THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1880

The year began on a Thursday on which day I did nothing particular to record, merely remarking that it was like all last summer’s weather – wet.

Friday January 2

Business somewhat slack.

Saturday January 3

Fine, bright and sunny. Was very busy both day and evening.

Sunday January 4

Was a splendid bright and sunny day. In the evening, I went on the velocipede to the Flats and round about the roads there and then home again and took Eva and Frances for a walk around New Mill before dinner. In the afternoon, I took another run to Yateley Church and back. The roads were very heavy with mud.

14 miles

Monday January 5

Was fine but dull. In the afternoon, I went on the velocipede to Wokingham and had an hour at the Works with Tom. I then took some money up to the shop and found them there making preparations for a party in the evening. Mr and Mrs Jenkins drove up just as I was leaving. On my journey home, just as I had struggled hard to, and succeeded in passing Mr Haynes up Church Hill, the cat gut broke and detained me for a quarter hour at the top. I did not get home until dawn at 5.40. The roads were exceedingly heavy.

12 miles

Tuesday January 6

Bertha took Eva, Frances and the baby by the carrier to Wokingham and back. She paid Heron’s and also Cocksedge’s bills.

When moving wood in the yard we caught five young rats. In the morning, I set the gin in the bakehouse and caught five full grown ones. I also slew two mice in the pantry in the evening.

Wednesday January 7

Sent Wooderson with Thick’s horse and our cart to Wokingham for goods. Sent Tom the forge by him and also 3 gall paraffin. Frances and Eva went to tea at Miss Chester’s. The weather was dull and drizzly.

Saturday January 10

Had a very good day in the business which ended the best week’s takings I have had over here. £130.

Sunday January 11

The weather being fine though not particularly clear, I took a run directly after breakfast to Wokingham. Got there just as John was preparing to start over here on his bicycle so I told him to wait and come back with me. I then went over to the Post Office and got George to walk over to see Bertha, and then John and I set our steeds on the way to Eversley. Overtook George just as he was crossing the field to the church and met him again at the top of Marshall’s Hill, he having run across the field. We arrived I plenty of time for dinner. Tom went to Annie Donaldson for the day so I did not see him. Very soon, after dinner, George and John left and then I took a ride to the Crop and back.

17 miles

Monday January 12

Was a capital nice fine day which induced me to take a ride into Wokingham on the velocipede in the afternoon. Not having any other business to do, I went into the Works and a machine being together, I took a run on it. Came home to tea.

12 miles

Tuesday January 13

Had a note from Mrs East asking me to lend her £5.0.0, so was going up to see her on the velocipede when the spring on the right drum broke in two, so I had to bring it back and wind it up with wire, and then started off again in a snow storm and lent her the money. I then went off to Mount Eagle Farm and bought some straw.

8 miles

Wednesday January 14

Had a welcome rain which nicely washed away the snow. Sent Wooderson with the cart to Wokingham for goods. Brought back the Post Office American clock. In the evening, I cleaned it.

Thursday January 15

Hearing Capn Young was coming to West Court today, I went up on the velocipede and took our cards. Saw Edward St John. Had a chat with him. He wanted to try the velocipede, but I was afraid of his weight. Commenced fixing the clock up in the shop in the evening.

Friday January 16

Set the clock going.

Saturday January 17

Somewhat slack.

Sunday January 18

In the early morning there was a sharp frost, so that when I got up, the roads were quite hard. The weather being bright and sunny, I had a beautiful ride to the Flats and down towards Elvetham and round about before dinner. Came home and took Eva and Frances round New Mill for a walk and then had a good dinner, after which, at about half past 3, I left for Wokingham on the velocipede. Had tea at the shop and then called in at Mrs Rainbow’s and at the office and then off to Chapel and heard a very good sermon. Came home with the first quarter of the moon to light the way, and well I enjoyed the ride too, getting home in good time at 9 o’clock.

19 miles

Monday January 19

Baked the bread early so as to get up to West Court soon and secure their custom. Went to Mr Ilbury’s on the velocipede and bought a load of straw at 36/- and then on to Pigg at Sandhurst and paid him £75.0.0 and I bought some oats and maize. Coming back, the frame of the velocipede broke just where it joins the head so that I did not get home until after 2 o’clock. I sent Bertha, Eva, Frances and the baby to Wokingham by Wooderson in the cart. Having sent Mr Dew a cheque on the 8^th and not receiving any acknowledgement, I wrote him.

10 miles

Tuesday January 20

The velocipede, now being quite beyond going out again without a thorough do up, I sent a note in by the carrier to ask Tom to bring over the one he has been experimenting upon, for me until I can get a better. Henry Barker paid his bill. Just after I had shut up, Tom came over with the omnicycle. We then had supper and a walk and a chat round the fire after, which made a pleasant evening for me. We then went to bed, Tom sleeping with me, Bertha having sent a note by the carrier to say Mr Evans would drive her over tomorrow.

Wednesday January 21

Tom went back to Wokingham on my old machine, where he is going to pack it away in one of his dry rooms. Mr Evans drove Bertha and family home just before dinner and left soon after. I then took a run to Elvetham and up Star Hill back and round about on the omnicycle. While I was out, Capn Young called in and ordered hay and straw. Being a bright and moonlight night and hard frost, I took a run to Wokingham after I had shut up. There was a Volunteers Ball in the Town Hall to which George Sale went.

19 miles

Thursday January 22

Not having any letter from Dew, as soon as I had put up the Farley Hall orders, I posted off on the omnicycle to Wokingham to telegraph about the cheque. Bought a bottle of magnesia at Cocksedge and four locks at Mr Dalley’s and I paid at each place. Got home rather late for dinner. In the afternoon, I took up Lady Glass’ change and then went for a ride round Wixenford. Called in at Mr Lee’s and got 10/- and brought away his clock to set it right, which I did in the evening. On my journey to Wokingham, I called in at Mr Thick and sold him a sack of toppins. Had a run to Eversley Crop and back in the evening.

17 miles

Friday January 23

Had a pig in from George Welch at 10/9. Took Lee’s clock home and set it going in the afternoon. Went for a moonlight run in the evening for four miles.

4 miles

Saturday January 24

Was busy both in the day and evening. Wooderson left today. The weather during the whole of the week has been sharp frost.

Sunday January 25

Another hard frosty day. Expecting John and Tom over, I only took a limited run in the morning to Hawley and round about. I didn’t feel up to going far. When I came home, I found John and Tom had arrived in the trap. After a good dinner on short bones, John took a ride on the omnicycle while Tom and Frances went for a short walk.

About half past 7, John and Tom left and I went for a ride by the bright moonlight to Eversley Cross, thence to the finger post near the Flat and home via Brickhouse Hill without altering the power. Just as I had got on to the Flat, in the moonlight saw a polecat and ran just before it for 200 yards or more.

16 miles

Monday January 26

Thomas Nutley came. After I had shut up, I took a moonlight ride to Wokingham. Saw Tom out with a new machine and had a little run on it. Got home again a little after 10 o’clock.

12 miles

Tuesday January 27

I set the bread in the oven for the first time. Tom came over on an omnicycle in the afternoon to try its speed on the Flats. We both went up, but Tom being so much out of condition so that it took nearly six minutes for the first mile, gave the job over. We then took a run down Star Hill and back. By Eversley Church, my machine got fixed on one of the bearings so Tom pulled me home with a string from his machine. The carrier, not bringing any yeast, directly after tea which we had rather late, I went to Sparvell’s to get some, but could not get any there. Tom then went off to the Greyhound and got some. The evening was very foggy, but, of course very light because of the moon, so we persuaded Tom to stay all night, he sleeping with Frances. Mr Townsend paid Payne’s account.

18 miles

Wednesday January 28

Made the cake for Finchampstead Chapel. Sent Nutley with the cart to Wokingham for goods. Tom went back in the morning.

Barker brought home a lot of fish he had caught by breaking the ice and pulling them out of the water with his hands.

Thursday January 29

Set the bread in. Sent Nutley with the goods for the tea meeting and also to Wokingham for yeast having spilt nearly all he brought yesterday. Henry came over via the College about 2 o’clock and we had a few words about the settling of our affairs. He left again by the 4.45 train. I then took a run on the omnicycle to, and on, Longmoor lake. It was very misty there so that I could not see more than half the length of the pond.

8 miles

Friday January 30

Just after I had set in the bread I opened the letters and found one as follows…

Mr Butler
I should be very glad if you called here tomorrow (Friday) morning at 10 o’clock.
Lady Cope
Bramshill

This I did not open until 20 to 10, so, I at once brushed up and went off on the omnicycle and got there in very good time. I was shown into the study and saw Sir William and, presently, Lady Cope entered and then we arranged to serve them with bread Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. It was a very pretty morning, the sun shining bright and warm and dispersing the frost where its rays fell. Yesterday, the hoar frost lay so thick in the road in some parts as to have the appearance of a considerable snow storm. It lay some inches thick in places.

Saturday January 31

Eva came over by the butcher to mind the baby while the servant is away, unwell, at home. The weather was again bright and warm but settled to a sharp frost at night.

1880

Sunday February 1

Like the two previous days bright, sunny and quite warm after so much cold weather. I went to Chapel in Wokingham on the omnicycle. Heard Mr Matthews from Romans 7c4v, much to my liking. Attended the Lord’s Supper afterwards. Had dinner at the shop. Left for home and arrived here at 4 o’clock. Was at home during the rest of the day. I hear that old Emmett has got into Chapel Green.

12 miles

Tuesday February 3

Eva went back by the carrier having been here about a month. Rose Maynard was to have returned by Young, but, missing him, she and Eva walked over. As soon as Mrs Sale heard of it, she sent George and Mr Prist with a pony and trap to look after them. However, they didn’t overtake them until they were just here. Eva had to return with them. Nutley and I did the Common journey. Yesterday was the last day of the long frost.

Wednesday February 4

Barker clipped the fore part of Camel and then I sent Nutley with him to Wokingham for some goods.

Sunday February 8

The state of the roads and the weather last week quite put out of the question any going out on the omnicycle. I got up this morning with a bad throat and altogether out of sorts. Thinking a walk would do me good, I started off for one about 11 o’clock taking Nutley with me. We went to the Flats, thence to Elvetham, back up Star Hill and so home. This was too much for me and made me feel bad all the rest of the day. John and Tom drove over in the afternoon and Philip Sale walked in about an hour after.

Wednesday February 11

Being worse, I did not get up until 12 o’clock. John walked over from Wellington College in the afternoon and back by the 7 o’clock train. Mr Hallworth paid.

Saturday February 14

Philip Sale drove in in the morning and stayed about an hour and then took back a sack of maize.

Sunday February 15

Miserably dull day.

Tuesday February 17

Henry drove over and stayed to dinner. After he had left which was about 3 o’clock, I went on the omnicycle to Sandhurst to see Mr Pigg about corn. Had tea there. If the weather had been better, I should have gone to Wokingham as Wombwell’s Menagerie was there.

Wednesday February 18

Sent one ton hay, one load straw to Lady Glass. Had Palmer over with goods. At half past 2, I went on the omnicycle to Wokingham. Caught the 3.41 to Reading. Called upon Mr Gibbons for iron sample and also Oakshott’s. Bought some weight at Martins and back again to Wokingham by the 5 o’clock train. Had tea at the Post Office. Bought some lamps at Lewis’s and two books at Halls. Went down to the Works and saw the omnicycle just fitted with chain instead of catgut. We gave it several runs around the room. It rained and blew very fiercely while I was at the Works so that I did not leave for home until after 9 o’clock. However, the rain gave over for a time and I got home safely and dry. Mr Green drove Mrs Sale over here this afternoon for an hour or so.

