_. Spent the day at the YP discussing Dame Edna with some of the survivors. Stephanie Ferguson thought it was the funniest thing ever. Our banter persuaded Sarah to book for her and Richard [Burke] on Saturday, and then Carol J got tickets too.
Looking forward to our weekend in Martyr Worthy with Lynn and Dave.
To bed with Adolf Hitler, but only managed about three pages before I was out cold.
-=-
20200331
Tuesday November 27, 1979
_. To the Grand Theatre, Leeds, tonight with Ally, Dave L and Marita. A thrilling performance by Barry Humphries. Dame Edna is now my number one lady. I cannot recall ever seeing anything so hilarious in the whole of my life. Dame Edna's wicked and witty tongue had us all falling about. Ally was crying with laughter, and I could hear David and Marita wheezing behind. The performance lasted from 8pm until eleven and it included a 'gladioli throwing' episode and an appearance by the grotesque Sir Les Patterson, the Australian Cultural Attache to the Court of St James's. He spat and blubbered all over the first three rows, scratched his balls, picked his nose and swore like a trooper. The dialogue was brilliant, but some people did walk out of the theatre, apparently in disgust.
Afterwards it was too late to go for a drink and so we bid our farewells to Dave and Marita and went on to Guiseley. Marita invited us to a gathering on December 5, at the Albert in Yeadon, to celebrate her nuptials with Mr Matthews. Marita always has to be different, having a stag party for her male acquaintances.
-=-
Afterwards it was too late to go for a drink and so we bid our farewells to Dave and Marita and went on to Guiseley. Marita invited us to a gathering on December 5, at the Albert in Yeadon, to celebrate her nuptials with Mr Matthews. Marita always has to be different, having a stag party for her male acquaintances.
-=-
Monday November 26, 1979
_. Mum and Dad returned from Lochans with tales of John and Catherine. The other day JPH, aged 3, called his mother a 'stupid bitch', not to her face but when her back was turned, and then when Mum and Dad were taking their leave this morning he stood on the steps of the caravan, smiling sweetly, and exclaimed: 'goodbye, you silly swines.' What an hoot, and sorry I cannot help smiling.
Phoned Dave L this afternoon to remind him of our date tomorrow at the Grand Theatre with Dame Edna. It will be my first sighting of Marita in years. I also phoned Ally who is excited about tomorrow too.
The Sun newspaper got itself all worked up this morning on the topic of the Prince of Wales and Lady Amanda Knatchbull, his cousin. The paper says that the prince and Lady A have met secretly in Kent and that an engagement is definitely in the offing. I have said it before and will say it again that the Knatchbull ladies are too closely related to HRH for any serious marriage chatter, and that the girls are no beauties, a very important point.
-=-
Phoned Dave L this afternoon to remind him of our date tomorrow at the Grand Theatre with Dame Edna. It will be my first sighting of Marita in years. I also phoned Ally who is excited about tomorrow too.
The Sun newspaper got itself all worked up this morning on the topic of the Prince of Wales and Lady Amanda Knatchbull, his cousin. The paper says that the prince and Lady A have met secretly in Kent and that an engagement is definitely in the offing. I have said it before and will say it again that the Knatchbull ladies are too closely related to HRH for any serious marriage chatter, and that the girls are no beauties, a very important point.
-=-
Sunday November 25, 1979
_. Last Sunday after Trinity
Drizzle. Ally, Lynn and I went to the Queen's [again], leaving Dave hacking away at a piece of wood in his garage. Lunch at Lawn Road at 2pm and then an afternoon by the fireside. Chris and Julie called in and Lynn made them tea. Lynn always shows a lack of patience with Julie, who I think is a really pleasant girl. Saw a play on TV 'Suez '56'. Michael Gough played Sir Anthony Eden. The whole thing was quite excellent. Home at 10:30.
-=-
Drizzle. Ally, Lynn and I went to the Queen's [again], leaving Dave hacking away at a piece of wood in his garage. Lunch at Lawn Road at 2pm and then an afternoon by the fireside. Chris and Julie called in and Lynn made them tea. Lynn always shows a lack of patience with Julie, who I think is a really pleasant girl. Saw a play on TV 'Suez '56'. Michael Gough played Sir Anthony Eden. The whole thing was quite excellent. Home at 10:30.
-=-
Saturday November 24, 1979
_. Up at 10:30. Lynn and David were in the bathroom singing Gilbert and Sullivan numbers. After toast and coffee off they dashed to Burley in Wharfedale to play 'happy married couples' and Ally and I went into Bradford and spent an hour in WH Smith's reading royal books. The Queen Mother and the Prince of Wales are the main subjects of royal biographies these days.
Ally and I fought all day, but the proceedings are not worth recording. She was very successful in antagonising and infuriating me. She actually stated that she is allergic to me. I came home and had a bath and then washed the car. On to Burley in W for dinner and on to the Queen's Arms which, for some odd reason, Dave finds pleasurable. Ally was miserable. It would have been more fun drinking with the Ayatollah Khomeini.
Back at the house we watched the Marx Brothers.
-=-
Ally and I fought all day, but the proceedings are not worth recording. She was very successful in antagonising and infuriating me. She actually stated that she is allergic to me. I came home and had a bath and then washed the car. On to Burley in W for dinner and on to the Queen's Arms which, for some odd reason, Dave finds pleasurable. Ally was miserable. It would have been more fun drinking with the Ayatollah Khomeini.
Back at the house we watched the Marx Brothers.
-=-
Friday November 23, 1979
_. Up at 6:30. Drank black coffee with Ally. She drove me into Bradford at 8 and I got a bus into Leeds which got me to the office for 8:30. I felt quite healthy taking all things into consideration.
Dave B met me in the mini at 5:30 and on we went to Bradford and met Ally and Lynn at the Norfolk Gardens Hotel. They were drinking very expensive lager and devouring peanuts and little cheese biscuits. On we went to the cinema to see a couple of Peter Sellers 'Pink Panther' epics, 'The Revenge of the Pink Panther' and 'The Return of the Pink Panther'. Excellent viewing. On to Lidget Green at 10:30 for a couple of drinks and fish and chips. Bed at 12:30. Ally couldn't sleep and drifted downstairs reading Evelyn Waugh and drinking milk.
-=-
Dave B met me in the mini at 5:30 and on we went to Bradford and met Ally and Lynn at the Norfolk Gardens Hotel. They were drinking very expensive lager and devouring peanuts and little cheese biscuits. On we went to the cinema to see a couple of Peter Sellers 'Pink Panther' epics, 'The Revenge of the Pink Panther' and 'The Return of the Pink Panther'. Excellent viewing. On to Lidget Green at 10:30 for a couple of drinks and fish and chips. Bed at 12:30. Ally couldn't sleep and drifted downstairs reading Evelyn Waugh and drinking milk.
-=-
Thursday November 22, 1979
_. Thanksgiving Day, USA
Late to the YP again, which is now becoming a regular thing. Kathleen now looks upon me with narrow eyes, which drift to the clock and become fixed there as I enter the office. Sod her, anyway.
Out at 9pm with Ally. We went up to the petrol station near Aireborough Grammar School where the pumps are self service. Something went wrong and Ally only got half a gallon of fuel but had to pay £2.98 because the bandit at the counter said we'd taken more fuel. After a long squabble I had to pay up. On we went to the Drop. I persuaded Ally to go on to Oakwood. We discussed the holiday '80. On to Club Street at 2am.
-=-
Late to the YP again, which is now becoming a regular thing. Kathleen now looks upon me with narrow eyes, which drift to the clock and become fixed there as I enter the office. Sod her, anyway.
Out at 9pm with Ally. We went up to the petrol station near Aireborough Grammar School where the pumps are self service. Something went wrong and Ally only got half a gallon of fuel but had to pay £2.98 because the bandit at the counter said we'd taken more fuel. After a long squabble I had to pay up. On we went to the Drop. I persuaded Ally to go on to Oakwood. We discussed the holiday '80. On to Club Street at 2am.
-=-
20200330
Wednesday November 21, 1979
_. The weather continues nauseating. Blunt, Blunt, Blunt, and more Blunt, and even more Blunt. Blunt in the morning, Blunt in the evening and Blunt at supper time. It's the poor Queen I feel sorry for. She has been used disgracefully by Cabinet ministers down the years. They asked her to retain Prof Blunt after his confession. She really ought to have Sir J. Hobson [Attorney-General in 1964] exhumed and hanged at Tyburn.
The Press pursuit of Sabrina Guinness seems to have died down. As if we were ever going to see Queen Sabrina anyway. Reading Anthony Holden's biography of the P of Wales, serialised in the Sunday Times. I do feel sorry for the future King. He leads a lonely and aloof existence. Just to dine with his mother he has to arrange the meeting three weeks beforehand, and this is with them both living under the same roof at Buckingham Palace. Before visiting Charles in his palace suite the Queen always telephones first to make an appointment.
Bed with Adolf again. The war is now blazing and Dunkirk is in full swing.
-=-
The Press pursuit of Sabrina Guinness seems to have died down. As if we were ever going to see Queen Sabrina anyway. Reading Anthony Holden's biography of the P of Wales, serialised in the Sunday Times. I do feel sorry for the future King. He leads a lonely and aloof existence. Just to dine with his mother he has to arrange the meeting three weeks beforehand, and this is with them both living under the same roof at Buckingham Palace. Before visiting Charles in his palace suite the Queen always telephones first to make an appointment.
Bed with Adolf again. The war is now blazing and Dunkirk is in full swing.
-=-
Tuesday November 20, 1979
_. Ice and treacherous conditions. Freezing. Dear Carole's 22nd birthday, and the first without her father. I do hope it isn't too horrible for her. And to think that two years ago we'd all given her up for dead.
The 'Blunt Saga' continues. He gave an interview today and seemed very calm and collected, in the way that double agents tend to do, whilst attempting to justify his treacherous activities. Blunt denies any homosexual affair with Guy Burgess.
At 8, Sue, Peter and I went over to Ally's and pushed the spitfire up and down the street in an attempt to get the thing moving. Like a scene from that awful TV series 'It's a Knock Out'. Susan is a great comedienne. The offending car eventually fired up and we took it to a garage where it's going to be dealt with at dawn. A bandit is going to charge her £30 just to open the bonnet and peer in at the works. Back to Club Street with Peter and the wheel for a coffee and a warm. Gave Ally a peck and we left for Guiseley at 10. We are going to see a couple of 'Pink Panther' films on Friday.
Mum has had her hair 'flashed'. Dad joked about it saying it's odd she should want to appear grey when in fact she doesn't have a grey hair in her head. This annoyed Motherdear.
To bed at 12 leaving Dad glued to an old film on the TV.
-=-
The 'Blunt Saga' continues. He gave an interview today and seemed very calm and collected, in the way that double agents tend to do, whilst attempting to justify his treacherous activities. Blunt denies any homosexual affair with Guy Burgess.
At 8, Sue, Peter and I went over to Ally's and pushed the spitfire up and down the street in an attempt to get the thing moving. Like a scene from that awful TV series 'It's a Knock Out'. Susan is a great comedienne. The offending car eventually fired up and we took it to a garage where it's going to be dealt with at dawn. A bandit is going to charge her £30 just to open the bonnet and peer in at the works. Back to Club Street with Peter and the wheel for a coffee and a warm. Gave Ally a peck and we left for Guiseley at 10. We are going to see a couple of 'Pink Panther' films on Friday.
Mum has had her hair 'flashed'. Dad joked about it saying it's odd she should want to appear grey when in fact she doesn't have a grey hair in her head. This annoyed Motherdear.
To bed at 12 leaving Dad glued to an old film on the TV.
-=-
Monday November 19, 1979
_. The dreadful Ayatollah Khomeini gave something of an interview on the BBC programme 'Panorama' this evening. He is a disgusting religious fanatic. Misguided, wicked and obscene in his hold over the Persians. A war may well be in the offing. President Carter's popularity has soared following the recent kidnapping of US officials in Teheran.
