1879

Eversley, April 28

I have not since about the middle of December of 1877, kept a daily diary. A great many circumstances rendered it very inconvenient for me to do, the first of which was my taking to this business at Eversley. Then as soon as I got over here, I broke my kneecap and was so ill that I couldn’t collect my thoughts enough to keep a diary.

But during the latter part of the three months that I was confined indoors, I carried on the diary, but as soon as I came back to Eversley, I commenced to work a little in the business again and this used up all my little strength. Then Tom and I commenced making a velocipede and this took up every minute of our spare time, and not having much energy all the year through, the poor diary was dropped.

Now there are several events that have transpired during this long interval which I would like to record but shall not do here, as I wish to get along as quickly as possible so that I may have each day clear for its own events in future. So, I shall reserve a space at the end of this book and then, as I have opportunity and as events present themselves to my recollection, I shall jot them down.

There is one thing that has occupied as much of my time, thought and attention during the whole of this time and has so greatly influenced the most of my action, that I shall commence an account of it and this will bring me to the present and lead me into a daily diary for the future, I hope.

This is…the velocipede.

Almost as soon as I got back to Eversley after the accident to my leg, Tom and I commenced to work out plans of a velocipede to work without a crank. Now we went at this work with all earnestness and determination, having made our minds up to carry the thing through in the best manner possible regardless of expense. The first thing was to lay down in our minds the main features of the machine, which took up all our evenings in talking over and offering one another suggestions. Then came the plan of action and this was to get Timberlake to make the wheels and frame and us to construct the drums and other fittings.

It was just the beginning of April 1878 when I returned to Eversley, and on June 12^th we had the plan of the frame and front wheel executed to our satisfaction, so on that day I took them to Timberlake and Co. to get Mr Timberlake to carry them out for me, but Mr Timberlake, having retired from the business and disposed of it to Messrs Hutchings and Hickling, he introduced me to the latter, who, when I showed him the plans, refused to have anything to do with them and advised me not to incur the expense of making one after our own design, as there were many makes now in the market, and further that all these amateur attempts (and there were hundreds of them) all resulted in failure and disappointment. I left the shop very much cast down and almost feared we should have to abandon the work altogether, for if Timberlake could not undertake the work, I concluded that neither would any other firm. So, after waiting about at Maidenhead for a train, I came home and reported my failure to Tom. We both set ourselves to look out for a smith’s shop where bicycling repairs were done and I also wrote to Timberlake to know the price of several parts of a bicycle forging which we intended working on, but they again refused to serve me, and being unable to find a suitable smith for our work, Tom determined to go to London and try some of the bicycle makers there, so on June 24^th, he started off with the plans and a list of bicycle makers, Wm Keen of Norwood being as one considered the best on the list, he very wisely tried him first.

Keen, without any word to the contrary, at once understood the job. This very much pleased us and took a great weight off our minds. Having got the frame and front wheel off our hands, the next thing was to prepare the hubs ready for Keen to make the two large wheels too. So, getting out a plan of them, Tom, as he had succeeded so well at London, took it to the Reading Iron Works, and here had an interview with the managers of the pattern department, who readily entered into the work and cast us two hubs in gunmetal. These were very much more difficult to turn than we had anticipated and, being our first job in metal on the lathe, caused us a great deal of time. In turning the second hub, when we had more than half finished it, we came across a flaw in the casting which rendered it useless, so we returned it to the iron works and had it recast. As I say, this was our first job of metal turning and as we had never seen it done, nor the kind of tools used, we had great difficulty with them for want of anything like a proper tool. It was not until sometime after this and after cutting a great many feet of straight iron that we got a forge and so were enabled to make our own tools from the bar steel, instead of using broken chisels and fixing them in iron holders and grinding them to what we thought cutting edges. However, we accomplished the job at last and sent them to Keen for him to make the two 50ʺ wheels.

Now came the worst part of the work, and that was to make the expanding drums (to take the place of cranks) and also the friction clamps. This occupied the greater part of our time for three months. It was not until the early part of November that Keen had finished his part of the work, which came to £10.9.0, and soon after this Tom went again to London, this time for the springs and tube for the axle. He was unable to get any good tubing although he had made bold attempts at large wholesale warehouses. The springs he placed in the hands of the Toledo Steel Company. They cost 31/6.

About the beginning of September, I had a bad finger come on. It was the large finger of the right hand. It commenced with feelings like a gathering but without any outward appearance of one. It got worse and worse, and I was forced to give up work entirely, and then after having days and nights of unbearable pain, I went to Wokingham with it and saw Mr Spencer, who gave me an ointment for it. Of course, I stopped at the Post Office (the Wokingham Hospital). Mr Spencer’s ointment, not giving me any relief, Mr Wright opened the finger, which eased it a little for a short time, but before night it came on worse than ever, so on Monday following, after having five days and nights of agonising pain, and not a minute of sleep, I had Mr Barford in, who lanced the finger to the bone three quarters of the way down and I had some blessed sleep. Oh, how nice it was. It was not until after Christmas that I came back to Eversley, and then there was very little that I could do, as my finger was so tender and I had to keep it in wadding and rag, and as the finger didn’t improve or get any better. In fact, it is only for the last two weeks that I have had it uncovered at all, so that it has been bound up and useless for four months, as I say, it not getting better.

Tom went on with the velocipede work and I stuck to the shop. He did the work carefully and well and all things fitted to our complete satisfaction so that about the end of February, he had it ready for putting together, so one Wednesday evening, having got all things ready we fixed it up and Tom tried, or rather attempted to try it, but he could not get along at all and after working it for about about 100 yards, he had to drag it home again. This was about half past 8 Wednesday night, and being exceedingly tired, we went to bed very much disappointed and cast down. We didn’t touch the machine again for a week or so. Finding out the cause of its failure, we set to work and remedied this defect and then we tried it on rather muddy roads and it answered very well, and putting another touch or two to it, we waited for the roads to improve and then tried it again and more again, very much pleased with its going. Tom took it to pieces again to thoroughly finish it off and then to paint it. We got it finished and together again ready for Good Friday, which day turning out very good, I on the velocipede and Tom on the bicycle all went to Wokingham and spent the afternoon there. Mr Wright had a short run on it and was fully convinced of its superiority over the crank machines, although during the making he had been very much against it and had condemned the principle. After this, we had several runs on it and each time were more fully convinced of its being the right principle, and that we made up our minds to patent the machine should it compare favourably with the Coventry Tricycle.

On Tuesday, April 22 I went to Wokingham to borrow Rev Matthews’ Coventry Tricycle. He being out, Mrs Matthews readily let me have it and with a great deal of work, I succeeded in getting it over here. The weather getting very unsettled and having every appearance of wet, I got Tom to try it at once, so he, on the Coventry and I on our own, went for several runs, but though he tried his utmost to put the tricycle along as quickly as possible, I could, on ours, pass and repass him with comparatively no exertion on any part of the journey –uphill, level ground or downhill. This thoroughly settled us to, at once, patent the machine. We immediately took steps to do so and got the address of the patent agent. Tom having business in Reading, I advised him to call upon Mr Soper, the gun maker, to see if he could give him any information respecting patents. Mr Soper advised him to search the Patent Office and then place the matter in the hands of an agent who he could thoroughly recommend. So Tom took off today, April 28, Monday, first to Reading to get further particulars off Mr Soper and then to Wokingham to get Henry to go with him to London and help search the Patent Office.

1879

Tuesday, April 29

Bertha, Frances and Ada Gray, who has been staying with us for the last few weeks, went to Wokingham by the carrier, Ada intending to to go to Wokingham with Emmie from the Post Office, but Emmie, altering her mind, determined to stay a little longer, so Ada came back with Bertha and Frances. Yesterday, John and Lillian Garrett drove over here to tea.

Wednesday, April 30

Tom came back, having been with Henry to the Patent Office, and not having come across any patent to interfere with our design, we immediately set to work to get out plans of the machine we want to patent.

Thursday, May 1

There was a considerable fall of snow early this morning at several places around here. Henry walked over in the afternoon to see about lowering the price of propriety articles to cost price at the shop at Wokingham.

Friday May 2

The greater part of the day was occupied in drawing the plans.

Saturday May 3

Weather fine and very bright. At the plans again.

Sunday May 4

John came over about 11 o’clock on the bicycle and then left again almost directly. Tom and I did a walk to New Mill and thence to the drive leading to Bramshill House. We saw an adder in the firs there, and had we a stick, could easily have killed it. The weather was very bright and pleasant. Tom, Ada Gray and myself went to the chapel in the evening.

Monday May 5

I see by the Daily News, that Waller, a comparatively unknown rider, won the week’s bicycle race at the Agricultural Hall, having covered 1172 miles in the week. Terront, the French champion, came second.

I went to see Mr Bartlett over at Eversley Cross. Sent the weights and measures to Hartley Row. Finished off the plans and Tom took them to Wokingham in the evening ready to go to London next day to the patent solicitor. In the evening, about a quarter to 9, I started off for a run on the velocipede. It was a full moon, nice and bright and no clouds, so bowling along at a comfortable pace to Eversley church, and then altered the power to 7 inches and went comfortably up Brickhouse Hill when shutting it up to 4 inches. I didn’t alter again. I went along as fast as the light would allow to the Hartford Flat and then bowled along at 11 miles the hour. I turned home through Darby Green, Yateley etc. The drum caught several times after Darby Green, and at St Mary’s, I broke the gut.

Tuesday, May 6

Bertha, Frances and Ada Gray went to Wokingham by the carrier. Mrs Bannister brought word that Bertha had missed the carrier coming back and so could not come. Wet and cold again.

Wednesday, May 7

A small shower of snow in the morning. Very cold day. Tom came home having arranged with Messrs Haseltine, Lake and Co for a provisional protection. Sent them a cheque for £8.8.0. Mary Maynard came in in the evening.

Thursday May 8

I walked to the College Station and took the 1.45 train to Wokingham. Called upon Mr Chambers and Mr Clark to see their ovens and ask their opinions as to the advisability of putting in a furnace to our oven. Went to see Geo Woods and Mary. Took the 4.50 train to Reading and bought two plates of iron at Catchpooles for the velocipede. Ordered some goods at Staples. Had tea at the Abbey café and back to Wellington College by the 6.40.

Friday, May 9

Tom commenced working at the plates of iron I brought home yesterday. They were to strengthen and keep in the centre the friction drum.

Saturday, May 10

Tom went on with the velocipede and turned up the second plate. Had a very good day.

Sunday, May 11

Tom and I went to chapel in the morning. Mr Geo Sale preached. It was a raw wet day. In the evening it cleared up a little, so Tom and I took a walk to Arborfield.

Monday, May 12

Tom worked again at the velocipede. Henry, Milly and Norah came over in the pony trap in the afternoon. The draft of the provisional protection came down yesterday, so Henry was just in time to see it. I wrote Messrs Haseltine and Lake a few corrections and returned the draft. Bertha and Frances went to Wokingham in the evening. About 8 o’clock, Philip Sale called in on his bicycle and stayed until 10. Mr Ryder also dropped in just as we had shut up and paid a little over £10.0.0, so he and Philip and young Mr Ryder stayed to supper. Henry Player died this morning after a week’s illness.

Tuesday, May 13

Tom finished the plates and fixed them to the drums and got the machine ready for work by the evening, when we had a few runs on it. Bertha and Frances came home by the carrier.

Wednesday, May 14

Went to Willats on the velocipede in the morning. The rain came in about 12 o’clock and set in wet for the remainder of the day. Commenced repairing Henry’s bicycle.

Thursday, May 15

Drove to Mr Bartlett’s at Eversley in the morning to arrange to commence baking there Monday next. Walked to the College station and took the 1.45 train to Wokingham. It commenced raining just as I started and kept on all day. Went to Reading by the 3.41 GWR to order the oven fitting off Catchpoole. Bought a few scoops of Martin then back to Wokingham on the 4.50 GWR. Had tea at the Post Office. Bought a box of cigarettes and then back to the Wellington College by the 6.52 and so home.

Friday, May 16

In the afternoon, I cleared out the oil house and the village cow shed, and turned the latter place into a place for the peacock and guinea pigs. Tom went for a ride on the velocipede in the evening.

Sunday, May 18

Wet again, but gone over about 11 o’clock, so Tom and I took a walk to the Flats and didn’t get back until 2 o’clock. Went to chapel in the evening.

