Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

A fine hot day. Mrs Henry (Fanny) Shellswell died at 7 am after a long and painful illness. I called and saw Mrs John and Marion this evening. Married Hugh Albert Hall and Ellen Mary Whitfield at 10.30. Visited Fred Ward’s wife, John Scruby and wife, Anna Young, Anna Aris, Jane Messenger and Mrs Alcock. Buried Richard Harris, age 14, from Banbury Workhouse, at 3 pm. Mr Ramsay called this afternoon and spoke about Miss Kensband and who still keeps a dog or dogs about the schoolroom. Bell had invited Mr Ramsay to lunch next Wednesday. He cannot come, as he is going to London. Mrs Shellswell’s funeral is fixed for 5.30 pm, next Tuesday. Sarah Sabin was yesterday delivered of a girl, within less than 24 hours of her arrival at the workhouse.

vi Trinity. Read thanksgiving prayer (sent me from London) for safe delivery of the Duchess of York, wife of son of Prince of Wales, of a son last week. H.C. 24. Offertory 19/- for Choir Children’s Annual Excursion. After collection 6/7. Doctor Routh was at church with Mrs Routh.

A regular July day. Rosa took Clothing Club etc for me. Received order for 50 A.C.S. Hecuba, 5/- from Simpkin, Marshall & Co. Frank sent me two advertisements for university tuition. I wrote to both and to him. Wrote to Wingate. Mr Cluff called and said that the three months for which he had engaged to take the library was up, but he would be glad to continue as Librarian. I thanked him and accepted his offer.

Cyclostyled notice pasted into diary:

All persons who wish to receive the Magazine next month, but have not yet paid for July, August and September, are requested to send three-pence and any arrears that may be owing, to the Vicar at the schoolroom at Noon on Monday, or which would cause least trouble, six-pence for the six months ending with December.

It is absolutely necessary that the vicar should know beforehand how many copies will be required, in order that he may order the proper number from the Printer.

The names of new subscribers will be received at the school room on Monday.