Showing posts with label cowie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cowie. Show all posts

20120515

Saturday April 16, 1977

Arose at 10.30am to a brilliant morning. The warmest of the year so far. Mum and Dad go off to the cash and carry in Leeds and they give me a lift to Guiseley with my library books. A 60p fine for allowing four miserable volumes to go two weeks overdue! A somewhat severe penalty don't you think? Blimey, one would think I'd torn them into tiny pieces and devoured them. Back home by 12.

Have two cups of coffee and look at volumes of Queen Victoria's correspondence with the Empress Frederick, 1861-1871.  I believe I've read the 'Dearest Child' letters which covers the period prior to 1868, I'm not sure. I also got two volumes of Trollope's 'Palliser' novels. Don't know whether I'll read them or not.

Later sat in deckchairs at the front of the house with Mum whilst Dad messed about under the car. John and Maria brought baby at 1.30 and Maria went off shopping to Bradford leaving both Johns with us. The baby is taking much more notice of things. A delight he really is. Expect to see Tony who said he might call in with his son, Stephen, who is two and a half, but we see no sign of him.

I retired to the lounge at 3 to watch the ancient film 'The Winslow Boy' on BBC2. Sue and Peter joined me with JPH and they attempted to feed him with chocolate buttons and a Milky Bar.

At tea time Maria returns from her shopping trip with a Boots gift token for 'someone' she tries not to mention. Is it perhaps for Miss Phillips's engagement? I wonder. Why keep it all a secret?

John announces he is going to the Hare and so I give in and say I will join him. Willpower isn't one of my strongest points really. Out to the Hare. Stand with CB for an hour until she goes off with Chris Blades. I then spotted Cowie (remember him? The Emmotts with June, Linda West and me in the Spring of 1973). I stood with him and his common-law girlfriend until closing time. He gave me his address and said something about keeping in touch. Great stuff. Pete M is hilarious. 'Orgasm' appears to be his favourite word at the moment. He must have just discovered them or something.  Supped Guinness tonight.

Tony and Linda came in at 10 o'clock. We were all laughing about Christmas babies for some reason.

-==-

20090416

Friday May 18, 1973

Sue is pregnant! (Not my sister of course, but Sue of CW fame!) I said on Tuesday that I'd go down today and find her knitting. She can hardly believe it. The little bundle of joy is due on Christmas Eve - what a fabulous little Christmas present that will be!

Got to school at 8.30. Cowie and Ulrich are flat out with hangovers. I feel fine. Christine arrives 10 minutes later. They go off to York at 9.30 - another pub crawl - poor devils!

June and I go to the park at lunchtime. A beautiful sunny day. She says that she will never marry me - but not talking seriously. When I say that I'll have to marry her twin instead she changes her tune and says she'll have to marry me because she couldn't tolerate me as a brother-in-law.

Louise and I do Biology in the afternoon. Reproduction in plants! We laugh at the thought of geraniums copulating in a sweaty heap on the greenhouse floor!

Arrive home at 5.10 after waiting with June at the bus stop. We are meeting on Sunday at the local.

Got to CW at 7.30 - Sue is knitting! I immediately understand what this means - call Toffer "Dad" all night. They are both overjoyed. Home at 12.30 after a quiet evening.

--==--

20090401

Friday March 23, 1973

Got up at 8 o'clock. Very late. The sun shone brilliantly throughout the whole of this truly marvellous day. Somehow I feel as though I want to write down everything that passes through my mind due to the fact that one day I might be a lonely old soul in need of something to remind me of the past.

The day was remarkable. I ate 2 oranges, fish and chips, and a bag of potato crisps for lunch and then bade farewell to June who is going to Hawksworth Hall to visit a mob of spastics.

At every available opportunity such as breaks and lunchtime we rushed out onto the field - Chris, Louise, Denise and MM were ___in a made passionate orgy of fun and Spring-like frolic.

However, the sun lost its appeal for me and Dave and Christine plus a a mob of lower 6th scum and we chased into the groggy smoke-filled common room where we had a few hands of knock-out whist.

Louise and I had a hysterical double lesson of Biology, and we had our usual "Italian half hour" coming out with phrases like "Tia Maria" and "Santa Maria" with more and more affectation.
A 4 returned to the 6th form where June, Cowie, Janet, Dave, Christine, Louise and I played a few hands of cheat. June and I went down to the bus stop. Mournful due to the fact that I am working Sunday and we won't be meeting again until Monday morning. A very, poignant, tearful parting!

Before leaving for work I had the idea that Janet Roots lived near June and so I rang her and asked her to pass on the message that I'd be at Guiseley Swimming Baths on Sunday morning at 10.30. Janet agreed to be my go between.

Went to work, where Sue R told me that Martin, the Sunday washer-up, was now able to work on Sunday evening after all. I was furious. My Sunday evening is going to be free after all!

Came home completely fagged out. Immediately to bed.

