Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine. Annual Exhibition of Sibford Horticultural Society held in Mr Ainge’s field opposite the church. There were very many people from surrounding villages. Everything passed off well. I was timekeeper and starter at the washing competition which caused much fun. Mrs Way and Mrs Watson were there. The former is staying with Miss Dix for a few days. Mr Garrard of Brailes, his wife and her sister Maud were here to the show and to tea. So were Mrs Page and Mrs Kerr. I stayed in the field and dancing tent, mostly with Mr Oddie, till 12.30 am. Everything was quite quiet and orderly.

Rain all day. Miss Sotteck left for London. Frank drove her to Banbury. Bell, Frank and I took supper with Mrs Page and Mrs Kerr at their lodgings.

St Bartholomew’s Day. Divine Service at 9.15. Frank accompanied Mrs Page and Mrs Kerr in Ainge’s wagonette (West driving) to Broughton. They went over the castle and Frank took some photographs.

I visited school and spoke to Mr Langley about Sunday School treat and breaking up. We think next Friday will be most suitable for both.

I met George Aris, junior who married our old servant Jane Messenger. He was very well dressed, very well mannered and looked well. He is manager (for brewers) of a beer shop at Haggerston, for which he gets £3 a week etc.

Visited Widow Lamb who showed me a letter recently received from her son Francis who says trade of all kinds is bad in Toronto.

Mrs Page and Mrs Kerr left Sibford. I drove Rosa to Sutton by Brailes this afternoon to take a parcel of Four Shire books to Mr Bradley. We found him and Mrs Bradley at home. Also Mrs Murphy his sister, Mrs Blake, his daughter. Also Miss Blake and his daughter Ethel. The mare went as well as ever and we had a pleasant drive without rain. Met Hattie and Maud in Brailes.

A heavy storm of rain, thunder and lightning last night which caused my house cistern to overflow and damage ceiling paper and picture of Charles i in my dining room. It was very warm this morning, bright and fine. Joseph Rimell was at church. Aso Mr Dixon. Congregation 135. After service this afternoon Bell and I called to enquire about Mr Ainge, who was taken ill on Friday(?) and has to keep his bed. The doctor was with him when we called, so we saw only Mrs Phelps, a cousin of Mrs Ainge’s who is visiting there. She says he has a severe chill from getting wet. He was found asleep in a stable and the Doctor said that if he had not been found in time, he might have had a fit of apoplexy. He is better today. We called at Miss Dix’s. Bell and Frank remained to tea. The latter is going down to Swalcliffe with Mrs Way and the Thames.