No chat with Ally today. I am seeing her tomorrow. Sue & Pete went to the Elmer tonight with Janet Simon and her odd boyfriend, a 21st birthday party I think. It's a year since I went to the Elmer with Christine. Jill's party I think. Oh, dear sweet Christine! I really should phone her to see how things are going. Dave L's opinion is that she has washed her hands of us and doesn't want to know us anymore, but surely this distancing is only natural when one is newly married. One day I fully expect her to bring this boy of hers into society. I have yet to sanction the nuptials.
To bed after 11 with my Hitler volume. You'll be relieved to hear the war has now started. Farewell to Poland and all that. I really deserve some reward for following Mr Toland's every word. Mind you, it did take me much longer to finish 'The Count of Monte Cristo' if you remember.
-=-
No chat with Ally today. I am seeing her tomorrow. Sue & Pete went to the Elmer tonight with Janet Simon and her odd boyfriend, a 21st birthday party I think. It's a year since I went to the Elmer with Christine. Jill's party I think. Oh, dear sweet Christine! I really should phone her to see how things are going. Dave L's opinion is that she has washed her hands of us and doesn't want to know us anymore, but surely this distancing is only natural when one is newly married. One day I fully expect her to bring this boy of hers into society. I have yet to sanction the nuptials.
To bed after 11 with my Hitler volume. You'll be relieved to hear the war has now started. Farewell to Poland and all that. I really deserve some reward for following Mr Toland's every word. Mind you, it did take me much longer to finish 'The Count of Monte Cristo' if you remember.
-=-
Sunday November 18, 1979
_. Wet day. In bed again until after 1pm. Ally and I had 'breakfast' and sat with Mama. Papa was out on police business, no doubt truncheoning the youths of Guiseley. Later we went for a walk in the freezing rain and got a thorough soaking. Back at home we toasted ourselves before the gas fire. Ally was persuaded to stay the night because of the cold and the lurking Yorkshire Ripper. We watched TV until 12:30.
-=-
-=-
Saturday November 17, 1979
_. Disgusting I know, but the first sign of life we experienced today was at 1:15pm. My head felt like a ton of pig iron. Ally similarly indisposed but brought hot, black coffee to bed. A damp, dismal day.
At 2 I went in search of groceries, but came back with nothing but a bunch of grapes. A pound of grapes costs 40p these days. Ally, in the steam of the kitchen, finds my offerings peculiar. I sprawled upon the sofa, as a Roman might have done, dropping grape after grape into my mouth. It was an afternoon of domestic bliss.
Phoned Mama and invited ourselves to dinner. Phoned Lynn too, who said she and Dave were going out with Sue & Pete and so we invited ourselves to join them. Ally's car is hopeless. She attempted to start the engine, without success. By bus to Guiseley for 6:30. We always titter and giggle on public transport, don't ask me why. Dinner was exquisite. Out at 8:30 with Sue, Pete, Lynn and Dave. We were all subdued, and to make matters worse a fight broke out in the White Cross which upset the girls. On to the Shoulder. Chippy, Debbie and Gus were there [back from Holland]. Lynn in one of her infuriating moods. Home to Pine Tops at 11. Ally stayed the night. Lynn dropped us off at home and called in to see Mum and Dad for an hour. Bed at 1:30.
-=-
At 2 I went in search of groceries, but came back with nothing but a bunch of grapes. A pound of grapes costs 40p these days. Ally, in the steam of the kitchen, finds my offerings peculiar. I sprawled upon the sofa, as a Roman might have done, dropping grape after grape into my mouth. It was an afternoon of domestic bliss.
Phoned Mama and invited ourselves to dinner. Phoned Lynn too, who said she and Dave were going out with Sue & Pete and so we invited ourselves to join them. Ally's car is hopeless. She attempted to start the engine, without success. By bus to Guiseley for 6:30. We always titter and giggle on public transport, don't ask me why. Dinner was exquisite. Out at 8:30 with Sue, Pete, Lynn and Dave. We were all subdued, and to make matters worse a fight broke out in the White Cross which upset the girls. On to the Shoulder. Chippy, Debbie and Gus were there [back from Holland]. Lynn in one of her infuriating moods. Home to Pine Tops at 11. Ally stayed the night. Lynn dropped us off at home and called in to see Mum and Dad for an hour. Bed at 1:30.
-=-
Friday November 16, 1979
_. Mornings are such fun now that The Times has returned from the dark of what looked like extinction.
Something quite shocking has been revealed today. Sir Anthony Blunt, KCVO, Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures, 1952-72, and to George VI, 1945-52, has been exposed in Parliament as the 'fourth man' in the Burgess, Maclean and Philby spy scandal of the 1950s and 60s. The Queen was told of this by the then Attorney-General in 1964, but it seems that the then PM Sir Alec Douglas-Home was not told of the facts. It seems that Her Majesty was asked to retain Sir Anthony in the Royal Household because he, in 1964, was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for information. In effect he became a double agent. No prime ministers until Mrs Thatcher was aware of this intrigue. Today the Queen annulled Professor Blunt's KCVO. It's going to blow up into something big by the look of things.
By bus to Lidget Green at 8:30. Ally and I went on a pub crawl. She was almost fixed up, at one of the more respectable establishments, as an organist for the Christmas period. An old chap there was amazed that Ally could read 'the dots' on the sheet music. Back to Club Street. We sat on the rug until 6am.
-=-
Something quite shocking has been revealed today. Sir Anthony Blunt, KCVO, Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures, 1952-72, and to George VI, 1945-52, has been exposed in Parliament as the 'fourth man' in the Burgess, Maclean and Philby spy scandal of the 1950s and 60s. The Queen was told of this by the then Attorney-General in 1964, but it seems that the then PM Sir Alec Douglas-Home was not told of the facts. It seems that Her Majesty was asked to retain Sir Anthony in the Royal Household because he, in 1964, was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for information. In effect he became a double agent. No prime ministers until Mrs Thatcher was aware of this intrigue. Today the Queen annulled Professor Blunt's KCVO. It's going to blow up into something big by the look of things.
By bus to Lidget Green at 8:30. Ally and I went on a pub crawl. She was almost fixed up, at one of the more respectable establishments, as an organist for the Christmas period. An old chap there was amazed that Ally could read 'the dots' on the sheet music. Back to Club Street. We sat on the rug until 6am.
-=-
20200328
Thursday November 15, 1979
. _. Driving rain. To the dentist for my six monthly inspection. My dentist, or butcher, is an obliging bearded youth who is reeking of garlic, and who seems quite disinterested in doing anything whatsoever with the contents of my mouth. Hough, his predecessor, who has disappeared, pulled, filled and twisted anything he could get his hands on. Got a soaking going home, but smiled throughout the process.
Princess Anne's son is two years old today, and HRH isn't at Gatcombe Park to celebrate with the toddler. The princess is in Canada on a Save the Children Fund mission. Dedication for you. Leaving a child at home to go to a minor function in Ottawa.
A Margaret and Jim night. No Ally.
-=-
Princess Anne's son is two years old today, and HRH isn't at Gatcombe Park to celebrate with the toddler. The princess is in Canada on a Save the Children Fund mission. Dedication for you. Leaving a child at home to go to a minor function in Ottawa.
A Margaret and Jim night. No Ally.
-=-
Wednesday November 14, 1979
_. Snow appeared but rain soon followed to make it disappear. Two phone calls of varying importance. Ally phoned after lunch with some sombre news about her car. The repairs amount to £60 and the machine requires a further fortune spending on an exhaust and numerous other odds and ends. She says that when she went to bed on Sunday night she went into a deep sleep, failed to hear her alarm clock, and woke at 4:40pm on Monday! She does not appreciate my concern and says I am overwrought. The poor girl is now financially ruined and things look very bleak.
The next phone call came this evening and was from Dave L. He wants a copy of an old Sunday Observer magazine. I explained the chances of me laying hands on a copy are slim. He chatted about MM and Marita and concluded somewhat teasingly that he has news which he cannot possibly repeat.
'Is it about them getting married'? I enquired. 'Yes', he replied: 'Who told you'? I laughed and answered: 'You did of course, just now.' I'd tricked it out of him. Oh, we did laugh. How cunning of me. The wedding, he says, is to take place on December 8, in Rawdon.
-=-
The next phone call came this evening and was from Dave L. He wants a copy of an old Sunday Observer magazine. I explained the chances of me laying hands on a copy are slim. He chatted about MM and Marita and concluded somewhat teasingly that he has news which he cannot possibly repeat.
'Is it about them getting married'? I enquired. 'Yes', he replied: 'Who told you'? I laughed and answered: 'You did of course, just now.' I'd tricked it out of him. Oh, we did laugh. How cunning of me. The wedding, he says, is to take place on December 8, in Rawdon.
-=-
Tuesday November 13, 1979
_. Tomorrow is the birthday of the Prince of Wales. His thirty first. He is to attend a concert by Shirley Bassey at Wembley, but no delightful deb is included in his party. Whatever the gossip columnists might say he isn't taking Sabrina, Davina, Rowena or Mavis. The poor man must be sick to death of the constant badgering and speculation. Blimey, he is only 31, and yet the Press seems to have given up hope of ever seeing 'action man' take a bride. Charles's cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, was 36, my Uncle Peter was 35, and Sir Cecil Beaton remains single at 70. So, all is not lost.
Lynn and Dave came to dinner tonight. Afterwards I was very rude and when we all retired to the sitting room I buried my head behind 'The Times' which appeared today for the first time in almost a year. Thank God it's back. Sue took to her bed at 11 but Pete stayed until 12:15, and we watched a dreadful film about an air crash. Bed with Hitler at 12:30.
-=-
Lynn and Dave came to dinner tonight. Afterwards I was very rude and when we all retired to the sitting room I buried my head behind 'The Times' which appeared today for the first time in almost a year. Thank God it's back. Sue took to her bed at 11 but Pete stayed until 12:15, and we watched a dreadful film about an air crash. Bed with Hitler at 12:30.
-=-
Monday November 12, 1979
_. Can I talk about Senator Edward Kennedy and then Mrs Margaret Thatcher? The senator is most certainly the next president of the United States, but Mother doesn't seem to think so. I am of the opinion that anyone with the surname Kennedy can do nothing but succeed in American politics. Mother says that the fact that Teddy murdered his girlfriend in 1969 rules him out of the race. As we all know, Americans like their presidents to be bent, crooked and twisted. My chauffeur, Jim, says that the sitting president commands tremendous power over his party and that it would be unprecedented for the Democrats to discard the president and select some other candidate. However, the word is that Carter now is more unpopular than Nixon was in his final days after Watergate, and that Carter's credibility is nil. We shall see.
My next subject is our dearly beloved prime minister. Isn't she doing well? Tonight she addressed the Lord Mayor of London's banquet and gave a performance almost Churchillian in its stature. Listening to her tonight made me so aware that at last we have a leader. We actually have someone of stature at the helm. Harold Macmillan has likened Thatcher to Queen Elizabeth I.
-=-
My next subject is our dearly beloved prime minister. Isn't she doing well? Tonight she addressed the Lord Mayor of London's banquet and gave a performance almost Churchillian in its stature. Listening to her tonight made me so aware that at last we have a leader. We actually have someone of stature at the helm. Harold Macmillan has likened Thatcher to Queen Elizabeth I.
-=-
20200327
Sunday November 11, 1979
_. Remembrance Sunday
22nd Sunday after Trinity
Spent a long day at Club Street with Ally and Dave the Sailor. I am besotted with Ally's stereo machine. So much so that I now aspire to be a Radio 1 DJ like that great man Tony Blackburn.
Dave is a decent chap, and I do feel very sorry for him because I think he thought his weekend with Ally would follow a different course. After all, we do know what sailors are, don't we? Poor boy. I doubt whether he will be quick to return, even though he has been made very welcome. Ally is of the same opinion.