--==--

20090331

Friday March 16, 1973

My Grandad Wilson was born in 1890. Christine B is 17. Dave passed his driving test! First time as well! I found out at about 1pm when June and I rang Dave's house from the phone box in Rawdon to be told by Mr Lawson that he had passed - we were over the Moon!

Got up at 7.30 and had breakfast, coming to school at 8.30. We should have had a 6th form meeting but nobody had put anything on the agenda. In Economics we did more ruddy essays on monopoly. I gave him his £1.60 first in order to put the old boy in a good mood.

At 11.45 we all sat about in the common room praying for Dave. I was convinced that he would pass. June and I crept out for the lunches at 12.30 determined not to be the muggins and get everybody's like yesterday. Coming back from Rigg's I stopped off at the telephone box, much to June's annoyance, who didn't like the idea of me ringing Dave. Benita was in the box talking to her boyfriend and we had to wait for several minutes. Mr Lawson seemed thrilled to bits, saying that Dave was up at Marion's.

We rushed back to school where Dave was sitting calmly and glum - pretending to have failed - but I soon made it known that I knew the true result.

After a very quiet lunch several of Groves Current Affairs group, including me, prepared the common room for a talk to be held on East Germany in the project periods. Louise and I went to Biology instead. Anything is better than listening to some pro-communist maniac banging on about some crap eastern Russified power as though it was God's gift to civilization - no thank you!

It was genetics again with Mrs Stancliffe - quite interesting.

June, Graham, Linda, Benita, Janet and I went down to the bus stop at 4.15 and I deposited £2 in my Post Office savings account. June nipped across the road and bought 2 juicey, green apples, instead of the divine cream eggs. It was enjoyable. I wrote "Mick=June 16/3/73" in the dirt and grime on the big black door next to the bus stop. My bus came at 4.50.

The Queen today opened the new London Bridge with the words: "it is closed for the first time ever - so that I can open it." She certainly has a sense of humour.

Went to the Chuck Wagon at 7.30. Sue gave me a piece of apple pie and cream. Quite busy. Home at 12.45. John was watching the end of a film. I sat listening to the 1812 Overture but sadly played very low owing to the time and fact that everyone was in bed. Came to bed at 1.30.

--==--

20090328

Monday March 5, 1973

Awoke at 7.35 - my throat was inflamed and feeling very dry. Made a little breakfast and went on the 8.30 bus to Benton Park. In general, the day was far from satisfactory. June was much too apologetic about bringing her sister along yesterday. Why does she apologise for something which is not at all wrong? After this and all day long she had the idea that I was trying to finish with her! How totally senseless. I cannot imagine why she thought this. God! I hope we are not cooling off! I could not last without her affection!

At lunchtime June and I went down to Hinchcliffe's for a couple of rum truffles and just to be contradictory I made her go without her coat. We walked slowly back to school hand-in-hand. Martin V-B made some snide remark about it but we ignored him.

The afternoon was really a shocking bore. I think that June and I see too much of each other. The thought of me saying that a month ago would have been unthinkable. But quite seriously it can get a bit monotonous being with one another every bit of the day. However, at the bus stop we made up entirely, buying our usual cream eggs. June helped me pick a birthday card for Lynn, who is 15 tomorrow. We waved goodbye until she disappeared from view.

On the news I see the terrible news that a plane with 45 Britons on board coming from Majorca crashed in France killing them all. Linda W was coming home from Majorca either today or tomorrow! I was most worried. June and Cowie will be having eggs tonight.

Went to bed early feeling tired. Tomorrow is Budget Day. I wonder what the Chancellor will do? He had better do something for the pensioners because they are poorly underpaid at the moment. We're watching the budget with Mr Ayling. Lynn is also 15 and the celebrations will begin at tea time.

--==--

20090326

Sunday February 25, 1973

Sexagesima. Got up at 11. Dad gave me the news that the police were planning to raid the Yarnbury and possibly the Emmott Arms tonight - a purge against under-age drinkers. You can imagine the seriousness of the plight I found myself in. What would become of the usual mob if the cops caught them all boozing under age?

Did some homework and had a bath taking me up to teatime. I decided to ring Dave and warn him of the ensuing danger. However, Mum was baking in the kitchen, which made my conversation with Dave very difficult. Mum would have killed me if she had realised that I was divulging police information - Dad would also be in serious trouble if the bosses found out about such a leak. I did manage to tell Dave and he then rang Chris to warn him. I now felt at ease with my conscience. What is the point in allowing people to fall into a trap and commit crime? I was only preventing crime by leaking the information. This "Cloak and Dagger" routine went on until 9 when I arrived at the Emmotts to rescue, June, Linda and Cowie. Previously to this I had been down to see Dave who was doing homework in his bedroom.

