Monday April 28, 1980

_. Sarah has terminated her relationship with Richard Burke. Does this mean the end of the Regent?

Sharon joined us in the library today. She is to replace Eileen who departs in three weeks to have her baby. Sharon is Jewish, and prone to violent mood swings. Kathleen came in to the office, but left early to have something done with her wisdom teeth.

A gloomy cloud hangs over the YP. The NGA are on strike, and Paul Vallely  tells us it could go on for a couple of months and result is us all being laid off.

Went into the City Library at lunchtime and took out 'The Prince and the Lily', by James Brough. The story of the relationship between King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry. Lingering behind the book shelves I forgot the time and had to jog back to the YP at 2. Bought cousin Jill a birthday card and posted it.______.

Dave L phoned for the nettle wine recipe. He was evasive about the weekend agenda.

Cyrus Vance, the US Secretary of State has resigned over the hostage crisis leaving poor President Carter alone and desolate. A particularly spineless and cruel thing to do. Abandoning the sinking ship, and all that.

Coronation Street followed by President Nixon on 'Panorama'. I cannot help admiring the old crook.
Retired at 12:20 with 'The ABC Murders', but half way in I suddenly remembered who it was that committed them.

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Sunday April 27, 1980

_. 3rd Sunday after Easter

Ally and I were the first up at 9:25. We fried eggs and bacon. At 10:30 Ally went off to the Belfry and I returned home with Lynn and Dave. I sat reading the Sunday papers. Lynn discussed life with Mum and Dad and poor Dave was laid flat out like a 13th century effigy in Westminster Abbey. Back to the Sunday papers. President Carter is up to his knees in merde over Iran and his failure to release the hostages. It's been a complete cock-up, in fact. I do feel very sorry for the president. My opinion of Jimmy Carter has changed in the past 6 months, and I am sure he will be re-elected in November. Can you imagine Ronald Reagan as president?

Lynn and Dave went home at lunchtime. I sat reading 'The ABC Murders' [again] by Dame Agatha Christie. Saw Rosamond John in an old film. Isn't she the wife of would-be Labour party leader John Silkin, MP? Later saw Liv Ullman in the film 'Pope Joan', based on the legend of the 9th century female who ascended the throne of St Peter, and died in childbirth. 'Pope dies in childbirth', just imagining the headline in the EP.

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Saturday April 26, 1980

_. Hot day. Went to Ally's at 11:30 and spent a hideous afternoon stripping the wallpaper from her bedroom walls. She busied herself with the vacuum cleaner. All very domesticated. Took at hot bath at 5:30 and sat aching from the strain of my labours.

Lynn and Dave came over at 8. We went for a few drinks to Thornton and then on to the Belfry for dinner - a treat from Ally no less. Ally disagreed with me when I said I thought the owner, Mrs Hartley, was a ______. Ally looked lovely in a new gown. Dave drank like a fish but Lynn abstained in order to chauffeur us back to Club Street. Lynn clutching a glass of tonic water, a rare sight.

Back at Slumber Towers we danced and talked until dawn. Dave came upstairs to inspect the damp patches.

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Friday April 25, 1980

_. Ghastly hangover. To the YP but took a half day and left at 12 to a lecture from Mama on how to behave at her social gatherings. Peter and I became somewhat over excited last night and had a bit of a beer fight in the kitchen. She said she'd spent all morning cleaning up the mess caused by my 'mindless behaviour'. I ruined her evening, evidently. She then walked out and up the lane to administer comfort and lend her sparkling charm to Muriel Rawnsley, who is in a state of severe depression.

Ally phoned when I was in the bath. The phone always rings when I'm submerged.

Out tonight with Dave L. Had a few drinks with Sue and Pete at the Fox and Hounds and then Dave and I went to the New Inn. Saw Ken, the projectionist. MM and Marita dominated our conversation.

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