Thursday July 24, 1986

 5, Club Street

Sunshine and midwives, &c. Samuel and I went up to Duckworth Lane in the car for an hour and spent it amongst the frozen veg in the Co-Op. We lingered in a newsagents shop over the royal wedding editions. You have no idea how satisfied I am that Prince Andrew is now Duke of York. Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd says that the last time a son of the sovereign married without a peerage title 'appears' to have been in 1374 when Thomas of Woodstock, a son of Edward III, married Eleanor de Bohun. He later became Duke of Gloucester. I cannot dispute this because as yet the plethora of dirty nappies has prevented my researches. I could have been physically sick today over breakfast while reading the offering compiled by our talented poet laureate  in honour of the York nuptials. Called 'The Honey Bee and the Thistle', it is written as a song, and Ted Hughes should be thoroughly ashamed of himself. Come back John Masefield, all is forgiven. I enclose the 'poem' here.

The Honey Bee and the Thistle

Upon this day in Westminster

That brings the Prince his Bride

Out of the Sun there swoops a song

that cannot be denied.

While every television trembles

In the organ blare

And their cardiographs' two butterflies

Are trying to touch in air.

While some weep at the foamy veil

That surges her to bliss

And some drink to the princely hand

That lifts it for the kiss

Before the country's dried is eyes

Or bells begin to ring

That cherub in a shaft of light

sweetly starts to sing:

When all the birds of Roxburghshire

Danced on the lawns, and all the

The Salmon of the Tweed cavorted

Over the Garden Wall

Gold as the Honey Bee

etc etc

-=-

Wednesday July 23, 1986

 5, Club Street

A bright day. Nothing quite like a Royal wedding. Samuel and I went out at breakfast time before the television had 'warmed up' and we did our shopping amongst a throng of housewives all eager to get home in front of the box. It was with great relief that I heard on the 10 o'clock news that Prince Andrew is to become Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh. Phew. My reputation as a royal boffin is saved. We watched TV all day. It darkened here later and rained heavily. Dr Duck came at 10:15 and Dad at about 11. A splendid wedding. Miss Ferguson is a very suitable, traditional frock. Pretty bridesmaids. A relaxed sovereign, and a beaming Grand Old Duke of York. At 3 we went (Dad, Sam and I) to the Kwik Fit Tyre place where the Maestro had new brake pads. We then went to register the baby in her lovely Christian names at Manor Row. Today is Levinyer Wilson's birthday. Quite fitting really.

-=-

Tuesday July 22, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn

Something of a frantic day. Dad with Bessie and Frank moved vast amounts of personal belongings to Club St. I had a stock take. A flash little couple, the Brendan Watsons, came to relieve me here. They've been promised the 'Sir Gawain and the Green Dragon' pub near Mold. The drip with the beard did the stock take, and I didn't escape at the wheel of my vehicle until almost 2pm. I picked up Ally at 3 and took our daughter home. Such a feeling of fulfilment and elation. We had a photo session at Club St. Our visitors departed and left us with our rapidly expanding family. Darling Clementine. Will she perhaps resemble me?

-=-

Monday July 21, 1986

Moorhouse Inn

Bessie & Clementine.

Full Moon. Two visits to Ally and our pink daughter. Back at 9pm to find Hilda and Tony with Dad partaking of ale. We were joined downstairs by Frank and Bessie and Uncle Peter, who came to collect Bev, and was stunned to see his shunned sister here. No acrimony really. It's such a pity that they all don't get on. Life is too bloody short, &c. Dad found himself in a furious row on the subject of charitable organisations and was opposed by Frank, Bessie and Tony. Poor Bessie. She now works as a prison visitor at Winchester nick brewing tea for the mad axe men and child molesters. Oh dear. It was quite late, 1am. Hilda and Tony disappeared in their farting Fiat. A mobile hairdryer. It's dear Sue's birthday.

