Monday February 9, 1981

 _. General oddments: Heavy rain. Shirley Williams has quit the National Executive Committee of the Labour party. 

Royal News: Queen Frederika of Greece died in Spain on Friday, aged 63. [Nigel] Dempster says Lady Di is to spend part of March-April in Australia to coincide with the Prince of Wales's visit to that great colony - governor-general speculation, and all that. The Duke of Edinburgh is to attend the Valentine's Day wedding of Prince Henri of Luxembourg. Princess Michael of Kent's first husband [Tom Troubridge] has married a Mrs Petronella Forgan in the USA, &c.

I have already said it was somewhat inclement today. I took my new umbrella to the office and made full use of it at lunchtime by going out for a trudge in the downpour for a tongue sandwich from Malcolm's bakery. Sarah is very worried. Gordon Linacre has let it be known that he is far from happy about Kathleen's leave of absence, saying it isn't 'company policy' to allow people to abandon their responsibilities. It could result in Kathleen's resignation and a new chief been brought in from outside. What an obnoxious thought, eh? Sarah is understandably most peeved. 

Precious Ally came at 7:30 and we watched John Cleese in 'Fawlty Towers' [again] and then sat for a couple of hours inventing a list for wedding presents. You know the sort of thing: bath towels [green], plastic bucket [brown], bamboo toilet roll holder, &c. Throughout this endless compilation Burt Lancaster was shooting people on TV. I kept telly Ally that the blood was only ketchup, but she didn't seen convinced. She left at 11:15. Bed at 12:15.

-=-

Sunday February 8, 1981

 _. Awakened at 10:30 by violent noises coming from the bathroom. Garry vomiting as if he might cough up his heart, liver and spleen. Dreadful. Breakfast on bacon, eggs, tinned spaghetti, &c. All except Garry of course who just sat silently, looking very green. Ally is recovered - just a few bruises where she walked into awkwardly placed chairs, tables, doors and walls. To the Forester's at 12:30 and then the Black Horse until 2:30. No enthusiastic drinking. I think we all had quite enough last night. We walked to the Linton falls and looked at the water and the ducks [in the drizzle], chiefly to ease our consciences because we hadn't walked further than the high street since our arrival. We packed up and left at 7 to go to Cracoe for food. Rain and sleet on the way home. Dave and Garry headed back to Stockport and Ally and I joined Mum for the evening. To bed at 12:30.

-=-

Saturday February 7, 1981

 _. Up at 10:30. I didn't know where the Hell I was when my pink eyes opened to the cave-like, clammy bedroom. All to the kitchen for a colossal fried breakfast of Edwardian proportions. You know, the usual scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, &c. By 12 though we were safely amassed in the Forester's Arms [a Tetley house] where we passed the duration of the afternoon. Nauseating video games are on the increase. The whole pub vibrated and shook to the sound of 'space invaders', and all the intergalactic life and death struggles that go with it, fruit machines, the juke box, &c. It isn't surprising that the pub cat is insane. It staggered about the bar, with bulging red eyes, sinking it's needle-like teeth into all and sundry. Joined at 7 by Lynn, Dave B, Chris and Julie, and at 8 by Dave L. All at the Devonshire singing along to a drunk playing an accordion very badly. Dave L was very pleased about the engagement. He left us at 11:15 spattered in port and lemon. Lynn and Co joined us at the cottage for a few drinks but it wasn't successful. We were all too drunk, and to poor Lynn [drinking tomato juice] it must have looked like a scene from a bawdy nineteenth centurty music hall, and not a very good one at that. Susan's flowery language is quite amazing - she always puts on such a good floor show at these weekend gatherings with the Stockport lads. Chris and Julie are such demure characters, though I do get the impression that Julie could be quite a scream if she tried. Ally was pissed. The girls had been drinking pints. 

-=-

Friday February 6, 1981

 _. Phoned Ally from 7:30, and still no reply. I finally tracked her down at the AHA. She says  her phone must be on the blink because she sat waiting for a call all last night and early this morning and decided I must have 'fallen out with her'. No comment. 

