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.
Click on an entry date to view an image of the original diary page.
Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.
