Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Visited Misses Dix and Mrs Shelswell.

Visited Tay, Blacksmith.

Girls Sunday School presented an inkstand to Marion Shelswell this afternoon. I went in order to say a few words – but it was all over when I got there, as I had to help carry Rosa downstairs.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

Misses E. and L. Mann were there. Miss Mann said they had not finished harvest and would not assist in decorating the Church for Harvest Festival next Sunday and her father would not come if he had not finished.

I spoke to churchwardens about having a lamp outside church gate for use on winter nights – especially Lent and Advent. Of course Inns did not think it needed. I told them that those who came to church on week nights in Lent and Advent did think it was needed. He spoke about the mat at the west door and said a new one was required which would cost 30/- which I think a great deal of money, especially as the old one seems capable of being repaired. The Mr Woolgrove sad there was still a debt of £4 or £5 on the organ. I closed the discussion by saying I would consent to no expense being incurred till that was paid off.

Drove Bell to visit Hannah Keene and Mrs Woolgrove.

Mr and Mrs Davies came this evening. He and I walked round by Temple Mill and the “Gate Hangs High”.

Mr Woolgrove sent me a brace of partridges.

Drove Bell out this afternoon. Miss Dix was here to tea.

Harry sent two cases of pictures and rubbish from Barnstaple which have been at Cave’s at Banbury for some time. I sent for them today and had to pay 15/6 for them; viz:

Drove Bell and Mrs Davies to Wigginton Rectory – no one at home.

Miss Knight, Miss Shelswell and Henry Shelswell were here to tea.

William Henry Norris sent me a brace of partridges. I sent one brace to Mr Mountain and one to Aunt Emma.

Robert Austin called; and in answer to his request I gave him permission to cut 20 dead and poor larch out of the Spinney to repair his mounds; and to take the hard wood lying by the hedges and cut last spring for the purpose if needed.

Visited Charles Legge. Bell and I visited Mr and Mrs Morris who were not at home, but we saw her daughter, Louisa Harris. We visited the Misses Lamb.

Mr Davies called this evening. We went for a walk. I attended the Band practice.