1886

Friday January 1

Was a very nice kind of day for the first. We had no pigs either this or last week. Nevertheless, there was plenty to do in putting up the orders.

Saturday January 2

Was quite as good a day as we expected so soon after Christmas.

Sunday January 3

This morning as I sat in the Chapel, I guessed Mr Cave’s text within a verse, and then again in the evening, I guessed the very one. They were two good sermons, especially the evening. The Lord’s Supper was after the morning service. I went to Geo Woods’ to tea.

Monday January 4

Was at the booking nearly all day. Mr Gough and his wife and one of their children came to the office for the night. They brought very bad account of Sidney Sale.

Tuesday January 5

Mr and Mrs Gough went home by the L&GWR 8 up, and I was at the book nearly all day.

Wednesday January 6

Looking out of window this morning, I found the country covered with snow and still snowing, and kept on so, until 11 o’clock, so that it looks anything but comfortable for tomorrow’s journey. I wrote to Mrs Vernon today, hope she will reply. Lottie Briginshaw died early this morning.

Davis found Giant, the cat dead in the cellar. She was all right last night poor thing. Hector was killed by the 12.30 down SWR at Kim’s Crossing. I am glad of Hector’s decease, but very, very sorry about poor Giant. She was a good cat and very fond of me. I brought her from Eversley and took her to the office first, but wanted a cat in the flour cellar and brought her over and ever since has made both places her home, as often at one or the other. Poor thing. I am very sorry about her.

Thursday January 7

A frost set in last night and today the roads are covered thick with frozen snow, so Hawkins and I both went the journey. Having got all things ready, I went on, on foot, and told him to drive on, but he mistook me and waited thinking I was coming back and he did not overtake me until I reached Warren Lodge. I enjoyed the walk better than riding. It was an exceedingly wintry morning. We did the journey very well.

It was a very pretty day and a lovely sunset. The trees were loaded with snow and we saw some very pretty sights. The road between New Mill and the Reading road was a grand sight. The coppice on one side and the woods on the other, were draperied with snow and looked like a fairy garden. West Court, also, looked very pretty.

Friday January 8

Seven hogs from Wescott’s and a very [word missing] sale for meat. A frost has set in which makes the roads very slippery. Finished the orders by 8 o’clock. A very cold night.

Saturday January 9

Had to have the horse roughed as the roads are more slippery still. A piercingly cold day. Hawkins did the journey very well, and by 8 o’clock. Business at home very bad.

Sunday January 10

Frances’ birthday (10 years)

Still very cold and wintry. There was skating yesterday. George Woods had a turn on Kingsmere Pond. Mr Cave preached this morning, a very splendid sermon. His text was ‘Be still and know that I am God’. I guessed his text would be ‘Be still and see the salvation of God’. In the evening, he had a sermon for the young, which was not so good, after which there was a united Lord’s Supper to end up the week of united prayers.

Monday January 11

A cold thaw set in, and partially set free the snow, but the wind changing round from SW to N about 1 o’clock, it froze again and made the roads like a sheet of ice in places. There was some forage for West Court and change for Wixenford, and Hawkins went off without seeing me and left the change behind, so when he came back from West Court about 7 o’clock, I sent him over with it, with the grey pony, and a cold ride he had too.

Tuesday January 12

Froze during the day and then, towards night, it came on to thaw and rain. Hawkins brought home the news of Dowton’s leaving, so I thought it best to go up to London and see about the bill.

Wednesday January 13

Went up to London by the 9.8 GWR. Got out at Vauxhall and took train to Rye Lane, Peckham. Called upon Mr Dowton, but he was not in, so waited about for an hour and a half, and then saw him and he promised to settle his bill as soon as he possibly could.

I then took train to Victoria, and bus to Charing Cross and then to Drury Lane to witness the afternoon performance of ‘Aladdin’. Being a quarter of an hour late, I could only get standing room in the pit, However, I saw very well. It is a very grand and magnificent performance and I was very pleased with it. The dress and the scenery is beyond description and the actors spoke out better than I have heard them before. The transformation scene was very grand and beautiful. The procession of beautiful women was exceedingly good and very elegant. I got home by the 6.37 from Waterloo.

Thursday January 14

Went the Eversley journey, but starting late, I did not get done until 7 o’clock. A very cold wind.

Sunday January 17

Mr Cave preached a very good sermon from ‘Now Jesus loved Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus’. But the evening discourse was very tame, when he attempted to announce Miss Briginshaw’s death. Went to Woods to tea. A very good, cold day but turned to rain at night.

Monday January 18

A cold dry day. Put new balls to the hind wheel of Henry’s bicycle and also a new centre for the leads.

Tuesday January 19

A very cold, wintry day. Henry went to London for butter. Dressed the provision window.

Wednesday January 20

Went to Reading by the 12.13 and to the Court to collect in the money laying there. £2.9.0. Called upon Mr Staveley to see if he could do anything to fix a loose tooth, the fellow one to that which dropped out sound and whole about this time last year. He feared he could not. However, he gave me a prescription for a tonic for the gums, and as last year’s, so this time he charged me nothing.

200 people came by the 2.5 train and got out at Earley for skating on the pond lake. In the afternoon, I put the orders ready for tomorrow. At the Baptist Chapel, there was a tea meeting in connection with Mr Cave’s [illegible] service. I did not go to it, but did to the meeting in the evening which was held in the Chapel and wonderfully well attended. The speakers were good and all seemed pleased with the meeting. Mr Matthews, one of the speakers, spoke well.

Thursday January 21

Had a rough day for the journey. Starting off, it snowed, but soon gave over as it needed, for there is already three inches of snow on the ground. I got through the job exceedingly well and was much better than usual when I got home.

Friday January 22

Seven hogs and a very good sale except for bacon of which there was none. Sent Marks with the pony and trap with goods to Wixenford. The boys came back today.

Saturday January 23

Was as busy as we could expect considering what a bad week it has been and what a bad day it is for travelling. Tom went skating.

Sunday January 24

To Chapel in the morning. Bertha could not come because the baby was unwell. Mr Cave preached from the 6 of Hebrews, 19 and part of the 20 verse. I marked out the exact text. It was a good sermon and so was the evening one from ‘My sheep hear my voice’.

Monday January 25

Had more snow early this morning, but later in the day, a thaw set in and I hope will clear it away.

Tuesday January 26

Roasted coffee this morning. I went by the 3.30 to Well Coll and walked from thence to Sandhurst to see Mr Pigg about corn. He was at home and I bought 5 qt maize @ 26/- and 5 barley 28/-, 5 of oats 23/-, clover and ordered 30 qts at 22/-. We had a comfortable tea and a talk over matters, and then I walked back to the College, and came home by the 6.45. It took me 20 minutes to walk from Sandhurst to the College. The weather today has been a great improvement on the stuff we have had. The frost and snow are nearly gone. It has gone slowly but well.