On arriving at the Emmotts I rescued them all and we immediately set off on a wild-goosechase around Rawdon. It was extremely cold for walking, but at least it was dry. We went to Rawdon park to play on the swings. Sadly, the Council have removed the swings, so we piled onto a roundabout. After a walk across the park - in the shadow of the big Victorian council offices -June was quite frightened at the spookiness of the place and the darkness. We went into the Off Licence - Linda & I bought 2 packets of marshmallows - she toasted them with her cigarette lighter. June and I also bought Cadbury's Creme Eggs. At 10.15 we all sat in the bus shelter at Rawdon traffic lights. Linda's passion - Andy Graham - passed by arm in arm with Lynda Smith. Chris was with a plain looking girl. He seems lost without Louise - they really should make some attempt to get back together. Dave says they want to do but both are waiting for the other to make the first move. Tomorrow June and I have been going out for 4 weeks. I sneaked my first kiss some time ago, at the school Christmas party on Dec 14, 1972.

They got the 11 o'clock bus. Cowie and I waited for the last number 33. I got home at 11.30. Dad told me they had not raided the Yarnbury or the Emmotts after all, but had done Ringway instead at Horsforth - where Denise and Chid hang-out.
Came to bed at 12.30.

--==--

Thursday February 22, 1973

Our third anniversary! Yes, three weeks ago tonight June and I began our romance. One of the best three weeks I have ever known. Mum accidently woke me up at 7.30 when she was waking John for work. I staggered downstairs for a drink and then returned to the comfort of my bed. Sat reading and reminiscing until nearly 9 o'clock. I fell asleep waking up at noon with a book on my chest and the lamp burning brightly.

Dad took me out for a driving lesson at 12.30. I picked Mum up at 1 o'clock and we had lunch at 1.15. I can't wait for tonight. What will June say about my letter? I grow to love her more as each day passes.

At 3 I went down to Westgate on Tranmere Park to see my old friend Mrs Perfect. I have made a point of visiting her at least 3 times a year since I was her paper boy back in 1970. She's lonely. The old dear tends to get a bit boring after an hour or so, but my visits make her happy and that's all that matters. We usually start by discussing the aristocracy and today it was the latest romance of the Duke of Fife and a 27-year-old Wiltshire girl. The other subject of discussion was the Duchess of Kent, the Yorkshire lass, who is 40 today. She isn't one of my favourite royals.

Came home and had tea at 6. Dave rang at 6.30 he reminded me about tomorrow's excursion to the Gas Showrooms in Leeds with Mr Ayling - which should be a laugh. Cowie rang immediately after to enquire about tonight. I went on the 7.30 bus after watching "Top of the Pops" on the telly. Arrived at 8. Ivy Fitton was the only one of our crowd in the window seat. She was pleased to see me. Cowie arrived not long after - he thought it odd that June and Linda had not yet arrived - I have only once arrived at the pub before June. They came soon after. On my way to the Emmotts I was shocked to see _____mum behaving familiarly with one of her husband's friends. They were walking down Yeadon arm in arm. I was shocked to say the least. Poor ____must be completely ignorant of the affair. We had a lovely evening. June kept making sarcastic comments about my letter - but I managed to keep a straight face. Andy Graham (who is now going out with Linda Smith) and Sue Crosby arrived. We left at 10.40 and Sue C followed us across the road to the bus stop - gloating at the fact that she could disrupt June and me from any intimacies there. We soon put a stop to that by crossing to the shelter on the other side of the road. Her bus came at about 11 o'clock. She left with Linda and Sue Crosby. Cowie and I walked into Rawdon and I got a 55 at 11.15. He thumbed a lift to Addingham almost immediately.

--==--

20090325

Sunday February 18, 1973

Septuagesima. Got up at 11 o'clock again. I sat around until lunchtime in my dressing gown type of thing. Very luxurious. Mum and I had a set-to. She called me a "brainless idiot" simply because I complained about lack of finances and clothes. She also said I was a "snob" for suggesting having two separate 18th birthday parties - one for family and one for friends. She must have got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning. The family went to Pudsey at 3.30 - leaving me alone to scrounge around for my own tea. The afternoon didn't half drag. I had a bath and washed my hair - which incidentally Mum says needs cutting.
Left for the Emmotts at 7.30. The bus came at 8 and I was sitting next to June Margaret Bottomley at 8.30. I was shocked beyond belief when I met Chris outside the pub. He tells me outright that he intends to finish with Louise! He's bored with her after 5 weeks! He sat with us until he finally plucked up the courage to go to her (who was sitting with Dave at the opposite side of the pub) but by 10 o'clock they had made up and were smooching in usual Chris and Louise style. I had £1 with me but I only had 2 pints of Sovereign bitter. I enjoyed it tremendously. Chris asked June how long we had been going out. She said it was three weeks on Thursday, but I would have dated it from January 29, but on that date we never even kissed, which makes her claim much more sound. Linda, Cowie and Janet all left at 10.15. Poor Linda is having to work in the morning, while we all have the first day of our half-term. June and I intended sitting on our own for a chat but sadly that was not to be. Keith Harrison, an ex-boyfriend of June's twin sister Susan, came across to talk to June. Ian Appleyard was also in. I suddenly realised that he might tell his sister Margaret, who works with Mum, that he has seen me. So if I don't tell Mum where I have been - all Hell will break loose. I eventually dragged June out at twenty to eleven, and we walked down the lane with linked arms. We sat on the seat at the bottom. She was touched to see her ring on a chain around my neck.
We almost let her 33 bus sail past at 11 but chased after it. She left safely for Horsforth. I got a 35 Bus at Benton Park, and arrived home at 11.35. Mum, Dad, John, Lynn and Sue were at home and had been since 9.30. Dad had gone to work on nights. Auntie H had sent a box of goodies for her favourite nephew for my own consumption. I devoured about a third of them before retiring to bed.
It was on the news today that Princess Anne is ill in Ethiopia following some sort of trek over the mountains - she cancelled todays engagements. For the minute I thought the nasty little Russians had poisoned her. She seems to have lots of stomach problems. The operation last year worried many people. Mum wondered whether it will affect her ability to have children. An overian cyst must be very dangerous.

