Wednesday October 17, 1973

It does seem odd knowing that ones future is secured at last. I am eighteen and a half and it's only now that I know what lies ahead of me. Blimey, John had his future career all tied up at 15. Anyway, it's been worthwhile. After all, just look what wonderful things I've achieved since going on to further education in September, 1971. I've added two 'O' levels to my already magnificent collection of certificates; I met June; I gathered a vast number of new friends too numerous to mention. Blimey, I've done everything! The experience must be worth a million. Yes Siree! I would never change anything for the world.

Today I told Groves of my intentions. He was of the opinion that I should leave school, just in case I make a complete mess of the 'A' level. He gives me his blessing, adding something to the effect that 'the old place won't be the same without you!' Silly bugger! Of course it won't! How can Benton Park be the same without Michael L. Rhodes?

--==--

Friday September 21, 1973

Groves today discovered that I do not wish to go to college next year. Christine told him in Current Affairs - which seems and appropriate time and place to tell him - but I was so surprised by Christine leaking my news that I had no satisfactory explanation for him. He was not upset and wants only what is best for me.

MM wants to know what is happening this evening. It's all in the air. Christine wants me to go out with a certain Helen Taylor, from the lower 6th. The poor girl fancies me, so I'm told. I cannot go out with any girl so soon after my broken affair with June - my only love. MM even offers me the keys to his house for tomorrow night so that I can take HT back there. I decline. However, I did accept his offer of a seat in the west stand at Leeds United. How could I refuse such hospitality?

Chris rings at 7 and says that Marita and he are going to the Tudor Bar at Burley. I ring Dave and he takes John and me. MM, Linda S, and Christine W also arrive. A very pleasant evening. We decide to go to the Pentagon in Bradford, but MM, Linda, Christine and Dave go home, leaving the five of us to fit into Marita's car. We all sit in the back singing 'Glory, Glory, Leeds United' - Andy wearing Marita's tin helmet. We stop off at our house so that I can put on a tie, and everyone settles down in our comfortable lounge and we remain there until nearly 2 o'clock. Playing records - yet again.

--==--

Monday September 3, 1973

A very important day for the USSR and for me. They had a visit from Prince Philip and I returned to Benton Park. I cannot decide which is the more important of the two.

Go to Benton at 9 and discover, to my horror, that I am now the oldest pupil in the 6th form and thus in the entire school. How horrid. I am the sole survivor from last year's upper 6th. I now know just how Lord de Courcey felt in 1936 when he found himself the last survivor of the 'Charge of the Light Brigade': ANCIENT!

Spend the day planning the timetable and listening to Groves rambling on. See Mrs Lane and Mr Ayling. Both unnecessarily sympathetic. Sit with Christine, MM, Liz Clap, and Maggie Edwards.

Prince Philip, God bless him, became the first prince of the UK to visit the USSR since before 1917. I suspect that he's gone ahead to plan a state visit by the Queen in a couple of years time. Prince Philip was certainly in his element with all that informality. Princess Anne is already at Kiev and Mark Phillips is going either tomorrow or on Wednesday.

Spend the evening watching the television. Bed by 12.0.

--==--

Friday August 31, 1973

Woke at 8.15 with the terrible realisation that I had overslept again. But it all fits my plans admirably. I decide to stay at home until 10.0 when I go into school with Christine and MM to see Groves.

Have a little breakfast and read my book about the Duchess of Portsmouth.

Arrive at Benton simultaneously with MM and Christine. They bring the new cups for the 6th form. Don't see Groves until 12.0. He advies me to wait until I have heard from the college, but to go into school until I do. Term starts on Monday. Go back to see Bill and tell him I'm going back. He wishes me good luck - again. Mess about with the bus shelters until 4.30.

