Edith Adeline was the seventh, and last child of John Smith II and the second of his third wife, Mary Anne Fowle. She was also the seventh daughter; two half-sisters, daughters of John Smith’s second wife, Philadelphia, had survived for only a few days but the rest survived to adulthood. Her sister, Grace, was two years older than Adeline, and they were very close.
Their mother, Mary Anne, died in 1901, aged 70, leaving John Smith a widower for the third time. Adeline lived with their father, and looked after him until he died in 1916. Grace married, in 1909, William Micah Williams of Hobart, Tasmania and, while they visited England several times, made their home in Hobart. Grace died, suddenly and unexpectedly, in Hobart in December 1915.
After John Smith II died, Adeline lived alone until she married, in 1920 as his second wife, Frederic Maitland, a widower. He had eight children by Louisa, his first wife, all of whom became friends with their step-mother. Fred died in 1930 after which Adeline lived in South Croydon.
She wrote a diary every day from 1903 until just before her death; she also recorded many trips she did with her family in the 1880, 1890s and 1900s.
She died in 1969, aged 97.
Tours
FIRST VISIT TO SCOTLAND
Taken by John Smith II, his third wife, Mary Anne together with his daughters, Grace and Adeline
July 1887
as recorded by Adeline, aged 15
JOURNAL
July 9th
Father, Mother, Grace and I left the Hermitage Docks, Wapping, at 2.20pm by the steamer ‘Iona’. We had a private cabin, with four berths. It was lovely going up the river; we got to the sea at 6pm. At night, the moon was shining and it was very calm. We thoroughly enjoyed it and stayed on deck until about 11pm.
July 10th
A rough sea and strong wind; we went on deck about 4am and found it bitterly cold, with a heavy Scotch mist. We could hardly keep our feet on deck against the wind and all, except Father, felt very ill so did not enjoy the day. We had our breakfast at 8.30am in the saloon. We skirted the coast of Northumberland and passed close to Bas Rock, where there were quantities of seagulls. We were soon in sight of Scotland, it looked lovely.
We landed at Leith at 7pm and drove to Milne’s Hotel, Greenside Street, Edinburgh. Too wet to go out that night.
July 11th
Edinburgh is a very beautiful city. The houses are built of stone, and the roads paved with stone. Princes Street is one of the finest streets in Europe. On one side are large shops; on the other, beautiful gardens through which the railroad runs. Beyond lies the castle, built on the rocks, and Carlton Hill. Scott’s monument stands in Prince’s Street, 200ft high.
We went to the castle and watched the soldiers drill. It was a fascinating sight, as they were drilled in their white jackets, kilts, red and white socks and Scotch capes, against a background of the old castle. We saw Queen Mary’s room, the Crown Room, where there was the regalia of Scotland, a very old chapel and gun, etc. We then went to St Giles Cathedral, which is decorated with old Scotch flags, used in the wars. There are a number of monuments to soldiers.
We visited John Knox’s house, a small, quaint place built of stone. We climbed Carlton Hill and, from the summit, we had a good view of the city; Burns’ monument is here. We went inside it and saw the collection of curios; amongst others, are a lock of his hair, some ancient pictures, a bust of Burns, one of his old jugs and some letters by him and by his wife.
We saw Colton prison, a strong, stone building, and also visited Holyrood Palace, the residence of Scotland’s early kings and queens. Saw Queen Mary’s banqueting room; her bedroom containing ancient bedstead, high-backed chairs, remains of an identical blanket used by her, a chair worked by Queen Mary. One room, full of tapestry, was Charles I’s bedroom. The ruins of the royal chapel are interesting. We drove up Arthur’s Seat to see the fine view. Nestling amongst the scattered rocks, lay miniature lakes and, at our feet, lay the grand old city. Afterwards, we went about on the top of trams.
July 12th
We started, by the 1.05am train, for Glasgow. We passed fields full of marguerites and poppies; Glasgow is busy city, and abounds in good shops, particularly sweet shops. We had our lunch in the Prince of Wales restaurant, a fine place. We went to the Exchange, Scott’s monument and St George’s Square. Leaving Glasgow at 2.40pm for Greenock, we passed through Paisley, where we saw the prison.
Our boat met the train at 3.30pm at Greenock and we went down the Clyde by the ‘Iona’. The scenery was beyond anything I had seen, particularly when we got to the Kyles of Bute. Here, the river wound in and out amongst wooded mountains and green hills; little houses nestled amongst the hollows, or stood on the water’s edge. The clear river was so narrow in parts that our boat almost brushed the banks.
Passing Rothesay, we landed at Tighnabruaich, and stayed at the hotel situated in a very fairyland of beauty. In the evening, we went on a charming walk through thickly wooded lanes.
July 13th
We went a delightful walk across the hills and through the woods. In places, it was so steep we had to drag ourselves up by branches or trees. A waterfall tumbled over the rocks in a ravine, its sides were thick with trees and studded with wild flowers – kingcups, heather, honeysuckle and ferns. The higher we climbed, the more exquisite was the scene. On one side, the steep ravine; on the other, woods and clustering ferns, knee deep; amongst the mountains, we could trace the silver Clyde. Bird life abounded; blackbirds, crows, jackdaws, ravens and sparrows – we found a snake, dark grey, smooth skinned, but let it go unhurt.
We also saw numbers of anthills and watched the tiny inmates carrying sticks and dead leaves. When we disturbed the nest, they swarmed out to fight and the nurse ants seized the young and carried them to places of safety. We were struck with the perseverance of one any carrying a grub as large as himself and tumbling over constantly with his heavy load.
The sheep upon the mountains look so pretty. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and, afterwards, went down to the river banks. In the evening, we went out again and were caught in a heavy shower. We went into strawberry gardens in the morning and picked as many as we wanted to eat.
July 14th
We left Tighnabruaich by the ‘Columba’ at 11am and went through Loch Fyne. It was very lovely, a large loch, and noted for its fine herrings. It is surrounded by pine-clad mountains; a fresh breeze was blowing. Leaving the loch, we changed steamers and went by ‘The Linnet; up the Crinan Canal; here we had to pass through numerous locks. In places, the canal was so narrow that our boat almost touched the banks. We wound in and out amongst the meadows and forests for nine miles. Honeysuckle and wild roses entwined the banks and were reflected in the clear waters. There was a quiet beauty and charm about the scenery.
As there were numbers of locks to go through, Father and Grace walked some of the way. At the end of the canal, we got into another steamer ‘The Chevalier’, and went from Ardrishaig to Oban. Here we landed and stayed at the King’s Arms Hotel.
Oban, as seen from the water, is considered one of the prettiest bits of Scottish scenery. In the evening, we went for a walk through the lanes, where we gathered wild flowers, and through the town.
July 15th
We left Oban by the ‘Mountaineer’ at 1pm for Ballachulish. Loch Linnhe is very lovely, surrounded by grand, rugged mountains, steep and dark. Cloud shadows rested on their slopes, their summits were enveloped in cloud. Mountain torrents rushed down their steep sides, over rocks and boulders. All seemed to speak of the Majesty of God. Ben Nevis was engulfed in clouds.
At Ballachulish, we got onto a coach and drove through the valley of Glencoe. Here the scenery was awful in its grandeur. Ossian’s cave was pointed out to us, on the top of one of the mountains. There was also a pillar erected in memory of the massacre of Glencoe, and the Chief of Glencoe’s house, where he was murdered. We went through the black slate quarry – one cannot describe the scene in all its rugged grandeur. We stayed one night at Ballachulish and went for a walk in the evening.
July 16th
We left Ballachulish, at 8am, by the ‘Grenadier’ for Fort William. Here, we landed and drove for three miles to the foot of Ben Nevis. Mother waited for us at Fort William and Father, Grace and I climbed Ben Nevis. It is 4,406ft high, and the road up was very steep and stony; it cut right through our boots. The ascent was five miles and it took us four and a half hours: we started at 9.30am. Near the summit, we got right into the clouds and could hardly trace the path, which was marked out by cairns. Half way up, the scenery was glorious and then the outlook became terribly dreary and it was bitterly cold.
The snow lay thick around and awful chasms yawned on one side, so steep we could not see the bottoms. At the summit, we found a small hotel, where we enjoyed a good tea – as we had only taken raisins and hard biscuits for the climb, and drank from the springs on the way.
We sent off two telegrams, one to Mother at the hotel at the foot. It rained hard and we got soaked. The descent took us three hours.
We all drove from Fort William to Banavie and saw Lock Lochy. We stayed at the Lochiel Arms Hotel.
July 17th
We all went to one of the wee kirks. The people stood to pray and to sing the Scotch psalms. It was a very long sermon, but earnest. The people had brought their lunch with them and ate it during the service. At the close, the minister ate his in the pulpit and then commenced another service in Gaelic. Numbers of old women came to this in their white, starched caps: we did not remain.
In the afternoon, we climbed one of the heather-clad mountains; the head waiter went with us, as our guide. We got into a bog by trying to return by a short cut. The view from the top was charming, and a fresh breeze was blowing. We could see the Caledonian, winding amongst the mountains; Loch Lochy lay in the distance. We gathered lots of mountain flax and heather.
July 18th
We left Banavie by the ‘Glengarry’ at 9am to go up the Caledonian Canal. It was a grand day and the scenery glorious. I cannot describe the lofty mountains, with their cataracts and pine forests and snow-capped Ben Nevis. We went through Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Eil and Loch Ness. At Fort Augustus, we got out to see the monastery, a gloomy-looking building. We also went to the Falls of Foyers, a grand waterfall, dashing and roaring over a steep ravine amongst ferns and trees. On the banks, we saw fine old castles and had a good view of Inverness Cemetery.
We reached Inverness at 6.30pm and went to the Victoria Hotel, facing the castle, hill and river. In the evening, we walked to the Ness Islands, which are dotted about the river and reached by rustic bridges. The river is very lovely here as it gurgles and rushes over stones. We thought it one of the choicest bits of scenery we had seen.
July 19th
We went through the town again, and to the islands. We also went to the cathedral, situated on the river bank. There is a very beautiful font, an angel kneeling and holding a large, white shell in his hands. We went to the castle, which is now used as a prison, and law courts; we went into the latter. We went to an entertainment at the town hall, given by the boys from the Royal Academy. We much enjoyed it – the boys all wore kilts and one recited ‘Scotland’s Queen’; six more did ‘When I’m a man, I’ll be a blacksmith, if I can, and if I can’, etc; this they did well. Others were, ‘The Will’ by four boys, ‘The Letter’ by two and two French recitations.
After this, we drove to the field of Culloden where, on June 16th 1746, was fought the great battle between the English and the Scotch. It is a large, barren field marked by a monument and, another, where the cavalry horses were stabled. The old ruins remain. A monument marks were some of the Highlanders were buried. We stood on the stone where the Duke of Cumberland stood to cheer his men; it was interesting. On our drive back, we saw the new barracks.
July 20th
We left Inverness at 7am by ‘The Gondolier’ to return up the Caledonian to Oban. Very lovely.
July 21st
We went, by boat, to Staffa and Iona, round the Isle of Mull. The scenery was lovely and, as we reached Iona, it completely changed and became bleak and rugged and cold. Islands and rocks were scattered about and divers swam about. We had to land at Iona in small boats – from forty to fifty people standing and sitting in each boat, packed like herrings in a box. The sea was choppy.
Iona looked a dreary place – we went over the picturesque old ruins of the cathedral and nunnery and saw the tombs of the ancient kings and chiefs; two were stone crosses. We went back to the steamer in the small boats and then on to Staffa, where we had to land in the same way, and climb up the slippery rocks. It is a remarkable island. Regular pillars rise out of the sea; FIngal’s Cave, which we went into, is grand. The pillars rise either side from the sea, regular in formation and varied in colour: red, green, black and white; the roof, the same. The sea dashes and roars up the cave like thunder.
We much enjoyed the day and returned to Oban for the night.
July 22nd
Left Oban, by the 8.10am, train for Crianlarich. The train wound in and out amongst mountains and woods; we saw the pass of Brandon, Loch Etive and Loch Awe. From Crianlarich, we went by coach to Ardlui. It was splendid. We saw the Falls of Glen Falloch, and the lower falls rushing over the rocks amongst the mountain scenery. From Ardlui, we went – by steamer – up Loch Lomond to Inversnaid. Ben Lomond towered above the other heights. I cannot describe Loch Lomond.
At Inversnaid, we got out to see the waterfall and Rob Roy’s cave was pointed out to us. From here, we took the coach again to Stronachlacher, right over the hills. Then we went by the steamer, ‘Rob Boy’ up Loch Katrine. This charming spot, the scene of the ‘Lady of the Lake’ is closed in by the mountains Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and others. Ellen’s Isle is lovely.
By coach, we went on through the Trossachs – this was the climax of all we had seen. The solemn grandeur of the dark, rocky mountains seemed to crown all. At Callander, we got out and went to the Dreadnought Hotel for the night.
July 23rd
Left Callander, by the 7.50am, train for Edinburgh, passing through Doune, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Stirling: here we changed trains. Our route lay by the Ochill Hills, through Bannochburn, Larbert, Grahamstone, Falkirk, Phillipton, Haymarket, Waverley, Abbeyhill, Leith Walk, Bonnington, Leith. We got out here to see about the luggage and get it on board for our return voyage. Then we went back to Edinburgh for a short time.
At Leith, we went on board ‘The Meteor’ bound for England, a fine ship. We left at 4pm and, as we passed the Bas Rock, the captain blew the whistle and the birds flew up in clouds – a pretty sight. Mother, Grace and I slept in the ladies’ cabin this time, and Father in the gentlemen’s.
July 24th
Sunday: got up at 7am, feeling very seasick, but were not ill. A service was held on deck and a good sermon preached on ‘Acquaint thyself with God’. A smooth passage, we arrived at Gravesend at 7pm but, as the tide was wrong, the steamer had to anchor until morning so we got off at Gravesend in a small boat and took the train to London Bridge and home.
We have spent the happiest holiday we have ever had. Scotland is far beyond all our expectations.
TRIP to GERMANY – 1888
Taken by Grace and Adeline together with their mother, Mary Anne Smith
As told by Adeline (16)
TRIP to GERMANY
May 18th 1888
Mother, Grace, Uncle Charles and I left Victoria Station, at 8am, for Dover, where we crossed over to Calais. The rain cleared off and we had a pleasant voyage. From Calais, we took the train to Brussels, via Lille, Tournai, etc. The scenery was flat – we went through the Custom House examination.
We reached Bruxelles Nord soon after 5pm and went to Hotel de l’Univers, in Rue de Neuve. A fine hotel, opening into a quadrangle, arranged with ferns, flowers and fancy seats; our bedrooms were over-looking the same. After tea, we drove round the city and saw the following places of interest: Le Bourse, a beautiful building; and Hotel de Ville; Brussels cathedral, with its fine altars and pulpit and many confessional boxes. Then we visited the lace manufactory and saw the women at work. Saw some exquisite Valenciennes lace, three quarters of a yard wide, requiring four thousand bobbins and two thousand pins in order to make it. Some of the delicate Brussels’ lace, one yard wide, took six months to make. The work appears very tedious and it is all done by artificial light.
The park has some charming walks and drives, picturesque roads winding in and out amongst dark woods. We saw the monument ‘Fevrier’, La Ministère, Palais des l’Academies, Boulevard de Regent, Palais de la Roi, Palais de Justice, Monument of Godfrey of Bouillon, first king of Jerusalem, and the Royal Museum sculptures. We saw several dogs drawing carts.
May 20th
Left Brussels, soon after 6am, for Cologne. Scenery flat, uninteresting – the heat was intense. We changed trains at Vervier and arrived at Cologne between 12 and 1pm. Here, we had great difficulty with our luggage as it had again to be examined, and we did not know the language. After dining at a restaurant, we visited Cologne cathedral. The exterior is magnificent, on all sides decorated with carved figures and lofty spires. Inside, the windows are strikingly beautiful. There are three altars; in front of the largest, incense is kept swinging and, some distance away, another altar is furnished with shrubs and flowers around an image of the Virgin and Child. Basins of holy water are chained to the pillars.
Several people were kneeling before an image of the Virgin and Child, enclosed in a glass case and profusely decorated with gems and chains. To the right, a number of candles were burning and the worshippers were counting their beads. On the opposite side of the building is a fine specimen of carving surrounded by paintings illustrative of the life of Christ. Further on is a larger figure of Christ taken down from the Cross with Mary and others standing by, weeping.
The heat was intense. We went a long way through the city in an open tram. We visited the Eau de Cologne manufactory, but were not allowed to go over it. We left Cologne, by the 5pm train, for Bad Kreuznach, after a great deal of difficulty in getting our luggage out of the Custom House
This was the prettiest part of the journey; two thirds of the railway ran along the banks of the Rhine. On one side, the scenery was hilly and, on the other, flat. We went through Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace, and changed trains at Bingen, arriving at our destination at 9.30pm.
A peculiarity of the German trains is that they do not draw up at the platforms; you have to cross the lines to get into the trains. The guard walks along the footboard whilst the train is in motion to examine the tickets.
Reaching Bad Kreuznach about 10.15pm, we had much difficulty in making ourselves understood. Finally, we got a diligence and drove to Berliner Hof, where we stayed until the following Tuesday. The hotel stands opposite the Corn Market, in a large square
May 21st
Bad Kreuznach is a lovely place. The river Nahe runs through it. The park is beautifully laid out, with shady avenues of trees; lilac abounds. In the morning, we went to St Paul’s church, where we attended a sacramental service. The men sat apart from all the women, and all the unmarried ladies took off their hats. Uncle went up first with the gentlemen to the Communion table; we followed afterwards with the ladies. The people went up in streams and stood in a row, four at a time, on the left hand side of the table, there being no rail of division. The priest then broke the bread and gave to each, moving to the right hand side of the Table; another priest administered the wine, bowing to him, each returned, in single file, to their seats. All this time, the organ was playing. It was a solemn and beautiful service and, although it was all in German, we enjoyed it.
After table d’hote at 1pm, Mother and I went to call on Dr Heusner. Coming back, we lost our way and failed to make ourselves understood, with the result that it was two hours before we succeeded in reaching the hotel.
In the morning, the churches here are filled; in the afternoon, all the shops are open again and business goes on in the usual way.
May 22nd
We spent the morning in the park. in the afternoon, we went to an open air concert from 4pm to 6pm. The music was beautiful. We are struck with the politeness of the German people, a gentleman never passes us in the hotel without bowing.
May 23rd
Left the Berliner Hof for private apartments in Friedrichs Strasse. Our sitting room opens by bay windows into a veranda covered with sweet-smelling wisteria. The hills opposite are richly wooded and in front are rows of lilac and chestnut trees full of bloom.
German beds seem strange to us: they are made of wood and very short; the pillows are quite one yard square and, to each bed, there is a second pillow, two yards square, to cover the feet.
In the afternoon, we took the van to Munster, a pretty spot, with one very high rock. Grace and Uncle climbed to the top of the hill, whilst Mother and I drove home in a fly.
May 24th
At 7.45am this morning, we went to the Elizabeth Spring in the park. In the afternoon, we took a train to Bingen, such a charming place, where we went for a walk amongst the hills, the path winding about among the trees and rocks, wild flowers in profusion. Where the Nahe joins the Rhine, the waters are quite a different colour and so remain distinct for some little distance before they become mingled completely together. We arrived home again at 7pm.
Beautiful, well-cared for bullocks are used here for drawing carts and the plough, the reins are secured to their horns. A bright moonlit night, we can distinctly see the outline of the trees and hills; bats are flying close to our windows. The birds were singing at 2.40am the other morning. Bullfinches are so tame they come to our feet to pick up crumbs; one alighted on the table close to me in the park. There are jackdaws, chaffinches, cuckoos, and a pretty bird with a silver-grey body and black head, which has a peculiar note resembling ‘tut tut’. A lovely insect flew into our balcony, it was about one inch in length, a dark colour, with gauze wings folded over its back, and it buzzed. I have also seen a large, coal black, bee.
May 25th
We went to the spring before breakfast and then visited the Inhalatorium, a long room with brushwood down either side, mineral water trickling through the brushwood, making the atmosphere quite cold. A delightful place on a hot day, for delicate people. A tame jackdaw, with only one foot, lives there, evidently a pet.
In the afternoon, whilst the band was playing in the park, the people were amused to see a little girl, dressed in white and with a broad-brimmed, blue hat, step out from amongst the visitors and begin to dance, very gracefully, and in perfect time to the music, seemingly unconscious of the sensation she was making. Both the musicians and the audience gave her a hearty clap at the finish.
A clear, moonlit night, the park looked very pretty illuminated; we stayed some time listening to the band, which was first class.
May 26th
Uncle Charles returned to London. We had tea in the garden and then sat under the large chestnut tree and read.
May 27th
Very cold, not so pleasant in the park before breakfast. Spent the afternoon in the park by the Inhalatorium. In the evening, we went to hear the band in the grand saloon, a fine room. The ceiling is painted blue, and gilded so as to sparkle in the gas light; the chandeliers are all glass. The gallery and windows are draped with gold-coloured material and, between each window, is a large pier glass. The room is furnished with ruby velvet couches and chairs and small tables are scattered about.
May 28th
Sunday: in the morning, we went for a walk through the old town; the river is crossed by a wooden bridge, where you pay a three pfennig, or ¼d toll. A stone bridge also crosses the river, with free passage. Old fashioned houses lean over the waterside; there are narrow roads paved with rough stone – and minus pavements.
Finding the English church shut up, we concluded there was no service and went into the park instead. Spent the afternoon reading under the trees by the Inhalatorium; the river was sparking in the sunshine.
May 29th
Every morning, we go to the Elizabeth Wells before breakfast. Spent this afternoon in the park listening to the band and reading. Under the chestnut trees, the ground is covered with soft, white, wool-like substance cast from the trees and used by the birds to line their nests. I often lie awake of a night and listen to the heavenly chorus of the nightingales singing beneath our windows. One takes the lead and then there is a sudden burst of song as they view with each other in exquisite liquid trills.
May 30th
Cold, and rain falling. In the afternoon, we crossed the river and, after following a winding path amongst the vineyards, climbed the hills. The path was steep in parts and led us through the woods. Tall, dark pines rose on either side; from the summit, we obtained a pretty view of the park surrounded by the river Nahe, and also the town. We much enjoyed our walk and took home a large bunch of marguerite daisies – one of the fields was white with them. In the distance, we heard the cuckoo’s notes. Brilliant red, gold and green coloured beetles were sporting in the sunshine.
May 31st
Mr Meir took our photos and, afterwards, we went into the park. In the evening, there was a heavy fall of rain, making everything lush.
June 1st
Spent the afternoon in the park and, in the evening, strolled as far as the Inhalatorium. The sunset, reflected by the river, formed a peaceful, quiet scene
June 2nd
After dinner, we climbed the hills through the woods which, in some parts, were very dense. The view was pretty, but flat. We saw numbers of ruby and green beetles and heard the crickets chirping merrily all around.
After a pleasant time in the woods, we had tea at the Kaiser-au refreshment rooms on the banks of the river, and went for a stroll in the park.
June 3rd
Went down the old town in the afternoon. In the evening, we listened to the band in the park – they played a lovely piece by Rubenstein
June 4th
Went to the 5pm service in the small chapel adjoining St Paul’s church. Sixteen persons were present, only one gentleman and no-one to play the harmonium. A good sermon from Mr King, on Malachi III; 16,17. It was a treat to hear English spoken again.
June 5th
Heat intense; went out before breakfast and not again until the cool of the evening, when we sat by the riverside.
June 6th
Weather cooler – after dinner, we went to the Inhalatorium, where we made the acquaintance of two English ladies from Cornwall. Went into the large reading rooms, where there are English as well as German papers. In the afternoon and evening, we listened to the band. At night, a young girl played exquisitely on the harp, the audience were breathless. One band pieces was a Fantasie from Stabat Mater.
June 7th
The lilacs have died off and, in their place, are numbers of pure white acacia. The pink climbing roses are in bloom. A delicious scent comes from the leaves of the walnut trees. The plane trees have no leaves near the trunk, but at the tip of each thick, knotted branch there is a bunch of green leaves
In the morning, we breakfasted in the veranda and then sat by the Inhalatorium to read. A heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by beautiful sheet lightening and rains, prevented our going out in the evening.
Jun 8th
Weather fresh and bright, thunder at intervals, and rain. We were out in the morning and afternoon.
June 9th
After hearing the band, we went to the Kaiser-au to have tea. Then we walked towards Munster as far as the bridge by the saline works, crossed over and returned home on the other side of the river. Again, a very heavy storm, lasting until 10.30pm; one awful crash shook the house.
June 10th
In the evening, we went to see the illuminations in the park. Lamps were suspended from the trees in festoons; large, coloured stars and crowns were scattered over the grass. Lanterns decorated the covered walk. The fountains in full play, had coloured lamps below them and roses and other flowers arranged round them.
The Kaiser-au bridge was hung with lamps. Two bands were playing; a military one and the usual band of forty musicians under Karl Meyer. They music continued until almost midnight, great crowds were present from neighbouring places.
June 11th
In the afternoon, we heard Mr King preach at the English church, subject: Influence. Better attendance than last week.
June 12th
Went to outdoor concert in the evening, several pieces by Beethoven, very grand. Fraulein Bull and Herr Kahlau played Andante by Mozart on the harp and flute, the runs and shakes were lovely. Another fine piece was a composition by Wagner.
June 13th
Four hundred people drink the water at Elizabethan Quelle each day; in the year 1872, they numbered eleven hundred. Heard the band in the afternoon and evening. One day last week, Herr Fischer played a pretty solo on the zither. The white wool I have mentioned before doesn’t come from the chestnut trees but from some tall trees resembling our poplars; it hangs in thick clusters amongst the branches.
June 14th
Spent the afternoon in the Inhalatorium. Very wet night, so stayed at home in the evening.
June 15th
Too wet to go to the mineral springs before breakfast as usual. Between 12 and 1pm, it came down in torrents, making a great noise. English rain is nothing to it. Violent hail almost shutting out the view and thunder in the afternoon and a peculiar appearance on the distant hills.
In the afternoon, we went into the arcade and, in the moonlit night, paraded in the park. Dr Heusner comes once a week to see me – it is a pleasure to see him, he is such a nice man.
June 16th
Heavy hail storms, with crashes of thunder at midnight and early in the afternoon. A telegram has just come to the house telling of the death of the German Emperor at 11.15am today. He passed away at Potsdam. May God comfort his friends and country. An official telegram was sent to each house.
We went into the park in the afternoon, a strange stillness prevailed – no band. Black flags were hoisted and most of the people were in mourning, although it was only within a few hours of the sad news. A third thunderstorm broke out in the afternoon and we had to seek shelter in the reading room. Storms are of frequent occurrence in these parts.
June 17th
A very wet day and we had to seek shelter in the afternoon. No music playing and, in many shop windows there are pictures and busts of the Emperor draped in black. In one, is a large photo, draped in black, with a crown of artificial violets on the head and a cross of real roses and Canterbury bells, etc.
June 18th
Wet again: went for a short walk before tea. Black flags are flying everywhere and bells are tolled each morning from 12 to 1pm.
June 19th
Too wet to go out all day. The funeral takes place at 12pm to 1pm. Bells toll for an hour every morning and will continue to do so for the next fortnight.
June 20th
Sunshine at last – the river is very full. Watched the people playing tennis in the afternoon and, in the evening, we went for a lovely country walk beyond the station across the liens and up a long road leading towards the hills, shaded by large trees, which meet overhead.
June 21st
Went to the spring in the morning and read in the park all afternoon.
June 22nd
The band commenced playing again today. This morning, they played ‘The Marche of the Priests’ and, this afternoon, commenced with Chopin’s ‘Funeral March’, all standing the while. It was most touching. No light dance music is played at present.
June 23rd
This morning, we went, by the 1.18pm, train to Bingenbruch and walked from there to Bingen. It was intensely hot. We crossed the Rhine by steamer; a pretty scene, the hills covered by trees in their fresh Spring foliage. At Rudesheim, we took the train to the Niederwald monument. The rack and pinion railway consists of a single line which starts from the middle of the road in the village. The train consists of two carriages, both open and containing four compartments each; the engine pushed the train up the steep mountainside. It was a delightful sensation. First, the line passed between vineyards on either side and then through shady woods. At the terminus, we got out and walked to the temple, a circular stone building from which a charming view is obtained.
Below lay the Rhine; on our right, Bingen nestled amongst the green hills and, beyond, the river curves abruptly and is spanned by a stone bridge. On the left lay Rudesheim. Miniature islands, covered by dark pine trees, dot the Rhine and are reflected in its clear waters. A slight thunderstorm passed over us.
The Niederwald monument was erected in commemoration of the unanimous rising of the German nation, and the foundation of their new empire in 1870–1871. On a projection of the hill, standing out boldly against a background of wooded hills, it looks most imposing. Commenced in 1877, it was finished in 1883, and inaugurated in the presence of the German Emperor, and other princes. The base is 78ft high and, on this stands a colossal figure of Germania; in one hand is a crown and, in the other, a laurel-wreathed sword. The face, long, flowing hair and dress, are very fine; the figure is 33ft high. A large sculpture stands in front, representing King William of Prussia on horseback, with a number of German princes and representatives of the various German troops. Below this, is their national anthem.
On the right, a large figure stands representing ‘Peace’, with an olive branch in her hand. On the left, is ‘War’, holding a sword and a bugle, and with a fierce expression on his face. Below these, are two more figures, Rhenus and Mosella; the former holds a bunch of grapes and the latter, an oar. On each side of the monument are scenes representing the departure and return of the troops; the expressions are wonderfully wrought in metal. All the figures are made out of solid iron taken from the cannons used in the wars between France and Germany. The base is of stone and the whole monument cost £55,000.
We then went for a stroll in some lovely woods close by. The train back, again came straight down the sheer mountainside at a great rate. We reached Rudesheim at 5pm and saw the two old castles, one in ruins. Crossing the river by steamer, we took the train back to Kreuznach, arriving about 8pm, having spent a very pleasant day.
June 24th
A heavy shower of rain whilst the band was playing scattered the people in all directions, their laughter drowning the music. In the evening, we had the most terrible storm we have ever experienced. The awful thunder claps shook the house; the forked lightening lit up the hills, whilst torrents of rain came down. For two hours and a half it continued without a break, such a storm had not been known for years. The cellar of our house – and many others – was flooded. It came on about 6pm and the thunder was still rumbling at 10pm. The night was moonlit, though pouring rain continued.
June 25th
A lovely day followed the storm. Sat in the park after dinner and then went to chapel, subject of discourse: ‘What will ye do with Jesus?’ In the evening, we strolled out by the river and watched the moon rise over the distant hills.
June 26th
Listened to the band in the park – ‘Pell Mell’ was one of the prettiest pieces. Another storm, the sky black as ink and the wind terrific whirling everything before it.
June 27th
The last day of our visit to Kreuznach, we have been here five weeks and four days. A very pleasant time – tomorrow we leave for the Black Forest. We listened to the band for the last time – the played selections from ‘The Last Rose of Summer’, ‘Oh, had I wings to fly’, and ‘When the swallows homeward fly’.
In the evening, we packed up. In Kreuznach, there is a peculiar tree with long, brown pods called the trumpet tree. Of an evening, the frogs in the Nahe make quite a disturbance with their croaking.
June 28th
We left Bad Kreuznach at 3pm. Upon leaving, Mrs Meyer presented us each with a bunch of lovely roses, on the petal of a flower in each bunch, a message was written, viz: ‘Farewell’, ‘Good voyage’ and ‘Remembrance of Kreuznach’. Fraulein Meyer came to the station to see us off.
We passed through Bingerbruck, where a number of vines had been broken down by the storm. Passing along the banks of the Rhine, broad in some parts and exceedingly pretty, we arrived at Mainz at 4.12pm. Here we changed trains, leaving again at 4.20pm. We reached Mannheim at 6.40pm.
An amusing incident occurred here. After much difficulty, we made a porter understand that we wanted the right platform for Karlsruhe, pointing to one on the further side, we at once crossed the lines. To our surprise, the two station masters ran after us, looking very flushed and angry and, talking excitedly in German, all the time waving their arms about. Supposing they wishes us to go back to our former platform, we pointed to our luggage, but this put the official into such a temper that we hurried across to the other platform, amid a volley of angry words and a crowd of curious eyes.
Not knowing what offence we had committed, it was not a nice situation to find ourselves the centre of an angry crowd and we were truly thankful, when our train came up at 6.30pm, to leave the spot! We passed through Heidelberg, noted for its beauty and historical interest. Close to the station are wooded hills, partly cultivated. Heidelberg forms the key to the valley of the Necker. Going on through dark pine forests, the Palatine mountains stretched away to our right, cultivated at their base and sloping away to dark woods towards their summits. On the left, the country was flat.
We reached Karlsruhe at 8.14pm and went to the Victoria Hotel, a fine building opposite the station. Our bedrooms adjoin and are large, comfortable rooms, furnished with couches and a table, the beds being shut off by curtains. The dining room is handsome, with its pine wood floor and ornamental ceiling. By night, Karlsruhe looks picturesque; the station in front of us is bright with electric laps, and red and coloured laps illuminate the streets; down each side of the wide road, are trees and, in the distance, the hills are visible.
June 29th
We left Karlsruhe at 11.50am, in pouring rain and, passing through Baden Baden, we reached Appenweier at 1.06pm. Here, we changed trains and the scenery from here to Oppenau was charming. We were now well in the Black Forest. A long chain of mountains rose behind each other, black with pine trees. The shades of green, from pale to dark, were lovely and the clouds rested on the mountain summits.
The scene was grand beyond description. Here and there, old world cottages, with glorious gardens full of roses and sweet william, etc, added to the beauty of the scene. In the fields, women and girls were making hay and, in the orchards, the trees were laden with fruit. This was the Renchthal railway, and it wound through the valley of the river Rench, ascending the mountainside. We arrived at Oppenau at 2.20pm and, here, we found a difficulty in making ourselves understood. After a long discussion, in mixed English and German, we finally got into the diligence and drove on the Friedersbach. The scenery surpassed that on the Renchthal railway.
We arrived at our destination about 4pm, and found a beautiful hotel, where we put up. Our bedroom is like a large sitting room with three beds, a large table, couch and armchairs, and a nice balcony. There are several public sitting rooms and the large dining room has a great outlook. The Friedersbach hotel is situated in a charming nook, right amongst the pine-clad mountains; fruit, and other trees, grow in luxuriance.
After tea, we went a short way up the mountainside. In front of the hotel is an enclosure with seats and, in the centre, is a fountain which plays into a pond with goldfish. A path leads up to this lined, on either side, by rose trees in full bloom. A small garden also adjoins the hotel. On the road to Bad Peterstal, fig trees are growing in pots by the roadside.
The heavy rains and brought out numbers of brick-red slugs and, in the tiny pools, there were skipjacks. The finches were so tame that they came to us when we held our hands out and chirped for crumbs. We found some wild strawberries. By a winding, shady path, we wound down to Bad Peterstal village, an old-fashioned spot with a Roman Catholic church, surrounded by a graveyard.
June 30th
Showery: this morning, there was a Roman Catholic procession here – it passed our hotel. It is held twice a year – today’s was to pass a benediction on the fields. It was a pretty sight as they wound through the valley. First came two boys, bearing an image of Our Saviour on a cross; little boys followed, ranging up to men – all chanting their prayers. Then came the girls and women, dressed in red, green, blue and gold dresses and kerchiefs; the brighter the colour, the prettier the effect. Their hair was all tightly plaited, and they carried rosaries and the tiny children wore dresses down to their feet.
Next came the band. The men had black coats lined with scarlet, their coat tails fastened back to show the lining, and scarlet waistcoats, knee breeches and white stockings, with black walking boots. Wide-awake hats, flat crowned with, on one side, a high plume, white at the top and red at the bottom was fastened; a bunch of artificial flowers, with a tinsel ornament, and white bands completed the hat. Their instruments were trumpets and drums.
The soldiers came next in a similar costume but the plumes were entirely red. These two lots are the only small army which remains in Germany today of those that used to protect the little villages in olden times; people came from distant parts to see them.
Four tiny girls followed them, bearing wreaths on long poles; then little boys tinkling bells as they walked, and swinging incense. Under a golden canopy, came the priest, supported by two more priests, gorgeously attired in gold and white robes. As he walked, he repeated a benediction. Numbers of men and women brought up the rear, the latter wearing little black capes, a sign of marriage. All who preceded the priest were unmarried men and women; those who came behind him were married. From Bad Peterstal to Friedersbach and back again, as far as the church, the procession wound whilst cannons were constantly fired.
When the procession had passed, we climbed the mountain opposite the hotel – words fail to describe the view. Soft, grassy slopes, rising from the valley, were outlined by the dark pine forests which seemed to shut out the great world beyond. In the hollows nestled old-fashioned cottages and the river Rench threaded its silvery way through the valley. Over our heads, cherry trees laden with their scarlet berries; along the banks, clusters of huckleberries with, here and there, a clump of blue forget-me-nots, completed the beauty of a scene which will be impressed upon our memories.
The fruit trees were owned by the proprietor of our hotel and he gave us full liberty to help ourselves, we had only to bend the boughs to gather as many as we wanted; the little crickets were chirping merrily at our feet. It seemed impossible to conceive of a scene more lovely, a paradise on earth, and I wondered what could await us that could be more beautiful – in the land, which eye hath not seen, nor heart conceived. It must, indeed, surpass our highest imaginations.
After table d’hote, the military band passed again and were treated to wine and cigars by the proprietor of our hotel. They all sat out in the open round the little tables and played several pieces. In their smart uniforms, they looked very picturesque. They were very generous with their wine, sharing it with some of the poor boys round and one gave his glass to an old man. Having finished their wine, the order was given to march, with the leader going in front to beat time with his gold and red stick adorned with a tassel. Several hotels in the village treated them to wine and beer afterwards.
We went out again and visited the various mineral springs. There are three in this hotel – you go down a flight of stone steps to them; two more are in a house further down the road and a sixth one is at Peterstal. This village was gay on account of the festival. Wreaths and festoons adorned some of the houses and the people wore their holiday clothes and the military had halted in front of the town hall. There was a miniature fair, which consisted of one stall laden with a mixture of goods.
Upon our return to the hotel, we went to see the animals. Some fine horses, five cows and a calf, poultry and five cats, etc, all well cared for. The servants, who wait on us here wear native dress, and can rarely understand what we say, much to our amusement. The proprietor is the only one who knows a word of English and his knowledge is very scant. We get a dictionary and write out our wants, translating the answers when necessary.
As an instance, we asked for some ham at tea today and they brought us a dish of serviette rings – this is one of the many funny mistakes.
July 1st
Very wet all day, only got a short walk and visited the stables and cow house.
July 2nd
Very wet again but managed to get out between the showers. All was looking so fresh and pretty, with the river bubbling over the stones in the valley. We had to seek shelter in one of the quaint houses and, with native hospitality, they took us in where the family were sitting – two men, three women and five children. The living room had a low ceiling, wooden floor, a bench around the walls, a table and two chairs. All the people here are Roman Catholics and we are the only English, and the only Protestants. Although Sunday, they have all been having a dance in the recreation room downstairs.
July 3rd
Sunshine: we went for a long walk up the mountains; the scene was enchanting as we climbed a narrow path, steep and rugged. Before us stretched the ever-lasting hills, clean out against the blue sky. Men were gathering the cherries and, in the fields, the girls were cutting hay while women of the hills beyond were picking the ripe huckleberries, which they gather with a comb. Here and there, the river forms cascades, or little waterfalls. Crossing a wooden bridge, we came to Peterstal and Bad Peterstal, a pretty village with an hotel and a mineral spring.
Beyond this, a little further than we walked, lies the village of Friedersbach. Every here and there, on the hillside, large bare rocks jutted out from amongst the foliage. On the stream side, forget-me-nots, foxgloves and stellaria were growing.
In the afternoon, we went towards Oppenau, where the mountains shut us in on every side until we reached a small village inn, where there had just been a wedding. A band was playing and dancing was going on indoors. Many of the cottages are decorated here with pieces of wood shaped like the letter ‘U’. The women work much harder than the men. Often we see the latter lounging about smoking their pipes, whilst their wives and daughters carry heavy loads on their heads, draw carts and cut the grass, etc.
July 4th
After going to Peterstal, we walked to the pine forest, three quarters of a mile from here. A quiet gloom pervaded the forest, broken only by the sighing of the wind amongst the stately, dark trees which grow so close together. The air was fresh and bracing and, in the afternoon, we had a thunder shower.
July 5th
Climbed the hills again and, in the evening, went for a stroll in the avenue across the road where the branches of the trees are trained in in opposite directions so as to let in more light. One side of the avenue is a large hay field; on the other, the river.
July 6th
Very wet, but cleared in the afternoon. We met a lot of women with large baskets of cherries and huckleberries on their heads. We have noticed a great many crosses erected on the roadsides; some have figures of our Saviour on, occasionally there is a figure of the Virgin. At Kreuznach, there was a large stone cross on the bridge in the town. They are erected to keep before the people the story of the Cross and what it signifies.
July 7th
In the morning, we walked towards Sheppach – the road lay between the Rench valley and the hills. Mountains closed us in on every side. In one village, all the cottages were thatched and moss grown and there were several water mills. Contrasted with this, was a part so dirty it might have been a corner of London. Here, we sheltered in a barn from a shower. Wild strawberries, foxgloves, forget-me-nots, pansies, bluebells and dog daisies abounded. In the rocks, we found some wasps nests, a deserted one we secured. We saw a number of grasshoppers, some grass-green, two inches in length, others light brown, a quarter of an inch long. They came onto my umbrella, so we examined them well.
Our walk was full of interest; ants, gaudy hornets flashing in the sunlight, leaf insects, blue and other coloured butterflies made me long to study nature more than ever. There were quantities of wild maidenhair ferns. We had rain and thunder in the afternoon.
During table d’hote, we had a concert. A man, with a girl of twelve and a lad of ten, played a variety of instruments beautifully; some had a sad, sweet tone. Their dress was very picturesque. The little girl wore a red shirt trimmed with black ribbon, a black velvet bodice laced in front with blue and gold, a blue satin apron, white elbow sleeves tied up with blue and curly hair. The boy had a black coat and knee breeches, tied up with green ribbons, and red stockings.
In the evening we walked to Peterstal.
July 8th
A lovely day, very hot: we walked beside the river – on the far side, a waterfall tumbles over the stones and, passing under a wooden bridge, falls again, bending its course, flows through the village. In the fields, the women wear large straw hats trimmed with red wool feathers. The butterflies will alight on our hands and, like the birds, seem devoid of fear. A heavy rain came down after we got home.
In the afternoon, a party of eleven of us started off from the hotel for a long ramble. All were Germans and, being unable to speak English, we had a good deal of fun. Two gentlemen led the way; Frau Smit, Fraulein Lull, Elsie and Emily and their mother and father, were amongst the party. The path we took was steep and winding and led us right amongst the mountains until the valley was almost lost to sight, such a grand scene.
We returned home by a steep path through the woods. We had great fun crossing the bogs and clambering down steep banks. We got a large basket full of cherries from a man who was gathering them and altogether had a happy time, reaching home about 6.30pm. We stayed at home in the evening.
July 9th
We walked to Friedersbach in the morning, to the village. Saw a barley crop growing on a rock with only two or three inches of mould, a fine lot, about one and a half metres high. This village is not so pretty as ours. The scenery is flatter, the river winds through it and rocks are scattered on the hillsides.
In the afternoon, we took a new hill road towards Oppenau. A charming view opened out before us, the chain of mountains in the distance covered with dark pines; at our feet, the valley through which we could hear the river gurgling as it tumbled over the stones, forming lovely cascades in its course. The scent from the hay fields reached us on the hillside; barley fields and one tiny cottage added to the variety of the scene. We found a number of wild raspberries. We strolled about near home in the evening.
July 10th
In the morning, we went towards Oppenau, taking a wide road; as we climbed, the view became lovely. The wind was strong. Crossing a little valley, we entered a wood and, going over a bridge, found we were in a cottage garden so had to retrace our steps.
We gathered lots of dog daisies, forget-me-nots, wild briar roses and strawberries. In the afternoon, the rain set in.
July 11th
Very wet today: an American gentleman, and his daughter, are now staying here, so we are able to talk to someone in English again. They went for a walk in the afternoon with us. And, in the evening, we walked to Peterstal.
July 12th
Bitterly cold, with rain coming down in sheets, and wind howling whilst the mist hides the hills. Sometimes the mountain tops appear above the clouds, standing sharply outlined against the sky.
July 13th
Very wet again: we walked towards Oppenau in the afternoon and found lots of wild raspberries, fine ones. Also a pale green butterfly with two narrow, white stripes on each wing, snow white underneath and eyes green.
July 14th
Sat out of doors in the afternoon and went up a steep path between the mountains.
July 15th
Grace’s birthday – gathered a large bunch of wild forget-me-nots for her, the loveliest I have seen. In the afternoon, found out a new walk; climbing a hill near, we crossed a wooden bridge over a stream onto another hill. Here, along a narrow path between the bushes, we found a nice seat commanding a lovely view. One of the most glorious days of sunshine we have had – blue sky, with scarcely a cloud, and a gentle breeze. The fountain opposite our hotel looks like a shower of diamonds in the sunlight. The goldfish are quite tame and will eat out of my hand and glide right into it.
July 16th
Very warm and bright today: during our walk up the hill, near Peterstal, we saw a remarkable sight. One large bush, standing alone, was smothered with caterpillars, hanging in clusters to every branch and weighing them down. They were about one inch in length, black with red spots and silver-grey hairs, black bristles and red legs. In the afternoon, we sat out of doors and read and worked. Stayed at home in the evening.
June 17th
The sun was shining brightly in the morning, when we went into the pine forest; leaving the regular path, we got onto a slippery, downhill path. It was dark and gloomy, the dead lower branches of the pines making it look dreary. We came across some men gathering cherries and bought some from them.
At the entrance to the wood, we found some stones by a rivulet, where we rested. Sat out of doors during the afternoon, and worked.
June 18th
Very wet morning; cleared in the afternoon and we went for a walk with the Americans, Mrs Bernard, another lady and Elsie. In the evening, we went into the village.
June 19th
Very wet – kept in all day. In the evening, we all joined and had games together, a very enjoyable time.
June 20th
Wet, but went for a short walk in the afternoon. In the evening, we drove to Oppenau to meet Papa by the 7.35 train – a lovely drive both there and back. It is so delightful to have him with us again. We got home about 8.30pm.
July 21st
Went on some lovely walks up the hills and to the village
July 22nd
An exquisite day: in the morning, we all, with Mr Hindberger and Pauline, went up into the pine forest, where it was beautifully cool; we thoroughly enjoyed it. On the top of the hill, we sang some hymns. I found a pile of empty nut shells on some old tree trunks, so there must be squirrels or some animals about.
July 23rd
At 10am. We all – with Pauline – started for a day’s drive. The horses were Marlie and Fritz. It was a beautiful day, the country looked fresh and lovely after so much rain. First we drove to Oppenau, a picturesque little town shut in by the hills. The river runs by the side of it; the houses are whitewashed and have green shutters, small and quaint looking. Here and there, we passed groups of peasants with their children.
At Oppenau, we turned off to go to Allerheiligen, where the waterfalls are. The scenery was beyond description; as we followed a winding road, the mountains closed us in on every hand. The river falling in miniature cascades, now and again lost itself amongst the bushes and then flashed out again like a gleam of silver in the sunlight. All this time, we were slowing ascending the mountainside, the pines looked black and gloomy. One wood was beautifully shaded from pale to very dark green. Far below us, on the other side, the hills rose up and wild flowers climbed the banks.
At 11am, we reached Allerheiligen, were we got out to climb the heights. Hundreds of steps led to the summit and numbers of small wooden bridges crossed the falls. The great waterfall was the chief object of beauty; it fell from a height with tremendous force over some rocks. Turning a sharp corner, some huge boulders intercepted its course and, rushing through a narrow space, it fell to a great depth like a large silver cascade. Still rushing onward, it fell again and again until, at last, it reached the valley and flowed calmly on , shut in by the lofty mountains on either hand.
We stood, lost in admiration at the exquisite grandeur of the scene. On one side of us was a huge moss-covered cave. In the valley far below, the light was shining through dark pine forests. The ground was covered with dead leaves and moss-grown stones; moss hung in festoons from the pine branches, every dead branch was covered with its lovely green. Ferns climbed the banks, some of these we secured. Rocks, solid and tremendous, rose on either side of us; we could follow with our eyes the rush of the water until it turned a corner; dead forest trees impeded its course at places. All this grandeur and beauty was enclosed by a narrow space from 20–30ft wide between the hills.
Reaching the summit, we had table d’hote at the hotel there. Behind the hotel, we found some beautiful old Abbey ruins, which we explored – the black forest formed a sombre background. Reluctantly, we tore ourselves from the lovely spot and wound our way back to where the carriage waited for us. Then we drove to a place called the end of the world. Here the forest is so dense, that no road or path penetrates into its gloom.
At an hotel here, we had some coffee, etc, in a fine dining room draped with red and white curtains and containing a music gallery. In the basement of the building, there is a mineral spring; the water is brought up to the patients by means of a tiny lift behind a counter in a lofty room. A man fills the glasses down below. We drove home by the same route through fairy-like scenes of beauty. A bank near Oppenau was one mass of red, white, yellow and blue wild flowers. A solitary cross was erected on one high rock in memory of one who had been suddenly killed on that spot. We reached home about 7pm, after having had a most enjoyable day.
July 24th
A lovely day: sat out of doors and Papa went fishing in the afternoon. Showers later
July 25th
A lovely morning, intensely hot: we all started off with Mr Hindberger, Pauline, Mr and Mrs Roeder and two guides, for a picnic into the forest. Leaving at 10.30am, we drove as far as the waterfall, the gentlemen walking and the guides carrying our luncheon hamper and cloaks. We reached the waterfall at 11am, which was very pretty. Tumbling over some large rocks, it fell between moss-covered stones and ferns and then under a rustic bridge and on to the valley between woods on either side. Here, we all met and soon penetrated into the forest. It was much cooler here and, in some parts, like twilight.
We soon lost sight of everything and, reaching an open space from which paths diverged in all directions, had our first halt. Going on again, we reached a very dense part of the Black Forest, no house or living creature was near; nothing but the solemn, dark pines stretching away for miles. Too lonely even for any birds, the only sound was the wind signing through the trees overhead. Here, in this secluded spot, we found a tree trunk and, making this our seat, and the bare ground our table, we opened out our luncheon basket. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, having bought roast fowls and forgotten knives and forks, only added to the fun.
Having rested well, we continued our walk for another hour, when we had reached the summit of one of the highest mountains, 4,000ft about sea level. Just hear, the trees were thin and it was more open.
Descending a little, we came to one of the densest parts where there is a black lake, its waters without a ripple, black as ink, shut in by majestic mountains; from its brink, the lofty pines rear their dark branches; absolute stillness reigns. The spot is awe-inspiring and weird in the extreme. No one has succeeded in fathoming the dark waters, though men have tried. Sky and clouds are reflected in the glassy clearness of the lake; the pines cast their huge shadows across it; dragon flies, azure and gold, dip their gaudy wings on its surface. But I cannot describe in words this scene.
We rested on the margin of the lake, chained to the weird spot, which threw its spell over us all. It stands at an elevation of 4,000ft above sea level. Wending our steps towards home, we came to a place where the land had slipped and, through the break, we could look down upon pine-covered mountains far below us, a tremendous depth.
The road home was lovely in the extreme. All round, the light broke through the pine trees and fell upon a carpet of moss; the tops of the trees were thick with clusters of pine cones. We followed a grass-grown path, where Napoleon’s troops had trodden before us – the heat was suffocating.
Passing from one forest to another, we gradually descended until we reached the valley of Bad Griesbach. Here, a little village nestles in a narrow valley between the hills. Tired out, we sat down on the roadside whilst the gentlemen sent for a conveyance to take us the remaining three miles back to the hotel. The distance we had walked was tremendous, but we had seen the Black Forest in its lonely grandeur, and had a delightful day.
July 26th
There was a heavy thunder storm last night, with sheet lightening – the thunder claps echoed from mountain to mountain it was very wet in the morning. We left for our journey home at 3.30pm. All the people from the hotel came to see us off in the carriage for Oppenau. Mr Meyer presented Mamma, Grace and me with three lovely large bouquets of roses, done up with white lace paper, and two little girl visitors gave Grace and me two smaller bouquets of roses so, like a wedding party, amid many good wishes and wavings of hats and handkerchiefs, we left Friedersbach, the little dog running after the carriage to give us a farewell bark.
We left Oppenau by the 4.55pm train for Appenweier, where we changed for Mannheim, a pretty place with beautiful avenues near the station. From here, we went on to Karlsruhe and changed for Mainz. At Mainz, we took a bus for the Hotel de Hollande, arriving about 11.30pm. We had a good night’s rest. The streets here are lit well by electric light. It is a fine hotel, we breakfasted in a cool saloon, where a very good string band was playing.
Last night, we saw one of the loveliest sunsets we have ever seen, when we were on the train. Against the blue of the sky, gold and black clouds shaded to purple and deep pink; the sun sinking like a ball of fire behind the pine trees.
We went out in the morning. Mainz is a fine place, broad stone-paved roads, tall houses and good shops. The market was a busy scene, crowded with people. Cherries, peaches, pears, raspberries and all kinds of fruit and vegetables filled the stalls. The women who served wore handkerchiefs tied over their heads. Making our way through the busy scene, we went to the cathedral, noted for its beautiful sculptures. It looks very old and contains some fine paintings. One represents Our Saviour, with a crown of thorns, bearing his cross; the face has a wonderful expression. Amongst the sculptures is one representing the last supper; another, the ascension; one is a kneeling figure, the robes carved to perfection. A striking one is that of a man lifting the lid of his coffin; on one side stands the skeleton Death and, on the other, Time.
People were kneeling before some of the figures, where candles were burning; a lady was embracing and kissing one of the altars. Swinging incense, a ceiling of blue and gold, a carved pulpit, a figure of Christ on the cross surrounded by a large wreath, were amongst the noticeable features.
Leaving the cathedral, we passed the town hall, a fine exterior. The Rhine, which flows in front of our hotel, is very wide and is crossed by two bridges; there are a number of fortifications along the banks. Canons are placed on the hills around.
July 27th
A lovely day; we left Mainz by the 9.30am steamer, the ‘Humboldt’, to go down the Rhine as far as Koln. We passed Bingen and Rudesheim, where we again saw the Niederwald. On a small island, we saw the Mouse Tower: there is a legend to the effect that a clergyman once had to seek refuge there because of his religious views. On one side of the river, a railroad goes to Frankfurt; on the other, to Koln. The trains pass through a number of small tunnels through the rocks, the entrance to each being built to resemble watch towers.
Amongst the places of interest were Assmannshausen, a pretty spot; Rheinstein Castle, an old ruin situated on a hill; the castles of Falkenberg and Sooneck; the village of Niederheimbach, with Tower Heimburg; Kaub, where the Prussian troops crossed in 1814 against the French. It was here that the Russians marched under the direction of Blucher. The Paflz Tower stands in the river. In one rock, an archway has been cut and a figure of the Virgin put in.
At the Lurlei (Lorelei), a massive rock, the scenery is very beautiful. It was here that the famous song was composed. At St Goar, the river is narrow and deep – and very dangerous because of the rapids and the rocks. The bottom is sandy and good salmon are caught here.
On the other side of the river are the Goarshausen mountains covered with vines and trees forming the chief beauty of the scenery, and the old castles on the banks. One of the prettiest is Marksburg – this was not destroyed by the French. There are numbers of rafts about. We had a good view of Coblenz from the steamer. The country here is pretty, there are strong fortifications on the hills against the river. There is also a palace, and a bridge or boats. This consists of a number of black boats placed side by side, a platform crossing from one to the other. One, or more, are worked by steam so as to allow passenger boats to pass through it. It is the kind of bridge used in war, as it can easily be taken to pieces. Champagne is made in Coblenz.
Passing Neuwied and Andernach, we came to Bonn, which looked lovely from the river, the large houses interspersed with old-fashioned ones. Then we came to Remagen, where Appollinaris water is manufactured, and Roland near Konigswinter, is Baron Lesseps’ castle, the builder of the Suez Canal. It is a fine building, considered one of the best on the Rhine, set on the summit of a hill amongst the trees. From here, the scenery was flat and the river wide.
We stopped at all the places mentioned, so had a good view of them. We passed many strange looking ferry and dredging boats on our way. After having table d’hote on board, we landed at Cologne at 6pm and drove to the Disch hotel. The day on the Rhine we much enjoyed. This is a grand hotel, up all the staircases, there are massive marble pillars. There is a good lift, furnished like a miniature room. In our bedroom, the ceiling is painted to represent blue sky, with white clouds floating about.
In Papa and Mama’s room, there is a large glass chandelier. The beds are covered with lace eiderdown quilts, lined with pale green and crushed strawberry. As soon as we had called at the hotel, we went out for a walk and, once again, visited the cathedral, which I have described before. We went to a dark place, resembling an Abbey, and then to the shops and the arcade, the florists and the china shops, struck us as the best. We were pleased with what we saw of the best parts of the city. The boat we came down by arrived at Koln at 6pm. It is a busy town, with narrow streets but good shops.
July 28th
After a short walk through the town, we left Cologne by the 10.14am train for Brussels. Most of the scenery through which we passed was flat and uninteresting. Some of the places were Aix la Chapelle, Liege, Louvain and Verviers. Here, the country is wooded and there is a pretty river. We arrived at Brussels at 4.30pm and took rooms at the Hotel de l’Univers, as before. A drenching day, and high winds.
We took a train to the exhibition – these trams are divided into two parts – a door leading from one to the other division. The Brussels’ exhibition was similar to our colonial one, but not so fine. The grounds are well laid out; at the entrance are two gift figures standing on large pillars. A switchback, boat swings, a large balloon, fanciful buildings, etc are in the grounds. In the art gallery, the sculpture is very fine, particularly one pulpit. The exhibition abounds in machinery; tapestry pictures; delicate Brussels’ lace fans, painted by hand with pearl handles. One dress is entirely composed of this lace. The Paris dolls are a striking feature; boy dolls, with powdered wigs and cocked hats, in various dancing and other positions; girls with fancy headdresses and miniature lace fans, their faces most expressive.
Amongst other exhibits were marble fireplaces, brass and china work, stuffed animals, live seals and a pretty grotto. We did not see all as it was nearly closing time when we arrived.
We walked about the town and saw the Bank, House of Commons, cathedral, etc. The broad streets are paved with stone; some of the houses are fine, also the shops, particularly confectioners and cigar shops. AT 8.30, we returned to our hotel for tea.
July 29th
We first went to an old church, but the people were coming out, so we went on to the cathedral. The service was proceeding and a large number were present. The people were all kneeling on their chairs, a small bell called to different forms of prayer. A man collected money during these devotions, giving change to some. A white-robed priest, with a large green cross embroidered on his surplice, officiated before the altar over which was a statue of the Virgin bedecked with jewels. On each side of him, two small boys knelt, dressed in white and scarlet. Every ten minutes, the priest bowed low then, going a little to one side, mumbled a few verses from the Bible. Elevating the Cup to the Virgin, he drank from it and then turned and solemnly waved his hands over the kneeling congregation, forgiving their sins.
Their form of worship struck us as very sad. Everyone bowed and continually crossed themselves, even little children reached up to the holy water vessel to dip their fingers in and make the sign of the cross.
Having left the cathedral, we went to see all we could. The shops are beautiful. We visited the town hall – in the council chamber; the ceiling is painted by a pupil of Rubens. The seats are ruby velvet, and a large mirror fills one end of the room. We went into the feast room, and ante-chamber, and sat in the Lord Mayor’s chair. It is a very fine building.
Then we visited the museum, which contains a number of ancient pictures, medals and books, etc. The flower market was a very busy scene in spite of the day being Sunday. A number of the boys here wear wooden shoes. After table d’hote, we walked to the park, which contains nice walks and sculptures; also some ornamental gardens. We visited the Palace of Justice, situated on a hill. It took seventeen years to build and cost £2,000,000. There was a good view of Brussels from here. We saw several places of interest and went for a walk through the boulevards. It is a beautiful city.
July 30th
Very wet, but we went out a little into the arcades. At 10.20am, we left Brussels for Calais – scenery, flat. At the French frontier, we all had to get out to have our boxes examined at the custom house. It was great fun. One gentleman had his pockets examined because they found a small packet of cigars in his bag. We passed through Tournai and saw the cathedral. We arrived safely home again in the evening.
NOTES on our TRIP TO SCOTLAND
June 14th to September 14th 1899
As told by E Adeline Smith
SECOND TRIP to SCOTLAND
June 13th
Mother, Father and I left Kings Cross, by the 10am train, for Whitley. We arrived at Whitley Park Hotel soon after six. Spent a happy time with Jack and Fannie and the others.
June 15th
Early in the afternoon, we left Whitley for Edinburgh. Most of the scenery was flat and uninteresting. Berwick on Tweed looks very pretty from the rail. We reached Edinburgh at 6.30pm and drove to Darling’s Regent Hotel in Waterloo Place, a continuation of Princes Street.
In the evening, Father and I went up Princes Street and George Street, fine wide streets running parallel, with first class chops and a good arcade
June 16th
We spent the day visiting different places of interest in Edinburgh. First we went, on the top of a tram, to the botanical gardens; after seeing over these, we went to see the British Linen Company’s bank, a find building with mosaic floors, gilded ceilings and granite pillars. Then we drove to the castle which, from its prominent position, overlooks Prince’s Gardens and the city. The soldiers were going through their drill when we got there. In the Crown room, we saw the regalia of Scotland, other things of note were the Argyll Tower, and prison cell, Queen Margaret’s chapel, Queen Mary’s room.
On the battlements, enclosed by miniature iron railings, is the soldiers’ pets’ cemetery. Twelve tiny tombstones mark the graves of favourite dogs that have followed the regiments for so many years.
After leaving the castle, we went to the fine old cathedral of St Giles; its special features are the exquisite stained glass windows and the time-worn flags of Scotland. It is here that the Heart of Midlothian marks the site of the old Tolbooth prison. There is a gloomy, oppressive, air about the old building, so rich in historic associations. It was in this church that the struggle took place, so many years ago, at the introduction of the English church service, when Jane Geddes took up her stool and hurled it at the bishop’s head.
We next drove round Arthur’s Seat, its summit was enveloped in clouds. Amongst other places of interests, we saw Holyrood Palace, with its ruined Abbey, Edinburgh prison (still in use), Carlton Hill, crowned by Nelson’s monument, the monuments of Scott and Burns – the former is ornamented by carved stone figures representing the characters in his novels; and the university, the fine dome of which is surmounted by a figure of Fame.
Edinburgh is a most beautiful city, but it seems to consist of West End and East Wynd, there is no middle class. On the one hand it abounds in find public buildings and private residences and yet, in the midst of all its wealth, there is on the other hand, the most abject poverty. Some of the closes consist of eight or nine-storied houses in which the wretched population are crowded together like animals. It is the question ‘Darkest England’ (William Booth) over again, which seems to defy solution. The closes are entered by dark, narrow passages which open into dirty courts, and as extended rods from the upper windows serve as drying grounds the picture is one of squalid misery.
June 17th
Went for a walk after breakfast down the Canongate, where John Knox’s house is, and then on to the university. Taking a tram back to Prince’s Street Gardens, we spent a short time there. There is a fine monument of Sir Walter Scott in the gardens.
We left Edinburgh, by the 10.27am train, for Oban, arriving at 4.52pm. The Highland railway to Oban passes through some exquisite scenery; it winds through glens and rugged mountain scenery and along the banks of Loch Awe and the gloomy Pass of Brander. Upon first leaving Edinburgh, the country is flat, but it soon gains grandeur and beauty. We came through the flowing places of interest: Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Doune, Callander – where we had to change; Crianlarich and Dalmally.
Upon arriving at Oban, we drove to our apartments, previously engaged, at Oban Times Buildings on the Esplanade.
June 18th
A very wet, cold day: in the morning, we went to St John’s Episcopal Church and, in the evening, to St Columba Established Church, where we heard an earnest sermon from the Rev Alfred Brown; we much enjoyed the service. In the evening, we went a long ramble amongst the hills.
Our apartments are in a charming situation. We have seventy-three stone steps to ascend to reach our flat. The front windows command an extensive view of loch and mountain. Just below lies the blue bay, studded with white-sailed yachts and rowing boats; the slopes of the mountains and hills, which surround the bay, are covered with pines; upon their summits the white clouds rest at times. In the centre of the bay rises the green island of Kerrera.
June 19th
Bleak and wintry, brighter later. In the evening, we went a drive to Lochan a Bhuilg Bhith – a very bad road for driving, some parts almost impassable, the wheels being within two or three inches of the edge of steep banks on one side and brushing the hill slopes on the other; so jolty, we had to hold on. At last we reached one of the fairest representations of ‘Peace’ I have ever seen.
Leaving the conveyance, we walked to the side of a still lake, nestling in a hollow of the mountains. No sound disturbed the unbroken silence save the plaintive cry of the seagulls, which our presence disturbed. A few sheep were scattered on the slopes; no other life was near. It was such a silence as can be felt, the calm of God seemed to brood over the scene and enter into one’s soul.
The hill slopes were rich in varied ferns, and one field was covered with yellow iris; we gathered a handful to bring home.
June 20th
Cold and raining most of the day. In the early morning, we went for a circular coach drive, going by Glenshellach and returning by Gallanach and the Sound of Kerrera.
Most of the road was a narrow, steep, mountain path with towering cliffs and jagged rocks rising on one side, clothed with dark fir trees, clinging ivy and varied ferns. The highland sheep, with their little snow-white lambs dotted the green slopes of the hillsides.
June 21st
Weather improved, air balmy and warm: at 10am, we went, by the steamer, St Louse, to Connel Ferry, a two hour trip. The water was so still and clear that it reflected the trees along its margin. We landed at Dunstaffnage Castle to explore the old ruin.
Scaling the wall, by means of a perpendicular ladder, we had a fine view from the ivy-clad summit of loch and mountain. At one time, the castle was taken possession of by Bruce, after his victory over the lords of Lorne. Flora Macdonald is supposed to have been detained there as a prisoner.
In the evening, we drove, by inland route, to the castle.
June 22nd
In the morning, we went a five mile drive to Loch Nell, at Kilmore. On our way, we met a funeral party, about thirty followers on foot, winding their sad way down the mountain paths; it brought to mind Ian Maclaren’s pathetic pictures of Scottish village life.
At Kilmore, we dismissed the carriage and wended our way to the loch. Unmooring one of the small boats on the river, we pushed out into the lake; I rowed whilst Father fished; there was a strong swell and it was hard work going against the current. The air was warm but it rained heavily all the time.
Loch Nell is about two miles long, and is situated in a mountain glen; the river Nell winding its way through fields of buttercups and banks of yellow iris and foxgloves, empties itself into the loch. Two or three shepherds’ cots dot the distant hill slopes, no houses spoil the beauty and solitude of the scene. There is one miniature inn, spotlessly clean. Standing on the porch, you look right out upon the mountains with the running river at their foot – a very paradise of quiet beauty.
We stayed on the river until nearly four, the rain continued all the time. After having tea at the inn, whilst Father fished, I went a lovely stroll alone to drink deep of the beauties of nature. It is when alone with God, and nature, that one realises something of the ‘feeling infinite, most felt when we are most alone’; the very Presence of the Highest over-shadows the soul and stirs thoughts which cannot find expression in words.
At six o’clock, we drive home again, the rain holding off for a time. We saw a number of peewits and passed a picturesque burn on the roadside.
June 24th
Sunshine, strong north wind blowing: at 10am, we took the steamer to Connel Ferry, a small boat met us and took us to shore. The Falls of Lora are very beautiful; at low tide there is a fall of some six or seven feet over the rocks from Loch Etive into Oban Bay, a wild, surging volume of water in which seals and salmon abound.
It is called ‘The Rapids’ and is celebrated in the Ossianic Cycle. At high tide, nothing is noticeable but a strong current. Beyond The Rapids lies Loch Etive; on either side rise mountains on which cloud shadows rest. Above the rest, towers Ben Cruachan, the highest mountain in Argyllshire, 3,611ft high.
After a walk over the moors, where we stayed to gather the mountain flax, we crossed The Rapids in a shaky steam launch used by the workmen. Taking the boat as near as they can to the Falls, the force of the water drifts it rapidly down the loch to a landing stage on the furthest side. We lunched at the old posting house and returned to Oban by the 3pm boat.
It was a calm evening, still daylight at 10pm and full sun at 9pm.
June 25th
Rain and mist: in the morning, we went to the Free Church in Argyll Square; the singing was very good, conducted by a Precentor. In the evening, we went to two of the churches but, finding them closed, we climbed one of the hills. On the summit, there is a large building, representing the Coliseum at Rome, which is in the course of building. Mr Mccaig, a wealthy banker, is bearing all expense of the structure from which a fine view is obtained, will comprise a museum and a picture gallery.
June 26th
In the morning, we walked to Dunollie Castle, a picturesque, ivy-clad ruin situated on a hill over-looking the bay. The castle is approached by a lovely avenue, about a mile long. Some parts are so thickly wooded that it is like twilight under the spreading trees; the steep hill which skirts the avenue is clothed with primroses and clumps of ferns; here and there stern rocks read their heads above the undergrowth, ivy, lichens and mosses clinging to their rugged sides. From the hill crest, the scene is one beautiful panorama of loch and mountain, wood and town.
The days was glorious – sea and sky vied with each other in azure tings, now and again a passing steamer disturbed the calm waters of the bay or yachts, with their white sails spread to the breeze, glided swiftly by. In the distance, the cloud shadows rested on the mountain sides whilst, at our feet, the ground was carpeted with white marguerites and golden buttercups.
In the evening, Father and I walked over the hills to Glenmore. The clear, crisp air was delightful. There is a peculiar charm about the moors, a sense of freedom indescribable. To wander for miles over the undulating hills, the greensward elastic beneath one’s feet, the air perfumed with the faint smell of heather and wild flowers; the silence only broken by the bleat of the lambs on the grassy slopes, is to understand that deep joy of which Byron speaks when he says, of nature:
‘There is a rapture on the lonely shore, by the deep sea and music in its roar.
I love not man the less, but nature more, for these our interviews
In which I steal from all I may be, or have been before
To mingle with the universe and feel what I can ne’er express
Yet cannot all conceal.’ (Byron – Childe Harold’s Pilgrimmage)
At past ten o’clock, the sunset glow was still upon the bay, and it was light enough to read out of doors. In Scotland, in the month of June, the light is so clear that one may almost say ‘there is no night there.’ (John R Clements)
June 27th
Before the rain commenced, we drove through Glenmore, where we had a good view of Lismore, the Sound of Mull, and the hills of Mull and Morven. These scenes are so graphically described by Scott in his ‘Lord of the Isles’.
June 30th
Drove to Loch Nell, by way of Barron, very steep, mountainous roads. We saw Loch Feochan, with the hills of Loch Etive, blue in the distance. The heather is just coming into flower, wild roses abound. We gathered a bunch of honeysuckle and dug up some wood ferns to send home, the latter grow in profusion, and in the crannies of old moss grown walls, choicer sorts abound. We saw a lovely squirrel in the woods, some lapwings and grouse in the fields.
July 1st
In the early morning, we drove to Loch Nell. It was raining when we started but the country looked so sweet and fresh. However, when we reached the hotel, it seemed to have set in for a wet day, so we drove straight back again.
On the road to Glenn Nell, there is one of those fascinating mountain burns which find their solitary way down the mountain sides to lose themselves in the tangled grass of the meadows. The clear water of the burn rushes over some rocks between steep banks of fern and overhanging trees then, flowing gently over its pebbly bed, it winds in and out amongst the moss-grown stones. The music of a burn has a peculiar charm, a charm which can better be felt than expressed in language.
July 2nd
We heard the Rev Alex Duff preach in the morning at the Established Church; a cold service, poorly attended. In the evening we went to the new Established Church, St Columba, where we heard a good sermon from Rev A Brown: a well-filled church and reverent, earnest service. Sundays are well-observed in Scotland, a quiet orderliness prevails.
At Oban, we noticed the cab stand is empty, all shops and the golf links are closed, hardly a small boat or yacht Is in use, all lie anchored in the bay. Roman Catholicism is strong in Oban and we are told that the Roman Catholic church has the largest congregation in the place.
July 3rd
Father and I went a long ramble over Glenmore. From the summit of the hills, the view was glorious. On our left, in a hollow, lay the little town of Oban, with its grey stone houses and churches. At a bend in the bay, rose the ivy-clad ruin of Dunollie Castle, the rock on which it stands washed by the blue waters of the bay.
Opposite to us stretched the green island and the Sound of Kerrara. Nestling in a hollow of the hills, was a weed-grown curling pond, which mirrored the blue sky overhead and the rushes on its banks.
On every hand, rose mountains and hills; upon their gentle slopes, the light and shadows fitfully shifted with the play of passing clouds. Overhead, the skylark poured out is melody until it became a speck against the sky; peewits flitted here and there amongst the heather, sometimes a yellowhammer, or a tiny wren, would alight close by upon the greensward. ‘Earth’s crammed with heaven’ (Elizabeth Barratt Browning); the moors themselves are full of hidden beauties, numberless tiny flowerets carpet the ground; every rock has its mosses and lichens of delicate tints, each cranny hides some exquisite fern, or seedling, more lovely than the rest.
Leaving the moor, we entered a pine wood; some of the dark trees had been newly hewn and the air was fragrant with their with their perfume. Skirting the wood stretched a large bed of yellow iris, some of which we gathered to bring home.
In the evening, we all drove a new way through Glenmore: leaving the high road, we drove over the braes and, winding in and out amongst the hills, emerged at last on the sea front and took the sea road home. It is a lovely road running along the waterside, shut in on the other side by towering rocks; the strata of the Pillar Rock is similar to that of Fingal’s Cave, Staffa.
July 4th
We climbed some fresh hills, knee deep through the bracken, and saw a more extensive view even than from Glenmore. Undulating hills stretched away into the distance for miles; between them gleamed the blue waters of the lochs.
In the evening, we drove to the inn at Loch Nell and stayed there the night. Such a quaint little place, whitewashed outside and polished wood floors and ceilings inside. Pink and white convolvuli twined round the porch. My bedroom had no window but a skylight in the roof; by standing on a chair, I could put my head through the roof and have a glorious view of the country round.
All night, a corncrake sounded its strange note beneath my room and, as the day dawned, the sleepy twitter of the birds mingled with the bleating of the sheep on the mountain slopes and the shrill cry of the peacock in the garden of the inn.
Father fished in the evening, whilst we rambled along the river bank and watched the sunset until the last tints faded from the sky.
After supper, I went out alone; all was so still and peaceful, no human being within sight. The grand mountains looked more solemn at night, their summits darkly outlined against the sky – ‘high mountains are a feeling’ (Byron – Childe Harold’s ‘Pilgrimmage’).
The evening star shone brightly overhead, bats whirled round my head, to vanish amongst the sombre trees; a beautiful hare came out close by my feet and, after poising itself a moment on its hind legs to gaze at the intruder, bounded away into a barley field. Even the cattle seemed to revel in their freedom as they playfully chased each other round the fields.
All nature was fraught with beauty and with ‘the feeling infinite’(Byron – Childe Harold’s Pilgrimmage). ‘Nature never did betray the heart that loved her’ (Wordsworth – Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey, on revisiting the banks of the Wye during a tour, July 13th 1798), but as a shining ladder, she leads from earth to heaven and is a stepping stone from man to God. The calm beauty of that mountain scene will linger long in the memory, although it is impossible to paint its loveliness in poor, human words.
July 5th
In the morning, we took a man with us and went fishing on Loch Nell. The day was warm and bright, the water reflecting on its clear surface the blue sky and trees fringing its banks. Some parts were a fretwork of blue and green, varying with the ripples which played upon the water. Two tiny islands dot the lake and a bed of white and yellow water lilies extend along one bank; we gathered a large bunch to take home.
As we rowed along the banks, wild fowl scudded away at the sound of our oars and shaggy highland cattle, with their calves, came down to the water’s brink. About three, we went back to the inn for lunch. Later on, Father fished up the river and caught three eels and a few trout.
Mother read out of doors whilst I wandered up the river, and lay upon its bank listening to the murmur of its waters and drinking in the peaceful beauty of the scene. With difficulty, I gathered a bunch of silken flax from a peat bog close by. At 7pm, we bade farewell to this charming glen and drove back to Oban, arriving just before a heavy sea mist rolled down from the hills and veiled everything from sight.
July 6th
A glorious day, we went for a forty-two mile drive – Miss Macdonald went with us. We left Oban at 10.30am and drove, with a pair of horses, to Taynuilt; here we changed horses and drove on to Loch Awe. On the way back, we took up the same horses at Taynuilt to return to Oban.
The first part of the drive lay through Dunstaffnage and Connel Ferry; the tide was very low. Some of the fields were white with marguerites. Our road lay by the side of Loch Etive, situated in lovely scenery; at the head of the loch lies the picturesque highland village of Taynuilt, comprising one old-fashioned hotel, a few cottages and shops and the river Awe.
Leaving Taynuilt, we drove round the base of Ben Cruachan; in addition to its great height, it is one of the finest-shaped mountains in Argyllshire, a deal of granite is taken from it for building purposes.
The scenery increased in grandeur as we drove on, leaving behind us fields of bog myrtle, and entering a shady avenue of trees, we arrived at the Falls of Ben Cruachan. The volume of water dashes down a steep incline and leaping from rock to rock, flows into the river Awe at its foot.
We then entered one of the finest bits of Scottish scenery, the celebrated Pass of Brander. The river Awe, black as ink on account of the towering cliffs looming along its banks, flows through the Pass. Awfully grand are those cliffs, for the most part bare of verdure, majestic in their height.
From these steep cliffs, or mountain sides, burns trickled, or rushed down to meet the river, beginning like silver threads showing up against the dark background; they widened as they descended, falling like miniature cascades over rocky ledges and gaining volume until, with a rush, they emptied their crystal waters into the dark river below. Here and there, the calm flow of the river is broken by large stones and projecting rocks around which the water foams and chafes as if impatient of delay.
Colonel Murray owns most of the river; he was fishing in his kilt, true highland fashion, when we passed; the deep pools abound in salmon. At one part of the river was a picture fit for an artist’s pen – ankle deep in the clear water stood a little girl and boy with primitive fishing rods in their hands, bare-footed and bare-headed, the gentle breeze playing with the girl’s fair hair.
Emerging at last from the long, narrow Pass, a charming view of Loch Awe lay before us. It extends for twenty-one miles and is dotted by green islands, with a few ruined castles.
Driving some miles along its bank, we reached a miniature church of St Conan, smothered in ivy and woodbine, with its ‘keep’ used as a manse, on which are the words inscribed ‘Watchman, what of the night, etc’ (Isaiah, 21:11).
A little further on is Loch Awe Hotel, considered to be on one of the finest sites. The extensive grounds overlook the calm, blue loch so celebrated for its beauty; at the point where the hotel is situated, it extends some three to four miles across. Twenty-four islands stud the lake, which lies 118ft above the sea level and is completely shut in all around by mountains, conspicuous amongst them being the massive Ben Cruachan.
We had lunch at the hotel whilst the horses rested, leaving at 2.30pm we returned by the same route, stopping at Taynuilt Hotel, where we had tea and arriving back at Oban about 7pm.
We saw a fine sunset, followed by exquisite tints of blue and gold, across the bay between ten and eleven. The shifting dark clouds casting their shadows on the bay and across the boats and sailing vessels anchored for the night.
July 9th
Heavy gale with rain and mist: we went to the Free High Church on the hill, one of the old churches where the people sit to sing and stand to pray. They use psalms, but no hymns; a Precentor leads the singing; the pulpit is half way down one side of the church. We heard an earnest, thoughtful sermon, preached extempore. There was the same eager attention and reverence so manifest in all the services here. The people come to worship, there is no ritualism but a beautiful simplicity in the form of service, combined with intellectual thoughtfulness in the discourses, which tells of careful preparation. Gaelic services are held every Sunday in most of the churches. A great many of the poorer class use such broad Scottish it is difficult to understand them.
July 10th
We drove, by coach, to Easdale, leaving at 1pm. The route lay through Glen Nell, along the banks of Loch Feochan, a salt water lake of considerable extent. Passing the pretty village of Kilninver, we drove along the banks of Loch Seil and crossed one of the oldest bridges in Scotland, the Clachan Bridge, a very fine arch.
We stopped to water the horses at Tigh an Truish and then drove on to Easdale, a bleak, dreary island in a group of four, celebrated for its slate quarries, owned by the Marquis of Breadalbane: they have been in operation over two hundred years. It is one of the most dreary, desolate villages I have ever visited; slate quarries have a gloomy aspect and the miners’ cottages did little to relieve it.
We drove four miles across Seil Island, a lonely moorland opening out to the sea, sixteen miles from Oban. It was bitterly cold and bleak. The horses put up at Easdale for the night and we returned home by steamer, arriving at 5.30pm. Mr Macdonald spent the evening with us.
July 11th
Father drove to the Pass of Melford. It was wet and cold.
July 12th
Heavy rain all day: strange phenomenon at 9.30pm. The bay was clear, but the mist completely obliterated the island of Kerrera, giving the appearance of an expanse of open sea upon which the yachts, with their varied lights, lay at anchor.
July 14th
In the evening, I went to the castle grounds to watch the sunset. The blue sky was flecked with white and grey clouds, the sun cast a glorious golden pathway of light across the bay; as the clouds, in passing, veiled its glory, the light changed to shimmering silver. The brightness was dazzling in its glory.
In the distance, rose the dark purple hills of Morven, the crimson afterglow outlining their summits and touching the water with a tint of red. The dying rays struck the grassy slopes, making the gloom of the pine woods more conspicuous by contrast.
Last night, the yellow-grey clouds, as they drifted before the wind, threw dusky shadows on the rippling water, giving the strange appearance as of clouds of dust sweeping across the bay. Yesterday, and today, Father spent at Loch Nell, fishing; he caught six trout and two eels.
July 16th
Rain and mist: we went to the Congregational church and, in the evening, to St Columba (Established), where we heard a beautiful discourse on ‘Solitude’, by Rev A Brown. It is a pretty sight to watch the small boats going to and fro from the yachts to bring the people to service.
On weekdays, we hear the bells ringing across the bay, calling the men to change of duty. Sir Charles Newnes’ yacht is anchored opposite our windows – he is the editor of ‘Tit Bits’.
July 18th
We left Oban at 12.30am, by steamer ‘Fusilier’, arriving at Fort William at 4pm, on our way to Inverness. Our first stop was at the long, tapering island of Lismore. Port Appin was a lovely corner but the scenery, which surpassed all other, was that at Ballachulish. Grand beyond all description were the scarred, jagged mountains on every hand with their numerous watercourses. Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe vied with each other in beauty.
Landing at Fort William, a dirty, noisy little town, we took the train to Banavie, a five minute run. Here we stayed the night at Lochiel Arms Hotel. Ben Nevis, in all its solemn grandeur, rises on the other side of the canal, so near that it appears to join the hotel grounds.
We watched white clouds roll down from its lofty summit into the hollows of the mountains to rise again and rest upon its crest at night. The awful silence of the everlasting hills seemed to reign supreme, filling one’s heart with a deep sense of awe and adoration.
July 19th
We left Banavie at 9.30am, by steamer ‘Gairlochy’, for Inverness, via the Caledonian Canal. Around us lay the romantic scenery of Lochinvar, the land of Prince Charlie.
After leaving the lochs at Banavie, we passed Ben Nevis on our right, with its winding salmon river. Whilst the steamer was passing the lochs at Gairloch, a boy and a girl, in highland costume, played the bagpipes and danced some highland dances. Further up the canal, an Irish man and boy, in native costume, played and danced to the pipes.
The canal curves about through the most exquisite scenery, the still, clear water like a mirror, reflecting the clouds and the ferns and bushes on its banks. Ruined cottages, relics of the highland clearances, and whitewashed, thatched shepherds’ cots, dot the hillsides.
After leaving Gairlochy, we entered the loveliest of all the lochs, Loch Lochy. Sheer from the waterside rise the wild, rugged mountains; down their wooded ravines, the water courses flow. Low on their slopes hung the thick, white clouds; above them rose the mountain crests.
A sublime solitude reigns in such scenes. Miles of deer forest clothed some of the slopes. Before passing into Loch Oich, the canal is thickly wooded on either side with fir trees. On the banks of this small loch are the castle ruins of Glengarry, the broken walls and battlements ivy-grown.
After passing this, the canal runs parallel with the river Garry. Across the latter, there is a pretty suspension bridge – it is considered one of the finest salmon rivers in Scotland.
After leaving Cullochy, we reached Fort Augustus, where we landed for an hour whilst the steamer passed through the four locks, each of which is at a lower level than the preceding one. The pretty village of Fort Augustus is situated at the head of Loch Ness, a large loch, finely wooded.
There is a large monastery situated on the canal bank, standing in extensive grounds. Inverlochy is one of the prettiest spots on Loch Ness. We stopped at the following piers: Falls of Foyers, Temple Pier (Drumnadrochit), Abriachan and Dochfour. The last part of the way, the canal runs parallel with the river Ness. The former winds round the foot of the beautiful cemetery of Inverness.
We arrived at Inverness at a quarter to six in the evening. An hour before we got in, a very heavy Scotch mist came on; in the morning, the weather was mild but, on Loch Ness, it was bitterly cold, a strong east wind – like winter. Seagulls followed our boat for miles; a number of us fed them with bread, which they caught in their beaks before it touched the water. They were so fearless, they came almost within touch.
We drove to the Caledonian Hotel, were we stayed for two nights.
July 20th
This hotel is situated in the best part of the town; the back overlooks the river Ness and to one side is the castle. In the morning, we went in search of apartments and drove through part of the town; nothing much in the way of shops or public buildings, but there are a good many poor parts, composed of straggling, dingy-looking, small houses. The lovely river Ness is the best feature of the town, with its several suspension bridges and cathedral and churches along the banks. It seemed a softer, warmer atmosphere than in Oban.
July 21st
We moved into our new apartments, c/o Mrs Ferguson, St Leonards, Island Bank. A charming little house, very tastefully furnished and situated so that the front garden sloped down to the river bank. Close by is the loveliest spot in Inverness, the Ness islands, connected one with another by tiny bridges; and, further down the river, is the cathedral.
There is a quiet beauty about the scene, quite different to the rugged scenery we have been amongst lately. The islands, which extend for about a mile, are wooded and laid out with shady walks: a little paradise of beauty.
Our new quarters are about a mile from the town, but in the prettiest part of Inverness.
July 23rd
We all went to St Andrews Cathedral (Episcopal); the service was cold and the singing poor. There is a lovely font there, an angel bending on one knee and holding in his hands a large, white shell. The chimes sound very pretty coming to us across the river. It was a very wet night; Father went to church and we stayed at home.
July 24th
Nell came over from Nairn and spent the day with us. We went together to the islands in the afternoon.
July 25th
A strong gale; Father went fishing and caught ten trout and one eel in the river Ness, four miles further up. I walked to Little Drummond in the evening and met him driving home.
July 26th
An awful gale during the night, followed by a cold and windy day: at 1pm, we went to the unveiling of the statue of Flora Macdonald on Castle Hill. About three thousand people were present; an address was delivered by the Provost and the statue unveiled by Mrs Fraser, a daughter of the donor. Four soldiers in kilts paraded, playing ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ on the bagpipes. The statue is a graceful figure of Flora leaning forward and shading her eyes to scan the landscape in search of the Prince’s enemies, her collie dog by her side.
July 27th
Very cold: whilst Father was fishing, Mother and I went on the islands. Later on, I went for a long walk as far as the canal bank; it was so peaceful all around, no human being within sight or hearing. Only the calm flows of the water as it sweeps round the foot of the cemetery and travels onward through banks of leafy foliage. The solitude of the woods on Ness Islands made me linger long. The rays of the setting sun, as they penetrated fairy foliage, touched the pine-strewn ground, with light playing with the fitful shadows, cast by the trembling leaves overhead. Then, as the shades of evening darkened the wood, the rooks flocked noisily home to roost.
Probably it was such a scene the Psalmist wrote when he said ‘Everything is His temple saith glory’. I do not wonder that Wordsworth used to bare his head upon entering such a temple of nature; it awakens in the soul the sense of reverence and love.
July 29th
Father caught two salmon trout. We often see gentlemen standing all day up to their waists in the river fishing, wading up and down.
July 30th
We all went to the public hall, where we heard a powerful sermon, from the Rev Norman Macleod, on the words, ‘I reckon that the sufferings, etc’. The Established Church is under repairs at present but the hall was crowded by an attentive audience. The Fergusons had tea with us and, in the evening, Father and I went to the Free Church, in Academy Street; a cold, lifeless service.
July 31st
We drove to Culloden; Mr Ferguson went with us: a sudden change in the weather, to intense heat. It is an uninteresting drive, the country so flat all around. We walked over the battlefield; there is a strange pathos about the spot where so many brave Highlanders lie in nameless graves. The battle took place on the open moor; Prince Charlie’s army numbered five thousand men and it was all over in less than one hour. Rough stones, inscribed with the names of the clans, mark the last resting place of those gallant Highlanders. The Macintoshes suffered most; their trench is fifty-four yards long; a road has been cut through it. Pine plantations enclose this pathetic spot around which the memories of the past still linger.
Mr Duncan Forbes caused a rough cairn to be erected in honour of the brave soldiers. The English were buried in a large field close by which is now used for agriculture. We climbed the identical stone, where the Duke of Cumberland stood to command his forces. Two or three cottages still remain, battered to ruins. There is a look of desolation all around.
Culloden is five miles from Inverness. We returned by Beauly Firth, a calm stretch of blue water. In the evening, we went to meet Grace; she did not arrive until 11.30pm. It is delightful to be all united once again after our seven weeks separation.
August 2nd
We took the train to Beauly in the evening, leaving Mother at home with Mrs Ferguson. The highland railway beats any railroad we have travelled on for slowness. At Lentran, we all got out and walked about waiting for it to move on; the gentlemen had plenty of time for a quiet smoke. When it does go, it is at a snail’s pace and, sometimes, the trains do not arrive until from half an hour to an hour’s time after advertised; then they wait for people who come up late.
Really, they are a joke; today it took us just fifty-five minutes to go ten miles.
Beauly is a unique village. The principal street consists of a wide square, surrounded by tiny shops; no pavements. We called at some friends of the Ferguson’s and Mr Mackenzie kindly asked us to stay for tea with them. After spending an hour or so there, we walked along the banks of Beauly river as far as the ferry. The river belongs to Lord Lovat, his seat is near here.
The country is very flat and uninteresting; we visited the old priory, an ecclesiastical relic, dating from the thirteenth century.
Our train home was an hour late in starting, so it was 10.30pm before we turned up at home.
August 3rd
Father, Grace and the Fergusons went for a picnic to Loch Ruthven, fourteen miles distant.
August 4th
Went to the flower show in the public hall, a miserably poor affair.
August 5th
Left, by the 10am train, for Strathpeffer to see the highland games. It is the prettiest place we have seen near Inverness. The little village nestles in a charming glen amongst the hills, Ben Wyvis lying close by. There is a spa, noted for its sulphur springs. The games, which were held in the grounds of Castle Leod, an old residence of the Earls of Cromartie, lasted from 12 to 6pm: the weather was perfect, it was a sight we shall not soon forget. It was a typical highland gathering; thousands of people came from all surrounding parts to witness the games, amongst them the lairds and county families. We had good seats in the grandstand. Soldiers in kilts of the various clans played bagpipes incessantly for four hours.
To appreciate the bagpipe, one needs to hear it at such a meeting amongst the Scottish mountains. The sports included vaulting with a long pole, high leap, throwing the hammer (22lbs), obstacle and sack races; bagpipe competitions, highland flings, reels, sword dances and sword exercise, etc. All the latter were very fine; we were quite fascinated.
Afterwards a detachment of Seaforth Highlanders gave a splendid military display (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany’s). We have never seen training brought to such absolute perfection. They went through Indian club exercises, bayonet, sword and dumbbell exercises, vaulting, parallel bars and musical drill etc. they are a wonderfully fine, athletic set of men.
We had tea at the pavilion and returned by the 6pm train, after having spent a most enjoyable day.
August 6th
We went to the United Presbyterian Church and heard Professor Cameron, DD, of the Free College, Aberdeen. At night, we heard Rev Norman Macleod give a grand sermon on the words ‘He that is faithful in that which is least’, etc. A crowded hall, greatly respected and loved by his people.
August 9th
Father had permission to fish in the private estate of the Mackintosh, so we left, by the 10am train, for Moy. Moy Hall is a magnificent mansion situated amongst ideal scenery. The extensive grounds are laid out with pine avenues, a burn flows through them crossed, at intervals, by rustic bridges; the air laden with the scent of fir cones. There is a lake a mile and a half in extent, nestling between wooded banks. The blue sky, the rushes and wild flowers, were mirrored on its glassy surface.
Two islands add another touch of beauty to a scene already perfect; on one is erected a granite obelisk (70ft) in memory of Sir Aeneas Mackintosh, Bt. The other is supposed formerly to have been a place of capital punishment. It is the scene of the ‘Curse of Moy’, as told in song.
The purple hills enclose this calm spot. We spent four hours on the loch; Father fished while Grace and I rowed, in turns. We then had tea at the lodge. Moy itself, beyond the seat of the Mackintosh consists of a few cottages and no shops – quite an out of the world little place.