To the YP from 9-12 and escaped into the crisp February noon full of elation. Freedom until Monday! Lunched with Mama and Papa and we were joined by Ally at 2. We have received an engagement card from my great-aunt Annie Kirk [Grandmother Rhodes's younger sister]. Great aunts are few on the ground. We went to Bryan Waite's [the photographer] but his Mrs told us that June 27 is out of the question. Then on to Burley to show Lynn the engagement ring. Ally was most peculiar about it, almost embarrassed. Finally to Grassington for 3pm. We went shopping to Skipton for coal and breakfast provisions, then back to the damp, yet lovable cottage. Joined by Sue and Pete at 6:30 and by 7 we were in the Black Horse. We became quite intoxicated. Susie is such a comedienne. To the Devonshire at 10, Joined by Dave G and Garry. They were not remotely stunned by the engagement announcement. Spent £9 on booze and returned to the cottage for a Baccanalian orgy. The usual Hill Top scene marred only by the lack of music. Garry forgot the cassette player. Bed at some dawn hour.

-=-

Thursday February 5, 1981

 _. A very ordinary day. No Americans have been taken hostage. Ronald Reagan didn't die in office [yet], and the Prince of Wales remains unengaged. Sarah, a fashion guru, says that Lady Diana needs a new shirt. She'd have thousands of new shirts if only she'd say 'yes'. 

John Lennon is dead and it's very sad and all that but I think it's going too far putting his every record in the charts. I am now sick of Lennon and the media ought to be ashamed of the fact that they've destroyed my love of his music by constantly playing it for weeks on end. The man is being rammed down our throats.

Dave G phoned. He and Garry are motoring here tomorrow. Susie phoned too and said she and Peter are setting out at 6:30. 

Dad is no better and looks ghastly. His eyes are sunken and he's a shade of deathly white. Off his food too, and for Dad that is unheard of. 

Ally came at 8. We went to the Fox & Hounds, the Drop and the New Inn where we met up with Susie, Audrey, Janet Simon and Biffy. You know my views re this Thursday night quartet. Ally set off for home at 11:15 and I promised to phone her at 11:30 to check she was safely home but when I did I got no reply. I sat dialling until after 12. I retired to bed with Peter Sellers convinced that Ally must be dead in St Luke's Hospital, or at least mortally wounded. Sat reading Peter Sellers but didn't sleep.

-=-

Wednesday February 4, 1981

  _. A glum day at the office. Since Kathleen's demise Carol J has taken it upon herself to rule the library in the fashion of Catherine the Great, or that peroxide wonder, Eva Peron. I despise dictators, especially female ones, and ignore her. It's best that way. Sarah finds it highly amusing.

Phoned Ally. She has had a tooth crowned and moaned about it. She also had a moan about Dave G's indecision about when he and Garry will be joining us at Grassington. I phoned him and told him to pull hus socks up. We joked about the Robin Hood [pub]. They [the lads] spend every available hour swilling ale in that hostelry now. He promised to ring me tomorrow. I didn't tell him about our engagement. I then phoned Garry.

Dad looks grotty [diarrhoea]. He made a brief appearance this evening and then crawled back into bed. I watched an episode of 'Sons and Lovers'. 

To bed at about 11 quite knackered. Whatever happened to the youth of yesteryear? Sat in bed with the biography of Peter Sellers. A sad man.

-=-

Tuesday February 3, 1981

 _. I put the announcement of our enagement in the Evening Post.  Quite splendid.

Politics: Have I commented recently about the Council for Social Democracy that has been formed by Roy Jenkins and Co? It certainly looks as though the Labour party is done for once and for all. They are all deserting to join Mr Jenkins and Shirley Williams, &c, including such world figures as Lord Flowers, Janet Suzman, Frank Muir, Denis Nordern and Shirley Temple Black. All we need now is for Morecambe & Wise to switch loyalties and we'll have the basis of a new political party.  However, it isn't all beer and skittles for Margaret Thatcher. This crew might be damaging to Labour but what damage could they cause the Conservative party? How many 'wets' will join Uncle Woy, one asks? Harold Wilson was on the telly. I don't think he's long for this world. He's wasting away.

-=-

Monday February 2, 1981

 _. Ally spent yesterday morning [while I slept] discussing the wedding with Frank and Bessie and things were all decided. Frank said yes to the Cow & Calf. In fact he said yes to everything. Ally assures me that Franks is very quiet and just because he isn't swinging from the banisters he is in fact very pleased with our union. I always find him very snappy.

