Tuesday June 7, 1983

 No letter from Sam Smiths which is a let down. An overcast day with only the occasional show from the sun. What a crap summer. 

Neil Kinnock shouting his mouth off on the lunchtime news. Falklands, Falklands, Falklands. Stirring up the details of our fantastic victory of last year will only increase the Tory vote as far as I can see. 

Ally phoned at 3. She wants a curry followed by a rice pudding. I shall of course give her what she wants. Ally moved to Guiseley from Winchester four years ago today. A historic day in the life of the author of this journal and for the Rhodes dynasty.

We refer to the baby as 'Tubby'. The large whisky bottle containing £70 in coins has always been the 'Clemmie Fund', not done particularly because we want a daughter. I have forgotten why this came about. I have no leanings for a child of any particular sex and will be very pleased with either male or female offspring. Nothing 'in between' please. 

Ally came home cheerfully and we sat with the door and all the windows open. The evening warm and sticky. Ally has her sofa, and me the armchair. Saw the ancient Western 'Shane' starring Alan Ladd. Slobbering at the end. The small Irish person on the nine o'clock news discussed Mrs Thatcher's cabinet (the one she'll form on Friday) and Cecil Parkinson was suggested as the new foreign secretary and Norman Tebbit as Home secretary. I don't think Mrs T will discard Willie Whitelaw or Francis Pym just yet. We shall see. 

-=-

Monday June 6, 1983

 Sunshine and breezes. Up with the larks. Give Ally a boiled egg. She has taken a shine to Francis (Wilson), the BBC Breakfast TV weather forecaster. He looks very much like Andy Graham. I went out to dig furiously in the garden uprooting gigantic dandelions and deep-rooted buttercups. It is my first foray into the garden this year. The mint is high, and once the tulips have gone the display will be far from Chelsea Flower Show standard. I suppose we need a few good hardy annuals. Then, basking in the morning sun I set about cleaning the windows and dispose of some of Steve O'Connor's debris. Then, with sweat on my brow, I threw everything into the washing machine and hung everything out of the washing line. Miss Whincup, over the road, comes out into her garden from time to time and gives me a smile. The lunchtime news: The Alliance are convinced that they'll beat Labour. Baked bread and sat with a coffee watching the shirts billowing on the line. This diary has gone, in the space of five years, from the journal of a debauched bachelor to that of a sedate, working 'house husband'. It must be terribly dull for you all. Never mind, with a bit of luck the years end will see me a licensee in a thriving tavern and then I'll have a few tales to tell, eh? We have had a postcard from Auntie Mabel in Llandudno. We haven't seen her since February, and so we must go soon to give her our joyous news. She'll be knitting furiously for six months. Ally came in looking well and alive and we sat in the peace of a Lidget Green evening eating a chicken broth with dumplings. I felt shagged out and we went upstairs and slept for an hour. Sue phoned. Are we going to Chippy's orgy on Saturday? No, Winchester calls. She says that Mrs Sumpton called the other day to thank her for the floral tributes for John. We say nothing about our news of course and say we'll go over on Thursday. Watched 'Minder' and went to bed after seeing the Waleses at the premiere of 'Octopussy'.

-=-

Sunday June 5, 1983

 1st Sunday after Trinity

Another day of quiet repose. We do not phone any family for fear of letting the cat out of the bag.

Bacon and eggs. Ally has read somewhere that bacon is full of protein. Bessie phoned to thank us for the flowers. She has also received a bouquet from her sister Joan. __________. Graham and Gill have been to see them. Graham, she said, didn't think much to our family planning at a time when I am unemployed. Such things cannot be planned. We thank God for them. Later Gill phoned and was excited about our news. She says Graham is in a mood because of a marketing exam planned for tomorrow. Matthew is just about crawling. Bessie says her grandson is 'quite bonnie'. We plan to go see the Dixons of Coleford in Bessie's car sometime next week.

We ate half a chicken and a rich chocolate cake. Ally, pale and washed out, disappeared to bed at 10. I looked in at the first five minutes of the news and retired cheerfully rejoicing the demise of the Labour Party. Is Roy Jenkins going to be leader of HMs opposition on Friday? Mrs T certainly has nothing to fear. I have inserted a 'Vote Tory' poster in my bedroom window. I haven't done such a thing before. Ones political leanings are essentially personal but no way could I sleep with ease at night thinking that the woman at number 18 assumes we are Labour voters. Tom Torney is our MP which is bad enough, but Pat Wall is only five miles away in the adjoining constituency. To bed with Jane Eyre.

-=-

Saturday June 4, 1983

 Bessie is 61 today. (She phoned last night and I had a good chat with her). Graham and Gill are supposed to be going to the rectory for the weekend.

Sunshine. Up after ten. Bright and cheerful. If Sam Smith's give us the push we'll go off on a residential course and get a diploma. We shall not be defeated. We are made of the stuff which sent Hitler packing. Vera Lynn and all that. 

Boiled eggs. We book tickets on a fast bus to London and back (£25 for the both of us) and can now tell Lynn and Dave that we'll be at Winchester from June 11-19 and if they want to join us they can do so. Feeling bright and optimistic today. I was so proud of Ally yesterday. She interviews remarkably well and turns on the charm. People are always impressed by her independence and the way she returned to Yorkshire in '79 and bought a house. __________. We went to market but were driven home by the sights and smells which turned Ally's stomach. Walking through the fish market proved to be a test in self-control for poor Pig, and we had to walk hurriedly through the stalls of red, dripping meat. An arduous shopping excursion to be sure. We returned home and had strawberries and cream. We dined early on soup, trout (grilled), new potatoes, garden peas, and more strawberries and cream. Ally finds it hard to hold on until evening and has to eat to ward off feelings of nausea. She went to bed early missing 'Dynasty'. I stayed up late watching a '73 movie based on the life of John Dillinger, the gangster of the '30s. Seen it before, of course. I had seen every film ever made at least twice by 1976. Just imagine how bored I'll be by 2017? Crept stealthily to bed so not to disturb Ally but it is quite impossible.

-=-

Friday June 3, 1983

 Overcast day. Ally in a groggy condition and moody. _______. Poached eggs. Her sense of smell has increased and she hates the aromas from cupboards and drawers and thinks that everything she eats and drinks tastes 'off'. It must be ghastly. Workmen are digging up the road and everything in the house is vibrating. Ally went off to the AHA looking peaky, yet resolute. 

Denis Healey has apologised to the PM over his 'glorifying in slaughter' remark. It was beneath contempt. Princess Helen of Roumania is engaged to an English professor. The mother of the Duke of Roxburghe is dead. She was married to a Hambro. I phoned enquiring about coaches to London on June 11, and worry because it is the official birthday of the Queen on that day and packs of tourists might be cluttering up the transport heading south to witness the Trooping the Colour. A bad tempered receptionist at Wallace Arnold told me that they 'haven't turned anyone away yet' for bookings on that day.