-=-

Sunday July 20, 1986

5 Club St, Lidget Green, Bradford 

8th Sunday after Trinity.

Clementine.

Sunny. Day off. We went for lunch to the Radcliffe Arms at Follifoot. Bessie, Frank, Samuel and I. Busy. A blind young man spilt a pint over me. Samuel well behaved and cute. He enjoys the company of his grandparents. On to see Ally via Norwood Edge and the scenic route around Otley. I slept on way to Bradford. Samuel is fascinated by the electric windows of grandad's Granada. Back to see Ally tonight. Both tired. Thank God I can use the motor. Called in to see Hilda on the way home and had a couple of glasses of wine. Later, back at the pub Dad was close to tears. Downstairs with F & B, Dad, Uncle Peter, &c. The church lot began brawling and an embarrassing scene ensued. Bessie was about to join in.

-=-

Saturday July 19, 1986

5, Club Street, Lidget Green, Bradford BD7 2PB

Up with the larks. I had slept in a heap on the floor with my head against the TV and feet up the chimney. A hearty breakfast was consumed and then we went back to Leeds in a convoy - me leading the way. Back for 9am. Went breezing in and saw Maureen and Audrey. They swoon at the news, but obviously don't like our choice of names. B & F took Sam to Leeds Market and I went down to Morrison's and bought Ally a display of dried flowers, a baby book, and a baby card, all predominately green for some reason. I was in a trance with joy really. The afternoon passed. The name Clementine doesn't go down too well in Hunslet. Terry Egan and Margaret Milne say we should call baby Levinyer as a first name and think it beautiful. We do not heed their advice. We visited BRI noon and night. Ally so relaxed in hospital and is making the most of her bed rest. If only I could join her.

-=-

Friday July 18, 1986

5, Club Street, Lidget Green, Bradford BD7 2PB

Clementine Nora Levinyer.

I slept until 5am, and on waking Ally says her pains have stopped.  We waited until 9am and then went back to Hilda's for Samuel, who had been crying for his Daddy. Back to the Moorhouse. Did the wages for the staff. I went to the bank &c. By late morning it had all started again. We went back to Club Street to wait for Bessie and Frank , who had been informed of Ally's condition in the early hours. Ally paced around looking very uncomfortable. I went to the Co-op to buy brown rolls and a tin of salmon and when I came back the situation had altered. Her contractions were very regular. I ate greedily. At the BRI when will I eat again? Ally's pains were worse. I grabbed Sam by the hand and picked up a bottle of lemonade and a door key and went to Mary Moore's who agreed to have him until Bessie and Frank arrive. Poor Mary is 72 and on two sticks. She told me not to worry because she had been a teacher. Ally and I piled into the Maestro and I drove like a madman to the BRI where they put us in a room. It was 1:30pm. (Gynaecological redaction). At 4:16pm Clementine Nora Levinyer was born. I shed tears. Baby weighs 8lb 3oz. Ally so brave, despite the pain. She phoned people, everyone, at 5 o'clock. I went to Club St and collected a few cans of Carlsberg. Sam couldn't understand. F & B got here at 4pm. They went to bed at 10:30 and I went through the phone book to let everyone know. Dad was choked.

-=-

Thursday July 17, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Ally went to see Dr Duck. Hopefully her last visit. I drove to Bradford, somewhat 'jerkily' hoping the bumpy ride would inspire my wife to bring forth her child, but to no avail. We returned to the Moorhouse at tea time disappointed. Ally desperately wanted to go into labour and have the baby before the weekend.  Poor Samuel has a poorly tummy. At the pub I was downstairs busy until 11pm, and when I eventually went upstairs Ally was moody , doing housework, and complaining of back ache. Her lower back. This must be it. I went down and got the pub ready for opening in the morning, and at 12 we agonised whether we should go to Auntie Hilda's with Sam, because something is happening, albeit slowly. I phoned Tony after midnight. He told us to go over. We did. I dropped the pub keys through Audrey's letterbox somewhat noisily, and then failed to start the car. It has an automatic choke which doesn't always agree with my large foot. I woke the Egans. Ally drove to Pudsey where we deposited a poorly Samuel. Ally stayed in the car and Hilda jogged out in her nightie to peep at her, now in some considerable pain. I drove to Club Street for 2am, where we went to bed.