To the YP and told Sarah of my plans. She wasn't in the least bit surprised and said she'd expected an announcement at Christmas. __________. I bought cream buns at 1pm and brought them back to the office and told Carol J and Shazzo. A general lack of excitement. 

Mum and Dad dined at Burley-in-W. Ally and I went to the Cow & Calf and booked the reception for June 27. A bleak night. Had a lager and the hotel and then came back to Pine Tops. Mum and Dad came home at 9:30. Ally left at 10:30.

-=-

Sunday February 1, 1981

 _. 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Ally and her Mum

Sunny. Out to the New Forest at 12:30 in Frank's Rover to a pub seething with Sunday trippers. Joined by Graham and Gill. Andrew stayed at home playing with the remains of his motor cycle. A disappointing lunch. A dirty tobacco stained gent positioned himself next to Bessie and breathed, wheezed and perspired all over her plaice and chips. Frank and Graham were hudddled on bar stools, and Ally, Gill and I were crammed around a very small table. Frank bought my scampi [£2.10]. 

Frank & Bessie went on to Southampton and Ally and I went to Chandler's Ford with Graham and Gill to look at the work done to their new house. They've erected a cupboard in the kitchen. We left for home at 4:30 after much photographing. Even Frank brought out his camera. Good journey home. At Guiseley for 9:30. We showed Mum and Dad the engagement ring. Karen and Steve had been to Sunday lunch. Bed 11:30.

-=-

Saturday January 31, 1981

 _. Sunny day. Out at lunch at 12:30 with Ally, Graham and Gill to the Ship at Sutton something or other [Bishops Sutton]. I couldn't eat. Still a spot of diarrhoea. They all found room for mounds of dead fish and vegetation and I struggled with a small loaf and an innocent looking lump of Cheddar. The chutney proved fatal. Afterwards, to Southampton on a furniture hunt for Graham & Gill again. They are extremely disorganised.

Back to Chillandham Cross at 5:30. Frank came in from his boat from Guernsey, munching on a pear. He approached me and said bluntly: 'so you've named the day, have you?' The cat is finally out of the bag. I found the ring and placed it upon Ally's finger. We are well and truly engaged.

Just the two of us to Winchester for a drink this evening. We get on so enormously well. Called at the Plough at 10:45. Midge scampered from behind the bar to view the jewels. Graham was banging on about buying a CB thing. Ludicrous. Tony and Neil had a fight. Back at Chillandham Cross we had steak and chips at 12:30am. Bed 1:30.

-=-

Friday January 30, 1981

 _. A day of recovery at Lidget Green. Phoned the office at 8:30 and asked Sarah for cut flowers only, preferably orchids, and definitely no mourning. Ally went off in Audrey Citroen to the AHA and I sat listening to ghastly Radio 1, reading Agatha Christie. Later I had a bath, and ironed my jeans, and banged the hot iron down on my left hand. I didn't like it. 

Ally came home at 4. We packed the car, dashed to Leeds and collected the rings. The engagement ring is perfect. On to Winchester. Thick fog and ice after Northampton. We had to stop at Brackley for Ally to compose herself.

Walked in Chillandham Cross at 11. Frank is fogged up in Guernsey until tomorrow, and so we broke the news to Bessie, who had been warned of a coming surprise by Ally on the blower this afternoon. She was pleased, in her own sweet way. Graham & Gill fully expected it. Had a whisky. Bed at 1am.

-=-

Thursday January 29, 1981

 _. Diarrhoea. I suppose it had to happen. I put in a brief appearance at the YP and after swigging a chalky potion made up by the YP nurse I obtained 'leave of absence' from Sarah and headed home. Well, in fact I headed for the place that soon shall be my home, 5 Club St. Saw Ally briefly, and then disappeared to bed with a mug of revolting arrowroot, clutching a volume of Agatha Christie. Not one of Agatha's better works. Something about a Christmas pudding. As always, I feel much better away from the YP. 

Ally was back from work at 5 and I attempted to join her downstairs but felt weak and uncomfortable. Returned to bed.

Dave G phoned but I didn't speak. Ally passed on my good wishes. Ally came to bed at 10. A restless night watching the clock and jibbering away to myself. All very melodramatic, but when I'm ill I certainly know I'm ill.