Monday, May 19

Mr Arnsworth commenced pulling down the oven. Took the fittings up to the Cross. In the afternoon, John and Miss Rainbow came over in the trap. Tom went to Wokingham with the pony and cart in the morning for some butter etc and he took Frances with him. After tea, John went to Yateley church and back on the velocipede. I then started off for Blackwater on it, but the drum slipping so much, I had to turn home when I reached the Fox. The day was very bright and warm.

Tuesday, May 20

Up early and started for Blackwater at 7.10 to order some coal for the oven. Came home through Sandhurst. Bertha and Frances went to Wokingham by the carrier. Went to the Cross on the velocipede. About 3 o’clock, Tom started off on the velocipede for Basingstoke via the Monument, Sherfield and home via Hook and Hartley Row. Henry came over on his 40ʺ bicycle just after Tom had started. After tea, he took a walk to meet him, which he did on the Flat. So, he tried the velocipede and was very pleased with it. Tom having broken the gut at Hartley Row, when Henry brought it home, I mended it and put the machine in order, when he had another run and was more pleased still with its performance, thinking it went like a little train. He left his bicycle here and walked home after supper. Tom worked up all the hills on his way to Basingstoke and back, a feat, I believe, no bicycle could accomplish. The day was very bright and warm, though rather too much wind in the afternoon for riding. I trimmed up the hedge and bank in the afternoon.

Wednesday, May 21

Bright and warm. I went for a run on the velocipede in the afternoon to the Flats and for a short distance towards Cove. John and Philip Sale came over just after tea on their bicycles and then went on to Reading via the Monument. Tom had a run on the velocipede.

Thursday, May 22

Had a run to Arborfield before breakfast. Went with cart round Farley Hill. Mr Watts’ sale came off today. I was just in time to see the horse sold for £45.0.0. Mr W. Woods came over to see me about the velocipede, he having been over to Mr Timberlake and Mr Timberlake wished him to tell me to call upon him.

Friday, May 23

Called to see Mr Thick about his pony, but he was out so walked back again and then round again to see Mr Walsh. Had a cod dinner and then walked to the College and caught the 1.45 train to Reading and the 2.27 GWR to Maidenhead. I called upon Mr Timberlake and had a long conversation with him on the velocipede and bicycle manufacturing. Back to Reading by the 5.6 GWR. Had tea at the Abbey Café. Bought a box of cigarettes and then came home by the 6.40 SER. I had about 14 miles of walking besides railway travelling today. The weather was dull, and cold and windy.

Saturday, May 24

Bright and warm. In the afternoon, Tom started off on the velocipede for a 12 mile run on the Flats. In spite of a very strong wind, he accomplished the 12 miles in 1 hour 3 minutes 30 seconds. The pony being very much of of sorts and her wind being so bad, we have not been able to use her since Tuesday, so today, Mr Barker called me and took her off to try and cure her. We had Mr Halford’s horse for Farley Hill today.

Sunday, May 25

It rained until about 8 o’clock this morning and then gradually brightened off and turned out a very pleasant evening. Tom walked into Wokingham about 11 o’clock and I had a short walk beyond Eversley Church. In the evening I had a run on the velocipede to the Flats and 6 miles on them and then home. It was a very pleasant run and I enjoyed it very much, the machine travelling comfortably at 11 miles the hour. Had a short walk after I came home with Bertha and Mary Maynard.

Monday, May 26

Up at about half past 6, and had a run on the velocipede intending to go to the Flats, but when I got to Cricket Hill, the gut caught and came in two so I tied it up and then came home.

Tuesday, May 27

A regular wet day. Tom came home about 12 o’clock.

Wednesday, May 28

In the afternoon, Mr Evans came over and brought Mrs Sale. They had scarcely arrived when Philip Sale drove in, bringing Henry with him. We had just got the machine ready for Henry to have a run when down came the rain, much to Henry’s annoyance. During the night the rain came down almost like a deluge. It raised the streams across the road and very much over flowed the Valley of the Thames.

Thursday, May 29

Last night’s rain washed the roads into excellent condition, in that by the middle of the day they were in first rate order for velocipeding. Tom had a short run in the afternoon. Lily Rainbow and her cousin Louisa Rainbow came over in the morning and stayed all night. I went for a short run to Eversley Cross and back. When I came home, John and Philip had come over on their bicycles. They had supper before us and then went home about 10 o’clock. We then had our supper and then a very pleasant chat over old times round the fire. I commenced getting out the plans of the new velocipede.

Friday, May 30

Was engaged the principal part of the day at the plans. Went round Wixenford on the velocipede after closing, roads good.

Geo Sale came over on a bicycle in the evening and brought us intelligence of an accident to John, who, whilst coming home last night, was thrown whilst descending the Flat hill, his chin and hand being very badly cut, the fall having stunned him for a short time.

Fine nearly all day. Lily and her cousin went back by the 7.15 train. Paid Marshall for coal and coke.

Saturday, May 31

Very wet morning. Remained bad during the whole of the week. James Knight came over in the afternoon on Mr Woods’ ‘Timberlake’, he having left his place at Winchester, but is going to another business in the same city on Tuesday next. He left here after tea.

1879

Sunday, June 1

Wet, but clearing up a little about 11 o’clock. Tom and I had a very nice dinner of leg mutton and asparagus. Rain came down again very heavy for the rest of the day. Scarcely any of the oak trees were in leaf at all last week, but today I observe they are just beginning to be covered in green.

The weather has been, this year, the worst I remember. It has been wet nearly every day since January 1, not that such a great quantity of rain has fallen, but it has been that miserable damp, drizzly kind of stuff.

Monday, June 2 (Whit Monday)

We did not close here at Eversley. Tremendously wet here all day. John, in spite of the challenging rain, took the train to London to see the cricket match, Worcester v Somerset, but of course the cricketers did not make an appearance on such a day. John came home thoroughly disappointed with the day. I was at work a principal part of the day at the plans.

Tuesday June 3

Wet again but not so much as Monday. Tom went to Willats on the velocipede and got 9/-. Geo Sale came over in Lush’s trap to fetch Bertha, Frances and me. So doing the booking and putting things a bit straight, we went back with him about 8 o’clock.

Wednesday, June 4

A nice bright warm day. Minnie Sale was married at the St Paul’s Church. The speeches after dinner were very short. Henry, John and Briginshaw went to London to Her Majesty’s Opera and came home this morning. I called in to see Mrs Knight, who is now rampant for a velocipede. Also called upon Mrs Rainbow and upon Geo Woods in the afternoon, with whom I had tea. Saw James and set him on fire upon the house question. Bought two boxes of cigarettes. We came home in the pony trap from the shop about 9 o’clock. Tom had Mr Garrett and at the same time someone from Reading to see the velocipede.

Thursday, June 5

I put the roof on over the bakehouse. Geo Sale, Ada, Mr Lang and the Dearloves came over in the afternoon. Shortly afterwards, Henry and Mr Humphreys came over from the College. The day had been brilliantly fine and warm, but Henry had only been over here a few minutes when it came over heavy and began to rain. However, it passed off for a time and then after tea, Henry had a run on the velocipede for about six miles and was very pleased with its performance. He had scarcely got back when down came the rain for the rest of the evening and he had a very wet ride home in the pony and trap.

Friday, June 6

Rained at intervals during the day. Was engaged nearly all day at the plans

Saturday, June 7

Was at the plans nearly all day.

About half past 10 at night, Mr Burfield cut his throat and died about an hour after. The poor old man complained very much about his head when he was in our garden yesterday. Poor old chap.

Sunday, June 8

Wet during the first part of the morning. Tom and I took a short walk in the morning. In the afternoon, Mr Sale and Mr Lusty drove over. Mr Sale is in money difficulty again. Wants me to send him £30 for a day. Went to the Hatch Gate on the velocipede in the evening after Mr Sale was gone.

Monday, June 9

Was all morning at the books. Commenced baking again in the new oven. Henry drove over in the afternoon. He tried the velocipede again, the roads being sticky. However, he found it very comfortable and enjoyed his ride in spite of the gut breaking. About 8 o’clock, I had a ride to the Flat and back.

Tuesday, June 10

At the plans nearly all day. Uncle Alfred Porter and his son drove over to see us in the evening. Showed him the velocipede, which very much pleased him. Tom then went for a ride on it and covered six miles in 30 minutes. Soon after Uncle left, Charlie called in on his way to Reading. He met Tom after leaving home and had a short ride on the velocipede.

Wednesday, June 11

As usual, a very wet day.

Thursday, June 12

At the plans. Had a ride to Stow Hill and back.

Friday, June 13

Finished the plans. Tom and I had a walk round New Mill in the evening.

Saturday, June 14

Directly after dinner, I had a ride on the velocipede to the Monument and Swallowfield and home over Farley Hill. Then Tom went as far as the Hatch Gate and coming back, he discovered that the axle was broken in two at the middle, so had to pull it home for a mile or so. Annie Donaldson came via the carrier.

Sunday, June 15

Wet again. Tom and I drove into Wokingham with Mr Thick’s pony and our bread cart, a very shabby turnout. It held up somewhat fine after 11 o’clock. Had a nice day at Wokingham. Left Tom at the Market Place ready to go to London on Monday with the plans. Had dinner and tea at the Market Place. Called upon Geo Woods and at the Post Office. Started home again about half past 8 and brought Mr Donaldson back with me.

Monday, June 16

Came in to rain about 6 in the morning and came down like a deluge from 9 to 11, and then practically cleared off for a fine day. Mr Donaldson left for the first down SER. Went to Willats and Ostrick in the evening for cash. Ostrick paid £8.5.2, Willats none. Met Mr Vincent and had a talk about patents.

Tuesday, June 17

As Tom was unable to go to London yesterday, he started this morning from Wokingham. Palmer brought over the goods and took back candle boxes etc. Fine day.

Wednesday, June 18

Henry and Tom came over in the afternoon, also Norah. Tom, having returned from London yesterday. He instructed Haseltine and Lake to proceed with the patent, so I sent a cheque to them for £6.0.0. He did not alter the patent in manner, as he thought it best to carry the matter through first.

Thursday, June 19

Tom, having bought a bar from Hills, commenced turning a new axle for the velocipede. Mr Evans brought Mrs Sale over in the afternoon to stay for a few days.

Friday, June 20

The two Miss Higgins and a friend came over in a fly from the Rose in the afternoon and left again after tea. Henry came over about 4 o’clock and left for the last down SER.

Saturday, June 21

Wet and dull.

Sunday June 22

The first part of the day was windy and cloudy but cleared off for a very good day. Tom and I had a walk in the morning. Mr Sale and George came over for tea in Mr Hollis’ trap. I took Frances for a walk round New Mill in the evening. Mary Maynard dropped in after tea.

In last Friday’s paper there was the sad intelligence of the death of the Prince Imperial of France, who was killed in the Zulu war.

Monday, June 23

Went to Reading by the 1.45 SER. Called upon Minnie at 95 London St. Ordered maize and beans at Gibbons. Went to Whitehouse for a pair of treadles but were too dear so I didn’t have them. Tried to get a ledger. Bought some catgut at Catchpoole. Took the 5 o’clock train to Wokingham. Found Henry and Geo Woods had gone to the sale at the ‘Poplars’. Came home by the 6.55 SER. Very tired.

Tuesday, June 24

Bertha was delivered of her first born son at 8 o’clock this morning.

I was very tired all day from yesterday’s walking. Wet.

Wednesday, June 25

A very wet day until 12 o’clock. William Woods came over on his bicycle in the evening.

Thursday, June 26

Wet nearly all day

Friday, June 27

Frances has had a bad cough for the last few days and she has been compelled to keep to her bed today. John came over tea time from Wellington College. He walked home about 8 o’clock.

Saturday, June 28

Busy in the evening.

Sunday, June 29

Tom went to Wokingham in the morning. Mr Sale, Ada and Eva came over in the afternoon. Left directly after tea.

Monday, June 30

Took Frances for a little walk in the evening, as we considered a walk out would do her good.

1879

Tuesday, July 1

Mrs Sale, who has been with us the last two weeks, left by the carrier and took Frances with her. We had heavy rain all last night, which raised the stream, and the barrel being stopped, we had water all over the ground again. I was at work out in the rain and storm all day keeping the water down and clearing the barrel. Just as I had finished, Tom came home.

