Fred (Frederick) Clipson was the last occupier of 51 Fleetgate and it is thanks to him that so much history in the building is still available to see today.  The Clipson family bought 51 Fleetgate (or 41 as it was first numbered) in 1908 to open up Clipson & Sons Hairdressers, possibly from Fred Newsome who was the hairdresser along Fleetgate before them.  Between 1908 and the late 1930s it was called Clipson & Son's but by 1940 it was being run by Fred Clipson alone.  By the 1960s Fred had branched out to include being a newsagent too.  Fred did not believe in the modern ways of life and so resisted having electricity, running water and other modern inventions for as long as possible, which is why so many old fittings are still in situ.  Fred's secret 'alladins cave' only became apparent after his death in 1989.  Fred was also a local historian, writing a number of books on the history of Barton for his friends and relatives. 

The Civic Society decided to hold a "Clipson Family Day" in September 2009 to try to track down the relatives of Fred and learn a bit more about the Clipson family.  Fred never married but he did have four brothers and a sister so his extended family may be pretty large.  Many of these books Fred wrote were available to view on the day.

The day started with a blank family tree which consisted of Joseph (senior) with his wife Sarah leading to their six children, Fred, Frank, Joe, Arthur, Len and Maud.  By the end of the day it had grown into a much larger tree.

Relatives were invited to add themselves to the tree where appropriate, the tree being upstairs on the large meeting table.  It wasn't long before quite a number of names were added.  Much more information about the Clipson family was acquired on the day and this is currently being sorted by the Society.

The books Fred wrote about Barton on display on the day.	Members of the Society and Clipson family discussing details on the day.
An area designated for recording memories.	The Clipson Family Tree.

The day was very successful and well attended and the Society is working on the information supplied to get a better understanding of the family.  It is hoped that some time in the future another Clipson Family Day will be held but we realise that some people may have been unable to visit so we are inviting you to let us know if you fit in anywhere on the tree by emailing help@bartoncivicsociety.co.uk with any information you may have.