Friday September 19, 1980

Peter M.

_. Out to Parker's wine bar with Sarah at 1pm. Ghastly afternoon. Felt ill due to lack of food. Home at 6 and recovered in time to go out with Pete M and Steve Hudson to the Shoulder at 8:30. I sat in the back of his open van, hair blowing in the breeze, looking like Charlton Heston in 'Ben Hur'. Peter told me in strictest confidence that he wished he could be fashionable like me. He wasn't taking the mickey either. Oh dear. You've either got it, or you haven't. On to the White Cross. Saw Sue and Pete who were with Audrey Rycroft and her bearded silent, brooding husband. By now we were all very drunk. Steve has a funny heart. It was palpitating again. Transplant material, perhaps? From the Cross to the New Inn. Saw Chippy and Dave W outside the pub and offered them a suitable V sign from my chariot. Exchanged abuse with Dave W which is always fun. Steve left at 11, and after failing to persuade Pete to go on to a disco we went back to his place in Otley for bacon sandwiches and fish fingers. Lynne came down and wasn't too pleased to see me. Donald and Vera, his parents, were at the house in Thornton-le-Dale, and Karl was out on the town. He gave me a room for the night, but at some unearthly hour I left the house and it's sleeping occupants and walked home.

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Thursday September 18, 1980

PC Rhodes: no future.

_. The papers today were full of Lady Diana Spencer. They have all decided it's settled and tied up. I'm not speculating at the moment.

Home at 5:30 to find Mama and Papa in the middle of a fracas. Mum had raise the subject of the future beyond Dad's service in the police force, and Dad had brought the conversation to something of an impasse by saying he had no intention of discussing the future, because as far as he is concerned he doesn't have one. Mum was upset, but far from shattered. I think she is learning to live with his little peculiarities.

Ally came over on the bus at 7:30. The atmosphere in the house was far from harmonious, and so we walked out into Guiseley, for a tour of some of the hostelries. The Yorkshire Rose, the Drop, and the New Inn. This was the first time Ally has been to ours without a car. She once came over with Admiral Dave last year, but that's all. We enjoyed our walk. Autumn is definitely here. Home in a fine drizzle at 11. Saw Lynn and Dave on the lane driving back to Burley. Arranged to go to Dave A and Elaine's on Oct 2. Saw Jim and Margaret. Bed at 1:30.

Wednesday September 17, 1980

_. To Ally's at 5. Listened to music and cuddled until 12. Forgive the crossing out. All my fault.

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Tuesday September 16,1980

_. Shazzo is back from Crete looking decidedly pale and very reticent. What can she have been doing for three weeks? She tells such lies I wouldn't be at all surprised to discover she's really been to Filey, in one of those dreadful caravans. Kathleen was appalling all day, and Sarah made no appearance. She's vomiting.

Phoned at Ally at 2 and spoke to the dreadful Derek Jenkins. She sounded bored, but brightened. I vowed to visit her tomorrow. A Rolling Stones and lager session would be nice.

We are planning a Halloween party on Saturday Nov 1. Obviously, nobody will come, but at least we are making an effort. Some people never give parties but are always the first to attend them.

Benn: wide-eyed pipe smoking maniac.

I am worried about the antics in recent days of Mr Wedgwood Benn and his fanatical band of Labour Lefties. The Labour party conference is looming on the battle scarred horizon and it's clear to me that Callaghan will be slaughtered in favour of this wide-eyed pipe smoking maniac. It's Dad's opinion that Benn and Co will ensure Labour stay in the wilderness for another ten years at least, leaving a clear run for dear Margaret Hilda and that nice Mr Prior. I cannot share my father's optimism. I envisage a Red administration coming to power in 1984 bringing nothing but chaos, anarchy, and useless change for changes sake. What's wrong with the House of Lords, and Eton, cucumber sandwiches and Aston Martin cars?

Saw a programme about the Spitfire plane. Bed at 11:45.

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