Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Bright. Some more snow. Charles Holtham called for me to sign his pension paper. He gets nearly 10/- a week pension and probably earns 15/- more. Joseph Green Senior called and brought estimate for paving in the School house garden paths, also bill of 6/- for repairing floor of girls’ closet which I paid him.

Mr Abbatt (a retired Quaker tradesman) a very respectable man who married Miss Enock sister of the late John Enock of Sibford Gower, died late last night or early this morning. He has been ill a long time with consumption of the throat.

Visited Elizabeth Payne and did not see her as her father and mother kept me talking rather too long and I thought another day would be more suitable.

Visited Elley about doing some copying of charity returns for me.

First Sunday in Lent. HC 15. Collections for Church Missionary Society morning 9/3, afternoon 6/1. Bright morning; snow fell in afternoon to the depth of about 3 inches. It was so intensely dark at 3 o’clock that we were obliged to have the lamps lighted. The darkness lasted from 20 to 30 minutes. I asked Mr Woolgrove into the vestry and told him I had summoned the Trustees for Tuesday March 12th.

Snowstorm and sunshine by turns. Visited school and took Penny Bank and Clothing Club. Gave Mr Langley a bottle of eucalyptus oil to be put out in drops on pieces of blotting paper about the school-room every morning. Influenza is very prevalent in London and Dr Routh is said to have a few cases, but I have not heard of any in Sibford.

Jewell and Henry Bishop called about the land. The latter wants the cottage too. I said I would give the matter further consideration.