Ally came tearing in at 12 and after splashing in the soapy depths we left, once again, on bus, boat and train for Tadcaster. The train part of the journey was quite peaceful until a band of Vietnamese refugees carrying screaming babies came and sat close to us. We were deafened by the time we hit Leeds. To Tadcaster for 3. We were ushered up to the top floor to see Mr Tyne. It was clear from the outset that we were going to be offered a position. Ally was sensational. She did something which immediately captivated this middle-aged executive. He said he could picture Ally behind a bar more than he could picture me, and added that I am the youngest looking 28 year-old he has ever set eyes on. However, he approved, and said that we can begin training in Middlesbrough on July 18 after Ally's one month notice to the AHA. We left in a state of shock and discussed our plan of action. We did not mention the baby but will go back to see Mr Tyne after having written confirmation of our appointment. Everything is falling into place. Will the baby bring a halt to our ambitions? This Tyne person was very reasonable and very Geoff  Hemingway-ish. Are we mad? Is our point of view completely crazy and we cannot see it? We shall not be downhearted whatever. Life has taken on a whole bright future. Home. Ally to bed at 9. I watched the news and a ghost story and went up to bed at 10:30. Denis Healey is shit of the week.

-=-

Thursday June 2, 1983

 Ally's first ante-natal session with Dr Duck (can that really be her name?) at Paternoster Lane. A sunny and warm morning. We went together hand in hand. I sat in the garden of the methodist chapel until she emerged after about 20 minutes. She is still too early to be inspected and the doctor put the date of confinement at January 8. The birth can probably take place at the Bradford Royal Infirmary, and Dr Duck sees no impediment in our taking on a pub though advises Ally to give up work before the birth and earlier than she would have to do working at Chestnut House. We walked back to Club Street and I saw her onto a bus. 

Denis Healey, now grasping for survival, has accused the PM of 'playing in slaughter' in her reaction to the Falklands victory. This really is lower than anyone has ever stooped in pre-election muck raking. Mrs Thatcher has never, to my mind, taken on a gloating, victorious attitude at our defeat of the Argentinians, and always looks incredibly sad at the very mention of the Falkland isles. Labour is doomed. I'd love to see the SDP in second place, and Roy Jenkins says Labour will poll the lowest vote since 1922. I have told Ally that if a disaster somehow catapults Michael Foot into office then we will be taking the first boat out of the country.

Ally came in this evening close to collapse. The afternoons are not her best time she says, and she rapidly goes off at tea time. We had pork pies and peas, but Ally only had a sparrow's portion. She sat afterwards reading about stretch marks and baby feeding problems. Her condition makes her glum and emotional and at the slightest excuse she'll weep. She could easily get into a state about childbirth. It's so easy for me, isn't it?

Her Majesty was crowned 30 years ago this day. Watched a programme on BBC2 about coronation day. I always find the newsreel of the solemn anointing to be incredibly moving, and if anybody thinks that the Queen will one day abdicate they should take a look at the film because she could never lay aside that crown after making such vows and dedications before God and people. We are not Belgium. Bed at 10 o'clock.

-=- 

Wednesday June 1, 1983

 Thunder, lightning, rain. Sit looking out at the poor garden, yet to be touched this year. Ally out of bed feeling sick, but she went off to the AHA for the first time since her birthday. It was odd having nobody to talk to, and I passed the day bottling beer and tidying around. You'd be surprised just how long it takes to keep this humble yet comely house in a decent shape. Ally came home looking wan with a juicy piece of red steak in her handbag. I ate it like a wolf. Ally had a well-done morsel (rare meat being banned now for her, of course). She is nervous about seeing the doctor tomorrow and we lay in bed discussing the past, the present, and the future. ________. TV miserable. Coronation Street drama. Hilda Ogden is battling for her deceased brothers fish and chip shop. We also watched a documentary on contraception. In Thailand millions of eight year-old schoolchildren inflate condoms like balloons as part of their sex education. Odd.

-=-

Tuesday May 31, 1983

 Sunshine. Slept until 10. Mr O'Brien phoned and asked us to return to Tadcaster on Friday at 3pm. Ally is horrified at this date until she remembered that Derek is off and she only has Patricia 'to get round'. I went out for a newspaper. The YP looks thin. The palace is denying that the Princess of Wales is pregnant. It is only a matter of time.

Ally padded around all morning in a dressing gown. Over cheese on toast we discussed why we want a pub. I then sat and watched her take a bath. ______________. 

We set out at 3 and arrived at the Tetley HQ at 4:15. Just in time. We sat in the lobby surrounded by silver cups which have down the years been awarded to the great dray horses. Ally admired the quaint lift. We went in and saw a Mr Drake. It was a waste of time really because although he approved of us and found that our personalities were not wanting he could not pass us on to see an area manager because of my non-existent bar experience. So why the hell did they bother interviewing us when they could clearly see from our application form that I am green and inexperienced? I also didn't like the way that everything at Tetley's is geared towards the man whilst Ally and her experience was brushed aside. Sam Smith's on the other hand regard the man and wife as a a joint inseparable partnership with one joint wage. At Tetley's I would receive £5,500 per annum, and Ally £1,500. We left after 20 minutes and returned to Bradford. We do not feel glum. If  I returned to Tetley's after having 6 months bar experience I think we'd crack them. Ate spaghetti. Ally eating a green ice lolly and then taking great pleasure showing me her green tongue. Phoned Mum. Sue and Peter are staying at Horton for a few days. They have been busy and had a visit from the Scottish branch of the family - just recovering from German measles. They also had Lynn, David, Hilda and Tony yesterday. Tony is working in Edinburgh and might not be back for our June 9 spectacular but will try. Dad is preparing to paint and needs all the help he can get. Saw Mrs Thatcher interviewed by Robin Day. She is so dynamic. I do love our PM.

-=-

Monday May 30, 1983

 Bank Holiday in UK & USA

A filthy wet day. We lay in bed late and ate mounds of scrambled eggs when we eventually got up. Ally has spots on her arm and accuses the tiny occupants of the mattress of biting her. I think it's just a rash. We have over indulged on eggs lately and we are reminded that Frank insists that eggs give him a rash. Perhaps it's hereditary. Ally found a suitcase full of baggy, frilly clothes which she thinks will make suitable maternity wear, only if shorter. I took up a needle and thread and took a good 6 inches off everything in sight. A proper little David Emanuel. Two more Erroll Flynn films gave Ally hours of pleasure. The Elizabeth and Essex epic quite ghastly, followed by General Custer, or was it 'They Died with their Boots On'? We almost died with our boots off. Cheese omelette for tea. Just to keep our egg quota up. Then, yet another film The Goodbye Girl starring Richard Dreyfuss, which was good. Up to bed where we shivered beneath the quilt. Ally squealing at my cold extremities which happened to collide with hers ... our feet that is. I think we can say that a baby boy is to be Samuel. Joshua is now off the list for some reason, and Samuel is a family name after all. I have a cousin Sam incarcerated in the confines of a Carlisle hospital. Poor Sam. _______.