Wednesday, July 2

Henry and Milly drove over this morning and back about 7 pm. I went to Mount Eagle Farm for straw. I called upon Mr Thick coming back about the pony.

Saturday, July 5

Mr Pigg called in during the morning and offered maize at 26/6. After cleaning the cart and mending the harness, I drove into Wokingham about half past 10 and brought back some goods, arriving home about 1 o’clock. Tom finished the ratchet work of the velocipede, but one side failed when he tried it.

Sunday, July 6

I attempted to put the velocipede to rights and have a ride, but the rain came down for the day at 12 o’clock. Tom went to Wokingham in the morning. Carter, wanting a day out tomorrow, baked the bread this evening.

Monday, July 7

Henry drove Mr Weeks over to New Mills. I put the velocipede in order and then Henry went for a ride on it, but the roads were very indifferent. John went to London to see the match Gentlemen v Players.

Wednesday, July 9

Tom and Davis walked over in the morning. Davis at once set to and commenced doing up the garden. Tom had several runs on the velocipede and in the evening I had a run to the Flats and Hartford Bridge.

Thursday, July 10

In the evening, I had a run to Wokingham on the velocipede and took in an order. Left here at 6.5 and got to Wokingham at 6.45, the roads and weather being very good.

While I was having my hair cut, Henry ran the machine round the town and attracted a good deal of attention. He then went for a run down the London Road, and then Mr Knight pedalled it down Broad Street and back, after which I put it up and down the street, then showed it to Mr Tindale Heelas.

About half past 8, I started for home, John accompanying me as far as Lawes on the bicycle. Had a pleasant ride home.

Had a run to Seymours and a run round Wixenford after tea. Davis went home in the evening after putting the garden in order.

Friday, July 11

Saturday, July 12

Wet.

Sunday July 13

Wet. Mr Donaldson and Minnie came over to dinner and took Annie home with them in the evening. Tom and I went to Finchampstead Chapel in the evening.

Monday, July 14

I went round Farley Hill with the cart to collect a little money. In the afternoon and evening, I was at work at the bench putting the screws to it.

Tuesday, July 15

After doing up the orders, Tom drove the pony into Wokingham for some goods and ironmongery for the fittings in the shop. I commenced the day by taking down the old fittings and getting the place ready for the new. Tom came back about 4 o’clock, about an hour before which Henry drove over and brought the tools from Halfant, so I went in at once with the bench and completed that.

After tea, Henry went out on the velocipede, first to the Flats and along, then to the turning to Minley Manor, and then to the middle of Star Hill, and then home. He was very pleased with the go of the machine. On the Flats, he met a man on a tricycle who said he had done 15 miles in the hour on his machine, which is a lie.

I had a turn around Wixenford in the evening on the velocipede.

Wednesday, July 16

Bread rise to 1/-. At work at the fittings until dinner, after which I went on the velocipede to Hartley Row to see the cricket Wokingham v Hartley Row (W 45, HR 47). Called in at Porters and found several of them at home. Mr Porter was out. Had a comfortable tea and then started for home. Met John just before leaving the Flat and then went for a run with him towards Blackwater, but the weather looking raining, after doing a mile, we turned back to Hartley Row and called upon Porters again. I stopped there a little time, and then John, buying a whistle off Arthur for 3/-, we made for home again. Saw Mr Hounslow coming up Star Hill, so we waited for him and went along the Flats to the turning to Yateley and came out by the church and so home, Mr Hounslow leaving us at the crop.

Thursday, July 17

At work at the shop fittings. Tom went out in the afternoon to do 12 miles on the Flats, but the ratchet work not acting well, he was not able to do more than one and a half mile. Mr Ryder paid his account in the evening. Minnie came this afternoon.

Friday, July 18

At work at the fittings. Mr Barkshire came over on his bicycle yesterday evening and left early this morning.

Saturday, July 19

Did a little to the fittings. Tom did the booking in the evening. Tom Gardener called in in the evening to see the velocipede. Very busy in the evening.

Sunday July 20

Wet and windy all day. Tom went to Wokingham in the morning. Mr Barkshire came over by train this morning.

Monday, July 21

Wet. Did a little to the fittings. John went to the Isle of Wight at Henry Rainbow’s invitation. Tom came back in the afternoon.

Tuesday, July 22

Minnie went to Wokingham and back by the carrier. I commenced the counters.

Wednesday, July 23

Fine. Miss Frimbley and Ada came over in the afternoon, almost directly after which Henry drove over and then Mr Barkshire on the bicycle. After tea Henry went to Hartley Row and round about there on the velocipede. He called in at Uncle’s. After we had closed, I went round Wixenford on the velocipede. Mr Barkshire stayed with us all night.

Thursday, July 24

Minnie went home by train and Mr Barkshire by bicycle. I up at 6 o’clock and off at 6.20 to the Monument then back to Mattingley, Hook and Hartley Row and so home on the velocipede without one dismount for hills. The road is in poor condition all the way. Tom went to Wokingham on it in the afternoon and back in the evening. I went round Wixenford on it in the evening.

Friday, July 25

Up at 6 o’clock and off at 6.15 to Wellington College, Broadmoor, Easthampstead and Wokingham via Shoulder of Mutton. Had breakfast at Mr P. Sale’s and home again a little after 9 o’clock. A very pleasant morning.

Saturday, July 26

Busy in the morning. Tom went to Wokingham in the afternoon to help in John’s absence. I had a slackish evening.

Sunday, July 27

A nice fine morning and so up at half past 7 and got ready for a journey on the velocipede. Walking around the garden, I observed the print of some horse’s hoofs, so looking in the stable, I found Camel absent and found him out on the road, so drove him in. Leaving Bertha, the baby, Mrs Yarnley and the servant at home, I left here for Wokingham at 9 o’clock. Calling in at the shop and the office, I left again after staying about an hour, and had a pleasant run over the old ground to Burchett’s Green, via Hurst, Stanlake, Ruscombe, Kiln Green, Hare Hatch and Knowl Hill. Found the old gentleman at home and had a good talk and then Aunt and Alice and two of Annie’s children came home from Chapel. After dinner, we had a stroll round the garden and then I went off to Marlow and had a pleasant afternoon’s run back again to Burchett’s Green to tea. I, unfortunately, did not see Walter Micklem, who had just arrived from America, he having gone to Bewdely with Frank for a day or so. Annie is also staying at Burchett’s Green but was at Littlewick for the day, so I didn’t see her. I left B.G. at 6 o’clock and came to Wokingham the way I went. Called in to see Mary and at the office and shop again and then home to Eversley as fresh as when I started.

I didn’t get out of the velocipede to push it on any part of the road all day. The roads were in beautiful condition and the machine went magnificently. There was quite a wind coming home dead ahead of me, but it didn’t trouble me at all. Between Marlow and Burchett’s Green coming back, I gave some little girls a ride.

Monday, July 28

Tom came back from Wokingham. Went to Mount Eagle Farm on the velocipede and paid for straw £3.0.0.

Tuesday, July 29

In the morning, went on the velocipede to Clacy’s, the Bramshill Hunt, to try and buy some hay, but he wanted too much – £5.0.0. Pulled down the old counters and partly fixed the new up. Tom went to the children’s treat at Lady Glass’ in the evening. I had a mile or two on the velocipede.

Wednesday, July 30

Up about 6 o’clock and off to Wokingham, getting there a little before 7. There was no one up at the shop, so went down to see Geo Woods. Had breakfast at the office and home again about 9 o’clock. Worked at the counters. Henry came over in the evening and had a run on the velocipede.

Thursday, July 31

Mr Evans drove over in the afternoon, had tea and then took Bertha and the baby back to Wokingham with him.

1879

Friday, August 1

Planed the counters down.

Saturday, August 2

Left Eversley on the velocipede. Called at Seymour’s and paid a bill, then to his farm and bought half ton of hay £2.0.0, then off to Pigg at Sandhurst and bought 13 qts maize @ 26/6 and 12t beans @ 45/6. Leaving Pigg’s I went on to Crowthorne, Easthampstead and Wokingham. Had dinner at the shop. Bought a ledger at Gotelees. Henry went round Matthews Green on the velocipede while I was out. Leaving Wokingham at 3 o’clock, I came home via Barkham and Arborfield. I worked the velocipede every inch of the way even up Barkham Hill.

Had a conversation at Arborfield with Mr Vincent. He informs me that Mr Whitehouse of Reading is under the impression that I called at his works simply to spy on his velocipede construction.

The morning and afternoon was beautifully fine, but towards 4 o’clock the wind and clouds gathered up and in the evening it lightninged with occasional showers. About 10 o’clock, it settled down to one of the most brilliant lightning storms I have seen. From 11 o’clock until 2 o’clock Sunday, it was an incessant scene of flashes on the average at least 30 per minute. The thunder, which was very high, was one continual roll like a strong wind blowing. A terrific hail storm came down about 2 o’clock Sunday morning and lasted five minutes. It broke eight of our windows. There must have been a deluge of rain, for although it lasted for only a minute, it in many places entirely washed the road out into heaps of gravel, Down Street, by the gas works at Wokingham especially suffering. Mrs Rainbow’s drawing room was flooded out. We did not have it in our outhouses as in previous floods in consequence of the improvements we have made in the yard. Yes, this was the greatest lightning display by far that I have ever witnessed.

Sunday, August 3

Started off to Wokingham on the velocipede at half past 9, leaving Tom at home. He would have come on foot only it looked like rain. At Finchampstead, one of the ratchet works got out of order and hindered me a considerable time so I did not get to Chapel before 11. Had dinner at the Post Office. John on the bicycle and I on the velocipede went round Binfield, New Church in the afternoon. The weather was bright and warm and we enjoyed the ride. Left for home about 7 o’clock. Called upon Mr Knight, who was rather tired from being up and attending to his drains during the early part of the morning.

Monday, August 4

Up a little earlier than usual and made out the tickets for the journeys. After breakfast, I went to the Post Office at Hartley Row on the velocipede and registered the birth of Edwin Ethelbert.

Had a shower of rain going, but it passed over and turned out a glorious day. So when I came back about 11 o’clock, I put the shop straight and then closed for the day at 12 o’clock and started off for Wokingham, Tom having left half an hour before on foot. The bread journeys were carried on as usual. I overtook Tom at Whilattes Cottage, when he took to the machine and, Brant wagonette coming by, I had a ride as far as the White House and walked the rest. Had dinner at the shop. Went round to see my friend and then off to the cricket field to see the match Wokingham v Fitzroy C.C. (Fitzroy 46, Wokingham 43). Tom, while I was at the cricket field, had a run on the velocipede. Tom and I had a pleasant hour and tea at Mary’s. Just as Henry was going out on the velocipede after tea, Mr Woods sent over to tell us Mr Timberlake was over at his house and wanted to see the velocipede. So he and Mr Woods came across and we went for a ride to Buckhurst, where he tried the velocipede up the hill. He was very pleased with the machine and strongly advised making them ourselves. When I came back, which was half past 7, Henry went for a ride round Binfield and Bill Hill, getting back at half past 8. Being rather dark, I borrowed Philip Sale’s lamp and John’s whistle and left for home at a quarter to 9. Had a splendid ride home by moonlight after thoroughly enjoying the whole of the day.

Tuesday August 5

Tom came back in the afternoon.

Wednesday August 6

Mr Slaughter called in again to see if the velocipede was out yet. Henry came over to tea and then went out on the velocipede. Someone from Camberley, on a Coventry Tricycle, called in to see the velocipede, he waiting for a few moments. Henry returned and he had a ride up the hill on ours. Henry left here almost half past 9, after which I had a ride round Wixenford and to the Crop and back.

Thursday, August 7

Bought 40 pk flour @35/- off Lawes. After tea I went to Wokingham on the velocipede, arriving there at 7.15. The rain, which had been threatening, came down as soon as I got there and continued all evening. Left Wokingham about half past 8. Called in at Hill’s to show him the machine. I should have been wet through, only I borrowed Henry’s waterproof and that kept my body dry.

Friday, August 8

In the afternoon, John went to the Monument on the velocipede, and in the evening, I got nearly there when the gut broke and I had to turn for home. It was a pleasant evening.

