Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Went to Oxford to try on clothes at Taylor’s. Called on Mr Hughes. He was leaving for London that afternoon. I took Mr Kirkland with me.

Richard Haynes’s baby died.

Frost which began in the middle of the week continues.

Going to Sunday School this morning I saw Edward Spicer who should have been in his class sliding in the middle of the road. He went on although he saw me. I spoke to him for some time and was much grieved at his apparent callousness – in fact he seemed quite idiotic in his manner. However, he did not slide again and I was glad to see him in Church afterwards.

Visited Sunday School this morning and took a class. Walked and talked with Isaac Padbury this afternoon.

Walked to Winderton Church this evening with Mr. Kirkland but the service commenced before we could get in, so we returned. The Church was crowded half an hour before service commenced.

Mrs Mawle is ill with bronchitis.

Mrs Way assisted at Penny Bank. Mr Hiorns, way-warden, has put a notice om church door convening a “public meeting” to settle whether the road from his house through Brailes Lane and Ditch Hedge (County Road) is to be repaired by the Parish. Mr R Lamb came to me to speak about it – saying rightly enough that the notice was not a legal one, etc – and asking me to bring the “Award” of the parish to the meeting. I afterwards saw Mr Hiorns at his own house and told him he should have asked me for use of room before calling a meeting, and that the reasons which made this course the right one were obvious. He apologised. I told him also that I thought those parishioners were right who considered the Way Warden could not summon a Vestry. And that a mere public meeting or meeting of Ratepayers could not do anything of legal force at all.

Drove to Banbury today to bring Rosa out. The roads were very slippery. Self, Mrs S and Rosa called at Mr Henderson’s Christ Church Vicarage. He was not at home, but we saw Mrs Henderson and Mrs Ford.

Called to enquire after Mrs Mawle.

Started for Swalcliffe to pay Canon Payne the rent for the Loggin Land – but met him at top of Swalcliffe Hill coming here about the same matter. Walked and talked with him all the afternoon.