-=-

Wednesday July 16, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Club Street.

Our baby is due. To went to Morrison's at Hunslet, in the car, alone. My first solo flight. I drive much better without somebody breathing all over me. Life will be much easier now I can run around to the bank and shops. It has just come right for the baby too. Hospital visits and trailing between Leeds and Bradford, &c. I am extraordinarily happy. After 3 we went off for the evening to Club Street to make the final preparations. Ally was in the cellar moving old wine bottles and I was in the garden uprooting weeds and putting down 'Pathclear'. It's obvious that Samuel is expecting some upheaval, but he doesn't know what. Small children are so sensitive. Back at the Moorhouse our outside plant pots have gone, stolen. Never mind, they have had a longer innings than I expected.

-=-

Tuesday July 15, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

A hysterical and historic day. Awakened early with bleary eyes and heavy jowls. Ally furious at my lack of self control. "Of all the nights to go out and get pissed", &c. We went out for a drive with me at the wheel. I was sweating like a boiled pig. Looking at myself in the car mirror it was a horrific sight. Pink eyes, spikey hair. My driving test was at 10:45 with a Mr Garlick. I did very well because I drove uncharacteristically sluggish and slow. My only mistake was to ignore some defunct traffic lights, and then brake excessively. I thought I had failed. But when traffic lights are out of order and cars are all sat waiting to move surely someone has to take the initiative? Mr Garlick was irate and tetchy. My Highway Code questions were as disaster. He then asked: "What lights do you put on in fog?" Moronically I said: "Dunno." He smiled: "Let's break it down a bit. Inside lights or outside lights?" Lovely. Yes, I PASSED! Thirteen years and five tests later. Ally and Sam had been for a Coca Cola at the Brown Hare. We rejoiced. I peeled off my L plates. My hangover disappeared. All's right with the world. I was so shocked I allowed Ally to drive home. Phoned Bessie, and then Dad at Horton, who was overjoyed. Phoned Sue, and then Lynn phoned me. It's about time I had some good news, don't you think? 

Harold Wilkinson is 75 today. St Swithin's Day. On this day I always think of our old neighbour, Ethel 'Brit' Greenwood.

-=-

Monday July 14, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Bank Holiday in N. Ireland (prov.)

New baby week, perhaps? LG phoned this morning and asked me to beware of thieves and vagabonds because the landlord of the Duncan opened his door after midnight last night to be confronted by an armed robber. Most disconcerting. A similar thing happened at the Mucky Duck. 

It was the Gaston Ladies' Darts tournament at the Raynville, Bramley, tonight. We went out at 8 taking Edna and Madge's daughter, Julie Millar. It was the usual drunken orgy with no one seriously watching the darts. I became very intoxicated. Saw many old pals, i.e. Enid and Jean from the Red Lion at Girlington. Fran O'Brien was cool. I collected royal wedding bunting from LG. They were all amazed that Ally, in her condition, had made it. Colin Black quizzed us on possible names. We have told nobody, but you can have a preview: 

Boy: Joshua Michael Albert

Girl: Clementine Nora Levinyer

Our star player, Madge, had lost her game before we even arrived. Home at midnight with fish and chips for Jacq and Ian (who had been babysitting). Watched the Cawood wedding video. I watched it with double vision. More booze. And yes, it's my driving test tomorrow.

-=-

Sunday July 13, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

7th Sunday after Trinity

Wellington Inn.