-=-

Sunday May 29, 1983

 Trinity Sunday

Horrible bank holiday weather. A day of inactivity and quiet domesticity. It's hard to write vast amounts about doing nothing. All my powers of elaboration and embroidery are going to have to be called upon. Ally sat knitting her tiny lemon creations. It's hard to believe we are going to become parents. Exhilarating to say the least. We dined on bits of fish in plastic bags and swamped in sauce. Ally is eating better but still pulls a face at the mention of Yorkshire puddings and pink roast beef. We were preparing for a quiet evening in front of the TV when Karen and Steve came marching in to disturb the tranquility but still it was good to see them. Karen is large and expects her offspring to come at the August bank holiday. We told them of our interviews and Steve filled us in on the details of a recent car auction. Watched a documentary by Ludovic Kennedy on the Queen's first 30 years as a backdrop to our conversation. No doubt the BBC will show it again for the Golden Jubilee in 2002. They went off to see Jill and Tim at the Royal and then Bessie phoned. She is pleased to hear of our interviews which surprised Ally. She didn't think her Mum would approve of pubs and babies.

-=-

Saturday May 28, 1983

 The smell in the kitchen is worse. Ally set about and gave everything a wash down. Dull day, overcast and cold. We decide not to go to Guiseley to see John and the children. He may prefer to spend some time with them alone. It's not often he gets the chance. I went out for another self certification form for Ally. Later, watched Dame Wendy Hiller in 'Pygmalion' followed by Erroll Flynn's 'Robin Hood'. We always giggle about Erroll Flynn. I think you know why. Ally has no vast appetite. Toast. I made an egg custard tart during 'Pygmalion', a simple operation to be sure. 'Where Eagles Dare' came on and we did nothing to stop it. It's a regular Bank Holiday feature film but we always forget the ending. Sat feet up on cushions watching Richard Burton grappling on the top of a cable car. All good stuff. Val Doonican ... snore ... zzz ... snore. To bed with square eyes.

-=-

Friday May 27, 1983

 Ally feels so much better today. No nausea. We lounged in bed until late. Janette phoned to say the children are coming from Scotland and that they will be at John's on Victoria Rd tomorrow evening if we want to see them. John's taking them to Horton-in-Ribblesdale on Sunday. We really should go. I went out and collected a self certification form for Ally but I made a mess of it and threw it away. By 2030 we'll be buried beneath 18 feet of rotting printed gobbledygook. Ally later sat knitting tiny lemon baby clothes. She already has a bag full from Bessie which we were told to keep for our progency. She was also watching a corny, old film starring someone called Andrée Melly, of whom I know nothing. Is she perhaps related to George? Ate steamed fish. Ally had an afternoon nap and ate with me at 5:30. Something smells funny in the kitchen and we know not what. Like a body beneath the concrete in the cellar. Repugnant. Watched a ghost story which was slow. Bars of chocolate. Cocoa. Bed after 10. Slept well for a change. We discuss the pub/baby thing. Can the two go hand in hand? We think so but what will the brewery think? Let us see.

-=-

Thursday May 26, 1983

Ally: spectacular

 Ally fought off the vomit for the day and off we went by bus and train to Tadcaster and Samuel Smith's brewery. We waited for ages in a clammy waiting room and were seen by a 17 year-old Mr O'Brien, an area manager. We seemed to please him, but it's hard to tell, and he sent us off to the pub until 3 when we returned to see another area manager who asked us to go away and not take up any offers from other breweries. Our ordeal was over. We have to go back and see a Mr Tyne, the managed house director. In the pub next to the brewery the landlord there says we've cracked it, but we refuse to enthuse. We have witnessed Mum and Dad build up hopes only to see them dashed. Ally was a brick and must have felt awful, but she didn't show it. She looked spectacular in a white jacket (bought on Tuesday) and the blue dress she bought for Dave Reed's nuptials last August. A hot and slow journey home from Tadcaster and we fell through the door sweaty and wilting at 7pm. Ally took to her bed and I had fish and chips and watched the FA Cup replay. Manchester United beat Brighton 4-0. Watched the election stuff and retired to bed feeling confident that Sam Smith's will make us an offer. Can we accept knowing what we now know?

Ally: May 26th

-=-

Wednesday May, 25, 1983

 Ally's sick worsens. She can keep nothing down and is a wreck. I feel quite helpless and can only stand by and she grovels around in the bathroom. I have never known Ally to be off her food and my appetite has come out in sympathy. She stayed upstairs for much of the day. Mum phoned to discuss Dad's 50th birthday party in January. I was gripped with excitement. If only they knew of the little bundle we will be presenting them with at Epiphany. Mum chatted for half an hour and was in good spirits. They had a good week at Horton and wished us the best of luck for tomorrow. Whilst we talked Ally was being sick upstairs and there I was saying 'Oh yes, Ally is very well'. Throbbing headache continues. Most odd. I suppose it's the pressure. A night tossing and turning like some guilt ridden character in Shakespeare.

-=-

Tuesday May 24, 1983

Ally: Thatcherish

 Ally still very sick and horrid. I pace silently around the house. I went out to the shops to buy a newspaper and called at the doctor to collect a self certification form only to find the place locked and bolted. One could be dying. A drab day. 

The general election news is getting me down. It's a drawn conclusion that Mrs Thatcher will be returned to power and so all this fuss seems futile. Mrs Thatcher will be the longest serving prime minister this century. 

Sarah phoned and I had a chat with her and Eileen. It feels so good not having to go into the office.

I'm in no mood to write. Throbbing headache. Warm afternoon. Ally and I into town where she bought a white jacket costing £16. Smart. Very Thatcherish. The vomit held off and she wasn't really with it.

-=-

Monday May 23, 1983

 Ally stayed at home today. I phoned Patricia and told her she wouldn't be in. We have a letter from Tetley's also asking us to attend an interview on Thursday. I phoned a Mr Drake and altered the appointment to Tuesday May 31. Ally stayed in bed until after 11.

(Gynaecological deletion)

It's odd that Bessie hasn't contacted us since Saturday. I know they were tied up at Windermere, but have since returned to Winchester, and I expected some contact this evening. Ally is their only daughter after all. Such odd behaviour. These Dixons are a cool lot.

We watched the general election stuff on the TV and Ally returned to bed after the nine o'clock news. The Queen has gone to Sweden. The Waleses are going to Canada from June 14 to July 1, and will be away for Prince William's birthday. He's too young to know.

I watched a Raquel Welch film and joined Ally at 11:20. I was far from sleepy and passed a restless night listening to Ally grinding her teeth. She does this often.

-=-

Sunday May 22, 1983

 Whit Sunday

Puzzling about Auntie Hilda's birthday card to Ally. The wording on the front .... 'Just Wait ... Worry settles nothing ...Just Wait for things to mend ...Fret not over problems ... Life solves them in the end'. It's not the sort of thing she'd do in fun. Only Dave L would do something like that, but he seems to have stopped.

We didn't get up until after 10. Ally feeling sick and so I gave her biscuits and milk. A glass of milk first thing on a morning prevents morning sickness, so says Miriam Stoppard. We had scrambled eggs and toast afterwards.

At 4:30 Lynn, Dave and the girls were here quite unsuspecting. Frances, in pink trousers and woolly cardigan was in a naughty mood and was smacked. Katie, fat and red, is a miniature of Lynn. They gave Ally a Hessian waistcoat. She didn't move until bedtime. Watched a JB Priestley play and read Brideshead.

