Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Mr Elley was at home and I took charge of Sunday School.

Holy Communion this morning. Collections morning and evening for choir fund. 19/2½, 10/9½. About 18 men sat in choir seats this evening.

Visited Misses Dix. Mr Mann has taken my servants’ pew and Isaac Padbury’s family have taken pew lately occupied by Mr Mann and formerly by the Mawles, Padbury’s predecessors in the farm.

Collections today

Called on Mrs Shelswell (not at home).

Widow Ann Lines (lately living in cottage west of Bishop Blaise) and her boy Herbert left for Canada on Tuesday last. She sold her furniture to Thomas Keen, the blind butcher, who was selling it off piece by piece as I passed this evening.

Frank returned from Wheatley. I drove to Banbury for him, Amy Ferguson accompanying me.

Mr Milburn, Arthur Shelswell, Mr Matthews, a graduate of Peterhouse and a Master at Westward Ho College (a man with a most remarkable and disagreeable high pitched voice) and his brother a Lieutenant R. N. escorted Rosa down from Mrs Shelswell’s this evening where she had been to tea, and came in for half an hour. Our drawing room was pretty full with 9 of us.

Called on Mr Oddie this evening and signified my consent to take Local Chairmanship of Art School.

On Monday last I put £1 into P.O.S.B. for choir fund and gave 10/- to Miss M. Dix for music books which she said were wanted.

Visited Mr George Dix. Miss M. Dix was there. She said she considered those old choirmen who never came to practice but occasionally occupied choir seats in church as still members of the choir. I told her I did not and should not include them in any arrangements I might make.

I spoke to Joseph Alcock about his niece Matilda Barnes and his nephew Daniel Alcock.

Visited Thomas Wilkes, Hannah Simmons, Richard Austin, Eli Webb, J. Tennant (out).

Drove Bell, Amy Ferguson and Harry to Hook Norton and called on Miss Godson.

Drove Bell and Amy F. to Hook Norton. Called at the Rectory. No one at home.

Amy remained to lawn tennis match at Sibford Ferris on our return as Harry was playing in it.