Thursday January 28

Went the journey with a heavy load. Having a barrel of oil for West Court. I went the N.M.R. way. Was very late home.

Friday January 29

Seven hogs and a very poor sale for meat.

Saturday January 30

Hildred has been very ill for the past few days, so had Dr Hicks in to her today and he says she is suffering from bronchitis. I did the journey, as I wanted to see the people at Farley Hill. It was a very rough, wet and windy day. However, I got on very well indeed.

Sunday January 31

Went to both morning and evening service. The morning sermon was from the texts ‘Thou art mine’ and ‘I am thine’. In the evening, from ‘Is thy God whom thou servest continually able to deliver thee from the lions’. Both very good sermons. I went to Woods’ to tea. Hildred is a little better. Today has been a rough, stormy day and has kept in character with the rest of the month. This January has been the most wintry month I have ever seen. Cold, wet, snow, frost and no bright days.

1886

Monday February 1

Was booking nearly all day.

Tuesday February 2

Charles Barker, the miser at Eversley was found dead in his chair this morning, but his money is missing. I set out the window with corn etc. Hilda is now recovered.

Thursday February 4

Went the journey and a very cold day it has been. Had 50 qt oats in. Price 21/-.

Friday February 5

Five hogs and a very good sale.

Saturday February 6

A very nice, fine, bright day. Business middling.

Sunday February 7

A fine bright day. The road frozen hard, I took a run round Easthampstead before Chapel, and found it very good going, so after dinner, I essayed to go to the Flats but turned back at the hand post for the roads had thawed and were desperately heavy. To Chapel in the evening, when I again marked out the verse Mr Cave chose for his text. ‘All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.’ It was a very good sermon with many powerful points well put. After the sermon was the Lord’s Supper and then a church meeting.

8 miles

Monday February 8

A very bright, fine, cold day. The barometer is very high indeed. Sent West Court forage, less the peas and linseed. A riot of the unemployed in London.

Tuesday February 9

Henry went to London to buy butter. Sent a heavy load to Eversley. Mr Arnold taken dangerously ill.

Wednesday February 10

Today was a bright cold day, and as there has been frost for nearly a week, I thought the roads would be good for run, so went round Hurst after dinner and found the roads very sticky and very slow going. Tom went skating in Kingsmere with Geo Woods. I put the sugar mill in repair. To Chapel at 7.

7 miles

Thursday February 11

Had a very heavy lot of things for the round so that I did not get home until past 7 o’clock. Mr Ryder came in and paid and stayed the evening so that I could not go to Mrs Rainbow’s where there was a party and to which I was invited.

Wednesday February 17

The members and communicants of the Baptist Church was held today. I went to the tea and also to the meeting in the evening. Bertha was unable to get away because of the baby. It was an excellently got up tea, but not over well attended, and the meeting in the evening was not up to the average. However, it was a very nice anniversary and I enjoyed it very well. This afternoon, I went for a run round Hurst but the roads were very sticky.

6 miles

Wednesday February 24

After dinner, I went to Burchett’s Green. The roads were very good and a slight wind against me and it took nearly an hour and a half to get over. There was only aunt at home, Frank having gone to a situation in London in the glass retina line. Aunt seems very lonely in the great house and very much longs to get freed from it. The run home was very much easier than the one over there.

20 miles

Sunday February 28

I intended going for a morning ride, but starting at half past 10, the weather came over very dull and cold, and so I turned back and went to Chapel. After dinner, Henry and I went to B. Green, and had a very good ride over in 1 hour 20 minutes. Edwin was there for the day. We left directly after tea and got home in time for Chapel. I guessed the second reading and also at the same time, the verse for the sermon. ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock’. A very good sermon.

22 miles

1886

Sunday March 7

Henry and I went out on the bicycles this afternoon, intending to go for a run round Hartley Row, but the roads would not admit of it, they being somewhat sticky from the snow of yesterday. We went as far as Yateley Church and back. It was too heavy going to be enjoyable. At the Chapel this evening, I worked out the text, at least two verses out of the three.

10 miles

Sunday March 14

I went to Burchett’s Green after dinner and had tea there. There were Mrs. W., Frank who had come home for the day, and Edwin, Mr Taylor and the minister. The roads were good and but little wind and I had a very nice ride both over there and back again, and enjoyed it very much. It seemed quite a treat for the machine to move along easily and freely. I was home in time for Chapel.

Wednesday March 17

Quite a nice, warm, sunny day. I mention this because it is the first we have had this year. Ever since last summer (there was no autumn), we have had winter, and not a mild or warm day in the whole lot. It has lasted up to today. When I went to Burchett’s Green last Sunday, 14^th, I saw young men on the ice, and now we have the Spring all at once. It has been a remarkably cold and long winter. We have not had the snow so deep as in some years, but we have had so many days of it, and the same with the frosts. It has been a rare time with skates, but a very bad one for wheels.

Sunday March 21

I could not go out on the bicycle because the roads were somewhat muddy. Went to Chapel in the morning and marked out the text ‘The same foundation’, and in the evening I again spotted the verse although Mr Cave read from four passages of scripture. Mr Roberts of Barkham shot himself this morning.

Tuesday March 23

This evening I finished my cyclometer, having converted an old lever watch into one.

Wednesday March 24

Was at the window nearly all day. I went to the third milestone on the Bracknell road after dinner to test the cyclometer and found it very correct. Quite a hot afternoon.

6 miles

Thursday March 25

Went the journey as usual. Sent Mr Sale £100.

Friday March 26

The meet of the stag hounds was held in the Market Place this morning. It was not a nice day, drizzly and wet.

Saturday March 27

A nasty wet rough day like all the previous days of this year.

Sunday March 28

Went to Chapel morning and evening and spotted out the evening text.

1886

Saturday April 3

Made some stands for the window during the first part of the week. The weather has been such that there has not been a chance of a run out, but today it seems to be clearing off for fine. The roads have dried up under a stiff wind and the day and night is clear, and look like a run tomorrow, so I have cleaned up the bicycle ready for it.

Sunday April 4

Looked out of the window and saw a return of the dirty, filthy, abominable weather again. A beastly rough and wet, windy day.

To Chapel morning and evening, and worked out the text morning and evening, the morning being ‘The lot is cast into the lap but its every decision is from the Lord’.

Monday April 5

A dry day, but windy. Went to West Court and back after tea on the bicycle.

Tuesday April 6

Wet again. Henry went to London.

Wednesday April 7

The first day of early closing this year and a beastly wet and rough day it is too. I set out the window and kept on up to 9 o’clock.

