Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Rain all day. Mr Cluff called this afternoon to make arrangements for the marriage of his daughter, a schoolmistress, with Mr Thomas, a farmer of Brailes.

Dull, foggy, calm and mild. Visited school and taught. Paid Mr Langley his cheque for September. He sent me a basket of cobnuts, as a present from G. Mainwaring Esq of Marden, I presume, which I acknowledged by letter which I sent to Langley to address. I sent out the Clothing Club (women’s) tickets by the schoolchildren. Visited Mr Ainge whom I saw in bed. The doctors are said to give little hope of his recovery. Visited Jane Messenger. I met Miss S Dix who had been to see Mrs Turner who is very poorly. At her request I postponed my intended visit to Mrs. Turner. John Lively was here at work today cutting the ivy.

Dorcas Scruby and Huldah Hone who came a day or two ago begging money (on a rough sheet of paper started by Mr Oddie) for a Women’s Harvest Tea, to which Miss Dix and most others had contributed and to which I felt obliged to give 2/6, came this evening and asked for the use of the school room for the tea and a dance afterwards. I said they might have it for the tea but that if they wanted to dance they must get two responsible resident rate-payers to ask in writing for the room and hold themselves responsible, etc etc.

Cutting from Banbury Guardian, 11 October 1894, pasted into diary

SIBFORD.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING AND HOSPITAL SUNDAY was held at the church here on the 7th inst. The building was beautifully decorated with fruit, flowers, corn, and loaves, the offerings of various members of the congregation. The Vicar and Churchwardens thank very heartily all who contributed to the decorations, those who employed their skill, good taste, and labour, as well as those who sent flowers, etc. Though so late in the season, the abundance and beautiful colours of the flowers were very striking. The services of the Church commenced with an early celebration of Holy Communion at 8 am; morning prayer was held at 10.30, followed by a sermon by the Vicar, and a second celebration of Holy Communion. A short service for children was held at 3. At 7 pm the Vicar read the prayers, after which an excellent and appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. A. D. Mozley, rector of Wigginton. The offertories and collections, amounting to £6 1s. 8d., will be apportioned to the Horton Infirmary, the Eye Hospital at Oxford and the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, London, all of which have assisted Sibford people in their need. The Choir did their best, which was extremely good. The organ was well played by Miss S Dix and Miss Inns. The metrical litany at the children’s service, and the harvest carols throughout the day, were very pleasingly rendered.