Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Palpitation of the heart came on whilst I was walking with Frank this evening, so I had to return at once and go to bed at 9.30. It ceased in about two hours.

We found Mr Oddie, Mr Long and Oliver Harris discussing Flower-Show poster in which among the “Sports” a “Hasty Pudding Competition” was mentioned. They all disapproved of it as both vulgar and dangerous. It was settled that Oliver Harris should attend the Committee meeting this evening and speak about it, Mr Oddie promised to do so too. We went into Mr Oddie’s garden which was gloriously gay with flowers.

At the Flower Show committee meeting this evening, the Hasty Pudding Contest was condemned and eliminated from the programme.

Miss Anderson sent Frank a cheque for £25 to pay Entrance and Responsions fees and decorations for his rooms at Oxford.

Cutting from Banbury Advertiser, 26 September 1895

SIBFORD.

A LEGACY FOR THE FRIENDS’ SCHOOL.—Under the will of the late Mr. Joseph Huntley, of Earlham Villa, Kendrick Road, London, the Friends’ School, Sibford, receives £200. The will was proved at upwards of £74,000, and bequests were made to numerous benevolent and philanthropic institutions.

Frank left for Keble College at 1.15 p.m.

This is Sibford “Wake” Sunday, and consequently, a greater number of girls and women than usual were about.

Sibford Wake and a harvest home tea party was held in Mr. Ainge’s barn with dancing and, 6d. tea 3d. dance. I had nothing to do with it and do not know who “got it up”.

The Enclosing of the fields on the road to Temple Mill is nearly finished. We took the boy to open the gates which are still across the road.

The Swalcliffe “Mummers” called this evening in extraordinary attire. Emily Tanner, our maid, answered the knock at the door and on seeing the horrid object, banged the door in his face and cried out, running in to the diningroom and exclaiming “Oh Sir, such a nasty man at the door”. She was quite upset. I went and spoke to the Mummers who were quiet and respectful enough. They wanted to give me a “performance” but I told them it was too late at night.

Joseph Alcock junior was outside here this afternoon with a coal cart of Tustains of Shutford. He told me he had work for the winter, and if that failed he thought he would go to the “Plush weaving.” So I wrote to Rev Thomas Jones, Rector of Llanbedr, Ruthin to that effect. Mr Charles Gillett, Banker of Wood Lawn, Banbury aged 66 died last Friday and was buried in the Friends’ Cemetery here today.

John F. Inns called and asked for loan of schoolroom for supper for the so called “Reading Room” on the evening of January 3. I replied that they might have it if it is not otherwise engaged.