--==--

Friday February 16, 1973

Susan woke me at 7.45. I had a boiled egg and ran down the lane. The snow has now turned into an icy sheet & it refuses to be melted by the bright sunshine. On arriving at school I sat with Christine until 9.30. It was a boring morning. Economics dragged on until 11.45. Ayling really gets up my nose at times. At 12.25 Dave, Christine and myself went down to the chippie. She certainly enjoys seeing us walk through the door. We spent £1.35! I carried all the fish and chips back to school in a cardboard box.
Luncheon was ruined by Mr P.G. Groves, who handed out reports at 2. Mine had very disappointing results, but not one single teacher could say that I hadn't tried my best at all times, which cannot be bad. The 1st lesson after lunch was spent with June who thought I was depressed about my report when in fact I was miserable at the thought of Double Biology without her. Biology passed fairly quickly. I sat with Louise. Came back to the 6th form block at 4pm. June, Linda, Cowie, Janet and myself had a couple of rounds of 'cheat' in the study area - I lost both times. We all went down for the buses at 4.35. Linda was in a very jovial mood. J and I always hate parting on a Friday knowing we have to wait until Sunday to meet again.
Arrived home at 5.15. Mum told me that they were going to Pudsey on Sunday for tea. I would have gone willingly, but my love life is more important. I would not survive without my regular rendezvous with June at the Emmotts.
The Chuck Wagon was dead until 10 o'clock. Why do they always want to go out an eat at such a late hour? Inconsiderate of them. Home at 12.30.
John opened a bank account at the Yorkshire Bank today. He deposited £30. He also has about £46 worth of premium bonds. Mum has £44 of premium bonds. We are becoming a family of fortune and property!
The Prince of Wales is now on his way to the Med. where he will be stationed with his ship until September. The Queen seems to be relieving him of many royal duties, which fall to Princess Anne instead. But he will have the full burden in the years to come, and it is only right for him to have a good time while he is young and unattached. The subject of the prince's romantic life has certainly puzzled the Press. He has been linked with many female names, such as Georgiana Russell, Angela Nevill, etc, etc. But old Charles has admitted that he intends to marry someone with a royal background and who "already knows the ropes". I have had my eye on Princess Caroline of Monaco, who is 16, and is certainly a good prospect for the title Princess of Wales. Within 5 years she could make a very attractive bride. In 1978 the Prince of Wales will be 30. An ideal age for a royal groom. Grace Kelly should certainly have something to be pleased about.
On the subject of royals I have recently discovered a remarkable coincidence. The Duchess of Gloucester is descended from King Charles I, whilst her niece-in-law is descended from his arch-enemy Oliver Cromwell. Guess who? Yes, our very own Duchess of Kent. How can these two regal ladies keep their hands from each others throats?

