Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended meeting of Banbury Clerical Club at Rev Edward Marshall’s Sandford St Martin near Steeple Aston. Took train to Heyford, cab to Sandford with Banbury curates – walked back from Sandford to Steeple Aston with Rev A Spencer and had tea with him, returning to Banbury via Heyford at about 6.30.

Rosa went to Cheltenham on a visit to Mrs Haddon.

Mr Stephen Hands called in my absence and told Mrs S he had not been able to sell any horses at Rugby fair – but that he would thresh some corn and pay rent within a fortnight.

Mr Woolgrove called to say that he went over Heath Farm yesterday with Mr Hiorns to see what repairs were needed. He said the gates were not very bad – that Mr Hiorns had a man who would do the work in about a fortnight at 2/6 a day – that he might cut what wood was required out of the plantation – and that the Blacksmith would do the iron work. I agreed that Mr Woolgrove should order the work to be done.

He told me that there were several large gaps where Stephen Hands had had the hedges stocked up for purposes of a race course – that the Trustees would have to call upon Stephen Hands to make good. I told him I would write to Hands.

Visited John Padbury, Widow Keene, John Holtom, Dr Routh.

In talking to John Padbury I remarked that his clockface had lost the figures from upper part. He explained that he was in the habit of boiling it to clean it, and that last time he did so he omitted to take the face off!!

Wrote to Stephen Hands giving him a fortnight longer – on condition that he leaves one lot of corn on the farm untouched till rent shall have been paid.

Mr Hiorns called about the Farm and stated that the hedgerows destroyed by Hands were altogether about 60 yards in length. There were 6 gaps and from some of them gates and posts had been removed.

Taught Sunday School Boys and Girls this afternoon. Attended Choir practice this evening. Visited Mrs Shelswell, did not see Mrs Pearce as she was in great pain. Visited Mrs Mawle. Sharp frost.

Frost – boys sliding on pond last day or two. Miss Dix helped with Penny Bank. Visited Solomon Geydon and Mary Weaver.

Visited School, Mrs Pearce, Widow Sabin, C Coleman (not at home), A. Fox, Mr Hitchcox at Blenheim and took Mrs Stevens and Frank; Mrs H was not at home. Weather very severe. Called on Poulton and ordered ventilators for the School rooms.

Visited Mr Dix (not at home). Presented to Widow James Barnes a Church Service and Hymn book (cost 10/-) paid for with balance of money subscribed for tombstone to her late husband. Service at 7 pm with sermon. I am suffering from bad cough which keeps me indoors except when compelled to go out.