Our train was an hour and ten minutes late in starting so it was nearly ten when we arrived home.
August 11th
Grace and I sat under the trees on the canal bank all morning, the heat was intense. Another glorious sunset, gorgeous crimson and gold shading off to pale green, reflected upon the river.
August 12th
We took the steamer to Glenurquhart; a strong breeze on Loch Ness. We went through Loch Dochfour; on the banks is situated the lovely residence of Mr Baillie, MP. Glenurquhart is at a charming bend on Loch Ness, and right amongst the mountains. On point of land jutting out into the loch is occupied by a fine old castle ruin, a former stronghold of the Grants of Seaforth.
We walked two miles to Drumnadrochit Hotel, the heat was intense. We lunched there and spent the afternoon in the hotel grounds, driving back to the pier in time to catch the 5.15pm boat, which arrived at Inverness at 7pm.
August 13th
In the morning, we heard Rev Norman Macleod preach from the words ‘Except a grain of wheat,’ etc. Went to the Wesleyan chapel in the evening.
August 14th
We went for a drive to Clacknaharry and along Beauly Firth. Low tide, the tints were lovely; brown and green seaweed strewn along the yellow sands; seagulls wading in the still, blue pools left behind by the tide whilst jet black rooks hunted about amongst the weeds for food.
Grace and I walked to Tomnahurich cemetery in the evening. It is situated 200ft above the sea level and is said to be quite unrivalled for beauty. In shape, it is like a boat turned upside down; at its base winds the Caledonian Canal; numbers of little steps and winding paths lead up to its summit. This is laid out beautifully with wide, smooth paths lined by stately cypress trees which stand out in solemn grandeur against the sky. Under the trees are the polished granite tombs, crosses, urns, figures and broken pillars. There is a majestic peace about ‘God’s Acre’, the temple of the dead, which
‘His dewdrop mutely on the hill,
His cloud about it saileth still,…………
More softly than the dew is shed,
Or cloud is floated overhead,
He giveth His beloved, sleep.’
(The Sleep – Elizabeth Barratt Browning)
The sides of the hill are thickly wooded.
August 18th
We left Inverness for Aberdeen by the 1.40 train, passing through Nairn, Forres and Elgin. From here to Craigellachie, the scenery was lovely. We then ran along the banks of the river Spey, a charming part of thickly wooded country. At Rothes, there is a ruined castle, the stronghold of the Leslie family. We passed through Keith, Huntly, Inverurie, etc arriving in Aberdeen at 5.10pm, when we drove to the Forsyth Hotel in Union Street.
August 19th
Aberdeen is a beautiful city, rightly called the ‘granite city’. Union Street is a celebrated thoroughfare, very wide and extending for nearly a mile. All the buildings are of white granite, substantially build, their fronts glittering in the sunshine. Cobbles pave the streets, which are wide. The fine public buildings, the municipal buildings, the university, Marischal College, Salvation Army Citadel, the market cross, and Union Bridge over the Denburn valley. There is also a statue of Wallace on a red granite pedestal. Churches abound with lofty spires, all of them beautiful buildings. The air is exquisitely clear and crisp, quite different to anywhere else.
In the morning we went, by open tram, to the Bridge of Dee. A pretty river, the bridge has seven good stone arches. Then we went, on top of a tram, in the opposite direction to the Brig o’Balgownie, or the ‘old bridge of Don’. This is a most picturesque spot, a subject for the artist’s brush.
The bridge was built in 1320, its one pointed arch spans a black pool of the Don; behind rise dark woods. Stretching along the Don bank are a cluster of red-tiled cottages with climbing roses and woodbines. It is one of the prettiest villages I have ever seen. Further up the Don, there is a new, stone bridge with five arches; just beyond, the mouth of the river flows into the open sea. Old Aberdeen is on the banks of the Don. New Aberdeen is on the banks of the Dee.
In the afternoon, we went a circular tour on a tram through the residential part of the city. We then walked to the quay, where the herring trawlers are anchored and watched the women, in their mackintosh coverings, gut and pack the herrings for curing, the men shovelling them up in spadefuls.
After supper, Father, Grace and I went to the market; it was a sight worth seeing, but sad. All the slums seemed to have been emptied into the square; haggard, wretched-looking men and women, pale-faced little children, without any guardians. We had work to push our way through the crowd and it was a terrible riff-raff.
Aberdeen appeared under its dark aspect, there are always the two sides to a large city. The cheap-jacks were shouting their wares, and each stall had its flaring gas jets, which threw a lurid glow over all the wretchedness and want of the market place. Yet, in the midst of all this din, some noble men had gathered to hold services, and preach the love of Christ to the outcasts of the city.
Afterwards, we visited the market buildings, where another crowd had gathered. There is a galley upstairs, and an underground fish market. It was nice to see the old Scottish women in their white-frilled caps and plaid shawls. Some had quite superior faces, so refined-looking.
August 20th
We went to the East Church (Established) and heard the Rev Walker preach. The East and West churches are connected by a fine tower in which there is a chiming clock. A Grecian colonnade separates the graveyard from Union Street.
In the evening, Mother and I went to Holborn Parish Church, where we heard a good sermon from Rev J A M’Clymont DD. Father and Grace went to the Wesleyan church. Sunday is well observed in Aberdeen, train and tram services are stopped
August 21st
Before breakfast, we went to the quay; the herring fleet had just come in. Some of the trawlers are out for a week or ten days at a time. It was a pretty sight to see some of them hoist the brown sails and glide out of the harbour one by one. The quay was a busy scene; crowds of fishermen, and fishwives, where gathered in knots round the different auctioneers as they plied their busy trade. Pile of turbot, salmon, skate, whiting, etc lay all along the quay. Numbers of the men were unloading the boats, hoisting the fish up in buckets by means of a trolley.
After breakfast, we drove to the sea; the air was lovely, so soft and clear. Aberdeen Bay has a beautiful stretch of open sea, and a capital beach for bathing. There are no houses along the sea front – refreshment rooms and baths being the only buildings. There is a parade, but inland the scene is most desolate.
On the right, lies the harbour, where we were this morning. The fleet consists of three hundred boats. At 3pm, we went to a three hour drive by coach. The route lay along Deeside as far as Maryculter and returning through Cults. The scenery is quiet and pretty, but rather flat. The Dee winds amongst agricultural fields. We had tea at the Peterculter Hotel.
August 22nd
Another glorious day – we went on a tram to the Brig o’Balgownie and spent most of the day on the banks of the Don, by the red-tiled village of Seaton. I visited Machar Cathedral; it is 600 years old, part of it is in ruins and there are a number of old tombs. There are two steeples and a fine west window; the ceiling is decorated with coat of arms, a nun’s walk runs round the top of the building. A graveyard surrounds the cathedral.
Upon our return, we went over the Municipal Buildings; we saw the large hall, board room, etc – the latter is hung with life-size portraits of the Lord Provosts of Aberdeen. The ceiling is painted with coast of arms.
August 23rd
We left Aberdeen, by the 1.10pm train, for Glasgow, changing at Perth, an intensely hot journey. The coastline beyond Aberdeen was wild and rugged, particularly near Stonehaven. After passing through Laurencekirk, Forfar, Coupar Angus, etc, we came to Perth: most of the country was agricultural, the reapers were busy gathering in the luxuriant harvest.
In Perthshire, the scenery was exquisite; densely wooded, with winding rivers, reminding one of the Trossachs. We crossed heather moorlands and then passed alongside the Ochill hills. Passing through Kinross, Rumbling Bidge, Dollar, Tillicoultry and Alloa, a woollen manufacturing town, we arrived at Queen Street station, Glasgow, at 7pm. We drove to the Alexandra Hotel, in Bath Street.
August 24th
Glasgow is a busy, smoky city, very much like London; the shops are fine. We spent most of the day looking at them and seeing different parts of the town. Sauchiehall, Argyle and Buchanan Streets are some of the best thoroughfares. The heat was something awful,
We went on a tram-top to Kelvin Bridge, up the Great Western Road, and then we explored part of the West end, a very nice part. Walking on to Partick, Father took us to see the places he knew so well when he used to live in Glasgow, the first house he had when he was married, etc. Taking a tram back again to Argyle Street, we passed the university, botanical gardens and infirmary, the former a very fine place.
We went to lunch at the Prince of Wales’ Restaurant.
August 25th
Father and I called at Colonel Grant’s office. Then we all went to the municipal buildings in St George’s Square. There is a magnificent marble and alabaster staircase there, the finest in the United Kingdom. All the steps are pure white marble, the walls and pillars are alabaster; the ceiling of the entrance hall is tessellated.
We also went to the Trongate, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Glasgow. We left St Enoch’s Station for Colmonell, via Ayr, in the afternoon.
Spent a delightful ten days at Colonel Grant’s house.
September 4th
Left Colmonell, by the 1.20 train, for Glasgow, via Ayr and Paisley. We arrived at St Enoch’s Station at 4.30pm. This time we stayed at St Enoch’s Hotel, a large, comfortable place in St Enoch’s Square. We liked Glasgow much better this time, the weather was not so intense.
After tea, we went down the arcade, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street, looking at the shops.
September 5th
Pouring rain, cleared later: we left Queen Street Station by the 11.35am train for Luss. The railway ran parallel with the river Clyde as far as Dumbarton. Dumbarton Castle is situated on a high rock rising out of the river. We arrived at Balloch at 12.15 and took the steamer, Princess May, to Luss. It was a delightful trip up Loch Lomond, scenery charming. We arrived at 1.15pm and walked to Luss Hotel, where we are staying.
In the afternoon, Grace and I went for a long stroll along the banks of Loch Lomond. Luss is one of the prettiest villages. A road leads up from the loch to the quaint little hotel where we are staying; on either side there is a row of bungalow cottages; around their porches, and latticed windows, cluster woodbines and roses. One shop is all the village can boast of; an old grey stone church standing in a graveyard, some of the graves being 150 years old.
The glen is overshadowed by mountains and wooded hills rising 2,000ft high. On the opposite side of the blue loch, Ben Lomond rises in all its grandeur; numbers of islands, amongst others, the Heather Island, dot the loch. The river Luss winds its way through the glen. I love to watch Ben Lomond under its varied aspects.
Sometimes the lofty summit is outlined sharply against a clear, blue sky. On a changeable day, the dark, fantastic clouds overhead cast their ever-varying shadows upon its slopes as the wind hurries them across the sky. At night time, when ominous black clouds overhang the crest of the Ben, it looks sombre and awful in the darkness.
But the time when, in grandeur, it surpasses the others, is when the white clouds cap it and the mists unfurl along its precipitous slopes. Then it appears to rise to unknown heights behind the veil which nature casts as a shroud around it. In the evening, a rainbow was visible on the mountain slopes, but we could trace no sign of it in the sky.
September 6th
Father went out fishing with a man. Mother, Grace and I took the 1.12pm steamer, Prince George, to Ardlui, at the head of the loch. The weather was perfect and the scenery beyond description. The loch is twenty-one miles in extent and varies in width from one to five miles. Rightly, it is called the ‘Queen of Scottish lochs’. It’s clear waters mirror the blue sky and wooded banks, solemn mountain ranges, purple in the far distance, green and jagged as they rise from the water’s edge, lock it in. Silvery water courses thread their way to the loch down mountain torrent beds.
The rippling water laps the numerous emerald isles which are scattered about the loch. We called at Rowardennan, the landing stage for Ben Lomond, 32,192ft high; close to Tarbet rises Ben Reochm 2,168ft. At Inversnaid, we saw the falls and also passed close to Rob Roy’s cave.
We spent an hour and a half at Ardlui and had tea in the hotel grounds on the loch side. Then we walked to Glen Falloch, such a charming, narrow glen shut in by mountains with the river Falloch flowing through the peaceful valley until, at a bend, it is lost to sight amongst the hills.
We left by the 4.20 boat, getting back to Luss at 6pm.
September 7th
Today, we spent in going through the Trossachs. Leaving Luss by the 9.30 boat, we went to Inversnaid, where we took a coach to Stronaclachar. It was a steep, mountainous road; at last we reached a lake in a hollow of the mountains. Running out of it, there is a tiny stream which flows through quiet pastures until it reaches the sloping ground. Bubbling over the rocks, which impede its downward course, it presently enters a deep ravine, wooded and covered with ferns. Down this it rushes, increasing in volume until it reaches some wild rocky ledges, over which it thunders in a foaming cascade until its waters mingle with those of Loch Lomond.
We stood on the narrow bridge between the mountains at Inversnaid and listened to the ceaseless roar of these, the Inversnaid Falls.
At Stronaclachar, we took the steamer, Rob Roy, up loch Katrine, an hour’s trip. This is one of the gems of Scottish scenery. A halo of romance lingers round the spots so vividly described by Scott; Ellen’s Isle, the Silver Strand, Ben Venue, Ben A’an and the Goblin’s Cave. Especially striking is the wild grandeur of Ben Venue, with its rugged summit and its sides strewn with moss-covered crags and mounts – ‘the fragments of an earlier world’. The purple heather on some of the islands is five foot deep.
After leaving the steamer, we took another coach through the Trossachs Pass. This is one of the finest scenes, ‘where winds the path’ between lofty rocks and wooded mountains. Aspen trees add a touch of fairy-like beauty to this exquisite scene.
We lunched at the Trossachs Hotel, a very fine building overlooking the loch. We returned the same route, by two coaches and two steamers, to Luss, where we arrived at 6pm after having spent a most delightful day.
September 8th
Weather perfect: after breakfast, we walked up the banks of the river Luss as far as the watershed behind our hotel. Then we strolled a long way up Glen Luss; as we climbed higher and higher, the scene increased in beauty until below us stretched a magnificent panorama of Loch Lomond, with its islands and mountains; an enchanting view. The air was most exhilarating. I gathered handfuls of purple heather to take back.
In the afternoon, we left Luss by the 2.50 boat for Balloch and then took the train on to Stirling, where we arrived at 5pm and went on to the Lennox Station Hotel, where we stayed.
September 8th
We took the 10am train for the ‘Rumbling Bridge’, changing at Alloa, and passing through Dollar and Tillicoultry, and close to the range of Ochill Hills. At 11am, we reached our destination. Totally different to any other scene we have visited, the Rumbling Bridge would be hard to surpass in grandeur. The river Devon winds through Glen Devon; on one side stretch green meadow and, on the other rises a mossy wood. Below it winds the river path, strewn with pine needles and flecked with sunlight shining through the fairy-like foliage which forms a canopy overhead.
Contrasting this scene is the wild grandeur of the Rumbling Bridge. Here the river rushes down a ravine 120ft deep, boiling and surging over the black rocks below, with a thunderous noise, and lashing itself into foam. At one part, it falls into a dark, deep fissure of the rocks, the force of the water stirs up the pebbles beneath grinding them against each other. This uncanny spot is called the ‘Devil’s Mill’.
Two bridges built, one above the other, cross the ravine at its deepest part; beneath, in a narrow fissure of the rocks, the dark water reflects the foliage of the overhanging trees. In some parts, it is too deep to catch sight of the water below.
Close beneath the bridge, there is a dark cave, the water oozes from the roof. A shaky wooden bridge is thrown across the ravine, from which point of vantage, a grand view is obtainable. We lunched at the hotel and returned to Stirling about 4pm.
Then we went on the top of a tram to the Bridge of Allan, a pretty, residential place. Stirling itself is beautifully situated amongst the hills; the river Forth winds through it, spanned by the old Bridge of Stirling. On a hill, is the castle, so full of historic interest and, on another, is Wallace’s Monument, which cost £16,000 to erect.
There are a great many churches, but no particularly good shops. Some parts of the town are very old.
September 9th
In the morning, we went to Greyfriars’ church (east), a fine old historic building close against the castle. It measures 200ft and is now used as two churches, east and west. The nave was built as early as 1270; there are some beautiful coloured windows of a later date. Queen Mary was crowned, when a few months old, in this church, in 1543, as was James VI, at a year old. John Knox preached on the occasion.
The tower bears marks of shots received in 1651, during the siege of Stirling. A large cemetery surrounds the church; Henry Drummond is buried there, his church is opposite our hotel. A large monument is erected in memory of the martyred Covenanters. Also, under a glass shade, there is a statue of the martyr, Margaret, and to her sister, Agnes. She was drowned in the Solway Firth, tied to a stake, rather than give up her faith. Some pathetic lines are inscribed on the tombstone.
We had a beautiful service, the Rev J S Lang gave an excellent sermon on the words ‘The harvest is over and the summer is past, yet are we not saved.’ It was one of the best services we have attended.
After service, we climbed the Lady’s Hill, from which there is a most extensive view. Ben Lomond, Ben Venue, Ben Ledi, are on one side; Stirling Castle, The Ochil Hills and Wallace’s Monument are to the right. In the valley below winds the Forth.
At another point, you look down upon the quaint old town, the King’s Knot and gardens and the field of Bannochburn. In the distance rises the square tower of Cambuskenneth Abbey.
We then visited the castle. It stands on a rocky cliff; some parts of it are ornamented by quaint stone carved figures. The old drawbridge, cannons captured at Sebastopol, and the Douglas Room and garden, in which the earl was murdered in 1452 by James II, are all of historic interest.
Being Sunday, we were unable to go inside the castle. Other places of interest that we saw were the military prison and hospital, Argyll’s lodgings, Darnley’s house and James II’s nursery. Some of the streets and houses are very old; altogether it is a most interesting town.
Mother and I went to the same church in the evening where we heard another excellent sermon from the same minister, on the words, ‘No night there’. There is a very beautiful organ. Father and Grace went to the Wesleyan church.
September 10th
We went on a walk as far as the ‘King’s Park, a nice, residential part of Stirling. We left Stirling, by the 12.30pm, train for Edinburgh, arriving at 1.52pm. Passing through Alloa, Dalmeny – the seat of the Earl of Roseberry, and Dumfermline; we crossed the Forth Bridge. This grand structure took seven years to build and cost £3,500,000. It is a fifth of a mile in length and is the highest bridge in the world. From the base to the highest point, it is 450ft. It was constructed by Sir William Arrol and has a metal surface of 25 acres. Fifty thousand tons of steel, 250 tons of paint, 35,0000 gallons of oil and eight million rivets were used in this gigantic structure.
We stayed at Darling’s Regent Hotel, as before.
September 12th
We all went to Holyrood Palace in the morning, where we saw the banqueting hall, Queen Mary’s and Darnley’s rooms and the room where Riccio was murdered, etc. But most interesting of all are the picturesque old ruins of the Chapel Royal.
Then we drove to St Mary’s Cathedral, a grand place. The windows are exceptionally fine, and also the organ and mosaic work. One peculiar feather about the building is that now two things are alike; even the naves differ from each other in constructure.
We returned by tram and lunched at a shop in Prince’s Street. In the evening, the four of us climbed Carlton Hill and went to see Greenside church near a very nice residential part of the City. Edinburgh looked it’s best in the bright sunshine.
September 13th
We all went to the exhibition of Scottish Artists – a rather poor show. Then we went on to the MacEwan Hall, a fine building where the university functions are held. We again visited the fine old cathedral of St Giles. In the evening, some of us went to the fruit and flower show in Waverley Market Place. The band of the Scots Guards were there, and a great crowd of people. It was the best show of the kind we have ever seen; one bunch of grapes weighted 7½lbs; the fruit, flowers and vegetables were very fine indeed. It was raining most of the day.
September 14th
We left Edinburgh by the 10am train for King’s Cross, arriving at Sidcup between 9 and 10pm.
TOUR IN NORTH WALES
by Grace and Adeline Smith
August 1st – 15th, 1900
As told by Adeline Smith
TOUR of NORTH WALES
August 1st
Grace and I left Paddington, by the 9.30am train, arriving at Llangollen at 3pm and travelling via Maidenhead, Reading, Oxford, Leamington, Birmingham and Shrewsbury. After crossing the Welsh borders, the scenery became lovely and, as the train steamed into the little station at Llangollen, a charming view arrested our attention. The tiny village nestles picturesquely amongst the Welsh hills; the river Dee flows through the valley, its course constantly broken by large rocks;
Looking upstream, the great hill ‘Geraint’ rises on the left of the river; in front are the Berwyn mountains and, on the right, is the castle-crowned hill, Dinas Bran; Bridge End Hotel, where we are staying, faces the river at Llangollen bridge.
After tea, we went for a stroll up the river bank. The clear water reflected the blue sky and the red tiled houses on its brink. We then went to see the famous residence of the Ladies of Llangollen, Plas Newydd; they were Lady Eleanor Ponsonby and the Hon Miss Sarah Ponsonby. The romantic story of these maiden ladies who, for fifty years, never slept one night away from their secluded Welsh home, their deep affection for each other and for the old servant who, after serving them faithfully for so many years, left them £500 in her Will, all add interest to the residence which, in itself, is unique and charming.
Inside and out are evidences of the passion the owners had for oak carving; doors, walls and staircases are of oak most exquisitely carved. Each friend who came to stay with them was expected to bring a carved oak panel; these form the walls of the hall and stair case – hence there is a great variety and richness in design. Each room is tastefully furnished and full of curios, making a veritable museum of antiquity.
An old world picture represents these famous ladies in their peculiar masculine-looking dress and short, powdered hair. One died at the age of 90, the other at 75.
Prettily laid out grounds surround Plas Newydd and a new house corresponding, as far as possible, with the old, has been added to it by the present owner, Mr G H Robertson of Liverpool. One oak panel dates back to 1192
August 2nd
We left Llangollen at 10am and went, by the canal boat which is towed by a horse, to Valle Crucis Abbey. The two mile glide up the narrow canal was delightful. The river Dee runs parallel with the canal and, on either side of the valley, rise high, wooded hills. We landed near the fine old ruins in the Vale of the Cross. They date back to the year 1200, when they were dedicated to St Mary. At the time when Henry VIII rebelled against the Pope, this Abbey was one of the first to be demolished. Some Roman baths of unknown depth still remain; also a collection of ancient bibles, amongst which is one of the first bibles ever printed.
After leaving the Abbey, we climbed the Berwyn hills; from the summit, an enchanting view met our gaze. The glen lay at our feet, shut in by green, undulating hills on every side, their summits fir-clad and, at their base, running side by side, wound the silver waters of the Dee and the tiny canal. In the distance lay the village of Llangollen. Descending on the other side of the hills, we had our first view of the chain bridge which crosses the Dee at Berwyn.
We lunched at the little hotel on the terrace by the river and then strolled along the canal to the horseshoe falls and on to the tree-sheltered church of Llantysilio, a pretty miniature building dating back seven hundred and twenty years.
Returning to Llangollen by the canal boat from Berwyn, we took a landau and went for an hour’s drive through the Pengwern vale at the foot of Crow’s Castle Hill. What strikes us about the Welsh scenery is the beauty and softness of the hill outlines as compared with the rugged grandeur of the Scottish mountain scenery.
At 10pm each night, a trio come to play and sing outside our windows. The harp sounds lovely accompanied by undertone of the flowing river; all the players are good musicians
August 3rd
We left Llangollen at 10am for Betws-y-Coed. The scenery as far as Glyndyfrdwy, was charming, most of our journey was along the banks of the Dee. The river scene changes every few mile, in some parts the water seems to meet in contrary current, forming white-foamed waves upon its surface; or else like a torrent, it rushes over its rocky bed. Then, again, it widens and flows quietly through the green valley or winds a zigzag course amongst the hills.
Passing through Corwen, our first change was at Bala junction and then, again, at Bala where we had to wait some time. Bala Lake is the largest one in Wales. Our next stop was at Blaenau Ffestiniog, one of the most wild and dreary-looking place I have seen, situated right in the heart of the slate quarries and at the foot of Snowdon. We had a splendid view here of the Snowdon range, towering in all their bleak grandeur far above the other hills.
We had to take a bus from one station to the other and wait here for an hour and a half. The weather was awful, the rain, which had commenced before we left Llangollen, had turned into a steady downpour, driving in sheets across the hills; a howling wind, almost too strong to stand against, blew in gusts round the foot of the mountains and whistled around the slate quarries. On some of the bare mountains grew the richest coloured heather I have ever seen.
Leaving Blaenau Ffestiniog, our train passed through a very long tunnel which had been blasted through one of the slate mountains. We passed the old castle, where the last Prince of Wales was born. We reached Betws-y-Coed at 3pm and went to the Glaber Hotel. Rain continued the same until nearly dark, when we went to see the river, which was flooded.
The Llugwy joins the Conway at Pont-y-Pair bridge. It was a grand and impressive sight to watch the mad rush of the flooded river over the boulders which impede its course and, under the arches of the bridge which only needed a slight rise more of the river to render it unsafe. We stood and watched it for some time, the ‘mad’ river of the poet’s song. Gardens, walls and even the fir-grown island in its centre were swept by its dark waters above which a few shrubs reared their heads and bent to the force of the on-rushing waters
August 4th
A fine, clear day after the storm of yesterday: the first place we visited was the fairy glen; climbing down some irregular stone steps, we reached this exquisite glen. A deep wooded gorge, through which the waters of the Conway tumble and foam down a steep, rocky incline; Whilst we were there, a flash of sunlight caught the waters as they fell, giving and added charm to the scene.
We spent most of the morning sitting on the rocks in this lovely spot. After lunch, we drove to the Swallow Falls; these are beyond description, grand in the extreme after such heavy rains. The Llugwy has torn a channel through the rocks some 50 to 60ft wide. Down this chasm, a tremendous volume of water dashes and foams with a noise like thunder; leaping from boulder to boulder, it throws up white clouds of spray into your face as you stand on the rocks at the foot of the waterfall.
We then drove to the Miners’ Bridge and it was here that we saw the first old Welsh woman in the picturesque national costume, with the tall black hat, etc. The bridge, which we crossed, is a steep, wooden structure thrown across the Llugwy and used by the miners to cross the torrent from one mine to another.
Before dinner, we climbed one of the richly-wooded hills, from the summit of which there was a fine view of hill and dale. The heather-covered boulders and fantastic foliage of the trees overhead – through which gleams of sunshine broke, lighting up the carpet of brackens beneath our feet – made this temple of nature a paradise of beauty. Although so clear and bright, the day has been cold.
Betws-y-Coed is a lovely place, shut in by surrounding hills, soft and rounded in outline and thickly set with fir trees. The rivers Llugwy and Conway flow through the village which is composed of grey stone houses straggling about a mile in extent.
August 5th
Weather uncertain, thunderstorm in the afternoon; morning and evening we went to the pretty little church of St Mary, facing the Conway. A Welsh service is held here previous to the English one. The funeral march, during which we all stood, was played before the service in memory of the late Duke of Edinburgh. After lunch, we went the Beaver Walk, a beautiful valley, each surrounded hill looks like a brushwood of green first.
At night, we again watched the river from the Pont-y-Pair Bridge. Betws-y-Coed looked lovely in the soft light of evening with its dark hills outlined against the deep blue of the star-spangled sky. Behind the fir trees, the new moon was rising from a cloud of yellow and white. The black river rolled over its rocky bed at our feet, murmuring its never-ceasing song. The air was laden with the fragrance of flowers after rain, the calm beauty of the scene made us linger for some time.
August 6th
We have hardly been out today, it has been pouring incessantly. After dinner, a gale blew up suddenly; sheets of rain drove across the hills, accompanied by thunder and lightning
August 7th
Cold and wet; we left Betws-y-Coed, at 10.30am, for Llandudno. As we had to change at the junction, it took us just over an hour. We are staying at the Maelgwn Hotel. The rain continued all day; in the afternoon we went to see the shops and to the Parade, but it was so cold and wet we were glad to get in again. After dinner, we went to a concert in the Pier Pavilion, a fine concert hall, lighted by electricity and holding over three thousand people.
August 8th
This morning we went, by train, to Llandudno Junction and walked over the suspension bridge to Conway Castle. These massive ruins overlook the river on one side and a creek on the other. There are eight fine towers, each one capped by a smaller tower; unfortunately the railway has been carried through one part of the castle, somewhat spoiling its romance. The castle was built in the reign if Edward I; during one war, he narrowly escaped being trapped there by the Welsh.
Having crossed the river before the coming in of the flood tide, his army were unable to follow. The small band in the castle held out bravely until the tide lowered and the army were able to cross to his relief.
Some of the houses in the old town of Conway are of great antiquity; the church has a carved oak rood screen and some fine stained glass windows. But the building of most interest is Plas Mawr, Queen Elizabeth’s old house. It is a large, rambling old place; the quaint chimney corners, sculptured over-mantles, and time worn floors are full of historic interest. At present, the rooms are utilised by the Royal Cambrian Art Society for their annual exhibition of paintings, some of which are very beautiful.
Massive ivy-grown walls surround this ancient town, in shape like a right-angled triangle; from the suspension bridge, there is a fine view across the estuary of the Conway of the old, walled town, its castle ruins and chain of mountains beyond. A tubular bridge also crosses the river parallel with the suspension bridge; we returned via the former to Llandudno.
In the afternoon, the sun came out and it was much warmer. We spent some time on the pier, which is 1,200ft in extent. Llandudno lies in a crescent-shaped bay; at one point is the Little Orme’s Head; at the other, that high, bare promontory, the Great Orme’s Head. The Parade extends a mile and a half. Behind the town, rise a chain of mountains, the loftiest being Carnedd Llewelyn and Foel fras. The clouds today rest low on their summits. Tonight we have been to the Happy Valley, a large pleasure ground at the foot of the Great Orme.
August 9th
Another wet day but, before the rain came on, we went for an hour and a half’s drive round the Little Orme’s Head. Scenery is quiet and rather pretty, the mountains being the chief beauty. We drove along the coast as far as Rhos-on-Sea and returned by an inland route, the rain coming down heavily. In the afternoon, it was so cold and wet that we went to an entertainment in the Pavilion and then for a walk round the Great Orme.
August 10th
Dull, but brighter later. At 8.55am, we took the train to Deganwy and steamer from there up the Conway to Trefriw. This river is called the Rhine of Wales; the scenery is charming. It was a twenty-eight mile trip there and back and the sudden bends of the river keep opening up new and lovely scenes. From the river, Conway castle looks a strikingly fine ruin overlooking the wide river, which continued to grow narrower and more beautiful as we neared Trefriw. Today, a purple haze softened the mountains and, on their summits, the white clouds rested.
Trefriw itself is a quaint and lovely little Welsh village nestling between the river and lofty, wooded hills rising one behind the other. In beauty, it rivals – if it does not surpass – Betws-y-Coed. There are some sulphur and iron springs, similar in virtue to the Harrogate springs and frequented by invalids. After lunching at a quaint little temperance inn, we walked to the Fairy Falls, a pretty cascade, the waters of which turn a rustic watermill.
The steamer returned to Deganwy at 12.30pm, where the train met it for Llandudno.
This afternoon, we have been for a five mile drive round the Great Orme’s Head. The scenery is stern, the precipitous headland rises sheer and bleak-looking from the sea; it is skirted by a long carriage drive. The hills were like a switchback and the horses took them at a dash, the driver carelessly ignoring the numerous ‘caution’ placards to drive slowly downhill and round sharp curves. As we rounded the headland, a fine view opened up of Puffin Island, Anglesey and the lower peaks of the Snowdon range.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening we spent on the Parade.
August 11th
We left Llandudno for Barmouth at 11.05am. Our first change was at the junction; from here the train ran along the sea coast through Penmaenmawr as far as Bangor, where we had to change trains again. From here, we passed along the banks of the Menai Straits across which there is a fine suspension bridge as well as a tubular bridge. Anglesey looked very flat and uninteresting. We had a good view of Carnarvon Castle as we came through.
At Porthmadog, our next change, we put our luggage and walked to the Royal Commercial Hotel, where we had lunch. Then we went, by the narrow gauge railway, to Blaenau Ffestiniog, an hour’s run. The scenery surpassed any we have yet seen in Wales. Most lovely were the Penrhyn and Ffestiniog valleys. A panorama of mountains, valleys, rivers and sea opened up before us as the miniature train curved up the mountain sides or dipped down into the valley.
It is called the ‘Fairy Line’ and is a fine piece of ingenuity. It is only 2’ 7” wide and the train climbs the mountains to an elevation of 700ft. The carriages are open and the passengers sit back to back like an Irish jaunting car. The only drawback to the open carriages is that, when the train passes through a long slate mountain, you are nearly choked with the sulphur fumes from the engine and are in total darkness. We were delighted with the beauty and novelty of the journey.
At Blaenau Ffestiniog, we had time for a walk. This bleak-looking mining village impressed us with the same look of dreary desolation one sees in slate quarry districts generally.
We returned by the toy railway to Porthmadog, where we spent a couple of hours. This is a beautiful spot amongst the mountains, the finest view obtainable of Snowdon is from Porthmadog. Beyond the village are lovely walks and drives.
Leaving Porthmadog for Barmouth at 7.40pm, our train skirted Cardigan Bay and there was one of the most glorious sunsets I have ever seen; sea and sky were one blaze of burnished gold tinged with pink, the water reflecting the gorgeous tints of sunset glow. As the night came on, white clouds lay like piles of snow on the low-lying hills, a peculiar effect due to the fact that the clouds had the appearance of having fallen from the sky.
We arrived in Barmouth at 9pm; it was quite dark and as there were no conveyances at the station, we had to walk a mile to our hotel – Orielton Hall.
August 12th
Bright and warm, this hotel is situated on the top of a hill overlooking the estuary of the Maw, where it flows into the sea. The grounds extend for twenty acres and are laid out with shady pine walks skirting the Maw; a tiny burn runs babbling to the river and large rocks rear their heads one above another.
Barmouth far surpasses Llandudno in beauty. Where the Mawddach joins Cardigan Bay, a promenade bridge crosses it, half a mile in length. The estuary stretches away as far as the eye can see between two lines of mountains, purple on the lower slopes with heather. At high tide, the sea pours its waters into the Maw and, as the tide ebbs, the river bed is one long stretch of golden sand with miniature pools scattered like blue lakes in its hollows. The current is very strong.
The town consists of one street; behind it rise dark rocks with terraces of houses, one above the other; in the morning, we heard the Rev Pope preach in the Wesleyan chapel. In the evening, we went to St John’s, a large church built in the face of the rock.
In the afternoon, we all had tea in the garden – this is a very jolly hotel but it is so full that a number of us have to sleep out. Tonight there is a full moon shining across the river, its light throwing up the dark outlines of the hills and the black rocks behind the town.
August 13th
Glorious weather: at 11am we went, by a four-in-hand, to Dolgellau, a drive of twenty-four miles there and back. The scenery was grand – this drive is considered the finest in North Wales. We got out at the Halfway Hotel to view some of the Merioneth gold mines – at the present time they being worked. The coach road winds round beautiful heather-covered mountains. Penmaenpool we passed on our right, also Miss Frances Power Cobbe’s fine residence. We drove as far as the torrent walk and her we dismounted and, passing through a small gate, entered the delightful leafy glade through which the mountain torrent rushes and tumbles in romantic cascades and rapids: it extends for about a mile.
The coach took us back to Dolgellau, where we spent a couple of hours after having lunch at the Waverley Hotel. This is a quaint old town made up of straggling, irregular streets giving one the impression that the inhabitants had each one built his house just where he liked, irrespective of any road or street. But the beauty of the country round atones for any fault in the town. Cader Idris rises immediately behind the town.
After looking through the town itself, we followed a shady lane as far as the Pandy mills. Retracing our steps, we went over the old church, which possesses some fine coloured windows. Then we walked to the recreation ground, situated on the river bank close to the picturesque low, arched bridge and surrounded by mountains.
The coach returned at 4pm and we were back at the hotel by 6pm. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful drive amid such charming scenery. One of the hills we drove past is called the Waterloo Hill – it was planted with firs by the Welsh Fusiliers after their return from the battle of Waterloo.
A perfect, moonlit night: we went down to the beach and sat on the sands listening to the Royal Welsh Male Voice choir; this choir is composed of carpenters etc and they have fine voices and sing with so much expression and taste. Most of their songs were sacred, solo and part songs and the effect was beautiful, with the singing accompanied by the gentle breaking of the waves on the seashore. Stars overhead and the light of the full moon upon the water – one of the best was ‘In the sweet bye and by’, taken in parts.
August 14th
A very hot day: as soon as breakfast was over, we started for the panorama walk, or the ‘Queen of the Welsh Walks’ as it is called. A narrow path winds in and out amongst the heather-clad hills; at every bend the scene becomes more lovely. Down in the valley below winds the broad blue estuary of the Mawddach, enclosed by the mountains, some green with fir trees and others purple with heather blooms. Beyond rise the distant azure ranges and the lofty peak of Cader Idris – 2,929ft. To the right stretches Cardigan Bay, its waters sparkling in the brilliant sunshine.
We left the path and crossed the hills, skirting the river and climbing to the summit, where an old farm house stands.
In the afternoon, we sat on the beach in camp chairs until it was time to go back to dinner. At low tide there is a good stretch of sands but it is astonishing how rapidly the tide covers it all. We are surprised to find how much Welsh is still spoken in Wales; the village children are taught English in schools.
After dinner, we again heard the Welsh choir sing at Porkington Terrace. Then we went across the bridge but the moon was partially hidden by a dark cloud, so we did not get much view. This bridge is half a mile in extent and the scenery for some distance on the other side is lovely. It is used both as a promenade and a railway bridge.
August 15th
We left Barmouth for Paddington at 10.15am and returned the same route by which we came. By 7pm we were once again in the dear old home.
TRIP TO DEVON
with her Father, John Smith II
in April 1902
as told by Adeline Smith
TOUR OF DEVON – 1902
Apr 28th
Father and I left Paddington, by the 11.45 train, for Ilfracombe, via Taunton and Barnstable. Arrived at our destination at 7pm and put up at the Arcade Private Hotel.
Apr 29th
In the morning, we climbed to the summit of Tors Hill, an elevation of 600ft. A grand view from the top, miles of hills and dales bordered by a rugged, broken coastline, the silence, broken only by gentle lapping of the sea around the bare, steep rocks skirting the cliffs.
In the afternoon, we drove to Hele and Chambercombe Valley; the road wound in and out amongst hills, very steep in some parts. We explored the Watermouth caves.
Apr 30th
Climbed Lantern Hill, overlooking the harbour – on the summit is a small cliff chapel.
In the afternoon, we drove to the Lee Valley and went down onto the beach – great beauty in formation of the rocks, pink and white spar predominant. Explored the caves – a cottage, five hundred years old, in Lee village, most picturesque. Went, by the coast road, returned by the inland route.
May 1st
Walked up Tors Park and went round Capstone in the afternoon. The mist was lying low on the hills and the sea breaking over the rocks in white foam: nature, calm and grand.
May 2nd
We left Ilfracombe for Lynmouth, via Barnstable. Changed at Barnstable and walked through some of the old market town and then went, by narrow gauge railway, to Lynton. This railway is nineteen miles long and winds in and out amongst charming hills and coombes; it rises to an elevation of 1,000ft above sea level.
The route includes Barracombe, were there is an old church, supposed to have been built by Thomas a Becket’s murderers; Blackmore, Valley of Yeo, with its winding river and Woody Bay, etc.
In the afternoon, we walked through glen walk, a deep wooded glen, through which the river Lyn tumbles over and runs in and out amongst large rock boulders covered, in places, with ferns and moss and overhung by threes. Here and there a rustic bridge crosses the babbling river; violets, primroses and anemones adorn the steep banks.
The Lyn Valley Hotel, where we are staying, overlooks the river and, a little further beyond, the sea. The coastline is softer here, sandy, and the beach is composed of broken cist and rock. The quaint village, built up from the riverside, is shut in entirely by high hills and bounded by the little bay.
May 3rd
We went for a long walk to Watersmeet. The scenery was exquisite and the narrow path winds in and out between high hills, following the course of the river Lynn. The clear water pursues its zigzag course down the wooded gorge, rushing over to impede its downward flow. Hills rise on either side, varying from 500 to 600ft, some bare and precipitous, others green and wooded slopes, receding some distance. The silence is only broken by the murmur of the river gliding by moss-covered stones, or eddying in deep pools, clear as a crystal.
At each bend of the glen, hills shut out the surrounding country on each side. It is rightly called the English Switzerland. At Watersmeet, two branches of the river flow together; higher up, a lovely cascade comes tumbling over the rocks. In many places, trees overhang the waterside; through the branches sunlight and shadow play upon the undergrowth of ferns and moss. White wood sorrel, primroses and violets, etc, cover the banks and adorn the crevices.
May 5th
Returned home, via Barnstable, and Exeter, to Waterloo.
TRIP TO DORSET
with her father, John Smith II
and sister, Grace
September 1902
by Adeline Smith
TRIP TO DORSET
Sept 11th
Father and I went down to Minehead, where we met Grace, who had previously engaged rooms for us at Mrs Hawkins, ‘Hatherleigh, Blenheim Gardens.
Sept 12th
Drove to Dunster. A quaint erection, formerly used as a yarn market, stands in the centre of the town. The castle is well situated on a wooded hill and is now the property of Captain Luttrell; it has been in their family since the reign of Edward III. It was taken by the Roundheads, and retained as a prison. William Prynne was confined there. Conygar Tower stands on a wooded hill overlooking the sea.
Sept 13th
Drove to the lovely little village of Porlock, one of the scenes of ‘Lorna Doone’. Some of the whitewashed cottages, almost hidden by myrtle and fuchsia trees, and gay with various coloured flowers, with their funny chimneys in front, is worth going miles to see. Porlock Weir, two miles further on, has an old world inn, much resorted to by stag hunters. Some of the pink and mauve hydrangeas in the cottage gardens were a sight to see.
Sept 15th
Drove to Dunster, Wootton Courtney and Dunkery. Dunkery Beacon is the highest point in Somerset. In the afternoon, we climbed to the top of the north hill, where we had tea at a farmhouse, Greenaleigh Farm. We lingered on the summit of the hill to enjoy the beauty of the scene, and the rich colours of the setting sun. Minehead lay at our feet, with its quiet little bay and the village church nestling against the side of the hill. In front stretched the Bristol Channel and, in the distance, a dim outline of the Welsh coast.
A rainbow rose suddenly out of the water, for a few minutes its bow hung over our heads and, as quickly, faded from our view again.
September 17th
Drove to Selworthy, a beautiful road, down part of which was an avenue of trees, the branches interlaced completely overhead. A pretty old church, stood on a hill from which a fine view is obtained. The alms houses form a picturesque group, nestled between the surrounding hills.
Sept 18th
Drove to Luccombe, and Horner Woods; the scene of so many wild stag hunts.
Sept 19th
Drove to Dunster, Carhampton, Bilbrook, Washford, Blue Anchor and Cleeve Abbey. The latter was founded for the Cistercian monks in 1199. Some of the original pavement is still preserved and also the refectory, cloisters, chapter house and sacristies. It is a pretty old ruin and considered the ecclesiastical gem of the district.
Sept 20th
Drove to the top of the moors and walked back. A lovely stretch of heather and broom, and a wide view of hills and dales.
Sept 21st
Drove to Bossington, one of the pretties of villages. Went into an artist’s house there and saw some interesting relics of the Doones, including a portrait, in oils, of Sir Ensor Doone, a bell and a pipe, etc. from Doone Castle. Also saw the artist’s niece, who claims to be descended from the Doones; came home through Bracton.
Sept 24th
Drove to Porlock again and went over the old church, which was built by a Crusader, Sir Simon Fitz-Roges.
In the afternoon, we drove on to the moors again and walked home. Under foot, a carpet of springy heather and yellow broom; overhead, a grand but lowering sky: the setting sun, casting its beams of gold athwart the slopes of the hills; in the distance, the fading beauty of a rainbow. A semi-twilight in the pinewoods, the air laden with perfume, a stillness which could be felt.
Sept 25th
We returned home via Taunton, Bristol and Reading.
TOUR of SCOTLAND
T
taken by John Smith II and his daughters, Grace and Adeline
July 13th to August 2nd 1904
as told by Adeline Smith
TOUR of SCOTLAND – 1904
July 13th
Father, Grace and I left St Pancras, by the 11.30am, train for Langholm, via Leeds, Armathwaite and Carlisle, where we changed trains and had to wait two hours for our connection. Changed again at Riddings Junction and arrived at Langholm at 8.40pm; drove to the Buck Hotel, proprietor Mr Grant.
July 14th
A glorious day; we walked as far as the Esk Island, where Father fished all day. We picnicked on the river banks, which are steep and beautifully wooded. Moss-grown narrow paths lead down to the river; foxgloves and bracken grow knee deep on either side and the air is laden with the scent of pines. The Esk rippling over large stones and forming many miniature cascades, divides to circle the island, which is connected to the mainland by a spider bridge.
July 15th
Grace’s birthday: a pouring wet day, the river in flood. We climbed a hill in spite of the rain but were prisoners most of the day. This is a small, old town consisting of one main street, behind which the river runs until it flows through hilly, beautiful country.
July 16th
After breakfast, we drove in a dog cart to the island two miles away; Father fished here until 1.30pm and then we drove home again. Honeysuckle abounds everywhere, some hedges are a mass of bloom. After lunch, we drove to Canonbie and had tea at the Cross Keys in a garden overlooking a fine stretch of the river Esk. This is the scene of Helen’s song in ‘Marmarion’. Scott writes of young Lochinvar and ‘Canonbie Lee’ in this poem.
Drove home after tea – a twelve mile drive there and back. In the evening, Father fished in the Ewes, which winds its narrow course through meadows knee deep in marguerites and fancy grasses. The only sound is that of the running water, whilst the beauty of a July sunset touched the surrounding hills.
July 17th
Before service, we climbed the hills overlooking the town and then went to the Presbyterian church on the riverside; and the Unitarian Free church at night, where we heard a capital sermon on ‘reading’. Spent an hour in the woods in the afternoon. After dinner, we went for a lovely walk up a road which led amongst the hills and watched the sunset glow on their summits.
July 18th
Again we drove to the same spot and Father fished until 3pm. Then he fished the Ewes in the evening – I stayed with him whilst Grace went for a walk. Some black steers let me pet them
July 19th
We started at 10am, by the mail coach, for Eskdalemuir, a thirty mile circular drive. The coach stopped at the farms and cottages on the way to collect letters and parcels. A whistle warned the people of our approach – some had pigeon boxes fixed in the wall for letters and some cycled out to meet the coach from distant houses. It was a beautiful drive over moorland mountains, the roof of Dumfriesshire.
These parts are called the southern highlands. Our first resting place was the Bent Road Inn. We passed piles of peat stacks, ready for winter use. The river and the burns added much to the scenery. At Eskdalemuir, we stayed to have lunch at a farmhouse. We then visited the tomb of a martyred covenanter, who was rolled down the hillside in a barrel full of nails.
We returned by another route, over hill and dale; the air was the purest. On our coach there were a party of country folk and they joined in singing ‘Count your Mercies’, etc, coming home, taking their parts well
July 20th
A drizzling rain: we left Langholm for Moffat by the 9.45 train in the morning, arriving at our destination at 3pm. We went via Riddings Junction, where we changed, Longtown, Gretna Green – where we changed again for Dumfries. From the station, Gretna Green looks a lonely, flat country, one pretty house, a churchyard and a few cottages, only one visible from the station.
From Dumfries, we went on through Locherbie and Beattock to Moffat. Here, we stayed at the Annandale Arms Hotel in the main street; it is a wide thoroughfare and in the centre is a ram, standing on a high pedestal, emblem of sheep farming, the principal industry.
The town is a health resort, noted for its mineral springs. It is shut in by the hills and the Annan water runs through the town. The Covenanters hid in the old churchyard on their road to Edinburgh and there is a monument there which was erected in memory of the guard and driver of a mail which was caught in a heavy snowdrift. These men made a heroic effort to carry the mail to Moffat but perished in their efforts. Burns stayed at the Black Bull Inn and wrote verses on a window pane.
Near to Moffat is the ‘Devil’s Beef Tub’ where the outlaws hid their stolen cattle, a recess shut in by hills; it is mentioned in ‘Red Gauntlet’, by Sir Walter Scott. We visited the bowling green and watched the game and went for a stroll by Annan water
July 21st
We left Moffat for St Mary’s Loch, Yarrow, by the 10.15am coach – a drive of sixteen miles – and arrived at the Rodona Hotel at 2pm. Our route lay through Annandale, the glen of Moffat water. The scenery was more rugged and beautiful than our former drive. Places of interest we passed: the Moffat hills, Hart Fell, Queensberry, White Coomb – the highest in Dumfriesshire, Burn’s cottage, where ‘Willie brewed a peck o maut’, Cragieburn, where the ‘Lassie wi’ the lint white locks’ was born. We also passed the haunt of James Hogg’s ‘Brownie of Bodsbeck’.
There was a large farm, where they were shearing the sheep amid piles of fleece; a glen, where a pair of falcons built their nest, suffering no pigeon to remain in their vicinity; Saddle Yoke, a sharp pointed hill towering above the others.
Our first stop was at the Grey Mare’s Tail, where we all alighted to climb up to the waterfall. The fall was 300ft from ‘dark loch Skene’ in Scott’s Marmion; also Hogg writes about it. It is a beautiful and dangerous place – some eagles still build on a crag on the loch side.
Birk Hill was our next rest, a place made famous by a book written in its honour ‘Watch Knowe’, where two covenanters were shot by Claverhouse’s dragoons; a hill where the covenanters were wont to meet; a broken ridge where a waterspout had burst; a wooded crag where raven build; foxes also breed round here.
We passed the dividing walls between Peeblesshire and Dumfriesshire and crossed the border into Selkirkshire. And so, through rugged hills, where Moffat water winds and burns spring everywhere, we came to the Loch of the Lowes, which joins St Mary’s Loch; the latter is three miles long and half a mile wide. At the commencement of the loch is the Tibbie Shiels Inn and here we alighted to see the old historic spot where Hogg spent so much of his time. Tibbie died 25 years ago, at the age of 96. In the kitchen are two box beds with wooden gates, where Hogg slept; also Tibbie’s spinning wheel.
Then we drove on to the Rodona Hotel, situated at the loch side. Father fished in the evening on the loch. On a clear day, the hills are perfectly reflected in the loch and each swan is double. Wordsworth notes this in his poem ‘Yarrow Visited’. There are no houses in sight, but a mile further on is Coppercleugh post office and a miniature kirk in a wood. We watched the sunset glow on Meggat burn, touching it with fire. An owl flew out of a wood close by and watched us from a neighbouring tree.
July 22nd
The Duke of Buccleuch owns most of the property round here; he is one of the largest land owners in Scotland and his name means Buc (buck) cleugh (shoulder of a hill).
Grace rowed Father on the loch in the morning and I rowed him in the afternoon. He caught several perch and eels. In the morning, I climbed the hills – it was very steep towards the summit and knee deep in bracken, the ground between carpeted with white, pink and yellow and mauve wild flowers: a fine view of the two lochs, limited by a tiny stream.
After tea, Grace and I walked to Coppercleugh and in the evening we all went for a stroll
July 23rd
Grace rowed Father on the loch and I walked to Tibbie Shiels. Hogg’s monument stands on the spot where he was born; behind is a background of fir trees. James Hogg, the Ettrick shepherd, was born 1770 and died in 1835. The lonely hills, with their dew-laden, flouring grasses, are beautiful in their variety of colouring. When the sun shines, the vivid green contrasts with the blue of the loch, whilst the distant hills glow purples.
A clouded sky throws its shadows on their slopes – it is then I love them best. When the sky is grey and the clouds hang low, all the scene is changed; then one can understand why the poet speaks of ‘the dowie dens o Yarrow’. There is an extreme solitude here, often unbroken except by the washing of the water on the loch sides. I have seen yellow linties, wagtails and water ousels, but even birds seem scarce. One can walk for miles and meet no signs of life.
All today has been heavy with mist; Father went on the loch again after lunch. Sir Archibald and Lady Murray (a very old Scottish family) are staying at our hotel. A German lady joined us today at our table and went for a walk with us all in the evening.
July 24th
Sunday: Scotch mist; in the morning, we walked to the Meggat. Very silent all around and shut in.
In the afternoon, Grace and I went to the annual Covenanters’ meeting held on the hill top. It was a two mile walk – after going some distance, we left the road and began to climb the hills, across the heather and knee deep through bracken, we reached at last a lovely ravine through which a burn trickled. Ferns and wild roses grew up either bank.
Crossing the stones, we reached St Mary’s churchyard, the historic spot where, long ago, the Covenanters used to meet. Hundreds of farmers, shepherds etc, with the families, had walked from miles around to attend the four o’clock service. Rev Thomas Borland had come over from Yarrow (writer of Borderland Raids and Reivers) to preach. He took as his text ‘Prepare to meet thy God’ and gave a very good sermon.
The people sang psalms, ‘The Lord my shepherd is’ and ‘Unto the hills I lift mine eyes’. It was impressive and beautiful to hear them amongst the stillness of the hills, mist capped; the running water and bleating sheep being the only other sounds. The minister stood on a tombstone to preach and his people sat round in groups, either on the grass or the old bombs. The service lasted an hour.
Father met us coming home and we did not go out again. Sheep climb the grass terraces of our hotel and sun themselves under our windows.
July 25th
When we came down this morning, the hills were blotted our; later in the day the heavy mists turned to rain and we were prisoners most of the day. I went out a little in the afternoon but it was a dreary scene. In the evening, we all walked to the post office at Coppercleugh – it was a calm, fresh night. From our windows, we hear the running burn.
July 26th
All morning, Father fished the Meggat and we sat about on the banks – cold and sunshine and mist at intervals. I love to watch the collies gather the sheep scattered on the hillsides, and forming them into a group, driving them home to the farms. Whilst Father fished the Loch of the Lowes in the evening, we walked as far as a lovely ravine on the Tushielaw road. A wealth of ferns and foxgloves decked the banks; a burn rushed down to join the loch. We had a chat with one of the shepherds and his dogs. Father caught four perch and an eel.
July 27th
Another cold, misty day amongst the ‘dowrie glens of Yarrow’.
July 28th
I rowed Father on the loch all morning whilst he trolled for pike. It was lovely on the water rowing, though the sun is still hidden and mists cover the hills. Such a contrast to their vivid green when the sky is blue overhead and, in the clear water, every curve is perfectly reflected. Alone at night, I went for a stroll by the loch, so calm and still.
July 29th
Warmer and brighter; we all went as far as the ravine on the Tushielaw road and lingered there long enough to enjoy the beauty of the scene. In the afternoon, whilst Father and Grace were on the loch, I walked at sunset to the Meggat and watched the shifting lights on the distant hills. We went there again in the evening.
July 30th
All went for a stroll in the morning and then, at 2pm, we left St Mary’s Loch for Selkirk, by the mail coach – a drive of eighteen miles in a heavy Scotch mist and driving rain. Yarrow Vale was very beautiful but much of the scenery was shut out by the mist. We passed Yarrow kirk and the manse, where the Rev Borland lives; a tomb, which marks the resting place of two sons of an ancient king; the hill down which the Covenanters drove the Royalists into Yarrow, which swept them away; Old Brig of Yarrow and Yarrow ford; Newark Tower, situated on a hill, where one of the Edwards was imprisoned, the scene of one part in ‘Marmion’. Mungo Park’s cottage, the African explorer; Philiphaugh, Mr Steele’s (the millionaire) mansion; Ettrick forest, the lovely Yarrow river and hills.
Crossing the Ettrick, we reached Selkirk about 5pm. From here, we took the train to Galashiels, a manufacturing town, where we changed for Melrose, arriving at 6pm. We drove to the George & Abbotsford Hotel, where we stayed. After tea, we went for a walk through the old town.
July 31st
At 9.30am we drove, with a party from the hotel, to Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott’s home. We passed Darwick Tower, mentioned in ‘The Monastery’; the three Eildon hills, supposed to be the resting place of King Arthur and his knights; the Cheviot range in the distance and a monument in memory of Waterloo.
Abbotsford is beautifully situated on the river Tweed; this view of the river and hills beyond was Scott’s favourite one and it was looking upon this from his windows that he passed away. Lovely terraced gardens surround the house, with well-trimmed shrubs. In one, there are a number of medallions round the old creeper-covered walls; in another is a statue of one of Scott’s characters in Rob Roy. The place now belongs to his great-granddaughter, Mrs Scot Maxwell.
Passing through the entrance hall, we entered Scott’s study, where he wrote all his novels, and then on to the library which contains twenty thousand volumes. In the drawing room, there are several paintings of the Scott family and the Chantry bust; the wallpaper is hand-painted. In the armoury, there are a large number of curious, including Rob Roy’s sword and purse, Flora Macdonald’s pocket book, two pistols taken from Napoleon’s carriage when he was taken prisoner, Robbie Burn’s tumbler, etc. Everything in the house was designed and arranged by Scott
From here, we drove back to Melrose Abbey – five miles both ways. This is a fine old ruin; round the pillars, there is the curly, male tracery. The heart of Bruce lies here and the tomb of Michael Scott, the wizard. We saw Scott’s favourite seat and the old graveyard adjoining. Melrose Abbey is described in ‘Lay of the Last Minstrel’. It was built by King David I, in 1136, and dedicated to St Mary. Alex II also lies here.
From the Abbey, we all drove on to Dryburgh, five miles from Melrose. This is a prettier ruin, overgrown with ivy and creepers and bluebells. The druids worshipped here – now it is owned by Mr Erskine of Dryburgh House. The Chapter house and St Catherine’s window were two of the chief features. Sir Walter Scott and his wife are buried here. It dates from 1150. An old yew against the ruin is as old as the Abbey.
We drove home by the Tweed valley, saw the Leader foot bridge over the river and the viaduct, 133ft high; ‘Ravensbury’ – the Master of Ravensbury was one of Scott’s characters; Thomas the Rhymer’s stone and glen; the villages of Newstead and Newtown.
After tea, we went for a stroll along the Tweed bank by the Weir, a broad sheet of water.
August 1st
In the morning, we went to St Aidan’s and heard Rev Simpson preach – he was from Edinburgh high church and he preached a very good sermon on John the Baptist. In the afternoon, we sat on the river bank. In the evening, we went to High Cross church.
Although wet early in the day, it cleared later. After dinner, we walked to the old world village of Dingleton, situated on a high hill from which a good view of Melrose can be seen, nestling between the hills.
August 2nd
We left Melrose by the 11.30am train for Carlisle, via Hawick – a manufacturing town; and arrived at 1.30pm. We stayed at the County and Station Hotel and, in the afternoon, we went on top of electric trams in three directions; to Newtown, past the cathedral; to Stanwise, past the pleasure gardens on the banks of the river Eden and to Warwick Road. In the distance, we saw Skiddaw and the Keswick hills. Our hotel faces the law courts and county jail.
From the ramparts of the castle, where we went in the afternoon, we had a good view of the city and river with the bridge, cathedral, etc
August 3rd
Weather very hot; we started for home about noon and reached Carshalton at 9.30pm.
TRIP DOWN THE THAMES 1905
taken by John Smith II together with his daughters, Grace and Adeline
as told by Adeline Smith
TRIP DOWN THE THAMES 1905
July 15th
Father, Grace and I left Paddington for Oxford by the 4.45pm train and arrived at 6.09pm. Drove to the Wilberforce Temperance Hotel, Queen Street and then went for a stroll in the evening. A beautiful city, full of fine buildings – we are all charmed with it.
July 6th
Went, on top of a tram, to Folly Bridge and up the High Street, which is considered one of the finest in Europe. Passed Christ Church College; here, at five minutes past nine at night, ‘Great Tom’ tolls 101 to warn the students that the gates are closing.
Carfax Tower, one of the oldest in Oxford; Wolsey’s house, St Mary the Virgin church, where Ridley and Cranmer preached and Amy Robsart, of Scott’s Kenilworth, is buried. Every year, the university sermons are preached here and, also, the Bampton Lectures. We just saw inside the church.
We spent most of the morning in the Botanical Gardens and Christ Church meadow, from which there is a fine view across the river of Magdalen College. After lunch, we rowed for two hours on the river Isis, as far as Iffley, whilst father fished – and peaceful, pretty scene.
July 7th
We went, by train, to Woodstock, the scene of Scott’s novel. Went over Blenheim Palace, seat of the Duke of Marlborough and saw his two little sons out driving. The palace was the gift of Queen Anne to the first Duke of Marlborough, for his services at the Battle of Blenheim. As you enter the grounds, a lovely lake, crossed by a bridge, lies in a hollow to your left. The clear water reflected the blue sky; from its brink, gentle wooded slopes rose in the distance; very lovely.
We went over the state rooms, and the stables, saw some of the horses and ponies – perfect stables. We walked through the grounds to see the rosary and then went back to Woodstock village and had lunch at The Old Bear. Got back to Oxford soon after 3pm and went, on top of a tram, to Summertown, past Balliol College, where the Yellow Book of Browning’s ‘Ring and the Book’ is preserved. Grace and I went for a stroll at night, the buildings seemed to have an added grandeur as they stood, all clearly outlined against the dark blue sky of night.
Amongst other places we saw, were the Bodleian Library, the Camera reading room, Keeble College, a new red building, Martyr’s memorial, Taylor Institute, and St Michael’s church, etc. At the hotel, we met a Swedish lady, Mrs Carr, and got very friendly with her. We also saw the Sheldonian Theatre, etc. There is a peculiar charm about Oxford, with all its classic and historic interests.
July 8th
We left Oxford, by the 9.30am steamer, for Abingdon, arriving at 11.30. The route was by Iffley Mill, Sandford, and Nuneham – seat of Sir William Harcourt; just at the river bend here, are a group of cottages which have been painted for the Royal Academy.
We went to the Crown & Thistle hotel, a favourite haunt of Ruskin’s when he was at Oxford. In the evening, we rowed for two hours on the river whilst Father fished. Abingdon is a fair sized town, with a quaint town hall and a park. It possesses a mayor and sheriffs.
July 9th,
Sunday: we went to St Helen’s church – a fine structure, in the morning and the Wesleyan church at night. Mr Gill came to see us in the afternoon and Grace went back to have tea with them. Mr Gill went to the park with us afterwards.
July 10th
Left Abingdon, by the 11am boat, for Shillingford, arriving there at 2pm, via Culham Lock, Clifton, Day’s and Benson Locks and then went to Shillingford Bridge Hotel on the river bank; showery, but a peaceful, lovely evening. Father fished and I rowed him from five to eight. Grace walked to Wallingford.
July 11th
Father went out fishing all day, with a man; he caught two large and several small fish. Grace and I walked to Wallingford, about two miles out – the heat was intense. After tea, we went for an hour’s row alone.
July 12th
Father spent the morning out fishing with a man and Grace and I walked to Shillingford village. We left, by the 1.40pm boat, for Pangbourne, arriving at 4pm; dad lunch at The Lamb Hotel, Wallingford; via Cleeve (a lovely spot), Goring and Whitchurch. This was the finest scenery along the Thames. The river twists and turns about amongst beautiful wooded hills. At Goring and Streatley, it is charming. We went to the Elephant Hotel, most comfortable, with a pretty, shady garden where we had tea.
In the evening, we went for an hour’s row. A number of pretty villa residences line the bank of the river, with a walk along in front and the hills rising sheer behind. Pangbourne and Whitchurch are very prettily situated, one on each side of the river. A bridge with an old toll gate connects them.
July 13th
We rowed about all day on the river whilst Father fished. We landed, for a short time, on an island just beyond Mapledurham, a mile and a half up the river.
July 14th
In the morning, we walked to Uplands, Whitchurch, to call on Violet’s aunts, the Miss Woods. Violet’s father came back with us to lunch. We left Pangbourne, by the 4.15pm boat, for Henley. Met Mrs Carr again on board, so went together to the same hotel, arriving at 7.15pm. The route was via Mapledurham, Reading, Sonning (very pretty), Shiplake and Marsh Lock. The river at Henley widens considerably and is lined on either side with artistically decorated houseboats. The flowers on some of them were beautiful.
We went to the Catherine Wheel Hotel and, after tea, we went to look about the town; Mrs Carr went with us.
July 15th
Grace’s birthday: we left Henley by the 10am boat, also Mrs Carr, for Windsor, arriving at 2.15pm; the route was via Hambledon, Hurley, Temple Locks, Marlow (a lovely spot), Cookham – where the river is very narrow and beautifully wooded, Bourne End, Boulter’s Lock, Maidenhead, Bray and Boveney Locks. We went to The White Hart Hotel, in the High Street, just opposite the principal entrance to the castle. After tea, we explored part of the town: old-fashioned, very pretty round the castle and parks.
July 16th
We attended service in St George’s Chapel. It is very beautifully decorated with carved wood and iron-work, gilt figures, flags, gold cups and plates and cross on the Communion table. Also a gold cross, £300 cost, given by Queen Victoria. Fine coloured windows; the chorister boys wore scarlet and white and the musical service was perfect. One of the resident Canons, Bishop Barry, gave a beautiful sermon on Romans VIII.23, subject for Animal Sunday.
In the afternoon, we went into the Great Park, eighteen hundred acres in extent. Then we went onto the east terrace at the castle. It is thrown open to the public on Sunday afternoons. The view over the park is lovely. The bank was playing and numbers of soldiers on guard, their scarlet coats blending with the geraniums. A sunk lawn, a fountain, trimmed shrubs and bright flowers made up a gay scene. The sun shone gloriously.
Behind it all, rose the massive grey castle, with its turrets and towers. It dates back to William the Conqueror’s reign. The part contains the mausoleum, the Duke of Cumberland’s lodge; the home park surrounds the castle and a rosary. St George’s Chapel and the Memorial Chapel join. Within a few miles of Windsor are Ascot, Burnham Beeches and Virginia Water. As our stay was so short, we could not do much sight-seeing. We went to the Wesleyan Chapel in the evening and heard the Rev Arthur Sharply preach. A lovely night, the full moon shining on the castle made it look very majestic.
July 17th
We left Windsor, by the 9.15am boat, for Kingston via Eton College and chapel (a thousand boys), Old Windsor, Romney, Bell Weir, Holloway College, Staines, Penton Hook, Chertsey and Weybridge, Shepperton, Sunbury and Molesey Locks, Surbiton and Kingston and Monkey Island. Arrived at 1.30pm and lunched at the Griffin Hotel; we then took a train to Clapham Junction and home.
VISIT TO SCOTLAND
June 8th – 28th 1906
by Adeline Smith
TRIP TO SCOTLAND – 1906
June 8th
I left London, by the 10am, train for Stirling, arriving at 7pm, and went to stay with Nellie Macaulay at Clarendon Place. Jim met me at the station. Mr David Muir came down by the same train to stay a few days.
June 9th
Nell and I went into town in the morning and spent the afternoon in King’s Park. We played bridge in the evening
June 10th
We all went to the East church on Castle Hill in the morning and heard the Rev Lang preach. In the afternoon, we had tea with Professor Drummond’s brother, under the trees in his garden; met Mr and Mrs Hope Patterson there. We went for a stroll in King’s Park in the evening – a lovely view of the castle and surrounding mountains.
June 11th
Nell and I went into town after breakfast and Mr Muir went for a long walk with us in the afternoon. Nell and I spent the evening on the golf links – light until 10 o’clock.
June 12th
Mr Muir left. Nell, Jim and I drove to, Doune, via Bridge of Allan, fifteen miles drive. We had tea there at Mrs Dicksee’s – beautiful grounds to their house
June 14th
Nell and I went to the castle, Martyrs’ monument, and the Roman Catholic church. Went by tram to Wallace’s monument and climbed to the summit from where we had a grand view of the mountains and windings of the Forth. In the evening, we went for a walk
Jun 15th
Nell and I went to Dunblane by train. We had tea at a little shop on the banks of the Doon and then went over the cathedral. Not much to see
June 16th
John and Nellie came over to lunch and tea and then we all went out on the golf links
June 17th
We went to church in the morning and heard Rev Purvis preach; this was followed by Communion service and another sermon by Dr Forrest, writer of ‘Authority of Christ’. Jim and I went again in the evening to hear Dr Forrest – a very fine preacher.
June 18th
I went for a lovely stroll alone round the foot of the castle hill – glorious country. We went for a walk together in the afternoon and climbed to the Beheading Stone on the hill. In the evening, Jim went with us to Torbrex village, a typical Scottish village.
June 19th
Jim took us both to Edinburgh for the day. First we looked at the shops in Princes Street and then walked down Canongate, a poverty-stricken neighbourhood, past Knox’s house to Holyrood Palace. Went over the palace and had lunch at the Royal British Hotel. We went on a circular tour on top of a tram and then had tea at one of the large shops out on a balcony overlooking Princes Street.
June 20th
I went for a stroll round the castle in the morning; a wet day
June 21st
Nell and I started directly after breakfast for Callander . We went by train, then walked the Trossachs’ road for several miles. Glorious mountain scenery and, winding through the valley, the river Teith; Ben Ledi prominent amongst the heights. We had our lunch in a meadow by the river side and returned home by another road where trees interlaced overhead.
June 22nd
I left Stirling, by the 1.13 train, for Glasgow, arriving at 2.50pm. Found Nellie Grant and Ian waiting for me. We went together and looked at the shops and then had tea at the Grosvenor. Left Glasgow by the 4.05pm train for Gourock and, from there, took a steamer to Kilcreggan, arriving at 4.50. Found Mr and Mrs Gilchrist waiting for me with the carriage. ‘Woodside’ is a lovely house on the loch side.
June 23rd
A misty day; went for a stroll alone in the morning with the three dogs and sat on the rocks by Loch Long. Ellen and I went for a walk on the hills behind their house in the afternoon and, in the evening, Mr Arthur entertained me with his phonograph
June 24th
We all went to church in the morning and heard a good sermon from the Rev Welsh, of Edinburgh. I stayed with Mrs Gilchrist in the evening
June 25th
In the afternoon, we went for a drive to Coulport and Kilcreggan.
June 26th
Mr Gilchrist took Ellen and me on a steamer trip up Loch Long to Arrochar and then, by coach, to Tarbet, on Loch Lomond. Great clouds rested on the grand mountains and hid the summit of Ben Lomond.
June 27th
We drove to Roseneath and Gareloch – the weather wet and cold as it had been all week. Ellen and I had tea at the Miss Anderson’s.
June 28th
I left Cove, by the 8am steamer, for Gourock – Ellen came with me. Came through direct, from Gourock to London, arriving at 8pm. George met me there.
Diaries
1903
January
T 1 Uncle Charles, Aunt Miria and Maggie Ibbotson spent the day with us; I drove over to fetch them.
F 2 Went to Mill Lane Mission in the afternoon and evening to help with the Xmas tree; Mr Rhodes spent the day with us.
S 3 Clusters of primroses in bloom in our garden; a spray of japonica in full bloom
S 4 Father, Grace and I attended the Covenant service at Sutton; George and Nellie had tea with us after going to the service
M 5 We all went for a drive in the afternoon
T 6 Went to dressmaking class at Croydon in the afternoon and then on to see Mrs Wood; found her very ill.
W 7 Called on a Mrs Adams of Mill Lane for the first time; widow living on the parish; in evening, Grace and I went to a party at Mrs Chandler’s; Mr Cheshire had dinner with Father
T 8 Spent the day helping to nurse Mrs Wood and Florrie; Mrs Wood’s mind wandering very much
F 9 Father and I went for a drive; Trot, Arthur (EAC) and the four children came over to stay with us.
S 10 Trot, Arthur and Cecil left us in the afternoon; Father, the girls and I went for a drive
S 11 All went to chapel, Rev H Williamson preached; May came to tea; in evening, Grace, Ethel and I went to Beddington church.
M 12 Fannie and Edie Williams spent the evening with us.
T 13 Went over to Finchley to stay with Trot; Ethel, Gladys and Jim returned with me.
W 14 Trot, the girls and I went up to Shoolbreds and to see the West End shops; saw procession of the unemployed, about 600 men marched through Regent Street; weather very severe
T 15 Left Trot’s after lunch and went on to see Mrs Wood; spent several hours there, returning home in the evening.
F 16 Too unwell to go out
S 17 Ditto; Mr Parkinson had tea with us; cold continues intense
S 18 Ditto
M 19 In bed
T 20 Ditto
W 21 Ditto
T 22 Cousin Lillie came over to stay with us; still in bed
F 23 Went for a short drive with Lillie in the afternoon
S 24 Lillie left us
S 25 Went to Sutton chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 26 Called on Bessie Hay
T 27 Went to dressmaking class in the afternoon.
W 28 Father and I drove to Epsom in the morning and called on Nellie in the afternoon
T 29 All went for a drive with Nellie through Purley, etc; Mrs and Miss Jessie Robinson called in the afternoon.
F 30 Rev A C Strutt came to see us; all went for a drive in the morning
S 31 Mr Strutt left us
February
S 1 Rev H Williamson preached at Sutton in the morning
M 2
T 3 Went to dressmaking class at Croydon; we all went to Coleridge Taylor’s recital, Croydon public hall; artists were Madam Ella Russell, Ethel Barnes (violin), Ivor Foster (baritone) etc.
W 4 Called on Mrs Antill and Mrs Edwards; Mrs Williamson called on us
T 5 Father, Grace and I drove over to Uncle Charles in the morning; driving home after tea.
F 6 We three visited Mother’s grave; Ashanti Goldfields’ dividend received
S 7 Called on a poor woman, Mrs Turner, in consumption; Arthur sailed for West Africa
S 8 Rev Scott Ligee preached in the morning on ‘The God of thy Fathers’; Mr Antill and Mrs White had tea with us.
M 9 We all went for a drive in the afternoon; in the evening, Edith Williams and I went to Wallington to hear Rev Theodore Wood lecture on ‘Spiders’. Note on lecture: Spiders are not insects, they possess heart and lungs but no head; two former extend into legs which are 8 in number; can store nourishment in lefts for use when no food is attainable; each thread made up of thousands of strands; the sticky threads catch the prey; the spider herself never walks on the gummy one; in one species, the female is 1300 times larger than the male; former are always much larger; spiders are short sighted, ordinary range of vision extends only two inches; Australian species bred in observatories for the sake of their fine threads, which are composed of three strands; these, unravelled, are used by astronomers to represent the median line when tracking the course of starts; difficulties of courtship; trap door; female always ends by devouring the male and, often, the young; very pugnacious; wonderful construction of tube placed by slope and door hinged; one kind live entirely in a burrow, each particle of earth conveyed to a distance so as to evade detection; raft spiders, water spiders, living in air filled bell-resembling thimble which has to be constantly refilled by air bubbles.
T 10 Attended dressmaking class in the afternoon.
W 11 Father and I went to home missionary meeting at Sutton and heard Rev Peter Thompson speak
T 12 Visited Stratton’s wife; Father and I drove with Grace to Kitty’s and had tea there; left Grace there to dinner; Volta rode over to see us in the afternoon.
F 13 Had tea with Auntie Miria
S 14 Called to see Nellie; Mr and Mrs Champness came in the afternoon; Mrs Champness, Grace and I drove to Woodmansterne; Mr Champness returned home in the evening
S 15 Mrs Champness went with us all to Sutton chapel; Grace and I went to Beddington in the evening
M 16 Mrs Champness returned home; I drove to Balham with her and I went on to Violet’s to tea; Florrie Wood came back with me for a few days, in the evening
T 17 Father, Florrie and I drove over Epsom Downs; I went to dressmaking class in the afternoon.
W 18 Visited Mrs Turner; Uncle and Auntie came over for the day; George came in the evening
T 19 Went to Croydon in afternoon with Florrie; returning by motor bus
F 20 We all went for a drive; in afternoon, I took Florrie home and had tea with Violet
S 21 Grace went over to Trot to stay a few days.
S 22 Father and I had tea with George and Nellie
M 23 Grace returned home
T 24 Attended class at Croydon in the afternoon
W 25 Went for a drive with Father in the afternoon; Arthur’s ship arrived at the Gold Coast
T 26 Met Violet in town and heard Rev R S Campbell preach at the City Temple – subject ;God’s Remedy for Sin’; Temple crowded; then called on Mr Rendell; went over home for stray cats in Hammersmith
F 27 Called on Bessie Hay
S 28 Agnes Heaton came over in the afternoon to stay a few days
March
S 1 Rev H Williamson preached at Sutton; Mr Cheshire came to tea
M 2 Agnes left
T 3 Marian, Captain Scott and Nellie Grant spent the day with us; called on Mrs Anthill in evening
W 4 Father went over to Trot’s; Grace and I went up to Great Central Hotel to see Mrs Grant; Violet came down in the evening to stay
T 5 Grace went to Sidcup
F 6 Father, Violet and I went for a drive in the morning. I called on Mrs Henman in the afternoon; George and Nellie called in the evening
S 7
S 8 Rev Organs preached in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Violet and I went to Beddington church in the evening
M 9 We all went for a drive in the morning; visited Mrs Turner; Father, Violet and I heard Mr Walter Maunder lecture on astronomy in the evening
T 10 Attended class at Croydon
W 11 Father drove to Croydon with Violet and me; we called on the manager of the omnibus company to take ‘Black Beauty’ for his men; went in to Mrs Pearce and Mrs Turner; grace went to Sidcup
T 12 All went for a drive across Epsom Downs; Violet and I went across the park in the afternoon
F 13 We drove over Shirley Hills in the morning; I called in at Nellie’s in the afternoon; Grace and Violet walked to Sutton
S 14 Violet left
S 15 Rev H Williamson at Sutton; Father and I walked to Wallington chapel at night
M 16 Visited Bessie Hay
T 17 Attended dressmaking class
W 18 Mr and Mrs Robinson spent the evening with us; Sent banner to Sidcup’s Band of Mercy
T 19 Visited Mrs Turner; cat had kittens
F 20 Spent the day over at Trot’s
S 21 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us.
S 22 Father and I walked to Wallington chapel in the morning; George and Nellie had tea and supper with us; went to Carshalton church at night; Grace unwell, so did not go out.
M 23 Commenced Spring cleaning
T 24 Attended dressmaking class in the afternoon
W 25 Father unwell
T 26 Went to Sidcup to Annual band of mercy meeting; lecture by R Kearton, on ‘Wild Nature’s Ways’. Fine lecture with beautiful slides; a crowded hall; Mr Crawford in the chair; banner unfurled; saw a lot of our old friends and stayed the night at Mrs Oliver’s.
F 27 Returned home from Sidcup in the afternoon
S 28
S 29 Mr Williamson preached at Sutton; Father stayed at home
M 30 Grace went to Eastbourne to engage rooms for us for Easter
T 31 In the morning, Rev J Wright came to stay with us; Mr Cheshire had dinner here and George came in afterwards; Mr Wright and I went for a walk in the afternoon; Father better and able to go out in the garden again
April
W 1 Grace and I went to the dog show in the public hall. Mr Wright left us in the afternoon, I drove with him to Sutton.
T 2
F 3
S 4 Too unwell to go out. Mr Wood called with George in the evening; Grace went to a concert in London
S 5 In bed with an abscess
M 6 Ditto
T 7 Ditto; Grace went to meet the Ethel and Gladys home from boarding school
W 8 Father gone on to Eastbourne, was not well enough to go with him today
T 9 Grace, Nellie and I joined Father at Eastbourne in the afternoon; George came down in the evening; are staying at Denbigh Boarding House in Howard Square.
F 10 Weather perfect; spent morning on the front, called at the Aunties – they had tea with us in the afternoon.
S 11 Spent the morning on the pier, the afternoon in town; much colder
S 12 We all heard Rev Gillie preach morning and evening at the Scottish Presbyterian church; beautiful sermons and a crowded church; a fine preacher; all had tea with the Aunties in the afternoon.
M 13 Sleet showers, bright between; spent morning on front; I had tea with Aunties
T 14 Spent morning on front; went for a long stroll in the afternoon; in evening, Grace, Nellie and I went to hear Grossmith at the Pavilion.
W 15 Bitterly cold; spent the morning on front; in afternoon, we three had tea with Aunties; some visitors there – Mr and Mrs Brimcombe and their son and daughter, Mr Yeoman, her brother, Mrs Duke, Mrs Davies and a German gentleman
T 16 George left for London early and we all followed in the afternoon; Have spent a happy week together at Eastbourne; Aunties came to see us off at the station.
F 17 Sent off parcels of clothes to Mrs Price, Mrs Brewer and Mrs Goodsell; and one for bazaar to Mr Rendell
S 18 Grace and I visited our darling mother’s grave
S 19 Ethel very ill with congestion of lungs; Grace been over to see her; Father and I had tea with George and Nellie; a very anxious day
M 20 I had tea with Violet
T 21 Spent the day over at Trot’s; found Ethel a little better but still very ill
W 22 Visited Mrs Turner
T 23 Ethel improving
F 24 Took Lassie up to see Bessie Hay; called on Mr Antill; sent a little dress off to Adeline Price
S 25 Called at Bampfylde
S 26 George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Jessie Cooper, from Sidcup, called to see me; is in service here.
M 27 Mrs Robinson called; George and Nellie came in the evening
T 28 Attended dressmaking class; Mr Knight and Mr Robinson called; made sweets for bazaar; became a member of the ‘Humane Needlework Guild’.
W 29 Grace taking a stall at Wesleyan bazaar at Sutton; Father and I went in the afternoon.
T 30 Took Grace’s place at the stall in the afternoon; went up again in the evening; Grace playing at a concert in Sidcup and staying the night with Miss Cowdrey
May
F 1 Went to Violet’s for a week; in the evening, Violet, Hubert and I went to the anti-vivisection meeting at St James’ Hall; speakers were Lord Llangattock, Hon Stephen Coleridge and Lord Ernest Hamilton
S 2
S 3 Went with Hubert to Canon Edward’s church twice; stayed for the sacrament in the morning; vicar preached and the Rev Dawkes in the evening.
M 4 Arthur (EAC) died on the West Coast of Africa; news did not reach England until the 12th
T 5 Called on Mrs Babister; Mr and Mrs Statham went home to Carshalton for a week.
W 6 Mrs Wood, Violet, Hubert and I went to the annual meeting of the Clapham and Stockwell Band of Mercy; a well-attended meeting; Rev Dawkes gave the address and had supper with us afterwards.
T 7 Returned home in the morning; Mr and Mrs Robinson dined with us; Mr Kirk called
F 8 Visited Mrs Turner’ Mr Cheshire and Mr Antill called; George and Nellie dined with us
S 9 Sent kitten to Bampfylde; called at Nellie’s; Mr and Mrs Hillbrook called
S 10
M 11 Grace went to the Hippodrome with Mrs Statham
T 12 Mr and Mrs Statham left us; cable received from Africa with news of Arthur’s sudden death; an unexpected blow; have just been over to see poor Trot.
W 13 Grace brought Jim (Arthur Gordon) home with her
T 14 Auntie Miria came for a few days
F 15 Went over to see Trot
S 16 Visited darling Mother’s grave; Uncle Charles came over; Bruce went to Mrs Williams
S 17
M 18 Auntie Miria left us
T 19
W 20 Called on Mr Antill; parted with ‘Bruce’; Father bought the new horse, ‘Rob Roy’.
T 21 Father and I went over to see Trot; took Jim back to Finchley
F 22 Visited Mrs Turner; we all drove to Kingswood in the morning and gathered bluebells in the woods; found a hedgehog in the garden
S 23
S 24 George and Nellie had tea and supper with us; we all went to the Baptist church at night and joined in a public protestation against the new education bill; all present pledged themselves to strenuously oppose it.
M 25 Visited Bessie Hay; we all drove to Shirley
T 26 A little daughter born to Trot, Theo Daphne; shopping in London; Grace went to Finchley and Father to Temple flower show with Uncle
W 27 Derby Day
T 28 I went over to see Trot and the baby; both doing well.
F 29 The Oaks; called on Mrs Robinson and at Nellie’s
S 30 A terrible storm in the afternoon and again at night; Roads and lawn flooded and the stream overflowing
S 31 All had tea at Bampfylde and supper
June
M 1 Mr Robinson and Mr Sidney Robinson, Mr Anthill and Mr Brook called.
T 2 We drove into Croydon to do some shopping; Mrs White came to stay a couple of days with us
W 3 All went to Daisy Antill’s wedding and reception at the hall adjoining the church; 50 guests present; Ray and Edith called
T 4 I went with Father to the Ashanti Goldfield Corporation’s offices to see Mr Daw and hear particulars of Arthur’s death; we had lunch at Holborn restaurant; Father went on to Trot’s and I met Grace at Violet’s, where we had tea; Mrs White left us
F 5 Grace went to Trot’s; Father and I drove to Purley
S 6 Mr Robinson and George came in the afternoon, Mrs White in the evening
S 7
M 8 Father went to Coventry; Grace and I went to a Strauss festival concert at St James’s Hall – the Amsterdam Orchestra, Richard Platt pianist and Mengelberg conducting
T 9 Visited Mrs Turner and Bessie Hay; called at Nellie’s with Grace in the evening
W 10 Grace and I had tea at Auntie Miria’s
T 11 Jack, my favourite pony, died
F 12 Took Bessie Hay for a drive; Father returned home from Coventry in the evening
S 13 We all spent the day at Beckenham with Uncle and Auntie
S 14 SS Anniversary services – Rev Goodrich preached a good sermon
M 15 Fred and Laurie came to spend a week with us
T 16 Drove to Purley, etc
W 17 Called on Mrs Antill; visited Mrs Turner
T 18 Memorial service for Arthur at Finchley chapel – Rev Smith gave the address; Father and I had tea at Trot’s and stayed the night; Grace came over to the service with Fred and Laurie in the evening
F 19 Father and I got home to lunch and brought Ethel back for one night; continued rains, floods in many parts
S 20 Grace, Ethel, Laurie and Fred went to the Candle festival; Ethel returned home from there; Father and I had tea at Nellie’s
S 21 We all went to Wallington chapel in the morning; Fred, Laurie and I went to Beddington church at night
M 22 Fred and Laurie left us; we three went for a drive in the afternoon
T 23 Mr and Mrs Child had dinner with us and stayed the night
W 24 Visited Mrs Turner
T 25 Father, Grace, Ethel and I started on a driving tour – our route to Epsom, then Leatherhead, Great Bookham, Effingham, East Horsley, Merrow and on to Guildford (twenty-four miles), where we stayed the night at The Angel, four hundred years old, the crypt seven hundred years. Went rowing on the Wey for two hours in the evening.
F 26 Visited Guildford castle and alms houses; started on our journey at 11am – route through Compton, Puttenham; Farnham – where we put up and had lunch at the Bush Hotel – then on to Bentley, Froyle, Holybourne, Alton, Chawton and Four Marks (twenty-three miles), where we stayed the night at the Windmill Inn – a very quaint place; we had a lovely stroll through the woods.
S 27 Left Four Marks at 10am and took a route through Medstead, Alresford, Itchen Stoke, Itchen Abbas, Martin Worthy, Kingsworthy and Winchester (seventeen miles), where we put up at the George Hotel – five hundred years old; went out to see the town, the river, market cross and town hall.
S 28 Attended service in the cathedral in the morning – Assizes begin here tomorrow; Mayor and judges attended the service in full state; the two judges are staying at this hotel – the Scott/Russell case comes on tomorrow; intensely hot; in the evening, went to St Cross, founded by Henry of Blois in 1132; ancient dole of beer and bread still continued for wayfarers; a beautiful sermon on ‘Speak, Lord’.
M 29 Went over the cathedral – longest in England, with magnificent architecture; earliest English kings lie there; parts date back to William I and oak beams given by him; left, at 4pm via Pitt, Standon, Hursley, Knappsfield, Ampsfield, Romsey, Cadnam, where the New Forest begins, and on to Stoney Cross (eighteen miles) where we stayed the night at the Compton Arms; had a lovely walk through the forest in the evening to the Rufus Stone.
T 30 Left, at 11am, after a lovely stroll; route through Picket Post to Ringwood – scenery fine, long stretches of heather and bracken-clad moorland (nine and a quarter miles); stayed at the White Hart Hotel; spent all the time on the banks of the river Avon, Father fishing.
July
W 1 Sat on banks of Avon all morning, Father fishing; left at 3.30pm, route Lower Kinston, Avon, Burton, Staple Cross, Purewell, Christchurch and to Bournemouth (fourteen and a half miles), where we stayed at the Lansdowne Hotel .
T 2 Father went home for one night to lay the stone of the new chapel at Finchley. We took the steamer, at 12pm, to Swanage, where we spent the afternoon at Tilly Whim caves, returning by the 5pm boat.
F 3 Spent the morning and evening on the pier and had tea at the Quadrangle; weather continues perfect
S 4 Left at 10.15 – route Boscombe, Pokesdown, Iford, Christchurch, Purewell, Holmsley station, Bank, Lyndhurst (twenty and a half miles) – stayed at the Grand Hotel – a fine hotel with beautiful grounds. Went for a walk in the forest; arrived here at 1.15pm
S 5 Went to Lyndhurst church both morning and evening; heard Rev Hamps preach on ‘Our duty to animals; there is a fine fresco in the church – ‘Ten Virgins’ by Sir F Leighton- and a monument of women reclining; behind clasped hands and rising sun, a butterfly (symbolic of a soul escaped).
M 6 Left at 10am –route Hounsdon, Kimbridge, Totton, Redbridge, Millbrook, Southampton, Northiam Bridge, Bittern, Hedge End, Botley and Bishops Waltham, where we lunched and rested the horses at the Crown Hotel. Saw the castle ruins, the ancient palace of the Bishop of Winchester, and then went on to Corhampton, Meon – here we had tea at the Red Lion – and went to Langrish and Petersfield (thirty-six and a half miles), where we stayed the night at the Dolphin Hotel. The views in the Meon valley were fine.
T 7 Spent the day on the lake side and Father had some fishing; went over the old church and town; left at 5pm – route Sheet, Rake to Liphook (eight miles). Between the two last, the scenery was most lovely, wooded hills and valleys and open heather-clad moorland. Stayed the night at the Royal Anchor and went on a country walk.
W 8 This very old hotel used, in coaching days, by Queen Anne, George III, Queen Charlotte, William IV and Queen Victoria – all have stayed here. Rooms all match board walls – had our dinner by candlelight. Left at 10.30 – Hammerhill, Shottermill (where George Elliot wrote ‘Middlemarch’), Lions Green, Haslemere (Tennyson’s house), Milford, Godalming – where we lunched at the Angel – Shalford, Chilworth, Albury – tea at the Drummond Arms – Shere, Abinger, Wotton Hatch, Coast Hill and on to Dorking (twenty-eight miles), where we stayed at the White House Hotel.
T 9 We went, on top of a bus, to Holmwood – came back by train. Walked to Betchworth Park later, where Father fished on the Mole – Countess of Marlborough’s estate there, Deepdene; saw Charterhouse school.
F 10 Left at 10am – route over Box Hill, Walton on Hill, Tadworth Green, Burgh Heath, Banstead, Sutton, Carshalton, arriving home at 12.30 (twenty miles). The heat was intense – weather perfect all the time. Total of two hundred and five miles in a fortnight and a day. Drove through ninety-five places. Mrs Atkinson, Miss Stanmore and Mr Cheshire called.
S 11 Ethel returned home.
S 12 George and Nellie had supper with us
M 13 Went to Mother’s grave and then went on to Clapham to have a dress fitted
T 14 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us. Called on Mrs Antill in the evening
W 15 Grace’s birthday; Mr Robinson, George, Nellie, Fannie and Mr Bell called
T 16 Went to the Sidcup Band of Mercy field gathering; called on Mrs Price, Mrs Staples, Dr Crombie, Mr Blight; had tea with the latter; returned home the same night; a large attendance at the meeting
F 17 Visited Mrs Turner; called at Nellie’s; Trot and Cecil came over to stay a few days; all drove to Banstead, etc in the afternoon
S 18 We all drove over Epsom Downs
S 19 Fannie Williams came to tea
M 20 Took Cecil to see Bessie Hay and Mrs Antill; Trot and Cecil left us in the afternoon
T 21 Father and I drove to Cheam, etc – Mrs and Miss Blackie called
W 22 Head tea at Mrs Wood’s
T 23 We all went over to Epsom to a garden party at Mrs Atkinson’s, Woodcote Place
F 24 Visited Mrs Stratton
S 25 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us; Father and I drove over in the morning to fetch them.
S 26 Too wet to drive to Sutton; Grace went to Beddington church; Father and I went to the Baptist church in the evening
M 27 Went to Clapham to the dressmaker’s; Violet came back with me from Balham for a few days; had our stream stocked with roach and perch
T 28 Violet and I called at Nellie’s; Rev G Bolton had dinner with us
W 29 Uncle, Auntie and Aunt Janie spent the day with us; Grace and Violet drove over to fetch them.
T 30 Violet left us; we went up together to the RSPCA annual meeting in St James’ Hall in the afternoon; Earl of Kilmorey took the chair; speakers were the Bishop of Hereford, Mr Colman, Sir Harold Vincent, Countess of Portsmouth, etc. Aunt Hannah and Della came to stay with us.
F 31 Sent MS to Fred
August
S 1 Cousin Bert came to stay with us
S 2
M 3 Uncle Charles, Kitty and Arthur and all of us went to the flower show in the park; came back with us to tea and supper; we took five first prizes – grapes, cut flowers (gloxinias, coleus and potatoes); three second prices – table foliage plants; vegetables, pot plants and two thirds – carnations and foliage ferns. Grace took 1st prize for a basket of flowers.
T 4 Bert left us; called to see Nellie; visited Mrs Turner.
W 5 Left St Pancras at 9.30am for Scotland; came via Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Carlisle and Armathwaite; changed at Kilmarnock and Ayr, arriving at Killochan Castle at 8.45pm. Colonel Grant and Nell met me at Killochan station; Grace saw me off at St Pancras; Cat had four kittens.