12 miles

Sunday February 22

After cleaning out the sea gull’s house. After tea, I went to Wokingham on the omnicycle and went to Chapel. Called in at Mrs Rainbow’s, the Post Office and the Market Place and then came home by moonlight.

12 miles

Tuesday February 24

Planted some green peas. After dinner, I went to Sandhurst to see Mr Pigg about some oats and barley. Had tea over there with George Pigg and Henry Sparvell.

Wednesday February 25

Sent George with the grey horse to Wokingham with an order. He got back again after dinner to be unloaded, and packed the goods away and then after tea I went to Wokingham and had a look at Tom and the Works. He was just making arrangement with a painter for painting the machine. Went up to the shop with a little money and had supper. I came home by moonlight. The roads were very heavy.

12 miles

Thursday February 26

Had Mr Bailey in to do up the garden. Directly after dinner, I went to Wokingham to get some seeds and plants. I left the machine at Tom’s and then went up to the town and called in at Green’s for patterns but he was out with them and so I left the clothing and went across to Mrs S. Sale’s about the plants. Saw Mr and Mrs Eaton there and stopped to tea and then came home arriving here about 7 o’clock. Mr Stapleton died.

18 miles

Friday February 27

Saw Mr Pigg drive by and ordered oats off him.

Saturday February 28

Mrs Donaldson came by the carrier. Had a case of stout in. Hobson of Arborfield paid. Had a very good evening.

Sunday February 29

There has been, with this, five Sundays in February. The morning was gloomy and dull but brightened off before dinner.

A little after 12 o’clock, I started off on the omnicycle to Wokingham. I overtook a gentleman on a Salvo (tricycle) as he was pushing it up East Court Hill. He sat in mine and worked it up. Ran with him as far as Captain Sowers where he put up.

Was just in time for dinner at the shop. Tom and I took a walk after dinner to Elliot’s Farm round the Crooked Billet and across Langley to the omnicycle Works. Went in and saw three machines painted and varnished. They looked uncommonly well. Went to Geo Woods’ for tea. Mary is very poorly and had the doctor this morning. Woods and I had a talk over James’s affairs. I did not stay to the evening service as there is no moon until late, so started home a little after 6 and I arrived just as it was getting dark. Poor little Frances has been very middling all day and caused Bertha considerable anxiety. For the last week or two, we have made sack barriers amongst the rats with the gin. We have caught three, four or five nearly every day. There were four today.

12 miles

1880

Monday March 1

Was going to Hazeley Heath to see Mr Hathaway about some hogs, but the wind and rain came down very rough in the afternoon and so prevented me so I wrote to him. Frances is still very poorly.

Tuesday March 2

Frances better, so Bertha and the baby went by the carrier to Wokingham. Bertha paid Heelas’ bill and for things she had there. Did not pay Cocksedge. I sent Tom a draft for a prospectus of the omnicycle.

Wednesday March 3

Baxter finished clipping the grey horse. I went over to Hazeley Heath to see Mr Hathaway about some pigs. From his litter, I understood there was ten, which I had arranged to go to Wokingham, but when I called there was only two so I bought them at 11/- for both. Directly after dinner, I started George off with the cart to Wokingham. I followed with the omnicycle. When we had packed up the goods, we placed the bicycle, that I had sent to Tom to do up, on top of them. I left the velocipede to have a brake put to it. Had a talk over the prospectus and Tom wished to have the drum described more minutely. I came home via the Well Coll by the last train.

Thursday March 4

Just before dinner, Mr Priest drove over to fetch Annie to go down to Minnie at Reading. In the evening, I added a little to the prospectus.

Friday March 5

Was up late again at the prospectus.

Saturday March 6

Finished the prospectus, except the summary.

Sunday March 7

Bertha, Frances, baby and I went to Wokingham in the cart, taking George with us. It turned out a gorgeous hot day. Read the prospectus to Tom and he thought it would do well. Had a look down at the Works. Started home about 6 o’clock and had a very wet ride home. Bertha caught a cold.

Monday March 8

At the books all day. Bertha’s cold very bad. In the evening, I wrote out the final copy of the prospectus. John came over to stay, he and Tom having now left the shop, and James Knight taking John’s place.

Tuesday March 9

Tom came over in the afternoon on the old omnicycle. I gave him the prospectus. He left for the Well Coll after tea. John went into Wokingham in the morning and did not come home tonight.

Wednesday March 10

Beautiful fine day. Had a quantity of corn from Mr Pigg. Sent George to Wokingham with the cart. Went for a run on the Flats in the afternoon. Barker went on the omnicycle to Hartley Row and Hazeley Heath directly I came home.

8 miles

Thursday March 11

The day being so nice and bright, I went to Wokingham after dinner. Went via the Crop and saw Mr Seymour about some hogs. Called in upon Tom and went to Mrs Rainbow’s for tea. We went through the prospectus and made a few alterations of trivial importance. Got home about 7 o’clock.

Friday March 12

Had two pigs from Hathaway’s at Hazeley Heath.

Saturday March 13

Had a very good day. The weather was beautiful, bright and warm.

Sunday March 14

The weather was cold, dry and dull. John and I talk a walk round Bramshill Park in the morning. After dinner, we went to Wokingham. I had tea at Mrs Rainbow’s. I left about 6 o’clock. John stayed at Wokingham. I enjoyed the ride home much. Bertha began weaning the baby.

Monday March 15

Henry drove over on his bicycle after dinner and left again after tea. Abut 7 o’clock, I left on the omnicycle for Wokingham, just a small part of the new moon lighting up the way. Tom had got a photo of the omnicycle which he sent off to Reamy Linsburge to be engraved. I had a magnificent ride home so easy and pretty.

Tuesday March 16

John came over in the afternoon. He, having stayed in Wokingham since Sunday, will be a bit stunned.

Wednesday March 17

Very bright and fine. John went out on the omnicycle for the morning. After dinner, I went on it to Wokingham and had an hour at the works. Tea at the Post Office and home via Easthampstead, Crowthorne, Well Coll and Finchampstead. Went to Sparvell’s for a breast bottle for Bertha.

18 miles

Thursday March 18

The weather being so nice and fine, Bertha and John walked to Well Coll for Wokingham taking the baby with them. I sent the cart to meet Bertha by the 7 o’clock train. John came back on his bicycle. Mr Bannister brought a cart load of lumber over for him. Rabbit hutch, dog kennel etc. John and I took moonlight ride after supper round Bramshill House and a nice little spin it was. The peacock and peahen got out. We caught the peahen at night in the top of the house but couldn’t catch the cock.

6 miles

Friday March 19

Caught the peacock. John went out on the bicycle for the morning. At half past 3 I went on the omnicycle to Arborfield, Sindlesham, Hurst Church and Wokingham and home again at half past 5.

Found Tom over here with a proof of the prospectus. Yesterday he sold several machines. He left about half past 6, John going with him to be ready to start by train for the boat race tomorrow.

Saturday March 20

Busy all day. John came home at 10 pm. The boat race did not come off, the morning being very misty and the race fixed for an early hour.

Sunday March 21

John and I rook a ride round, going to Blackwater via Sandhurst and then home along the Flat and down Brickhouse Hill. There was a strong wind from the east which was against us to Blackwater but pleasantly with us home. We took it very quietly and enjoyed the ride very much. The day was very bright and sunny. We had tea early and then John and I went to Wokingham, arriving there at 6 o’clock. John went to church and I to Chapel. Heard a Mr Leach, the editor of the Freeman. Came home by moonlight. Very pretty and bright.

26 miles

Monday March 22

John left here at 10 past 7 on his bicycle for Staines and thence by train to Putney for the boat race, but the journey to Staines being much further than he thought, he was only just in time for the train at Sunningdale. He had a very good view of the race. Oxford won.

Henry went up to see it. John came home about 7 o’clock taking the road via Wokingham and bringing James Knight with him over here. I commenced building the peacocks’ house this afternoon and got on very well with it. I was too tired to accompany Knight on his moonlight journey back.

Tuesday March 23

I commenced fixing the wire in the peacock house. After supper, I left on the omnicycle at quarter to 9 for Wokingham. The night was calm, the moon bright and the roads good. I got there in good time. Called upon Tom at Broad Street. Then across to the Market Place and while I was in there, Henry ran against the machine and bent the axle. So I went back and fetched Tom and he put it straight. But when I got to the Nine Mile Ride, the axle got fixed and I had to walk most of the way home which I did not reach until 11 o’clock.

12 miles

Wednesday March 24

Sent Bertha and family to Wokingham for Easter. Finished the peacock house except for the door.

Thursday March 25

Finished the peacock house and placed the birds in. Camel came home lame.

Friday March 26 – Good Friday

Woke up about 6 o’clock and could not go back to sleep again, the sun shining so brilliantly into my room and keeping me awake, so I got up at 8 o’clock and had a good breakfast. Before I came down, I had to wash all over in warm water which I think did me the world of good for I felt A1 all day and was quite free from headaches all the time which is a thing I cannot always say of a holiday.

The first part of the morning I spent in placing my bicycle together for Barker and also repairing the omnicycle for a journey. About 11 o’clock, Henry and Knight came over on their bicycles. They stayed to dinner which we had at 12 o’clock. Directly after dinner, we all, John, Henry, Knight and I made tracks for Wokingham calling in at the Works. I put some new screws in the ratchet work of the omnicycle and then up to the Market Place and had a cup of tea. Called in at the Post Office to see Bertha and then to Mrs Rainbow’s. Exactly at half past 2, John, I, and James Knight left the good old town on our trusty steeds in high spirit and excellent conditions for the beautiful region of Marlow going the old way via Bill Hill, Green Man, Stanlake and Burchett’s Green. We had a considerable wind against us, not exactly dead ahead, which, if we had been racing would have told against us considerably, but taking the pace easy we felt very little resistance from it. At Hurst, the Rev Scott stopped me to enquire what machine I was riding. I, of course, gave him a description, and promised to send him a prospectus.

James Knight’s tank being empty and nearly all his steam gone by the time we reached the doctor’s hill, he made a call at the New Inn and replenished it with a bottle of ginger beer, which soon raised the steam to travelling point. We made a call at Burchett’s Green and found Mr and Mrs Micklem and Alice at home. After quarter of an hour stay, we mounted our steeds for Marlow and a most magnificent lovely downhill ride there we had, putting up at the George and Dragon. We attempted to obtain a tea there, but the house being the committee abode of the Liberal candidate, they were too full to get it comfortably for us, so recommended us to the Waterman’s Retreat where we had a good blowout with beef steak, eggs and tea for 2/- each. We then took a walk over the bridge and had a smoke but finding this a cold job we got out our machines and made for Henley leaving Marlow and its election flags and its animated political war behind at quarter past 6.

Going up the hill leading out of Marlow, the gut broke, but having a new piece with me, I fixed it on and set the machine alright again for which I was extremely thankful. From here, what a grand, what a beautifully magnificent easy, all downhill ride we had to Henley. John and Knight lit their lamps about half way, clearing the dusk with their bright lights, and presently the moon rose grand and red, still adding beauty to the ride. We made no stay at Henley but drew right away to Wokingham, reaching there at quarter past 9. We were all of the opinion that we never had an easier or more pleasant ride. John had supper at the shop and I at the Post Office with Bertha. We left for Eversley at 10 o’clock and got home at 11pm. Being very sleepy, we immediately went to bed.

45 miles

Saturday March 27

Very busy all day.

Sunday March 28

Attempted to go for a run in the morning but the machine broke down going up Brickhouse Hill. John, who was with me, went on while I came back and mended the omnicycle. I then took a run to the Crop and met John. In the afternoon, John and I left for Wokingham. We got there just in time to see the fire engine return from a fire at the Frog. There was not much damage done by the fire, only a few sheds burnt. Mr Leach preached. I very much enjoyed his sermon. Today was his first week on trial. I had supper at the Post Office. John and I did not leave for Eversley until 10 o’clock.

