A Change in the pattern of meetings to spread them more evenly was agreed: January, April, July & October.  Mr Workman drew attention to an unsafe V stile near Mr Copner's cottages at Peck St.  V Chairman Marcus G Cartwright & Mr Workman appointed to carry out repairs. 

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 1910 Blakeford School.  A gutter would be cut across Fords Lane nr field gate to divert surface water to Mr Malpass's ditch & providing it was cleaned out lane would be much improved.  Mr F J Brunsdon was about to lay a larger size pipe to supply Coldwell Cottage; whilst it was believed he was within his rights, taking water for domestic purposes, someone would, in a friendly way, ask him not to allow water to run to waste.  Chairman advised letters received from the RDC asking KSPC to lay new pipes from New St-Kings Head; he had replied that KSPC did not consider it needful expenditure & suggested that further such requests be politely declined.  Thanks sent to GCC for footpath repairs in Church St & Selsley.  Curbing in Bath Road nearly complete & small piece of garden in front of Mrs Brunsdon's cottages was being taken to allow path to be lengthened.  Rector wrote advising condition of public paths at Narrow Lane & Church Fields.  Cllrs Cartwright & Camm agreed to carry out small necessary repairs for about 15/-.  County Education Authority asked for information: they were compiling register of educational endowments with a view to securing proper application of moneys derived from them; left with Chairman.

APRIL 1910 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling elected Chairman.  Nothing had been done about Fords Lane; Chairman thought "they might now see to the matter".  Mr Pool felt the owner of the lands to which it led should bear at least part of repair cost; Chairman to see Sir Wm Marling.  Mr Brunsdon had been seen/intended if necessary to replace 1/2" with 1" supply pipe - "& no-one could stop him" but  Chairman said he would not be justified in interfering with the public supply.  Some pipes in Shoot Lane taken up to find cause of recurring overflows: a piece of brick. Footpath repair nr Meadow Cottages was a bigger job than anticipated: it crossed 2 drains which had fallen in; stone given by Sir Wm Marling, but work cost 30/- + Mr Claridge's haulage fee for stone/ashes.  Chairman would send a man there once/ twice a year to clear drains.  Repairs to Church Fields & Narrow Lane cost less than anticipated, thanks to free ashes/haulage from Marling & Co.  Cost of labour 3/- & 8/- respectively.  Nuisance at Middleyard to be abated by owner undertaking to lay pipes in place of open drain.  John CP Prout resigned; only just elected/not even attending this 1st meeting.  A vote decided who might serve & Mr Henry F Thompson was elected, defeating Mr P Jolly. 

JULY 1910 Blakeford Sch.  Fords Lane repaired.  No pipes yet laid to replace open drain at Middleyard.  Mr Workman would check & if nothing done in 14 days, Clerk would write to Sanitary Inspector again.  Chairman felt Parishioners would regret that through a mis-understanding Mr Jolly was not now a Cllr.  Mr Thompson said he hadn't wanted to come forward against anyone, simply accepted the inevitable.  Chairman was convinced that nothing was further from minds of Cllrs that any appearance of discourtesy should be shown to Mr Jolly.  Chairman asked if it would be advisable to level/gravel Green nr Blacksmith's shop; if so he would be pleased to have it done/defray cost.  Residents would be asked their opinion.  Mr Guilding had promised to dig out ditch at Shepherd Leaze Field nr new swing gate when his hay was in.  Future meetings to be held at Blakeford School.  Mr Thompson advised that Scavenging refuse often not collected until afternoon; it was thrown about by children & dust/ashes blew about, causing complaints.  This was apparently a matter for the Parochial Committee who would be asked to have contractor collect earlier.

OCTOBER 1910 Blakeford Sch.  Mr Copner said surplus stone was used to make a 2nd gutter in lower part of Fords Lane as agreed.  No consensus of opinion yet re gravelling Green nr Blacksmith's shop; if there was Chairman would stand to his promise.  Mr Guilding had dug out the ditch/made a great improvement.  Owners of hedges nr Baptist Chapel to be asked to cut them back from the highway.  KSPC was asked its opinion re proposal to close post office each evening (except Thurs: closed at 2pm) at 7pm instead of 8pm.  Various enquiries & response to be made accordingly.  Mr Thompson asked if anything could be done to improve sanitation of the Borough.  Chairman said it could only be discussed informally as it was the RDC's business; a sewage scheme was not a matter to embark on in a lighthearted manner; it meant higher rates & probably a loan/would require careful consideration. 

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 1911 Blakeford Sch.  Drain on Mrs Earl's property, Middleyard, newly piped & all openings trapped; now carried to deep vault made in the garden.  Future meetings to be held Wednesdays instead of Thursdays.  KSPC reluctant to allow post office to close at 7pm; proposed 7.30 if they could have a Sunday morning delivery.  A F Workman resigned as Cllr & co-option of Paul Jolly was proposed & agreed to.  Names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities to be published on Church/Chapel doors on March 12th.  Highway at Woodside Lane damaged by water overflowing from blocked watercourse under cartway leading to Messrs Malpass'/Camm's fields.  Enquiries to be made as to whose responsibility it was to prevent/repair this.  Discussion held as to upon whom duty of removing blockage caused by a landslip at Woodside Lane devolved.  Chairman to write to RDC on the matter. 

APRIL 1911 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling unanimously elected Chairman.  Overseers of the Poor re-appointed - Messrs William Dye Hartley, Edward Ernest King & Henry Frank Thompson.  KSPC was now asked if they approved of post office closing at 12 noon on Bank Holidays: yes, providing Sunday delivery granted.  It was tenant's duty to clear watercourse under the cartway to their land & Messrs Malpass/Camm had been informed.  County to be reminded to complete repairs to footpath in High St.  Coldwell Lane was in poor condition; agreed it was almost useless to lay ashes there.  Chairman thought that if Sir Wm Marling would give sufficient stone & those occupying land there hauled it, KSPC might complete work.  This was agreed/landowners' agreement (FJ Brunsdon, JW West & Cornelius Hughes) would be sought.  To write to Mrs MEP Savage asking here to have her ditch dug out to drain the water from pathway near stile leading to Park Field.

JULY 1911 Blakeford Sch.  To obtain a Sunday delivery of letters to the post office it would be necessary for 2/3 of the households in KS to agree.  A Canvass would be taken by a suitable person to obtain householders' opinion & the matter was left to the Chairman.  Mr Camm had dug out his ditch at Woodside Lane; Mr Malpass had not; complaints received; Chairman would write to him.  Mrs Savage would have her ditch dug out to carry water from pathway nr stile into Pembroke's field; she declined to haul stone to repair the lane.  Committee had inspected Penn Lane & suggested a small ditch be dug at foot of Mr Chudleigh's garden bank, & that several grips be made across the lane to take water to the ditch - agreed.   County Surveyor would inspect Church Rd/footway following complaints made by Rector & Cllr Chandler.  The RDC to be asked to repair/gravel footpaths near Baptist Chapel to JBP Prout's, near Mr Round's (Park Farm) at Selsley & near Selsley Villas. 

OCTOBER 1911 Blakeford Sch.  GPO agreed to deliver letters to post office on Sunday mornings from 8.30 to 10am; this had been obtained without recourse to the canvass.

A further grip would be made across the top of Penn Lane to lessen the volume of water being carried further down.  Mr Malpass to be asked to remove the refuse soil from the lane when scavenging.  Gate at Oil Mills entrance to Free Meadows taken to Stanley Mills for repair (it was Mr S S Marling's & gates here had been the subjected to damage for some years).  A hand-rail would be erected nr the gate for protection & a lock with 2 keys obtained, 1 to be left at Mr Merrett's, the other to be handed to Mr Peter Steel.   A plan, last before KSPC in 1907 & left in abeyance then pending a proposed new road at Selsley, was resurrected:  the footpath in Baysums Field from Selsley Vicarage up to Mr Hallett's (Green Nook) needed repairs & the previously agreed diversion involving closure of the old V stile near Green Nook, being replaced by a new V stile a few yards further away, would proceed.  Two paths would then converge on this stile.  Mr Round & Mr Claridge had each offered to do half at his own expense, provided the stone was given.  (A Notice concerning this subject was & is separately fixed to the Minute Book in the page relating to the minutes for January 1912)

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 10th 1912 Blakeford Sch.  Sir Wm Marling/Mr Round decided work could not be carried out at Baysums Field until formula complied with: hence formal notice.  Complaints of person/s interfering with arrangements (dividing stone in watercourse) in West Field so more water might go towards Leonard Stanley; committee to inspect/ report.  Mr Thompson moved "..this Council by virtue of powers conferred on them by the Poor Rate Assessment & Collection Act 1869 & Local Govt Act 1894 hereby rescind as from 30 Sept 1912 Resolution passed by KS Parish Vestry at Vestry Meeting held 17 Sept 1869 which ordered owners of certain heraditaments in the Parish to be rated to the poor rate instead of the occupiers..".  Chairman read part of the Act re compounding & notice of Vestry meeting; he believed money might be saved and Parishioners would take more interest in Parish/spending of money if they paid rates direct & had asked Clerk to ask other Parishes for information but little learned.  Sir Wm Marling wrote: if compounding was abolished he would allow an abatement of rent on his cottages to be computed on an average of rates for the past 5 years.  Adjourned to 24 Jan hoping for fuller attendance of Members.

