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.