16 miles

Monday March 29 – Bank Holiday

I opened shop and carried on business as usual. The day was particularly fine and quiet. John left directly after breakfast and went for runs. He did not return until evening. Mr and Mrs Philip Sale called as they were on their way past for a ride. I put up the shutters a little before 8 and went up to Marshall’s and Seymour’s with some coffee. A minute or so after I left, John arrived so he came in after me just as I was leaving Seymour’s.

There being a fire out towards the Flats, John and I proceeded in that direction and after ascending the hill and proceeding a mile or so along the Flats, came very near to a burning mass of heath near Mount Eagle Farm. Then continuing on, we came to a magnificent display, the valley just this side of the last milestone, being on fire and also the ridge for a mile or more in extent. Just as we left, there were two more fires close there broke out. As we passed Darby Green, that was all of a blaze. We seemed to be surrounded with fires.

12 miles

Tuesday March 30

The day being very fine and John not going out, I got him to mind the shop while I went for a run in the afternoon. Taking the road by Wixenford, I had a pleasant run to the Monument, thence to Swallowfield, Arborfield, Barkham and Wokingham. Had tea at the Post Office and came home via Easthampstead, Broadmoor and Well Coll. I enjoyed the ride very much. Bertha came home by the carrier and brought the children with her.

24 miles

Wednesday March 31

Mr Price paid for the repairs to his machine £1.15.0. Since the 9^th of this month, we have had fine weather every day, but today, the rain set in again. However, in spite of the wet, I took an order into Wokingham in the afternoon and came back directly after tea.

18 miles

1880

Thursday April 1

Yesterday, being the first day of polling in the General Election, the Liberals obtained a net gain of 16 seats. John went to Reading to see the contest there. Palmer brought over a load of goods.

Friday April 2

By today’s paper, I see the Liberals obtained a net of 15 seats yesterday making 31 net in two days. Good gain.

In the afternoon, I went over to Sandhurst to buy corn but Mr Pigg being out, I did no business.

Saturday April 3

Busy all day.

Sunday April 4

John and I took a walk in the morning by Eversley Church and through the fields home. After dinner, we went to Wokingham. I did not stay to the service in the evening. Came home without John who went to church, so that he had it dark home.

12 miles

Monday April 5

Having to see Mr Pigg about some corn, I went to Sandhurst after tea, and transacted a little business with him. Came home via Well Coll and Crop.

10 miles

Tuesday April 6

Had dinner early and then John and I went to Wokingham to hear election addresses. At half past 2, we went up in the hall to hear Mr Rodgers, but he did not put in an appearance being ill and unable to leave his bed. However, there were some really good speakers in Mr Bourke, Mr Beanny, Mr West. The meeting was very noisy and several attempts were made to interrupt the speakers, but they, especially Mr Beanny, were exceedingly good at repartee and gave the obstructionists such severe raps that they turned the table upon them and made a help instead of hindrance of their interruptions.

Had tea at Mrs Rainbow’s. Had my hair cut. Mr Walter held a meeting at 8 o’clock in the Hall. I got up just in time to obtain a seat for I had not been there more than a few minutes before the Hall was crammed fuller than I have seen it before. The meeting was more noisy than the former and at one time Mr Walter was stopped fully quarter of an hour by the violent uproar. However, after exercising a wonderful amount of patience, he at last succeeded in obtaining a hearing. Mr Farmer and Mr Sinsburg also addressed the meeting, but when Mr Nicholson got up, the uproar was so great that the meeting broke up. We thoroughly enjoyed both these meetings and were exceedingly glad we came. Had supper at the shop and didn’t get back until nearly 12 o’clock.

12 miles

Wednesday April 7

Bertha, wanting to go to Wokingham, I sent her with George in the cart after dinner. Philip Sale drove over with a load of goods. After tea, I took a run over the ridge to Sandhurst and home by Yateley Church.

Thursday April 15

Was busy getting forward for tomorrow.

Friday April 9

John went into Wokingham directly after breakfast. After getting the journeys ready, I had an early dinner and then went off to Wokingham to record my vote for Mr Rodgers. The town was exceedingly quiet and the whole affair went off as calm as the cork out of an uncorked bottle of ginger beer. In fact, there was all that difference between an election in the old style and this one by ballot as between the drawing of a cork of a well up and a flat bottle of ginger pop. I came home with John at 7 o’clock.

12 miles

Saturday April 10

John went to Reading to hear the state of the poll given out. It was as follows

Lindsay and Rodgers	741	Walter and Wroughton	376
Lindsay and Walter	348	Lindsay	66
Lindsay and Wroughton	2939	Rodgers	1174
Rodgers and Walter	464	Walter	606
Rodgers and Wroughton	17	Wroughton	44
Lindsay	329	Wroughton	3272
Walter	1794	Rodgers	1696

I had a very busy evening.

Sunday April 11

Very cold and dull. John and I started for a run about 11 o’clock, but the clutch work of my machine would not set so I had to put back while John went on. After putting it right again, I took a run onto the Flat. After tea, I went into Wokingham to Chapel and heard a young student very well. Had supper at the Post Office, then had a dark ride home.

22 miles

Monday April 12

John took a ride to Guildford, Farnham and Odiham. He had it wet with the latter half of the journey. Tom Gardener called in during the morning. I lent him my bicycle to go to Wokingham to see Tom about some omnicycles.

Tuesday April 13

Bertha went to Wokingham and back by the carrier. I had a little run after tea.

4 miles

Wednesday April 14

Wet and dull day. After dinner, I took an order into Wokingham on the omnicycle. Called in at Tom’s. Had tea at the Post Office.

12 miles

Thursday April 15

Lord came over in Mr Sale’s van.

Friday April 16

Went to Sandhurst in evening.

8 miles

Saturday April 17

Had a run up to the Flats in the afternoon and sat up in a tree and read the papers.

6 miles

Sunday April 18

John and I took a run up to the same spot as I visited yesterday and had a stroll about in the firs. After dinner, we went to Wokingham. I heard a good sermon. The day was bright at times, but when cloudy, rather cold. Mr Saddler was down at the shop for the day.

18 miles

Monday April 19

After tea, went over to Pigg and settled the account. From there, I went to Wokingham and was caught in a shower in the road. Went to Rainbow’s and saw Tom about my machine.

16 miles

Wednesday April 21

Tom came over in the afternoon on Henry’s bicycle. I went back with him, leaving here at half past 7. Took an order to the shop and came back.

12 miles

Thursday April 22

Up and off for a run at 7 o’clock. Went round Bramshill Park. Heard the cuckoo for the first time this year. In the evening to Sandhurst to see after corn.

18 miles

Friday April 23

Mrs Saddler sent me a silk handkerchief for a birthday present, bless her heart. Bertha went on the omnicycle in the evening. Drawing the machine into the granary, I broke the front fork off, so this was last night because it was the morning that I sent George in with the broken machine to Wokingham to get Tom to mend it. He couldn’t do it while George waited so George had to come home without it.

Saturday April 24

Tom brought the omnicycle over in the evening. I was too busy to see much of him.

Sunday April 25

John and I did a run through Hartley Row where we met Charles Porter and his young lady, Miss Ruffell. We went on by Winchfield Union after looking over the old church. We came home by Elvetham. Mr and Mrs Barkshire and Mr and Mrs Donaldson drove over to dinner.

After dinner, John and I went to Wokingham where we came across a ferocious looking bulldog who I knocked over three times with the omnicycle. He followed us up to the shop but offered no offence. Heard Mr Whittaker at Chapel in the evening.

24 miles

Monday April 26

John essayed to go to Maidenhead to have his bicycle burnished while he took a trip to Jersey. However, he didn’t get further than Wokingham because of the wind. Tom came back over here with him. After tea, I accompanied Tom to Finchampstead Church on his way back.

4 miles

Tuesday April 27

Up and had a run to Heckfield before breakfast. Went over to Mundy’s to see him about the price of bread in the afternoon. After tea, I went to Wokingham to see Tom about increasing his work.

20 miles

Wednesday April 28

First week of early closing at 4 o’clock. Weather cold and windy. Went to Wokingham to take down the engine I fixed up for Mr Wright. Mr Cocksedge, being at work with his ginger beer machine, I could only take down the boiler and place that away.

I didn’t start home until late and had a very dark and wicked ride home. I counted as many as five fires and these lit up the sky and made it took very weird.

12 miles

Thursday April 29

After tea, I took the omnicycle to Yateley and called upon Mr Padwick at the School on the Green and gave him a trial on the machine. Passed on to Mr Pigg and bought some oats and gave him a trial ride.

8 miles

Friday April 30

Ada Sale’s birthday. Up at 7 o’clock and had a very pleasant run round Finchampstead, Well Coll, Sandhurst and Yateley. The country is just beginning to look green. Short run in the evening.

11 miles

1880

Sunday May 2

Bright, fine and calm. Up and had breakfast and then off to Wokingham via Barkham, John following via Finchampstead. We both went to Chapel and heard Mr Aldis. Came home to dinner and found Mr Geo Sale and Mr Barkshire here. Mr B preached at New Mill in the afternoon. Henry came over on his bicycle after dinner.

Henry, John and I had an early tea and started at half past 5 for a ride taking our course to the Flats, then along some good and pretty roads to Fleet, turning to the left by the pond we bowled away to Farnborough and home through Hawley and Yateley. We each enjoyed our run amazingly. The evening was so pretty, the country putting on its new dress looked charming.

32 miles

Monday May 3

Mr Sale drove over in the afternoon and asked me to advance him some money on his prospective property. So, after 8, I drove in to see Henry about it, but he being out, I did not do any business and so came home again. John started for Jersey from Well Coll.

12 miles

Tuesday May 4

Went into Wokingham to see Henry about Mr Sale’s affairs. When I got there, I found Henry was at Reading, so I went round and paid some of my bills. Henry came home by the 5 o’clock train and I soon did my business and came home. Tom was out.

12 miles

Wednesday May 5

Being early closing day, the weather was cold and windy. I was going for a good long ride, but Tom coming over just at 4 o’clock altered my plans. We had tea, and at 5 o’clock, left for Wokingham where we had a look at Churchman’s engine, this being exactly like the one Tom went to see at Maidenhead. I rather persuaded him to look out for a larger one and then l, leaving London Road, I espied Charlie Woods out on his new machine in company with two others and, putting on the pace, I overtook him. Then we had a sharp turn round the Warren House and Bill Hill. Called in to see George and Mary. Got home about 9 o’clock.

17 miles

Thursday May 6

Had a letter from Clr Padwick of Yateley about an omnicycle. Mr Sale brought goods over. Henry came over directly after tea so he and I took a run to Yateley, and I settled with Mr Padwick for an omnicycle. Henry left for Wokingham about 7 o’clock and I a little after 8 o’clock to bring over Mr Padwick a machine, but one not being quite ready, I could not bring it, arranged to come over for it tomorrow.

18 miles

Friday May 7

Up early and got the orders ready. At 2 o’clock I left for Wokingham intending to bring over the new machine by 4 o’clock, but Tom, being in Birmingham, and a Mr Carp coming for an omnicycle at 5 o’clock, I stopped to see him and show him the machine. This delayed me so that I did not get home with the two omnicycles til half past 7, and very tired too. I was very fidgety being away Friday evening, but getting home I found Bertha had managed the business well.

14 miles

Saturday May 8

In the afternoon, I took the omnicycle to Mr Padwick, but not driving well, I brought it back again. Met Tom as I was coming back. He informed me he had bought an engine at Tangye Bros, Birmingham, and a good one too. Sent Barker the old machine to go to Crowthorne. Came back with a spoke broken. Tom went back about 8 o’clock. I was very busy the latter part of the evening.

