Sunday January 11, 1987

Samuel (1987).

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

1st Sunday after Epiphany

Samuel's party. Pub packed. Snow. Guests came at 2pm. Karen, Jill, Tim, Steve, Hayley, Thomas, Sue, Pete, Christopher, Ben, Mantha, Dad, who brought Arnold, Janet, Judith, Roger, Dorothy - thin and old - Les, and Guy. Graham Rhodes followed on later. Our lounge upstairs was packed and flowing with Liebfraumilch. Sadly, the children's party was pushed a bit into the background with the influx of a plethora of aged adults, but a cake was lit and a tea party atmosphere persisted. The aunts and uncles left after an hour or so. We did have a quick chat with Judith and Roger. The Sandersons stayed until after 9.

-=-

Saturday January 10, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Samuel is having his third birthday party tomorrow and in a routine phone call to Papa he announced that Dot, Les, Arnold and Janet, and Guy Holland are staying at Horton and he probably won't make it to the soiree. Such disappointment. He was also supposed to be bringing Sue, Pete and Co from Guiseley. We fume. Dad doesn't see that we want him to be with us in his capacity of much loved grandfather. Samuel will be disappointed. I phoned Susie and offered to pick her up at 11 tomorrow. Ally hates diversions to our plans.

-=-

Friday January 9, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

It's all fixed. We are going to County Durham next Tuesday for 2 weeks. A converted granary at Bradley Burn, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland. Everyone thinks we are mad. Durham in January. Why not Capri or Benidorm? Oh, no. Life isn't so cut and dried. We just need the rest. Four walls, a bed and no hand pumps, bar staff, or Joe Public. To me Durham sounds like heaven. Snow is coming too, ony let us get to our retreat first. Madge appeared with £15 cake arrears for June.

-=-

Thursday January 8, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Railway Inn.

Last night we the quiz team went to Spofforth with a coach load of our lounge types to the Railway Inn (Miss Anne Revell). We won. I was in the team. Ally a scorer. Such a popular night. Beware: I have promised to dine with Doreen and Terry in February. ____________.

The Earl of Macduff, a direct legitimate descendant of King Edward VII, is engaged.

-=-

Wednesday January 7, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Prince Edward quits marines.

Cop a load of this about Prince Edward. Obviously it means curtains for the armed services and I back HRH all the way. Why should all the males of our Royal House always have to give such a macho image? Leaping from planes and running with Gurkhas, &? Why is it always a military career for 10 years or so? Princess Anne went straight from school into the royal routine, and just look at the Duke of Gloucester. He even wears spectacles. He doesn't give a sod.

-=-

Tuesday January 6, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Obituary. Viscount Lifford.

Epiphany

Feast of the Epiphany. We Three Kings of Orient Are, &c.

Excuse the news cuttings (glued herein). It is the new lay-out of my 1987 journal. Better than nothing. Starved of my Burke's Peerage I'll glue appropriate cuttings here from the Daily Telegraph. I've been too bust to keep an old style diary since the arrival of Clementine. Life's been so frantic and running at a fast pace. Will I see 32? 

Leslie Gledhill came in beaming & joyful. Our Christmas takings were fantastic.

-=-

Monday January 5, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Clementine cannot find contentment at all and lays scratching and writhing pitifully. We are taking her up to the doctor tomorrow. She had another jab at the clinic today and screamed . A doctor inoculated her in the thigh. Surely, buttocks are best? I picked up Samuel from the nursery and joined Ally at the clinic where Sam played on a battered rocking horse, the walls covered in AIDS posters. Poor boy. What will the world be like when he is my age?

News: The 1st Earl of Stockton was buried at Horsted Keynes, Sussex, at noon. His grandson, bearded and looking delighted with himself, announced that the former PM's last words were: "I think I'll go to sleep now."

-=-

Sunday January 4, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

3rd Sunday after Christmas

Not too hungover. I avoided beer and lager and stuck faithfully to drinking 'shorts'. Up for 10. Yes, 10. Ally had taken Bev to work at 8 and brought me my morning tea. We had two staff 12-2 and so Ally and Sam went to bed and I sat reading about 'Supermac' in the Sunday Times. My God, the former PM isn't even buried yet and already they are beginning to print all sorts of claptrap. I slept from 1:30 to 3pm and then did a roast lamb lunch. The children were particularly vociferous. The lamb was a £3.60 joint. Clementine, the little treasure, knows just how to wail that bit too much.

