Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Trustees Meeting at 2 pm, Mr Norris of Swalcliffe Park in the Chair. Stephen Hands applied to have his notice withdrawn, and Frederick Inns and Henry Bishop applied to have their school fee fixed at 1d instead of 3d per week – their chief complaint being that some other persons who, they said, were as well or better off than themselves were only required to pay 1d. Both parties’ applications were refused and Canon Payne handled them so well that they retired discomfited.

Drove Mr Smith home to Brailes in the evening and preached for him.

Joshua Aris who has almost never attended Church since I have been here and has not shown me any outward marks of respect sent a note enclosing a testimonial which he had received from his late mistress, Mrs Mawle, asking me to give him a testimonial “a few lines of recommendation” to enable him to get a situation elsewhere. He gave up his place at Mrs Mawles’ where he had worked seven years rather than submit to a reduction of 6d per week in his wages during the winter, and has had nothing to do ever since worth mentioning. I wrote a few lines saying only that Mrs Mawle was a highly respectable inhabitant of my parish and that her evidence as to his character was perfectly reliable.

Harry left for Bridlington on a visit to Mr and Mrs John Cooper.

Funeral of Ann Coles of Sibford Ferris, aged 74.

Visited school.

Visited Mrs Woolgrove and Mrs Jarvis who wishes to be confirmed. Her parents were Dissenters – and she was not baptized till after she was married. She was then living at Middleton Cheney and was baptized by Rev Mr Buckley.

Visited Dorcas Scruby.

Drove Bell, Rosa, Chrissie and Frank to Swalcliffe, Tadmarton, Shutford and Epwell. Called at Mr Montagu who was not at home.

Snow storm.

Received telegram from Kirkland who is at Liverpool postponing his return from today till Monday.

Humphrey Sabin’s wife called this evening with a small loaf of bread made from “cone” wheat which her husband begged me to accept without any offence to taste. It was very dark in colour but tasted very well.

She said her little girl had returned from the hospital somewhat better. They could not keep her any longer as they were so full.

I told her the Trustees had decided that at present her husband should not be called on to pay more than 1d per week for the education of his children, the Doctor having stated that he was ill half his time and other Trustees knowing him to be badly off. I told her she must not expect that the Trustees would always allow him to come under the lower rate. The arrangement was only for the present. She appeared grateful.