JANUARY 24th 1912  Mr Thompson gave reasons for proposed change; Mr Cartwright thought a saving of 2-d on rates would be made if compounding was discontinued.  Several Cllrs unsure if any benefit would result/preferred no change.  Chairman said KSPC had full powers to act/they might try it & see.  Voting: 4-4 & following usual custom in such cases, Chairman used casting vote against making important alteration where opinion was so evenly divided.

APRIL 1912 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling unanimously elected Chairman & same Overseers re-appointed.  Re footpaths at Baysums Field: Sir Wm would bear expense of procedure for preliminary arrangements before alterations to paths could be made.  KSPC agreed carry out plan to improve them.  Fletcher's Row cottages had been flooded as reported to Parish Meeting when a new footpath with a high kerb was suggested as a preventive.  Mr Chandler said ditches should be kept open; committee to inspect/contact RDC.  Coldwell Lane became very bad in wet season; Sir Wm had promised to give stone from his quarry/Messrs Hughes & Brunsdon agreed to haul it but Mrs Savage had declined & no work was done.  Mr F Savage, who was present, said he would speak to his mother.  Cattle continually trespassed on West Field Allotments damaging crops; tenants should contact their landlords with proposals for gates etc as KSPC could take no action in the matter.

JULY 1912 Council School.  Proposals to alter Baysums Field footpaths reported to/ inspected by RDC, F Winterbotham & 2 Magistrates: no objections.  Now necessary to lay it before Quarter Sessions.  RDC to recommend footpath in front of Fletcher's Row cottages (Castle St) with 5" kerb to divert water away from them.  Mr Malpass kindly offered to haul materials.  Committee inspected Fords Lane/decided with Mr Malpass's consent to fill up his ditch & ask Mr R West to dig out his; it wd devolve on KSPC to repair lane.  Chairman thought Sir Wm would give sufficient stone; committee appointed to obtain an estimate & if approved carry out the work.  Larger pipes to go in at the foot of lane.  Francis Savage advised that his mother would have stone hauled to Coldwell Lane later in season.  Barrel of Broad St pump worn away but water could still be obtained by first pouring a little in at the top - ?

AUGUST 1912 Special Mtg. Council School.  RDC felt kerbed footpath unnecessary: catch pit KSPC proposed making would prevent Castle St houses flooding.  Mr Jolly said mischief in roadway at Coldwell Lane caused by leaks from pipes on Mr Taylor's land; a man might divert the water/mend road in a day with a load of stone.  Write to owner's agent asking him to cure leaks.  Rodborough & KS reps viewed dangerous bridge at Lightpill spanning brook separating Parishes.  Railing required immediate attention.  Onus of repair lay jointly with Mill owner/landowner as bridge, over which ran a public footpath, formed a cartway to Mill & land owned by Mr Kimmins.

OCTOBER 1912 Council School.  Mr West had dug out his ditch; 50/60 loads of stone needed in Fords Lane; seek estimates from Messrs W Malpass & son & Geo Stockwell for digging/hauling it from Sir Wm's quarry.  2 sleepers to be laid nr stile across footpath at Park Field leading to Pembroke's Field.  Footpath from Church St to Willow Cottages dangerous owing to deep ruts; land belonged to Henry Walkley; tell him that Marling & Co would give ashes for his repairs.  Stile at Grazy Park Field in occupation of Mr E King was dilapidated &, close to a deep ditch, a danger to the public; advise him, expressing hope that he might give it his early attention.

MARCH 1906Q British School.  Thanks to be given to Mr JCC Kimmins for satisfactory repairs to footpath/fencing of ditch at Lightpill.  Mr Round replied to KSPC's request: he did not manure his land at Free Meadows until all grass eaten off.  KSPC to apply to County for a Polling Booth at KS National School for use by both LS/KS on the Parliamentary Elections.  Clerk to obtain pamphlets for Cllrs showing procedure to be followed under provisions of the Small Holdings Act 1892.  Approved Chairman's action/having supply pipes in stream at Broad St/High St cleared out on receipt of RDC letter which was read out.  Path in Baysums Field Selsley from Green Nook-nr Vicarage in very bad condition.  Mr Round had offered to haul required stone which could be obtained without payment for repairs.  KSPC felt landowner, Sir Wm Marling should be asked to repair it, assisted by his tenant, Mr Round. 

APRIL 1906 Annual Mtg. British School.  S S Marling elected Chairman.  Overseers reappointed as last year.  Curbing in Church St repaired but not footpath it contained!  Unless Sanitary Authority's notice (to abate the nuisance at Mr Luker's premises, Selsley) was complied with, the matter would be brought before next RDC meeting.  Sir Wm Marling agreed to repair Baysums Field footpath provided KSPC repaired footpath in front of Green Nook from Highway-field gate. Agreed & would ask Sir Wm to give material from his quarry for this.  For years KSPC had been asking for better postal deliveries to various parts, including afternoon deliveries!, but that authority could not grant that to the whole of Selsley.  Undaunted KSPC continue trying - to extend afternoon deliveries as far as Antigua Cottage & Stanley End Farm.  A sensible price was found/it was agreed to preserve the Green fronting old Crown Inn by a post & rail inside the curbs.  Chairman to arrange work at once & would pay for it if KSPC paid him £5 this year & £5 next year.

JUNE 1906Q Selsley School.  Nothing had been done about the nuisance at Selsley & in case of rain there would probably be a recurrence of the nuisance on the Highway.  The Chairman consented to draft a letter to the Sanitary Inspector.

Sir William Marling suggested a minor diversion of the footpaths into Baysums Field which would result in them both passing through a new V stile to be erected to the west of the present field gate opposite Cliffordine, instead of the V stile at present at the corner of Green Nook Garden.  Sir Wm said he would be happy to sort it out if KSPC felt this arrangement would be more commodious to the public.  It did & it was agreed to write to the RDC for the legal authority for the diversion.

SEPTEMBER 1906Q  British School.  Sanitary Inspector advised that he would at once report any recurrence of the nuisance at Selsley to the RDC/take their instructions.  The proposed footpath diversion had been approved but the matter would be left for the present as there was a scheme evolving (a proposed new road) to divert the Highway owing to the steepness of Pool's Lane.  County advised that Division 2 of KS would be a separate Polling District at Parliamentary Elections with a Polling Station at the National School.  GPO advised that there would be an afternoon delivery up Selsley Hill as requested.  There was a shortness of water in the course at Church St.  Chairman thought that the course higher up near Shoot Lane probably needed clearing out, so a committee was appointed to look into it!

DECEMBER 1906Q Selsley School.  Regarding the proposed new road at Selsley; negotiations for exchange of land adjoining Baysums Field between Sir William Marling & Mr JC Prout proceeding.  Notices served on owner & occupier of property at Selsley to abate the nuisance caused.  Committee had examined watercourse but could find no serious leakage/loss of water.  Church St supply improved so perhaps some mud had cleared.  KSPC to repair footpath at end of Stire Orchard leading to the Free Meadow.  Curb & railing at the Green by the old Crown completed/Chairman hoped to have land levelled & turfed where necessary soon; he would ask KSPC to pay him the first of 2 £5 instalments next meeting as arranged (April).

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

APRIL 1907 Annual Mtg. British School.  S S Marling elected Chairman unanimously.

Overseers (of the Poor) appointed: WD Hartley, EE(Edward Ernest)King, HF Thompson.  School Managers re-appointed:  Henry E Soloman Selsley CofE, George E Harrison Blakeford (late British) School &  Thomas Copner KS CofE School.  William John Paley Marling re-appointed Trustee of Parochial Charities.  A repair was required at Meadow Lane; a committee would inspect & carry this out at a cost not exceeding a few shillings.  That Committee was to inspect a path through Mrs Cholmeley's field at Selsley to ascertain what repairs were required; she would then be advised & asked to carry them out. 

JUNE 1907Q Selsley School. An irregularity allegedly occurred in Mr MG Cartwright's election; agreed in accord with S 47(4) of the Local Government Act 1894 that he be co-opted to the Council. Path through Mrs Cholmeley's field to be repaired by KSPC for £1-2-6. Rev AC Jennings to be advised that the gate to Free Meadow at KS end had disappeared/invited to replace it.  To ask Sir William Marling to go ahead/repair footpath in Baysums Field, without making the agreed diversion, left in abeyance waiting for news of proposed new road at Selsley.  Chairman suggested that as the well at top of High St had some years ago been considered impure, it be filled in; he would be glad to plant a tree there.  It was however agreed to pump out the well & analyse the inflow.  If satisfactory a pump would be erected for villagers' use.

SEPTEMBER 1907Q Blakeford School.  Rector of KS, Rev AC Jennings, declined to accede to KSPC's request to replace the missing gate.  The well water had been analysed & found to be fit for domestic use (the analyst's bill was £1-1-0).  A pump might be sited near the grating at the corner of Shoot Street; committee appointed to carry out work at a cost not exceeding £5.  There had been a complaint about footpath at Oxleaze field leading to Ryeford.  Marling & Co would give/haul stones to make repairs if KSPC would arrange for the work to be done.