The spitfire remains incapacitated and so at 7, we happy threesome, took a bus to the White Cross and had fish and chips. By now Dave the Sailor is so subdued I am feeling uneasy. We were so relieved when a bus came at 10 and took him off to Leeds. Saw Ally onto a bus back to Bradford at 10:30 and walked home in the rain. Hilda and Tony are being entertained by Mum and Dad. Uncle Tony is now a Rotarian.
-=-
22nd Sunday after Trinity
Spent a long day at Club Street with Ally and Dave the Sailor. I am besotted with Ally's stereo machine. So much so that I now aspire to be a Radio 1 DJ like that great man Tony Blackburn.
Dave is a decent chap, and I do feel very sorry for him because I think he thought his weekend with Ally would follow a different course. After all, we do know what sailors are, don't we? Poor boy. I doubt whether he will be quick to return, even though he has been made very welcome. Ally is of the same opinion.
The spitfire remains incapacitated and so at 7, we happy threesome, took a bus to the White Cross and had fish and chips. By now Dave the Sailor is so subdued I am feeling uneasy. We were so relieved when a bus came at 10 and took him off to Leeds. Saw Ally onto a bus back to Bradford at 10:30 and walked home in the rain. Hilda and Tony are being entertained by Mum and Dad. Uncle Tony is now a Rotarian.
-=-
Saturday November 10, 1979
_. Dave the Sailor arrived. Out this evening with Sue, Peter, Ally and the sailor to the White Cross. Many of the locals are heavily bandaged, covered in bruises, and missing vital limbs. The landlord explained that a recent brawl had raged in the hostelry which had resulted in nothing short of a massacre.
We went back to Pine Tops with wine for further revelries. Out to the Woolpack at Yeadon with Sue and Pete. They took us to a house party on the Coppice Wood estate. We bumped into Jill and Tim and they came along to the party. Today is Tim's 20th birthday. The host of the party, a miserable soul, reigned over the proceedings. The sailor had a fracas with another guest and so we made a speedy exit. Jill and Tim carried us off to Bradford taking lots of booze from the party in the back of his van.
-=-
We went back to Pine Tops with wine for further revelries. Out to the Woolpack at Yeadon with Sue and Pete. They took us to a house party on the Coppice Wood estate. We bumped into Jill and Tim and they came along to the party. Today is Tim's 20th birthday. The host of the party, a miserable soul, reigned over the proceedings. The sailor had a fracas with another guest and so we made a speedy exit. Jill and Tim carried us off to Bradford taking lots of booze from the party in the back of his van.
-=-
Friday November 9, 1979
_. Ally phoned me this afternoon to see what I intended doing this weekend. I told her I would ring back in the evening after Dave the Sailor's arrival. I worked until 5pm and then went over to the Eagle Tavern on North Street with Dave Pitts and Steve Burnip to Bob Cockroft's party. [He is defecting from the EP to the YP and is to be Fred Manby's replacement on the People column]. I only intended having a couple of drinks, just to be sociable, and my financial situation is far from healthy, but the paralysing effect of alcohol rendered me insensitive to respectable banter, and I rolled around the walls sloshing Timothy Taylor's ale over all and sundry. Home by bus at 10:30. I went to see Margaret Phillips at the fish and chip shop on Victoria Road. She came across as cheerful, but said something to the effect that she occasionally feels her late husband's presence in the vicinity of the deep fat fryer. A framed portrait of the late John Phillips takes pride of place above the list of shop prices. At home I'm still quite pissed. Watched John Cleese and Michael Palin in discussion with Bishop Mervin Stockwood and Malcolm Muggeridge on the subject of the new [Monty] Python epic, 'The Life of Brian'. It's a film I cannot wait to see.
-=-
-=-
Thursday November 8, 1979
_. Out with Sarah at 12 to Da Mario's for a belated birthday nosh. She was in a better frame of mind today. it is good to be seen out with Sarah walking around the town. Sarah in her finest furs. We do attract a few turned heads and envious glances because she is an imposing lady.
No buses, and so I got a train at 5:20 in pouring rain. Took a bath and went out with Lynn and Dave to Ally's at 7 for dinner. She dished up a splendid dinner of prawn cocktails, steak, strawberries, &c, and the wine flowed in usual abundance. We left at almost 2am. Lynn joked about 'Dave the Sailor' arriving tomorrow which wasn't well received.
Dave the sailor is from Devon, but an old friend of Ally's from Winchester. He contacted Ally a few weeks ago to say he was going on leave, and that he wanted to 'be smothered' in Yorkshire hospitality. Ally agreed to this without giving it too much thought. She's like that, isn't she? Dave is all very well propping up the bar in the Plough. He's quite manageable there, but is it right that he should be in Ally's house, just the two of them? Does the sailor have designs on the dear girl?
-=-
No buses, and so I got a train at 5:20 in pouring rain. Took a bath and went out with Lynn and Dave to Ally's at 7 for dinner. She dished up a splendid dinner of prawn cocktails, steak, strawberries, &c, and the wine flowed in usual abundance. We left at almost 2am. Lynn joked about 'Dave the Sailor' arriving tomorrow which wasn't well received.
Dave the sailor is from Devon, but an old friend of Ally's from Winchester. He contacted Ally a few weeks ago to say he was going on leave, and that he wanted to 'be smothered' in Yorkshire hospitality. Ally agreed to this without giving it too much thought. She's like that, isn't she? Dave is all very well propping up the bar in the Plough. He's quite manageable there, but is it right that he should be in Ally's house, just the two of them? Does the sailor have designs on the dear girl?
-=-
Wednesday November 7, 1979
_. Sarah's 27th birthday. She refused to celebrate or be even remotely cheerful, but I gave a large card with a verse of my own composition. I can be quite poetic, you know.
Jennifer Myers, the wife of my cousin Derek [son of my mother's sister, Eleanor] gave birth to a son today. I believe the baby is to be called Oliver, but this has yet to be confirmed. Hardly an earth shattering event for me because my cousins, and half cousins number over fifty. My poor mother was a great-aunt at 28.
Adolf Hitler continues to provide great entertainment on these long, autumnal evenings. I don't despise the chap either, which is odd. No, I am no fascist or National Front supporter. Hitler may have been mad, but then so was the German population for tolerating him.
-=-
Jennifer Myers, the wife of my cousin Derek [son of my mother's sister, Eleanor] gave birth to a son today. I believe the baby is to be called Oliver, but this has yet to be confirmed. Hardly an earth shattering event for me because my cousins, and half cousins number over fifty. My poor mother was a great-aunt at 28.
Adolf Hitler continues to provide great entertainment on these long, autumnal evenings. I don't despise the chap either, which is odd. No, I am no fascist or National Front supporter. Hitler may have been mad, but then so was the German population for tolerating him.
-=-
Tuesday November 6, 1979
_. Back to the grindstone. In fact the YP is nothing short of a labour camp. One might as well emigrate to Czechoslovakia and lend support to the Charter 77 malarkey, because my working conditions are no better than those of your average commie dissident in a cheap eastern bloc republic.
No work seems to have been done in the office since I left for my weekend break on Friday lunchtime. I worked from 5pm. Poor Gilberto is having trouble with the news desk. Chris Oakley, for all his south American wanderings, is making rude and heated noises in high places re Gilberto's command of the Queen's English.
My taxi driver this evening was a deaf mute.
-=-
No work seems to have been done in the office since I left for my weekend break on Friday lunchtime. I worked from 5pm. Poor Gilberto is having trouble with the news desk. Chris Oakley, for all his south American wanderings, is making rude and heated noises in high places re Gilberto's command of the Queen's English.
My taxi driver this evening was a deaf mute.
-=-
20200326
Monday November 5, 1979
_. Took our leave of Chillandham Cross at about 11:30. Up to Oxford and then to Woodstock, where we had a couple of drinks in the empty pub there. Blenheim Palace is closed until March next year, not that we had time to inspect the Oxfordshire culture anyway. The northward journey saw a deterioration in the weather, and freezing rain pelted the car as we trundled along. We emerged from the car at Stratford-on-Avon to inspect the town. My first visit to the home town of the Bard since December, 1974, when I joined Dave L and his college cronies on a marathon pub crawl. We went round the town like Dickensian urchins staring into restaurants and breathing heavily on cake shop windows. Heading up the M1 at 6:30 we saw almost every bonfire north of Watford. Smoke drifted over the motorway.
Ally is a petal.
-=-
Ally is a petal.
-=-
Sunday November 4, 1979
_. 21st Sunday after Trinity
To the Plough at lunch with Ally, Graham and Gill. It's an afternoon soiree for Graham who is resigning as barman to become an executive in Gloucestershire. Gill and I sat with pale and ghastly faces, gently moaning. A pity really because the salmon and hot punch looked very good. Ally ate like a horse and put away my share. I was very happy to quit the pub at 4:30 though.
The evening was weird and peculiar. To a dinner party at Graham Smith's place. [He was Ally's boss when she was employed at Wessex Area Health Authority]. We sat down to dine but only Ally and I ate. They watched, saying they were dieting. Who the bloody hell throws a dinner party and refuses to eat? Charlotte fussed over her cats, Oscar and Biggles, kissing them with nauseating regularity. Strange and odd, but aren't they all odd in Hampshire?
-=-
To the Plough at lunch with Ally, Graham and Gill. It's an afternoon soiree for Graham who is resigning as barman to become an executive in Gloucestershire. Gill and I sat with pale and ghastly faces, gently moaning. A pity really because the salmon and hot punch looked very good. Ally ate like a horse and put away my share. I was very happy to quit the pub at 4:30 though.
The evening was weird and peculiar. To a dinner party at Graham Smith's place. [He was Ally's boss when she was employed at Wessex Area Health Authority]. We sat down to dine but only Ally and I ate. They watched, saying they were dieting. Who the bloody hell throws a dinner party and refuses to eat? Charlotte fussed over her cats, Oscar and Biggles, kissing them with nauseating regularity. Strange and odd, but aren't they all odd in Hampshire?
-=-
Saturday November 3, 1979
_. Today we went to lunch - the whole clan - and sat eating long overdue toasties next to a roaring log fire. Fiona is a miniature version of her mother. Ally and I then went supposedly shopping into Winchester, but having little money bought nothing.
This evening out with Graham and Gill to Tolworth near Guildford. After drinking in a couple of taverns we went on to a house party at the flat of Graham's friend, Richard. Crowded. The wine flowed. A revolting tart with a plum her mouth actually suggested to me that Hadrian's Wall ought to be demolished and re-erected at Watford. 'Good idea', quipped I: 'We don't want the likes of you venturing up north.' Drank far too much wine with Gill. Ally didn't drink because she was at the wheel of Mrs D's car. I was hideously sloshed. Home at 5am.
-=-
This evening out with Graham and Gill to Tolworth near Guildford. After drinking in a couple of taverns we went on to a house party at the flat of Graham's friend, Richard. Crowded. The wine flowed. A revolting tart with a plum her mouth actually suggested to me that Hadrian's Wall ought to be demolished and re-erected at Watford. 'Good idea', quipped I: 'We don't want the likes of you venturing up north.' Drank far too much wine with Gill. Ally didn't drink because she was at the wheel of Mrs D's car. I was hideously sloshed. Home at 5am.
-=-
Friday November 2, 1979
_. Ally came to Leeds at 12:30 and we were soon on the road to Winchester. The car was packed and rattled along like Stephenson's Rocket. I was starving, not having eaten all day, but was banned from snacking until we reached the designated picnic site at Bladon in Oxfordshire. We arrived at 5 and inspected the church yard wherein lay the remains of Winston and Clem and various other Churchills. Such ordinary, mundane, unobtrusive tombs considering such great bones rot beneath, yet moving in a strange way. A pathetic looking white bouquet had been placed on Winston's white slab. I took a few photos but felt uneasy photographing gravestones.
We sat giggling in the car eating edam cheese with some violence and tormented the village cat who came to investigate. I wanted to make a Martini, but it was hardly the time or place. On to Winchester for 6:30. Barbara and Frank are there with daughter, Fiona, aged 10. Mrs Dixon fussed in her usual manner. On to the Ship at Alresford and then the Plough at Itchen Abbas.
