Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

… We, ie Bell, Rosa, Frank, Bessie, with myself, had usual prayers and hymns at midnight and wished one another the Compliments of the Season.

Fine. The “Reading room” supper took place in the School room this evening. I did not go, but Frank did. He said nothing of the kind could have been better done. The Sibford people set a good example which Oxford undergrads would do well to follow in the conduct of their suppers and smoking concerts.

I awoke about 6 am with a wonderful heaviness about the left arm and apparently an inability to move it, except by lifting it with the right hand. I tried to get out of bed but could not. I called Bell, and found my voice very queer for a few minutes. I was perfectly sensible but there was a want of co-ordination between the brain and the vocal muscles. Bell got up and sent Frank for the doctor who was here by 7.15 am. I told him I feared it was an incipient stroke of paralysis. He did not say it was not, but said I made too much blood and ordered a mustard plaster at the back of the neck. He also gave me an aperient water as well as a draught and told me not to eat beef or mutton but only fish or white meat. The distressing symptoms had passed when he came, having lasted not half an hour. He said my blood vessels wanted “unloading”.

Much better, the aperient water having done its work well. Dr Routh came this morning. No service this morning or afternoon but Rev B. J. Smith, Vicar of Alkerton kindly came over and took Evening Service for me. Frank and Jesse Lively went over with Ruby to fetch him hoping he would stay the night here, but as Mr Smith wanted to return to Alkerton he drove himself and little choir boy here. Collection for Churchwardens’ Expenses fund 12/6. Sent to Mr Inns. Mr Smith stayed to supper. I did not see him as the doctor ordered me to be kept very quiet and not to go down and up stairs.

Frank drove to Banbury. Jesse Lively accompanied him to bring the mare back. Frank assisted Lord North and party in Tableaux Vivants at the Exchange Hall. Rehearsals today. Proceeds for benefit of Volunteer Drill Hall fund. Dr Routh called. It was a fine cold day. I had a fire in my bedroom and sat up all the evening.

Dense fog. A “Professor” and his wife, who do conjuring tricks and sing songs called this morning and asked for loan of the School-room for an Entertainment. Declined. Dr Routh and Miss Dix sent joint note of application for use of School room on Thursday evening January 14th. Granted.