--==--

Thursday February 15, 1973

Got up at 7.20. Evidently last night had been the coldest time in Britain since the winter of 1963 which was a very bad year. Went out for the 8.50 bus but it didn't come. Waited in the freezing conditions until 9.05. Arrived at school at 9.25. At the 6th form meeting Katie announced that the 6th form had some spare cash - the majority voted for a carpet for the block. I voted against. After all, in a week or two the thing will be full of cig burns and water-logged with coffee and other light refreshment. I may seem awfully reactionary but I think the money would be better spent on books or working ameneties - not more luxuries! After all this place is like a holiday camp now. God only knows what it will be like with more thick, warm shag-pile to lay on. Geddit!
Mr Ayling pulled me to bits in Economics - I failed to understand the ethics of supply, demand, and price - I think it sank in at the end, but only after hideous humiliation - to the great amusement of the rest of the mob. MM was in hysterics.
Chid (aka Paul Cheetham), Christine B, Louise and myself continue our debate on religion, life, anarchy, etc. Chid certainly is a sorry, sad case!
My Valentine's Day card got to June yesterday afternoon. She was thrilled with it. I do have good taste. We sat together at lunch eating minestrone soup and ogling the delicious recipes in Benita's weekly cookery magazine. We planned an evening out at the Emmotts - my weekly excuse to enjoy myself. At 4.30 June, Linda and myself went down to the bus stop where we each devoured three Cadbury's creme eggs. Chris, Louise and Denise were also waiting in the bleak cold. We all had a laugh. June and I were waving at each other from the usual vantage points as our buses moved off - the others think we are insane.
Home at 5.15. Bacon and eggs for tea. Walked back down Hawksworth Lane and caught the 7.30 bus back to Rawdon. Arrived at the pub at 7.50. June and Linda were inside. Ivy was once again absent. June says the old girl must have been affected by the gas strike. The first of the striking gas men's victims perhaps. Linda thinks the cold weather is keeping her indoors.
Cowie came in ten minutes later. In total I had one and a half pints of beer and a brandy - not much really considering I was there for two and half hours. June is her usual delectible self. She kept apologising for being rude to me. We sat holdings hands. Very romantic. The dreaded______________came in at about 9 o'clock. He had six brandy and sodas. June jokingly said that somone who could afford six brandy and sodas must be a worthy asset. June gave me a ring - an imitation diamond cluster one, with one stone missing. I intend putting it on a chain and wearing it around my neck - and have pledged myself to wear it forever - How romantic get you get!! From the window at about 10 we could see driving snow belting down over Rawdon. But on going out at 10.30 the rain had melted it all.
I bought fish and chips and sat in the bus shelter with June. Linda and Cowie were arguing as usual. June was screaming at Linda when they had to catch the 10.40 bus. We kissed goodbye.
Cowie and I caught the 11.10 bus - I was safely home by 11.45. Mum and Dad were at the Smith's house until 3.30. They are very nice people. Maj. Smith wanted us four to go round, but Mum said we'd all be in bed.

--==--

Tuesday February 13, 1973

Awoke at 7.45 to blinding snow banging against my bedroom window. However, the sun came out at about 8.30 - a beautiful contrast with the thick, white carpet shrouding the area. The sky was china blue. Groves gave one of his usual lectures. I have forgotten on what subject, but it was something barely worth mentioning. In the common room I attempted to play "Big Six" on the record player. It's been banned by the BBC, and Judge Dread has now released "Big Seven" - even dirtier. Irene, self-styled guardian of the 6th form morals, found it most distasteful.
June arrived at 9.50. During the 1st lesson I attempted to discover June's address, which was fixed at 72 Featherbank Lane, Horsforth. We spent the first 2 lessons together and at 11.10 we walked out in the crisp, cold snow. June went without her coat. I was shivering inside my "budgie" jacket. I deposited £1.60 at the Post Office. However, my main intention on journeying out was to buy June a Valentine's card. I had not accounted for her accompanying me on the excursion. I escorted her back to school only to leave once again for Rawdon quite alone. I found a nice card costing 25p - very classy. On arriving back I told her that the woman at the Post Office had given me the wrong change - I could tell she knew otherwise. For lunch I shared a can of soup with Cowie. June also purchased a salmon sandwich and French bun for me - which I duly consumed. Some of the 6th form lads envy me being with June. Chid says he's amazed what June sees in me.
Dave really has caught the card bug - everyone are gambling like mad fiends and he certainly has caught the disease. He delayed buying his lunch until 1.35.
June and I sat at the same table all afternoon - our eyes kept meeting. Chris and Louise have been fighting again. Chris has forgotten to buy Louise a Valentine's card... heads will roll tomorrow.
A mass clean-up campaign began in the 6th form today. Mr Elliott (the headmaster) is paying us a Royal visit at morning break tomorrow. We all suspect he's doing this for ulterior motives - i.e. it's Valentine's Day and he fancies his chances with some of the girls.
Mrs Lane came across for History today. They all dissolved in fits of laughter when I told them that Churchill had resigned on the day that I was born. She said he's been able to stand up to Hitler but I was just the limit.
June and I went to Rawdon Library at 4.30 - emerging 10 minutes later for our dreaded buses.
Arrived home at 5.15 and spent a quiet evening in front of the telly. Snow carried on all evening.The gas men went on strike as soon as this weather arrived. The Daily Mail predicts that many old age pensioners will die from cold this winter due to the ignorance of the trade unions. The gas men are murderers. They will pay for this before God. Vic Feather has a lot on his conscience.