-=-

Saturday May 21, 1983

 Alison Mary's 25th anniversary today. A peaceful, happy and contented day. Ally opened her presents and birthday cards in bed. Mum has sent her a fiver and Bessie £10. John and Janette had left her a box of chocolates, and I handed over my little bundle of gifts. She especially liked the baby book and sat reading about diet in pregnancy and morning sickness, &c. We work out on a chart that the baby is due at Epiphany as we surmised. Mum and Dad phoned with a singing telegram, and so did Lynn and Frances later. Lynn says Frances has been singing 'happy birthday to you' all day.

We had eggs and bacon and went into town at 12:30 where we went, unashamedly, into Mothercare to inspect cots and prams. To the Berni Inn at 2 for rump steak and all for £11.88 - very reasonable. We then went to the market and returned home at 4:30. Ally was done in and took to her bed for a couple of hours. I sat reading about babies. I intend to become a very good amateur gynaecologist. The evening brightened up and I sat quite alone outside admiring Miss Whincup's geraniums. She had me over to mend the flex on her kettle yesterday afternoon, and I did it too. Ally was back downstairs at 8 and we had coffee. She's had a quiet birthday but a joyful one. It's the first such anniversary we haven't celebrated with an orgy since she moved back to Yorkshire four years ago.

Watched 'Dynasty', and Ally went back to bed with profuse apologies. I watched a dismal film and went up at 1. (Bessie phoned at 11pm from Windermere, where they are staying with Barbara and Frank Makin, and I roused Ally to speak to her. They were in a jolly mood. Ally told her Mum our news and they were delighted. Frank sounded thrilled. Squeals of delight down the phone.

-=-

Friday May 20, 1983

 Up at 6:44. Ally has back ache and sits with a poached egg looking pained. What are we going to do about bloody pubs? We have an interview with Sam Smiths at Tadcaster next Thursday. I phoned them to confirm we can attend and contacted a few estate agents for leaflets for small shops in the N Yorks area. We shall have to see.

Sue and Pete came at 5:30 with Christopher - a little peril who insisted on demolishing the bookcase. Sue has had a perm and looks well. We itch to say something but don't. Drank lager and wine. They left at 8. On arriving home Sue phoned to say John Sumpton was killed on his motorbike at the end of West End Terrace this evening. Peter had been out with him and the usual Thursday mob last night. I put the phone down and burst into tears. I knew him quite well too, but hadn't seen him since September last.

-=-

Thursday May 19, 1983

Dexy's Midnight Runners

 A glorious, historic day of joy. We had breakfast attempting to think pessimistically so to lessen the disappointment. I spent a fretful morning chewing my finger nails and pacing the room. Steve O'Connor sends a man to do the pointing. He looks like someone who has escaped from Strangeways. Ally came in at 12 and immediately phoned the doctor before taking off her coat. The waiting seemed an eternity. I stood in the kitchen cringeing, but what a delight to hear that her urine sample is positive and Ally is well and truly pregnant. We fell onto the settee in a state of shock. Hard to believe. Ally went back to the AHA and told Patricia and Derek (who says 'this is a very special time'). I snatched up my cheque book and marched into Bradford smiling at old ladies, patting dogs, and bouncing with glee. I suppose they all thought that I am perhaps a prospective parliamentary candidate. I bought Ally a large glossy baby book for £7.95 in WH Smith's and the Dexy's Midnight Runners LP. I tore round town on a cloud. I wanted to scream my news from the rooftops. I came home on the bus and wrapped her presents in gay, floral paper, and deposited them atop the wardrobe. But first I played the Dexy's LP to ensure it was in pristine condition. I posted a birthday card to Isobel Clara Smith, who is one on Saturday, and sent invitations to Jim, Margaret, Hilda and Tony for our general election supper. Ally came in at 5:10 still stunned and we ate a large fish pie swamped in cheese sauce. We wanted to share our news. Should we phone Bessie? No, we resisted. She later sat with her feet up and with a cup of cocoa complaining about the noise made by Top of the Pops. 

We went to bed at 9:30.

-=-

Wednesday May 18, 1983

 Had a good nights sleep and woke up feeling better. But the mornings are always better. 

Ally feeling faint. ___________. Bessie has posted an early birthday card which I have hid on top of the wardrobe. It's adressed to Mrs M Dixon. She is a case. We have received an application form from Bass. We cannot concentrate on breweries at the moment. If Ally is pregnant then I suspect we will have to do something completely different because no brewery would employ a woman heavy with child. 

Susan phoned. The Nasons will be calling upon us on Friday with Ally's birthday present. It's awful that we haven't seen them since that day last month when we sat in the garden at Thorpefields with them. 

Tonight Ally is home looking bushed again to find John and Janette here. They walked in at about 2. The boy had taken her out to lunch and they thought they would come over and entertain me.  They were not fiery or brutal and were very pleasant together. Janet (who soiled John's sheets and disappeared with them) is selling her flat and John would like to break through and add it to his. He has raised the floor giving it a disco effect. They left and we had a curry. Ally irritable and she aches everywhere. Bessie phoned. We said nothing of our forthcoming news. Andrew takes his driving test on Friday. To our beds after the nine o'clock news. I read Brideshead Revisited. The TV series stuck very much to the book.

-=-

Tuesday May 17, 1983

 Feel hot and 'heady'. My cold worsens. I got out of bed and stood puffing and panting in the bathroom. My face is awful. I look 40. Ally feeling bilious. What a mess. She went off to the AHA looking like a rose. I am sure she is pregnant because she looks so good. I sat with a runny nose reading Brideshead Revisited. I then made some scones and Ally came in at 12 to eat them, along with bananas on toast. Like feeding time at the zoo. We then walked to the surgery on Beckside Road and she disappeared inside. I bought a loaf of bread and sat on the wall. After half an hour Ally came out. Dr Duck thinks she is pregnant but that it cannot be confirmed until the results of her urine sample come back on Thursday. You would really think that in this day and age a doctor might be able to carry out this test 'while you wait'. After all, it is 1983 the year of the Space Shuttle and the high speed train, Roy Jenkins and the £1 coin. Ally says Dr Duck is 'sweet' and seemed embarrassed. She offered Ally her congratulations and told her she holds an anti-natal class at Paternoster Lane every Thursday. We walked home hand-in-hand but refusing to enthuse. It wouldn't do to go wild with celebrations only to have a negative result the day after tomorrow.

I felt rotten and went to bed with Evelyn Waugh, paracetamols and a hot water bottle. I dropped off (to sleep) and only woke when Ally was unlocking the door three hours later. She made a chicken stew, but felt done in. The electioneering on the nine o'clock news drove her to bed. Michael Foot has borrowed Jim Callaghan's spectacles for the campaign, or so it would seem. I lasted until about 11 watching part 2 of an epic on the American Civil War. Gregory Peck was Abraham Lincoln. 

Steve Sanderson is 25 today. We have heard nothing much from Pudsey recently and have missed two birthdays. A hot night.

-=-

Monday May 16, 1983

 Ally felt sick and was uncomfortable all day. I spent the morning doing the washing and hanging it out in the sun. All the old girls on the street are doing the same. Ally came home at 12:30 feeling nauseous and phone the doctor and made an appointment for tomorrow, with Dr Duck, at 12:50. She will go armed with a urine sample. John and his friend Ray called in. They're on the look out for a job after being laid off. He's been earning £3.25 an hour. At the YP I'm sure I only earned about 60p. I gave them a few beers and they went off at about 2. A bashful house husband I ironed for several hours with the curtains closed and then it started to rain and I was amongst the tulips taking in the washing. I roasted a chicken and fed my wilting wife at 6pm. She has been so very uncomfortable all day. She feels hungry then has no appetite once she starts to eat. Queer. 