Saturday, August 9

Tom went to Sandhurst in the afternoon to purchase 3 qt beans off Mr Pigg on the velocipede. After tea, I went round Wixenford and then to Wheelers with some suet.

Sunday, August 10

Being a nice bright morning, I got up and had breakfast by 8 o’clock and then started off on the velocipede for the Monument, Swallowfield and Wokingham, but when I got to Hookers, I had to return to fix the handle firmer. Then, starting off again I got a little way beyond the Beech and Fir when the ratchet work in the right drum got out of order. I attempted to set it right again, but failed to, so had to come home and do the job. I then started off for Wokingham and went through Arborfield and Sindlesham and by the Pheasant and into Wokingham by 10.15. Had a clean up and off to Chapel. Mr Murphy preached on behalf of the Irish Mission, a good sermon. Had a run round Bewbury, Matthews Green and Emmbrook in the afternoon. Started for home, John coming with me, about 6.45. I had a bad headache all the way home.

Monday, August 11

Tom went to Reading, ready to go to Haseltine and Lake tomorrow with the plans and give further instructions for the specification. John and Philip called in just after. Geo Sale came over in the afternoon and stayed.

Tuesday, August 12

The Great Seal came down from Haseltine and Lake.

I attempted to go to Wokingham on the velocipede in the afternoon but the ratchet gave way at St John’s Gate and I had to come back. After trying to put it right, I went off again and gave up the idea of going to Wokingham. In the evening, after a good deal of trouble, I got the ratchet to work again.

Received the Letters Patent this morning.

Wednesday, August 13

Had a thunderstorm about 1 o’clock. Mr Patrick, being frightened, came in here. Went round Wixenford after tea on the velocipede. Geo Sale brought Wooderson’s bicycle for me for 8/-.

Thursday, August 14

Up at 7 o’clock. Off for a run round the Crop and Finchampstead. Geo Sale left here about 10 o’clock for home. Tom came back to dinner not having carried the specifications through. Geo Woods and his father walked here from the College Station and got here about 12 o’clock. Had luncheon, and then Mr Woods Snr had a short run on the velocipede, much to his delight. In the afternoon, I went to Wokingham on the velocipede. Had a try on Mr Knight’s old wretch but couldn’t do anything on it except nearly fall off. Had tea at the office. Bertha, E.E. and Frances were looking very well indeed. Waited until Henry came home from Warfield, and then at half past 7, John and I made our way to Eversley via the Crop. I called in at Walden’s and bought a universal watch key for 1/6. John stayed with us all night.

Friday, August 15

John left here at 9 o’clock. Tom had a run before dinner on the velocipede to the Flats and did the 12 miles in 1 hour 25 seconds. After dinner, I went on the velocipede to the Flats, thence to Fleet pond and nearly a mile beyond towards Crondall. Turned back again to Fleet pond and thence to Farnborough, Hawley, Yateley and home to tea. The roads were good all the way round and I found it a very pretty run.

Saturday, August 16

Tom turned a mandrel for Halfacre. Wet.

Sunday, August 17

Finchampstead Sunday School anniversary. Mr P. Sale in the morning and Mr Cracknell in the evening. It rained incessantly from 5 o’clock in the morning until nearly 6 pm, so that Tom and I were confined to the house nearly all day.

Monday, August 18

Tom commenced again to put the organ together. In the evening, I left here at 7 o’clock on the velocipede and called in at Mr Pigg for a receipt, thence to Wellington College Station via Sandhurst Church, and then up the ridges and down to Eversley Bridge, where I came across David Young and gave him a ride to Gill’s workshop, much to his delight. The roads were in splendid order and the machine went as fast and easy as Nathaniel Brown’s money.

Tuesday, August 19

Up a little before 7 o’clock. Had a cup of coffee and then off to Wokingham on the velocipede, getting to the shop a little before breakfast time. I went over to the Post Office, but Bertha not being down, I went back to the shop and then had breakfast. Soon after I got to Wokingham, it commenced raining, which kept me there until dinner, which we had at half past 11. Then Henry, wishing to see how the machine went in muddy roads, rode the velocipede back to Eversley while I drove over in the pony trap. As soon as we got here, the rain came down again for the rest of the day and night.

Tom finished the organ, and about half past 10, we found out, instead of a selection of beautiful sacred tunes, nine nasty French jigs and God Save the Queen, very much to our disgust.

Wednesday, August 20

Like nearly all the rest of the days this year, wet from 12 am to 11 pm. I went on with the doors for the glass case in the shop.

Thursday, August 21

Mr Evans drove Mrs Sale, Bertha, Frances and the baby over here after tea. He stopped a short time and then drove back, taking Mrs Sale with him. Tom went out on the velocipede in the afternoon. While he was out, Mr Dunn called in to see the machine but was unable to see it, not having time to await Tom’s return. I took it round Wixenford in the evening.

Friday, August 22

I finished the doors for the glass case in the shop. Commenced repairing the ratchet work on the velocipede.

Saturday, August 23

Very wet. Finished the ratchet.

Sunday, August 24

Warm and bright. Tom left for Wokingham about half past 10 this morning. I took a walk round Wixenford and then Frances and I went to New Mill and home across the field. After tea, Mary Maynard came in and I took a run on the velocipede, leaving here at 6 o’clock and passing by Eversley Green, Yateley Common, Blackwater and Camberley. I came to the Jolly Farmer at Bagshot and then turned around for home, leaving the mile stone just this side of the Jolly Farmer at 7 o’clock. I reached home at 7.53 after having a very pleasant evening’s run. Although we have had a week’s rain, only leaving off late Saturday night, the roads this evening were in very good condition, in some places perfection.

16 miles

Monday August 25

After finishing the booking and the orders, I repaired the velocipede and started off for Wokingham at 4 o’clock, leaving Bertha to mind the shop. I arranged with John and Philip Sale to go to Portsmouth on Wednesday by road. Went down to Mr Hill’s with Tom and showed him the velocipede and then had a look round the building to see if it was suitable for the velocipede works. Came home about half past 7.

Tuesday, August 26

Wet. Repaired the velocipede treadles in the afternoon. Lord Kennedy called in the morning to see the machine.

Wednesday August 27

No go to Portsmouth. It has rained all day without a single stoppage. Wind rough. Sent Wooderson with Camel to Wokingham for some goods. Took the shelves in the shop down. Tom came home in the evening.

Thursday August 28

Tom went to Wokingham in the evening. Mary Maynard came to stay with us. Wet.

Friday August 29

Fine. Went to Wokingham in the afternoon to get some goods for Lady Glass. Was caught in a shower coming home. Tom went to Maidenhead to see Timberlake.

Saturday August 30

Fine. Got along very comfortably. Mary Maynard and Frances went to Reading and back by Young.

Sunday August 31

Fine and bright. Left Eversley for Wokingham on the velocipede about half past 8. Henry and Milly went to Twyford at half past 10, John accompanying them on the bicycle. I went to Chapel and heard Mr Longhurst. John came back from Twyford just after we came out of Chapel. Had dinner at the shop. Tom, being over at Burchett’s Green, I did not see him. Came home directly after dinner. Went for two short runs in the evening.

1879

Monday, September 1

Waking up at 4 o’clock, I was unable to get any more sound sleep through thinking about the day’s journey before me. So, turning out at quarter to 6, I was greeted with a lovely bright and calm morning, by far the best we have had the whole of this year and one pre-eminently suited for cycling. Getting breakfast ready, cleaning my boots and oiling the velocipede occupied my time until 20 minutes to 7, when John, with Philip Sale, came shouting down the road and awoke the neighbourhood with their yelling. After partaking of a good, substantial breakfast, Philip, John and myself left here at 33 minutes past 7, John and Philip on their bicycles and I on the velocipede. We sailed away in high spirits over magnificent roads with a splendid cloudless sky above us, the sun shining clearer and brighter this first day of autumn than it had done any day of the past summer.

Rushing down Star Hill and dashing through Hartley Row at 8.5, we very much admired the several greens which skirted the road. Passing over the railway bridge at Winchfield, we came upon some terribly bad road strewed over with nothing but boulders of stone. This caused us to walk our machines for quarter mile. Stopping at the canal bridge at Odiham at 8.38, we did not leave until 9 o’clock in consequence of the gut of my machine breaking and having to mend it, which I did successfully. Leaving Odiham, John and Philip walked up the hill by the chalk pits and part of the way down the other side, through some cows blocking the way about half way down. South Warnborough we found looking very pretty. From here to the Golden Pot, a distance of two miles, is all uphill, so about half way, we had a rest for a quarter of an hour. Then Philip read some of Bret Harte’s comic piece to us. Before we reached the top of the hill, both Philip and John had to walk their machines a considerable way. Having now fairly reached the Golden Pot, we had a splendid downhill ride of two miles into Alton at 10.25 (17 miles from Eversley). Putting our bicycles up at a hotel, we walked up the town towards London and had our lunch at an inn. We only bought drink, as the sandwiches I brought were sufficient for all. At Alton, I saw a gentleman with a Dublin Tricycle.

Leaving Alton at 11.23 and passing through Chawton, we came to East Tisted at 12.8 (22 miles), where we had a drink and wash up at the pump. From here until the summit of Filmore Hill is reached is all uphill, though quite rideable all the way. It was along here where Philip began to disrobe himself, much to our amusement. Having reached the top of the hill, we rushed down the other side, doing a mile in a few seconds over the three minutes. Now came another ascent, which caused the bicyclists to walk it, and then a splendid run down into West Meon, where we had a refreshment consisting of pastry and ginger beer. Leaving at half past 1, we had a pleasant run through Exton to Corehampton (32 miles), where we rested on the bridge and had a drink of the clear stream. Leaving Corehampton, we mistook our road and wandered into some by lanes, where I had some terrific hills to climb. However, Tom found our mistake and got back on to the main road again and passed through Droxford and over some splendid road to Wickham at 3 o’clock. Directly after Wickham is a long and steep ascent, and then a very good run to Fareham. (43 miles)

After waiting for Philip to have a bottle of ginger beer, we went on again until we came to the Fountain, where we washed our hands and then went straight off to Gosport, which we reached at 4.40, having had a most pleasant and enjoyable ride all the way down. Crossing on the ferry to Portsmouth, Philip went on to Mr Perry’s at Southsea while Tom and I went straight for tea, which we had a Porters just opposite Victoria Pier entrance. Tom and I left our machines at the Crown Hotel at Gosport. Having refreshed ourselves with some good tea and cold lamb with mint sauce, we took the boat to Ryde and had a very pretty ride across just as the sun was setting and the moon rising. After looking at some lodgings at Ryde and a walk in the town, we went on the pier and heard the band. It was a very pleasant evening – like the day, cloudless and bright. Leaving the pier, and having a glass of stout, we curled ourselves up in bed and had a good night.

50 miles

Tuesday, September 2

I turned out at 7 o’clock and tried to get John out, but he couldn’t quite see it, so I got back in bed again until half past 7, when I again turned out and this time succeeded in dislodging John. This morning was again nice and bright and warm. So, ordering breakfast off Mrs James our landlady, we took a stroll to the pier while she was preparing it. After breakfast, which consisted of rashers and eggs and tea, we took a walk round and then on to the pier and from there to the boat for Portsmouth about 11.30. Taking the floating bridge to Gosport, we made for the Crown Hotel and unearthed our machines and made off for the station and took tickets for Basingstoke, fare 3/4 and 2/- for machines each. We placed them in the guard’s van and rode with them to Fareham, where we changed trains. Placing them in the guard’s van of the London train, we again rode with them. At Bishopstoke, we waited about 20 minutes and then off to Winchester and Basingstoke. While in the train, a washer off one of the ratchet works came off, so stopping at Basingstoke to put it in order, I had Mr Corkey of the firm Soper and Corkey inspect the machine. After explaining the action and the way we made it, he gave me a card and wished me to let him know when they would be on the market. Driving by his works, I showed it to the foreman and also to his partner. After partaking of some small refreshment in the town, we left about a quarter to 4 and had a splendid run all the way home with a slight wind on our backs, getting home a little after 5 o’clock. We had tea and then John left for Wokingham.