--==--

Sunday February 11, 1973

Dad woke me up with a lovely cup of tea at noon. I sat until 12,30. Had breakfast of bacon and eggs. All the family had a cosy afternoon in front of the TV. John, Lynn, Sue and Dad were watching a Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis film. Mum sat with the Sunday Express. At 4 o'clock I decided to have a bath and wash my hair. By 5 I was suitably spruced up and prepared for my evening on the town with June. We have been going out together for 2 weeks. Today Chris and Louise celebrate one month together. I certainly do not envy Chris.
At home we all watched the final part of Sir Walter Scott's "Woodstock" -drama based on the intrigue surrounding the flight of Charles II from the Battle of Worcester. Obviously, the cavaliers and royalists came out of the whole thing best. At 7.20 I went down the lane in the wind and torrential rain to catch the 7.30 bus which never arrived! I subsequently waited in the broken and dilapidated bus shelter until 8.05. Arrived at the Emmotts at 8.30. June, Linda and Cowie had been there since 8. Chris, Louise and Denise were sitting at the other side of the pub. They came over for a natter at 9.03 - the exact time one month ago that Chris and Lousie began their romance. June looked overpoweringly beautiful as usual - wearing her pretty purple coat with the black fur-lined hood. She almost brought the house down when at 9.30 she purchased a brandy and Babycham at the exorbitant cost of 39p!! Lord, what a price. Cowie and I finished by drinking brandy (23p) - a much more refined flavour than whisky. At about closing time I bumped into Ian Appleyard. He went into the sordid details about his father's death, which occurred last month. Linda said something about "all Guiseley Secondary School boys being the same". What she meant by that I really don't know. At 10.30 we walked to the bottom road. It was very cold and raining. Cowie and Linda went through the usual rigmarole of fighting, then making up, etc. whilst June and I were quite content to be in each others company. We sat there on the same seat as last Sunday not caring about the weather - just one another. June's bus came at 11.10. Cowie and I walked to Westfield where we got a lift from a bloke saying: "it's no night to be out walking". We couldn't have agreed more. I got home at 12 and had some supper and came immediately to bed.

--==--

Thursday February 8, 1973

Got up at 7.50. Caught the 8.33 bus to school. Had such a laugh with Christine and Irene. June came at 9.20. Chris and Louise were having one of their usual tiffs. Sadly, I hear from Linda that she only wants to go out with Cowie as a friend and did not want to become involved with him, or indeed with anyone. Did History until lunchtime. I went down to the shops alone at 12.30, bringing Christine her sandwiches. Dave didn't arrive until 1.30. He'd been to Leeds for his medical for entry into college. He also took his urine sample. I have been joking with him about the size of the bottle to use for weeks. He refused my offer of a large lemondale bottle. Generally a depressing day. The rainy weather and damp atmosphere has only added to everyones misery. Cowie had a face like a wet weekend - hardly surprising really. Chris and Louise are coming into school tonight in order to act as ushers for parents nights when mums and dads from all over Aireborough to find out how "little Tommy" is coping with his mathematics, etc, etc. Chris and Louise are then going up to the Emmotts where June, Cowie and Linda are heading at 8. Arrived home from school at 5.10 - June and I walked down to the bus stop alone in pouring rain. She waited with me until the dreaded number 55 bus came. She is sure the best girl in the whole wide world. Had tea at 5.30 and then caught the 7.33 bus back to Rawdon. June and Linda were already in the seat in the bay window with dear old Ivy Fitton. Cowie came in minutes later and bought me a pint of keg. In the next 2 hours I had 3 whiskies. June and I were sitting next to each other and Ivy kept giving me the get stuck in" nod. Chris, Lousie, Andy Graham and Andy Flesher came in at 9.30 - we all had a cosy hour. Peter Hurst caused a sensation by coming in and then rushing out, only to come belting back in again and leave by the back door! The evening ended on a sad note for Cowie and Linda. At the bus stop Linda finally told C that she would rather be his friend as opposed to girlfriend in the strictest sense of the word. She had a good cry. When June and I tried to investigate L banged her brolly on the bus stop window and screamed at us to go away. J and I ran back to my bus stop where we sat (very romantically) until J's bus came at 11.15. Mine arrived at 11.20. On arriving home I found Uncle Harry cavorting in the kitchen with Mum and Dad. They had fish and chips. I devoured a fish sandwich. Uncle H is so pathetic. I haven't seen him sober since 1971 - he seems happy enough however. He is easily upset by things which bring back nostalgic memories, i.e. the record "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town" and things like Mum's home-made bread. We all sat listening to my records until 1.30. Uncle H then bedded down on the camp bed in the lounge. I retired to my cosy, yet unmade divan. John was snoring loudly. --==--