-=-
We sat giggling in the car eating edam cheese with some violence and tormented the village cat who came to investigate. I wanted to make a Martini, but it was hardly the time or place. On to Winchester for 6:30. Barbara and Frank are there with daughter, Fiona, aged 10. Mrs Dixon fussed in her usual manner. On to the Ship at Alresford and then the Plough at Itchen Abbas.
-=-
Thursday November 1, 1979
_. November at last. The season of fireworks and falling foliage. I almost said tis the season for scarlet clad Yeomen of the Guard to file through the dark cellars of the Palace of Westminster in search of some foul plot, but Her Majesty is giving it a miss this autumn. One state opening of Parliament in June is quite enough for one year.
Ally came over and so does Lynn, without Dave, who is at home in bed with one of his headaches. Lynn blames the malady on the pork pie he had for lunch.
Jim and Margaret came later.
-=-
Ally came over and so does Lynn, without Dave, who is at home in bed with one of his headaches. Lynn blames the malady on the pork pie he had for lunch.
Jim and Margaret came later.
-=-
Wednesday October 31, 1979
_. I suppose I really should say a few words just to be sociable if nothing else. But no.
-=-
-=-
Tuesday October 30, 1979
_. I am an observant little chap, you know. Scanning through the Daily Telegraph BMDs I spotted the engagement of Sabrina Guinness's sister Julia, and then informed Claudia, standing in for Fred Manby on the People column. Miss Guinness is set to marry Michael Samuel, the Jewish nephew of Viscount Bearsted. The Prince of Wales attended a ball at Wilton House on Saturday where Sabrina and her twin Miranda were in the swing of thing. Some sad organs of the press were expecting an engagement announcement. People should be aware that royal betrothals are announced from Buckingham Palace in the age old tradition. The Prince of Wales doesn't turn up at a party and become engaged.
Spoke to Ally this afternoon. She had not spoken to Michelle [at WH Smith Travel] and our holiday is still in the air. It was a bad line. She sounded to be speaking from Apollo 13.
Peter came at 7:30 with a sheep's head in a polythene bag. Mum's eyes lit up with excitement, even more than the poor sheep's. We must be one of the few families in existence to devour the facial parts and brain material of that woolly, four legged moorland animal. For generations peasants in the area must have found it to be a delicacy, but now it is looked upon with derision and abuse. We are labelled pagan. Such a shame.
To bed with Hitler.
-=-
Spoke to Ally this afternoon. She had not spoken to Michelle [at WH Smith Travel] and our holiday is still in the air. It was a bad line. She sounded to be speaking from Apollo 13.
Peter came at 7:30 with a sheep's head in a polythene bag. Mum's eyes lit up with excitement, even more than the poor sheep's. We must be one of the few families in existence to devour the facial parts and brain material of that woolly, four legged moorland animal. For generations peasants in the area must have found it to be a delicacy, but now it is looked upon with derision and abuse. We are labelled pagan. Such a shame.
To bed with Hitler.
-=-
Monday October 29, 1979
_. Delia phoned to say that July 26, 1980, is her aunt's golden wedding party, and because of this she probably won't be able to do Sue's wedding flowers. This will be a serious break with tradition. She will let me know for certain later in the week when she returns from Kettering.
I spoke to Ally this afternoon. Nothing of interest to report here.
On the way to work this morning I had a lecture from Jim [Rawnsley] on the subject of women. I should not, he says, be put off by selecting a girl who is painfully thin. They can easily be fattened up to desirable proportions. I should steer well clear of ladies of a plump disposition. They will only grow fatter, and swell to obesity with the passage of time. She must, he stressed, be of a happy and amiable disposition and in my case should be no more than eighteen or nineteen years old. He also stated that I should cling on to my bachelorhood until I am at least 32. This is because Jim was himself 32 when he succumbed to Muriel. Of course, he went on, when one passes the age of 30 the suitable desirables can become very thin on the ground. Jim's splendid wife is of course ten years Jim's junior.
Meanwhile at home: messing about with the clocks [which we do without fail at the autumn equinox] brought about a peculiar phenomenon. I found myself in bed at the early hour of 10:30pm with a milky drink and Adolf Hitler.
-=-
I spoke to Ally this afternoon. Nothing of interest to report here.
On the way to work this morning I had a lecture from Jim [Rawnsley] on the subject of women. I should not, he says, be put off by selecting a girl who is painfully thin. They can easily be fattened up to desirable proportions. I should steer well clear of ladies of a plump disposition. They will only grow fatter, and swell to obesity with the passage of time. She must, he stressed, be of a happy and amiable disposition and in my case should be no more than eighteen or nineteen years old. He also stated that I should cling on to my bachelorhood until I am at least 32. This is because Jim was himself 32 when he succumbed to Muriel. Of course, he went on, when one passes the age of 30 the suitable desirables can become very thin on the ground. Jim's splendid wife is of course ten years Jim's junior.
Meanwhile at home: messing about with the clocks [which we do without fail at the autumn equinox] brought about a peculiar phenomenon. I found myself in bed at the early hour of 10:30pm with a milky drink and Adolf Hitler.
-=-
Sunday October 28, 1979
_. 20th Sunday after Trinity
Bright and autumnal. Out of bed at 10:30. They have no Sunday newspapers at Lawn Road but Lynn is a splendid substitute. The Bakers really do need a little red cheeked baby to complete the scene.
At 12 we set out and walked to Burley Woodhead, and an enjoyable stroll it was. We haven't had a morning ramble since we were in Martyr Worthy.
In the afternoon Lawn Road was a hive of industry. Lynn took to the kitchen to bake pies and tarts, Dave laid a fire in the grate, and Ally knitted away at an obscene canary yellow woollen object. Watched an old film on the TV. Gary Cooper in 'Marco Polo' [1938]. Chris Baker and Julie came to tea. Ally and I left at 8:30 and we had fish and chips before she ejected me from her automobile.
-=-
Bright and autumnal. Out of bed at 10:30. They have no Sunday newspapers at Lawn Road but Lynn is a splendid substitute. The Bakers really do need a little red cheeked baby to complete the scene.
At 12 we set out and walked to Burley Woodhead, and an enjoyable stroll it was. We haven't had a morning ramble since we were in Martyr Worthy.
In the afternoon Lawn Road was a hive of industry. Lynn took to the kitchen to bake pies and tarts, Dave laid a fire in the grate, and Ally knitted away at an obscene canary yellow woollen object. Watched an old film on the TV. Gary Cooper in 'Marco Polo' [1938]. Chris Baker and Julie came to tea. Ally and I left at 8:30 and we had fish and chips before she ejected me from her automobile.
-=-
Saturday October 27, 1979
_. Breakfast at Burley. Dave went off to Pine Tops to help Dad work on the car. Lynn, Ally and I went to Otley supposedly shopping but found the Black Bull a more attractive proposition. Drank pernod, &c. Rick Ryder and fellow work-mates joined us. We were very bawdy and uncouth.
Ally went to Curlew Pottery to buy some hideous crockery for Charlotte Pavier.
Out tonight to the Queen's in Burley and then the Red Lion. Dave had returned by this time. Back at Lawn Road we all sat on Lynn and Dave's bed watching an Alec Guinness film.
-=-
Ally went to Curlew Pottery to buy some hideous crockery for Charlotte Pavier.
Out tonight to the Queen's in Burley and then the Red Lion. Dave had returned by this time. Back at Lawn Road we all sat on Lynn and Dave's bed watching an Alec Guinness film.
-=-
Friday October 26, 1979
_. Ally came at 8:30. She was miserable and dull. Out with Sue and Pete to the White Cross. She said she is sick of the place and so we moved on to the Chevin Inn, and crammed into the sardine-tin shaped bar. Ally's mood did not improve. She snapped and growled like a wounded Jack Russell terrier. Her attitude only provoked me. From the Chevin we went to the Red Lion at Burley-in-W.
We went on to Lynn's at 11:15 [where Ally is booked in for the weekend]. drinks and sandwiches here.
-=-
We went on to Lynn's at 11:15 [where Ally is booked in for the weekend]. drinks and sandwiches here.
-=-
Thursday October 25, 1979
_. Dave G and Garry are very happy with the Es Pla. I thought they would go along with whatever we decided. The holiday situation for next year is a joke. It's only October and most hotels are fully booked.
Ally and I went to the Drop. No Oakwood Hall, or fancy drinks. We need £20 for deposits for the holiday. This seriously interferes with our social life.
Home at 11. Mum and Dad are at Hilda and Tony's until the early hours. A Jim and Margaret match away from home.
-=-
Ally and I went to the Drop. No Oakwood Hall, or fancy drinks. We need £20 for deposits for the holiday. This seriously interferes with our social life.
Home at 11. Mum and Dad are at Hilda and Tony's until the early hours. A Jim and Margaret match away from home.
-=-
Wednesday October 24, 1979
_. United Nations Day
Does this mean that Kurt Waldheim and friends stagger to a New York bar and drink themselves unconscious in party hats and festive regalia?
I wanted to have a summit meeting with Sue and Peter on the subject of Ibiza '80 but they successfully and I hope unintentionally avoided me. Pete came at 7 and waltzed Sue, Mum and Dad to Yeadon on a shopping expedition. Dad is stranded without a car, don't forget. I waited for them until 11pm when they decided to crawl back in. They'd been in the Regent in Guiseley since 7:45.
Ally came over with glossy and useless travel brochures and sat in front of the tv until the others came back. Michael Palin's 'Ripping Yarns' gave us a giggle. ITV is back on the air for the first time since August.
Sue and Pete are not enthusiastic about full board at the Es Pla but will take it if nothing else crops up. It cost us £190 as the Galfi this year for bed and breakfast, and so all we are arguing about is an extra £50.
-=-
Does this mean that Kurt Waldheim and friends stagger to a New York bar and drink themselves unconscious in party hats and festive regalia?
I wanted to have a summit meeting with Sue and Peter on the subject of Ibiza '80 but they successfully and I hope unintentionally avoided me. Pete came at 7 and waltzed Sue, Mum and Dad to Yeadon on a shopping expedition. Dad is stranded without a car, don't forget. I waited for them until 11pm when they decided to crawl back in. They'd been in the Regent in Guiseley since 7:45.
Ally came over with glossy and useless travel brochures and sat in front of the tv until the others came back. Michael Palin's 'Ripping Yarns' gave us a giggle. ITV is back on the air for the first time since August.
Sue and Pete are not enthusiastic about full board at the Es Pla but will take it if nothing else crops up. It cost us £190 as the Galfi this year for bed and breakfast, and so all we are arguing about is an extra £50.
-=-
20200324
Tuesday October 23, 1979
_. It's no good. I'm going to have to give up the practice of reading Hitler in bed every night. I now have a recurring dream where I am a high ranking officer in the Wehrmacht. Far from pleasant.
Daddy woke me this morning with one of his dreadful cups of tea at some time close to 11. Downstairs I boiled a couple of eggs and chatted with Mum, who is in a better frame of mind. It's odd how she suddenly goes into a decline for days on end. Is it her age, do you think? Afterwards I went into the garden and played silly buggers with the privet hedge. I am a real little Percy Thrower.
Ally summoned me to the phone to discuss the 1980 summer holiday. Have I mentioned that Susan and Peter want to honeymoon with Ally, Dave, Garry and I? This may seem very weird to many but knowing Sue and Pete as I do I think it only natural and right. They are perhaps the most un-romantic pair to walk the earth since Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson. Ally became quite irate on the phone and was close to blowing her top. The whole of Ibiza is fully booked for next summer by the look of things with possibly the exception of the Es Pla [near the Marco Polo] in San Antonio, which unfortunately is full board and will cost £248 before the traditional airport surcharge, insurance and the like. I told Ally that we ought to take this option, but of course Sue and Pete are the most important and should be consulted first.
To the YP at 5. Home by taxi with a driver who is a leading expert on the subject Leeds Jews and their activities.
