Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Mary, Bessie, Daisy, Louie and Willie Mann and two of the Oddies’ children came to tea with Frank on the lawn.

Bell and I visited Rev Gabriel and Mrs Davies at Swalcliffe Vicarage. He is in charge of the parish during Canon Payne’s absence in his yacht.

Bonner called about School attendance etc.

Invalid Chair arrived from Leveson & Son 90 New Oxford Street London – price 20 guineas.

An invitation arrived today for a garden party at Lady Caroline Jenkins at Upton House for Wednesday next July 15th but I had previously promised to go with North Oxford Archaeological Society to Fairford, so we had to decline Lady C’s invitation.

Very fine. Taught in Boys’ School this morning.

Rosa went out in her new wheelchair this afternoon and called on various parishioners as far as Mrs Shelswell’s having first attended Divine Service. She was drawn to the Vestry door, and went through Vestry to her chair in which she lay during the service. The chair had to be taken in at the west door. Mr Elley assisted me and Webb to carry her down and up stairs.

Rosa was brought down and drawn about the garden.

No rain. This is the finest hay-making season known for many years.

Drove Bell, Frank and Edith Brookes round Epwell, Shutford and Tadmarton.

Colonel Ommanney was to have come to luncheon today, but wrote to put it off.

Drove to Banbury at 7 am. Rev Thomas Smith of Brailes accompanying me to join North Oxon Archaeological excursion to Fairford, Quenington, Eastleach Turville, Eastleach Martin, Langford, Little Faringdon and Lechlade. Among the party were Rev E. Marshall, President, W. D. Macray, Secretary, Sir Henry Dryden, Ivens Vicar of Brize Norton, Loftus Cave, etc. We had a most enjoyable and interesting day – dined at Lechlade on our return and reached Sibford about 10 pm.

Met Hughes at Oxford Station on return.

Paid Mr Kinch of Deddington who is Treasurer, 10/- for two years’ subscription to the North Oxford Archaeological Association.

Rev G. and Mrs Davies called during my absence from home.

My manservant, P. Webb very unwell and unable to do his work.

Visited P. Webb and T. Aris.

A little rain this evening, which was very much needed, after threatening 2 or 3 days.

Widow Harriet Sabin called and asked for wine for her mother-in-law.

Mr and Mrs Milburn are on a visit to Mrs Shelswell and were at Church this morning.

I taught Choir this evening.

Webb was back at his work this morning.

Mr and Mrs Milburn and baby and Miss Shelswell called this morning.

I visited Rev Gabriel and Mrs Davies at Swalcliffe Vicarage this afternoon. Mr D and I walked to Shutford and called on Mr Gerrahty.

Mr Heygate Brooks, of Banbury, dentist, came to file teeth for Frank and Rosa. I paid him £1.

Also paid Daniel Hancox 2/6 for doing work for Webb.