Saturday April 5, 1980

_. A warm, sunny day. I was no sooner out bed when Ally carried me off to the White Cross where we were joined outside in the sun by Sue, Pete, Chippy, Gus, Johnny and Dave W. My first drink was a pint of pils lager with a double whisky chaser, at Johnny's instigation. This set the tone for the remainder of the day. From the Cross we all went to the Junction in Otley where we stood drinking on a busy street corner. Afterwards Ally and I collected a few bottles of wine and went to Rue Club to inflate balloons, and hide various items of precious Dixon memorabilia, in readiness for the party. Spent hours in the bath ______. The evening is very much lost to oblivion. To Mucky Willie's in Lidget Green where we were joined by Dave L and Tim and Jill. The assembled crowd toasted me at 9:20pm, the time of my birth, and afterwards I made a short speech, the contents of which evade me. Lynne Bateson bought me an [Easter] egg. Back to Club St for 11. It was a roaring success. Pete's friend Ken brought a camera and blue movies were screened on the chimney breast, for the survivors.  A German girl performing with what looked like an Alsatian dog brought some gasps from some of the more sensitive party goers. The night ended in an orgy of shaving foam and squirty cream. Sarah and Carol J chose to arrive at about 1am at a very crucial moment in the porno screening. Words fail me.

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Friday April 4, 1980

_. Good Friday

A sunny day. Mum remained in bed, citing illness. Is she perhaps in her menopause? Is 45 a little early, perhaps? How should I know?

We peeled the roof from the Spitfire and, after the traditional hot cross buns, we went to the Commercial which was busy but lacking in atmosphere. This was always on the cards following Annie and Ron's departure. From here we went to the Drop, which resembled the Albert Mausoleum at Frogmore. Then onto the Ings to join Sue and a band of girls from Wendy Wools. I can see why Sue enjoys life so much at Wendy Wools - they are all tarred with the same brush and are insane.

Ally dropped me at home and went to the Belfry. I had a pleasant night at the White Cross, where old friends are gathered for the start of the Bank Holiday binge. Revellers include: Johhny, Gus, Chippy, Phil Goya, Debs, Michael Dixon, &c. I recall a disgraceful groping session with Jill, Naomi's live-in companion. Back at home Mama is still in her bed. We watched a Hitchcock film.  Ally appeared at about 11 in readiness for the clock to chime midnight and herald the start of my 25th birthday. Dear God.

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Thursday April 3, 1980

_. Mum and Dad have severed diplomatic relations and the atmosphere at home is far from deliriously happy. I arranged to go out with Ally and sat underneath the heavy, menacing cloud awaiting her arrival. She arrived after 9 and Jim and Margaret walked in at the same time. Jim goes into hospital on Tuesday to have the varicose veins torn from his ailing legs.

Ally and I went out for a drink for the first time since out trip to Cracoe on March 23. Had a couple of drinks with Sue and Janet Simon at the Fox [they were drinking cherry brandy at £1.70 a round!], and then to the White Cross. It was like a scene from the Crimean War. Chaos and maladministration throughout, and we only just made it for last orders at the bar.

Back at home the house continued frosty and dull.

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