-=-
Daddy woke me this morning with one of his dreadful cups of tea at some time close to 11. Downstairs I boiled a couple of eggs and chatted with Mum, who is in a better frame of mind. It's odd how she suddenly goes into a decline for days on end. Is it her age, do you think? Afterwards I went into the garden and played silly buggers with the privet hedge. I am a real little Percy Thrower.
Ally summoned me to the phone to discuss the 1980 summer holiday. Have I mentioned that Susan and Peter want to honeymoon with Ally, Dave, Garry and I? This may seem very weird to many but knowing Sue and Pete as I do I think it only natural and right. They are perhaps the most un-romantic pair to walk the earth since Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson. Ally became quite irate on the phone and was close to blowing her top. The whole of Ibiza is fully booked for next summer by the look of things with possibly the exception of the Es Pla [near the Marco Polo] in San Antonio, which unfortunately is full board and will cost £248 before the traditional airport surcharge, insurance and the like. I told Ally that we ought to take this option, but of course Sue and Pete are the most important and should be consulted first.
To the YP at 5. Home by taxi with a driver who is a leading expert on the subject Leeds Jews and their activities.
-=-
Monday October 22, 1979
_, Gossip columnists are becoming desperate and hysterical on the subject of the Prince of Wales and his future princess. It's getting beyond a joke. Following the wedding of Lord Romsey on Saturday the Daily Mail were laying bets this morning that Charles's bride will be Edwina Hicks, daughter of David and Lady Pamela Hicks, and of course a granddaughter of the late Earl Mountbatten. The Daily Express, on the other hand, says the P of W will marry Lady Amanda Knatchbull, youngest daughter of Lord Brabourne and the new Countess Mountbatten. It is clear to me that the prince will not marry either of these delightful ladies. On the one hand they are both too closely related to Charles, and on the other neither of them are fair or buxom. The Prince of Wales is on record as stating that he likes his ladies 'big and blonde'. Lady Amanda is quite the opposite and endowed with a large Knatchbull hooter which rules her out immediately. The next Princess of Wales must be stunning and sensational. These are the only attributes I can certainly confirm she'll have.
-=-
-=-
Sunday October 21, 1979
_. 19th Sunday after Trinity
A day of recuperation and relaxation. Janice took Dave G off to Goole at about 8:30am. He cannot have been happy. Lynn [looking ghastly] and Dave left at about 10, and Karen, Steve, Jill and Tim followed soon after. Sue, Pete, Ally and I idled around the house, and then went over the road to the pub [the Second West?] for a 'hair of the dog'. Lidget Green isn't such a bad spot really. Peter glowers at the sight of so many colonial residents but I harbour no ill will to our Commonwealth brothers. Indeed, I'd very much like to be dark brown myself.
-=-
A day of recuperation and relaxation. Janice took Dave G off to Goole at about 8:30am. He cannot have been happy. Lynn [looking ghastly] and Dave left at about 10, and Karen, Steve, Jill and Tim followed soon after. Sue, Pete, Ally and I idled around the house, and then went over the road to the pub [the Second West?] for a 'hair of the dog'. Lidget Green isn't such a bad spot really. Peter glowers at the sight of so many colonial residents but I harbour no ill will to our Commonwealth brothers. Indeed, I'd very much like to be dark brown myself.
-=-
Saturday October 20, 1979
_. Sunny day, and warm. Mum remained in bed for most of the day with her 'cold'. She was really miserable. I went into Guiseley to buy a film for the camera and a plant to cheer Ma up. Back home at 2.
Dave G and Janice arrived at 7 as did Karen and Steve, Lynn and Dave. We went in convoy fashion to Lidget Green. Janice was quiet, but pleasant and exclaimed: "Oh Michael. You haven't changed have you?" Oh dear. Jill and Tim joined us at Club Street and we went on a pub crawl, including 'Mucky Willie's'. Drank whisky in vast quantities. Back for a house party. Sat in the cellar with Steve S and Pete discussing the Territorial Army. Ally banged away on the piano, and somebody went out for a huge order of fish and chips. Dave G and Lynn had a 'heart to heart' on the steps and Janice wasn't happy [so I've been told]. In usual tradition Lynn was in tears and Dave G was in a similar condition.
-=-
Dave G and Janice arrived at 7 as did Karen and Steve, Lynn and Dave. We went in convoy fashion to Lidget Green. Janice was quiet, but pleasant and exclaimed: "Oh Michael. You haven't changed have you?" Oh dear. Jill and Tim joined us at Club Street and we went on a pub crawl, including 'Mucky Willie's'. Drank whisky in vast quantities. Back for a house party. Sat in the cellar with Steve S and Pete discussing the Territorial Army. Ally banged away on the piano, and somebody went out for a huge order of fish and chips. Dave G and Lynn had a 'heart to heart' on the steps and Janice wasn't happy [so I've been told]. In usual tradition Lynn was in tears and Dave G was in a similar condition.
-=-
Friday October 19, 1979
_. Ally chauffeured me into Leeds at 8am. She's having another day on the skive. Having no change of clothes I wore one of her old sweat shirts with 'Plough Inn, Itchen Abbas' plastered across the front. This made me a figure of ridicule for the whole day.
At 1pm Ally returned and we went to Len's Bar which they have ruined by recent alterations, and then the Central Station. YP and YEP staff are packed in the bar including John MacMurray and Michael Brown. We argued about the current debate in the Church of England regarding homosexual priests. I don't understand the problem. Why just pick on queer vicars? Why do bent butchers, bankers, boxers and barristers slip through the net?
Home at 5 [I had been half an hour late back from lunch and Kathleen appeared peculiarly unconcerned]. Mum is ill and their car has broken down.
Out at 7:30 to the White Cross, the Drop and then the Cross again. Saw Patrice Saunders but couldn't understand a word he said. Home at 11:30 and saw Sir Harold Wilson as the host of a new repulsive chat show.
-=-
At 1pm Ally returned and we went to Len's Bar which they have ruined by recent alterations, and then the Central Station. YP and YEP staff are packed in the bar including John MacMurray and Michael Brown. We argued about the current debate in the Church of England regarding homosexual priests. I don't understand the problem. Why just pick on queer vicars? Why do bent butchers, bankers, boxers and barristers slip through the net?
Home at 5 [I had been half an hour late back from lunch and Kathleen appeared peculiarly unconcerned]. Mum is ill and their car has broken down.
Out at 7:30 to the White Cross, the Drop and then the Cross again. Saw Patrice Saunders but couldn't understand a word he said. Home at 11:30 and saw Sir Harold Wilson as the host of a new repulsive chat show.
-=-
Thursday October 18, 1979
_. A different sort of night out. At 6 I went to Bradford by bus and then found a green bus to Lidget Green where I landed at 7. Found Ally in a peculiar mood. She hasn't had the energy or inclination to go into the office since Monday and has been moping around the house in a morose cloud. She's been in bed for most of the day until late afternoon ____________.
I took her off to three pubs within walking distance. She cheered up considerably. Back at home we phoned Dave G. He's bringing Janice on Saturday. Ally played the piano. Stayed the night.
-=-
I took her off to three pubs within walking distance. She cheered up considerably. Back at home we phoned Dave G. He's bringing Janice on Saturday. Ally played the piano. Stayed the night.
-=-
Wednesday October 17, 1979
_. Princess Margaret is having a good time in Chicago where she is on a tour to boost the fortunes of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. On arriving in Chicago [my kind of town] she enquired after the health of the mayor, Mr Richard Daley, and was told that he had sadly died in December, 1976. Her meeting with the current living mayor, Jane Byrne, has had its moments too. At a dinner someone mentioned Lord Mountbatten's funeral, and the princess is alleged to have snapped: "The Irish, they are pigs!" Mrs Byrne is an Irish-American and newspaper reports this morning state that she made a quick exit from the party following Margaret's retort. However, this evening the press office for Mrs Byrne said that HRH has referred to Uncle Dickie's murderers as "pigs", without insulting our Irish friends. ________.
A cold day. Autumnal to say the least. The trees are just about stark naked. A slightly better day at the YP. Home and five and ate with Susie. Mum & Dad went off to Lynn's for dinner. Dad was on the verge of collapse because he finds it impossible to hang on until 7pm to dine.
Watched Michael Palin's 'Ripping Yarns' on the BBC. Fantastic. Peter and I howled with laughter so much so that Sue pleaded with us to belt up so that she could hear what they were saying. To bed with Hitler again. I'm still only half way through this huge tome.
-=-
A cold day. Autumnal to say the least. The trees are just about stark naked. A slightly better day at the YP. Home and five and ate with Susie. Mum & Dad went off to Lynn's for dinner. Dad was on the verge of collapse because he finds it impossible to hang on until 7pm to dine.
Watched Michael Palin's 'Ripping Yarns' on the BBC. Fantastic. Peter and I howled with laughter so much so that Sue pleaded with us to belt up so that she could hear what they were saying. To bed with Hitler again. I'm still only half way through this huge tome.
-=-
20200323
Tuesday October 16, 1979
_. An atrocious day at the YP. Kathleen is back and Malcolm Barker [Editor, YEP] has told her that the library has been like a 'tea house' during her absence and that she is the only member of the library staff who does any work. Stupid, ignorant bastard! Such encouragement really inspires one to increase ones output. Oh God, I want a different job ________.
In other news it is reported that the Duke of Gloucester has taken to getting about in London riding on an elephant. But the eccentric antics of the Queen's cousin hasn't aroused as much furore as the announcement that Capt Mark Phillips has accepted a British Leyland sponsorship to use Range Rovers for the next four or five years. I fail to see what is wrong with this, but several Labour MPs are having seizures over it. The rumour is also abroad that Princess Anne is pregnant.
Watched TV tonight. Alec Guinness was on again. To bed with Adolf Hitler at 11:30 after watching Robin Day's new series. Dame Judith Hart is nauseating.
-=-
In other news it is reported that the Duke of Gloucester has taken to getting about in London riding on an elephant. But the eccentric antics of the Queen's cousin hasn't aroused as much furore as the announcement that Capt Mark Phillips has accepted a British Leyland sponsorship to use Range Rovers for the next four or five years. I fail to see what is wrong with this, but several Labour MPs are having seizures over it. The rumour is also abroad that Princess Anne is pregnant.
Watched TV tonight. Alec Guinness was on again. To bed with Adolf Hitler at 11:30 after watching Robin Day's new series. Dame Judith Hart is nauseating.
-=-
Monday October 15, 1979
_. Hullo again. I'm just about cheesed off with the news these days. The newspapers are dominated by the Zimbabwe-Rhodesia bore-out conference and the saga of the 'flying delegate' at Lancaster House. Yes, one poor member of Bishop Abel Muzorewa's team, was so bored by the endless squabbling, that he ended his life by leaping from the roof of Lancaster House, leaving a nasty pin-striped mess in central London. Who cares about this pin-prick of a country in the midst of darkest, steaming Africa anyway? I certainly do not.
Sweet Ally came here tonight. To Lynn and Dave's to admire the new chocolate coloured velvet curtains. We watched the film 'For Pete's Sake'. This is a film of dear and sweet remembrance for Lynn and Dave. They saw the film on their very first date in 1974. Barbra Streisand of course is delightful comedy.
Home with Ally at 11:15.
-=-
Sweet Ally came here tonight. To Lynn and Dave's to admire the new chocolate coloured velvet curtains. We watched the film 'For Pete's Sake'. This is a film of dear and sweet remembrance for Lynn and Dave. They saw the film on their very first date in 1974. Barbra Streisand of course is delightful comedy.
Home with Ally at 11:15.
-=-
Sunday October 14, 1979
_. Up at a reasonable hour and ate kippers and drank gallons of tea. Ally surfaced some time later and we decided to go for a romp on Ilkley Moor to freshen up. Off we went, but Ally's clothes, especially her shoes, did not lend themselves to moorland hiking and so we abandoned any serious adventure and found a van selling hot dogs. From here we went to Club Street where I taped some records and the Anne Nightingale Show on Radio One. We are sick of the same old cassette [taped five weeks ago] which includes the 5:30 evening news which we now know by heart.
