I have heard of Mrs. Barton’s “infidelities” and of her indifferent character before marriage ever since I have been in Sibford. I feel anxious about the matter as both Barton and his wife are communicants though not very regular ones, and it is said that the man connives at his wife’s conduct, because the other “stands treat”. I know nothing whatever as to the truth or falsehood of the reports that have reached me.
The first day of our American organ. It goes very well and is a great improvement on the old harmonium.
Nicholls, the Bailiffs’ man from Banbury County Court came again with a summons for Harry for an amount due to a shoemaker in Oxford. I declined to receive it. The man seemed much tired with his walk from Banbury so I gave him some refreshment.
A Cinderella dance took place in the school room this evening arranged by Mrs Macna Mr Woolgrove and the Doctor in aid of the Church Warming Fund. Some 50 persons were present and everything went off very well. The tickets, including refreshments were 5/- and 4/- each.
Mr Elley says he has 117 children on the books and that the number of infants is almost greater than he is qualified for under Government regulations. I authorized him if he found it necessary to write to the parents of out-town children and say we could not accommodate them any longer; also to decline to take children under 5 years of age.
A miserable day, very wet, with thunder.
His sister, at Swalcliffe, and William Barton’s wife at Burdrop have recently been serenaded with rough music for their violation of the seventh Commandment. Canon Payne says he would not hold up a finger to stop the rough music as it is a wholesome expression of public opinion which is of considerable use. I agree with him.
Whit Monday. Bank Holiday. Club Day. Divine Service at 11. Mr. Mann had written to me declining the invitation of the stewards to attend the dinner because they had taken no action on the unfavourable report made by the Actuary last year, although both he and I had spoken to several of the members during the year and urged them to do something.
99 Benefit Members were present at the dinner. The men’s side of the church was crowded. The Bandsmen sang, and the service went extremely well.
Cold and showery. Miss Dix took Penny Bank for me.
Miss Norris, of Swalcliffe Park called this afternoon and brought some flowers and strawberries for Rosa. She would have liked to see her, but as the latter was in bed and not quite well enough to see strangers, Bell put her off for the present.
Bell and I called on Mr and Mrs Oddie this evening.
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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.