 Ref Gloucestershire Record Office Volume labelled P190a 1/3

DECEMBER 1907Q Selsley School.  Chairman had spoken to Sir William Marling on subject of Baysums field/footpaths.  Sir Wm assured him that the Green opposite Green Nook did not belong to him & he could have no intention of enclosing it.  He did not want to improve the present footpath from Dudbridge as he considered his alternative proposal a very preferable scheme.  A long discussion ensued/it appeared that Parishioners found little favour with the proposals.Chairman would not therefore urge Sir Wm to spend £40-£50 on work which would not be appreciated; the matter was allowed to drop.  Miss Mary King objected to a pump being fixed to her wall nr the dipping place at corner of Shoot Lane; it was not necessary to fix it there.  Cost higher than allowed: including fixing Iron pump £8-12-6, Lead pump £6-10-0.  Lead was not considered desirable.  Resolved to ask the RDC about better footpath accommodation in Shoot Street.  Water was allowed to run to waste from KSPC's main at Pen Lane cottages; tenants to be advised of this & a push tap would be installed.  A motion to ask the RDC to pipe & cover the ditch at Blakeford was withdrawn when it was heard that this had been brought up several times previously; the RDC had not thought it necessary & KSPC was hoping 2 other matters might receive their attention!

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1908Q Blakeford School.  Chairman said Mr JH James had suggested a Lead pump would be most suitable/offering to provide/erect/connect it for £7 - accepted.  Mr Cartwright reported that tenant, Mr Guilding, strongly favoured a swing gate on footpath at Shepherd's Leaze Field.  Agreed to erect iron swing gate for total of £3.  RDC to delay repairing surface drain at High St until Mr James had installed pump.  Newly-installed push tap at Pen Lane had to be replaced by an ordinary one; it did not allow enough water through.  Rector, AC Jennings felt it inconvenient for residents to go to Rodborough to register deaths & advocated appointment of a Registrar for KS/LS.  KS to ask LS if they felt it was worth pursuing.  Extracts read from circular re provision of Small Holdings or Allotments from Board of Agriculture & Fisheries.  Mr Dangerfield believed there was some demand for allotments at Selsley.  Time permitting the matter would be brought up at the Parish Meeting.  Chairman said he would not ask for the 2nd £5 instalment for works to the Green at the old Crown & for this he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. 

APRIL 1908 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling unanimously elected Chairman.  Same Overseers as last year.  It had been suggested that water splashing on the footpath from the pump would be an inconvenience if it were placed on the corner as decided.  If KSPC were willing to reconsider, it could be placed over the well; Chairman was willing to pay to fence it with iron railings & gate.  KSPC was & he was thanked for his generous offer.  No further action needed re registering deaths as it could be done by post.  To repair Fords Lane & see Miss M Lusty re repair of a drain which emptied itself into the ditch at the lower end.  Alteration to watercourse on Mrs M Lusty's premises at Shoot Lane suggested to ensure better supply to Church St; committee to deal with it.  2 dipping places in Shoot Lane to be closed to prevent blockages occurring when boys threw stones in. Treasurer's Book showed a balance of 5d.  A Precept was made upon the Overseers for £5. 

JUNE 1908Q Blakeford Sch.  No tender yet for hauling stone from the Barracks to repair Fords Lane.  Chairman said he'd heard it was not suitable anyway; KSPC could have stone from Stanley Mills for the fetching if it was suitable.  Committee had arranged for ditch on Mrs Lusty's premises to be dug out & some alterations made to the pipes which should secure a proper supply of water to the course at Church St.  A hedge belonging to Mr E Gleede which overhung the ditch needed to be cut back & his permission would be asked.  Mr Reginald Frank Clissold was appointed School Manager to KS CofE replacing Mr Copner who had resigned.  The footpath at the lower end of Park Field would be repaired as it was almost impassable at times when water & mud collected there.  Clerk to find out whether Mr Dangerfield, who had moved from the Parish, still intended to remain a Cllr.

SEPTEMBER 1908Q Selsley School.  Pump now erected at top of High St & Blacksmith had the fencing in hand.  Fords Lane was still not repaired.  Mr Malpass had promised to see the stone at Stanley Mills but had not yet called.  Mr Gleed had cut his hedge back & the ditch had been dug out re improvements to Church St water supply.  Large stones or sleepers would be put on the path at Park Field, not ashes which would block the course of the water.  Mr Dangerfield resigned as Cllr (& Vice Chairman).  Mr A King had offered to pay £1 towards opening up the well on the Green nr Red Lion Inn but no action was taken.  Chairman would much like to procure a good turf on the Green nr old Crown Inn but Mr Jolly feared it was hopeless so long as children played there.  Mr Camm asked whether the playing greens at the 2 schools might be used by the children during the evenings. 

DECEMBER 1908Q Blakeford Sch.  Pump & iron railings surrounding it now completed.  Mr Malpass had hauled/laid some stone in Fords Lane & repair would be completed by obtaining/laying coarse gravel to field gate.  Mr P Savage had placed stepping stones on the footpath in Park Field; thanks were recorded.  Mr Arthur F Workman was chosen as Cllr to fill the vacancy & Mr Cartwright was elected Vice Chairman.  To write to Mr VH Leigh's Land Agent with a view to obtaining a water supply on Selsley Hill by an easement from the supply to Mr Leigh's farm, occupied by Mr W Fowler, which adjoins the Hill.  County Surveyor to be asked to make a footpath (pavement) in front of the houses on the south side of Bath Road & to suggest that the road leading from Selsley Vicarage to the Bell Inn might be much improved if some flint was mixed with the stone when it was next metalled. 

MARCH 1909Q Selsley School  New Member, Mr A F Workman signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.  Chairman had gravel laid around the pump.  The total cost, including pump/railings, £13-6-5, of which KSPC had agreed to pay £7-0-0; Chairman was thanked for his kindness in paying balance.  He hoped it would be v useful & convenient to that part of the village.  Chairman had met Land Agent at Mr Fowler's farm to inspect source for proposed water supply to Selsley Hill: not v large so a trench would be dug to trace it.  County Surveyor promised to make footpath in front of new houses in Bath Road built by Mr James & later, if the small piece of Mrs Brunsdon's garden could be secured, it may be extended.  He promised also to repair/gravel pathway in Church St from Mr Prothero's house to Red Lion Inn. 

APRIL 1909 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling elected Chairman once more.  Overseers appointed as last year; the official documents being signed as usual.  Sufficient water had been found at Mr Fowler's farm & provided Mr Leigh consented a galvanised iron trough would be installed to hold the water.  A committee would carry out the scheme.  KSPC objected to the closure of the Telegraph offices at KS & Selsley for a half day although it agreed staff should have time off.  Either cover should be provided or telegrams should be delivered from Stonehouse at no extra cost to recipients.   Boundary ditch at Bath Rd to be cleaned out before summer to prevent offensive smells arising during hot weather.  Complaints made at Annual Parish Meeting that repairs to Fords Lane were unsatisfactory - Mr West to be asked to dig out his ditch which should solve the problem.  Watercourse again blocked, causing an overflow at Shoot Lane.  A committee would deal with it. 

JUNE 1909Q Blakeford Sch.  Mr Leigh was willing to give the water for a supply to Selsley Hill & also to erect a drinking trough on the hill & do fitting & connections at his own expense, reserving the right to remove them if necessary; his offer accepted & he was thanked for his generosity.  Blockage removed from watercourse at Shoot Lane.  Mr West had neither replied to KSPC's request, nor had he dug his ditch out.  Mr Copner was asked to speak to Mr West & Mr Malpass to ask them to dig out their ditches to improve conditions at Fords Lane. 

SEPTEMBER 1909Q Selsley School.  It seemed that there might not be enough force for a trough & ball tap on Selsley hill & KSPC would probably have to be content with the Pool which was being provided there.  Mr West said Fords Lane was too narrow to take 2 ditches.  A committee would inspect and decide what to do next.  Pump in Broad St needed to be repaired.  Chairman offered to have it done at a small expense at Stanley Mills; agreed.  A Change in the pattern of meetings to spread them more evenly was agreed: January, April, July & October.  Mr Workman drew attention to an unsafe V stile near Mr Copner's cottages at Peck St.  V Chairman Marcus G Cartwright & Mr Workman appointed to carry out repairs. 

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 1910 Blakeford School.  A gutter would be cut across Fords Lane nr field gate to divert surface water to Mr Malpass's ditch & providing it was cleaned out lane would be much improved.  Mr F J Brunsdon was about to lay a larger size pipe to supply Coldwell Cottage; whilst it was believed he was within his rights, taking water for domestic purposes, someone would, in a friendly way, ask him not to allow water to run to waste.  Chairman advised letters received from the RDC asking KSPC to lay new pipes from New St-Kings Head; he had replied that KSPC did not consider it needful expenditure & suggested that further such requests be politely declined.  Thanks sent to GCC for footpath repairs in Church St & Selsley.  Curbing in Bath Road nearly complete & small piece of garden in front of Mrs Brunsdon's cottages was being taken to allow path to be lengthened.  Rector wrote advising condition of public paths at Narrow Lane & Church Fields.  Cllrs Cartwright & Camm agreed to carry out small necessary repairs for about 15/-.  County Education Authority asked for information: they were compiling register of educational endowments with a view to securing proper application of moneys derived from them; left with Chairman.

