Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Visited Mr John Enock. Elizabeth Dale called and brought me a letter she had received from the School Attendance Committee at Banbury summoning her to Banbury for next Monday because her girl had not attended school regularly. She did not want to go before the board and as the girl had been regular in attendance at School since the attendance officer was here she thought it rather hard. She wanted me to write to the Board for her, but I told her I could not do that. If I were to do so I should have to do it for the whole parish. She asked me to advise her. I said “write a proper letter to the board – say you are sorry the girl was irregular before – that she has not been absent since the attendance officer was here – that you will promise to keep her quite regular in the future – ask them if they will kindly excuse you from attendance next Monday as the weather is severe, the ground being covered with snow and the distance great – that if they will not excuse your attendance you will present yourself on the following Monday. She promised to do this. I subsequently learnt that Fred Inns wrote for her.

Annie Smith returned home.

Rapid thaw. Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this afternoon.

Visited Mrs Pearce this morning and administered H.C. to her, her husband, Mrs Shelswell and Miss Pearce.

Visited School and Edward Holland – talked to him seriously about his never coming to Church and living in filthy condition he did. He seems to be getting very feeble.

Met Charles Hands and told him I should let his allotment to someone else as he had neglected it very much.

Called on Joseph Alcock but he was not at home. Called at Mark Barnes’s next door, saw his wife and Betty Wilks – asked her to tell her brother Jos. Alcock that I had an allotment for him.

Visited Mrs Ann Bond who still lies in the same condition as last week – and is well taken care of. Her daughter Emma Tarver asked me if I could let her son have an allotment – I replied that I would think about it.

Visited Emma Horsman and Ezra Green and Mr Hiorns. Visited School this afternoon.

Wrote to Stephen Hands reminding him that he had not paid his rent last week as promised.