Later: Dave picks John and me up and we go to the Fleece. Christine and Philip are saving seats for us. MM and Linda Smith arrive later. We go to the Intercon at the Cow and Calf at 10.30. Christine, in answer to the call of nature, visits Pine Tops for the first time. She thinks it's extremely cosy. Andy and I make attempts to get very drunk - successfully. Poor Philip went through £8. A very bizarre occurrence took place at 2.30am on Saturday morning. Dave and Christine decided to go for a walk on Ilkley Moor whilst Philip and I slept in his car. Ten minutes later I'm awakened by Dave laughing but minus Christine. To my horror we find Christine unconscious in a four-foot pot hole in the heather. I thought at first that she was dead. After a ten minute struggle we have her back in the car - bruised but alive. Alas, she had lost her bracelet, and in her drunken state, she began to cry. Philip slept on. We take her to Pine Tops for a strong coffee. At 3.35 Dave and I take C home and then return to Ilkley Moor in search of the precious bracelet - sadly, to no avail. Bed by 4.35am.

--==--

Monday August 20, 1973

God what a day. Go into school at 2 o'clock. See from a list on Groves desk that I have failed my History 'A' level. The horrid little sheet of paper said: 'History: four entries, three passes.' It just had to be me. They gave me an 'O' level pass. Dave got two Cs. I already have history 'O' level so it's useless really.

Dave and I take Chid to Horsforth College of Further Education - June goes there on September 14. Chid must fancy his chances.

Later. Dave and I go to see MM. Sit with him sipping very miky coffee. MM is very sorry about my failing. Go home at 6.0. Mum very sad.

John and I meet June and Susan in the Emmotts at 8 o'clock. I take my crank letter with me (received another one today). Chris enjoys reading them and looks very pale. Susan Bottomley is a very strange child indeed. I do hope that John doesn't take her out.

--==--

Friday June 29, 1973

Sue and Toffer back from France. Get up at 8 o'clock. School at 10 o'clock. Have a really hysterical day. Dave tearing up his Cumming and Stanlake reference books. MM is disgusted at his behaviour.

Go see Mrs Lane about all my text books and something about open day on July 7. Grief! Back to the workhouse tonight! See Groves about my police grant thing - he reads me the comments he's made about my character - cannot be disappointed really.

Come home and Mum tells me that Bill has got me the painting job - I am ecstatic. Decide immediately that the Chuck Wagon and I are over. Lynn and Christine D promise to take-over on our return from Italy.

Go to the CW at 7.30. Warn Sue of what is happening - she does not really object - but was banking on me staying until September. Finish at about 1. Arrive home in time to see John arriving home from the Intercon. I cannot believe my eyes. Willie's car is smashed in at the front. They've had a bump but I am assured that it wasn't Willie's fault. Stagger to bed.

Here's what Groves said about me: 'Michael spent the first five years of his secondary school career in a secondary modern school and there can be little doubt that 'failure' in the eleven-plus selection procedure deprived him of confidence and inhibited him intellectually. Certainly he is not in the first rank in terms of ability but he has gained in confidence and he has found that he can succeed in Ordinary and Advanced Level work and his past performance probably does him much less than justice as a guide to his future potential. He has already gained C.S.E. Grade 1 passes in History and Religious Education. He has passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level in Art, Grade 2, and English, Grade 6, and this summer he sat examinations in Advanced Level History and Ordinary Level Economics. His written expression is seen to be improving and has reached an adequate standard and his oral performance is becoming more articulate as he overcomes his shyness. Michael is a rather quiet young man of pleasant disposition and even temperament. He has shown a commendable determination and strength of purpose in overcoming early setbacks to get this far along his chosen path and I have no doubt that these same qualities will serve him well in the future. I am glad to support this application.'

