Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1894, May 3, Thursday   r 1 3

This is the first entry in a diary volume that was given to the Sibfords History Society in February 2023. It covers the period 3 May 1894 to 21 March 1895.

An engraving of Lavenham church, Suffolk, (identifiable by its distinctive tower) has been torn out of the inside front cover. The note reads

My Great Grandfather Howe was, I am told, a clergyman at Lavenham and was buried near the South porch where his stone may still be seen.

Ascension Day. Divine Service at 11am. 14 present. H.C. afterwards, 8 communicated.

John Lively sowed a peck of spring vetches in my 1 chain garden. Conducted Model drawing exam at Friends’ School. Only 5 sat. The hours were 6 – 10. Mr Woolgrove assisted. We took supper with Mr and Mrs Oddie afterwards.

Mr Oddie kindly went to Mrs Walker, the blacksmith’s wife, and asked her not to have the Sibford Ferris May Garland tea till after the reopening of the school. She at once consented. The S.F. children collected 12/-. There are printed notices about cautioning persons against exposing themselves or others whilst in infectious condition under a penalty of £5.

1894, May 4, Friday 

Fine, but cold wind. Visited Miss Dix (not at home), Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Inns, Mr & Mrs Elley, Mr Langley, Mrs Alcock, Thomas Holland (not at home), Joshua Holton, Elizabeth Manning, Anna Young, Anna Aris, Miss Wyatt, W. Payne, Elizabeth Bond, Widow J Lamb (not at home), Widow J J Lamb, Mrs G Green, Mrs Isaac Padbury, C Barnes, R Sabin, Mr & Miss Lowes, Mr Abbatt, Mr & Mrs Ainge, W Poulton, L J Poulton, John West Senior (not at home), Thomas Henry Hone, Mrs Shelswell, Miss Lamb, Mrs Wycherly, Bodfish, Dr Routh, Eli Webb, John Webb, Mr Oddie, Mr J Woolgrove, Widow Robinson.

Paid Dora Robinson 2/- for prize gained in Competition as Oxford. Elizabeth Spicer took some magazines for ??? So did Elizabeth (George) Spicer. Jessie Wilks prize 3/6 Oxford Prize Scheme for Needlework.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.