APRIL 1910 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling elected Chairman.  Nothing had been done about Fords Lane; Chairman thought "they might now see to the matter".  Mr Pool felt the owner of the lands to which it led should bear at least part of repair cost; Chairman to see Sir Wm Marling.  Mr Brunsdon had been seen/intended if necessary to replace 1/2" with 1" supply pipe - "& no-one could stop him" but  Chairman said he would not be justified in interfering with the public supply.  Some pipes in Shoot Lane taken up to find cause of recurring overflows: a piece of brick. Footpath repair nr Meadow Cottages was a bigger job than anticipated: it crossed 2 drains which had fallen in; stone given by Sir Wm Marling, but work cost 30/- + Mr Claridge's haulage fee for stone/ashes.  Chairman would send a man there once/ twice a year to clear drains.  Repairs to Church Fields & Narrow Lane cost less than anticipated, thanks to free ashes/haulage from Marling & Co.  Cost of labour 3/- & 8/- respectively.  Nuisance at Middleyard to be abated by owner undertaking to lay pipes in place of open drain.  John CP Prout resigned; only just elected/not even attending this 1st meeting.  A vote decided who might serve & Mr Henry F Thompson was elected, defeating Mr P Jolly. 

JULY 1910 Blakeford Sch.  Fords Lane repaired.  No pipes yet laid to replace open drain at Middleyard.  Mr Workman would check & if nothing done in 14 days, Clerk would write to Sanitary Inspector again.  Chairman felt Parishioners would regret that through a mis-understanding Mr Jolly was not now a Cllr.  Mr Thompson said he hadn't wanted to come forward against anyone, simply accepted the inevitable.  Chairman was convinced that nothing was further from minds of Cllrs that any appearance of discourtesy should be shown to Mr Jolly.  Chairman asked if it would be advisable to level/gravel Green nr Blacksmith's shop; if so he would be pleased to have it done/defray cost.  Residents would be asked their opinion.  Mr Guilding had promised to dig out ditch at Shepherd Leaze Field nr new swing gate when his hay was in.  Future meetings to be held at Blakeford School.  Mr Thompson advised that Scavenging refuse often not collected until afternoon; it was thrown about by children & dust/ashes blew about, causing complaints.  This was apparently a matter for the Parochial Committee who would be asked to have contractor collect earlier.

OCTOBER 1910 Blakeford Sch.  Mr Copner said surplus stone was used to make a 2nd gutter in lower part of Fords Lane as agreed.  No consensus of opinion yet re gravelling Green nr Blacksmith's shop; if there was Chairman would stand to his promise.  Mr Guilding had dug out the ditch/made a great improvement.  Owners of hedges nr Baptist Chapel to be asked to cut them back from the highway.  KSPC was asked its opinion re proposal to close post office each evening (except Thurs: closed at 2pm) at 7pm instead of 8pm.  Various enquiries & response to be made accordingly.  Mr Thompson asked if anything could be done to improve sanitation of the Borough.  Chairman said it could only be discussed informally as it was the RDC's business; a sewage scheme was not a matter to embark on in a lighthearted manner; it meant higher rates & probably a loan/would require careful consideration.

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 1911 Blakeford Sch.  Drain on Mrs Earl's property, Middleyard, newly piped & all openings trapped; now carried to deep vault made in the garden.  Future meetings to be held Wednesdays instead of Thursdays.  KSPC reluctant to allow post office to close at 7pm; proposed 7.30 if they could have a Sunday morning delivery.  A F Workman resigned as Cllr & co-option of Paul Jolly was proposed & agreed to.  Names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities to be published on Church/Chapel doors on March 12th.  Highway at Woodside Lane damaged by water overflowing from blocked watercourse under cartway leading to Messrs Malpass'/Camm's fields.  Enquiries to be made as to whose responsibility it was to prevent/repair this.  Discussion held as to upon whom duty of removing blockage caused by a landslip at Woodside Lane devolved.  Chairman to write to RDC on the matter. 

APRIL 1911 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling unanimously elected Chairman.  Overseers of the Poor re-appointed - Messrs William Dye Hartley, Edward Ernest King & Henry Frank Thompson.  KSPC was now asked if they approved of post office closing at 12 noon on Bank Holidays: yes, providing Sunday delivery granted.  It was tenant's duty to clear watercourse under the cartway to their land & Messrs Malpass/Camm had been informed.  County to be reminded to complete repairs to footpath in High St.  Coldwell Lane was in poor condition; agreed it was almost useless to lay ashes there.  Chairman thought that if Sir Wm Marling would give sufficient stone & those occupying land there hauled it, KSPC might complete work.  This was agreed/landowners' agreement (FJ Brunsdon, JW West & Cornelius Hughes) would be sought.  To write to Mrs MEP Savage asking here to have her ditch dug out to drain the water from pathway near stile leading to Park Field.

JULY 1911 Blakeford Sch.  To obtain a Sunday delivery of letters to the post office it would be necessary for 2/3 of the households in KS to agree.  A Canvass would be taken by a suitable person to obtain householders' opinion & the matter was left to the Chairman.  Mr Camm had dug out his ditch at Woodside Lane; Mr Malpass had not; complaints received; Chairman would write to him.  Mrs Savage would have her ditch dug out to carry water from pathway nr stile into Pembroke's field; she declined to haul stone to repair the lane.  Committee had inspected Penn Lane & suggested a small ditch be dug at foot of Mr Chudleigh's garden bank, & that several grips be made across the lane to take water to the ditch - agreed.   County Surveyor would inspect Church Rd/footway following complaints made by Rector & Cllr Chandler.  The RDC to be asked to repair/gravel footpaths near Baptist Chapel to JBP Prout's, near Mr Round's (Park Farm) at Selsley & near Selsley Villas. 

OCTOBER 1911 Blakeford Sch.  GPO agreed to deliver letters to post office on Sunday mornings from 8.30 to 10am; this had been obtained without recourse to the canvass.

A further grip would be made across the top of Penn Lane to lessen the volume of water being carried further down.  Mr Malpass to be asked to remove the refuse soil from the lane when scavenging.  Gate at Oil Mills entrance to Free Meadows taken to Stanley Mills for repair (it was Mr S S Marling's & gates here had been the subjected to damage for some years).  A hand-rail would be erected nr the gate for protection & a lock with 2 keys obtained, 1 to be left at Mr Merrett's, the other to be handed to Mr Peter Steel.   A plan, last before KSPC in 1907 & left in abeyance then pending a proposed new road at Selsley, was resurrected:  the footpath in Baysums Field from Selsley Vicarage up to Mr Hallett's (Green Nook) needed repairs & the previously agreed diversion involving closure of the old V stile near Green Nook, being replaced by a new V stile a few yards further away, would proceed.  Two paths would then converge on this stile.  Mr Round & Mr Claridge had each offered to do half at his own expense, provided the stone was given.  (A Notice concerning this subject was & is separately fixed to the Minute Book in the page relating to the minutes for January 1912)

 EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

JANUARY 10th 1912 Blakeford Sch.  Sir Wm Marling/Mr Round decided work could not be carried out at Baysums Field until formula complied with: hence formal notice.  Complaints of person/s interfering with arrangements (dividing stone in watercourse) in West Field so more water might go towards Leonard Stanley; committee to inspect/ report.  Mr Thompson moved "..this Council by virtue of powers conferred on them by the Poor Rate Assessment & Collection Act 1869 & Local Govt Act 1894 hereby rescind as from 30 Sept 1912 Resolution passed by KS Parish Vestry at Vestry Meeting held 17 Sept 1869 which ordered owners of certain heraditaments in the Parish to be rated to the poor rate instead of the occupiers..".  Chairman read part of the Act re compounding & notice of Vestry meeting; he believed money might be saved and Parishioners would take more interest in Parish/spending of money if they paid rates direct & had asked Clerk to ask other Parishes for information but little learned.  Sir Wm Marling wrote: if compounding was abolished he would allow an abatement of rent on his cottages to be computed on an average of rates for the past 5 years.  Adjourned to 24 Jan hoping for fuller attendance of Members.

JANUARY 24th 1912  Mr Thompson gave reasons for proposed change; Mr Cartwright thought a saving of 2-d on rates would be made if compounding was discontinued.  Several Cllrs unsure if any benefit would result/preferred no change.  Chairman said KSPC had full powers to act/they might try it & see.  Voting: 4-4 & following usual custom in such cases, Chairman used casting vote against making important alteration where opinion was so evenly divided.

APRIL 1912 Annual Mtg. Blakeford Sch.  S S Marling unanimously elected Chairman & same Overseers re-appointed.  Re footpaths at Baysums Field: Sir Wm would bear expense of procedure for preliminary arrangements before alterations to paths could be made.  KSPC agreed carry out plan to improve them.  Fletcher's Row cottages had been flooded as reported to Parish Meeting when a new footpath with a high kerb was suggested as a preventive.  Mr Chandler said ditches should be kept open; committee to inspect/contact RDC.  Coldwell Lane became very bad in wet season; Sir Wm had promised to give stone from his quarry/Messrs Hughes & Brunsdon agreed to haul it but Mrs Savage had declined & no work was done.  Mr F Savage, who was present, said he would speak to his mother.  Cattle continually trespassed on West Field Allotments damaging crops; tenants should contact their landlords with proposals for gates etc as KSPC could take no action in the matter.