--==--

Friday April 13, 1973

Christine and Jacko are away. Louise and I go to Economics where Christine Jennings and Irene sit with Mr Ayling. What a boring lesson it is. At break Louise pretends to be sick so that she can avoid the second Economics lesson. She is a lousy actress. In the next lesson we discuss the 6th form with Mr Ayling. He asks me whether I think it's been a success. I pause, but then say "yes". He wants to know if we think there is enough authority in the block. I say "no". He and Irene then discuss where staff and pupils must draw the line. We all agree that the situation is very difficult. I sit with MM, Louise and Denny until lunchtime - June being in lessons. We laugh at the ridiculous letters in Louise's magazine. People worrying about ejaculating on the bed linen. June and I go to Rigg's at 12.30 where he, Mr Rigg himself, tells us that June and I are the only people from Benton Park who actually talk to them in the shop. His assistant said that the majority of the kids are morons and 'thick.' The Riggs are nice old souls really. In current affairs Groves left us to prepare for the lecture which is being carried out by Dave Kerfoot, June Turner and Vicky Kellett. They arrive at 2.30. The talk is really interesting, and deals with the problems facing bods who go away from home to live in colleges and universities etc. Dave Kerfoot is at polytechnic living in digs, June Turner is at college of Education living in halls of residence, and Vicky is at university but living at home. Therefore, a varied selection of opinions. They all put there cases very well. Collected my gear together and left with June for the bus stop - having now broken up for Easter. On the way down to Rawdon we decided to meet at the Emmotts at 8.30 on Sunday. Departed for home waving wildly at June from the window. Went to the CW at 7.30. The evening was rather a drag. Toffer and Sue were arguing again. Came home at 1. John was watching Anthony Quinn is some sort of Western thing. I did not take too much notice of it. John went to bed about 1.15 leaving me reading. Dad came home for supper at 1.30. I said goodnight and came to bed. --==--

Friday April 6, 1973

Got up at 7.30. In the morning mail I got a birthday card from Auntie Hilda, Uncle Tony and the girls. Due to the fact that I am now 18 years-old Auntie Hilda has decided to drop the prefix 'aunt' and be known henceforward as Hilda, a move I find distasteful and unnecessary. My attaining my majority or coming of age is no excuse for her to discard historic etiquette in such a way. I will always call her "Auntie Hilda" whether she likes it or not.

We had a bomb scare at school today. We were congregating in the common-room for a lecture on drugs, when the siren/alarm-bells went off. The whole school met in a conglomorate mass on the soccer field. Very amusing. The whole farce lasted about 35 minutes. Several cop cars came but nothing happened. June had to break off from a Biology CSE exam. Hardly fair is it?

At 3 we began listening to the lecture on drugs. He was a very interesting man from Bradford University and he turned what could easily have been a dreadfully boring lecture into a pleasant and useful talk. Groves seemed most impressed.

June and I stood at my bus stop in Rawdon in a deluge of rain and hail. When we make any attempt to kiss or cuddle up together (mainly as a means of gaining shelter and heat) some filthy van load of workers with full wage packets and grinning faces are halted at the traffic lights and they make rude and generally vulgar remarks from the windows. June thinks it's funny but I find such behaviour crude. I am probably a snob.

Work was uneventful.

--==--

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.

--==--

Wednesday March 14, 1973

Dave, who takes his driving test on Friday, was attacked by Groves today for not doing work in lesson time. Next time he is found in a similar situation he will be expelled until further notice!
Poor Dave is quite cut up about the whole sordid business.

My test went down very well but I always worry about what Mrs Lane's reaction will be. I suppose it's only natural to feel this. Ayling gave me my Monopoly essay back with a 16 out of 25 for it - meaning 64 per cent. He was quite pleased with it.

At lunchtime June and I made the decision to go the Emmotts tonight as well as tomorrow because we get fed up with waiting all the way from Sunday to Thursday to go out. At 4.15 we went down to the shops, June being chaperoned by Linda, Benita and Janet. Benita is really eccentric. She wears black fishnet tights and very sombre dresses, and being very small she looks too funny for words. Her eye makeup is frightening,but June says she only does it get noticed.

Arrived home at 5.10. We had rabbit pie. Watched the 6 o'clock news. Marion, Countess of Harewood and the Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe were married in a London register office today. (I bet you're saying: "what the hell is so important about that?" Well, it isn't so important, but they are desperate for headlines.). The news tells of more Trade Union threats to the poor government, etc.

Down the lane for my bus at 7.15. June was waiting for me outside the Emmotts looking simply divine! (Swoon). We sat around the corner away from the sight of Ivy, who becomes quite broing after the first 5 weeks! We sat on our own the whole time. Helen Willis came across for a chat - I haven't seen her for about a year - however, she's the same giddy girl.