-=-

Wednesday January 28, 1981

 _. Decidedly weak. To the YP 9-12. It was easy sitting in the office and not letting anyone know of my affairs. Mouth tightly shut, saying nothing. 

It was an awful journey on the bus. Looked at lunch but didn't touch the food. Too dangerous.

Went to bed until tea time. JPH woke me, playing with my foot, went downstairs feeling cold, tired and lifeless. Ally joined us and we two sat by the fire whilst Mum, Dad, John, Maria and the babies foraged next door.

It wasn't long before I was wanting my bed. It must be a chill. Poor Ally went home to Club St.

-=-

Tuesday January 27, 1981

 _. We had an engagement party. It commenced at 8:30 with the following: ML Rhodes, Esq; Alison Dixon,; Lawrence Rhodes; Nora Rhodes; David and Lynn Baker; Peter and Susan Nason; John and Maria Rhodes; Mabel Paine; Tony and Hilda Gadsby; Steve and Karen Sanderson; Jill Gadsby and Tim Elmer; Diane Gadsby and Paul Edwards; Jackie Myers; Jim and Margaret Nason; Jim and Muriel Rawnsley, &c.

We received some wonderful presents [but won't bore you with a list], ate amazing food. Felt very odd, almost as though it wasn't really happening. Ally looked superb in her little 'clown trousers'. She is enormously happy and the responsibility puts terror in me. What if I should fail her? Am I capable of protecting her through life, down its gruesome, twisting pathway?

Hilda arrived bedecked in the Union Flag and led a conga-like dance throughout the house. Jim N entertained the males with a risque comedy hour in the kitchen bar, and a cultural bunch gathered around the surprise guest Muriel Rawnsley, as she told them the tale of how she dropped a slice of lemon from her gin and tonic into the lap of Mr Justice Boreham.

By 2am I was exhausted. I'm definitely going down with something. We have sent Mum some flowers as a thank you. Goodnight.

-=-

Monday January 26, 1981

 _. Mum took JPH and Catherine to Pudsey this morning to visit Hilda and Mabel and to inform them of our news. Mum says she's throwing a party tomorrow night, chiefly because John will still be here, but no public announcement will be made until after we've seen Bessie and Frank at the weekend.

Ally came here tonight. With all this excitement she cannot stay at Club St.

-=-

Sunday January 25, 1981

 _. 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Ally and I went to the Cow & Calf at 1:30 and placed a provisional booking for a wedding reception. Returned to Pine Tops and went to bed for the afternoon. Ally had lunch with Mum and Dad. I got up at 5 with a clear head.

Sue and Pete were summoned [under false pretences], and we waited for Lynn and Dave to come from Audrey and Henry's. It seemed like an eternity. They came at 11:30. John and Maria came too, straight from Lochans. When all were assembled I walked in with a tray full of sherry, and all were informed of our plans. They all seemed so happy.

-=-

Saturday January 24, 1981

 _. At the YP from 9am-1:45. Dull isn't the word. Sunny, almost warm. Out into town at 2 and bought a two-stone diamond engagement ring, and a gold wedding ring from Maxfield's 'the wedding ring specialists' in the Merrion Centre. 

Back to Club St. Hot bath. On to Esholt to see the Rev Calvin Ward in his cold vestry. He agrees to our date, June 27, but says that he can only fit us in at noon. We wanted 2pm, but he's tied up at a tea party, or something. He was very agreeable and put us at our ease.

We went on to the Fox and Hounds and drank Stella Artois until 10. Back at Pine Tops we waited for Dad to walk in at midnight and then I told them that I had finally popped the question. Much excitement, joy, elation, &c. Mum said she thought I might be waiting for the Prince of Wales to do it first. Papa was close to tears. After all, I am his first born. Or was it the home brewed 'Japanese' Sake?

-=-

Friday January 23, 1981

 _. Brief. To Ally's after the YP. She collected her pay cheque today and found a £200 tax rebate within. Speechless. We celebrated with a lasagne at Mamma Mia's on Manningham Lane. Ally beautiful with her hair tied up. On to the Bod, but didn't over do things. Home for 11. 