-=-

Saturday January 3, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Picked up the phone and it was Katie Davina - four today - talking from Kilmacolm. A sweet little girl. Tonight at 9 Ally and I went over to the Stone Trough at Rawdon for Chris Ratcliffe's annual (sic) bash, where I thoroughly and unexpectedly enjoyed myself. Pissed of course. Saw John, Janette, MM, Marita, Chris, Andy and Linda Graham, Carol Smith, Christine Dibb, Laura and Dave Pattison, Jacq, Ian, Tony and Margaret Brotherwood, Martyn and Fay Cole &c. Back to Chris's on Canada Rd (or drive). All stripped pine, and cottage-like. I did my usual 'ice bucket down the trousers' routine, much to Ally's chagrin. Ally sank a fair few Martinis. We dropped the Matthewses at home at 3am.

-=-

Friday January 2 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Bank Holiday in Scotland

Dad enters the 54th year of his age looking well, with fresh complexion, but almost white hair. Everyone says he looks years younger (my customers say that but they are debauched, wrinkled, town-dwellers. Dad kept going until 5am on New Years Day and the women flock to him. Mary Knight would have him tomorrow. No, today, in half an hour. We found a bottle of Asti spumante and had it with our boiled eggs for breakfast. Dad stayed until lunchtime and then went on to Guiseley. Tonight he went out with Sue, Pete, John & Janette to the Indian restaurant at White Cross. _________.

-=- 

Thursday January 1, 1987

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

New Years Day - Bank Holiday in UK

I now attempt to revive my limp journal which began on January 1, 1973, and only ceased in August, 1986, when the author, over-worked and flattened, laid down his pen. It has not been easy. I have looked at those blank, white pages and have suffered pangs of torment. So here goes. This day is lost in a painful stupor, an alcoholic haze. The New Years Eve party - a Bacchanalian orgy no less - dispersed at 7:30am.  We'd seen Phyllis Dean's tits. Joe House's knees, &c. I deserted Margaret Milne this afternoon and returned to bed. Fizzy Andrews Liver Salts my only nourishment and then Julie Andrews in 'Mary Poppins'.

-=-

Wednesday December 31, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

New Moon

Ally: flapper.

A New Years Eve fancy dress thrash here. V. successful. Dad brought Sue, Pete and Co this afternoon. A full house. Ally in shimmering pink. A flapper girl. I was in loud stripes and a boater. Up until dawn. Riotous. Janette went to Maria's and John came here alone. Oh God. __________. Phyllis stripped to nowt and then fell over and did her eye in. Joe House, 75, batted until 7:30am.

-=-

Tuesday December 30, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

The Earl of Stockton died last night aged 92. Good old Supermac. Our last 'elder statesman', because surely they won't use this label for a) Edward Heath, b) Roy Jenkins, c) Lord Wilson of Rievaulx, KG, d) L.J. Callaghan, e) D. Steel, MP, f) Janet Fookes, MP

(That's enough elder statesman - Ed)

Friday November 28, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Lynn and Dave emigrated to Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire.

Wednesday November 26, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

The Sam Smith's brewery dinner dance at Garforth. I developed conjunctivits.

Sunday November 23, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Sunday next before Advent

Very wet. To Haworth. Scar Top Pine, &c.

Saturday November 22, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Graham & Gill came for the weekend.

Saturday November 15, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Lynn had a party at Thorpefields. A farewell party before leaving for Scotland.

Wednesday November 5, 1986

 Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

To Beaulieu Palace for the day with Bessie. Samuel loved the experience. Holiday until Nov 10.

Friday October 31, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Holiday stock take. To Winchester.

Thursday October 30, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Sacked Karin Ireland.

Wednesday October 29, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Quiz at the Eagle Tavern.

Wednesday October 22, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

With Dad to the Butcher's Arms at Pudsey for a quiz.