Thursday April 8

Went the journey and had the worst day as far as weather is concerned that I have had this year.

Sunday April 11

A beastly, wet cold and miserable day. Mr Davis, of Twyford Mill shot himself on Friday and so escaped this horrible day.

Monday April 12

Was a much better kind of a day, somewhat warm and spring like. Millie and Mary drove to Burchett’s Green. I went after tea to Fleet pond and back, going via Eversley, Stratfield and returning by the Cross. I went to measure the distance, but the indicator failed for want of a better spring. It was a middling kind of evening.

Wednesday April 14

After we had closed, I went for a run. Henry did not go, he having been out all day yesterday with Kemp and Wood on a tour to Farnham and Compton, Ash etc. I went to Fleet via Eversley Street and on to Cove and Hawley. It was a very good evening, but dull and cloudy. I enjoyed the run middling. The distances were

Eversley Street – 5.5
Hartford Flats Road – 8
Fleet Pond – 11
Post Office Hawley – 15
Flats Road – 16.5
Eversley Cross – 20
Home – 25

Thursday April 15

Cold unkind weather.

Friday April 16

Cold unkind weather.

Saturday April 17

Ditto

Sunday April 18

Horribly cold, windy, wet day. A Mr T. Richards, a missionary from China, preached.

Monday April 19

Aunt Micklem and Annie drove over.

Tuesday April 20

A grand day in the history of Wokingham. The Market restarted under most promising conditions. The new Borough has made a contract with Mr Hutt of Reading to form a new cattle and dead stock market here every alternate Tuesday, he having the exclusive right of sale on those days. He well advertised the Market and got together a good quantity of beast, sheep and pig and dead stock. He commenced selling at half past 2 and did not finish until past 6 o’clock, hard on all the time. There was a very great gathering of people, both from the town and the neighbourhood around. I don’t remember seeing the town so full of people and carts etc. It quite turned the place over. There was the bleating of the sheep, the lowing of cattle and call of the calves and the squeaking of the pigs mingling with the voice of the crowd.

Yesterday, they put up the posts by the Town Hall for fixing the cattle to. I went for a run after tea to Hurst.

8 miles

Wednesday April 21

I did the Thursday journey today. Left here at half past 8, and got home at half past 4. Had tea and then on the bicycle to Wixenford with some cheese and on to Miss Newley’s. A cold, ghastly day.

12 miles

Thursday April 22

Did the orders up. Had eight pigs. Very busy all day.

Friday April 23 – Good Friday

Received my present from Aunt Saddler. The day was a perfect failure to me. It began calm, warm and bright, a little S.E. wind rose and continued to the afternoon, and was very nice, warm and balmy. Henry laid a new floor on the lead flat, and I got on with the orders until dinner time. We had an early tea, and at half past 4, we left for a good run. We had no sooner got to Bill Hill than the wind changed to East and blew up quite a hurricane, cold, thick and blighty and made a miserable evening. We only went as far as B. Green and had an hour there and then home thoroughly disgusted with the wretched weather.

20 miles

Saturday April 24

Busy all day. A thunderstorm for two hours during the middle of the day.

Sunday April 25

A bright cold day, the wind, which was very strong all day, in the East. I went to Eversley and Bramshill after tea and left money at Wixenford and Warbrook. I noticed some very old trees in Bramshill Park, those between the second and third gate being very tall, straight firs, those between the third gate and the house gnarled and twisted into all manner of shapes. Some on the left tall, and the trunk divided a long way up and forming separate trees, and these again divided. There was a very extended fire between the Park and Hartley Row road. Horrible weather.

18 miles

Monday April 26 – Bank Holiday

A very good kind of a day. Very bright and warm but with a strong East wind from morning to night. Henry went to a Volunteer sham fight at Bearwood. At quarter to 3, I left for Guildford via Ash from which place the wind was very troublesome. Had tea at the old place, very dear, 1/6, and a short walk round and then home via the sandy road. I enjoyed the run very much. James and Davis went on a tour to Compton, Godalming and Guildford. On the way to Guildford at Normandy, the screw came out of the cyclometer and let it down on the road, but did no injury, excepting I could not attach it again on the journey.

40 miles

Wednesday April 28

Was a splendid day up to 3 o’clock and then it came over very cold, dull and windy, and finished up a scandalously bad day. I just went to Bracknell and back to test the cyclometer. I found it exactly correct. The last mile into Bracknell is just half a furlong short.

Thursday April 29

Went the journey. Was an intensely cold day.

1886

Sunday May 2

Was a bright but windy day. I went for a run round Easthampstead before Chapel, and after tea to Fleet, Winchfield and Hartley Row. The evening was very cold. I enjoyed the run vey much. It was 9 miles round Easthampstead and 25 and a half in the evening.

34.5 miles

Monday May 3

Was a very nice, calm, bright and warm day. The first of the year. All the shop children, Millie and Margaret Woods, and Frances went to Burchett’s Green for the day. Henry and Kemp went after dinner on the tricycles. They all enjoyed the time out very much.

Tuesday May 4

Another excellent market. The steam roundabout, ‘Sea on Land’ was here. After tea, I went for a ride. Left here a little before 5, and went by Eversley St, Bramshill and the Monument, Mortimer (where I had a second tea), the Round Oak, Sherborne St John, Bramley and Sherfield and home by 10 o’clock. I had a very splendid view of the setting sun between Aldermaston Lock and Pamber. The primroses by Sherborne and Bramley were very lovely and beautiful. I did the second part of the journey easier than the first. The distances were

Heckfield Hand Post – 8.5
Monument – 9.5
Mortimer Railway Bridge – 14.0
Coffee House – 15.4
Cross Roads – 16.4
Aldermaston Lock – 19.0
Bramley – 26.0
Wokingham – 42.0

Wednesday May 5

A very nice day, and we had a good run after tea to Elvetham and on nearly to Crondall and thence to Odiham and home by Winchfield and Hartley Row. Quite a nice run round. At Odiham, we came across a meet of the cycle clubs. 5 o’clock on Wednesday is the closing time at Odiham. Odiham 16.7, to the Flats 7.1, Wokingham 30.3.

30 miles

Friday May 7

Last week of pig killing. Only had five hogs which we found plenty.

Saturday May 8

Henry got up goods for the journey. Had to send Hawkins with the pony as I could not get it all in the cart.

Sunday May 9

Went for a run round Easthampstead after breakfast to see where the fire had been on Thursday. It was a very nice little run round. To Chapel and marked out the text ‘Not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord’. About 3, the weather came very thick and windy. Went after tea, a very good run in spite of the dull looking weather. As far as Nicholas Corner and then to the right and by the kennels to Waltham Church and round about the lanes there. First, I went to the Church and by it to the right and took the second turning to the left which took me up a rough lane to the G.W. Railway. I then turned back and took the turning I had passed and that brought me out near Hare Hatch. I then went to Ruscombe and to the left and under the bridge, and so again to Waltham, then round a kind of private road, round the church and home again the same way as I went, as far as the kennels, from thence to Billingbear and so home, and a very good run it was too.