The weather all day Monday was cheerful, bright and cloudless with no wind at all, not even a breeze. It was by far the best day for cycling we have had all of the year. Today, Tuesday, began clear, bright and calm, but in the afternoon, a slight wind sprang up and the clouds gathered up later on, though during the time we were out, it was all that we could desire. The roads (excepting that piece about half a mile in length between Winchfield and Odiham) were in magnificent order every mile of the way. I do not ever remember having the roads so good all through a journey as they were yesterday and today. I did not get out of the velocipede to pull it (excepting for the large stones before Odiham) on any part of the journey, neither up or down hill. I rode every inch of the ground without any straining. When on the wrong road near Wickham, I had some very nasty steep hills to ascend, some which neither Philip or John could ride down on the bicycles. The whole of my experiences were under 18/-.

14 miles

Wednesday, September 3

Directly after dinner, Tom went to Wokingham on the velocipede via Sindlesham, leaving a cheque and an order at Lawes. He called upon Weeks and Watts and asked the price of Allaways Workshop, so they offered it for £300. Tom came back in the evening.

Thursday, September 4

I left here about half past 10 for Wokingham on the velocipede to see if I could make arrangements to buy some coal at Weeks and Watts’ auction of coal in the evening. Henry did not buy any, as they fetched a high price for us. Taking the 12.20 train to Reading, I bought a helmet hat for 5/6 and a pair of gutta percha boots for 11/6, and then came home by the 1.50 GWR to Wokingham, and then to Eversley on the velocipede and finished up with a good dinner. After tea, Tom went on the machine to Wokingham and stayed the night.

12 miles

Friday, September 5

Tom saw Mr Watts about Allaway’s workshop and made an offer of £250, and then went up to £260, so Mr Watts will write to the owner about it. Tom came back in the evening.

Saturday, September 6

Up at 7 o’clock and went round Wixenford three times and then came home and opened the shop. In the afternoon, I took a run to the Flat and back, so that I have been over 100 miles on the velocipede this week and have not, during any part of the way, got out of the machine to pull it either up or down hill or on level ground, excepting a few yards over stones near Winchfield. Mary Maynard left here for Bristol.

14 miles

Sunday, September 7

Went to Finchampstead Chapel with Tom. Weather dull. Mr Geo Sale came to dinner and tea. In the evening, I took Frances for a walk around Wixenford.

Monday September 8

After booking, I went on with the shop case. Tom went to Wokingham in the evening on the velocipede.

Waller won the long distance race on Saturday, doing 1404 miles in the six days.

Tuesday, September 9

Hung the shop door the opposite way to that it had been.

Wednesday, September 10

Sent Wooderson, with Camel, to Wokingham for some goods. Took the shelves over the bacon counter down.

Thursday, September 11

Put up the new bacon counter.

Saturday, September 13

Very wet in the after part of the day.

Tom came home from Wokingham in the morning having purchased Allaway’s building at Weeks and Watts for £270.

Sunday, September 14

Beautiful fine day. Tom and I took a walk to the Flats. Found the roads had dried up wonderfully and were in excellent condition. After resting in the Firs for a while, we wended our way home again in the afternoon. Tom went to Finchampstead Chapel in the evening, while I took a very pleasant run on the velocipede to Yateley, Blackwater and through the College ground and Sandhurst to home. I very much enjoyed the run, Yateley Green looking so calm and peaceful and the scenery all along was quite enchanting. The College lake with the swans sailing majestically over its still surface presented a soothing aspect.

14 miles

Monday, September 15

Tom went back to Wokingham by the 11 o’clock train from the College. After a good morning’s work in the shop, I determined to have a ride, so a little before 3 o’clock, I left here on the velocipede, the weather being calm and very autumn like, just the kind of afternoon I used so much to like for a bicycle ride. Passing by Eversley Cross and on to Yateley and over the Common through Darby Green and on to Hawley, on to the Farnham Road and round to the left over the two railways into Frimley. From Frimley, over a new (to me) piece of road in such good condition and very smooth. At the Golden Farmer, I turned back down the Basingstoke Road through Camberley and York Town, thence on to the R.M. College grounds, which I perambulated for a time, and then came home through Sandhurst, calling in at Mr Pigg for a sample of oats. Arrived home at 6 o’clock and then had a good tea. Did the booking and got ready for tomorrow. Ellis called in and paid Bentwick’s book in the evening. Henry and Milly went off to the Isle of Wight by the 10 o’clock train.

22 miles

Tuesday, September 16

Bertha, Frances and the baby went by the carrier to Wokingham a little before dinner just as I was commencing the shop fittings again. Tom came over on John’s bicycle to have a talk over the new Works. He has seen Mr Timberlake, who came to Wokingham yesterday as expected. He, Tom, left here again at 3 o’clock, directly after which the carrier arrived with Bertha, Frances, the baby and Mary Maynard. So, having a cup of tea with them, I mounted the velocipede at quarter to 4. I rode it into Wokingham against a head breeze in 36 minutes. Having another tea at the shop, Tom and I went down to Allaway’s works and had a look around, when C. Walden came in and Tom gave him instructions respecting fitting up one of the work rooms. Then, leaving just as it was getting dusk, I came home in 35 minutes. I should have done it in less time had it been lighter.

12 miles

Wednesday, September 17

I was unable to do much to the shop fitting, only put up a shelf over the doorway. Went to Ilbury to buy some hay, but could not get any.

Thursday, September 18

Took a ride before opening around Wixenford. Left here at 12 o’clock on the velocipede and drove over to Mr Grove at Ambarrow Hill Farm to buy some hay, but he had none good enough for me. Getting home again about half past 1, I found Tom here, he having driven over with the pony about half an hour before. Directly after dinner, I went to Sandhurst on the velocipede and tried several places for hay. Called on Mr Pigg and ordered 5 qt oats @26/-. It was excellent weather for running, but I failed to enjoy it much as I was worried about the hay. Yesterday, Tom went to Maidenhead, and he and Timberlake arranged with a man for the new work, so Tom intends going to London with him tomorrow. Mary Maynard left for Camberley. Ada Sale came to stay.

19 miles

Friday, September 19

Up and had breakfast by 8 o’clock and then off on the velocipede to Sandhurst and bought a ton of hay off Mr Pigg for £4.15.0., to come in tomorrow. The morning was very misty and the roads very good to Yateley, but from there they were very wet from the heavy rain they had in the night, but did not reach here. After getting the shop in order, I took a run on the velocipede, as the weather and roads were so inviting. Leaving here in the beautiful calm afternoon, I wended my course to the Monument and back, taking it easy and enjoying the view. Got back a little before teatime and found Mrs Bentley and her little niece and Mrs Vincent and her daughter here, so we had a comfortable tea and then the little girls had a swing, after which my company left.

Saturday, September 20

The hay and oats from Mr Pigg arrived. Got the journey orders up in excellent time, after which I got several parcels weighed up for the evening and the shop in order. The weather and roads again being so good, I got Bertha to mind the shop while I took a ride in the afternoon. So, leaving here at quarter to 3 on the velocipede, I took a gentle and enjoyable ride to the Flats, then to Blackwater and home through Darby Green and Yateley. It was particularly pleasant along the Flats this afternoon, the valley between them and Broadmoor looking so calm and peaceful in the sunshine. Instead of coming direct home, I took a ride round Wixenford to make up 100 miles this week.

Sunday, September 21

As Ada was over here to keep Bertha company, I took the opportunity of going to Wokingham. So, leaving here on the velocipede at half past 9, I got there via Nine Mile ride in ample time for Chapel. It was the 106^th anniversary of the Baptist Church and Mr Bourne of London preached a very good sermon from ‘They that cometh to God must believe that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him‘. A collection after the service, in which I put my last and only shilling. Had dinner at the shop. Called upon Geo Woods and had tea at the Post Office. Came home via Sindlesham and Arborfield. Tom and his man bought a lathe and some tools in London. Mr Sale and George were at Boulogne. Went by the excursion, Saturday, and coming home tomorrow.

13 miles

Monday, September 22

Fine. Did a little shop fitting. Went to the Greyhound for yeast.

3 miles

Tuesday, September 23

Wet all day. Henry drove Tom over in the afternoon. Tom, wanting the lathe, took it to pieces and took part back in the trap. Had the first part of Mr Garrett’s truck of coal in. Bought two tons of coal off Mr Marshall @ 20/-, Mr Garrett’s being 19/6.

Wednesday, September 24

Carter went to Wokingham. Sent the lathe to Tom by Mr Garrett’s cart, after their unloading coal here. Went to Thick’s on the velocipede.

3 miles

Thursday, September 25

Having got the few orders done the night before, I went off on the velocipede to Arborfield. Called in at Mr Vincent and then on to Sindlesham Mill and from there to Wokingham. Had dinner at the shop off a chicken. Came home in the afternoon. When I got home, about 4 o’clock, I found Palmer had not arrived, although I had seen him start from Wokingham at half past 11. About half past 4, Barker drove in with some of the goods, having come across old Palmer. On his journey home from Farley Hill, the poor old man’s cart broke down in the Nine Mile Ride and he had to borrow Mr Townsend’s cart and get someone to help him shift the goods. Then about half a mile from here, he got into the ditch and we had to send our horse and cart and help him out. However, the goods came to home alright and not damaged.

Friday, September 26

Up a little before 8 and had breakfast and then off to Mr Pigg’s to buy hay. Mr Pigg not being at home, I left the hay and only settled my account. I had to go through the water for a considerable way where it was out over the road leading to the Railway Tavern.

8 miles

Saturday, September 27

Business totally good. Had three men over to see the machine in the evening.

Sunday, September 28

Intended going for a run to Guildford, but the weather was too dull and the wind too high. I took a ride before dinner to the Wellington Arms at Stratfield and back. In the afternoon, I left here in dull and very windy weather for Well Coll, Broadmoor, Easthampstead Church, Shoulder of Mutton to Wokingham. Had tea at the shop. Saw Tom, who told me his man came Friday and Saturday. Called in at the office and then came home, leaving Wokingham just as it was getting dark at half past 6, and got home just in time to avoid the rain. I enjoyed both of my runs today very much and did not find any inconvenience from the high wind, which was blowing from the south.

29 miles

Monday, September 29

After doing the weekly list and the journey orders, had dinner and then went to Mr Pigg on the velocipede via Finchampstead and Wellington College. Bought off Mr Pigg, 6 ton hay @ £5.5.0, & 7 qts oats @26/-, 12 t dry peas. Mr Pigg having tea early, I sat down with him. Came home via Yateley. Called in at Thick’s for 1 lb size. Got home in time for another tea. After taking down the booking, I made the wash for the ceiling and then packed the shop away and washed the ceiling and the walls, which took me to 12 o’clock.

9 miles

Tuesday, September 30

Up at 7 o’clock and whitened the shop, then after cleaning up and putting the thing a bit straight, I put up the journey orders. Bertha, Ada, Frances and the baby went to Wokingham and back by the carrier. Booking in the evening.

1879

Wednesday, October 1.

Put the handles on the mahogany drawers and papered the fittings.

Thursday, October 2

Placed the divisions in the drawers and the goods in them. Paid Mr Lawes.Was going to order flour, but being up a shilling, I left it to see if he would take 38/- instead of 39/-. John came over about 4 o’clock on the bicycle. Had tea at half past 4, then John and I left here for Wokingham. Had another tea at the shop. I left the velocipede with Tom down at the Works for his foreman to see. Arranged with Henry to send John to Sindlesham Mill tomorrow to see if Lawes will take 38/-, if not for Henry to go to Cisdell & Townds to see if they will take 39/- per sack for flour. Barker and Wooderson drove over to Batty’s circus. I went also and enjoyed it. Had supper at the shop and then came home by moonlight.

12 miles

Friday October 3

Busy as usual with orders and customers.

Saturday October 4

Sent a note to John to be in readiness for a run tomorrow. So, in the afternoon, I cleaned the velocipede and put the two new stays to the treadle joint.

Sunday October 5

A nice sunshining morning with no wind, so I got up and had breakfast and then off to Wokingham, which I reached about 10 o’clock. Arranged with Henry and John for a run round Marlow and Henley after dinner, which we arranged to have at half past 12. Went to Chapel and while we were there the weather came over very dull. However, by the time we had our dinner and were ready to start, which was at quarter to 2, the weather had settled down into an autumn mist with no wind. We rode over to Burchett’s Green in an hour and a half. The strap of gut of my velocipede breaking hindered us a considerable time. We found Mr and Mrs Micklem and Molly and her children at Burchett’s Green. Had tea, and then John and I left for Marlow, Henry preferring to go direct home.