Sunshine. We went, after breakfast, to Knaresborough, via Otley, Pannal, Follifoot, &c. It was sad for Papa because this was a route he took when he took Mum out on one of her very last car journeys when she was so ill and living with us at the Moorhouse. Sam went with grandad to look at the river whilst Ally and I went to the Wellington to see Mr Thompson. It's a tiny place, almost pokey, after the Moorhouse. We were stunned to hear that the takings average £1,700 a week which Mr T says is very good, and that no pub in Knaresborough takes over £2,000 in a week. The Thompsons look like a reasonable couple. Some time ago we met his son Richard (a trainee) at an industrial relations seminar at the brewery. The Wellington has a good downstairs kitchen and an enclosed garden at the rear - ideal for a small child. Dad thinks we should take it, because with a growing family, a smaller pub would be better for us. I already feel overworked. It might also mean a drop in salary. We went over the place from top to bottom and then had a drink in the garden with Dad and Sam. Then to Follifoot and back to the Moorhouse for 5pm. Roast chicken. Busy night. Only Karen and I. Dad did a great job washing up.

-=-

Saturday July 12, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Battle of the Boyne. 

William of Orange landing at Brixham.

In 1988 they are going to be celebrating the 300th anniversary of 'The Glorious Revolution', to commemorate the exile of King James II and implantation of William of Orange upon the throne. The Bill of Rights, &c. I do not want to be involved. The deposing of any monarch, no matter what supposed wrongs he has committed, leaves a very bitter taste on my palate. The RCs won't be overjoyed either. It's foolhardy if you ask me.

I phoned Mr Thompson at the Wellington and said we would go see him between 10-12 tomorrow. It's the day he cleans his beer lines. Later, phoned Dad who says he will join us and he arrived tonight at 9 o'clock. We sat downstairs, nattering. Ally looked enormous and was breathless. It must be a strain. Dad looked older and was wearing some shocking clothes in which Mum wouldn't have allowed him to leave the house. 

Who was the last son of a reigning monarch to go down the aisle to his marriage without a peerage? This is an interesting one.

-=-

Friday July 11, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Phoned Leslie Gledhill. He called in yesterday with royal wedding bunting and a royal quiz. He is very amenable these days. I mentioned Knaresborough and he responded: "it's a funny place is Knaresborough". What he meant by that I do not know. 

Scandal. Police are now appealing for the homosexual yet able singer Boy George to give himself up after one of his brothers and 'friend' -'Marilyn' - were detained on drug charges yesterday. All very 1960s-ish I suppose.

Deceased: Maisie, Lady Makins, wife of the 4th Bt, mother of the Most Rev Michael Bowen, RC Archbishop of Southwark.

-=-

Thursday July 10, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

The Wellington Inn.

Morning off. We went snooping to Knaresborough to look at a pub called the Wellington Inn, on Briggate. Having not made an appointment we did not introduce ourselves to the tenant, Mr Thompson. Instead we wandered around the streets and sat on a park bench near the ruined castle, admiring the view. We would like to live in this direction and decide to petition LG for a move. We have spent two and a half years at the Moorhouse. A new baby. A new pub. Back to Guiseley where we took luncheon in Harry Ramsden's where Samuel refused to eat. Chandeliers and grease. Very popular though.  To Susie's after. Dad was making an impromtu call. In the garden. Ally left me and went to the clinic. She phoned the Wellington. Home at 7. LG had been. No message. Hilda phoned to ask about Ally's progress. 

Wednesday July 9, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

An afternoon and evening at Club Street. I did the motoring. My driving test falls next Tuesday. I have ignored tuition since February. I have no properly instructed lessons since I ditched Karen Hudson after my failure in August '85. I do drive with confidence. Over confident, probably. My wife is a poor passenger and becomes heated. 

