Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Mr Kirkland left for Dundee this morning. Webb drove him to Banbury.

Called at Mrs Mawle’s – she is somewhat better but I did not see her.

Buried Mr Haynes’s Baby. Weather very cold – I caught cold standing in Churchyard with only skull-cap on.

Divine Service in School at 6.30 this evening.

Meeting, which Mr Hiorns had thoughtlessly called for 7 o’clock, was held in School room at 7.30. I stated that as it was not a “vestry” I was not ex-officio Chairman – and they must therefore choose one. Mr R Lamb proposed me – I therefore took the chair. A good number of rate-payers present. I took the Award with me but as the place where the Bridle road in question was mentioned could not be found, Fred Inns offered to take Award home to read it through. I had an objection to its going out of the custody of self and Churchwardens – but did not press it as against Inns. However those present did not seem to like his having it. I therefore brought it away with me promising to find the reference if possible. Mr Hiorns arrived very late. Mr Hitchcox was there.

At home all day with a cold. Read the Award and found the passage required.