Ally took a bath and then rummaged through her old letters going back ten years. She found a letter from me, written in March 1978 when Jacq and I were planning a trip to Winchester. A dreadfully pompous letter.
Went to the fish and chip shop at Westfield [Yeadon] then took a camp bed back to Audrey and Henry Baker's house on Old Pool Bank. Poor Ally was nodding off listening to Audrey's monologue on the neighbours. On afterwards to Lynn and Dave's. She is washed out and has a cold.
-=-
Ally took a bath and then rummaged through her old letters going back ten years. She found a letter from me, written in March 1978 when Jacq and I were planning a trip to Winchester. A dreadfully pompous letter.
Went to the fish and chip shop at Westfield [Yeadon] then took a camp bed back to Audrey and Henry Baker's house on Old Pool Bank. Poor Ally was nodding off listening to Audrey's monologue on the neighbours. On afterwards to Lynn and Dave's. She is washed out and has a cold.
-=-
Saturday October 13, 1979
_.Up at 11 to find David G and Garry taking breakfast with Mum & Dad. It seems that Stockport County are playing Bradford City this afternoon and they thought a combined visit was in order. Ally and Sue 'hurriedly' dressed and Pete shot off home to get changed and by 12 we were all in the White Cross. Mum and Dad came too. We were there a couple of hours but then Mum and Dad left because John appeared to say he'd brought the children to say goodbye. Off they went home, and we joined them later. Catherine is beautiful and peach-like.
David and Garry went off to Bradford to watch Stockport lose by 6 goals to 1. We had a family party to bid farewell to the Scottish branch of the family, and the football supporters returned after the match, not in the least dejected by their defeat. I suppose that supporting Stockport you get used to serious humiliation.
We had salad followed by a trifle. JPH went wild about the latter. Especially the cream.
Out at 7:30 to the White Cross. Dave and Garry only had one drink then left to meet Billy at the Armoury in Stockport. Dave's opinion of the White Cross: "a bloody doctor's waiting room."
Ally was in a beastly mood all day and insisted on trailing back to Bradford just to change her shoes and brush her teeth. Mum and Dad were at the Cow & Calf with Jim and Margaret and so we went there before Ally and I went on to the Smith's Arms at Beckwithshaw at 9:30. We were supposed to meet Sarah and Carol J but they didn't appear, and so we went on to Stephanie Ferguson's party at Leathley. Sarah and Carol were there in the kitchen swigging wine. We stood leaning on the sink, and Ally clammed up and had nothing to say to my work mates. Stephanie was disappointed too because many guests hadn't materialized due to the fog. We left the party, to get air, and sat in a ditch in the spitfire in the dark. __________.
-=-
David and Garry went off to Bradford to watch Stockport lose by 6 goals to 1. We had a family party to bid farewell to the Scottish branch of the family, and the football supporters returned after the match, not in the least dejected by their defeat. I suppose that supporting Stockport you get used to serious humiliation.
We had salad followed by a trifle. JPH went wild about the latter. Especially the cream.
Out at 7:30 to the White Cross. Dave and Garry only had one drink then left to meet Billy at the Armoury in Stockport. Dave's opinion of the White Cross: "a bloody doctor's waiting room."
Ally was in a beastly mood all day and insisted on trailing back to Bradford just to change her shoes and brush her teeth. Mum and Dad were at the Cow & Calf with Jim and Margaret and so we went there before Ally and I went on to the Smith's Arms at Beckwithshaw at 9:30. We were supposed to meet Sarah and Carol J but they didn't appear, and so we went on to Stephanie Ferguson's party at Leathley. Sarah and Carol were there in the kitchen swigging wine. We stood leaning on the sink, and Ally clammed up and had nothing to say to my work mates. Stephanie was disappointed too because many guests hadn't materialized due to the fog. We left the party, to get air, and sat in a ditch in the spitfire in the dark. __________.
-=-
20200322
Friday October 12, 1979
_. After leaving Oakwood Hall in the early hours of this morning Ally and I sat on the wall at the top of the garden watching the stars. I can never see the so-called 'Great Bear' or the 'Ironing Board' or any of the other formations. I have always been able to see things clearly but my artistic creativity seems to conflict with my apparent blindness to the wonders of the firmament.
David G phoned tonight. He's having a few difficulties with Janice who seems to dislike his drinking. I laugh a great deal at this. She clearly has no common sense. David does live in a house specifically set aside for the consumption of alcoholic beverages. An atheist should avoid living in a monastery, and wherever possible vegetarians should steer clear of abattoirs. Janice doesn't want to be included in the Ibiza trip next summer. It looks to me that the relationship might be in decline.
John walked in this evening. He arrived late last night at Ridgeway, but only made his presence known this evening. Mum was disgruntled at this. John, Maria, Ally, Lynn, Dave and I went down to the White Cross and then to the White Swan at Yeadon [a revolting place]. Maria, with a new hair-do, wanted to see Andy, Linda and Carol Smith, and Carol's husband [Trevor] who frequent this obscure West Yorkshire tavern. I enjoyed myself chatting with Brian Gilks, who I haven't seen since the Bill Dixon painting days in 1972-3. He told some hilarious jokes. The other surprise was Andrew Dean, whom I haven't seen since 1972. His voice has finally broken. Home with the mob for drinks and music.
-=-
David G phoned tonight. He's having a few difficulties with Janice who seems to dislike his drinking. I laugh a great deal at this. She clearly has no common sense. David does live in a house specifically set aside for the consumption of alcoholic beverages. An atheist should avoid living in a monastery, and wherever possible vegetarians should steer clear of abattoirs. Janice doesn't want to be included in the Ibiza trip next summer. It looks to me that the relationship might be in decline.
John walked in this evening. He arrived late last night at Ridgeway, but only made his presence known this evening. Mum was disgruntled at this. John, Maria, Ally, Lynn, Dave and I went down to the White Cross and then to the White Swan at Yeadon [a revolting place]. Maria, with a new hair-do, wanted to see Andy, Linda and Carol Smith, and Carol's husband [Trevor] who frequent this obscure West Yorkshire tavern. I enjoyed myself chatting with Brian Gilks, who I haven't seen since the Bill Dixon painting days in 1972-3. He told some hilarious jokes. The other surprise was Andrew Dean, whom I haven't seen since 1972. His voice has finally broken. Home with the mob for drinks and music.
-=-
Thursday October 11, 1979
_. Dreadfully drunken night. Thick fog. Out at 8:30 with Ally to the Drop where we stood at the bar with Martyn Knipe and his girlfriend, Alison. He's no longer in the navy, and now a professional golfer at Rawdon. From here we went to Oakwood Hall which was hot and packed with merry revellers. We had a daft half hour juggling with lemons and generally performing like a circus act. At one point we attracted quite a large audience. Saw little Janet Simon, who was horribly pissed, with a friend celebrating her 21st birthday. Janet is an odd girl. She has many of Susan's mannerisms and traits, but a crude version of my sweet sister. She's told Susan I talk 'posh'. Home at nearly 2am.
-=-
-=-
Wednesday October 10, 1979
_. JPH has been spending the evening with his grandmother again. We sat drawing together. It was noted by the others just how bossy my nephew is with me. "Do this" and "do that", "you sit here", "you have this pen, and I'll have this pen" &c. I must look like a soft touch - a walk over- even to a three year-old. It's going to be so sad next week when he returns to Scotland. Mum will be distraught - she dotes on little John.
-=-
-=-
20200321
Tuesday October 9, 1979
_. Swarms of wasps are invading the house. Dad spent the morning painting the tricycle he is renovating for JPH's Christmas present. He isn't very happy with it because he cannot get the colours to shine even with a varnish gloss. I don't suppose little John will object just so long as the wheels go round.
Maria brought the children here at lunchtime. I saw a definite change for the better in Catherine. The doc saw her yesterday and told her that baby's heart is now quite normal. JPH played out with Richard from next door.
To the YP at 5. ________. Coming home at 12 the taxi was stopped twice in road blocks by police questioning motorists about the Yorkshire Ripper. The taxi driver talked about photography and football in the early 1900s, and the advanced driving test he'd just completed, and how wonderful the Pope's visit to Ireland and the United States had been. In fact he was a gold mine of information. His grandfather died last year, aged 94. 'A good age' he kept repeating. I cannot see anything good about being 94. I may feel differently about this on April 5, 2049.
Ate cheese on toast and drank a milky concoction and went up to bed with Hitler. The British politicians from the 1930s, the appeasers, really should have been hanged at Nuremberg along side the Nazis. The stupid sods can never be forgiven for appeasing the fascists and the blood of millions stains the hands of Eden, Simon and Chamberlain.
-=-
Maria brought the children here at lunchtime. I saw a definite change for the better in Catherine. The doc saw her yesterday and told her that baby's heart is now quite normal. JPH played out with Richard from next door.
To the YP at 5. ________. Coming home at 12 the taxi was stopped twice in road blocks by police questioning motorists about the Yorkshire Ripper. The taxi driver talked about photography and football in the early 1900s, and the advanced driving test he'd just completed, and how wonderful the Pope's visit to Ireland and the United States had been. In fact he was a gold mine of information. His grandfather died last year, aged 94. 'A good age' he kept repeating. I cannot see anything good about being 94. I may feel differently about this on April 5, 2049.
Ate cheese on toast and drank a milky concoction and went up to bed with Hitler. The British politicians from the 1930s, the appeasers, really should have been hanged at Nuremberg along side the Nazis. The stupid sods can never be forgiven for appeasing the fascists and the blood of millions stains the hands of Eden, Simon and Chamberlain.
-=-
Monday October 8, 1979
_. Ally phoned me. Mr Dixon returned to Winchester with her house keys and so he's sending them back to Leeds this evening by Red Star. Ally came to the YP at 5:30 and we ate at Salvo's, where we shared a table with another couple. We decided that the guy is a solicitor, and the girl is his secretary, and they are definitely screwing. Funny how one can spot these things at a dinner table. From here we went to collect Ally's keys. Onto the Commercial. I was dead on my feet. Back at home I collapsed in a chair. Sue and Pete, we are told, are visiting the vicar on Saturday.
-=-
-=-
Sunday October 7, 1979
_. 17th Sunday after Trinity
Sunny. Got out of bed at 11am. Dressed to kill in readiness for the afternoon extravaganza at Delia's.
Went down the lane and bought a couple of bottles of dry Martini before going on for the 55 bus. I stood at the bus stop until 12:45 and no buses came my way. I phoned Sarah from Guiseley and Barbara Wheeler was despatched to rescue me.
The lunch party had it's hilarious moments, but I was generally uncomfortable with the presence of Bill North, who dominated the proceedings. Intrigue was rife and Sarah was all whispers lending a Louis XIV Versailles atmosphere to the afternoon. Delia was brilliant and as usual lavished her adoration upon me. The women seriously out numbered the menfolk, who stood huddled together for protection, arses to the French window away from Bill. I sighed with relief when Leeds's answer to Larry Grayson made it obvious he fancied poor Richard.
At about 4 we went next door to Richard's swimming pool. I remember very little of the aquatic antics but am told that I made several spectacular dives. Janet was very amusing and we discussed diaries and whether they are worthwhile. Indeed they are. [Go on, agree with me]. People began to disappear by 5 o'clock and I was the last survivor. Sarah cast off her regal attire, and clad in dressing gown and carpet slippers, we sat, feet up watching tv.
Bill Collis came in and sat darkly brooding in the kitchen chewing on a chicken leg. I said goodbye to the lovely ladies when Ally arrived at 7:30 to take me to Karen and Steve's. Out in Pudsey with Karen, Steve, Jill and Tim to celebrate Karen's 20th birthday. To the Railway pub, and the rough dive where Ally's car aerial was ripped off on a previous visit. Back to Karen's for a Chinese takeaway, but I was three sheets to the wind, and blame drinking in the afternoon. Home at 1am. Knackered.
-=-
Sunny. Got out of bed at 11am. Dressed to kill in readiness for the afternoon extravaganza at Delia's.