6 miles

Sunday May 9

Mr Barkshire came over on his bicycle. He, Frances and I went to Finchampstead Chapel in the morning. After tea, Mr Barkshire and I went for a ride to Hartley Row and round about.

10 miles

Monday May 10

Went to Mr Clacy’s to see about a rick of hay, and from there to Wokingham where I left the machine for Tom to put the clutch work right.

Tuesday May 11

Bertha went by the carrier to Wokingham and back. When she came back, I went the Common journey and then up to Clacy’s to order a ton of hay. Tom came over with the omnicycle and Henry on the bicycle. Mr Christie had my bicycle.

Wednesday May 12

Tom came over in the afternoon. I attempted to take Mr Padwick’ s machine over, but the clutch slipping again, Tom took it back to put dogs again. So, Tom and I went on to Wokingham and had tea there. I then went for a run round Hurst.

22 miles

Thursday May 13

Henry came over in the evening. I sent money and an order back by him.

Bertha, on the new, and I on the old omnicycle went for a ride to the Flats and back after shop. Bertha worked it all the way and well.

8 miles

Friday May 14

Tom brought Mr Padwick’s machine and took Mr Carp’s back. After shop, Bertha and I took another ride, this time to Finchampstead Chapel and round by the Cross and back.

5 miles

Saturday May 15

Very quiet all day so got booking and bills ready for Monday.

Sunday May 16

Up and off to Wokingham to Chapel. Home again by 11 o’clock after a comfortable ride in Padwick’s machine. Found Mr Barkshire had arrived, so, after tea, he and I took a ride to Fleet, Farnborough, Hawley, and so home, which I enjoyed very much although there was a stiff wind.

30 miles

Monday May 17

Having baked the bread late last night, I got up at 7 o’clock and let Barker have his goods for Farley Hill. Directly after breakfast, Nutley and I did the Cross journey. Barker and Nutley went to the New Inn Club. I took Padwick’s omnicycle home after dinner and went for a little run with him so by the time I got home again, I made 20 miles of it. There was a fire up in the Firs so Mr Barkshire and I took a walk to see it. We went around Wixenford but did not get close to it as it was in the Warren.

20 miles

Tuesday May 18

Mr Barkshire went home early. Bertha, Millie and the children went by carrier to Wokingham. About 7 o’clock, I left for Wokingham. About 7 o’clock, I left for Wokingham and took an order in. Met Tom at the Hand Post, so he turned back with me. The road was now very rotten.

12 miles

Wednesday May 19

Fine morning but about 2 o’clock it came over dark and heavy and began to rain, so I thought it was all up for a ride. However, it cleared off and I was just off for a run to Guildford about half past 4, when the front wheel locked and tore the spindle round, so I put back and mended it, and was just off to Wokingham being now too late for Guildford when I met Henry with James Knight and a friend of his coming down Marshall’s Hill on their bicycles. So I put back with them and went for a spin to Hartley Row and then a circuitous route by Winchfield Union and up the Flat by Cressley Green and into Wokingham at half past 8. We thoroughly enjoyed the run and they were highly delighted with the way. The evening was very pretty and it is a pleasant time of the year. Had supper at the shop and home about 10 o’clock.

26 miles

Thursday May 20

Having to get some lamp for Wixenford, I went to Wokingham in the afternoon. Calling in at Tom’s, I saw Mr Timberlake and then presently, Mr Dunn from Maidenhead. After a while, Tom came down from dinner and then I left Mr Timberlake and him to settle. Came home by 6 o’clock. Tom came over at 8 o’clock and then Bertha, on his machine, and I on the old, went to Darby Green and back. Tom stayed all night and slept with John who came home yesterday.

20 miles

Friday May 21

Having agreed with Tom last night to go to Hampton Court bicycle meet on Saturday, I made all speed and got the work orders and the booking done up. About 9 o’clock in the evening, Tom came over on the new machine bringing his man Rowles with him on a machine for me. So, after supper, we started Rowles off to Wokingham on my old machine. Having got all ready for the morrow, we retired to rest and had a good night’s sleep.

Saturday May 22

I got up a little earlier than usual, had breakfast and set in the bread. Got Farley Hill orders and things a bit straight and then, about half past 10, Tom and I left here on the new omnicycles for Hampton Court.

The weather was somewhat dull and the wind quite strong. However, neither of these things troubled us for the wind was at our backs and the clouds shaded us from the heat of the sun. We took our course through Yateley, Blackwater and Bagshot. When coming down the hill into the latter place, I buckled the pulley of one of the driving wheels. At Bagshot, we turned off to the right which proved to be wrong, and had a bottle of ginger beer. We intended going through Cobham and Chertsey, but coming to a finger post directing us to the latter, we left the Cobham road and were sorry, for this road proved nothing but a loose, sandy, gravelly track and an uninteresting bleak and wild country for a length of eight or ten miles. This made travelling very slow and it was past 2 o’clock when we reached Chertsey. The first thing we did was to order dinner at the Railway Hotel which consisted of rump steak and a very good piece it was too. The landlord, Mr Lovell, used to keep an hotel in Bracknell. After dinner, Tom had a shave and then we left Chertsey at 3 o’clock for Shepperton and Sunbury.

The road now followed the river and was very deep in loose sand and gravel, and made the going very heavy. It was along here where some bicyclists passed us whom Tom took to be Maidenhead chaps. The roads would not admit to any fast running so that it was nearly 5 o’clock when we drove up to Hampton Court. By this time, the Green was full of bicycles and the road cleared for the procession which started at half past. During this half hour, Tom and I exhibited our omnicycles to a great many and they were very much admired by several. We did not intend joining in the procession, but finding it took the same road as us for a mile or so on our way home, we almost as soon as the last left the grounds, followed up behind them, but being pressed by the committee men to put on speed and catch them up, we did so, and made a rattling good pace until we caught them. At Hampton, they turned to the right and we went straight on and put up at our hotel and had a jolly good tea.

We left Hampton at half past 7 and took the main road to Staines, which like the others, was very thick in dust which brought our pace down to six miles an hour. When Staines was reached, all bad road was done with and we had some pleasant running. At Virginia Water, Tom left me and took the Wokingham Road as he wished to get there instead of Eversley.

After Tom left me, I came along at a good pace and had the quickest and best part of the journey so far as the pleasant roads were concerned all the way home. It was almost full moon and very cheerful. The wind, which was very strong helping us there, died down to a calm on our homeward journey. I arrived home at half past 11 without any joint aching or in any part strained, neither was my shirt all wet with perspiration. Young, having brought a barrel of stout, I tapped it and had a glass for supper when I heard Millie had another baby girl. Both Tom and I enjoyed our day out much more than we anticipated and although the roads were in such a desperately bad condition, yet performed the journey without any great fatigue anywhere.

60 miles

Sunday May 23

Bertha got up and started off with the baby to Well Coll for Wokingham, Frances having gone with Mr Sale yesterday. I had breakfast and then turned John out and we rode into Wokingham in time for services, and although I had, in six days last week, ridden 168 miles, I was completely fresh. We went to service morning and evening, and then John and I came home, leaving Bertha and family at the Post Office to come home on Tuesday

15 miles

Monday May 24

Went to Sandhurst in the evening and bought corn.

8 miles

Tuesday May 25

Mr Evans drove wife and family home. I went to Wokingham in the evening.

12 miles

Wednesday May 26

Shutting up at 4 o’clock, I had tea and went to Wokingham and was at work all the evening at Tom’s, turning up a spindle for the lamp. As I came home about 10 o’clock, it lightninged freely, but no thunder. However, I had not been home more than half an hour before it lightninged and thundered vividly.

12 miles

Friday May 28

After tea, in most glorious weather, while John took charge of the shop, I rode into Wokingham and had about half an hour there. Saw Tom, who had just arrived by the 7 o’clock rail from Birmingham. While I was at the Works, Mr Dunn came for his machine. I got back to Eversley at 8 o’clock after enjoying two hours out very much.

12 miles

Saturday May 29

Was busy all day. John went into Wokingham to tea and let Henry and Tom out for a ride. They came over here and enjoyed their runs.

Sunday May 30

Bertha, Frances and baby went for a walk with John and me to Wixenford and the Beech and Fir, then down the avenue and across by the Warren. We enjoyed the stroll very much. After tea, John and I went to Wokingham and heard Mr Millar much to our liking.

12 miles

Monday May 31

Was wet all day. John went to London to see cricket, but came home in the evening disappointed. In the afternoon, I took a walk to the College and rode to Wokingham to see my new omnicycle fixed together, so that kept me down at the Works until nearly 9 o’clock, and then I had the walk home which I did not dislike.

1880

Tuesday June 1

Bertha went to Wokingham by the carrier. I began the framing of the home for the omnicycle. In the evening I went into Wokingham to bring home my new machine, but the wet coming in again, I left it for Tom to bring tomorrow.

12 miles

Wednesday June 2

Tom came over on the 54ʺ omnicycle and went back on the old machine before dinner. The day being wet, I could not go for a ride so went on with the house all the afternoon. James, the rat catcher, came at 5 o’clock and ferreted the rats and caught five, and then laid poison for the rest.

Thursday June 3

In the afternoon, Edwin hurt his leg and we were afraid he had broken it, so took him in to see Mr Haynes who said he had run something in. Went for the first ride on the omnicycle, after I had closed, to the Flat and back.

8 miles

Friday June 4

Finished the home for the omnicycle.

Saturday June 5

Being a bright morning, we thought the weather had settled down for fine, so made up our minds to go to Brighton Tuesday. Getting up about 7 o’clock, I got the orders all ready, and then getting John to mind shop, I went on the omnicycle to Reading, leaving here at half past 10, I arrived at Reading at half past 11. Putting the machine up at the Upper Ship, I went to Fears and bought a pair of boots (10/-) and then to Strawthornes for two hats (11/-). Reading being so busy, I did not leave the machine long, so did not stay to dinner but came to Wokingham and had it at the shop. Stopping here for about two hours, I came home at 4 o’clock and then John went to Wokingham to help at the shop, Henry Rainbow’s hand being bad. A drizzle settling in in the evening, I had an uncomfortable ride home and caught cold.

28 miles

Sunday June 6

The day began very dull with rain. I went for a short run before dinner to the Flat and back. The weather clearing up, I went to Wokingham in the afternoon, and Henry, Geo Woods and I went to Twyford after tea. Jenkins being out, Henry and I went to Sonning and had a pleasant few minutes there, and then back to Jenkins. We did not leave there until 9 o’clock so that it was nearly dark before I was home.

30 miles

Monday June 7

Directly after tea, I went to Wokingham for yeast. The weather being dull and showery, we gave up the idea of going to Brighton this week.

18 miles

Tuesday June 8

Tom’s engine and boiler came down. Went to Sparvell’s for yeast and a little run in the evening.

6 miles

Wednesday June 9

The day beginning bright, I got up earlier and did the orders and went to Wokingham to see about Tom’s engine after breakfast intending to be back to dinner, but the wet came in. Bertha and Frances came in by train. While I was at Tom’s, young Mr Pigg came in and I sold him a machine. Just after that, I showed one to another person. I came home as far as Eversley Green with Mr Pigg. It took me 29.5 minutes to go to Tom’s Works from here. Getting home here about 7 o’clock, I went off to the College to meet Bertha, but she not come by the 7 o’clock, I had to wait an hour so took a run through the College grounds and then met the last train, but she did not come by that, so I came home and then Bertha, being driven part of the way, walked the rest with John.

22 miles

Thursday June 10

Philip Sale brought goods over. After tea, Henry came over on his bicycle, and then went for a walk. He left here about 9 o’clock for home via the Cross while I accompanied him on the omnicycle. We met James Knight at the bridge. We had a quick run in and I did not stay there more than a few minutes, and then came home again in quick time getting back here at 10 o’clock.