-=-

Thursday January 22, 1981

 _. At 8pm Ally and I went out to the Drop, then the New Inn. Saw Susie, Janet, and Audrey, and little Biff. I do not like how Sue hangs around with these girls. Back to Pine Tops, quite merry, and watched Robin Day on the BBC.

-=-

Wednesday January 21, 1981

 _. Ally collected me from the YP at 5. She had been into Leeds to renew a contract on something, but had messed the whole thing up. We went on to Guiseley for dinner with Mum and Dad and afterwards fell in front of the TV to watch another episode of D.H. Lawrence's 'Sons and Lovers'. Papa came home in the midst of this with a sad tale. The baby of a local doctor was found dead in its cot this evening after spending a damp afternoon with its mother shopping in Leeds strapped to its mother in one of those ridiculous red-Indian-type baby carrying things. Dad says he found her quite dazed cradling the child.

Mum and Dad went to bed and Ally I sat whispering about the coming holocaust, namely our engagement.

Ode to Ronald Reagan

Ron and Nancy you're the best,

I've watched you on the telly,

You make me want to head out west,

But it's all so flat and smelly.

-=-

Tuesday January 20, 1981

 _. Out of bed at 7. Worked very unenthusiastically, and paced up and down the office. Phoned Ally at 4 and spoke just for a few minutes. She is thinking about a honeymoon, definitely abroad, and we discussed the plot to cover our tracks on Saturday when we go see Ward at Esholt. All exciting stuff. If, or when asked about our visit to Winchester Jan 30-31, it is for Ally to have a fitting for her bridesmaid dress for Gill's wedding. I cannot wait to see the look on the faces at home when the news breaks. Hawksworth Laner will be reminiscent of VE Day in Trafalgar Square.

Both Sue and John phoned tonight. J is coming down from Scotland on Sunday to take Maria for her gynaecological x-ray, or whatever.

Royal New: Poor Lady Diana [Spencer] is back teaching at her kindgergarten whilst the Prince of Wales prepares for his annual Klosters visit with the Gloucesters. They go on Friday. Last week Lady D was spotted in Harrods purchasing items of fancy underwear, and laughed off the recognition with skill. John MacMurray has told Sarah that the permanent entourage of reporters camping outside Lady D's flat have all been captivated by her charm, good humour, and beauty. The girl is definitely Queen material. The prince would be a bloody fool to let her go.

News from the US: President Carter goes out of office and simultaneously the US hostages held in Iran were released after a captivity of 444 days. Four years ago I referred to Carter as 'a slug'. But now I admire him and feel profoundly sorry for the disasters and misfortunes that have dogged him. Ronald Wilson Reagan, who is 70 next month, becomes the 40th president. I am unsure about him. I won't call him a slug because I haven't seen much of him to attach any labels. 

Monday January 19, 1981

 _. Historic day. Ally and I had breakfast together at 7. Giggling together over cups of tea. Dad joined us. I pushed her down the lane.

12:40pm: Ally phoned to say she had spoken to the Rev Calvin Ward, Vicar of Esholt, and booked an appointment for us to see him on Saturday evening at 7:30. The ball is rolling. Feel very elated. Why didn't we think of this sooner?

9pm: Phoned Ally. She was in bed with a book and sore throat. A luscious little chat. How can we remain silent until February?

Other news: The US hostages in Iran are to be freed soon. President Carter leaves office tomorrow.

-=-

Sunday January 18, 1981

 _. 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Up at 11. We headed out to see the Stonehouse Inn with Mum, Dad, Sue, Pete, Margaret, Jim and Julie. We drove there and looked at it without going on [it wasn't the time to do so with Margaret]. I can picture it renovated, nestling there in the sun surrounded by umbrellas, bustling with hikers. I pray this will come off for Mum and Dad. To the Miner's Arms for lunch. Bleak, and pouring rain. I stopped for a wee in a field on the way back and we lost the others. We returned home via Leathley, Farnley, &c. 

Back at Pine Tops Ally and I were interrogated mercilessly by the party re a possible wedding. Little do they know. One particular 'hairy' incident was when Jim and Margaret were discussing their pearl wedding anniversary, on June 30. Without thinking I immediately said that June 30 is a Tuesday. Jim's eyes glistened. He leapt upon it. Why have I been looking at the June '81 calendar?