T 6 Killochan Castle dates back to the 15th Century, the Covenanters held their meetings in the dining hall; wet morning – Mrs Grey drove over to lunch; John came down in the afternoon; Nell and I drove him back to Girvan station and then met Miss MacDougal at Killochan; Miss N Ingle came to tea; drove to village in evening
F 7 Strolled about grounds and we climbed the turret towers; too unwell to go driving; Mr MacDougal came to stay; Mr B Ingle came in the evening.
S 8 Very stormy day; not well enough to go out; Miss MacDougal and I played billiards all morning; Mr Farquhar Tinn called in the afternoon and stayed the night.
S 9 Strong gale, no one able to go to church; in afternoon, had a lovely stroll alone through the extensive grounds; after tea, Nell , Mr Tinn, Mr Ingle and I went for a long walk; Mr Tinn went home in the evening; sang hymns most of the evening.
M 10 Mr MacDougal left; I spent the morning roaming about the country and grounds; castle belongs to Sir Reginald Cathcart of Carlton; drove to Girvan and through Kennedy’s Pass in the wagonette after lunch; Nell and I went through Bargany grounds after tea; played billiards after dinner; Mr Durant, Pharie and Grace Grant came in the evening.
T 11 Miss MacDougal left; were out all morning; drove with Mrs Grant and Nell to Girvan and Dailly in the afternoon; weather lovely. In the evening, Mr C Thompson, Mr Macaulay and John arrived; had music and billiards in evening; Killochan ghost trick at night and climbed on the tower by moonlight.
W 12 Perfect day – spent morning in grounds; Nell and I walked to the lake and house in Bargany, Lord Stair’s estate; most lovely spot. Went for a drive to Turnberry and Maidens in polo cart after lunch, Nell driving; in evening, Mr B and Dr Ingles came in and we all played pool and had music; nine gentlemen and four ladies.
T 13 A perfect day; in grounds and Nell and Grace Grant and I drove, in polo cart, to Girvan, etc in the morning; in evening, Mr B Ingles and Miss Ingles came to dinner; numbered eight gentlemen and five ladies; in evening played pool and had music
F 14 Very wet and windy day; John and Mr Macaulay left in the morning; went for a short stroll in the morning and a long walk in the afternoon with Nell and Grace; Aunt Hannah and Della returned to Coventry.
S 15 Another wet day; cleared a little later; Nell, Grace and I went to the station to see the fishing party off; Nell and I had a walk in the afternoon; in evening, we watched a game of fives in the billiards room.
S 16 Nell, Mr Grant and I drove to the church at Dailly and heard Principal Stuart of St Andrew’s – a quaint, old place, the Killochan pew in the gallery; in afternoon, I had a delightful stroll alone, could see Girvan from the top of the hill, sea glistening in the sunshine.
M 17 Mr Thompson and Mr Durant left; spent the morning in the grounds; after lunch, Mrs Grant, Nell, Grace and I drove beyond Girvan along the sea shore and had tea on the rocks; a perfect day; played billiards in the evening.
T 18 Played a game of billiards with Colonel Grant at night; Grace and I drove to Girvan early to see Pharie and Captain Brook off; had lunch at twelve; Mrs Grant, Nell, Grace and I drove to Colmonell via Girvan and Lendalfoot; went to Dalreoch and wandered around the old spots; went into a lodge, called at Maggie’s cottage; had tea at Mrs Gray’s, Kirk-hill and put horses up there; returned at 4.30pm via Pinwherry and Pinmore – twenty miles in all. Met Miss Dill at Mrs Gray’s.
W 19 Climbed the hill by the oat field and got a pretty view over Girvan; drove to Blair to call at Mr Watson’s, saw Mrs Watson and Miss Burne; drove on to Girvan; lovely morning but turned cold and wet later; Mrs Ingle and Mr Myer called in the afternoon; Pharie came back and night.
T 20 Nell and I spent the morning in Bargany grounds; after tea, we three girls and Mr Grant walked as far as the kennels to see the dogs; bright in the morning, heavy rain in the afternoon.
F 21 Spent the day at Ayr with John’s wife, four of us went over; Mrs Kelso was staying with her; after lunch, we roamed about the town and did some shopping; Mr Colonel, John and Pharie at Ayr coming home.
S 22 A lovely day; out all morning – Mrs Grant, Nell, Grace and I drove into Girvan and along the shore in the polo card after lunch; Nell and I went for a walk in the afternoon and again after dinner; Mr B Ingles came in the evening
S 23 Had a lovely stroll alone before and after breakfast; we drove to Dailly church in the morning; John and Mr Thompson came over to lunch; Mr and Mrs Brown and Mr Coulson came to tea; Nell and I had a walk in the afternoon.
M 24 Left Killochan at 9.07am for St Pancras, via Ayr and Kilmarnock; Mr Grant, Nell and Grace saw me off; had an hour to wait at Ayr, so went for a walk; arrived at St Pancras at 9.30pm; home 10.30pm. Grace met me in London; Mr Statham, Rev G Bainton came to stay with us; Donald Price was born.
T 25 Drove over Epsom Downs in the afternoon; called at Nellie’s in the evening – George came in.
W 26 Mr Robinson called; the four gentlemen drove to Shirley; visited Mrs Turner
T 27 Went for a drive before lunch; Mr Statham and Rev G Bainton left us in the afternoon; Mrs Lander called; Fannie and Edie had tea and dinner with us.
F 28 Went up to help with Mothers’ meeting gathering at Miss Robinson’s in the afternoon.
S 29 Called at Bessie’s and Mrs Antill’s; Parton came to stay a few days.
S 30
M 31 Father, Parton and I drove to Purley in the morning; called on Mrs Lander, Miss Christie and Mrs Edwards
September
T 1 All went for a drive in the morning; sent parcels of clothes to Mrs Price and Mary Price
W 2 Parton left for his first circuit – Porlock; Bessie Hay called; called at Bampfylde, Grace went to a concert in town.
T 3 Trot, Gladys, Gordon and Jack White spent the day with us; Father, Trot and I visited darling Mother’s grave.
F 4 I spent the day in London shopping with Grace; Father went to town.
S 5 Sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Goodsell and literature to Seamen’s Mission; Mr Biney came to stay
S 6 Our new Minister, Mr Brooks, preached at Sutton; all went to Wallington chapel in the evening.
M 7 Called at Nellie’s and Mr Robinson; drove, with Father, to Shirley; Mr Biney left us; Grace went to Lowestoft to look for apartments; George and Nellie came in.
T 8 Went up to Balham to do some shopping and to dressmaker; visited Mrs Turner
W 9 Miss Craig came to dinner; Father and I drove to Croydon in the afternoon.
T 10 Father, Grace and I left Liverpool Street station by the 1.40pm train for Lowestoft; arrived at 4.40pm in the pouring rain; are staying at the Victoria Hotel Mansions, facing the sea.
F 11 An awful storm in the night, rough sea this morning; rain but cleared later; great damage done to the parade and cliff, saw a large piece washed away and wreckage all round, parts now railed off as unsafe.
S 12 Went, by train, to St Olaves in the morning and drove to Fritton Broad, very pretty old-fashioned garden adjoining the lake; had lunch at The Old Hall, drove back to St Olaves and returned by train.
S 13 Went to SB Anniversary service at Wesleyan chapel – sermon by Rev Robert Culley; in evening, we went to British and Foreign Fishermen’s Bethel, a crowded chapel.
M 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; wet and stormy day, only out a little in the morning
T 15 Two years ago today Mother passed home; very cold; went down to fish quay in the morning; then took tram to Bellevue Park and Sparrow’s Nest Park, where we spent the morning – very pretty; Oliver Cromwell slept in a house in the latter; spent afternoon on the pier.
W 16 Spent morning on fishing quay and pier; very went for the rest of the day
T 17 A lovely warm day; went, by steamer, up river to St Olaves; had lunch at Bell Hotel and drove to Fritton; went fishing on lake in small boat – Grace and I did the rowing; Father caught five bream; had tea at Old Hall, walked to the station, returned by train in time for dinner.
F 18 Drove to Oulton Broad in the morning, went out fishing on Broad without a boatman and caught six perch; stayed on the water until 4.30pm and then drove home again; found George here when we got back; has come down to stay with us; a lovely day.
S 19 Spent morning on pier; went to see water polo match and swimming competition at the baths in the afternoon
S 20 Heart Gipsy and Mrs Smith at Fisherman’s Bethel in the morning; went to Wesleyan chapel at night; strong gale blowing all day, sunshine.
M 21 Sunshine and gales; grand sea dashing over pier; went on pier in morning and then took train to Bellevue Park; after lunch, went for two hours’ drive through Gunton, Oulton, Parkfield, etc.
T 22 Again, strong gale and grand sea, watched fishing smacks from pier all morning – waves dashing right over the pier end. George left us in the afternoon; we went over Mr Heron’s garden and greenhouses in the afternoon; rain later.
W 23 Father and I spent the day on Oulton Broad; caught 47 roach; Grace stayed by the sea.
T 24 Left Lowestoft by the 1.30pm train for Liverpool Street, arriving home at 5.45pm
F 25 Called at Nellie’s; Mr and Mrs Taylor came down to tea and dinner (of Townsville)
S 26 Had lunch and ta at Violet’s; Mr and Mrs Champness came down to dinner
S 27 All walked to Wallington chapel in the morning; Mr Willett preached
M 28 Grace went to Sidcup for a few hours; Nellie, Edie and Miss Williams called in the afternoon and George came in the evening.
T 29 Trot and Mrs Cade came over for the day; we all drove over to Norwood to visit darling Mother’s grave and to see the memorial stone for Arthur, the lines are: ‘Through the gates of death we pass, to our glorious resurrection.’
W 30 Went to London, shopping
October
T 1 Father and I drove to Purley, etc; Grace and I called upon Mrs Mann and Mrs Brooks; George, Nellie and Miss Williams came in the evening
F 2 Nellie and Mr Cheshire came in the afternoon; the latter spent the evening with us and photographed my animals; Aunt Lissie came to spend a fortnight with us.
S 3 Father, Auntie and I drove to Banstead, etc and called on Mrs Antill
S 4 All went to Bampfylde to tea; went to Wallington chapel in the evening; kitten went to a new home.
M 5 Father’s birthday; George, Nellie and Miss Williams spent the evening with us
T 6 Grace went to Sidcup and to a concert at Queen’s Hall in the evening.
W 7 Went to London in the morning and called at Violet’s and the dressmaker; home to lunch; Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; Father and Aunt Lissie drove over to fetch them; Mrs Antill called in the evening, Rev Waterhouse in the afternoon.
T 8 Visited Mrs Turner and Bessie Hay; Mr Robinson called
F 9 All went for a drive in the morning
S 10 Mr and Mrs Taylor spent the day at Carshalton; I went to Florrie Wood’s wedding at St Giles, Camberwell and spent the day with them all at Mrs Wood returning home in the evening; received a letter from the Dumb Friends’ League asking me to join their London committee and form a local branch in Carshalton.
S 11 A very wet day; Grace unwell; Father and I went to chapel in the morning; heard our new Minster, Rev Waterhouse
M 12 Auntie Miria came in the afternoon and to stay the night; very wet.
T 13 Visited Mrs Dyball, poor woman, eighty-two years of age; Auntie Miria left in the afternoon; Father, Grace and the Aunties went for a drive in the morning.
W 14 Sent several parcels of clothing to Humane Needlework Society
T 15 Grace, Auntie and I drove over to Croydon to do some shopping; Aunt Lissie and I went over to Auntie Miria’s to tea; George and Nellie came in the evening.
F 16 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive in the morning.
S 17 Aunt Lissie left us, we all drove over to Uncle Charles with her and spent the day at Beckenham
S 18 Grace and tea and supper at Nellie’s
M 19 I went over to Trot’s in the morning to stay the night; after lunch, Trot, Cecil and I drove to Old Southgate in the governess cart with Merrylegs; very wet.
T 20 I left Trot’s by 1.31pm train home; Grace drove over to Kitty’s to tea.
W 21 Father went to Coventry for a visit; Grace and I went to London to call at the Dumb Friends’ League office; I undertook the secretaryship of a branch at Carshalton where they have no society at present; looked at shoes, went to a concert at St James’ Hall – Monsieur Jean Gerardy, cello, very fine, and Miss Pollyanna Fletcher piano.
T 22 Grace and I had dinner and spent the evening with George and Nellie
F 23 Mabel Oliver came down to stay a few days. Mrs Oliver and Eva came to have lunch and tea with us. Not well enough to go out.
S 24 In the afternoon, Mabel and I drove over to Crystal Palace to a concert; returned by train in the evening; Artists were Wilhelm Backhaus, pianist – very fine; Herr Paul Grummer, cello, Miss Lilian Foulis, violin; soloists: Mr John Harrison (very good) and Miss Alice Hollander. Volta married Cissy Hale.
S 25 Too unwell to go out; Grace and Mabel went to Sutton in the morning and Beddington at night; Bessie Hay came to tea.
M 26 Still unwell; sent parcels of clothing to Mrs Price and Mrs Goodsell
T 27 Father returned home from Coventry; Mabel, Edie and I drove to Crystal Palace after lunch to see the national cat and bird show; returned home by train in the evening; Edie came to lunch and dinner.
W 28
T 29 Went for a drive to Cheam, etc in the morning; Mr Cheshire came over in the evening.
F 30 Sent off parcel of clothes to rummage sale and of Dumb Friends’ League. Mabel Oliver left; visited Mrs Dyball, and ole Mr and Mrs Dunn.
S 31 Visited Mrs Turner; Mr & Mrs Jowett came to stay over Sunday.
November
S 1 All went to Wallington chapel in the evening
M 2 Went for a drive over Shirley Hills in the morning; Mr & Mrs Jowett left after tea; I walked to Wallington with Father to see proposed site for new chapel
T 3 Called to see Mrs Antill; Nellie had dinner with us
W 4 Drove over to Kit’s and had tea and dinner with her; came home by train in evening; awful fog.
T 5 Visited Bessie Hay; Mr Tattersall had tea and dinner with us
WF6 We all went for a drive in the morning; Miss Jessie Robinson came to dinner and spent the evening with us.
S 7 Rose and Ada Cowdrey came down to spend the day with us; in the afternoon, we took them for a drive and called to see George and Nellie; they came in the evening; Rev W and Mrs Brooks called in the afternoon.
S 8 Missionary Anniversary; preacher, Rev Findlay; Grace walked to Sutton at night and had supper at Bampfylde
M 9 Too unwell to go out; Grace went to a lecture on Sullivan at night
T 10 Father and I had a drive in the morning; Grace went to London with Miss Craig to a musical dinner; Mr Antill and George came in the evening.
W 11 Visited Mr & Mrs Dunn; Miss Brooks and Miss Muriel called; Father, Grace and I went to the Foreign Missionary meeting at night at Sutton, Rev Findlay spoke on work in West Africa; cat had kittens.
T 12 I called on Mrs Pears in afternoon; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
F 13 Grace and I went to darling Mother’s grave; planted three lovely heathers and had the bulbs and forget-me-nots put in for the Spring; roses still out in the garden.
S 14 Lassie very ill; sent for vet, Mr Leonard; said it was animal poisoning; better after treatment; gave up engagements at Mrs Mount’s and Violet’s as a consequence; Rev Eric Waterhouse had dinner with us and spent the evening.
S 15 George and Nellie came to supper; roses still in bloom.
S 16 Grace went up to Mrs Champness to tea; visited Mrs Turner; Father and I went through the park in the afternoon; first sharp frost; Mrs Stacey and Edith called.
M 17 Spent the day in London with Father; called at Ashanti Auxiliary Officers’ etc; lunched at Holborn restaurant.
T 18 Called DFL, Mrs Carse, Mrs Barrow, Mrs Strong and Miss Stenning; called at Nellie’s.
W 19 Went to Our Dumb Friends League (ODFL) office in the morning on business; had lunch at tea at Violet’s
F 20 Trot’s birthday, Grace went over to spend the day with her; Took Lass to see the vet again in the morning; suffering from slight derangement of nervous system consequent to poisoning.
S 21 Uncle and Auntie came over to tea and dinner; Lillie came in evening to stay; called at Nellie’s
S 22
M 23 Father, Lillie and I went for a drive in the morning; Lillie left us in the evening; Mrs Clarkson had dinner with us.
T 24 Called on Miss Adams; we all went to Mrs Robinson to dinner in the evening; heard today that a few are trying to form a local branch of the RSPCA
W 25 I opened a sale of work at Sutton Wesleyan church. Gather went with me and gave £10; we called on Mrs Knight; Miss Adams called. Grace went to Clapham for a couple of days to help Mrs Champness at the Springfield Hall Bazaar
T 26 I went to London with Father to buy a billiard table; we called for George and had lunch at Sweetings together; Grace returned home in the evening.
F 27 I went to London to see Mrs Coke and Mr Rendell to consult them as to advisability of giving up the idea of forming a local branch of Our Dumb Friends’ League in favour of a local branch of the RSPCA. Decided upon trying to start the latter with a few other ladies.
S 28 Rev G B Vaux called; George and Nellie came in after dinner.
S 29 I went to Nellie’s to tea; George came in to see us and stayed to supper
M 30 Trot and Mrs Humphries came over for the day; Trot bought us two St Bernard pups (£5/50 each) from Mr Leonard – sire Czar of Barnet; snowing today
December
T 1 Called on Mrs Strong, Mrs Pears, Miss Adams – found all out.
W 2 Visited Mrs Dyball and Bessie Hay
T 3 Called on Miss Adams; called Rev G B Vaux, Miss Leach, Mrs Pears but found them all out.
F 4 Too unwell to go out; Father went to London and Grace to the dentist and on to Kitty’s to tea; Rev G B Vaux called; Mr Cheshire came to dinner.
S 5 An awful fog all day; Mrs Pears and Rev Waterhouse called; Grace started to go to a concert in London but had to turn back because the fog was so dense; Sent parcel of children’s clothes to Mrs Price.
S 6 Too unwell to go out; George and Nellie came to tea and supper and the three girls to tea.
M 7 I attended the central committee of ODFL at London Officers for the first time; had tea at the rectory where the Rev G B Vaux, Miss Adams and I began the work of a local branch of the RSPCA. Members of the committee and officers proposed, etc.
T 8 Called at Mrs Antill’s and Miss Leach
W 9 Visited Mrs Turner; Mr Robinson called; went to see Stratton who is ill; called at Nellie’s with Father; Grace went to the dentist and had tea with Auntie Miria.
T 10
F 11 Unwell; Father and Grace spent the day in London
S 12 Unwell; Grace went to a concert in London with Aunt Miriam
S 13 Stratton still unwell, so we all waked to Wallington chapel in the morning.
M 14 I went to Croydon by bus in the morning to do some shopping; Father, Grace and I went to Bazaar at Wallington chapel in the afternoon; Rev Mr and Mrs Brooks came to dinner and spent the evening with us.
T 15 Grace and I drove to Norwood to take a Xmas wreath for our darling’s grave; I called on Miss Leach in the afternoon.
W 16 We all went up to Ashanti meeting and had lunch at Holborn restaurant with Trot, Mr Statham, Mr White and May; a full meeting in afternoon; Mr Daw gave a report, having just returned from the mines; we three had tea there with Mr Statham (who returned home with us), Mr W Berry, Mrs Cooper, Mrs Humphries, Trot and Ethel.
T 17 Mr Statham left us midday; I spent the day shopping in London
F 18 I had tea at Mrs Wood; our new billiards table arrived
S 19 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us; I drove over to fetch Kit in the morning; George and Nellie had dinner with us.
S 20 All went to Sutton in the morning; I went to Lake church at night – Rev G B Vaux preached.
M 21 Trot, Ethel, Gladys and Cecil spent the day with us; we called at Mrs Antill’s in the afternoon; Mrs Kendall passed away.
T 22 Grace spent the day in London shopping; Father and I drove over to Uncle’s to them their presents; Mr Robinson came in the afternoon; I called at Mrs Antill’s; George came at night; sent off Mrs Staple’s Xmas parcel.
W 23 Auntie Miria, Lillie, Volta and Marian spent the day with us; Rev E Waterhouse came in to tea in the afternoon.
T 24 Unwell, called at Mrs Dunn’s, Mrs Turner’s and Mrs Dyball’s; and the small florists opposite to take Xmas presents; Mrs Henman called.
F 25 George, Nellie and the girls spent the day with us; a peaceful, happy day all together; darling Father so bright and well; this helped us more than anything to get through the day.
S 26 Grace went to Bampfylde to dinner
S 27
M 28 George and Nellie came in in the morning and again in the evening to play at billiards.
T 29 Called to enquire after Mrs Antill
W 30 Visited Mrs Turner, is removing to some distance; Grace went to the dentist.
T 31 Intense cold; Uncle Charles came to spend a few days with us; Kit and Arthur came over for the day.
1904
Mother
Day after day we think what she is doing
In those bright realms of air
Thus do we walk with her, and keep unbroken
The bond which nature gives
Thinking that our remembrance, though unspoken
May reach her where she lives
The heavenly and the human blend
Their hundred lines in one
January
F 1 Uncle and Auntie are staying with us for a few days. Mrs Strutt and Nora came for the day
S 2
S 3 We all went to the Covenant service at Sutton; George, Nellie and the two girls went with us; George and Nellie spent the evening with us
M 4 I attended the committee of ODSL
T 5
W 6 Uncle and Auntie returned home in the evening; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
T 7 Grace spent the day in town, shopping with Nellie
F 8 I spent the day in town, met Violet there in the afternoon, and Uncle
S 9
S 10 Mrs Antill passed away
M 11 Gladys and Jim came to stay
T 12 Fannie and Edie came in to spend the evening
W 13 Trot came over to Mrs Antill’s funeral and took the children home with her; I was to have distributed toys from Xmas tree at Mill Lane Mission but too poorly to go; Grace played at a concert at Sutton chapel
T 14 In bed all day
F 15
S 16 Father, Grace and I went to a party and whist drive at Bampfylde; we spent a very enjoyable evening
S 17
M 18 Attended committee of ODFL and went to inspect offices at 118 Victoria Street. We decided to take same at £140 per annum
T 19 Rev Fergus Wood had lunch and tea with us; Grace went to a musical lecture in London
W 20 Attended inaugural committee of Carshalton, Wallington, Beddington Auxiliary of Epsom and Sutton branch of the RSPCA. Fourteen present, a splendid start of our new undertaking
T 21
F 22
S 23
S 24 Was taken ill
M 25 – 28
F 29 Came downstairs for the first time onto the couch
S 30
S 31 George and Nellie had tea and supper with us
February
M 1 Trot and Mrs Humphries came to tea and dinner; Aunt Miriam came over for a few hours sin the afternoon
T 2
W 3
T 4 Went out for a drive for the first time since I was ill; Father and Grace went to London; Mr Chaffer had dinner with us
F 5 Eva came down for a few days; we both went for a drive in the morning
S 6 Mr Parkinson came to see us
S 7 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Eva and I went to Lake church at night
M 8 My birthday; Grace went over to Trot’s to a ‘guess’ party and to stay the night; Eva and I went for a short walk in the park and drove to Sutton with Grace; we played billiards with Father after dinner
T 9 Eva left; Grace returned in the evening; she went to a musical meeting in the afternoon
W 10 I called at Nellie’s in the morning; Mr Cheshire and Mrs Chandler came to dinner; had my first lesson in slide mounting; Grace went to Organ recital at Wallington
T 11 Visited Bessie Hay; Father and Grace went to London
F 12 Father and I went for a drive; Auntie Miria came to stay in the morning; dreadful gale of wind and rain; hail storm at night
S 13 Auntie and I went for a drive in the morning; Grace went to London for the day to a concert and musical meeting; Auntie left in the evening and took the kitten home with her
S 14 We all went to Nellie’s to tea and supper and I met Mr Maugham there
M 15 Mrs Nicholson and her cousin had tea with us
T 16
W 17
T 18 Grace went to musical lecture at Sutton
F 19 Grace went with George and Nellie to Kitty’s to tea and dinner
S 20 Rev W Brooks had tea with us
S 21 George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 22 Miss Adams called twice to see me about branch RSPCA; I helped her draw up the first Minutes
T 23 Attended committee of ODFL in their new offices in Victoria Street; Father went to London
W 24 Father in bed with a cold part of the day
T 25 Ditto
F 26 Ditto; snowing
S 27 George and Nellie came to dinner
S 28
M 29 Heavy fall of snow; Violet came in the morning for a few days
March
T 1 Inaugural meeting of the Carshalton etc RSPCA at 3pm at Mrs Moon’s house; a well-attended and successful meeting; Rev G B Vaux in the chair; W Rendell speaker; Grace, Violet and I went; I met Mr Rendell at the station
W 2 Violet went home for a night; Grace went to the dentist; prevented returning on Thursday
T 3 I visited Mrs Brown, of Butter Hill, old Mrs Dunn has died since I was there last.
F 4 Grace and I went for a drive
S 5 Visited old Mrs Dyball
S 6 We all went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper; Grace went there to tea.
M 7 Attended committee of ODFL; then met Violet in town, had lunch together and went over Westminster Cathedral, not yet completed. Went to a claviola recital at St James’ Hall, where we met Fannie and Edie and all had tea together at Slater’s. Mr Somerville Wood showed me over new offices.
T 8 Grace went to a musical meeting in London; Father and I went for a drive; visited old Mr Turner and his blind son and Mrs Stepney, who has just lost her baby
W 9 We all drove over to Beckenham in the morning and spent half an hour with Uncle and Auntie; visited Mrs Dyball and took Edie Williams with me; called at Nellie’s; weather glorious
T 10 I called on Miss Adams, RSPCA business; sent two letters to local Times; Grace and I visited darling Mother’s grave, took two lovely hyacinths.
F 11 I had tea at Mrs Wood; cat had kittens; George and Nellie called in the evening
S 12 I went with Rene to visit the old people in the alms houses; called at Nellie’s; Uncle came over to lunch and tea; Fannie W came to dinner, she and Grace went to a concert at Croydon in the evening
S 13 Father and I went to Sutton chapel; Grace unwell so did not go; I went to Lake church at night
M 14 Grace and I went to Croydon shopping in the afternoon; Grace went to hear Rev Ensor Walters lecture at Wallington in the evening
T 15 Trot and Mary Hanson came over for the day; Mr Statham and Lissie came in the morning to stay a few days.
W 16 Father and I went with Mr Statham and Lissie for a drive; Grace, Lissie and I took the busy to Croydon in the afternoon to look at the shops; Old Mr Staples passed away.
T 17 Visited Bessie Hay; called on Mrs Blackie; Mr and Mrs Robinson came to tea; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Father, Grace and the Stathams went for a drive in the morning; sent jacket to Adeline Price
F 18 Mr Statham and Lissie left us; I went to Clapham to the dressmaker and had lunch at Mrs Wood’s; went to the local dog show in the afternoon at Carshalton Hall
S 19 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
S 20 We all went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 21 Father went to London; Grace and I went up to London to do some shopping; Grace went on to the dentist.
T 22 Visited Mrs Dyball; called to enquire after Mr Dunn; had tea with Miss Leach
W 23 I went to Sidcup to stay with Mrs Oliver; attended a children’s concert – Band of Mercy – in Longland’s Parish hall at night; capital meeting, well attended – Rec E Green gave the address; weather very cold
T 24 In the afternoon, the girls and I called on Mrs Staples and Mrs Price; Father and Grace spent the day at Beckenham
F 25 Mabel and I called on Mrs Brewer, Miss Cowdrey and Mrs West in the morning – and also Mrs Parkinson; in afternoon, the girls and I had tea at Dr Crombie’s.
S 26 I returned home to lunch; Mrs Taylor and Freda spent the day with us; Rev E Waterhouse came to dinner and George came in the evening
S 27 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea
M 28 Father went to London; Violet came down in the morning; after tea, we went for a drive; Violet spoke at Mill Lane church Band of Hope, in connection with the RSPCA at night; I went with her.
T 29 Violet and I went for a drive in the morning; Violet returned home in the evening; heavy hail and a thunder storm
W 30 Father, Grace, Nellie and I went to Bournemouth for a week; we went down by train, arriving at 4.17pm and stayed at the Lansdowne Hotel.
T 31 We spent the morning on the pier; George joined us in the afternoon; very wet later in the day
April
F 1 Spent the morning on the pier; at night, Grace, Morris Champness and I went to a concert at the Winter Gardens; soloists were Madame Emily Squire (good), Mr Charles Bennett, recitations (splendid); Mrs Alexandra Watson: the Martyr Maid of Scotland, Legend Beautiful; it was a sacred concert.
S 2 Went on top of a tram to Boscombe, walked to Pokesdown; in afternoon, we had tea at Quadrangle and looked at the shops; wet later
S 3 All the others went to church twice – I could not go out at all; abscess in my eye which had been coming on since Thursday
M 4 Stayed in bed until lunch, too unwell to go out; Grace and Morris went to an afternoon concert
T 5 Went, by tram, to Talbot woods and wandered about in the woods all morning – lovely there; had tea at bungalow and looked at shops in the afternoon; Grace caught a bad cold.
W 6 Spent the morning on the pier; took a tram to Boscombe and had tea in the Arcade, walked home along the cliffs; weather lovely
T 7 Spent the morning on the pier; left Bournemouth by the 5.10pm train, reached home soon after 9pm
F 8 Lovely Spring day, warm; Grace went to Sidcup to the dressmaker; found two robins’ nests in the garden, with eggs in
S 9
S 10 Grace still has a bad cold so did not go out; I went to Lake church at night; Father and I went to Sutton in the morning; George came to supper
M 11 Began Spring cleaning; Father went to London
T 12
W 13
T 14 Attended committee of ODFL and did some shopping in town
F 15 Grace went to Sidcup
S 16 Father and I went for a drive in the afternoon
S 17 We all went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 18 I had another abscess below my eye, in bed for most of the week
T 19 Grace and Father went to McHardy about Father’s eyes, for advice
W 20 Father went to London to attend a Kamloop meeting
T 21
F 22
S 23 Father and Grace went for a drive in the afternoon
S 24 All went to Sutton in the morning; Fannie and Edie came to tea and George and Nellie to supper
M 25 Father and I went for a drive in the afternoon
T 26 Trot, Ethel, Gladys, Jim, Cecil and Theo came over for the day; baby’s first visit to us
W 27 Mrs Robinson had lunch with us and drove over to Chipstead to a sale with Father afterwards; I went to dressmaker at Clapham and spent an hour with Mrs Wood
T 28 Father and Grace drove to Chipstead to the sale; I called on Mrs Dale, Mrs Dow, Mrs Bawden and Mrs Robinson, collecting for the RSPCA; also called in to see Nellie
F 29 Father and I drove over to Chipstead to sale in the afternoon; we finished Spring cleaning; sent off parcel of baby clothes to Mrs Goodsell.
S 30 Professor Woodruff took Trot, Ethel, Gladys, Jim and myself over the Royal Veterinary College at Camden Town, it was most interesting; afterwards, we had lunch together at Beale’s in Holloway; Mr and Mrs Stacey spent a few hours with us at home; Father went to Chipstead again
May
S 1 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Father and I went to chapel in Wallington at night
M 2 Attended ODFL committee meeting in London; Gladys went to Brussels for three months
T 3 Grace spent the day in London; Father and I went for a drive in the afternoon; I went collecting for the RSPCA
W 4 Anniversary of Arthur’s death (EAC); Father and I went for a drive in the morning; collected for RSPCA in the afternoon; visited Olive Antill, who is ill
T 5 Father and I went over to Trot’s in the morning and stayed the night; after lunch, drove over to see Countess and her foal; attended opening services afternoon and evening in New Chapel; Dr Waller preached; Trot, Ethel and Jim went with us; had tea at chapel; Mr and Mrs Cooper and Mr and Mrs Hill came to supper
F 6 We left Trot’s soon after breakfast and went to a service of the West London Mission at St James’ Hall – crowded; Dr Jowett gave a beautiful sermon, on ‘I will give you rest’; had lunch afterwards at Slater’s with Uncle and Auntie
S 7 Uncle and Auntie spend the day with us.
S 8 We all went to Sutton in the morning; I went to Lake church at night; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 9 Went to dressmaker to be fitted and had tea at Mrs Wood; Mr Waterhouse came in to spend the evening
T 10 Grace went to the dentist and to a musical meeting in town; sent a parcel of clothing to Mrs Bennett
W 11 Father and Grace went for a drive in the afternoon; I visited Olive Antill, did some collecting and called on Nellie.
T 12 Called on Miss Leach; collected in the morning; we all drove to Croydon in the afternoon; kitten went to its new home at Woodside
F 13 Collected in afternoon; visited Mr Dunn and Mrs Dyball
S 14
S 15 We all went to Sutton in the morning and Grace went to Nellie’s for supper
M 16 Attended ODFL committee and did some shopping in town; Father and Grace drove to Croydon
T 17 Went to Violet’s in the afternoon and stayed the night; Violet and I went to an antivivisection meeting at St James’ Hall at night; speakers were Lord Llangattock, Hon Stephen Coleridge, Bishop Michinson; Rev M Talbot, Rev Spear, Mr Noakes etc – a crowded hall; Father and Grace went to London
W 18 I took Mrs Wood for a walk; returned home in time for dinner; Grace went to a concert in London at night
T 19 We all went for a drive in the morning; I collected in the afternoon.
F 20 I went up to St Paul’s churchyard in the morning and got back home to lunch; we all drove to Croydon in the afternoon; Mr Cheshire had dinner with us.
S 21 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us
S 22 We all went to Sutton in the morning and to Bampfylde to tea and supper
M 23 A glorious day; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea and dinner; Father and I walked up there after dinner for a couple of hours
T 24 Father and I drove to Croydon in the afternoon; George, Nellie and Fannie came to dinner; we all played ‘Nap’ in the evening
W 25 I collected in the morning; Father and I drove to Croydon in the afternoon; Grace went to Norwood by train and then went on to have tea with Auntie Miria
T 26 I went to London with Father; Theo’s first birthday
F 27 Trot and Ethel came to spend a few days with us
S 28 Mr and Mrs Hill spent the day with us; Trot, Ethel and I went up to see Olive in the morning
S 29 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Stanley and Hilda Smith had tea with us
M 30 Attended annual business meeting of the ODFL at 12 and spent an hour or so in Westminster Abbey before it; met Violet at board room and stayed for the annual meeting of Mayhew Home, tea afterwards; Miss Swift in the chair and the speakers were Rev F S Lewis, Mr Rendell, Rev J Lawrence, Mrs Penn-Gaskell, Mrs Bradshaw, etc; Hilda Smith came to tea and dinner
T 31 Father, Grace and Trot went to the Temple flower show; Ethel and I went to DFL festival at Queen’s Hall in the afternoon and evening; Trot joined us in the evening.
June
W 1 Derby Day – pouring with rain all day
T 2 Trot and Ethel left us in the morning – had a letter to say Theo has measles; Father , Grace and I drove to Croydon to do some shopping in the afternoon; visited Bessie Hay
F 3 Grace went to the Royal Academy with Mrs Taylor; called at Mr Dunn’s and visited Mrs Dyball; Aunt Miria came over unexpectedly in the afternoon.
S 4 I went, with Literary Society members, for an outing; we drove to Kenley to Mr Willis’ where we had tea in the garden, then had a paper and discussion on Paracelsus followed by supper; drove home soon after 9.30pm after a very pleasant outing.
S 5 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and supper
M 6 Attended committee of the ODFL
T 7 Father went to see the oculist again and to make some calls in London; I went with him.
W 8 Calls collecting for the RSPCA; Father and I went for an hour’s drive; tried Wallace for the first time for two months, still a little lame; George went to a meeting at Sutton in the evening
T 9 Father went to Coventry for a few days; Grace and I went to St James’ Hall in the afternoon to a pianoforte recital by Herbert Fryers – very good
F 10 Called on Miss Adams; I went to Mother’s grave and took some lovely roses with me to plant the summer plants; I went on to Kitty’s to tea and dinner; Grace joined me there
S 11 Grace and I went to Crystal Palace Jubilee concert in the afternoon – Handel Festival choir of 3,000 voices and orchestra; Hymn of Praise with miscellaneous soloists – Madame Albani, Ben Davis, Charles Santley, Muriel Foster – very fine – and Agnes Nicholls; August Mann conducting; Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy came in the evening to stay.
S 12 We all went to Sutton in the morning – a good sermon by Rev Joseph Jones; Grace, Kit and I went to Lade church at night; Rene came to tea.
M 13 Kit, Arthur and Dorothy left by early train; Father returned home from Coventry in the afternoon
T 14 I went to Westminster Palace hotel in the afternoon to meet the Alake of Abeokuta, who was present to receive a deputation from the CSPKA, headed by Sir F G Milner, MP. The Alake and two attendants were in gorgeous native costumes; he gave an address in Yuruba.
W 15 We all went for a drive in the afternoon; in the evening, Father went to the Royal Ophthalmic Hospital to undergo a week’s treatment for his eye, preparatory to the removal of a cataract; Grace took him up.
T 16 Grace and I went to the hospital at 3pm and stayed with Father until 9pm; Preliminary operation was performed this morning
F 17 Grace went to hospital and found Father much better; I had tea with Mrs Wood
S 18 I spent the day in the hospital with Father; Uncle came to see him in the afternoon
S 19 Grace spent the day at the hospital; I went to Wallington chapel in the morning and to Bampfylde for the rest of the day; Father getting on well.
M 20 I went to the hospital in the morning and brought Father back home in the afternoon; cat had kittens
T 21 Had wire to say Mrs Champness passed away last night
W 22 Visited Bessie Hay; Bessie and Percy came up in the evening as did George and Edie
T 23 Father went to see Mr and Mrs McHardy – Grace went with him; eyes very satisfactory, he says, so no need to go again for preparatory treatment; I visited Mrs Dyball, Mr Dunn and Olive Antill
F 24 Fred and Laurie came t stay for a few days; I called on Mrs Pears
S 25 Father, Fred, Laurie and I drove to Epsom in the morning
S 26 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Grace, Laurie and I went to the Lake church at night
M 27 Fred and Laurie left us in the morning; I went over to spend an hour with Kitty; In afternoon, Gather and I drove to Croydon to meet Aunt Janie and bring her home for a visit; Grace opened a sale of work at Offerton for Wallington chapel
T 28 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive in the afternoon; Howard and MRs Berry came to spend the afternoon and evening with us.
W 29 Paid in £2/8/6d to Miss Adams, being the subscription collection for the local branch of the RSPCA. Mrs Robinson and her niece had tea with us
T 30 Mrs Hopkins came down after lunch to spend the day with us.
July
F 1 In the morning, Father, Auntie and I went for a drive; Mr and Mrs Parkes (from Townsville) came down to spend the afternoon and evening with us.
S 2 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive in the afternoon; Maurice Champness had dinner with us; Jim’s thirteenth birthday
S 3 We all went to chapel in the morning; Grace went over to see Kitty in the afternoon
M 4 Attended ODFL committee; Violet met me afterwards and I went back with her to spend an hour with Mrs Wood
T 5 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive in the morning; Uncle and Auntie came over in the afternoon
W 6 Aunt Janie and I went over to Auntie Miria’s to tea; Father and Grace went to town in the morning
T 7 Grace went to the musical exhibition in London with Miss Craig; Auntie and I went for a short drive; visited Bessie Hay and Olive Antill
F 8 Father went to London and I went with him; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 9 Kitty and Dorothy came over for the day; Auntie and I drove over to fetch them; Arthur came in the evening
S 10 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Nellie and the three girls came to tea and supper
M 11 Auntie Janie left us; Father and I drove her over to Beckenham in the evening
T 12
W 13 Father, Grace and I started for three weeks holiday in Scotland; left St Pancras at 11.30am and arrived at Langholm at 8.40
T 14 Father fished in the Esk; we spent the day on the banks of the river
F 15 Grace’s birthday; poured with rain all day, too went to go out much
S 16 We spent the morning on the banks of the Esk; drove to Canonbie in the afternoon – twelve miles; had tea in the gardens at Cross Keys, overlooking the river
S 17 Went to PE church in the morning and EF church in the evening; went into the woods in the afternoon. Sermon in the evening on ‘Reading’.
M 18 Drove to banks of Esk in the morning, where Father fished until 3pm; fished again in the river Ewes in the evening
T 19 Went for a 30 mile coach drive to Eskdalemuir, over the roof of Dumfries; very lovely scenery
W 20 Left Langholm by 9.45am and arrived at Moffat 3pm – stayed at the Annandale Arms Hotel; walked by Annan water in the evening.
T 21 Drove through Annandale on the coach to St Mary’s loch, sixteen miles; stayed Rodona hotel on loch side; perfect weather so far.
F 22 Grace went with Father on the loch fishing; I climbed the hills; after lunch, I rowed Father out on the loch for an hour or two; Grace and I walked to Cappercleuch; in the evening, we all went for a walk – a lovely day.
S 23 Grace rowed Father on the loch, I walked to Tibbie Shiels; Father and Grace went on the loch again in the afternoon; chilly, misty day.
S 24 Scotch mist and drizzle; we walked to Meggat Water in the morning; at 5pm, Grace and I walked to St Mary’s churchyard to attend Covenanters’ service on the hill top; much enjoyed it
M 25 Shut in by mist, too dreary to go out until the evening, when we walked to Cappercleuch
T 26 Father fished at Megget all morning and in the Loch of the Lowes after tea; Grace and I went for a stroll towards Tushielaw; mist again.
W 27 Misty and cold; I rowed Father on the loch all morning; Grace went with him in the afternoon and I climbed the hills
T 28 Warmer; all went for a stroll towards Tushielaw – the sun came out later; Grace and Father went on the loch in the afternoon and I walked to Meggat and we all went there again in the evening.
F 29 Left St Mary’s Loch by mail coach at 2pm for Selkirk – 18 miles; heavy mists with rain nearly all the way; came through Yarrow Vale; train from Selkirk to Galashiels; another on to Melrose; stayed at the George and Abbotsford hotel.
S 30 Drove to Abbotsford and saw over Sir Walter Scott’s house; then went over Melrose Abbey and drove to Dryburgh Abbey, where Scott is buried; went for a walk on the banks of the Tweedy after tea.
S 31 Attended St Aiden’s VP church and heard Rev R S Simpson of High Church, Edinburgh, preach; in the evening, went to High Cross VF church and, afterwards, walked to Dingleton
August
M 1 Left Melrose at 11.30 for Carlisle, arriving 1.30pm; stayed County and Station hotel; went on top of an electric tram all about the city; went to the castle later. At the flower show at home, we took 11 prizes, 3 first, 5 second and 3 third.
T 2 Left Carlisle at 1.12pm and arrived St Pancras 8pm; home 9.30.
W 3 Weather intensely hot; in the evening, we all went for a drive
T 4
F 5 Father and I drove to Croydon
S 6 We all spent the day at Uncle and Auntie’s drove to Beckenham and back
S 7 We all went to Sutton in the morning and Wallington chapel in the evening
M 8 Father and I went for a drive in the morning; Mrs Parkin (E Corderoy) and her children came to tea in the afternoon; George came to stay with us whilst Nellie is at Margate.
T 9 Spent the day at Violet’s
W 10 I visited Mrs Dyball; we called on Mrs Feltham and had tea with Mrs Atkinson
T 11 Father went up to see Mr McHardy and I went with him; Grace and I called on Mrs Knight and Mrs George Smith
F 12 I visited Bessie Hay, Olive Antill and Mrs Stratton and called at Mr Dunn’s; Mr Taylor spent the day with us; George went to Margate
S 13 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; Father and I drove over to fetch them; Mrs Drinkwater and her son called and stayed to tea.
S 14 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Grace went to church at night; I called on Miss Leach in the afternoon
M 15 George returned to us in the evening.
T 16 I went over to Beckenham to stay the night; Father and Grace drove me over in the afternoon
W 17 Returned from Auntie’s in the evening; Mr and Mrs Henman had dinner with us; my favourite cat that I have had for three years, died.
T 18
F 19 Father ill with influenza and slight congestion of lungs; George went to Margate
S 20 Father progressing
S 21 Grace went to Sutton in the morning; I went to Lake church at night
M 22 Trot, Gladys and Gordon spent the day with us; George came back to us
T 23 Called at Bessie’s and Olive’s to take them some grapes; Grace and George went for a drive
W 24 I took Bessie Hay for a drive in the afternoon
T 25 Father came downstairs again in the evening for the first time since last Thursday
F 26 Aunt Hannah and Della came to stay with us; George left us; Nellie and the girls returned home from Margate
S 27 Father was able to go round the garden; I took Auntie and Della for a drive in the morning
S 28 Grace, Auntie and Della went to Sutton in the morning; Fannie and Edie came in to tea; Grace, Della and I went to Beddington church at night; Father much better.
M 29 Father, Auntie, Della and I went for a drive in the morning; Della returned home in the afternoon; Grace went to London to see her off
T 30 We all went for a twenty-two mile drive in the afternoon – weather continues perfect
W 31 Kitty, Dorothy and Miss Mullins came over for the day; Auntie and I drove over to fetch them in the morning – very wet; Uncle came over to tea and dinner and Arthur came to dinner.
September
T 1
F 2 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive in the afternoon; Grace went to a concert at Queen’s Hall with Kitty at night
S 3
S 4 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Auntie and I went to Nellie’s to tea; Mr and Mrs Ross called in the evening and stayed to supper
M 5 Trot, Ethel, Gordon and Cecil came over for the day; after lunch, I went to Violet’s to stay the night; Father, Trot and Auntie drove me to Tooting; I took the kitten to her new home; in evening, Violet and I called on Mrs Hogan.
T 6 In the morning, Violet and I went to Charlie Palmer’s wedding; we went to Mrs Hogan’s to tea in the afternoon; I returned home in the evening
W 7 We all drove over Epsom Downs in the afternoon
T 8 In the afternoon, we all drove to Croydon
F 9 We all went for a drive in the afternoon
S 10 Father, Auntie and I drove to Sanderstead in the morning; Mr Champness and Olive came down in the afternoon and stayed to dinner; in evening, Maurice Champness, and three other gentlemen, came on a motor to take them home.
S 11 We all went to Sutton in the morning; Mr and Mrs Henman came to tea; in evening, George and Nellie, and Mr and Mrs Bell came in; Grace went to Bampfylde to supper
M 12 Marion Scott had a little son last night; sent off parcel of clothes to Mrs Price; visited Mr Dunn and his blind son.
T 13 Violet and Mrs Hogan spent the day with us; we three and Auntie drove over Epsom Downs in the afternoon
W 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; Grace and I made a wreath of mauve chrysanthemums and took it over to Norwood in the afternoon and some scarlet begonias; very wet all day; Mr Waterhouse and George and Nellie came to dinner; I sent a parcel of clothes to Mrs Brewer.
T 15 Anniversary of the day our darling mother entered into rest, three years ago; sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Goodsell; we all went for a drive in the afternoon.
F 16 Father and Trot went to Coventry for a few days; Aunt Hannah returned with them after three weeks’ visit to us; I visited Bessie Hay and Olive Antill; Grace and I went over to Auntie Miria’s to tea.
S 17 I visited old Mrs Dyball; in afternoon, Grace and I drove over to Kitty’s and stayed to tea and dinner with her; Arthur and Dorothy were away
S 18 We both went to Sutton in morning; went to Nellie’s for tea and supper and all went to Beddington church at night.
M 19 Kitty and Dorothy met Grace and me in town and we went together to the West End to look at shops; in evening, Grace and I went to a promenade concert at the Queen’s Hall – Wagner night, with Henry Wood’s orchestra; soloists were Mrs Henry Wood, Miss Elsie Franks and Mr Seth Hughes
T 20 Grace, Nellie and I spent the day in town shopping – went to Harrods stores in the afternoon and had tea there.
W 21 Grace and I drove to Brixton after lunch and went on to Mrs Wood to tea
T 22 Grace and I drove to Croydon in the afternoon to do some shopping
F 23 Father returned home after a happy week in Coventry with Trot
S 24 In the afternoon, we all went for a drive
S 25 We all went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper and Rene to tea; Grace and Nellie went to Lake church at night
M 26 Father and I drove to Burgh Heath in the morning; perfect weather continues still; Grace went to London and to Sutton in the afternoon, to a sewing meeting
T 27 I called at Nellie’s; Grace and tea at Mrs C Priest’s; we all went to Mr Ross to dinner and spend the evening
W 28
T 29 Grace went to London and Father and I went on a drive after tea
F 30 We all drove over to Beckenham in the morning and spent half an hour with Uncle and Auntie; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
October
S 1 Grace helped with the harvest festival decorations at Sutton chapel; Father and I drove up there in the afternoon to take some fruit
S 2 We all went to Sutton in the morning to harvest festival; I went to Lake church at night
M 3 I attended the committee of ODFL in London
T 4 Father took us both up to the horticultural fruit show at Vincent Square; a magnificent display of apples, pears, etc
W 5 Darling Father’s birthday, 73 years old today; Uncle and Auntie and George and Nellie came to spend it with us; Father, Grace and I went for a drive in the morning
T 6 Father went to London on business, I went with him; Trot came over in the afternoon and stayed to dinner
F 7 Father, Grace and I went down to Margate for a few weeks; very wet, cold day; are staying at Mr McHardy’s house, 1 Paragon Fort; Nurse came in the evening (Miss Lucy Hughes).
S 8 Father had the operation for his cataract this morning; successfully performed; done at 10am; he will have to lie in bed for a week with both eyes closed; I have very bad abscesses – both eyes closed.
S 9 Weather perfect all the week
M 10
T 11
W 12
T 13 Was able to go out for the first time – a short walk.
F 14 George came down to stay with us in the evening
S 15 Father sat up a little in the evening and had his best eye unclosed; George and I went for a walk in the morning and Grace and George in the afternoon; we all three went for a stroll at night
S 16 George and I went to the Wesleyan chapel in the morning and then Grace and George went for a long walk in the afternoon; George and I had a stroll in the evening
M 17 George returned home by morning train; Mr Biney came in to tea
T 18 In the morning, I went on the sands; after lunch, Father went out in a bath chair and we went with him to the flag mast; we went for a stroll at night.
W 19 Father went out in the chair in the morning; Grace and I and Mr Biney went with him; we went for a stroll at night.
T 20
F 21 Uncle and Auntie came down in the afternoon and spent a week with us at Fort Paragon
S 22 Gladys came down unexpectedly to stay with us until Tuesday
S 23 Uncle and Auntie, Gladys and I went to Hawley Square chapel in the morning; Grace and Auntie went to Trinity church at night
M 24 Uncle took Grace and Gladys to Barnsgate in the afternoon
T 25 Gladys left in the morning; bright sunshine; Father was out most of the day
W 26 Father had his bandage removed for the first time; Professor McHardy had tea with us; All went to Dane Park and on jetty in the afternoon
T 27
F 28 Uncle and Auntie left us in the afternoon; Trot and Cecil came in the evening to stay; we all went on the sands in the morning.
S 29 Trot, Grace and Cecil went over to Ramsgate in the afternoon; we all spent the morning in the park; very cold.
S 30 We all went to the Wesleyan chapel in the morning; heard very fine sermon from the Rev Newby: ‘Though it tarry, wait for it.’
M 31 Went on sands in the morning; went over Professor’s rooms in the afternoon, most unique
November
T 1 We all returned home together by Granville; left Trot at Herne Hill and got home to lunch
W 2 We all went for a drive and to see Nellie in the afternoon
T 3 Father, Nellie and I went for a drive in the morning
F 4 Trot and Ethel came over for the day; they went for a drive with Father and Grace; Trot gave me a chinchilla kitten, Silver Mist, son of Jupiter Duval, property of Miss Meeson, born June 25th 1904
S 5
S 6 We all went to chapel in the morning; Mr and Mrs Feltham came to tea and stayed the evening
M 7 I attended committee of ODFL in London; Mr Cheshire had lunch and tea at home
T 8 Father went to see Mr McHardy with Grace; I visited Mr Dunn; called at Nellie’s, George has influenza
W 9 Mr & Mrs Corderoy and Mrs Chandler had dinner with us
T 10 Father and I drove to Croydon in the morning
F 11
S 12 The Oyster Literary club met at our house for tea and open discussion on ‘The Soul of a People’ by Harold Fielding Hall. Paper was ready by Mr Leete and twelvve members were present; in the morning, Father and I went for a drive, weather still continues perfect.
S 13 We all went to chapel in the morning and Grace went at night; George came in to supper and spent the evening.
M 14 I visited old Mrs Dyball; went to hear lecture by Rev Theodore Wood at night – subject: ‘ A country walk’; held by Woodcote Literary Society
T 15 Grace went to a musical meeting and dinner in London
W 16 Mr Hopkins came down in the afternoon; called at Nellie’s; Grace went to an organ recital at night
T 17 Grace went over to Trot’s bazaar at Finchley; Mr Waterhouse had dinner with us
F 18 Kitty and Dorothy came over after lunch and Arthur came to dinner in the evening
S 19 Visited Mrs Dyball; Howard and George Berry came to stay over Sunday
S 20 Trot’s birthday – forty-five years old; we all went to Sutton in the morning; I went to Lake church at night; Paul’s 21st birthday.
M 21 I drove to Tooting and went to Violet’s to tea and stay the night; Dr Hogan had tea with us at Mrs Wood; Howard and George left in the morning
T 22 First fall of snow; Grace met me in town and I went to see Sir Felix Semon
W 23 Father, Grace and I went over to Trot’s in the afternoon to a whist party and stayed the night; 58 guests – nine stayed the night
T 24 We returned home in time for lunch; cold severe
F 25
S 26 Maurice Champness came down in the afternoon and stayed to dinner
S 27 Very cold; Grace and I went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie and the two girls came to tea and supper
M 28 Went to see Dr McHardy about my eyes; had drops put in and unable to see as a result for three weeks, reading or working; very poorly for weeks
T 29
W 30
December
T 1 I went to Dr McHardy again; Grace went with me for each visit
F 2
S 3 Uncle Charles came to see us
S 4
M 5 I went to Dr McHardy and afterwards attended an ODFL meeting
T 6
W 7
T 8 Violet came down and stayed until Saturday; wore glasses for the first time; Grace went to a musical meeting and stayed the night at Kitty’s.
F 9 Very went; George went to town
S 10 Violet and I went in the park and called Bampfylde in the morning; Violet went home at night
S 11 We all went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie had tea and supper with us
M 12 Kitty came over in the afternoon and stayed the night; she and I went to a lecture on ‘Ring and the Book’ at night at Christ Church hall; Edit came to dinner; Grace went to a musical evening in town
T 13 Grace went to a meeting in town; Mr Robinson spent the afternoon and evening with us; called at Bampfylde; Kit returned after lunch
W 14 Attended committee of local branch of RSPCA at The Old Rectory in the afternoon, a large number present.
T 15 Father, Grace and I went to AGC meeting and lunched at Holborn restaurant with Trot, Mr Berry and Mr White; I went on to Kitty’s in the afternoon and stayed the night; Kitty, Arthur and I went to hear Thompson Seton lecture at night on ‘Wild Animals I have known’.
F 16 I left Kitty’s early, met Violet at Streatham and drove her home; we called on Miss Adams and Rev Boyle about the meeting in January
S 17 We all drove to Croydon in the morning; Violet returned home after dinner
S 18 We all went to Sutton in the morning and I went to All Saints at night
M 19
T 20 Grace went to London shopping
W 21 An awful fog all day; George had dinner with us
T 22 Awful fog, Trot and Gordon came over in the afternoon; sent Mrs Staples’ Xmas parcel off
F 23 Father very poorly, sent for Dr Cressy
S 24 Fog lifted a little in the evening; Father came down in the afternoon; Grace took our Xmas wreath to Norwood; I took Xmas parcels to old Mrs Dyball and old Mr Dunn
S 25 We spent a quiet, happy day together; did not go out at all; Father came down to dinner; George came in during the evening; sunshine for a short spell, then fog returned
M 26 We kept Xmas day; George, Nellie and the three girls spent the day with us; a happy, quiet day all together
T 27 Agnes Heaton, Auntie Miria and Lillie spent the day with us; Uncle Charles came over to lunch; Mr Champness came to tea and dinner
W 28 Kitty and Dorothy came over in the morning; Grace took them for a drive in the afternoon; Arthur came in the evening and they all stayed the night
T 29 I drove Kitty and Dorothy home in the afternoon
F 30 Called to see Nellie
S 31 Very unwell
1905
MOTHER
Day after day we think what she is doing in those bright realms of air;
Thus do we walk with her, and keep unbroken the bond which nature gives,
Thinking that our remembrance though unspoken may reach her where she lives
The heavenly and the human blend their hundred lives in one.
January
S 1 Father and I both too unwell to go out. Grace went to Covenant service at Wallington with George and Nellie.
M 2 A fall of snow
T 3 Grace went to a family party at Aunt Miriam’s – she drove there and back.
W 4 Called to see Bessie Hay – Father went round the garden for the first time since he was so unwell
T 5 I drove to Sutton; Mr Wright and Queenie came over unexpectedly and spent two or three hours with us in the afternoon.
F 6 I visited old Miss Bonner for the first time; Grace had dinner at Bampfylde; darling Father better and able to get out now on mild days; been having Spring-like days.
S 7 I drove to Streatham in the morning to fetch Kit and Dorothy to spend the day; Arthur came in the afternoon; Kit, Dot and I went to a lecture on Bees, given by Theo Wood
S 8 Father and I went to chapel – Grace unwell; I went to All Saints at night.
M 9 I visited old Mrs Dyball; went to hear a lecture at Wallington on ‘Russia of Today’ (lantern views) by Rev John Gleeson
T 10 Grace went to a lecture on music in London
W 11 I took Gordon up to see Sir Felix Semon instead of Trot – a satisfactory visit; Father and Grace went for a drive.
T 12 Father and I went for a drive in the morning – I drove to Kitty’s in the afternoon and stayed the night; Kit, Arthur and I went to a lecture at night, ‘Mere Man’, by Madam Sarah Grand – liked her very much.
F 13 I left Kit’s early and went on to Violet’s to lunch and tea and returned home in time for dinner.
S 14 Very cold; I drove to Beckenham in the morning to fetch Uncle and Auntie over to spend the day with us.
S 15 Grace and I went to chapel; Grace went to church at night and Bampfylde to supper; George had supper with us and Fannie came to tea.
M 16 The cold intense, our stream frozen; Mr Antill came in the evening.
T 17 I went up to see Dr McHardy again; Mrs Edwards called in the afternoon; George and Nellie came in the evening.
W 18 I drove to Sutton and called on Mrs Gower.
T 19 Called at Nellie’s and on Miss Adams.
F 20 Visited old Miss Bonner; called on Mrs Boyle; George came in the evening.
S 21 Grace went with Aunt Miriam to the college for the blind, festival meeting.
S 22 We all went to chapel in the morning; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and supper to meet Daisy and Mr Proudfoot.
M 23 Daisy Proudfoot came in for an hour in the morning
T 24 Mr and Mrs Knight called in the afternoon
W 25 Grace and I made calls in the afternoon. I took round reports of RSPCA to subscribers; George and Nellie, Fannie and Edie came to dinner; we all played ‘Pit’ in the evening.
T 26 I called on Mr Blake, Mr Jasper, Mr Hodgson and Mrs Gibson in connection with the Children’s meeting; also took round reports. Mr Robinson and George came.
F 27 Grace went to a Kamloops meeting in town
S 28 Grace drove George and Nellie to Shirley, them came back to tea with us.
S 29 We all went to Sutton; Mr and Mrs Henman came to tea; I had tea and supper at Bampfylde; we went to Wallington chapel at night.
M 30 Father and I went for a drive in the morning; Miss Christy and Miss Jinks came in the afternoon.
T 31 I went to Sutton in the morning to meet the members of the local committee of CDFL at Mrs Gower’s house; Lillie came over in the afternoon and stayed the night – she and Grace went to an entertainment at the public hall; Father and Grace went for a drive in the morning.
February
W 1 Lillie and I went in the park in the morning; drove to Sutton after tea to fetch Mr and Mrs Brooks to dinner; Lillie returned home at night; first crocus and snowdrops up.
T 2 Father and I went for a drive in the morning; Mr Waterhouse came to dinner and George came in the evening.
F 3 We all went for a drive in the morning; Grace went to Kitty’s to stay the night and go to a concert in London with them; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Mr Waterhouse brought me an injured sparrow to care for.
S 4 Grace came back in the morning; I called on Mr Boyle
S 5 We all went to Sutton – George and Nellie came in to supper.
M 6 I attended a CDFL committee meeting in London. Violet met me afterwards and we had lunch and tea in town, also called at RSPCA office to have a chat with Mr Rendell
T 7 Made several calls in connection with the RSPCA meeting; Mr Antill came in the evening.
W 8 My birthday; we all went for a drive in the morning
T 9 I had tea at Nellie’s in the afternoon; George came up in the evening
F 10 Visited Mrs Dyball; CDFL Children’s meeting at Wallington Parish hall, held in connection with local branch of RSPCA. Lantern lecture on animals by Miss King (assistant secretary), Rev R A Boyle in the chair; a crowded hall – very successful; Miss King had dinner with us.
S 11 Hetty and Oliver came on from Trot’s to spend a few days with us; they went for a drive in the afternoon with Father and Grace.
S 12 We all went to Sutton; George and Nellie came to supper
M 13 Father and I went for a drive with Hetty and Oliver in the morning. Grace took them to Croydon in the afternoon; Rev R Royle called.
T 14 Hetty and Oliver left; Grace spent the day with them in London sight-seeing; Mr Eastland had lunch with us.
W 15
T 16 Grace and Father drove to Croydon in the afternoon; I went to Kitty’s to stay the night; Kit, Arthur and I went to a recital at night by Mr Alex Watson – Shakespeare and other recitations from David Copperfield, Barrie, etc; very good indeed.
F 17 I came home early and went for a drive with Father.
S 18 We all drove to Beckenham and spent the day with Uncle and Auntie
S 19 We all went to Sutton; Mr Antill and Olive came to tea; Grace went to Bampfylde to supper.
M 20 Trot came over for the day; Gladys, Cecil, Theo and Nurse came too, and stayed the night; Miss Greaves spent the day with us; Wallace had his forelegs blistered by Mr Turner, for sprained tendons.
T 21 The children and Nurse left in the morning; I visited Bessie Hay; Grace went to Mrs Atkinson’s in the afternoon; snow and hail.
W 22 In bed most of the day
T 23
F 24
S 25 Father and I went for a drive; Grace and Fannie went to a local concert in the evening and George came in.
S 26 Very wet – Father and I did not go out; Grace went to Beddington in the morning; George, Nellie and Fannie came to tea and supper.
M 27 Grace drove to Croydon in the afternoon.
T 28 Grace had tea with Auntie Miriam
March
W 1 Mr and Mrs Mann came to dinner
T 2 I visited old Mr Dunn and Mrs Dyball
F 3 Father and I drove to Sutton to see Mr Cheshire, who is ill
S 4 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us; Father and Grace went for a drive with them in the morning.
S 5 We all went to Sutton; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and supper.
M 6 I attended CDFL committee in London’ had dinner and tea at Mrs Wood’s and went to Streatham in the afternoon with Violet to call on Mrs Bateman, Secretary of the AVS.
T 7 Mrs Gilchrist and her two daughters, from Cove, came down to lunch and tea with us.
W 8 Father and Grace spent the day in London
T 9 I went to Sidcup to stay at Mrs Oliver’s; in morning, met Mrs Grant and Nell at Hotel Great Central for an hour; got to Sidcup to tea; went to Band of Mercy annual children’s concert at St John’s Hall, Croydon – very crowded’ address by Rev Allen; Rev B W Chancellor in the chair; very successful
F 10 Went out with Mabel in the morning and Eva in the afternoon; called on Mrs Gilbert, Dr Crombie, Mrs Staples and met several old friends
S 11 Returned home to lunch – very wet and windy day
S 12 Father and Grace went to Sutton; Grace went again at night; George and Nellie came to supper; I was too poorly to go out.
M 13
T 14 Grace spent the day in London
W 15 Mrs Grant and Nell came down to lunch and tea
T 16 I was in bed with an attack of bronchial catarrh
F 17 Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 18
S 19 No one went out; George and Nellie came to supper
M 20 Mr Statham came up to spend a few days with us
T 21 Father, Mr Statham and I went for a drive in the morning; Father and Mr Statham went in the park in the afternoon; I called to see Olive
W 22 Father, Mr Statham and I drove over Shirley hills; weather has been perfect the last few days; I visited old Mr Dunn; George came to dinner
T 23 Father and Mr Statham went for a drive; I went to the dressmaker’s at Clapham in the afternoon and to darling Mother’s grave on my way back.
F 24 Mr Statham left us; Father and I went up to town with him and then went to Professor McHardy’s to get Father cataract glasses; Grace went to Sidcup for the day
S 25 Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 26 We all went to Sutton; Grace took SS class there for Miss Cheshire; I went to Lake church; George came in.
M 27 Began Spring cleaning; went to Oyster Club meeting at Mr Morgan’s, Downings. Discussion on Long’s School of Woods; paper read by Mr Morgan
T 28 Father and I went to London
W 29
T 30 Went to dressmaker’s at Clapham and Brixton; spent an hour at Violet’s
F 31 Grace went to Sidcup in the afternoon and had dinner at Daisy’s; Cecil is six year’s old today.
March
S 1 Father and I drove over to see Mr and Mrs Mann in the afternoon.
S 2 We all went to Sutton; George, Nellie and the girls came to tea and supper
M 3 I attended DFL committee in London
T 4
W 5 Father and I went for a drive in the afternoon
T 6
F 7 Father and Grace went to Trot’s for the day and night and I visited Mrs Dyball and took flowers to Mr Dunn; had dinner at George and Nellie’s.
S 8 Father and Grace came back in the afternoon
S 9 We all went to Sutton; George and Nellie came back to supper.
M 10
T 11 Visited Mrs Dyball; Grace went to lecture at night – the Rev Ensor Walters
W 12 Grace went to Broxbourne and Ware, house hunting; Father and I went for a drive and to a dog show in the public hall.
T 13 Father and I went for a drive; Grace went to Redhill and Dorking, house hunting
F 14 We all went for a drive in the afternoon
S 15 I left King’s Cross by the 10am train for Glasgow (Queen Street), arriving 7.50pm. Grace saw me off. Mr Macaulay met me here; route by Newcastle and Edinburgh; stayed 20 Queen’s Gate.
S 16 Nellie and I went to St Strong’s church; spent some time at Athole Gardens; Mrs Kelso came to tea; Pharie, Grace and Miss Mackinnon came in the evening.
M 17 Nell Grant’s wedding; I was second bridesmaid; reception at Athole Gardens; had dinner at Mrs Kelso’s, in Huntly Gardens; party of twelve went to the Royal Theatre for a performance of La Poupee at night.
T 18 I called at Mrs Grant’s and Pharie’s to say goodbye; John and Nellie saw me off by the 1pm train for Newcastle; arrive at 5pm; Dot and Mr Brash meet me there; we came on to Whitley Bay, had warm welcome at Clive House; a snow storm.
W 19 Very wet and cold; Dot and I went out in the morning; Parton returned from college in the evening; four years today since dear Jack died
T 20 Parton, the girls and I went for a long stroll on the sands; sea rough, bitter winds continue; in afternoon, we played Pit and Mr Brash left for Manchester; Fannie, Dot and I went out in the evening.
F 21 We went to a service in the morning; two Mr Jarman came to tea; we went to a meeting at North Shields at night, heard Rev H Haigh speak.
S 22 Dot and I went on to Table Rocks, lovely sea dashing over them; Fannie and I went out in the afternoon.
S 23 We all went to Trinity chapel and heard Rev Ives preach; all went to hear Rev Dick preach at night; good sermon; Miss Williams came to supper
M 24 Fannie and I visited dear Jack’s grave; after tea, we all went down by the sea
T 25 The girls and I went on the sands in the morning; Parton took me to Newcastle in the afternoon to Hancock Museum.
W 26 I left Newcastle by 10.30am train, arriving at King’s Cross at 4.20pm; got home in time for dinner; Parton and Mr Brash saw me off at Newcastle; Grace met me in London; Father sold Wallace, Roy and the carriage today; they had gone when I got home.
T 27 Grace spent the day house-hunting in Croydon, Addiscombe and Purley
F 28
S 29 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us.
S 30 We did not go to a service; Grace went at night.
MAY
M 1 Jim came over to spend a few days with us; Grace took him over to Epsom Downs after lunch.
T 2 I took Jim over the home for lost dogs at Hackbridge; and to call at Bampfylde in the afternoon.
W 3 Trot came over for the day; Jim returned with her at night.
T 4 Father and Grace went to town; I spent the morning collecting for RSPCA; visited Mr Stratton, Bessie and Olive; board put up to let our house
F 5 I went over for an hour to see Auntie Miriam, who has been ill with lumbago; Violet came down for the day.
S 6 Mr Antill and Daisy came to tea; Lady Murray and friends came to see over our house; Mr Biney came to stay; Arthur came in the evening.
S 7 Unwell – I spent the morning alone in our lovely garden, the others went to Sutton; Mr Biney and I went to Beddington at night – weather perfect.
M 8 Father and grace spent the day in town and attended Fraser River Company meeting; Captain and Mrs Murray came to view the house again
T 9 I spent the morning collecting subscriptions; called at Nellie’s; Father and Grace went to town in the afternoon.
W 10 Grace spent the day house-hunting in Croydon and Reigate.
T 11 Ethel came to spend a few days with us; Father and I went to Croydon to view a house; Bessie had dinner with us; Ethel and I went back to her home with her in the evening.
F 12 Grace and Ethel went to see Stacey’s in the afternoon; Mr Antill came at night.
S 13 Two parties came over the house; Mr and Mrs Knight and two friends called; Ethel went home in the afternoon; Stratton left our service; visited Mrs Dyball.
S 14 We all went to Sutton in the morning – SSA services; Mr and Mrs Henman came to tea; George came to supper.
M 15 Visited Mr Dunn; Trot and Mr and Mrs Humphries came down and stayed the night.
T 16 Our visitors left in the morning.
W 17 I went to Kamloops meeting at Salisbury House with Father; we had lunch in town with Trot afterwards; one of my tame Howdens died.
T 18
F 19 Grace had tea and dinner at Mrs Atkinson’s; George, Nellie and Mr Antill came in the evening.
S 20
S 21 We all went to Sutton; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and supper.
M 22 We all went to Ashanti meeting – Mr Feltman and Mr Daw reporting. Fifteen of us had tea together at Holborn restaurant – Oliver and Fred were there. Father and I went home with Trot and stayed the night; Mr White, Mr Humphries and Mr Cooper spent the evening with us; Grace went to the Coliseum with Oliver.
T 23 The two Miss Daws had lunch at Trot’s; Father and I returned home in the afternoon.
W 24 I attended the annual business meeting of the CDFL at 12 – met Violet afterwards and we went together to the Natural History Museum and then to Gattock’s house; met Mrs Oliver – she and Mabel there, had tea together;
T 25 Collected for the RSPCA; Grace went to see Auntie Miriam and Uncle and Auntie
F 26 Mr Williams, of Hobart, came down to tea and dinner
S 27
S 28 We went to Wallington in the morning and to ‘Bampfylde’ to supper
M 29 Visited Mrs Dyball
T 30 Visited Miss Boner twice, found her dying; Father and Grace went to the flower show in Temple Gardens; thunder storm; Mabel Oliver came down to stay a few days
W 31 Derby Day
JUNE
T 1 Father went to Coventry for a few days; Grace went to town wit him; I visited Miss Boner; Mabel and I spent the afternoon in Croydon
F 2 The Oaks; Mabel left in the afternoon; I called on Mrs Pears and Miss Leach
S 3 I went to Kitty’s to spend Sunday; Mr Hicks came to play whist in the evening
S 4 We all went to chapel in the morning and Kitty and I at night; I went to Mother’s grave in the afternoon.
M 5 I left Kitty’s after lunch and met Aunt Miriam at Victoria; we went together to the DF League bazaar, opened by the Duchess of Portland; very pretty bazaar; got home to dinner; poured with rain all day
T 6 Very wet; Grace and I went up to Bampfylde after dinner
W 7 Called at Miss Boner’s and found she had passed away since I last called
T 8 Visited Mrs Dyball; Father returned home in the afternoon; Grace went with Pearce to Norwood to plant our darling’s grave
F 9 Aunt Lissie came to stay with us
S 10 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us; Rene came to play with Dorothy
S 11 Very wet; Grace went to Sutton in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper.
M 12 Captain Eales and party came to see the house; Grace spent the half day at Nellie’s to meet a party of friends there; continues very wet.
T 13
W 14 We had Women’s Auxiliary meeting and tea in our garden; Mrs Wiseman spoke; Mrs Chandler too the chair; eighty people present; Mr Robinson and George stayed to supper
T 15 George, Nellie and the girls came up in the evening to play tennis
F 16 Auntie and I went to Croydon in the morning.
S 17 Grace went to a concert in town with Miss Craig
S 18 Auntie and I went to Wallington parish church in the morning; we all went to George’s to tea and supper.
M 19
T 20
W 21 I joined the British Empire Naturalists Association; Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us.
T 22 Aunt Lissie and I went over to Auntie Miriam’s to tea.
F 23 Fannie and Edie came in the evening to play tennis and whist
S 24 Grace went to a concert at the Crystal Palace with Kitty
S 25 Father and Grace went to the Wesleyan chapel, Auntie and I to Wallington chapel; I went to Luke church at night; George and Nellie came to supper.
M 26
T 27 Aunt Lissie left us and went to Beckenham; Violet and I went to an RSPCA annual business meeting at the Hotel Cecil; Mr Colman’s retirement, after forty-five years as secretary; Captain Derriman appointed in his place; We went to St James’ Park and saw the Queen and Princess Victoria.
W 28 Mr Robinson took Father for a long drive
T 29 I visited Mr Dunn and Mrs Dyball; Gather and Grace went to Croydon; Mr Antill had dinner with us.
F 30 I went to town with Father
JULY
S 1 I visited Bessie Hay
S 2 We all went to Wallington chapel; Grace had tea at Bampfylde; Mr, Mrs and Kathleen Feltham came to tea; George and Nellie to supper.
M 3 I attended CDFL committee; saw the King and Queen in semi-state on their way to Southwark Cathedral
T 4 Father and I spent the day at Beckenham at Uncle’s
W 5 Father, Grace and I left Paddington to Oxford by the 4.45pm train, arriving at 6.08pm; went to Wilberforce Temperance Hotel in Queen Street; went for a stroll in the evening – a fine city, lovely buildings, etc; all charmed with it.
T 6 We went on top of a tram as far as it went beyond Folly Bridge; spent the morning in the botanical gardens and Christ Church Meadow; after lunch, we rowed for two hours on Isis whilst Father fished; very pretty and peaceful. Went as far as Iffley.
F 7 We went, by train, to Woodstock; went over Blenheim Palace, gift of Queen Anne to the 1st Duke of Marlborough; saw the state rooms, the lovely lake, grounds and Rosary; lunched at the Old Bear; afterwards went by tram to Summertown, saw Baliol College and Trinity, St Mary the Virgin church, the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library, etc.
S 8 Left Oxford by the 9.30am boat and arrived at Abingdon at 11.30am; went to the Crown & Thistle hotel; passed Iffley Mill; Nuneham, seat of Sir W Harcourt; rowed two hours on the river after tea.
S 9 Father fished while Grace and I went to St Helen’s church and the Wesleyan church; Mr Gill came to see us in the afternoon; Grace went there to tea; this hotel was a favourite haunt of Ruskin when at Oxford.
M 10 Left Abingdon by the 11 o’clock boat, very pretty scenery; arrived at Shillingford Bridge Hotel about 2pm; showery; Father went out fishing from 5 to 8 o’clock; I rowed him; peaceful, lovely evening; Grace walked to Wallingford.
T 11 Father went out fishing all day with a man; Grace and I walked to Wallingford village and went for an hour’s row after tea.
W 12 Father went out fishing with a man in the morning; Grace and I walked to Shillingford village; we left by the 1.40pm boat, lunching at The Lamb Hotel, Wallingford, and then went on to Pangbourne; arrived at 4pm; passed Cleeve, Goring and Streatley, very lovely; staying at The Elephant; had a row in the evening.
T 13 We spent all day on the river; rowed as far as Mapledurham; Father fished; lovely scenery; heat intense.
F 14 We went to ‘Uplands’, Whitchurch to see Miss Wood; Mrs Wood came back to lunch with us; we left Pangbourne by the 4.16pm boat for Henley, via Mapledurham, Sonning, Reading, arrived 7.15pm; went to Catherine Wheel Hotel; scenery lovely, houseboats; met Mrs Carr (Swedish), a girl on board; all went for a stroll in the evening.
S 15 Left Henley at 10am, via Marlow, Maidenhead and arrived Windsor at 2.15pm; stayed at the White Hart Hotel; went into the castle grounds after tea and about the town; Mrs Carr came on the same boat; Grace’s birthday
S 16 Animal Sunday; attended St George’s Chapel – Bishop Barry; attended Wesleyan chapel – Rev A Sharpley; went to the east terrace of the castle in the afternoon.
M 17 Left Windsor by the 9.15am boat and arrived at Kingston at 1.20pm – lunched at the Griffon Hotel and then came on home; boat came via Old Windsor; Holloway College, Eton College, Shepperton, Chertsey, Monkey Island, Surbiton, etc
T 18 George and Nellie had dinner with us
W 19 I went to town with Father; we met Trot and had lunch together
T 20
F 21 Father went to see Professor McHardy – I went with him; report eminently satisfactory.
S 22 Father and Grace went for a drive with Mr Knight; Mr Cheshire had dinner with us.
S 23 We went to Wallington chapel; George and Nellie came to supper
M 24 I had tea at Mrs Wood’s
T 25
W 26 Called at Mrs Dyball’s, found her away; called Mr Dunn – did not see him. Annual meeting of local branch of RSPCA held in Miss Adam’s garden at 5pm; Rev G Vaux in the chair; Grace and I went
T 27 Visited Bessie Hay
F 28 Uncle Charles spent the day with us; George and Nellie came to dinner; I went to a church army meeting in Mr Landon’s garden.
S 29 I went to darling Mother’s grave; had tea with Kitty and Arthur
S 30 We went to Wallington chapel and to Bampfylde to tea and supper
M 31 Kitty, Dorothy and Rene spent the day with us
AUGUST
T 1 Grace went to Trot’s for the day and night
W 2 Mr and Mrs and Miss Williams, of Hobart, spent the day with us; George and Nellie started for a tour of Scotland
T 3
F 4 Violet and Mrs Hogan spent the day with us; I called at Bampfylde
S 5 Fannie took me for a drive in their pony trap; Mr Biney and Agnes Heaton came to stay with us for a few days.
S 6 Wesleyan chapel in the morning; Fannie, Edie and Rene spent the day with us; Mr and Mrs Cecil Henman came to tea.
M 7 Auntie and Uncle came over for the day; we all went to the flower show in the afternoon; played tennis at night; Took five first, one second and one third prize and a silver medal at the show for maidenhair fern.
T 8 Mr Biney and Agnes left us; I visited Mr Dunn
W 9 Trot, Jim, Cecil and Theo came over in the morning to stay the night; Mr Fred Layton came to dinner.
T 10 Trot and all the children left us in the afternoon; called at Bampfylde; Hayes went for her holiday
F 11 I called on Mr Knight and Mrs Chandler
S 12 Fannie and Edie came up in the evening to play whist
S 13 We all went to the Wesleyan chapel; George and Nellie returned from their tour in Scotland a came up to see us in the evening.
M 14
T 15 Called at Bampfylde; Father let the kitchen garden to Dr Cressy at £10 per annum and the orchard to Mr Stepney at £8 per annum
W 16 Marian spent the day with us.
T 17
F 18 Father and Grace went to town
S 19 Mr Wood went under an operation; I went up to be with Mrs Wood during it; Uncle came over.
S 20 Nellie spent the day with us; we went to Wallington chapel in the morning; I went to the Wesleyan church at night; Grace had supper at Bampfylde.
M 21 Painters began outside of house, etc
T 22 Father and Grace went to town; called at Mrs Dyballs, away from home.
W 23
T 24 Grace went to spend the day at Beckenham; Mrs Batty had tea with us; Hayes came home from her holidays
T 25 Very unwell today
S 26 Ditto
S 27 We went to the Wallington chapel; Grace went to Sutton to take an SS class and had dinner; Mr Knight, George and Nellie came to supper; Mr Antill and Mr Morgan called.
M 28 I had tea at Mrs Wood
T 29
W 30
T 31
SEPTEMBER
F 1 Called at Nellie’s; went to Mrs Robinson’s to help with the mothers’ meeting tea
S 2 Cousin Lillie came to stay
S 3 We all went to Wallington in the morning and did not go out at night; Mr Antill came to supper
M 4 Lillie left; Father and I went into the park in the afternoon.
T 5 Visited Bessie Hay
W 6 Visited Mrs Dyball
T 7
F 8 Went to Mrs Leith’s, Kenley, to dinner of Oyster Club meeting at 8pm; discussion on ‘The Egoist’, paper by Mr Marshall; Mr and Mrs Marshall, Mr and Mrs Morgan and I drove there and back; Father and Grace went to town.
S 9
S 10 We went to Wallington chapel; all went to Bampfylde to tea and supper.
M 11 Visited Mr Dunn
T 12 Aunt Janie came to stay with us; I met her at Croydon in the afternoon
W 13 Ethel, Gladys and Jim spent the day with us
T 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; I went over to Norwood early and took some scarlet begonias; met Father at Tulse Hill and went with him to Ashanti Sansu meeting; Grace went to Norwood in the afternoon and took our birthday basket of flowers.
F 15 Four years today since darling Mother went from us
S 16 Mr Antill called in the afternoon
S 17 We all went to chapel; Fannie, Edie and Rene came to tea and supper; Grace and the girls went to church; Mr and Mrs Henman and boy came to tea.
M 18 Grace and I went to Croydon shopping in the afternoon
T 19
W 20 Auntie Miriam came to stay with us; very unwell
T 21 Mrs Atkinson came to view the house
F 22 Auntie Miriam left in the afternoon; I was in bed all day, very poorly; Mrs Atkinson came to view the house
S 23 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; Yates left our service
S 24 In bed all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 25 Dr Cressy came to see me
T 26 In bed
W 27 In bed; Mr Biney came to say goodbye before returning to the west coast
T 28 Aunt Janie left us and went on to Beckenham for a visit
F 29 Sent off parcel of garments to humane needlework society; Grace went to Kitty’s to dinner; Mr and Mrs Atkinson came to view the house again.
S 30 Grace spent the day in Croydon house-hunting; Fred and Laurie came to stay
October
S 1 I did not go out all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 2 We let our house to Mr Atkinson; we went over a house in Wallington and one in Croydon; Fred and Laurie left us in the afternoon.
T 3 Ethel’s twenty-first birthday; Grace went to the grand dance – I was too poorly to go; all went over Wallington house again, twice; I went with Father to see Mr Stewart, the owner
W 4 Father and I went over Sunthorpe again, with Mr Stewart; Grace came back in the evening.
T 5 Darling Father’s seventy-fourth birthday; George and Nellie came to tea and dinner with us.
F 6
Sent off parcels of clothing to Mrs Brewer and Mrs Goodsell
S 7 I visited Bessie Hay; Gladys’ nineteenth birthday; Father took Sunthorpe, St George’s Road, Wallington, on a three year’s agreement.
S 8 Did not go out all day; Father and Pearce went to see the new house; Grace had tea and supper at Bampfylde.
M 9 Father, Grace and I went to London to choose the papers for our new house; Father signed the agreement to take Sunthorpe; the men commenced work there
T 10 Father sold our poultry to George and Mr Gardener; my Howden went to Edie
W 11 Sent off parcel of clothes to Mrs Price
T 12
F 13 Went up to Violet’s to tea; Mrs W very ill; Mr Cheshire came to dinner with us
S 14 Took poor little stray cat to lethal chamber – it was half wild
S 15 Grace and I went to chapel; I went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came back to supper; Father stayed at home all day.
M 16
T 17 Called at Mr Dunn’s and Mrs Dyball’s – did not see either; Mr and Mrs Atkinson came to go through the house again; Trot and Ethel came to tea and dinner
W 18 First two van loads went to the new house
F 20 Ditto
S 21 Ditto; last load left at 6pm; we left Bramble Haw and moved into Sunthorpe, Wallington; Pearce left our service
S 22 A happy Sunday in our new home; all went to chapel in the morning’ Grace went again at night.
M 23 Nine painters, etc, work in the house, very busy getting it all right.
T 24 Ditto
W 25 Ditto
T 26 Ditto. I went to Sidcup in the afternoon, stayed the night at Mrs Oliver’s and attended the B of Mercy lecture ‘Our Pets’ given by Eva, slides prepared by Mabel; Mr Chancellor in the chair; full – St John’s Hall – a very good meeting.
F 27 Went to say goodbye to old Mrs Staples, who is leaving Sidcup; returned home in the morning; Father poorly, sent for Dr Cressy – a cold.
S 28
S 29 Grace went to chapel; Father and I too unwell to go out; Mr Antill had tea with us.
M 30 In bed with a severe cold
T 31 Ditto
November
W 1
T 2
F 3
S 4 Grace and I went to chapel; too damp for Father; Sacramental service; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea.
M 5 Mr and Mrs Waterhouse had tea with us; George came to dinner
T 6 I attended the committee of the CDFL at Victoria Street
W 7 Auntie and Uncle spent the day with us; Edie and Rene came to tea
T 8 Grace spent the day in town shopping
F 9 Trot and Gladys spent the day with us
S 10 Grace went to a musical meeting in town; George and Mr Brown came in the evening
S 11 We all went to chapel; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea and supper
M 13
T 14 Mavis left our service
W 15 I went to sewing meeting at Mrs Waterhouse’s; Fannie and Edie had dinner with us
T 16 Grace went to London shopping
F 17 I spent the day shopping in London
S 18 I visited Mr Dunn, Mrs Dyball (out); called at Nellie’s; Grace went to Norwood and took the bulbs
S 19 Grace unwell; Father and I went to chapel; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 20 I went to sewing meeting at Mrs Dale’s; Trot’s birthday
T 21
W 22 I had tea with Auntie and Uncle
T 23
F 24 Called at Bessie’s; Mr and Mrs Brooks had dinner with us
S 25 I went to Croydon in the morning; Mr Champness and Olive came to tea and dinner with us as did Fannie and Edie
S 26 Very stormy day; none of us went out to service.
M 27 Mrs Atkinson and Miss Stanwell and Mrs Willis called; Grace went to Sidcup to play at a concert in the chapel and stayed the night with Daisy; Bessie came in to tea; George and Nellie in the evening.
T 28 Grace returned in the evening from Sidcup
W 29 Went to Violet’s in the afternoon and stayed until Friday; helped Violet with the report, etc
T 30 Took Mrs W for a walk; Miss Culverwell came to tea; went to annual B of M meeting at Studley – Mr and Mrs Sidney Smith in the chair; Rev Arthur Murrell spoke (very good); programme varied, collection, nearly £4; Hubert and Vi, Miss TG, Dr and Mrs Hogan came in afterwards.
December
F 1 Went to see Florrie in the morning; came home after lunch, via Brixton, calling at Miss Gear’s to be fitted.
S 2 Called on Miss Adams; Grace went to Mrs Atkinson’s to tea; wrote report for Violet and drew up a protest for the local society.
S 3 Chapel – Fannie and Edie came to tea and supper; I went to chapel at night with girls; George came to supper.
M 4
T 5 Attended CDFL committee at Victoria Street; went to dressmaker’s at Brixton on the way home.
W 6 Grace had tea with Auntie Miria
T 7 Made a lot of sweets for the bazaar
F89 Grace and Nellie and I went to Wesleyan bazaar at Wallington hall in aid of the new chapel; made soufflés
For the bazaar
S 9 Went to Oyster Club meeting at 4pm at Dr MacDougal’s; papers by Mr Antill, Willy and Dickenson; subject ‘News from Nowhere’ by William Morris
S 10 We all went to chapel and to Bampfylde to tea and supper; met Mr and Mrs Bourne there
M 11 Grace went to London shopping; dreadful fog’ we sent off parcels of clothes to St Giles’ Mission.
T 12
W 13 Trot had lunch with us on her way to Croydon
T 14 Grace went to Ashanti Goldfields Company meeting in town; Father and I unable to go.
F 15 I returned Mrs Boyle’s and Mrs Willis’ calls
S 16 I visited Mrs Dyball. Mr Antill came to stay with us.
S 17 I went to chapel in the morning; Grace to church at night.
M 18 Grace and I went shopping in Croydon in the afternoon; Mr Robinson came in to dinner; Mr Antill left this morning.
T 19 Volta, Sissie, baby and Marian came in the morning and stayed the night
W 20 They all left in the afternoon; Grace went over to Uncle’s to tea
T 21 Grace and I went to darling Mother’s grace to take our Xmas wreath; sent parcel to Mrs Staples
F 22 Bad cold; too unwell to go out; Sent parcel to Mrs Dyball
S 23 Ditto; in bed most of the day; Agnes came in the afternoon to spend Xmas with us; sent parcel to Mr Dunn
S 24 I was too unwell to go out; Best went to service; Grace and Agnes to church at night; Mr Cheshire came to supper; Trot, Ethel, Jim and Mrs Layton came over in motor in the evening.
M 25 George, Nellie and the girls and Agnes spent the day with us; we all had a happy, bright day together; Father well and jolly.
T 26 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us and stayed the night
W 27 Agnes and Arthur left early; Kitty and Dorothy in the evening
T 28
F 29 Grace went to Mrs Brooks to tea
S 30
S 31 We all went to chapel; Grace had tea at Bampfylde and they all came back to supper.
Flower show results on Bank Holiday
First prizes: Potatoes
Gloxinia
Caladiems
Twelve cut blooms
Foliage plants
Second prize: Grouped plants
Third prize: Vegetables
Silver medal of Royal Horticultural Society for best exhibit in show: maidenhair fern.
1906
January
M 1
T 2
W 3
T 4 Went to Violet’s
F 5
S 6 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
S 7 We all went to Covenant service; George, Nellie and Fannie came to tea and supper
M 8 Sent a dress to Adeline Price
T 9 Mr Statham came to stay; called at Bessie Hay
W 10 George and Nellie came to dinner
T 11 Mr Robinson came to lunch
F 12 Mr Statham left; Mr Rhodes came for the day
S 13 Kitty, Arthur, Arnold and Ida came to dinner
S 14 Mr Antill and Olive came to tea; I had tea and supper at George’s
M 15 Our Dumb Friends League (ODFL) committee meeting and then went on to see Mrs Wood; Grace went to Guild social
T 16 Grace went to a musical evening and on to trot to stay until Thursday
W 17 Visited Mrs Dyball
T 18 Went over to see Aunt Miriam
F 19 Mr Abraham came to dinner; visited Mr Dunn and Mrs Pearce
S 20 Grace went to a concert; Mr Champness, Arthur and Mr Tucker came in to tea.
S 21
M 22
T 23 Had tea with Mrs Marshall
W 24
T 25 Went to a meeting of ODFL at Rev Montague Fowler’s house
F 26 Went to town to look for lost eye glasses
S 27 Maurice Champness came and Fannie and Edie to dinner; Arthur to tea
S 28
M 29 Called on Mrs Pearce
T 30 Called on Mr Dunn and at Nellie’s
W 31 RSPCA committee meeting at Old Rectory
February
T 1
F 2 I went to see Mrs Wood; Father and Grace went to town
S 3 Grace went to a concert
S 4 George and Edie came to supper
M 5 Attended ODFL committee meeting and then went to Aunt Miria’s to tea
T 6 Mr and Mrs Waterhouse and the Misses Brooks came to dinner
W 7
T 8 My birthday
F 9
S 10 Kit and Arthur came for the evening
S 11 Ian MacLaren preached at Wallington church – a great treat; Nellie and George came to supper
M 12 Grace went to Kit’s and stayed the night
T 13 Eva came and stayed one night
W 14 Had tea at Nellie’s; Mr Antill stayed the night here
T 15 Kitty came to lunch
F 16
S 17 Grace went to a concert; I visited Mrs Dyball and Mr Dunn
S 18 I went to a service alone; George came up in the evening
M 19
T 20 Went to sewing meeting; Gladys engaged to Fred Layton
W 21 Mr Chaffer came in the evening
T 22 Grace went to town in the afternoon
F 23 Trot and the girls came to spend the day
S 24 Mr and Mrs Stacey came to dinner; Auntie and Uncle to lunch and tea
S 25 George and Nellie came to supper
M 26 Went to dressmaker and to Violet’s to tea
T 27 Grace went to a meeting
W 28 Grace went to town with Kitty
March
T 1 I had dinner at Nellie’s
F 2
S 3 Grace went to a concert; Mr Champness came to tea
S 4
M 5 Attended ODFL committee meeting; met Violet and went to see Florrie in the nursing home; called to see Mr Rendell
T 6 Ethel engaged to Arthur Stair
W 7 Grace and I went to the West End shopping
T 8 Visited Mr Dunn
F 9
S 10 Mr and Mrs Taylor and Freda came to dinner; Ethel and Arthur to lunch
S 11 George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 12 Grace went to Sidcup
T 13 New Kitchener stove began to be put in
W 14 Kit came to lunch
T 15 I went to Uncle’s; Arthur came to lunch and dinner; stove finished
F 16 Kitty and Arthur moved into their new home in Carshalton
S 17 Grace went to a musical meeting; I attended Oyster Club and Mr Blake’s house, Seven Gables
S 18
M 19
T 20 Grace went to Sidcup and a musical meeting; Bessie came to tea; Violet’s father died
W 21 I went up to see Violet
T 22 Local RSPCA meeting at small hall, nearly empty – Mr Reeks spoke
F 23 Grace went to Eastbourne to spend the night with Aunties and engage rooms for Easter
S 24 A snow storm; Grace returned in the evening
S 25
M 26 Morris went for a week’s holiday; Gladys came to stay with us
T 27
W 28 Bessie came to tea
T 29 Called on Mrs Pearce
F 30 Gladys left; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 31 Agnes and Margery came to tea; Cecil’s seventh birthday
April
S 1
M 2 Attended ODFL committee meeting and went to Mother’s grave
T 3 Grace went to a concert with Kitty
W 4
T 5 Went to Sidcup and stayed with Mabel; attended annual Band of Mercy meeting – Kearton’s lecture; full hall and a great success
F 6 Visited the Prices, Wests, Cowdreys, Gilberts and had tea with Dr Cromleys
S 7 Came home; Father and Grace went to Uncle’s
S 8 Kit came to tea; Arthur, George and Nellie to supper
M 9 I visited Mr Dunn
T 10 Went to see Nellie; Jack’s birthday
W 11
T 12 We all went to Eastbourne with George and Mr Statham
F 13 – W 18
T 19 We all returned home after a happy week together
F 20 Keaton lectured in Wallington; went with Kit, Dorothy and Rene
S 21
S 22 The Williams all came to tea and supper
M 23
T 24 A snow storm
W 25
T 26 Went to see Nellie
F 27 Kit and Arthur came to dinner
S 28 Went to see Bessie Hay; Grace had supper at Kit’s.