John and I had a magnificent and lovely sail into Marlow in 20 minutes over splendid roads. Did not stop at Marlow but kept straight on to Henley. I worked the velocipede up the hill out of Marlow, in fact I did not push the machine any part of the journey. Marlow we left at 5.10 and reached Henley at 6.10. We both thoroughly enjoyed the hour ride and chatted about past journeys over the same road. The congregation was just going into church as we came into Henley and we had a view down the interior. Stopping on the bridge, which looked very pretty with all the gas lamps reflecting in the river below. I lighted up my lamps, and after a ten minute stay made our way towards Wargrave in the dark through Twyford and so home at quarter to 8. Had supper at the shop and then at 10 to 9, when the moon got up, I got up and left for home, which I reached safely but very sleepy.

45 miles

Monday October 6

Papered the case in the shop. Henry came over, having been to see Mr Ellis about hogs about 12 o’clock. After tea, I went to Mount Eagle Farm and bought two loads of straw. Had a splendid ride to Wokingham and back by moonlight.

Tuesday October 7

Went to Wokingham in the afternoon with an order.

12 miles

Wednesday October 8

At the books all day. Took some soap to East Court in the evening.

3 miles

Thursday October 9

Mr Evans drove Mrs Sale over in the afternoon. Had a wagon load of goods in by Loader.

Friday October 10

In the afternoon I went on the velocipede to Sindlesham Mill to see Lawes about the price of offal and got 6d per sack off the price. Went on to Wokingham and overtook Mr Matthews pushing his tricycle up the Limmerhill Hill. Called in at the Works but Tom was out. Home to tea.

14 miles

Saturday October 11

Got the orders off early. Repaired the velocipede and then after dinner went on it to Wokingham to get my trousers from Mr Green. Saw Mr Timberlake at Wokingham. Thence to tea. Twice round Wixenford before breakfast.

16 miles

Sunday October 12

After waiting in vain for the fog to clear off, left here in a heavy mist about half past 10 and went to Yateley, Sandhurst and to Wokingham, but all being out at the Market Place, I only stayed half an hour and then came home to dinner. Mr Sale and Donaldson walked over in the afternoon. After tea, I had a run to Yateley Church and back. Mr Sale and Donaldson went home via Wellington College and train.

22 miles

Monday October 13

Had 70 sacks of offal from Lawes. Left here on the velocipede for Wokingham at half past 3 in a heavy mist. Called in at the Works then went to the shop and had tea and then home. Edwin Ethelbert was vaccinated.

14 miles

Tuesday October 14

Ada went home by the carrier and took Frances with her, Annie bringing her back. Shot the 50 sks poll&bran which came in yesterday. Started on the velocipede for Wokingham at 7 o’clock to see Tom about the new machine. Got to Wokingham a little before 8 o’clock. Had my hair cut and then went down to the Works and stayed there till nearly 10, so that by the time we had finished supper, which we had at the shop, it was half past 10, after which Tom and I discussed the various ways of constructing the new machine, which carried us to half past 11, when I left for the Post Office, where I slept.

Wednesday October 15

Up at half past 6. Was kept waiting through not being able to get into the shop for nearly half an hour. Shot the 20 sks toppers in the afternoon. Henry and Tom rode the bicycles over in the afternoon. I settled with Mr Thick for his horse hire.

6 miles

Thursday October 16

In the morning, I went on the velocipede to Sandhurst to see Mr Blandford about his horse, but could not come to an arrangement with him, as he wanted too much for it. £35. Settled with Mr Lawes for 50 pk flour and 70 pk offal. Called upon Barker the blacksmith and commissioned him to buy a horse.

12 miles

Friday October 17

John and I cut a hole through the roof and fitted up the stove pipe and finished the job so that I had a fire in the afternoon. Barker brought home the horse, having given £9 for it. Our stable not being clean, we housed him at the New Inn stables. Having told Henry to get one at Reading tomorrow, I posted into Wokingham on the velocipede, leaving here at 9 o’clock in the dark and gloomy weather. I got to Wokingham at quarter to 10, told Henry about the horse and got a cheque changed and then left at 10 and came home in 40 minutes, the lamps showing up well the dark night.

12 miles

Saturday October 18

John came over to dinner. Mr Donaldson came in the afternoon. The weather was beautiful and bright.

Sunday October 19

A windy and drizzly day. Mr Geo Sale came to dinner and tea. Mr Donaldson went back with him.

Monday October 20

Rain fell heavily all the morning. Seeing in the Daily News that the markets were up for wheat on Saturday, I thought it was advisable to buy another 25 pk flour. So in the afternoon, I went over to Sindlesham Mill on the velocipede and ordered that quantity at 43/-. Then went on into Wokingham and had tea at the shop. Called in at the Works coming back and left there in the dark at 6 o’clock and arrived home a little before 7 o’clock.

14 miles

Tuesday October 21

Staples and Catchpoole called but could not give orders, as I had not finished looking up what was wanted.

Wednesday October 22

Did a little to the stables. Altered the position of the windows and sent the cart to Wokingham for goods.

Thursday October 23

In the afternoon, I had to go to Wokingham to see about the order for Wixenford. Although the roads were in very muddy condition and the velocipede very shattered, I enjoyed the ride very well. Took the money in for bank. Called in to see the Works progress.

12 miles

Friday October 24.

Wet day. Repaired the velocipede in the evening.

Saturday October 25

Business slack. Finished repairing the velocipede in the afternoon. After I had shut up and had supper, I cleaned the machine. Mr Sale, being out surveying, drove over in the afternoon, bringing Ada, Mr Donaldson and Mr Attwell. They had tea and then left, taking Frances with them and leaving Mr Donaldson.

Sunday October 26

Weather nice and fine, so took a ride into Wokingham and back before dinner. Found Henry and Milly out. While I was out, John came over on his bicycle. Went to sleep all the afternoon, had an early tea and left here at 5 o’clock on the velocipede for the Monument. It was a pretty ride, but from there it was dull tracking, the sky being very overcast. From the Monument, I went to Swallowfield, then by Sir Chas Russell’s estate to Arborfield Cross through Sindlesham and so into Wokingham. Called in at the office and saw Ada and Frances. Went across to the shop and had some baked pears. Reached home by the old road a little before 9 o’clock. The roads from Swallowfield were very heavy with mud. Although the hill to the Monument was in a very heavy condition, I worked the velocipede up with comparative ease. The night was cloudy moonlight.

34 miles

Monday October 27

In the afternoon, I left for Wokingham. A very pleasant ride there, the trees looking very pretty in the sunlight now they are changing colour from green to gold. Met John by the land post. He came over here to tea, while I had mine at Wokingham. Called in at the Works, Tom being over at Maidenhead looking after a blacksmith. Bought a lantern at Lewis for 3/-. Ordered a set of harnesses at Mr Evans. Left Wokingham at half past 6 and had a pleasant moonlight ride home.

Tuesday, October 28

Transferred the names in the Farley Hill register. Ada Sale, Frances and Eva came by the carrier. Being a moonlight, though cloudy, night, I went into Wokingham on the velocipede and had a very pleasant and easy run there. Went in to see Tom at the Works and then up to the shop to supper.

After supper, I prevailed upon John to accompany me home on the bicycle. We left Wokingham about half past 10 and had a cheerful and pretty ride home via Eversley Green. Reaching home once again, completed 1000 miles safely ridden without one single accident of any kind on the velocipede. The 1000 miles has been ridden during five months, but more than half this amount was accomplished within the last two months.

Although Annie, Ada and Eva were here, we found room for John to roost.

Wednesday October 29

Mr Evans drove over to measure the horse and brought Mrs Sale over. Ada, Eva and Frances went by the carrier to Reading.

Thursday October 30

About 3 o’clock , I went for a ride on the velocipede over Yateley Common to Blackwater. The common looked very pretty, the sun just shining out on a thick autumn air and giving it such a calm and soft aspect. From Blackwater, I came home over the Flats in 4 minutes and the hill in 3m 35s with a stiff wind at my back. Here the ratchet work got out of order and I had to do the rest of the journey cautiously. Sahara Brant came.

12 miles

Friday October 31

Swept the sitting room chimney before doing the orders. Henry drove over with some biscuits and butter. In the afternoon, he went on the velocipede to Mount Eagle Farm to see about hogs. He paid Mr White £3.0.0 for me for straw. After tea, he drove back and took Bertha and the baby with him. Tom went to London to Haseltine and Lake & Co.

1879

Saturday November 1

A very short quantity of orders, so getting them over early, I set to and repaired and cleaned the velocipede. After dinner, I gave it a run round Wixenford. Mr Donaldson came by the 3.35 train, getting here just in time for tea.

2 miles

Sunday November 2

A beautifully bright morning but very windy. After breakfast I got the velocipede ready and soon after Mr Donaldson and Annie had left for Finchampstead Chapel, I mounted my machine and was off to Wokingham, taking the road by the Wellington College, Broadmoor, Easthampstead and Bracknell. The country looks very pretty, the trees firing so many varied colours in the bright sunlight. In spite of the wind all along, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and was very pleased I did not let the wind keep me at home. It is not very often we get such nice weather on November 2. The roads were in magnificent order, hard and white.

I took this course because I wished to have another run through Bracknell, not having been there since my bicycling days. Somewhat pleasant but sad recollections came over me as I again rode through the same old place I had so often passed through with the old wooden velocipede years and years ago. Alas! What changes did I call to mind that have happened in a short time.

However, passing on, I reached Wokingham at 12.10. Put up at the shop and went over to the Post Office and saw my family and then back to the Market Place to dinner. After dinner, Tom and I had a look over the Works, then I took a ride down the London Road, thence to Forest Road. Tea at the office. Mr Eaton came over to see the velocipede, so took him back to the shop and showed it him. Left Wokingham around 6 o’clock and had a pretty clear moonlight ride home via the Crop.

25 miles

Monday November 3

Got the orders up and the shop a bit straight, had dinner, and then leaving Annie in charge of the shop, I left here on the velocipede for Sandhurst to buy some oats from Mr Pigg. Had a capital run over there. Paid Mr Pigg £20.0.0. Ordered a ton hay and bought 7 qt oats @26/-and 2 qts light beans. While I was staying at Mr Pigg’s and the machine was outside, the Rev Harrington drove up and I came out and explained its principle to him. He then asked me to send a price list as soon as they were out. Got home to tea.

Did the booking, shut up and then at quarter past 8, the moon just getting up and the sky very overcast with occasional drizzle, I left on the velocipede for Wokingham Fair, Barker, Wooderson and Yarnley, having started there some two hours earlier. Having about £100 besides a cheque for £150 with me, I made straight for the shop, where, putting the machine in and safely depositing the money with Henry, I took a walk down to the Fair, which was held in the usual place opposite the gas works. The steam roundabout was there, and on the whole it was very much the same as previous years, only I think there were fewer people there. I paid 2d to go into a peep show, which wasn’t worth seeing, and that was all the money I spent.

Went up into the town and called in at the Post Office and saw Bertha, Frances and Mrs Sale, then went back to the shop for some change. Had a talk with Tom, and then, about 10 past 11, in a heavy drizzle, which, however, soon gave over, I mounted again for Eversley, which place I reached safely about quarter to 12.

20 miles

Tuesday November 4

In the afternoon, Mr Evans drove Bertha, the baby and Frances home. After staying about half an hour, he drove back, taking Annie and her luggage to Wokingham.

Wednesday November 5

Got the orders up and was just getting ready to start for Reading when Mr Townsend came in to settle the book. So after tending to that, we both came in the sitting room and had a glass of stout and some bread and cheese, after which I got ready and then left on the velocipede for Reading. It was a splendid morning, the sun shining out quite bright and warm, showing up the trees in their late autumn beauty. The weather having held fine for the last week or two, the roads were in splendid condition, though, of course, the Reading road either firm here, or the Reading Wokingham one never good. However, I got over them very well indeed in spite of a rather stiff wind in my face going to Reading. I ran the machine into the Upper Ship and then ran off with my order to Staples. From there I went to Duke Street for a pair of gutta percha boots (9/6). I left my old ones to be mended (2/9) and then, which was just 1 o’clock, I called in at the Abbey Café and had a great dinner for 1/6. Saw Mr Soundy there and had a chat with him, and then going back to the Upper Ship and giving the hotelier 3d, I made straight for Wokingham. Got there just as Wooderson drove over for the goods which I ordered by post this morning. Henry was out, he having gone over to Eversley on the bicycle to have a run with me to the Monument, but I had left for Reading when he got there and so he took a run over the Flats and home through Yateley and Finchampstead and got back to Wokingham before I left. After seeing the cart off and leaving John busy building a house for the guinea pigs, I made for Eversley, calling in to see Tom at the Works. Got home to tea and then packed the goods away. Wooderson having to leave some goods for Mr Ryder at Capn Sowers and while he was delivering them, the horse ran away but fortunately was stopped before he did any damage. Tom went to Bracknell by the 2.5 train to see a lathe, but it was no good to him, so he came back at once by the 3.40. As usual, after going to Reading, I had a bad headache.

