Tuesday August 30, 1983

 Linthorpe Hotel, Middlesbrough

Ally, Dad and Mum at the Linthorpe.

It is a most beautiful sensation to feel our child moving in its mother's womb. Tiny, pulsating movements. We went down and had one of Jan's breakfasts and then went up again and had a bath in readiness for Mum and Dad's visit. We sat outside on the wall and they got here at about 2. It was so good to see them. We sat in the sun and then in lounge 1. Mum had cherries in her whisky (!!) and took to Dave the barman who was cheeky and pleasant. Joined by Marie and Charlie and Dad frowned at the sight of Marnie behind the bar. She is only 14. The four of us went on to Redcar. Hideous. Like Siberia, only more bleak and desolate. To the Highfield Restaurant at 5:30 for a four hour nosh-up. All on big steaks, though Ally is off them now that she can't eat them rare. Spent £42 on the four, but a good dinner. Back to the Linthorpe. It isn't Mum and Dad's sort of place but we sat in the corridor. I was pissed. We joined Roy and staff in the lounge after closing. Drank Campari sodas. Headache. To bed at 12:30 after coffee in Mum's room.

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