S 29 I had tea at Nellie’s
M 30
May
T 1 Trot, Jim and Cecil came and stayed the night
W 2 I took Father to town
T 3 Kit came to tea and dinner
F 4 I had tea at Mrs Wood
S 5 Mr Antill came to dinner; Grace took a basket of flowers to Mother’s grave
S 6 George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 7 Attended ODFL committee meeting; Fred came to stay the night
T 8 Father and Grace went to town
W 9 Grace and I went over to Croydon
T 10 I had tea with Kitty
F 11 Visited Mr Dunn; Grace went to Beckenham
S 12
S 13 We all had tea and supper at Nellie’s
M 14 Father and I went for a drive with Mr Robinson
T 15 Attended opening of animal hospital with Violet; Mabel came to stay; Grace went to a musical meeting
W 16 Mabel and I went to the local dog show
T 17 Grace went to a concert and meeting; Edie came to dinner
F 18 Mabel left
S 19 Uncle and Auntie came for the day
S 20 George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Mr Cheshire came to tea
M 21 Attended annual RSPCA meeting at Mansion House with Violet
T 22
W 23
T 24 Went over to Trot’s to stay
F 25 Trot, Ethel and I went to West End on a motor bus
S 26 Returned home; Fannie and Edie came to tea and supper
S 27 Grace had tea at Nellie’s
M 28 ODFL committee meeting – did not attend; Mr and Mrs Robinson came to dinner
T 29 Sewing meeting at hour house – ten present
W 30 Derby Day
T 31 Violet spent the day here
June
F 1 The Oaks
S 2 Grace went to Sidmouth to stay and few days and engage a furnished house
S 3 Father and I had tea and supper at George’s
M 4 Grace returned in the afternoon
T 5 Grace and I planted Mother’s grave with large geraniums
W 6
T 7
F 8 I went to spend a fortnight with Nell in Stirling; left 10am and arrived 7pm; Mr Muir staying there
S 9 We spent the morning in town and afternoon in King’s Park; played bridge
S 10 All went to East church on Castle Hill; Rev Lang preached; had tea in Mr Drummond’s garden
M 11
T 12 Received news of Rev John Wright’s death; drove to Doune.
W 13 Too poorly to go out
T 14
F 15 Went to Dunblane
S 16 John and Nellie came
S 17 Heard Rev Forrest preach twice
M 18
T 19 Spent the day in Edinburgh
W 20
T 21 Spent the day in Callander
F 22 Went to Cove
S 23 Aunt Janie had a serious fall at our house; did not know until my return home.
S 24 Heard Rev Welsh of Edinburgh preach
M 25
T w6 Went on a trip up Loch Long, to Tarbet on Loch Lomond
W 27
T 28 Returned home
F 29
S 30 Took Lass to Hackbridge home to board for five weeks at 5/- per week.
July
S 1
M 2 Grace, Fannie, Edie, and Morris went to Cottymeade, Sidmouth
T 3 Father, Rene, Hayes and I followed; taken house for a month
W 4 We all went, by steamer, to Exmouth
T 5 Fannie and I bathed; Rather, Rene and I drove – the rest walked – to Ladram Bay and had tea at a farm there
F 6 Fannie and I bathed; girls and I took a picnic tea on the beach; Father, Grace and Rene went fishing
S 7 Part drove to Salcombe Regis, the rest walked
S 8 Went to All Saints with the girls; the rest went to the Wesleyan chapel; all went for a walk in the evening
M 9 We bathed; all went out in small boats in the evening
T 10 Went fishing in a small boar for three and a half hours in Ladram Bay
W 11 We all drove to Honiton Common, Sidbury and Sidford
T 12 We went bathing; Father and I went fishing up the Sid
F 13 Rain all day
S 14 Grace and Father fished at Tipton; girls and I went for a row
S 15 Grace’s birthday; all went to chapel in the morning and a walk in the evening
M 16 Fannie and Edie returned home
T 17 We went for an hour’s drive after tea
W 18 We had tea on the river side at Tipton; Father fished
T 19 Father and Grace went to Tipton fishing; Rene and I walked to Ladram rocks
F 20 George and Nellie joined us
S 21 Sea mist all day
S 22 All went to chapel – walked up the hills in the evening
M 23 Drove to Branscombe, a charming village in three parts; the church is 800 years old; had tea at the Mason’s Arms; saw Honiton point and lace made in cottages; a lovely drive
T 24 Picnicked all day on Mutters Moor and in woods
W 25 Rowed Ladram Bay and had tea on the shore; very rough coming back
T 26 Drove to Budleigh Salterton via Newton Popplefords, Colaton, Bicton, Otterton – had lunch at Budleigh Salterton.
F 27 Picnicked at Harpford woods
S 28 Listened to singers on the Parade in the morning
S 29 Went to chapel; Father and I went for a stroll in the evening, the others walked to Salcombe Regis
M 30 Drove to Honiton and saw lace being made; picnicked on the roadside at Ottery St Mary – a fine church and Coleridge’s monument
T 31 All returned home
August
W 1 Fetched Lass back from the dogs’ home
T 2 Trot dangerously ill; I went to Finchley for the day
F 3 Grace went there for the day and brought Cecil back to stay
S 4 Nurse and Theo came to stay
S 5 Went to the Baptist church with Aunt Lissie
M 6 We all went to the flower and horse show at Beddington Park
T 7 I went over to see Trot
W 8
T 9 Trot underwent an operation for appendicitis: satisfactory; Grace at Finchley for the day
F 10 Aunties returned to Eastbourne after six weeks’ stay here
S 11 Father went for a drive with George
S 12 I visited Bessie Hay
M 13
T 14 Went over to see Trot; progressing satisfactorily; Mr Taylor came to dinner
W 15 Visited Mrs Champness, senior
T 16 Auntie Miria seriously ill, a heart attack and congestion of the lungs
F 17
S 18 Nurse took the two children to Tavistock; Auntie better
S 19 All went to chapel went at night for Rev W Brooks farewell; George and Nellie came to supper
M 20 I went to Mrs Robinson’s to help with a mothers’ meeting
T 21 I went up to see Mr McHardy; Grace went with me
W 22 Sent parcel of clothes to the Price’s, dress to Adeline; I had dinner at Nellie’s
T 23 Visited Mr Dunn; I went to Croydon with Father; Trot not so well – colitis
F 24 Vet, Mr Trance, called to see Lass – examination, 3/6 charge
S 25 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
S 26 All went to chapel – Rev E Waterhouse’s farewell; Grace had tea at Bampfylde; George and Nellie came to supper
M 27 Grace went to town shopping.
T 28
W 29 I went to Croydon with Father
T 30 Hayes went for her fortnight’s holiday
F 31 Vet came to see Lass; Father and Grace went to Trot’s to stay the night; I had tea at Violet’s
September
S 1 Heat intense both days – 128° in the sun
S 2 Ditto; we all went to chapel – Rev Herrick preached; Grace went at night
M 3 Received news that Auntie ‘Miria’ passed away on Saturday; Grace went over
T 4 I went to see Lillie and Marian and take over our wreath
W 5 Grace and I went to Auntie Miria’s funeral at Norwood; took wreath to Mother’s grace
T 6
F 7 Kitty came to dinner; Mrs John Wright called to see us
S 8
S 9 We all went to chapel; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to tea; I went to the service at night
M 10 Father and Grace went to Mr Statham’s, Coventry, to stay. I went to see Trot
T 11 I went to see Mrs Wright at Mrs Williamson’s; Kit came to sit with me in the evening
W 12 Kit and I called on the new minister; I went to Bampfylde in the evening
T 13 Father and grace came home from Coventry; I went to Miss Molyneux at Brixton in the evening; Hayes returned from her holiday
F 14 Darling Mother’s birthday
S 15 Five years today since she went from us; Grace went over to see Trot
S 16 We all went to chapel – harvest thanksgiving; I went at night
M 17 Kit and Arthur came to dinner; we all went to a reception of the new Minister at chapel; I visited Mr Dunn
T 16 I had tea with Uncle and Auntie
W 19 Grace went to Scarborough to stay with Fred and Laurie
T 20 Vet came to see Lass
F 21 Attended class
S 22 George drove Father to Shirley; Trot went to Westgate; I called to see Nellie
S 23 Father and I went to chapel; George and Nellie came to supper
M 24 Kit came in to tea; Mr Robinson called in the evening to say goodbye
T 25 Morris went for her other week’s holiday
W 26 I went, with Father, to town; Grace returned home from Scarborough
T 27 I went to the dressmaker at Brixton and to Violet’s for tea
F 28 Attended class; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 29 Miriam came to stay for a few days
S 30 We all went to chapel in the morning; Kit, Arthur and Maurice came to supper
October
M 1 I met Jim in town and took him to see the oculist; the others went for a drive;
T 2 Marian left in the evening
W 3 I went to Croydon in the morning; Ethel’s 22nd birthday
T 4
F 5 Dear Father’s 75th birthday; took him for a drive in the afternoon; Kit, Arthur and George spent the evening with us
S 6 Vet came to see Lass
S 7 Gladys’ 20th birthday; we all went to chapel; Grace went at night; Fannie and Edie came to tea and supper; Olive C, Bessie and Olive Antill came to tea.
M 8 Attended ODFL committee and a lecture ‘Browsing amongst my books’ by the Rev Stuart Robinson;
T 9 Uncle and Auntie came in the evening to stay with us
W 10 We went for a long drive in the afternoon
T 11 Handed £2/12/0 in to Miss A for the RSPCA; Grace and Auntie went to Croydon in the afternoon
F 12 Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Kit and Edie to tea; Edie stayed to dinner; I went, with Auntie, to a lecture on Tennyson at Beckenham.
S 13 George and Nellie spent the evening with us
S 14 We all went to chapel; Grace, Auntie and I went at night; Rev Eddery called; Kit and Arthur came to supper
M 15 Uncle and Auntie left us in the morning; visited Mr Dunn and Mrs Pearce; Edie came to dinner; Grace went to a concert in Croydon with the two girls
T 16 Kit and I attended service meeting at Mrs Bryants; Father gave £40 towards the new chapel and £5 each for Grace and me.
W 17 Grace went to London for the day; sent off parcel
T 18 I had tea with Lillie and Marian
F 19 Grace and I went to Norwood to plant bulbs on our darling mother’s grave; attended class
S 20 Father and grace went to Kitty’s
S 21 We all went to service; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea; they came back with her to supper
M 22 Mr Harry Ribbons called and stayed to dinner; poorly, in bed most of the day
T 23 Father and I walked up to Nellie’s in the afternoon
W 24 Father and Grace went to town; I went to Agnes Heaton to stay the night
T 25 On the way back from Acton, I went to Wembley to see old Mrs Staples
F 26 Attended class
S 27
S 28 We all went to chapel in the morning
M 29 Grace went to Trot’s and stayed the night
T 30 Grace returned in the evening
W 31
November
T 1
F 2 I went to Beckenham and attended a lecture, with Auntie, on Tennyson’s late poems; stayed the night
S 3 Returned home in the morning
S 4 We all went to chapel
M 5 I went, with Father, to Ashanti Auxiliary meeting at Holborn restaurant; Grace went to a concert at Queen’s Hall at night
T 6
W 7 Sent parcel of Clothes to Mrs Brewer
T 8
F 9 Grace went to a concert in Wallington; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 10 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
S 11 We all went to chapel; Fannie and Edie came to tea and supper
M 12 ODFL committee meeting; fog prevented me attending; Kit came to tea and dinner and then Grace and Kit went to a lecture
T 13
W 14 Went to Croydon by new tram, shopping; Grace had tea with Kit
T 15 Fannie and Edie came to dinner and whist; I called to see Bessie
F 16 Kit and I went to Uncle’s to tea; went with Auntie to a lecture on Browning at Beckenham
S 17 Maurice came in to tea; George and Mr Brown came in after dinner; Agnes came in the afternoon to stay until Monday
S 18 We all went to chapel; Agnes and I went to Kit’s to tea
M 19 Grace went to a concert in town with Miss Craig
T 20 Grace wen tot a musical meeting and dinner with Auntie; both returned at night; Trot’s birthday
W 21 Took first painting lesson from Miss Moore
T 22 Attended a meeting in Clapham; had tea with Mrs Wood; Violet returned home with me; good meeting, well attended
F 23
S 24 Mr Antill came to dinner; Violet left in the evening
S 25 All went to chapel, I went in the evening; George and Nellie came to supper
M 26
T 27 Attended sewing meeting at Mrs Westcombe’s
W 28 Attended painting lesson; sent sale of work for the new chapel, articles I had made – £1/18/6 total
T 29 Trot and Kate Berry came over for the day
F 30 Maggie, Esther and Mr Chandler came to lunch; Kit and I went to Aunt Miriam’s and a Browning lecture in the evening
December
S 1 Made a lot of sweets for a sale of work; visited Mr Dunn; Grace went to a concert in town; Fannie and I went to George’s.
S 2 Grace and I went to chapel; Grace went again at night; opening of new wing
M 3 Grace and I went to a sale of work at Mrs Daw’s; Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Grace went to a symphony concert in town
T 4 Sale realised £42
W 5 Attended painting lesson; Grace had tea with Lillie and Marian
T 6
F 7 Had tea with Uncle and Auntie and attended Browning lecture with her at Beckenham
S 8
S 9 We all went to chapel; George and Nellie came to supper
M 10 Attended ODFL meeting and did shopping in town; Grace went to a lecture at night
T 11 Grace went to town to do some shopping and attend a musical meeting
W 12 Attended painting class; had tea with Miss Leach; sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Price
T 13 Called at Nellie’s; Fred came up to stay the night
F 14 Grace went to the annual Ashanti meeting
S 15 Mr Herrick, Kit and Arthur and Miss Brookes came to dinner
S 16 Very wet; none of us went out in the morning; I went to chapel at night; Fannie and Edie came to supper
M 17 Grace and I went to Croydon in the morning; Grace went to a concert in town at night;
T 18 Went for a walk with Father in the morning and shopping in Croydon in the afternoon
W 19 Attended painting lesson; Grace went to Uncle’s to tea; George came to dinner; sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Goodsell
F 21 Sent off Xmas parcel to Mrs Staples and overall to Adeline Price
S 22 Grace and I took our Xmas wreath to Norwood and took a parcel of things to old Mr Dunn
S 23 We all went to chapel in the morning and stayed at home at night
M 24
T 25 Xmas day; we all spent a happy day together; George, Nellie and the girls spent it with us
W 26 They came to lunch; Grace went to Bampfylde for dinner
T 27 Snow storm on Xmas Eve continued for several days
F 28 Had ‘Progressive Whist’ party with thirty guests; Ethel, Gladys, Jim and Violet came to stay
S 29 Children left in the morning, Violet in the evening
S 30 Still snowing; Grace and I went to chapel, too cold for Father to go; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 31
XMAS
Sent Mrs Staples parcel: 1 warm shawl, a cape, Xmas cake, packet of butterscotch. ½lb tea; fancy tin of biscuits, small bottle of sweets, calendar
Mr Dunn: Xmas cake, tin of tobacco, Edinburgh rock packet, small bottle of sweets, oranges, calendar
Mr Dunn (junior) a muffler
Adeline Price: overall, embroidered
1907
January
T 1 Auntie and Uncle, Mr and Mrs Rhodes and Mr Cheshire spent the day with us; a happy day with the old friends; Father bright and well
W 2 Attended my painting lesson at the studio; Mrs and Miss Henman and Miss Harmer called; Grace went to Croydon; I went to a lecture on Ghosts by Mr Herrick.
T 3 Grace and I spent the morning in London, shopping; Morgan called in the afternoon.
F 4
S 5
S 6 Grace and I went to chapel; we all three went to Covenant service; George, Nellie and the girls came to tea and supper
M 7 I went over to Trot’s to be with her for a few days while the girls were away in Devon
T 8 Trot and I went out shopping in the morning; Hope Leigh came to tea
W 9 I went to East Finchley for Trot in the morning; she and I went to help with mothers’ meeting supper in the afternoon and evening.
T 10 Jim and I went over to New Barnet to see the remains of a big fire at the Mills, still burning; engines been at work all night
F 11 Trot and I had tea at Mrs Childes and called at Mrs Hills
S 12 I returned home in the morning; Lillie came in the afternoon to stay over Sunday
S 13 Father, Grace and I went to chapel; Lillie’s ankle is too bad for her to go out; Rev Foster came to dinner
M 14 Lillie left in the morning; I attended ODFL meeting in town; Jim came to stay the night
T 14 Grace and Jim went to Croydon; Jim went home in the evening
W 16 I attended painting lesson in the morning; Kit came in to tea
F 17 Father and I went for a walk in the afternoon; Grace went to Epsom to call on Mrs Atkinson; George and Nellie came up after dinner
S 18 Grace went to a whist drive at Orchard Leigh with Kitty and Arthur; Father not able to go (Dorothy Milum’s seventeenth birthday) to go, so I stayed home with him.
S 19 Mr Stacey and Edith came over in the afternoon
S 20 Not well enough to go out in the morning and too foggy for Father; Grace went to chapel, I went at night; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 21 I visited old Mr Dunn; Kit came in to tea; Grace went to a concert in town
T 22 Father not so well; Dr Cressy called to see him; I called at Bessie’s
W 23 Cold intense
T 24 Whist drive at George’s; Grace and Olive Champness went, and Olive stayed the night with us; Father not well enough to go so I stayed home with him.
F 25 Intense cold continues; colder in London than in Iceland
S 26 Mr Champness and Muriel came down to tea and dinner; George, Uncle and Dorothy came in unexpectedly to tea.
S 27 Father better; I went to chapel in the morning, Grace at night; I went to Bampfylde to tea; Fannie and Edie came to supper; George came up after
M 28 Visited Arthur’s mother; great frost is broken!
T 29 Violet came down in the morning to stay and gave a lantern lecture on ‘The Dog’ at the Baptist lecture hall in the evening; Edie went with us and came to dinner
W 30 Attended my painting lesson; Arthur came in to dinner
T 31 Violet went to Mill Lane mothers’ meeting with me, to give an address on ‘Kindness to Animals’. Violet left in the evening
February
F 1 I went to whist drive at Mr Morgan’s; Grace went to Croydon, shopping
S 2 Grace went to Uncle’s to tea; Mr Cheshire and Mr Antill came in to dinner
S 3 Very cold; too unwell to go out; Grace went out in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper
M 4
T 5 Grace went to Fulham with Uncle in the morning and to a concert in town, with Kit and Arthur, at night; weather still too severe for Father or I to go out
W 6 Attended painting lesson; called on Mrs Morgan and Mrs Chandler; Father was able to get into the garden again.
T 7 I went up to Kit’s in the morning; Mr and Miss Herrick called in the evening
F 8 My birthday; a happy day, made bright by the love of dear ones; George and Nellie came in unexpectedly to dinner
S 9 Maurice Champness came in to tea
S 10 Grace and I went to chapel in the morning; Grace at night; Father went in the garden; Bessie and Olive came to tea; Fannie and Edie to supper
M 11 Attended ODFL committee and went on to have tea with Mrs Wood and Violet
T 12
W 13 Attended painting lesson; grace went to a lection on Rome at our chapel
T 14
F 15 I had tea with Nellie; Rev and Mrs Foster came in to dinner
S 16 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
S 17 Father went to chapel with us; I went at night; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea; Mr and Mrs Henman walked over to tea
M 18 I had tea with Kitty; Gather went for a little walk; Mr Herrick came in after dinner
T 19 Grace went to a musical meeting in town
W 20 Attended my painting lesson
T 21 Grace spent the day at Trot’s; Kitty came in to tea; a snow storm
F 22
S 23 Began Spring cleaning; Kit came in to tea; Grace went to Nellie’s to dinner; very cold
S 24 Too poorly to go out since Wednesday; Grace went to chapel; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 25 In bed most of the day
T 26 I went to whist drive at Miss Moore’s at night
W 27 Attended my painting lesson; did first study of flowers from nature
T 28 Trot, Cecil and Theo came over in the morning, to stay
March
F 1 Trot and children left; Grace went to town with them
S 2 I had tea over at Lillie’s; met Arnold and family there
S 3 Grace and I went to chapel; I went at night; Arthur, Kit and Daisy came to supper
M 4 I went to Croydon in the morning
T 5 Grace went to a service and bazaar at the Leysian mission with Aunt Miriam
W 6 Attended last painting lesson of first term
T 7
F 8 Kit and Arthur came to dinner; went to class in the afternoon; Father and we all went to a social at the hall in connection with the new church scheme
S 9
S 10 We all went to chapel; George and Nellie came to supper
M 11 Grace went to Kamloops meeting in town; I could not attend ODFL committee; Mr Herrick came in to dinner; Kit and I went to a lecture, ‘Earth Builders’ by Rev Theodore Wood
T12
W 13 Attended first painting lesson of second term; Kitty and Agnes came up in the evening
T 14 Visited Mr Dunn; Grace went to a meeting at the public hall; Father went out in the afternoon; Arthur and Mr Champness came round in the evening
F 15 I met Mrs Grant, Nell and Marian in town; had lunch and tea with them and went to the Cathedral and Hyde Park; went on to Mrs Wood on way home
S 16 George, Arthur and Kit came in to tea; Father and Grace went, with them, to a sale of garden produce in the afternoon
S 17 We all went to service; Mr Cheshire came in to tea and supper; also George later; Grace went to chapel at night
M 18 I went to Croydon in the morning; Kit came to tea; Father in the garden all day seeing to new shrubs, etc.
T 19 Grace went to a musical meeting and shopping in town
W 20 Attended my painting lesson; Father and Grace went to Croydon
T 21 Mr Hopkins came down to lunch and tea
F 22 Grace and I went to Croydon shopping; Father and I went for a walk in the afternoon; Kitty came to dinner
S 23 I went to Sidcup in the afternoon to Mrs Oliver’s to stay; attended annual Band of Mercy meeting; a full hall
S 24 Went to Christ Church in the morning; Eva and I went to St John’s at night; stayed to Passion music; called to see Dr Crombie on my way home
M 25 Went out with Eva in the morning; called on the Prices, with Mabel; Mr Jowett came to seem and stayed to tea and I returned home in time for dinner
T 26 Grace went to St Paul’s with George and Nellie to hear Passion music
W 27
T 29 Ethel and Arthur Stair came over for the day
F 29 Father and I went up to Kitty’s in the afternoon; I called to see the girls at Bampfylde in the evening
S 30 Mr Rhodes came to tea and dinner; Arthur came up in the morning to see Father
S 31 We all went to chapel in the morning; Fannie, Edie and Rene came to tea
March
M 1 Spent a quiet, happy Easter together; weather perfect; terrible tram accident at the end of our road
T 2 Mr Corderoy and Mrs Chandler came to lunch and tea; I went into Croydon for Father in the morning
W 3 Went to the dressmaker’s at Brixton and had tea with Mrs Wood; George and Nellie came in in the evening
T 4 Grace went to Sidcup and shopping in town with Nellie; Father and I went out in the morning; George came to dinner and Nellie returned with Grace
F 5 Attended class; Grace went to Croydon in the morning; Father went out in the afternoon.
S 6
S 7 A snow storm; blossoms covered with snow wreaths; Grace and I went in the morning to chapel; I went at night; too cold for Father to go out
M 8 Sent off parcel of clothes to Mrs Goodsell; visited Mr Dunn and Mrs Dyball
T 9 Dr Cressy came, attending me
W 10 Attended painting lesson; Miss Moore and Mrs Bryant called; Grace went to a meeting
T 11 I went to the dressmaker’s in Brixton and had tea at Violet’s
F 12 Grace went to Norwood and to cousin Lillie’s
S 13 Found a stray, diseased cat in Maldon Road, secured it and took it up to the chemist’s; called on Miss Leach; Grace went to Uncle to tea; Father and I went up to Bampfylde in the afternoon for an hour or so; Mr Rhodes came to dinner
S 14 We all went to chapel in the morning; Grace went to Bampfylde to supper
M 15 Attended ODFL meeting and visited the animal hospital
T 16 Grace went into Croydon
W 17 Attended painting lesson; called at Mr Dunn’s and Bessie’s; hail storm – very cold again
T 18 Went to Kit’s in the morning; Violet came to stay; I went with her to a suffragettes’ meeting in Carshalton at night; speakers were Mrs Despard and Mrs Holmes
F 19 Violet and I went for a country walk in the morning; Grace went to Sidcup to the dressmaker’s
S 20 Uncle and Auntie came for the day; Violet left in the evening; I went to Croydon at night with George, Nellie and the girls to hear ‘Elijah’ at the public hall; Soloists were Miss Ethel Lister, soprano; Miss Greta Williams, alto; Mr Joe Reed, tenor; Mr Dan Price, bass – very good, he took the part of Elijah
S 21 Grace and I went to chapel – too wet for Father; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 22 Poorly
T 23 Ditto; Mr Herrick called in the evening
W 24 Attended painting lesson; visited Mr Dunn
T 25 Grace went to have tea at Violet’s
F 26 Trot and Jim came over for the day and stayed the night; Grace took Jim to Croydon in the afternoon
S 27 Trot and Jim left in the morning; Mr Shilling (student) came to stay until Monday
S 28 We all went to chapel; grace went to Sutton at night
M 29 I went to darling Mother’s grave; went to dressmaker’s in Brixton in the morning
T 20
May
W 1 Attended painting lesson
T 2 Grace had tea with Mrs Mann; Mr and Miss Herrick came to dinner
F 3 I had tea with Uncle and Auntie; Arthur came up in the evening
S 4 Went to see Mr Dunn and Mrs Dyball; Mr Cheshire came to dinner as did Mr Antill
S 5 We all went to chapel; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came to supper
M 6 I collected for the RSPCA in the morning; Fred and Laurie came to stay
T 7 Grace and Laurie went to Croydon in the afternoon
W 8 Attended my painting lesson
T 9 Grace, Fred and Laurie spent the day in town
F 10 Violet came down to stay; Father took us all for a long drive through Chipstead, Kingswood, Epsom Downs, etc; a lovely day
S 11 Mr and Mrs Gilchrist came down in the afternoon and spent the day with us
S 12 We all went to chapel; Violet and I went at night; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 13 Attended ODFL committee; Fred and Laurie left
T 14
W 15 Violet and I went into Croydon in the morning; Kit and Mrs Roylston came to tea; Miss Moore came to dinner
T 16 Violet and I went to Beddington Orphanage and had tea with Matron; saw over the orphanage – Violet addressed the children; Father and Grace walked to Bampfylde
F 17 Violet and I went to the Royal Military Tournament at Olympia in the afternoon; the King was present
S 18 I hired a ‘bike’ and went for an hour’s ride with Violet; she and I went up to Kit’s in the afternoon
S 19 We went to chapel – too cold for Father; Grace and Violet walked to church in Croydon at night
M 20 Marian spent the day with us; Fannie and Edie came for tennis in the afternoon and stayed the evening; very cold
T 21 Went out with Violet on bicycles and road to The Oaks; Grace went to town; Father, Violet and I went to Croydon in the afternoon
W 22 Attended painting lesson; began first study in landscape; Violet left in the evening; poorly with a severe cold
W 23 Ditto; Grace went to a concert in town
F 24 In bed all day; Father, Grace and Kitty went for a drive
S 25
S 26 Not well enough to go out; Father and Grace went to chapel; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea; George came back to supper
T 27 Called to see Nellie and did some RSPCA collecting
W 29 Attended painting lesson; Uncle and George came to dinner; Father poorly, got a chill. Dr Cressy attending
T 30 Visited Mr Dunn; Father ill in bed, bronchitis; sent dress to Adeline Price;
F 31 Did some collecting for the RSPCA
June
S 1
S 2 I went to chapel in the morning; Mr Cheshire came in to tea
M 3
T 4 Father a little better; Gladys came over to see him
W 5 Derby Day; attended my painting lesson
T 6
F 7 Father better; Mr Cheshire came to see him
S 8 Not so well; sat up a short time; Uncle came to dinner; Arthur came to see Father
S 9 I went in the morning to chapel; Mr and Mrs Henman came to tea unexpectedly; Nellie came in to dinner; Father sat up a little while
M 10 Father better; I attended ODFL committee in town and went to annual RSPCA meeting at the Society of Arts – a lively meeting
T 11 Trot came over unexpectedly and stayed the night
W 12 Attended a painting lesson; Trot left in the afternoon; Ray (gardener) went to plant Mother’s grave, with Grace
T 13 Father came down the first time; visited Mr Dunn; collected for the RSPCA; Arthur and Mr Herrick called – and George in the evening
F 14 Collected; Father went round the garden for the first time; Mr Herrick and Mr Cheshire came to see him
S 15 Visited Mrs Dyball; Mr Antill and George called – a very wet day
S 16 Stayed with Father in the morning and went to chapel at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 17 Father, Grace and I went for a drive in the afternoon
T 18 Visited Bessie Hay; Grace went to a musical meeting in town; weather cold again
W 19 Attended my painting lesson;
T 20 Grace went to Kamloops meeting in town; Mr Cheshire and Mrs Chandler came to dinner; collected for RSPCA in the afternoon
F 21 I spent the day over at Trot’s; Father and Grace went for a drive
S 22 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
S 23 Animal Sunday; I went to chapel in the morning; Grace went to Mrs Chandler’s to tea and to Sutton chapel at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 24 Attended first painting lesson of new term; finished first landscape from copy; Grace went over to Lillie’s to eat
T 25
W 26 I went to have tea with Mrs Wood and Violet
T 27 Poorly
F 28 Collected for RSPCA
S 29 Grace went to Croydon in the morning; George and Nellie came to dinner; their girls went to Folkestone
S 20 Father went to chapel with us both; I stayed with him in the evening; Grace had supper at Nellie’s
July
M 1 Visited old Mr Dunn; Grace went to Kenley house hunting for Trot
T 2 Father and I went to Croydon in the afternoon; Grace went to a meeting
W 3 Paid £4/10/0 into local branch of RSPCA; Grace had dinner at Kitty’s
T 4 Nellie and I went to the Royal Academy and looked at shops; George came to dinner
F 5
S 6
S 7 All went to chapel in the morning; I went at night; Rev E Dennis came to dinner; Kitty, Arthur and Mr Antill to supper
M 8 Made arrangements for lethal chamber to be started in connection with the local branch of the RSPCA
T 9 Father and Grace went up to Kitty’s in the afternoon and I went to see Nellie
W 10 Kitty and I spent the day with Uncle and Auntie and went to the flower show at Beckenham with them; very cold still
T 11 Grace spent the day at Trot’s
F 12 I went to darling Mother’s grave and had tea with Lillie; Father and Grace walked to Nellie’s
S 13
S 14 We all went to chapel in the morning
M 15 Grace’s birthday; Kitty came to tea and went for a drive with us all afterwards; George and Percy Hay came up in the evening; very hot
T 16 Visited Mr Dunn
W 17 Attended second painting lesson of the fourth term; we all went over to Sutton to look over a house for Trot; Father and I drove there; George came in the evening
T 18 Gladys, Cecil and Theo came over in the morning and stayed the night
F 19 Went up to Kitty’s in the morning with the children; Dorothy came to tea with them; Gladys took them back home in the evening.
S 20 Grace and I went into Croydon in the morning; Fannie and Edie came to dinner
S 21 We all went to chapel; Mr Antill came to dinner; Pearce and Mrs Pearce had tea with Morris
M 22
T 23 I had tea with Nellie
W 24 Morris went for her fortnight’s holiday
T 25 Violet and I came to the Pier Hotel, Folkestone, for a short stay; went in town in the afternoon and walked through the Warren in the evening
F 26 Spent the morning on the beach; went, by motor coach, to Sandgate and then tram to Hythe; back home by motor coach; went to see Raku wrestle with a police constable
S 27 Went to Warren and spent the morning there; beach in the afternoon and paddled there; went to see Raku again at pier pavilion; wrestled with champion of Devon, Lieutenant Bellew, and Private Dunbar; Ragu (jujitsu) won in all; Dunbar won challenge cup, held out over four minutes.
S 28 We went to Wesleyan chapel in the morning and spent the afternoon on the Leas and, after dinner, went to a Dr Barnardo’s meeting at town hall
M 29 Went on beach and walked on the cliffs; in afternoon, Mr Farrell called; we had tea on the pier – turned cold; went to see Raku and to ask his terms for lessons
T 30 We went, by 10.15 boat, to Dover and returned by 4.49 boat; heavy swell; went over Dover Castle and on top of tram to river; very pretty
W 31 Walked into Sandgate and went over castle, built by Henry VIII; paddled and came home by motor coach; in the afternoon, went to the Leas and in town; sat on beach at night.
August
T 1 Walked to Warren and paddled in the morning; went on Leas and in town after tea; to pier at night to see the wrestling competition and hear the Rhondda Miners’ choir
W 2 Went by motor to Hythe, paddled and saw over old church and crypt; back by motor; swimming baths after tea and marine walk; the Leas at night.
S 3 We left Folkestone by 11.25 train and arrived at London Bridge at 2.30 – a glad welcome home by my dear ones. Morris went for her fortnight’s holiday on 31st July
S 4 Father and I went to chapel, a good sermon by Rev W Sheers of Baltimore; George and Nellie came to tea and supper and all the girls to tea
M 5 Father, Grace and I drove to the flower show in the park; Grace went back with George and the girls to dinner
T 6
W 7 Called to see Mr Dunn, found him very ill
T 8 I spent the evening at Mr Herrick’s – Fannie, Edie and Mr Daw were there
F 9 Visited Mr Dunn and found in a dying stage but so glad to see me
S 10 We all went for a drive in the afternoon and went over Sutton new chapel, now in building
S 11 All went to chapel – a beautiful sermon from MR Herrick on ‘Whatsoever things are lovely’; Grace went to chapel at night; Arthur came to supper
M 12 Called to enquire after Mr Dunn
T 13 Grace went down to Margate to engage rooms for us for September; Father and I went for a walk
W 14 Had my first nature study in the garden with Miss Moore; visited old Mr Dunn and called at Bampfylde
T 15 Hayes went for her fortnight’s holiday. Mr Hulme called in the evening; Morris returned from her holiday
F 16 Had my painting lesson (fourth this term) in the garden; Father, Grace and I went shopping to Croydon
S 17 Fannie, Edie and Percy and Bessie Hay came to late tea, tennis and cards
S 18 We all went to chapel; I went at night; Arthur came to supper
M 19 Poorly
T 20 In bed all day
W 21 Weather continues so cold
T 22 Father picked, in the garden, 30lbs of plums for preserving
F 23 Visited Mr Dunn; Grace and I made 28lbs of plum jam; Arthur came to lunch
S 24 Jim came in the morning to stay until Monday; Fannie and Edie came in to tea and tennis; George, Nellie and the girls came up again in the evening, former just returned from Wales; Mrs and Miss Foster called in the evening; Jim and I walked home with them and went in to see Mr Foster.
S 25 We all went to chapel in the morning and stayed at home at night; I called to see Bessie
M 26 I returned to Trot’s with Jim and stayed the night; she drove me over to Old Southgate to see her new house – The Chestnuts – in the afternoon; Arthur came in the evening
T 27 Trot came to town with me – we drove in taximeter cab to Victoria; I met Bessie and took her to lunch and the Natural History Museum and Brompton Oratory; home in the evening
W 28 Had my painting lesson; Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; George and Nellie came up in the evening; Father and I went for a walk
T 29 Visited Mr Dunn; Father, Mr Foster and I went for a long drive in the afternoon; Grace went to town with Nellie and to a concert at Queen’s Hall with George and Nellie
F 30 I had my painting lesson in the garden; went into Croydon after lunch, shopping; Hayes back from her holiday
S 31 Grace took our birthday wreath to Norwood; Father and I went for a little walk; George came up in the evening
September
S 1 First anniversary of Auntie Miria’s death; we all went to chapel; I went at night; Rev S Hunt, preached; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to dinner and tea
M 2 Father, Grace and I went to Margate for a fortnight; stayed at Brooklyn House, Ethelbert Crescent
T 3 Very cold; we all went to flag mast in the morning and as far as jetty in the evening; four men of war are anchored opposite
W 4 We all went on the jetty in the morning and spent time after tea on the cliffs at flag mast; weather bright, but cold
T 5 We all walked to the flag mast in the morning and, again, after tea
F 6 Father unwell; went out for a short walk in the afternoon and sat on the front; George joined us here in the evening
S 7 All went on top of a tram to Broadstairs; on front in afternoon; George and I went to the flag mast in the morning and Grace walked with him in the evening; Father better
S 8 We all went to the Wesleyan chapel and spent the rest of the day on the front
M 9 George left us in the morning; we went up towards the flag mast; bright weather now; we all went on jetty after tea; I met Mrs Wood at the station and went to ‘Hereward’ in the evening to see her
T 10 Spent the morning and afternoon on front; met Mrs Wood there in the morning
W 11 Spent the morning on the cliff; went on top of a tram to Ramsgate and back and had tea there; I went to Hereward after supper
T 12 I went for a stroll along the beach in thick sea mist; we all went on the front; Mrs Wood and Mrs Amor came to tea; Father and we went for a walk later
F 13 Spent the morning on the front and afternoon at a concert in the Oval; George and Nellie joined us for the weekend
S 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; we spent the morning and afternoon together on the front; I spent half an hour at Hereward with Mrs Wood
S 15 Six years since our darling mother went from us; we all went to chapel in the morning and spent the rest of the day on the front; I went in to Mrs Wood in the evening for a little
M 16 George returned home in the morning; we all came home in the afternoon, after a happy fortnight at Margate together; found all well at home.
T 17 Poorly
W 18 In bed most of the day; Mrs Wright and Mrs Williamson came to tea and Uncle to tea and dinner
T 19 Mrs Champness (senior) and Miss Carson and Miss Herrick came in to tea
F 20 In bed all day; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Kit and Mrs Herrick came to tea; Father and Grace went for a drive
S 21 In bed most of the day
S 22 Della’s birthday; we all went to chapel; Grace went at night
M 23 Nurse, Bobbie (Cecil) and Theo came to stay whilst Trot moves into her new house; I took the children out in the afternoon
T 24 Grace went to London shopping; Dorothy had tea with the children
W 25 We all went to stone-laying at Wallington chapel; Father laid a stone and I present one of the silver trowels to Mr Williams; Mr and Mrs Foster, George and Nellie, Mr and Mrs Hunt, Mr B Foster, Kitty, Arthur and Fannie and Edie came in to us for meals; went to tea at hall and then we all went to a public meeting at night; collections for the day totalled £265
T 26 Visited Mr Dunn; helped Father pick his apples; called on Mrs Herrick; Mr Herrick called here
F 27 Had my painting lesson in the garden; took children to see Mrs Hay; cousin Ernest came to stay
S 28
S 29 We all went to chapel, except Ernest; I went at night and took the children to the Hays in the afternoon; Rev J Cleave came to dinner
M 30 I spent the day in town shopping
October
T 1 Grace and Bobbie went to Brixton in the afternoon; George came up in the evening
W2 Nurse and the children returned home; grace went to opening of Sutton new chapel; sent off parcel for working girls’ club, Stirling
T 3 Visited old Mr Dunn and Mrs Dyball; sent off parcel to Humane Needlework Society; Ethel’s twenty-third birthday
F 4 Made Father’s cake; had painting lesson; attended class and went to guild social in the evening; Grace went over to Sutton in the afternoon
S 5 Darling Father’s 76th birthday; George and Nellie and Kitty and Arthur came to dinner; Ernest left in the afternoon
S 6 Grace and I went to chapel; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea and supper
M 7 Attended ODFL committee in town; went on to Trot’s to Gladys’ twenty-first birthday dance – 55 guests
T 8 Left Trot’s in the morning and went to the dressmaker’s at Brixton; then to darling Mother’s grave and had tea with Lillie
W 9 Had my painting lesson; Grace had tea over at Uncle’s
T 10 Grace and I went to Croydon in the morning; Father picked his apples and the damsons
F 11 Grace went to a guild lecture
S 12 Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Fannie and Edie in the afternoon; George at night; Father and I went up to see the new chapel
S 13 We all went to chapel; I went out at night; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper
M 14 I had tea at Nellie’s; Fannie and Edie came back to dinner and went with grace to Woodcote lecture
T 15 Father and I picked the rest of our apples; Grace went over to Epsom in the afternoon
W 16 Eva came down to spend the day with us
T 17 Visited Mr Dunn; Grace spent the evening at Bampfylde to meet the Testers; sent parcels of clothing to Mrs Brewer and Adeline Price
F 18
S 19 I had tea with Uncle and Auntie
S 20 I stayed at home with Father; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Grace went to service this morning
M 21 I took Kitty’s place at mothers’ meeting; Father and Grace went to Croydon
T 22 Called at Kit’s
W 23 Attended painting lesson
T 24 Visited old Mr Dunn; first meeting of whist club at our house; George, Fannie, Edie, Kitty and Arthur came; Father and I went to see the new chapel progressing
F 25 Mrs Taylor spent the day with us; Arthur came to tea
S 26 Agnes came to stay until Monday; Miss Foster came to dinner
S 27 We three went to chapel – too foggy for Father; Arthur came in to supper
M 28 I went up to have tea at Violet’s
T 29 Grace had tea with Kitty; Howard Berry came down unexpectedly to dinner
W 30 Attended 11th painting lesson this term; Grace went to Sutton to Mrs Chandler to tea and opening service at night
T 31 I went to Croydon shopping; Mr and Mrs Foster came to dinner
November
F 1 Grace gave a paper on Schubert, with illustrations, at our church guild meeting; very successful; we could not go to it
S 2 Grace went to a concert in town and then on to see Lillie and Marian
S 3 We all went to chapel; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 4
T 5 Visited Bessie Hay; Grace went to a committee meeting at Sutton
W 6 Attended painting lesson; visited Mrs Dyball; Ray went to Norwood to plant the bulbs on Mother’s grave
T 7 Father ill with asthma, sent for Dr Cressy; kept him in bed; George came in unexpectedly to dinner; grace went to whist club – at Kitty’s
F 8 Father better; I had to go to Croydon in the morning; Kitty came in the afternoon and Mr Herrick in the evening
S 9 Visited Mr Dunn; Trot came over for the day; Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Uncle to tea and dinner; George and Nellie in the evening
S 10 I stayed with Father in the morning; Grace at night; George came in to supper
M 11 Thick fog all day; could not attend ODFL committee meeting; Father came downstairs to tea; Grace went to Woodcote lecture at night
T 12
W 13 Had first painting lesson of new term; altered lessons to once a fortnight
T 14 Grace went over to Uncle’s for tea; Kitty and Mrs Edwards came in the afternoon
F 15 I went to class; Mr Herrick and Mr Cheshire came in to tea
S 16 Called at Mr Dunn’s; George and Mr Antill came down in the evening
S 17 I went to chapel in the morning and Grace at night
M 18 Grace went to Croydon; George came in morning
T 19 Nellie, Fannie, Mrs Stacey and Edie came in to tea; I went to the sewing meeting; Mrs Atkinson called in the morning
W 20 Visited Mr Dunn; Mr Rhodes spent the day with us; George came up at night; Trot’s birthday
T 21 Whist club met at our house – six friends
F 22 I went to guild lecture at public hall; Rev Dinsdale Young on ‘What I saw in America’
S 23
S 24 Grace went chapel in the morning and I at night; Rev S Hunt came to dinner; George and Nellie to tea and supper
M 25 Went into Croydon shopping in the morning
T 26 I went to sewing meeting; Violet sent me a copy of her first book, ‘The New Crusade’
W 27 Attended painting lesson; Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; George and Nellie came in to supper
T 28 Ernest came down to wish goodbye to us all before he went abroad; Grace started German lessons from a master in Wallington
F 29 Grace went to a concert in town at night
S 30 Grace went to Queen’s Hall concert and then on to Agnes Heaton’s to spend the evening
December
S 1 I went to chapel in the morning; Grace at night; George came in to supper
M 2 Visited Mr Dunn; Violet came down to stay the night and gave an address at Carshalton church mother’s meeting and another at night at the Baptist hall
T 3 Violet left in the evening; Mr Foster came up unexpectedly to tea and dinner; George came up at night; Grace went to Croydon in the afternoon
W 4 Grace spent the day at Trot’s
T 5 I went to whist club at Bampfylde; Kitty, Arthur, Mr and Mrs Batty, Mr and Mrs Tester, Miss Tester and Mr Kirkness present
F 6 Grace went to Ashanti Auxiliary meeting with Trot
S 7 Grace went to reunion of old Studley Road members with Trot; Uncle to the chair
S 8 Grace went to chapel in the morning, I went at night; George came up to supper; Hayes’ mother died
M 9 Attended ODFL committee meeting and spent a couple of hours with Mrs Wood on the way home; went to Woodcote lecture at night; Mr Gooch spoke on ‘India’
T 10 George and Nellie came up after dinner
W 11 Attended painting lesson
T 12 Visited Mr Dunn; sent 10/6 worth of things I had made to sale of work for new church
F 13 Nellie and the girls, Kit and Dorothy came in to tea and went to sale with Grace; I went for a short time afterwards; Grace went to a whist drive at Mr Morgan’s
S 14 I went to a whist drive at Mr Morgan’s
S 15 Grace and I went to chapel in the morning; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and chapel at night; Edie came back with her to supper
M 16 Grace went to Ashanti meeting and spent the day shopping in town; George came in the afternoon
T 17 Went into Croydon in the afternoon to do my shopping
W 18 Grace went to town in the morning to meet Georgie Berry; brought her back in the afternoon; Howard Berry and Arthur Stair came to dinner; Ethel and Gladys spent the day with us; I went to a painting lesson
T 19 Whist club met at our house – George, Nellie, Fannie and Edie, Kit and Arthur, Miss Moore, Maurice, Percy and Bruce Foster
F 20 Grace poorly and in bed part of the day; Father went round the garden, the first time since his illness; I went to a recital of Dickens’ Christmas Carol by Mr Leonard Harris, in Carshalton hall
S 21 Grace went to a whist drive at Mrs Stacey’s
S 22 Grace went to chapel in the morning and I at night; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; George and Nellie to supper; I had tea at Bampfylde
M 23 I took our Xmas wreath to darling Mother’s grave; had tea at Uncle and Auntie’s on my way home
T 24 Took my parcel to Mr Dunn; Pearce came up in the evening to bring good wishes
W 25 A happy day; darling Father so bright and well; Bampfylde friends all here for the day
T 26
F 27 Lass and I went up to Kitty’s before lunch; very cold
S 28 Father in bed with a cold
S 29 Ditto; I went to chapel in the morning; Grace at night
M 30 Nellie and Rene came in to tea
T 31 Grace went into Croydon; Father came downstairs again; George came in the evening
XMAS PARCELS
Mrs Staples: cake, two boxes sweets, butterscotch; bed jacket; ½lb tea
Mr Dunn: came, bottle of sweets, bed socks; ½lb tea
Mr Dunn (junior): cardigan jacket
1908
January
W 1 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; Mr Babister called in the morning; Mr Cheshire came in to tea and supper
T 2 George came in to dinner – Grace went to whist club at Kitty’s; sent of parcel of clothes to Salvation Army
F 3 Visited Mr Dunn; Violet came down in the morning to stay the night and recited at the church guild social at the Presbyterian hall. I went with her; Father much better
S 4 Violet left in the morning
S 5 Bitterly cold, with fog; not well enough to go out; Grace went morning and afternoon; Father well again
M 6 Sent a parcel of clothing to Mrs Price; Mr Sylvester called to see me about a lantern lecture at George Street, Croydon; had a long talk with him about humanitarian league lectures and Bands of Mercy; hope it may lead to the work being started there; wrote Mr E Champness proposing Band of Mercy for Wallington
T 7 Returned whist drive call at Mrs Stacey’s, Sutton; Mr Herrick called
W 8 Attended painting lesson; first fall of snow
T 9 I went up to have tea with Mrs Wood
F 10 Grace spent the day in town with Mrs Taylor; Jim came over in the morning to stay the night
S 11 Jim left in the morning; I had tea with Kitty; George and Nellie came to dinner
S 12 I went to chapel in the morning; Grace at night
M 13 Could not attend ODFL committee; Violet came down for the day and we went to Wallington church mothers’ meeting; violet gave the address; Edie and I went to Woodcote lecture at night – the subject, ‘Corsica, the isle of unrest’ by Mr E Young
T 14 I went up to see Kitty in the morning and found her still very poorly; Violet came down for the day and she and I went to Sutton Wesleyan Band of Hope to give her ‘Horse Lecture’; 140 children present; Mr Foster came to dinner and stayed the evening
W 15 Attended committee of RSPCA in Carshalton parish room; proposed a volume of ‘A World’ be sent to W & C Cabmen’s Shelters Men’s Club and Cottage Hospital; visited Mr Dunn
T 16 Whist club at our house – George, Nellie and the girls and Arthur came; George came to dinner
F 17 In bed all day; Father able to be in the garden; Grace went to a guild lecture at night
S 18 In bed most of the day; twenty-nine years since dear Della went home
S 19 Ditto; Grace went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper
M 20
T 21 Fog all day; Grace went to a musical meeting in town and to Dore Gallery; sent went to a concert here at night
W 22 Went to painting lesson; went up to see Kitty in the afternoon; Grace gave prizes at school meeting in out chapel
T 23 Dreadful fog; Kitty came to tea
F 24
S 25 Marian came in the afternoon to stay over Sunday
S 26 Marian and I went to service in the morning; Grace went with her at night
M 27 I had tea with Nellie
T 28 I went to a whist drive at Mr Champness, Clapham; nine tables – Kitty, Arthur, Fannie, Edie and Mr and Mrs Royston went up as well; Father was in the garden
W 29 Mrs Foster and Kitty came in the morning; George and Nellie in the evening; Mr Cheshire came to lunch and tea. Grace gave a paper on Schubert at Sutton Guild and went to Miss Harmer’s to dinner; I had tea with Arthur’s mother
T 30 Visited Mr Dunn; Grace went to whist club at Bampfylde
F 31 Grace went over to Uncle’s to tea.
February
S 1
S 2 Grace went to chapel in the morning and I went at night – Communion; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Aunt Janie’s birthday
M 3 I spent the day in town with Violet; went to the Japanese school of defence, the RSPCA office, Time Book Club and did some shopping; Had tea with Mrs Wood; Trot came over for the day and stayed the night
T 4 Trot left in the afternoon; Mr Herrick called; Maurice and Miss Dundas came to dinner
W 5 Attended painting lesson
T 6 Mr E Champness called to see me about starting a Band of Mercy in connection with the Band of Hope; arranged for inaugural meeting to be held on April 3rd and I wrote to the RSPCA to ask for a speaker; Father went round the garden
F 7 Grace went up to have tea with Mrs Wood; George came in at night
S 8 My birthday; Mr and Mrs Stacey came to tea; George and Nellie came up in the evening
S 9 I went to chapel in the morning, Grace at night; Father poorly, called in Dr Cressy – lung trouble again, but slight; Fannie and Edie came in to supper
M 10 Father a little better; I attended ODFL committee and spent an hour at the Tate Gallery and had tea with cousin Lillie
T 11
W 12 Father better; visited Mr Dunn, found family in great trouble because of a sister’s sad death; Grace went to a lecture here at night; George, Nellie and Arthur came up in the evening; wrote article on stray cats and sent it to the paper
T 13
F 14 Called on Mrs Williamson and Mrs Chandler, found both out; sent parcel of new clothes to Mrs Goodsell; Kit came in the afternoon
S 15 Uncle and Auntie and Maggie Ibbotson spent the day with us; George and Nellie came in to dinner
S 16 Grace went to chapel in the morning and I at night; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea
M 17 Mrs Hay and Olive came to tea; Father better
T 18 Grace spent the day in town at a concert and a musical meeting
W 19 Attended my painting lesson; I walked up to Bampfylde after dinner
T 20 I went to Croydon in the morning; whist club here in the evening; George came to dinner, afterwards Nellie, Fannie, Edie, Kitty and Arthur
F 21 Visited Mr Dunn; went to guild lecture at night – Rev S Hunt
S 22 Still very unwell; Dr Cressy came to see me; Father better again now
S 23 I went to chapel in the morning, Rev R Foster preached; Grace in the evening; George and Nellie came in to tea and supper
M 24
T 25 Mr Mann had tea with us
W 26 I walked up to Mr Foster’s after dinner
T 27 George and Nellie came up to dinner; Nellie kept Father company whilst the rest of us went to whist club at Kitty’s; Fannie and Mr and Mrs Hicks there; Mr Merrick came in to tea
F 28 Kitty and Nellie came in to tea; Kit and I went to class; Mr and Mrs Foster came to dinner and spent the evening with us
S 29 A fall of snow; Grace went to musical meeting, etc in town
March
S 1 Grace went in the morning to chapel, I at night; Heavy snow storm, very cold; Mr Cleave came to tea
M 2 Grace had tea at Mrs Foster’s
T 3 Edie and I went to have tea with Uncle and Auntie
W 4 Attended painting lesson
T 5 Visited Mr Dunn; Grace went to George’s to dinner
F 6 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Grace went to musical guild ant chapel
S 7 Mr Riley came up to see Father in the evening
S 8 I went to chapel in the morning; Grace at night; Rev S Hunt came to dinner and tea
M 9 I attended ODFL committee; spent an hour at the Royal Academy diploma gallery; had tea with Mrs Wood; Maurice came to stay a couple of nights whilst Mr Champness moves into a new house at Wallington
T 10 Raised my sub to RSPCA to one guinea; Ethel came over for the day; Bessie came to see me
W 11 Mr Foster came to lunch; Mr and Mrs Mann to dinner; Maurice left in the morning; Father bright and well again
T 12 Mr Harris called in the afternoon; George came to dinner; whist club at our house – George and the girls, Kitty, Arthur and Maurice came; went down to Mr Dunn to take concert tickets for his son
F 13 Grace and Nellie went over to Beckenham to tea; George has influenza; Maurice came to dinner; Kitty to tea
S 14 Percy and Lawrence called to see me; Fred came to stay over Sunday; Grace went to concert here at night
S 15 Grace and Fred walked to Sutton in the morning; I went to a service at night; Maurice came home with me to supper
M 16 Fred left in the morning; I spent the day over at Trot’s
T 17 We began Spring cleaning; I called to see George and found him much better
W 18 Violet and I took Mrs Wood up to the annual RSPCA meeting at the Criterion restaurant; I went back with them; Grace went to Bach choir concert with Kitty at night
T 19 Grace went to Mrs Mann’s to dinner; I attended painting lesson
F 20 Continued frosty, with a yellow fog
S 21 Uncle came over to tea and dinner; Unwell, still in bed part of the day; been under doctor’s for five weeks now.
S 22 I went to the service in the morning; Grace at night; I had tea with them at Bampfylde
M 23
T 24 Kit and I went to the sewing meeting; Father able to be in the garden again; George came up in the evening, first time since his illness
W 25
T 26 Dark fog all day
F 27 Mabel Oliver motored over from Sidcup to have tea with us
S 28 I went to Croydon in the morning, shopping; Kitty and Miss Foster called
S 29 Grace went to service in the morning; I did not go at all; Violet spent the day with us and, in the afternoon, we went to our school where Violet gave an address on being kind to animals; George and Nellie came to supper
M 30 Grace went to Croydon in the afternoon; Mr Herrick came to tea
T 31 I visited Mr Dunn; Maurice came up in the evening; Nellie and Edie in the afternoon; Cecil’s ninth birthday
April
W 1 Attended my painting lesson; Mr Foster came to lunch and tea; George came up in the evening ; Grace went to Palestine exhibition
T 2 Visited Bessie Hay
F 3 Inaugural meeting of the Wallington Wesleyan Band of Mercy at our chapel; Twenty-nine children present and seven adults; Mr Love came down from the RSPCA to give the address
S 4 George and Nellie came to tea and dinner
S 5 I went to chapel in the morning and Grace at night; Mr Champness called in the afternoon
M 6 Attended ODFL committee; called at RSPCA office; spent an hour in the National Gallery; went on to dressmaker and had tea with Mrs Wood
T 7 Workmen came in; Kit called in the afternoon
W 8 Collected for the RSPCA; workmen finished
T 9 George came in to dinner; Mrs Dawe called
F 10 Went to Band of Mercy meeting; joined Wallington Wesleyan Band of Mercy; stayed on to guild meeting
S 11 Grace went to Norwood to Lillie’s for tea and a concert at night; Mr Mann and Jackie came to tea
S 12 Grace went to chapel in the morning; I went at night; Fannie and Edie came to tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 13
T 14 Grace went to a concert in town with Marian; Maurice came in the evening; still very cold
W 15 Attended painting lesson; Kitty and I called on Mrs Foster; finished Spring cleaning
T 16 Grace poorly; George and Nellie went to Folkestone
F 17 Grace still poorly; Edie and Rene came up in the evening; I took Father up to see the new chapel; first time he has been for a walk for seven months
S 18 Visited Mr Dunn and Mrs Pearce; Kitty, Arthur and Miss Mullins came to dinner
S 19 I went to service in the morning, Grace at night; snow showers and very cold
M 20 Bitterly cold, snow storms during the day; did not go out; Grace better again and Father very well
T 21
W 22 Trot, Jim, Cecil and Theo came over to stay the night; I called at Bampfylde
T 23 I took the children out in the morning; Trot and all of them left after tea; Grace went up to Kitty’s to supper; snow and sleet
F 24 Visited Mr Dunn; attended Band of Mercy meeting; heavy snow storm last night; George and Nellie came back from Folkestone yester and came down to see us tonight
S 25 Uncle came over in the afternoon; Rev and Mrs Cleave came to dinner as well; the worst snow storm we have had all winter; bitterly cold
S 26 Grace went to chapel in the morning, I at night; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came to supper
M 27 I went up to tea at Violet’s
T 28 Hayes and Morris gave us notice, the former leaves to be married, the latter to live nearer her parents; both been with us over six years; went to see Mr Dunn, who is dying and asked for me
W 29 Went to my painting lesson; commenced water colour; Grace had tea at Beckenham
T 30 Poorly, in bed most of the day; Mr Foster came to tea; I went up to Bampfylde at night; old Mr Dunn passed away
May
F 1 Went down to see Miss Dunn; Rev and Mrs Hunt came to dinner; very hot day; I went to Croydon with Father
S 2
S 3 I went to chapel in the morning, Grace at night; Mr Cleave came to dinner and tea; George to supper
M 4 Grace went to Mrs Atkinson
T 5 Went to see Mr McHardy about my eyes, Violet went with me; had lunch together at the Cabin; I went to the royal gallery of British artists and then to Mother’s grave and had tea with Lillie and Marian
W 6
T 7 Called at Kit’s; Father and I went up to see the new chapel; weather lovely
F 8 Collected for the RSPCA; called at Bampfylde and at Bessie’s; Arthur came to dinner
S 9 Mr Cheshire came in to supper and Rev A Martin came to stay till Monday and preached twice on Sunday
S 10 Grace went to chapel in the morning and I went at night
M 11 Attended ODFL committee; went to a concert after at Queen’s Hall – violin, Ysaye; piano, Pugno – Mozart, Schumann and Bach sonatas; Mr Foster came to lunch and dinner and Mrs Atkinson called
T 12
W 13 Attended first lesson of new term painting; Gladys and Theo came to stay; Gladys and I went to Bessie’s in the evening
T 14 Children left after tea
F 15
S 16
S 17 I went to chapel in the morning, Grace at night; George and Nellie came to supper; very hot
M 18 Grace went to a concert at Queen’s Hall; glorious weather; Father in garden all day
T 19 I went over to Uncle’s for tea; Father and Grace went, on top of a tram, to Purley and back
W 20 Went to Royal Academy with Miss Moore and her pupils; Father and Grace went to Bampfylde in the afternoon; Percy and George came up in the evening
T 21
F 22 Violet spent the day with us; we went up to see Nellie in the afternoon; Bessie came to see me
S 23 Uncle spent the day with us; Mr Champness and Mr Antill called; Mrs Day came to tea; Father very well
S 24 Father went to chapel with us; had such a hearty welcome; George and Nellie came to supper; Grace went to Kit’s for tea
M 25 Grace and I went into Croydon shopping; I went to help with a jumble sale at Mill Lane; Maurice came in after dinner
T 26
W 27 Attended annual business meeting of ODFL and then went to the Tate Gallery; had tea with Mrs Wood; Father and Grace went for a two hours’ drive
T 28 Collected for the RSPCA
F 29 Grace went to a concert in town with Edie
S 30 I went to Croydon for Father; we had a tennis party to tea and supper; Edie and Jim Stacey, Fannie and Edie, Percy and Olive Champness; George and Mr Newcombe came in after supper
S 31 We all went to chapel in the morning and Grace also went at night; Mr Herrick came to supper
June
M 1 Grace spent the day over at Trot’s; heat intense – 135° in London
T 2 Grace went to town; Father and I walked up to the new chapel; Mr Foster came to dinner and Mrs Foster came in afterwards; a thunder storm at night
W 3 Went to my painting lesson; collected for the RSPCA; Derby Day
T 4 Hayes left us to be married, after six and a half years’ service; Beatrice came in her place; another heavy storm
F 5 Collected in the afternoon and called at Nellie’s; Kit came to dinner; Arthur and Mr Cheshire afterwards
S 6 George came in to tea; I went to tennis and supper at Bampfylde and met Mr and Mrs Frank and Kitty and Arthur there
S 7 We all went to services; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and supper; Mr Cleave came in to tea
M 8 Father and grace and I went to Bampfylde to tea; Grace stayed to supper; we met Mr and MRs F Williams and Mrs Tester there
T 9
W 10 Collected for RSPCA; called on Miss Dunn
T 11 Grace went to Folkestone for the day to try and engage rooms for us; George and Maurice came in; Father walked up to the new chapel
F 12 Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen and James spent the day with us; had a happy day all together; called at Bampfylde and collected at night
S 13 I went to Croydon in the morning
S 14 We all went to service; Mr Hunt came to tea; George and Nellie to supper; I went to chapel at night
M 15 I went to town to meet Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen and James; we had lunch and ta together and went to the new gallery in Regent Street and also to Hyde Park; Maurice came in at night
T 16 Kit’s birthday; Grace went to town for the day; Uncle came over to lunch and tea
W 17 Attended my painting lesson; first try at flowers from nature in watercolour; Grace went to a concert in town
T 18 Violet’s birthday; I went to Croydon with Father in the morning and to Bampfylde after tea; Mrs Williamson and Queenie Wright came to tea; Kit and Arthur to dinner. Fannie, Edie, George and Maurice to say goodbye in the evening
F 19 Father, Grace and I came to Folkestone to stay at the Langhorne hotel, the Leas, for a fortnight
S 20 Spent morning and afternoon on the front
S 21 We drove to Shorncliffe camp and saw the march past of troops; could not get in to the service; sat by the sea in the afternoon; I went on the beach at night
M 22 Spent the morning on the front; afternoon on the pier
T 23 Went to the harbour to see Mr and Mrs Hunt off for Boulogne, went to Hythe and Sandgate; I sketched on the beach
W 24 Spent the morning on the front and afternoon on the pier; I went for a stroll along the Leas at night
T 25 Spent the morning on the beach and front; George came down unexpectedly for half a day; we all went, by motor, to Sandgate and had tea and went on to Hythe by tram, back the same way
F 26 Out most of the day
S 27 Ditto
S 28 We all went to Christ Church in the morning
M 29 We went for a drive in a taxi cab round the foot of the Downs – time, forty minutes, charge 7/3d
T 30 Out all day
July
W 1 We drove to Sandgate and Hythe in landau
T 2 We went for an hour and a half’s drive in a landau; Jim’s seventeenth birthday
F 3 We came home after a very enjoyable fortnight by the sea
S 4
S 5 We all went to service; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came to supper; Mr Cheshire to tea and supper
M 6 Ethel and Arthur came over to dinner; Hayes was married
T 7 Aunt Hannah and Della came up to stay
W 8
T 9 Ethel’s wedding day; Grace and I went over early in the morning, returning home in the evening; 150 guests and seven bridesmaids; sunshine
F 10 Della and I went up to see Kitty; Bessie came to tea
S 11
S 12 Animal Sunday – Grace, Della and I went to chapel; Della and I again at night
M 13 ODFL – did not go; made Grace’s cake in the morning; took Della to Croydon in the afternoon; George came up at night
T 14 Grace and Della went to Croydon and to Orchard Leigh in the afternoon
W 15 Grace’s birthday; she and Della spent the day at the exhibition; George came in to dinner
T 16 Aunt Hannah’s birthday – seventy-two; Trot and Gladys came over for the day; Kitty came in to ta
F 17 Grace and Della went into Croydon
S 18
S 19 Grace, Della and I went to chapel – Della and I went again at night; George and Nellie came to supper; Mr and Mrs Henman to tea
M 20 Father, Auntie, Della and I went for a drive
T 21 Auntie and Della left; I went to Band of Mercy meeting in Sidcup; called on Mrs Oliver; Gilbert, Dr Crombie; Mrs Price, Mrs Brewer and Mrs West; returned in the evening
W 22 Attended my painting lesson; Grace went to Uncle’s to tea
T 23 Parton spent the day with us; Mr Herrick and Rene came in to tea
F 24 Father and I went to Bampfylde in the afternoon; I went to Kit’s after dinner
S 25 Aunt Lissie came to stay, also Parton; Uncle and Auntie came over for the day
S 26 We all went to chapel and Grace again at night; Parton preached in the morning and left us in the evening; George and Nellie came to supper
M 27
T 28 Grace went to Ethel’s first ‘At Home’ at Clarence Gate Gardens; Father, Auntie and I went for an hour and a half’s drive; Father and I went for a short walk
W 29 Went to Ethel’s ‘At Home’ and had tea with Mrs Wood and Violet
T 30 Morris left us after six and a half years’ service; Ellen came in her place; Father, Auntie and I went to Croydon to see Bessie
F 31 Aunt Lissie and I had tea with Lillie and Marian; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Mr and Mrs Hunt called
August
S 1 Marian came to stay over Sunday
S 2 We all went to chapel and Marian and I at night; Mr Hunt came to tea; George and Nellie, Rene and Arthur to supper
M 3 Marian left in the morning; we all went to Nellie’s to tea and I stayed to dinner and Rene and I went to the horse and flower show
T 4 I called on the Dunns; Maurice and Connie came in after dinner
W 5 Went to painting lesson
T 6
F 7 Father and I went up to see the new chapel; Inspector Oxley called to see me; I went to see Comyns about lethal chamber and also wrote to Miss Adams
S 8 Cousin Lillie came to stay a day or two
S 9 I went to chapel in the morning, Grace at night
M 10 Lillie left in the morning; I called at Mr Foster’s in the evening
T 11 Uncle came over to tea and dinner
W 12 Aunt Lissie left
T 13 Grace went to Norwood
F 14 Father and Grace went to Beckenham for the day; I went to Brixton shopping and had tea at Mrs Wood
S 15 Mrs Gilchrist came down after lunch and spent the day with us
S 16 We all went to chapel and I went again at night; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea and George and Nellie came back to supper; also Mr Cheshire; Mr Hunt and Jackie came to tea
M 17
T 18 I went to Wesleyan Band of Mercy committee meeting and was selected a member of the same
W 19 Father and I went over to Trot’s by taxi cab from Victoria to stay; Ethel and Arthur came to dinner to meet us
T 20 Wet day; Gladys, Jim and the children and I went to the village sports in the afternoon – and got very wet
F 21 Trot and Gladys drove us back to Victoria in their carriage; we called at Ethel’s flat on the way and had tea there
S 22 George and Nellie came in to dinner
S 23 Very wet day; Grace went to chapel in the morning
M 24 Violet and I spent the day at the great exhibition and stayed to see the illuminations; she returned with me at night; we went on the scenic railway, flip-flap; haunted house; electric launch; in a rickshaw; to the Irish village; Old London, Daily Mail, etc
T 25 Gladys and Jim came to stay; Violet went home at night; Violet and I went to Croydon in the morning
W 26 Gladys and I went to Croydon in the morning; she went home again in the evening
T 27
F 28 Jim went home in the evening
S 29 I went to darling Mother’s grave
S 30 We all went to chapel in the morning; Grace Bampfylde to supper
M 31 Gales
September
T 1 Ditto; Grace went to Violet’s for tea
W 2 Grace went into Croydon in the morning; I had tea with George and Nellie
T 3
F 4 I came to Cove; left Euston at 10am and arrived at Glasgow at 6pm; Grace saw me off in London; Ellen met me in Glasgow and we took the train from Queen’s Street to Craigendoran and steamer to Kilcreggan; drive of three miles – a glorious moonlit night; we much enjoyed the sail on the loch.
S 5 Pouring with rain all day and did not go out; Miss Anderson and Miss MacEwan spent the evening at Woodside
S 6 We all went to church; Rev H Simpson preached and again at night; Ellen and I called at the manse; very wet all day; cleared at night and Mr Gilchrist, George and Bob, Arthur and I had a lovely walk home
M 7 Another very wet day; Ellen and I went to Mrs Anderson’s after dinner to spend the evening – games and music
T 8 A very wet day; went for a short walk in the morning; friends came in the evening – Miss Anderson, Mr and Mrs Tom, Rev H Simpson, Miss Stewart, etc; played ping pong – American tournament; had a jolly evening
W 9 Cold but fine part of the day; Ellen and I went, by steamer, to Gourock and then took a train to Skelmorlie, where we had lunch with Mrs Gow-Smith; she drove up to Largs – 6 miles – and then back to the station; we took the train to Greenock, went for a walk there and then a train and steamer to Kilcreggan and drive home
T 10 Lovely day but cold wind; Ellen and I went for a long walk over the hills in the morning; in the afternoon, we drove with Mrs Gilchrist to Roseneath; Ellen, James and I went for a moonlight walk.
F 11 We drove to Roseneath in the morning; eight friends came in to tennis in the afternoon; James, Ellen and I went for a walk at night; Miss Scott went with us to Roseneath
S 12 A lovely day; in the morning, Ellen and I walked to Cove village, the bowling green and tennis courts, round the golf links and then home; in the afternoon James, Ellen and I went to Miss Templeton’s, Knockderry Castle, for tennis
S 13 We went to church in the morning and again at night – a fine day; fine sermon in the morning from John VIII, v 1 – 11; Mr Gilchrist, Arthur, James and I had a lovely walk home from the church
M 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; I went for a stroll to Cove village in the morning; we drove to Roseneath in the afternoon; came on very wet again
T 15 Seven years today since our darling went from us; I went out alone early; as I stood on the shore, a rainbow shone out overhead – glorious scenery; Ellen and I went for a long walk over the hills; in the afternoon, we sat in the garden – I lingered by the burn; a perfect day, showers and sunshine; Mr Howden called
W 16 I went for an hour’s walk after breakfast; came on very wet all day, so could not go out again; Mr James Wiley came in after dinner and spent the evening with us
T 17 Ellen left for Melrose; I drove to Kilcreggan with her and saw her off and then went for a long stroll alone to Knockderry castle – got caught in the pouring rain; went as far as Cove pier in the afternoon
F 18 Very went – half an hour’s walk in the morning only; played billiards with Mr Gilchrist in both the morning and afternoon; pouring all day
S 19 I left Cove by the 7.45 boat, with Arthur and Bob – Mr Wiley joined us; crossed to Gourock, train to Glasgow Central; Arthur saw me off for Airdrie, where Parton met me; got to Fannie’s by 11am; Parton, Hilda and I went for a walk in the afternoon.
S 20 We all went to chapel in the morning and again at night; Parton preached twice; damp day, raining
M 21 Fannie and I went for a long walk round Airdrie in the morning; Mr Bob Lang came in at night
T 22 I left Airdrie by the 8.15am train; Parton came with me to Glasgow and we spent an hour looking at the shops; I left Central station by 10am train for Euston; arrived home at 8.30pm and found all well
W 23 Auntie and Uncle came over for the day; the new chapel opened at Wallington; Father went with us to both services; President, Rev Scott Lidgett, preached in afternoon and came up to tea with us as did Rev Goudie, Rev and Mrs Hunt; Mr Champness took the chair in the evening – collections for the day were £332
T 24 Mr Herrick called
F 25 I called at Bampfylde
S 26 Inspector Manners called to see me respecting a case of cruelty to dogs; I called Miss Adams and paid in £4/6/6 to the local branch of the RSPCA; Mr Cullingford called to see me about a lantern lecture for Croydon
S 27 Opening services – we all went in the morning and Grace at night; Rev F MacDonald preached an excellent sermon; first Sunday in our new chapel; George, Nellie and Edie came to supper
M 28
T 29
W 30 Had a painting lesson; went to a service at night
October
T 1 Had a painting lesson outdoors
F 2 Grace poorly; sent for Dr Cressy – a chill; Eva and Mabel came down for the day
S 3 Grace in bed but better; George and Nellie came up in the evening; Ethel’s birthday
S 4 Grace came downstairs; George and Nellie came to supper; Father and I went to service – a beautiful sermon from Dr Barber on the vision of Isaiah; I went again at night; Aunt Miriam’s birthday
M 5 Darling Father’s 77nd birthday; looking well and very happy; George and Nellie came to dinner
T 6 Grace went out for the first time since her chill; I went to East Croydon to meet Aunt Janie, who has come to stay for a fortnight; Inspector Manners called to see me regarding a case of cruelty to goats
W 7 I went to service at night – Rev Wiseman lectured on John Wesley’s hymn book; Gladys 22nd birthday; Daisy called
T 8 Nell MacAulay spent the day with us; Kit came in the afternoon; took pudding down to Mr Dunn
F 9 Grace went over to Trot’s to stay the night; Uncle came to lunch and tea; Bessie came to see me
S 10 Grace got home to lunch and went to Orchard Leigh to tea and dinner; Mrs Chandler called
S 11 We all went to chapel; Rev Waterhouse preached opening services; I went again at night; George and Nellie and Mr and Mrs Robinson came to supper
M 12 Violet came down for the day and also Ethel; first Band of Mercy meeting of session at our new chapel; Violet gave the address; Mr Cecil Amor followed with ‘Conjuring entertainment’; full meeting; George and Mr Robinson came in the evening; Father, Auntie, Grace and Ethel went for a drive
T 13 Father, Auntie and I went up to the new chapel
W 14 Had painting lesson; Grace went to a lecture at the chapel
T 15 Ellen unwell, sent for Dr Cressy; said mild attack of appendicitis; must keep her in bed a week; I had tea with Mrs Wood
F 16 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive; roses still in bloom, the glorious weather continues
S 17 Edie ill, went to see her in the morning; Grace went to a concert at Queen’s Hall
S 18 We all went to chapel; Grace went at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 19 So poorly, I had to go to bed after tea
T 20 Uncle came over to lunch and took Aunt Janie home with him for a visit
W 21 Mr Cheshire came to dinner
T 22 Poorly
F 23 In bed all day
S 24 Ellen came down for the first time; Mrs Cropper and her daughter called; RSPCA committee meeting at the old rectory; too unwell go to, wrote letter giving suggestions
S 25 Not well enough to go out; too cold for Father; Grace went to church in the morning and evening; Mr Hunt came to supper
M 26 Grace went to a meeting; Ray planted our grave with hyacinths bulbs
T 27
W 28 Went out for the first time in eleven days; attended painting lesson
T 29 I had tea with Uncle and Auntie, Aunt Janie, Maggie and Winnie were there; Mr Foster had dinner here; Bruce and Percy came in the evening; Nellie and Fannie in the afternoon
F 30 Called to see Bessie; Grace gave a paper at our guild with music and illustrations; Percy called
S 31 I had tea at Kitty’s
November
S 1 Poorly, stayed in bed till dinner; Grace went to service in the morning and I at night; Mr Hunt came to dinner and tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 2 I went to ODFL committee in town; spent a short time in the Tate Gallery and Westminster Cathedral; got home to early tea; Violet came for the day – she and I went to St George’s Mission in Croydon at night where Violet gave her dog lecture
T 3 Grace spent the day in town
W 4 I went to a social at our church
T 5 In bed part of the day; Mrs Hay and Bessie came to tea; Fannie and Edie to dinner; Grace went to committee meeting in Sutton
F 6 Visited the Dunns and took them to the working men’s club; Grace went to a concert at night
S 7 Agnes came to stay over Sunday
S 8 We all went to chapel in the morning, first Sacrament in the new church; Grace and Agnes went at night; a bitter east wind
M 9 ODFL lecture in connection with Wallington Band of Mercy; Miss King came to dinner; Grace took my place at the meeting as I was too unwell to go
T 10 In bed all day
W 11 Dr Cressy came to see me – says I have to stay in bed for a week
T 12 A week of lovely weather
F 13
S 14
S 15 Took in stray kitten
M 16
T 17 Came down for a little time; found home for stray kitten with Bessie Hay
W 18 Came down on to couch; Grace went to town
T 19 Mr Herrick called
F 20 Trot’s birthday – 49; Paul’s birthday – 25
S 21 Went out for the first time; Grace went to Bampfylde to dinner
S 22 In bed all morning; Grace went to a service; I went at night; Mr Champness came to supper; Father very well
M 23 Mr Foster called; Grace went over to Uncle’s to tea
T 24 Sent parcels of clothing to Mrs Brewer and Mrs Staples
W 25 Father in the garden most of the morning having his tree cut; Grace went over to Purley
T 26 Lord’s rejected the Licensing Bill
F 27 Violet came over for the day; Mr and Mrs Cheshire and Mrs Chandler came to dinner
S 28 Fred came down by late train to stay over Sunday
S 29 Grace, Fred and I went to chapel; George and Nellie came to supper
M 30 Fred left early; I went into Croydon to a Band of Mercy meeting but came home as unwell; Father in the garden having new rose trees planted
December
T 1 Grace spent the day in London at a musical evening and shopping
W 2 Took motor up to Kitty’s called to see Rene
T 3 Ethel and Arthur came over to see us and to stay the night; Mr Herrick called; Dr Cressy still attending me
F 4 Ethel left after lunch; Uncle and Auntie came over for the day; Grace had dinner at Bampfylde
S 5 Called on Mrs Woodruff, Mr Champness and Miss Moore; Grace went into Croydon
S 6 Not able to go out; Grace went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper
M 7 Mr Hunt came to tea and dinner and gave an address at the Band of Mercy meeting; I went with him; ODFL committee in town but too unwell to go
T 8
W 9 Attended painting lesson in the new studio; Fannie and Mr Tester came in after dinner; Mrs Stacey came to tea
T 10 Mrs Mann came in to tea; Mr and Mrs Tester came to dinner
F 11 Grace spent the day in town; I made Xmas cake; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner
S 12 Mr Stacey and Edith came to tea
S 13 Grace and I went to chapel; Grace went at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 14
T 15 Grace went over to Lillie’s
W 16 Attended painting lesson; Grace went to Croydon
T 17 Grace went to Ashanti meeting; Trot and Gladys came over afterwards to stay the night; Gladys and I called at Bessie’s, Percy and Bessie came up in the evening
F 18 Trot and Gladys left early; I spent the day in town shopping; went to RSBA sketch exhibition
S 19
S 20 Grace and I went to chapel; Mr and Mrs Herrick came to supper; Fannie’s birthday
M 21 I went to Brixton shopping and had tea with Mrs Wood
T 22 Grace went to Norwood and took our Xmas wreath; Sent off Mrs Staples’ Xmas parcel
W 23 Aunt Miriam came over to tea and dinner; also Mr Cheshire; took in stray cat
T 24 Took Mr Dunn’s (blind man) Xmas parcel to him and also Mrs Pearce’s
F 25 Had a happy day all together; Marian and Agnes came in the morning to stay; George, Nellie and the girls spent the day with us; darling Father bright and well able to enjoy the games with us
S 26 Marian left in the afternoon; Mr Champness and Charlie called in the morning; Ellen and Beatrice had a day’s holiday
S 27 We went to chapel in the morning; Grace and Agnes walked to Sutton at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 28 Grace and Agnes went for a ten mile walk; George, Nellie and the girls came up in the afternoon; I went to a Band of Mercy meeting – a lantern lecture on ‘The Cat’ by Miss Fulbrook; Beatrice took my stray cat to a good home.
T 29 Agnes left; very heavy snow storm; Grace went to a musical dinner in town with Miss Craig; Heard that Uncle Charles had had an accident, seriously injuring one eye; heaviest snow storm for 28 years
W 30 Uncle had his eye removed; Grace went over in the afternoon and found all going on well; 20 degrees of frost; cold intense
T 31 Rapid thaw; gave Miss Dunn a parcel of blouses
1909
January
F 1 Break in the weather, snow gone; I went over to enquire after Uncle and found him going on well; went to a social at chapel in the evening; Mr and Mrs Hunt called
S 2 Grace had dinner at Bampfylde
S 3 Grace went to service in the morning, I at night and both to Covenant service; Rene kept Father company; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 4 Attended ODFL committee; went to darling Mother’s grave and had tea with Lillie; took bundle of Strand magazines to Cabman’s shelter
T 5 Grace went to Sutton for the afternoon; am still feeling very poorly
W 6 Father was round the garden; called on the Dunns and had dinner at Bampfylde
T 7 Called on Bessie, also Mrs Ellis (poor woman) but did not see her; sent Miss Craig advice about her cat; George and Nellie came to dinner
F 8 I went up to see Kitty in morning; Bessie called; Mrs Stacey had tea with us; Grace went over to see Uncle; too cold for Father to go out; had sweep n dining room; I went to guild lecture on ‘Browning’ by Mr Mornay
S 9 Did not go out all day
S 10 Grace and I went to chapel – Grace again at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 11 Father able to go in the garden; I called at Champness’ found them out; Grace went to Woodcote lecture
T 12 Did not go out; still feeling poorly; Father in the garden
W 13 In bed part of the day; Grace went to Mrs Foster’s to tea and to a church meeting at night
T 14 Mrs Taylor and Freda spent the day with us, a farewell visit
F 15 I went to Trot’s for the day and night; we went over Ethel’s new house at Old Southgate; the girls and Jim were away
S 16 I left after lunch and went to Beckenham to have tea with Uncle and Auntie and then home
S 17 Father had a bilious attack; Grace went to church in the morning, I at night; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 18 Band of Mercy meeting, lantern lecture – hall full but Mr Rendell did not come so meeting could not be held; Father unwell
T 19 Violet came down for the day and spoke at meeting at night; I spent the evening at Captain Brenner’s social gathering of Band of Hope workers
W 20 Grace spent the day in town with Mrs Taylor and went to see ‘Henry V’; Father better
T 21 Very foggy; Kit came to tea
F 22 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; I went to guild lecture on Italy by the Rev Foster
S 23 I went into Croydon shopping
S 24 Both Grace and I went to chapel; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came to supper
M 25 Fog
T 26 Ditto; sent parcel of warm clothes to Mrs Price; Miss Moore called
W 27 Dreadful fog; Grace went to social at chapel; sent parcel of warm clothes to Mrs Price
T 28 Awful fog and severe frost continues
W 29 Fog cleared; severe hoar frost; Fannie and Mr Tester came to dinner; Miss Foster and Daisy Champness called
F 30 Went up to see Kitty; Fred came down to stay Sunday with us
S 31 We went to chapel in the morning; Miss Moore, George and Nellie came in to tea and the latter stayed to supper
February
M 1 Fred left; I went to Band of Hope and Mercy play night; Fannie came up in the evening to tell us of her engagement; Bobbie (Cecil) went to boarding school
T 2 Attended the Grand Council of ODFL in the afternoon; went to the National Gallery and saw the new collection of Turner’s paintings; had tea with Mrs Wood; Aunt Janie’s birthday
W 3 Had my painting lesson at home; Grace went to Croydon
T 4 Grace went over to Beckenham to tea; I called at Mr Dunn’s; Father was able to be in the garden
F 5 Mr Herrick called; Mr Cheshire came to tea; Father in the garden
S 6 Grace went to spend the evening at Lillie’s, to meet friends; Ellen wen to Homerton Hospital to have an operation for appendicitis;
S 7 We went to chapel in the morning; Grace went to Sutton at night; Edie and Rene came to tea and supper; Mr and Mrs Pearce came up; Father in the garden
M 8 My birthday; Band of Mercy meeting, Rev Herrick gave the address on kindness to animals; George came up in the evening
T 9 Grace went up to Trot’s for the day
W 10 I went to Cruft’s dog show at Agricultural Hall with Trot
T 11 I went to a students’ dance at St Michael’s parish hall
F 12 Bitterly cold; did not go out
S 14 In with a cold
S 15 In bed all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 16 In bed all day; ODFL lantern lecture at Baptist hall, Grace took my place for me; Father in the garden
T 16 Got up to lunch; Grace spent the day in town; Mr Foster and Kitty called
W 17 George came in to dinner
T 18 Grace went to town shopping
F 19 Visited Bessie; Grace went to a lecture at night; Father in the garden; sever frost but bright
S 20
S 21 I went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 22 Fog; Grace in with a cold
T 23 Trot held ODFL drawing room meeting and undertook to start a branch at Southgate; eight present, a collection of £3/16/0d; five members joined; Mr Coke and Mrs Bradshaw spoke – a capital meeting; I returned home at night
W 24 Had my painting lesson, first of new term; went down to the Dunn’s; George came to dinner
T 25 Intensely cold; snow showers; Grace still in with a cold; Miss Moore called
F 26 Annual Sidcup Band of Mercy meeting; could not go; great success (snow) and hall crowded
S 27
S 28 Grace and I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper; Grace had tea at Bampfylde; heavy snow storm
March
M 1 Snow storm continues
T 2 I went to ODFL committee and also to the winter exhibition at the Royal Academy; did some shopping; George came to dinner; heavy snow storm at night
W 3 Continued very heavy snow storm, lying very deep
T 4 Ditto; Grace and tea with Uncle and Auntie
F 5 Mr Hunt came to dinner; Grace went with him to a lecture at night
S 6 Driving snow and sleet
S 7 Grace and I went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper
M 8 I went to Miss Molyneux and had tea with Mrs Wood in their new home at 18 Jeffreys Road; lovely day, the snow nearly gone
T 9 Grace spent the day in town and went to a concert with Mrs Taylor; snow in the morning
W 10 Called on Mr Foster and Mrs Brenner
T 11 Mr Herrick called; Grace went to Sutton
F 12 George and Mr Chaffer came in the evening
S 13 Grace spent the day in town at a concert, etc with Marian; Mrs Knight called; not been out since Wednesday, very cold
S 14 Snow; Grace went to chapel in the morning and at night; I did not go out
M 15 Had my painting lesson at home; Trot came over in the morning to stay the night
T 16 Trot left in the afternoon
W 17 I went up to Violet’s; she and Mrs Wood both ill in bed, so stayed a while to help them; Jim came home from his six month’s stay in Normandy
T 18 Dot comes to London to begin work at Kensington branch of GSO
F 19 Fannie and Edie came up after dinner to play whist; I had tea at Uncle’s and found Lillie there; Ellen came back to us after her six weeks’ absence
S 20 Grace had two teeth our under gas; I went with her; Spring day; Father in the garden
S 21 Both went to chapel in the morning and I went again at night; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 22 Went to be fitted at dressmaker in Brixton; had tea with Violet and found her downstairs and Mrs Wood very ill
T 23 I went up to see Mr Cheshire, found him better and played chess with him; Grace went to a concert in town at night
W 24 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
T 25 Gladys and Jim came over in the morning to stay
F 26 They left in the evening
S 27 Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Beatrice (cook) had to leave us suddenly after ten months; been ill for some time on and off; our students’ exhibition – I sent in four flower studies from nature
S 28 Grace went to chapel in the morning, I at night; called to see Bessie; George and Nellie came to supper
M 29 We started Spring cleaning; Mrs Pearce came up to help; lovely Spring day
T 30 Violet and I went to the annual RSPCA meeting in the Criterion restaurant; speaker were Sir William Scott, S F Banbury; Lady Churchill, etc
S 31 Cecil’s 10th birthday
April
T 1 Grace spent the day in town, shopping
F 2
S 3 Painters began doing the outside of the house;
S 4 We both went to service in the morning and I again at night; Stainer’s Crucifixion was sung by the choir; Mr Cleave came to dinner and George and Nellie to tea and supper
M 5 I attended ODFL committee and went to the Royal Society of British Artists’ exhibition; went to dressmaker’s in Brixton and had tea with Mrs Wood
T 6 Grace went to St Paul’s to hear Passion music; Mr Foster came to dinner; George, Mr Bruce Foster, Percy and Bessie came in the evening; glorious weather
W 7 I went to Wallington parish church to hear Passion music
T 8 Fannie and Edie came up after dinner
F 9 A lovely summer’s day; Father was in the garden most of the day; I went to a service in the morning; Nellie came in the afternoon, George in the evening
S 10 Men finished painting the outside of the house; Father and I drove up to George’s and spent an hour with them; first outing of Father’s since the autumn; Jack’s birthday
S 11 I went to service in the morning and took the plate at the door; Grace went at night; Arthur came in the morning and George and Nellie to supper
M 12 Spring cleaning all day;
T 13 Men came into the house and began the staircase
W 14
T 15 Uncle Walker died after a short illness; I went to see Nellie and found her ill in bed
F 16
S 17
S 18 We both went to chapel in the morning, I at night; George and Mrs Morgan and Mr Bruce Foster came in in the evening
M 19
T 20 Uncle Walker’s funeral; workmen finished in the house
W 21
T 22 I went to see Nellie
F 23
S 24 Called at Bessie’s; painted and made £2/15/3d worth of things for our bazaar
S 25 I went to chapel in the morning, Grace at night; Mr and Mrs Hendon came to tea
M 26
T 27 1st day of our bazaar, Grace took part on stall; I took Father up to the opening; Gladys and Bobbie came over to stay the night; I went to Croydon for Father in the morning
W 28 I served all day on the stall and too £3/3/9d; Gladys and Bobbie left after lunch
T 29 Grace went to the bazaar in the afternoon, I in the evening; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
F 30 I went to see Sir Anderson Critchett about my eyes – 21 Harley Street; Lass ill
May
S 1 Lass still ill
S 2 We both went to chapel in the morning; Grace went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came back to supper
M 3 Kitty and I had dinner at Mrs Chandler’s
T 4 Attended grand council of ODFL; went to Tate Gallery and on to darling Mother’s grace and then to see Lillie
W 5 I sent in my resignation to ODFL general purposes committee; Ellen Walker, a new cook, came in; Arthur, Edie and Fannie came up in the evening
T 6 Sent parcels of clothes to Mrs Price, Mrs Brewer and Miss Dunn
F 7
S 8 Ellen Gilchrist came to stay – I met her at Euston
S 9 We went to chapel in the morning, Ellen and I at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 10 Father, Ellen and I went for a two hour’s drive; in the afternoon, Grace took Ellen to the park – drove there and walked back
T 11 Grace and Ellen spent the day in town
W 12 Ellen and I went over to Trot’s and stayed the night; we drove to South Lodge to see Bobbie after lunch
T 13 We left Trot’s early and went to the Royal Academy and then took a taxi to Bermondsey and had tea with Dr and Mrs Stirling (junior); got home about 8pm
F 14 Ellen and I had tea at Bampfylde
S 15 Ellen left us; Grace went to Euston to see her off; Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; very cold again
S 16 We both went to service in the morning, Grace at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 17 Had my painting lesson;
T 18
W 19 Grace went to Purley and to a chapel meeting at night; I took Father for a little walk – a perfect day
T 20 Grace and I went into Croydon in the morning; we all went for a drive in the afternoon; I collected for the RSPCA
F 21 Trot, Theo and nurse came over and stayed the night
S 22 Trot left early; Grace took Father up to Mr Champness and I went to the Royal Watercolour Institute and to a lecture with Violet by Mr Elliott O’Donnell on ‘Future life of animals’; went over the animal hospital and home with Violet and then on to tea with her
S 23 Father went to chapel with us in the morning and I went again at night; Grace went to Nellie’s to tea; Nellie and George came back with her to supper
M 24 Went to my painting lesson; Empire Day
T 25 Kitty and Arthur came to dinner
W 26 Theo’s sixth birthday; Derby Day
T 27 Mr and Mrs Mann came to dinner
F 28 Feeling very poorly all day; Dot came down in the evening to stay over the holidays
S 29 Lillie and Marian came to dinner and to stay
S 30 We all went to chapel in the morning an Dot and I at night
M 31 George came up in the afternoon for tennis and tea; Marian left at night
June
T 1 Dot left us early; Father, Grace and I went into Croydon and Father opened a banking account for us both at LC&M bank
W 2 Grace went to Trot’s to stay over night
T 3 Grace returned in the evening, having called at Norwood with Ray and had tea at Uncle’s; Ray planted our darling Mother’s grace with white geraniums; Kit and Mrs Finch called
F 4 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Grace went to Miss Moore’s exhibition
S 5 I went to Miss Moore’s exhibition and helped with the tea, etc; Mr and Mrs Bourne came to stay
S 6 We went to service – too cold for Father; Grace and Mrs Bourne went at night; Mr Hunt came to tea
M 7 Mrs Bourne left after lunch; Mr Bourne in the morning; Violet came to stay; Mr Herrick and Mr Bolton came to tea
T 8 Violet went in the fields with me, sketching; I attended painting lesson at the studio; Father and Grace went for a walk; Parton’s birthday
W 9 Violet and I spent the morning in the park and had tea with Kitty in the afternoon
T 10 Wet, cold day; Grace went to a concert and meeting in town with Trot
F 11 Violet and I went to Croydon shopping; Mr and Mrs Herrick came to dinner
S 12 Cold, wet weather continues; Mr Williams of Hobart came to stay the weekend
S 13 We all went to chapel but too cold for Father; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 14 Violet and I went out sketching in the morning; Grace went to town to a concert; Father and I went up to the studio to see Miss Moore’s pictures
T 15 We went into the fields in the morning and I gathered grasses and buttercups; Grace and Violet went out in the afternoon; Violet and I went up to Bampfylde after dinner
W 16 Violet and I went to the Croydon horse show; Kitty’s birthday
T 17 Grace went to Eastbourne to engage rooms for us to go in July; Father, Violet and I went up to Bampfylde in the afternoon
F 18 Violet’s birthday; we went for a country walk in the morning; Violet and I went over to Uncle’s to tea
S 19 Violet and I went to Bampfylde to tea and tennis; Grace and Violet went to a musical evening in town at night; Lass ill in the morning
S 20 Grace went to chapel with Violet in the morning and I went to Wallington church with Violet at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 21 We went for a country walk in the morning; Violet left in the evening after a fortnight’s stay; I went to painting lesson; Theo has measles
T 22 Grace and Edie went to the Handel festival at Crystal Palace
W 23 Was in bed all day; got up for a short time in the evening; Ethel has a daughter, Elizabeth Della
T 24 Collected for RSPCA in the afternoon; called to see Daisy Champness
F 25 Wet and cold; I spent the ay at Mrs Oliver’s in Sidcup; Rose Cowdrey had dinner and Marian Gilbert to tea there to meet me; Mr and Mrs Rowley called at home.