20 miles

Monday May 10

Dull and inclined for wet.

Tuesday May 11

Dull and wet. Did a little to the arbour at the Post Office.

Wednesday May 12

Wet all day. Made a mantlepiece for my bedroom.

Thursday May 13

Went the journey. Cold, wet and miserable. Went to bed directly after I had tea.

Friday May 14

Had one pig which was not fit to kill last week. Cold, windy and sometimes wet.

Sunday May 16

Was a cold, wintry, wet miserable day. Went to Chapel in the morning and heard a very poor discourse from a young Mr Page. Did not go in the evening.

Sunday May 23

Was wet all the week with the exception of Friday which was a very nice day. Today is a dark, dull leaden. Wind East during day.

Sunday May 30

All last week was wet and dull and cold, but today is nice and bright but not hot. Mr Scorey preached today but I did not hear him, for about 11 o’clock, I went for a run to Bagshot and Frimley, home through the College grounds, A very nice morning out, no wind and bright sun with good roads. The rhododendrons did not show up so much as last years. I gathered a very fine one and brought it home in my hat. I worked the bicycle up all the hills. Had tea at the Ship, and then Henry and I went for a run to Eversley and on to Heckfield.

Just as I got over the bridge at the foot of the Monument hill, the right crank broke off, and so ended my journey out. Henry went on round Rotherwick, and I turned for home pushing the bicycle nearly all the way to the White Hart where I turned the wheel so as to bring the left crank round to the right leg, then I rode it nearly all the way home and very well too. I was very thankful it broke where it did. If it had parted up some of the hills, it would have been disastrous.

Easthampstead Church – 4.25
Bagshot – 9.5
Home
Evening – 16

1886

Wednesday June 2

Was beautiful and warm and bright and right up to 1 o’clock when it came over cloudy and at 4, it began to rain. The rain did not trouble me for it just gave me an opportunity to finish mending my bicycle which I did, and to my satisfaction.

Friday June 4

After we had closed at 9, Henry and I went a nice little ride round Binfield and Billingbear. We went to the Shoulder of Mutton, thence to the old church at Binfield and then to the left to Billingbear Lodge, and Warren House, to the left by Barker’s and home by Bean Oak.

Sunday June 6

Went for a ride before service round Billingbear, Waltham and Ruscombe, and home rather late for Chapel where I heard Mr Scorey rather indifferently. After tea, Henry and I went by Easthampstead to Bagshot, thence to Frimley and Farnborough through Hawley and Eversley, home. Quite a nice little run round.

14 plus 28 = 42 miles

Monday June 7

Mrs Dawn came in this morning and told me there had been a fire at Eversley and that Mrs Manning and home were burnt completely out. This I found true, for there being no goods for the journey today, I went round on the bicycle after tea and took the orders for tomorrow, when I saw the ruins. There was only part of the brick wall and the chimney left standing.

14 miles

Tuesday June 8

Having arranged last night to go to Selborne today, if fine, I got some coffee ready last night and woke at 4 o’clock and found the weather all right. Went to sleep again until 5 and then across to call Henry, but he was already about and preparing his breakfast. It was 20 minutes past 6 before we were fairly off. We were undecided which way to go, whether to go by Basingstoke and Herriard Park, or by Alresford, or the old way by the Golden Pot. We elected the latter, so as to get to Selborne in time to do Petersfield and Hindhead. We went off in first rate condition with charming weather and excellent roads. We did not hurry but went along at 9 the hour. Things looked very pretty this morning, and Odiham Common especially. The Golden Pot was reached very easily. We did not stay there, having had a glass of ginger beer at the Plough at South Wanborough. We breakfasted again at the Coffee House at Alton where we read the paper and learned the fate of the government in the Irish Bill. Through Alton, and then a little deviation from the course by keeping on the main road for a couple of miles more, then to the left through Farringdon and so into Selborne two miles further than the other way.(28 miles) Put up at the Queen’s Arms and had a wash and brush up and then up the zigzag and a walk round. At Breval we had a capital dinner and a nap after, then a walk down the Lythe and a lay down.

12 o’clock found us on the bicycles and away for Petersfield. We stopped at the well head and had a drink and then up and along a splendid road, narrow but good, rising gently for two miles and then a steep downhill with a notice at the top cautioning cyclists, so we walked down and mounted again at the bottom, and away for Petersfield, but alas, ere we had well got into the saddles, I, being in front, heard as I thought Henry have a fearful header. I dismounted as quickly as I could and found he had broken the backbone of his bicycle right in two, 6 inch above the front fork. Here was a pretty job! The best day out we have ever had brought to a wretched stop.

Well there was nothing to do but to get back to Selborne and get the machine mended. Henry, having cut his knees and torn his trousers, rode my machine into Selborne and attended to his wounds and rags, while I walked back with his broken machine and got it cobbled up sufficiently for the journey home. It must have been just past 5 when we again left Selborne, but this time for a beeline home. We had tea at Alton and a liquer up at Odiham and home at 9 o’clock. Coming up the Golden Pot hill, I saw our old baker, William Ames, driving down in a van. Everything went along splendidly and fine promise of the best journey we have ever had until the accident, and then after that, we put on a cheerful face upon the matter and made the most of the journey home. The afternoon walk was very lovely and we enjoyed it much. The weather was perfection and nice little wind to help us down and none against us home. The sun shone bright and warm and altogether it was by far the best day we have had this year. Altogether, we went 50 miles.

50 miles

Wednesday June 9

Was going to Burchett’s Green but when I reached Ruscombe I found they had some very heavy rain and I turned back for home.

15 miles

Sunday June 13

Went to Chapel in the morning and heard Mr Scorey. He has been there three Sundays. I have only heard him twice out of the three and both times very indifferently. Tomorrow being Bank Holiday, I intend going to Portsmouth by roads, and so this evening I did not go out except just up Bill Hill and by the manor house home but got things ready for the morning.

