Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Splendid harvest weather continued ; bright, a little wind, not hot. Mrs Langley and 2 children not yet gone for holiday. She came out to me last night as I was passing and complained that my boy Hyde and two others had frightened them by knocking at her door and running away.

Longmans returned my MS this morning. (“Holiday Reminiscences”) with the usual polite note of refusal.

Last night, walking in Sibford Ferris, I met Joshua Lamb, who told me that Richard Keen, one of his Father’s labourers was ill. So I went to see him today. He was taken bad with an old complaint of heart disease on Monday night, but is somewhat better to day. He had a similar attack soon after his first wife died, when I first came to Sibford. He told me that then he took nearly half a gallon of brandy in one night. It had no effect on him except to help keep him alive.

Bell and I walked round by Pitch Hill and the Old Elm and back by Alcock’s Lane this evening.

Fine, but dull in afternoon. No rain. Bell and I called on Mrs John Shelswell. I wrote to Hughes and sent him cheque for balance due to him on account of a ACS. Cleared up halfyear’s account to June 30 last.

Received kind note from Warden at New College inviting me to lunch with him and the Bishop of Reading on Wednesday the 26th or with the Bishop of Oxford on Thursday the 27^th inst at 1 o’clock, on occasion of the Diocesan Conference. I accepted his invitation for Thursday, to meet the Bishop of Oxford.

Bell and I drove to Swalcliffe this afternoon and called on Mr Ramsay. He has fixed Sept 30 for his Harvest Festival. I had mentioned to some one that I thought we should have ours on the 7th Oct as I thought Harry would be here to help me. But I find he will be here on Sept 29 and only till the Saturday following. I had four services last Harvest Festival Sunday, but Mr Trumper preached in the evening. I fear I shall not be able to get any one to help me on the 7th October, and I question whether I shall be able to take four services alone, as I do not at present feel “up to much.”

Inns called about the proposed School painting, new ventilators, etc, this evening.

Heard from Wingate, Deolali on Tuesday. His letter is dated August 21st.