CHARLES WHEATLAND CLINCH

THE LATE MR. C. W. CLINCH

DEATH OF PROPRIETOR OF AN OLD TIME INDUSTRY

With the demise on Saturday at his residence “Lucerne,” Chesterfield-road, Newbury of Mr. Charles Wheatland Clinch, there passed away of a representative of an industry which is gradually decaying in rural England, namely, that of wood-turnery, which consisted mainly of making mop-sticks and handles for farm implements.

The original business of the Clinch family dates back some 120 years, and consisted of an extensive connection in butter, eggs, poultry and provisions, tradesmen in the Bath road from Marlborough to London being supplied from this source. The business was carried out from Crookham by the father of Mr. C.W. Clinch, but in December of 1873 was transferred toAldernBridgeon the marriage of Mr. Clinch to Miss Fanny Durbridge, daughter of Mr. John Durbridge, wood turner of Crookham.

In the early eighties, on the death of Mr. Clinch's father, an establishment was opened in Cheap-street, Newbury, an extensive trade with theLondonmarkets and theMidlandcounties was developed. About 1880 the business was transferred to more commodious premises in Northbrook-street, a fruit and vegetable department being added. Competition had to some extent narrowed the opportunities which had formerly existed, so that about 1903 the business was disposed of, Mr. Clinch transferring his energies to the before mentioned wood-turning business, which had come into his hands on the death of Mr. John Durbridge.

A BUSINESS OF CENTURIES AGO

The wood-turning business, which had been built up by generations of Durbridges, and which dated back for more than a couple of centuries, consisted in years gone by of the manual manufacture of handles for the long discarded farm implements, rake handles and mop-sticks, while the old fashioned wooden bowls were also turned out at this establishment. In the course of time, the making of farm implement handles became almost nil on the introduction of machinery for farm work, and similarly the demand for wooden bowls has practically ceased, so that now all that remains is the mop and rake handle business. The method of making the handles in those days was certainly a slow and arduous undertaking as the implements used for the purpose is was is now known as a “shave,” being either a flat and straight steel instrument, something akin to a large knife, but with a handle each end, or a similar tool made in the shape of a half-circle with handles continued from ends. These have been superseded with a box-turner, an instrument which was certainly an improvement on the older tool, but this also has to be worked by hand.

With Mr. Clinch devoting his energies to the obtaining greater business in the shape of contracts with the Government Departments of Admiralty and War, the old workshops were condemned, and more commodious premises took their place, and from here some hundreds of thousands of mop-sticks and other handles are turned out annually. In regard to the Government departments referred to, refuse to have anything to do with foreign turned handles. It is moreover al established fact that this industry is practically confined almost exclusively toBerkshire, owing to there being a good supply found here of underwood suitable for the purpose. Of late years the business has somewhat declined, owing to Mr. Clinch being in indifferent health, but it is interesting to know that this business which has for so long been connected with the Durbridge-Clinch family, is still to be carried on by the sons of the deceased.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral of the deceased took place yesterday, the first portion of the ceremony being held in thePrimitiveMethodistChurch, the deceased having been a member of the Board of Trustees, and he was borne to his last resting place by four of his former colleagues. Messrs. W. Ward, J. Landcastle, C. Ball and W. Eggleton. There was a large assemblage of mourners and friends, including Mrs. C.W. Clinch (widow). Archie, Walter and Sam (sons), Florence (daughter), Mr. William Clinch (brother), Mrs. E. F. Clinch and Miss J. Clinch (sisters), Mrs. Bosley (sister-in-law), Mr. E.F. Flint (brother-in-law), Mr. C. Durbridge (brother-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. C. A.Marshall (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. R. Raymond (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. W.E. Clinch (nephew), Mr. and Mrs. L. Lovegrove (nephew and niece), Mr. ?Flint, (nephew).

Mr. Jesse Clinch (third son of the deceased) is at present inWestern Australiaon a surveying expedition, and was the only member of the family unable to attend.

There were also present Mr. and Mrs. S. Seward, Mrs. Griffin, Mr. C. Griffin, Mrs. J.H. Thompson, Mrs. Drewitt (senior), Mr. H. Drewitt, Mr. and Mrs. F. Gibbons, Messrs H. Dowling, G. Garlick and A. Lewis, Mrs. and the Misses Tanner, Mrs. Davis etc.

The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Neville, who offered the opening prayer. This was followed by the Hymn “There is a land.” The lesson was read by the Rev. A. Bateson. Another hymn There is no night,” and Mr. Neville spoke words of sympathy and condolence with the family of the deceased. Mr. Clinch had been associated with the little church at Greenham in his early years, and with his wife had taken a great interest in the Sunday School. After settling in Newbury they joined the Stroud Green Chapel and continued their work as Sunday School teachers. Since his association withBartholomew-streetChurchhe had, as far as his health would allow, attended the services and performed his duty as trustee. Latterly his health had declined, but the end came with a suddenness for which they were scarcely prepared. His last hours found him restful and full of hope and confidence. He assured Mrs. Clinch and her family of the prayers of all present, and was sure that in the fellowship of God they would find solace in their affliction. The hymn “O Holy Saviour,” was next sung, followed by prayer by the Rev. J. Kinnish and as the cortège left the church Mr. A. Smith, the organist, played the dirge “Vital Spark.”

A large number assembled by the graveside at the Cemetery, including several of the employees from the works at Greenham. The committal sentences were read by the Rev. J. Neville. The coffin which was of polished elm with black and copper furniture, was inscribed:-

CHARLES WHEATLAND CLINCH

Died January 21^st, 1911.

Aged 60 years

[There follows a list of donors of floral arrangements]

Newbury Weekly News 26 January 1911

“Died 19^th January 1911”

Mrs. P. p. 128 LS 4

Also Fanny, wife “reunited19 May 1944aged 94.”