News: Michael Foot says that if he is victorious he will have everyone back to work by Christmas.

Ally was in bed at 8:30 and I took a hot bath, watched a film, and climbed in to bed at 11:10. 

-=-

Sunday May 15, 1983

At Horton

 Sunday after Ascension

Slept until about 9:30. A luxury for us these days. We could smell the fried breakfast and hear the Lancastrian guests chomping away. Ally is off fried food, and requested toast. We breakfasted with Mama and Papa at about 10. Dad going on and on about Mrs Thatcher again. He really is cut up about her having a general election just to please the media (he says), but at least this time both are going to vote. They have to have a postal vote as they are still on the electoral roll for Guiseley. Ally and I went out and walked around the village looking at the distant Pen-y-ghent which is black and sinister today. Dad says it never looks the same from one day to the next. The day was dull and turned to rain. Susan phoned to say Christopher is having his stitches out today and that Margaret and Jim may be calling at Waltergarth. They didn't materialise. Ally and I plan our bus route home but then Lynn phones to say she is calling in at tea time and so we fixed a lift back to Bradford with them. We had afternoon tea and sat around the crackling fire. Ally, looking pink, requested more scones, at which Mum went to the kitchen, muttering some concern about Ally's condition. Nothing further was said, but is the cat out of the bag? The Bakers came at 5 and we all left together at 7:30. The car was exceptionally hot and and both Ally and I felt quite sick. Little Katie was boiled and looked like a beetroot by the time they deposited us in Bradford. Ally, done in, went up to bed. I watched Brideshead Revisited and then joined her.

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Saturday May 14, 1983

 Sunny morn. I phoned the rail enquiries and discovered that the train goes at 8:20. We were up at 6:30 but still eating our eggs at 8 and didn't get into town until 8:30. Instead we made the journey by bus stitting upstairs at the front, soaking in the scenery like OAPs on a mystery tour. Ally feels well but is permanently hungry. We stopped at Skipton where we posted a birthday card to Steve (Sanderson), and arrived at Settle at 11:30 just as they heavens opened. We went into the Royal Oak to shelter and sat for an hour until the tiny bus came to take us to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. We arrived at Waltergarth at 12:45 and found Papa painting a sign in one of his garages. For the first time in years the drink supply seems to have dried up. It was a alcohol-free weekend. We had afternoon tea - Ally wolfing down the sandwiches. Dad came in after his labours. They are not doing a roaring trade. They have two lads staying there at the moment, from Lancashire. They are not unduly worried about it. They have to build up the business from the tatty remnant left by the Crowthers. We dined together and watched TV. Dad was pacing around the room during 'Dynasty'. Ally was whacked and at 10:30 we went off to bed in the 'pink suite' leaving Mum and Dad sitting by the fire. They do seem very happy. Can you recall those fiery and uncomfortable days of five or six years ago when they behaved like unruly children? We slept very comfortably despite the nylon sheets. The silence of Horton takes some getting used to. Just us and a few sheep.

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Friday May 13, 1983

 Sunshine today. I don't think God has sent us a fine day since I 'retired'. I went marching off at 8 after Ally's departure and walked to the market. Spent £7 and walked home, heavily laden. Saw old Charles, with his wobbling dentures, at No. 12, who tells me he is 83, and almost 84. I say "so you are from last century" and he wandered off looking vague, trailing his shopping bag.

I racked six jars of wine and did my housework to the sound of the thumping stereo. The ash tree is about to bud, but the Christmas tree planted out is on it's last legs. Phoned Ally at 3 to discuss our evening meal. Pork chops. We have decided not to go out with Lynn & Dave B and the Allinsons on Saturday because a) we would have nowhere decent to sleep, and b) Ally doesn't feel like alcohol at the moment. _______. How can we avoid the evening without raising suspicions in Lynn? We are due to visit Horton too, but she doesn't fancy that either. She will be more settled once we know yeah or nay.

I am sitting in the sun by the window writing this watching the cars on Cemetery Road. _____. I have despatched our application form to Whitebread's. The silence from the breweries is horrid. We are left high and dry until something crops up with the added excitement of Ally's gynaecological situation. _____. When Ally came in we discussed the calendar for the next month and decide that perhaps tomorrow is our last chance to go to Horton before Christmas. I phoned Mama and told her we'd go tomorrow afternoon. Ally doesn't want to go far & doesn't want Mum adding two and two together. I attempted to phone the British Rail information desk for details of trains to Settle, and typically, got no reply. To bed after 10.

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Thursday May 12, 1983

 Ascension Day

Pouring bloody rain again. Eggs and kisses. I watched Ally at her bus stop where she peeped from under my black umbrella.

I made a loaf of bread which looks good. Sarah phoned to ask how to address a lady councillor who is the widow of a baronet. I say 'Councillor Diana, Lady Ingilby'. She went off in a hurry but said she'd speak to me later.

Ally phoned and we discussed the format for when she should visit her doctor. I phoned the surgery at Paternoster Lane. ___________. The rain stopped. I got a bus and met Ally at the hospital. I told her she now has to begin the urine sample racket again. I am trying desperately not to become too excited by all this, as we have been through it before, in '81. We went along to the Co-op and spent one hour and £9 on a few provisions. We left and walked slowly back down the road. Her lunch time back ache is raging. Derek is being thoughtful about it all and had a nice chat with Ally this morning. I had to run for a bus down Squire Lane, heavily laden with six carrier bags, and was home for 1:45.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are home from the sun scorched island of (blank) with the Romseys. Both women are like bean poles. I expect the announcement of another royal pregnancy in eight weeks. Watch this space. The Daily Telegraph reveals that the shadow cabinet took only an hour yesterday to decide upon their manifesto. Obviously, a lot of thought has gone into it.  An amusing betrothal in the social columns. A granddaughter of the last Lord Trent has become engaged to a Mr Kumaramangalam. It sounds like a sexually transmitted disease. 

Sarah phoned again. Just to chat. No news.

Tonight Ally finds no comfort with her aching back. She laid flat on the floor with her head upon a cushion, but it wasn't a success. We went upstairs and upon the bed I rubbed her back which brought her some comfort.

David G phoned. Very bad because I seldom phone him. He says that Garry has found a girlfriend and they have been inseparable for three weeks. We laughed. On the very first date he took her home and was invited in for 'coffee'. The Nescafe was still warm when she whispered in his ear: "come on. We are going to bed". She dragged him upstairs leaving her mother, quite unperturbed, watching Terry Wogan's late show. Dave added that Billy is off work and depressed. We went off to bed at 10. Too tired.

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Wednesday May 11, 1983

 We refused to get up until 7:30 and then it was a rush to get all the breakfast consumed. As you know it's an Edwardian repast every day. I went out and got a thorough soaking at 9:30 when walking in to town to enquire at the job centre about possible courses for training in pub management. They know of nothing other than writing to breweries, which is what we have done without any success. Back at home I wrote to Bass North and Scottish & Newcastle.

