Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

In the School-room this evening an entertainment under Frank’s management was given on behalf of the “Church Extension Society’s Orphanages”. The room was well filled and £1. 1. 7. was received.

Mr. Robinson came down to say that he had 95 children in the School this morning out of a total of 98 on the Books. He said they had so many little ones they scarcely knew what to do with them. I authorised him to employ a monitress and suggested Emma Lovell until the Meeting of Trustees, at not more than 2/6 per week.

Yesterday Dr Wilkinson wrote to Frank asking him to assist at an entertainment there on the 14th pm. This morning Graham Jones writes and asks him to assist at an entertainment at Christ Church, Banbury on November 24. A few days ago the Wilkinsons of Ratley wrote and asked him to assist in an entertainment there! I don’t approve of so much time and attention being given to acting and singing. Frank returns 3 pm.

Foggy and cold, but dry. Drove Frank to Banbury and left him at Christ Church Room opposite the Church to assist in preparing for an entertainment this evening. He is also to sing or recite and to stay the night at the Vicarage.

The Bishop of Oxford sent this morning a long paper of questions to be filled up in view of his second Triennial Visitation.

Name etc. Edward Thomas Stevens

Instituted October 31, 1874

When and where are the children of your Parish Catechised? Sometimes in the Church but usually in the school-room.

Is religious instruction given in your Day Schools by the clergy?  Yes.

I wrote to York Powell about my proposed School Magazine, “The Classroom Magazine” for schools, as he is one of the delegates of the Clarendon Press, and he told me a few years ago that he would be happy to introduce to the Delegacy any literary proposition of mine.

Mr Oddie wrote a very polite note saying that if we would like some pot-plants to decorate the Church, he would be happy to send some up. I wrote a note of thanks and acceptance.

Mrs. Hillman (a Wesleyan) living opposite the Vicarage, was tending a “squitch” fire on her husband’s allotment at the Heath when her dress caught and she was soon enveloped in flames. Her husband and Pensioner Harris rescued her and put out the fire and brought her home in the latter’s donkey cart. Bell went to see her this afternoon and found that she was burnt most on the hands, but also on the hip and shoulder, whilst her eyebrows were scorched.

Children came and they brought round their May-garlands. The inhabitants gave them about £2. 2. 0. so I hear. I superintended School of Art examination at the Friends’ School. Messrs Long, Poulton and Leake were there as members of Committee. Mr Woolgrove came in for 5 minutes. The subjects were 7 – 8, Model drawings, 8.30 – 10 Freehand.