Before leaving today someone phoned from YTVs 'Calendar' re the Fergie New Grange Hall story. They are considering re-hashing it for their royal wedding coverage next week and I may be called upon once again to endure Mr Whiteley. I explained my holiday situation. Now even this has changed. We understood that a relief manager would come whenever we requested in July, but Ken Gilbertson at the brewery says we have to go on or before July 22, which puts pressure on Ally to have our baby before this date. Baby will come on time, hopefully.

-=-

Tuesday July 8, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Monday July 7, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

New Moon

Lord Stockton is very much better. 

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attended the nuptials on Saturday of Harry Cotterell and Carolyn Beckwith-Smith, a former flatmate of Miss F and a bossom pal. Taking down my ancient, worn, copy of Burke's I detect numerous family connections between Mr Cotterell and the future Princess Andrew.  Harry's great-grandfather married Lady Evelyn Gordon-Lennox (d. 1922), daughter of the 7th Duke of Richmond. Sarah descends from this ducal house and eventually from Charles II. The Beckwith-Smiths evade me because they are landed gentry and not peerage and I haven't yet acquired any LG volumes. Carolyn is a cousin of the Princess of Wales's lady-in-waiting  Anne B-S, and of the Duchess of Kent's lady-in-waiting Jane Napier (nee Pugh). 

Sunday July 6, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

6th Sunday after Trinity

Auntie Annie is 81 today. (My great-aunt). She phoned this morning to thank me for the birthday card and sounded as robust as ever. Uncle John she says is nervous and cannot go out because he is too frightened to cross the road. I know how he feels. We went out at 12 for an afternoon of peaceful solitude at Club Street, our haven from the insane boozing world where our olives revolve around opening and closing times. Bev phoned tonight to say that she and a friend gave a hitch hiker a lift from the pub into town this afternoon and he proved to be a pervert. He stole a bag of the girls underwear, frilly knickers, &c, whilst leaving other valuables, and is no doubt now wandering around south Leeds clad in Bev's under garments as I write this. Horrific.

-=-

Saturday July 5, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

We had a family gathering. An impromptu one. Sue, Pete and the kids cam, followed by Lynn, Dave and Co. We all repaired to the tap room where the children were able to run wild together. Crawling on the pool table and chalking on the blackboard with all the aplomb of budding Picassos. I was a bit pissed really. Lynn shed tears over mother. Both she and David dreamt recently that she was talking to them. We are all cut up. We will never mend. Hungover, evening working.

Lord Stockton has overcome his pneumonia infection. Rudy Vallee has died singing 'The Whiffenpoof Song' at the age of 84. Noel Edmonds has married Helen Soby, 24, in the village church at Luss.

-=-

Friday July 4, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Independence Day, USA

The ban on the movement and slaughter of sheep was lifted from midnight in parts of Cumbria and North Wales. Chernobyl. We'll be hearing from this you mark my words. 

In other news: Lord Stockton is improving, What a constitution he has. It was heart warming to see the front page of the DT as it fell through my letterbox today. The Princess of Wales is pictured arriving at the German embassy (President von Weizsacker is here on a state visit). The princess wearing a stunning gown. A romantic creation. What a beauty she is. What a Queen she will be. But not too soon I hope. She is to be godmother to Prince Philippos, the 2 month old son of King Constantine, next Thursday.

The music for the coming royal wedding has been published. Sarah is to walk down the aisle to Elgar's Imperial March. Arlene Auger, the American soprano will sing Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate whilst the couple are signing the register.

-=-

Thursday July 3, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

At 9 I went to see a large, ____ ear, nose and throat specialist at the BRI. Flared nostrils and white coat.  I was led into his room by a nurse whilst another one stood behind the chair as if to catch me on swooning. Immediately he asked why I had bothered coming, and sneered when I told of my allergies to dogs and cats. He says he can do nothing for me and advises me to stay away from our furry friends. Any injections are worthless. Ally saw Dr Duck at 9:50. 

Lord Stockton is stable. Lord Howard of Henderskelfe, of Castle Howard, who died last year left £25,529,220. He was a big, flamboyant chairman of the BBC.