Ally phoned at 12:30 (just as the sun came out) and asked me to make a quiche. She has back ache. If she isn't pregnant then I'm Sir Harold Wilson. I had a bath, scanned the BMDs in the Daily Telegraph. I do not miss the YP, not even vaguely. 

Labour want to 'Get Britain Back to Work'. I fail to see why. What is this obsession with work? Why should we sweat and labour until we drop? Surely, if we can survive until our three score years and ten without having to do anything it's all for the better.

I finished reading 'Dorian Gray' to the sound of rain splattering outside. It has been a dreadful May. Ally was home at 5 and we ate our peculiar quiche together. Later she reclined on a settee and almost leapt out of her skin when David B crept up to the window to peep in. He is always doing this. He tells us he is going ten pin bowling with the people from work next week. __________. Do we want a night out with him, Lynn and the Allinsons on Saturday? We shall see. 

We watched the final episode of the current season of 'Dallas'. The place was burnt down with all the Ewing family trapped upstairs. We now have to wait until September for the fire brigade to arrive. To bed at 9:15. I read 'Lord Arthur Savile's Crime' - a bit of a laugh. Was snoring by 11.

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Tuesday May 10, 1983

 Rain. I got a soaking going out for my Daily Telegraph. We ate rounds of toast. Ally stood in the bathroom clutching the sink.  ___________.

I hope we hear from a brewery soon. Steve O'Connor came at 12 and bagged up the debris in the garden and went up a ladder with a hod of cement. They pottered around until about 4:30 and went away without saying anything.

I read 'Dorian Gray' and watched an interesting programme on the BBC about the exinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

Ally phoned to say she was coming home early and arrived at 4:15. She was beaming up at the workmen on the roof.

I am feeling under the weather. Dry throat, blocked ears and nose. I have the beginning of a cold. A dreadful thirst too, swigging coffee all night. Mum phoned at 6:30 and I spoke to both of them. They visited Guiseley today to see Christopher and rushed back. Business is poor. They have only had one guest since John stayed two weeks ago.

Dad says he might not vote at all at the coming general election. He is annoyed at the PMs decision to go to the country a year early, and with a majority of 30. Papa has always been a political animal and he would have been furious with me had I expressed a decision not to vote when I lived at home. It is age for you. Apathy comes with wrinkles and grey hair. I think I might be out of favour for not going up to Horton since my birthday. We have had too much on. 

Watched Daphne Du Maurier's 'Jamaica Inn' which dragged on all night. A new comet has passed over within 3,000,000 miles of earth and I went out at 10:30 to detect it but too much cloud prevented me seeing even a glimmer. It was such a thing which collided with earth 65m years ago killing the dinosaurs. When will it be our turn to go? 

Bed at 11:30.

-=-

Monday May 9, 1983

 My alarm went off at 6:44 just like in the days of old __________.

I made eggs and toast. Photographs arrived in the post. The ones I took at the YP on the day I leftt are bad, but I hadn't mastered the instruction leaflet at that stage. 

Pouring rain. Ally went out, and I pleaded with her to take it easy. She spoke to Derek (Jenkins) and told him of her gynaecological condition. She phoned me at lunch from Duckworth Lane. 

Saw Steve O'Connor in the van but he didn't come here. I fear the roof repairs are going to drag on all summer. We have a room full of washing, and I took the iron upstairs and spent three hours like a male Hilda Ogden. The radio informs me that the PM has held an emergency cabinet meeting and has gone to see the Queen. Oh dear. At 2:15 it was announced that Parliament is to be dissolved on Friday and that the general election is to be held on June 9. She (Thatcher) cannot possibly be defeated and certainly Michael Foot is the best opposition leader she could put up against. If she survives until 1988 then she will be the Queen's longest serving prime minister. By June 9 we'll be gaga with all this electioneering. I hope that Foot will live that long. Denis Healey would be a more formidable opponent, but still no match for the divine Margaret.

I came downstairs wilting like one of the daffodils outside now crushed by Steve O'Connor and his broken roof tiles.

Len Fairclough has been remanded on bail for sexually assaulting two eight year-old girls. He will have to be written out of the Coronation Street script.

Retired at 10:15.

-=-

Sunday May 8, 1983

 Rogation Sunday

Mother's Day in USA and Canada

A long lie in. A slight hangover but this is only to be expected. Up at noon for toast and tea. We disposed of the washing up from last night and ate the leftovers at lunch. A bowl of ratatouille with cauliflower cheese and mushrooms all covered in the steak and pepper gravy. Delicious. We watched a Bob Hope film and a few of his stupid cracks raised a smile from Ally. At 5 we watched a programme on the royal family narrated by Ronald Allison. He interviewed the Duke of Gloucester whom I haven't heard speak before. The poor man looks very much like the Buccleuch family, but sounds sane anyway.

Bessie phoned at 3:30. Frank is on a 17-mile sponsored walk at Newbury raising money for eye operations in India. Trevor Lynn, Gill's brother, and Teri , are to be married by Mr Lynn at Kings Worthy. Andrew is still courting Lorraine. Ally, wearing striped dungarees and one of my shirts, dosen't say anything about her possible condition. No need to create panic at this stage.

(to be continued)

Saturday May 7, 1983

 I was awake early and could not go back to sleep. I was reading Alexandre Dumas before 8am. At nine I climbed out and left Ally a note and went out to buy bread rolls and a newspaper. A dark, wet and grotty day. It pelted with rain this afternoon and is about as much like a May day as Michael Foot is like the leader of a political party. We worked in the kitchen preparing dinner from 9:30. Furious activity cooking and cleaning. _____________. The food emerged splendidly and the only mishap was when I accidentally kicked a two litre bottle of lemonade down the cellar steps. The incident resembled the sinking of the Titanic. Ally looked sexy and slinky in her long purple frock, three years old but good. We sat with elderberry wine waiting for the dinner guests, and toast Ally's tummy.

MM drove Marita and Dave L here for 8:30. We dined at 9, and amazingly we were still sitting at the table at 1am. We dined on tomato and orange soup, seafood pancakes, and silverside beef cooked in wine with black peppercorns, &c. Profiteroles with chocolate rum sauce, cheeses, coffee, two bottles of white wine, one bottle of red, and two carafes of home made red. Sumptuous, impressive and a delight. Dave had eaten a salad before he came not expecting such a repast, but managed to keep up with us all the same. Discussed religion, reincarnation, ghosts, and Princess Anne, and in HRH's defence I say her unpopularity is media manufactured, &c. Marita, who is into ghosts in a big way, told us she has a photograph of her great-grandmother which is haunted and speaks to her. The face, Victorian, changes with various moods. She can tell how great-grandma is feeling by looking at the framed photo each morning. MM cannot take it seriously and thinks it's a joke. I can believe anything. 

David is godfather tomorrow to Helen Orchard, daughter of Mick, and he laughs because he is a non-believer, and yet people clamour to ask him to stand as godfather to their children. We looked at photo albums and they left at 2am. A very enjoyable night.