JULY 1912 Council School.  Proposals to alter Baysums Field footpaths reported to/ inspected by RDC, F Winterbotham & 2 Magistrates: no objections.  Now necessary to lay it before Quarter Sessions.  RDC to recommend footpath in front of Fletcher's Row cottages (Castle St) with 5" kerb to divert water away from them.  Mr Malpass kindly offered to haul materials.  Committee inspected Fords Lane/decided with Mr Malpass's consent to fill up his ditch & ask Mr R West to dig out his; it wd devolve on KSPC to repair lane.  Chairman thought Sir Wm would give sufficient stone; committee appointed to obtain an estimate & if approved carry out the work.  Larger pipes to go in at the foot of lane.  Francis Savage advised that his mother would have stone hauled to Coldwell Lane later in season.  Barrel of Broad St pump worn away but water could still be obtained by first pouring a little in at the top - ?

AUGUST 1912 Special Mtg. Council School.  RDC felt kerbed footpath unnecessary: catch pit KSPC proposed making would prevent Castle St houses flooding.  Mr Jolly said mischief in roadway at Coldwell Lane caused by leaks from pipes on Mr Taylor's land; a man might divert the water/mend road in a day with a load of stone.  Write to owner's agent asking him to cure leaks.  Rodborough & KS reps viewed dangerous bridge at Lightpill spanning brook separating Parishes.  Railing required immediate attention.  Onus of repair lay jointly with Mill owner/landowner as bridge, over which ran a public footpath, formed a cartway to Mill & land owned by Mr Kimmins.

OCTOBER 1912 Council School.  Mr West had dug out his ditch; 50/60 loads of stone needed in Fords Lane; seek estimates from Messrs W Malpass & son & Geo Stockwell for digging/hauling it from Sir Wm's quarry.  2 sleepers to be laid nr stile across footpath at Park Field leading to Pembroke's Field.  Footpath from Church St to Willow Cottages dangerous owing to deep ruts; land belonged to Henry Walkley; tell him that Marling & Co would give ashes for his repairs.  Stile at Grazy Park Field in occupation of Mr E King was dilapidated &, close to a deep ditch, a danger to the public; advise him, expressing hope that he might give it his early attention.

JANUARY 1913 Council School. 40 yds stone req for Fords Lane; total works cost of £10-£12. Ask RDC to put in a catchpit to take water from the ditch at Parish expense. Mr Cartwright advised he had drain at Coldwell Lane seen to but there was no provision for taking water from Mrs Price's land to it. He had also laid stone Mrs Savage had hauled; 20+ loads required - to be done soon - 30 yds dug @ 9d/yd. Mr Hughes said his father was willing to haul some if F Brunsdon would do his share. Dole Charities beneficiaries to be published on Church doors Mar 9th. 57 signatures to a memorial from Middleyard wanting a Letter Box - a badly felt want/should have been granted long ago - agreed. 2 sleepers for repairing footpath at Park Field not yet carted onto site "were still sleeping in Mrs Savage's yard".

APRIL 1913 Annual Mtg. Council School. A vote 4-4 for Chairman: Mr P Jolly v S Marling but the provisional Chairman's (M G Cartwright) casting vote went to the latter securing his re-election. The RDC to be asked to fix an iron grating to the mouth of the catchpit at bottom of Fords Lane without extra charge to £3-6-7.

MAY 1913 Special Mtg. Council School. Sir Wm Marling promised £5 for Fords Lane repairs; thanks sent; seek estimates for work, likely £15-£20. Charles Haynes thanked KSPC for appointing him Council School Manager. No further repairs to be made yet at Coldwell. Leonard Stanley PC commented on Church Fields footpath; ashes to be laid/LSPC to be invited to further improve it by laying a flat stone in swing gateway. Cottage owner at School Lane complained it had flooded during recent rains/suggested KSPC have watercourse cleared. Mr Copner said grating not high enough/new 6" pipe should be laid at the dividing place at Coneygre Field. He would see to laying a pipe in the watercourse there. Coldwell tank opened for inspection/water supply intermittent/often muddy/unfit. Another slip at Water Lane Selsley - road blocked; RDC to be advised. Fords Lane:".. any desirable/trustworthy person applying for Allotments shall be able to ... on application ...to Mr Morse".

JULY 1913 Council School. Mr Camm objected to last minutes which did not record Clerk's answer to his question that in letting more Allotment land he would not require compensation. Clerk said he could not be bound by the minutes, being bound by conditions on which he took land from Sir Wm, one was that he was allowed to let land in Allotments. Mr Barrett supposed Clerk had power to give holders notice to quit if he chose. He had, but unlikely/he wanted to let 2+ extra acres in Allotments which he was compelled to cultivate for want of tenants. Standing Orders updated; 50 copies ordered from James & Co Ltd, Stroud. Election costs April 7th: £14-15-4 - price of democracy 1913! RDC to repair Water Lane landslip when weather permits but trough disappeared & water running down lane. Ask RDC to help restore supply.

SEPTEMBER 1913 Council School. Ashes laid in Fords Lane/more stone required. Children had thrown stones into catchpit/Mr Camm would see to it. His brother had his part of the Boro' watercourse dug out but nothing done by other owners: Clerk to write again to Messrs Alderwick/Hague & Mrs HW Price. Mr EW Winterbotham resigned as Treasurer to KSPC, recommending as his successor, Mr Lionel Cape, who had succeeded him as Manager at Capital & Counties Bank. 21 Selsley inhabitants petitioned, praying that steps be taken to secure a water supply to the upper part of the district. Resolved to write to RDC.

DECEMBER 1913Q Council School. As nothing had been done to clear the watercourse at the Boro' Clerk to write to Sanitary Inspector about the nuisance caused by accumulation of mud etc. Branches at Cliffordine House, Selsley were overhanging the highway; Mrs E Burgh would be asked to cut them back. It was unanimously agreed to apply to the Postal Authority to provide a "Public Telephone Call" at KS Post Office. A spring had arisen in Penn Lane & a committee would inspect it to decide on remedial action at a cost not exceeding £3; committee to meet on site on Friday 26th December at 3pm!

MARCH 1914Q ? Sanitary Inspector re ditch at the Boro': RDC would probably refer it to KS Parochial Committee, so Clerk would again ask owners to clean it out. Agreed to accept £100 Bond provided by Treasurer, Lionel Cape/authorised payment of stamp: 2/6. Fords Lane repairs could not be completed; although stone dug/could not be hauled as a stack blocked quarry entrance. This would be dealt with/stone already laid at lower end to be broken up/laid with ashes. Disagreed with RDC that ditch at Penn Lane should be referred to Parochial Committee - it was RDC work - support of Sir Wm/Mr Kimmins/Mr Hartley would be enlisted. Postal Authority considering request/costs/likely support for a public Telephone Call at the Post Office. A Spring which had arisen in middle of Penn Lane had disappeared, possibly due to an "improvement" by Mr Hughes. RDC asked about housing accommodation/demand for houses/acquisition of land/costs/overcrowding etc re Housing & Town Planning Act. There was overcrowding in the Parish/also houses to let. Before replying that there was no demand it would be referred to the forthcoming Parish Meeting.

APRIL 1914 Annual Mtg. Council School. S Marling re-elected Chairman. Overseers appointed: Messrs WOULD Hartley/EE King/HF Thompson. Miss A Hague/C Camm had each given 2/6 as their contribution towards cleaning out the ditch at the Boro', their tenants promising to clear their parts. Fords Lane work finished/roadway inside field gate not yet done. RDC agreed to sort out ditch in Penn Lane. The matter of demand for housing had been put to the Parish Meeting on 31 March & answers to RDC's questions prepared (vote decided that there was a demand/CP Prout offered to sell suitable building land if it would benefit Parish/avoid overcrowding). New Parochial Charities Trustees: P Jolly/AE Chapman. (H Bishop did not wish to continue & WJP Marling was leaving the district). AE Chapman also appointed as Pauls Charity Trustee replacing WS Hughes. Road from Peck St to Allotments at Lower Field in poor condition; Messrs Camm/Guilding would haul ashes free if stone was first laid. Chairman said Sir Wm would probably give some/it was suggested that Rector (owner of allotment land) & owner of Lower Field might be willing to pay something.

JUNE 1914Q Council School. Rector of KS, AC Jennings, gave £1 towards cost of road repairs, the length being some 50 yds. A committee was appointed to obtain an estimate for hauling the stone. The tenant whose hedge nr Baptist Chapel overhung the highway would be asked to cut it back & if not the RDC would be asked to do it. Someone was throwing their slops into the dipping place at Middle Yard, polluting the stream; steps would be taken at once to stop this. Mr Cartwright had the stones over the watercourse nr Willow Cottages re-fixed; KSPC approved his action & decided to pay him the small expense of 2/- involved.

SEPTEMBER 1914Q Council School. Before commencing Chairman said they could not dismiss from their minds the War in which England & Allied Armies were engaged against Germany/when we contemplated what would result if Germany was victorious we should realise we were engaged in a life or death struggle. It therefore behoved each one to do our best in every possible way to help in this great crisis. Lower Field owner to give £1 towards road repairs. Tenders from G Stockwell -2/10 per yd for digging/hauling, 2/- hauling only; from W Malpass & Son - 2/- & 1/9. Subs of 3/9 received to erect pole & v-stile to stop cattle trespass damage. Re letter from G Evans re Subsidiary Committee - Chairman said there did not seem to be any want of employment/distress resulting from the war. Mr Jolly said Mrs Ursell & Miss Jolly had made careful enquiry/prepared lists of those who might need help because husbands/sons had enlisted. They would be asked to form committee w 2 Cllrs keeping KSPC informed. Cllrs Cartwright/Chandler appointed; AE Chapman/HE Soloman named Members. Dogs lying in water trough at Peaked Elm Farm Selsley had fouled it & horses/cattle would not drink there. Apparently farmers who had complained also owned the dogs so a remedy lay in their hands.