Monday October 20, 1986

 5 Club Street, Lidget Green, Bradford

We moved out of Club Street and Roger Whetnall (husband of my cousin Judith Rhodes) took the tenancy.

Sunday October 19, 1986

 5 Club Street, Lidget Green

21st Sunday after Trinity

We lunched with Mary Moore.

Sunday October 12, 1986

 20th Sunday after Trinity

To Club Street. Fish and chips.

Friday October 10, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Clemmie 10 weeks old today.

Thursday October 2, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

To dentist 8:30am. Dad home from Lanzarote.

Thursday September 18, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Dad went to Lanzarote with Arnold and Janette for two weeks. Pat Phoenix died from lung cancer.

Monday September 15, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Samuel started at a nursery on Hunslet Hall Road, and grew up over night. We both went to the dentist 4:45.

Sunday September 7, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

15th Sunday after Trinity

Lunched with Frank and Bessie at the Barleycorn Inn, Collingham.

Saturday September 6, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

John and Janette (1986)

John and Janette married at Bradford Register Office, followed by a 'do' at the Yorkshire Rose, Guiseley. Julie and Steve married at Pudsey. The 'do' was at the Norfolk Gardens Hotel, Bradford.

Ally and I with the bride and bride groom

Thursday September 4, 1986

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

New Moon

Ally had a post-natal inspection at 10:40. Dr Duck.

Monday September 1, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn

Ally saw Dr Duck.

Wednesday August 20, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

August 1986:

Back to the pub in early August totally exhausted and yes depressed despite the arrival of our beautiful daughter. Over-tired, over-worked, under-paid, &c. We saw Leslie Gledhill at the brewery (Aug 11) and got it into our heads that the Menston Arms was ours. I visited the BRI regarding my allergies and we lunched several times at the Menston Arms. Samuel was accepted at nursery (on Hunslet Hall Rd) and Dermot visited us (Aug 27).

-=-

Tuesday August 19, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

This journal is now closing down until next year, I wish all my readers a comfortable and prosperous year.

Goodnight.

National Anthem.

Monday August 18, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Sam and Clemmie.

Cold and wet. I went out after breakfast to do the banking and some shopping but forgot the cash and had to come back for it. No bloody petrol in the car either. Samuel was delivering a hell-fire ultimatum to old Anne (the cleaner). His favourite expressions at the moment are "boggerts" no doubt a derivation of bollocks and buggers, and "sod" remains a particular favourite. We think it perhaps best to ignore these gross acts of anti-social naughtiness. He was particularly abusive in Sainsbury's on Saturday, much to Ally's embarrassment. We received a letter from Uncle Bert saying he will be at John's wedding, bringing his grandson Richard, aged 3.

-=-

Sunday August 17, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

12th Sunday after Trinity

Sunshine. Ally went out over the moor with Samuel and a perambulated Clementine to soak up some warmth. They returned at 12 and we sat in the car park with a christening party from St Peter's. Clementine is so big and hungry. She cannot be awake without feeding. Karin says she is like me but she only had the slightest of glances and baby was laying on her side in a deep pram and wearing a frilly bonnet. Tonight we composed a long and splendid letter to LG asking for the Menston Arms. Surely, no other interviewee can have penned a more eloquent epistle. It is the sort of thing Leslie Gledhill appreciates. Very crawling, but basically sincere. Watched a film, the one with Jimmy Cagney crying en route to the electric chair. You know the one.

-=-

Saturday August 16, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

Prince Alfred, second son of Victoria and Albert, was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Kent and Earl of Ulster, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, May 24, 1866. He succeeded his uncle Ernest II as Duke of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, the reigning duke of that principality, August 22, 1893. He died at Schloss Rosenau,  30 July, 1900, when his peerages became extinct. He was succeeded as Duke of Saxe-Coburg by his nephew, the Duke of Albany, son of Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria's youngest son.

-=-

Friday August 15, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

'Princess Michael of Kent' by Peter Lane arrived from our book club. Interesting that the book has no photographs of the Princess prior to her engagement in May 1978. A few painful errors too. A chapter on the 'House of Kent' reveals that Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, became Duke of Kent in 1866, and went on at length to discuss Alfie's life and times. Prince Alfred was in fact Duke of Edinburgh and EARL of Kent, and later succeeded as Duke of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha on the cessation of the then Prince of Wales. Sloppy writing makes my blood boil.