22 miles

Mr Matthews having resigned the ministry, Mr Stephen Sale preached last Sunday at Wokingham.

Thursday November 6

Bertha not very well, having a bad cold and severe pains in her shoulder. There was a bonfire last night on the Common, and one or two spirals and crackers, but no great display.

Friday November 7

Bertha continues bad. Did a little mending to the velocipede in the afternoon.

Saturday November 8

Very dull in the shop all day but busy in the evening. Bertha was too ill to serve tonight.

Sunday November 9

The morning being very calm, I should have gone for a long ride, only Bertha being so poorly still, I did not like to leave her alone, so puddled about and cleaned out the peacock’s house and took Frances for a little walk before dinner. After dinner, which was late, I went into Wokingham for an Allcock’s porous plaster for Bertha.

Left here at 2.40 and arrived there via the Crop at 3.20. Had a chat with Tom, Henry and John being out, they having gone to Waltham Church on their bicycles. Went over to the Post Office and Mrs Sale sent Jamie for the plaster. Ada gave me some nice apples and then I came off and started for home at 4.38 and got here at 5.13 at a comfortable rate. The roads are now in very splendid condition. There was no wind.

14 miles

Monday November 10

Mr Ryder and his son came in the evening, paid his book and then sat down to supper and to smoke afterwards.

Tuesday November 11

There came by post the Complete Specification, instead of (as Tom expected) to Wokingham, so getting up the order at once, I mounted the tricycle and posted off to Wokingham with it, calling in at the Works. I found Tom there, who was greatly relieved to see the specification come. We both went up to the shop and carefully went through it and made a few corrections. This took us nearly two hours, so I had to push along quickly to reach home in time for dinner.

Wednesday November 12

Henry drove over just before dinner, having been to Mount Eagle Farm to see about the pigs. He went back in time to get home while it was still light. I took a run in the afternoon to Wixenford, thence to the Cross and home by Finchampstead Chapel. Getting the booking done and things straight, I left here on the velocipede at 7.10 for Wokingham. The evening was brilliantly bright with stars and I had a pleasant and quick run in. Called at the Works, where I saw Tom and Henry and we had a discussion on the various parts of the new machine. Went to the Post Office to supper.

Went home about half past 10 and had a pleasant and safe journey until I reached the spot where poor old Burfield cut his throat this summer. When leaning forward to undo the brake, one of the brake bar bearings gave way and nearly threw me out of the machine and sent it and me within an ace of the ditch. I received no injury except for a few knocks on the elbow.

Thursday November 13

Loader’s wagon and horse came over with a load of goods just before dinner. I loaded them and got them off alright. About 3 o’clock, Henry drove over on his bicycle and stayed for an hour or so. Tom went to Birmingham to buy materials for his machine.

Friday November 14

Was busy all day with orders.

Saturday November 15

After getting up the orders and serving several customers, I repaired and put my bicycle together for Barker to have a run tomorrow.

Sunday November 16

Didn’t get up until nearly 10 o’clock. Had breakfast and was just preparing for a run when it commenced to rain a very little. However, it soon passed off, and then at 12 I started for Wokingham. When I got there, I found that John had come over here. However, he came back to dinner, after which Tom and I went down to see the new velocipede and then John, Henry and I went for a run together as far as Easthampstead Church, where we parted, they going to church while I came on by the pond and so to Broadmoor, up to which I worked and then had a splendid run to College Station, up Wellington Road and down to the Crop and home.

Henry had a spill through his saddle slipping and I almost ran into a girl in one of the lanes leading to Finchampstead Church. He rather grazed his shin, while I received no harm from my adventure. The weather and roads have been all that could be desired for the last six weeks. The roads today were perfection, the last three days’ frost setting them white and hard and smooth like pavements. Tom got on very well indeed in Birmingham.

18 miles

Monday November 17

After the baker had been the Eversley Crop journey, I went with him round Farley Hill to look up a few of the customers. Got home for tea and then at half past 7, I went into Wokingham on the velocipede to see how the new machine was progressing. After spending a little over an hour with Tom at the Works. I started for home again, which I reached safely and early. I did not go into the town. The night was very dark and windy, however the wind did not trouble me, as it seemed to help me both ways.

12 miles

Tuesday November 18

I made up my mind to have a run into Wokingham in the afternoon and try the new velocipede if it was finished. So, leaving here little after 3 o’clock on the old machine, I got as far East Court Hill when met John sailing down, legs over handle, so hailing him to stop while I delivered some candles I had with me for Bentiners, he put on his brake and and drew up at the foot of the hill and then walked back and met me coming out of East Court.

I now altered my mind and abandoned the run to Wokingham and took one in the company with John instead, so mounting our machines at East Court we went galloping off at a good pace to Eversley Crop, thence to the left for Yateley Common, before reaching which we met a carriage and pair, which had no sooner passed us than one of the horses took to rearing and making a rare noise with its hooves on the front of the carriage. There was no one hurt, as the carriage went on its journey again alright.

The afternoon was very pleasant, although not very bright. There was a mistiness about the views, so that one could not get a distant prospect. Both John and I enjoyed some of the little minor views. There was a calm and quieting aspect about them. Yateley Common looked, as usual, pretty, and it was very pleasant rolling along over good roads. Before coming to Darby Green, one of the foot rests of John’s bicycle dropped down through the rubber band breaking, so we tied it up with string and then wheeled ourselves along over Darby Green and up on to the Flats. Here the wind made itself felt, being just on our faces, so after doing about three miles of them, we turned back for Blackwater and had a very easy and quiet run there at about 14 miles the hour. Passing gently over the railway, we again put the pace on right to Sandhurst. Here John and I parted, he taking the road via the College to Wokingham while I turned off for Yateley. I saw Alfred Porter near the White Lion but did not stop, as I wanted to get home for tea and the time was quarter to 5. At the end of the Common, I came across two boys, who asked me for a ride, so seating them on the front of the velocipede, I took them to the Chequers Inn at Eversley Cross. Arrived home, after an enjoyable ride, to tea.

18 miles

Wednesday November 19

The framing that held the treadle levers, having dropped nearly to pieces and the brake bar being broken, I thought it time to take it into Wokingham and repair it, so I had an early dinner and then rode it there. Tom and I then set to, and by half past 10, we had thoroughly repaired the brake bar and made a firm job of the treadle fulcrum. I had tea and supper at the shop and at a little past 11 o’clock, I started for home and arrived here safely at a little before 12.

18 miles

Thursday November 20

A kind of drizzle set in today and turned to rain in the afternoon, so that all hopes of a run had to be abandoned, as the roads were all turned muddy. Until now, the roads have been in splendid order for a very long time, so that there has been a better chance of a comfortable run than in the summer.

It has been a very pleasant and dry late autumn and I have enjoyed a great many good runs, my legs standing the work well and giving me no trouble about the knee. I am truly thankful to be able to enjoy once again these splendid rides over the beautiful country and as the varied scenes come before me as they did in my bicycling days and which, a year ago, I feared I would never see again under the exhilarating and bracing effects of self locomotion. My heart goes forth in gratitude to Him who made the beautiful earth and hath given and restored my powers to enjoy its beauty once again. May He guard my life from any previous sin that would mar the pleasant thought and reflection that passes me as I travel over and view the garden planted, watered and kept in order by His own hand.

Friday, November 21

Snowed nearly all day and laid thickly, except on the roads, which were too wet for it and turned it to slush as soon as it fell. I went round when the baker took the Common journey to call upon Mr Porter to see why he had left us, but not being at home, I could not see him. Called upon old Lee as I came back. The evening turned out clear and and hard frost, so I took a walk down the Common, being bright moonlight.

Saturday November 22

Busy with the orders in the morning and customers in the evening.

Sunday November 23

A nice bright day. I took a walk in the morning with Frances round Wixenford. It was exceedingly pretty out, with the sun shining brilliantly on the snow as it covered the trees and giving the whole country a very pretty appearance. I scarcely remember seeing a morning so free from any semblance of a cloud, the sky was clear all over in every direction. After dinner, I went to Wokingham on the velocipede. Met Mr Sale, Mr Barkshire, Mr Donaldson and Eva coming over here in Lush’s trap. Met Geo Woods at the shop, and he, Tom and I went down to the Works and had a look around, but before doing so, we had a journey up and down again, as Tom forgot the key of his shop. As James was out for a walk before dinner, he fell down insensible and was brought here by a stranger. However, he came round again after a time. Had tea at the shop and then went to Chapel. After Chapel, I had a nice moonlight ride home.

12 miles

Monday November 24

Just as I was getting ready to go with the baker round the Crop journey, Tom drove in on his new velocipede, so I had a try on it and then we had a little run together, he on his, and I on mine, the road being in a very filthy state through a thaw and drizzle which set in first thing this morning. We could not even test one against the other. Tom only stayed a few minutes and then went back, but did not ride all the way through his velocipede breaking down, the backbone separating from the arch. As soon as Tom was gone, I went round the journey and got home, very cold, in time for tea. A little past 8 o’clock I started off on the velocipede for Wokingham. The roads were in a terrible state and there was a fine rain falling all the time. I called in at the Works and found the foreman just going, he having left a few minutes before. So I stayed and looked out a lamp, oil can, spanner and valise, and then went up to the Market Place and had a talk with Tom about some improvements to the new machine. Left a little after 11 o’clock and got home, very tired, at 12 o’clock. It was a very filthy night out. I paid Tom 8/6 for the four articles mentioned before.

12 miles

Tuesday November 25

I went to Sparvell’s on the velocipede for 1 lb corn and took Ford half bse B Meal. Bertha went to Wokingham by the carrier and left Frances at home.

3 miles

Wednesday November 26

Had Thick’s wagon and sent into Wokingham for goods. Packed the tin ware in the case in the shop.

Thursday November 27

Very busy.

Friday November 28

A nice bright day. Went with the baker and took Frances with me to see Barker on the Common journey. Mr Dixon died.

Saturday November 29

Nice bright day. Was tolerably busy.

Sunday November 30

A sharp frost having set in last night made the roads hard and firm. The day was clear and bright throughout and froze hard all the time. I took Frances for a walk round New Mill in the morning. Mr Geo Sale drove over to dinner, bringing Tom with him. After dinner, Mr Sale held a service at New Mill, Bertha and Frances going with him while Tom and I took a walk. Tom went to the evening service at Finchampstead and rode home with Mr Sale. It being a moonlight evening, I took a run into Wokingham and back. The roads were extremely rough, as before the frost they were muddy and so were now frozen into ruts. I enjoyed the Sunday very much.

12 miles

1879

Monday December 1

Clear, bright and frosty. Took a run in the afternoon to Eversley Crop, Yateley, Blackwater, along the Flats and home by the Cross. I enjoyed the run very much. It looks very wintry now, and even that has a pleasant appearance. I called in to see old Lee and bought a side of his bacon.

11 miles

Tuesday December 2

I went round Farley Hill in the afternoon on the velocipede to look up some of the customers. After I had shut up, I went to Wokingham and back on the velocipede. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

The evening was bright moonlight and piercingly cold, the breath freezing on my moustache. As I was passing through the firs country coming home, I passed a stray ox, which rather startled me.

18 miles

Wednesday December 3

Mr Pigg called in this morning and bought 10 qts oats off him at 24/- and 1 qt maize. Had dinner half an hour earlier than usual and then took the velocipede into Wokingham to repair it at Tom’s Works. Didn’t commence the job until after tea and finished at half past 9. Went up to the shop for tea and supper and had a nice ride home by moonlight, getting home about 11 o’clock.

