Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Rev H. A. Pickard and Mr Eley, his assistant, inspected the School at 10.30 to 12.10. It was a mild day. I reminded Mr Pickard that last time he was here the cold was so severe that the little girls could scarcely hold their needles, and had to be brought out in detachments to warm their hands at the fire, and also that he had to leave them before they had had time to complete the exercise he had given them. He said he would come again next Monday at 10 o’clock and take the needlework then. Also that the boys might be sent home on his arrival and their attendance marked.

A “Penny Reading” was given at the School this evening. John Wells junior and Mr. Knight (both quakers) gave recitations of a somewhat objectionable character for such an audience. Lewis Poulton gave a comic reading which was not very suitable.

Ordered School Pence book of Mr Hartley.

Visited Miss Somerton. Mrs Dix keeps her room this cold weather, so I did not see her.

Visited Mr Fox and Mr George Dix.

Joseph Alcock asked me whether I could let him another acre of land. I told him I would make a memorandum of his request.

Attended Brass Band practice this evening. Heavy rain and high wind.

Frost in morning. Thaw at noon, rain in afternoon, snow in evening, frost at night!!

Very hoarse from cold – did not attend either Sunday School or Choir practice.

Sarah Goff, aged nearly 70, feeble in body and mind and nearly blind came into the Church before doors were opened for service this afternoon or the bell was rung – and in trying to pass by the edge of the stove pit, the grating being up for attending to the stove, she fell in and broke her wrist. I sent the Clerk this evening to make enquiries about her.

Rev. Gabriel J. Davies came as usual this evening to help carry Rosa up stairs. He kindly comes every evening and generally in the morning to help with her.

Sharp frost last night. Roads very slippery this morning.

Rev. H. A. Pickard, Her Majesty’s Inspector came and took needlework. The children have done very badly, passing only 70 per cent, doubtless due to the irregularity of attendance caused by the epidemic of measles and whooping cough which prevailed last summer and autumn.

Mrs Davies called this afternoon and Mr Davies this evening.

Thomas Webb, the carrier, called this evening and said that William Hall’s children had stolen two shillings from his shop and told people that I had given them the money.