ONE of the Forest’s best-known clergymen, Rev Canon Cliff Davies, has died at the age of 76.

Rev Davies led services at St John’s Church in Ruardean for 19 years.

Friend and Forest district councillor Andrew Gardiner said Rev Davies and his wife Pauline have been “woven into village life for many years.”

Cllr Gardiner said: “Cliff was always a strong supporter of environmental and historical issues in the Forest.

“As a new reporter, his articles on the long saga of the Lodge Grove footpath brought MPs Charles Laughlin and John Wilkinson to join our walks, and I remember his instinctive research and the superb article he wrote when an underground cellar with walled-up steps and a hidden room were discovered in a local 14th century church house.

“When Cliff took over the ministry at St Johns, church-going took on a new profundity for me.

“Cliff’s approach to Christianity encouraged us to draw strength from our faith, to open our eyes to the daily struggles of those in need, and to consider how we interact with the world.

“His sermons also emphasised the need for us to appreciate and protect the beauty and fragility of nature with its vast array of flora and fauna.

“Cliff and I shared an interest in the old castle site adjacent to the church. “With the help of a retired warden, he purchased a plot of land which was part of the old castle field.

“Later, he was so happy when a footpath was realigned connecting the churchyard with the castle site.

“On a humorous note, I remember his constant battles during his early ministry with the leaking roof, particularly in the organ chamber.

“Being in dread of heights, Cliff would hold the ladder while I scrambled up and he would pass me pieces of lead and buckets of pitch to fix the leaks – these were the days prior to health and safety regulations. Inevitably, the banter back and forth became quite hilarious.

“On a personal note, I am honoured that despite approaching his retirement, Cliff was able to conduct the baptism service for three of our grandchildren.”

Rev Davies died on Monday, January 15 at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

He leaves his wife, two sons and three grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at St John’s, Ruardean at noon on Friday (January 26).

Donations have been requested for Ruardean Church.