Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1894, February 11, Sunday 

Visited Miss Dix. She tells me there is another disagreement at the Reading Room (Dixon’s). They have a bagatelle board but quarrel because they cannot all play at once.

1894, February 26, Monday 

Miss Sarah Dix called this evening about Mrs Norris’s proposal that we in Sibford should subscribe a sum of £8 a year for a parish Nurse. I told her I did not see the need of a parish nurse. There had been no need for one since I had been here and money was very scarce.

1894, February 28, Wednesday   a

I attended a meeting of the Brass Band. Complaint was made of Thomas Lamb’s non attendance at practice and his consequent inefficiency with the drum. The members also wanted their balance sheet for last year drawn up. It was decided that John West, as Secretary should ask him to bring his books to me to make up the balance sheet and come to the meeting.

Leslie Baily notes under this date:

Frank accepted junior tutorship with Mr Fisher, Chislehurst. He would have time there to read for London University.

Vicar applied for Wardenship of St Mary Magdalene’s Hospital, Newcastle on Tyne.

Vicar employs in his house a boy under 12. Inland Revenue officer from Hook Norton calls to say Vicar must pay duty for employing a boy under 16. Vicar disputes it and proposes to write to Somerset House. Somerset House replied that he must pay and should take out a licence at once “which I did without delay, though I think it a great hardship ?? it is an illegal demand.”

1894, March 2, Friday 

The Dean of Christ Church was in Sibford today looking at the College property. He did not call here. Mr Woolgrove told me last Saturday that he was coming and said he thought he might call on me. I replied that I did not think he would as we were not acquainted, officially or otherwise.

1894, March 15, Thursday

I hear that Dixon has what he calls the “Sibford Chronicle” which he has printed in slips to hang up in the Reading room or give to the Members. It is of the character of the old “Paul Pry” I understand, and if he does not desist in time, is likely to get into trouble about it. He has already “attacked” if I am right in using the word, Robert Austin, his former apprentice F. Ward, Lewis Poulton and R. H. Lamb.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.