Monday June 14

Had a good rest. Woke at my time, 4 o’clock and up and had breakfast and off at 7 minutes past 5, the weather being all that I could possibly desire, bright, sunny and calm. I went by the Crooked Billet, through the College grounds to Blackwater (7 and half) on by Frimley to Ash, over the two railways, up on to the Hog’s Back and along it nearly to Guildford and then down to Compton at 7.40. Called upon our old friends the Coffee House keepers and they got me an extra really good breakfast, for which I was only charged 9 pence, but I paid them a shilling. It was so comfortable there that I did not leave until 8.20. A very pretty run of two or three miles brought me to Godalming. Pushed it over the gravelled roads and then away over good roads to Milford and on to Hindhead. It was rather warm work going up the long hill and I refreshed myself with a bottle of ginger ale half way up. I did not work quite all the way up but pushed the last mile. As I was going up the hill, the weather altered and came over cloudy and windy, so by the time I reached the top , the clouds had gathered up and thick and the wind had blown up very strong from the S.W. and the rain came on slightly with every prospect of a wet, cold, windy day, so instead of going on, I turned back and made up my mind to take it quickly back. Had a run up to the gibbet stone, but the view was limited by the rain in the distance. Only a quarter of an hour before, it was beautifully clear. By the side of the road at the top of Hindhead is a stone erected to mark the spot of a murder bearing the following inscription:

Erected in detestation of a barbarous murder committed here on an unknown sailor on Sep 24, 1786, by Edward Lonegon, Michael Casey, and James Marshall, who were all taken the same day and hung in chains near this place. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed” etc.

The ride down the hill was not comfortable. It was too long, but reaching the bottom safely, I then had an excellent spin. The rain, which was very slight, left off before I had reached the bottom of the hill. Instead of going through Godalming again, I turned off to the left at Milford by some lanes leading to Farnham. It was very pretty round here and nice going. At Peper Harow, I dismounted to view an old church which turned out to be a lodge and stabling of Lord Midleton. It had all the appearance of a church. Passing on along a very pretty leafy forest road, I came to Elstead where on the bridge I came across Kemp and his wife and daughter doing their midday meal, so I stopped and had a chat, and while we were all sitting on the parapet, we were photographed and I bought a copy for 2 shillings. From here the road was hilly into Farnham, at which place I did not stop, but pressed on to the Public House at the top of the hill a mile or so on the way home where I ate my sandwiches and had a pint of ale which very much refreshed me. I came home by Eversley to see the Club, but it was a very poor turnout. Home that way from Farnham is 18.5 miles. I arrived home at 4 o’clock.

Starting off this morning, I found the roads a little cordy to Blackwater but excellent all the rest of the way. The Portsmouth road would be considered of the highest quality by most cyclists, but to me it was too vibrating for speed, the road being made of little squares. As I stated, the morning up to 10 o’clock was all that could be desired. Then it came on to rain and was more or less dull all day and very cold and miserable in the evening. The whole of the distance was 66 and a half miles and I came home very easily. I very much enjoyed my day out and had a very pleasant time in spite of the weather and alteration of plans.

66.5 miles

Wednesday June 16

After 5 o’clock I had a run to B. Green by the old way of ‘The rest and be thankful’, the distance being 9.5 from the Post Office. There was only Edwin at home. I stayed about an hour and then had a most lovely ride home via Shottesbrooke, Waltham and Billingbear. I saw one of the grandest sunsets I have ever seen. It commenced at Littlewick and held out to Billingbear in all its glory.

11 miles home

Sunday June 20

Was a very, very cold windy and miserable day. It was too cold even for a walk. Riding was out of the question. Went to Chapel morning and evening. Guessed the text in the evening ‘Lead me to the rock that is higher than I’.

Monday June 21

Cleaned out the shop window. A little after 7 o’clock pm I started off for a run by the Crooked Billet, Stevens, and up the Nine Mile Ride to South Hill Park, then to the left and round the park (3.75) and home by Easthampstead Church. I enjoyed the run very much indeed, and the road round the park is excellent except the Nine Mile Ride part. Today did not seem like the longest day, the weather being very cloudy and dull and cold. Towards the evening it came over better.

14 miles

Tuesday June 22

Set out the window. After 8 o’clock, I went to Wixenford to see about some cake.

12 miles

Wednesday June 23

Was very windy all day. After closing, I went down to see the cricket, but the wind was too rough and cold to enjoy cricket. About 6, I started off for a run on the bicycle by the Crooked Billet, up the Nine Mile Ride and to Caesar’s Camp. Walked right through the camp and on to Wishmoor Cross, rode into the R.M. College and home by the Wellington. I quite enjoyed the tour round. Coming home it was very cold. I had to walk all three miles. At Wishmoor Cross, ten roads meet.

16 miles

Sunday June 27

Being a nice warm day, I made up my mind to have a day out, so left here at half past 11, and made my way by the two Colleges, Frimley, Ash and on to the Hog’s Back, down to Puttenham and across to Elstead at quarter past 2. Sat down by the bridge and had dinner which I had brought over on my back, then had a sleep and at half past 3, I made my way to Thursley and then back to Elstead and by Peper Harow to Compton where I had tea and a chat with the old people, then home by Wanborough, Normandy, Ash, Farnborough and Yateley. I had splendid weather and very good roads and what wind there was, seemed in my favour. It was a very strange kind of run from Puttenham to Elstead, the first part through a deep cut lane through a wood, and then it broke out immediately into an open common. Between Elstead and Compton, I passed over the river at a very pretty place. I very much enjoyed the day.

55 miles

Monday June 28

Hawkins left and Mr Bayliss came.

Tuesday June 29

Was up and off to Easthampstead at 3.5. Went by the square pond and round by Jennett Hill park to Easthampstead church where I sat down and had a smoke and saw the sunrise, then home by the square pond again, and the Nine Mile Ride. It was a most beautiful sunrise. Very fine cloud and mist effect.

11 miles

Wednesday June 30

Henry and I went to Wargrave after 4 and had a row on the river to Henley island. Very beautiful on the water. The river looked gay at Henley being marked out for the races next week with flags. We could not have had a better evening and we enjoyed the time out.

14 miles

1886

Saturday July 3

I went the journey. Very hot day.

Sunday July 4

To Chapel in the morning and L.S. After tea, I went to Odiham and had a lay down on the Common and home by a new way through Dogmersfield. Very, very nice out.

26 miles

Monday July 5

Went to Heath Park after 8 and had a swim.

Tuesday July 6

Up at 3.25 and round Easthampstead and sat down and saw the sunrise. So beautiful. To Heath Park after 8.

Wednesday July 7

To Easthampstead again and saw the sunrise. At half past 2, Henry, Kemp and I went on our machines to Odiham, Henry and Kemp on tricycles and I on the bicycle. We went via Hartley Row, Fleet and Dogmersfield. Kemp travelled very slowly. We did not reach Odiham until just upon 6 o’clock.

We took a boat and rowed up the canal for a mile and then drew up to the bank and made the boat fast, and while I took off my boots and had a paddle up a little stream, Henry made tea on the boat and we then sat down and had a delightful cup. Poor Kemp could do nothing but talk about it. After tea, we went up to a little beyond the Barley Mow and back to that renowned house, and there had a liquer up. Then back to the boat and to Odiham. Left the water at 9 o’clock and then home a little quicker than we came. This was the best turn out we have ever had, it was simply lovely on the water. We could not have had a better day, no wind, very hot, bright, sunny and now and then a cloud or two. We were, all three, amazingly pleased with the outing.

