Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Taught in Sunday School. Boys morning. Girls afternoon. Spoke seriously to Edward Spicer about his bad conduct last Sunday – he almost cried when I asked him whether he had a prize for attendance etc last time. He said no – because he had had to be at work pig minding and crow starving on many Sundays. His brother Jesse is now doing the same kind of work on Sunday.

Harry Manning mad a full apology to Miss Dix today for his bad conduct on the 29th ult. and was received back into the choir.

This is Sibford “Wake” Sunday – and the congregations – morning 160 afternoon 195 or more – were very good and attentive.

Children of F Inns and Thomas Holland were baptized.

Sally Green looked very nice in and very pleased with her new old bonnet, shawl and dress.

Attended Choir Practice this evening. Joseph Manning was the only man present. Harry Manning was there.

Sibford Wake – whole holiday at School. Miss Dix assisted at Penny Bank morning and evening. She told me that her brother-in-law, Mr Hawe had broken a blood vessel in the throat and that it was feared he would not recover. She was going to her sister’s assistance tomorrow.

Josh Holtom’s of Bilberry Cottage called to pay rent of allotment 6/6 reduced from 7/6 on recommendation of Stewards who say it is worth 1/- a year less than the others.

Mr R Lamb’s 2 elder sons called and submitted to me a report of Temperance Meeting to be sent to the Banbury Guardian. They had prefaced it with a long and rather warm account of the doings of Mr Ker and Miss Cobb in the Gospel tent. I told them I could have nothing to do with the report of their doings and that I did not think they had done good, rather harm, in coming here – etc. etc. The elder of the two young men told me after a time that his father entertained much the same views as myself with respect to the matter.

Drove to Adderbury to luncheon with Mr Gepp and take part in selection of music for next Choral festival. Mr Bailey of Milton and Mr Evans of Ratley were there. Mr and Mrs Wyatt of Broughton came in after noon.

Mrs Shelswell called to consult me about value of reversion to £8000 odd on life of her brother aged 51 – which is to come to her son Oscar on his death. He has offered £1000 in addition to £400 or £500 already had. I asked her to let me have fuller particulars and I would get information for her.

W Hall called with his allotment rent and Jesse Green called and asked me for allotment. I promised to consider the matter and let him know in a day or two.