S 26 Very cold and wet – still having fires
S 27 We both went to chapel in the morning; Mr Hunt came to dinner; George and Nellie to supper
M 28 Walker (cook) left our service; I called on Mrs Hicks to see her invalid daughter; I went over to Croydon to the bank for Father
T 29 Grace went to have tea with Mrs Wood and to a musical meeting in town; prizes Trot took at dog show: Woo tah – two firsts; Pe-chi – second and very highly commended; Litter, third
W 30 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us
July
T 1 I went to town shopping and had tea at Mrs Wood
F 2 Mrs Williams (Hobart) took Grace and Violet to Rose show and African exhibition; Jim’s 18th birthday
S 3 Harry came to spend the weekend
S 4 Harry and I went to chapel in the morning; Grace and Harry went for a walk in the evening
M 5 Gather, Grace and Harry went for a drive in the morning; I went to London with Harry in the afternoon to show him round; we went to the Royal Academy; West End, Westminster and the RC cathedral; he returned to Coventry; Mr and Mrs Childe called in the evening
T 6
W 7 Had my painting lesson
T 8 Collected for the RSPCA in the afternoon
F 9 I went up to Bampfylde after dinner
S 10 Mr Williams (of Hobart) came to stay the weekend
S 11 We all went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 12 Went to my painting lesson; Mr Williams left in the morning; Mr Cleave came to dinner
T 13 Made Grace’s birthday cake; Grace met Mr Williams (Hobart) in town and I went to a reception meeting at the Royal Academy with him; he proposed to Grace
W 14 I met Mr Williams in town and he took me over Harrods stores, the royal stables and to lunch at The Cheshire Cheese; I met Lillie afterwards and we went to the Royal Academy together
T 15 Grace’s birthday; she went to town with Nellie and George met them for tea; Trot, Gladys and Theo came for the day; the former stayed the night; Kit called in
F 16 Trot left after tea and Grace went to Croydon
S 17 Went to a committee meeting of the RSPCA; wrote two letters to local papers about cats and summer vacations
S 18 I cooked the dinner; Grace went to service in the morning and I went at night; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Grace talked to us about Mr Williams
M 19 Father, Grace and I came to Eastbourne to apartments at 9 Lansdowne Terrace; the Aunties met us at the station
T 20
W 21
T 22 Mr Williams came down and stayed the night; Grace gave her consent to the engagement
F 23 We had tea at Aunties’
S 24 Will (Mr Williams, Hobart) came down for the weekend
S 25
M 26 Will left in the morning; Father and I went for a drive in the afternoon; I went to Aunties’ in morning
T 27 Trot came down for the day, unexpectedly
W 28 Grace went to town to meet Will and do some shopping and on to George’s for the night; Aunties had tea and dinner with us and we drove to Beachy Head; Grace had her ring
T 29 Grace and Will came down in the evening; Father and I went out morning and afternoon
F 30 Will left at lunch time; George and Nellie came down in the afternoon to spent the rest of the holiday with us
S 31 We all went on the pier in the afternoon; Grace, George and Nellie went up to Aunties’ in the evening
August
S 1 We all went to chapel in the morning and out in the evening
M 2 We all went into Devonshire Park in the afternoon; Grace and I went to say goodbye to the Aunties at night
T 3 We all came home; Grace went to town by an earlier train
W 4 Trot came over for the day; Will came in the evening and he and Grace went to Nellie’s to dinner; Louie Farage (new cook) came in
T 5 Grace spent the day with town and came down with Will in the evening
F 6 Will left before lunch; I had tea with Uncle and Auntie
S 7 Grace and Nellie went to town; Father and I went up to George’s to tea; intensely hot; Louie gave notice
S 8 Grace and I went to chapel; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 9 I commenced being housekeeper
T 10 I went on a tour with Grace to help her buy her trousseau; Edie came to keep Father company and they both went out for a two hours’ drive in the afternoon
W 11 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; George came up in the evening to make arrangements with us
T 12 Grace went to town to meet Mr and Mrs Bourne and do some shopping; the heat continues intense
F 13 I wrote wedding invitations and sent them out; went up to have tea with Mrs Wood and Violet
S 14 Grace went to Croydon shopping; I took some steak to Mr Dunn
S 15 Grace went to chapel in the morning and then we all went to Nellie’s for tea and supper
M 16 Aunt Miriam came to sit with Father whilst Grace and I went to do some shopping in town; I went on to spend an hour with Lillie and Marian
T 17 Mr Cheshire came to dinner
W 18 Grace went to town; Will came home from Germany and came down with her in the evening; Arthur came in to dinner
T 19
F 20
S 21 Grace spent the day in town with Will and they went over to Uncle’s; he came back at night
S 22 Father did not go out but Grace and Will went to Sutton to church in the morning and he and I went to chapel at night; Arthur came to tea and supper
M 23 Will left in the morning and came back to dinner; I gave Grace a gold watch bracelet for a wedding present
T 24 Very wet – we did not go out; Grace and Will spent the day in town; Father bought a new piano for me, in place of Grace’s grand
W 25 Grace went to Coventry early to stay the night; Pearce came up in the evening; Mr Cheshire came to lunch
T 26 Grace and Will came down at night after having been to Violet’s to say goodbye
F 27 I went with Grace to Croydon in the afternoon; Will left in the morning; Mrs Chandler called
S 28 Grace and Will went to Westgate to see Mrs Atkinson for the day and back home at night
S 29 Grace and Will went to chapel in the morning; Father and I did not go out all day
M 30 I took our birthday wreath to darling Mother’s grace; Grace was shopping in town with Nellie the rest of the day; Alice Spinks (new cook)( came in; Kitty came to tea
T 31 Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Mr Champness in the evening; Grace and Will went to Trot’s for the day
September
S 1 Grace was at home with us; the three girls came up to tea; very cold, had a fire; I took another stray kitten to the lethal chamber
T 2 Grace and Will were in town all day and came back at night; Mr French came to take Father’s photo and mine
F 3 Will took Violet and me to Brighton and back in his new motor car
S 4 Grace spent the morning in town with Will; they both came home in the afternoon; Edie and Rene went with me to Croydon
S 5 We all went to service in the morning and stayed for the Sacrament; Grace’s last Sunday at home before going abroad
M 6 I went to Croydon for Grace
T 7 Grace, Trot and Will went out in the motor car; Grace and Will came home in the afternoon; George and Arthur came up at night
W 8 Kitty came in to tea; Trot came to stay and Will came down to dinner
T 9 My darling sister was married to Will; twenty-nine guests, all went off well; sun shining. Rev S Herrick married them; Uncle proposed their health; Trot stayed the night
F 10 Trot left after tea; Arthur came up in the evening
S 11 George came in the afternoon
S 12 We did not go out; Grace and Will ran down to supper; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Mr Champness and Kit and Mr Cleave came in
M 13 Grace and Will came down in the afternoon to say goodbye; they returned to London at night; a very sad day for us all
T 14 My darling sister sails with Will today for Hobart, via America; by the ‘Coronia’ to New York; Mother’s birthday; Rev Robinson called; Nellie came this morning and came to dinner; Arthur and Rene called in the evening
W 15 Eight years today since our precious mother went home; Mr Foster came to tea and dinner and Mr Bruce and Kitty in the evening
T 16 Trot and Bobbie came over for the day; George came in at night; Had a letter from Grace at Queenstown, wrote to her in Brisbane
F 17 Wrote Grace to New York; Violet came down for the day; Mr Champness came to dinner
S 18 Father and I packed all Grace’s things; George came up in the evening
S 19 Father and I went to chapel; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 20 Eight years today since we laid our darling mother to rest; Mr Foster called; Mr Cheshire came to lunch and tea; Rene to tea and dinner; wrote to Grace in Vancouver
T 21 Made 12lbs plum jam; Father and I went into Croydon in the afternoon; Violet and Miss Charleston rode over and were leaving as we got back.
W 22 We received a cable from New York – good news; Arthur and George came up in the evening
T 23 Trot came over for the day; we wrote to Grace at Sydney
F 24 We had a packer from Ebbutt’s to finish packing Grace’s things – four cases; Kitty came in to dinner
S 25 Fred and Laurie came for the weekend; Mr and MRs Bourne came to dinner and tea
S 26 Fred, Laurie and I went to chapel – harvest festival; too damp for Father; George came up after supper
M 27 Fred went to Leicester and came back at night; Mrs Hay and Bessie called
T 28 Jim came to dinner and to stay the night; Percy came up in the evening
W 29 Had a man from Ebbutt’s to help Ray move the furniture in bedrooms; I moved into the former spare room
T 30 Our first letters from New York; I went to the bank for Father; Mr and Miss Foster called; had the vet to see Lass – inflated glands on her foot
October
F 1 Uncle and Auntie came to stay; George, Nellie and Arthur came up in the evening
S 2 Miss Moore came up in the evening
S 3 Very went, no-one went out in the morning; Uncle, George and I went to chapel at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 4 Auntie’s birthday; we had letters from New York; Uncle and Auntie left in the evening
T 5 Darling Father’s 78th birthday – he had a happy day and was bright and well; Trot, Ethel, her baby and nurse came over for the day; George and Nellie came to dinner
W 6 Father and I picked three clothes baskets full of apples off one tree; Arthur came up in the evening; Ray went to Norwood to plant our grave with pale blue hyacinth bulbs
T 7 Mr Foster came to lunch; Gladys’ birthday; wrote to Hobart; Ellen’s holiday
F 8 Mrs Chandler and Althea came to dinner; Grace and Will sail from Vancouver in ‘Orangi’ for Hobart
S 9 I went to Croydon with Father; Mr Statham and Miss Pound came to stay; George and Mr Brown came up in the evening
S 10 Miss Pound and I went to service in the morning; we all stayed at home in the evening
M 11 Father and Mr Statham picked some of the pears and apples and were in the garden a lot
T 12 Gladys came over and stayed the night
W 13 Gladys left after tea; vet came to see Lass
T 14 Mr Statham and Miss Pound left after lunch; Alice’s birthday
F 15 Sent off parcels of clothing to Mrs Price, Mrs Brewer and Mrs Goodsell; George and Arthur came up in the evening
S 16 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner
S 17 Very wet – did not go out all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 18 Made 8lbs damson jam
T 19 Arthur came up in the evening
W 20
T 21 Mrs Atkinson called; Fannie and Edie called and George; had letter from Vancouver; Alice had a day’s holiday
F 22 Mrs Wright and Mrs Williamson came to tea
S 23
S 24 I went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 25 Eva and Mabel spent a long day with us; Mr Foster called
T 26 Violet spent the day with us; I rang Trot up on her new telephone
W 27 Made 21 pots of apple jam; wet, dark day; wrote to Grace; Fannie called
T 28 We had a cable from Suva – all well; Trot spent the day with us; Fannie and Edie came to dinner; Dr Cressy came to see me
F 29 Very cold; Edie came to tea and dinner whilst I went up to have tea with Mrs Wood
S 30 Bitterly cold; yellow fog in the afternoon; Lillie came to stay over the weekend
S 31 Lillie and I went to service in the morning
November
M 1 Lillie left in the morning; I went to the bank for Father; Violet spent part of the day with us; Nellie and Rene called; sent subscription to ODFL and BS
T 2 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; George and Nellie came up in the evening
W 3 Yellow fog all day; Fannie and Mrs Bryant called in; Ellen’s holiday
T 4 Fog; Arthur came up in the evening
F 5 Mr Cheshire came for the day; Kitty called in the morning; Mr and Mrs Childe in the evening; Auntie and Uncle and I went to Mrs Atkinson’s to tea; they came to dinner with us
S 6
S 7 I went to chapel in the morning; we spent a quiet day alone
M 8 Called to see Lizzie Pearce, who was ill; Violet came down to lunch; Mr Amor to supper; we three went to a Band of Mercy meeting at the chapel; Mrs Mann came to tea; we had a cable from Hobart – all well; and four letters from Honolulu
T 9 Nellie called in the afternoon and Miss Blewett and Kitty; Kitty and I called at Mrs Robinson’s
W 10 Sent a box of windfall apples to cab horses and a basket to the men; called at Nellie’s and Mrs Pearce’s
T 11 Phoned Trot
F 12 Trot came over for the day; Mr Foster came to lunch; Kitty and Arthur to tea; George and Miss Moore and Pearce came in the evening
S 13 Mr Willis called; I have a cold so didn’t go out
S 14 Too unwell to go out; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 15 Bad cold, feeling very poorly; sent of two Xmas parcels for Grace
T 16 Too unwell to go out; snow shower; Fannie came to tea and dinner
W 17 Finished making Xmas puddings and boiled them; did not go out; Fannie called to ask after me
T 18 Fanny M spent the day with us; Kitty came in to tea; George came up in the evening
F 19 Miss Leach called; Kit and Arthur came to dinner
S 20 Trot’s birthday – 50 years old
S 21 I went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 22 Miss Moore came in to tea and I had a painting lesson; Mr Foster came to dinner; very cold weather
T 23 Visited the Dunns; made our mincemeat
W 24 I went to Croydon for Father in the morning; Mr Robinson came in to tea; Mrs Pearce and Lizzie called and George came up in the evening
T 25 Had kitchen chimney swept and boiler cleaned
F 26 Did not go out but Father went round the garden
S 27
S 28 I went to chapel in the morning; George and Nellie came in to supper; Ellen’s mother came to spend half a day with her
M 29 Pouring wet, did not go out; servants went to a concert at night; we had a letter from Suva and diaries
T 30 I went to Croydon to the bank in the morning; Edie and Rene came in to tea; Ellen had half holiday
December
W 1 Trot spent the day with us; I called at Mrs Pearce
T 2 Had sweep in dining room; terrific gale at night, broke two windows in the conservatory; Mrs Willis, Edie and Bessie called
F 3
S 4 Miss Moor came in the afternoon and Mr Robinson – had to miss my painting lesson; George and Nellie came to dinner
S 5 I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper
M 6 Nellie came to keep Father company while I went up after lunch to see Sir Anderson Critchett (oculist); Father got in the garden
T 7 Mrs Pearce came for curtain wash; Arthur came up in the evening
W 8 Auntie and Uncle spent the day with us; Mr Foster called in the morning; George at night; Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Mrs Pearce finished curtain wash
T 9 Miss Moore gave me a painting lesson; first of new term; did not go out
F 10 Did not go out; George came in the evening;
S 11 I did flowers for chapel; Mr Robinson, Kitty and Arthur came to dinner; had first letters from Hobart and Melbourne
S 12 I went to chapel and stayed for the Sacrament; George and Nellie came up after supper
M 13 Arthur came to dinner and kept Father company whilst I went to Foxton Ferguson’s lecture on Xmas folk songs and lore
T 14
W 15 I went to the bank and did some shopping in Croydon
T 16 Sleet and hail; Mr Champness came to dinner
F 17 I went to darling Mother’s grave to take our Xmas wreath
S 18 Hilda and Dot came to stay the weekend
S 19 I and the girls went to morning service; Edie came to ta and the girls all went to service at night
M 20 Fannie’s birthday; Father poorly for the last few days; sent for Dr Cressy, who has given him a tonic; Hilda and Dot left early; Father and I did Xmas cards
T 21 George came in unexpectedly to dinner; Father and I finished our cards
W 22 Father better; I took Xmas presents to Bessie, Mrs Pearce, Mr Dunn and sent Mrs Staples box off; Pearce came up in the evening
T 23 A very wet day; Dr Cressy called – Father rather better; Kit and Mr Foster came in to tea; George, Nellie and Miss Moore came up in the evening
F 24 Trot came over for the day; Mrs Chandler came to tea
S 25 Our first Xmas without Grace; George, Nellie and the girls spent the day with us; Father not well; Mr Champness and Dorothy came up in the morning
S 26 A quiet Sunday alone; did not go out; George came up in the morning; Arthur and Kit after service
M 27 Both servants had day’s holiday; George, Arthur, Mrs Pearce and her granddaughter as well as Dr Cressy all called; did not go out
T 28 Mr Millar (lawyer) came down to see Father; George and Nellie came up in the evening; did not go out
W 29 Fannie and Edie came up after dinner for a round of whist
T 30 Nellie came up to tea and George in the evening
F 31 Mr Millar came down on business; George, Nellie, Fannie, Rene and Kitty called in; I went up to see Kitty in the morning.
1910
January
S 1 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; very mild, lilac in bud and primroses out
S 2 I went to service in the morning; Father able to go round the garden; George and Nellie came to supper
M 3 I went to the bank for Father; sent a box of apples to the animals’ hospital
T 4
W 5 Trot and Bobbie came over and stayed the night; Fannie and Eddy looked in
T 6 Bobby and I called at Nellie’s in the morning; Trot and Bobbie left after lunch; Mr Ray (oculist) came over to see Father
F 7 Father better; I went to local RSPCA committee in the morning; eight present; George came in the evening
S 8 I went to Croydon in the afternoon to get Gather’s new glasses; Nellie called in whilst I was out
S 9 I went to service in the morning; George came up for an hour in the evening
M 10 Arthur came to dinner and stayed with Father whilst I went to a lecture on Lowell, by Mr Swain, at Woodcote hall
T 11
W 12 Bitterly cold; did not go out
T 13
F 14 Trot came over for the day; George came up in the evening; I visited Bessie in the afternoon
S 15 Did not go out; Father poorly – kept him in bed until the afternoon; Dr Cressy came
S 16 Did not go out; George and Nellie came to supper; Dr Cressy came
M 17 Dr Cressy came
T 18 George came up in the evening
W 19 Della came to stay; Mrs and Miss Childe called; Dr Cressy came
T 20 Mr Latham called; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Dr Cressy came
F 21 Mr Young (vet) came to see Lassie’s foot; George came up in the evening
S 22 Mr Antill came to tea; George, Miss Leach and Dr Cressy called
S 23 George, Nellie and Dr Cressy came to tea; Della, George and I went to service at night
M 24 Feeling very poorly, swollen eye; Nellie called in; Father better
T 25 Did not go out; Dr Cressy attending me; bitterly cold
W 26 Fannie and Eddy came in after dinner for whist; Father very poorly; intensely cold
T 27 Snow; Trot spent the day with us; George and Pearce came up in the evening; did not go out
F 28 Still feeling poorly; Dr Cressy came to see us both; did not go out
S 29 Did not go out; ditto
S 30 Did not go out; Mr Foster came to tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 31 Glorious day; still too unwell to go out; Nellie came in the afternoon; Alice’s holiday
February
T 1 Did not go out
W 2 I went to see Sir Anderson Critchett about my eye; George went with me; Arthur came in to dinner
T 3 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; George in the evening
F 4 I took Lass up to see Mr Young about her foot; decided to go on treatment instead of an operation; Della went to Croydon; Nellie called in
S 5 I had tea with Mrs Wood; Della kept Father company; Mr Robinson called; Edie came to dinner
S 6 Della and I went to service and Sacrament; Mr Hunt came to dinner; George and Nellie to supper
M 7 Trot and Violet came over for the day
T 8 My first birthday without Grace; Della and I went into Croydon to buy Father’s present – twenty-five volumes of Sir Walter Scott’s works; we played whist in the evening; Father much better#
W 9 Della left after a three week stay; I went up to see Kitty; George, Nellie and Arthur came up in the evening
T 10
F 11 Mrs Foster, Nellie and Edie called; George in the evening; I called to see Bessie and enquire after Lambe; Father in the garden
S 12 I called at Bampfylde; Father went round the garden
S 13 I went to chapel in the morning; Mr and Mrs Henman came to tea
M 14 Father went round the garden; George and Mr Robinson came up in the evening and I went to Nellie’s for an hour; Mr Young called to see Lass
T 15 I called to see Kit
W 16 Mr Foster called in the morning; Nellie and Mr Robinson came in to tea and we three went to hear Dr Clifford preach opposite; Arthur came up in the evening
T 17 Edie called in the morning; George came to dinner
F 18 I went to Croydon in the morning shopping; Kit came in to tea
S 19
S 20 I went to morning service; awful gales, thunder and lightning; worst gale in London and around for 20 years
M 21 I had a painting lesson; George came up in the evening
T 22
W 23
T 24 George came up in the evening
F 25 Mr Hunt called; did not go out
S 26 Trot came in the morning to stay the weekend; I went to whist drive at Mrs Stacey’s with George and Edie
S 27 Trot and I went to chapel in the morning; Mr and Mrs Childe came to tea and I went to service with them at night; George came to supper
M 28 Trot left after lunch; Violet came for the day and, in the afternoon, she went to Sutton mother’s meeting to give the address on kindness to animals
March
T 1 Gladys and Lilian Daw came over to stay the night; Nellie and Rene called; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner
W 2 Gladys and Lilian left after lunch; Mr Foster came to tea; Mr and Mrs Latham came to dinner and Arthur came round in the evening
T 3 I went to the bank; Fannie and Rene called and George in the evening
F 4
S 5 Agnes came to stay the weekend
S 6 Agnes and I went to service in the morning; Agnes went to Kitty’s to tea; George came up after supper
M 7 Ellen in bed with pleurisy; I am nursing her
T 8
W 9 Auntie and Uncle spent the day with us, Auntie poorly; Fannie and Edie came in after dinner for whist
T 10 George came in to dinner
F 11 Violet and Miss Charleston rode down to tea; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner
S 12 Edie and Rene came up for a round of whist after dinner; did not go out; Ellen better but not up
S 13 Did not go out in the morning; George and I went to the service at night – Stainer’s Crucifixion – stayed for part of it; Nellie stayed with Father
M 14 Ellen got up for the first time for a week; Mr Robinson came to tea; Mr Foster called; Spring day
T 15 Bessie called to see me; white frost
W 16 Mrs Grant and Nell had arranged to come to lunch but wired that they were prevented from coming; called at Mr Dunn’s and Mrs Pearce; George, Nellie and Kit came up in the evening
T 17 Alive had a day’s holiday; Trot and Theo came over for the day; called at Mr Robinson’s and Miss Moore’s
F 18 A snow storm and blizzard; called on Miss Leach; George came in the evening
S 19 Mrs Grant and Nell came down to lunch and tea; Miss Moore called in the evening
S 20 I went to service in the morning; Percy and Lawrence came in to tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 21 Did not go out; Father went round the garden
T 22 George came up at night; I went to bank for Father; MR Millar came down to see Father
W 23 Called at Nellie’s
T 24 Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Auntie and Uncle came to spend Easter with us; George and Nellie came to dinner
F 25 Father went round the garden; Uncle, Auntie and I went to chapel; Kitty and Arthur came to tea
S 26 Muriel came to tea; Miss Moore called in the evening; Uncle returned home after tea; I gave Ellen and Alice notice from 31st
S 27 Auntie went to service in the morning, I in the evening; Rev G Robinson came to tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 28 Auntie and I walked up to Bampfylde in the afternoon
T 29 Auntie left in the evening; I went to town with Miss Moore to the Royal Society of British Artists, Westminster Cathedral and up the Tower of London
W 30 Began Spring cleaning
T 31 George came in to dinner
April
F 1 Trot came over for the day; Dr Crombie came to tea; Mr Stewart called to arrange about work
S 2 Ellen ill again – pleurisy; sent for Dr Cressy; I took her to London to her mother in the afternoon; she left my service
S 3 I went to service in the morning, and stayed to the Sacrament; George and Nellie came in to supper; Mr Hunt and Mr French called
M 4 Mrs Pearce came to help with the Spring cleaning
T 5 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates here; had sweep in Father’s room and dining room; Violet came for the day; George in the evening
W 6 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates helping; men came in to decorate the dining room; I engaged Amy to come on May 1st
T 7 Mrs Pearce here; Kit came in to tea; I went to the bank
F 8 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates here still; sweep in the kitchen
S 9 George came up at night; workmen finished
S 10 Did not go out; Colonel and Mrs Grant came to tea; Percy called
M 11 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates here; Miss Leach and Miss Hunter called; glorious Spring day; Father out a lot
T12 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates here; Agnes came to dinner; George in the evening
W 13 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates; Ethel came over for the day; Miss Moore called
T 14 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates; Father in the garden
F 15 Arthur came to dinner; Mrs Pearce here
S 16 Did not go out; snow, hail, a thunderstorm
S 17 Did not go out all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 18
T 19 Mrs Pearce and Mrs Gates here; Mr Cheshire and Arthur came to dinner; I walked up to Bampfylde after dinner
W 20 Mrs Pearce here; I resigned my position at the local RSPCA committee because it is so difficult to get out
T 21 Fannie and Mr Brash spent the day with us; Mrs Pearce here
F 22 Mrs Pearce here; George and Nellie and Mr Chaffer came to dinner; Nellie and I went to an organ and cello recital at the parish church
S 23 Father much better again
S 24 I went to service in the morning; we had a quiet day alone
M25 Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen and James came down to lunch and tea
T 26 Arthur came up in the evening; Father in the garden
W 27 Called at Bampfylde; Dr Cressy came over to see Father; George ill with a bad foot
T 28 I went to see George; Dot came down for the night
F 29 Dr Cressy came to see Father; I called to see George and took him a plant
S 30 Trot came over for the day; I left the plant to welcome Agnes; after lunch, went to the art club in Norwood with Miss Moore and Miss Ballard; Agnes came to live in Wallington
May
S 1 I went to service; Arthur came to dinner; Agnes for the day; I called to see George; dinner by gas light
M 2 Mrs Pearce here for the day; Amy Walton entered our service as housemaid; Alice Spanks (cook) left after 8 months service; dark day, gas on
T 3 Mrs Pearce came for the day; Mr Foster came to dinner; we made rhubarb and fig jam; I called to see George and went to the bank for Father; Spring day, Father out
W 4 Was asked to retain name on RSPCA committee, so consented; I went to Norwood to tie up the hyacinths; Mrs Pearce finished
T 5 Did not go out; Father better and in the garden; Dr Cressy came; Mrs Giles came as a temporary cook general; Arthur came in the evening
F 6 Mr Cheshire came to dinner; in the evening I went up to see George for an hour; heard of King’s serious illness
S 7 King Edward passed away at 11.45 last night; Miss Harmer and Miss Hawes called to ask me to be a vice president of the Helper’s guild – refused.
S 8 Did not go to service – very cold; called at Bampfylde; Agnes spent the day with us
M 9 Went to see about mourning for the King; Miss Moore, Miss Leach, Miss Hunter, Dr Cressy and Mrs Hunt called; Bessie came to tea; Rene came for a whist drive after dinner
T 10 Gladys came over for the day and night; I called on Miss Hunter (out) and to see Agnes in her new rooms
W 11 Gladys left in the evening; Fannie and Edie came to dinner; I had a painting lesson
T 12 Day in which public were all ordered to go into mourning
F 13 I went over to the bank; Mr Robinson came in to tea
S 14 I had a painting lesson; Dr Cressy called; Lillie came to stay the weekend; Agnes came up in the evening
S 15 Lillie and I went to service and the Sacrament in the morning; I called to see George; chapel pulpit dressed in purple for the King
M 16 Summer’s day; I had a painting lesson; Lillie left early; Father and I went to George for tea; Amy had a day’s holiday
T 17
W 18 I had a painting lesson; Agnes came in after dinner
T 19 George came in to dinner – first time since his illness a month ago
F 20 King Edward’s funeral; day of general mourning – all business suspended; I went to a memorial service at chapel; Arthur came up in the evening; Father and I played billiards
S 21 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; I went to students’ exhibition at Woodcote Halle afte tea; sent in four pictures, Lassie’s head, a geranium study in oils; moonlight and harvest field in watercolour; about 3 hundred people at the exhibition
S 22 I went to service; Mr Foster came to supper and I went to Nellie’s for an hour after tea; summer weather
M 23 I called on Mr Robinson to return a book; two cases of apples came from Tasmania
T 24 Will’s birthday; George came in to dinner; Agnes came up in the evening; Father and I went for an hour’s drive
W 25 Very cold; Dr Cressy called; Mrs Chandler and Althea came to dinner; did not go out
T 26 Did not go out; Father has a bad cold; Pearce came up in the evening; Theo’s 7th birthday
F 27 Father in bed all day; bronchial cough and cold; Dr Cressy came; Arthur had an operation for appendicitis – I went up in the evening; Mr Foster sat with Father
S 28 Called to ask after Arthur – going on well; Father better, able to round the garden; Mr Foster came up in the evening
S 29 Father better; I went to service; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 30 Mrs Giles (temporary cook) left and the new one came, Martha Wright; I called at Kit’s; sent Grace’s present; Agnes came at night
T 31 Wet and cold; Dr Cressy called
June
W 1 Wrote to Grace for her birthday; Arthur out of danger, called in the morning and went to the bank; Derby Day
T 2 Trot came over for the day; Mr Foster came to tea
F 3 Hot summer day; Father in the garden all day; called at Kit’s – Arthur doing well; The Oaks
S 4 Father better; Dr Cressy called; Mr and Mrs Childe called
S 5 I went to service; Agnes came to tea and supper; Mr Champness came to supper
M 6 Mr Robinson came to tea; I called at Kit’s and saw Arthur; Ray planted our grace with geraniums
T 7 Thunder storms through night and day; was up an hour with Lass in the night; awful storm in the morning; George came up at night; Mrs Pearce in the afternoon
W 8 Violet spent the day with us; Amy had a holiday
T 9 Called to see Arthur; Mr Robinson went at the same time, progressing well
F 10 Gladys and Lilian Daw spent the day with us
S 11 Uncle and Auntie spent the day with us; Auntie and I went to see Arthur; Miss Moore called
S 12 Did not go out; we spent a quiet day alone, in the garden for part of the time
M 13 Went to the bank in the morning; George came up in the evening
T 14 Father and I drove up to see Arthur and then on to Bampfylde; Bessie and Agnes came in
W 15 Father and I went for an hour’s drive through Purley and Rose Drive
T 16 I had a painting lesson in the afternoon and Miss Moore stayed to dinner
F 17 Mrs Cropper and Dudley spent the day with us; Father did some of his viola cuttings
S 18 Ernest came to stay the weekend; Mr Cheshire called in the evening; lovely hot day; Dr Cressy called
S 19 Father and I went to chapel in the morning; I had a warm welcome; Ernest left after tea; George and Nellie came to supper
M 20 I called at Kit’s; Father, Arthur and I went for a drive, Arthur came in afterwards; Agnes came to dinner
T 21 Called on Mrs Pearce; Kit and Arthur went to Margate; Rene and Arthur called; case of Tasmanian apples arrived
W 22 Had three tons of coal in; Mr Latham came to dinner; Mr Foster called; Mr Lawton (vet) called to see Lass
T 23 Edie came to keep Father company whilst I went up to tea with Mrs Wood
F 24 Made the pies; did not go out
S 25 Fannie Milum came to stay the weekend
S 26 Fannie and I went to chapel; Poppy came to tea – she and I went to service at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 27 Fannie left in the evening ; Trot came for the day; Howard and Georgie and Miss Watts came to tea and dinner
T 28 Mr Robinson came to tea; George, Nellie and Fannie called; Father gave £10 towards our new church; I gave £10
W 29 Father and I came to Margate – Fort Paragon Hotel, arriving 5.30pm; Martha went for her holiday; Mrs Pearce came to stay in our house
T 30 Bitter cold wind blowing and a gale; torrents of rain; we only got out for ten minutes in the morning; Arthur and Kit looked in in the evening as did Agnes
July
F 1 Father poorly, very cold wind and hail storms; I went out a little whilst Arthur sat with Father and then we all went out for a short time; Agnes and Kit came up at night
S 2 Gale and heavy rains still; Father got out a little while in the morning and a few minutes in the afternoon; Conjuring in the hotel at night – Mr Brandon; we went to it; Kit, Arthur and Agnes called; latter went home today; Jim’s 19th birthday
S 3 Father went out for an hour and a half in his bath chair; we had tea in a shop and sat on the parade until dinner; I went to Mr Halliday’s house
W 6 Hurricane; I fought my way along the cliff; Mrs Hay and Bessie called; we were indoors all day
T 7 Father went in the bath chair for an hour before lunch; we went to Broadstairs to have tea with Uncle, Auntie and Miss Emily
F 8 Father had a bath chair for an hour and a half; Rev and Mrs Halliday came to tea; Father and I went out for an hour and then I met George at the station and he came to stay the weekend with us
S 9 Very cold; Father went in the bath chair for an hour; George taken very poorly for a time; we all had tea at the Queen’s Hotel and sat on the front; after dinner, George and I went for a walk on the sands and then we all played whist
S 10 George and I went on the sands; Father came out in the bath chair for an hour and a half; we sat on the parade all afternoon and George and I went on the beach after dinner
M 11 Very cold; I saw George in the morning; Father went in the bath chair and after tea, which we had at Queen’s hotel, we sat on the front till dinner
T 12 I went on the sands and then Father went in the bath chair until lunch; we went in town for tea and shopping; after dinner, I went on the sands for half an hour to see the sunset; I have a very bad cold
W 13 Father went in the bath chair; we left by 3.44pm train for Victoria and got home soon after 7pm and found all well. Amy came home from her week’s holiday; Mrs Pearce left
T 14 Am feeling very poorly with a severe cold; weather hot; Ellen Brooks came to see me; I called on Mrs Pearce
F 15 Grace’s birthday; first year we have been separated; two Swedish ladies called, friends of Dr Largerwell, and had tea; Arthur came to dinner; Mr Cheshire afterwards; Father went for a little walk; my cold is very bad
S 16 Turned chilly again; Agnes came up in the morning
S 17 Feeling very poorly; Kit, Arthur, Agnes and Theo (Miss Moore) called; George and Nellie came to tea and supper and kept Father company whilst Theo and I went to church
M 18 Trot came over for the day; Father has a cold
T 19 Kit and Mr Foster called in the afternoon; Agnes and Margery came to dinner
W 20 I went to Croydon to get a new hat; Father did his viola cuttings; Father better; Martha poorly – sent her to the doctor
T 21 I called at Nellie’s; George looked in; my cold better but have neuralgia
F 22 Father did his viola cuttings; I made the pastry
S 23 Eva Oliver came for the weekend
S 24 Eva and I went to service; Mr Hunt came to dinner and tea
M 25 Eva left in the afternoon
T 26 I called at Nellie’s and Bessie’s; in the evening, George, Nellie and Agnes came in; Uncle’s 83rd birthday; so cold, we had a fire
W 27 Father much better; a lovely day; Nellie went to Croydon with me about a hat and came back to lunch and tea; Uncle and Auntie came, unexpectedly, to tea and dinner
T 28 Gladys, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Nellie called in
F 29 Father and I drove into Croydon after tea; Agnes came to dinner
S 30 Lovely day; I called to see Dr Pleating about Martha; Father and I went to Nellie’s to tea and super; played tennis and cards; Edie there
S 31 Father and I went to service; George and Nellie came to supper; Martha and Amy had half a day out
August
M 1 I called to see Agnes and Bessie; Father and I went to George’s to tea and supper; played tennis and cards
T 2 Maurice called; Trot and family went to Folkestone; Father so well
W 3 Amy had a day’s holiday; I went over to Croydon bank
T 4 Mr Cheshire came to dinner; I called at Agnes and Bampfylde to say goodbye to George and Nellie before their holiday; called on Mrs Pearce; Maurice called
F 5 Very wet day; George and Nellie went for their holiday trip by motor; Kit and Arthur came up at night
S 6 I gave Martha notice; Hilda and Dot came to stay the weekend
S 7 The girls and I went to chapel; Agnes came to tea and supper and took the girls to church
M 8 Father did his viola cuttings; Hilda and I went to Bampfylde after tea; the girls went to see Agnes after dinner
T 9 Dot and Hilda went for a long walk before lunch and a short one with Father later; I went to Auntie’s for an hour, found her still very poorly
W 10 Hilda and Dot left early; Martha had a day’s holiday
T 11 A summer day; Father and I went for an hour and a half’s drive in the morning; Mr Foster called at night; Martha ill
F 12 Kit and Arthur came to dinner
S 13 Martha Wright left (cook) after two months and two weeks – too unwell to keep her the full month; I went to Sutton after two cooks’ characters
S 14 I went to service in the morning; Father and I alone all day; Theo called at night
M 15 I went to Sutton after a cook’s character; Edie came and sat with Father
T 16 Violet came down for the day; George and Nellie came in to tea
W 17 Mrs Yates came for the day; I called at Nellie’s
T 18 George and Nellie came up at night
F 19 Mrs Yates came for the day; Arthur and Agnes called at night; I went to Registry at Sutton
S 20 Theo called in at night
S 21 Father and I went to service; quiet day alone; Mr Cheshire came in after supper
M 22 Went to Sutton after a cook’s character; Father taken ill in the evening – rupture of lung tissue; I fetched Dr Cressy; up most of the night; Nellie came in the afternoon
T 23 Dr Cressy came; Father in bed ; Nellie came in the afternoon; George at night
W 24 Father going on well; Nellie spent the afternoon here
T 25 Father better; Arthur came up at night; Trot came in the evening to stay and help me
F 26 Kit, George and Agnes called; I went to have tea with Auntie and Uncle; found former very ill still; first I knew about Auntie
S 27 Trot went after a temporary supply cook – and engaged her; Edie and Rene called
S 28 Trot went to service in the morning and I at night; Father got up and came down for the first time since Monday; George and Nellie came to supper
M 29 Trot left early; Mr Foster, Agnes and old Alice called; I had supply cook in (Annie Watts); I called on Mr Robinson; heavy rains
T 30 Kitty came in to tea; Theo, George and Nellie called
W 31
September
F 1 Nellie and Edie called and drove to Croydon with Father and me; Mr Foster came in to dinner and to wish us goodbye; they leave Wallington on Saturday
F 2 I called at Bampfylde; Father well again now; Mr Robinson came to tea; Theo called
S 3 I called to see Agnes
S4 I went to service and stayed for the Sacrament; too cold for Father to go out; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 5 Very cold, had a fire; Kit and Arthur came up in the evening
T 6 I called on Mrs Pearce; Ernest and Mr Cheshire came down to tea and dinner and Agnes to dinner; Helped a little boy take his wounded dog home
W 7 Auntie and Uncle spent the day with us
T 8 Gladys came over to stay; I engaged Ada Blackman to come as cook general on Oct 1st; Father very well
F 9 Grace and Will have been married one year today; I took our birthday wreath to darling Mother’s grace and then had tea with Lillie; Gladys stayed with Father
S 10 I called at Nellie’s and Theo’s; Father and I picked some of our apples and plums
S 11 Father and I went to chapel; Rev Morris is our new Super; quiet day alone
M12 Sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Brewer; gave ditto to Miss Dunn and sent 2/- to Mr Dunn in the infirmary
T 13 I called at Mr Robinson’s; Father and I drove to Bampfylde and found Fannie and Edie at home; had tea with them; George came in to dinner
W 14 Mother’s birthday; Ernest came down for half a day; Agnes came in after dinner; Pearce called; a year ago today since Grace sailed for Hobart
T 15 Nine years today since darling Mother went from us; I called at Kitty’s
F 16 I called at Nellie’s; Mrs Cropper spent the day with us
S 17 Fred and Laurie came to spend the weekend
S 18 Laurie and I went to chapel; Rev Wesley Howells preached; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 19 Fred and Laurie left early; I went into Croydon before lunch; Martha called to see me
T 20 Called to see Theo
W 21 Kitty came to lunch with Father and Trot took me to see Henry VIII at His Majesty’s Theatre (Henry VIII, Arthur Bouchier; Queen Katherine, Miss Violet Vanbrugh; Cardinal Wolsey, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree; Duke of Buckingham, Henry Ainley); Kit and Arthur stayed to dinner and Agnes called in
T 22
F 23 A lovely day; Father, Nellie and I went for a two hours’ drive; I called at Bampfylde
S 24 I called at Nellie’s; George still very poorly; Lillie came for the weekend
S 25 Lillie and I went to chapel – anniversary service; went to up see George after tea
M 26 Lillie left before lunch; Mr Latham came in to tea; Theo came to dinner; Edie called
T 27 Lovely day; I went to Croydon to buy Father’s present; Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea; Mr Robinson came to dinner
W 28 Summer day; Father and I went for an hour and a half’s drive in the morning; I went to see Theo’s aunt, who is ill; made 22lbs of damson jam
T 29 I called at Nellie’s; I went over to Auntie’s to tea and found her very ill; Miss Florence and Mrs Giles there; Edie stayed with Father; Arthur came up in the evening
F 30 Father and I went up to see George in the afternoon; Theo called at night
October
S 1 Tooke Mrs Moore a bit bunch of flowers; Annie Watts (supply cook) left my service; Ada Blackman (cook) came
S 2 I went to service; Father and I went to George’s to tea and supper; Mr and Mrs Henman called to say goodbye
M 3 Ethel’s birthday; Father in the garden most of the day; I went up to see George and found him ill in bed
T 4 Aunt Miriam’s birthday; I called at Nellie’s
W 5 Father’s 79th birthday; he had a happy day and is very well; Trot came over for the day; George and Nellie came to dinner
T 6 Father, Trot and I drove over to Purley to see Mrs Childe; Trot left before dinner
F 7 Gladys; 24th birthday; Arthur came up at night and I went to church social with Theo, Edie and Agnes. Amy had a day’s holiday
S 8 Took large bunch of flowers to harvest festival; called to see George and took him a plant; have been feeling very poorly all week – sent for Dr Cressy at night
S 9 Father and I went to harvest festival service; Agnes came to tea and supper and I went to see George for an hour; asked Mr Robinson to give the address on kindness to animals
M 10 Gladys came over to stay; I went to have tea with Auntie; Mr Foster came in to lunch
T 11 Father, Gladys and I went for an hour’s drive; Gladys left after tea
W 12 I called at Nellie’s; Jim came over and stayed the night; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
T 13 Jim left by the 7.45 train; Fannie and Edie came to dinner; I gave Ada notice
F 14 Very cold, I called on Bessie and at Nellie’s; Agnes came up in the evening
S 15 Heard Arthur was ill; went up to see him; Theo gave me a painting lesson; Edie and Rene came up at night; went after three ‘characters’
S 16 I went to service in the morning; George spent an hour with us in the evening
M17 Violet came down for the say; we went to Mill Lane mothers’ meeting; Violet gave the address on kindness to animals; Arthur came in to tea
T 18 Went after another ‘character’; Edie called; a lovely day; still feeling very poorly; Father well
W 19 Called at Nellie’s, Mrs Pearce and Miss Dunn; Dr Cressy came to see me; Trot came over for an hour to dinner
T 20 I called at Theo’s; Mrs Wood’s birthday; Edie came up home and I went up to Violet’s for tea
F 21
S 22 Fannie and Dot came to stay the weekend; after dinner, Dot and I went up to George’s; Agnes and Theo called
S 23 Fannie, Dot and I went to service; Fannie stayed with Father; Dot and I went again at night
M 24 Fannie left after lunch; Theo gave me a painting lesson here; Dot went up to Bampfylde at night
T 25 Nellie and I went to the West End shopping; Dot stayed with Father; Mr Antill came to dinner
W 26 Auntie and Uncle spent the day with us; Nellie and Rene called; I went up to see Theo
T 27 I took Dot into Croydon to get a hat for her; I had dinner at Bampfylde; Agnes, Dot and Father played whist
F 28 Dot and I went to Sutton after a cook’s character; Miss Leach called; Kit and Arthur came to dinner
S 29 Dot left in the morning; Mabel came to stay the weekend; called at George’s
S 30 Mabel and I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper; Mr and Mrs Pearce had tea with Amy
M 31 Mabel left after lunch; Theo gave me a painting lesson at home; Edie and Rene called; sent Grace’s Xmas present – embroidered teacloth
November
T 1 A awful gale last night; Mr Robinson came in to tea; George walked up and I walked back with him; Dr Cressy came to see me
W 2 Called to see Bessie and Theo
T 3 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I went to class; Theo called
F 4 Called at Kit’s; Arthur had tea with Father and I had tea with Uncle and Auntie; Agnes came up at night
S 5 Father unwell; very foggy day; Edie called
S 6 Did not go out all day; Father unwell; better at night; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 7 Burglars broke in at 2.30 last night; Lass woke me, barking; Violet came down for the day and spoke at meeting both in the afternoon and at night; Mr Amor came back to supper and conjured; Kit and Arthur came too and, afterwards, George, Edie and Rene; Ray went to Norwood to plant the hyacinths on our grave
T 8 Mr H Stewart called and stayed to tea; George came in tea and I called in to see Agnes; went to Croydon in the morning; Theo called
W 9
T 10 Ethel came over unexpectedly to lunch and tea; I called to see Theo at the studio
F 11 Amy went home for four days’ holiday; Agnes came in to dinner; and I went to a guild lecture on Tyndale by Rev Naylor of Sidcup; Mr Latham came to tea
S 12 Arthur came up to tea and I called at George’s; sent warm jacket to Aunt Janie; Jim had an operation on his adenoids
S 13 I went to service in the morning; we had a quiet day alone; George came up during the evening
M 14 Arthur came up in the evening so that I could go to a lecture ‘Vagabond songs’ by Foxton Ferguson and Miss Beatrice Spencer; Father went round the garden; Amy returned; I had a painting lesson
T 15 Father went round the garden; Dr Cressy came to see me
W 16 Mrs Dale called; eclipse of the moon – a lovely night
T 17 A very foggy day; I went to class
F 18 Trot came over for the day; Rev Morris called and had tea
S 19 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Agnes came up in the evening; I called at the studio to see Theo
S 20 Trot’s 51st birthday; I went to service in the morning; Mr Robinson, George and Nellie came to tea and supper; George and I went to service at night – sleet
M 21 Hard frost; bitterly cold; Edie came up to tea and dinner and I went to see Aunt Miriam and Uncle. Rene came up for dinner and whist
T 22 Cold intense; sent cheque for £1/10/0d to Theo for painting lessons
W 23 Father unwell; kept him in bed until the afternoon
T 24 Father better; I went to class; George came to dinner
F 25 I called at Kit’s; Agnes came in the evening; I let Amy and Ada go to Barnardo entertainment at the public hall
S 26 Detective Moore called to report on their findings about the burglary
S 27 I went to service in the morning; Father and I had a quiet day alone; Wrote to inspector about cruelty to a dog
M 28 Called on Mr Robinson; Theo gave me a lesson at home; Gladys came over and stayed the night; Edie came to dinner and whist
T 29 Gladys stayed till evening and I went over for an hour to see Aunt Miriam; George came up at night
W 30 Very wet day; sent for Dr Cressy to see Father, his breathing is so short; did not go out all day
December
T 2 Very wet day; Father rather better; I went to class
F 3 Mr Herrick came in to tea; Ernest came down to tea and dinner; Dr Cressy called to see Father; I went to the bank in the morning; pouring wet
S 3 Agnes and Theo called; made Xmas puddings
S 4 I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came to supper; pouring wet day
M 5 I had a painting lesson; Spring day
T 6 Trot came over and stayed the night; Father better; I took Bessie to the cat show went at 2pm and got back at 6.30pm
W 7 Trot left in the morning; Nellie, Rene and Kitty came in to tea and I went to sale of work with them afterwards; Amy had a holiday; Mrs Pearce came for curtain wash; Dr called to see Father – he is better
T 8 Mrs Pearce came for curtain wash; Ada had a day’s holiday; Agnes came up at night
F 9 Very wet day
S 10 Ditto; I called at Nellie’s
S 11 I went to service; Agnes came to tea and supper and George and Nellie to supper
M 12 I called at Kit’s; Theo gave me a painting lesson at home; pouring wet; Father well
T 13 I went to see Miss Lambert about Ada’s sight; Mr Cheshire came to dinner and afterwards I went up to Bampfylde
W 14 Very wet; Father and I did our Xmas cards; Theo called
T 15 I went to class; George came up at night; pouring wet, but fine later; Dr Cressy called
F 16 Uncle and Miss Giles came over for the day; Mr Robinson came to tea; gale blowing
S 17 I called to see Nellie; Agnes came up at night
S 18 I went to service in the morning; Father not so well; George came up to supper
M 19 I called on Mrs Latham; Rene came to tea and dinner and I went to Croydon after tea, shopping; Sutton carol party came; sent 5/- to ODFL
T 20 George came in to dinner; Mrs Penny called
W 21 Trot came over and stayed the night; after lunch, I took our wreath to Mother’s grace and then had tea with Auntie and Uncle
T 22 Trot stayed until the evening; I spent an hour with Mrs Wood and Violet in the afternoon; sent off Mrs Staples’ parcel
F 23 Made mince pies; washed Lass; did the decorations; called to take presents to Mrs Pearce, Agnes and Bessie; Arthur came up at night; George called in the afternoon
S 24 Took cabmen 2½ dozen mince pies, papers and a big bag of carrots for the horses; Rene called; I did the flowers at church; Pearce called at night
S 25 Father better; we had a quiet, happy day together; I went to service in the morning; the Williams family, Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came in to kiss Father; Kit and Arthur came to supper
M 26 Kept Xmas day; Father well and happy; George and family, Eddy and Agnes spent the day with us; all went off well and merrily
T 27 Mr Cheshire came in to lunch and tea; George called in the morning; Amy had a day’s holiday
W 28 Hard frost; I called to see Theo; Ada had a day’s holiday
T 29 A lovely day; George and Nellie came up at night
F 30
S 31 Called to wish Bessie a happy New Year; Agnes called
NOTES
Began Spring cleaning on March 30th
30 Top spare room
31 Box room
April
1 Billiard room
4 & 5 Dining room and Father’s room
7 My room
8 Kitchen
9 Workmen finished
11 Finished dining room, began two spare rooms
13 & 16 Drawing room and morning room and finished spare rooms
15 Linen cupboard, bathrooms
1911
‘Grace, mercy, and peace, the threefold blessing of the Triune God, rest upon you for ever and for ever’
January
S 1 I went to service, Mr Robinson preached; I went to Covenant service and Communion; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; George and Nellie to supper; Arthur called in the morning
M 2 Snow showers; Father pretty well; Edie came to be with him whilst I went over to have tea with Auntie and Uncle
T 3 Snow; did not go out
W 4 Had sweep in to do dining room; I went to see Dr Cressy about my hand, which I badly sprained on Xmas day; says I must not use it for a fortnight, torn some ligaments
T 5 Kitty called; I went to class; had sweep in kitchen and boiler cleaned
F 6 A very wet day; I called on Theo Moore; Arthur came up at night
S 7 I called to see Nellie; George came up in the afternoon; Agnes at night
S 8 I went to service; George and Nellie came up to tea and supper
M 9 Did not go out; very wet
T 10 Father went round the garden; a lovely day
W 11 Mr Foster came to lunch and tea; Agnes to dinner; feeling poorly; could not write to Grace because of my hand
T 12 Sleet and very cold; Edie came to lunch and dinner; trot took me to see ‘Peter Pan’ at the Duke of York’s; children went too; we drove to Waldorf afterwards for tea; I got home by 8pm
F 13 Heard Auntie was very ill; went over at once and took water bed; saw her for a few minutes; Gladys, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Amy had a day’s holiday
S 14 Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to dinner; Agnes, Kit and Dorothy and I went to church concert (Theo) at night; Arthur stayed with Father; Rene called
S 15 I went to service; bright winter’s day; Mr and Mrs Childe came to tea; George came up after supper; Father better
M 16 Dear Aunt Miriam passed home at 3 o’clock this morning; I went over to see Uncle in the morning; Jim spent the day with us; Kitty and Theo called
T 17 Mr Robinson came in to tea; George and Nellie came up at night
W 18 Mr Cheshire came to lunch and tea; Dot’s twenty-first
T 19 Trot came over in the afternoon to stay; Edie, Agnes and Arthur called
F 20 Dear Aunt Miriam’s funeral; I went to Uncle and with him to Norwood; service in Beckenham church at 1pm; Trot stayed with Father; Mrs Childe came over
S 21 Arthur came over to stay the weekend
S 22 Arthur and I went to service; he went to his mother’s to tea and back to supper; Nell and Jim came down unexpectedly to tea; after supper, I went to Bampfylde; Father’s very well
M 23 Arthur left in the morning; Fannie and Rene came to tea and dinner and whist; feeling very poorly with a severe cold; Ada went to the oculist
T 24 Feeling very poorly; lying down all day; Father went round the garden
W 25 Ditto; Nellie, Mrs Hay and Bessie called
T 26 Went out for the first time since Sunday; Father very poorly with a cold; I called to ask after George; Mrs Bruce Foster and Theo called
F 27 Sent for Dr Cressy to see Father, whose cold is very bad; he put my hand in a splint
S 28 Uncle and Alice Giles spent the day with us
S 29 I went to service; quiet day alone
M 30 Dr Cressy came to see us both; Nellie came in to tea; News of Grace’s homecoming
T 31 Bitterly cold; I called at Bampfylde; Mrs Pearce called
February
W 1 Dr Cressy called to see Father who is still very poorly
T 2 I went to class; George and Nellie came to dinner; Agnes called
F 3 Father very ill, sent for Dr Cressy; sat up all night with him; George, Nellie and the girls came in
S 4 Ditto
S 5 Change for the better; Edie, George and Nellie came to help me; George and I went to service at night
M 6 Father better; Nellie came in the afternoon so that I might rest; Theo and Agnes called; Arthur came up at night; Miss Leach called
T 7 Kitty came for afternoon; Arthur, George and Agnes at night
W 8 My birthday; Father still ill in bed; am nursing him day and night; Fannie and Dot came to tea and dinner; Mr Cheshire; Nellie, Edie and Rene called
T 9 Father sat up for an hour, very weak; George came up at night
F 10 Father sat up for three hours; Mr Robinson called as did Arthur, Edie and Rene
S 11 Trot came over for the weekend
S 12 I had got ligaments broken in my hand
M 13 Trot left after lunch; Nellie came up; Mr and Mrs Mew called
T 14 Nurse Humble came to massage my hand each day; George, Kit and Agnes called; I called at Nellie’s
W 15 Father went round the garden; I went to Bampfylde for dinner; Trot came over to stay; Mr Cheshire came to lunch and dinner; Mrs Pearce came for curtain wash; Ada had a holiday
T 16 Dr Cressy took the splint off my hand; I went to class; I called on Mrs Latham; Mrs Pearce here; Amy had a holiday; George came up
F 17 Trot left after lunch; I called at Kitty’s; Lillie came to dinner; Father well again, he went round the garden
S 18 Agnes and Theo called; Dr Cressy called to see my hand
S 19 Did not go out all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 20 I went to Croydon in the morning; Mr Robinson came to tea; Agnes came to dinner
T 21 I called to see Bessie; Dr Cressy came to see me
W 22 I called at Nellie’s and Mrs Pearce; Mr Cheshire called as did Mr Stewart
T 23 I went to class; George and Kitty called
F 24 Edie came to tea and dinner and Rene; I met George in town and he took me to buy bedroom curtains
S 25 Uncle and Alice spent the day with us; Dr Cressy came to see me
S 26 I went to service; Edie and Rene called in the evening
M 27 Began Spring cleaning; Fannie and Agnes came in the evening and we had whist; did not go out
T 28 Dr Cressy came to see us both; Father better; did not go out; Mrs Pearce came to help; my hand out of sling for part of the day
March
W 1 I went to sale of work at Epsom chapel and to dinner at Mrs Atkinson’s; Edie stayed at home
T 2 I went to class; Spring day – Father went round the garden; Fannie and Eddy came to dinner; Arthur came p in the evening
F 3 Gladys and Lilian spent the day with us; Mr Latham came to dinner; I called in at Agnes
S 4 Theo called; I called on Mrs Satch; finished Spring cleaning top floor
S 5 I went to service; Agnes came to dinner and tea; George and Nellie to tea and supper; George’s 49th birthday
M 6 Mrs Yates came to help
T 7 Mrs Yates came; Mr Stewart called
W 8 Mrs Yates came; Dr Cressy came to see us both
T 9 Mrs Yates came; I went to class
F 10 Mr Hill came to tea
S 11 I went to Croydon; Agnes came in; Father much better; finished Spring cleaning 1st floor
S 12 I went to service; George came up after tea; first day I have missed massage for nearly a month
M 13 Mrs Pearce helping; Trot came over for the day; Dr Cressy came
T 14 Mr Robinson called; George came up at night – told us about Fannie’s wedding; Mrs Pearce here
W 15 Snow; I called to see Bessie and Theo; Mrs Pearce here
T 16 Mr Stewart called; Mrs Pearce helping; I went to class; Agnes came up at night
F 17 I went to see Nellie; George came up at night; Mrs Pearce helping
S 18 I called on Mr Robinson for Nellie
S 19 I went to service; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; I went up to see George and Nellie and then came back to supper
M 20 White washing in the kitchen; Mrs Pearce here; I called at Bampfylde; Father went in the garden, twice
T 21 Mrs Pearce helping; painters here; finished Spring cleaning; George came at night; Edie and Rene came in to tea
W 22 Spring day; Father out; I went to Nellie’s; Amy had a holiday; feeling very poorly
T 23 Kitty came to tea and dinner and I went to town shopping; had tea with George at King’s Hall; Percy came up in the evening
F 24 Mrs Stacey called; George and Agnes came up in the evening; Ada had a holiday
S 25 Fannie and Eddy were married in Croydon; I went up to Bampfylde afterwards; bitterly cold and snow
S 26 I went to service; Mr Robinson came to dinner and tea
M 27 I had tea with Kitty and took her a parcel of clothes for poor people
T 28 Called to see Nellie; George came up at night; Father in the garden
W 29 Mr Hopkins came down to tea and dinner
T 30 Misty day; I went to class; Arthur and Agnes came up in the evening
F 31 Bobbie’s 12th birthday; Ethel came over for the day; I went up for an hour to see Mrs Wood and Violet
April
S 1 Went to Croydon; Theo called; sent my RSPCA subscription; raised Ada’s wage to £21
S 2 I went to service; we spent a quiet day alone; Father filled up census papers
M 3 Father better; bitterly cold, snow; went up to Nellie’s and found George had been ill again; called at the studio
T 4 Bitterly cold; I called at Bampfylde; George came and had dinner with us
W 5 Snow storms, a hard frost; cold intense; Mr Cheshire spent the day with us; I walked up to Bampfylde for an hour after dinner
T 6 Snow, the cold continues intense; I went to class; Agnes came up at night
F 7
S 8 Uncle spent the day with us; George came up at night; Theo called and so did Edie; Father unwell
S 9 I went to service; Agnes spent the day with us; Arthur came to supper; George poorly, I went up to see him; Father poorly, sent for Dr Cressy – indigestion
M 10 Trot came over and stayed the night; I went to Sacred concert at our church; Theo came and gave me a painting lesson; sent Jim 10/6 to rig out a scout
T 11 I went to local committee of RSPCA in Sutton; proposed Miss Warner should address the adult school and all local butchers be approached about humane killer; Trot left after lunch; I called at George’s; Kitty came to tea; George called in as did Agnes; Mr Chaffer came to dinner; Agnes came in the evening
W 12 A glorious spring day; Father in the garden
T 13 Father in the garden; I called at Bampfylde; Theo called
F 14 Father in the garden a lot; said he had had a happy day; I went to service; George, Nellie, Edie, Rene and Mr Robinson and his brother all came to tea; Amy had a holiday
S 15 A lovely day again; Lillie and Marian came to stay; Grace left Hobart for home with Will and his sister, Lil
S 16 Lillie and I went to service both times and Communion after evening service; Father in the garden; Theo called
M 17 Lovely day again; Father has been much better during the holiday (Easter); George called in the morning; we all went to Bampfylde to tea, met Mr Wood and his son there; Ada had a holiday
T 18 Lillie and Marian left early; Mr Gilchrist and Ellen came down for a couple of hours in the afternoon; Grace, Will and Lil sail from Melbourne for home by SS Orvieto
W 19 A gale blowing all day; I called at Nellie’s; Mrs Hay and Bessie called
T 20 A lovely day; Edie and Rene came up whilst I went to have lunch at the Grand Hotel with Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen and Mrs Williams; we took a taxi to Kew Gardens; afterwards, I went on to have tea with Fanny and Dot and got home at 8pm
F 21 Did not go out; Dr Cressy called and says Father is much better; Agnes called
S 22 A lovely day; Theo gave me a lesson; Arthur came to stay the weekend
S 23 Arthur and I went to service; I called at Bampfylde after supper
M 24 Sent a parcel of clothing to Mrs Goodsell; Arthur left in the morning
T 25 Gladys, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Father very well; I called at Nellie’s
W 26 Nellie and Edie went into Croydon with me in the morning; George came in to dinner
T 27 I went to class; Miss Dunn called – gave her a parcel of clothes and concert tickets
F 28 Violet spent the day with us; George came up at night
S 29 Mr and Mrs Stacey called; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 30 I went to service; we had a quiet day alone; Father very well
May
M 1 Glorious May day; I called to see Agnes; she came up at night; went to the bank before lunch; started cold baths before breakfast
T 2 Called on Miss Hunter; George came up at night; sent parcel of clothes to Emma
W 3 Cold, wet day; Agnes came up at night
T 4 Lovely day again, Father in the garden a lot; I had tea with Agnes; George came up at night
F 5 I called at Kitty’s; Agnes came in to dinner; Mr Latham came up at night
S 6 Sent in claim for income tax for £2/19/11; Mrs Cropper and Ada called; I had a painting lesson; Father and I went for an hour’s drive before lunch
S 7 I went to service and stayed to the Sacrament; Mr and Mrs Pearce came up to tea with Amy; George came up during the evening
M 8 Nellie came to see us and I called at Bampfylde
T 9 Trot came over unexpectedly to dinner
W 10 Father and I went for a drive in the afternoon; Mrs Pearce came to wash curtains
T 11 A storm; called to see George, still poorly; Mrs Pearce came; Ada had a holiday; local RSPCA meeting in Sutton, could not go
F 12 Called at Kit’s
S 13 Theo came to give me a painting lesson; a glorious summer day; Father and in the garden all afternoon; SS Orvieto passed Suez
S 14 I went to service; a very wet day; we had a quiet day alone
M 15 Mr Robinson came to dinner
T 16 Ethel, Gladys, and Betty spent the day with us; a hot summer’s day; George and Agnes came up at night
W 17 Dot came down to tea and dinner; I called to see Bessie; Amy had a day’s holiday
T 18 I went to class; Arthur came up at night; sent parcel to Lillie and to the jumble sale
F 19 I went to the annual RSPCA meeting in town with Violet; crowded room; introduced to Leonard Hawksley
S 20 Very cold, gone back to fires
S 21 I went to service; had hymn for those at sea; Arthur and Kit came to supper; I went with Kit to service; George and Nellie and Agnes came in to supper
M 22 Lovely day; Father and I gardened in the afternoon; I had a painting lesson in the morning; George came up at night
T 23 Feeling very poorly; called at Nellie’s
W 24 Ditto; lovely summer day; called at Nellie’s
T 25 Father and I had an hour and a half’s drive – the trees were lovely; I went to class; a lovely day
F 26 Uncle and Alice spent the day with us; Agnes came up at night; I spent an hour with George and found him ill in bed; went to see Mrs Pearce
S 27 Went to see George and took him lovely flowers; called on Agnes; Theo came to tea and gave me a painting lesson afterwards
S 28 Lovely summer day; I went to service; Ernest and Agnes spent the day with us
M 29 Mr Herrick called; called at Bampfylde; Father went with me as far as the Green; intensely hot
T 30 Mr Foster came to lunch; Father very well, working in the conservatory all afternoon
W 31 Father gardening; a thunderstorm lasting three hours; Lass not upset – first time; Derby Day
June
T 1 I went to bank and to class and to see George; Father very well, working in the greenhouse; very hot
F 2 Grace, Will and Lil arrived safely from Tasmania; a glad meeting
S 3 A summer day; Grace and I went up to see George and Nellie; Grace and Will went up at night
S 4 Grace, Will and I went to service and stayed for the Sacrament; we all stayed at home with Father at night
M 5 Intensely hot; I went up to see how George was before lunch; Father, Lil and I went there to tea; Mr Robinson, Fannie and Eddy where there; Grace and Will went to Hampstead Heath; Amy poorly
T 6 Grace stayed with Father; Will went to town; Lil and I went up to town to see the shops and to the Royal Academy
W 7 Grace, Will and Lil went to town early and got back to lunch; Will to dinner; Trot came over for the day; Ada poorly; Ray went to plant geraniums at Norwood
T 8 Grace and Lil went to Croydon and, with Will, to the Imperial Institute at night; Lil and I went to class; Father very well; Grace went with me to see about a gas stove
F 9 I went to have tea with Mrs Wood
S 10 Grace went with me to pay books; Will took Lil and me to Crystal Palace, stayed for the military tattoo at night
S 11 Grace, Will, Lil and I went to service and Lil and I went at night; George and Nellie came to supper; Father not quite so well; weather cold
M 12 Feeling poorly, did not go out all day; Grace and Will went over to Trot’s to stay; Lil went to town for the day; Ada had a holiday
T 13 Lil went to Croydon; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner
W 14 Cold, had a fire; Mrs Stacey and Edith called; I called at Bampfylde; Agnes came up at night
T 15 Lil went to town; Father better, in the garden; I went to class; Kit and Arthur came to dinner
F 16 Uncle and Aunt Lissie came for the day; Father very well; Grace, Will and Lil went to the Colonial Institute conference in town.
S 17 Will took Lil and me to the horse show and to see the suffragette procession, five miles long; when we got home, found Lassie very ill and sent for Mr Stewart – he came at once; was up four times in the night with Lass
S 18 Lassie very ill, paralysis – did not go out all day; Mr Lawton came to see her; Grace, Will and Lil went to service and to Nellie’s and to service at night; Agnes came to tea and supper; Mr Layton and his son to tea.
M 19 A very wet day; Grace, Will and Lil went to town and came back to lunch and then to a garden party up west in the afternoon; Violet spent the day with us; Father not very well; Mr Lawton came to see Lass – she is much better
T 20 I called at Bampfylde; we put up decoration for the Coronation; Father helped
W 21 Grace and Will went on a trip to London port on a steamer; Lil spent the day in town; Father unwell so sent for Dr Cressy; needs a tonic; I called at Bampfylde; Mr Lawton came to see Lassie; Mr and Mrs Childe called
T 22 Coronation of George VI; Grace and Will went to the Abbey; not fine enough for Father to go in the garden; Lil and I went to United service in the parish church; Amy had a day’s holiday; Mr Latham had breakfast with us at 5.50am
F 23 Will took Lil and me to see the Coronation procession; had seats in the Mall, saw all well; left home at 6.55 train and got back by the 5pm; Grace stayed with Father
S 24 Called at Bampfylde; George and Nellie came up to tea; Grace, Will and Lil went to town for the afternoon and evening
S 25 Grace, Lil, Will and I went to service; we all went at night and Grace stayed with Father; Mr Robinson came to tea and supper
M 26 I took Lil over to Trot’s and stayed the night; Mr Bevan was staying there; Jim took me for ten miles in his motor bike at night
T 27 We walked to Ethel’s to see her house; Betty came up both days; I left after tea and spent half an hour with Aunt Lissie and Uncle on the way home; got home before 10pm; Mr Lawton called
W 28 Grace went with me to get a hat in Croydon; I went after a servant’s character; called on Dr Cressy – he took me round his garden; Father better and in the garden
T 29 Grace went with the others and Trot to see the royal procession – stayed in town all day; home to dinner ; I went to class; in garden with Father; Mr Cheshire called
F 30 Grace in town all day; Lil returned to Trot’s
July
S 1 Grace and Will went to a garden party and spent all evening in town
S 2 Grace, Will and I went to service and Will and I went at night
M 3 Grace and I went to see Nellie; Father did his violas; Grace and Will went to town for the afternoon and evening
T 4 Will took Lil and me to a reception by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress at the Mansion House; Mr Robinson came to dinner; Kitty and Arthur came in the evening; Lil and Grace went for a drive; I engaged Mabel Ray to come as housemaid when Amy leaves
W 5 Trot came over for the day; Lil spent the day in town; Father drove up to see Dr Cressy’s garden and then did his violas; Lillie came to tea and Marian came back with her to supper; Will, Lil and the girls and I went to Carshalton pageant at night – ‘Coming of the Dawn’
T 6 Grace and Will and Lil went to a garden party at the Palace; got home to dinner; I went to class; George and Agnes came up at night; Amy went to the pageant
F 7 Grace at home; Lil in town all day; Grace and Will went to Mrs Stacey’s to dinner; I went into Croydon; Father and I picked the currants and cherries; Ada went to the pageant
S 8 Heat continues intense – 85° in the shade; Grace, Will and Lil went to Henley Regatta and opera at night; I made a lot of sweets for sale for our church; called on Mrs Pearce
S 9 We went to service in the morning; all stayed with Father in the evening; Grace and I went to see Agnes after tea
M 10 Grace and Lil went to town in the morning and to a garden party in the afternoon with Will at the Palace; I called at George’s; Father did his violas
T 11 Lil and I went to a garden party at Mr Champness in connection with our church
W 12 Very hot still; Grace at home with us in the morning; she , Will and Lil went to the pageant at the Palace in the afternoon and evening; Father and I went for an hour and a half’s drive; Mr Cheshire came to dinner and Agnes in the evening
T 13 Very hot; Grace went to town with me to choose her birthday present; we went on to Sidcup to see Dr Crombie about the lump in my mouth; he conferred with Dr Callender and decided on an operation; we spent an hour with the Olivers; Lil stayed with Father
F 14 Grace and Lil were in town all day; Grace got home to dinner and Will took Lil and me to the pageant at Crystal Palace – historical; I made Grace’s birthday cake; heat intense
S 15 Grace’s birthday; she and we all spent a happy day; Trot, Violet, George, Nellie, Kitty and Arthur spent it with us; Trot stayed the weekend
S 16 Grace, Trot, Will and Lil went to Sutton church; in the evening, we four went to church while Trot stayed with Father
M 17 Trot stayed until night; Grace went to Sidcup with me and returned in the evening; I went to Dr Crombie and he and Dr Callender performed the operation; I stayed with the doctor until noon on Tuesday (it was a polyp in my mouth); came home and went to bed; Lil went to Scotland
T 18 In bed most of the day, feeling very poorly; Kit and Nellie called to see me; Grace and Will went to Fanny Milum for the evening; Father and I gave Amy a cheque for a wedding present
W 19 Very poorly
T 20 In bed part of the day; I went to class; Father, Grace and I went for a long drive; still feeling very poorly
F 21 Heat intense – 127° in the sun; Mr Wilson came down to dinner
S 22 Heat awful; still feeling poorly; George came up; Grace and Will went to Brooklands and up the river
S 23 Grace, Will and I went to service; they went again at night; heat continues intense; Father well; I still feel very poorly
M 24 Ada went up for her fortnight’s holiday; Mrs Pearce came in her place; Will went to Scotland by midnight train; I called to see Bessie
T 25 Amy left me to be married (Walton) after fifteen months; Mabel Ray came in her place as housemaid; Father and Grace drove to Mrs Mann’s to tea; I called at Bampfylde and went to Mother’s grave
W 26 Rain after twenty-five days of draught; Uncle’s eighty-fifth birthday; Grace went over to have tea with him; I called to see Theo
T 27 Heat intense again; feeling very poorly still; Grace went to have tea with Mrs Wood; George came up
F 28 Grace went to Croydon for me; heat awful; Agnes came in at night
S 29 Grace came to Euston to see me off for Skelmorlie at 10am; train arrived Glasgow Central at 7pm; Ellen met me and we arrived at Ballenoch at 10pm; heat intense travelling
S 30 We all went to church in the morning; Rev Anderson, of Edinburgh, preached; four of us went at night; a lovely walk; George and his wife came to tea
M 31 I spent the morning in the grounds and walked to the village with Annie; after lunch, Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen and I drove to Inverkip – two hours; Mrs and Miss Robertson called; after dinner, Arthur took Ellen and me out for thirty miles in his motor car to Gourock and Greenock; glorious sunset and ride.