38 miles

Sunday July 11

Was a miserable kind of day. Went to Chapel, morning and evening and marked out the texts.

Wednesday July 14

Geo Woods and Tom started off at half past 3 with their tent for Odiham. At half past 5, I left for the same place intending to drop in to tea, but I overtook them just as they reached their camping ground, and then Woods wanted me to go and see a Mrs Piggott to obtain her permission to use Butter Wood. This took up and hour and a half. When I got back to the tent, it commenced to rain but in a very short space of time, we had the tent up and the kettle boiling and then a nice cup of tea and a smoke after, Then at half past 9, I left them and the rain having given over and the moon came up and I had a very nice ride home without a dismount in one and quarter hours.

30 miles

Sunday July 18

To Chapel in the morning and worked out he text. ‘Had I the wings of a dove etc.’, a very good sermon indeed. After dinner, Bayliss and I went to Odiham and on the canal, where we had tea. He went on a tricycle and was over 3 hours getting there. It was a very hot day, and if he had gone along at any pace at all it would have been a very enjoyable turn out.

25.5 miles

Wednesday July 21

Again to Odiham, this time sending Bertha, Frances and Hilda in the trap with Rodney and all the apparatus for making tea. They left at 11 o’clock and then Henry and I on the bicycles following on at 1 o’clock. We had a very stiff but still enjoyable ride over, the wind being strong against us. We got on the water by 3 o’clock and rowed up to the second bridge beyond the Barley Mow and there we had tea. Then Henry and I went for a little walk and back to the boat and on to the swing bridge. There we turned back, and when we had got a mile or so on our way to Odiham, down came the rain, and continued so to within a very short time of leaving the canal. Henry and I got wet, but the ladies were kept dry. We had a grand run home before the wind, and very pleasant it was too. Bertha was not very long after us, for Rodney came along grand. It was a splendid day out and we all enjoyed it amazing. Even the rain did not trouble us much. The journey up the canal was perfect, and the tea very jolly indeed. All passed off well.

25.5 miles

Sunday July 25

A wet day and I could do nothing.

Wednesday July 28

Bertha, Eva and Frances by trap to Wargrave in the afternoon, I on the bicycle. On the water by 6 o’clock and had a beautiful two hours there and then a pleasant run home.

14 miles

1886

Sunday August 1

Was going for a run but it came on wet after tea and so could not go. To Lord’s Supper. Mr Mann preached.

Wednesday August 4

Went to Mr Saddler’s to a kind of party at 6 o’clock. Before that, I went round Finchampstead and Well Coll.

9 miles

Sunday August 8

Was busy all the evening packing up ready to start Monday morning for Odiham.

Monday August 9

Henry, Tom and myself had arranged to start early this morning for a few days outing on Hook Common, but the weather looking so threatening, we did not make a start until 9 o’clock. We got Tom off with the luggage in the pony trap with the grey pony, and then half an hour after, Henry and I started on our bicycles, but had scarcely reached the finger post, when down came the rain, and we took shelter under the hedge. Of course, we thought it was all up with our excursion but after waiting a half hour or so, the rain gave over, and Tom not having come back, we made another move forwards and as we went, the weather improved fast so that by the time Hartley Row was reached, it was beautifully fine and very hot.

We overtook Tom just by the Raven and sent him on to the same spot as he and Geo Woods had, while Henry and I did a drink. We called in at the public house at the corner of Hook Common to arrange about the pony, and there saw a man off whom we bought a tress of straw for 1/9, delivered at the tent. It did not take us long to get the tent up and dinner ready and after dinner, we filled our mattresses with the straw and got things straight and ready for night. We had a short rest then off to Odiham and on to the canal. We took the apparatus for making tea and a very pleasant tea we had about a couple of miles up the canal. Refreshed with tea, we went up to the swing bridge and then back to Odiham and home to supper. It was very pretty on the canal and we had a most lovely evening for it. We didn’t get to bed very early for it took some time to clear away and wash up supper things. And to arrange the beds etc. Tom and I had a good night’s rest, but Henry had not a wink of sleep. About 12 o’clock, it came on to rain and kept on more or less all night, so we did not get up very early, but laid until past 8 o’clock.

Thursday August 10

The morning being wet, we did not hurry up but took things quietly and got breakfast and sat over it a long time. It was very pretty sitting in the tent and watching the country under the ranging aspects of rain and mist and sunshine. It was half past 10 before we had done breakfast, and then, the wet being cleared off and the sun come out, we put the tent in order, and while Tom went into the woods for butterflies, Henry and I took a walk to Greywell and down to the canal and to North Warnborough and to the old castle, then back to Greywell and to the mouth of the tunnel and then home to the tent. We very much enjoyed the walk, and both voted the morning a grand success, and the walk to be long remembered.

Had a nice dinner and a rest and early tea and then all three of us went a walk through the woods to Greywell, down to the tunnel and along over it and by the canal for a mile or two and then home by the Basingstoke road to supper. The evening was very pretty and came out clear, bright moonlight.

Wednesday August 11

We were up earlier, for the morning was very fine and bright. I got breakfast ready and we had a good one. Then, while the crocks were being washed up, I cleaned the bicycles. About 10 o’clock, Tom went off butterfly hunting and Henry and I on our bicycles to Basingstoke. There was a strong wind against us, but we cared not for that for it was beautifully warm and sweet and fresh. At Basingstoke, we turned to the left by Hackwood and Herriard Parks and along that beautiful road to Alton, and then by the Golden Pot, South Warnborough and North Warnborough to the tent. We never had a better run than this. The sky was lovely, the weather bright, the road perfection and the scenery grand beyond description.

After dinner, we had a rest and then an early tea, and after that we commenced packing up the things and getting ready for a start home. We got all ready and started Tom off exactly at 6 o’clock while Henry and I mounted our bicycles and home through Odiham, Dogmersfield. We had a very nice ride home and were very pleased with our outing only regretting that it was so short. Looking back upon it, I don’t think we could have had the weather better, for the wet rested us, and that was what we needed. I have not described any of the little incidents of the camp life but there were many and very pleasant it is to look back upon them. I could almost fill a book with them, so must leave that alone for want of time and space. Mr Bayliss opened his knee and was unable to get about from today until Sunday.

Sunday August 15

Had an early tea and then Henry and I had a run to Marlow, Cookham and Maidenhead and home. The river was very full of boats and especially so at Maidenhead Lock. We saw two locks full of boats go through, as many as the lock could hold packed in tight. We came home by Bray and Touchen End and took the ring road and got out at West End and home through Bracknell. It was a very good run.

