Wednesday February 5, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

The stock taker Crump came and we had a £20 surplus, that was after we took out the £90 that Ally put in the safe last night. Last weeks sheets were over-banked. Silly Ally. We waited for the Kennedys to come until almost 12. They are the young couple who were with Roy & Marie in Middlesbrough 7 months ago. We went off down the M1 and met patches of snow on the way. We stopped at a motorway café and had steak and kidney pies. It cost a small fortune. A tiny slice of lemon meringue pie cost 75p!

Bad news for dukes. Read in the Daily Telegraph that the Duke of Norfolk, 70, and the Duke of Northumberland, 71, have both had heart attacks. 

Sammy and I slept in the back of the car. To Chillandham Cross for 4:30. All well. log fires. Turkey casserole. Comfy chairs. Snoozes. To bed at 10:30. It is touching how Samuel takes to his granny and grandad Dixon considering how rarely he sees them. Ally thinks he gets 'clever' and shows off, but I don't know. Saw S. Ferguson on the telly.

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Tuesday February 4, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

This may be historic, but Prince Andrew's so-called flame, Sarah Ferguson, was mentioned in a news bulletin today. I wish I knew more of her antecedents. She is 26. Watch this space. HM The Q lunched on Andrew's ship in the pool of London today. The Princess of Wales is taking Prince William to HMS Brazen tomorrow.

Ally had one of her hunches and went to Club Street with Samuel and found a note pushed through the door from Sister Greenwood, her midwife, telling her she has a water infection and needs antibiotics. Ally went to see Dr York at 5. I went upstairs to listen to music at full throttle and I cleaned the deep fat fryers. Both Lynn and Sue phoned to wish us bon voyage. Susan has bought some patio doors for her dining room and Peter is now broke. Ally came back worn out but insisted on cleaning and packing, &c. I cannot wait to be away on holiday. Maureen worked. The place was like a mausoleum. I watched "I, Claudius". I cleaned the beer lines, bottled up and pottered around until 1am. We sat in bed and breathed a sigh of relief. Oh yes, I phoned Dad and he seemed a bit low.

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Monday February 3, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Phoned Ken Gilbertson at the brewery who told me we are having a couple here (relief managers) Mr & Mrs Kennedy, from Blyth, Northumberland. Later, Ally phoned them to discuss the catering whilst we are away. Ally also went to see Maureen about the Procter & Gamble cleaning gear, but  M isn't impressed. Maureen sprays 'Pledge' around as though she's addicted to it. Audrey came in cursing Chris. They were both supposed to work together yesterday afternoon but he didn't come in until 1pm, when he sauntered in with a bar of chocolate. His performance was poor and he left with an auntie before 2:30. He's totally useless, she says. However, Audrey tends to exaggerate. _______. Chris will have to be told. Life in the Moorhouse Inn is very much like ancient Rome.  Margaret worked tonight. She had a few problems last night with Jim Stone and Mick Marsh, who came in pissed up and looked like trouble. She refused them drink and off they went. They both returned today with their tails between their legs.

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Sunday February 2, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Sexagesima

Waltergarth, Horton-in-Ribblesdale

To Horton early and got to Dad's for 10:30 or so. Bless him, he had roasted a joint of beef and was mixing cheese sauce. The table was set, napkins etc, for lunch. I am always overcome by the feeling of the place. Mum is everywhere. Neighbour Frances came in for a chat. It was bitterly cold. Dad went out to 'attack' Charlie about a hideous erection he has placed on Dad's land without permission. He was furious. We ate at 12 and then Samuel went for a nap in Dad's bed. Photographs of us all hang everywhere. Ally and I drove out to the Cross Streets Inn, which was closed and then to the Gamecock at Austwick. Very homely. Dad and Mum were frequent visitors. On to the Helwith Bridge - quite busy with a warm atmosphere, though the owner is a tatty individual. Back to Dad's for 2. We sat around the fire until 10:30pm. Sam was very good and went back to Dad's bed at 7. Home to the pub for 12. 

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