Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Rain and fog. I did not go out. Wrote to Mr F Hemming about Frank and to Mr Laughorne declining his offer that I should take chaplaincy at Coblenz for two months, March and April.

Fog and rain, but mild. Visited Mrs Eliza (Widow) Barnes and Mrs Alcock. Mr Cluff called about Library.

Bright day and mild. Visited Mary Sabin, Mark Barnes and his daughter Matilda. She has been “home” a week, but returns to her situation as Cook at Bromley tomorrow. Visited also Widow Reason, ?Mr A? and S Goffe. Bell called at R H Lamb’s for me to enquire how Mrs Lamb was and learnt that she was better. William Haynes of the Oxfordshire Regiment is at home on furlough out before sailing for India. We met, and spoke to him. Visited also Widow Robinson. Her daughter Mary is better and remaining in her situation at Kidlington?

Divine service at 7 pm. The Doctor was there. About 60 persons present. William Lamb called at 10 pm to ask for use of School room for first Parochial Council meeting on Monday evening next at 6.30. I said they were quite welcome to have the use of the room. He promised to let Mr Langley know. My voice was very husky in Church this evening. Mr Langley read the Lessons for me. Drove Bell round Sibford Ferris and “Pig & Whistle” this morning.

Fine. Walked to Heath and home by “Pig & Whistle” this morning. Received from Simpkin Marshall and Co. 2 vols. “Murray’s Handbook to South Italy.” Published at 12/-. They charge only 9/- plus 5d for postage, and have debited it to ACS account though I told them when I ordered the book on Tuesday that I would send money.

Rain nearly all day. I did not go out at all and had a sleepless night till 5am when I came down, took a table-spoonful of whisky with a little cold water, smoked half a pipe and, returning to bed, slept well till 9 o’clock.

Fine and bright, but with cold north-west wind. Walked round the Elm and Alcock’s lane before dinner; to the Elm through Sibford Ferris again in the afternoon, taking the same walk again in the evening. I heard from Tay that Tom Manning had returned from Canada during the week, having been there the past 5 or 6 years, but that he said he was already tired of Sibford and should soon go back.

iii Sunday in Advent. There was rain during last night, but it was dry to day, though the sky looked threatening this afternoon. The weather is wonderfully mild for the season. No snow has fallen here yet and scarcely any frost has come. I taught Sunday School class this morning and attended choir practice this evening. 20 children were present.