20090324

Wednesday February 7, 1973

Another cold, blustery day. Got up at 8am, Went on the 8.33 bus. Another mixed up and frustrating day.June was in lessons all day, and I had 3 out of 6 of mine. Vey busy.
What makes me laugh is that June always doubts that I am keen on her. When I suggested going up to the Emmotts tomorrow she said yes, but that I'd be bored, and she was not wantingt to push me into something "disagreeable" to me! She could not get much further from the truth. I would not miss going to the Emmotts with her for anything. I have a feeling that a romance is blossoming between Denise and Dave L.
At lunchtime Dave and I went down to the chippie to get the weekly order - fish and chips six times and fishcake and chips once - the price came to 98p. I am almost sure that we keep the old woman there in business. Groves went out in the afternoon leaving his 6th formers to the vices of the card table and Christine Braithwaite. I refused to play cards and sat with Cowie instead discussing the qualities of June and Linda W.
At 4 we were all re-united and messed around for half an hour before we went for our buses. June and Linda missed there buses and so waited with Cowie and myself. When the 55 came at 4.45 we were in two minds whether to catch it or not - June looked most depressed when we did. Cowie and I were waving violently from an upstairs window until they disappeared from sight. We hardly spoke on the journey home. Cowie was worried that L had fallen out with him.
With Divine assistance I should be going to the Emmotts with June tomorrow evening. Sadly, however, I am completely out of solid cash. Mum or John will have to deal out some lolly. If not, my marital prospects with Miss Bottomley may be at stake. In our case however, I suspect that the bliss and contentment of our meetings at school alone will usurp the purge of my not attending the Emmotts.
My reputation as a "lady killer" may have been severely weakened today by the rumour put about by the lower 6th that _______had finished with me because of a refusal on my part to go to bed with her. This sordid question never once entered into our relationship and I proceed to treat it with the contempt it deserves. On reflection it is amusing.

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Tuesday February 6, 1973

The 21st anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. On February 6, 1952 the Queen succeeded to the throne on the sudden death of her father King George VI at the early age of 56. The Queen is only 46 now, and to have been been reigning for 21 years seems so long for one so young. Her grandfather, George V, reigned for 25 years and died aged 72. It cannot be doubted that Her Majesty has made a very good job over these years, and has succeeded in adapting the Monarchy to the present day. The British monarchy is more secure now than it ever has been. I am now reading an interesting book "The Youthful Victoria" by Creston. It is remarkable that a 20 year old woman could terrify Sir Robert Peel and even the Iron Duke himself - Wellington. Such a pity that Victoria was the last British sovereign to be able to tell her government "where to get off" as it were.
A very blustery, windy, sunless day. Icy cold. Got up at 8.10 this morning. After breakfast Mum, Susan and I walked down into Guiseley. I caught the 55 bus at the Station Hotel at 9.05am.
On the whole it was a most boring day, June being in lessons for most of the time. The only two lessons I should have had: History was disbanded whilst Mrs Lane continued her inquisition into the exam paper fiasco. The unlucky victims today were Carol and Sheila. I had been seen to last Thursday. At lunch June refused to eat anything and even as late as 4.10 said she wasn't hungry. The afternoon was especially uneventful but for the fact that I smashed one of the servery cups whilst trying to avoid treading on the furniture - some people just have no luck!
At 4.15 June, Linda, Cowie, Louise and myself went down to the bus stop. Cowie hinted to Linda W that Andy Graham had said something about her, but he would not tell exactly what. She wouldn't let it drop until I told her that AG had told GC that he ought to have it away with L, at which GC told AG that he had already done so. At this AG turned a violent red. Jealousy if you ask me. June boarded the bus at 4.30. Janet Roots came across the road after June had left and pretended to go in the Post Office. Louise and I both realise that Janet is head over heels in love with me. Even Louise had to admit this time that I was doing no 'leading on' in Janet's case. Janet came out of the Post Office (with no evidence of any purchase made therein) and waited with me at my stop until my bus came.
After dinner I had a bath at 9.20. The 9 o'clock news was disturbing. Evidently the Civil Servants and Gas Men are striking for wage increases next week. The Prime Minister has instituted a wage freeze (and price freeze) until the end of March. They are only asking for trouble. What with Ulster; the bother in Vietnam, where it's supposed to be at peace since January 27; the bomb through the Archbishop of Canterbury's bedroom window; anti-Marketeers jeering the Queen, etc, etc. The nation is certainly going to the dogs. What next I ask myself?

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Monday February 5, 1973

Arose at 7.30. Went on the 8.30 bus. June and Linda came at 9.30 and Cowie, looking very tired, came at 9.50. Evidently, he didn't arrive home until 1.30am. Last nights events have triggered a romance between Cowie and Lynda, and she has now cast off her crush on Andy Graham. Chris wants me to go with him and Louise to Leeds this afternoon, but I'd feel like a goosberry, or whatever fruit it is. June wants me to go with her but she is meeting her sister who is in her late twenties, and they'll be on a wild goose-chase around the female boutiques. June, Benita and Lynda are doing the servery this week, and I sat with them throughout break - Dave thinks I'm being anti-social avoiding him. Saw Denise and MM at lunchtime. Dave Chris, Louise and Christine all tramped up to the library. Janet Roots, trying to chat me up, got under my feet. June, Lynda and Cowie all went to Leeds at 2.30. For me a boring and wasteful afternoon.
My evening was spent playing records. "Saturday Night at the Movies" reminds me of Mrs Cuthbert's biology classes last March when June, Johnny and I, plus David Stuttard all messed about together. Talking about Dave Stuttard - and who isn't these days? - I saw him in the tap room at the Emmotts last Thursday. He waved through the hatch to me in the lounge where I am always situated.
June and I fancy going out on Thursday but I will first have to throw myself upon the mercy of Mum and John to give me a substantial loan until Saturday night. I did this last week and can see no reason why I can't do it again. Had a bath. Had supper. Came to bed at 10.30.