Wednesday August 18

Arranged to go to Odiham so started Bertha and Eva off in the trap by half past 11. Then Henry and I followed at half past 1 and got there in good time and on to the canal by half past 3.

I went in a canoe and felt a bit strange at first never before having been in one. However, I soon got into the swing of it and enjoyed it amazingly. Had tea on the bank of the canal and while the water was boiling, Henry had a try in the canoe and liked it very much.

After tea, we went up as far as the swing bridge and then back, and started Bertha and Eva off and let them get some way on the road while we had a glass of ale and a bit of refresh. We then followed and had a very nice run home, overtaking Bertha at the cottage this side of the Flats. It was a very nice bright and warm day and quite another success.

Sunday August 22

I had dinner at the shop, and directly after dinner, Henry and I had a cup of tea and at half past 2, we were off on the bicycles for Farnham. We went by Fleet and Crookham and Crondall. Did not stop at Farnham but on up the Hog’s Back and as we were going up, a lady and gentleman came down on a tandem who knew us and spoke, but we did not know them. We went nearly the whole length of the Flats and then over to Compton and had tea at the Coffee House and a walk round, and then home by Puttenham, Wanborough, Normandy, Ash etc. I seldom have had an easier run than this and both of us thoroughly enjoyed it. We took the Farnham course to see the hops. They are very fine this year, better than they have been known for years. Some say they are better than they ever have been. Anyhow, they looked to us to be in excellent condition.

Tuesday August 24

Took Bertha and Minnie on the water at Henley. They drove to Twyford and took train from there. I went on the bicycle and got there just as they did at half past 3. We had tea at the British Workman and then on the river until 7 o’clock. It was exceedingly hot and we did not overmuch enjoy it. Bertha had a very bad headache and mine was so, and got worse and worse.

Wednesday August 25

Was dull and windy. Went down to the cricket ground after 4 and saw the finish of a match Wokingham v L&SWR.

Sunday August 29

Henry and I after tea went to Crookham and put up our bicycles and then took a walk down the canal to the swing bridge that we have rowed up to from Odiham. This was a very nice walk and pleasant.

Monday August 30

Frances, who has been staying at Peterborough, has been very ill since Friday and we had a letter this morning saying she was worse, so I determined to go and fetch her. I went up by the 2.10 train and took the 5.30 express to Peterborough. Found Frances very bad. Went for a walk in the evening.

Tuesday August 31

Was up at 6 o’clock and took a walk to the Cathedral and to the river and about before breakfast. Fred Kent and I took a walk round about until dinner time. The country is perfectly flat for miles around, and all the streets are on one level. Had an early tea and came home by the 5.20 express and the 8.5 L&SWR. The ticket to Peterborough was 6/4. The day was piping hot and I had a great deal of walking and felt it. Got Frances home nicely.

1886

Wednesday September 1

Today was overcast and cold (at least compared with yesterday). There was too much wind for a run and I felt somewhat tired, so went for a drive with Bertha and Hilda round Billingbear and Binfield. John came up by the 8.15 LWR.

Thursday September 2

John went back by the 12 o’clock train. Mr Bayliss did the journey.

Sunday September 5

Was wet. Went to Chapel twice.

Tuesday September 7

Henry and I went to Odiham. Got there about 3 o’clock and then each took a canoe and paddled up the canal to where we had tea last time we came, and here we repeated the same performance. I brought over the tea ready made in a tin tea bottle, and the rest of the provisions in the takeabout. The day was nice and bright and warm and sunny and we had a most pleasant tea, and after a most lovely paddle up the canal and back to Odiham. We have had exceedingly pleasant and happy times in the water here this year, but I think this was one of, if not the best, everything was so good and happy. Had a grand run home.

Wednesday September 8

It was a good job we went to Odiham yesterday and not put it off for today, because yesterday was all that could be wished for in weather, lovely and warm and calm, while today is cold and dull and windy. Riding was out of the question, so I took Bertha and Frances for a drive to Waltham, going via the Green Man, Hurst, and by the kennels and back by Sherborne street and Billingbear. Bertha enjoyed it very much.

Sunday September 12

Was a dull kind of day with quite a breeze on. Henry went to New Mill in the afternoon. I had an early tea and off by Binfield, up Cabbage Hill and down and to the left to West End and Hawthorn Hill and over Winkfield plain, down the Windsor road and to the right to the Fleur de Lis and out by Ascot and on to Swinley and back to the right to the London road and home through Bracknell. It was a very good run and the evening came out better than the day.

Monday September 13

Being a very nice, bright and warm day, Henry and I made up our minds to go to Windsor after dinner. So, we left here at half past 2, and had a nice run through Warfield and Winkfield to Windsor. It was very bumpy the last two miles. Had tea at a Coffee House and then a walk down by the river for a short time. Then on our bicycles for home, through the Park and straight on to Ascot and Bracknell and home before 8 o’clock. Again, we very much enjoyed our run. Windsor, we found very busy.

Wednesday September 15

There was quite a strong breeze from the East. Henry went to Sindlesham tea meeting. I had tea at 4 o’clock and off for a run through the Wellington College and Royal Military College to Frimley. Put the bicycle up at the Public House and took a walk up the canal nearly to the junction of the two G.W. Railways. It was a nice walk home. Although the wind was quite strong, it troubled one very little.

Sunday September 19

I went for a very nice run. I left here at quarter past 11 with my dinner and tea in the takeabout on my back and made my way by Easthampstead Church and South Hill Park to Bagshot and found the road in very excellent condition. From Bagshot to Chobham and from Chobham to the five-armed handpost and took the road to the left over the common and to the right down to the canal. Wheeled the bicycle down to the bank and walked it along the bank. Sat down and had a good dinner and after a smoke, then on along again by the towing path to where the canal joins the River Wey and down that to back where I saw a dog fall into the water and swim out none the worse for his wetting. I now struck for home by way of Addlestone, Chertsey, Thorpe and Virginia Water. I had tea in a meadow close to Chertsey. I turned in at the Black Nest and came home through the Park. Came out of the Park the same way as we did last Monday but turned to the right this time when I came to the crossroads and went down a rough gravel hill towards Bray and Maidenhead, then the first turning to the left and right away to the Fleur de Lis. From there to the right by Winkfield Church and home through Bracknell. The day was gloriously fine and calm and warm. The roads good to Woking with the exception of a mile of loose across the common, just this side. The walk down the canal very pretty and the road from Wey Hill right to Thorpe very excellent in deed and that through the Park grand and very pretty, and then all the way home, good. There was quite a mile altogether of loose from Thorpe to Virginia Water. I started off somewhat dull because poor little Hilda was so poorly with diarrhoea, but soon the run absorbed me and I had a pleasant and happy time. I got home in very good time, a little before 8 o’clock.