DECEMBER 1914Q Council School. Watercourse supplying Coldwell tank full of roots; once removed supply much improved. Mr Price kindly agreed to cut down offending Willows. Nuisances, which for the sake of common decency/cleanliness/for the credit of the Parish ought to cease, were being caused nr footpath stiles. Schoolmasters would be asked to speak to children about it/hoping general attention would thus be drawn to issue. Gas Co left 50 yds footpath at Stanley Mill Pitch in poor repair; to be asked to rectify. Chairman had Laggar Lane well laid w ashes & suggested Stonehouse Parish be asked to repair path their side of bridge spanning the brook.

MARCH 1915Q Council School. Stonehouse informed KSPC that the path to the north of the bridge over the brook was in KSP; repairs would be done by KSPC. The RDC had cut off Mr Hughes' drains when laying pipes in the watercourse at Middle Yard so he had tapped their pipes to connect his drain thereto. The RDC had dug a deep trench by Mr Beard's wall at Knapp Pitch to lay pipes in but it had fallen down & work stopped; enquiries to be made. Stroud Water Co were prepared to erect 2 hydrants in the village - KSPC to pay the cost of erection (about 30/- ea) & an annual charge of 50/- ... concerns previously raised about this need in case of fire & also about the apparent irregular supply from the Water Co ... it was moved that, with consent from HV Leigh, KSPC erect a sluice gate at the mouth of the culvert in Coneygre Field at Blakeford, the gate to be dropped when necessary to collect water; this caused considerable discussion & matter was left to Messrs Cartwright/Jolly/Copner.

APRIL 1915 Annual Mtg. Council School. In seconding the re-election of S Marling as Chairman, Mr Harrison spoke of the able manner in which he carried out the duties of Chairman of the Annual Parish Meeting, considering the provocation he received caused by the disgraceful behaviour of one or two persons. Chairman & Mr Jolly had tested the supply at Blakeford & found that it was nearly 4,000 gals per hour. Complaints made at the APM about the lane past Stanley End Farm to Lightpill were discussed & objection was raised to repairing the pathway in Sliding Close Field. Chairman to write to Mr Hall re occasional clearing of a drain or pipe to divert overflow water from the path in that field. Two Cllrs would look at the footbridge at Hanging Close Field which was said to be dangerous. The pump at the Boro' was out of order, the mischief believed to be children putting gravel into it.

JUNE 1915Q Council School. Peck Street lane still short of stone. It was suggested that Mr JHP Marling, who owned Peck St Farm, might be asked to contribute towards the cost of a gate to prevent trespass by cattle. Hanging Close Field footbridge & pump at top of High St repaired by Mr Copner for 1/- & 2/6 resp. Chairman to confer with Capt Ford of Stroud Fire Brigade re plans to construct a pond/reserve at Coneygre Field to settle/confirm doubts as to whether expenditure was justified in terms of likely results. Mr W West had buried glass/tins etc in Fords Lane evidently not deep enough as the Clerk had to write to ask Malpass & Son to bury such items, covering it with ashes in future.

SEPTEMBER 1915Q Council School. Best site for a gate in Peck St lane was at the bottom; the cost of an oak one & posts/fittings, material for V stile, labour would be nearly £3 towards which KSPC had £2. Some Allotment holders would contribute 1/- each & there was 2/9 in hand. Scheme to go ahead under direction of Chairman who said iron hinges & posts might be made st Stanley Mills as being much cheaper. Capt Ford of Stroud Fire Brigade said that about 1,000 yds of hose was available & the scheme would be most useful but as there was a war on it had perhaps better be left for the present. 25/30 loads of ashes required for Fords lane & a price for hauling them from Stanley Mills would be obtained; Chairman for Marling & Co Ltd offered to pay half the cost. Footbridges leading from Grazy Park Field towards Ebley/Stanley Mills & towards Steep Field & Red Hill Farm to be repaired; arrangements to be made locally.

DECEMBER 1915Q Council School. Satisfaction expressed at new gate & its erection, agreeing to Chairman's suggestion to fit a spring which he would have made & adjusted. Footbridges had been repaired but the one to Rowak's Field would benefit from a handrail on the LHS to act as a protection from the very deep ditch. The cost of repairs came to 10/8. Concern again expressed re condition of lane leading from Mr Halls Farm (Stanley End Lane) to Sliding Close Field. Chairman would again speak to Mr Hall re digging out the ditch & also to trim the briars near the footpath in the field. He would also obtain a price from G Stockwell for hauling stone from Sir Wm's quarry to the lane & suggested that Sir Wm might give the stone.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1916Q Council School. Mr Hall had dug out the ditch & trimmed the hedge back, work which Chairman considered had been done well. G Stockwell would haul stone there at 4/6 per load; considered dear & matter left to Mr Jolly to try for 30 loads at 3/6 per load. Names of Dole Charities Beneficiaries to be published on church doors on March 26th. Malpass & Son were paid 1-9-6, half the cost of hauling ashes to Peck St lane - 59 loads at 1/- per load. The other half was paid by Messrs Marling & Co Ltd. KSPC thanked them for their kind action. Malpass also hauled bricks to Mead Lane, & fixed sleeper & stakes there for 8/-. Part of the bank at Water Lane Selsley had slipped causing a blockage - RDC to be advised.

APRIL 1916 Annual Mtg. Council School. S Marling unanimously elected Chairman. The Landslip at Water Lane would be cleared by the RDC as soon as the weather improved. The catchpit at Fords Lane needed clearing - the RDC would do it for a nominal 1/-. The RDC Surveyor would also see Mr Camm about the culvert at Dyehouse Field, a matter he had raised at the recent Parish Meeting (water overflowed from Castle Street across his Dye-house Field/culvert needed repairs). No contributions from Allotment holders could be obtained - Chairman thought now they had got the gate he supposed they were not willing to contribute. The Lane at West Field caused concern/suggested that the scavenging should be taken there to improve it. It would be useless unless a foundation of rough stone was laid; a very large quantity required. A gate at the field entrance would be an advantage but although a right of way for pedestrians & carts existed, land was in Chairmans opinion private property of Mr Hall, owner of the cottage on the RHS & the Parish at large could hardly be asked to provide a gate. He suggested Mr Barrett contact those who would benefit by the improvement of the roadway/erection of a gate with a view to getting a subscription for the cost before any work was undertaken.

JUNE 7th 1916 Council School. "Present Mr M G Cartwright, Vice Chairman, in the Chair & Messrs P Jolly, AC Chandler & AD Barrett. As there were but 4 Councillors present, the meeting, under the impression that the necessary quorum consisted of 5 Members, adjourned. It was however discovered later that the necessary quorum was 3. As no special business required attention the proposed adjourned meeting on June 21st was not held".

SEPTEMBER 1916Q The matter of the proposed repair of the lane near Stanley End Farm was allowed to drop for the present. Chairman suggested that if Major WJP Marling, owner of Peck St Farm, was approached, he might give a subscription towards the cost of the new gate erected nearby. RDC Surveyor had advised KSPC of an overflow from the High St watercourse; Mr Copner very kindly undertook to see to it; KSPC approved the action, thanked him & agreed to pay him the 1/6. Once again, KSPC agreed with the Overseers' recommendation to allow the Assistant Overseer (AE Morse, also KSPC Clerk) £3 as remuneration in respect of the Special Expenses Rate. (These payments had been agreed for some years, although KSPC argued strongly & successfully when they were introduced against a higher payment: The Overseers were a group of 3 persons, not necessarily Councillors, appointed annually by KSPC as Overseers of the Poor. Their exact function is not mentioned in the minutes but they did appear to have their own funds from which KSPC regularly made precepts to cover its expenditure.

DECEMBER 1916Q Council School. Major WJP Marling had contributed £1 towards the gate expenses so letter of thanks sent. Chairman presiding, MG Cartwright, said a stoppage had occurred in the Council's Coldwell water supply pipe - being urgent Mr James was employed to put it right. Not only was the pipe obstructed but the rose in the tank was corroded; the stand pipe in Penn Lane was also fixed. Chairman asked for the matter of the most convenient day to meet to be thrashed out when there was a larger attendance, proposing Tuesday rather than Wednesday - there were only 3 Members present. Chairman congratulated the Clerk, AE Morse, on recovery from his recent long illness & re-appearance at Council to resume duties. The Clerk thanked S Marling for the help given to his son in carrying out the duties.

MARCH 1917Q Council School. Future meetings would be held on Monday evenings, standing orders to be amended accordingly. Names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities still being published on Church doors - March 25th this year. Mr James' repairs to the Coldwell water supply came to £1-2-8.

MAY 1917 Annual Mtg. Council School. S Marling thanked KSPC for re-electing him Chairman, hoping they would work harmoniously as heretofore for the welfare of the Parish. Overseers for year ensuing: Messrs William Dye Hartley, Edward Ernest King & John Harold Percival Camm. George Harrison had left the Parish/resigning as Cllr, creating a vacancy. Asking Cllrs' suggestions, it was believed Rector, Rev Thomas Layng would be willing to act if elected/would prove useful as he had served on several public bodies. Mr Barrett thought it customary to choose man next on the Poll; in this case not possible. Eventually it was decided to elect the Rector. Pipes conveying water across Shoot Lane blocked; this & ditch below needed cleaning out to allow free course for the water to Broad St. Owners of property through which ditch passed would be asked to clean out their respective portions & Mr Copner would be asked to clean out the pipe. Mr Camm apologized for non-attendance at meetings which was not through loss of interest - accepted. He said nothing had been done about the culvert at Dyehouse Field so RDC would be reminded.