10 miles

Friday June 11

Tom came over in the evening with the Bicycling News containing a letter from Mr Matthews on the omnicycle. I went with him part of the way home.

6 miles

Saturday June 12

Tom came over in the evening with a letter from the Coventry Machinists Company asking permission to make the omnicycle on licence.

John went for a run in the morning to Guildford, Farnham, and in the evening, to Wokingham and helped in the shop, Henry being knocked up with a cold. He did not get home until late.

Sunday June 13

Fine and warm. Bertha, Frances and baby and I took a walk via Eversley Church to Sir W Copes’ drive and had a pleasant morning out. At 3 o’clock, I left for Wokingham. Went to the Market Place and made a bottle of green tea and a pot of ordinary, and then at 5 o’clock, I left for Marlow and Henley. The roads being good, except in a few bad places, I put the machine along and got to Burchett’s Green in 15 minutes and to Marlow in 1 hour 12 minutes. I did not stop at Marlow, but put along to Henley at ten miles the hour, and thence on until, coming up the hill into Wargrave, when the right drum snapped. I was very sorry for this as I had not stopped once since leaving Wokingham nor should I had the machine held together until I reached Wokingham again. I managed to work it with one until nearly Twyford, and then the drum entirely failed and I had to pull it home. I got to Wokingham at 9.30 and found John waiting for me, so I sent him on to tell Bertha I should not be home tonight. Had supper at the shop and slept at the Post Office.

38 miles

Monday June 14

Up at half past 6 and off to Eversley in one of Tom’s machines leaving mine to be repaired. Got all the work forward and nearly ready to start for Brighton. John went to Wokingham before dinner and came home at 8 o’clock without Tom and the machine. However, Tom came over about 9 o’clock and stayed the night.

Tuesday June 15

The early morning was very bright but came over dull about 7 o’clock when I turned out and we all had an early breakfast. At half past 8, John and I left for Brighton, he on his bicycle and I on the 54ʺ omnicycle. The weather had a rather threatening appearance with a stiffish wind from the N.W. which, of course, was all in our favour. We took the road through Hawley, Farnborough and Ash. Between the two latter places, we met two detachments of horse soldiers which must have been of a high class by their splendid horses and dresses.

We ran in to Guildford about half past 11. Had dinner at the British Workman and left about half past 1. Just beyond Shalford, John took off his outer britches. Splendid run through Bramley on to the Alford Crossways 10 miles from Guildford. At Alford Crossways, I did not take, as I have done before, the road to the right via Loxwood, but continued straight which took us close by Rudgwick Station. The road along here is a bit bumpy but not enough to make it a bad road. At Horsham, we put our machines up and then went to the Black Jug for tea as they had the BTC (Bicycle Touring Club) sign up. Left Horsham about half past five and bowled along comfortably to within a short distance of Cowfold, when down came the rain and we had to take shelter under a tree for an hour, when the rain not giving over, we rushed on to Cowfold and tried to get lodging there, but they were all full so on we went through the rain which very slowly gone over. Along here, we made a good pace and bowled through Cowfold express for Brighton. We did not slacken until the rise up Clayton Hill.

The rain now came down in earnest for the night and we had a drenching rain into Brighton. Fortunately, it was all downhill here for the last five miles. Arriving at Brighton about half past 9 in a tremendous mess we had difficulty finding stables for our steeds. At last, we came across a chap who showed us to the Unicorn in North Street, where we put them up. We then went to the Clarence Hotel which was very dear and had supper and off to bed. We did not get up very early next morning.

The roads all the way were very good and we had a comfortable and happy ride down saving the last mile or two, which was very wet. The machine did not want anything doing to it all the way.

62 miles

Wednesday June 16

Wet again, so after breakfast and settling with the Clarence, we went to the Unicorn and cleaned up our machines. Had a walk down to the sea then off by train to Guildford. As I was going to the station, I saw Mr Harris on the bicycle again and explained the machine to him. From Guildford, we took the train to Blackwater and then rode home. There was a cricket match on Yateley Green and a splendid marching band. Had tea and dinner together, and then, the weather clearing up, John and I went to Wokingham and back.

18 miles

Thursday June 17

Cleaned up the omnicycle.

Sunday June 20

Bertha, Frances and baby, having gone to Wokingham Saturday evening, John and I, as the weather was wet, walked into Wokingham. Saw Mr and Mrs Saddler, who are staying with Mary. Went to the evening service and rode on the pony and trap. Bertha and the rest came home via Well Coll.

Monday June 21

After tea I went round debt collecting and called upon Mr Glazier. Mr Bartlett called in while I was away. Henry and J Knight came over after shop. I went a part of the way with them.

10 miles

Tuesday June 22

Wet all day. I went the Common journey.

Wednesday June 23

John left here for Wokingham this morning. I had an early tea, then shut up and was off to Wokingham at half past 4. Had tea at the shop. Henry was out fishing with Mr Saddler and Geo Woods. John, being down to tea at Mary’s, I went down and arranged with him for a run. I then went to Tom’s and got him to go with us, so about 6 o’clock, we started off for Sonning via the Reading road which was in a very bad condition. Had chat to him on Sonning Bridge and then came along to Twyford and called in at James’. Had some tea and then straight home.

29 miles

Thursday June 24 – Edwin Ethelbert’s birthday

Barker made a good cake for the occasion. Miss Higgins and Mrs Prissy drove over to tea. Henry, on a bicycle, and Tom, on the omnicycle, came over. Tom gave the boy 5/- for his birthday present. After shop, I took a run to the ridge and saw Mr Bell to whom I explained the omnicycle.

Friday June 25

Henry drove over with some goods, had tea and then he, on the omnicycle and John, on the bicycle, went for a 20 mile ride. In the afternoon, I went to Wokingham and back.

12 miles

Saturday June 26

Busy all day. Tom came over with John in the evening and stayed all night. He came over to bring a letter from Salamon.

Sunday June 27

Went to Wokingham to Chapel. Had dinner at Tom’s and then came home directly after. John going to Hawley to Church, I accompanied him and during the service I ran to a little beyond Hartley Row and back just in time to meet him coming out of church.

34 miles

Monday June 28

After tea, I went to Wokingham to see Tom about writing to Salamon. We concocted a letter for him and then had a run to Buckhurst and round Bennings.

16 miles

Tuesday June 29

Having a lot of business to do at Wokingham, I went in about 6 o’clock calling in at Tom’s just as he was trying his engine. I stopped there and so left my business about 9 o’clock. I went to the shop and gave our orders and then straight home.

12 miles

Wednesday June 30

Having arranged with Henry for a run, I had tea at 4 o’clock, and he and James Knight came over at 5 o’clock, had a cup of tea and then off to Basingstoke via Hartley Row.

The roads were in splendid condition but having a wind directly ahead of us, we found it hard work to Basingstoke. We put our machines up and had a refresher at the confectioner’s shop. Leaving Basingstoke, we had a splendid run before us and we put along very fast indeed, all enjoying the quick travelling. Had a bottle or two of pop just before reaching the Monument. Henry and Knight had a snap at my place and then wended their way to Wokingham.

26 miles

1880

Thursday July 1

Had goods in by Sale’s van. At half past 7, I left for Wokingham via the Cross. Did a little business at the shop. Called at the office and at Rainbow’s just as Tom arrived from my place having been over to see me to let me know he had a telegram from Coventry Machinists Co to say Mr Salamon was out.

12 miles

Friday July 2

Henry drove the pony over with some lump sugar, bringing Tom with him, he having had a letter from Mr Salamon asking us to come up and show off the omnicycle.

Saturday July 3

Wet nearly all day. John came back from London.

Sunday July 4

The day began very dull. I took a short ride round the Cross before dinner. Before tea, John and I went to Wokingham. I went to Chapel in the evening.

16 miles

Monday July 5

Up a little earlier and did the booking and then at half past 10, I went to Wokingham and started Tom off on my machine for Staines. Had dinner at the Post Office and then took the 2.4 up SWR for Staines where I met Tom and the omnicycle. As we wanted to get to Mr Salamon’s at Clapham Park, I took a ticket for Barnes and rode the machine from there, while Tom took a ticket for Clapham and thence to Balham.

When I got out at Barnes, I had a terrible headache and a very bumpy ride through Putney, Wandsworth and thence to Clapham Park. We got to Mr Salamon’s just about to our time, namely 5 o’clock and we were desperately in want of our tea which they were good enough to supply us with. At tea, I came over bilious and could not eat anything. Directly after tea, the young Mr Salamon, Tom and I went off for a run, Mr Salamon leading the way and over some very bumpy road too. Coming down one descent at a quick pace, just as I reached the bottom, I was a little sick.

We went for about a seven mile run but it was terribly hard work and a somewhat slow pace in consequence of the bad condition of the road. When we came back, we arranged with Mr Salamon to let his son come down next day and see whether he could make any better pace on our own roads. We trained it all the way home to Wokingham. I then had a little supper at Mrs Rainbow’s and started off for Eversley with a shoulder of mutton for the morrow’s dinner. Got home late and tired so had a bed to myself and slept well. John went to Lord’s to see Gentlemen v Players. James and Davis to Brighton by an excursion train.

26 miles

Tuesday July 6

Tom and Mr Salamon came over a little after 12 o’clock. Had dinner at 1, of which I had none. At half past 1, we started off for Basingstoke via Sherfield. The wind was SW and of a rather stiff character and was dead against us. We took it quietly to the Monument and then from the first Milestone, we put along and got to Basingstoke at the rate of under 10 miles the hour.

At Basingstoke, we called for a ginger beer and then, Mr Salamon, having to catch the 5.9 SWR train at Wokingham, we again pushed off, and from the milestone about 1.5 miles from Basingstoke to the fourth, that is three miles, was done in nine and quarter minutes and the eight and quarter miles in 40.5 minutes. We got to Wokingham Station with a quarter hour to spare. Mr Salamon was very pleased with the performance of the omnicycle.

I had tea at Tom’s and hung about at Wokingham until 8 o’clock. I left my machine for Tom to show Mr Griffin on Wednesday. Worked home one of his.

40 miles

Wednesday July 7

Rained from 10 o’clock until half past 4 when it cleared up and John and I ran into Wokingham for the evening.

12 miles

Thursday July 8

Henry brought a few goods over, and Tom with him, Tom having a letter from Mr Salamon asking for terms and conditions for manufacturing the omnicycle. We wrote him a letter for a more definite question.

Took Mr Padwick a suspension saddle when he paid me £8.0.0, the remainder of the money for his omnicycle.

6 miles

Friday July 9

Went to Sandhurst in the afternoon and paid Mr Pigg £40.0.0. After shop, I went to Padwick’s to set his machine right but he was not at home so I went to Darby Green and along the Flats home, a capital good run.

18 miles

Saturday July 10

Wet nearly all day. After tea, John went to Wokingham on the bicycle and brought some bacon back in the trap with Tom who had another communication from Mr Salamon. Tom stopped here all night. Bertha went to Wokingham by the 7 o’clock train. I had a very busy evening.

Sunday July 11

I went to Wokingham to Chapel and left Tom and John to lock up the house when they came in the trap. Had dinner at the Post Office. The afternoon and evening being more or less wet, I could not go out. Went to Chapel in the evening and heard Mr Atkinson much to my liking from ‘What is that to thee, follow thou me’. After Chapel, ran round Binfield and then home.

18 miles

Monday July 12

John went to Basingstoke and saw a cricket match United South of England v Basingstoke.

Tom came over in the evening and we wrote to Mr Salamon our terms for the patent of the omnicycle viz £4000 or £1500 down and 10/- per machine registry.

Tuesday July 13

In the evening, I went to Yateley and repaired Mr Padwick’s machine.

Wednesday July 14

Was wet of course. John and I went to Wokingham in the evening.