-=-

Wednesday July 2, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Sunshine. We went at 9:15 to St Edmund's Hall and North Leeds Prep School on Gledhow Lane to see a Mrs Lynch, who gave us a guided tour of her little school while Samuel played unperturbed in the nursery class. It was a good old fashioned school. Mrs Lynch walked us to the gate and patting Sam on the head said: "well, we'll see what we can do about getting you in." This will not happen until September, 1987. We'd like earlier. Back to the Moorhouse until 3:30. To Bradford where we all have our hair 'sorted'. Sam had to hold his Teddy Bear for his trim.

-=-

Tuesday July 1, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Bank Holiday in Canada

Busy, frantic pub. Leslie Gledhill came in this evening when only Ally and I were in the bar and he stood quizzing us as to why we have suddenly become so popular. The taking are going up and up. We had a wedding anniversary party for Pat and Tony.

The Princess of Wales is 25 today. God bless her. 

Social: Lady Fairfax of Cameron gave birth to a son on Friday in London.

-=-

Monday June 30, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Up bright and early. Liz in. For God's sake, I'm going to go on about the weather. People tend to do at times like this. After a cold start to the month, it has been the warmest second half of June over central England since 1976. During this month every kind of weather has been reported ranging from snow and hail and thunder to cloudless skies and temperatures reaching 90 degrees F. Over the five days from June 25 to June 29 the temperature in England was 8.8 degrees fahrenheit above average. The month started with a pretty gloomy day across most of Britain. It was muggy, misty and drizzly. Brighter weather spread from the north on the June 3rd ... Many areas had sunny spells but showers and a cold wind on northern and eastern coasts meant temperatures here were well below average. Cape Wrath in the north of Scotland failed to get warmer than 45 degrees all day on June 5.The next few days were variable. On June 9 it rained most of the day in parts of North West Scotland with mild afternoon temperatures... Continued on Page 94.

Lord Stockton is still not well. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has gone off to the Gobi Desert and mountains of Mongolia filming for Channel 4. He is 18.

-=-

Sunday June 29, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

5th Sunday after Trinity

Bessie phoned. Andrew and Lorraine are to live in un-marital bliss in a £29,000 maisonette at Eastleigh, Southampton, no bigger than a shoe box. Bessie and Frank are unhappy about them living in 'sin', but what can they do? She says she has bought them storage jars, buckets and bedding, just as if they were married. We did a buffet tonight for the lad from Lawrence House OAP residence. He always looks lost and dejected. He was no different tonight. My God, how dull some people are. Look back at some of my birthdays for instance - my 21st - we were so active and alcoholic. One large, over enthusiastic lady tipped a pint of beer over the head of a fellow guest. I was cross.

-=-

Saturday June 28, 1986

Ian and Jacq.

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Our World Cup fancy dress party: a good gathering. No big crowd from Pudsey, except Marlene who was low and left early. Guests included John, Janette, George W, Jayne, Lynn, Dave B, Sue, Peter, Denise, Tony, MM, Marita, Jacq, Ian, &c. And at 11pm in came Sarah C and Trevor - most unexpected. Sarah is now a jogger. Coal carrying, &c. Jacq, dressed as a football referee, had hiccoughs. They were all gone at 1am leaving Ally and I with Bernie McC, Frank, Alan (Batey), and a couple called Sharon and Glyn. He is a building worker. Bed 3am.

Lord Stockton has been poorly - pneumonia. He is 92. Oh dear. The auction of the Lordship of the Manor of East Dummer, the home village of Sarah Ferguson, failed to find a buyer yesterday.