August
T 1 Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen, Annie and I went, by 10am steamer, to Lochranza, Arran and Campbeltown; got back at 6pm; glorious scenery; went to Mrs Gow Smith’s with Mrs Gilchrist and in the woods after dinner
W 2 Weather still perfect; went for a walk in the grounds before breakfast every morning; Ellen and I went for a long walk afterwards and, after tea, Mrs Gilchrist, Mrs Wallace, Ellen and I drove into Largs over the hill and back up by the coast
T 3 Walked to the village in the morning; motored to Greenock after lunch and had tea with Mrs Agnew and Mrs Cooke; a long walk at night
F 4 Went for a drive in the morning and to Mrs George Gilchrist’s to tea; they came up afterwards
S 5 I left Skelmorlie by the 11.40 train for Edinburgh via Glasgow; met Lil at Darlings Hotel and stayed the night
S 6 Lil and I drove to Leith and joined Will on board the ‘Avon’, bound for Norway
M 7 In north sea, sighted land at 6.15pm
T 8 Anchored outside Trondheim and landed; spent day there leaving again at 8pm
W 9 At 9am, landed at Andalsnes, drove to Horgheim; went on board again and reached Molde at 3pm; landed back on ‘Avon; at 6.30pm and we sailed again at 9.30am
T 10 Reached Oien and landed at 8.30am; drove to Hellesylt – reached there at 1pm – went on board and on to Merok; reached there at 3pm; landed and off again at 8pm
F 11 My Lassie died whilst I was in Norway; reached Olden at 8am; did not land; on to Loen – landed at 10am and went to Kjendal glacier; back on board at 5.30pm and off at 78pm
S 12 At 11am, reached Gudvangen, landed and drove to Stalheim and back; on board at 4.30, off at 5pm; arrived Balholmen at 8pm and anchored
S 13 Landed at Balholmen and went to the English church there; back on board for lunch and off at 6pm
M 14 Reached Sandal, landed at 8am; walked to Bondhusbreen glacier and back on board at 10am and off; Reached Odda at 2.30pm, landed and drove to Lofoten; back on board again at 7.45pm
T 15 Reached Norheimsund at 8am; landed and drove to Fosse , where we went back on board at 4pm, and off again
W 16 Reached Bergen and landed at 9.30; came back to the boat at 4pm and sailed after dinner
T 17 At night, Will told me about my Lassie, the first I have heard – in the North Sea
F 18 Reached Grimsby at 7am; landed at 11am; great railway strike on; took us nine and a half hours to get home; found Father and Grace well
S 19 Quiet day at home
S 20 We went to service in the morning; I stayed with Father at night and the rest went again; George and Nellie came to supper
M 21 Rain after a long drought; strike ended; Agnes and Theo called; Grace went to Croydon to see about our trains
T 22 Father and I came to Eastbourne for a fortnight – 1 Marine Gardens, Grand Parade; Grace saw us off from East Croydon at 4.22 – arrived 6.10pm; very wet
W 23 Glorious morning; Father went out in the bath chair in the morning; we sat out on the balcony in the afternoon; Aunties came up to tea
T 24 Father went in the chair in the morning and, after tea we spent two hours on the pier
F 25 Father went out in the bath chair for an hour; we drove up to Aunties and had tea with them, coming back about six; weather continues lovely
S 26 Father went in the bath chair in the morning; Grace, Will and Lil came down to dinner midday; after tea, Father went with us – in the bath chair – for a long walk by the sea; after supper, Will and I went up the town
S 27 Will, Lil and I went to chapel; Grace stayed with Father and we all met him, in his bath chair, on the front afterwards; Grace, Will and I went to the Aunties to tea; after tea, we all went on the pier
M 28 Grace, Will, Lil and I went to look at shops; then Father went up with us on the pier to see a diver; Grace and Will walked to Beachy Head before tea; after tea, they all returned home; Father went in the bath chair for an hour and a half; weather still perfect
T 29 Father went in the bath chair in the morning; After tea, he had a chair to Devonshire Park and back and we went to Merriefolk entertainment there; little Edna Maude danced and sang ‘I love a lassie’ in imitation of Harry Lauder, very pretty; I went up to Aunties for half an hour before supper
W 30 Father and I went for an hour’s drive; in the evening, we went beyond Wish in the bath chair
T31 I went up to see the Aunties after breakfast; then Father went in the bath chair for an hour; in the afternoon, we went on the pier to see animated pictures; Aunt Lissie came in after tea; Father and I went up to Terminus Road to do some shopping in the evening
September
F 1 Father went in the bath chair for an hour and a half; very hot day; Aunties came up to tea; Aunt Lissie went out with us for a little in the evening
S 2 Father went for an hour and a half in the chair in the morning and another hour after tea; he went up to town with me shopping
S 3 Father had the bath chair for an hour in the morning and again for over an hour after tea; we went on the lower parade to the Salvation Army service; I did not go to chapel
M 4 Raining slightly; we went for a short walk and, in the evening, Father had an hour and a half in the bath chair; I went up before supper to wish Aunties goodbye
T 5 Brilliant morning; weather been perfect the fortnight we have been here; Father first rate
W 6 Trot came over for the day; Lil went to Clapham for a few days; Trot brought me ‘Boy’ and Mr Robinson called
T 7 Telephone put on; I went to have tea with Mrs Wood
F 8 Grace and Will spent all the day in town; I called at Bampfylde; Mr Stewart, Mrs Wright, Mrs Williamson and Theo called; Father saw them all – I was out; heat awful, feeling very poorly
S 9 Cooler; Grace, Will and Lil spent the day on the Thames; anniversary of Grace’s wedding, two years
S 10 Grace, Will, Lil and I went to service and again at night; Will stayed with Father
M 11 Grace and Lil went to town for the day; Jim came down to dinner and stay the night; I went to Mrs Williamson’s to meet Mrs Wright to tea; she drove me home and came in to see Father
T 12 Very hot day; Grace, Will and Lil went to Surbiton at night; Agnes came in the evening
W 13 Very wet; Grace and I went to town shopping; Lil stayed with Father; we had tea at Uncle’s and then I met Lil and went on to Mrs Stacey’s to supper; Kit and Arthur came up at night
T 14 Mother’s birthday (eighty-one); Grace and Will went to Mr Bourne’s to lunch and Trot’s for the night; Lil spent the day in town
F 15 Ten years today since Mother went; I took our wreath to Norwood in the morning; Grace came home to lunch and went up to Bampfylde after dinner
S 16 Grace stayed with us; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Will took Lil and me to Maskelyne & Devant at night
S 16 Grace, Will, Lil and I went to church; Lil went at night while we stayed home; Volta and Doris came to tea; Grace and I went up to see Kitty
M 18 Grace and Lil at home; Will went out at night; Violet came down to dinner
T 19 Grace went to Norwood after lunch, back to tea; Kitty, Arthur and Agnes came in to say goodbye to her; Lil in town all day; I phoned Ellen at Euston hotel
W 20 Grace, Will and Lil sailed, by ‘Royal Edward’ from Bristol for Toronto; a hard parting; Trot and family saw them off from Paddington; Nellie and Edie came in to say goodbye in the morning; ten years ago today, we laid our darling mother to rest; Agnes called at night
T 21 Did not go out all day; we had a letter from grace on board at Bristol; Arthur came up at night
F 22 Violet and Don came down to stay
S 23 Glorious weather continues; Violet and I went round to Bampfylde after tea; found George in bed; Father in the garden all day
S 24 I went to church in the morning; Violet went at night; I went up to see Kitty after tea
M 25 Violet and I called at Bampfylde; Violet gave an address at Mill Lane mothers’ meeting on kindness to animals; Mabel Ray gave notice because of a disagreement with Ada
T 26 Father better and in the garden a lot; Boy and Don at peace for the first time; Mr Robinson came in to dinner
W 27 A summer’s day; Agnes came up in the evening
T 28 Violet took Don home and came back to dinner; Arthur came up at night; I went to class
F 29 Colder; Kitty came in to tea; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Theo called; we had a wire from Montreal to say they had arrived safely
S 30 Violet and I went to Croydon before lunch; too cold for Father to go in the garden
October
S 1 Very cold; Violet and I went to service in the morning and Violet went again at night; Mr and Mrs Mann called
M 2 Called on Mrs Pearce; Violet went to mothers’ meeting for Kitty; George and Agnes came up at night
T 3 Ethel’s birthday; I made Father’s birthday cake; I went over to see Mrs Atkinson, found her very ill; Violet gave a lecture on the dog at Croydon
W 4 Trot took Ethel and me to see ‘Macbeth’ at His Majesty’s; Violet stayed with Father; Macbeth – Herbert Tree; Macduff – Arthur Bouchier; Lady Macbeth – Violet Vanbrugh; Lady Macduff – Viva Birkett; Duncan – Edward O’Neill; Banquo – J H Barnes; we went to the Criterion for tea; Aunt Miriam’s birthday
T 5 Father’s eightieth birthday; he spent a happy day and was very well; Trot came over and stayed the night; George, Nellie, Kitty and Arthur came to dinner; Violet went home
F 6 I went to Upper Norwood and Violet’s after a cook’s character; Trot left after lunch and Violet after dinner
S 7 I took some flowers up for harvest festival; went to Sutton in the morning after character of a housemaid; We had our first letters from Montreal; they had a very rough voyage
S 8 I went to service; Father and I went up to Bampfylde to tea and met Mr Brown there
M 9 Mrs Pearce came for curtain washing; Ada had a holiday; engaged Mary Cooper to come in on 25th in Mabel’s place; I called to see Amy; George came up at night
T 10 Mrs Pearce here for curtain wash; had letters from Montreal; sent box of windfall apples up for cab horses and basket of apples for the cab men
W 11 Had sweep in dining room; Mrs Pearce here; I called to see Bessie; had Lassie’s grace planted with forget-me-nots and ivy and tiled round; Inspector Hall called to see me about a don
T 12 Spring day; Father able to be in the garden; Mr Millar came down; I went to class; Mr Robinson called; George came up at night
F 13 Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy came to dinner and Arthur stayed with Father whilst we went to a lecture on Wordsworth by Rev G Robinson
S 14 Uncle and Alice spent part of the day with us
S 15 I went to service in the morning; Eddy, the three girls and Arthur came in afterwards to see Father; Agnes came to tea and supper
M 16 Mr Millar came to see Father; Mr Stewart called and brought a basket of fine pears and apples; I called at Kit’s and found her out; had letter from Toronto
T 17 Had sweep in kitchen and boiler cleaned; Mr Stewart called in the morning and in the afternoon; Kitty came after tea; I went up to give Nellie our birthday wishes; Father in the garden
W 18 Father in the garden; Pearce came up at night to see him
T 19 Warm and Spring like; had six tons of coal in; Mr Latham came in to tea; Mr Millar came down; I went to class; Arthur came up at night
F 20 Gladys and Lilian came over for the day; George came up at night; very wet
S 21 Fred and Laurie came in time for lunch and stayed the weekend
S 22 Laurie and I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came up to supper; gale blowing
M 23 Fred and Laurie left after lunch; Agnes came up at night; I went to see Theo
T 24 Pouring all day; had kitchen stove repaired
W 25 Mabel left after three months’ service; Mary Cooper (housemaid) came; Trot came to dinner and stay the night; George came up at night
T 26 Nellie came in to tea; I went to class; Mr Robinson came to tea; I went to RSPCA committee at the Rectory in Sutton; Mr Bosanquet met our committee; Trot called at Bampfylde; I proposed lethal chamber for Sutton
F 27
S 28 I called at Bampfylde; Ray went to Norwood to plant our grace with pale blue hyacinths
S 29 A hard frost; I went to service; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 30 Pouring wet; had letters from Chicago; bought 17/- worth of RSPCA literature for our bazaar; had a stove removed in Father’s room
T 31 I went to Croydon in the morning with Nellie and Edie; Edie came in to lunch; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Arthur came up at night; Edie, Rene and I went to a meeting
November
W 1 Glorious day; Father able to be in the garden; I went up to see Kitty; George and Agnes came up at night; Mr Millar came down to see Father
T 2 Kit came in to tea and we went to class together
F 3 Painters came to do inside and outside the greenhouse; I called on Miss Leach
S 4 Theo and Mr Chaffer called; Ada and Mary went to a concert at night
S 5 Kitty and Arthur spent the day with us; I went to service and Kit and I went again at night and stayed for Sacrament; Arthur stayed with Father
M 6 Father not very well; I sent for Dr Cressy – indigestion and weakness; sent fur rug to Mrs Hetherington
T 7 I called at Bampfylde; George and Agnes came up at night
W 8 Painters finished the greenhouse; Trot came over for the day; Dr Cressy called – Father rather better; Grace due at Honolulu
T 9 Spent most of the morning seeing about stray cow; phoned up for Mr Stewart and he came; Ada had a holiday; I went to class
F 10 Visited old Mrs Hetherington and took her basin of soup; went to see Amy and took her tickets for a circus show; Mr Latham came to tea; posted dress for Doris; had our letters from Portland, US
S 11 Parton and Nell came down to lunch; Miss Leach and Dr Cressy called; Father better; had postcards from Seattle, Washington – all goes well; Miss Dunn called, gave her a parcel of clothing
S 12 Did not go out in the morning; George and Nellie spent the day with us; George and I went home to light up and went to service at night
M 13 Mr Robinson called; Arthur came up at night and I went to Foxton Ferguson’s lecture on street ballads; soloist, Miss Beatrice Spenser; had letters from Victoria, BC
T 14 After tea, I went into Croydon shopping; had letter from Victoria and San Francisco; Father in the garden twice; Dr Cressy called; a Spring day
W 15 I called at Bampfylde; Agnes came to dinner; Mary had a holiday
T 16 Fanny and Hilda came down for the day
F 17 Pearce called and brought some lovely flowers; Father much better; George came up at night; Grace due at Suva
S 18 Very wet all day; Dr Cressy called
S 19 Went to service in the morning; Father not so well; we spent a quiet day alone; after supper; George came up for an hour
M 20 Trot’s 52nd birthday; Violet and Edie came in to dinner; I went with Violet to Band of Mercy meeting at our church; she gave the address on kindness to animals
T 21 Trot came over for the day; I went to see Mrs Atkinson after tea and took her a bunch of lilies and violets; George came up at night; Grace due at Auckland
W 22 Frost and yellow fog; Father very short of breath and poorly; I called on Mrs Pearce and Bessie – found both out; Agnes came up at night
T 23 Father better; I went to class; Edie and Rene came up to dinner and whist
F 24 I called at Bampfylde; George and Arthur came up at night
S 25 Grace due at Sydney; Mrs Pearce called, brought some lovely flowers; Mrs Cropper came to tea; Dr Cressy came; Lillie came to dinner and to stay the weekend; George and Mr Elliott came up at night
S 26 Father not very well, so stayed in with him all day; Lillie went to service at night; all Bampfylde’s, Mr Elliott, Arthur and Dorothy came in after service
M 27 Gladys came over in the morning to stay the night; Lillie left early; I walked up to Bampfylde after dinner; Father better
T 28 I went to the bank in the morning; Gladys left after tea; George came to dinner; Nellie and the girls came up afterwards and we all marked bazaar things; Kitty came in to tea
W 29 Grace due at Melbourne; Theo came to give me a painting lesson; I went to see Daisy Champness, who is ill; Bright day, Father got in the garden and is much better
T 30 I went to class; Fannie and Eddy came in to dinner; Agnes came up at night
December
F 1 Had letters from Honolulu; all well; Father much better; Miss Blewett called
S 2 Had cable from Hobart, safe home and all well; I called on Mrs Dawe; Dr Cressy came; George came up at night
S 3 I went to service; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; George and Nellie came to supper
M 4 Miss Stanwell and Miss Tozer called in the morning; Mr Robinson came to tea
T 5 Edie and Rene came up to tea; Edie and I went to chapel to help decorate for the bazaar; Rene stayed with Father and I came back to dinner; Father and George sent £7 worth of goods; I sent £3 worth in table centres and books
W 6 I had a painting lesson; Trot came over to stay; she went to the opening of the bazaar; I helped at our stall all afternoon and evening; we took over £22 at ours; Mr Robinson very ill, unable to be present; Kit, Olive, Edie, Mrs Pearce and I together
T 7 At the bazaar all the time, helping; a very wet day; our stall took about £10; did not get home till 10.30pm
F 8 Trot left after lunch; Rene came for the rest of the day; I was at the bazaar helping all day; just ran home for dinner; proceeds of whole bazaar £342.11.2d; our stall stood first at £52.1.1d
S 9 George, Percy and Agnes came in after dinner; I called to enquire after Mr Robinson; Edie called
S 10 Storm of wind and rain all day; I went to church; we spent a quiet day alone
M 11 I called on Mrs Benson; found Mr Robinson better; Agnes came to dinner and, after, she and I went to a lecture on Yellowstone Park at Woodcote Hall; Arthur came to sit with Father
T 12 I called at Bampfylde; George and Mr Woolmer came up at night; Ada had a holiday; Mrs Pearce came up for curtain wash
W 13 Father very well; I had painting lesson; did not go out all day; Mrs Pearce here for curtain wash; Mary had a holiday
T 14 Edie called; lovely Spring-like day
F 15 I called at Nellie’s; I called on Mrs Benson – Mr Robinson better but still very ill; Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Boy been unwell for two days – phoned for Mr Lawton, thinks it is gastritis; Father and I did part of our Xmas cards
S 16 Boy very ill – with him all day; Mr Lawton came and said it was a paralysis caused by some internal trouble; Father and I did Xmas cards at night
S 17 Sat up with Boy all night – he was so ill that I phoned Mr Lawton at midnight; he came over at 1.30 and gave him an injection of morphine; Boy died, peacefully, at 6.14am; did not go out all day; George came up to supper
M 18 Mr Lawton sent for Boy to do a post mortem – it was a stoppage; I went to the bank and to do some shopping in Croydon; feeling very poorly
T 19 Trot came over and stayed the night; I went to Whiteley’s in the afternoon with George, Nellie, Edie and Rene and we did some Xmas shopping; I called at Mrs Wood’s on the way home and found her too ill to see me; Trot brought me Danny, a seven month old pup; Mr Foster came to lunch; Mrs Morris and Mrs Worsfold called
W 20 Father not very well; Trot left after lunch; Agnes came in; Edie called; I had a lesson; Ada has a bad leg – sent for Dr Cressy to see her yesterday
T 21 Father poorly – sent for Dr Cressy; he has a slight cold, etc; he and I busy all day tying up parcels etc; George and Edie came up at night
F 22 Pouring rain still continues; after lunch, I went to take wreath to Mother’s grave; Rene came in to tea and dinner; I took presents round to Mrs Pearce, Bessie and Agnes; Pearce brought us two plants at night
S 23 Did house decorations; left parcel at Bampfylde; sent cabbies 24 mince pies and ½ bushel of carrots for the horses, 7 calendars and some papers; George came up at night
S 24 I went to service in the morning; we had a quiet, happy day alone; George came up for supper
M 25 Another happy Xmas with our Bampfylde friends; Father not well and I felt very anxious but he got on much better than we expected and said it was a very happy day; dear Uncle – and Alice – prevented from being with us by his severe cold
T 26 Did not go out; Father better; Kit and Arthur and Dorothy came in to supper and whist
W 27 I called at Kit’s; a lovely day; Father better; Dr Cressy called; Ada had a holiday
T 28 Kitty came in to lunch and tea with Father and I met Mr Gilchrist and Ellen in town; we had lunch at Victoria and then took a taxi to the Savoy theatre where we saw ‘Where the Rainbow Ends’. I got home to dinner; George came up at night
F 29 Took Danny out for the first time on a lead; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I called to see Bessie; we had a letter from Suva and Auckland
S 30 Spring-like day
S 31 Father not so well; stayed in with him all day; Agnes spent the day with us; George and Nellie came to supper
Xmas presents
Father – bed jacket, picture
Grace – Cosy and bedroom slippers
Trot – Fruit stand
George & Nellie – Cosy
Uncle – Two books
Fannie – glove sachet
Edie – Ditto
Rene – Ditto
Ethel – Baby’s frock
Gladys – Vases
Jim – Pocket book
Bobbie – Game
Theo – Book
Mrs Grant Table centre
Mrs Gilchrist Ditto
Ellen – Book
3 Gilchrist boys Calendars
Mrs Pearce Picture
Bessie – Box of sweets
Agnes – Fruit dish
Alice Spinks Calendar
Amy Walton Ditto
Violet – Bag
Mrs Wood Scent
Violet Goodsell Book
Cabmen 2 dozen mince pies
Mrs Staples Cake, tea, warm petticoat, tin of sweets, box of biscuits, oranges
1912
January
M 1 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over and stayed the night; Nellie, George, Fannie and Eddy all called; had letters from Sydney and Melbourne; very warm day; Father’s cough very bad
T 2 Trot and children left before lunch; did not go out all day, feeling very poorly; Mrs Mann and Dick came to tea; had letter to say Mrs Atkinson passed away on New Year’s Day; sent 2/6 subscription to ODFL
W 3 Mrs Baden and Mrs Edwards called; Father better; Fannie and Eddy came up after dinner and Father taught Eddy chess; Father, Uncle and I sent a lovely wreath in memory of Mrs Atkinson; had little ‘Boy’s’ grave by Lassie’s tiled round and planted with ivy
T 4 Father better, I went to Croydon shopping after tea; sent parcel of dog biscuits, collars, apples and bandages to animals’ hospital; also a parcel of clothes to Mrs Price; took cabbies their papers
F 5 I went to see Amy in the cottage hospital; Gladys came to lunch; Dot to tea, Jim to dinner and all stayed the night
S 6 Pouring wet; Edie called; Gladys and Dot left after lunch; had Hobart letters first after their return; all well
S 7 Father better; I went to service; George and Nellie came to supper
M 8 Uncle and Alice came over for the day; did not go out
T 9 Mr Lawton came to see Danny, found he has eczema slightly; a Spring day, Father able to get out in the garden; I went up to see Kitty
W 10 A lovely day; Father in the garden
T 11 Gave Danny a medicated bath for his eczema; Mrs Childe, Doris and Bessie Hay called
F 12 Went to see old Mrs Hetherington and took her a dressing gown; Fannie and Eddy came to dinner and I went to Dorothy’s party
S 13 George and Agnes came up at night; I gave Danny another medicated bath
S 19 I went to service in the morning; George came in to supper
M 15 Trot came over and stayed the night; I went up to see Mrs Wood, found her very ill; had tea with Violet and went on to see Uncle; had supper with them and got home at 9.30; George and Olive called in the evening
T 16 Trot went to town and came back to dinner; I went, with George and the girls, to a whist drive at Mr Champness’; we got home about midnight; Theo called in the afternoon
W 17 Very wet again; Trot left before lunch
T 18 Bitterly cold and frosty; Dot’s twenty-second birthday; I went to class
F 19 Started painting ‘a day in June’; called at Bampfylde
S 20 Called at Bampfylde
S 21 I went to service; Rev G Robinson preached; we spent a quiet day alone
M 22 Fog; Ada had a holiday; George came up at night; Father very well
T 23 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I went up to Bampfylde after dinner; Mary had a holiday
W 24 Visited Amy Walton and Bessie Hay
T 25 Theo gave me a painting lesson; I went to class; Mr Robinson called; Father better
F 26 Mr Stewart called; I went to Bampfylde to ask after George, found him not looking well
S 27 Frosty day; I called at Bampfylde; George and Nellie came to dinner and we played whist
S 28 Father poorly in the morning and so did not go out; George, Nellie, Fannie, Eddy, Edie and Agnes came to tea; Edie and Agnes stayed to supper and Edie and I went to service; Agnes stayed with Father
M 29 Weather continues severe; I called at Nellie’s; Miss Leach called; Father poorly in the evening
T 30 Father poorly and in bed most of the day; sent for Dr Cressy – he said the intense cold had upset his digestion and heart; Mr Stewart and George came in; sent Mrs Staples 2/6
W 31 Frost not so severe; Father better, came down usual time; George came in to dinner; Inspector called to see me about a dog down Butter Hill
February
T 1 Dr Cressy called, Father better; Edie called; I went to class and went to see Amy; Mr Robinson came to dinner; sent Aunt Janie a birthday present
F 2 Hard frost and a snow storm; called at Bampfylde; Father better
S 3 16° frost; went to the bank in the morning; Agnes came up at night
S 4 Father better; I went to service, Mr Robinson preached and I stayed for the Sacrament; George came up to supper; heavy snow storm and a hard frost at night
M 5 Went to see Kit but found her out; snow, 33° frost; coldest spell for sixteen years
T 6 Thaw – a lovely day; Father not very well; I did not go out
W 7 A lovely day; had painting lesson; did not go out; Trot came in afternoon and stayed; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; George came up at night; fell down this morning, feeling very poorly all day
T 8 My birthday; Father better; he gave me Dickens’ complete works, twenty-eight volumes; Trot stayed until after tea; Nellie came up to tea and I walked back with her; Edie came in; pouring rain but mild
F 9 Kitty and Agnes came in; I took Danny up to Mr Stewart’s and called at Mrs Pearce; Father in the garden
S 10 Father in the garden – a Spring-like day; Lillie came to stay
S 11 Father in the garden; the girls and I went to chapel; Lillie and I went at night; Rev Shutter in the morning, Rev Robinson at night; Marian and Agnes went for a walk in the afternoon; George came up after supper
M 12 I went to RSPCA committee meeting in Sutton and proposed that non-conformist ministers became vice presidents; that the lethal chamber at Sutton be same as the one at Carshalton and that petition be filed asking Sutton butchers to adopt the humane killer, etc – all carried; fourteen present; Arthur came at night; I went to a Tennyson recital at church
T 13 Uncle and Alice came over for the day; I called on Miss Leach; George came up at night; I had a letter from Mrs Willmot asking me to be Hon Sec with her of RSPCA local branch
W 14 Had painting lesson; wrote to Mrs Willmott refusing to accept position of joint Hon Sec
T 15 Called on Rev G Robinson and Rev J Ferguson to ask them to become vice presidents of the RSPCA – both consented; went to class; Theo came to dinner; Agnes came up after for whist
F 16 Called on Canon Caffrey, Rev Jasper and Rev Hunter re RSPCA – all consented to be vice presidents
S 17 Glorious Spring day, Father in the garden three times and very well; Fanny Milum came to tea and dinner, unexpectedly
S 18 I went to service in the morning; Father in the garden; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 19 Father in the garden; Mr Stewart took me all over their orchards and grounds in the afternoon; Agnes came up at night
T 20 Edie and Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I went up after tea to see Mrs Wood and found her very ill
W 21 Mr Stewart called; I called at George’s; had a painting lesson
T 22 I went to class
F 23
S 24 Mr Lawton came to see Danny; George came up at night; Edie called twice; Father in the garden
S 25 I went to service; George and Nellie came up to supper; Father in the garden
M 26 Miss Hunter called; Ada had a holiday; Della came to stay
T 27 Mr and Miss Cheshire came over in the morning and stayed until 6pm; Father in the garden; Danny poorly, better at night; Della and I called at Mr Stewart’s
W 28 Had painting lesson; Della and I called at Bampfylde; Father in the garden; Mary had a holiday; Danny much better
T 29 Della and I went to class; Mr Robinson called; I went to our RSPCA meeting in Sutton – Mr Fairholm gave the address, the new vice presidents were elected and notice given of the Sutton lethal chamber
March
F 1 I went to Wembley in the morning to see old Mrs Staples, who is dying; spent half an hour with her and got home about 4pm; called at bank on the way; Trot and Theo came over for the day; Della stayed with Father; at night, we went to a lecture on R B Stevenson by Rev Ferguson; very good
S 2 Violet came down to tea and dinner unexpectedly
S 3 Della and I went to service – Rev Robinson preached; Agnes came to tea and supper and George and Nellie to supper; Father very well – went in the garden
M 4 Serious coal strike – a lot of trains suspended; Della left after lunch; we commenced Spring cleaning; dreadful storms of wind and rain
T 5 Mrs Pearce came for the day
W 6 Father in the garden; George came up to dinner; I did not go out; Mrs Pearce here
T 7 I went to class; Mrs Pearce here
F 8 Nellie came in to tea and we went to Croydon together shopping; she came home with me to dinner; George had dinner with Father; Arthur came up at night; Mrs Pearce here
S 9 Agnes came up at night; Edie and Rene called
S 10 I went to service, Mr Robinson preached; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 11 Foggy; Mrs Pearce here; did not go out
T 12 Uncle and Alice came over for the day; I went with Kitty to Mr and Mrs Cheshire’s golden wedding
W 13 George came up at night; Amy called; Mrs Pearce here
T 14 Men began on the kitchen; I went to class; gave Mr Latham 5/- for sewing meeting tea; Agnes came up at night; Father went in the garden
F 15 Trot came over for the day
S 16 I called at Bampfylde
S 17 I went to service; Mrs Grant and Nell came down to tea unexpectedly
M 18 I went to a lecture on Wagner’s music and his last opera, ‘Parsifal’ by Rev Hugh Falconer; Arthur and George came up at night; Mrs Pearce here
T 19 Weather colder and very wet still
W 20 I called at Nellie’s; Mrs Pearce here
T 21 I went to class; Mrs Pearce here; cold rain and winds
F 22 Did not go out; Agnes came up at night; Mrs Pearce here
S 23 Still continues very wet
S 24 I went to service; Mrs Childe came in to tea; Father in the garden
M 25 Workmen finished in the house; did not go out; Father in the garden
T 26 A lovely Spring day; Father well and in the garden a lot; Mrs Pearce here; George came up at night
W 27 Alice Spinks came to see me
T 28 I went to class; Mrs Pearce here
F 29 Finished Spring cleaning; Mrs Pearce here; I called to see Fannie Testar in her new home
S 30 I called at Nellie’s
S 31 I went to service; Arthur came in to dinner and tea; Bobbie’s thirteenth birthday
April
M 1 Very cold; Ada and Mary went to a musical service at our church at night
T 2 Frost; I went to the bank; Father was in the garden; sent Nellie a book; Agnes came up at night
W 3 A Spring day; Father out a lot in the garden; I called at Bampfylde; Agnes came to dinner; Mary had a holiday
T 4 I went to class; Edie called; Ada had a holiday
F 5 I went to service; George, Nellie and the girls and Eddy came to tea and super; Mr Robinson came to tea; Kitty and Arthur to supper
S 6 We had a quiet day alone; Father able to be in the garden a lot; Ada and Mary ha d afternoon and evening out
S 7 Spent a quiet day alone with Father – he said it had been a very happy day; I went to service in the morning
M 8 Very cold; Agnes spent the day with us; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; I called at Bampfylde
T 9 I called at Kit’s; Trot came over for the day; George came up at night; I gave Mrs Dunn a parcel of clothes
W 10 Called on Mrs Hawksley
T 11 Went to class; Mr Hill called; cold winds continue
F 12 Father bought a bath chair £2/17/0d; Mr Champness and Daisy came to dinner; I went to Croydon shopping before lunch
S 13 Took Father round the garden in his chair; called at Bampfylde; am still feeling very poorly
S 14 I went to service; Mr Robinson came to tea and dinner
M 15 Ethel and Betty came for a few hours; George came up at night; wreck of the Titanic, over sixteen hundred lives lost
T 16 Feeling very poorly; cold winds but bright; called to see Nellie; Fannie called
W 17 Had painting lesson in my studio; called to see Kitty and found her better; George and Mr Chaffer came to dinner and Father audited Mill Lane accounts with them; Agnes came in at night; we saw eclipse of the sun at noon; the last eclipse was 1858
T 18 I went to class; Fannie and Eddy came to dinner; took Father out for a ride in his bath chair for the first time
F 19 A Spring day; Mary and I took Father in his bath chair nearly to Hackbridge after tea; Mrs Hay and Bessie called; did study of silver birch
S 20 Did study of acacia tree; warm day; I wheeled Father up to Bampfylde to tea and we stayed a couple of hours and Mary took the chair back; Father very well
S 21 Kit, Arthur and Dorothy spent the day with us; went to service – Rev Shutter preached; in evening, Arthur stayed with Father and we went to service;
M 22
T 23 Did study of apple tree; Mary and I took Father out in the bath chair after tea
W 24 Edie came in to keep Father company while I went to St Ann’s Hall, Clapham to hear Violet speak at anti-vivisection meeting; Mr Wood spoke and Dr Cronin took the chair; I went on to Mrs Wood to tea; Florrie and Amy Cox there; Violet came back with me in the evening
T 25 Violet and I went to class; then we took Father, in his bath chair, as far as Hackbridge; Violet left after dinner; raised Mary’s wages to £22
F 26 Had painting lesson; finished June in the Tyrol and gave it to Father; he was very pleased; Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day and their dog, Fairy. After tea, we all went, with Father in the bath chair, and the dogs and went up to Bampfylde
S 27 Mary wheeled Father up to Mr Champness; we stayed an hour in his garden and I wheeled him home again
S 28 I went to service; we spent a quiet day alone
M 29 Uncle and Alice spent the day with us; I called at Bampfylde
T 30 Called on Mrs Pearce; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; George came up at night
May
W 1 I went to the bank in the morning; Gladys came over and stayed the night; she and I took Father round Woodcote for an hour and a half; Agnes and Pearce came up at night
T 2 Gladys and I went to class; Mr Robinson and Bessie Hay came in to tea; Arthur Stair came to dinner and Gladys returned home with him at night
F 3 Mary and I took Father round by the Plough and Stafford Road home after tea; George and Arthur came up at night
S 4 Sent income tax claim for £3/6/10d; cold, first rain after twenty-five days
S 5 George and Nellie spent the day with us; I went to service; George and I went again at night
M 6 Ada had a holiday; I called at Mr Robinson’s; took Father out in his bath chair for half an hour in the afternoon
T 7 Trot came over in the morning and stayed the night; I went over to see Lillie and Marian for an hour after tea; a wet day
W 8 I went to Sir Anderson Critchett about my eyes; George went with me and took me to lunch; I met Lillie at Royal Academy and we spent three hours there; Trot took Father up to Kit’s; she returned home in the evening; left off wearing glasses except for work and reading
T 9 Went to class; Mary and I took Father out for an hour; hot day; Agnes came up at night
F 10 I took Father up to Bampfylde and back; George came up at night; awake most of the night with severe cold and neuralgia
S 11 Very poorly all day; Mary and I took Father up to Kit’s in the afternoon and had tea with them; Arthur wheeled Father back
S 12 Too poorly to go to service; I took Father up to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came back with us to supper
M 13 Still poorly; Father and I went up to see Fannie – I took him in the chair; George came up at night
T 14 Father and went for an hour and a half drive after tea – we took Danny; hawthorns, lilacs, chestnuts and laburnums, an exceptional mass of bloom this year; I called to see Bessie Hay
W 15 Went up with Danny to have a photo taken for Grace; Geraniums bedded out; Danny one year old
T 16 Mabel Oliver came in the morning and stayed the night; she took some snap shots of Silver and Danny; Awake most of the night with a bad cough
F 17 Mabel and I spent the morning taking photos of the animals; she left after tea; Agnes came up at night
S 18 I called at Nellie’s; weather still too cold for Father to go out in his chair; the two girls went out in the evening; my cold better but feeling very weak
S 19 I went to service; Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea
M 20 Father poorly with toothache and neuralgia; I did not go out; Theo and Mr Gibson called
T 21 Annual RSPCA meeting in London – could not go; Father better and able to get out in the garden; called at Kit’s; Agnes came to dinner
W 22 Did not go out; Father not very well
T 23 Father better; cold, dull day; I went to class
F 24 I went to the bank; Mr Latham called; Will’s birthday
S 25 Took Father up to florists and then to Bampfylde; Lillie and Marian came to stay the weekend; Mr Cheshire came in the evening
S 26 Theo’s 9th birthday; Marian and I went to service in the morning – Mr Robinson preached a fine sermon on the Motherhood of God; Lillie and I went again at night; George came up to supper
M 27 Mary and I took Father out for an hour; glorious day; Lillie left before lunch, Marian after; Mary and Ada went out for the evening
T 28 Lovely day; Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea; Eva came down to dinner and to stay
W 29 Father, Eva and I went for a drive to Rose Walk for an hour and a half after tea; Agnes came up at night
T 30 Trot came over and stayed the night; Eva left after lunch and I went up to the Tate Gallery and spent a couple of hours there and then went into Westminster Abbey; on to tea with Mrs Wood – Violet out but Hubert there; came home via Mitcham by train; a lovely sunset
F 31 Father and I went to Agnes to tea and, afterwards, we took him for a ride; Agnes came back to dinner; called on Mrs Pearce
June
S 1 Eva went to class with me; we took Father round Hackbridge village afterwards; a hot day; I sent Grace’s birthday present through Mr Milsted
S 2 I went to service; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 3 Did not go out, feeling very poorly; weather colder; Ray went to Norwood to plant our darling’s grace with white geraniums
T 4 Mr Robinson came to tea; in the evening George, Kit, Arthur and Agnes came up; I went to the bank in the morning
W 5 I went up to Kit’s to tea
T 6 I went to class; Mary and I took Father out for an hour
F 7 A very wet day
S 8 Did the church flowers for Kitty; called at Nellie’s; Mr Latham came; saw flying machine for the first time – flew overhead
S 9 I went to service – pouring rain; Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea
M 10 Uncle brought Aunt Lissie over to stay; Mrs Giles and Alice came to tea as well; weather perfect
T 11 I took Father out for an hour; Auntie went part of the way with us; Ada had a holiday
W 12 A very wet day; called to see Kit; had painting lesson and finished the sketch
T 13 Went to class; Kit, Arthur and George came up at night
F 14 Dr Cressy came to see Father and sent him a tonic; Agnes came to dinner and to stay the night; Mary had a holiday; I took Father out for an hour; Auntie went with us
S 15 I went to Bampfylde to tea and supper – a tennis party; Marian came to stay the weekend
S 16 We all stayed at home in the morning; Marian and I went to service at night
M 17 I found a baby sparrow fallen out of its nest; put it in the old bird cage in a flannel and hung it out doors; parent birds came into the cage to fed it; a wet day
T 18 Lovely day; Gladys and Theo came and stayed the night; we all went for a long drive after tea; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; after dinner, Gladys and I walked up to Bampfylde; took Auntie for a walk in the morning
W 19 A very hot day; Mary and I took Father out for an hour after tea; Gladys and Theo left after lunch
T 20 Auntie went for a walk with me in the morning; I went to class; George and Nellie came to dinner
F 21 Father, Auntie and I went for a drive; I called to see Fannie; Arthur came up at night
S 22 Heat intense; called at Bampfylde; went to see Bessie Hay; Uncle came over to tea
S 23 I went to service; Father, Auntie and I went to Bampfylde to tea; George and Nellie came back to supper
M 24 Auntie still unwell, sent for Dr Cressy to see her and Father; did not go out
T 25 Auntie better; Edie came in to tea and dinner; she and I went to a sale of work and social at our church and I won a prize at one of the games
W 26 Had a painting lesson; Aunt Lissie returned home and I went to East Croydon to see her off; I took Father out for an hour in his chair
T 27 Went to painting class; I took Father out in the chair afterwards; called to see Fannie; George came up at night
F 28 Fannie Testar had a son; Trot came over for the day and stayed the night
S 29 Trot stayed till evening and took Father up to Bampfylde after tea; I met Lille at Crystal Palace and we heard the Messiah – four thousand performers, Cowen conducting, Clara Butt, Miss Percival Allen, Ben Davis and Robert Radford the soloists; were in our seats from noon until 6.30. Met Uncle and Marian and Alice there
S 30 Animal Sunday; I went to service – Rev Robinson preached and gave an excellent address on ‘The Righteous man regardeth the life of his heart’; he came to home to dinner and left after an early cup of tea; George and Nellie came to supper
July
M 1 Called to enquire after Fannie and took her a plant; sent Mrs Staples 2/6; Aunt Janie a box of roses and Morris’ baby a jacket and shoes
T 2 I went to the bank in the morning; Agnes came in to tea and dinner and stayed the night
W 3 Jim’s twenty-first birthday; Mary went for a fortnight’s holiday; had a painting lesson; George and Agnes came up at night
T 4 I went to class – last time as Mr Robinson needs the room; called to see Fannie and her new baby; Mr Robinson came to dinner and spent the evening with us; Dr Cressy called; Father better
F 5 Took Father to Bramble Haw in his chair and Pearce took us over the old garden; Arthur came up at night
S 6 Still feeling very poorly; Father and I went up to Bampfylde to tea
S 7 George and I went to service at night; I stayed for the Sacrament with Kit – Mr Robinson preached; George, Arthur and Kit came in to supper; I went in the morning – Mr Morris preached; Mrs Jarrett called
M 8 I called to see Fannie and Amy Yates – Ray took Father out in his chair; Dot came to stay; George and Agnes came up at night; Father and I sent two guineas towards a presentation to Mr Robinson
T 9 After lunch, Nellie and I met George in town and he took us to the national rose show at the Royal Botanical Gardens – we had tea there and then went – by car and taxi – to Hampton Court and, from there, by steam launch up to Richmond and had supper there before coming home; Mrs Childe came to see Father; feeling very poorly
W 10 Ditto; made cherry jam; two cases of Tasmanian apples arrived; Ray took Father six miles in his chair with Dot and Danny; Dot and I went to the devotional service; I had a painting lesson and finished ‘Spring time’; Amy Yates came to tea with Ada
T 11 Very poorly; went to see Dr Cressy; Jim came over in the morning to stay the night
F 12 Heat intense; Jim left after lunch; Father, Dot and I went an hour and a half drive after tea; Mr Latham came to dinner; Rene called; Father better
S 13 Still poorly; George came up in the morning; I called there in the afternoon; finished making cherry jam – 11lbs in all
S 14 Heat awful – 88° in the shade; Dot and I went to service in the morning and stayed with Father at night; George and Mr Robinson (Seaford) came up after supper
M 15 Grace’s birthday; the heat continues; I went to town to buy summer dresses, etc; I went to darling Mother’s grave; George and Mr Robinson (Seaford) and Agnes came up at night; servants’ income tax becomes law
T 16 I went to see Fannie and went over the house with Agnes; Agnes came to dinner – she and Dot went for a walk afterwards; I went to see Dr Cressy
W 17 The heat wave continues; Dot and I went to service at night; George came up; Mary came back from her fortnight’s holiday
T 18 Dot left after breakfast; Ada had a holiday; cooler
F 19 Weather turned very cold; had a fire again; went to see Fannie, Arthur came up at night
S 20 Father poorly, sent for Dr Cressy; he sent me medicine to ease breathing; Father and I went to Bampfylde to the christening of Fannie’s son – Ronald Kingsley Williams; we stayed to tea and brought Father home and went back for the evening. Marian came for the weekend; Mr Robinson, Eddy, Mr Herbert and Mr and Mrs Kirkness at Fannie’s
S 21 Father better; lovely day; Marian and I went over to Sutton church; both stayed with Father at night; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 22 Dr Cressy came to see us both; Father better; Ray took him a longish turn in his bath chair, I went part of the way and then went to the bank for Father
T 23 Called to see Kitty; Mary and I take Father to Hackbridge after tea
W 24 Had a painting lesson; Father and I went for an hour’s drive after tea; George and Nellie came to dinner; George, Edie and I went to farewell meeting to Mr Robinson in the field adjoining the chapel; his people presented him with a cheque for fifty guineas
T 25 Dr Cressy came to see us both; Mr Robinson came in to tea and to say goodbye; Trot came to dinner and stayed the night; I went to united class meeting – very crowded out but a beautiful meeting
F 26 Uncle’s 85th birthday; Trot stayed until evening and I went over to have tea with him; Lillie, Marian, Kitty and Arthur went, too; he is very well and bright; Trot took Father out for an hour in his bath chair
S 27 I called at Nellie’s in the morning; Mary and I took Father out for an hour in the afternoon
S 28 Stayed with Father in the morning; Agnes came to tea and I went to service at night, the Rev Robinson’s farewell – the church was crowded
M 29 Had a short painting lesson; Father continues very weak and low; Dr Cressy came to see us both; am feeling very poorly; Arthur came up at night
T 30 Had a very anxious day but Father better in the evening; Mary and I both took Father out for an hour in the chair; George came up at night
W 31 Uncle and Alice came over for the day; Father a little better; I had a painting lesson; Ethel has appendicitis; George and Agnes came up at night
August
T 1 Had a painting lesson; Dr Cressy came to see us both; Father better; Pearce came up in the evening; made 6lbs redcurrant jelly
F 2 Mary and I took Father out in the afternoon; Arthur came in at night
S 3 Ethel had an operation for appendicitis, reported successful and she is doing well; Dr Cressy came; Father not quite so well; I called at Nellie’s; George and Agnes came up at night; Ada and Mary went out in the evening
S 4 Stayed in with Father all day; was better in the evening; George and Nellie came up to supper; Ethel going on well
M 5 Had a fire, rain and squalls; on Saturday, the temperature in London fell to 38°, snow in the Midlands and in Scotland; Hetty and Oliver motored from Coventry and arrived about 5pm to stay
T 6 Raining all day; we did not go out at all; Father continues very weak and poorly; Dr Cressy came to see us both
W 7 Oliver took me for a fifteen mile run in his motor after breakfast – fast; country lovely – through Purley, Coulsdon, Caterham, Whyteleaf and Rose Walk; thunder and heavy rain, cold; sent Mrs Staples a postal order for 3/-; George came up at night
T 8 Trot came over and stayed the night; I went to the bank in the morning; called at Miss Leach and Bampfylde to say goodbye as they are all off to Eastbourne tomorrow
F 9 Trot left after lunch; Fannie and baby came to see us after tea; George, Nellie and the two girls went to Eastbourne
S 10 Heavy rains and thunderstorm, very cold at night; Mr Morris and Agnes called; Father better
S 11 Father better; I went to service in the morning; Agnes and Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; had a fire
M 12 Dr Cressy called; cold, wet day
T 13 Father and I went to 1 Marine Gardens, Eastbourne for a fortnight; Agnes saw us off at Croydon after tea; George and Nellie met us; Father managed the journey well; Rev Fletcher called before we left; Mrs Pearce came to keep Mary company; fine, but cold
W 14 Fine morning, wet evening; Uncle and Marian came in the morning; I took Father out in his chair for an hour and a quarter before dinner and an hour after tea; lovely air
T 15 Wet and chilly; sun came out for a short time so took Father in his chair for an hour before dinner; Edie and I went up to see Uncle and Aunties after tea
F 16 Lovely morning; I took Father out for an hour and a half in the morning; Jim came down on his motor bike to stay in Eastbourne; had tea and supper with us; Uncle, Aunties, Lillie and Marian all came to tea; After, we wll went out to see an aviator in his water plane
S 17 A lovely day; I took over Aunt Lissie’s birthday basket of fruit from us both and then took Father out for an hour on the front; Trot, Gladys, Bob, Theo and Katherine Armstrong came down to Grand Parade to stay; Trot and I took Father on the pier after tea and we saw three aviators fly; Trot came in after supper; I went out with George and Nellie
S 18 Took Father out for a ride after tea; cold, wet day, did not go to service; had tea upstairs; Uncle and Marian joined the party
M 19 Took Father out for an hour; he and I went to Aunties for tea; Trot and Marian went home today; George and I went for a walk at night
T 20 Strong wind and cold; I went on the beach early and then took Father for a ride; after tea, George took him for a long turn with Nellie and me; I took the children down town to buy them sweets; Uncle and Lillie came to supper; General Booth died, aged eighty-three
W 31 The coldest day we have had, with a strong win and showers; Gladys took Father to far end of parade in the morning; Trot came back to stay; she, George, Nellie and I took Father to Redoubt after tea; in the morning, I went to the nursing home with Aunt Janie to make arrangement for her cataract operation next week
T 22 Bright sunshine but still cold; I took Father for a long turn in the morning and Trot helped; after dinner, Gladys and all the children plus Edie and Rene and I went in a motor boat – very rough and we all got soaked and enjoyed it thoroughly; Trot stayed with Father while I had tea with all of them at her place; we took Father out again after tea
F 23 Pouring rain all day; Father did not go out; I went up to see Aunties in the morning; Trot came in at night and I went to a picture theatre with all the others; a very good show
S 24 Pouring rain again; cleared after tea; we took Father out for an hour; George and Trot stayed with us for a round of whist at night
S 25 A lovely day; Father went to chapel – first time for three years; he much enjoyed the service and he got on well; Trot and four of them went with us; George, Nellie and the girls came down to tea; After, Trot came in and we took Father out for two hours; saw a monoplane close over our heads, flying backwards and forwards
M 26 I took Father out for a long turn in the morning; after tea, Trot went with us for half an hour – it turned colder; George and all of them left after lunch; I went up to see Aunties before supper; Trot and Jim came in for whist afterwards
T 27 A lovely day – we are staying on till Saturday; I took Father out for an hour in the morning; we all went down to the pier in the afternoon; Trot stayed with Father while I took Gladys and Katherine to hear Mark Hamburg – a musical treat; he played Chopin; we saw another biplane; Aunt Lissie came for tea
W 28 Aunt Janie had the preliminary operation for cataracts; I went to her first thing and stayed during the operation (all went well) and then went up to see Aunt Lissie; Trot took Father out, I met them afterwards; I took Father out for two hours after tea; a lovely day, warmer; boat regatta at night, very pretty; Trot and Gladys came in for whist
T 29 Pouring rain and a gale most of the day; I stayed in all day with Father as he was so weak and low; after tea, I took him out for an hour in his chair and then went to see Aunt Janie – found her very ill; Aunt Lissie called in
F 30 Rained in the morning, cleared later; took Father out for half an hour before dinner; we went to Trot’s for tea and then she and I took Father out for two hours; after, I went to see Aunt Janie, found her a little better
S 31 A lovely day; I went up to the home to see Aunt Janie and then to say goodbye to Aunt Lissie; took Father out for an hour; we left by the 4.26pm train – Trot, Ethel, Gladys and the rest saw us off – arrived Croydon at 6.10pm; Agnes met us; found all right at home; both feeling better for the happy holiday
September
S 1 I went to service; we spent a quiet day alone
M 2 I went up to see Kitty
T 3 Cold, but dry; Mary and I took father out for an hour after tea; Father gave me a cheque for £25 – I gave him the £22 housekeeping savings; Arthur came up at night
W 4 Father not so well; we took him out for an hour after tea; I called at Nellie’s
T 5 Father much better; too cold for him to go out; I called to see Agnes; George and Rev Rees called in the evening
F 6 Continues very cold; called to see Bessie Hay
S 7 I took Father up to George’s after tea; Agnes came to dinner
S 8 Warmer, Father better; I went to service and heard our new minister for the first time, the Rev Walter Rees; stayed for the Sacrament; George and Nellie came up to super
M 9 Father and I drove into Croydon to the bank after tea; I called to see Theo; Grace has been married for three years today
T 10 Kitty called after tea; I went to see Mr Pearce
W 11 Coldest September day I ever remember
T 12 I went to Croydon before lunch, shopping; Mary and I took Father out for an hour after tea – sunshine; George came up at night; Father better
F 13 I took our birthday wreath to darling Mother’s grace; Father in the garden; Arthur came to dinner; I went to see Agnes in the evening
S 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; Trot and family came home from Eastbourne; Mr Latham called; I went up to George’s; made 9lbs of crab apple jelly
S 15 Eleven years today since my precious mother went Home; I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie spent the day with us; much warmer
M 16 Father better and in the garden; Rev Rees called for the first time in the evening
T 17 Took a basket of pears and apples to Kitty
W 18 A lovely day; Uncle and Alice spent the day with us; I took a basket of dahlias up to Nellie
T 19 Cold; Agnes came up at night; I sent Mr Pearce’s daughter a winter costume
F 20 Eleven years ago today since we laid Mother to rest; a lovely day; Edie called; after tea, Father and I went for an hour and a half’s drive, the country lovely
S 21 Mary and I took Father out for an hour after tea; Father better; we made 8lbs of quince and apple jam
S 22 I went to service; George and Nellie came in to supper
M 23 Mary and I took Father out for an hour in his chair, he enjoyed the ride; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner
T 24 Trot came over and stayed the night; I went to town shopping after lunch and got back just after 7pm; George took me out to tea; he came up in the evening; Father and Trot went for an hour and a half’s drive
W 25 Very cold; I had a painting lesson; Nellie and Edie called; I called on Agnes
T 26 Father better; I went to class; Rev Rees met it for the first time; Agnes came to dinner; George called in the evening
F 27 I had a painting lesson; Kit, Arthur and Violet came to dinner; Kit and I called on Mrs Rees
S 28 Eddy called
S 29 I went to service; Father well; we spent a quiet day alone; cold on me
M 30 Very wet; stayed in all day
October
T 1 Went to Croydon in the morning; Rev Fletcher called; Miss Hunter called and Mr Latham; raised Ada’s wages to £22, termination of two years
W 2 Father has a bad cold; mine still bad; stayed in all day; Mr Stewart called
T 3 Kept Father in bed all day; Miss Adams called; Rev Rees came up at night as did George; Dr Cressy came to see father – usual weakness; was up with Father several times in the night
F 4 Father very ill; was up with him most of the night, had a bed in his room; Trot came over for the day and stayed the night; George, Arthur, Nellie and Edie called; in all day
S 5 My darling Father’s 81st birthday; spent it in bed but had a quiet, happy day; much better; Trot left before lunch; George, Nellie, Kit, Arthur, Agnes and Mrs Pearce called to see him; he had eighteen letters besides a lot of presents; in all day
S 6 Father better but still in bed; am with him night and day; in all day
M 7 Father sat up for an hour in the evening, much better; Trot came after tea and stayed the night, so that I might have a night in my own room; George and Kit called in the evening; in all day
T 8 Father better, still in bed; Trot left us after tea; George, Agnes and Mrs Pearce called; Ada had a holiday
W 9 Father sat up for a couple of hours in the evening; Mary went to see the oculist and to the dentist so was single-handed all day; in all day
T 10 Father better, sat up in his room for a couple of hours; went out for quarter of an hour
F 11 Ditto; Dr Cressy did not call; George, Arthur and Agnes came up at night; in all day
S 12 Father not so well – an anxious day; in all day
S 13 Father better, dressed for the first time and sat up all day in his room; George came up to supper; Arthur in the evening; did not go out; a lovely day
M 14 Sent off our Xmas presents to Hobart; Father, a silver table vase; I sent an oil painting and some slippers; Father not so well; we were awake with the cough all night; Trot came over for the night and I went to bed; I went to Nellie’s after dinner for half an hour; Ernest came down
T 15 Father a little better; I went up to Kit’s before lunch whilst Trot was here; she left after tea; Mr Rees and Edie called; Mr Cheshire came in to tea and dinner
W 15 Father much better; dressed and sitting up in his room
T 17 Had disturbed night with a cough; Father decidedly better; came downstairs for the first time, to lunch; Miss Blewitt called
F 18 Father better, dressed himself and down to lunch; Mr Rees called in the morning and stayed an hour; I went in to see Agnes; George came up at night; Ada went out in the evening; sent a box of windfalls to the animal hospital
S 19 Weather lovely all this month; Father better; Agnes and George came up at night
S 20 Stayed with Father all day; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; George and Nellie to supper
M 21 Father much better; Mrs Pearce had tea with the girls; did not go out all day
T 22 A damp, cold day; George came up at night
W 23 Ditto; went to see Bessie Hay and Miss Leach; George called; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
T 24 Kitty called; Trot came over and stayed the night so that I could sleep in my own room; I went to have tea with Mrs Wood and Violet; took Father round the garden in his chair
F 25 Had painting lesson; went up to see Kitty; Trot left after tea; Pearce came up at night; took Father round the garden in his chair
S 26 Pouring wet all day; Arthur came up at night; we sent Amy Yates two concert tickets
S 27 I went to service; Mr and Mrs Harry Williams called with George, Nellie and Arthur after service; we spent a quiet day alone; Father much better; warm, Spring-like day
M 28 Mr and Mrs Rees called; Agnes came up at night; Father better
T 29 Had painting lesson; called to see Nellie; Mr H Champness came to dinner
W 30 Amy called and had tea with the girls; Mary went to hospital in the morning; George came up at night
T 31 Trot came over and stayed the night; I spent an hour over with Uncle; George called
November
F 1 Trot left before lunch; Rene called; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; George and Nellie to dinner; students exhibition of small pictures at studio, I sent in four
S 2 Lillie and Marian came to stay the weekend; Ada and Mary went to a concert at night; Lillie and I went up to the students exhibition at the close; Father much better
S 3 Lillie, Marian and I went to service; Rev Rees preached; we all stayed with Father at night
M 4 Marian left early, Lillie left in the morning; I went to the bank at the same time; Mr Spencer Hopkins came to tea; Agnes came in the evening
T 5 A dark, wet day; I called to see Fannie; George came to dinner; Mr Latham called; Ada had a holiday
W 6 Called to see Nellie; Father much better; wrote Xmas letters to Hobart; yellow fog; Mary had a holiday
T 7 I went to class; Mr Childe and George came up at night; Father well, went for a walk round the garden
F 8 Nellie came in to tea and went to Streatham with me to buy a hat; Arthur came in at night
S 9 A Spring day; Father in the garden; Dr Cressy said goodbye to him; he is very well; Agnes came up at night; Ray went to Norwood to plant our grave with pink hyacinths (21); sent ODFL sub of 2/6
S 10 I went to service; George and Nellie came to tea and supper; Jim had an operation for appendicitis
S 11 Nellie went to Streatham with me after tea to change the hat; Mrs Foster and George called; Jim very ill; Eddy came up at night
M 12 Did not go out all day; Edie called; Jim better
T 13 Edie came in to tea and I met Lillie in town and went to Miss Moore’s exhibition of pictures in Bond Street and to Dore Gallery; we had tea together; I got back to dinner; Edie stayed and Eddy came up at night
W 14 Had anthracite stove fixed in Father’s room; Mr Latham called
F 15 Had sweep in the kitchen and the boiler cleaned; I called to see Nellie; George came up at night; went back to my own room to sleep – have been sleeping six weeks on a chair bed in Father’s room to keep fire in all night
S 16 Foggy and damp day – continues all week; Father not so well; George and Agnes came up at night; Jim better; both girls went out in the evening
S 17 I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came up to supper; Father better
M 18 Uncle and Alice came over to tea; Agnes came to dinner
T 19 Sent Trot and oil painting of ‘Spring in the woods’; Mrs Hay and Bessie called; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I went up to Bampfylde after dinner; Jim better
W 20 Trot’s birthday (fifty-three); had painting lesson; George came up at night; Miss Leach called; Father better; Mary had a holiday; did not go out
T 21 Father keeps very low and poorly; I went to class; Arthur came up at night
F 22 Sunshine; Father much better; went round the garden; Kit called
S 23 Father not so well; Mr and Mrs Antill called; George came up at night; did not go out
S 24 Father better; went round the garden; I went to service in the morning; George came up to supper
M 25 Wind and rain; I went up to see Kit
T 26 Ditto; Mr Rees called
W 27 Had a painting lesson; Nellie, Fannie and Ronald came to tea; I called on Miss Hunter and Miss Leach and found them both out
T 28 Hard frost, bitterly cold; went to class; Jim not so well; still have neuralgia – had it for weeks
F 29 George and Percy came up at night; Mary went out after dinner; specialist came down again to see Jim, who is very ill
S 30 Boiled Xmas puddings – 1 large, 1 medium and 1 small; George called; Mr and Mrs Childe called in the afternoon; Agnes came in the evening; Ada went out after dinner; Jim had second operation – and abscess, very ill
December
S 1 I went to service in the morning and stayed for the Sacrament; George and Mr Elliott came up after supper
M 2 I went to the dentist; George called; Jim better
T 3 I went to Croydon shopping; Father well; Ada had a holiday; Mrs Pearce called
W 4 Dot came over in the morning and stayed the night; I went over to Trot’s for a few hours; found Jim better but still very ill
T 5Dot left early; Father keeping much better; I went to see Edie, been poorly; Mary had a holiday
F 6 George and Mr Latham came to dinner
S 7 Had a painting lesson; Agnes came up at night; Jim much better
S 8 I went to service in the morning; George and Nellie came in to supper; Father keeping well
M 9 Father went round the garden; I called to see Fannie
T 10 Trot came over for the day; I went to the dentist; went to sale of work at our church; spent 15/10 and we sent four dozen mince pies for refreshment stall
W 11 Had a painting lesson; Mr Rees came to tea; George came up at night
T 12 I went to class; George came in to dinner
F 13 Miss Craigie came to see me about forming a Band of Mercy in Carshalton; I went to see Nellie – met Mrs Batty there; went to see Agnes’ cat as it was very ill; Father keeping well; Arthur came up at night
S 14 I went to see Kit and had tea with them; Agnes came in to dinner; Jim going on well
S 15 I went to service; George came up to supper
M 16 Had a painting lesson; went to Croydon shopping after tea; Father wrote five of his Xmas letters himself; we did Xmas cards together at night
T 17 Did not go out; we finished Xmas cards at night
W 18 Went to see Nellie in bed with a bad knee; had painting lesson
T 19 Went up to see Nellie; George came up at night
F 20 Had a painting lesson
S 21 Father not quite so well; Trot came over unexpectedly after lunch for a few hours; we posted our cards and rest of parcels; had painting lesson; finished ‘Danny and Silver’ for Father
S 22 Went to service – Xmas service; George came up to tea; Father better, spent a quiet, happy day together ; he went round the garden; Lilacs are budding and the bulbs up; iris in bloom
M 23 Did decorations in the morning; took our Xmas wreath to Mother’s grave in the afternoon; Mr Cheshire came to lunch and tea; Kit called; Pearce came up at night and brought plants and flowers; sent out rest of parcels; sent ½ bushel of carrots to shelter for cab horses
T 24 Took 2 dozen mince pies to the cab men – a wet and stormy day; Lillie and Marian came at night to stay over Xmas
W 25 All gone off well ; Bampfylde people all came to dinner at four as did the Testars – we numbered ten and the baby; Father got on well and said he had been very happy all day – it was for all of us; spent evening with games and music; storm of wind and rain all day
T 26 Father well; we spent a quiet day alone with the girls and had music all evening; George, Edie and Mrs Pearce called; Mary had a holiday; weather the same as yesterday
F 27 Lillie and Marian left in the morning; we had a quiet day alone; Ada had a holiday; rain and wind continues
S 28 Called to see Nellie; wet continues and very mild
S 29 Went to service in the morning; George came up to supper; colder, with a fire; Father keeping better; Jim came downstairs for the first time for seven weeks
M 30 Had tea with Kit; George came up at night
T 31 Danny poorly; Jim spoke to me on the phone; Edie came up at night; Father well
1913
January
W 1 Father well; a Spring-like day; I had a painting lesson; Uncle and Alice spent the day with us; I went to Bampfylde after tea
T 2 Went to the bank; Kit and Dorothy came to tea; I took Father round the garden in the chair; a Spring day; wrote to Mr Todd about the Band of Mercy work; Mr Rees came up after dinner and stayed the evening
F 3 Finished Silver and Danny’s portraits; called to see Amy, found her ill and sent her grapes; called on Miss Hunter; had tea with her and Miss Leach; took Father round the garden in his chair
S 4 In all day, feeling very poorly with a bad cold
S 5 Ditty; Agnes came to tea and supper
M 6 Ditto; Edie and Bessie called; George came up at night; Father not so well
T 7 Ditto; Gladys came over to lunch and stayed the night; Amy called
W 8 Gladys left before lunch; George came up at night; I went to see Nellie
T 9 Went to class; Kitty, Arthur and Dorothy came to dinner; we all played Nap; I took Father round the garden in his chair; much better
F 10 Violet came down to tea and dinner; gave her 2/6 for Council of Justice; called to see Mrs Pearce; Mary went out after dinner
S 11 Wet, coldest day we have had
S 12 Went to morning service; George came to supper; bright sunshine but cold
M 13 Hard frost; bitterly cold; called to see Nellie
T 14 Ada had a holiday
W 15 Mary had a holiday; Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over and stayed the night
T 16 Trot and the children left after lunch; Mr Latham called; Rev and Mrs Rees came to dinner
F 17 Fannie and baby came in to tea; Miss Leach called as did Mrs Pearce; Ada went out at night
S 18 Dot’s twenty-third birthday; I wrote to Mr Parker of the Baptist church about Band of Mercy week
S 19 Went to morning service; George and Mr Brown came in to supper
M 20 A very wet day
T 21 Trot came over and stayed the night; I went to a whist drive at Mr Champness
W 22 Trot left before lunch; I went up to see Nellie
T 23 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I went to class; went up to Bampfylde for an hour after dinner
F 24 Visited Bessie Hay
S 25 I went up to Kit’s in the afternoon; Miss Leach called; Mr Foster came to lunch
S 26 Went to morning service; Agnes and Marjory called after tea; George came up to supper; Mr Parker said he was hoping to start a Band of Mercy in response to my letter
M 27 Went to Croydon after tea, shopping; sent a parcel to Lillie and Marian; Mary went out after dinner
T 28 Did not go out; Father much better for the last weeks
W 29 Dense fog all day; I went up to see Nellie; Della had a little son
T 30 Went to see Dr Cressy about Ada’s thumb; went to class; Marjory came in to tea; George and Arthur came up at night; Ada went out after dinner
F 31 Mrs Chandler called; Edie and Rene came to dinner and whist; Ada went to have her thumb operated on at the hospital
February
S 1 Father well; went to see Miss Leach
S 2 Went to morning service; George and Nellie came to supper; Aunt Janie’s birthday
M 3 Trot and Theo came over and stayed the night; Edie, Rene and I went to see ‘Miracle Play’ at the picture palace in Oxford Street and then looked at shops; went up after lunch and had tea at Selfridge’s; got home about 7.30pm
T 4 Trot and Theo left early; Edie called; George came up at night; Just heard Gladys has chronic appendicitis and is to go to bed for ten days
W 5 Went to the bank in the morning; Uncle and Alice came over to tea; I went up to Nellie’s before supper
T 6 Marjory came in to tea; Hilda and Dot came down to stay the weekend; Edie came in after dinner and we played whist; took Father round the garden in his chair
F 7 Made the pastry and cake in the morning; Agnes and Marjory came to dinner
S 8 My birthday; had may loving letters and presents – fifteen letters and cards; took Father round the garden in his chair; the girls and I went up to Bampfylde for half an hour; Agnes came in to tea
S 9 Awake nearly all the night with acute pain in my ear; Dr Cressy came to see me in the morning; Abscess in ear; feeling very poorly; girls went to both services and to see Agnes; six of our friends called
M 10 Jim came over for the day; Dot left after lunch; Edie and Rene came to tea and dinner; Agnes called
T 11 Gladys had an operation for appendicitis – I went over for the day to help them; Hilda stayed with Father, who went in the garden; George and Edie called; Bobbie has measles
W 12 Father not so well; I did not go out; Hilda went for a long walk; Kitty called; Gladys very ill
T 13 Hilda went to Nellie’s to tea; I went there to dinner and Hilda stayed with Father; Father better; thick fog at night
F 14 Ditto; I went over to have tea with Uncle
S 15 Hilda left after lunch; Gladys going on well
S 16 Went to morning service; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea
M 17 Snow and very cold; Dr Cressy came to syringe Father’s ears – with good results; I went to see Mr Cheshire, who is ill in bed; George came up at night
T 18 Snow; did not go out; Ada had a holiday
W 19 Went up to see Kit; Mary had a holiday; Miss Leach called; Agnes came up at night; Bobbie well again; Dot has whooping cough
T 20 Intense cold; Father fairly well; I went to class; Mr Rees called; George came up at night
F 21 Sent Mrs Staples 5/-; Mr and Mrs Morris called; Gladys better; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to dinner; I went to a lecture on Francis Thompson while Arthur stayed with Father
S 22 Went up to Bampfylde;
S 23 Went to service; called to see Agnes; George and Nellie came to supper
M 24 Went to tailors at Croydon in the morning; Carshalton Band of Mercy just started; Lantern lecture in the church rooms; George came up at night
T 25 Gladys doing well; Father not so well; did not go out
W 26 Went to Croydon to be measured for a coat; Father better; Agnes came up at night
T 27 Took Father round the garden in his chair; went to class; Mr Chaffer came to dinner; George came up after and, with Father, audited the Mill Lane accounts
F 28 Fog and cold; went up to see Kit
March
S 1 Gave donation to the Carshalton Band of Mercy – 10/-; Miss Adams called; made the pastry; Mr Rees came in to tea; Agnes came to dinner
S 2 Went to service in the morning and stayed to the Sacrament; we spent a quiet day alone; sunshine; Father very well
M 3 I went to Croydon to the bank and to be fitted for a coat; Mr Stewart called; George has influenza; I gave Ada notice to leave on May 13th; gales
M 4 Went up to ask after George and took him an azalea in full bloom; sent Kit a parcel of toys for the convalescent home; Gladys worse, very weak – sent her four books; Mr Farmer Atkinson died
T 5 Took Father round the garden for half an hour this morning and after tea Mary and I took him out for an hour in his chair; went to see Mrs Pearce; Gladys and George better; a lovely day
W 6 Went to class; Mr Rees came to tea and administered Sacrament to us afterwards; took Father round the garden in his chair; Arthur came up at night; a gale at night
T 7 I went to Croydon to the tailor; went to Bampfylde and found George much better; Gladys continues weak; Mary went out after dinner
S 8 Sleet and very cold; Trot and Theo came to lunch and tea; Agnes came at night; Ada went out after dinner
S 9 Went to service; Father poorly at noon but better later; Mrs Grant and Nell came down to tea; Arthur and Theo called in the evening
M 10 Violet and Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; Father better; I am feeling very poorly with lumbago and neuralgia
T 11 A Spring day; took Father round the garden for a long time in his chair; went to George’s and found him better; had painting lesson
W 12 Ditto; Father better; went to Miss Wynard’s Registry; George went back to business
T 13 Took Father round the garden for half an hour in his chair; called at Bampfylde; Spring cleaned the linen press and store; still feeling poorly; Gladys spoke to me on the phone
F 14 Kitty called; went to see a cat who was ill in Taylor Road; Agnes came up at night
S 15 Gales continue; feeling better; made the pastry; went to Bampfylde after tea; Father better; Mrs Landon called
S 16 Went to service; Rev Rees preached a beautiful sermon on Passion Week; spent a quiet day alone; Ethel had a son at 10 o’clock this morning; both doing well
M 17 Snow and hail; Spring cleaned the box room; Mary and Ada went to a concert at night
T 18 Sunshine but cold; I went to Bampfylde; George much better
W 19 Gales continue – cold; George came up at night, first time since his illness – three weeks
T 20 Had a painting lesson; Father well; George and Nellie went to Brighton and Kit and Arthur to Southsea
F 21 Went to service; we spent a quiet day alone; Agnes came up at night; Ada had a holiday; Mary went to service
S 22 Made the pastry; took Father round the garden in his chair; sunshine and then a gale and storm; Lillie and Marian came to stay the weekend; Mary had a holiday
S 23 Easter Day; Marian and I went to service; I took Father round the garden in his chair; Rev Rees, Mrs Rees and Hugh came to tea; the girls and I all stayed with Father at night
M 24 Dull, cold day; we did not go out all day; Father not so well; played whist at night
T 25 Marian left early and Lille after lunch; I went up to see Edie and Rene; Father better; Miss Hunter called
W 26 Mrs Peace came and spring cleaned the billiard room and the studio
T 27 I cleaned the servants’ room and china pantry; Mrs Pearce here; Trot came over for the day; Father in the garden twice
F 28 Pouring rain; I went to two Registries in Croydon before lunch; sent Miss Craigie eighty copies of the Band of Mercy magazine for distribution at the next meeting; we sent Lillie and Marian a case of books
S 29 Went up to see George and Nellie and round them much better for the change of air; Agnes came up at night; feeling poorly with lumbago
S 30 Went to service; took Father round the garden – better; George and Nellie came to supper
M 31 Silvery mist died, aged nine years; Mrs Pearce here; had three carpets and stair carpet up; George came up at night
April
T 1 Did not go out; workmen came in; Mrs Pearce here
W 2 Went up to Nellie’s; Ray buried Silver by Lassie’s side; Edie and Rene came up for whist at night; Mrs Pearce here
T 3 Father in the garden; did not go out; sent Hilda at wedding present – electro-plated egg boiler
F 4 A cold day; Mrs Pearce here; Arthur came up at night; Ada went out after dinner
S 5 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Father better; Mary went out after dinner
S 6 Went to service; Father well, we spent the day alone; Wrote to Inspector about shooing of birds
M 7 Very cold; Mrs Pearce here; Violet came down to tea and dinner; I went to bank and registry in Croydon
T 8 Called at Bampfylde and found George ill in bed
W 9 Very cold and dull; called to see George; Lillie came over to dinner; Father and I paid off their old debts for them. Mrs Pearce here
T 10 Workmen left; Mrs Pearce here; gave two workmen a book each; Croydon inspector called twice to see me about bird shooting; called to see George and found him up
F 11 Snow and very cold; Mrs Pearce here
S 12 Bitterly cold; went up to see George; Father pretty well; cousin Alice died
S 13 Went to service; called at Bampfylde; Agnes and Marjory came to tea and supper
M 14 Called to see Bessie; Trot and children came back from week at Bournemouth; Mrs Pearce here
T 15 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner and George came to dinner; Mrs Pearce here; Mrs Forsyth called for Ada’s character
W 16 Called to see Nellie; Mrs Pearce here half a day; Mary went out for half the day
T 17 Mrs Pearce here; Mr Lawton came to see Danny; I went to Croydon shopping in the morning
F 18 Finished Spring cleaning; Trot and Gladys came over and stayed the night; Arthur and Agnes came up at night; Gladys and I went up to Bampfylde
S 19 Trot and Gladys left after lunch; Fanny and Hilda came for the weekend; Miss Hunter called; Danny better;
Dog accident opposite our house; got owner to bring it in and helped bathe wound
S 20 Father well and in the garden; Fanny, Hilda and I went to service; I went up to see George; we stayed with Father in the evening; Mr and Mrs Rees came to supper
M 21 Fanny and Hilda left in the morning – said goodbye to Hilda, she sails for Canada next week; went to see Fannie Testar; George came up at night
T 22 Summer day; Father well and in the garden a lot and we took him out for a ride after tea; Mr Latham came to dinner
W 23 Summer day; Father in the garden; Fannie and Ronald came to tea; I went up to Bampfylde; Mrs Pearce here – curtain wash; Mary had a holiday
T 24 Another summer day; Father and I went for an hour and a half’s drive; George came up at night; Mrs Pearce here; Ada had a holiday
F 25 Wet day and much colder; I went to see Agnes
S 26 Wind and rain, cold; went up to Bampfylde; Agnes came to dinner
S 27 Went to service; George, Nellie, Edie and Rene came up to supper
M 28 Uncle and Alice came to tea and dinner; I went to the bank in the morning
T 29 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; in went up to Bampfylde; thunderstorm
W 30 Trot came over to stay the night; she went to Bampfylde to tea; I went there after dinner; Agnes called; Ada Blackman (cook) left after two and a half years’ service
May
T 1 I went to Nellie’s after breakfast and stayed until two; George had an operation for gall stones, several removed; doctors are satisfied with his progress; Trot stayed with Father and returned home at night; I went to Nellie’s again in the afternoon; Mr Rees called, as did Mr Cheshire; Mary Hutchings, the new cook, came in
F 2 Went up to Bampfylde three times – George very ill, I saw him for only a few minutes; Mary and I took Father out for an hour in the chair; Arthur came up at night
S 3 Went to Bampfylde in the morning and saw George – and went again in the evening, found him a little better; Laurie and Fred came to stay the weekend; wheeled Father in the garden for an hour – he is well
S 4 Laurie and I went to service; cold again; I sat with George for half an hour – better; we all stayed with Father at night; Mr Rees came in at night
M 5 Went to see George; Fred and Laurie left after breakfast; Father well, took him round the garden for an hour
T 6 I saw George in the morning and found him better; went to Croydon after tea to get some fruit for him; a cold day
W 7 Took Father round the garden; went to see George; Agnes came up at night
T 8 Sent sub to the RSPCA; Mr Rees and Mr Latham called; I went to see George in the morning; Arthur came up at night and I went to the RSPCA annual meeting at Sutton with Miss Hunter – crowded hall, splendid meeting
F 9 Sat with George for an hour after tea; took Father round the garden
S 10 Took Father out for an hour in his chair and in the garden; went to see George; lovely May day
S 11 Went to service; we spent the day alone; too Father in the garden and went to see George
M 12 Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea; had a cab both ways; raining all day; George going on well; Mary Hutchings went out for two hours this evening
T 13 Glorious day; we took Father out for an hour and a half in his chair and called at Bampfylde and saw George; Mr Rees called
W 14 Trot came over for the day; we all went up to Bampfylde after tea
T 15 Saw George in the morning; went to class; Agnes came up at night; cold
F 16 Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; went to see George; we sent off Grace’s birthday present of books
S 17 Lovely day, Father well; after tea, I wheeled Father up to see George and we sat with him half an hour, then Mary and I took Father for a ride
S 18 Went to service in the morning; student called at Bampfylde; Kit and Arthur came to supper; Bessie called; very cold
M 19 Marjory called; I went up to see George and met Mr Stacey there
T 20 Dot came in the morning and stayed the night; I went to the Royal Academy and then on to have tea with Mrs Wood
W 21 Took Father up to see George for an hour in the afternoon; Dot left after breakfast
T 22 2 cases of Tasmanian apples arrived; sat with George and Nellie for an hour after tea and called on Mrs Pearce; Mrs Hawksley called
F 23 Called on Mrs Hawksley and to see George; Mary and I took Father for a long ride across Beddington Park; glorious day
S 24 Intensely hot; took Father up to Kit’s to tea and stayed two hours – Arthur brought the chair back; I went up to see George and found him better; Agnes came in at night
S 25 Went to service; Agnes came to tea; heat intense; Father and I in the garden most of the day
M 26 Theo’s birthday – ten; sent a lot of things to the jumble sale at Mill Lane; took Father up to tea at Bampfylde; we sat with George for a couple of hours; Hutchings had a holiday
T 27 Heat continues intense; 80° in the shade; I went to see George
W 28 Ditto; went to see George; Miss Jordan called; Took two concert tickets to cabbies; Mary had a holiday
T 29 I took Father up to see George and found him sitting up for the first time; Mary and I took Father across Beddington Park; Dr Cressy came in to see him – indigestion; Mrs Pearce had tea with the servants
F 30 A heavy storm last night; Mary and I took Father for a long ride after tea, by Sandy Lane; I went up to Nellie’s; Agnes came in at night; Hutchings went out after dinner; Mr Latham came to tea
S 31 Feeling poorly; Dr Cressy called to see Father; went to the bank; went up to see George; Mary went out after dinner
June
S 1 Went to service; Mr and Mrs Childe came to tea
M 2 A lovely day; Mr and Mrs Gilchrist and Ellen came down for the day – arrived to lunch and stayed until 6pm; I went up to see George after
T 3 Ray planted our grace; Father and I had an hour and a half’s drive; I went up to Bampfylde and found George dressed and downstairs; Pearce came up to see Father; Dr Cressy called
W 4 Derby Day; did not go out; Father and I spent the afternoon in the garden; Mr Cheshire came in the evening
T 5 George came up to dinner – we took him back in the bath chair; Arthur came up at night; Father not so well this week
F 6 Rev Robinson came to lunch and tea; I went to Bampfylde to say goodbye to them; they go to Margate tomorrow for three weeks; Agnes came up at night; called to see Mrs Hay
S 7 Mary and I took Father for a long ride in his chair after tea
S 8 Went to service; we spent the day alone
M 9 Sent Agnes her birthday present; Mr Lawton came to see Danny (dew claws); Dr Cressy called; Mr Worsfold brought Father the church flowers; had a painting lesson
T 10 Trot came over and stayed the night; I met the Gilchrist’s in town; went to the Midland Hotel to lunch and tea with them and to the Royal Academy; then spent an hour with Lillie on the way home
W 11 Trot stayed until 6pm; Mr Cheshire came to lunch; I laid a stone for Brandon Hill Wesleyan Mission hall in the afternoon
T 12 Dr Cressy called; took Father round the garden for an hour; Agnes came up at night
F 13 Dull and cold days continue and we have fires; took Father in the garden; called at Kit’s; Arthur came up at night
S 14 Mary and I took Father across Beddington Park; Lillie came to stay the weekend
S 15 Animal Sunday and Lillie and I went to the service; we’re all in the garden a lot; previously written three letters to papers and asked four ministers to preach on the subject
M 16 Kit’s birthday – sent her a painting; had a painting lesson – last of term; Lillie left early; Violet came down in the afternoon and brought a kitten; heat intense – 86° in the shade
T 17 Still very hot; Fannie and Ronald came to tea; I bought Father a motor cloak for his bed; sent Violet a delaine blouse and belt for her birthday
W 18 Mary and I took Father out for an hour in the chair; Agnes came up at night; Violet’s birthday
T 19 Went to class; Mrs Wright and Foster called; Agnes came to dinner; Kitty came in the morning
F 20 Mr Rees came in to tea; Mary went out after dinner
S 21 Took the kitten back to Miss Drew at Clapham in the morning; took Father round the garden for an hour; Dr Cressy called; Kit and Arthur came to dinner; Hutchings went out after
S 22 Went to service; Father and I sat in the garden for an hour and a half after tea; Mrs Hay and Percy came in after supper
M 23 Had a painting lesson; called on Mrs Pearce; Mr Latham came in the evening
T 24 Fine but cold; went to Croydon after tea
W 25 Howard and Georgie Berry came down in the afternoon and stayed to dinner; Agnes came up at night
T 26
F 27 Trot came over for the day; Rev Bourne and Mr Cheshire came to dinner; called on Miss Leach
S 28 Father and I went to have tea with Agnes; took Bessie a bunch of our roses
S 29 Went to service in the morning; we went to Bampfylde to tea; found all well and George much better
M 30 Had a painting lesson; Mary and I took Father out for an hour in the bath chair; George came up in the afternoon; made 12lbs strawberry jam; Kit and Arthur came up at night
July
T 1 Uncle and Alice came to tea and dinner; Mr Childe came up after dinner
W 2 Mr Cheshire came in to lunch; I went to the bank in the morning; Mary had a holiday; Trot poorly
T 3 George came to dinner; Eddy and Agnes came up at night; Mr Latham came in the afternoon; Jim’s 22nd birthday
F 4 Father and I came to 16 Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville for a fortnight; Trot and Gladys saw us off at Victoria; Nellie called before we left; Mary went for a fortnight’s holiday and Mrs Pearce went up to keep Hutchings company
S 5 A lovely morning but it turned cold and rain later; took Father out in his chair for an hour and a half before dinner; a short turn after tea; Alice Giles and Miss Florence came over to see us
S 6 Took Father out for an hour and a half in the morning and another turn after tea; cold later in the day
M 7 Took Father our for an hour and a half before dinner and another hour and a half after tea; bright, but cold
T 8 We went round the glad mast in the morning and took Father for an hour and a half in the morning and for two hours again after tea; strong wind and cold but better later; we watched bowls in the morning and did shopping together later
W 9 Warmer day; took Father out for an hour and a half in the morning and two hours after tea; lovely on the front!
T 10 Out for an hour in the morning and two in the afternoon; Father very well
F 11 A lovely, warm day; out usual turn in the morning; Trot came down to stay the weekend; we took Father in the chair for three hours after tea
S 12 In the morning, Trot took us for an hour’s drive in a taxi to Broadstairs and Kingsgate castle etc; in the afternoon, she went to Westgate and I took Father out for a few hours
S 13 We took Father out in the morning and again after tea; we all went to Westgate church at night; Trot and I had a stroll after supper; Father poorly
M 14 Trot left us after breakfast; Father and I had our usual turn by the sea; I took Father out for two hours after tea; heavy rains later and I got caught
T 15 Grace’s birthday; we went out for an hour before dinner and another hour after tea; much colder
W 16 Went out for an hour and a half in the morning and two hours after tea; Father still not so well; eighteen warships in sight; weather grey
T 17 Went out the usual time before dinner and two hours after tea; Father better; Trot came in the evening and stayed the night; I went on sands in the evening
F 18 We left Margate by the 3.35pm train; Trot came with us and saw us off at Victoria; arrived home 7.15 and found all well
S 19 Father better; I went up to Bampfylde; George came up at night
S 20 Went to morning service; Father well and in the garden; George and Nellie came to supper
M 21 We took Father out for an hour after tea into the new recreation grounds; I called to see Mrs Pearce; Agnes came up at night
T 22 Gladys came over for the day; we took Father out for an hour after tea; Gladys and I called to see Fannie; I went to see Bessie; Mr Latham called
W 23 The inspector came to see me about an old horse in the park; I went to Croydon shopping; Bessie Hay came to tea; George came up at night; very cold – we had a fire
T 24 Lovely day, warm; we went for an hour and a half’s drive
F 25 Father out for an hour after tea; I went to see one of the cabmen, who is ill; gave Miss Dunn a costume and some blouses as well as some eggs and jelly
S 26 Edie came home and I went to have tea and supper with Uncle on his eighty-sixth birthday; Lillie, Marian, Kit, Arthur and Miss Avis were there; Uncle very well
S 27 Went to morning service; Father well; we spent a quiet day alone
M 28 A lovely day – Father in the garden all day; after dinner, we took him out for an hour in the chair; George came up at night; Bessie called
T 29 Went to see Mr Bedborough (cabbie who is will) and took him 2lbs 6oz loin of mutton; Took Mrs Hay a bunch of grapes; called on Miss Jackson; Eddy and Agnes came at night
W 30 Grey, cold day; Father in the garden in his chair; Mr Latham and Bessie came in the evening; did not go out
T 31 A lovely day; Father well; Mary and I took him out for an hour and a half after tea; I called to see Mrs Hay who has had an operation for a cataract; sent Mrs Staples 5/-
August
F 1 Went to the bank in the morning; Mary and I took Father out for nearly two hours through Beddington Park and called at Nellie’s; Hutchings went out after dinner
S 2 Marian came in the afternoon, Lillie in the evening, to stay the weekend; went to see Agnes; Mary went out after dinner
S 3 Lillie and I went to service in the morning and stayed for the Sacrament; we all stayed with Father at night; lovely warm day
M 4 Sent Ray’s boy a volume of ‘Animal World’; grey, chilly day, better later; we did not go out except in the garden; Kit and Arthur came to supper; Hutchings went to the flower show
T 5 We all went for an hour and a half’s drive to Rose Walk after tea; played whist at night
W 6 Marian left after breakfast; I went to East Croydon to see her off to Eastbourne; Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day
T 7 Lillie left after tea; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; called at Nellie’s
F 8 Went to see Mr Bedborough and found him dying; sent Mary up with brandy etc later; Uncle and Alice came to tea and dinner; Mr Rees, George and Agnes came up at night
S 9 Called on Bedboroughs and found he had died last night; stayed half an hour with his wife; went to see Mr Forsdick for them, wrote to the insurance company and gave her 5/-. Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea; George called in the morning
S 10 Went to service; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; lovely day – Father well
M 11 Had a painting lesson – working in black and white; Morris brought her baby to show us
T 12 Lost Pekinese came to the door and I spent a lot of time trying to find the owner; took it to its home after tea; saw Fosdick again about insurance for Mr Bedborough; Mary and I took Father out for a ride; George and Agnes came at night
W 13 Called to see Fannie; Father very well
T 14 Mr Cropper came to tea and dinner; George came up at night
F 15 Wheeled Father about the garden for an hour; called to see Miss Hunter
S 16 Mary and I took Father out for an hour in the chair; Kit and Arthur came to stay the weekend
S 17 Kit, Arthur and I went to service; we all stayed with Father in the evening; very hot day; Aunt Lissie’s birthday
M 18 Arthur left early and Kit left after tea; Violet came down to tea and dinner; Bessie called; Father not so well
T 19 I wheeled Father about in the garden for an hour or two; did not go out; Hutchings had a holiday
W 20 Father better; we went for an hour and a half’s drive and were in the garden a lot; George came up at night; Mary had a holiday
T 21 A lovely day; Mary and I took Father out for an hour across to the park
F 22 Had a painting lesson; called to see Bessie; Miss Hunter came to dinner
S 23 Beautiful fain at last; we were in the garden a lot; Agnes came up at night
S 24 Went to service; glorious sunset and a summer’s day; Father better and in the garden a lot; George and Mr Elliott came up after supper
M 25 A lovely day; we were in the garden all afternoon; Father and I picked some of the apples; Miss Craigie called, told me they have to 90 members affiliated to the RSPCA
T 26 Mary and I took Father out for an hour in his chair; called at Kit’s; George came up at night
W 27 Arthur came up at night and Kit and I went to united class meeting
T 28 Heat intense; went to Croydon shopping in the morning; Mary and Hutchings went out after dinner
F 29 Uncle came to tea and dinner and Alice and Mr Giles to dinner
S 30 Wheeled Father about the garden for an hour; went up to Nellie’s; made 6lbs marrow jam
S 31 Very wet day; we were alone all day; I went to service in the morning
September
M 1 Feeling ill, bad bilious attack, doctor came out to see me; a very wet day; Trot and family came home from three weeks holiday in Dymchurch
T 2 Another wet day; Fanny Testar came to tea; Miss Cheshire called; George and Agnes came up at night; Dr Cressy came to see me; Father well
W 3 Wheeled Father about the garden for an hour; went up to Bampfylde
T 4 Trot came over for the day; am still feeling very poorly
F 5 Feeling very ill; Dr Cressy came to see me; Arthur came up at night
S 6 Mr Cheshire came to lunch; Theo called in the evening
S 7 Went to service and stayed for the Sacrament; we spent a quiet day alone; Father well
M 8 Agnes came to dinner; Dr Cressy came to see me
T 9 Had a painting lesson; sent parcel of clothes to Humane Needlework Society and a parcel of books and a cosy to the bazaar for the Council of Justice; four years today since Grace married
W 10 Went shopping to Croydon; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; called on Miss Hunter; George came at night; sent sub of 5/- to ODFL
T 11 This glorious autumn weather continues; we went for an hour and a half’s drive (Grace’s wishes); called to see Bessie
F 12 Took our birthday wreath to darling Mother’s grave in the morning; Kit came in the afternoon, George at night; Mary went out after dinner
S 13 Father and I went up to Kit’s to tea and stayed a couple of hours; Mr Lovegrove called; sent donation of 3/- to the Feline Defence League; Hutchings went out after dinner
S 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; we spent a quiet day alone; went to service in the morning
M 15 Twelve years today since darling Mother went Home
T 16 Had a painting lesson
W 17 Called to see Nellie; Mr Chaffer came to tea; Bobbie went to Aldenham school
T 18 Father not so well; wheeled him about the garden for nearly an hour; a perfect day; Agnes came up at night; Father and I joined Mudie’s library; went up to see Kit; made 20lbs of apple jam
F 19 Had a painting lesson; wheeled Father about the garden a lot; Mr Rees came to tea; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Mrs Hay and Percy came up at night
S 20 Mary and I took Father to the top of Woodcote to see aeroplanes, we saw ten go by; I went to Bampfylde; anniversary of Mother’s funeral
S 21 Father better; wheeled him about the garden for half an hour; went to service; stayed with Father at night
M 22 Rev Robinson came to lunch and tea; I went up to see Kit; George came at night; Dr Cressy came to see us both; Father better; Della’s birthday
T 23 Father in the garden; Hutchings had a holiday
W 24 Had a painting lesson; Father and I had an hour’s drive; Edie and Rene came to dinner and whist; sent a box of apples to Lillie and Marian; Mary had a holiday
T 25 Trot came up for the day; Howard and Georgie came to dinner; Dr Cressy came to see us both
F 26 Intensely hot day; had a painting lesson; I had tea with Miss Hunter and her sister; George came up at night
S 27 Heat continues; Mr Cheshire came to lunch and tea; Ray picked the last of the apples; Dr Cressy called to see us both; Father better; Mr Lovegrove called; Agnes came up at night#
S 28 Heat continues; went to service; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 29 Mary and I took Father up to Wallington to buy some rose trees; I went to the dentist
T 30 Dot came in the morning to stay a few days; we went for an hour and a half’s drive after tea; George came up at night; went to see Kit in the morning
October
W 1 Dot stayed with Father while I went to see Sir Anderson Critchett; George and Nellie went with me – did some shopping in the West End and went to see ‘Hamlet’ at the New Gallery picture palace; the film cost £10,000 and starred Forbes Robertson and Gertrude Elliot and company; got home to dinner
T 2 Had a painting lesson; Dot left later after tea; Arthur, Kit, Mr Latham and Agnes came during the day; Ethel’s twenty-ninth birthday
S 4 Sent a tin of apples to cabmen’s shelter and another for the horses; went to the bank before lunch. Trot came to stay the weekend; George came up at night
S 5 Father’s eighty-second birthday; well and spent a happy day; Trot here and George, Nellie, Kit and Arthur came to tea and supper; Trot and I went to morning service; Father had eight letters and many presents
M 6 Trot left directly after breakfast; I went up to Victoria by the 2.9pm train and home by the 3.46pm; went to optician to have my glasses altered
T 7 Miss Hunter and Miss Gwen came to tea; I called at Bampfylde; took Father round the garden in his chair; Gladys’ birthday – twenty-seven; Dr Cressy came to see us both
W 8 Heavy rains; had Father’s anthracite stove lighted for the first time; George came up at night; did not go out
T 9 Had a painting lesson; Mr Latham came to tea; sent picture to Luton art exhibition – ‘Daydream’; accepted and placed with professionals
F 10 Went to see Arthur’s motor
S 11 Pouring rain all day; Mary and Hutchings went to a concert at night
S 12 Went to service; we spent a quiet day alone; Father went round the garden in his chair; a lovely day
M 13 Went to see Nellie; Arthur came at night and I went to a lecture on Turner; took Father for a good turn round the garden in his chair
T 14 Took Father round the garden; went to see Mrs Hay; Mr Latham came to dinner and Arthur came in at night; lovely weather continues
W 15 Fanny Milum came down in the morning to stay a few days; Father very well and in the garden; did not go out as feeling poorly with a cold
T 16 Did not go out; Father in the garden; George came up at night
F 17 Had a painting lesson; lovely day and Father very well, out in the garden a lot; Fanny left after lunch
S 18 This glorious weather continues; took quantity of flowers and foliage to church for harvest festival; sent Lillie, who is ill, a box of fruit, jellies, etc; Lawrence Hay called and so did Edie
S 19 Went to service in the morning; Mr and Mrs Pearce came to have tea with Mary; George and Nellie came to supper
M 20 Wheeled Father about the garden for an hour in the morning; Agnes came up at night
T 21 Uncle and Alice came over for the day; did not go out
W 22 Bessie and Mrs White came to tea; Father and I went for an hour’s drive before lunch to Croydon and see Brandon Hill Mission; I called on Mrs Leach
T 23 Had painting lesson; sent two paintings to Tunbridge Wells art exhibition – The Ferry, Walberswick and Fireside Favourite – not accepted; George came at night
F 24 Kit came in the morning; Edie took my place and I went to have tea with Lillie and Marian; Lillie very ill, been in bed for a fortnight; took her fruit and flowers; Rene came at night for whist; fog
S 25 Father in the garden; I called at Kit’s; George came up at night; Trot moved into Bay Tree Cottage
S 26 Pouring wet day; I went to service
M 27 Alice came to tea and to talk over matters about Lillie and Marian; George came at night; warm; did not go out
T 28 Called to see Amy; Kit and Arthur came to dinner; Agnes came up at night
W 29 A lovely day; Father in the garden; George came up at night
T 30 After lunch, I went to Peckham to select two bedsteads for Lillie and Marian; found her able to sit up – got home to dinner; went to make arrangements about getting Lillie to the sea
F 31 Glorious autumn weather still continues; Gather in the garden; Miss Cheshire called
November
S 1 Father in the garden; George and Mr Lovegrove came up at night; packed parcel of bed linen and jacket etc, for Lillie and Marian#
S 2 Went to service – a student preached; George and Nellie came to supper
M 3 Violet came to tea and dinner; she spoke on kindness to animals at Wesleyan Poor Home and I went with her; Mr Rees came in to tea
T 4 Gladys came over for the day; Father in the garden; Hutchings had a holiday
W 5 Went to bank; Father in the garden; George came up at night
T 6 Colder; called to see Kit; Agnes came up at night; heard that Jim has passed his final exams for the army with high marks
F 7 Had a painting lesson; paid Miss Moore £1/10; had sweep in the kitchen; Lilly went to Ryde for a month; Miss Hunter called; Mary went out after dinner
S 8 Called at Bampfylde
S 9 Went to service in the morning; Mr and Mrs Rees and Hugh came to tea; George came to supper
M 10 Father in the garden; Arthur came up at night and I went to a lecture on Matthew Arnold’s poetry; Ray planted Norwood with blue hyacinths
T 11 Trot came over for the day; I had tea with Uncle and got back to dinner; heavy rains; made mincemeat
W 12 Gave £2 towards the expenses for Lillie
