Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Dull and somewhat chilly.

Taught in school this afternoon. Inspected Sibford Ferris allotments.

Visited Joshua Line’s whose eldest daughter Charlotte returned last night from Bridgewater, Boston U.S.A. where she has been some 5 years in service with Mr Prophett, a brother of Mrs Pettipher senior, who took her out. She has a bad knee, which, she is told, will never get well, and as she would be burdensome in the U.S.A. they have sent her back. She says she would like to return to America tomorrow.

Visited S. Woolgrove.

Drove out, taking Bell, Lottie, and Frank. Called on Mr and Mrs MacDermot at Tadmarton Manor House, but they were not at home. Thence we went on to Wroxton and called on Mr and Mrs Izat at the Vicarage, but they were also out. Returned through Shutford, and called on Mr Gerahty, the curate. He was at home and came out to us. He is much concerned as to the future, as he was curate to the late Canon Payne, and of course does not know but that he will soon have to leave, which to a man of his years 76 or 77 probably, if not more, is a sad prospect.

Visited Thomas Wilks and Anna Aris.

Miss Maria Dix called about the Choir children’s excursion to Edge Hill which is proposed for Tuesday August 10th. I gave her 5/- towards it and said I would give more if she wanted it. She has managed the affair for several years with the assistance of her sisters.

Cold, windy and showery.

Went to garden and lawn tennis party at Dr Routh’s this afternoon. It rained when we were about to start, so Bell did not accompany me.

Mr and Mrs Mozeley, the Misses Scott (nieces of the Duke of Abercorn and staying with the Mozeleys at Wigginton), Mr Coplestone of Whichford and his two sisters, Mr and Mrs Garrard of Brailes and Mr Burlingham, a member of the Alpine Club and cousin by marriage to Mr Garrard.

Taught in School from 9.30 to 10.45. Miss Somerton asked for my signature to her receipt for pension.

Ada Harris, daughter of my tenant, brought the rent, or rather balance due after deducting £6. 14. for butter etc from December 23 last to July 30 today. She had made a mistake of 10/- in adding up the book, charging me 10/- too much. As I added up the columns of figures I discovered it. The poor girl was much disconcerted, but I was sure it was a mere accident as she is an exceedingly careful and good girl.

Today being Frank’s 11th birthday, he had a little garden party, his guests being Mr Macdonald’s two nice little girls with their governess and Bessie and Daisy Thame. Mrs Macdonald sent them here in a charming little pony carriage driven by their young groom. It caused quite a sensation among the people around when they started home in the evening.