-=-

Friday June 27, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Temperatures went over 90F today. Ally took Samuel to his cousin Ben's birthday barbeque at Guiseley. Today is our fifth wedding anniversary. At 2:50 I crept out with Jack Collett to the Junction (2 pints) and then to the New Canning WMC. Here I was allocated my own suite because the place was full of undesirables from our place whom I have blown out in the past 2 years. Very drunk. Joined by Copenhagen Willy  and his Fergie-like Mrs. Ally came back at 6. Customers plied me with white wine tonight and by 11:30pm I was doing my Basil Fawlty impersonation and generally causing a breach of the Queen's peace. Upstairs Ally was thoroughly disgusted.

Sue and Ben.

-==-

Thursday June 26, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Ally to the clinic at 2:30. She has phoned some prep schools re Samuel entering at 3. 

The DT has a pic of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, walking arm in arm at Killyleagh, Northern Ireland. They are a loving, demonstrative pair. I feel that the prince will have to show her who is the boss.

Social news: Lady Romsey gave birth to a daughter yesterday, on what would have been the 86th birthday of Lord Mountbatten. Lady Louise, perhaps? Lady Rowena Montagu-Stuart-Wortley has become engaged to John R. Hunt.

-=-

Wednesday June 25, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

A health visitor went to Club St this afternoon to meet Ally. No doubt snooping to make sure we really do have a home in Bradford.

News: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson paid a flying visit to Ulster. There's a pic in the DT of a heavily pregnant Princess Caroline of Monaco. She is due in August. Sir Frank Whittle has been appointed OM by HM.

-=-

Tuesday June 24, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Stock take at 10am. A £30 deficit. No staff. Sir John Colville's book came in the post, and I flicked through the pages with great excitement.

Viscount Lowther, son of the Earl of Lonsdale, married Miss Angela Wyatt, daughter of Capt Peter Wyatt, RN (retired), on Saturday. I have to keep notes of these sort of things because my copy of Burke's Peerage is 30 years old.

-=-

Monday June 23, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Brewery meeting at the Raynville in Bramley. Samuel went for tea to Karen and Steve's. He and Hayley are very compatible. Karen is so very much like Hilda. Back from the Raynville at 8:30. Fish & chips. Watch a vid of 'Pride and Prejudice', the Olivier version. Maureen and Liz were below and cleaning up and nattering until 11:20.

-=-

Sunday June 22, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

4th Sunday after Trinity

Maradona: hand ball .... or something.

Mags at lunch. Roast chicken. England was defeated by Argentina. A hand ball by Maradona, or something. Bev and Karin did PM. 

Yesterday we received an invitation to the wedding on August 9, of cousin Jacqueline and Barry Raistrick. Startled. We want to go but what about baby? Jacqueline was born on August 9, 1956.

Prince Edward has passed his final history exams at Cambridge University and has been awarded a Class II, Division II degree. 'Highly respectable', says the university. I predict that one day Prince Edward will be Duke of Cambridge.

-=-

Saturday June 21, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Longest Day

Fox & Hounds, Starbotton

Prince William of Wales is four. We went out at 4pm to Hilda's where she has Hayley and Thomas for the afternoon. Samuel played with Hayley digging up Tony's flower beds and dropping bricks into the ornamental pond. ______. Hilda offered to have Samuel if Ally should have to go suddenly to hospital, and if we have no other babysitters. In the post we received details of the pub at Starbotton. It's on the market for £160,000. Over priced, but Ally phoned Frank to enquire about loans, and he quipped that one day we will have all the money we need, i.e. when he's dead, which Ally found morbid and not in the least bit helpful.

-=-

Friday June 20, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

That demure Danish girl the Duchess of Gloucester is 40 today. In another, less tranquil wing of Kensington Palace, more bother from Princess Michael of Kent, who announced yesterday in a published notice that she and Prince Michael would be attending Roya Ascot. This broke protocol because attendance at Royal Ascot is a private engagement. Poor Marie-Christine.

Janette phoned this morning with her wedding plans. It is the Yorkshire Rose, as mentioned by Dad the other day. She says her mother is now to boycott the marriage because it's taking place on English soil. 