T 13 Wrote Xmas letters for Hobart; Agnes came up at night; Father well; weather colder; went to class
F 14 Called to see Nellie; George came up at night
S 15 Called at Kit’s and found Dorothy in bed with appendicitis
S 16 Went to service; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 17 Dot came and stayed the night; I went to Trot’s after lunch to see their new home and got back at 9.40pm
T 18 Dot left after lunch; called to see Kit; George came to dinner; Mr Rees called; Mr Latham came; Father in the garden
W 19 Father in the garden; Fannie and Ronald came to tea; Mr Moffatt called; Edie and Rene came up at night for whist; Dorothy Champness had an operation for appendicitis – going on well; went to see Kit after tea
T 20 Trot’s birthday; went to see Kit; Dorothy very ill
F 21 Had a painting lesson; went to see Kit; Mary went out after dinner
S 22 Went up to Kit’s – Dorothy very ill; George and Agnes came up at night; fog and colder
S 23 Went to service; Arthur came up in the evening
M 24 Gladys came to stay and to help Kitty nurse Dorothy; Mrs Pearce brought up a bunch of large chrysanthemums; Miss Hunter called
T 25 Father in the garden; I called to see Kit; Dorothy worse; Gladys there helping; Mr Latham came to dinner; Mr Cheshire and Agnes called; picked a rose
W 26 Boiled Xmas puddings; Gladys went to Kit’s, Dorothy better; Father unwell, sent for Dr Cressy – usual weariness and cough
T 27 Father better again; Gladys went to Kit; I called for her in the evening and saw Dorothy
F 28 Father in the garden; I called to see Nellie; Gladys left after breakfast and went home
S 29 Went to see Kit – Dorothy better; Father in the garden; lovely weather continues; lilac budding; Agnes came to dinner; have a bad cold
S 30 Feeling very poorly; did not go out all day; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea; George and Nellie to supper
December
M 1 Ditto; did not go out; Dr Cressy came to see Father; George came up at night; began putting up clean curtains; raised Hutchings wages to £22
T 2 Uncle and Alice came for the day; Rene called; cold better but neuralgia still bad
W 3 I went to the RSPCA committee meeting in Sutton – eight present; Jim came over in the morning to stay the night; Edie and Rene came to dinner
T 4 Jim left after lunch; I went to the bank and to buy books for sale of work; very cold later
F 5 Had a painting lesson; went to Sutton to meet Lillie from the Isle of Wight and bring her home to stay; called to see Dorothy and at Miss Adams; Agnes came at night
S 6 Marian came in the afternoon to stay the weekend; Dr Cressy came; did not go out
S 7 Marian and I went to service; we all stayed with Father at night
M 8 Marian left after breakfast; Father in the garden; I called on Rev Frayne, Mr McKnight and Miss Hunter on RSPCA business; George and Agnes called; I sent 17/- worth of books on animals to sale of work
T 9 I went to the cat show at Crystal Palace after lunch and went on to see Uncle for an hour and got home early; Rene called; Mrs Pearce came to wash curtains; Hutchings had a holiday
W 10 Lillie left in the morning; Nellie and I went to sale of work and spent £1; George came at night; Mrs Pearce here; Mary had a holiday
T 11 Dot came down for the day; Nellie and I went to town by the 12pm train to see the shops and got back to dinner; George came up to dinner as well; Agnes called
F 12 Did not go out except to the village; feeling poorly
S 13 Went to see Kit – Dorothy came downstairs yesterday for the first time; colder
S 14 Went to service; Father better; very cold but lovely; spent a quiet day alone
M 15 Miss Leach called; I went to Croydon shopping after tea
T 16 Trot came over for the day; Mr Rees and George and Nellie called; Old Mrs Cade died aged 92
W 17 Called to see Miss Leach; George came in to dinner
T 18 Jim gazetted to second Middlesex battalion and stationed in Malta; I went to the bank in the morning; Agnes called at night; Hutchings had extra time out
F 19 Had painting lesson; Fanny and Ronnie came to tea; Father not so well; I did not go out; George and Edie came up at night; Mary had extra time out
S 20 Father better; Fanny Milum’s birthday; went to see Kit and found them out; called to see Bessie; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Mr and Mrs Antill came to dinner
S 21 Went to service; George and Nellie came to supper
M 22 Father and I did cards, parcels, etc all afternoon; Arthur came up at night; very busy day
T 23 Went to darling Mother’s grave to take the wreath in the morning; called on Mrs Pearce to take her present; pouring rain and fog
W 24 Father’s cough continues very bad, otherwise fairly well; sent carrots for cab horses; took mince pies to cabbies; did decorations; Pearce came up at night and brought heather for Father; finished sending out parcels; beautiful day
T 25 All gone off well; Father gone on so well and says it has been a very happy day all through; George and family, Fannie and family, Lillie and Marian all with us – thirteen with the servants; had dinner at four and all played games after; lovely weather
F 26 We had a quiet, happy day alone; George came in for an hour in the morning; Lillie and Marian left after breakfast; Father much better; Hutchings had a holiday
S 27 Father well; lovely day; I went to Bampfylde after tea and called to see Agnes; Mary had a holiday
S 28 Went to service; George and Nellie came to supper
M29 Intensely cold, frost; I called to see Theo Moore
T 30 Uncle ill with congestion of lungs; went over in the afternoon for a short time; found him better; George and Agnes came up at night; cold intense
W 31 Ditto; did not go out
Spring cleaning
Mar 17 Box room
Mar 26 Studio, billiard room
Mar 27 Servants’ room and china pantry
Mar 31 Dining room; Father’s first spare room and stairs prepared
Apr 1 Men came in to do dining room
Apr 2 Father’s room, cellar and garden
Apr 3 Finished dining room
Apr 4 Finished Father’s room
Apr 7 My room and spare room
Apr 11 Finished bathroom
Apr 14 Back spare room, boiler cleaned and new fire bricks
Apr 15 Finished drawing room and back spare room
Apr 16 Stair case
Apr 18 Finished spare room
Apr 19 Finished my room, workmen left
Xmas presents
Grace Painting of poppies £ 1/1/6d
Wooden shoes 2/6
Father Painting of dahlias 10/-
Books 12/6-
Trot Painting of sunset 4/6
Gladys Painting of figure 2/3
Ethel Book 2/8
Jim Book (Testament) 5/-
Bobbie Book 1/6
Theo Book 1/6
George & Nellie Pair of cushions 5/-
Fannie Diary 2/-
Edie Collar – painted 1/-
Rene Collar – worked 1/-
Violet Blouse (made) 2/-
Mrs Wood Pocket (made) 1/-
Lillie Table cloth 3/11
Marian Blouse (made) 2/-
Agnes Bed slippers 2/6
Ellen Gilchrist Book 3/6
Gilchrist boys Books 3/-
Uncle Book 2/6
Ronald Wood ball
Bessie Book 1/-
Mrs Pearce Shawl 2/6
Mary 2 print dresses, apron and tin of biscuits
Hutchings Ditto
Mrs Staples Jersey, cake, tin of biscuits, 1lb tea, oranges
Cabbies 2½ dozen mince pies, some literature
Cab horses ½ bushel carrots
1914
January
T 1 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Fannie and Ronald came to tea; very cold, Father fairly well
F 2 Warmer; Kit and Arthur came to dinner
S 3 Father not so well; I called at Bampfylde; George came up at night
S 4 Went to service; Kit and Arthur came to tea; George came to supper
M 5 Father has a slight cold and his cough is worse; went to the bank and we did accounts together at night; was up with Father in the night
T 6 Sent for Dr Cressy to see Father – an asthmatic cold; Ernest came down to tea and dinner; did not go out
W 7 Father rather better; I called to see Kit; George came at night
T 8 Dr Cressy came to see Father – better, though his cough is still very bad; sent Mrs Brewer a parcel of clothes
F 9 Did not go out; Father easier at night; Kit, Edie and George came over; Mary went out after dinner
S 10 Edie called; very warm day – yesterday was the warmest January day for twelve years; Hutchings went out later
S 11 Stayed in all day with Father; his cough is easier at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 12 Snowing most of the day
T 13 Still snowing; Father rather better; went to see Nellie; George called; Hutchings had a holiday
W 14 Did not go out; Dr Cressy came to see Father; George came to dinner; RSPCA inspector called; Mary had a holiday
T 15 Jim came for the day to say goodbye before sailing for Malta next week
W 16 Alice came over to tea; Kitty and Miss Leach called; George came up at night; Dr Cressy came – Father rather better; bad night with a cough
S 17 Mr Cheshire came in the afternoon to stay the night; I called on Kit
S 18 Went to service; Mr Cheshire left after dinner; Arnold and Beattie came to tea and supper; Father better; Dot’s birthday
M 19 Went to the bank and shopping; Mrs Hay and Bessie called; Agnes came at night
T 20 Father’s cough much better these last three days; Mr Rees called; did not go out
W 21 Went to see Nellie; George and Arthur came up at night; Dr Cressy came to see Father, better
T 22 Miss Leach called; sent 10/6 to Tasmanian SPCA through Grace; did not go out
F 23 Parton and Nell came down to lunch and tea; cold intense
S 24 Frost continues; Jim sailed for Malta to join his regiment; went up to Bampfylde
S 25 Went to morning service; George and Nellie came to supper; frost broken
M 26 Trot came over to stay the night; Nellie called; George came up at night
T 27 Trot left in the afternoon; I went over to see Lillie before lunch – found her ill in bed; Eddy came up at night
W 28 Lovely day; took Father round the garden in his chair; did not go out
T 29 I went to see Nellie; very warm day; Hutchings out earlier
F 30 Mr Moffatt called; I went to see Fannie; George and Agnes came up at night
S 31 Had news Grace and Will expect to come home this year; went up to see Kitty; sent Aunt Janie silk scarf for her birthday; picked first snowdrop
February
S 1 Went to service and stayed to the Sacrament; Father well and in the garden twice; George and Nellie came up to supper
M 2 Went up to see Mrs Wood in the afternoon for an hour and found her very ill; Father in the garden twice; George came at night; Aunt Janie’s birthday; Hutchings had extra time out
T 3 Glorious day; Father in the garden for an hour; Kitty called; Mary had extra time out
W 4 Glorious day again; went to the bank before lunch; Father in the garden; George and Pearce came up at night
T 5 Father in the garden; Dot came down for the day; Agnes came to dinner; did not go out
F 6 Colder; Father in the garden for only a short time; I called to see Kit
S 7 Went into Croydon shopping; rain; bought 24/- worth of books out of Xmas box money
S 8 My birthday; a happy day with my darling Father; I went to service; George and Nellie came to supper; many loving letters and presents
M 9 Went to RSPCA committee meeting at Sutton; Trot came for the day; Violet came to tea and dinner
T 10 Had a painting lesson; Father in the garden; called at Kit’s and Mrs Pearce; George came up at night
W 11 Pouring all day; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; after dinner, I went up to Bampfylde for an hour; feeling very poorly still
T 12 Father in the garden; Arthur and Agnes came up at night; Father better; I still poorly; wrote to Melbourne
F 13 Gladys spent the day with us; Mrs Willmot called to ask me to be secretary of the RSPCA, unable to consent
S 14 Gales continue; called to see Miss Leach
S 15 Went to service; we spent a quiet and happy day alone; Father well
M 16 Called to see Mrs Latham and Mrs Rees; George came to dinner and Mr Lovegrove came after; Father audited Mill Lane accounts with them
T 17 Miss Hunter and Miss Leach came to tea; I went into Croydon before supper; Mr Latham called
W 18 Mrs Pearce called; they leave Bramble Haw on Saturday; Mary had a holiday; feeling very poorly
T 19 Still feeling poorly; called to see Miss Hunter; George came up at night; Hutchings had a holiday; wrote to Perth, WA
F 20 Went to Miss Hunter’s to tea to meet Mrs Willmot and Miss Leach and arrange about meeting, secretary, etc; Alice came to tea later
S 21 Sleet; George came in the afternoon; Agnes at night
S 22 Went to morning service; Agnes came to tea
M 23 Sent Nell MacAulay box of flowers when I heard she was ill; went to have tea with Uncle; Edie came here and stayed to supper
T 24 Called at Mrs Pearce and Bessie; George and Miss Hunter came up at night; Mr Stewart came in the afternoon
W 25 Called on Revs Jasper, Ferguson and Ridley Hunter and Miss Hunter about RSPCA meeting; Mr Rees called; took round a lot of posters and tickets
T 26 Went to RSPCA committee at Sutton; called Miss Hunter; took posters round etc; Father better; wrote to Colombo
F 27 Began Spring cleaning; painters started on the outside of the house; Mrs Willmot called; George came at night; Father in the garden a lot; I called at Kit’s; got chain horse for horse overloaded – Mr Collis helped me; Mary had extra time
S 28 Father in the garden; weather perfect; Arthur came at night; did not go out, still feeling very poorly; very busy week, working for RSPCA meeting at Parish hall; wrote a complaint about overloading to man at Vauxhall
March
S 1 Went to morning service and stayed to the Sacrament; Mr and Mrs Latham came to tea; Father in the garden
M 2 Mrs Pearce here for Spring cleaning; Mr Moffatt called and George at night
T 3 Mrs Pearce here; Miss Hunter called
W 4 Mrs Pearce here; Mrs Willmot called as did Fannie; George came down to dinner
T 5 Mrs Pearce here; Trot came over and stayed the night; went to our RSPCA meeting in the Parish hall; good attendance – a collection of £3/15/- at the door
F 6 Trot left at 12noon; I went to the bank early; Kit and Arthur came to dinner; Kit and I went to a lecture on Lowell by the Rev Robinson
S 7 George and Miss Hunter called in the afternoon
S 8 Went to service; Mr and Mrs Rees and Hugh came to tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 9 Did not go out all day; wet, dark day; Mrs Pearce here; sweep in the dining room
T 10 Mrs Pearce here; frost; George and Arthur came up at night; Mr Stewart came; had billiard table moved downstairs; Hilda had a daughter
W 11 Mrs Pearce here; Father had a game of billiards with me
T 12 Mrs Pearce here; sweep in the kitchen; wrote to Aden
F 13 Mrs Pearce here; called to see Kit
S 14 Gales; Mr Cheshire came to dinner
S 15 Went to service; George and Nellie came to supper
M 16 Gales; Mrs Pearce here; sweep in drawing room; Alastair’s first birthday
T 17 Mr Stewart called; George came up at night; Father in the garden
W 18 Mrs Pearce here; called to see Kit
T 19 Sleet; George came at night; called to see Miss Leach; Mrs Pearce here; wrote to Colombo
F 20 Snow; Mrs Pearce here; finished Spring cleaning; Mary had extra time
S 21 Very cold; Hutchings had extra time
S 22 Went to service; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea; George and Nellie to supper
M 23 Rain continues, a very wet month; Agnes came at night; Mr Rees called
T 24 Rev Robinson came to lunch and tea; I went to Bampfylde; Fannie called; Father better
W 25 Gave Hutchings notice – been with us eleven months; Mrs Pearce here for curtain wash; Mary had a holiday
T 26 Called to see Mrs Hay; Kit called; George at night; Mrs Pearce here; Hutchings had a holiday
F 27 Trot came over for the day; Edie came at night; heard of Gladys’ engagement to Fritz Hugo
S 28 Father had an hour in the garden; a lovely day but cold later; called to see Mr Rees
S 29 Father well; I went to service; George, Nellie and Mr Brown came to supper
M 30 Rain continues; Mr Moffatt called; Agnes came at night
T 31 Dot came to stay; Father in the garden a lot; a Spring day; I had tea with Mrs Wood and Violet; Bobbie’s fifteenth birthday
April
W 1 Nellie and I went to town after lunch, shopping; got home by 9pm Father went into the park with Dot and Mary for an hour
T 2 Father in the garden; Dot left after lunch; Uncle and Alice came to tea; George came at night
W 3 Had a painting lesson; wheeled Father in the garden a lot; Arthur came up at night; engaged M Hawton to come on May 5th
S 4 Went up to Bampfylde; colder
S 5 Went to service; George and Nellie came to supper
M 6 Ethel and Betty came for the day; Lillie came to stay
T 7 Cold, wet day
W 8 Father in the garden; Lillie and I went to church at night; Arthur stayed with Father; Mr Cheshire came to dinner and tea; Agnes and Mrs Pearce came in
T 9 Lillie left after tea; sent PO for 2/6 to Mrs Staples
F 10 Went to service; Father in the garden; Kit and Arthur came to supper; Hutchings went to morning service, Mary at night
S 11 Did the flowers at church (11/-); Harry came to stay, we went for a walk in the park after dinner
S 12 Went to service; Maurice Champness came to tea; Harry went to early service and at night; Father well and in the garden; glorious Easter weather
M 13 Harry left early; took Father out in his chair for an hour after tea; Miss Leach and Miss Hunter called; called to see Agnes
T 14 Gladys, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; we took the Pekinese puppy to Mr Stewart
W 15 Father in the garden; Mr Latham came to tea; called to see Fannie; George came at night; Mary had half a day’s holiday
T 16 Father in the garden; cold winds continue but bright; I went to Croydon shopping; wrote to Marseilles
F 17 Had a painting lesson
S 18 Fanny Milum came in the morning to stay the weekend; Father in the garden for an hour
S 19 Fanny and I went to service; were in the garden all afternoon; stayed together at night
M 20 I had tea with Uncle and Alice; Fanny stayed with Father; Mr Moffatt called; very hot
T 21 Fanny left after breakfast; Mr Rees called; had tea in the garden; George came to dinner and stayed the night
W 22 Trot came over for the day; wrote to Gibraltar
T 23 Went to dressmaker; did not go out beside; colder; Father in the garden
F 24 Father not so well; did not go out all day; Nellie came up in the afternoon; had painting lesson; sent a guinea to the RSPCA
S 25 Father in the garden; sent for Dr Cressy – indigestion and weakness; called at Bampfylde
S 26 Very anxious day with Father but better by the evening; in the garden in the afternoon; I did not go out all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 27 Trot came over in the morning to bring me a kitten (Peter) and left early; Dick Mann called; Kit came to tea; I called on Miss Leach and Miss Hunter; Hutching’s left after a year’s service
T 28 Mrs Pearce came to stay a week; drove into Croydon in the afternoon and Father did some shopping
W 29 Made cakes ready for Grace’s return; lovely day; Father in the garden a lot; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; I went up to Bampfylde after; Mary had a holiday
T 30 Grace and Will arrived home at 4.30pm, both very well; a glad meeting to us all; Trot met them at Paddington
May
F 1 Grace at home with us; Will went to town; Violet came in the afternoon; George and Nellie at night; Edie and Fannie came in the morning
S 2 Weather still very cold; Grace and Will went to town and got back in the afternoon; Mr Lawton came; Danny gone to him for a week to be attended to; Ray planted Norwood with white geraniums – 1 ½ dozen in all
S 3 Father better, in the garden; Grace, Will and I went to service; George and Nellie came to supper; we all stayed together at night
M 4 Grace stayed with Father and Will took me to the Royal Albert Hall – a choir of 500 voices
T 5 Grace and Will in town; Mrs Pearce left; Mary Hawton came into our service as cook; beautiful rains
W 6 Grace at home with us; Father unwell – Dr Cressy came – but better later; George, Kit and Arthur all came up at night; colder
T 7 Father better; Grace at home with us; heavy rains
F 8 Grace and Will went to Duke of Argyll’s funeral and Uncle’s to tea and supper; Mr Rees came to tea; Dr Cressy called, Father better
S 9 Will took me to Hotel Great Central for the weekend – in the afternoon, we went to a symphony concert at Queen’s Hall – Dr Henry Wood’s orchestra an Dohnanyi the pianist; had dinner at the hotel; went to the Savoy at night to hear ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
S 10 Heard R G Campbell at City Temple in morning; afternoon, Canon Masterman at Kingsway Hall; had lunch in the hotel, tea at Lyons; went to Brompton Oratory at night; concert in the hotel after
M 11 Went to Hampton Court by car and tube, saw the gardens, walked across Bushey Park to see chestnuts; lunch at Hampton Court, home via Richmond; got back 5pm
T 12 Trot came over for the day and stayed the night; Grace went to Croydon shopping
W 13 Grace and Trot went to Nellie’s and Trot left before lunch; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Mr and Mrs Childe called at night; I went to Bampfylde and Agnes came in after dinner
T 14 Grace in town and at Queen’s Hall concert; warmer; I wheeled Father in the garden for an hour; George and Agnes came up at night; a summer day
F 15 Ditto; Mary and I took Father out for an hour and a half in his chair; called to see Nellie; Grace and Will went to hear ‘Parsifal’; Mary went out extra time; gave Miss Dunn a parcel of clothes
S 16 Will took us all for an hour and a half’s drive in the afternoon; Kit and Arthur came up to supper
S 17 Grace, Will and I went to service; a summer’s day; Father better and in the garden a lot; all stayed with him at night
M 18 Grace went to Croydon with me to do some shopping and then came back and, with Mary, took Father out; I had supper with Uncle and Alice; Mrs Giles there
T 19 Sultry day; Father in the garden a lot; Grace and Will went over to stay with Trot
W 20 Hot day; Alice came to tea and went for a drive with us after; Miss Hunter called; Grace and all of them went to Temple flower show; called to see Mr Stewart
T 21 Father and I went for a two hour drive to Croydon shopping; Grace and Will came home to supper; made Will’s birthday came; they went to the military tournament
F 22 I went to town shopping and to the Royal Academy; home by 3pm; Mr Robinson came to tea and dinner; thunderstorm at night
S 23 Much colder; Grace and Will went to London for the weekend; I went to the bank in the morning; joined the East Sussex art club by invitation of the president of the committee; picture sent in to them and accepted (Snowball, a cat’s head)
S 24 Will’s birthday; very cold; Father and I alone today; George came up to supper; stayed in all day; Father not so well; Ronald Childe called
M 25 Ditto; did not go out; Father better; Grace got home to dinner, Will later; they spent the weekend at Langham Hotel; Mr Moffatt called
T 26 I went to see Nellie; Agnes called
W 27 Grace and Will went to Derby; I took Father round the garden; Kit and Miss Lucas called
T 28 I left Euston by the 10am train for Skelmorlie, arriving at Glasgow Central at 6.30pm; Ellen met me and we got in at 8.30; Will saw me off
F 29 Wet day; I walked to the village in the morning; Mrs Gilchrist, Ellen and I motored to George’s in the afternoon
S 30 A lovely day; went in the woods early and then we motored to Gourock before lunch; Ellen and I went for a long stroll after tea
S 31 We all went to service in the morning and Ellen and I at night to the Established Church; two grandchildren came to tea
June
M 1 Mr Gilchrist went for a walk with me in the morning; very wet and cold the rest of the day
T 2 A glorious day; I went up early to the wood; at 11am, we went for a motor drive for an hour and a half; Rev Macdonald came to tea – he, Ellen and I went and sat in the wood afterwards
W 3 I went for a long stroll in the morning; Ellen and I went to Miss Blyth’s t tea and went over their grounds; saw lots of nesting boxes; went to the wood after dinner; weather perfect
T 4 Ellen and I sailed, by the Queen Alexandra; at 10am for Lochranza, landed there and spent the day on Arran – picnicked on a mountain side and saw a castle; glorious day, home about 6pm
F 5 Cold and dull; went for a walk with Ellen in the morning and read in the grounds; after tea, we went up on the golf course
S 6 We went for a motor drive to Largs, Fairlie and Scamill in the morning; after tea we walked to Upper Skelmorlie; very cold
S 7 Very cold; we all went to Church in the morning and then Ellen, James and I went at night; in the grounds in the afternoon
M 8 Mr Gilchrist, Ellen and I walked to Kelly, a charming estate of seven hundred and fifty acres, costing £6,000; a lovely glen with a burn; house burnt down by suffragettes; we went to the beach after tea
T 9 Ellen and I went for a sail in Neptune; left 10.25am and arrived home at 4.45pm; called at Rothsay; Brodick and Whiting Bay; cold but bright
W 10 Wet in morning, fine later; motored to Largs after tea; Mrs Macdonald came in the evening
T 11 Left Skelmorlie at 10am for Colmonell; we motored to Largs and then changed trains at Kilburnum and Ayr, arriving at Pinwherry at 2.06pm; Mrs Grant met me with her motor and also Nell and Grace; Mrs Grant stayed to tea with us
F 12 Nell and I drove Grace to the station in the morning – a heavy shower – forded the river; went again at 6pm to meet Jim; all went for a stroll in the evening
S 13 Very hot; strolled and sat about the grounds; after tea, Jim drove us to Colmonell and McNeil Castle, going through Irvine, Troon and Killochan; after dinner, call climbed the hills
S 14 Very hot; Jim and I drove to church, put the pony up at the hotel; Lt Col and Mrs Grant motored over to tea and had it in the garden; Jim, Nell and I went for a walk over the fields after supper
M 15 A glorious day; sat about the grounds all morning and afternoon; Jim left early; Nell and I drove to Ballantrae after tea; went for a stroll at night; servants out, Nell and I picnicked at home
T 16 Very hot; out in the grounds all morning and sat by the river after tea; went for a stroll at night; servants out so Nell and I picnicked at home
W 17 Weather continues perfect; Nell and I sat by the river after tea; Colonel and Mrs Grant, Nellie and John motored over and took me to Girvan in the fat – left Girvan at 5pm and arrived in Glasgow at 9pm; we all stayed at the Central Hotel
T 18 Left Glasgow at 10am and arrived at Euston at 6.20pm; Will met me at Victoria and home at 8pm; happy homecoming, found all well
F 19 Grace went to town with Kit; storm; Father and I were in the garden; went up to Nellie’s for a short time at night
S 20 Grace and Will went to town for the weekend; Father rather better; Mary and I took him up to Kit’s after tea; I planted his primroses for him; very hot
S 21 Went to service; Father and I spent a quiet day alone
M 22 Grace and Will returned at dinner; George and Mrs Pearce came up at night; sent sub of 5/- to the dogs’ home
T 23 Called to see Bessie; Father in the garden; Grace and Will went to town after dinner
W 24 Grace in town all day; both at night; Mary and I took Father out for an hour; Miss Leach and inspector called
T 25 Grace, Trot and Will started for a week’s motor tour to the English lakes; weather perfect; Father and I went for an hour’s drive; George, Nellie and Fannie came up at night; Dr Cressy called to see Father – his cough is very bad
F 26 Lovely day; Father better and in the garden a lot; sent off a lot of RSPCA circulars for Miss Hunter; Miss Leach called; Arthur came up at night; sent PO 2/6 to Mrs Staples
S 27 Father and I in the garden all afternoon; Mr Cheshire came at night; decrepit horse traffic pictures on at Carshalton public hall
S 28 Father still unwell, stayed with him all day; been up several times in the night this last week; we were alone all day; Grace, Trot and Will at Windermere
M 29 Heat intense; Percy called at night; wrote three letters for the papers about animal Sunday; Mary and Hawton went to the picture palace
T 30 Heat wave continues; Gladys came over for the day; Mr Moffatt called
JULY
W 1 Heat still intense – 86° in the shade, 126° in the sun; Grace, Trot and Will returned from a week’s motor tour; Grace and Will got home at 7pm
T 2 Dr Cressy came, Father a little better; Mr and Mrs Rees came to dinner; Arthur came at night; Fannie called
F 3 Will took me to the Henley Regatta – pouring rain but stayed to see eight races; home by 8pm; Trot came over for the day; Eddy came up at night; Jim’s birthday
S 4 Father, Grace, Will and I went for a two hour drive in the afternoon to Rose Walk, etc; Agnes called; Grace and Will went up to Bampfylde after dinner
S 5 Animal Sunday – Rev Rees gave an address to the children at the service; Grace, Will and I went and stayed for the Sacrament; George came up after supper; Father poorly but better later
M 6 I went to the bank before lunch; called to see Mrs Hay; Uncle and Miss Florence came to tea; Grace at home with us
T 7 Grace and Will took Violet out for the day; Mary and I took Father in his chair for an hour and a half and called at Nellie’s; I called on Miss Hunter; Mr Rees called
W 8 I spent the day at Trot’s; Ethel and the children there, also met Mrs Parker, Mr Hugo and Miss Garroway; Mary had a holiday
T 9 Grace in town all day – she and Will went to Bampfylde for dinner; Father better; I wheeled him in the garden for an hour and a half; Mr Moore called to ask advice about their cat
F 10 Made Grace’s birthday cake; Father, Grace and I went for an hour and a half’s drive; George came at night
S 11 Called to see Dr Passmore to consult about Hawton and appendicitis; Will took me to the zoo in the afternoon; came home by bus; Agnes called
S 12 Kept day as Grace’s birthday; Trot came over to dinner and tea; Kit and Arthur came to supper; Will and I went to service in the morning
M 13 Grace in town all day; I wheeled Father about the garden in the afternoon; Mary went for her summer holiday; Mrs Pearce came to stay
T 14 I spent the day with Fanny and Dot at Acton; Mrs Mann and Dick came to tea; Mr Cheshire to dinner
W 15 Grace’s birthday; Grace and Will went to a conference at Leeds; Kit, Arthur and Percy came at night; we made 12lbs of cherry jam from our fruit
T 16 We were in the garden all afternoon; George came up at night; made 9lbs currant and loganberry jam and lbs of currant jelly
F 17 Father in the garden for two hours or more; lovely weather; had neuralgia all week
S 18 Called to see Mrs Rees; Mr Rees very ill still; gave Miss Dunn a parcel of clothes; Agnes came up at night
S 19 Father ill with a heart attack; sent for Dr Cressy – better in the evening; keeping him in his room; Trot came over in the evening; Arthur and George called; Ronnie died on Saturday – two years old
M 20 Kept Father in bed all day, very weak; Dr Cressy came; Trot left after lunch; I went to Bampfylde early and found them all terribly upset
T 21 Father sat up for an hour in the evening, very weak; Grace and Will came home at night; Kit, Nellie, George and Arthur all called; I went to see poor Fannie after dinner
W 22 Did not go out; Grace went to see Nellie; Arthur and Percy called; Father a bit stronger, sat up a short time; Ronnie buried at Bandon Hill
T 23 Father about the same; Kit called; Grace and Will went to Mrs Childe’s to dinner; been with Father every night since Sunday
F 24 Father a little better but still in bed; Kitty, George and Miss Hunter came; Dr Cressy coming every day; I went to see Nellie early; Grace and Will went to Fanny Milum to tea and supper
S 25 Father improving; Grace went to Nellie’s in the morning; I went to Uncle to tea and supper, his 87th birthday; Marian, Kit, Arthur and Miss Avis there; he was very bright and well
S 26 Father up and dressed, in his room; Grace and Will went to morning service; Will and I went up at night
M 27 Grace in town all day; Trot came over for the day; Agnes called; I went to Bampfylde after dinner; Mary came back from her holiday; Mrs Pearce left
T 28 Father better; I went to the dentist; George came up at night
W 29 Father came downstairs for the first time – ten days; Grace and Will spent the day at Trot’s; Hawton had a holiday; Dr Cressy attending us both
T 30 Grace at home; I went to the bank in the morning and to see Dr Cressy; Mr Champness came to dinner and Fannie to tea
F 31 Grace at home; they went to Kit’s to dinner; Agnes called; Father in the garden
August
S 1 Will took me to an exhibition of ‘Sunny Spain’ and the Philharmonic hall at night to see Captain Scott’s expedition pictures; impending European war – began between Serbia and Austria; Stock Exchange closed on Friday, bank rate 8%
S 2 Will and I went to service in the morning; Grace and Will went up to London at night; Father better but I’m feeling very poorly
M 3 Grace and Will went to Eastbourne for the day; Morris and Monica called to see us; Agnes came to tea; Mary Hawton went to the flower show
T 4 Grace at home with Father in the garden; Dr Cressy came to see us both; Miss Hunter came to tea; Marian to dinner and stayed the night; sent Marian two paintings
W 5 England declared war with Germany at 11pm last night; I went to have tea with Violet and found Mrs Wood very ill
T 6 Grace and Will in town; Nellie, Edie and Miss Leach called; Mr Latham came to tea; feeling poorly, went to bed early
F 7 In bed all day; Trot came for the day; Mrs Willmot and Agnes called
S 8 In bed until tea time; went to Nellie’s; Mr Cheshire came to tea and dinner; Mr Statham passed peacefully away; all powers arming for war – bank rate been at 10.5%; Exchange closed
S 9 Grace and Will went to church; George, Nellie, the girls, Fannie and Eddy came to tea and supper; too poorly to go out
M 10 Saw Dr Cressy; in bed all day
T 11 In bed until lunch; Father better; Grace and Will went to Bromley; took in a stray kitten and tried to find a home for it
W 12 Summer weather; Father better; Grace and Will in town all day; Dr Cressy came to see me; Grace and I called at Bampfylde at night
T 13 Grace went to Norwood; I went to see Mr Rees in hospital and took the stray kitten to the lethal chamber; Mr Latham came to dinner
F 14 Uncle and Alice came to tea; Grace home with us; Will went to Derby for the day
S 15 Cooler; at home together; I went to Croydon shopping in the morning; Grace and Will went to town at night; Great European battle impending
S 16 Grace and Will went to morning service; Will took me to Westminster Abbey at night; it was very full and the Rev Hertslet, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, preached on the War crisis
M 17 Grace at home; Dr Cressy said goodbye to Father, better; came to see me; Violet came in the afternoon and stayed the night; Aunt Lissie’s birthday
T 18 Father in the garden a lot; I went to Mrs Willmot’s to tea; Arthur came at night; Violet left early; Grace and Will went to a concert in town at night
W 19 Trot came over for the day; Miss Leach and Mrs Moffatt called; I went to Nellie’s in the morning
T 20 Went to the dentist; Grace went to town before lunch; George and Agnes came at night
F 21 Grace and Mary took Father out in his chair; I went to Miss Leach to tea to meet Miss Hunter and Mrs Willmot; Will and I went to Intercession Prayer at the parish church – crowded;
S 22 Grace at home; Father in the garden; Dot came to lunch and tea; Germans in Brussels
S 23 Will and I went to service; Grace and Will called at Bampfylde; we all stayed with Father in the evening
M 24 Grace went to town – back in the afternoon; Grace and Will called at Bampfylde; we all stayed with Father in the evening
T 25 Went to the dentist; Grace went to Violet’s to tea; Agnes came to supper; Hawton had a holiday
W 26 Grace at home; Will took me to see ‘Drake’ at His Majesty’s Theatre, very fine; Drake – Herbert Tree; Mary had a holiday
T 27 Grace went to town; Gladys and Fritz came to dinner, his first visit to us
F 28 I went to town shopping, got home to tea; Mrs Willmot called; Grace and Will went to Uncle’s to supper; Grace and Mary took Father for a ride in his chair
S 29 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Kit and Arthur came up at night; sent a box of peaches to Trot and, to Kitty, peaches and pears; apples to Lillie
S 30 Will and I went to service; all in the garden the rest of the day – had tea there; George and Nellie came to supper
M 31 Grace at home; Violet and Marian came down and stayed the night; Arnold came to supper
September
T 1 Grace and Will went to Harpenden; Violet left before lunch
W 2 Grace and Will went to Brighton for the day and to the theatre at night; Mary and I took Father out in his chair; George came up at night
T 3 Will took me to town for the morning –saw the soldiers drilling, recruiting, etc in the park; Lillie came to tea and dinner; Arthur came at night; Grace and Will went to Bampfylde
F 4 Spent all day together; Kit, Dorothy, George, Nellie, Agnes and Mr Cheshire came in to say goodbye to Grace and Will; Father keeping better
S 5 My darling sister and Will left at 9.30am to go on R & G Khyber for Hobart; Trot and family went to Tilbury to see them off – four months’ stay; Father in the garden a lot; Agnes called; Fannie and Edie and Rene called in the morning and saw them off
S 6 Stayed with Father all day; Trot came over to tea and supper; Edie and Eddy cam in the evening; Mary Hawton (cook) left to go under an operation at Carshalton hospital
M 7 Did not go out; Father well and in the garden; George and Nellie came up at night; we sent a box of peaches to Bampfylde and apples to Agnes
T 8 Did not go out; intensely hot
W 9 Sent parcel of clothes to Belgian relief fund and a box of windfalls to the animal hospital; we went for an hour’s drive; Nellie and Rene called; Grace’s wedding day – five years
T 10 Lovely day after rain; Father not well, sent for Dr Cressy; George and Agnes came up at night
F 11 Resigned membership of East Sussex arts club; made pastry; called to enquire after Hawton at hospital Mr Riley called; gave Mary extra time
S 12 Father better; cold, had fires; took basket of pears and apples to Bessie Hay
S 13 Stayed with Father all day, a quiet day alone
M 14 Mother’s birthday; Uncle and Alice came to tea; George came at night; Dr Cressy called; Mrs Pearce came to stay; heard the Khyber called at Marseilles on Friday
T 15 Thirteen years since our darling Mother went; Father better and in the garden; had letters from Gibraltar
W 16 Father in the garden; Theo and Bessie called; George came at night
T 17 Dot came in afternoon to stay a week; gales; had letters from Marseilles
F 18 After lunch, I took our birthday wreath to darling Mother’s grave; did some shopping on the way home; Agnes came at night; Fritz left for the Front
S 19 Cold; called to enquire after Hawton
S 20 I went to service twice; Dr Cressy called; Father better
M 21 Lovely weather but cold; had letters from Malta; went to Bampfylde after dinner
T 22 Dot went to Croydon in the morning; I went to town shopping in the afternoon; saw army airships over London; Mr Moffatt called; Mr Cheshire came to supper; Father in the garden
W 23 Lovely day; Dot and I took Father for an hour and a half’s ride in his chair; George, Kit and Arthur came up at night; Mary had a holiday
T 24 Dot left after lunch; I went to see Hawton in hospital; Nellie called; Mr and Mrs Childe called; Jim arrived in Southampton from Malta
F 25 Lovely day; Mary and I took Father across Beddington Park and called to see Nellie on the way home
S 26 Father well and in the garden; Lillie came to stay; Agnes called
S 27 Weather continues perfect; Father poorly, did not go out all day; sent for Dr Cressy
M 28 Dr Cressy came; Father still poorly; I went to Bampfylde; George came up at night
T 29 Father in bed all day; Dr Cressy came, better; Arthur came at night; did not go out
W 30 Father in bed; did not go out; Mrs Pearce left and Louie Brewer came as supply cook
October
T 1 Dr Cressy came; Father sat up for two hours; Dot came and Lillie left; Trot and I went to Whiteleys to buy Father’s birthday present; had a cable from Colombo, all well
F 2 Father sat up for three hours – better; George and Dorothy came; letters from Port Said
S 3 Ethel’s birthday; Father much better and downstairs again; Dot went to Croydon for me; I called to see Agnes; Kit and Arthur called
S 4 I went to service – the Rev Rees with a special intercession for the troops; stayed for the Sacrament; Dot went to Tooting church at night; George came in after supper; Dr Cressy called
M 5 My precious Father’s 83rd birthday; had 15 letters and many presents; Trot came for the day and stayed the night; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; Kit, Arthur, George, Nellie and Agnes all called to see him
T 6 Fanny Milum came to lunch and she and Trot left directly afterwards; I went to see Kitty
W 7 Gladys’ twenty-eighth birthday; Father much better and in the garden; I went to Uncle’s to tea
T 8 Went to see Nellie before lunch; Dot left after; took Father in the garden for half an hour; Dr Cressy called; George came and Mr Rees called
F 9 Did not go out; Mr Cheshire called and brought some pears; Mary had extra time
S 10 Father better; Mr and Mrs Mann came to tea; Louie had extra time; sent bundles of pampas grass and asparagus grass to church for harvest festival
S 11 Stayed with Father all day; George and Nellie came to supper
M 12 Frost; called to see Miss Hunter
T 13 Fog and rain; Mrs Willmot called
W 14 Ditto; Dr Cressy called; Father better; George, Kit and Arthur came up at night
T 15 Dot came for a week; Trot came for the day; Agnes called; had letters from Aden
F 16 Went to Mrs Wood’s to tea, found her in bed but she knew me; all streets in semi-darkness by order
S 17 Nellie’s birthday; I went up there after tea; George came up at night
S 18 I went to service in the morning; Dot went at night
M 19 I went to Trot’s to tea and dinner; met Lieutenant Deighton there; Mr Moffatt called; had cable from Melbourne, safe and both well
T 20 Mrs Wood’s birthday; went to see Theo and up to Kit’s; Dr Cressy called, Father well
W 21 I went to Agnes to dinner; home early; started oil painting of ‘Moonrise’
T 22 Dot left after lunch; George came at night; Father well
F 23 Did not go out; Kit and Arthur came up in the evening; Mary had a holiday
S 24 Spring like day; Father in the garden twice; Louie had a holiday
S 25 Stayed with Father all day; George came to supper
M 26 Had letter from Bombay; have bad attack of lumbago; Mary had extra time
T 27 Ditto; Father well; Mr Stewart and friends called twice; Agnes came at night; did not go out
W 28 Trot came for the day; I went to a meeting at Carlton House; Fannie and Eddy came in at night for whist
T 29 Dot came for a week; Miss Hunter called; wrote out Xmas letters for Hobart
F 30 Edie came in to dinner and whist; sent 10/- to Belgian relief fund for Grace and 2/- Danny; Peter Hawton came to see me
S 31 I had tea with Uncle and Alice
November
S 1 Went to service and stayed for Sacrament; Dot went at night; Dick Mann came to tea; Father in the garden
M 2 Went to see Nellie; bad cold came on later; sent three flannel bed jackets and two shirts to the Red Cross for our soldiers
T 3 Mr Latham came to tea; in bed with a severe cold and neuralgia
W 4 Ditto; got up in the evening; Jim went to the Front; Amy came to see me to say goodbye as she is leaving Wallington
T 5 Dot went to Croydon for me and left after lunch; Miss Hunter came to tea; George came up at night
F 6 Dorothy called; Arthur came up at night; Father keeping better
S 7 Mr and Mrs Childe called; Agnes came at night; Col Grant sent six pheasants; Louie had extra time
S 8 Stayed with Father all day; my cold still very bad; we spent the day by ourselves
M 9 Have not been out for a week; Father well; Mary had extra time
T 10 Went out for the first time for eight days; George came up at night
W 11 Uncle and Lillie came over to dinner mid-day; Ray planted our grace with double white tulips
T 12 Very cold; Dot came for a week; I went to Bampfylde after dinner
F 13 Had a painting lesson; Trot came for the day; Arthur and Percy came at night
S 14 Bitterly cold; Father well; I had tea with Kit; George came up at night
S 15 I went to service; Dot went at night; Mr Rees came to tea
M 16 Went into Croydon shopping; Mr Moffatt called
T 17 Frost; did not go out; Edie called; sent 7/6 worth of things to Daisy for bring and buy sale
W 18 Went to Sidcup after lunch with Edie; called to see Dr Crombie, the Olivers, the Wests, the Brewers, the Prices and Seagroves; got home at 8pm
T 19 Sleet; cold upsetting Father very much; Dot left; had painting lesson
F 20 Had the sweep in the kitchen; Alive came to tea; George and Agnes came at night; Trot’s birthday; Father better; my little Dick very ill
S 21 Had Dick with me all night and kept the stove on etc, much better today; Eddy and Fannie came in the afternoon and George at night; have had no mail letters since Bombay; Louie had extra time
S 22 Stayed in with Father all day; Father better; Dick nearly got over attack
M 23 Went to see Pearce, who has met with an accident and hurt his knee; George came at night; Mary extra time
T 24 Miss Hunter called; began to put up clean curtains; did not go out
W 25 Mrs Willmot called; lovely day; did not go out; Mary had a holiday
T 26 Little Dick died, my pet for thirteen years; Dot came; I called to see Pearce and Miss Dunn; Louie had a holiday
F 27 Had tea with Violet; Kit and Arthur came at night
S 28 Went to Bampfylde; George, Edie and Agnes called; sent my zither to the National Children’s home, Oxted branch, as a gift
S 29 Went to service; Dot went at night; George and Nellie came to supper; letters from Adelaide
M 30 Gale last night, very wet; did not go out
December
T 1 Fanny Milum came for the day and Gladys stayed the night; I went to the bank; Mr Stewart fetched the billiard table, which we have sold for £10; servants went to a concert at night
W 2 Went to Uncle’s to tea; Kit and Arthur came at night; Gladys left in the morning; made the mincemeat
T 3 Had painting lesson; Dot left; sent Lance Corporal Dunn a muffler and two pairs of socks; wrote to Jim and Hugh at the Front; heard Rev Robinson is going out, as Captain, to the Northumberland & Yorkshire Fusiliers
F 4 Lillie came to lunch and tea; George and Agnes at night; Father well; in all day; boiled Xmas puddings
S 5 Fred and Laurie came to spend the weekend; in all day; had first letters from Hobart; Louie had extra time
S 6 Stayed with Father all day; Fred and Laurie went to service in the morning; Father well and happy talking over old times!
M 7 Fred and Laurie left early; did not go out; cable ‘All well, Hobart’; Arthur came at night; sent Mrs Gilchrist my painting ‘Bluebell wood’
T 8 Did not go out; Hawton called; George came at night; Father and I did Xmas cards together
W 9 Mrs Pearce here for curtain wash; I went to sale of work for a few minutes and spent 14/-; Father and I finished cards; I wrote letters for him and did Grace’s cards.
T 10 Dot came; I called on Mrs Willmot and Miss Leach; Miss Leach and Miss Hunter called; Mrs Pearce here
F 11 Had a painting lesson; sent parcel for Belgian refugees to St Giles’ Mission, including three woollen jackets, one petticoat, one child’s petticoat and one pinafore; I went up to Bampfylde after dinner; got our Xmas letters from Hobart; Jim promoted to 1st Lieutenant
S 12 Went up to see Kit; Mrs Hay called
S 13 Went to service; pouring wet day; Dot went to Baptist church at night; George came in after supper; Father keeping better
M 14 Went to Croydon in the morning, shopping; Trot came for the day; had cable to say Will made Mayor of Hobart last Saturday
T 15 Mr Rees called; rains continue
W 16 Mr Latham called; I went to town in the afternoon, shopping; got home 6.30pm; London in darkness
T 17 Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool shelled by Germans yesterday; Dot left; had painting lesson; paid Miss Moore £1/10/-
F 18 Dot came back at night; did not go out; Father and I busy together doing Xmas work
S 19 Had painting lesson; went to Bampfylde after tea and took my Xmas presents; Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool bombarded again by Germans on Wednesday – about two hundred casualties
S 20 Went to service; Dot went at night; Father well; George and Nellie came to supper
M 21 Took our wreath to darling Mother’s grave; Violet came to tea sent off most parcels and cards; Father’s Xmas box of fruit arrived
T 22 I called to see Bessie and Miss Leach; Dot left after lunch; Nellie, Fannie, Edie, Rene and Bessie called; sent off rest of parcels and cards
W 23 Dark, foggy day; called on Mrs Pearce and the Dunns with Xmas presents; Pearce brought Father a plant; George came at night
T 24 Took 2½ dozen mince pies to cabmen’s shelter; very foggy; George came to breakfast; Louie had a half day; Bampfylde friends went to Eastbourne
F 25 My darling Father fairly well and bright; we spent a quiet, but happy, day alone; Kit, her family and Mr Champness called in the morning; beautiful winter day; we had lots of nice presents and letters
S 26 Pouring rain, did not go out; Mary had a half day; had a postcard from the trenches
S 27 Spent a quiet day alone; did not go out
M 28 Did not go out; Agnes came at night; awful gale at night with snow; Louie had a holiday
T 29 Ditto; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to dinner and we had our turkey; played whist; Father better
W 30 Agnes came to dinner
T 31 Father well; I called on Mrs Jonah about the Belgians; George came at night; Mary had a holiday
1915
January
F 1 Pouring rains continue; Father well; Nellie had tea with us; called at Bampfylde; British warship sunk in the Channel
S 2 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came over for the day; Miss Hunter and Miss Leach called re sub-committee; George came at night; lovely day
S 3 Special national intercession services; stayed with Father all day; George and Nellie came to supper; Louie left suddenly through illness at home – had been here four months as a supply cook
M 5 Snow, rain later; Dot came down to stay; I called to see Miss Leach; Hawton returned as cook
T 5 Went to Croydon in the morning; Bertie Dunn came to wish me goodbye before going to the Front; went out with Miss Hunter on RSPCA work for wounded horses
W 6 Father well; Mrs Willmot, Miss Leach and Miss Hunter came to tea – sub-committee afterwards to arrange for Wounded Horse Fund collections; wrote two letters for the papers; called on Miss Hunter; Mr Latham called
T 7 Had a painting lesson; went to Uncle’s to tea; pouring wet; Dorothy called to say goodbye
F 8 Went to see Mr Cheshire – he has been ill for some weeks; called on Mrs Hay; Miss Leach and Miss Hunter came to do committee work with me; wrote to each of the five ministers about the WHF; Dot left after lunch
S 9 Busy doing committee work – Miss Leach and Miss Muriel Hicks called; George came at night; Mary and Hawton went to a concert at night
S 10 Stayed with Father all day; George and Nellie came to supper; Father well
M 11 Inspector called and Miss Leach; Alice came to tea
T 12 Did not go out; Miss Leach and Miss Hunter came to tea; we did committee work after and got collecting boxes ready, etc
W 13 Did not go out; Kitty and Arthur came at night; Percy called
T 14 Dot came to stay; Miss Hunter and Miss Leach called; I spent the afternoon and evening house to house collecting for RSPCA’s sick and wounded horse fund
F 15 Out collecting in the morning and afternoon; called at Bampfylde
S 16 Street collection in aid of the WHF – £3/11/7¼d; Mrs Willmot called; Miss Leach, Miss Hunter and Sabin came to tea as did Inspector Bayliss and his three boys; Mrs Childe and Leslie called; Rev Leo Clarke came to supper
S 17 Went to service; Dot went at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 18 Dot’s twenty-fifth birthday; Fanny Milum came to stay the day and night; Miss Hunter and I spent all morning out collecting; I went again in the afternoon; Miss Leach called; Mary went to a social
T 19 Miss Hunter and I spent all afternoon collecting; called at Bampfylde; scout master Howe called in the evening; I sent the scouts 15 copies of ‘Animal World’; Miss Leach called; Zeppelin raid on Yarmouth and near Sandringham
W 20 Dot collected in the morning; I went to see Mr Cheshire after tea; Miss Hunter and Miss Leach came up after dinner and we opened the boxes; Father was cashier; grand total, including boxes and street collections – £32/11/4d; Mary and Hawton went to a social
T 21 Miss Leach and Miss Hunter called; Dot left after lunch; finished up work in connection with the fund; collected in my box £6/9/0d; Fannie and Eddy came to dinner and whist
F 22 Heaviest snow storm for many years; glorious sight turned to yellow fog later and very cold; did not go out
S 23 Hard frost, snow frozen; thick fog all day; kept Father in bed, his breathing very bad; Trot came over for the day; George came up at night; telephone and telegraph wires broken down; snow seven to nine inches deep
S 24 Father better and downstairs; stayed with him all day; George came to supper; rapid thaw
M 25 Did not go out; Edie and Rene came to dinner
T 26 Sunshine; Rev Rees and Mr Moffatt came; Miss Leach and Bessie called; George came up at night; packed up three parcels of books from our library and two parcels of Punch for the soldiers at the Front
W 27 Posted parcels to Rev Cape, No 9 General Hospital; BEF France, cost 7/11d – 1/7d each; Lillie came in the morning and stayed the night; Miss Leach called; Officers and scouts sent £1 to our branch of the RSPCA
T 28 Lillie left after tea; Dot came down; called to see Miss Hunter and Mrs Hay; heard Uncle was very ill with influenza; Father better
F 29 I went to Bampfylde after dinner; had another £1 sent for WHF, bringing box total to £7/7/0d; Uncle better
S 30 Uncle continues about the same; I went to Kit’s to tea; called on Miss Leach and Bessie; Father well
S 31 Stayed with Father in the morning; Dot went to service; with Father at night; I went to Uncle’s in the afternoon and found him better, now out of danger; sat with him for an hour; Jim arrived home from the Front for a week’s leave
February
M 1 I went to town with Edie to meet Jim, Trot and Gladys – found him well and bright and we had tea together at Collard’s; Edie and I went shopping afterwards and got home at 7.30pm; just as we arrived, hooter went to call special constables – zeppelins expected
T 2 Aunt Janie’s birthday; sent her leather bag and purse combined; went to bank in the morning; Miss Leach called
W 3 Went over to Uncle’s to tea and found him much better; took him hothouse grapes; called to see Mrs Wood on the way home, found her in bed, sat with them for half an hour; Violet came to the bus with me
T 4 Called at Bampfylde; Dot left; George came up at night
F 5 Lovely day; sent Jim Price a parcel of cigarettes, chocolate and cocoa to the Front; Ditto to Lennie Price at Dover; Father well; girls went for a walk at night
S 6 George came up at night
S 7 Stayed with Father all day; George, Nellie and Agnes came to supper; Father well
M 8 My birthday; Violet came down for the day; Miss Hunter called; feeling very poorly; Father not so well; bitter east wind and rain; many loving letters and presents
T 9 Did not go out; Father better again; Fannie and Eddy came up after dinner; Hawton had a holiday
W 10 Very cold; Arthur came at night and I went to a lecture by Keatley Moore on ‘Moods in Music’, illustrated by a choir; Mary had a holiday
T 11 Sunshine and white frost; George and Nellie came to dinner
F 12 Alice came over to tea; fleet of 25 airships made raid on Ostend, flew over from Dover to Dunkirk
S 13 Did not go out; storm of wind and rain
S 14 Stayed with Father all day; George and Nellie came to supper; Father well
M 15 Did not go out; Mr Moffatt called; still got a cold on me
T 16 Agnes came to dinner; George came at night
W 17 Dot returned; did not go out; Dot engaged to Rev Leopold Clarke
T 18 I went over to Trot’s to tea; Gladys in bed for a fortnight; Nurse Chown there
F 19 Went to see Nellie after tea
S 20 Went up to see Kit and Arthur in the afternoon; Miss Leach and Edie called
S 21 Went to service; Dot went at night; Father a little out of sorts, sent for Dr Cressy
M 22 Had tea with Violet, Mrs Wood asleep all the time
T 23 Trot came over for the day; Rev Clarke came down early and stayed the night; Dot and he went for a long walk in the afternoon; a fall of snow
W 24 Ground covered in snow; Dot and Mr Clarke went to Banstead Downs; he left us after lunch; Kitty called; called to see Nellie
T 25 Dr Cressy came – Father better; in afternoon, Nellie and I went to town to see war pictures at the Scala Theatre
F 26 Heart that Aunt Hannah passed away yesterday; Dot left; a lovely day; went through RSPCA prize competition essays for our secretary
S 27 Commenced Spring cleaning; George came up at night; Father well; went into slight mourning for dear Auntie
S 28 Stayed in all day with Father; George and Nellie came to supper
March
M 1 Arthur and Miss Moore came; Dr Cressy called, Father much better; sleet; Aunt Hannah’s funeral; in all day
T 2 Mrs Pearce here; Mr Stewart called; in all day
W 3 Mrs Pearce here; men began on the servants’ room; Miss Hunter called; heard that a hundred and fifty-four of our old Band of Mercy boys are serving with the colours; servants went to ‘Elijah’
T 4 Mrs Pearce here; George came to dinner; Father, George and Mr Lovegrove audited Mill Lane accounts at night
F 5 Mrs Pearce here for half a day; Dot returned; Ethel and Arthur came to dinner; Ethel came for the day; men finished servants’ rooms
S 6 Had tea with Uncle; Dr Cressy called; Agnes called
S 7 Went to service and stayed to Sacrament; Dot went at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 8 Mrs Pearce here; Mr Moffatt called; sleet
T 9 Did not go out; Mrs Pearce here
W 10 Called to see Miss Hunter; Father well; still very cold; Mrs Pearce here
T 11 Sent donation of 10/- to Band of Mercy; Dot left; Mrs Pearce here
F 12 Did not go out; sweep in drawing room and kitchen; Mrs Pearce here
S 13 Miss Leach called
S 14 Stayed with Father all day; no visitors; Father had a turn in the garden, first time this year
M 15 Painters did stair treads; Mrs Pearce here; I went to Croydon about a new carpet; sent Jim a parcel to the Front – fancy biscuits, chocolate biscuits and raisins
T 16 Sent parcel to church for forwarding to Mr Robinson’s men – four shirts, one bed jacket, one body belt and a parcel of Punch magazines; Mrs Pearce here
W 17 Mrs Pearce here; Arthur and Agnes came at night
T 18 Mrs Pearce here; Dot came back; I went to Bampfylde after dinner; finished Spring cleaning; snow
F 19 Went to town; George went with me to Treloar’s to select patterns for drawing room carpet; we had tea at Evans; I did some shopping and got home at 6.30pm; stair carpets put down; Mr Rees called; cold intense; Dot went to a concert at night; Mary had extra time
S 20 Had tea with Kit and Arthur; George came at night; Hawton had extra time
S 21 Brilliant sunshine; gook Father round the garden for an hour; went to service; Dot went at night; put on colours again
M 22 Went to Croydon shopping before lunch; went to Bampfylde after dinner; heard that Jim had had a narrow escape in assault on Neuve Chapelle
T 23 Father in the garden; Dot went home for two days; Mrs Pearce here for curtain wash, two days; George came up at night; Hawton had a holiday
W 24 Father in the garden; Dot returned at night; Mary had a holiday
T 25 I went to Great Central Hotel to have tea with Mrs Grant, Nell and Marian – spent two and a half hours with them; cold intense
F 26 Still very cold; went to see Mr Cheshire and found him still very poorly; called to see Miss Leach; Mr Childe came at night
S 27 Intense cold continues; went to Croydon shopping in the morning; called to see Agnes at night; George came up; sent parcels and letters to Jimmy Price and Maurice Yeats at the Front and to Private Bell at Gateshead
S 28 Went to service; Dot went at night; George and Nellie came to supper
M 29 Snow; I went to Uncle’s to tea; Father well
T 30 Trot came for the day; Dot went home after lunch; I called to see Kit and Bessie Hay before lunch; George came up at night
W 31 Bobbie’s sixteenth birthday; Fannie and Agnes called; did not go out
April
T 1 Edie called; Bampfylde friends went to Trot’s house, Westgate, for a fortnight; Father in the garden; I went to the bank after lunch
F 2 Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to supper; did not go out; Mary and Hawton went to a church service
S 3 Very wet but milder; Father well; Miss Hunter and Miss Leach came to tea; sent hot cross buns to Miss Dunn; sent ‘F Charrington’s Life’ to Mrs Gilchrist; Mary had a half holiday
S 4 Father in the garden twice; Mr and Mrs Hugh Rees came to tea; did not go out
M 5 Spent a quiet day alone; Father in the garden a little; did not go out; Hawton had a half holiday
T 6 A very wet day
W 7 George came to dinner and to stay the night; did not go out
T 8 George came back at night to sleep; Fannie and Eddie came up after dinner; Mr Latham called; we had a new carpet laid in the drawing room; did not go out
F 9 Very cold winds continue; sent income tax claim for £3/19/8
S 10 A lovely day; Father well and in the garden; Uncle and Alice came over to tea; Kit and Arthur came in the evening
S 11 Father in the garden; Fannie and Eddy spent the day with us; did not go out to service
M 12 Mr Moffatt came to tea; Dot returned at night; did not go out; Mary had extra
T 13 Intensely cold; called to see Bessie; Miss Leach called
W 14 Father in the garden; I went to Mrs Wood’s to tea and on to Women’s auxiliary meeting at Studley at night; Kitty took the chair; Kit, Dorothy and I came home together; met several old friends at Studley
T 15 Spring day; Father in the garden a lot; I had tea at Nellie’s; George came up at night; received acknowledgement of books sent to base hospital two months ago
F 16 Father in the garden; I went to see oculist, Sir Anderson Critchett, with George; had tea together afterwards and did some shopping; home by 8pm
S 17 Father in the garden
S 18 Went to service; Dot went at night; George and Nellie came to supper; cold
M 19 Mr Cheshire came over to lunch and tea; Dot went out for half a day with Mr Clarke; Father in the garden; did not go out
T 20 Went to town after lunch to get glasses changed; sent Jim Price a parcel to the Front
W 21 Went to Croydon shopping before lunch; Dot and I took Father out in his chair for an hour; called at Bampfylde; Miss Cheshire called; George and Mr Rees came up at night
T 22 Dot left; Father in the garden; George came at night
F 23 Father and I sent a parcel out to Jim for his men; very cold
S 24 Sent off parcel of books to Front for base hospital; Arthur came to tea; George and Agnes came at night; very cold
S 25 Stayed with Father all day
M 26 Father in the garden a lot; Miss Leach called
T 27 Father in the garden; Hawton had a holiday
W 28 Lovely Spring day; Father in the garden a lot; George came up at night; Mary had a holiday
T 29 Father in the garden; Dot returned
F 30 Summer day; Father had an hour’s ride with Dot and Mary; I went to City Road to hear Dr Watkinson; had lunch after with Fannie, Alice and Miss Florence; went on to Uncle’s to tea; met Mrs Giles there
May
S 1 We took Father out for a short ride after tea; Dot went home for half a day; Agnes came to supper
S 2 Went to service and stayed for the Sacrament; Miss Hunter came to tea; Father in the garden
M 3 Very cold with east winds again; went to bank; Dot went to Croydon after tea
T 4 Posted Grace’s birthday present – a hand-painted nightdress case and slippers; Father in the garden; I went to Bampfylde after tea; George came up at night
W 5 Summer’s day; went to darling Mother’s grace and then on to have tea with Lillie and Marian; Dot and Mary took Father out for an hour; Arthur came up at night
T 6 Very hot; Dot left after lunch; Mary and I took Father out for an hour and a quarter’s ride after tea
F 7 Trot came over for the day; George and Nellie came to dinner; Lusitania sunk by a German submarine, fourteen hundred lives lost
S 8 Father in the garden, wind and cold; Fanny Milum came to stay the weekend; George came in at night; Mary had extra time
S 9 Fanny went to church in the morning and I went in the evening; Father in the garden, wind and very cold; Mary went home for an hour in the evening
M 10 A beautiful day; Mr Moffatt called; Father very well; air raid on Southend, 90 bombs dropped, 1 killed; Grace went into a private hospital
T 11 George came at night; inspector called to see me about a pony; Hawton had extra time
W 12 Agnes called at night; heard later that Grace had a serious operation today
T 13 Father has a cold, sent for Dr Cressy, kept him in bed all day; Dot came back
F 14 Father better but in bed all day; very cold day; Dot met Fanny in town instead of me and went to hear Rev Campbell Morgan and Lloyd George at Kingsway Hall; Dr Cressy called
S 15 Father came down in the afternoon; I called at Bampfylde; George, Kit and Arthur came up at night; Dr Cressy called
S 16 Father better and in the garden again; Dot went in the morning and I went to service at night
M 17 Dr Cressy called; called to see Mrs Pearce and Mrs Brown; sent parcel to Private Bell
T 18 Very cold, wet day; called to see Bessie Hay
W 19 Lovely day; Dot and Mary took Father out for an hour’s ride; I went to Ethel’s to lunch and Trot’s to tea and dinner
T 20 Called to see Nellie; Dot left; sent parcels to Private Yeats and Private Brown; Father better
F 21 Lovely day; Lillie came in the afternoon to stay; Uncle and Alice came to tea; George and Agnes came up at night
S 22 Marian came down in the afternoon to stay Whitsun; Father in the garden, much better; Dr Cressy called
S 23 Stayed with Father all day; Lillie and Marian went to service in the morning
M 24 Glorious weather; Father in the garden a lot; after tea, Marian and I went through Beddington Park and called at Bampfylde; Mr Cheshire and Mrs Cheshire (junior) called; Will’s birthday; Hawton had a holiday
T 25 Marian left early; Father, Lillie and I went for an hour’s drive after tea
W 26 George and Mr Rees came up at night; very hot; Theo’s twelfth birthday; Mary had a holiday
T 27 Dot returned; I went to Croydon shopping after tea; Lillie left early; wrote Grace’s birthday letter; very cold
F 28 Had fires again; I went to Uncle’s to tea; Father sent Ernest a parcel at the Front
S 29 More fires; Mr Cheshire came to dinner; I went to Bampfylde in the evening
S 30 I went to service in the morning and Dot went at night; egg Sunday – 1,300 eggs give for soldiers; very cold still; Father could not get out
M 31 Weather better; I wheeled Father about the garden for an hour and a half; sent Bertie Dunn a parcel at the Front; zeppelin raid on London, four killed, ninety bombs dropped; alarm hooter woke us all at midnight.
June
T 1 Dr Cressy came; Father better; had tea with Violet and Mrs Wood; we sent sofa to Lillie and Marian
W 2 Mr Latham called; Dot and I took Father up to Bampfylde for an hour; Lillie’s birthday, made her a voile blouse
T 3 Dot left; sent parcel of Punch magazines to No 8 Veterinary Hospital, France; wrote to Private Yeats; went to bank before lunch; Mary had extra time
F 4 Lovely day – we sat in the garden all afternoon; George and Agnes came up at night; Father well; zeppelin raid, hooter woke us at 1am, street lamps put out (Banstead and Gravesend)
S 5 Very close; Mary and I took Father out for an hour in his chair; George came up at night
S 6 Perfect day; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea; zeppelin raid on Hull, 45 casualties
M 7 Miss Hunter and Mr Rees called; heat intense
T 8 Very hot – 84° in the shade; Dr Cressy called; Trot spent the day with us; Mr Moffatt called; George came up at night
W 9 Dot returned at night; rain
T 10 Lovely day; Dot and Mary took Father to Rose Walk; I went with Violet to our annual RSPCA meeting in Westminster Buildings, Duke of Portland in the chair; we went to Hyde Park afterwards and saw HD drill and recruiting sergeant etc
F 11 Dot and I took Father out for two hours in his chair, through Beddington Park and called at Bampfylde on the way back; George, Kit and Arthur came up at night; Mr Latham called; sent parcels to Private Yeats and Rifleman J Price
S 12 I had tea with Lillie and Marian over at Uncle’s; they are keeping house while Uncle and Alice are at Eastbourne; posted parcel to Private Bell
S 13 Went to service – Dot went at night
M 14 Went to bank in the morning; Eva and Mabel came down after lunch and stayed until6pm; went to see Miss Hunter in the evening; picked 6lbs of gooseberries for jam; colder; took basket of roses to Mr Latham from Father
T 15 Dot left early to go to Westgate tomorrow for a fortnight; did not go out; Father well; Ray planted our grace with white geraniums
W 16 Mr Dash (from Sydney) came in to tea; George came up at night; heart that A Gilchrist had joined colours; did not go out; Kit’s birthday, sent her a book
T 17 Gladys and Theo came over for the day; we all took Father to Bampfylde after tea; Kitty called; had tea in the garden; wrote Violet, Ellen, Jim, A Gilchrist; sent Violet a blouse for her birthday; Hawton had extra time
F 18 Paid final claim of £2/10/- on BAP shares; Violet’s birthday, she came down to tea and dinner; cold; Fritz came home on leave
S 19 Father and I went to Agnes’ to tea, George and Nellie came too; Mr Cheshire came to supper; George came up afterwards; we sent Ernest a parcel to the Front; wrote to the chaplain at Sheerness
S 20 Lovely day but cold later; stayed with Father all day
M 21 Had cables and letters to say our darling sister went under a serious operation on May 12th; last one said she was doing well and been home a fortnight; Oh! Such a sad day!; Miss Leach called; sent cable to Grace – 13 words for 19/6d; Jim came home on seven days leave, very well
T 22 George and Nellie came up at night; Hawton had a holiday
W 23 Had letters from Will and Lil, both say Grace is going on well; wrote to them all today; Miss Hunter and George came in; Queen Alexandra’s Day; Mary had a holiday
T 24 Jim mentioned in French’s Dispatch; sent wire of congratulations; awarded the Military Cross
F 25 Jim came down to lunch with us and stayed until 3pm; Kit came in to tea; Fritz went back to the Front – we sent him a wire; sent parcel to Sergeant Dunn
S 26 Mary and I took Father out for an hour and a half in the afternoon, called at Bampfylde
S 27 Rain, much needed; stayed in all day with Father
M 28 Uncle, Alice and Mr Cheshire came to tea; Jim went to Buckingham Palace to have his medal pinned on him by the Kind; he returned to the Front
T 29 Beautiful rains; George came up at night; sent parcels to Private G Price and Private C Brown; we sent Jim a large box of sweets for his birthday
W 30 Arthur came up at night
July
T 1 Miss Leach called; sent parcel off to Rifleman Price
F 2 Trot came over for the day; Dot returned in the afternoon; I went up to see Kitty after dinner; George came up at night
S 3 Jim’s twenty-fifth birthday; intensely hot; Father, Dot and I went to Bampfylde to tea; I went to Croydon before lunch; took up £100 in new war loan; Mary and Hawton went for a walk
S 4 Went to service and stayed for Communion; Dot went at night; 84° in the shade
M 5 I had tea with Uncle and Alice; Mr Moffatt called; George came at night
T 6 Picked 3lbs red currants for jelly; called at Bampfylde; Dot and I took Father out for an hour after tea into Carshalton Park; very hot; still no news from Hobart
W 7 Raining all day; went to Croydon in the morning; case of Tasmanian apples arrived from Will; Mary had a half day
T 8 George, Nellie and I went over to Trot’s to tea and dinner
F 9 Got belated mail letters and note from Grace; good news of her progress; cabled today for latest news (7 words, 12/-); Dot left; wheeled Father about the garden for an hour and a half, he is very well; feeling very poorly for the last fortnight
S 10 Much cooler; Father in the garden; George came up at night; Miss Hunter called; cabled ‘Anxious for news’ (12/-); Hawton had extra time
S 11 Stayed with Father all day; cold
M 12 Called to see Mrs Hay
T 13 Kit and Dorothy called; Mr Latham came to tea; George and Arthur came up at night; Father in the garden for an hour
W 14 Received cable to say Grace progressing well, thank God; Mr Rees called and stayed to dinner; sent remaining £94/9/4d for my £100 war loan; wet and cold
T 15 Grace’s birthday; got a letter from her written on June 6th, when she was just home; Dot returned; Father poorly, sent for Dr Cressy – he has a cold and catarrh of the throat; George came at night, as did Bessie
F 16 Father very poorly, kept him in bed most of the day; very wet; sent Fannie and Eddy ‘Gospel of the Hereafter’, the first anniversary of Ronnie’s death; awake most of the night with Father, cough very bad
S 17 Father in bed most of the day, better than yesterday; Dr Cressy came; George and Agnes came up at night; Miss Leach called; awake most of the night with Father
S 18 Dot went to service in the morning and I went at night; Mr Foster came to supper; George came up after; Dr Cressy called; Father much better
S 19 I went to Violet’s to tea; Dr Cressy called
T 20 Went to Croydon shopping in the morning; Mr Clarke came down to tea and dinner; Dot and he went to Rose Walk in the afternoon; Dr Cressy called; preserved 8lb cherries out of the garden
W 21 Father not so well; Mrs Mann came to tea; I went to Bampfylde in the evening and took a basket of Tasmanian apples to them; preserved 14lbs cherries from Faversham; Mary had extra time
T 22 Dot left; Dr Cressy called; very wet day; Father’s cough keeps him in bed; made 6lbs black currant jam
F 23 Very wet day; George came up at night; sent parcel to Private Bell and wrote to Rifleman Price
S 24 Father in the garden a little; Marian came down to tea and dinner; George came at night
S 25 Stayed with Father all day; George and Nellie came to supper; Agnes called
M 26 Uncle’s eighty-eighth birthday; I went over to have tea and supper with him; Marian went to supper; Father able to be in the garden; Dot came in the morning and stayed the night; Uncle very well and bright
T 27 Father in the garden, rather better, cough sill bad; Dr Cressy came in; George and Arthur came up at night
W 28 Father in the garden; sent parcel to Sergeant Dunn; wrote to Jim
T 29 Trot came over for the day; Father better; Mary went for her fortnight’s holiday
F 30 Father better and in the garden a lot; George came at night; Hawton had extra time
S 31 Dot returned; we took Father out in his chair for an hour and a quarter; Dr Cressy called
August
S 1 Went to service in the morning and stayed for the Sacrament; Dot went at night; lovely day
M 2 Showery and blustering; Father in the garden for a short time; Arthur came to supper; Hawton went to the flower show in the afternoon
T 3 Pouring wet; called at Bampfylde; Mrs Pearce came for curtain wash; Father much better; Dr Cressy called
W 4 Anniversary declaration of the war; intercession service at St Paul’s; Alice and I met in town and stood on Ludgate Hill and saw the King and Queen, Queen Alexandra; Princess Victoria, Lord Kitchener etc; stood three hours so as to see them return – saw all the wounded soldiers; had tea at Spiers & Pond, a new place. I went to the service in Westminster Abbey at 3pm and then home; Father well; got double mail letters; Mrs Pearce here; Dot and Hawton went to evening service
T 5 George came up at night
F 6 Dot went home in the afternoon; thundery day; feeling very poorly
S 7 Dot returned; Uncle and Alice came to tea; after tea, we all went up to Bampfylde garden for an hour; I went to see Miss Hunter after supper
S 8 Went to service in the morning; Dot went at night; Father well
M 9 Mr Moffatt called; Mr Rees came to say goodbye to us; I called to see Theo Moore and Miss Leach
T 10 Very hot; after tea, Dot and I took Father out in his chair for two and a half hours, calling to spend an hour with Kitty; I went to the farewell meeting of Rev Rees; presentation of purse for £40; zeppelin raid over Margate, Sheerness and Southend
W 11 I went to see Mr Cheshire in the morning; Dot and I took Father out for an hour in his chair after tea; sent parcel to Rifleman Price
T 12 Called to see Mrs Stepney, whose son has been killed at the Front; Arthur came up at night
F 13 Did not go out; Father in the garden a lot; Mary returned from her summer holiday
S 14 Heavy hail shower; called at Bampfylde
S 15 Stayed with Father all day
M 16 A lovely day; Miss Hunter called; sent Aunt Lissie a book for her birthday; Jim has been gazetted ‘Captain’
T 17 Trot and Bobbie came over for the day; George came up at night; Aunt Lissie’s birthday; transport sunk in Aegean sea – a thousand missing
W 18 Zeppelin rain on east counties last night; sent parcels to Signalman Ernest Smith and Sergeant Dunn
T 19 Hawton went for her summer holiday; Trot and family went to Westgate; Hilda, Bentley and baby arrived home from Canada
F 20 A lovely day; Marjory Heaton had tea with us; sent Agnes a basket of fruit to GLR regiment at Front; had double mail letters
S 21 Father in the garden a lot; sent Private C Brown a parcel; George and Nellie went to Bournemouth for a fortnight
S 22 Stayed with Father all day; we spent a quiet day alone; Mrs Hay and Bessie called at night
M 23 Dot returned; I had tea with Uncle and Alice
T 24 Dot and I took Father out in the park for an hour and a quarter; Edie called; I called on Mrs Brown and Mrs Pearce
W 25 Made the pastry; Private Maurice Yeats came to see me, home from the Front, wounded – had an hour’s chat with him; Dot and I took Father out for a very long ride for two hours through some lovely woods; wrote to Private G Price
T 26 After tea, Father, Dot and I went for an hour and a half’s drive; I called to see Agnes and Bessie and took the latter a basket of plums; Mrs Pearce here for the day; sent Mrs Staples 2/6d
F 27 Dot and Mary took Father up to Rose Walk; Mr Cheshire came to tea and supper; Edie and Rene came to supper; I called to see Miss Leach; zeppelin raid on Bow and Stratford
S 28 Father, Dot and I went up to Kit’s to tea; sent basket of plums and roses to Miss Hunter; wrote to Jim
S 29 Went to service in the morning; Agnes and Marjory came to tea and supper; they went to church with Dot at night
M 30 Very cold, had a fire; I had tea with Uncle and Lillie; took them a basket of plums
T 31 Still cold; sunshine later; Father in the garden, very well; had tea with Violet and Mrs Wood, took them a basket of plums
September
W 1 Went to the bank in the morning; Dot left after lunch; sent parcel to Private L Price
T 2 Cold; Mr and Miss Dash (of Sydney) called; Arthur came at night; we sent Signalman E Smith a parcel; Hawton returned from her fortnight’s holiday
F 3 Got double mail letters; Grace getting on well; Fannie and Eddy came at night; very cold still
S 4 Picked 13lbs plums for preserving; Miss Hunter called; George and Nellie came home from Bournemouth
S 5 Father in the garden for an hour; George came up in the morning; stayed with Father all day
M 6 A lovely day; After tea, Mary and I took Father up to Kitty’s – we took her 9lbs crab apples; George came up at night; called to see Mrs Hay
T 7 A lovely day; after tea, Mary and I took Father out for an hour and a half in the park – he is very well; Agnes came up at night; zeppelin rain near, hooter woke us at 12pm and bombs heard in Wallington; bad damage done in London; Liverpool Street Station and Bishopsgate Station, Wood Street, Red Lion Court, Holborn, etc
W 8 I took Father up to Bampfylde for an hour after tea; zeppelin raid on London, hooters going here at 11pm; Mary had extra time
T 9 Six years since Grace’s wedding day; lovely summer weather; Rev Seekings came to tea – his first visit; bought four books and test for Mary’s brother, who is on a mine sweeper; zeppelin got to Chelmsford but driven off
F 10 Dot returned; I called at Bampfylde; George came up at night; we picked apples and damsons; Mary had a holiday
S 11 Preserved six bottles of damsons; east winds; Ray picked some apples; called to see Theo Moore; Father not so well; Hawton had extra time
S 12 Glorious day; Dot went in the morning; Agnes came to tea and supper; we went to service at night
M 13 I went to Trot’s for the day; went all the way by bus; Arthur came at night; took Trot a box of peaches
T 14 My precious Mother’s birthday; Father better; Uncle and Alice came to tea
W 15 Fourteen years since Mother went Home; I took our wreath to Norwood in the morning; Dot and I took Father in the park for an hour and a half; made 12lbs apple jam
T 16 I went to town in the morning to buy Grace’s Xmas presents and Father’s birthday present; George took me to see damage done by zeppelins – Bartholomew’s Close, Wood Street, Love Lane, Aldermanbury; sat troop train leave for Folkestone; Mr Latham called; Father gave him a box of peaches
F 17 Dot left and took home a basket of peaches and apples; glorious autumn weather
S 18 Father well and in the garden; got mail letters; wrote to Hugh and sent Grace’s Xmas presents; sent Private Price a parcel; I wheeled Father up to Bampfylde after tea and we stayed an hour
S 19 Stayed with Father all day; George and Nellie came to dinner, tea and supper and Fannie and Eddy came to tea and supper – a happy day all together; Father well
M 20 Had pears and apples picked; sent Aunties and Lillie a box; Arthur came to supper and stayed the night; gave Miss Dunn a parcel of clothes
T 21 Father in the garden; colder; we gave Mary, Hawton and Ray a big basket of apples
W 22 A lovely day; Mary and I took Father out in the chair for nearly an hour; had a box of white heather from Scotland
T 23 Colonel Snell, of Hobart, and Trot came over to tea and dinner; Father very well
F 24 Rain at last; Father in the garden; wrote letter to the papers; finished knitting my first pair of socks for soldiers
S 24 Dot returned; Hilda and Bentley came down to tea and dinner
S 26 Went to service; Dot went at night; beautiful weather continues; Father very well
M 27 Colder; had tea with Uncle; Mr Moffatt called; great victories of British and French – 20,000 prisoners taken
T 28 Very wet; called on Miss Hunter and took her a basket of pears; sent L Price a parcel to the Front
W 29 Very cold; called to see Bessie; took Agnes a basket of pears and apples;
T 30 Went to the bank to buy Grace’s present for Father in the morning; had tea and supper with Fannie and Hilda at Acton
October
F 1 Father very well; went to town with Nellie shopping in the afternoon; Arthur came up at night
S 2 Dot left early; took pampas grass and asparagus grass to church for harvest festival
S 3 Ethel’s thirty-first birthday; Father in the garden; lovely day; at home all day, no visitors
M 4 Dear Aunt Miriam’s birthday, seventy; made Father’s birthday cake; Ray finished picking apples; wrote to Jim
T 5 Father’s birthday – eighty-four – very well and happy; he had 15 letters and many presents; Trot came for the day and Nellie came to dinner; Agnes called in the evening
W 6 Trot left after lunch
T 7 Gladys’ twenty-ninth birthday; Edie called; Mr Latham came to dinner
F 8 Jim arrived home on leave, well; Dot returned; I went to Croydon shopping; George came at night; had mail letter; Hawton had a holiday
S 9 Went over to Trot’s to see Jim and had tea with them; Ethel, Captain and Mrs Young and Mr and Mrs Hawes there; got home about 9pm; saw search lights over London
S 10 Went to service and stayed to the Sacrament; Dot went at night; Miss Hunter came to tea; feeling very poorly
M 11 Had tea with Fanny at Purley; took bunch of roses to Miss Hunter for her birthday
T 12 Dot and Mary took Father out for an hour after tea; I had tea with Mrs Mann, called at Mr Cheshire’s and found him very ill; Kit and Arthur came up at night; Father very well; wrote to A Gilchrist; Hawton had extra time
W 13 Had a mail letter; posted Xmas presents to Will; Kit and I called on Mrs Seekings – out; I went to Mr Cheshire with jellies, fruit, etc, he was too ill to see me; George came at night, as did Agnes; zeppelin raid – 9.30pm hooters sounded; we heard the guns and saw flashes and searchlights; raid on Croydon; posted Private Price’s parcel
T 14 Had tea with Lillie and Marian, took Marian’s birthday cake and two pots of jelly; went to Croydon on the way and saw damage done by zeppelin raid last night; Jim returned to the Front; Hugh promoted to Captain
F 15 Called to see Nellie; went to see Mr Cheshire – sat with him for half an hour but he is very ill; he sent us a basket of pears; George came up at night; Dot left; official statement on of Wednesday’s zeppelin raid: fifty-five killed, a hundred and forty-two casualties; thirty-seven soldiers – bombs dropped; Strand, Moorgate Street, Leadenhall Street and Croydon
S 16 Sent parcel to GLR
S 17 Stayed with Father all day; Miss Hunter came to tea; have a bad cold
M 18 Feeling very poorly; Mr Moffatt called; wrote Xmas letters to Hobart; dear old Mr Cheshire gone Home after less than a fortnight’s illness; did not go out; Ray picked a bushel of quinces
T 19 Made 12lbs of quince and apple jam; did not go out
W 20 Did not go out; Mrs Wood’s birthday; Father and I sent a lovely wreath for Mr Cheshire’s funeral; Mr Dawe came in and stayed to tea; wrote to Private Bell; Mary had a holiday
T 21 Did not go out; Father well; wrote to Hugh and J Price and sent papers
F 22 Dot returned; called to see Nellie; George came at night
S 23 A lovely day; went to Clapham and found Violet out and Mrs Wood asleep, so came straight back; went to see zeppelin damage in Cherry Orchard Lane as I came through Croydon; streets wrecked
S 24 Went to service; Dot had cold, so stayed in all day; Sunday night services altered to 6pm because of zeppelins
M 25 Did not go out; Father poorly; bitter east wind; wrote to Signalman Ernest
T 26 Father better than yesterday but had a disturbed night; I went to Mrs Morgan’s to tea
W 27 Gladys and Theo came over and stayed the night; George came up at night; got double mail letters
T 28 Had tea with Uncle and went to the bank on the way; Father much better; Gladys and Theo left early
F 29 Dot left; Violet came down to tea and supper; Arthur came up at night
S 30 Sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Brewer and Emma; wrote to B Dunn; George came up at night
S 31 Special intercession services; stayed with Father all day; very wet
November
M 1 Very cold and wet; sent parcel to Robert Bell
T 2 Called to see Nellie; a cold wind; Mary and Hawton had extra time
W 3 Father not so well since the cold weather; Miss Hunter and Mr Stewart called; mail letters received
T 4 Rev Seekings called and stayed a couple of hours
F 5 Dot returned; called to see Mrs Hay; George and Arthur came up at night with Kitty; Father better; Hawton had a holiday
S 6 Foggy; called at Bampfylde after tea; Agnes came at night; Father poorly
S 7 Went to service; Dot went at night; Agnes came to supper; Father much better
M 8 Father well; called to see Miss Hunter and Miss Leach; sent Kit a parcel of old curtains and clothes for the poor
T 9 Lord Mayor’s day, pouring wet and very cold; did some shopping in Croydon in the morning; George and Arthur came up at night
W 10 Went to town in the morning; George took me to Stewart’s to lunch; I went to 1.15pm intercession service at St Paul’s and then went on to Selfridges; home before 6pm; Mr Latham called; Father well; a lovely day
T 11 Dot left; got mail letters; Grace well; Mr Stewart’s men tarring kitchen and pantry; Mary had a holiday
F 12 Alice came to tea ; Mr Millar called on business
S 13 Very cold – a gale last night; Lillie and Marian came to stay the weekend
S 14 Stayed with Father all day; girls went to service in the morning; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea
M 15 Marian left; Mr Millar came; Mr Moffatt called and George came up at night; girls had extra time
T 16 Snow; Arthur came up at night; eight hundred soldiers billeted in Carshalton and Wallington
W 17 Cold intense; Lillie left after tea
T 18 Dot returned; Mr Dawe called; I went to Bampfylde at night; an officer called to ask us to billet soldiers, excused on account of Father’s health
F 19 Father still not so well; sent for Dr Cressy – feebleness; Mr Dawe, Edie and Theo called; we sent a table, games and books to church for soldiers’ recreation room
S 20 Awake most of the night with intense pain in my ear and head; feeling very poorly; went over to Trot’s to tea to keep her birthday; Father better today; Agnes called
S 21 Went to service; Dot went at night; Kit and Arthur came to supper; soldiers’ club started at our church
M 22 Began get up clean curtains; Trot came over for the day; Dr Cressy came, Father a little better; called to see Bessie; soldiers trench digging and drilling in our field; Ray planted our grace with fifty cottage maid tulips
T 23 Very foggy; had store cleaned; went to Bible Society lecture on war work; Dot went to hear Dr Dixon in the afternoon; Father better; George came up at night; I have neuralgia; Col Grant send us six pheasants
W 24 Had tea with Uncle and Alice; Father got on better; made mincemeat
T 25 Called at Bampfylde; Dot left; Dr Cressy came, Father better; soldiers manoeuvring in field
F 26 Very cold; Father not so well; in all day; got mail letters – two weeks
S 27 Kept Father in bed, very poorly at night – sent for Dr Cressy – he has had a heart attack; George came up twice; Miss Hunter called; with Father all night; 16 degrees of frost; Hawton had extra time
S 28 With Father all night – very ill until 3am, when he slept; much better today but still in bed; Dr Cressy came; George and Kit called
M 29 My darling better, had a good night; in bed all day – Dr Cressy called; Mr Moffatt and Kitty called; George came up at night; with Father all night
T 30 Father sat up for a short time in his chair; a little better; Kit came to tea and Violet came down in the afternoon, unexpectedly; made Xmas puddings; Hawton went to a concert
December
W 1 Progressing well; sat up two hours; I wrote Father’s Xmas orders for him; George came up at night; very wet
T 2 Still wet; Dot came back; Arthur came up at night; Edie called; Spring-like weather
F 3 Father better, sat up for longer; sent Xmas parcel to Private Yeats; Dot went to Croydon for me
S 4 Arthur came at night; Edie called; sent Xmas parcel to Private Price; officer again called to ask us to billet some officers
S 5 Father sat up for two hours, better but very weak; Dot went to service in the morning and I went at night
M 6 Father much better, sat up for an hour three times; I wrote seven of his Xmas letters for him; sent Xmas parcels to Private R Bell and Private C Brown
T 7 Father able to sit up for longer; Dr Cressy did not call; got Xmas mail letters; finished writing Father’s Xmas letters; Hawton had a holiday
W 8 Officer called asking us to billet soldiers; Trot came for the day; Mr Latham called; George came at night; Father much better; Dot and I went to sale of work at our church – spent 15/-; Mary had a holiday
T 9 Dot left; got mail letters (Will)
F 10 Will’s turn of office as Mayor finished; Father dressed, first time for fortnight – sat up for half a day; Arthur came; weather continues mild; got mail letters (Grace)
S 11 Father dressed for tea
S 12 Father got up to tea; George, Kit and Arthur looked in; Arthur came up ag night for an hour; snow
M 13 Mr Moffatt, George and Agnes came; cold intense; sent Private Price and muffler and £1
T 14 Frost broke; Kit came up to tea; box of fruit arrived
W 15 Very wet; Dr Cressy called; Father much better; I went back to sleep in my own room after nearly three weeks on a chair bed; Trot and family came home from Westgate; wrote Xmas letters for Father; Mary had extra time
T 16 Carrying chair arrived – £5/15/- – we took Father down to tea in it; Alice came to tea; George came up at night; Dot returned
F 17 Father down to lunch, better; Arthur called; I went to Croydon in the afternoon, shopping; sent Sergeant Dunn an Xmas parcel
S 18 Father got on better and came down to tea; I called at Bampfylde after tea
S 19 Hard frost; Dot went to service in the morning, I went at night; George, Kit and Arthur called; sent Private Price a parcel
M 20 Father down to tea; arranged with Ray to help up the carrying chair; went to Croydon shopping after eta; George called; the day Grace was taken seriously ill; Grace had an operation
T 21 Very busy day, writing and getting off parcels; Nellie, Edie and Rene and Miss Leach called; Dot went to Croydon for me; sent on Mrs Staples’ parcels; sent Corporal Price a parcel; Hawton had extra time
W 22 Grace went Home to Mother; Father got on better; called to see Bessie; very mild; Alice took our Xmas wreath to Norwood for me; Father still too unwell for me to leave
T 23 Dot left; Trot came over unexpectedly and stayed a few hours; Fannie Testar came in to tea; Dr Cressy called; sent 2 dozen mince pies to cab men and ½ bushel of carrots for the horses
F 24 Put up decorations; Father down to tea; Lillie and Marian came to stay; Pearce brought father lovely heather; Private Parkhouse called to see me – one of my cabbies now in camp; very wet and warm
S 25 Like an April day, sunshine and rain; we all spent a quiet, happy day together; had dinner at 4pm; Father down in time for it; my darling says it has been a very happy day to him; girls and servants say the same; Thank God; we have been loaded with loving presents and letters; Arthur and Agnes called
S 26 Stayed with Father all day; he got on better; girls went to service in the morning; all at home at night; got mail letters and presents for Father came yesterday; Amy Yates and husband called and brought their baby
M 27 Boxing day; gale and rain; Kit, Arthur, Dorothy and Mr Champness came to tea; Father got on well; Hawton had a half day
T 28 Trot brought over cable she received yesterday; my darling only sister died the 22nd after a sudden operation the day before; Lillie stayed the night; had posted long mail letter to my darling in the morning; sent a cable of sympathy to Will; Agnes called
W 29 Lillie left; George came to stay the night; Kit and Arthur called
T 30 Dot came back and George came to stay the night; Kit, Arthur and Alice came to tea; Fannie, Agnes and Mr Seekings called; Alice went with me to get some mourning; Father keeping about the same
F 31 Feel stunned and dazed by shock and cannot realise anything; Violet came and George and Nellie at night
1916
January
S 1 First New Year’s day without my darling sister; Father fairly well; Edie called; Mary had a half holiday
S 2 Arthur, George and Eddy called as did Mrs Pearce; Dot went to two services
M 3 Mr Moffatt, Nellie and Agnes called; Father pretty well; received our darling’s letter and cards; Mary had extra time
T 4 I went to get some mourning in Croydon after tea; Dot went there in the morning for me; Arthur called; Jim Macaulay left for the Front
W 5 Kit called; I went to Bampfylde after tea for a short time
T 6 Dot left; Mr and Mrs Childe and Arthur came; another letter from my darling sister
F 7 Wrote to Will and Lil and sent £1 to buy a wreath for my darling sister’s grace; Gladys came to stay for a few days; Miss Leach called
S 8 George came at night
S 9 Arthur and Kit called; Gladys went to service
M 10 Jim came home on leave; Miss Hunter called; Gladys left; had fifty cards of sympathy printed and sent them out; sent parcels to the Front
T 11 Spring weather continues; George and Nellie came to tea; Kit and Arthur came at night
W 12 Father keeping better; Agnes came at night; wrote to Will
T 13 Dot returned; Jim came over to have tea with us; I went to Bampfylde at night
F 14 Very cold; Mrs Pearce called; Arthur came up at night; Mary had a holiday
S 15 Theo Moore called; George came up at night
S 16 Dot went to service in the morning, I went at night
M 17 Birthday present from my darling sister – white silk blouse – arrived; Jim left for the Front again; Dot went home; Mary had her other half day
T 18 Wrote to Will; sent a parcel of sweets to Sergeant Dunn and a cake for Stoker Cooper; Dot’s birthday, gave her an embroidered cosy
W 19 Dot returned; I had tea with Uncle and Alice
T 20 Kit and Arthur came in to tea; I called at Bampfylde
F 21 Received two more letters from my precious sister; I went to Waterloo to see Ernest off for the Front; Dot left later; George came up at night
S 22 Fred and Laurie came for the weekend; Trot came over for the day; Miss Hunter called
S 23 Did not go out; Fred and Laurie went out in the morning
M 24 Raid on the east coast of Kent; Fred and Laurie left early; Lillie came for the day
T 25 Kitty and Hebe came to tea; Mrs Willis called
W 26 Nellie came in the afternoon; Arthur at night
T 27 Alice came to tea; have been feeling very poorly since Monday with internal pains
F 28 Finished four pairs of socks; Dot returned; warmest January for seventy years
S 29 Dr and Mrs Crombie came for an hour; I went to Kit’s to tea; sent for Mr Lawton – Danny has spasmodic rheumatism; Father keeping better
S 30 Dot went to service in the morning, I went at night;
M 31 Much cooler; Mr Moffatt called as did Agnes; I called to see Mrs Pearce and Mrs Brown; another zeppelin raid in the Midlands – a hundred and sixty casualties
February
T 1 I had tea with Uncle; Pearce called
W 2 Continues very cold; called on Nellie and Miss Leach; Dot went to a lecture
T 3 Dot left; hurricane and rain
F 4 Received letters from Lil, Will, Maud and Jim telling us about our darling’s passing away; George, Kit, Arthur, Mrs Hay and Bessie, Mr Seekings and Mrs Pearce called; gave Miss Dunn a parcel of clothes
S 5 Trot came over for the day
S 6 Stayed with Father; George, Nellie and Agnes came to supper
M 7
T 8 My birthday, first since my precious sister went; Violet and Kit came; my dear one pretty well ; I had many loving letters and presents
W 9 Nellie came in the afternoon and Ethel in the evening to stay the night
T 10 Dot returned; Hebe called; sent for Mr Lawton – Danny’s rheumatism and lumbago worse
F 11 Father well, called to see Hebe; Danny better
S 12 Went to Bampfylde after tea
S 13 Dot went to service in the morning, I went at night; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea
M 14 Called to see Mrs Pearce and Bessie
T 15 Had tea with Uncle; Dot went to Croydon in the morning; Father well; gale at night
W 16 Cold gale blowing; called Bampfylde at night; Mary had a holiday
T 17 Dot left; Miss Leach called; Danny better
F 18 Did not go out; Kit, Arthur and George came up at night
S 19 Trot came over for the day; Theo Moore came to tea; Agnes at night; had letters – 2 mails – from Hobart; Mary had an extra holiday
S 20 Stayed with Father all day
M 21 Mr Moffatt called; George and Mr Lovegrove came up to audit the Mill Lane accounts with Father; sent a parcel to the Front; Hawton had extra time
T 22 Called Bampfylde at night; George came up
W 23 Snow storm; Agnes came to supper; Arthur at night; Will’s letters came; sent parcel to Sergeant Ernest
T 24 Thick snow; cold intense; George called; Dot returned
F 25 Heavy snow storm; went to the dentist to have teeth scaled; Gladys came for the day – she and Dot built a snowman 6ft high on the lawn; sent parcel to Private Yates
S 26 Snowing still; called to see Miss Leach
S 27 Dot went to service in the morning, I at night
M 28 Had a letter to say Uncle was dangerously ill and went over after tea – in a heavy snow storm – and found him much better; Lillie there; Mary had a holiday
T 29 George and Mrs Pearce came; Dot went to Croydon; Hawton had a holiday
March
W 1 Leo came to tea and supper; Miss Cheshire called; snow gone, warmer
T 2 Dot left; Kit and Arthur came up at night
F 3 Snow again; bitterly cold; Nellie called; Hebe came to tea
S 4 Trot came for the day; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
S 5 Stayed with Father; we spent a quiet day alone; hooter at midnight – a zeppelin raid; George’s birthday
M 6 Snow storm again; very cold; got Will’s letters (January 22nd) and copy of Grace’s Will
T 7 Snow; Gladys came for the day
W 8 Alice came to tea; George called as did Mr Latham; Sent Mrs Staples 3/-; snowing still
T 9 A white frost; Fanny Milum came down in the afternoon and stayed the night; Kit and Arthur called; Sergeant B Dunn came to see me, home wounded from the Front
F 10 Called to see Mrs Pearce; Fanny left in the morning
S 11 Had word to say Mrs Wood passed away on the 9th; George and Agnes came
S 12 Stayed with Father all day; Father well
M 13 Dear Mrs Wood’s funeral at 11am, Golders Green; pouring rain; Miss Leach came to tea; Mr Moffatt called; I went to see Nellie
T 14 Sunshine, warmer; Arthur came at night; called to see Bessie; Hawton had extra time
W 15 George came at night
T 16 Dot returned here; rain and fog; I went to have tea with Violet
F 17 Had tea with Uncle
S 18 Lovely day; Father had his first turn in the garden this year; went to Croydon shopping after tea
S 19 Dot went to service in the morning and I went at night; Arthur came in the evening; a lovely day
M 20 Dot left; received two letters from Will
T 21 Very wet; called to see Nellie; wrote to Will and birthday letters to Lil
W 22 Very cold and wet; Trot came over for the day; Arthur came at night
T 23 Snow, bitterly cold; Kit came to tea
F 24 Very cold; Mrs Mann came to tea
S 25 Sunshine, frost; Hebe came to tea; Agnes came at night; sent parcel to Private Price
S 26 Snow showers; stayed with Father all day
M 27 Snow showers; called at Bampfylde
T 28 Snow storm and hurricane; bitterly cold; Father well; wrote birthday letter to Will and sent two books
W 29 Called at Bampfylde; sent donation of 10/- to the Council of Justice; Mary had a holiday
T 30 Alice came to tea and stayed the night; Miss Leach came to tea; Edie called; milder; Hawton had a holiday
F 31 Alice left early; took Father round the garden; Mr Seekings called; Bobbie’s seventeenth birthday; had boiler cleaned in kitchen; received two letters and a book from Will; zeppelin raid
April
S 1 Sent parcels to Private Bell and Private B Smith; called at Bampfylde; Dot came at night; zeppelin rain last night on eastern counties; hooter alarm, one zeppelin brought down over the Thames
S 2 A Spring day; Father in the garden; Dot went to service in the morning and I went at night; zeppelin rain – hooters
M 3 Hot day; Father in the garden; I had tea with Uncle and Alice; Lillie was there, too; zeppelins came but were driven off
T 4 Had tea with Lillie and Marian; George called; powder factory in Faversham blown up, 200 casualties
W 5 Cold; Dot left – her engagement with us terminated after 18 months; Rev Bean came to tea; Arthur came at night
T 6 Wrote to Will and Lil; Hebe and Agnes came to tea; George came at night
F 7 Sent in claim for rebate of income tax; took Louie Pearce an ear trumpet; George came up at night
S 8 Father had a long turn in the garden; called at Bampfylde
S 9 Stayed with Father all day
M 10 Started Spring cleaning; Mrs Pearce here; Mr Moffatt, Miss Leach and George came; Father in the garden
T 11 Colder; Lillie came to stay; Mrs Pearce here
W 12 Father in the garden a short time; I called at Bampfylde; Agnes came
T 13 Cold and wet; Lillie left after tea; Arthur came at night; Mrs Pearce here
F 14 Uncle and Alice came to tea; wrote to Will; George called; sent some literature to Violet at Robertsbridge; very cold wind
S 15 Cold continues; called at Bampfylde; wrote letter to the papers on the sick and wounded horse fund
S 16 Father well; I went to part of the service at night
M 17 Sweep in the dining room; Mrs Pearce here; Hebe came to tea; got two letters from Will and one from Lil and Maud; called to see Bessie
T 18 Windy and wet; did not go out; Mrs Pearce here; wrote to Will
W 19 Wet and cold; did not go out; Mrs Pearce here
T 20 Very cold; Mrs Pearce here; wrote to Signalman A E Smith and sent a book; ditto to Private Brown, and a parcel
F 21 Gave my darling pink azalea as a love gift; first Easter since my precious sister went Home; Father in the garden; Kit and Arthur came to tea; Mary had a half day holiday
S 22 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came for the day; children went with me to see Mrs Pearce; very cold; Father gave Bobbie his microscope; both Mary and Hawton went to church
S 23 Father well and in the garden; went to part of evening service with Agnes; Agnes came to supper; Pearce called
M 24 Father in the garden; Theo called; Hebe came to tea and we drew up a plan for the RSPCA collection in the street
T 25 A lovely Spring day; Father well and in the garden for an hour; Mrs Pearce here; zeppelin raid on the east coast
W 26 Glorious day; Father came down in the morning and I took him round the garden for an hour and a half; very hot; Mrs Pearce here; George came at night; zeppelins near Woolwich