Went down the lane and bought a couple of bottles of dry Martini before going on for the 55 bus. I stood at the bus stop until 12:45 and no buses came my way. I phoned Sarah from Guiseley and Barbara Wheeler was despatched to rescue me.
The lunch party had it's hilarious moments, but I was generally uncomfortable with the presence of Bill North, who dominated the proceedings. Intrigue was rife and Sarah was all whispers lending a Louis XIV Versailles atmosphere to the afternoon. Delia was brilliant and as usual lavished her adoration upon me. The women seriously out numbered the menfolk, who stood huddled together for protection, arses to the French window away from Bill. I sighed with relief when Leeds's answer to Larry Grayson made it obvious he fancied poor Richard.
 |
| With Richard's motor. |
Bill Collis came in and sat darkly brooding in the kitchen chewing on a chicken leg. I said goodbye to the lovely ladies when Ally arrived at 7:30 to take me to Karen and Steve's. Out in Pudsey with Karen, Steve, Jill and Tim to celebrate Karen's 20th birthday. To the Railway pub, and the rough dive where Ally's car aerial was ripped off on a previous visit. Back to Karen's for a Chinese takeaway, but I was three sheets to the wind, and blame drinking in the afternoon. Home at 1am. Knackered.
-=-
Saturday October 6, 1979
_. To the YP from 8:30 to 12:30.
Dave L came over at 7:30. My heart sank when he said he fancied seeing a film. We went off to Bradford but 'Quadrophenia' was the only film showing, so we ignored the crowd here and went on to Leeds, where, as if by providence, the film 'Alien' has already started, and so we stood, quite forlorn, outside the cinema, rattling the loose change around in our pockets. I took Dave to the Ostlers and then Whitelocks, but Dave wanted cockles and mussels and the 'prawn man' was nowhere to be seen. So off we went to the Commercial at Esholt, but the new landlord doesn't stock seafood, so onward to the Hare & Hounds. Poor Judith looked hideous. _____. On to the White Cross at 10:50 for a final drink with Sue, Peter, Gus and Johnny. Nights out with David are always great fun.
-=-
Dave L came over at 7:30. My heart sank when he said he fancied seeing a film. We went off to Bradford but 'Quadrophenia' was the only film showing, so we ignored the crowd here and went on to Leeds, where, as if by providence, the film 'Alien' has already started, and so we stood, quite forlorn, outside the cinema, rattling the loose change around in our pockets. I took Dave to the Ostlers and then Whitelocks, but Dave wanted cockles and mussels and the 'prawn man' was nowhere to be seen. So off we went to the Commercial at Esholt, but the new landlord doesn't stock seafood, so onward to the Hare & Hounds. Poor Judith looked hideous. _____. On to the White Cross at 10:50 for a final drink with Sue, Peter, Gus and Johnny. Nights out with David are always great fun.
-=-
Friday October 5, 1979
_. Contacted Dave L. We have decided to venture out tomorrow. It is shameful the way we have allowed our meetings to fall into abeyance since his return to civilization in July. .. or was it August?
This evening out with Sue and Pete to the Fox and Hounds and the White Cross, which harboured the long lost familiar spectres of Chris Ratcliffe and Pete Mather. Chris showed me his holiday photos of Miami, including shots of Tony Brotherwood, in shorts, in Disneyland.
-=-
This evening out with Sue and Pete to the Fox and Hounds and the White Cross, which harboured the long lost familiar spectres of Chris Ratcliffe and Pete Mather. Chris showed me his holiday photos of Miami, including shots of Tony Brotherwood, in shorts, in Disneyland.
-=-
20200320
Thursday October 4, 1979
_. Up at 8 to find myself in bed in Bradford. Ally is attending a course at Minever House on East Parade in Leeds and so she took me to town in the spitfire. Chaotic traffic. Didn't reach the YP until 9:30. Sarah says: "And where do you think you spent the night?" She'd phoned home to be told by mother that I hadn't been seen since yesterday afternoon.
At 1 o'clock I went to meet Ally on East Parade. She has a £4 parking ticket. Traffic wardens are really the lowest form of life. On to Club Street where a man in a van has arrived from Winchester with furniture including the dreaded piano. Taking in the furniture was a doddle, but the piano not so easy. I kept looking over at the Victorian monstrosity and wincing. We reached deadlock on the doorstep and had it not been for a passing telephone engineer we would never have got it in the house. We also struggled taking a double bed upstairs. We had one drink in the pub across the road before heading back to Pine Tops for 5:30pm.
Maria and the children came to see Mama. Catherine was wonderful, but JPH ill and pale.
Out at 6:30 to Bradford where we joined Sarah and Richard [Burke] at the Alhambra to see Derek Jacobi in 'Hamlet', by Mr Shakespeare. An incredible, gripping performance which held me ecstatic for over three hours. Afterwards we went into the Vaults pub next to the theatre and found Derek Jacobi and Brenda Bruce [who played Queen Gertrude] propping up the bar.
-=-
At 1 o'clock I went to meet Ally on East Parade. She has a £4 parking ticket. Traffic wardens are really the lowest form of life. On to Club Street where a man in a van has arrived from Winchester with furniture including the dreaded piano. Taking in the furniture was a doddle, but the piano not so easy. I kept looking over at the Victorian monstrosity and wincing. We reached deadlock on the doorstep and had it not been for a passing telephone engineer we would never have got it in the house. We also struggled taking a double bed upstairs. We had one drink in the pub across the road before heading back to Pine Tops for 5:30pm.
Maria and the children came to see Mama. Catherine was wonderful, but JPH ill and pale.
Out at 6:30 to Bradford where we joined Sarah and Richard [Burke] at the Alhambra to see Derek Jacobi in 'Hamlet', by Mr Shakespeare. An incredible, gripping performance which held me ecstatic for over three hours. Afterwards we went into the Vaults pub next to the theatre and found Derek Jacobi and Brenda Bruce [who played Queen Gertrude] propping up the bar.
-=-
Wednesday October 3, 1979
_.Fog. Old Callaghan has suffered a trauma at the Labour party conference. It looks as though Wedgwood Benn will be leader of the mob within the next few weeks. As far as I'm concerned I'll be thrilled to see Benn at the helm because who in God's name will vote Labour in a future general election with that 'fiend' in charge of the party?
Ally and I had a night out tonight because her agenda for the next few days is crowded. First to the Shoulder of Mutton, then the White Cross, then the Drop, and finally Oakwood Hall. The DJ had a bit more about him than the usual stiff. I have decided hereon to drink pils lager, no draught ale. We left at 2:30am. To Club Street.
-=-
Ally and I had a night out tonight because her agenda for the next few days is crowded. First to the Shoulder of Mutton, then the White Cross, then the Drop, and finally Oakwood Hall. The DJ had a bit more about him than the usual stiff. I have decided hereon to drink pils lager, no draught ale. We left at 2:30am. To Club Street.
-=-
Tuesday October 2, 1979
_. To the YP at 5pm. I'd done nothing all day except spend Mum's money at the shops in Guiseley. Just a few purchases but the bill came to over £3. Real bandits aren't they in some of the smaller supermarkets? The owner of Dibb's in Guiseley must be a millionaire.
Mum and Dad came back from Scotland this evening whilst I was at the YP. When I phoned home she expressed horror at the amount of money we had spent on groceries. Susan and I had spent £30 on our weekly shopping. Mum says she spends about £12 on the four of us usually.
The YP was amusing. I dug out a photo of the Chilean Radical party leader Anselmo Sule, and dropped it quite accidentally on Gilberto's desk. He saw it and went off into a rage of abuse. It seems that Senor Sule is not universally loved by the Chilean population. Most Chileans, it seems, prefer to live elsewhere, to inflict their communism and anarchy on other countries.
-=-
Mum and Dad came back from Scotland this evening whilst I was at the YP. When I phoned home she expressed horror at the amount of money we had spent on groceries. Susan and I had spent £30 on our weekly shopping. Mum says she spends about £12 on the four of us usually.
The YP was amusing. I dug out a photo of the Chilean Radical party leader Anselmo Sule, and dropped it quite accidentally on Gilberto's desk. He saw it and went off into a rage of abuse. It seems that Senor Sule is not universally loved by the Chilean population. Most Chileans, it seems, prefer to live elsewhere, to inflict their communism and anarchy on other countries.
-=-
Monday October 1, 1979
_. Read in a Sunday newspaper that Sabrina Guinness is to accompany the Prince of Wales to a ball at Wilton House on October 27. Miss Guinness, they say, was recently observed renting a tiara from the royal jewellers. Is this it, perhaps? Is Guinness good for him? Geddit? Are we going to have an Irish Queen? [Well, she's probably a Londoner, but of Irish stock]. The opinion in the office is that she is going to be the one. However, all HRHs affairs follow a similar pattern. We will all be in the dark until an announcement is made by Buckingham Palace and then the balloon will go up.
The revolting 'Horse of the Year Show' dominates the tv every night, driving innocent people to the pubs and restaurants.
[Crossing out] Sorry about that. I don't like crossing out. I was going to say that Maria brought the children to see us this evening, but that wouldn't have been true. We saw nothing of her or the children.
-=-
The revolting 'Horse of the Year Show' dominates the tv every night, driving innocent people to the pubs and restaurants.
[Crossing out] Sorry about that. I don't like crossing out. I was going to say that Maria brought the children to see us this evening, but that wouldn't have been true. We saw nothing of her or the children.
-=-
20200318
Sunday September 30, 1979
_.
16th Sunday after Trinity
I made breakfast and behaved in a nauseatingly cheerful fashion. I am not one to carry on grudges and continue with last night's squabble. John, Maria and JPH came over this afternoon. They breezed in for an hour. It's little John's third birthday today. He was quite bedazzled by the presents and looked so embarrassed when we all sang 'Happy Birthday'. He covered his eyes and smeared his face with chocolate. Ally played with him and showed him the farm which Mama had bought him. Lynn and Dave made a flying visit. Big John looked fighting fit and so thin. Maria filled me in on the horrific tragedy at the Phillips residence.
Watched Peter Sellers in 'The Magic Christian'. Peter and I were in hysterics.
-=-
16th Sunday after Trinity
I made breakfast and behaved in a nauseatingly cheerful fashion. I am not one to carry on grudges and continue with last night's squabble. John, Maria and JPH came over this afternoon. They breezed in for an hour. It's little John's third birthday today. He was quite bedazzled by the presents and looked so embarrassed when we all sang 'Happy Birthday'. He covered his eyes and smeared his face with chocolate. Ally played with him and showed him the farm which Mama had bought him. Lynn and Dave made a flying visit. Big John looked fighting fit and so thin. Maria filled me in on the horrific tragedy at the Phillips residence.
Watched Peter Sellers in 'The Magic Christian'. Peter and I were in hysterics.
-=-
Saturday September 29, 1979
_. Sunny, bright morn. Up at 10 to throw back the curtains and see Michael [next door] splashing white paint over his house. His half of the building is now glowing white and now makes Pine Tops look shoddy, grubby and dismal. Mummy will throw a fit when she sees his handy work.
I phoned Ridgeway to speak to John. Molly answered the phone and says 'he arrived last night looking big, fit, strong and healthy, Mike, and Oh, have you heard the news about poor John Phillips?" I say 'no' and she told me the gruesome news that poor Carole's dad died last Tuesday following a fall from a ladder at home. Fiddling with a tv aerial on his roof, he missed a step and plummeted to the ground bashing his head on an ornamental wall. The doc, Molly says, reassured the family that had he lived he would have been a cabbage. He was a cabbage long before the fall, I'm sorry to say. Ghastly news indeed. Carole must be desolate. They had only recently bought the fish and chip shop on Victoria Road.
When I eventually speak to John he says very little, and that he cannot afford to go out tonight. This is a let down. I had been looking forward to some kind of belated birthday celebration.