Dad breathalysed all the party, just by way of a joke. I blew an alcohol-free bag as if I hadn't had a drop all day.

Tonight a momentous decision was made. The party disbanded at 9 and Mum and Dad retired at 10:30 and Ally and I took out a diary and decided to marry on June 27 at Esholt [my parish] because she doesn't like the look of Lidget Abbey [sic]. On January 30-31 we are going to Hampshire to seek parental approval and on Saturday February 7 we will go public. I'll tell Mum and Dad immediately on our return from Hampshire. How's that?

-=-

Saturday January 17, 1981

 _. Slept until lunchtime, but then erupted in a flurry of activity. I cleaned out the imitation log gas burning fire, and did the carpets with the vacuum cleaner. Ally washed her smalls and dried them in the new spin dryer. I even found time to split some spider plants and swept the leaves and litter from her slippery pathway. A real hive of industry, it was.

Home to Guiseley by 5pm to find Pine Tops deserted.Then Mum and Dad returned from a visit to the Stonehouse Inn at Thruscross, very enthusiastic about the place, saying that the owner, 87 year-old George Deakin, is considering selling the place and that Mum and Dad are his heir presumptives in the business. Great excitement. 

At 8:30 we went with Sue and Pete to meet Lynn, Dave, Dave Allinson and the delightfully vulgar Elaine, at the Nunroyd, a new pub in Nunroyd Park, Guiseley. Not very nice. Certainly doomed to failure. All the yobs from Guiseley and Yeadon were 'casing the joint'. On to the Stone Trough at Rawdon [full of teenagers], and finally to the White Cross. Saw Mick Lynch and Carole, with a new boyfriend, a hairdresser. Back to Pine Tops with Sue and Pete for a drink. Watched a lousy film starring Sarah Miles.

-=-

Friday January 16, 1981

 _. Didn't hear the alarm clock and woke up at 8. Unbelievably, I was at my desk at the YP at 8:50 looking well turned out, and efficient. However, by lunchtime I was exhausted. I put a couple of chairs together to make a makeshift hammock and sprawled out behind the filing cabinets [Africa: Zambia politics 17197], and slept for an hour emerging at 2:30 feeling bog-eyed and with a pulsating brain. Did no work and sat with my head in my hands.

Ally phoned to say she was leaving the AHA at 2:30 because of the snow. The girls quit the office at 4 and Ally came to the office at 4:30. I gave her some photo files to look at until 5:30 and then we went out into a blizzard to join Lynne Bateson at her leaving party in the Harrogate suite at the Wellesley. Joined by Peter Lazenby, Gavin Summers, Roy Holland, Nichola Gould, Stephanie Ferguson & Dave, &c. Put away a good deal of booze [again] but felt remarkably well considering I was so dead this afternoon. Ally got on like a house on fire with Pete and Roy. Somebody [the name escapes me] analysed by horoscope. Evidently, Pisces was in ascendant at the moment of my birth which dilutes some of the nastiness of Aries. What clap trap. On to an Indian restaurant on Eastgate with a party including a dreadful Jewish solicitor and his tarty wife. Ally was furious about her. The solicitor's wife took exception to Stephanie, for some reason, call it jealousy, and a slanging match, or battle of wits, ensued in which the indomitable Stephanie came out on top as one would expect. The bill in the restaurant was far too steep, and left me almost destitute. Ally gave a couple a lift to Roundhay and on we went to Club St, feeling tired, full and content.

-=-

Thursday January 15, 1981

 _. Kathleen put in an appearance today for 10 minuties in the afternoon and looked really shocking. She told us she is down to 8 stone, and resembles a Kampuchean refugee. She has been granted leave of absence by W.J. Austin-Clarke, and said goodbye knowing we won't be seeing her again until after her father's death, which could come any time. Sarah is left in charge and is far from happy with the situation because although she will have full powers she will not be receiving Kathleen's money. Trouble brewing here no doubt.

To Ally's at 6. She was scampering around in nothing but a towel looking very sexy, with her curls dripping wet. At 8 we went to a fish and chip shop and ate them sitting in the steamed up car watching the Bradford peasants frequenting the off-licence premises nearby. Why is it that very poor people, who can barely afford to feed themselves, always seem to have packs of Alsatian dogs, and canine half-breeds? Dogs, I think, are associated with the upper classes and the lower classes, but not those in the middle.