-=-

Friday May 6, 1983

 A wet start, muggy later, and sunshine at the end. Ally once again had her eggs in bed and I read aloud excerpts of news from the Daily Telegraph. A suit of armour worn by Henri II, King of France, has sold for £1,750,000. The local elections have proved nothing and yet they continue to say that the PM will go to the country in June. The big noises are gathering at Chequers on Sunday supposedly to discuss the details. I wouldn't advise an election before October, or next year.

Ally slept until 11 and I made pancakes for the seafood pancakes for tomorrow's dinner party. We later went to town to buy the food and I was very worried about Ally who looked deathly pale, so much so that I thought she might faint. We went into the cool of the fish market to buy prawns and the smell brought her round. The suspense continues. We spent a fortune on food and I carried it all back on a hot bus at 3:30. I phoned MM to make sure they are coming. He was just washing emulsion paint out of his hair and was in a state of confusion. They are bringing Dave L with them so that the lad can indulge in alcoholic beverages. We dined at 5:30 and Ally threw a ratatouille together (for tomorrow) and the delicious smell drove me wild. Drooling at the mouth. As I write Ally has gathered all the house plants together to water and the kitchen resembles the Guatemalan jungle.

We have been talking about christian names again. Foolish of us at this early stage but it cannot be helped. Ally likes Samuel. Of course I have a cousin, Samuel, in close confinement in a Carlisle institution.

We watched TV and went off to bed after part 4 of a slow thriller which has dragged on for three episodes too many. Watched 'Death of An Expert Witness'. I phoned Peter who was watching TV in solitary. Christopher's hernia operation went off well and the boy was up and playing on the ward this evening though bruised and with stitches. The hernia was bigger than expected.

-=-

Thursday May 5, 1983

 Ally phoned Patricia and had breakfast in bed.  We went down to the school to vote in the local elections. The Conservative lady got my cross. Hand in hand we went to post our quarterly rates bill (£19.87) and then decided to go to Guiseley to see Lynn and Dave and the Baker sisters. Over to Thorpefields for 1pm and spent five hours with Lynn and the delightful girls. Frances, David's double, was a little shy at first (she had just got out of bed) but chatted away in a broad Yorkshire accent. Katie smiles beautifully and doesn't seem to object to Frances who jostles her with great vigour. She (Katie) drank from a bottle for the first time, and didn't enthuse about the experience. We left at 6 and at the end of Thorpe Lane instead of turning towards Bradford we went to Menston for a T-bone steak at the Fox, a Beefeater restaurant. Ally had a well-done steak just to be on the safe side because rare meat can damage a foetus - if any. Prawn cocktails, steaks, ice-cream, cheese, &c. All for £15. However, I dislodged a filling. The waitress was so revoltingly humble I was almost sick. We got a bus from there and was home for 9:30. Watched the beginning of News at 10 but nodded off. To bed with water. Restless sleep.

-=-

Wednesday May 4, 1983

 Ally stayed in bed until lunchtime with Wilkie Collins not daring to move. Steve O'Connor went up onto the roof throwing the stones down upon the daffodils. Ally emerged at lunchtime and we had tomato soup (again) and sandwiches. We sat looking at our finances this afternoon and drinking oceans of tea. When should she see a doctor? We are quite ignorant on this topic. It's like living in a goldfish bowl with the roofing chaps peering in on us. Eventually Ally sat with her back to the window, booked pressed against her nose. I kept carrying pots of tea outside for the grateful roofers who had had a shandy over at the Second West. Thirsty work.

We debate about what to do for the remainder of the week. Should she phone Derek? Phoned Susan to wish her luck at hospital tomorrow. Christopher's operation takes place on Friday.

Coronation Street, Dallas and the news. I went to bed with The Three Musketeers. The night was warm and the bedrooom hot, like the hot house at Kew. 

-=-

Tuesday May 3, 1983

 I was awakened at 5am by Ally who was in the bathroom threatening to faint. I went to assist. She was sick and wobbly and went back to bed. I phoned Patricia at the AHA and she wasn't convinced. These people never are. I have a cheque in the post to the value of £34 from my YP pension scheme. Ally got up at noon and sat with her feet up sipping tomato soup and pushing in tiny pieces of toast. Will I be a father in January? A pregnancy lasts 274-280 days. From April 7 this takes us through to January 6, 1984 - Epiphany.

Watched the lunchtime news on TV. An earthquake in California, but only one person killed. Watch this space. The quake of 1906 (or was it 1913?) must surely soon be repeated. Steve O'Connor's lackey came to say that the rain is preventing work on the roof, but by lunchtime the rain had stopped and we had a dry afternoon which is more than can be said for Steve O'Connor over in the Second West reminiscing with his friend George at the bar.

Ally sat with her book, a glass of milk, and Wilkie Collins. We watched TV. To bed after 'Minder'.

-=-

Monday May 2, 1983

 A foul wet Monday. I was in the bath at 11 and Janette phoned Ally to say they are coming over. They came at 1:20.

Susan phoned. Christopher is having his operation on Friday. She left midst conversation because the boy fell over and impaled himself on the telephone stand. 

John and Janette are like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. They make a very fiery couple. ________.She isn't 19 until August 3. We went to the Bod which was very rough and full of heavily tattooed Bradfordians with haircuts like Mohican tribesmen. We left hurriedly. To the Fire Brigade pub which was equally rough. We sat giggling ridiculously next to a couple of building labourers who had fallen asleep over their bottles of pils lager. And again it was hard to see flesh for all the tattoos. John told us, at Janette's prompting, of his affair with his nurse neighbour, Janet, who had taken away his bed sheets after a two night romp and never given them back. Janette says she may go home tomorrow, but adds with a smile, that she will return. John says it's been 'a long five days' referring to her arrival in Yorkshire on January 8. We came home at 11 and I bought fish and chips for us all. J & J left at 12 still in pouring rain. I presented the departing Janette with two daffodils __________.

I phoned Mum at 6:30. My first contact with them since April 20. Most odd.

-=-

Sunday May 1, 1983

 4th Sunday after Easter

William and nanny.

Woke up at 10 to the sound of rain splashing. Toast and coffee. Lynn phoned just for a chat and says John is probably going to be made redundant in a couple of weeks. Sue is having a check up on Thursday _________. John and Janette were at Waltergarth yesterday, and she is blobbing today instead of selling caravans. Ally reading 'Cold Comfort Farm', which she finished and then began 'Moonstone', by Wilkie Collins.

Royal news: Watched the BBC and ITV coverage of the royal tour of New Zealand. Saw Prince William arriving at Gatwick with his nanny. The boy is always barefoot.

Roasted a chicken and the usual oddments and we ate at 7. An evening of continuing idleness. Watched 'Brideshead Revisited' on Channel 4 which was amusing. The drunk scenes are exceptional. Saw Glenda Jackson (a future Dame Glenda) and Walter Matthau in a romantic film which was good.

-=-

Saturday April 30, 1983

 We stayed in bed until about 9:30 when we heard Steve O'Connor's ladder banging against the wall and then heard him up upon the roof. We breakfasted on eggs and bacon and lashings of coffee. I went out and bought a Daily Telegraph but it contained nothing of great worth. 