Peter bought a car today. An Escort 1600 sports which cost him £1,300. Both he and Susan will now emerge from the depression that has hung over them since he sold the old car a month ago. People become so dependent on motor cars don't they? The mention of public transport is often the most offensive thing one can say to a motorist.
Ally and I had a drink at the Crown in Yeadon this afternoon then went out with Sue and Pete in the new car to the White Cross for a celebratory guzzle. Our adventure took us on to the Fox & Hounds, Hare & Hounds and back to the White Cross to join Gus, Chippy, Debbie, Brian Johnson , Howard Dove, and various others. A loud, beery evening. Chris Ratcliffe [now bearded] and Peter M came in.
Back to Pine Tops. Gus and John Sumpton had picked up a couple of tarts. They all smoked pot, including Susan. I cannot stand the stuff and took no part in the revelry. They all left at 2 and I gave Sue a piece of my mind, the big brother sort of stuff. Peter was silly about it and we all parted on a bad note.
-=-
I phoned Ridgeway to speak to John. Molly answered the phone and says 'he arrived last night looking big, fit, strong and healthy, Mike, and Oh, have you heard the news about poor John Phillips?" I say 'no' and she told me the gruesome news that poor Carole's dad died last Tuesday following a fall from a ladder at home. Fiddling with a tv aerial on his roof, he missed a step and plummeted to the ground bashing his head on an ornamental wall. The doc, Molly says, reassured the family that had he lived he would have been a cabbage. He was a cabbage long before the fall, I'm sorry to say. Ghastly news indeed. Carole must be desolate. They had only recently bought the fish and chip shop on Victoria Road.
When I eventually speak to John he says very little, and that he cannot afford to go out tonight. This is a let down. I had been looking forward to some kind of belated birthday celebration.
Peter bought a car today. An Escort 1600 sports which cost him £1,300. Both he and Susan will now emerge from the depression that has hung over them since he sold the old car a month ago. People become so dependent on motor cars don't they? The mention of public transport is often the most offensive thing one can say to a motorist.
Ally and I had a drink at the Crown in Yeadon this afternoon then went out with Sue and Pete in the new car to the White Cross for a celebratory guzzle. Our adventure took us on to the Fox & Hounds, Hare & Hounds and back to the White Cross to join Gus, Chippy, Debbie, Brian Johnson , Howard Dove, and various others. A loud, beery evening. Chris Ratcliffe [now bearded] and Peter M came in.
Back to Pine Tops. Gus and John Sumpton had picked up a couple of tarts. They all smoked pot, including Susan. I cannot stand the stuff and took no part in the revelry. They all left at 2 and I gave Sue a piece of my mind, the big brother sort of stuff. Peter was silly about it and we all parted on a bad note.
-=-
Friday September 28, 1979
_. Thoroughly exhausted and dead to the world all day. Jim passed me furtive glances on our journey to Leeds. I think he suspects I have an alcohol problem.
Sarah is away again. These attacks of illness are becoming far too frequent. She's become so dull since taking up with Richard Burke.
Ally came over at 8 and after stocking up with a couple of bottles from the off-license we settled down and watched Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in 'Bonnie and Clyde'. It's a good film and I've seen it on numerous occasions. The conversation is horribly crude when we get together with Sue & Pete. They can be quite foul. It's only Ally who clings on to her decency.
-=-
Sarah is away again. These attacks of illness are becoming far too frequent. She's become so dull since taking up with Richard Burke.
Ally came over at 8 and after stocking up with a couple of bottles from the off-license we settled down and watched Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in 'Bonnie and Clyde'. It's a good film and I've seen it on numerous occasions. The conversation is horribly crude when we get together with Sue & Pete. They can be quite foul. It's only Ally who clings on to her decency.
-=-
Thursday September 27, 1979
_. Phoned Ally when I arrived home from work at 5:30. She called me 'a miserable boy'. Most incorrect. I just laughed it off and took a long bath. I then grilled six fish fingers and drizzled them with prawn cocktail sauce and put Blondie on the record player. Ally arrived whilst Debbie Harry was in full throttle.
Off we went to Lynn and Dave's. L was dressed to kill. Dave looked dull and washed out. I said: "Oh it's going to one of those sort of nights". On to the Rose & Crown, then Oakwood Hall. Dave refused to dance and stood in a glum posture looking down his nose at 'the youngsters'. Ally remarked that it must be married life taking effect, but you know how cynical she is about that Holy estate. Lynne and Dave left before us.
-=-
Off we went to Lynn and Dave's. L was dressed to kill. Dave looked dull and washed out. I said: "Oh it's going to one of those sort of nights". On to the Rose & Crown, then Oakwood Hall. Dave refused to dance and stood in a glum posture looking down his nose at 'the youngsters'. Ally remarked that it must be married life taking effect, but you know how cynical she is about that Holy estate. Lynne and Dave left before us.
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Wednesday September 26, 1979
_. Pisses down all day. Autumn is upon us. Sod it. Ally and I went to the cinema at Yeadon this evening. Our very first visit to such a place of entertainment. Saw 'Blazing Saddles' and Monty Python's 'Holy Grail'. I have seen the Monty Python epic three times now. My first viewing was with the late Gillian Upton in 1975. The Mel Brooks comedy is excellent but not half as good as 'High Anxiety'. Home in the rain at 10:30. Ally tells me we are going out with Lynn & Dave tomorrow.
We had our first squabble.
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We had our first squabble.
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Tuesday September 25, 1979
_. John's 23rd birthday. Sat by the record player all day listening to my favourite tunes. Ally, Sue and Peter dropped in for lunch and I made the bacon sandwiches. God, it was good to see a few faces. It's no wonder that so many housewives turn to the bottle. Solitary confinement in the home must surely drive them over the top. Housework must only take a couple of hours. What do they do after that? Poor buggers. The nauseating DJs on Radio One don't help either.
To the YP at 5 and spent the evening with Gilberto - our man from Chile. No news. Everything quite dead. Home by taxi at 12. The driver had little to say. I thought we might become airborne as he had his foot flat down on the accelerator.
Ate like a horse and took up Adolf Hitler.
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To the YP at 5 and spent the evening with Gilberto - our man from Chile. No news. Everything quite dead. Home by taxi at 12. The driver had little to say. I thought we might become airborne as he had his foot flat down on the accelerator.
Ate like a horse and took up Adolf Hitler.
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20200312
Monday September 24, 1979
_. Mum and Dad went off to Stranraer this morning to spend a few days with John. I'm pleased. It isn't right that the boy should spend his birthday alone.
Mum & Dad's departure heralded Peter's arrival here, and he moved in with luggage, squash rackets, and other miscellaneous items required for staying over with the girlfriend. It's wonderfully cheeky. They both took over the master bedroom and therein behaved disgracefully. _______.
Saw a gruesome Burt Lancaster film on the BBC and then saw Joan Collins interviewed on 'Film '79'. Barry Norman pulled her to pieces. 'The Bitch' is a film I will avoid, I think.
To bed with Adolf Hitler.
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Mum & Dad's departure heralded Peter's arrival here, and he moved in with luggage, squash rackets, and other miscellaneous items required for staying over with the girlfriend. It's wonderfully cheeky. They both took over the master bedroom and therein behaved disgracefully. _______.
Saw a gruesome Burt Lancaster film on the BBC and then saw Joan Collins interviewed on 'Film '79'. Barry Norman pulled her to pieces. 'The Bitch' is a film I will avoid, I think.
To bed with Adolf Hitler.
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Sunday September 23, 1979
15th Sunday after Trinity
Slept like a log and regained consciousness at about 10am on the sitting room floor at the Hollywood.
It's Lily's birthday today. Joined at lunchtime by Garry, Billy, Steve and Co. Billy was dull. We had lunch after 2 with Lily, Jim, Grandad Glynn and Dave. ______.
We took our leave. Dave is coming to Ally's on October 20. Something is wrong with the Spitfire. The ignition light shone bright and clear throughout the journey home.
At Pine Tops Auntie Hilda and Uncle Tony are being entertained to supper.
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Slept like a log and regained consciousness at about 10am on the sitting room floor at the Hollywood.
It's Lily's birthday today. Joined at lunchtime by Garry, Billy, Steve and Co. Billy was dull. We had lunch after 2 with Lily, Jim, Grandad Glynn and Dave. ______.
We took our leave. Dave is coming to Ally's on October 20. Something is wrong with the Spitfire. The ignition light shone bright and clear throughout the journey home.
At Pine Tops Auntie Hilda and Uncle Tony are being entertained to supper.
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20200311
Saturday September 22, 1979
_. Home to Guiseley at 10am, then on to Stockport in the Triumph Spitfire with the top down. We had some peculiar looks from some of the motorists on the windswept M62.
We joined Dave G for a typical Stockport drinking session, but he wasn't on form, complaining of 'a chill'. At 3 we went to buy eggs and bacon for tomorrow's breakfast and ate half a pound of cheese in the street. Back at the Hollywood [pub] we watched tv and slept until almost 8pm. We were all lethargic. Dave took us to the Georgian restaurant in Stockport where we had T-bone steaks. The energy burned in attacking the food just about finished me off, and back at the Hollywood I was shamefully reduced to drinking shandy. I could barely hold the bloody glass.
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We joined Dave G for a typical Stockport drinking session, but he wasn't on form, complaining of 'a chill'. At 3 we went to buy eggs and bacon for tomorrow's breakfast and ate half a pound of cheese in the street. Back at the Hollywood [pub] we watched tv and slept until almost 8pm. We were all lethargic. Dave took us to the Georgian restaurant in Stockport where we had T-bone steaks. The energy burned in attacking the food just about finished me off, and back at the Hollywood I was shamefully reduced to drinking shandy. I could barely hold the bloody glass.
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Friday September 21, 1979
_. To the YP from Burley wearing the clothes I'd been out in last night. Sarah has invited me to a function at Delia's on Sunday October 7th. I told her that if Bill North is attending then I will be wearing asbestos underpants and be armed with a pair of bull-castrating shears. Horrid, but necessary.
Tonight: a gathering at Club Street attended by Mum, Dad, Sue, Peter, Lynn, Dave, Jim, Margaret and Julie N. We sat in deck chairs due to the lack of furniture. Lynn told me that the week before her miscarriage she had a terrible experience in a light aircraft which almost crashed when the pilot went to pieces in a panic attack. She sat there as he screamed and flapped and told her they were going to die. _______. Peter and Jim played cards for vast sums of money, and this drew most of the attention. We danced until almost 5am and had to push David's car out of Club Street. Lynn fell and banged her head on the road. I stayed the night.
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Tonight: a gathering at Club Street attended by Mum, Dad, Sue, Peter, Lynn, Dave, Jim, Margaret and Julie N. We sat in deck chairs due to the lack of furniture. Lynn told me that the week before her miscarriage she had a terrible experience in a light aircraft which almost crashed when the pilot went to pieces in a panic attack. She sat there as he screamed and flapped and told her they were going to die. _______. Peter and Jim played cards for vast sums of money, and this drew most of the attention. We danced until almost 5am and had to push David's car out of Club Street. Lynn fell and banged her head on the road. I stayed the night.
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Thursday September 20, 1979
_. Ally came over just after 7pm on the spur, or whatever it is you say when somebody is unexpected. We watched 'Top of the Pops' with Maria. Punk Rock is so boring.
Went at 8:3o to Lynn's. We sat until 10:30 drinking Cinzano and 'Clan Dew', and when this oasis of alcohol evaporated at 10 we went over to the Red Lion for a 'quick one'. I spent nearly £5 in half an hour. The girls were drinking doubles, as usual. I gave Dave the £10 that I borrowed for the holiday.
We went back to Lawn Road for Italian food and sat until after 1am.
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Went at 8:3o to Lynn's. We sat until 10:30 drinking Cinzano and 'Clan Dew', and when this oasis of alcohol evaporated at 10 we went over to the Red Lion for a 'quick one'. I spent nearly £5 in half an hour. The girls were drinking doubles, as usual. I gave Dave the £10 that I borrowed for the holiday.
We went back to Lawn Road for Italian food and sat until after 1am.
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