-=-

Thursday August 14, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, &c

A letter arrived from the brewery saying our Wellington Inn application has been cancelled. A postcard from Lynn in Gourock. Samuel went to the nursery for an hour 2-3. Exhaustion and lethargy. Bessie phoned.

(My sister and her husband David were temporarily living in Scotland to test the waters and see if they could actually go live there with David's work)

-=-

Wednesday August 13, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Quiet and wet. The White Rose Choir came in with a Teddy for Clementine which we have christened Elvis because he has a button and when pressed it sings 'Love Me Tender', a melodious old tune much warbled by that old thigh shaker, the late Mr Presley. Clemmie weighs 9lb 14 oz.

Graham and ? (unknown) came from the Raynville for an hour with a couple from Farsley Working Mens' Club who are fancying taking on the Yorkshire Cobble at Redcar. 

Sandra Woodcock (nee Collett) had her portrait sketched by Mick (who signs 'Mik') from Tempest Rd. Another superb likeness.

-=-

Tuesday August 12, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

An evening of collapse. Ally watched 'The Thorn Birds', a terribly long, drawn out and far-fetched tale. I wrote a long, boring letter to Lynn. My powers have gone. My fluency is waning.

-=-

Monday August 11, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, LS11 5NQ

We were interviewed by Leslie Gledhill for the Wellington Inn at Knaresborough, but we switched our choice of pubs on arrival to the Menston Arms - which he expected us to do. We took Clemmie with us leaving Samuel at Guiseley.

-=-

Sunday August 10, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds, &c

11th Sunday after Trinity

Post wedding blues.

Saturday August 9, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

My cousin Jacqueline married Barry Raistrick at Cleckheaton. A good bash. It was Jacqueline's 30th birthday.

Friday August 8, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Received a circular from the brewery re the Menston Arms!! But we are seeing LG on Monday re the Wellington, Knaresborough. Sod it.

Thursday August 7, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

The pool team were at home. We won. Uncle Peter says Eleanor was taken aback and rendered speechless when I phoned about the wedding arrangements because she had no idea I had been invited  to the nuptial shindig. It was, he said, something that Jacqueline had decided to do on the quiet. Jacqueline of course attended our wedding ________. Peter says none of the wicked uncles will be there on Saturday. Phew. Spoke to Dad. ______.

-=-

Wednesday August 6, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Clemmie weighs 9lb 6oz. Ally had her up Beeston Hill this afternoon and naked on the scales. Samuel refused to do likewise. He must be growing shy and sensitive like his father. I have never been one to bare all in a public place. Public toilets, swimming baths, changing rooms, &c - they have always revolted me. Ones genitals are ones own affair. If only others less stoic than myself could behave similarly the world will be a far healthier dwelling place. Beverley worked. I phoned Auntie Eleanor re Jacqueline and Barry's wedding, and she was a brick. We can take the children by all means but decide just to take Clementine. Eleanor sounded so much like Mama on the phone.

-=-

Tuesday August 5, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

New Moon

An artist came in the pub tonight touting for business and did me in ink. A good likeness. I 'm recognisable. Samuel saw it and gasped: "Ah, Daddy". So it can't be bad. I gave the artist £4. No Peter Paul Rubens by any means. Stuck tonight. Liz cried off sick and at 9 I went across for Audrey to assist. It was busy later on. Little Clementine came below for ten minutes to meet the customers and slept throughout. Ally didn't want the baby stinking of cigarette fumes and stale ale.

-=-

Monday August 4, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Back to work. I went alone back to Leeds for 9 o'clock leaving my three pigs in bed. The relief couple (the Watsons) were closeted upstairs with the strangely silent stock-taker (Rob). They say the pub has had two break-ins since July 22 and the change box and the large charity bottle were the principal casualties. This stinks. Watson phoned LG who told him he would have to put the money in because it had disappeared from a (undecipherable) in licensed hours. If it had been in the safe it would have been insured. A very fast couple if you ask me. I went back to collect Ally and the children at 3 o'clock.

