Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

A delightful day. H.C. at 8 am. 20 Communicants: at noon 34. Collections for Churchwardens’ fund £2. 12. 4. Mary Thame played Harmonium. Walter Bishop and John Barton came into Church very late this afternon soon after some girls (Mr Oddie‘s servants I believe) who also came in very late. Bishop and Barton began to peer after the girls and to laugh and talk as soon as they came in. It reached a climax when I began my sermon. I stopped and looked at Bishop but he took no notice and still continued his bad behaviour. He put up his feet on the bench and leaned against the end, put his hand to his mouth and talked to Barton whom I could not see as John Routh was sitting in front of them, but who appeared to be in a similar attitude at the other end of the seat. At last I ordered Walter Bishop to leave the church if he could not behave properly. He left with great noise. As I left the Church after service the two were standing together by the roadside smoking their pipes. Evidently Barton was sympathizing with Bishop. I spoke to them both. They were excessively saucy at first. I never before knew any one behave as they did. But they both had tears in their eyes when I bade them “Good night” and left them. Bishop, after a night’s consideration, made an apology to Mr Woolgrove as Churchwarden and said he would not do it again.

Another lovely day. Bell and I walked to Sibford Ferris to enquire about the Scarlet fever cases. There appear to be 10 cases at the least, but all are doing well.

The Band marched out this evening and played in front of the Vicarage. I sent them out 2/-.

Coming out of Church we met Mr Oddie who told us that two of his pupils were down with pneumonia. He was naturally very much concerned about it.

I spent the day in the garden, which did me good and the garden too.

…

I had the mare brought up from the orchard to the lawn this morning, but she ate so much of the long rich grass that I thought she would injure herself and consequently sent her back to the orchard.

The appended advertisement appeared yesterday. I sent it up a day or two ago, with cheque for £1 which pays for 5 insertions on alternate days. I hope it will bring one or more pupils.

Cutting from The “Times” of Friday 6 April 1894

CAREFUL INDIVIDUAL TEACHING for gentleman’s sons preparing for Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, etc., or Public Schools, or otherwise, by Oxford M.A., of much experience and success, vicar of an extremely pleasant and healthy country parish. Address Vicar, Sibford Gower, Banbury.