SEPTEMBER 1917Q Council School. The Rev T Layng signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office & was welcomed as a Member. Nothing done about water supply at the Borough & Chairman said that unless the nuisance was abated the attention of the Sanitary Inspector should be called to the matter. Norwich Union Insurance Society advised a premium increase of 10% in view of the provisions of the Workmens Compensation (War Addition) Act 1917, a copy of which was sent. There seemed no option but to pay which was eventually agreed upon, but not before much discussion & a 3-3 vote, the Chairman (MG Cartwright) using his casting vote to make the payment. Miss JH Pitt's boundary wall at Blakeford House dangerous & her attention would be drawn to it especially as many children passed there daily.

DECEMBER 1917Q Council School. S Marling regretted his absence but felt too unwell to attend. Mr Copner had dug out a portion of the ditch at the top of Miss Alderwick's garden (by consent) producing a better course for the water but more required to make a good job. He engaged Mr H Clayfield to assist in repairing the watercourse at Broad St; it had been necessary to obtain & lay pipes there. Messrs Barrett & Pool spoke of matter being thrown into the ditch which tended to foul the stream & cause a nuisance; Chairman feared this was so but it was difficult to stop the women from doing it. Hearty thanks given to Mr Copner for time/work he had put in. Miss Pitt had not replied to letter about her wall, KSPC would write again. Ditch at Fords Lane needed digging out. Adjoining land sublet to George Niblett, the tenant being in the Army. KSPC had done the work on a previous occasion. It was also necessary that waggons keep to proper track or it would soon be in a bad condition. Chairman would speak to Mr Niblett & to Messrs GN Fletcher & WG Taylor about their vehicles. Rubbish was still deposited there. The Rev T Layng asked if the Clerk had received a letter as to the appointment of a Nurse Maternity or other cases in any part of the village. This matter had been discussed at Gloucester but he did not know if any settlement had been reached. He believed that a good nurse cost about £120 a year, the cost being partly met by subscriptions & partly by fees, which were returnable. As there appeared to be no provision of any kind here he considered that the question was important to the village. Mr Chandler said that a Nurse did pay visits in the Parish on certain occasions but only to a limited extent. KSPC decided to await any action on the part of the Authorities.

MARCH 1918Q Council School. Ryeford Saw Mills boy intended to haul timber from Scotland Orchard via Fords Lane. Chairman would write to him re damage caused thereby. Miss Pitt asked Mr Copner to arrange for her wall to be repaired. County communicated re Venereal Disease; Mr Jolly said accommodation for free treatment was made at Stroud Hospital. Clerk distributed books on potato spraying to Cllrs. Messrs Marling & Co would again arrange for Parishioners to have potatoes sprayed. Notice from Vicar of Saul re intended sale of Glebe Lands called Stream Farm; not required for Allotments. West Field roadway in v bad condition/Mr Barrett felt KSPC should put it in order: it was a cart road to land & public footpath to Woodside & Nympsfield & much used when passable. Chairman thought it was similar to Peck St Lane: owners/tenants should be asked to subscribe towards repairs. Chairman would write to owners/Mr Barrett would solicit subscriptions from Allotment holders.

APRIL 1918 Annual Mtg. Council School. S Marling re-elected Chairman. Ryeford Sawmills arranging to haul timber from Scotland Orchard down Mr Camm's field instead of Fords Lane. Mr Pool thought if an entry to Red Piece Field was made at the top of the lane, manure could be taken there that way instead of up Field Leaze which would be a great convenience, esp. to Allotment Holders who had great difficulty hauling manure owing to steep road; Chairman would ask Sir Wm who owned the land. RDC had not repaired culvert at Dyehouse Field; Mr Armitage, for Sir Wm, agreed to find pipes to repair it/Mr Camm offered to do the work. Paul Jolly & Arthur Edward Chapman appointed Parochial Charities Trustees & Mr Chapman Trustee of Paul's Charity. Chairman read GCC pig-keeping leaflet. Several Parishioners had unused sties & in present food shortage (esp. fats) pig-keeping most important; anxious effort be made by forming a Pig Club/otherwise induce everyone who possibly could to feed 1/more pigs; if necessary money should be lent for it.

JULY 1918Q Council School. S Marling thought 100 loads of stone required for roadway at West Field @ 4/- a load (1/- digging: 3/- hauling). Mr Leigh (Lord of the Manor in part of Parish) had been asked if he would give some stone. Mr Malpass would haul scavenging refuse/deposit it on the stone at West Field for the same price as he hauls it to Fords Lane. SSM felt repair was a matter for landowners rather than ratepayers, agreed but KSPC might take a lead/watch it through. Pig Club formed; 50 pigs bought. SSM had lent money/would offer prizes for best pig etc. Feedstuffs Depot at FG Turl's, Middle Yard. Water shortage in Church St probably due to obstruction in course nr cottages at Shoot Lane which would turn water into another channel. There would not be much improvement until better channel made - inspection would be made after the meeting.

SEPTEMBER 1918Q Council School. Sir Wm Marling agreed to make a new entrance to Red Piece Field at top of Fords Lane. There was a considerable quantity of mud causing a blockage to the watercourse at the Boro'; the ditch had since been dug out. Pump at High St out of order so repairs would be carried out by Mr Thompson. Footpath from KS across Mr Peter Steel's field to Free Meadows almost impassable owing to swampy land. Mr Steel would be advised/asked to make simple improvements.

JANUARY 1919 Special Mtg. Council School. Mrs M Savage & C Wall would contribute towards the cost of road repairs at West Field & Mr W Smith of Woodside Farm 10/- towards the cost of a new entrance gate. The Chairman ordered a new gate & stile & asked Mr Malpass to haul the stone. The Allotments at Middle Yard would be let at 8d a perch, the same as Mr Leigh charged his tenant, but the Allotment Association would have to make a further charge to meet the charges re roadways, gates, hedging/ditching, rates etc. If Allotment land at Selsley was to be obtained an application would have to be made to GCC for compulsory powers but at the very last minute agreement reached whereby Mrs Savage's agent agreed to let land for 7,14 or 21 years. Conditions discussed/agreed. Sliding Close Field path again v bad; left to Chairman & Mr Jolly.

MARCH 1919Q Council School. Trees cut down at Middle Yard Allotments/men might go on the land at once. Tenant of proposed Allotment land at Selsley refused to give it up & it was referred to GCC. Drain nr Mead Cottage at Free Meadow blocked causing water to overflow; Midland Railway Co refused to acknowledge responsibility; it would cost about 7/6 to put it right. RDC complained water from Fords Lane flowed onto the Highway; ditch digging again required to direct flow into the catchpit. Proposals made for a (Peace) Memorial in the Parish. Mr Jolly had prepared a small model & illustration as an idea, which if acceptable might be erected on the Village Green. A Public Meeting would be called to consider this & the model would be on view at the Cooperative Stores meanwhile. This being the last meeting of the present Council, Chairman thanked them for the help they had given & courtesy they had shown him.

APRIL 1919 Annual Mtg. Council School. S Marling re-elected Chairman of newly elected Council. Entrance gate/stile to West Field completed; no charge to KSPC as Chairman would see to payment: he was thanked for this. Mr Meadows' objection to giving up tenancy of land at Selsley due to a mis-understanding, now removed; Allotment scheme could now proceed. Drain at the Meadow was cleared for £1-4-0; it might be kept clear at small cost. Mr Cartwright agreed to see to this. Mr Malpass, new landowner at Fords Lane, said if KSPC would dig out the ditch/lay a pipe under roadway to his land, he would see it was kept clear in future: left to Chairman. School Managers re-appointed: Selsley CofE HE Soloman, KS CofE TW West, KS Council School Messrs C Haynes & SA Chandler. Chapel Lane Middle Yard bad owing to water overflowing from land adjoining occupied by F Turl or was it partly from RDC's catchpit? - left with Chairman. Sub-Postmaster, Miss James resigned; applications invited from persons with premises. No empty village houses so the authority would have to choose between residents without postal experience or experienced officials without premises. Rev Layng wondered if the authority would vary its usual procedure in view of the dearth of houses & build an office. He was asked to pursue the matter.

JUNE 2nd 1919Q Council School. Authorities appointed Mr/Mrs Virgo to Sub-Postmaster-ship but no accommodation found. It was hopeless to expect authority to move in this respect so it was imperative to take steps to provide such or the postal conveniences would be lost & Parishioners including old age pensioners would have to go to Stonehouse. Rector would see an owner at Uley, borrowing Chairman's car, & arrange if possible to take a cottage at Shoot Lane; he would also see about a temporary lock-up office. The RDC asked questions re the need for new houses, no of derelict houses etc in the Parish. To obtain the required information individual Cllrs should make enquiries & report fully thereon to an adjourned meeting. A motion to hold monthly meetings was withdrawn.