Tom had a letter from Mr Salamon refusing his terms.

12 miles

Thursday July 15

Had a nice run in the evening after shop to Blackwater, up the Flat and home.

14 miles

Friday July 16

In the afternoon, I started for Mr Pigg. A bicyclist came up to me at Yateley and wished to run a little way with me. We turned down the lane through Sandhurst where he rode through the water which was not very high, but I objecting to go through, he turned back and was thrown off just in the middle of the stream by his wheel sinking in.

We had not proceeded far before down came a heavy thunderstorm which obliged me to take shelter under a tree while he went on his journey. After the storm, I turned back for home. Had a run, after we had closed, round the Cross.

14 miles

Sunday July 18

Bertha having gone to Wokingham yesterday, John and I went to Wokingham to Chapel for the morning service and heard Mr Scorey who was conducting the service of the anniversary of the Sunday School. The weather threatened for wet all day but we only had a shower at dinner time. Bertha and Edwin came home by train while John and I came on our machines. We met Bertha and the rest coming down Benlinck Hill. Bertha rode the omnicycle home while I walked. Got the sandwich ready for the morrow.

12 miles

Monday July 19

John, Nutley and the servant went to Hastings by the excursion. I went to Sandhurst and Wokingham after tea. On Saturday last, Mr Willie Pigg was thrown out of his omnicycle and hurt his ankle.

15 miles

Tuesday July 20

I went the Farley Hill journey. After tea, ran up to the Cross to see a cricket match. Tom came over in the evening. I rode part of the way back with him.

9 miles

Wednesday July 21

Centenary of the Sunday School held at Wokingham when about 1500 children gathered there in procession. John, having the trap over from Wokingham last night, took Bertha there this morning. I left here, leaving Mary Maynard, who is staying with us for a few days, to mind the house.

Going to Wokingham, I overtook a gentleman from Huddersfield who had purchased an omnicycle from Tom and was out practising it before taking an extensive tour.

John and I attempted a run to Burchett’s Green but had to turn back at Dr Nicholas’ corner as the weather looked like rain. It came down and, at Sale the baker, we took shelter. From Wokingham, Bertha came back on my machine and I on one of Tom’s.

20 miles

Thursday July 22

After tea, I took in Tom’s machine to Wokingham by dragging it behind mine. Called upon Mr Garrett but he was out. Went to Sandhurst.

12 miles

Friday July 23

Went to Wokingham before dinner to see if Mr Garrett had any hay. Saw the notice of the omnicycle in today’s ‘Bazaar’. Having a letter from the ‘Field’, I took it to Tom, leaving here at quarter to 10, and getting home about half past 11.

24 miles

Saturday July 24

Had a busy day. Mr and Mrs Eaton and Tim Sale came over for a day’s fishing. They had very good sport.

Sunday July 25

Went to Finchampstead Chapel in the morning. After dinner, to Wokingham. After tea to Burchett’s Green via Ruscombe Church, John going with me. Had about half an hour with Mr and Mrs Micklem and then a very pleasant run home. Henry was preparing for the Rifle Corps camping out, commencing on Monday.

34 miles

Monday July 26

Wet again. Went to Wokingham for yeast. Rained coming home.

12 miles

Tuesday July 27

After we had closed, John and I had a run to ‘The Fox’ and back.

4 miles

Wednesday July 28

Had tea at 4 o’clock and then off to Wokingham. While I was at Rainbow’s, down came the rain until 8 o’clock. Tom, having a letter from Jones of Exeter, stating he had included some of his patent in the omnicycle, I answered it for him.

12 miles

Thursday July 29

I left here at exactly 8 o’clock and went to the Monument and Swallowfield through Barkham and Wokingham to Eversley again in just the two hours. The roads were to my liking.

20 miles

Friday July 30

Bertha and Miss Turner went to Wokingham in the Thick chaise. I left here a little after 9 o’clock for Wokingham for change.

12 miles

Saturday July 31

In the afternoon, I had a run to the Flats and a long run in the heath. Bertha went to Wokingham.

1880

6 miles

Sunday August 1

Wet again in the morning but held off about 11 o’clock. John went on the omnicycle to Arborfield, Sindlesham and by Scott Farm to Wokingham. Had dinner at the shop. Went to Chapel in the evening and, after service, to Bracknell and back.

24 miles

Monday August 2 – Bank Holiday

I did not close. The first part of the day was very wet. After dinner, it came out fine and I went up to Wheeler’s about some hay, and from there through Barkham to Wokingham. Had tea at Tom’s and then he, John and I went for a ride to Bill Hill, Binfield, New Church and Shoulder of Mutton. There John left us and we went on to Bracknell and back to Wokingham and then John and I to Eversley. I sent the cart to Wokingham in the morning to bring back Bertha, Frances and the baby.

24 miles

Tuesday August 3

Directly after dinner, I went to Jas Wheeler to see him about some hay and after tea, to Mr Clacy’s Bramshill Hunt. After we closed, I took a run along the Flats.

20 miles

Wednesday August 4

Closed at 4 o’clock. Mr Sale drove over just in time for tea, to take Mrs Sale (who had come by the carrier yesterday) back. Henry came to tea and he, John and I took a run to Fleet, Winchfield and Hartley Row, as he, John, is off to the Isle of Wight tomorrow. After they were gone, I took a run to the Flat and back.

24 miles

Thursday August 5

Had tea early and then took an order into Wokingham. Had my hair cut. Ordered a bicycling waterproof suit off Mr Woods. James Knight left the shop. As I was coming home, I met Tom and his foreman at the bottom of Church Hill on omnicycles.

12 miles

Friday August 6

Very wet. Had goods in.

Sunday August 8

Fine. Took Frances to Finchampstead Chapel in the morning. Mr Cheeseman preached. Had tea early and then off to Wokingham. Called at the shop and gave Henry some cheques. Then went for a run to Twyford via Rascombe on towards Reading, thence to the left through Woodley and Sondford Mill, Hurst, and up the Reading road to Wokingham and drawing up at the office for a minute. I came on to Eversley and I got home in good time.

27 miles

Monday August 9

Having to order corn, I, after dinner, went to Pigg at Sandhurst and bought 8 gr oats. The day being so charmingly fine, I went into Wokingham to see if Tom or Henry would go to Brighton tomorrow. Calling on Tom first, I persuaded him to go. I then went up to the shop and had some tea and found Henry had gone to Eversley to see me. As I was hurrying home, I met Henry. Getting home at 7 o’clock, I cleaned up the velocipede and got things a bit ready and then about half past 10, Tom came over and slept here ready for the morning.

15 miles

Tuesday August 10

After a tolerably fair night’s rest, I turned out at 6 o’clock and found a glorious morning ready for us. It was just 7.30 when Tom and I left in glorious conditions and fine spirit for Brighton. We had a most enjoyable ride to Aldershot when Tom, who was admiring the view, steered his machine into mine and buckled my left wheel so that it let me out. Looking at the machine, it appeared a perfect wreck and all hope of proceeding further was now crushed. However, we attempted to force the wheel into shape again, and much to our delight and astonishment succeeded in getting it as true as ever again.

We now proceeded cautiously for fear of displacing the wheel. We reached Guildford without anything special happening, the road not being in the best condition. At Guildford, we put up at the White Hart, that is our machines, and had breakfast at the British Workman – eggs and rashers with tea and toast. Bought four oranges and 1 qt gooseberries. The gooseberries being indifferent, we pitched them away.

There being no clouds and the sun very powerful, we found it piping hot and the pace was not very great, for what little wind there was was dead against us. The road to Alford was very sandy and also tended to keep down any pace. How very different was the view today from the view last time I was along here with John. Then it was all mist and dull, now clear, bright and cheerful and very extensive.

At Horsham, we put up at the Black Horse and had dinner there in company of two respectable bicyclists with whom we had a pleasant chat and explained the omnicycle to them, leaving Horsham at 3.40. Our next stop was about a mile beyond Cowfold at a small farm on the right with a little pond on the Cowfold side and connected with a broad ditch over which is a latticed bridge. Passing over this, we called at the house for some milk. They gave us a quart of new for 2^d which went down well. It was rather dead going through Henfield and although mostly uphill after Clayton yet it went there more comfortably.

We ran into Brighton at half past 7 and put our machines up at Unicorn stables on North Street. Had supper at Pagani in the quadrangle. Took a stroll down on the beach and paddled in the sea and enjoyed a pint of good greengages. Turned into bed at the place where we put up the omnicycles but did not have a sound night’s sleep.

62 miles

Wednesday August 11

Up at 8 o’clock and had a good breakfast in West Street. Had half hour on the sea in rowing boats, then a jolly good bathe and a prowl about. We left Brighton at half past 12 and very comfortably pedalled up the five and half miles of uphill without a stop. Going up, we met a quantity of horse soldiers.

We stopped at the fountain just before Henfield and had a drink, so we did at the one up Clayton Hill. Neither did we forget to eat at the small town and have half a gallon of new milk this time which took us half an hour to drink and carried us into Horsham, where we had another quart. This was at a house opposite a wholesale baker and confectioner shop and next to a public house. Our next stop was at Halfway House for ginger beer and cake. From here to Guildford, we found the road smoother than yesterday and we bowled along at a very good pace especially through Bramley. Got to Guildford at half past 7. Ordered tea at British Workman and housed our machines at the White Lion as usual. We very much enjoyed our repast and started off quite fresh at half past 8. We left the White Lion by the back and so avoided the up and down hill of Shalford Street. We had a very nice run until we came to the sandy road near Ash. At Ash, we had the last bottle of ginger beer and came home, without any incident in the dark excepting missing our way for quarter of an hour.

63 miles

At Eversley Cross, Tom branched off for Wokingham. I got home a little before 12 o’clock. The roads were far different from what I expected them to be, taking them on the whole, they were bumpy, cordy and sandy. Of course there were a few good patches but not many. When John and I went down about six weeks ago, we found them far better, in fact they were excellent then. There was a slight breeze against us both ways but very slight. Another time, I should avoid dining at Horsham, as I can get accommodation so much better at Guildford. The most difficult hill on the journey I consider to be the one leading from Cowfield to Horsham. We worked the machines every part of the way with exception of through Guildford Market. At Alford, we took the right hand road to Brighton.

Thursday August 12

Had an extra hour in bed. Was a little stiff in my left leg but other ways was comfortable enough. Mrs Walden came via the carrier on Tuesday and I sent her to Wokingham by the cart after tea, Bertha and baby going with her. After I had closed, I took a run in and had supper at Mrs Rainbow’s.

Coming home about half past 10, I saw the Northern Lights quite brilliant lighting up the country.

12 miles

Friday August 13

In the afternoon, I called upon Mr Thick to see him about the horse, but he was out. I then went to Mr Marshall at Blackwater about coal, and he was out. Came home along the Flats.

12 miles

Saturday August 14

Wanting to make up over 200 miles this week, I turned out at 7 o’clock and went three times round Wixenford and then again, after dinner, to Yateley Church and back calling in at Mr Thick’s on the way home. I bought his pony for £8.0.0 and Camel. We had a capital evening business. At the shop at Wokingham, they had a flare up with the gas about 9 o’clock and had to work the rest of the evening with candles.

I have ridden the omnicycle this week 203 miles which is three miles more than I have ever accomplished in the week on a bicycle (200). I had to walk a considerable part of the distance. The week before this, I did 104 miles making in the two weeks 307 which is far more than I have accomplished on two wheels in the same time.

Sunday August 15

A dull kind of day. I didn’t go out in the morning or afternoon. Henry came to tea and he and John went to Hawley Church. Mr Geo Sale came to tea and I had a run to Wokingham and back.

12 miles

Monday August 16

Although the weather was fine, I did not go out, having plenty to do at home.