I went through my address book and invited people to a fancy dress "When England Win the World Cup" party for next Friday, no Saturday June 28. I spoke to Sarah Collis, who was at Delia's. She says she will come but I cannot bring myself to believe this.

-=-

Thursday June 19, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Shibden Hall.

Mum and Dad married 32 years ago today. So sad. Day off in Bradford. Ally had a scan at 9:30 and Samuel and I went in for the performance. Pictures of the baby flashed on a screen but I could make nothing of them. The midwife says baby has its head down and is all in place and looking good. Afterwards we had a drive out and ended up at Shibden Hall, near Halifax, where Samuel bounced on a 'jumping castle' and then we went on a miniature train , walked round the lake, ate ice-creams, &c. Very pleasant. I know Shibden Hall from old, but had quite forgotten about the place. Had a pizza in town at Giuseppe's Backyard.

News: The Kents attended the Channon funeral yesterday. A baby Bowes Lyon and future Earl of Strathmore has been born to Lady Glamis, who is a sister of Mrs Nicholas Soames. Pool match here.

-=-

Wednesday June 18, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Waterloo, 1815. Jennie Rawnsley, 1969. LG came in and grimly announced that I have missed this years bonus by a fraction. Trade didn't pick up until the beginning of May - too late to save me apparently. Phoned Dad. He says Hilda has phoned him to say she's heard from John and Janette re the wedding plans and that they are having the reception at the Yorkshire Rose, Guiseley. It's news to us. Dad wants to go to Lanzarote with Arnold and may even be away for his sons nuptials. 

The Queen met Mrs Barrantes in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot yesterday. Major Ferguson was injured while playing polo when an opponent's stick broke giving the him a gash on the forehead. At Ascots all the ladies were in spots.

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Tuesday June 17, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Royal Ascot. Lady Diana Cooper has shook a seven. She only survived her old friend the Duchess of Windsor by a few weeks. Lord Althorp has gone on TV-AM to make an anti-drugs plea following the death of his friend Olivia Channon. Evidently, he saw Miss Channon on the day before her untimely death. "Champagne" Charlie Althorp has a 'fast' reputation, I fear. Susan Barrantes has flown in for next month's wedding with her Argentinian polo playing husband, who is also a guest. Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd writes in the DT on the subject of Prince Andrew's surname and whether or not he'll use the Mountbatten-Windsor appelation on his marriage certificate. Charles didn't. Anne did. The name should not come into use until Andrew has a grandson in the male line. Will I be here?

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Monday June 16, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Hot. Summer's here. Yesterday was the hottest day of the year. 81F in London. Bill Foggitt says we will enjoy good weather for the rest of June based on the high activity of ants in the gardens. 

Duke of Kent: KG

Samantha has a middle name. It's Kay. They picked it out of the blue.  This afternoon we walked up to the nursery school or kindergarten thing on Hunslet Hall Road where we were told Samuel is no nearer getting a place. One would think it was Millfield. Sod them. Bessie phoned. 

News: the Duke of Kent was installed at St George's Chapel as a KG wearing the robes that belonged to his father and have been packed away in a box for half a century. Prince George was appointed to the order in 1923 on his 21st birthday, but his son has had to wait until he is 50. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attended the wedding on Saturday of the Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie, son of the Earl of Radnor, to Jane Gilmour, daughter of Sir Ian Gilmour, and a descendant of the ducal Abercorns, from whom Fergie and Diana also stem.

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Sunday June 15, 1986

  Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

3rd Sunday after Trinity

Father's Day

Up for my Sunday papers and sat over breakfast reading about the Prince of Wales who has expressed serious concern about the discrimination against blacks in the Guards regiments and the Household Cavalry. ___________. Dad moved on. We went to Sue's and drank beer in the garden. Jim and Margaret are queer. They took the boys on the moor at Burley Woodhead leaving Sam wit us. Busy tonight. We took £400. It was Father's Day.

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