Andy, Linda and Christine (White?) came in without Christopher. I wondered where he must have gone. June and I waited at the bus stop until 11.10. Having a very romantic, beautious affair in the crude looking bus shelter. My bus came at 11.10. I left June waiting for her 55.

--==--

Friday March 9, 1973

John woke me at 7.20 when he was getting ready for work. But I was quite pleased to be up in good time. Had a little breakfast and came to school on the 8.30 bus. Benita was the only other person there. Christine Braithwaite arrived shortly after and she helped me put the finishing touches to my 'demand and suppy' essay - the mathematical bit. Ughh! She went out last night and didn't manage to start her essay (Monopoly) until 12 - finishing it at 2.30am! I'd have still been scribbling at 4.30 if I'd gone out first. Double Economics was quite enjoyable - believe it or not, and Groves must have told Mr Ayling of my acceptance into college - because he suggested that I do extra economics, much to the amusement of all the others.

At lunchtime June and I went for a walk in the park. Very romantic. The weather is absolutely beautiful. Spring is with us at last. We walked hand in hand back to school. Saw Chid.

In the afternoon Christine and Maggie Edwards gave one of their OAP orgies. June and I were doing nothing for the first lesson and we therfor decided to entertain the old dears. Anyway, it was a good excuse to knock back a few cups of tea. Louise and I were then dragged off to Biology by Mrs Stancliffe. It was a great 2 lessons! We did a question on heredity and disease and the haemophiliac line of the Royal Family. I knew more on this than Mrs Stancliffe did! It was very interesting and made a change from the usual clap-trap about plants and gas.

June and I walked hand in hand to the bus stop at 4.50. I will not be seeing her until Sunday! How awful!

Back to work at 7.30. A terribly long night. Even Sue R admitted that she had never known a night drag on so long. She has asked me to work on Tuesday nights as well as Friday and Saturday - pushing my weekly wage up to £5. They were very pleased to hear I had got into college - so I therefor gave them 4 months notice! Toffer brought me home at 12.15. Watched the end of a film and came to bed at 12.40.

--=--

Thursday March 8, 1973

God! I have been accepted by Middleton St George College of Education! Mum woke me at 7.50 and this historic news arrived in a letter some 5 minutes after. My heart almost stopped beating when I read the first marvellous sentence. The following hours were ones of absolute euphoria. I rushed impatiently to school where MM and Lousie were the first to congratulate me on my good fortune. When Groves came in he almost had a fit when he saw the brown envelope. He went into 10 minutes of hysteria when he saw the actual contents. The conditions of my entry state that I need the minimum of qualifications, i.e. a pass at History 'A' Level or a pass at Economics 'O' level. June and Dave were thrilled.

In the third lesson June assisted me in constructing my letter of acceptance and also the application for a medical examination. I have never felt quite so relieved. Still euphoric at lunchtime. June and I plan to go to the pictures to see "Tales from the Crypt" After Economics I plan to begin my "Monopoly" essay - but disaster! I ruined Louise's "Harvey" with water. Honestly, fire last Thursday, now water today. What next week? Plague? Pestilence? However, by 4 I had achieved very little and June made me cancel my "Crypt" date for tonight - she is so good about it - insisting on my staying at home to finish Ayling's infernal essay. I had to agree.

We went for the usual buses and 2 Cream Eggs. Had a laugh with Denny and Louise at the bus stop, and I left at 4.45 blowing her a kiss from the rear window. Came home and had tea. Mum and Dad still chuffed about my college acceptance.

On the 5.45 news I see that the bloody IRA have exploded bombs at the Old Bailey and in Trafalgar Square, London. 140 were injured and 1 man died. Good Grief! As if Belfast isn't good enough for them! What will they do next?

Went to do my Economics essay after watching 'Top of the Pops'. June is almost identical to one of the Pan's People dance troup - very glamorous! Everything is so good this month. June must have brought good fortune. Do my Monopoly essay from 7.30 to 11.30. Four sides of notes and 4 sides of essay. Feeling very exhausted. Stagger into the lounge to watch Ludovic Kennedy and 'Midweek'. Came up to bed about 12.15. Very relieved to have finished the Economics.

--==--

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?

--==--

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.