Onwards to the Drop where we over-did things with booze and frittered away over £7, which I can ill afford. We discussed the wedding and thought of going on to Oakwood Hall but returned to Rue Club instead and sat by the fire studying the calendar. June was suggested, and so was September, but July and August were not.

-=-

Wednesday January 14, 1981

 _. Freezing rain which occasionally looks like snow. Frank Metcalfe, a weather expert, tells me that tomorrow 'it will snow like buggery'. 

My alarm clock sounded at 6:50, and by 7:30 I was twiddling my thumbs, raring to go. I put through my morning alarm call to Ally and she took the traditional twenty minutes to struggle to the blower. She said it was the postman dropping a letter through her box that finally woke her, not the ringing telephone from her desperate lover 10 miles away.

Ronald Reagan is to be inaugurated US president next Tuesday. His friendship with Frank Sinatra could prove to be quite embarrassing because it's obvious that 'old blue eyes' is buried up to his neck in shady underground activities. Beleive it or not, I am now warming to this ageing old 'has been'. Carter was ineffectual and a bungler, and I think America is well rid. I did feel sad, nay -dismayed - in November, but it's January now. General Haig seems to be a decent chappie too. Someone who'll give the Iranians a kick in the sensitive area.

Ally came here at 7:30 and we watched 'Coronation Street'. Mum remarked that I must have been watching the programme all my life. It certainly feels like it. We glued photographs in a new album and reminisced about our last holiday and Sue & Pete's wedding.

Sue and Pete came to see Mum for ten minutes. She complained of feeling ill [again].

Afterwards I helped Ally insert her new earrings. She behaved as though it was a major operation. She had her ears pierced on Dec 1, and so the sleepers have had a good six weeks.

On the 9 o'clock news we heard that Lady Diana Spencer has joined the Prince of Wales at Sandringham for dinner tonight. The report claimed she went to Norfolk by train and was collected at the station before Sandringham by a member of the royal household. She'll be at the estate for two or three days. Is this it? It is interesting to note that the future King George VI proposed to Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon at Sandringham on January 13, 1923.

-=-

Tuesday January 13, 1981

 _. Very cold. Biting in fact. Phoned Ally at 7:30 [I'd regained consciousness at 6:30 on hearing Dad making his way to bed after a 12 hour shift guarding prisoners at Otley]. 

The joke now, when talking to Ally is the colour of the bridesmaid dresses, i.e. the dresses for HER bridesmaids. Today it was lemon with white spots. This wedding talk seems so unreal. When will it be? Ally wants to name a date, but I don't think it's down to her. What about an engagement?  I don't really think one is necessary, but to go without one altogether might not go down well in some quarters.

At the YP Kathleen has applied for indefinate leave of absence from her duties as chief librarian to look after her dying father who is lingering close to the abyss. Sarah is now ruler of all she surveys.

Tonight when Mum was heading off to bed and for the second night in succession she asked me how Ally can tolerate living on her own. I said: 'Oh, she's used to it'. She would like nothing better than to see us settled.

A foreign holiday this years seems lost and forgotten, and I don't give a damn. She looked at a house [£17,500] at Rawdon on her way home last night. Club Street is all very well but she is buying it with a Barclays bank loan [thanks to her Dad] and this cannot be converted into a mortgage because building societies do not give mortgages to properties without a back, side, or rear door. Don't ask me why, but this is the case. So, when we marry we might look for some other place to dwell, and in both our names of course.

Phoned Ally at 8. She's booked Hill Top Cottage, at Grassington, for February 6,7 and 8. Phoned Dave G to confirm his presence.

Monday January 12, 1981

 _. I am cultivating something closely resembling a beard, and although many people fall about laughing at it, I think Ally likes it, and is happy, and the more they mock it, the more I shall grow it, or attempt to grow it, because I'm driven on by comment. At least people are noticing me.

Royal news: The Daily Mail reports that Lady Diana [Spencer] with her sisters and father will be spending next weekend at Sandringham. If this is so then it could have very exciting possibilities. The more I see of Lady D the more I realise she is the girl to be Queen.