True: Spandau Ballet

Edward Heath is reported to be annoyed at being held up in the traffic in Westminster recently when a car carrying the Queen Mother caused a traffic jam and she received priority and because of it he missed a vote in the Commons chamber. The Express report that Heath has complained that MPs should have precedence over members of the royal family in the surrounds of the Palace of Westminster. Ted denies that he has said this, but then he would, wouldn't he?

Ally says what a beautiful evening we had last night. I had a trout and she a piece of veal in a mushroom sauce, but washed down with a wine not as good as the wine we 'brew'. The dinner cost a mere £13 and we came away happy and relaxed. 

We walked to town and bought food and the Spandau Ballet LP 'True'. Excellent. Later: Terry Wogan, 'Dynasty', and five minutes of the film 'Shaft'. Went to bed and found sleep almost immediately.

-=-

Friday April 29, 1983

 Steve O'Connor was here for a few hours and then succumbed to the call of the Second West. I suppose he spent some time looking down on that establishment from the lofty heights of our roof. A temptation that would weaken even the most strong willed person. Later the fitters came from Kitchen Studios and replaced our sink - the third in six months. The enamel is now banished and replaced by a stainless steel sink which doesn't look bad and will not chip or scratch. I took down an old book, which I don't recall looking at previously, of the Plantagenet monarchs from Richard II. This era is all very vague to me and I am ashamed to say I cannot tell you which order the different Edwards and Henrys came. I am OK from Edward IV onwards.

Royal News: The royal tour of Australia ended today and the Prince and Princess of Wales have gone on to the Bahamas to holiday for 10 days with the Romseys, I suspect. It's been a triumph for the princess and the shyness and pink flushes have gone. Ally and I both agree that the princess will return to London pregnant, and another infant prince will be born by next February. On the subject of progency I do hope to give myself an heir shortly. You, dear reader, have waited very patiently for almost two years and I have said very little on the subject, but be assured we have been trying. The signs are that this is it.

We went out at 8 and dined at Mama Mia's Pizzeria on Manningham Lane.

-=-

Thursday April 28, 1983

 Steve O'Connor and a man in a pom pom hat came at 7:30 and started stripping the roof and throwing the debris down onto the ground. I sat at my typewriter listening to the crashing. The weather was foul and they went over the road to the Second West for the afternoon leaving rolls of felt and a sweeping brush on the roof. Ally came home and looked at the roof in horror, but I was assured by Mr O'Connor that the rain will not come in. We went across to the Co-op and spent £12 on a few vital provisions. We ate funny pieces of fish in sauce out of plastic bags, and feel ashamed for this weakening for convenience foods, which are in fact most inconvenient. The plastic bags proved difficult to open and I showered parsley sauce all over the kitchen. 

I despatched a birthday card to Valley Rd Pudsey for Jill, who is 21 tomorrow. __________. I also sent John a list of family birthdays and anniversaries, because he always forgets them. In some respects John has a perfect memory. He can tell you the day that Rod Stewart's 'Maggie May' reached number one, and so why can he not remember the birthday of a niece?

-=-

Wednesday April 27, 1983

 Full Moon

I played at Mrs Mopp and went about the house with brushes and cloths. I gave the piano a polish and dusted Augustus and Ocatvius the pot dogs. We have a dispute about Octavius because Ally seems to think he started off with another name. I know for certain they have these names because they are named after two of the sons of King George III. 

When Ally came home we both went out to the fish and chip shop where a nauseating OAP in a Gannex raincoat jumped the queue in front of us. I suppose that he thinks that because he was at Dunkirk he has the right of priority over us. In an fish and chip shop queue I wouldn't even give precedence to the Duke of Edinburgh. We ate like something from a jungle scene and collapsed afterwards. 'Coronation Street' and 'Dallas'. To bed after the news. With volumes, but we don't read.

The Telegraph & Argus had an advert for a barman and I phoned but the landlord told me the vacancy had been filled. It was a pub on Little Horton Lane wherever that is.

-=-

Tuesday April 26, 1983

 Boiled eggs. Further doubt about the authenticity of the Hitler Diaries. I thought so.

Steve O'Connor returned at 8 confused about when he is starting here. I walked Ally to the AHA and bought a Daily Telegraph on Duckworth Lane. A girl passing in a car smiled at me and I recognised her as the girl who worked at WH Smiths and went out with Peter Mather in '77 and was also an escort of Tony's. What was her name? It is reassuring to know that after six years I am still recognizable.

I changed the festering bed and then did some washing and put it out on the line. Mrs O'Brien was doing likewise and we smiled at each other over the wall whilst clutching our damp underwear. (That doesn't sound as perhaps it should). Our other neighbour Mrs Greenwood is home from hospital and still with us and battling on. She is visited by several nurses and I suspect she is confined to bed. No. 6 Club Street is up for sale and I phoned Whitegates who tell me it's on the market for £9,950. It is nowhere near as 'well appointed' as ours. Ally pleased at this. Our place must be worth about £10,000.

Sarah has sent me a list of Knights of the Garter so created since the Queen's accession. She has made 41 appoinments to the order in 31 years.

Ally phoned at 11 and laughed at my washer woman activities. I told her that our red pyjamas from Ios are now flapping on the line.

Later I cooked and we sat watching the rain and listening to the thunder and flashes of lightning.

News: The British Leyland strike is over after 5 weeks. The CBI says we are on the road to recovery, or at least Sir James Cleminson does. Garden gnomes are banned from Chelsea Flower Show because they lower the tone. Good thing too.

Later eagerly awaiting the start of the Marilyn Monroe film 'The Seven Year Itch'. An excellent comedy.  Bessie phoned. Graham, Gill and Tara the dog are going there for the weekend. We had a glass of elderberry wine with lemonade and so ends this twenty sixth day of April in the Year of Our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Three.

-=-

Monday April 25, 1983

 A wet, dismal day to begin with but a bright afternoon and evening. Ally left and Steve O'Connor was here at 9:10 to strip the roof, but I hadn't notified the Housing Department and so he went away arranging to begin the task on Thursday. He asked me if I am related to Malcolm Rhodes, the infamous Lidget Green 'head banger'. Thankfully not. ________.

Later I went to town on foot and saw the man at Kitchen Studios. They are coming with yet another new sink on Thursday or Friday. Came home at 4 minus £5 with nothing to show for it.

Royal news: an idiot on the TV is saying that Prince William is overweight. These so-called child experts know nothing. We saw the news and the young prince crawling on the lawn at Government House, New Zealand where the Prince and Princess of Wales are carying out engagements until the weekend. Afterwards they go on to the Bahamas for a ten day holiday whilst Prince William returns to London with Barbara Barnes. The baby seems to have tremendous spirit. What a life he has mapped out before him.

I had food on the table for starving Ally when she alighted from her bus at 5:10. A blind man with his guide dog got off the bus at the same time. Ate fish fingers. I attempted to insert a film into the Olympus Trip camera and got into difficulties and phoned Dave B. He sounded to be down in the dumps and I came away none the wiser.

Peter Adamson who plays Len Fairclough on Coronation Street has been remanded on bail on two charges of indecent assault. Watched 'Brass' and 'Panorama' which dwelt upon the US involvement in Nicaragua, followed by the news and a Lana Turner film. This saw us safely through until 11.

To bed. Don't read. Sleep.

-=-