--==--

Monday February 12, 1973

The filthiest day of the year. Awoke at 7.50 leaving for school on the 8.33 bus. I had to walk down the lane which is open to God's elements. I arrived at the bus stop having experienced them all. I was soaked to the very skin. Arrived at school at 8.55. We received another lecture from Groves concerning the legitimate case of IOUs in the common-room servery. Evidently, Irene is tightening up following her coup d'etat last week. June arrived at 9.35 and we discussed yesterdays events. What had happened to Ivy missing from the Emmotts last night? June suspects she is dead. The weather was a contrast of rain, snow, sun, hail, frost, and driving wind - my optimistic view of a possible mild winter may be proved to be quite wrong after all. June has changed since Friday. She's much more serious and the way she looks at me is different. Her eyes devour me altogether. I feel so inadequate and immature. But I have a lot to be happy for.
Princess Anne is now reported to be aboard a battleship on the Black Sea, the guest of a fat, bombastic Commie! God, what will Heath do next to get on the right side of the Reds? He'll be packing the poor Queen off to Moscow next! The poor princess is having to converse with one of the pigs who killed in cold blood the Tsar in 1917, and his innocent wife and children, who were the cousins of our very own Mountbatten family - the Tsarina being a great-aunt of the Duke of Edinburgh. Just because President Nixon of the USA and the so called ex-earl Sir Alec Douglas-Home, MP, can go off making amiable noises in Peking I see no earthly reason why an innocent young princess should be placed up the creek with a fat commie saying nice things to HRH when everyone knows he doesn't mean it! Obviously, our dear Press are full of things about improvements in Anglo-Russian affairs - how positively naive!
June and I walked just the two of us down to the bus stop again. All we seem to do is walk backwards and forwards to ruddy bus stops - and they always come when you least want them to (the buses).
A quiet evening at home. John and I listening to the Diana Ross LP. Retired at 10.45 to bed. Mum and Dad are finally going out with the Smiths on Thursday. Also on Thursday Susan is throwing a rave-up for some of her contemporaries - it is usually my night out, but in the name of romance I would rather go out on Wednesday (Valentine's Day). I will ask June tomorrow.

--==--

Friday February 9, 1973

Awoke at 7.30. The weather has taken a turn for the better and the dullness of yesterday is gone. The sun came out, filtering through the clouds at 8 o'clock. Caught the 8.30 bus to school. I was witness at 9 to a truly remarkable incident. Groves walked into the common room where Irene and Margaret Edwards were having a quiet game of snooker and he said to Irene: "sorry, but that was the last shot". He then confiscated the cues. We reactionaries began applauding this worthy action by Groves - however the majority of students were narked. At 9.30 he was back in the common room lecturing us on the vices and general bad behaviour of the 6th form - very appropriately it began to snow. In the third lesson we re-arranged the study booths creating an atmosphere of work about the place. It was rather successful. At lunchtime I sat in the new study area with June. Cowie was also there working busily. Dave and I went once again to the chippie. I am determined that someone else should go next Wednesday. I think it's about time that Chid had a turn, the lazy sod. At 2pm Groves and I went down to Guiseley to collect the OAPs for Christine's little rave-up in the Further Education block. The first we picked up lived in great splendour on Tranmere Park. Groves was fuming and was embarrassed by his filthy car. We then collected a further two from St Oswald's Terrace. I helped an old lady down the garden path and into the car. Bloody hell, he had no room for me in the car and so Groves told me to walk in the direction of Rawdon and that he would pick me up after taking the old folk to school.
I walked all the way back to Benton Park in 25 minutes. Groves was frantic with apologies saying that I would probably hold a grudge against him forever. I did Biology until 4.
June and I walked down to the traffic lights at 4.35. My bus passed me on the way down. June said she would wait with me until the next one came along - 30 minutes later. Her buses run every ten minutes. We agreed to meet at the Emmotts at 8 on Sunday. I hated the moment when my bus arrived. I waved at her from the rear window until I turnedf the corner at Benton Park.
After tea Dad and Mum gave me a lift down to the Chuck Wagon. Lynn and Susan were spending the night at the Saxton residence on Silverdale, and John was watching the telly at home. It was very quiet until 10.30 when the place suddenly filled up with all the drunks from the White Cross pub over the road. Sue (Riley) retired as usual at 11.30 with a book and a couple of beers. Toffer and I sat around until 1am. I arrived home at 1.30. Everyone was in bed. My supper consisted of two boiled eggs and toast. I came to bed at 2am.
Tomorrow will most likely be another busy night at the Chuck Wagon, but what is even worse, Pauline - or "The Mouth" -will be there. I can hardly wait for Sunday. Two whole days without seeing June is unbearable. The thought of going to college in September is too horrid for words.
June and I keep kidding each other about Peter Hurst and Janet Roots. But we grow more and more to like each other every day. Besides, old Ivy would be most upset if she did not see us a couple of times a week...

