Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

St Luke’s Day. Divine Service at 9.15 am.

Churched Mrs Spraggett.

William Barnes’ wife called about an allotment and said she was not sure her husband would be able to come up to the Schoolroom this evening to the Rent Audits. I replied that if he wanted an allotment he had better be there.

John Horsman’s daughter called and asked me to give her a note for Bonner, the Relieving Officer, as her father and mother were destitute.

Visited Joshua Lines, Anna Aris (out), Thomas Barnes, Leaver, and Widow William Keen.

Rent night for Sibford Heath Allotments. I let several 2 acre pieces, and explaining to the new tenants what the Tarvers had done, without mentioning their names, and how unfair it was that Farmers should retain allotments intended for Lanourers and small tradesmen, called upon them to sign an agreement to give up peaceable possession on receiving six months to do so from the Treasurer to the Trustees, the notice to expire at Michaelmas. They all saw the force and reasonableness of the request, and  all, new and old two acre tenants, signed quite cheerfully.

Taught in Boys’ School this morning and attended the Choir practice this evening.

The weather is charming – quite a St Luke’s Summer. The Autumn has been very fine throughout.

Attended Penny Bank at School at 12 o’clock – only one depositor came and she brought 6d.

Received note from Mr Henry Norris of Swalcliffe Park about the Brass Band. he said he would give them a sovereign – but suggested that a rule should be made to the effect that there should be no performance of the Band on Good Fridays, as that was done at Shutford, much to the annoyance of the inhabitants.

John West, Thomas Lamb and Thomas Manning, members of the Band called on me this evening and handed me £2.9.6 which they had collected.

Wrote to Rev. H. Powell, St Paul’s House, St Leonards, offering him £360 for his goodwill of school but declining to pay anything for Lease as there were only some 3 years to run – and at the end of that time I might have to spend one or two hundred pounds on repairs. The agents told me at first that there were 18 pupils at from £80 to £150 and that Mr Powell asked £500 for goodwill, nothing being said about lease. The £360 I offer today is the same proportion of £500 as the reality of his income (£1100) bears to the stated income. I offer to pay for School furniture and fixtures at valuation.

Visited Hannah Keen, also Mrs John Manning, Sibford Ferris hill, who fell down last Sunday morning and broke her leg. She is going on satisfactorily.

Met William Golden, carrier, of Sibford Ferris, who told me he would come up in a few evenings and pay me rent in advance for 2 Sibford Ferris Allotments certain, if I would let them to him.