The Independent Order of Rechabites is a friendly society, founded in 1835. These societies provided a form of health insurance and death benefits to members in the era before the welfare state. The village inn was often the focus for friendly societies, who might have a dedicated Club Room in the local hostelry. By contrast, the Rechabites upheld the values of the Temperance Movement. It does seem however that the Clovelly branch did have an association with the New Inn.

In Chapter 14 of Barefoot on the Cobbles, the Rechabites are on parade through the streets of Clovelly to the parish church, for the annual New Year’s Day Club Service. This was always followed by a meal. In an effort to fulfill their vow to abstain from alcohol, many of the Rechabites ate in the local tea rooms. In order to accommodate all the members however, they were also hosted by the New Inn, who were happy to serve non-drinkers.

‘Leonard, his father and brothers were to march with the Rechabites from the New Inn, up the back road through the Court gardens to the church. As they assembled in the street outside the inn, persistent drizzle curtailed conviviality and the men were keen to be on their way before their best clothes were spoiled. The heavy cloth flag of the Rechabites, proudly borne by young Billy Harding, was becoming sodden.’

Barefoot on the Cobbles will be published on 17 November 2018. More information about the novel can be found here. Copies will be available at various events in the weeks following the launch or can be pre-ordered from Blue Poppy Publishing or the author.