Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1894, January 17, Wednesday 

Leslie Baily notes that there is a duplicated circular letter in the diary saying, in consequence of the decease of Rev Dr. Wilkinson, Vicar of Swalcliffe, “co-treasurer with myself of Sibford Gower charities, the School and the Rev John Loggins’ charity, it is proposed that Rev A. E. Riddle, rector of Tadmarton, and Mr Joseph Woolgrove of Sibford Ferris, be appointed joint treasurers with myself” as above.

Recipients are asked to return portion marked “Yes” or “No”.

Leslie Baily also notes that Charles Barnes asked the Vicar for a rise for his son Alfred, a master at the School, of 1/- a week whilst school is open. After consulting Trustees, Stevens offered 1/- per week all year round and a present of £1 at end of year if Mr Langley reported well of him.

1894, January 18, Thursday 

Cutting from Banbury Guardian, 18 January 1894

SIBFORD.

THE READING ROOM.—On Wednesday evening of last week a company of over 30 members and friends of the recently-established reading room sat down to a substantial old English dinner of roast beef and plum pudding, Mr. R. B. Oddie presided, and Mr. J. Platts, of Birmingham, occupied the chair. Full justice to the viands having been done, Mr. Oddie sketched the short history of the reading room, according the lion’s share of the credit of its existence to the kindly feeling and public spirit of Mr. Henry T. Dixon. He said that a comfortable room where the young men of the district could meet for improvement and recreation had long been a great want, and that the appreciation in which the provision of such a room was held was highly encouraging. He hoped the Sibford Reading Room would continue to prosper, and that it would be a means of good to all connected with it. Mr. Platts endorsed these remarks and expressed bis pleasure at being identified with the movement. Calls for speeches were made to Dr. Routh, Mr. Dixon, and Mr. F. Inns, but, not being responded to, the company settled down to a varied programme of songs, &c. This occupied over an hour, the party dispersing shortly after ten o’clock, much delighted with the way in which the first Reading Room dinner had passed off.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.