T 27 Intensely hot; Father in the garden; Mrs Pearce here
F 28 Still hot; Mrs Pearce here; finished our Spring cleaning; Hebe came; George at night
S 29 Cold winds; called at Bampfylde; Hebe called; Dr Cressy came to see Father – he has a little indigestion; his first visit to him this year
S 30 Stayed in with Father all day; Father in the garden
May
M 1 Mr Moffatt and Edie called; Gladys and Lilian came to supper and stay the night; two letters from Will; Dr Cressy called; Edie came to tea
T 2 Street collection in aid of sick and wounded horses fund – twenty-two helpers and amount collected: £40/0/9d; Hebe and Miss Dann came to help; Gladys and Lilian left early; total for district £201; Will elected member of Legislative Council – Hon W M Williams
W 3 Doing RSPCA work all day; Hebe here; Father helping both days; George came at night; wrote to Will; Mary had a holiday
T 4 Dot came down to stay; I had tea with Uncle, Lillie and Alice; lovely Spring day; Hawton had a holiday
F 5 Went to Mother’s grace and ordered inscription to be cut on stone for my darling sister; did some shopping; Kit and Arthur came at night; Father gave Dot £6 for a wedding present
S 6 Leo came down to tea and supper; Dot returned with him; her last visit before the wedding; George and Agnes came at night
S 7 Letter from Will; Father in the garden; colder; I went to service at night; George and Nellie came to supper; Bessie and Mrs Hay called
M 8 Bobbie started in business; very cold and wet; Hugh returned to the Front
T 9 Very wet; sent RSPCA sub of one guinea; wrote to Will; George came up at night
W 10 A year since Grace went into the nursing home; Trot came over for the day; Father in the garden
T 11 Father in the garden; Arthur came at night
F 12 A year today since Grace had her first operation; called at Bampfylde; Father in the garden; wrote Maud; Mr Latham called
S 13 Cold and wet
S 14 Cold; Hebe came to tea; Kit had lunch here
M 15 Lovely day; Father enjoyed the garden; I called at Bampfylde and Hebe’s; George came up at night
T 16 Mr Latham came to supper; sent parcel to Private G Price; bundles of papers to Signalman Ernest Smith, Private Yates and Private L Price
W 17 Took Father to Bampfylde after tea; a summer day; wrote to Will
T 18 Intensely hot; Father well and in the garden for several hours
F 19 Mary and I took Father through Beddington Park – the chestnuts in full bloom; still very hot; Mary had extra time
S 20 Father and I went for an hour’s drive around the country – lovely; George came at night; heat intense; daylight saving bill comes into operation; Hawton had extra time; put all our clocks on one hour when we went to bed
S 21 Very hot; went to service at night; too hot for Father to be in the garden for long
M 22 Cooler; Mr Wray (oculist) came to test Father’s eyes; I called to see Hebe
T 23 Father well and in the garden for an hour; George came; I called to see Hebe
W 24 Will’s birthday; Mary and I took Father out for an hour in his chair; a lovely day
T 25 Colder, but bright; Father in the garden; called at Bampfylde; received income tax refund
F 26 Theo’s 13th birthday; Jim arrived home on leave; Mary and I took Father into Carshalton Park for an hour; Agnes came at night
S 27 I took Father down to Bampfylde for an hour; Kit and Arthur came at night
S 28 Weather perfect; quiet Sunday by ourselves; stayed with Father all day
M 29 George came at night; got two letters from Will
T 30 Wrote to Will; colder; Father did not go out; Mr Seekings came to tea; Lillie came to stay; Hawton had a holiday
W 31 Called at Bampfylde; Mary had a holiday
June
T 1 Dot’s wedding at Acton Wesleyan church; I went to church and the reception; Jim went over for a short time; all went off happily; fine but cold
F 2 Lillie’s birthday; Uncle and Alice came to tea; gave Lillie a blouse; Kit called
S 3 Cast of my darling’s things arrived from Hobart; Lillie in bed all day with a severe cold; Agnes called; unpacked case when everyone had gone to bed; news of a great battle in the North Sea
S 4 Stayed in all day; wet and cold; Lillie in bed all day; Jim returned to the Front
M 5 Cold and wet; Mr Moffatt and Hebe called; George came at night; Lillie in bed all day
T 6 Wrote to Will; Lillie came down in the middle of the day; called Bampfylde; George came in; news of Lord Kitchener’s death
W 7 Trot came over for the day; Arthur came at night
T 8 Rev and Mrs Seekings and Mildred came to tea; Lillie better; have been feeling very poorly for a week past
F 9 Went to town on top of a bus after dinner to do some shopping; George and Agnes came at night; stray Persian cat came to us
S 10 Thunderstorms; Marian came for the weekend; Arthur Gilchrist came down to tea and supper; tried to find a home for the stray Persian
S 11 Thunderstorms; Kit and Arthur came to dinner; Mr Childe and Leslie came to tea; did not get to service; called on Agnes and Mrs Hay to try to get house for the stray; letter from Will
M 12 Very wet and cold; no public holiday; Hebe came to tea; I called at Bampfylde; Hawton taken ill, sent for her sister, who took her home in a cab
T 13 Very cold and wet; had tea with Uncle
W 14 George came at night; Private C Brown came to see me, on leave from the Front; wrote to Will
T 15 Father in the garden a short time
F 16 Kit’s birthday – gave her a cosy; cold; Father in the garden
S 17 Father in the garden for an hour; cold but bright; Miss Leach called; went to Bampfylde; Hawton returned; Mary had extra time; Ray planted our grace with white geraniums
S 18 Violet’s birthday – sent her two books; Father in the garden; went to service at night
M 19 Continues cold, having fires; Gladys came to stay the night; Edie and Rene came to supper; Lillie left this morning after a three weeks’ stay
T 20 Wrote to Will; Gladys left; Jim received a staff appointment
W 21 Warmer; Father in the garden; bottled some gooseberries out of garden; George came at night
T 22 Father in the garden
F 23 Bessie called; felt too tired all week to go out
S 24 Cold; Father out for a short time; I went to Bampfylde; Hebe and George called
S 25 Cold again; Mr Moffatt and Bessie called; went to see Mrs Pearce; sent ‘Shy Pilot’ to Louie and to Captain Young
T 27 Hebe came to tea; went to see Theo Moore; had three letters from Will
W 28 Wrote to Will; George came at night, told us he had brought a motor car; Mary had a holiday
T 29 Cold and wet; Nellie came; sent Jim a book
F 30 Nellie came to be with Father; George, Edie and I went to the rose show and the botanic gardens; met Trot and Mrs Armstrong there
July
S 1 Bright but cold winds; home defence men in Wallington; sent books to GR; girls had extra time; a great push commenced at the Front
S 2 Stayed with Father all day; in the garden
M 3 Jim’s twenty-fifth birthday; went to bank whilst Father had his rest; George came up at night
T 4 Violet came down to tea and supper; sent parcel to Lennie; Hawton had a holiday
W 5 Mary and I took Father into Carshalton Park; called to see Mrs Brown and Mrs Pearce; Arthur came at night; wrote to Will
T 6 Fanny Milum came to dinner and tea; George came at night; sent parcel to Charlie
F 7 Very wet; Agnes came at night; sent bunch of grapes to Louie Pearce, by Mary; sent parcel to Ernest; had two letters from Will
S 8 Took Father for a long turn in the garden; Hebe called; the great British offensive continued all week
S9 Trot came over for the day; Kit and Arthur came to dinner; George, Nellie came to supper; Pearce called; I went to service; Hawton taken ill and did not return at night; a swarm of bees on the apple tree – twenty to thirty thousand of them; a beekeeper came and hived them; great British offensive continues
M 10 Uncle and Alive came to tea; Amy G called with her baby; Hawton left our service on account of nervous collapse
T 11 Letter from Will with enclosed cheque for £100; Kit came to tea; cold; called to see Hebe; Mr Lawton called to see Danny, who has eczema
W 12 Wrote to Will; George came at night
T 13 Went to Croydon registry after tea to see after a new cook
F 14 Cold weather continues – had a fire; Mrs Hay called; George came at night
S 15 My precious sister’s birthday, a day of sad memories; sent Maud’s boys two books; Agnes called
S 16 Wet and cold weather continues; Father and I spent a quiet day alone; Mary out for a half day
M 17 Dr Cressy came and sent a tonic for Father; milder; went to registry in Stafford Road; George came at night
T 18 Warm; Lillie came to stay; Mary and I took Father out for an hour and a quarter in his chair; Mr Latham came
W 19 Lovely day; Mr Moffatt came; Fannie and Eddy came at night; letters and two cases of apples from Will; Mary had a holiday
T 20 Hot day; I went to Bampfylde after supper; wrote to Will
F 21 Father, Lillie and I went for an hour’s drive
S 22 Went to Croydon after tea to get Louie some grapes – Mary took them down after supper
S 23 Cold; went to service at night; Lillie stayed with Father – Rev Champness preached
M 24 Lillie left after dinner; cold; wrote to Maud and the boys
T 25 Warmer; had three letters from Will and one from Lil
W 26 Very hot; had tea with Uncle on his eighty-ninth birthday; Lillie was there; Edie stayed with Father; wrote to Will
T 27 Hebe came to tea; took Father an hour’s drive after tea; George came up at night; I went to see Louie Pearce and found her dying
F 28 Father and I went for an hour’s drive after tea
S 29 Made the pastry, etc; took Father to Bampfylde and found them all out; George and Agnes came up at night; took basket of apples to Nellie
S 30 Heat intense – 131° in the sun; Father and I went to Bampfylde to tea in their garden; locked up the house; Mr Chaffer called
M 31 Wrote to Will. Called to see Louie and Mrs Brown; sent Louie jelly, junket and scent; heat intense
August
T 1 Still very hot; went to bank before tea
W 2 Took Hebe a basket of Tasmanian apples; sent Kitty one, Father, Hebe and I went for a drive; George came at night
T 3 Father and I went for a two hour drive
F 4 Second anniversary of the war; Edie came to tea; Agnes called; Kit and Arthur came up at night
S 5 Made the pastry; sent for Dr Cressy for Father – weak and indigestion; in the garden a lot
S 6 We spent a quiet day alone
M 7 The bank holiday not observed; George, Mr Moffatt and Hebe called; made 16lbs peach jam; wrote to Will
T 8 Trot and Theo came for the day; Lillie came to stay
W 9 We went for an hour’s drive; George and Arthur came at night
T 10 Violet came to tea and supper
F 11 Heat intense; had tea with Uncle and Alice
S 12 Rain at night; made the pastry; called to see Mrs Pearce; Agnes came; Dr Cressy called
S 13 Father not so well; went to service at night
M 14 Mary went for her fortnight’s holiday; Mrs Parker brought Mrs Books over as our temporary supply cook; Mrs Cropper came; George came at night
T 15 Rain; called to see Miss Leach
W 16 Uncle and Alice came to tea; Father better; sent Aunt Lissie two books; wrote to Will
T 17 Aunt Lissie’s birthday; Dr Cressy called and had tea with us
F 18 Nellie and Edie called; I went there after supper
S 19 Father well; called to see Hebe
S 20 Went to service at night; George came after supper
M 21 Lillie left after tea; Mr Stewart called; Louie died; I called to see Mrs Pearce
T 22 Father and I had a drive after tea; Mrs Brooks went to Beddington Park
W 23 Wrote to Will; George came up at night
T 24 I went to the funeral of Louie Pearce; Agnes called; zeppelin raid
F 25 Called at Nellie’s; Kit and Arthur came up
S 26 Hebe came to tea; Mrs Hay and Bessie called
S 27 Stayed with Father all day; Mrs Brooks’ sailor boy and daughter came
M 28 Mr Moffatt and Miss Leach called; Mrs Brooks left; Mary returned from her holiday
T 29 Pouring rain; Violet came to tea and supper; Father better
W 30 Wrote to Will; very cold – had fire
T 31 Father in the garden; did not go out; warmer again
September
F 1 Trot came to dinner and tea; took home a box of plums; Father well
S 2 Very wet; I called to see Agnes; sent Mary’s mother a basket of plums and apples
S 3 Father in the garden; Mr Moffatt came to tea with us; Arthur Gilchrist killed in action; in all day
M 4 Very cold, had fire; Hebe called; I went to the bank; two letters from Will
T 5 Wrote to Will; Mr Seekings called; Mrs Pearce came
W 6 Kit and Dorothy came to tea
T 7 Father in the garden a lot; a lovely day; called to see Mrs Hay
F 8 Warmer
S 9 Seven years today since my darling sister married; had news that Arthur Gilchrist was killed in action; went up to Bampfylde after tea to welcome them home from Westgate
S 10 Arnold and Beatty came to tea and supper; in all day
M 11 Two letters from Will; George came up at night
T 12 Trot came over to stay till Thursday; Nellie came to tea; I went to town with Kitty, shopping
W 13 I went to our grave and took a wreath for Mother and Grace; George came at night; wrote to Will
T 14 My precious mother’s birthday; Trot left; Ray picked apples and crab apples; Uncle and Alive came to tea; received probate papers re Grace’s Will
F 15 Fifteen years since Mother went Home; George and Arthur came up at night; bitterly cold
S 16 Inspector Bayliss came to see me about a mule and an overcrowded crate; Father well and in the garden for an hour
S 17 Stayed with Father all day; George came after supper
M 18 Wrote to Will; Father in the garden
T 19 Very cold; bottled 12lbs of damsons; Alice Spinks came to see me
W 20
T 21 Father in the garden; Mr Latham called; George came at night
F 22 Called to see Hebe; Della’s birthday
S 23 Perfect day; Father in the garden; Mary’s birthday – went out after tea; gave her an iced cake; zeppelin raid – woken by guns and flashlights at 12.45am; fire balls dropped over Wallington; zeppelins here and in Streatham, Brixton and Kennington
S 24 Stayed in all day with Father; Agnes came to tea
M 25 Mr Moffatt came; George at night; went to see Hebe; zeppelin raid; raised Mary’s wages to £24
T 26 Wrote to Will; called at Bampfylde
W 27 Kit came to tea; Mary had a holiday
T 28 Edie came to be with Father; I went to Sir Alexander Critchett with George; Violet came to tea and supper; made 12lbs blackberry jelly
F 29 Arthur came up at night
S 30 Called to see Kit and Hebe; George came up at night
October
S 1 Stayed with Father all day; no visitors; Father well; warmer
M 2 Feeling very ill; Agnes came in the morning and I went early to bed; wrote to Will
T3 Very poorly, Dr Cressy came to see me; Agnes came again at night and I went to bed
W 4 Ditto; George and Nellie called; made Father’s birthday cake
T 5 A lovely day; my precious Father’s eighty-fifth birthday – he spent a happy day, well; had a lot of letters and gifts; Trot came and Kit and Arthur to dinner; Miss Croft called
F 6 Officers called to ask us to billet a staff officer; Trot left after dinner; Hebe came to tea; George called; Mrs Pearce left; Florence Still, the new cook, came
S 7 Gladys’ thirtieth birthday; gales continue; called at Bampfylde; feeling very ill all week
S 8 Stayed with Father all day; a big bunch of grapes sent from Father to harvest festival
M 9 Very exhausted; Dr Cressy came to see me; Arthur came at night; I went to a lecture with Kit on the Pre-Raphaelites; wrote to Will
T 10 Uncle and Alice came to tea; George and Fannie called; I called to see Hebe; gave Miss Dunn a skirt
W 11 Took Hebe a bunch of flowers for her birthday; very weak still
T 12 Hetty and Marjory came to tea; Father has a cold, sent for Dr Cressy
F 13 Called at Bampfylde; heard Dick Mann has been killed in action
S 14
S 15 A quiet day alone; stayed with Father all day; a Special called to war us against showing too much light at night
M 16 Very cold; Mr Moffatt and Hebe called; went to see Bessie; got two letters from Will
T 17 Very wet; Lillie came to stay; wrote to Will; a letter from Will
W 18 Eva and Mabel came to tea; Kitty came too; Father better again
T 19 Had tea with Uncle; am still feeling ill
F 20 Kit went with me to Streatham in the afternoon to do some shopping; Dr Cressy came – Father better
S 21 Called at Bampfylde and see Miss Leach; Dr Cressy came to see me; sharp frosts
S 22 Went to service at night; Father well
M 23 Had tea with Kit and Arthur; George and Agnes called; a lovely day; Father’s cough bad
T 24 Arthur came at night
W 25 Mr Seekings came to tea; Miss Cheshire called; wrote to Will; Mary had a holiday
T 26 Gladys came to stay at night; Dr Cressy came to see us both
F 27 Gladys left after dinner; called at Bampfylde
S 28 Hebe and George came
S 29 Stayed with Father all day
M 30 Went to bank after dinner; pouring rain came on; Mr Blewett called; have a bad attack of lumbago
T 31 Ditto; Edie came to tea; wrote to Will
November
W 1 Dr Cressy came to see me; still feeling very poorly
T 2 Miss Leach called; Mr Latham came to supper
F 3 Trot came for the day; heavy rains continue
S 4 Got four letters from Will; gales continue; sent Violet 18 copies of the RSPCA journal for distribution
S 5 A dreadful gale of wind and rain; stayed with Father all day
M 6 Called at Bampfylde; George and Mr Seekings came at night
T 7 Mr Moffatt came; George and Arthur at night; Florence Still left our service after a moth; Beatrice Giltro came in as cook
W 8 Sent Hebe a box of silver trinkets for the ambulance fund; Miss Florence and Alice came to tea; called to see Mrs Pearce; wrote to Will
T 9 Sent Dot 5/- to start lantern animal lectures; Jim gazetted Captain and serving Major
F 10 Got letter from Will
S 11 Hebe came to tea; George came; Mary went to the Mission; Father well
S 12 Stayed with Father all day; Agnes came to tea and supper
M 13 Wrote to Will; sent parcel of clothes to Mrs Brewer
T 13 Fog; Lillie came to stay; I went to the Mission; a wonderful service
W 15 Explosion at a munitions factory at 11pm; Kit called; I went to Bampfylde after tea
T 16 Had tea with Uncle; bitterly cold
F 17 Ditto; went to Streatham to buy Father’s birthday present for Trot; went to Presbyterian church at night
S 18 Snow; Marian came in the afternoon to stay the night; girls both went to the Mission
S 19 Sleet; went to service at night
M 20 Trot’s birthday; Father sent Ray over with three vases; I sent a cosy; Fred came to stay the night; George came up; Xmas present of furs arrived from Will
T 21 Lillie left after lunch; Mr Westcombe called
W 22 Mr Foster came to tea; George came at night
T 23 Hugh arrived home on 10 days’ leave; wrote to Will
F 24 Called at Bampfylde; got three letters from Will
S 25 George came in the morning; Uncle very ill
S 26 Alice phoned to say Uncle was worse; went over at once to see him; Edie came here
M 27 Ray went to plant our grace with tulips; Nellie and Fannie came to tea
T 28 Kit came to tea; Father tied up nine parcels for the Front; had mincemeat made
W 29 Wrote to Will; George came at night; Father well; Mary had a holiday
T 30 Had tea with Uncle, still very ill but he knew me – mind wanders; Edie came to be with Father; Agnes at night, so we played whist
December
F 1 Ethel and Alastair came to dinner and tea; Uncle very ill, unconscious; Hebe called
S 2 Uncle worse, unconscious
S 3 We spent the day alone; very cold – somewhat upsets Father; Hugh returned to the Front
M 4 Cold intense; feeling very poorly; Jim awarded Bar to his Military Cross; made Xmas puddings
T 5 Dear Uncle passed Home in his 89th year; Father poorly – digestion; sent for Dr Cressy; I have a bad cold; Kit and Mr Moffatt came
W 6 Feeling very ill; Alice came to talk over business; Arthur and Mr Robinson (of Seaford) called
T 7 Sent for Dr Cressy, Father in bed with influenza; still very ill with it myself but nursing him day and night; had sweep in the kitchen; sent a beautiful wreath for dear Uncle
F 8 With Father all night, very ill, no sleep until 4am; I slept, but restless; Trot came to stay the night; Arthur came; Beatrice had a holiday
S 9 Trot with Father all night so that I might get some sleep; Father rather better but still very ill; dear Uncle buries at Norwood; Trot left after tea; Agnes called – am still very ill myself; Rene had an operation for appendicitis; Kit in bed with flu; Lillie and Aunt Lissie also ill; Father very ill indeed
S 10 Father a trifle stronger, cough dreadful; mine also very bad; Arthur and Agnes called; with Father all night
M 11 Father very, very ill; obliged to send for night nurse; I nursed him all day; Trot came
T 12 Went to my darling first thing and held his hand until 4pm, when he passed peacefully away; George and Arthur came
W 13 Trot left after tea with Gladys; Violet, George and Arthur came; Alice came to stay with me; Agnes called
T 14 Alone most of the day; Alice came back at 4pm; Fannie came, as did Arthur and Agnes
F 15 Bentley and George came; sent the girls to Croydon to buy mourning; Mrs Pearce came; snowing; Arthur came at night; kissed my darling a last goodnight
S 16 My last darling laid to rest at Norwood; service at home – Rev Rees conducted; present were Gladys, Bobbie, Arthur Smith, Hettie, Harry, Marian, George, Arthur, Kitty, Fannie Testar, Arnold, Maurice Champness, Mr Moffatt, Alice, Mrs Pearce, Mary, Beatrice – twenty-four beautiful wreaths; awful fog, took three and a quarter hours to get home – a man with a lantern walking by the horses’ heads all the way
S 17 Alice and I alone all day; Arthur, George, Mr Champness and Mr Latham called; Dr Cressy came to see me; Rev Seekings prayed in church
M 18 Alice left after dinner; Fannie Testar and Kitty came; George at night; am now alone
T 19 Kitty, Agnes and Arthur came; Dr Cressy called to see me – am feeling very ill and so unutterably lonely
W 20 Kitty came in the morning; Nellie to tea; Arthur at night; sent Will £100 legacy
T 21 George and Agnes called; still feeling so ill; sending my darling’s gifts of books or money for Xmas as he would have wished
F 22 A years since my precious sister went Home; Kitty came in to tea with me; Hebe and Arthur came; Dr Cressy came to see me;
S 23 Violet came down to tea and supper; during the week, paid out Grace’s personal legacies
S 24 George, Arthur and Mr Seekings called; Agnes came in to supper; wrote to Will – had a cable from him
M 25 Thinking of all my dearest safe Home and longing to be with them; all Bampfylde friends, Arthur, Mr Champness and Theo Moore called; Agnes came in for the day; servants went out for a half day
T 26 Mr Chaffer, Mrs Hawksley, George and Nellie called; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to tea; Mary had a half day
W 27 Dot came to tea and dinner; Theo and Dorothy called; awful fog
T 28 Agnes called; Arthur came at night; Mrs Pearce came to wash curtains
F 29 Theo and Bessie called; Kitty came to tea; still feeling too ill to go out; Mrs Pearce came for the day
S 30 Dr Cressy called and took me up to Bampfylde in his motor; had tea there; first time I have been out for a month; Arthur came up to attend to probate; 78 letters and telegrams of sympathy
S 31 Spent the day all alone; Arthur and Dorothy looked in; wrote to Trot and the children telling them of their legacies
1917
January
M 1 Had dinner with them at Bampfylde; George came up at night for business; Theo called in
T 2 Wrote to Will; Agnes called; Arthur came up at night
W 3 Trot came over to stay the night; Mrs Hay and Mrs Landon called
T 4 Trot left; Alice came to stay a few days; Violet came down;
F 5 Mr Woodcock and partner came for the day to take valuation of furniture; I met with Father’s executors here, from 5pm to 10.30pm
S 6 Alice left; went to Croydon in the morning
S 7 Kit and Arthur came to tea and Agnes to supper
M 8 I called at Bampfylde; George came at night
T 9 Wrote to Will; snow and bitter winds; cough very bad still; Hebe came to tea
W 10 Met Trot in town and went to be fitted for a fur coat; Arthur came at night
T 11 Called on Mrs Pearce; Ethel came and stayed the night; Beatrice had a holiday
F 12 Went to Clifton Villa for the day to take the inventory of the house for probate; Kit went there to tea
S 13 Went to see Lillie and Marian and do business matters with them; Theo called; George came at night
S 14 Went to church at night for the first time since my precious Father went Home
M 15 Eva Oliver came to see me; snow
T 16 George came at night; snow and bitterly cold
W 17 Went to Eastbourne on probate business, by the 1.50pm train, arriving 3.25pm; found the Aunties both ill in bed
T 18 Dot’s birthday; spent half an hour by the sea and the rest of the time sitting with the Aunties
F 19 Had an hours walk in the morning; spent the rest of the time with the Aunties; gave Esther a warm dressing gown
S 20 Bitterly cold; out for half an hour; Aunties still both in bed
S 21 Called to see Mrs Shelton; a few minutes’ walk by the sea; Esther went out; spent day with Aunties in their rooms
M 22 Gave Aunties a warm dressing gown each; out for an hour before dinner
T 23 Bitterly cold; only out, for a short time, twice; wrote Will
W 24 Returned from Eastbourne; Alice met me and came home for two nights; first home-coming without darling Father
T 25 Kit called; Arthur came at night and the three of us went to the Commissioner for Oaths to swear Uncle’s Will
F 26 Alice left; Hebe called; cold intense, did not go out
S 27 Had dinner at Bampfylde
S 28 Went to both services
M 29 Went to see Kitty; George came in at night
T 30 Spent the day at Trot’s; Jim home
W 31 Snowstorm; Edie came to tea
February
T 1 Met George and Arthur at lawyers in town to take oath on Father’s Will; had supper with Kit and Arthur
F 2 Alice came to stay; we locked up Clifton Villa
S 3 Went to Lillie’s to tea; cold continues intense, with snow
S 4 Alice and I went to morning, stayed at home at night; Agnes came to supper; snowing
M 5 Had Will’s letter – and a photo of Grace; Mr Moffatt and Miss Croft came to tea; deep snow
T 6 Wrote to Will; called at Bampfylde and to see the Hays; Alice in town all day
W 7 Alice and I went to Sailors and Soldiers convention at City Road – grand services
T 8 First birthday without my darling Father – in loving thought with my three dearest; Trot came to tea; Kit and Agnes called
F 9 Trot left after dinner; Alice went to Croydon; George, Arthur and Hebe came
S 10 Arthur called
S 11 Thawing; we went to service twice; stayed for Communion at night for the first time since Father went
M 12 Feeling very poorly with a bad cold; two months since my darling went Home
T 13 Ditto: in bed all day; Nellie and Edie called
W 14 Ditto; wrote to Will
T 15 Alice went to Beckenham; Violet came to tea and supper; feeling ill
F 16 Ditto; went to commissioner for oaths to swear codicil to Uncle’s Will; girls went to the picture theatre
S 17 Alice and I had tea with Kit and Arthur; still have a bad cold
S 18 Too poorly to go out
M 19 Same
T 20 Went to Waterloo at 4pm to see Jim off for the Front; Trot, Ethel, Gladys, Arthur and I had tea together; George came up at night
W 21 We went to the bank in the morning; Hebe came to tea; wrote to Will
T 22 Called at Bampfylde; Kit and Arthur came to supper
F 28 Went to Trot’s to stay until Tuesday; Alice went to the Isle of Wight – her mother is ill; left servants in charge
S 24 Went to village with Trot, shopping; Theo in bed with swollen glands; Ada Young came to supper
S 25 I went to chapel at Southgate; Ethel came to tea and supper, Ada too
M 26 Did not go for a walk; Neris very ill
T 27 I left after tea and found all right at home
W 28 Called to see Kit; wrote to Will; Hilda had a son; Mary had a holiday
March
T 1 Went to Nellie’s to tea; called to see Miss Leach; George and Arthur came up at night for business; Beatrice had a holiday
F 2 George, Hebe and Mrs Pearce came; I went to Croydon in the morning; called at Bampfylde
S 3 I went to Norwood – took daffodils and narcissi; went on to Lillie’s to tea
S 4 Went to service and stayed for the Sacrament; Ernest came to tea and supper
M 5 George’s birthday; snow; wrote to Will; Arthur came up at night for business; Alice returned to stay
T 6 I went to Acton to stay with Fanny Milum
W 7 Called to see Hilda in the nursing home and her wee son; snow
T 6 Called to see Hilda; Mr Hopper came to tea; returned home at night; cold intense
F 9 Snow and frost; Kit, George and Mr Seekings came
S 10 Alice and I had tea with Kit and Arthur; Mary had extra time
S 11 Went to service both morning and night; warmer and very wet
M 12 Three months today; went to bank in the morning; had tea with Hebe; Kit came
T 13 Called at Bampfylde; George came at night
W 14 Wrote to Will; went with Alice to see over Lyndhurst house again; went to Bampfylde; Beatrice gave notice
T 15 Alice and I went to town shopping in the morning; got back at 5.30pm; Violet came to tea and supper; George came at night
F 16 Called to see Kit; blouse came from Will for February 8th; Mary had extra
S 17 Alice and I went to Clifton Villa to meet Lillie and Marian and settle business affairs
S 18 Alice and I went to morning service; Kit and Arthur came to tea; wrote to Will
M 19 Cabled Will not to come at present; went to stay with Dot at Ridgmont; we went to a lecture in the evening
T 20 Cold intense; went for a walk early and called on cottagers with Dot later; Leo in bed; the Rector, Mr Rust, called
W 21 Leo still in bed; Dot poorly; I took women’s meeting for them; short address, prayers and hymns
T 22 Snow and blizzard – never felt the cold so much; went to the village early; Mrs Clarke came; I left after dinner and got home before 8pm; all right at home
F 23 Still snowing; Alice went to Bromley; had tea at Bampfylde; called to see Mr Stewart; Mrs Pearce came; Mary had extra time
S 24 Went to see Kit in the morning; George went with me to meet the landlord at Lyndhurst House and go over it; Beatrice had extra time; feeling very poorly
S 25 In bed for half the day; did not go out; Agnes came to tea and supper
M 26 Still poorly; snow; had tea with Hebe
T 27 Called Hayes; Kit and Dorothy came to tea; Edie called; Mrs Pearce came to wash curtains; George came at night; wrote to Will
W 28 Violet came to tea and supper; George came; called at Bampfylde; Mary had a holiday
T 29 Too poorly to go out; Edie came to tea
F 30 In bed all day; been sharp attack of influenza; Alive returned at night; Beatrice had a half day
S 31 Bob’s eighteenth birthday; in bed most of the day; wired to Leicester to say I was too unwell to go next week; George came
April
S 1 Very poorly and in bed till dinner; Alice went to both services; wrote to Will; thick snow
M 2 Got up to breakfast; deep snow; Arthur came to tea and supper on business matters; Hebe called
T 3 Had tea with Kit; George called; Alice in town all day; we wrote business letters until 11.15pm; snow storm
W 4 Dot had a daughter; America declared war against Germany; went to Bampfylde and to commissioner for oaths at night; Alice out all day; Mrs Pearce called
T 5 Alice left for good; Agnes called; Trot came to stay for a few days; weather improved
F 6 First Easter since my precious Father went; Trot and I went to service in the morning and to church in Croydon at night to hear Stainer’s Crucifixion; Arthur called; still snowing
S 7 Trot and I went over Lyndhurst and I signed a lease for three years; we went to Bampfylde to tea; very cold; summer time commences at 2am; Beatrice had extra time; both girls went to service
S 8 Trot left after breakfast; went to service in the morning and evening and to Kit’s to tea
M 9 Snow; called to see Hebe and Mrs Hay; had tea at Nellie’s; Arthur came to supper and did business after; Mary had a holiday
T 10 Cold intense with snow in blizzards; Kitty ill with flu, went to see her; Mrs Newbegin came
W 11 Gale and snow; went to see Kit; Hebe came to tea; sent a parcel of hymn books, etc to Seamen’s Mission; wrote to Will
T 12 Went to our grave and took a pot of daffodils – four months since my precious Father went; had tea with Lillie and went with her to see their new rooms; went to say goodbye to Percy Hay before he goes to camp
F 13 Went to Kit’s and called on Miss Leach; Mrs Foster called
S 14 Went to Beckenham to help Marian get some of things; Agnes called; Beatrice Filtro left our service after five months; very cold and wet
S 15 Went to service in the morning; Mary out half the day
M 16 Mrs Hay and Bessie came to tea; George came at night; hail, thunder and very cold
T 17 Kit came to tea and I went back with her to supper
W 18 Nellie came to tea; Mrs Pearce called; received key of Lyndhurst House
T 19 Had tea with Violet and Florrie; a Spring day; wrote to Will
F 20 Met Pearce at new garden; George, Arthur and I met at lawyers in town to sign transfers; I went to Lillie’s to help them get straight
S 21 Made pastry; Kit went over the new house with me; George and Nellie in the evening
S 22 Went to service; had tea at Nellie’s; wrote to Will; colder
M 23 Trot came over for day; Alice came to stay; Rene has measles
T 24 Alice went to take measurements with me to the house; I took Rene a pot of roses
W 25 Alice and I went to Beckenham to get off part of the furniture and then on to Tulse Hill to help the girls; Violet there
T 26 Met landlord and decorator at the new house
F 27 Came to Leicester by the 4.15pm train; Alice saw me off – staying with Laurie and Fred; still very cold
S 28 Spent the morning out shopping with Laurie; went for a walk with Laurie; feeling ill with a bad cold
S 29 Ditto; we all went to St James’ church in the morning; stayed in the rest of the day
M 30 Laurie and I went for a country walk; Fred took me over printing office of the Leicester Mail in the afternoon; wrote to Will
May
T 1 Lovely Spring day; we went for a walk in the morning and on the top of a tram after tea; did some shopping
W 2 Laurie and I went to opening of first communal kitchen in Leicester and to the picture palace to see ‘Vanity Fair’ after tea
T 3 We went for a country walk in the morning and, after tea, on top of a tram for an hour – a perfect day; had a letter from Will
F 4 Laurie and I went into town in the morning; I went to Coventry to Hetty’s by the 4.25pm, arriving 6.15pm
S 5 Walk in the morning; Marjory motored three soldiers and me to Warwick, Kenilworth, Leamington and Guy’s Cliff and brought them back to tea; Mary had a holiday on the 2nd
S 6 All went to the Congregational church in the morning and to St Michael’s in the evening; walked all the way over the common
M 7 Hetty and I went to see St Mary’s Hall in the morning and, after tea, went up to Bert’s; wrote to Will
T 8 Hetty, Marjory and I went to Birmingham and Dorothy met us; went to the cathedral and saw over it and then went to West Hill training institute, etc; I took them all to tea
W 9 Hetty and I went for a walk in the country and to Harry’s to tea; munition men out on strike here; we motored home in the evening
T 10 Rain; Oliver took us all to Birmingham to see ‘Daddy Long Legs’ at the Prince of Wales; had lunch at Paterson’s, tea at Oak Room; motored to and from Coventry stations
F 11 Went for a long walk with Hetty and Marjory; left Coventry for Euston on the 3.15pm and arrived at 5.15pm; got home at 6.15pm; Kit came up
S 12 Called at Bampfylde – all the girls had measles; did church flowers for Nellie
S 13 Went to service in the morning
M 14 Violet and Florrie came down to tea and supper; wrote to Will
T 15 Went to choose electric fittings with Arthur Stair and Trot; George came up at night
W 16 Mr Latham called to see me; went to help Kit with a jumble sale at Mill Lane Mission
T 17 Hebe came to tea; George called
F 18 Went to Croydon on business; Agnes called; went to Bampfylde
S 19 Called on the Hays in the evening
S 20 Went to service; Mrs Hay and Bessie called and brought me lilies; wrote to Will
M 21 Lillie came to stay a few days
T 22 Came to Eastbourne by the 1.50pm train to help Aunties prepare for their move
W 23 Doing business for them all day
T 24 Ditto; brought Aunt Janie home with me to stay for a week; George came up at night
F 25 Went to Croydon; had five carpets up; Lillie left in the evening; Alice came to stay; Auntie pretty well
S 26 Called at Bampfylde and Mrs Pearce; George and Nellie went with me to the new house; Alice at Beckenham; took Auntie out in the chair; weather perfect all this month; Theo’s 14th birthday
S 27 Went to service – duet of chorister boy and tenor; Alice and I took Auntie in the chair to see the new house; Bessie called
M 28 Mrs Pearce and Mary started cleaning the new house; Alice went to Beckenham; I went to Eastbourne, by train, to help Aunties
T 29 Working for Aunties all day; called to see Mr Shelton; Mary had a holiday
W 30 Arnold came early to help; we brought Aunt Lissie up to Beckenham and Esther; Lillie and Alice there to meet us
T 31 Alice and I went over early to receive, and put straight, some furniture for Aunties; back at 6.30pm
June
F 1 Alice and I took Aunt Janie over to Beckenham in the evening; I gave the Aunties the bath chair and took it over with us
S 2 Alice and I went to Streatham shopping; George came at night; Mrs Pearce working in the new house all week, Mary with her most of the time
S 3 Too tired to go out, stayed in bed part of the day; Mother and Father’s wedding day
M 4 Arthur came up at night and went to the new house with me; sold some of the furniture
T 5 Men in the house most of the day; George came up at night; met Mr Britton at the house
W 9 Trot came over for the day
T 10 Very busy day
F 11 Ditto
S 12 Ditto
S 13 Alice and I went to church in the morning – last Sunday in the old home
M 11
T 12 Began move to Lyndhurst House
W 13 Left dear old home; moved into Lyndhurst House; George came to help
T 14 Nellie and Edie called
F 15 George came
S 16 Kit’s birthday; Edie and Rene came
S 17 Went to church in the morning; heat continues intense – greatest since 1911
M 18
T 19
W 20
T 21 Went to Aunties to tea
F 22
S 23 Trot came over for the day; gave over possession of Sunthorpe – been there 12 years; picked 4½lbs cherries our of new garden and 12lb gooseberries from Sunthorpe
S 24 We went to service in the morning and to Wallington church at night; Jim came home on leave
M 25
T 26 George came, and Edie
W 27 Violet came to tea and supper; Mary had a holiday
T 28 Rene called; I went to Trot’s to see Jim
F 29 Kit came at night; Alice returned and stayed the night
S 30 Alice left early; had tea at Nellie’s
July
S 1 Too poorly to go out; George and Nellie came to tea and supper
M 2 Went up to Kit’s
T 3 Jim’s twenty-sixth birthday; called to see Mrs Brown and Mrs Pearce
W 4 Went up to town by the 6.43am train to see Jim off for the Front; went home with Trot for a few hours; George came at night; gave Mrs Brown and Miss Dunn a lot of things
F 6 Had tea with Aunties and called to see Theo
S 7 Big raid on London; called Bampfylde and to see Agnes
S 8 Went to church in the morning; very wet day; Arthur called; Agnes came to supper
M 9 Very wet
T 10 Went to Lillie’s to tea; Hebe called
W 11 Trot, Bobbie and Theo came for the day; Ethel came to stay the night; George came; Mary had tea with Esther
T 12 Ethel left after dinner; I went to Bampfylde; Hebe came to live with me
F 13 Went to Orchard Leigh all day to help Kit with her mother’s treat
S 14 Heat intense; went to my dearests’ grace and took two plants; Grace’s birthday; called to see Lillie and Marian
S 15 My darling sister’s birthday; went to service in the morning
M 16
T 17 Mary went for her holiday and Mrs Pearce came; George came up at night; Fannie came to tea
W 18 Sent three dozen books for soldiers; Ethel and I spent the afternoon in town together and went to the picture palace
T 19 Went to Fanny Milum’s to stay
F 20 Fanny and I went to town together and had tea at Whiteley’s
S 21 Ethel came to Fanny’s to tea; I left afterwards and came home all the way on the top of a bus – 2 ½ hours
S 22 Went to church and to Bampfylde to supper
M 23 Went to sinner at Aunties’ Alice came to tea; wrote Will
T 24 Gladys came over for the day; picked 6lbs of cherries
W 25 Went to Sidcup to stay with Mrs Oliver
T 26 Called to see Mrs West, Mrs Price, Maggie Watson; we all went to Frognal in the afternoon; went to Wilkie and Clandon homes
F 27 Called to see Rose Cowdrey; returned home by bus after tea; George came at night
S 28
S 29 Went to service twice and to Kit’s to tea; great offensive began
M 30 Fanny Milum came and stayed the night
T 31 Fanny left after dinner; Mary returned from her holiday; Mrs Pearce left; pouring rain
August
W 1 Ditto; cold
T 2 George took me to lawyers to make my Will; did some shopping in town
F 3 Call at Benfleet Hall to ask for party of wounded soldiers for next week; Matron took me over the hospital; called to see Mrs Cheshire
S 4 Went to Nellie’s to tea; Kit and Arthur came to supper; ceiling in Mary’s room fell down; 4th anniversary of the war
S 5 Special intercession service and Communion; Ada and Gladys came to tea and supper
M 6 Went to Fannie’s for the day; Dot and baby there
T 7 Workmen in my house mending the ceiling; wrote to Will
W 8 Made cakes and did some shopping ready for Friday; wrote to four soldiers and sent smokes; Mr Moffatt came to tea
T 9 Had dinner with Aunties; took Aunt G up to the bank
F 10 Had six wounded soldiers to tea from Benfleet RC Hospital
S 11 Went to Bampfylde after supper
S 12 Went to service in the morning
M 13 George came; called on Mrs Brown, Agnes and Bessie
T 14 Went to town and George took me to lunch and met me after at Norwood; we went to my grave; had tea with Lillie and May
W 15 George came up
T 16 Went to the bank and Streatham; called at Bampfylde
F 17 Aunt Lissie’s birthday; went over to tea and supper with them; Marian went to supper; Took Auntie early morning tea set and box of nectarines; took Marian a box of plums
S 18 Hilda, Paul and Bentley came to tea and supper
S 19 Went to service – alone the rest of the dya
M 20 Went to Ethel’s in the morning and stayed the night
T 21 Went to Trot’s to tea and supper; returned home at night
W 22 Met Trot in town and had tea together; took ticket for the Army & Navy stores for 5/-; Marian came to stay the night; Fannie and Rene came
T 23 Bottles 12lbs greengages out of the garden; Agnes called; called to see Mrs Hay; went to the dentist
F 24 Called to see Mrs Pearce
S 25 Esther came over to tea with Mary
S 26 Went to service in the morning; Arthur called; wrote to Will
M 27 Cold and wet
T 28 Called to see Fannie and Agnes, took them fruit
W 29 Went to Scotland – stayed the night at Central Station; left 9.00am and arrived at 7.20pm
T 30 Lovely day – went on to Skelmorlie by 10.15am train and arrived at 11.15am; found Mrs Gilchrist still an invalid in her room
F 21 Ellen and I went for a country walk in the morning; Mr and Mrs MacDonald came to tea; James returned in the evening
September
S 1 In the grounds in the morning; went up to see Mrs George and the children after tea
S 2 We went to service in the morning and stayed with Mrs Gilchrist at night
M 3 Went for a long walk to Upper Skelmorlie in the morning – country lovely; went rest of the day; anniversary of Arthur’s passing
T 4 Walked to Wemyss Bay in the morning; Miss Carruthers came to tea and Mr, Mrs and Miss MacDonald, Miss Laidlaw and Mrs and Miss Cunningham called
W 5 Went through the Kelly woods; after tea; Eileen and I went up in the wood; George came at night
T 6 Went for a long walk alone in the morning over the moor; Ellen went with me in the afternoon
F 7 Walked to Wemyss Bay and went on the beach; box of fruit arrived from home
S 8 Very wet; Ellen and I called to see Mrs George
S 9 Mr George, Ellen, James and I went to service and stayed for Communion; Ellen, Bob and I went at night; my darling sister’s wedding day – seven years ago
M 10 Mr Gilchrist took me to the gardens, four miles across the moor; Mr MacDonald came to tea; wrote to Will
T 11 Walked towards Largs and back by the high road; Ellen and I went to Amy’s to tea and met Mrs and Miss MacDonald there
W 12 Walked to Wemyss Bay; called, with Ellen, to see Miss Robertson, met Mrs and Miss MacDonald there
T 13 Wet, stormy day; in the house all day; Mrs Gilchrist not so well; went round the grounds in the evening; heard Jim slightly wounded; lost my ruby ring
F 14 My precious Mother’s birthday; went for a walk to Upper Skelmorlie, through Kelly woods; Dr Currie, Mrs Given, Mr, Mrs and Miss MacDonald came to tea
S 15 Sixteen years since Mother passed Home; went for a stroll in the morning; Amy came to tea; played chess with James at night
S 16 Mr Gilchrist, Bob, Ellen and I went to church; stayed with Mrs Gilchrist at night
M 17 Walked into Wemyss Bay; Mr and Mrs Robertson came to tea; played chess with Mr Robertson and James
T 18 Very wet; went to say goodbye to Amy in the morning; in grounds with Ellen all afternoon and played chess with James at night
W 19 Left Skelmorlie by the 11.40am train for Glasgow – Mr Gilchrist came with me and we looked at shops and had tea; he saw me off for Killochan – arrived at 4.40pm
T 29 Wet, stormy day, colder; went for a short turn in the grounds with Colonel Grant, and alone. Mr Horncastle came to tea
F 21 Lovely day; went for a long walk by the river in the morning; Mrs Grant and I drove into Girvan after lunch
S 22 Went for a long stroll towards Barr; drove to Girvan with Mrs Grant after lunch; sent rent for Lyndhurst
S 23 Went for lovely walks; no church near here; story day; sent water rates
M 24 Stormy; went over fields by the river and for a long walk
T 25 Went for a long walk over the hills to where there are views; Mrs Grant and I drove into Girvan and called on Mrs Todd
W 26 Very damp, wet day; went for a short walk in the morning; a long stroll in the evening; saw a glorious sunset over Ailsa Craig; a new moon over the river
T 27 Went along the main road and climbed a hill beyond Kiln, with a view of Ailsa Craig; walked by the river in the evening; stormy
F 28 Went for a long walk towards Barr; we drove into Girvan after lunch; all drove to calls on Mr and Mrs Fogle after tea
S 29 Driving most and rain all day; went out with Jock before lunch and for an hour’s walk at night; air raids on London for five nights
S 30 A dull, damp day; Mrs Grant went for a walk with me in the morning; I went over the hills in the evening, beyond kiln
October
M 1 Walked out beyond the old churchyard and the kennels; we called later on Hon and Mrs Watson at Blair; went to see the coachman’s wife
T 2 Went over fields beyond the river walk; we drove into Girvan after lunch; wet later
W 3 Ethel’s birthday; rain and gale all day; much colder; in all day; wrote to Will
T 4 Auntie Miriam’s birthday; went over the hills beyond Lovestone; we drove into Girvan and had tea with Mrs Farquhar Finn
F 5 My precious Father’s birthday; very cold and wet, snow on Arran; went over the hills and was caught in a hail shower; motored to Girvan after tea
S 6 Bitterly cold; snow on Arran; I went over the hills beyond the station and got a fine view of Girvan, Turnberry, Arran, Mull and Holy Isle etc; we drove into Girvan in the afternoon by the long road
S 7 Gladys’ thirty-first birthday; very wet; out for a short time in the morning; went for a walk in the evening – a fine sunset and an afterglow on the hills
M 8 Pouring all day; did not go out
T 9 Sleet, hail and rain – out for a short walk in the morning and got caught in it; in the rest of the day
W 10 Mrs Grant and I left Girvan by the 10.15am train; arrived Glasgow and did some shopping and went to see Nellie and called at Maclure Macdonald and met Mrs Kelso; saw Mrs Grant off on the 5.10pm train and went to look at the shops; spent the night at St Enoch’s Hotel
T 11 Left Glasgow by 9.15am, arriving at St Pancras at 7.45pm; home 9.45pm – Hebe’s birthday
F 12 Hebe went to Bexhill; called at Bampfylde after supper
S 13 Very cold and wet; had tea with Kit and Arthur and took them shortbread
S 14 Went to service, harvest festival; Fannie and Edie came to tea and supper
M 15 Went to see Jim in Endesley Palace Hospital
T 16 Very wet; Lillie came to stay
W 17 Called to see Miss Leach; Alice and Edie came
T 18 Had tea and supper with Aunties; Marian met me there and came on to stay here
F 19 Called on Mrs Pearce; a zeppelin raid
S 20 Went to bank in the morning; Lillie and I went to Bampfylde after tea
S 21 Lillie and I went to service in the morning
M 22 I took Lillie home after breakfast and went on to see Jim; did some shopping; called to see Miss Leach
T 23 Heavy hail storms
W24 Went to RSPCA meeting at Sutton; Mrs Allsopp came to tea; met Captain Fairholme; called to see Kit and Miss Leach
T 25 Mary Cooper left after 6 years’ service; Mrs Pearce came
F 26 Called at Nellie’s
S 27 Cold, stayed in all day
S 28 Went to church twice and to Kit’s to tea
M 29 Mrs Hay and Bessie came to tea
T 30 Had tea with Mrs Mann; three thousand soldiers billeted in the neighbourhood
W 31 Had supper with Agnes; a raid at night; wrote to Will
November
T 1 Went to Sutton shopping; had tea with Kit
F 2 Had tea with Aunties; George came at night; took Aunties a bunch of roses from the garden
S 3 Went to my darlings’ grace with flowers; had tea with Lillie; Marian in bed with a cold
S 4 Went to service
M 5 Met Jim in town for tea – also Trot and Theo, we went to Stewarts; returned home with them for the night
T 6 Returned home after tea, bringing Theo with me to stay
W 7 Nellie came in the afternoon; got a cold and feeling very poorly
T 8 Theo and I went to Bampfylde to tea; bought £200 bonds in war loan
F 9 Took Theo and Hebe to see ‘Tale of Two Cities’ at the picture palace and to tea in Croydon; bought a bookcase out of some of Uncle’s legacy; went to the bank
S 10 I took Theo over to Fanny Milum to dinner and tea; Ada Morley came into our service; have bad cold on the chest
S 11 Bad cold, in all day
M 12 Ditto; Theo returned home; Alice came to stay
T 13 Got up to clean curtains; Alice out all day; bad cough
W 14 Alice out till evening; did not go out
T 15 Violet came to tea and supper
F 16 Alice and I went to the Aunties to tea
S 17
S 18 We went to service in the morning; Mary called
M 19 Went up to see Kit and Arthur; Alice left early
T 20 Trot’s birthday; I went with Esther to buy a jacket and took her to the picture palace and tea
W 21 Went to Nellie’s for supper
T 22 Went to the bank in the morning; Percy Hay came to say goodbye before going up to the Front
F 23 Went to my grace – marble scroll fitted; had tea with Lillie and May
S 24 Charlie Brown came to wish me goodbye; George and Nellie came in; took up £300 in new war loan
S 25 Went to service; Agnes called; George and Nellie came to supper; snow showers
M 26 Went to Aunties to tea and supper; met Arthur there, up to settle some business for them
T 27 Called to see Mr Moffatt, Mrs Hay and Mrs Maitland
W 28 Spring-like; George called
T 29 Trot came over for the day
F 30 Hebe and I went to her sister’s to tea and to the Bible Society meeting in the evening
December
S 1 Kit and Arthur came to tea
S 2 Went to service – bitterly cold
M 3 I went to our grave and planted it with narcissi and forget-me-nots; had tea with Lillie and Marian
T 4 Called to see Mrs Brown; Mr Moffatt and Miss Crofts came to tea; called on Mrs Hay
W 5 Anniversary of dear Uncle’s Home going; Mrs Allibert came to tea and to talk over RSPCA business; wrote to Will; Agnes came to supper
T 6 Miss Leach came to tea; raid last night; Bessie called
F 7 Went to Kit’s to tea and supper; Jim engaged to Ada Young; called on Mrs Allan
S 8 Went to bank and to Bampfylde after supper
S 9 Went to service – very cold and wet
M 10 Had tea with Violet; saw damage done by raid on Clapham
T 11 Fog; went to Kit’s after tea
W 12 A year since my precious Father went Home; I long to be with them! Went to the grave and took flowers; sat with Lillie for a time and went, with Nellie, to a sale of work at the church
T 13 Washed Danny; made pastry
F 14 Had tea with Aunties; sweep in the kitchen
S 15 Hebe went away for the weekend; Mabel came to stay
S 16 Mabel and I went to church; a year since my darling Father’s funeral
M 17 Called to see Kit, Miss Crofts and, at night, Bampfylde; Mabel left and Hebe returned; I accepted secretary of the RSPCA; Miss Crofts consented to help
T 18 Went to Trot’s and to see Ethel; air raid at night prevented my return
W 19 Left Trot early, said goodbye to Jim; thick fog
T 20 Still fog; George called; sent in income tax claim
F 21 Went to Sutton shopping
S 22 Went to my darlings’ grave and took Xmas wreath – two years since my precious sister went Home; had tea with Lillie and May – Mrs Chappell there; went to see Mrs Hay
S 23 Went to service; had wounded soldier in to tea and supper – Private Edwards; went to Kit’s after supper
M 24 Went to Harrods with George, Nellie and Edie after lunch; London very quiet and empty
T 25 Went to service alone; Agnes came for the day; Ada went out for half a day; had four old women in to tea
W 26 George called; went to Aunties for the day to keep Xmas with them
T 27 Went to Bampfylde and to see MRs Hay
F 28
S 29 Mr Lindsay called; Mrs Hay and Bessie came to tea; went to see Kit after supper
S 30 Went to service; very dull and cold
M 31 Had tea with Mrs Cheshire
1918
January
T 1 Very cold
W 2 Hebe and I went to town shopping
T 3 Went to the bank in the morning; had Private Edwards, a wounded soldier, to supper; cold intense and feeling very poorly
F 4 Too unwell to go out; George came
S 5 Went to Bampfylde after tea
S 6 Intercession day; went to service; went to United service at Wallington parish church in the afternoon – a crowded, solemn service – the King’s message read at both
M 7 Alice came to stay; still feeling very unwell; did not go out
T 8 Went round with Alice to see all Aunties house property and collect rents; bitterly cold
W 9 Alice and I went to tea with Lillie and Marian
T 10 Kit and Arthur came to supper; had burst in water tank over bathroom, water pouring through the ceiling and into the hall
F 11 Alice and I spent the day in town shopping; I took Kit to see a specialist, Sir Fred Taylor; we all had lunch at Lyons
S 12 Alice left after breakfast; I had tea with Kit and Arthur; George called
S 13 Went to service
M 14 Snow; called to see Nellie and Mrs Pearce
T 15 Private Stanley Price, a wounded soldier, came down for the day
W 16 Had tea with Aunties; went to the bank for them
T 17 George came; called to see Mrs Hay
F 18 Warmer; planted last of bulbs; had tea with Miss Maitland; called to see Kit; Dot’s birthday – sent her a silk scarf
S 19 Went to Bampfylde after tea; Mrs Brown called
S 20 Went to service
M 21 Went to Sutton; called to see Mrs Allibert; a Spring day
T 22 Fannie and Edie came to tea
W 23 Trot came over for the day; we went up to Bampfylde after supper; Trot stayed the night
T 24 I went to Ethel’s to dinner and Trot’s to tea; took over Will’s present
F 25 Snowing; went up to see Kit; found her ill in bed with flu
S 26 Miss Maitland came to tea; George called
S 27 Went to service
M 28 Went to cemetery, took first snowdrops; sent baby Joan a wool bonnet; had tea with Lillie and Marian; got home as first rocket went up; bad raids over London, first at 8pm and another at 12.30am
T 29 Lovely day; George called; went to Bampfylde after supper; raid at night
W 30 Went up to Violet to tea; helped her get her room straight
T 31 Called on Mrs Allibert with Miss Crofts to arrange about RSPCA work; went up to see Kit and found her better
February
F 1 Went to Fanny Milum’s to dinner and tea, met Dot there; she saw me off from Marble Arch
S 2 Aunt Janie’s birthday; Lillie, May and I went over to tea with them; came back via Tulse Hill because of expected strike; gave Auntie bread and milk bowl, cake and flowers; we all took rations; income tax recovered £29/3/6d
S 3 Went to service and stayed for Communion; Agnes came at night
M 4 Alice came to stay; Fannie called
T 5 Went to town on RSPCA business and to buy Jim’s wedding present; coffee set with tray and cups; Alice and I went up together; called to see Miss Maitland
W 6 Called at Bampfylde; Alice went to see the girls; Agnes came
T 7 Inspector Keeler called; Esther came over with birthday presents from them all
F 8 Violet came to tea and supper; Pearce planted my white broom; Alice and I went to Croydon in the morning
S 9 Jim was married at Old Southgate church; I went over early – a warm, Spring day; all went off happily; Alice left after breakfast
S 10 Went to service
M 11 Miss Crofts came to tea and to begin work of RSPCA; George came
T 12 Called to see Mrs Mann
W 13 Called to see Miss Leach
T 14 George came in; Miss Dunn called – gave her a present of clothes
F 15 Had tea with the Aunties
S 16 Went to Fanny for the weekend, she and Bentley alone; raid at night
S 17 Fanny and I went to Wesleyan church in both the morning and evening; raid at night from 10pm till 12.45am
M 18 Called to see Nellie and Miss Crofts
W 20 Kit came to tea
T 21 Miss Crofts and I attended the RSPCA committee at Sutton and were elected co-secretaries of Wallington auxiliary; fifteen people present; Mrs Hay and Bessie called
F 22 Called on Mrs Ralph on RSPCA work; sent letter to Wallington and Carshalton Herald
S 23 Had tea with Kit and Arthur
S 24 Went to service in the morning and evening; Hebe stayed in with a cold
M 25 Went to Bampfylde after tea
T 26 Had tea with Aunties; met Mr Lyle there; Pearce planted new rose trees in the small beds on the lawn
W 27 Went to see Kit; called on Miss Adams
T 28 Gave lethal chamber to Wallington auxiliary – cost 35/-; Hebe left and went into rooms in Montague Gardens; George called
March
F 1 Violet came down for the day
S 2 Bitter winds; Fanny came
S 3 We went to service in the morning; bitterly cold
M 4 Fanny and I had tea with Kitty
T 5 Fanny and I went over to Trot’s for the day; Fanny went home from there; Gladys broke of her engagement to Hugh
W 6 Kitty and I went to sale of work at Epsom church; called to see Mrs Hay; Agnes came in
T 7 Raid in the night
F 8
S 9 Called on Mrs Hay; Kit, Arthur and Dorothy came to supper; Danny poorly
S 10 Went to service; Arnold and Beattie came to tea and supper
M 11 Mrs Mann came to tea; Nellie called as did Agnes; Mr Lawton came to see Danny – an attack of rheumatism
T 12 Nellie, Mrs Hay and Bessie called as did Hebe; Danny better; I went to Kit’s
W 13 Had tea with Aunties – Aunt Lissie down for the first time since rheumatic attack; Agnes came to supper; Arthur called; Danny better
T 14 Went to Sidcup with Fannie to consult Dr Crombie; had tea with the Olivers; George came up at night
S 16 Went to my grave and took my first violets and some daffodils; had tea with Lillie and Marian; called at Bampfylde – Nellie ill with flu; went to consult Dr Cressy – both agree for an operation; called to see Mrs Pearce; Arthur came up at night
S 17 Went to service; Kit and Agnes came in the evening
M 18 Trot came for the day; George called; Arthur came at night
T 19 Dot came and stayed the night; called to see Hebe
W 20 Dot left after lunch; Violet came and stayed the night; Agnes called
T 21 Violet left after tea; George called; Violet and I went over to Aunties in the morning to tell them about the operation; a Spring day; Fannie and Edie came at night; Charlie Brown killed at the Front
F 22 Sent Will a birthday present; went to Woodcote nursing home for an operation; Trot took me and she, Nellie and Lillie came to tea; Kitty went to home
S 23 Had an operation – very ill
S 24
M 25
T 26
W 27
T 28
F 29
S 30 Dr Crombie passed Home after an operation
S 31
April
M 1
T 2
W 3
T 4
F 5 Trot and Alice came to fetch me home; Alice stayed on
S 6 In bed
S 7 In bed
M 8 Got up to tea
T 9 Ditto
W 10 Got down to dinner, very weak
T 11 Very poorly
F 12 Sent for Dr Cressy; Kitty came to tea; Nurse Roberts and Nurse Garrett came to see me; also Hebe; glorious Spring day
S 13 Nurse Roberts called; wrote letter for her to the Red Cross
S 14 Very cold; Agnes called; did not go out
M 15 Pouring rain and very cold; Dr Cressy called; we put up new curtains in the bedrooms; I phoned Jim goodbye, too weak to go over and see him
T 16 Snow, cold and wet; Hebe called
W 17 Kitty and I came to Curlews Nest, Westgate by the 3.25pm train from Victoria, arriving 5.14pm; Trot, Alice and Dorothy saw us off; cold and wet
T 18 Bitterly cold, some rain; we did shopping in the morning; went by the sea after tea; was too weak to walk far and strong wind from the east
F 19 Kitty and I walked into Margate to food control officers; had lunch at Bobby’s and took the train back in time for tea; bitter winds, snow and hail; came in very exhausted; Jim returned to France
S 20 Finer day; out in morning and afternoon; sunset on the sea; heard of Dr Crombie’s death
S 21 We went to church in the morning; by the sea after tea and Congregational church at night; weather improved
M 22 A lovely day; went by the sea in the morning; Trot came down in the afternoon
T 23 We all went for a stroll in the morning; Kitty returned home in the afternoon
W 24 A dull morning but lovely later; Trot and I walked to Epple Bay after tea
T 25 We went to Margate in the morning and sat by the sea after tea; fine, but very cold; sirens at night; did not sit up
F 26 Sea mist early; we went for a stroll on the cliff; a glorious evening sunset over the sea; we walked to Epple Bay inland and back by the cliff; sirens at 11pm, men shouting to everyone to go to their dugouts; we got up and dressed and sat downstairs for an hour; distant guns; Jim killed in action near Mont Kemmel
S 27 Went by the sea in the morning and in the evening; cold
M 28 Very cold, rain later; I went to Congregational church in the morning; a lot of soldiers present; we stayed in the rest of the day
M 29 Bitterly cold, strong winds; Trot not well and I did the shopping – we both went for a short walk in the evening
T 30 Ditto; after dinner, we took the bus to Ramsgate and got out at Margate, home at 6pm; Grey and cold; saw damage done at Margate by zeppelins and dugouts along the Parade, etc
May
W 1 Returned from Westgate; Trot saw me off and Alice met me at Victoria at 4.40pm; came home feeling very poorly; received news immediately on arrival that our Jim had been killed on the 26th; Agnes called
T 2 Kit and Hebe called in the morning; Nellie ill with mumps; Fannie and Edie just recovered
F 3 Alice returned home; Arthur came at night
S 4 Hebe and Miss Leach, Agnes, Mrs Hay and Bessie called; I had tea with the Aunties; feeling very weak
S 5 Too weak to go out; yellow fog and rain
M 5 Cousin Fred came to tea; Agnes called
T 7 Hebe called; too poorly to go out
W 8 Went to Trot’s for the day; Flo came to tea; a glorious summer day
T 9 Called to see Mrs Brown, whose Charlie has been killed; Mrs Hay and Bessie called; made pastry; George called, first time we have met for five weeks because they have had mumps
F 10 Mrs Allibert and Miss Jordan called
S 11 Edie called; very poorly still
S 12 Went to church; Mrs Hay, Bessie and Mary called
M 13 Had tea with Miss Crofts and Mr Moffatt
T 14 Went to the bank in the morning
W 15 Went over to Trot for the day; Edie came in the evening; Had a cable from Will – he had just heard about the operation
T 16 Very hot; went to Croydon shopping; Violet came to tea and supper; George and Nellie went to Westgate
F 17 Had tea with Aunties; took Mrs Pearce over to have tea with Esther; Arthur came at night; Mrs Hay called
S 18 Nurse Roberts called; I made the pastry; Lillie and Marian came to stay the weekend; Agnes called
S 19 I went to service; we spent the evening in the garden – gorgeous weather; big raid at night
M 20 A beautiful day; we did not go out, except in the garden
T 21 Marian poorly, kept her in bed all day; I went to Camberwell for her to take the office keys; went on to trot’s to tea; we drove up to Ethel’s and she returned with us to Bay Tree Cottage for tea; went all the way there and back by bus and tram
W 22 Intense heat continues; Marian is in bed all day; heavy storm at night
T 23 Much colder, storm again; George called; Marian in bed all day
F 24 Violet came to tea and supper; Marian in bed still; I called to see Bessie
S 25 Lillie and Marian left after tea; Marian better; Agnes called
S 26 Went to service; George came in after; colder
M 27 Went to Streatham shopping in the morning; Alice came to stay
T 28 I had tea with Aunties; Alice did her collecting
W 29 Alice and I spent the day in town; went to Grafton gallery to see Australia war pictures; had tea at Selfridges; went up and back on top of trams and bus
T 30 Miss Avis came to tea; Alice went to Croydon with her; George called
F 31 Alice left; Violet and I met in town and went to annual RSPCA meeting in Westminster central buildings
June
S 1 Very hot; made the pastry; I did the flowers at the church
S 2 Sent one guinea to the Wesleyan book fund in memory of Jim; went to service and stayed for Communion; James Gilchrist came to tea and supper; Lillie’s birthday
M 3 Had tea with Kit and Arthur; sent parcels to jumble sale at Mill Lane; my darling parents’ wedding day
T 4 I went to Trot’s to tea and supper – Bobbie at home; went to the tailor on the way; Mrs Brown called at night – gave her a parcel of clothes etc
W 5 Pearce went to Norwood to plant the grace with 15 white geraniums – 5/9d; washed Danny
T 6 George came in to tea
F 7 Mr Moffatt and Miss Crofts came to tea; I called on Mrs Hay and Hebe
S 8 I went to tea over at the Arnold’s; met Mr Horace Moffin there – a wounded Australian
S 9 Went to service in the morning; Arthur came to tea and dinner
M 10 Colder; went to Bampfylde after supper; found all well and home again
T 11 Nellie came to tea; I called to see Mrs Pearce; Ethel has a little daughter
W 12 Went over to Aunties to dinner and tea; Ada had Nellie in to tea
T 13 Picked 10lbs gooseberries from the garden for bottling and made jam – 14lbs (with rhubarb)
F 14 Rain; Danny poorly with rheumatism – stayed in with him all day
S 15 Agnes called; Danny better but still poorly; sent Kit ‘Ideal Life’ and Willie West a fountain pen
S 16 Kit’s birthday; went to service, a chaplain from the Front preached; Nurse Roberts came to see me; Agnes came to supper
M 17 Very cold; went to Bampfylde after supper; called to see Mrs Pearce
T 18 Violet’s birthday; I went to Ridgmount to stay; left home at 3.16pm, Euston 5.3pm, changed at Bletchley and arrived at 7.30pm; Fannie and Mrs Clarke here; Les in France; Dot very poorly
W 19 Dot in bed, helped nurse her; Rev MacFadden and a girlfriend came to tea
T 20 Ditto; she got up a bit in the evening; went out for half an hour in the rain
F 21 A lovely day – helped in the house and with errands
S 22 Ditto; colder; went some errands in the evening; Janet came to tea; gave Dot £1
S 23 Animal Sunday; Fannie and I went to service; Ref Ferguson called twice; Fannie and I went out with Joan after tea – too cold to stay out; Dot rather better
M 24 I left Ridgmount by the 12.30pm train and had a two hour wait at Bletchley; arrived home 5.30pm and found all right; Mrs Hay and Bessie called
T 25 Sent rent; Agnes called and Miss Brown
W 26 Went to Bromley to tea with Miss Avis; Alice there; called to see Aunties on the way back
T 27
F 28 Trot and Theo came over for the day; I went to Bampfylde after supper
S 29 Had tea with Aunties – Aunt Janie in bed with influenza; a lovely day
S 30 Went to church in the morning
July
M 1 Alice came in the afternoon and stayed the night; after supper, we went up to Kitty’s
T 2 Sent a bunch of roses to Mrs Hay; Alice and I left Sutton by the 2pm train and arrived at Ryde at 6pm; very hot, but weather perfect; am staying at ‘Grenfell’ for a fortnight; left Mr and Mrs Pearce in charge of the house; Ada went for her summer holiday
W 3 Jim’s birthday; went for a stroll in the morning up a lane with Mrs Giles; Miss Minty came to tea; Mrs Giles took me for a long walk in the evening
T 4 Not feeling well enough to go out; sat about in the garden and helped Alice pick fruit for jam in the evening
F 5 We all went to the Baptist chapel in the morning; stayed at home in the evening; very hot
M 8 Lovely weather continues; walked down to the sea in the morning and sat on the Front; took Mrs Giles for a walk up the lane after tea
T 9 Cooler with showers; I went to the shops and sea in the morning; after tea, Mrs Giles, Alice and I went as far as the sea and sat there for an hour; lovely blue sea and sky; low tide; heavy rains at night; gave Mrs Giles a breakfast cup and saucer
W 10 Alice’s birthday; gave her a china jam jar; went with her to help at communal kitchen in the morning; Alice and I went for a long walk after tea and up Lover’s Walk to Quarr Abbey and monastery; went over Binstead church on the way; lovely country and a perfect evening
T 11 Went to the shops with Alice and helped pick fruit for jam; in the evening, we all went to a lecture at the town hall on ‘Living Christians, their peace’. Gales still blowing with heavy rains; cold
F 12 High winds continue; Alice and I went to do the shopping and down to the sea for a few minutes in the morning; did not go out again; Eddy came home for a fortnight’s leave
S 13 We had an early dinner; Mrs Giles, Alice and I went by train to Sandown and walked about and sat on the sea front; had our tea at Gray’s in town and got home about 8pm; lovely blue sea and sky, saw a lot of transports camouflaged
S 14 Alice and I went to church in the morning and Eddy and I at night; fine rain most of the day
M 15 My precious sister’s birthday; Alice and I went to sea in the morning, as far as the ornamental lake; did not go out again; warm and showery
T 16 Left Ryde at 2.15pm and arrived home just before 6pm; Alice came back with me as far as Portsmouth and saw me into the train; found all right at home; Ada returned from her holiday at night; heat intense
W 17 Heavy thunderstorm in the afternoon; picked 2lbs cherries and made them into jam with ½ lb raspberries
T 18 Took ration books to all tradespeople to be signed; George came in to tea on his way home from town
F 19 I went over to Trot’s to tea; met Mr Batty at Carshalton station
S 20 Went to Norwood and took a bunch of my best roses for my precious sister’s birthday; very wet; had tea with Lillie and Marian at their new home in Kestrel Avenue
S 21 Went to service in the morning; lovely day, sat in the garden and conservatory all evening
M 22 Picked 8¾ lbs fruit and made into jam; Inspector called and also Mrs Pearce; Alice came to stay
T 23 Sent Fanny Milum a table centre I have worked; I had tea with Violet; Alice called for me on the way home
W 24 Alice and I went to Croydon in the morning; I went to the bank
T 25 Alice went to Lillie’s; Violet went to Ewhurst
F 26 Uncle’s birthday and Arthur’s; Alice and I went to Aunties to tea; Agnes came to supper; very wet
S 27 Alice left in the morning; called at Nellie’s and Miss Crofts after tea
S 28 Went to service n the morning; James Gilchrist came to tea and supper
M 29 Very hot; did not go out
T 30 Took up £200 in new war bonds; called at Bampfylde; Trot, Ethel and family sent to Seaview, Isle of Wight
W 31 Had tea with Mrs Mann; Kit and I went to organ recital in Croydon at night
August
T 1 Went to town and back by tram, to consult the oculist; had dinner at Evans, went to see an exhibition of famous war models in aid of wounded soldiers; went to Bampfylde; bought pianola from George for fifteen guineas
F 2 Showers; George, Nellie and Edie went to Westgate; Kit to Swanwick
S 3 Pianola arrived; a very wet day
S 4 Intercession Sunday; special form of service; Mr Moffatt came in after service; a glorious day
M 5 I met Lillie in town and we went to Royal Academy together; had tea at Victoria afterwards
T 6 Called to see Agnes; Fannie called
W 7 Went over to Aunties to tea
T 8
F 9 Inspector Keeler called; went to Miss Crofts to tea
S 10 Went over to Acton to see Parton, who is home wounded, and had tea with him and Fannie; came home by bus
S 11 Went to service and Communion; Mr Moffatt, Miss Crofts and Miss S Crofts came to tea; Miss Hunter came to supper; Mary and Mrs Pearce called
M 12 Very hot; I went to Beckenham in the morning and fetched Aunt Janie over for a visit; Fannie Testar came to tea
T 13 Called to see Miss Crofts and to welcome Percy Hay home from the Front; went to Dr Cressy to have my ears syringed
W 14 Went to Croydon in the morning to get a present for Aunt Lissie; took Aunt Janie round the garden; went to see Kit after supper, with Danny; gorgeous sunset
T 15 Glorious weather continues; Agnes called; made the pastry and the cakes
F 16 Percy, Mrs Hay, Bessie and Lawrence came in to tea
S 17 Aunt Lissie’s 84th birthday; Lillie, Marian and I went over to tea with her; she was wonderfully well and very happy; Agnes came to tea with Auntie
S 18 Went to service; sang to Auntie after tea
M 19 Lillie came over for the day; I had cab for her to Carshalton and saw her off; called at Bampfylde
T 20 Marjory came to tea; made 9lbs blackberry and apple jam; very hot
W 21 Intensely hot; Hebe called; Auntie better; called to see Agnes and Marjory
T 22 Heat intense; did the cooking; Miss Crofts called
F 23 George and Nellie came; Percy came with Bessie to wish me goodbye before returning to France; Marjory called
S 24 Marian came to tea and supper; I went to see Mrs Hay and Bessie and took them roses – Percy left for the Front; Kit and Arthur came at night
S 25 James came down in the morning to say goodbye before leaving for pre camp in Shropshire; met me on the way to church and I came home with him; walked with him to the tram after dinner; turned wet and chilly in the evening
M 26 I took Aunt Janie home after a fortnight’s visit; have tea with them both at Beckenham;
T 27 Mrs Hay and Bessie came to tea; Mr Moffatt called; colder and wet
W 28 Went over to spend the day with Trot; Ethel’s children came up and I saw Virginia for the first time
T 29 George came to tea and cheered me up; did the cooking; called to see Miss Leach and Hebe; went to Mr Forsdyke’s about some carthorses with rough boys in charge – wrote to the County Council
F 30 Eva and Mabel came to dinner and tea; I called to see Edith Crofts; went to Bampfylde after supper
S 31 Went to see Kit and Arthur after tea; Agnes called
September
S 1 Went to service; colder; Agnes came to supper
M 2 Went to bank and to shop in Croydon; had tea with Kitty; Edith Crofts came up to do RSPCA business; Inspector Keeler called to report
T 3 Edie came to tea; gave Mr and Mrs Pearce £5 to go for ten days to Eastbourne
W 4 Went to Ethel’s for the day; Theo was there; called at Bay Tree Cottage for an hour on the way home
T 5 Spent the morning on RSPCA work; thunderstorm; called to see Mrs Hay
F 6 Did RSPCA work in the evening; lovely sunset across the fields
S 7 RSPCA collecting work; called to see Edith Crofts
S 8 Went to service; Mr and Mrs Pearce went to Eastbourne for ten days; colder and showery
M 9 Grace’s wedding day – nine years ago; had tea with Aunties; called on Mr Riley for RSPCA
T 10 George came; I called on Miss Warlow to arrange for her to collect
W 11 Did RSPCA work all morning; Gladys and Theo came for the day; Miss Warlow called; Mr Moffatt came to plant some shrubs; I called at Bampfylde at night
T 12 Collecting all morning
F 13 Collecting in the evening
S 14 Darling Mother’s birthday; I made a lovely wreath of roses, etc from my garden and laid it on her grave; had tea with Lillie and Marian; very wet, but milder
S 15 Seventeen years since my precious Mother went Home; went to service; much warmer
M 16 Collecting in the morning; Alice came to stay
T 17 Collecting; had tea with Mrs Hay and Bessie; called to see Edith Crofts; Alice out all day
W 18 Alice out all day; washed Danny; collecting all the afternoon; called on Miss Jordan; Hebe and Mrs Warlow called; lovely warm weather
T 19 Edith and I went to committee of wardens of the RSPCA, Sutton, in the morning; Alice and I at home together the rest of the day
F 20 Alice and I went to town by tram to see about my uniform for canteen; both had tea with Aunties; Agnes came at night
S 21 Collecting in the morning, Alice with me; she left me after dinner; very cold; went to Bampfylde after tea
S 22 Very poorly with a bad cold; in bed half the day; had a fire; wrote to Will
M 23 In bed all day; Theo went to boarding school at Southwood Hall, Highgate
T 24 Got up to dinner; Trot came over for the day; much colder
W 25 Went over to Bay Tree Cottage directly after dinner to say goodbye to Bobbie, home on embarkation leave; still feeling very poorly
T 26 Came to Leicester by the 4.05 train from St Pancras, arrived 6.22; Laurie met me; cough still bad
F 27 Laurie and I went for a long country walk in the morning; after tea; we went to a picture palace and saw ‘From No Man’s Land to Blighty’; Fred read us Kipling’s poems in the evening; cold
S 28 Laurie and I went to town shopping in the morning and to market; a friend came to play bridge at night (Mr Moore); bitter winds
S 29 We all went to St James’ church in the morning; rain later in the day; Ernest came to supper, he played the violin and I accompanied him on the piano
M 30 Wet and cold most of the day; did not go out in the morning; after tea, Laurie and I went down town shopping; Fred read us Kipling at night
October
T 1 A bright morning; went for a walk to meet Laurie as far as the park gates
W 2 Laurie and I went to Mrs Willoughby’s to tea; in the evening, we went to the Palace music hall and heard Bramsley Williams and R A Tramp making rag pictures; very good; Fred fetched us home; Laurie and I went down town in the morning to do some shopping.
T 3 We went for a walk in the morning. After tea, Laurie and I walked to Knight’s church, a lovely evening; Mrs Moore came in; Ethel’s birthday
F 4 Laurie and I went down town in the morning; after eta, we went for a country walk; Aunt Miriam’s birthday; Bobbie went to France
S 5 My precious father’s birthday; very cold and wet; I left Leicester by the 4.25pm train for Coventry, arriving 5.45; Fred saw me off and Hetty met me; Hetty alone, Oliver gone to Italy
S 6 Hetty and I went to St Michael’s Cathedral in the morning; Harry and Emma came to tea and supper; cold, strong gale blowing
M 7 Gladys’ birthday, thirty-one; hurricane in the morning; Hetty and I went for a walk across the common, went down town in the afternoon; after tea, we went up to see Bert and Mabel
T 8 Lovely morning, but a cold wind; we went down parts of the old town and into Trinity church; came back up Kennilworth Road and across the common; lovely autumn tints; we went up to Harry’s for tea
W 9 Gale with pouring rain all day, did not go out
T 10 Raining, milder; went for a short stroll alone along Kennilworth Road; went down town with Hetty to do shopping; Mabel and Norman came to tea; young Harry, Doris and Miss Legender came to supper; we played cards in the evening
F 11 Mild and damp; left Coventry by the 2.32pm train, arriving at Euston at 4.45pm; home at 6.30pm; found all right; great difficulty in travelling
S 12 George called; I called on Miss Warlow and Kitty; Agnes called
S 13 Went to service – harvest festival; Mrs Hay and Betty called
M 14 I started canteen work at Westminster Central hall from 2 – 6pm; Alice came to stay at night
T 15 Had tea with Aunties – Aunt Lissie in bed
W 16 Feeling very poorly; called to see Nellie; went collecting for RSPCA; Alice out all day
T 17 Alice and I went to Sutton in the morning
F 18 Got a bad cold; Alice left early
S 19 Stayed in bed half the day, cold still bad; Dorothy called; got up winter curtains
S 20 In all day with a cold; Arthur came in the morning; very wet and dull; wrote Will’s Xmas letter
M 21 Stayed in bed to breakfast; went to Westminster canteen 2pm – 6pm
T 22 Cough very bad, stayed in all day; Miss Warlow came to pay in RSPCA money – £6/8/6d; Edie and Mr Moffatt called; Inspector came to report
W 23 In bed all day, feeling very ill
T 24 In bed – got up in the evening; sent for Dr Cressy – had flu; Bobbie missing, did not get wire until November 3rd
W 25 Got up to dinner, another very bad night with cough; Edie called
S 26 In bed part of the day; Dr Cressy called; Violet came to stay; Agnes called
S 27 We went for a short walk in the morning as I was still too unwell to go to church; George called
M 28 Violet, Danny and I went out in the morning; we went up to see Kit after tea; lovely autumn day; Hebe called
T 29 Violet and I went collecting for the RSPCA in the morning; she went home after tea
W 30 Made pastry, etc; Dr Cressy called; Violet came back at night
T 31 Violet and I went out collecting in the morning; Agnes called
November
F 1 Violet and I went collecting both in the morning and in the afternoon; Edith Crofts called; lovely day
S 2 Violet left in the afternoon; I went to Aunties to tea – Aunt Lissie still in bed
S 3 Pouring wet day, could not go out; alone all day – in the evening, had news that our Bobbie has been ‘missing’ since 24th – wire came in the afternoon; Violet came back at night
M 4 Went to canteen, very wet; Violet spoke at a mothers’ meeting for Kitty
T 5 Went to Trot’s in the afternoon and stayed the night
W 6 Jim’s little daughter was born at 4.05pm – Annette Gladys; I left at 5pm for home
T 7 Violet and I went shopping in the morning; Mr Moffatt and Edith came to tea
F 8 Violet and I went out collecting in the morning; Nellie, Edie and Agnes called; Dr Cressy came
S 9 Violet left after dinner and I went to Norwood and planted my darlings’ grace with double daffodils (three dozen for 5/3d) and took flowers for Father’s birthday; went on to see the girls and took a parcel of groceries; Marian is in bed with flu, Lillie has had it
S 10 Went to service in the morning
M 11 Armistice signed at 11am, hostilities ceased on all fronts; went to canteen – London delirious with joy; canteen crowded, a very busy time – oh! to get back at night!!; Called at the Hays on the way back
T 12 Miss Warlow called; very tired; stayed in all day; George came; Agnes came to supper; Ada went to the thanksgiving service
W 13 Went to the West End to shop in the morning, went into St Paul’s to pray for Bobbie and friends at the Front; went to Fanny Milum’s for tea and saw Dot and her babies and Parton; Agnes came in the evening and returned home with me; London gay with flags
T 14 George and Bessie called; frosty and very cold; called to see Rev Irwin
F 15 Had word that Aunt Lissie is very ill; went over at once for the day; Inspector called
S 16 Went over to Aunties all day to help nurse; called to see Edith on the way home; heard Bobbie is a prisoner of war; Auntie’s blessing when I left her tonight: ‘The Lord bless thee abundantly with the blessings of all those who love thee.’
S 17 Went to service in the morning, a stranger preached – a beautiful service; also went to the United one in the afternoon; Mary called
M 18 Went to canteen; Hebe called
T 19 Went to help nurse Auntie; continues very ill
W 20 Trot’s birthday; went over to tea with her, all the children there; took her a cosy; awful fog, took me four hours to get home
T 21 I came over to Aunties’ in the afternoon to stay and help for a few days; both in bed
F 22 Mr Babister came to see Aunties; Aunt Lissie about the same, her mind wandering but very happy
S 23 Nursing Aunties, left after dinner and went to Lillie’s to tea – did her shopping for her; got home dead tired
S 24 Went to service; warmer; Mrs Pearce and Lissie called
M 25 Went to canteen; Inspector called to report; Bessie called
T 26 Very tired, did not go out; Edith came to settle up RSPCA accounts with me
W 27 Went to Aunties’ for day; brought nursing bed on the way for Esther; Violet came at night to stay
T 28 Edith and I went to Mr Allibert’s to pay in RSPCA money; Violet and I at home the rest of the day; very wet
F 29 Violet and I did the shopping in the morning; Violet gave an address on ‘Kindness to Animals’ at Beddington schools at 2.30pm; I offered two prizes for the best papers sent in; we had tea at Nellie’s; George called
S 30 We did the shopping together; Violet left after tea
December
S 1 Went to service and took Communion
M 2 Went to canteen; called to see Mrs Hay
T 3 Very tired, stayed in to breakfast; went over to see Aunties in the afternoon – about the same; Mr Lyle came to tea
W 4 Violet came in the morning; she gave her address on kindness to animals at Bute Road school – boys and girls – I offered prizes; we went to sale of work at our church and spent £1/4/-d; had postcard from Bobbie sent from Karlsruhe; called at Bampfylde and Agnes
T 5 Did shopping together
F 6 Violet and I did the shopping – and Danny! Violet spoke at New Town school, Sutton; she went home after tea; called to see Bessie; sent muffler to Percy Hay in France; Kitty and Arthur came in to supper
S 7 A lovely day; cooking in the morning; did not go out; Alice came to stay
S 8 Alice and I went to service in the morning
M 9 Went to canteen – Violet came and helped; Alice went to Beckenham; Bobbie arrived at Dover
T 10 Nellie came to tea; Edie called
W 11 Took prizes to But Road school – had a chat with the master; had tea with Aunties – Alice joined me there later; called to see Edith Crofts
T 12 Two years today since my darling Father went Home; prevented going to Norwood as intended; Alice had tea with the girls; Mr Moffatt called; sent a letter to coalition candidate re RSPCA
F 13 Took Alice to London for the day; had lunch in Regent Street and tea at Harrods; spent a long time at the stores
S 14 Called Mr Moffatt; did some shopping; went to record my first vote; Alice left early; called at Hebe’s; sent parcel of books to the Front; George came; called to see Mrs Pearce
S 15 Went to service; very wet and mild; Bessie called
M 16 Two years since my last darling was laid to rest; went to canteen
T 17 Went to Aunties; feeling very ill at night; Agnes called
W 18 Feeling very poorly – in bed all day
T 19 In bed all day
F 20 Feeling very poorly – got up to dinner; Mrs Bidencope, of Hobart, came to tea; Agnes called; had sweep in the kitchen
S 21 Cooking in the morning, shopping in the afternoon; Violet came at night to stay; still feeling very poorly
S 22 Three years since my darling sister went Home; such a sad day to me; we went to service
M 23 Violet and I met Bobbie and Theo in town and I took them all out to lunch; took them into Westminster Abbey; went to canteen
T 24 Went to my darlings’ grave and took a large holly cross
W 25 Violet and I went to church; George, Nellie and the girls called; Agnes called; Mrs Hay, Bessie and Lawrence came to tea and stayed part of the evening; a beautiful clear, frosty morning
T 26 I went over to Aunties early to keep their Xmas with them
F 27 Violet and I went over to Trot’s to tea
S 28 We spent a quiet day at home
S 29 We went to church; Violet left to take her class
M 30 Went to canteen
T 31 Violet and I went up to Kit’s after tea
Early Letters
LETTERS
to Adeline Smith
‘WHICH HAVE HELPED TO MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING’
(According to a note written by Adeline in the pack of letters below)
LETTERS
Date unknown:
The Sidcup A B C
A is for Adeline, who thinks it no sin
To sham various ailments and call doctors in
C is for Crombie a Scotchman so fair
As you tell by his eyes, complexion and hair.
D is for David, a much nicer man
Tho’ not care for by A, as he knows she’s a sham.
F is for Felix who by A is adored
She calls him a surgeon, I call him a graud
G is for Grace, who believes she can play
An opinion not shared by the men of the day.
H is for Hapgood, the best of MDs
Every ill he can cure, every pain he can ease.
J is for John of Jermyn Street fame
Who can’t awe by his words tho’ he can by his name
L is for Literature in which A doth dabble
She calls her works ‘good’ but readers say ‘faddle’
V is for Violet, noble and grand
Well known to be fairest and best in the land.
So endeth the alphabet as you may see
Compiled and sent to you by W.V.
Dalreoch
Colmonell
Ayrshire
July 16th 1893
My dearest Adeline
Your last kind letter reached me in due time. Thank you very much for the kind and loving words in it – words giving me a newer insight into your character and love. Nothing, on my part, I hope will tend to stay the growth of love which has been to me a great blessing and privilege. This love between us is sacred – a love which lifts me constantly out of my poor, weak self.
Adeline, is but right that I should tell you of the influence you have on me. After kind, sweet words so full of spiritual insight, have lifted me often to a higher contemplation of mind. I hope you will not cease to address me out of the fullness of your heart and love, if there is anyone fitted to mould my character and elevate my intellect, it is you.
Remember that you are to me everything that your words are full of power to me. I have never had a correspondence so elevating and intellectual as this correspondence between you and me. I se eyou quote my favourite poet, Tennyson. How beautiful, how noble he was!
You ask if the friend I spoke of in my last letter was the friend I spoke to you about when you were here – no, he is another. The young fellow whose letter I read you, has gone over to the English church. I am exceedingly sorry that he left our church. But he got into the company of some curates who quite overpowered him.
I may mention he tried everything he could to get me into the English Church, he even got the Rev Erskine Hill of St George’s Episcopal church, Glasgow, to invite me to lunch one day. I went and the Rev Mr hill expressed the hope that I would see my way to join the church, giving me, at the same time, a book of English church doctrine.
Of course, the very idea of any church being the church was quite enough for me. I am a member in spirit and intellect of the broad church that is the church which refuses to be bound to a narrow sect and blind to progressive thought and science of the age. Such men as the late Rev Frederick Maurice, Professor of Moral Philosophy at Cambridge University, Charles Kingsley, Archdeacon Farrar of the present day, are men whom I reverence and admire. I may mention that the former, the Rev Dr Maurice was a cousin of one of my father’s aunts.
Let me express the unique hope that Grace will be successful at her coming examination and tell her that I have not the least doubt of her success.
I am so glad, my darling, that you are gaining strength daily and I hope you will benefit by the change. There is nothing here of an unusual interest – save dullness. Father and John are at artillery camp in Irvine. I am reading, or rather finishing, the life of Lord Macaulay – his life does fire one’s ambition – he was a prominent figure in British politics and a great critic. Anyone who deserved criticism got it severely.
Thank you very much, dearest, for your enquiry about my eyesight. I have to be very careful as my eyes are not very strong. I generally stop when I feel them beginning to be sore.
Now, love, I will stop as it is church time.
With my very best love to your dear self
Believe me
Your very loving
Alick
45 Studley Road
Clapham
January 25th 1898
Dearest, dearest Adeline
I cannot read our letter through even now without crying, I am so awfully sorry about it all. How can you be such a brick to bear it all so patiently, if were only me………….
I do think your letter is the most beautiful one I have ever received from anyone, I shall never part with it as long as I live. Aristidis was called ‘The Just’; King Alfred, ‘the Great’ was also designated Alfred, The Truth Teller, the Prince Consort, Albert the Good, but you are known among your friends as Adeline the Noble.
Nevertheless, write me another letter in any way like it and I’ll wait for you round some corner with a flat iron, however as some philosopher says ‘he who knows all things, forgives all things’ and so being myself a philosopher, I suppose I must forgive you this once.
Kent is still in existence and I shall be delighted to make any enquiries you like. Last night I went to the Tabernacle to hear John McNeill; the place was literally packed, he convulsed the audience with laughter many times and was exceedingly good, but not up to George Clarke or Mr Haslam. This afternoon, I have to go to Regent Street and shall call, alone, upon John – how delighted he will be, I will write again tonight and tell you all about it.
Florrie is much better and has been out twice. I am very glad Mr and Mrs Smith are both well now, and that there is a probability of your being more comfortable now with servants.
I have heard nothing yet from Belgravia. How would the Christian Herald or one of those papers do for your manuscript?
I am sorry about poor Mr Wright, I hope he will get strong again soon.
Mr Best is able to walk now, with help, but he can never do any business again.
Do you remember Florrie Spencer at school? I have a good deal to tell you about her when we meet.
If at any time, when you are in town, you would like to see me for a few minutes, you have only to say the word for it is so easy to get anywhere from Clapham. You know how more than delighted we should be if you could spend a day with us, but that I’ll leave to your discretion.
Primrose grows more lovely every day. Herbert went to Sandown yesterday for the first time and is aching terribly from the effects of it.
I think I will borrow Minnie’s story for you, it could not fail to do you good.
Now there is all the beautiful spring before you, all the animals waiting to welcome their champion back to health, for they can’t afford to let you be an invalid too long.
I am waiting for your valued opinion on Dreyfus – and other lectures, and so you must put an end to the shamming as soon as possible.
So, with fondest love
Your ever loving friend
Violet.
I have not forgiven Mr Smith for saying he didn’t know whether he should like me as a son-in-law. If he’s not careful, I may carry you off from your home now like the gallants of old.
Ealing Park
Ealing
February 3rd 1899
My darling Adeline
You see your Emily has not quite forgotten you. I have been home once since I saw you, and I intended to go to see you then and thank you and dear Gracie for those pretty, very pretty cards you sent me but I had to do some shopping and the time went so quickly that it was too late after.
I had to go to see you but I am going home on Wednesday and I will call and see you for an hour or two before I go home and I shall be able to wish my Adeline many happy returns of her birthday. I hope I shall see Gracie this time.
I hope your Papa and Mama are quite well and Gracie getting quite clever at school.
Goodbye till Wednesday with best love and lots of kisses for both my pets
from their ever loving
Emily.
45 Studley Road
Clapham SW
September 15th 1901
Darling Adeline
I have this moment received your telegram and we are all heartbroken, our sorrow is for you and yours, and mine also largely for myself – for our dear one, we cannot really grieve. Heaven was home to her and it was selfish to wish to keep her here. I cannot think of what you must all be feeling, it can only be described as an aching void and ever again to be filled here. You have some consolation, however small it may appeal now, and that is that your life and love chiefly contributed to her happiness, never during a whole lifetime have you any one thing to regret.
If she is looking at you now, her only pain will be to see you suffering, which may seem unnecessary where she is well. Know how soon you are all to be together again.
I should have written for dear Mrs Smith’s birthday, but I somehow felt I could not, but had arranged a little present and letter to arrive, not as a birthday gift, Monday evening.
Mother is terribly upset, and so are we all. Fondest love to Grace and Mr Smith. We can only thank God for taking her for so much pain.
I cannot write all I feel, you will understand how deeply we all sympathise and how I feel that I have lost a dearly loved friend and relation.
Do ask the doctor for an opiate and gain a little rest for intolerable agony, the worst any human being could suffer, and I selfishly beg you to try to live for my sake.
In deepest love and sympathy
Your ever devoted friend
Violet
Highden
Sidcup
December 5th 1901
Dear Miss Adeline
Very many thanks for your delightful little book. I have read the daily portion at our breakfast table and can now express my full appreciation of its beauty and truth. I also showed it to Mr Crawford and he has offered to present each member of the band with a copy; that will be nice. So sorry Mother had not the pleasure of seeing it in full completion.
I have been loath to write you for some time, for we seemed in such a sorry plight about the board, but I am glad to say light has appeared and we are now busy preparing for work. Miss Witt has accepted the secretary-ship and will work; we have also gone into the rules etc and are having a new issue. Mrs Crawford gives the first lecture, on bees illustrated with slides. The lads’ supper goes on and I hope to get Mr Greaves to speak.
Glad to tell you that Mrs Kendall continues to improve, though she is still very feeble and will, I am afraid, continue so.
The Wesleyan church here had a most successful mission – Mr Greaves is most energetic and is much liked.
We are all well and enjoying these bright days but dreading the fogs.
With kindest regards
Yours sincerely
James Crombie.
37 High Street
Gateshead
November 18th 1902
My dear Aunt Adeline
I don’t think you are a bit like an aunt; we are on much better terms than ordinary aunts and nephews. The very morning I received your letter I was meditating writing to one of you three at Carshalton, so my conscience was beginning to prick me.
Do you know, without meaning any flattery, your letters are the most interesting I have ever read; they are purely mental productions without any nasty newspaper facts.
I am glad to say we have heard from Paul again, for the first time for six weeks. He has ‘chucked his job’ and is now working as a labourer, for a dollar a day and his keep; though he said that early in November he was going to his own land to work, with a team of horses which he has borrowed. I rather envy him, his work is a pleasure to him, and his pleasures are doubly pleasures. That mode of life I think is more calculated to produce character than any other, because his eye is necessarily ‘single’ and if to produce character is the aim of this life, he is undoubtedly on the right track in following his own bent.
I have lately read ‘The Adventures of Captain Kettle’ as a pastime, perhaps you have seen it; a little man with more vigour and force of character cannot be imagined, and such a man as he is could only be produced by a ‘knock about’ life.
In ‘Still Hours’, Professor Rothe says ‘most people cannot think of piety apart from something peculiar’ and ‘do not realise that real piety is enjoying life by living on the fat of the land as God meant us to.’ Some good folks here, who look upon Paul as a bit wild, will be surprised perhaps, in the Day when Creeds are all past – knowledge and done away together, with the word hay and stubble, of material things, and character, the aim of all, remains.
Little mother is rather knocked up, for the first time in the new house;’ but she has been doing too much public work. On Saturday, she read a paper on the ‘improvement of the Class Meeting’ before a convention of the class leaders of the circuit. I have just started a junior class for lads, it will be a going concern shortly.
My study is simply delightful, better than any Father had; I don’t know whether it is a good thing for me or not but, as far as material comforts go, my ideal is reached. I feel under a great responsibility and if I don’t turn out good sermons, woe is me!
Uncle Richard tells us of the very pleasant stay he has had with you.
With best love to Grandpa and Aunt Grace,
I remain your affectionate nephew,
Parton
Bampfylde
Croydon Road
Beddington
September 15th 1908
My dear Adeline
You are a very sweet darling to write me when you must have so many other letters to attend to, we are all very glad to know that the weather has improved and hope it will behave well, until you return at any rate.
Above all, it is so nice to hear you are feeling better, is this improvement owing to your having settled as to which of the sons it is to be, Eh!
Nell, I am glad to say, is better, much. We were both round at Sunthorpe on Sunday to supper and found them both very jolly.
During the week, I played Grace a game of billiards and she whacked me – what do you think of that, the cheek of the rising generation.
Your father seems very fit and well and I hope he will keep right as the winter draws near so that he will have strength to stand the cold days.
We should very much like to be with you, dear old Scotland, and I shall hope to visit it again shortly, perhaps we may all go New Year.
Hope you will be home for the opening.
Now my dear goodbye you may have a quarter of a kiss if you are good.
My love, as ever
George.
47 Trouville Road
Clapham Park
July 26th 1909
My dearest Adeline
Outside a death, I have never heard of anything more dreadful. I have been crying all the morning. I am writing to Grace, of course, for her I think it is very nice. I like Mr Williams immensely and Australia, especially with the Berrys, and other old friends will be like home, not a detestable place such as America. But for you and Mr Smith, it is too dreadful. The only thing is that what seems the most awful thing possible, when it really takes place, often turns out for the best.
I only hope for the future you will look upon me entirely as a brother and, in any that I possibly can take her place I will. When you can, write and tell me more details, I suppose they will be married at Wallington. How little Grace thought when she used, as a little school girl, to write to him what would eventually come of it.
I wish books comforted you, the ‘Heir of Redclyffe’ would console one more now than anything else. I can’t tell you how truly grieved I am, but we must try to see the bright side and no doubt it is for her happiness.
How kind of you to send that programme to Mr Williams and so very kind of him to come, it just made all the difference having someone there I knew and it was almost like having you to walk away with him afterwards and he was so nice.
Do try, for everyone’s sake, to let the sea air do you good and clear up somehow. I don’t believe anyone ever had such awful sorrows as you have. I am crying the whole time I am writing.
The Daily Mail has taken up the old horse traffic thoroughly and they always carry their things through.
Much love and sympathy
Violet
47 Trouville Road
Clapham Park
July 29th 1909
My dearest Adeline
I am afraid no words of mine can give you any comfort. I have had a perpetual headache since your first letter and my eyes are still aching. It kept Florrie awake one whole night. We are both so awfully grieved for you. I don’t think it will be nearly so bad for Mr Smith as for you.
If Fanny came to stay, and he had George and other friends constantly with him, it will take it him off but it is you. Be out as much as possible in the air. I think that, with air, both tend to raise ones spirits. I am sure Mrs Smith would have liked the match, if not the residence, but all the same what a pity he ever came.
The only thing is that God works in such a wonderful and mysterious way that the most dreadful things often turn out the very best in the end. Had we been comfortable in Jeffreys Road, we would never have had this flat which. is just what we wanted. Certainly you will feel more than ever before that Sunthorpe is merely ‘the inn of a traveller on his way to Jerusalem’. Don’t think about dying, you know how quickly time flies and this time two year we may be expecting her back.
Flossie Green, who was at Florrie’s wedding with her husband, has just lost him. Their married life was quite unlike most persons, she said herself it was a nearly perfect as anything earthly could be. You can imagine then what she is feeling and left very badly off.
Mr Cuthill and Vi are coming to tea today. I shall be visiting again both to you and Grace. Mind you are not silly and have her to yourself now, as he will have her afterwards.
Give Grace my fond love and say I don’t know if she wants me to chaperone her again, but I have fees and they must be paid.
A lion is a grand respectable animal but a kangaroo very contra.
May I have the largest slice of the cake.
Directly I came down from the platform at Caxton Hall, I was seized by reporters and made to give up my speech; directly it is printed I will send you a copy though I daresay you will have no heart for it.
Tell Grace she had better pay me to give her some ju jitsu lessons before she goes to where bushrangers abound or she may be carried off by starlight.
Very much love dearest
Your ever loving friend,
Violet
Do you remember poor Margot when Valerie married Paul?
© VCRT