Tuesday August 17

Left here about 6 o’clock for Wokingham. Took an order in. Bought a few things at Dally’s. Had a look over the figures of the Estate when they showed excellent results.

12 miles

Wednesday August 18

Goods came over just before 4 o’clock. Henry came over for a run. Mr and Mrs Farmer and family came unexpectedly to tea. Henry, John and I had a very pleasant run round Fleet, Winchfield and Hartley Row. This was a very pleasant run.

16 miles

Thursday August 19

Henry and John came over for an afternoon of fishing. I had a run into Wokingham after hours.

12 miles

Friday August 20

While John kept shop, I took an afternoon run to the Flats and had a smoke. Tom came over in the evening with a mileage indicator making the distance via the Cross six and a third miles.

6 miles

Saturday August 21

Was busy all day.

Sunday August 22

Went for a walk with Bertha and Frances round New Mill in the morning. Mr Sale drove over bringing Minnie and Ada with him. We only had bacon for dinner. I took a run after tea to Broadmoor, Easthampstead, Shoulder of Mutton, Binfield, Toutley and Wokingham, and then home.

20 miles

Monday August 23

Bertha went to Reading and brought Annie back with her. Tom came over in the evening.

Tuesday August 24

After dinner, I went to Wokingham. Ordered a suit off Green. Paid Dally’s account and Woods.

12 miles

Wednesday August 25

Put up the candle racks. Closed at 4 o’clock. Started for a run at 5 o’clock. Went to Well End, Broadmoor, Easthampstead and to the new bridge at Wharley and then to Wokingham. Called at the shop and Henry went with me round Carrington’s and Cornish’s.

Called in to see Tom who gave me the dumps about his business. Saving for this, I enjoyed the evening very much indeed.

15 miles

Thursday August 26

John came back from Whitstable where he had been to see a business.

Sunday August 29

Henry came over in the morning and he and John went for a run. I took a short one before dinner to meet them. We all went to Wokingham in the afternoon and slept at the office so as to start from Wokingham tomorrow for Brighton. Had a run round Bill Hill and Binfield in the evening.

20 miles

Monday August 30

Bertha, Frances and I left by the 8.27 SER for Guildford and then to Brighton. Had breakfast at Guildford. Got to Brighton about half past 12. Got a bedroom at a Temperance Hotel, 42 Queen Street. Went to the aquarium in the evening. The weather was dull to a little wet.

Tuesday August 31

Beautifully fine. Wandered about Brighton.

1880

Wednesday September 1

Went to Hastings. Saw the cricket match Australia v Hastings.

Thursday September 2

Beautifully fine. Went to Fairlight. Left Hastings for London by the 4 o’clock train. Came home by the 8.5 GWR. Slept at the office.

Friday September 3

Came to Eversley on the omnicycle directly after breakfast. I sent the cart for Bertha and Frances.

Saturday September 4

Very busy all day.

Sunday September 5

Was rather unwell. Went for a six mile run in the evening, but otherwise did not go out.

6 miles

Tuesday September 7

Went to Sandhurst after tea, thence to Wokingham. While I was gone, Henry and John came over here, so I waited for them at Wokingham.

14 miles

Wednesday September 8

Henry came over here and we took a run round Fleet and then on to Wokingham. John came back from London having been to see the grand match Australia v England in which England won. He took a business at Whitstable on Monday.

20 miles

Sunday September 12

The day was too showery for a ride. Mr and Mrs Donaldson and Mr and Mrs Barkshire drove over. In the afternoon, Mr and Mrs Sale and Jamie came over. They all left directly after tea. Bertha and baby went back with Annie. I went to Wokingham and back. Saw Mr and Mrs Saddler at the shop.

12miles

Monday September 13

Tom, having to take a machine to London, came home this way about 10 o’clock at night.

Tuesday September 14

Very wet. After shop, I put on my waterproof suit and went to Wokingham and took one order in. It poured with rain coming home. However, the suit kept me dry and I had a very good ride.

11 miles

Wednesday September 15

John took Barker to London. After 4 o’clock, I went to Wokingham but did not stay long. Bertha, Frances and baby came home by the carrier.

Friday September 17

In the afternoon, I went to Riseley Mill to see some hogs and at half past 8, to Wokingham to see Henry about them.

16 miles

Saturday September 18

An excursion from Reading to Boulogne for 10/-. Tom and John went to a very wet morning but cleared up nice and fine about 12 o’clock. Had a busy day.

Sunday September 19

The weather was dull but cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to Wokingham and back.

12 miles

Monday September 20

Busy in the house all day.

Tuesday September 21

Had dinner early and then went in a drizzling rain to Riseley Mill and bought 11 hogs @12/-. From thence to Eagle Farm and ordered straw.

10 miles

Wednesday September 22

Sent Chester a ton of hay from Clacy’s. After tea, I went to Wokingham and then Tom and I went round Bill Hill and then to Warren House. Mr Sale drove George over.

16 miles

Thursday September 23

Went to Mr Pigg after tea to pay him.

8 miles

Saturday September 25

Today’s ‘Field’ had an account of the omnicycle in.

Sunday September 26

Having determined upon letting Frances go to Brighton with Ada, Bertha got up and walked to Wokingham. I left about half past 8, and then at 10 o’clock, John, Henry and myself went to Burchett’s Green. We found Mr Micklem at home but as he was engaged with his morning’s devotion, we took a walk around the place by ourselves. Leaving Burchett’s Green, we came home via Shottesbrook and Waltham intending to come through Billingbear Park, but were refused admission, so had to take the road round. It was a very pleasant morning and we thoroughly enjoyed the outing. Had dinner at the shop and a sleep after. Bertha came home by train and I rode to the College to meet her and come home with her.

34 miles

Monday September 27

Mary walked over with Alice and Frances Micklem. Bertha went to Wokingham by carrier and returned with him. Our company left after tea.

Wednesday September 29

Today I fixed for taking stock. Being the last week of closing and a fine day, I left off taking stock and had a run to Bill Hill for some blackberries. However, I got home again about 8 o’clock and then finished with the stock.

15 miles

Thursday September 30

Put the stocktaking figures together and made a satisfactory result of them. Mr Lee’s pig killed here. Sent Bertha to Wokingham in time for the train to Whitstable. Henry came over in the afternoon and had tea here.

1880

Sunday October 3

Bertha being at Whitstable, Frances at Brighton, and the servant gone for a day out, I got Mrs Burford to mind the house while I went to Wokingham via Blackwater, Bagshot and Easthampstead. It was a splendid morning, clear, bright and cold and I enjoyed the ride much. The road was good to Bagshot, bit bad from there to Easthampstead and then good home.

While I was eating some blackberries, I was stung on the tongue and it caused me considerable pain.

Had dinner at the shop. Had a run round Bill Hill and the Warren House and then tea at Geo Woods’. Went to Chapel and enjoyed it. Got home a little after 9 o’clock.

30 miles

Monday October 4

Wet and very cold. Had a fire in the shop for the first time this season.

Wednesday October 6

The day was very wet and dull. Although last Wednesday was the last of the closing days. I put the shutters down at 4 o’clock, and went to Wokingham on a long run. Henry came home from Whitstable by 8 o’clock train having been down there on Monday.

11 miles

Thursday October 7

After I had closed, I took some money to Wokingham and a cheque for £200.

11 miles

Friday October 8

Tom came over in the evening and stayed the night. Had a talk about a new velocipede.

Saturday October 9

Ended a busy week in the takings.

Sunday October 1

Up, and in my waterproof, to Wokingham to Chapel and heard Mr Woodrow. Had dinner at the shop and tea at the Post Office. Came home by half past 7. On Thursday, I had the invoice for carrying the lamps outside the wheels and found the benefit of them this evening.

11 miles

Monday October 11

As soon as I had closed, I started off for Wokingham to see if Bertha was come home from Whitstable. I met her being driven over by Mr Sale and Mr Henderson so turned back with them.

6 miles

Wednesday October 13

Having promised Tom to come over and take stock at his Works, I left here at 3 o’clock for the job. We did not commence till after tea so that we did not finish until nearly 11 o’clock which made me late home. Tom had a communication from Mr Salamon. Mrs Brant died.

11 miles

Thursday October 14

Went into Wokingham after 8 o’clock to see Tom further about Mr Salamon’s letter.

11 miles

Friday October 15

Went over to Sandhurst after dinner for yeast. While waiting at Mr Pigg’s, a horse and cart ran away, but was stopped a little way down without doing any harm. It belonged to Haslam, the rat catcher, who was driven by drink just after work.

8 miles

Sunday October 17

Bertha went to Finchampstead Chapel in the morning and on to New Mill in the afternoon. Henry and Woods came over to New Mill service but, Woods’ machine failing, he only got as far as here. Mr Geo Sale came to tea. I went to Wokingham to Chapel in the evening and heard Mr Woodrow on ‘Jonah’. I took a run to the Flat before dinner and got some chestnuts.

17 miles

Monday October 18

Went to Wokingham after tea to see Tom about his journey to Mr Salamon tomorrow.

Tuesday October 19

Went to a sale at Kit’s Croft coming home just as the sale commenced and intending to return again, the left wheel buckled up and forced me to walk home. Had dinner and put the wheel right and off again to the sale but was too late. Went on to Sandhurst for yeast.

14 miles

Wednesday October 20

Went into Wokingham after dinner to take and order and for yeast. Saw Tom, who wanted me to write to Mr Salamon, but, not having time then, I came home and had tea and then off again directly after. Had my hair cut and did a little business and then wrote to Mr Salamon. I left my machine at Tom’s in the afternoon to have new wheels put on and borrowed one of his old ones.

22 miles

Thursday October 21

Bertha went to Wokingham to bring home Frances. They rode back with Mr Geo Sale to Finchampstead where there was a tea meeting going on at the Chapel to which they stopped and then came home after service in the evening.

Friday October 22

Having to change a £50.0.0 cheque, I went to Wokingham for £20.0.0 in the afternoon but had a job to get it. Left £52.0.0 for the bank. I saw Tom who has ordered two 60 inch wheels for my machine. Got home at 6 o’clock.

12 miles

Saturday October 23

I forgot to mention on Wednesday, that there was a snow storm that day (Oct 20). About five inches fell, but fortunately there was a slight rain before and a little with the snow so it did not lay on the ground. The houses, trees, etc were all covered and although the afternoon came out fine and mild, the snow being about for a day or two. A great many of the trees had some of their boughs broken off with the weight of snow on them as being still in leaf, it held such a quantity and offered a large surface for the wind which was somewhat rough to set upon. The oaks seemed to suffer most.

Sunday October 24

Bertha and Frances to Wokingham to Chapel. I cleaned up the machine Tom lent me. Directly after dinner, I went to Wokingham and had a walk with Tom round Hunt’s Green. It was a delightful day and I took care to enjoy it as we have so few of them. Was home to tea.

11 miles

Monday October 25

Left here at 8 and went to Wokingham. Had supper at Mrs Rainbow’s. Called in at the Works and saw the 60 inch wheels. Millie came back from Whitstable.

11 miles

Tuesday October 26

Young, having forgotten to take the yeast tub, I went to Wokingham before dinner and a very wet ride it was. Called in to see Tom, and then after doing my business at the Market Place, came home in the lashing rain.

11 miles

Wednesday October 27

Cleaned the cuckoo clock in the evening.

Thursday October 28

Left home about 8 o’clock and went to Wokingham. Called in at Tom’s and helped him pack off two machines. Then he and I had a ride, he on the 60 inch and I on his old machine. We went round Bennings. The roads were very heavy. Had tea at Mrs Rainbow’s. Stayed a short time at the shop and also some at the Works, then home again.

14 miles

Friday October 29

Tom came over in the morning on the 60 inch. He could make no time on it, the roads being too heavy and wind too high. At 8 o’clock, I left for Wokingham and saw Tom about his new patent as he is off to London tomorrow.

