Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1894, May 31, Thursday   g 2

Sent up Declarations (Loggin and Town Estate, Removal of Jenkins and Miller, Trustees) to Charity Commissioners. I worked in garden this afternoon for exercise and because there was work to be done. But it brought on a palpitation of the heart. So I went to bed at 3.30, took some peppermint and water and in two or three hours was all right, but I thought it better to remain in bed. The palpitation was very distressing.

Cuttings from Banbury Advertiser, 31 May 1894

SIBFORD

FRIENDLY SOCIETY.—The fifty-fifth anniversary of this society, together with the juvenile branch, will be held on Monday next. The proceedings will commence with a business meeting at 6 am, followed by a procession of the band and members to the vicarage, from whence the Vicar (Rev. E. T. Stevens, M.A.) and the Rev. E Ramsey, of Swalcliffe, will accompany them to church, where divine service will be conducted, the latter gentleman having kindly consented to preach the sermon. The customary dinner will be held in the schoolroom, followed by an adjournment to a field opposite (kindly lent by the Misses Dix), where dancing and amusements will take place until about 6 pm. By the favour of Mr Ainge, a special dance will be held in his large barn, to close the day’s proceedings, the Band supplying the music.

 

PRO BONO PUBLICO.
TO THE EDITOR.

Dear Sir,—I notice in your issue of last week a letter under the heading of “Sibford Reading Room” which needs correcting. The S.R.R.Society and the “new departure” have no connection with each other. The notice referred to by your correspondent was signed by myself, and if he had come to me instead of running into print, I should have been pleased to have given him every information. I have opened a room on Sundays, free to the men of this parish, where they can meet together, talk, smoke if they like, and read the newspapers and books. I shall be very pleased to receive some of the latter from your correspondent or from any of your readers. I have yet to learn that it will be necessary to conduct a service of any kind. Much regret is expressed that your correspondent did not sign his name. Hitherto, the Reading Room has been a great success and in my humble opinion, the “new departure” will decidedly add to its future welfare. By inserting this letter in your valuable paper, you will greatly oblige,

Yours very truly,
H. T. DIXON.
Sibford, May 28th, 1894.

 

SIBFORD READING ROOM.
TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—My attention having been called to a letter in your last week’s issue, under the above heading, and finding that the committee was being rather called in question, I think, as an official of the said committee, it is my duty to explain matters a little. When the winter season ended, the reading room society gave up all claim to the house, which Mr. Dixon generously allowed us to use rent free, and therefore it is hardly likely that he would apply for our sanction to use the house now, for his own purposes. As to the regret expressed that the committee should sanction his proposal, I have heard nothing. I am honoured by the assurance of your correspondent that the reading room has been a success and I do not anticipate any catastrophe concerning its welfare through Mr. Dixon’s private arrangements ; and if he will be so kind as to allow us the use of the house on the same terms next winter as last, I hope to see the Reading Room in quite as flourishing a condition.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
SAMUEL N. BAKER, Chairman.

 

SIBFORD READING ROOM.
TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—I notice in last week’s issue that a correspondent signing himself “Pro Bono Publico” has stated that the Reading Room will be opened on Sundays, &c., &c. I should like to inform your correspondent that he is under a great mistake. The room was closed as a reading room at the end of March, and the committee had nothing more to do with it. The room was kindly lent for our disposal for the winter months by Mr. Dixon, and I understand it is his idea to open the room on Sundays free to anyone, more especially for the working class, so that they (if they are so inclined) can go and have a gossip, a look at the papers or any other books any friends like to send, instead of loafing about the street corners, getting into any mischief that comes handy, and annoying persons who may pass. Your correspondent need not be frightened about the bagatelle board being worked too much—that will be taken care of ; and as for the cards, I am sorry to state that they were worn out at the close of last season, so we would be glad if he will send us another pack or two to open next with. Thanking you in anticipation,

I am, yours respectfully,
J. F. INNS,
Secretary to the Reading Room

Sibford Gower, May 28th, 1894.

 

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