--==--

Friday January 26, 1973

I couldn't be bothered to catch the 8.30 bus so I waited until 9 o'clock. Mr Groves gave us a lecture on the vices of the 6th form. Evidently, Mrs Capstan-Fullstrength has been complaining about someone spilling salt in the study area. I have never been so embarrassed. It was June and me yesterday afternoon. What's more, everyone except Groves knew who the culprits were.

Dave and myself had one hell of a laugh with Christine Braithwaite. Chris and Louise had some sort of argument this afternoon. I think it was because Louise had lost Chris's expensive Parker pen. If that's all they can find to fight about it's a bloody pity.

June was in lessons all afternoon. I was kept amused by Christine and Dave. I stayed at school until 4.35 walking June, Linda, Benita and Janet to the bus stop. It wasn't until June had gone that I realised it was the last I had seen of her until Monday. I therefor, with great presence of mind, instructed Janet to tell June (they work at the same bakery in Horsforth on Saturdays) to meet me at the Emmott Arms at 8.30 on Sunday. I pass on my phone number just in case June wants to speak to me first. I arrived home at 5.30. Janet rang me at 6 for final instructions. She was worried that June would think she is being nosey.

I worked at the Chuck Wagon from 7. A boring evening. A couple sat pouring over their bill until 12.30 - silly sods. I missed the Frankenstein film on the telly.

Will June go to the Emmotts on Sunday? Will she ring tomorrow night? When I threw these questions at Janet she was positive that June would turn up.

I intend revising on Saturday and Sunday. European History is sometime on Monday. Let's hope it's in the afternoon. It will give me time to revise just that bit extra.

Dave may be leaving Woolworths tomorrow. He is ringing me to give a full report on his final and irrevocable decision.

Got home from the Chuck Wagon at 12.45. Made poached eggs on toast with fresh coffee. Somehow I do not feel like sleeping. All day I have felt a strange sinking feeling in my stomach. Excitement mingled with fright. Is this love?

--==--

Wednesday January 17, 1973

Day of rejoicing and excitement because Denny brought £6 deposit for the holiday. Got up at 6.30. and revised until nearly 8. I had a quick breakfast (boiled egg) and rushed off to school on the 8.30 bus. Revising by 9, as was Irene, Christine B, Christine J, and MM. I was very satisfied by the exam paper, and managed to answer four questions. Mr Ayling actually came across from the main school in person at about 11.30. Honour for us all indeed. We spent the afternoon relaxing after the exam and Louise, Denny, Dave, Chris and myself joined in with the lower sixth. June and Janet were in usual form. June is such a nice person. We all went through the usual procedure of being ejaculated from the common-room by Mrs Capstan Fullstrength and the caretaker at 4.15. Groves was away. Lousie wants me to go to Denny's tomorrow afternoon. I don't really want to. Things are much more amusing at school. Besides, I promised I would take my "Fog Theory, by Wyndham-Logg" in. I am still awaiting a reply from Darlington College of Ed. They've been considering me for a week as from Thursday. I think they are waiting for my Biology results which should be out on Monday/Tues. I hope to God that I have passed. I doubt very much whether they'll accept me if I fail. Ah well, that's life. I have done no revising tonight. I consider my daily quota to be done for today. History mock A -level is the next thing, and if I don't begin revising I'll be in for it. But I take life as it comes and stuff the consequences.


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