Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Cold wind. Attended Boys School in morning and Choir practice in evening.

Mr Mann came into the Vestry after morning service and proposed that instead of making a collection at Easter from those who occupy pews to pay church expenses, we should have four church collections in th eyear. I told him I thought it would not answer, but that if the congregation wished to give the plan a trial I had no great objection, though I preferred the old plan – as I objected to having constantly to make appeals for money from the pulpit.

Mrs Woolgrove and Miss Dix came to see Rosa this evening.

Ann West came to the Vestry after afternoon service about her proposed confirmation.

Holy Week. Divine Service at 9.15 am.

Mrs Aubry, wife of a labourer at Aitchill Farm in the parish of Brailes, some of whose children have been allowed to come to our school, called, in a great state of mind, to find fault with Mr Elley for not admitting another child of hers age 7.

I told her we had not room and should be glad for her to remove her other children to the school of her own parish. We allowed them to come to Sibford because our School is nearer to them than Brailes, but they are very irregular.

Drove Bell and Frank through Epwell, Shutford and Lower Tadmarton. Called on Gerahty who was not at home.

Divine Service at 9.15.

Visited Joshua Lines who is at home ill.

Divine Service at 9.15. Rain all day.

Jesse Bishop called, full of grumbling as usual. I wrote to his proposed sureties
Mr Joseph Horridge, 18 Victoria Terrace, Leamington
and
Mr John Fowler, Upper Farm, Clifton, Deddington.

Miss M. Dix called this evening to see Rosa.

Bright day. Somewhat colder than yesterday.

Drove to Banbury to bring Harry out on Easter holiday from Burdick, Kentisbury, Barnstaple. he arrived by 7.16 pm train.

Good Friday. Very bright and not very cold. Divine Service at 10.30 am and 3 pm.

Visited Hannah Keene.

Attended Choir practice in evening.

Mr White the Sanitary Inspector called and with Mr Adkins, the Builder looked at the pond, and with my assent, made up their minds as to the best way to deal with it, Adkins to prepare estimate.