Prince Welf Ernst of Hanover, a nephew of the Duke of Edinburgh, and contemporary of the Prince of Wales at Gordonstoun has died suddenly in India, whilst playing karate, aged 33. He has been cremated on the banks of the Ganges in a Hindhu ceremony. Queen Victoria was very fond of Indians, and one, whose name escapes me, rose to be a private secretary and wielded great power over her.

Freezing rain today. Ally's car wouldn't start so she dumped it until this evening and collected it when she came to dinner at 6. I went with Dave G to Leeds and saw him off back to Stockport. We are thinking about Grassington in February.

Poor Dad is working a 12 hour shift from 6am tomorrow, guarding prisoners at Otley. Mum loathes his lengthy absences. Ally and I had a candlelit dinner, and later she went off to Club Street. I hate the Citroen for it's constant indecision. Saw TV. 'The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes' until 11:30. To bed.

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Sunday January 11, 1981

_. 1st Sunday after Epiphany

Out of bed late and again. We went down to the chemist in Guiseley for something for Mum, who was writhing in bed with an upset stomach. Mr Ussher made up some potion and we took it back to Mum, tucked up safely in bed. To preserve the tranquility of the house we took Dave to Burley where we sat drinking sherry with my ever widening sister. Dave B was nowhere to be seen. He was out in his garage playing with the engine of Lynn's car. We sat with our drinks in one room whilst Lynn and Dave had roast lamb for lunch in another. Ally thought that this was perhaps a trifle rude. When we did have conversation it centred on babies and houses. Christine Dibb has told Lynn that Ally was moving from Bradford. Highly amusing.

Back to Pine Tops at 6 for dinner with Dad. Mum still laid up, but slightly better. Pork chops by candlelight. Watched TV until almost 1am. We started with 'Houseboat' starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren, then Vanessa Redgrave playing Fania Fénelon in 'Playing for Time', a horrific tale about the Auschwitz concentration camp. Finally, James Mason and Diana Coupland in 'Spring and Port Wine'. To bed at 1. Ally looked exhausted and Dave, full of cold, sniffed throughout the epic TV session.

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Saturday January 10, 1981

 _. Out of bed at almost 12. Breakfast on eggs, bacon, &c. As soon as it was decently possible we escaped to the Bod for a drink. A pleasant session. Afterwards we drove to Guiseley and sat with Mama and Sue and Pete. Sue clad in a new fur coat - a Christmas present from Pete. Wine flowed. Snow fell. Night fell.

Out at 8 [Ally driving] Dave, Sue, Pete and I to the Fox & Hounds and then the New Inn. Saw George W and Jayne [again], but we left the Fox after just two drinks because it's such a dull, old place. The New Inn is delightfully rough, and packed. Sat with Dave W, Gus, Johnny, and a guy from Hull. The usual mob were in pouring drink all over each other. I was revolted to see a heap of genuine vomit on the bar at the end of the evening - carrots, the lot. Came home to Pine Tops afterwards. I was feeling damp after Johnny had pushed me into a urinal at the New Inn. It was flushing at the time reminiscent of going over the Niagara Falls. We made a good deal of noise before going to bed.

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Friday January 9, 1981

 _. To Leeds from Bradford. Felt tatty - wearing the same shirt from the day before. Spent the day 'running' the library. Home at 6 after meeting Dave G at the station. He has a glowing nose and had even less hair. We both dined with Mum, Dad and JPH. They'd been looking after my nephew for the day because Maria had an appointment with a gynaecologist. JPH behaved himself very well, whilst David spilled his wine over the table and slopped around like a three year-old. JPH told me that I have a funny voice. I probably do.

Ally came over at 8 and the three of us went to the Fox. We met George Waite again. He was drunk and didn't say much. To the New Inn at 9:30 to meet John, Maria and Chris Ratcliffe. The place was packed and noisy. Chris hated it.

Maria told me of her gynaecological problem __________, and because of this she has to come back to Yokshire in a fortnight to see the quack again. She had told this story to Mum and Dad this afternoon, and Dad [poor man] bolted red-faced from the room. He embarrasses so easily. 

John was very talkative and on leaving he kissed Ally, which touched her. He isn't a kisser.

We left at 11 and took David to Club Street. Had a few drinks and listened to the Specials before bed.

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