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Sunday February 4, 1973

A lazy morning in bed until 12. Had a bath at 2 after helping Mum clear my bedroom which looked in her words "like a pig sty". Watched the telly after lunch then went into the dining room to listen to 'Pick of the Pops' on the radio. Mum and Dad went over to Pudsey to see Auntie Hilda and Uncle Tony at 7.30, and they gave me a lift to Rawdon traffic lights. I had a brisk walk up to the Emmotts arriving at the same time as Dave (Lawson) , who had a half pint of lager whilst I had a Rye and dry ginger. Chris and Louise arrived ten minutes later. After several minutes I went off to see Ivy who was most pleased to see me, and was anxious to know if June and Lynda were coming. June, Janet Roots, Linda, & Cowie arrived at 8.45. We all sat drinking for 2 hours. June and I were sitting together, but Janet messed things up by sitting next to Cowie, but he fancies Linda. At 10.45 we decided that if we all walked down to the main road we could catch a bus at 11.10. It was too romantic for words. June, me, Cowie and Lynda sat on a bench at the bottom of the road like love birds in a row. But Cowie was too drunk to be romantic with L - he kept walking out into the road, ignoring Lynda's screams. She thought he might be struck by a car. At 11.25 we realised no buses would come so we thumbed a lift for the girls who were soon hopping into a car heading towards Horsforth. Cowie and I began walking towards Guiseley. We eventually got a lift. Three cars stopped at once! Talk about choice! The bloke dropped me off at White Cross and took Cowie on to Ilkley - he lives just 2 miles further at Addingham.
After a brisk walk up Thorpe Lane I arrived home at 11.55. Mum and Dad were still at Pudsey. I had some supper and went to bed at 12.55.

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Friday February 2, 1973

It is now all round the 6th form about June and I. Michael Stott kept harping on about it all afternoon. I got the 9 o'clock bus. Friday is always a busy day for me starting with double Economics in the morning. At lunchtime Benita made Janet Roots face up. She looked quite attractive. But she is too self-conscious, and was so embarrassed and rubbed it all off. Ruth Ashmore and myself were compelled in the afternoon to do 2 periods of Biology. Louise, the cheating Arab, came across at 3.30. Mrs Stancliffe had the form in hysterics when she came to doing a diagram on the blackboard.
Back in the 6th form June was fooling around pretending to ignore me, and she left at 4 without me, but she was peeping through the window to attract my attention. Today Cowie (Graham Cowburn) kept saying that he didn't know how anyone could put up with June - her being so frivolous and full of vitality. Cowie and Andy G are going to the Emmott Arms on Sunday. Linda W has a terrible crush on Andy, but he ignores her completely.
At 7.30 I went down to the Chuck Wagon. It was completely dead until 9.30. Sue, who was 23 yesterday, had a touch of diarrhoea and did not look at all well all evening. Toffer brought me home at 12.15. Lynn and Susan were watching telly. I came to bed at 1.35. Today Mum reverted from being blond to her natural colour. We were all stunned. She looked so different. At 8.30 Mum, Dad and Auntie Hilda and Uncle Tony went to the Police Ball. They were still not home at 12.30.

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20090310

Friday January 12, 1973

Mum sent off the deposits for the holiday this evening. I spoke to Denise and David whilst Mum was carrying out this historical spectacle at the Post Office. School was a big laugh. A Professor Corbett came to give us a lecture on humanities. It was the most boring one and a half hours I have ever experienced at school. Cowie (Graham Cowburn), Andy (Graham), and myself were sitting behind Pee-Wee, Dave and Dale (Elkington) - tormenting them by kicking the bottom of their chairs - causing them to bounce through the lecture. 

It happened at last. Chris fancies Fat Louise. I can't see why. However, she's the most nympomaniacal woman in Bramhope. They are off to the Emmott's tonight - and a damned bloody soddin' nice evening they'll have whilst I slog my guts out down at the Chuck Wagon. 

Went to the denist at 4.15 - 15 minutes late. The receptionist was bloody wild with rage, but all the same I received a filling in one of my upper teeth. The numbness from the injection in my face was still evident at 9pm. My next appointment is May 4. And that isn't too far away for my liking. Went down to the Chuck Wagon at 7.30. Busy all evening. Told Toffer I was having next Friday off to go to Tim Wallis and Liz Richardson's engagement party. I can't wait for it. However, Tim and Liz aren't the type to spend the next 50-odd years together so I don't know why they're bothering getting engaged because I'd eat my hat if they got married. It's now 1.15 am. Retiring to bed after a hot beverage, i.e. coffee...

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Sunday April 1, 1984

 4th Sunday in Lent Mothering Sunday New Moon Sunny, bright, &c. Smothering Sunday. All Fool's Day. Busy. Rob came and so too did th...