-=-

Sunday August 3, 1986

 5, Club Street

10th Sunday after Trinity

The last day of our historic little holiday. Mr Glynn's and Janette's birthday. We went walking again in Scholemoor cemetery. Its the nearest thing to a park Lidget Green can provide. The roses are particularly enchanting. Samuel and Ally had a sleep this afternoon whilst I made lunch and watched the Jack Le Vien film 'A King's Story' (1966). What a shit was Edward VIII. I am so glad he went. The more I hear of him the more convinced I am that he would have weakened the monarchy had he been crowned. Quiet evening. Lynn phoned from Scotland. Ally wrote to Glenda at he brewery to say thank you for the flowers.

-=-

Saturday August 2, 1986

 5, Club Street

We are bog eyed today because Clementine insisted on waking throughout the night. ___________. Samuel's relationship with Postman Pat continues heavy. We have Pat three times a day now. I went to Morrison's and filled the car with petrol in readiness for Monday's migration back to Leeds. After 2 we went on a jaunt. First to MM and Marita's. They were delighted to see us. Clementine is the first new baby Marita has held. On to Wilsby. Tony, H and Jill with the children. Hilda nursing Clementine says baby is the double of 'Grandad Dixon' adding "I'm afraid". Tony was painting the ceiling. On to Mabel's. She was drinking sherry and feeling dizzy. Samuel fell and cut his lip. Home for streak and courgettes. 

-=-

Friday August 1, 1986

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

Better day. Sunshine. Up at 7 o/'clock to a sunlit room to see Ally changing Clementine white of pallor and with sunken eyes. The broken nights are doing her no good. She was feeding at 1:10 and then again at 6. Poor Clemmie is sproggy and has a cough and matted eyes. Samuel and I had a fried repast and took our morning constitutional to the Co-op and the newsagents. The Daily Telegraph dominates with the coming sanctions against Pretoria which the PM has fought against for ages. Sir Geoffrey Howe doesn't seem to me to have any bottle whatsoever. The PM mut know what she is doing. Later, Samuel played in the garden hung, nay festooned, with washing. I joined him and sat on the wall with a copy of 'Moonfleet'. Sat baking like 'Fergie' (the ginger Tom from down the street). Mince for lunch, then peaches. Samuel has an excellent appetite. The midwife made her last visit and she looked bog eyed when I said: "see you next time". One never knows, does one. We had a card from Delia Collis in which she says our choice of names is beautiful.

 -=-

Thursday July 31, 1986

 Waltergarth, Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Waltergarth.

We woke up in a big, sweaty heap. Ally, Samuel and I in the same bed. It had been a rough night because Ally had to switch on the lights to feed Clementine, which woke Samuel who leapt from the bed and bounded around like a competitor in the Commonwealth Games. We went (Sam and I) to find Dad, who was cooking breakfast for his guests. To get out of mischief Sam and I went and poked around in the fireplace and got it blazing. Fire. How many hundreds of generations have stood in wonderment at the sight of a crackling, spitting new fire? We had our breakfast when the walkers left at 9 o'clock. The usual 'full-English'. I put a quotation by Virgil in Dad's visitors book which wasn't appreciated. 

"Begin, Baby boy: a child that has no smile for a parent will not be thought fit inviting for dinner by a God or taken by a Goddess to bed."

I took Samuel down to the river in a misty rain and we lobbed rocks into the grey waters under the bridge. Spent some time looking for a Troll. Bought Dad some bread (three loaves), and a Daily Telegraph for £2. Disgusting. We left at 1 and we were home before 3. Ally knackered. A health visitor came and injected Clementine, stabbing her in the foot which made her scream. Lambs liver a la Chernobyl for dinner. Collapsed tonight. Sneezy, &c. The beginnings of a cold? 'Minder'. Campari.

-=-

Wednesday July 30, 1986

Dad with Samuel & Clementine.