Tuesday September 21

Henry and Kemp started off on a two-day tricycle run at 6 o’clock this morning. I should have had an early run only I was somewhat disturbed with little Hilda, and then did not feel like getting up at 5. The morning was misty and calm but developed into a very strong NE wind, quite a gale. I did the journey yesterday.

Wednesday September 22

The day improved as it went on, though it was very windy all day. I started for my afternoon run at half past 3 and went straight to Frimley and then along the canal towards Basingstoke. I had a very nice walk along the towing path. The canal runs nearby parallel with the road and in one place develops into a lake of considerable size. It was very pretty as far as Ash. The valley to the right was grand in the setting sun. From Ash, I went on to Aldershot, where at the gas works is the first lock on the canal. Between Ash and Aldershot, the canal is banked up very high and is not as pretty as the other part though the water is broader. Along by Aldershot it is very broad and clear of weeds. Where the Farnham road crosses, I left the water and took to the machine and came straight away home by Hawley and Yateley and had a very nice ride home. I enjoyed my evening run very much and experienced very little inconvenience from the wind. Henry and Kemp came home about 6 o’clock having very much enjoyed their outing.

Sunday September 26

Having had rain during the night, the roads were not in a fit condition for a run. Went to Chapel morning and evening. A stranger preached morning and I guessed his text. Went for a run round Hurst after tea.

Wednesday September 29

New Mill tea meeting to which Henry went. I made up my mind to have a walk along the canal over the piece I have not been, so I left here by half past 3 and away to Aldershot against a strong wind. Striking the canal at Aldershot, I walked along the banks to Crookham and home by Fleet. It was rather a dull and rough evening.

1886

Sunday October 3

The morning was calm and very pretty so I took advantage of it and went a nice little ride to Easthampstead and back before service. To Chapel and marked the text as soon as the chapter was given out. Matthew 28 and last verse. Had an early dinner, and then at half past 2, Henry and I started for Marlow. The roads looked in excellent condition, but they did not prove so, for on Friday evening, there was a thunderstorm (the first we have had this year) and they had hardly recovered from the severe wetting.

Monday October 4

Was an especially close and hot day.

Tuesday October 5

It was such a splendid morning that Henry and I made up our minds for a run to Arundel, so we speedily got ready and were off by half past 10, going via Well Coll, Blackwater College and Frimley and Ash to Guildford. We had dinner at Guildford of some very nasty sausages and then at quarter past 2, to Godalming and Chiddingfold, Northchapel, Petworth, and Arundel at 7.15.

It was very hot to Guildford and a slight wind against us. From Guildford, we had quite a nasty wind against us to Chiddingfold, and there the weather changed, came over calm and the clouds gathered up and looked like rain, and presently, a little began to fall and looked as if we were about to have a wet evening but it passed off and we got to Arundel in the dry. It was very pretty all the afternoon as the clouds came over and enveloped the hills and then passed by. Then on the left was a fine rainbow and we in the sunlight all the time.

At the Coffee House at Petworth we had a refreshment, and soon after leaving, the light began to fade away, and by the time we had reached Bury, it was done so that we had no view at all up Bury Hill. It was a very nice run down and we enjoyed it very much. The only drawback was we were pushed for time and had not light for the entrance to Arundel. We put up at a comfortable inn, the Red Lion and had some bread, cheese and ale and then off to Taylor’s Circus which was there. While in there, the rain came down and continued to do so all night.

Wednesday October 6

A heavy rain all last night and continued up to 10 o’clock this morning. After breakfast, we called upon Mr Herington, where we saw P. Sale and his wife. About 11 o’clock, the rain being cleared off, Henry, Philip and I took a walk to the park and by the time we reached it, the sun came out and we had a delightful walk and very much enjoyed it. Had a lunch at Mr Herington’s, and Henry having settled for our lodgings which were very moderate we took train to Guildford. From Guildford we came on the bicycles and home by half past 6. I had a very bad headache from Guildford.

Monday October 11

Went by the excursion to London and had a very fine, bright day. After dinner, I went to the Zoological Garden and in the evening with Geo Woods to Drury Lane and saw ‘A Run of Luck’. The personal acting was better than any I have seen before at the theatre but the scenery was not so good as any of the previous plays I have seen before.

Wednesday October 20

Last night was a most extraordinary night, a thunderstorm lasting the whole of the night from 10 o’clock to 9 o’clock this morning. We have been particularly free from lightning this year, having only one little storm all the season, but it certainly made up for it last night. Several places round about were struck.

Monday October 25

Went to London by the excursion 2/6. Rained part of the way up but fine all the time I was in London. Went straight away to the Colonial Exhibition, and was well pleased with it. Had dinner there and then off to Christie’s, and out at half past 5 and had tea and at once to the Lyceum and saw ‘Faust’. A most splendidly put on piece.

Saturday October 30

As I was coming home from the journey this evening, I saw a glow worm shining.

Sunday October 31

Bertha and I drove to Eversley and went to church, and to Mr Sparvell’s to dinner and tea, and a very pleasant time we had.

1886

Monday November 1

The election to fill four seats in the Town Council took place today.

Thursday November 4

Went the journey and caught a cold in my eye. It was a very cold day.

Sunday November 7

My eye is still bad. Went to Chapel morning and evening. Guessed the text in the evening.

Monday November 8

Made Geo Woods a lamp.

Tuesday November 9

Made a shade to the lamp.

Wednesday November 10

Was indoors all day with a bad eye.

Thursday November 11

Indoors most of the day. Bayliss broke the shaft of the trap.

Friday November 12

Eye very bad.

Saturday November 13

Went the journey and was barely able to get around, My eye was so bad. Went to bed directly I got home.

Thursday November 18

Have been indoors all the week with my eye bad. Set out this evening to see to the orders.

Saturday November 20

Mr Bayliss went the journey.

Wednesday December 1

Made a new body to the village cart.

1886

Saturday December 4

A very wet day and cold. I went the journey. Came home cold and found James very silly. Had great difficulty getting him to bed and then in keeping him there. Was out at all times of the night.

Sunday December 5

Did not feel very well. James very bad and quite out of his mind. To Chapel morning and evening. Guessed the text in the evening. L.S. in the evening.

Friday December 31

Finishes up a very indifferent year. Business has been bad and pleasures short. Affairs at the Post Office have been in a very bad state all the year and the year closes with the office in change. The weather nearly the whole year round has been very unfortunate and left but short time for enjoyment. The bicycle has had a longer rest than ever before. Have not had a blessed run since the beginning of October. All through the season it has been indifferent time for cycling. I am very glad to say goodbye to 1886.