JUNE 17th 1919 Adjourned Mtg. Council School. Rector said that in his opinion the sale of Glebe Lands to Sir William Marling as proposed would not in any way prejudice the position of Allotments holders in the Lower Field. Postal Authority able to secure the house in High St now occupied by George Fowler; it would be available September & Miss James would continue until then. Water overflowing onto Coldwell Lane from surrounding lands damaging it; owners would be contacted. Cllrs gave reports showing cases of overcrowding, sanitary conditions, building land available & derelict houses. Rector approved the idea of selling Hanging Close Field for building but advised that the matter would rest with the Bishop & the College. Chairman would collate reports to send to the RDC. Sir William Marling was about to retire from the RDC & Chairman, S Marling was willing to offer his services if KSPC approved. They did as it was most desirable that someone on KSPC should be on the RDC to represent the views & support any applications they might make, especially re the housing schemes.

SEPTEMBER 1919Q Council School. KSPC would present Miss James, retiring sub-postmistress with a framed, illuminated address to show its appreciation for her long service. Water overflowing into Coldwell Lane still causing concern; Chairman had written to landowner Mrs WH Price & Mr ET Poulton, Mr Leigh's Agent. Mrs price had asked her tenant to see to it; Mr Poulton wrote that the tenant of Court Farm said it had been remedied. No improvement however & Chairman would write again to Mr Poulton. Chairman had attended a RDC meeting where he was placed on the Housing Committee. He answered a query from Mr Jolly, affirming that the RDC did have compulsory powers re sanitation & quoted a case at Selsley which had been dealt with. The path in Sliding Close Field, Selsley was waterlogged - the ditch in the lane above needed cleaning out - Mr Hall, of Stanley End Farm had promised to do it; a slanting stone curb would also help lead water from the footpath. The Local Government Board had sent copies of orders: Peace Celebrations, re allowance of expenses out of local Rates; & Ministry of Health Act 1919 advising that the Act comes into operation 1st July 1919 when all powers & duties of the Local Government Board pass to the Ministry of Health. Complaints that children etc were taking water from the Dipping Place at Shoot Lane, partly on property of Miss A Flight & Messrs W & A Cooke. Chairman suggested that the Landlord might make provisions for the convenience of persons living in cottages opposite as had formerly happened; he would write to the owner, Mr H Hopkins. GCC agreed to resite signpost nr Kings Head giving more space for proposed War memorial. Rector complained of poor quality of gas supplied by Stroud Gas Company; Chairman consented to write to them about it.

DECEMBER 1919Q Council School. Chairman provided stones from Stanley Mill to lay across lane beyond Stanley End Farm to lead water away from the path. A load of rough stone was required to make up the road & he would ask Sir Percival Marling for some from his quarry. Mr Hopkins disagreed with the proposal to come to a friendly arrangement with the owners of premises on which the Shoot Lane Dipping Place was situate. The matter did not come within the purview of KSPC & must be left to the parties concerned. The RDC Housing Scheme for KS could not proceed as there was no drainage system. Houses in blocks of 12 or more were being built elsewhere & no sanction would be given by the new Health Authority to houses which could not be connected to a sewage scheme; such a scheme could not be undertaken at present. Chairman's suggestion to the RDC Housing Committee that a small septic tank might be installed was not accepted. The cost of a drainage system was considerable, as a Member of the Housing Committee living at Rodborough had said that if inhabitants there had any idea of the expense/charge on the Rates, they would never have entertained the idea atall. The RDC Chairman said he hoped accommodation might be found for those in KS in urgent need amongst those houses to be built in Stonehouse or Cainscross.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 1920Q Council School. Neither ditch nor catchpit at Fords Lane had been dug out since before September despite efforts to have it done. The Midland Railway Company had repaired steps up to the stile in Sliding close Field as requested. The Chairman had notified the RDC of likely demand for houses so a fair allotment could be made from those being built at Stonehouse & Cainscross. Drain at High St blocked; a Committee of Chairman, Mr Layng & Mr Pool would inspect it & take necessary steps to repair it. The drain which overflowed in Bath Road after heavy rain would be referred to GCC. A Precept would be issued upon the Overseers (much as usual) for £5 to meet KSPC's expenses. Names of beneficiaries of Dole Charities would be published on March 28th. The RDC would be asked to repair the Highway at Shoot Lane. Chairman, Mr Cartwright & Mr Pool would inspect pathways near the stile at Stire Orchard nr Peck St Farm & in Mr Fletcher's field at The Luggs - the latter being almost impassable. There was difficulty in obtaining Allotment Land. It was suggested that GCC should buy the Red Piece Field - Chairman said it would probably be sold - he would inquire & call a meeting if necessary.

APRIL 1920 Annual Mtg. Council School. Mr S Marling was unanimously re-elected Chairman. Messrs William Dye Hartley, Ernest Edward King & John Harold Percival Camm were re-appointed Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing. A promise had been extracted from the RDC Surveyor that the catchpit in Fords Lane should in future be cleaned out as occasion required. Repairs had much improved Shoot Lane but the steam roller had probably broken some of the drains as water was standing in considerable quantities in front of some houses. RDC to be contacted. Sir Percival S Marling had offered a Trench Mortar to the Parish (it had been referred to the recent Parish Meeting). Chairman thought KSPC might accept the offer if a site could be found for the gun. The offer would be accepted & a site considered later although it was noted that Parishioners might not appreciate such a memento of the horrors of the late war. The Rector advised that it was intended to sell all outlying Glebe; he would give details later. It was suggested that Hanging Close Field should be purchased by the Parish for use as a recreation ground.

JUNE 1920Q Council School. Mr C Fletcher would repair the footpath at The Luggs. A load or two of ashes laid on the footpath at Stire Orchard would be sufficient repair but it could not be done until the grass was harvested. Water was still leaking from the drain in shoot Lane so it would be opened to find & remove the cause & if necessary speaking to the RDC Surveyor. Re portions of Glebe now let as Allotments, a GCC official had called on the Rector re Allotments at West Field & Terretts Brook. West Field being more accessible & the more important, GCC suggested that the Council might buy the land on behalf of KSPC. The Chairman explained the terms of the Glebe sale, adding that the Allotments would probably be let at less rental if privately owned than by a public body. A Committee of Chairman, Messrs Pool, Cartwright & Chandler was appointed to watch the proceedings & the following resolution was authorised to be sent to GCC: "That it is more advantageous for the Allotment holders that West Field should be acquired by a private purchaser if such purchaser is prepared to let the Allotments as at present. If however there is any likelihood of such not being the case then it is more desirable that it should be acquired by the Parish Council". Ditch at Fords Lane dug out at last but the pipe which lay across the lane nr gate into Field Leaze was blocked. Mr Pool voiced the thanks of the men who, through the kind action of the Chairman, had recently obtained Allotments in Red Piece Field. Part of the highway near the Bell Inn, Selsley had slipped; it would be reported to GCC.

SEPTEMBER 1920Q Council School. No evidence of the alleged slip found during GCC's inspection at Selsley but Chairman, who had met the Inspector on site, had shown him Pool's Lane, resulting in a promise to supply a load of stone to lay near the catchpit. Some stone & more ashes needed to make good repair of path in Stire Orchard; Chairman thought some might be obtained from the Reservoir Cottages now under repair - with Messrs Marling & Evans' permission. Complaints of no water at the Boro'(Shoot Lane) & Church St: Mr Cartwright had engaged a man to dig out the course which proved to be full of most offensive matter, much of which apparently thrown in by tenants of cottages nearby; work would cost c 33/-. Chairman advised KSPC was not responsible for keeping ditch open, it lay with owners of adjoining properties. Cost to be divided between them in proportion to length belonging to each; Chairman to write to Mrs EP Savage, Mr CLW Camm & H Hopkins accordingly. Henry William Price appointed Overseer of the Poor replacing WOULD Hartley who had left the Parish. Footbridge at Meadow Lane needed repairs/KSPC unsure whose duty; Clerk was asked to find out. Chapel Lane again in poor condition due to overflowing water from Mr Turl's field; he had repudiated responsibility; KSPC to formally ask him to stop it. 22 applications for Allotments at Middle Yard/suitable land to be sought; Mr Jolly would see Mr C Hughes re land in Cold-well Field.

OCTOBER 1920 Council School. Mr Hopkins claimed that no part of the ditch belonged to him, although his tenants were throwing offensive matter into it. Mr G Evans of Marling & Evans Ltd. felt it was KSPC's responsibility to repair Meadow Lane footbridge. Chairman said Messrs Marling & Co erected/had always repaired it & that M&E had taken over all liabilities of the late firm; so he felt M&E was liable & he would speak to Mr Gerald Evans. Mr Hughes was willing to offer half an acre arable land for Allotments at Middle Yard but not 2 acres pasture land wanted; Chairman would see if it was sufficient/suitable. Chairman had spoken to GCC re desirability of purchasing land in West Field, as he wished to help secure land for Allotments. He thought £150 was very reasonable but felt that if KSPC decided to buy, it would not be possible to let it for less than 8d+ per lug. He suggested that the current & prospective Allotment holders should be asked if they would be willing to give that price - agreed. Chairman advised that his brother, Major WJP Marling, & he had severed a long business connection in the Parish/they would like to leave a tangible memorial of their long association with Parishioners. They had therefore purchased "Hanging Close" Field, intending to present it to the Parish for a Recreation Ground. KSPC expressed its pleasure/appreciation of this kind/thoughtful action which was incorporated in a cordial vote of thanks proposed by Mr Pool, seconded by Mr Wall, supported by Mr Pearce & passed accordingly.

EDITED SELECTIONS FROM 100 YEARS OF KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES