Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Took confirmation classes at 3 and 7. William Spicer and John Lines absent. Also John Young and John Manning. Bessie Rimell came to me at noon.

Visited school and entered Diocesan Inspector’s report in Log-book. Gave Mr Elley Certificate on Religious Knowledge forwarded by Diocesan Inspector on which his report is entered.

Mr Payne sent me a paper of extracts from the Baptismal register at Swalcliffe from which it appears that George Messenger is in his 90th year. He is hale and hearty, perfect hearing and sight and gets about comfortably.

Sent Mr Castle (Field and Castle, 18 Merton Street, Oxford) the old plan of the Town Estate made when the field was enclosed.

Called on Mr Turner who is laid up with a cold. He complains bitterly of Mr Elley’s rudeness to him in connection with the Library, but will not let me speak to the latter on the subject. Mr Turner consents to be a Trustee of the Penny Bank.

Visited Miss Dix to enquire concerning her little nephew Willie Thame who is very ill at the Orthopaedic Hospital, London.

Divine Service at 9.15, consisting of Litany and Communication. Divine Service at 6.30 pm with sermon.

Visited and conversed with Mrs Jarvis about approaching confirmation. Visited Anna Young, who is better. Also James Kaye – account of which visit I have wrongly entered for Monday last; also Mr Barker’s report on school.

Visited David Hone. Visited School. Called names and made entry in Log-book.

Visited Mrs Jarvis, also Widow Manning, George Messenger, Thomas Manning, Dr Routh who is very unwell.

John Hathaway, Blacksmith of Sibford Ferris called this evening and asked me to sign a Savings’ Bank form which I did. I afterwards found he had signed it in the wrong place and so had I. Consequently I sent for him next morning and corrected it. It was £3 which he wanted to draw. The money had been there several years, being a sum Mr Bourchier had paid him for work and which he had persuaded him to invest. He appeared sorry to be obliged to withdraw it, but owing to bad debts he could not do without it.

James Kaye’s wife died this morning.

Went to Banbury. Opened Penny Bank Account at Savings’ Bank by depositing £12. The Trustees being Mr George Turner, Mr Frederick Manning and myself.

Paid Cave for Charity Coals. Went to Oxford. Staid at Jesus College with Mr Hughes. Called on Mr Heath, found he had left for Bideford.

Called on Field & Castle, 18 Merton Street, Oxford about Heath Farm. Returned to Sibford.

Drove Mrs Stevens, Rosa and Annie Martin to Wroxton. Called on Mrs Izatt at the Vicarage – no one at home.

Received note from Mr Richard Routh asking me to attend meeting of Bible Society at Friends’ School next Friday evening. Mr Kempson Vicar of and Mr Smith of Brailes are to be there. The former as a deputation.

Misses Gadson and Rev Canon Payne called during our absence.