12 miles

Thursday December 4

Still hard and frosty with a high wind. Having to meet Mr Donaldson about some hay at Eversley Crop this afternoon, I went up on the velocipede and saw him and bought a ton of hay. I then went several times around the pond on the ice, and then off to Yateley Church against a very strong wind, then turned around and sailed home in proud style. It was Hartley Row fair today, and a bitter cold day for it too. I intended going but couldn’t find time to, and I am not sorry that I couldn’t, for it would have been likely enough to have given me a cold. I quite expected a heavy fall of snow, but only a very little fell in the evening.

6 miles

Friday December 5

Very busy all day long.

Saturday December 6

A beautifully fine hard frosty day. Took the velocipede to pieces to fix the brass plate better.

Sunday December 7

Another very nice fine hard frosty and bright day. On Friday, I wrote to John to ask him to go for a ride today, if fine. So, I turned out a little after 8 o’clock. Had breakfast, then finished putting the velocipede together, which, as soon as I had done, John made his appearance punctually at the time I asked him to be here, which was 10 o’clock. To do this, he had to scramble off from Wokingham all in a hurry and didn’t have much time for breakfast, as he didn’t turn out of bed until 9 o’clock. He had a cup of tea here and then we sailed off at 11 o’clock for Eversley Crop, Yateley and Blackwater, the roads to which place were in excellent condition, but from Blackwater to the Golden Farmer, they were covered in too thick of snow to be easy travelling. It was very cold in the body to Blackwater, but got nicely warmed up by the time we surmounted the three mile rise at the Golden Farmer. We turned back for Frimley, but I was rather disappointed in the run there, as the roads were newly gravelled in several places. Passing through Frimley and on over the two railways, we turned off to the right to Hawley and so on home through Yateley. I was rather tired by the time I got home ravenously hungry. However, being half past 1, dinner was quite ready for us and after that John went back around 3 o’clock. About 4 o’clock, Philip Sale came in, having walked over. He stayed to tea and then we sat around the fire til 7 o’clock, when he left to meet Mr George Sale at Finchampstead and walked home together. I went as far as Fleet with him.

18 miles

Monday December 8

Another bright day but not as cold. After I had shut up, I left here at a little past 8 o’clock and went to Wokingham to see how Henry was, he being laid up since Friday with a bad cold and a gathering in his hand. I did not stay very long and so got home again at half past 10 after a very enjoyable ride. Quite a winter’s night ride.

12 miles

Tuesday December 9

Bertha, Frances and baby went to Wokingham by the carrier and back.

Wednesday December 10

The weather was rather thick and hazy. I intended going to Wokingham in the afternoon, but Mr Evans driving in just before dinner, bringing with him Mr Clark and Mr Kemp to the pigeon shooting match at the White Hart, put an end to the expedition. Mr Evans came to bring the new set of hammers. He and Clark had dinner here and then went to the White Hart for a couple of hours. Mr Evans then came back to an early tea and drove off while the light lasted. About half past 3, Tom came over on the new velocipede and I persuaded him to stay for tea and offered to accompany him home, so at 7 o’clock, having lit up my lamps, we started off and had a pleasant ride into Wokingham. Saw Henry, who seems quite out of sorts and terribly uncomfortable, still in bed. Left Wokingham around 10 o’clock and had a beautiful ride home, the roads being in such excellent condition and white with the little snow that fell a week ago. It seemed as it was quite a winter’s night out.

12 miles

Thursday December 11

After putting up the orders, I went to Sandhurst to Pigg to buy maize and beans, but Mr Pigg not having any stick of maize in yet, I only ordered one sack and a sack of beans, which I sent out for in the afternoon by Wooderson. It was a very nice run and I thoroughly enjoyed it, the weather being bright, sunny and yet sharp frost. Lawes came in the afternoon and I got him to take 6d off Toppins. Left here at 8 o’clock and went into Wokingham on the velocipede, the weather and roads being in such excellent condition as to render it scarcely any exertion to propel the vehicle. It was only the darkness which kept me from making quick time. Had half hour at the shop and then bowled home again, arriving here at quarter past 11.

20 miles

Friday December 12.

Busy of course in the morning. Took a run in the afternoon round Wixenford, thence to Yateley Church and back.

Yateley Common looked prettier than ever this lovely afternoon, so calm, so peaceful and so quiet, the children sliding on the pond, the horse, the cattle and the geese on the green, the church almost obscured in the blue haze of the fading light and the winter afternoon settling down all over made it a scene on which I was forced to linger, while its soothing peacefulness seemed to envelop me.

7 miles

Saturday December 13

Much as usual. In the evening about 9 o’clock, while the shop was free from customers, a rat came up through the lid I had set for them and, not being able to get back again, I called Shot in, and we had a regular good hour, Shot capturing the rat at last.

Sunday December 14

Although there was no frost all night, yet it did not thaw out at all, so that the roads were in splendid condition again when I turned out, which was about half past 9. Had breakfast and then put the machine in order, while I was doing which John and Tom came over on the bicycles. Then at 11 o’clock, John and I started off for a run, Tom declining to accompany us on his bicycle. John and I took this cruise by Wixenford and the Bramshill Hotel to the top of the hill leading to the Monument. There, we turned to the left by Harris’ shop and had a splendid undulating and superlative run for a few miles, when we came on to the Reading and Odiham Road. The atmosphere, which was thick and heavy when we left Eversley, gradually brightened and came over quite warm, which brought on a quick thaw, so by the time we got to the Odiham road, they were quite slushy and got worse and worse, until after Hawley, and not having a mud guard on my velocipede, I got in a terrible mess, my legs being plastered all the way up with mud. Before getting off the Odiham road, we had to push our machines for half a mile on to the gravel, which was very rough indeed. However, directly we turned on to the Basingstoke road, they were good again, although gravelled in places, we could easily ride over it. We came into and passed Hartley now at a sharp pace, walked up Star Hill and came along quickly to Brickhouse Hill.

Being rather late for dinner, I determined to come down the hill fast, so did not put the brake on. Just before getting to the pond, either from going too quickly, or from a heavy bump, the back spring broke just where it joins the seat. This let me down on to the works and rendered me powerless to guide the machine, which took its course direct for the bank opposite the pond. However, I did not lose my presence of mind but calmly waited for a moment before it struck and then took a leap clear of the velocipede and took a few somersaults directly I touched the ground and so landed as gently as though I had dismounted in the ordinary way.

The machine was uninjured by the collision except in the front fork, which was twisted out of shape. John, who was behind at the time, could not stop until we had got to the bottom of the hill. From there, I walked home, then changed my clothes and had a good dinner. Both John and I enjoyed the ride, excepting the accident, very much indeed, especially the part where the rocks were frozen. I am, and ought to be, exceedingly thankful for being brought through the accident uninjured. John went home directly after dinner, but Tom stayed until half past 3 and left just while it was light enough for getting home. Fearing the velocipede would get rusty, I took it to pieces in the evening. I suppose I shall not have any more runs on it this year, and perhaps no more, as Tom and I intend doing it up now for putting away as an exhibition. So, today’s run makes up, as I have recorded down at the beginning of this book, 1354 miles on it.

Monday, December 15

I intended cleaning the several parts of the velocipede but had not the time to do so.

Tuesday December 16

Sent Wooderson to Odiham on the bicycle on behalf of the prosecution of young Stocker, he having stolen a knife off our counter, but having got two years in a reformatory on the first charge of stealing a pair of skates, we did not press in this case.

After dinner, I took a qtr of oats to East Court. Took Frances with me. Then went on to Mr Pigg at Sandhurst for a sack of maize and then home. It was a bitter cold afternoon, a sharp frost setting in. Eva came by the carrier.

Wednesday December 17

Mr Evans drove over and brought Mrs Sale. Stopped to dinner and then went off. Wanting to get a few things, I walked to the College and took the 5 o’clock train to Wokingham. Arranged with Tom to have the machine which he has been experimenting upon, and to fetch it on Sunday, as it wanted a screw or two put in. Came home by the 7 o’clock train.

Thursday December 18

Went up to Seymours and bought six hogs for Wokingham.

Friday December 19

Had one hog from Seymours which had been killed in a mistake. Very busy doing the booking late at night. My eye came on bad so that I had a very disturbed night with it.

Saturday December 20

My eye was so bad and painful I had to go into Mr Haynes for him to see what was the matter with it. He pronounced it inflammation and gave me some drops for it and told me to wear a shade over it, which I did, and so struggled through the day. In the morning, I bathed it in gin and water, which cured it.

Sunday December 21

Wanting to get to Wokingham and fetch the velocipede, I got up and had breakfast and then went off to the College and caught the 10 o’clock train. Had a pleasant walk to the College. Went to Chapel. Had dinner at the shop. Then I asked Tom for the machine. Coolly said it was not ready, not having time to do anything to it with five men in the shop. So, I called in at the office and then, at once, stamped home again and determined to put my old velocipede together again and so not done out of one for Christmas.

Monday December 22

Having made 40 lbs of cake last Thursday for Christmas boxes, we made another 40 lb today. In the evening, I had a go at putting the velocipede in order again and got along very nicely with it. I sent the Christmas boxes round the Crop journey today, which consisted entirely of cakes, and also several around Farley Hill.

Tuesday December 23

Got my work knocked off soonish, and in the afternoon I finished the velocipede and made a good job of it. I fixed up a wooden structure in place of the broken spring.

Wednesday December 24

Had a heavy day, as the carts went both Farley Hill and the Cross journeys. Mr and Mrs Donaldson came by the carrier. I shut up a little after 9 o’clock.

Thursday December 25 – Christmas Day

The morning, and in fact, all of the day was very thick foggy and, at times, almost a drizzle. The weather, which for the past week has been frosty, now turned into a thaw, so that the roads got very muddy during the day. However, I got up about as usual and then went off to Wokingham on the velocipede with a mud guard on. I left here about 10 o’clock and enjoyed my ride very much in spite of the road being slushy in places.

I put up at the shop and saw Henry, who was very much down about his hand, and then went with Tom down to the Works for an hour and then came home to Eversley for dinner of a splendid piece of beef. Of course, they were very much surprised at Wokingham to see the velocipede together. Although we had nothing special on here and the day was so ungetoutable, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the children were exceedingly good, dear little creatures.

Friday December 26

Baked today and did the journeys as usual. However, I shut up at 1 o’clock and went on the velocipede to Wokingham after dinner. The road was exceedingly muddy and the machine went heavy, but the day being very much brighter than yesterday, I quite enjoyed the ride, as I took it quietly and comfortably. Met Mr Sale and Mr Barkshire walking over here and had tea at the office. Just before tea, I called in at Mrs Rainbow’s and had a happy half hour there. All the girls were there and I gave them a few recitations, which mightily pleased them. Went down and saw Mary and Geo Woods after tea and then about 8 o’clock, I came home by moonlight and arrived here at 9 o’clock, having enjoyed myself very much indeed. I brought home a book for Frances from Ada.

Saturday December 27

Had a very busy day out, getting done til very late. Last night, Mr Bailey shot a young otter and another this morning. Wooderson brought them in for me to see and I bought the two for 2/6. Soon after, Mr Goswell, who had bought the mother of them, which young Neville had shot, came in and offered 7/- for them. In the afternoon, Bailey himself offered 10/- for them, which I did not accept.

Sunday December 28

Very high wind and rained at times. Tom drove Mr P. Sale to Finchampstead Chapel and then came down here, so I sent the otters back by him for Breach to skin. Tom only had about an hour here, having to meet Mr Sale at 1 o’clock. In the afternoon, I went round to the Cross and home by the Flats on the velocipede, but it was exceedingly heavy going.

The wind, which was a perfect hurricane, was so violent that it blew a portion of the Tay Bridge down, carrying the train with it and about 90 passengers, none of whom escaped.

3 miles

Monday December 29

I drove over to Mr Pigg in the afternoon and bought oats and barley.

Tuesday December 30

Donaldson went back by the carrier to Wokingham. Repaired the time piece in the evening.

Wednesday December 31

I drove the white horse to Wokingham and bought back some goods. Had my hair cut. Tom told me about the representative of the English Mechanical calling upon him to ascertain full information respecting the new velocipede, the fame of it having reached them. I had a very wet and windy journey.

END OF THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1879