11 miles

Saturday October 30

Getting the order done early, I was enabled to go to Wokingham after dinner and bring the 60 inch back before tea. Had a very good evening.

11 miles

Sunday October 31

Bertha, Frances and Eva went to Finchampstead Chapel and to New Mill in the afternoon. Before dinner, I took a run on the Flats to see if I could make any time. It took me 13 minutes for the first three miles and the 22 to return the wind being so dense against me. Went down the Elvesham road for a few chestnuts. After dinner, Henry and Geo Woods came over for a rest of a quarter hour. We all took a ride to the Flats and along them for a mile or so, then off to the left to Yateley and back through Eversley Cross where Henry turned to the right for Wokingham and Geo Woods came with me to tea. About half past 6, Geo left. I lent him some of my lamps and went on with him meaning just to leave the 60 inch and then come back, but was detained by staying and having supper at George’s to chat. I did not get back until past 9 o’clock.

32 miles

1880

Monday November 1

I left here at 3 o’clock for Wokingham to see Tom and hear the results of his journey to London and Whitstable. Called in at the Works but he was not there so I went to Broad Street and waited for him. While I was having tea, he came in from the 6 o’clock LWR. He has started Haseltine and Lake with the provisional specification. He was very pleased with Whitstable. I got home again at 8 o’clock. I should say before I went to Wokingham, I went to Mount Eagle Farm for straw and met Henry coming home from there and gave him an order to send over tomorrow. Coming home from Wokingham, I met Geo Woods walking, he having broken the chain of his omnicycle near my place and so left the machine there.

16 miles

Tuesday November 2

Tom came over here at half past 11 for a trial run on the Flats. We had dinner at quarter past 2. We left the milestone and experienced three miles of hard work against the wind in 19 minutes and an easy run back in 12. After going 18 miles, I went to Harris’ for some milk while Tom went on with his task. I got back with the milk just as he was coming down the 24^th mile, but as the time was so bad being only a little over ten miles the hour, he gave the job up for the day, so we both came home and had tea when he left which was about 6 o’clock.

At 8, I went in just to see the Fair and was back before 10. There was a roundabout called ‘Sea on Land’ which consisted of about a dozen vessels, fully rigid, in place of horses and boats of former roundabouts. These vessels pitched fore and aft as they were driven around. The thing seemed to take well and so it should, for it was well put up and very costly.

36 miles

Wednesday November 3

Was busy putting the goods away.

Thursday November 4

Bertha went to Wokingham in the morning on the omnicycle. Tom came back with her in the afternoon and soon after, Henry arrived, so he and Tom went to the Flats and home from there. At 7 o’clock, I left for Wokingham and went to Broad Street and looked over the prospectus specification from Haseltine and Lake.

11 miles

Friday November 5

Got all the orders up early and things straight and then directly after dinner, went to Wokingham for change and called in to see Tom and persuaded him not to attempt the 50-mile race on Saturday. Got home a little before 5 o’clock.

11 miles

Saturday November 6

Did not get the bread set in until 10’clock, the dough being so slow in working. After dinner, I went to Sandhurst for yeast. Mr Sale and Ada came to tea. Tom also came over having a run on the Flats (12 miles in 58 minutes)

12 miles

Sunday November 7

Took a pleasant ride round. Starting from home, I went up Brickhouse Hill, across the Flats and on to Fleet. It was very pretty between the Flats and Fleet Pond, the autumn tinges looking so varied and grand. From Fleet to Farnham and leaving the railway on my right. On to Cove and Hawley was excellent going, the wind being with me. Came home to dinner the old way via Darby Green. Did nothing else all day.

16 miles

Monday November 8

Blackwater Fair. Having to get some yeast, I had tea at 4 o’clock and then set off for some. Called in at ‘The Greyhound’ and succeeded there. I then ran into Wokingham, saw Tom, called at the shop and then home again.

11 miles

Tuesday November 9

Bertha and baby went by carrier to Wokingham and back. Young, having bought such bad yeast, I went in for some of Hewett’s which I got at Clark’s.

11 miles

Wednesday November 10

Left here at half past 10 and went to Sindlesham to order flour. Then on to Wokingham with an order. Had dinner at the shop. Took the 1.20 SER to Reading and did a lot of little business and back by the 4.20. Tea at the Post Office. Had a few minutes at Tom’s Works. Came home by 9 o’clock, The weather was very pleasant.

13 miles

Thursday November 11

Was a wet day. Had a load of goods over.

Friday November 12

After 8 o’clock, I started for Wokingham. Called up on Tom. Went to the shop and ordered yeast. Called at the Works and left the machine I had borrowed and took home my 60 inch.

Tonight’s journey makes seven miles over the 3,000 accomplished this year.

Saturday November 13

Had a splendid busy day and evening. Took £40.0.0.

Sunday November 14

Very wet and high wind all day. Having to fetch the yeast orders Friday evening, I put on my waterproof suit and journeyed in for it. Got to Wokingham just as the people were coming out of Chapel. I did not stay any time as I wanted to get back to dinner to which I arrived 20 minutes late.

11 miles

Monday November 15

Wet all day. I did nothing but booking.

Wednesday November 17

After dinner, I went to Wokingham and had an hour at the Works and then off to the British School to a meeting which commenced at 5 o’clock and was well attended. Staying to the evening service which was also full but poorly supplied with speakers and where I caught a nasty cold through sitting under one of the windows. Mr Woodrow was a very good speech. Henry was very much eulogised by several of the speakers for his able address and for his arduous duties which he so ably fulfilled. Came home by full moonlight. Today was fine and very pretty.

11 miles

Thursday November 18

After dinner, just as I started off for Sandhurst, it came on to snow, and by the time I arranged at Mr Pigg, I was pretty well wet. Fortunately, I had my waterproof coat but silly like, not the leggings. From Sandhurst, I went to Wokingham via the ridges and I gave Tom an order for the shop and a cheque for Mr Garrett. Got home about 5 o’clock in a very uncomfortable condition.

16 miles

Friday November 19

Mr Ryder came in the evening and paid his bill and had supper.

Saturday November 20

Ended a tolerably busy week.

Sunday November 21

Was a beautiful day. The road hard and frosty and the weather a little misty at first, and then, about 12 o’clock, clearing off bright and sunny. While Bertha and the children went to Finchampstead Chapel, I took a run round by Fleet, Cove and Farnham which I very much enjoyed. The roads were rather too rutty for quick travelling. George Woods came over during the afternoon and had a spell down Fleet Hill. George Sale to tea. At quarter to 6, I left for Wokingham Chapel to hear Mr Woodrow, this being his first settled Sunday there, but the roads were so very rutty and rough after Finchampstead Church, that I did not reach Wokingham until before 7 o’clock so did not go to Chapel. I used the path a good deal on the return journey.

30 miles

Monday November 22

Still hard frost. Went to Wokingham for yeast and took an order. Back by 6 o’clock.

11 miles

Tuesday November 23

Bertha and Frances went to Wokingham by carrier and back. Had yeast from Waltham. At 7 o’clock I started for Wokingham and was just in time to see Tom try the small wheeled tricycle. Took some money in £26.0.0. A thaw set in today and the roads ran very heavy.

11 miles

Thursday November 25

Tom and Henry came over to tea, Tom having communication from Mr Salamon about which he wanted to see me.

Sunday November 28

Bertha, Frances and I to Finchampstead Chapel in the morning to hear Mr P Sale. At 3 o’clock, I went to Wokingham. Called upon Tom at the shop and home again.

11 miles

Monday November 29

Had to go to Wokingham for yeast after tea. Bertha went in by train and back.

11 miles

Tuesday November 30

I went to Downham Farm at Moor Green to buy hay, but he had none good enough. Bought half ton of clover £21.0.0.

4 miles

1880

Wednesday December 1

About half past 2, I started for Wokingham and called upon Tom to try his new machine. I worked it to the handpost and back twice. Had tea at Broad Street. Had a talk over a new pattern omnicycle with Tom.

16 miles

Sunday December 5

Took a short run in the morning to the Flats and about. Bertha went to Chapel. Mr Barkshire came to dinner and took Minnie back. In the afternoon, I went to Wokingham and had a walk with Tom and tea at Broad Street. Got home again about half past 7.

18 miles

Tuesday December 7

Commenced doing up the kitchen by laying a piece of floor in the lobby.

Wednesday December 8

Went to New Mill for wood for the kitchen and laid the posts for the floor.

Friday December 10

Went to Wokingham in the evening.

11 miles

Saturday December 12

A very nice day. Took a pleasant run to Heckfield through Mattingley, Hook and Hartley Row, and so home. I intended to enjoy the run and did. Henry and Tim, the boy, came over after dinner, also Geo Woods. After tea, I went to Wokingham Chapel and heard Mr Woodrow, to my liking from ‘Only believe’.

28 miles

Monday December 13

Barker did his work in the night and started his journey at 7 o’clock. He went to Wokingham in the afternoon upon the prosecution of Reid.

Thursday December 16

In the afternoon, I went to Wokingham for change but failed to get any. Had tea at Tom’s. He has partly made the frame for the new design omnicycle.

Friday December 17

As I was going to Wokingham for change, I met Henry with it in the road. Took it to Wixenford and saw Mr Arnold who tried the omnicycle.

7 miles

Saturday December 18

Was busy.

Sunday December 19

Was very wet in the morning. Cleaned spokes. After dinner, it cleared off so I went to Wokingham and had tea at Broad Street and home at 7 o’clock.

11 miles

Monday December 20

Began cake making for Christmas. Left here at 7 o’clock for Wokingham. Had a talk with Tom over the frame of the new omnicycle.

11 miles

Wednesday December 22

Miss Higgins died. Mr and Mrs Donaldson and Henry, Minnie and baby came by carrier.

Thursday December 23

At 3 o’clock, I went to Wokingham on Padwick’s machine to get it repaired. Came home by GWR (6.55) to Well Coll. Bought Frances and Eva a present at Hall’s.

6 miles

Friday December 24

Was busy with the orders but not so very much with customers in the evening.

Saturday December 25 – Christmas Day

The weather was specially fine all day, but the roads were not in a good state for riding being too rutty with the frost which set in last night. Leaving my company at home, I went to Wokingham at 11 o’clock. Took Ada for a little walk. Had dinner at the shop off a goose. Took Louise Rainbow to meet John whom Tom had gone to Twyford to meet, John being on his way home from Whitstable. The evening I spent in going about after yeast. Got home at 10 o’clock. Beautiful star lit night. Cold and frosty.

11 miles

Sunday December 26

Bertha and I walked to Wokingham via the fields in 1 hour 20 minutes. We very much enjoyed the walk, the day being so pretty and the ground frozen. We, of course, had dinner at the office. Came home via Well Coll. Just before reaching home, it came on, much to my surprise, to rain.

Monday December 27

Opened shop here. Mr Barkshire went home. Mr Westall died. There was a poor call for bread on the journeys. It was a rough and wet day, very unlike the two previous ones.

Tuesday December 28

About 4 o’clock, I left for Wokingham to take an order and money in. Called in at the Works just as Tom had sold a machine to a party. Had tea with Tom. Did my business at the shop and then had a talk with Tom upon the new machine.

11 miles

Wednesday December 29

Minnie and the baby and Mr Donaldson went home by the carrier, Minnie taking Eva with her. Eva has been with us for nearly three months. We all miss her. After dinner, I walked to Mount Eagle Farm to see about straw.

Thursday December 30

An entertainment at the schools to which Annie and Bertha went. Mrs Clacy came in in the afternoon and paid her account. She had tea here.

Friday December 31

Had a pig from Mr Harmer, which settled his account.

1879 – 1,381 miles

1880 – 3,280 miles