Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Dry, calm, dull nearly all day. Drove Bell to Hook Norton and called on the new Rector, Mr Russell, but he was not at home.

Bright day, somewhat frosty. Papers came from Education Department. Wrote to Dr Edward Franey, the Medical Officer of Health for Certificate that School was closed on account of epidemic of scarlatina by his request.

Visited school this afternoon, also Mr John Lamb, Mr J Woolgrove and Mr F Inns. Met Mr Oddie and had some conversation with him about the Sibford Ferris allotments.

Frosty. Bright. Dr Routh came and syringed Bell’s ear and looked at her tongue. Hyde showed me that the yard gate had been broken. Called on William Lamb, Lewis Poulton, F Inns and Joshua Holtom, but they were all out. I wanted to send in nomination of Mr Mann as District Councillor but he has not sent word to W Lamb whether he is willing to serve.

Charles Holtham and James Dyer, Army Pensioners, called for me to sign their Pension papers. Mrs Ainge called this evening and told us that Mr Austin, her 2nd husband against whom she obtained a divorce had “turned up” and wanted to come on a visit to Mrs Marshall, his sister who seemed disposed to entertain him.

I asked Annie Inns this afternoon whether she thought her brother John Frederick would be good enough to help in the Boys’ Sunday School. She seemed pleased and said she thought he would. But he called this evening, thanked me for asking him and said he was unable to do so as he would probably be going away after Christmas, and whilst at home had a good deal to do on Sunday mornings before church. I gently pressed him, but without avail. He thanked me politely for some illustrated newspapers we had sent up to the Sibford Ferris Reading room.

Advent Sunday. Dull but dry. HC 17. Offertory 11/7. Collection afternoon 9/9 for Church Expenses. Sent to F Inns Churchwarden. Taught in Boys’ School, 34 present. Additional teachers badly wanted. Visited Mary Sabin with Bell. The old Dame seemed very well considering her age. Attended choir practice this evening. 20 choir children were present.

A delightful morning. A large pig of Jewell’s was in my garden eating my cabbages in spite of my note to him. Received Certificate of school closing on account of Scarlatina last March. Also card from Ramsay saying that Miss Husband, late of Epwell School had been awarded a pension of £20 by Education Department.

Drove Bell and Rosa to Shenington this afternoon. Very cold and roads very stoney. Called on Mrs John and Miss E Shelswell.