 5, Club Street, Lidget Green

Up early. Ally had been up in the night and had fed Clementine without waking me. I just snore through the zoo-like hullabaloo. So different than when Samuel was tiny, and Ally says it's much easier this time. My services are no longer required. Heavy rain. We phoned Dad after breakfast and left for Horton at 10:30. Me at the wheel. A long journey. I arrived with a thick head and took some of Mum's paracetamols. Poor Waltergarth. The place depresses me. Mum's empty perfume bottles in the bathroom and her old faded flowered dressing gown hanging behind the door. Her hair curlers in the cupboard under the sink with fine strands of her golden hair still entwined. Ghosts everywhere. 

Clementine's first visit to Waltergarth. We hardly know we have her. She just eats and sleeps and then lays midst the white broderie anglaise cooing and gurgling. I tasted Mum's orange wine (April, 1984 vintage) which is excellent. We always said we'd sample it when Clementine arrived. Dad had four lads staying there for B & B from 6pm. They were wet and bedraggled and had been out in the hills for five days and they fell in front of the fire and clamoured for the Daily Telegraph with heart warming enthusiasm. The youth of today are obviously not all loutish. The children were all tucked up and asleep for 8pm. Ally and I went to Settle for a couple of hours. The Talbot Arms and then the Little House restaurant for yet another exquisite dinner for £23. Returned at 11 sated. Clemmie still out cold.

-=-

Tuesday July 29, 1986

 5 Club Street, Lidget Green

We went out to town this morning to buy Samuel some new shoes. A nice red pair for 'best' and some trainers for 'playing out'. He looks very grown up. A little colt. Just an hour in town floored Ally who was near to collapse. I have warned her that she could be doing too much, too early. We returned for lunch and Ally and Sam went to bed. Later, it was a bright afternoon and we went to the park in Manningham where we found a fun fair where Samuel rode on an apparently never ending roundabout sitting on a fire engine ringing the bells. I weakened and had a toffee apple and it cost me a filling in the process. The park was swarming with eastern types all from our great Commonwealth of nations. Tonight: Lynn and David phoned from Scotland. Very chatty. I watched a recording I'd made of Bette Davis in 'The Little Foxes' (1941). It ended suddenly. Did my tape run out?

World News: The Yorks sailed into Ponta Delgada in the Azores yesterday. The PM is to have an op on her right hand next week. Ella Fitzgerald, 68, has heart failure. Sir Osbert Lancaster has snuffed it along with Vincente Minnelli. The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire is 91.

-=-

-=-

Monday July 28, 1986

 5, Club Street, Lidget Green

Ice, wind, rain, &c. Not a typical July. We waited all day for the Philips engineer to come to look at our washing machine. He didn't appear until 4pm when Ally and I were watching a tape of the Royal wedding and laughing at the puerile commentary of the great broadcaster Sir Alastair Burnet. He should really be horsewhipped ... along with the Philips engineer, who charged me £30 just to tighten up the points and connections and did nothing but moan about the inaccessibility of the appliance. British workmen. God Bless 'em. However, the machine was going again and within minutes of his departure the nappies were spinning furiously. All two dozen of them. Ally wrote a couple of thank you letters. Auntie Annie Wilkinson sent £15 and Aunt Elsie a dress. I sat over my D. Telegraph reading of the furore over Michael Shea. The man should go. The palace is standing by Mr Shea and his is defended by Sir W. Heseltine, the private sec, but to quieten things down his head should roll. Damage has been done to Her Majesty and the PM over this. Heseltine has a letter in the Times today which makes it clear that the Queen accepts Mr Shea's version of events and not that of the Sunday Times, who published an article alleging HM was dismayed by Mrs Thatcher's policies. HM wouldn't be so unprofessional. My blood  boils. The poor maligned sovereign.

-=-

Sunday July 27, 1986

 5, Club Street

9th Sunday after Trinity

Samuel went for a walk to collect the morning papers and to walk-off our enormous breakfast. I bought a Sunday Telegraph, but weakened and also bought the News of the World. We came back and sat in the garden midst the flower pots. Sam always talks to the neighbours ginger Tom cat and is very cross when it declines to answer back. Well, I am on holiday. One must be light-hearted every so often. The latter organ leads with an account of poor Princess Michael of Kent's supposed 'affair' with the Earl of Suffolk & Berkshire, the thrice married millionaire, who is 51. Inside was a tale 
of the Duke and Duchess of York's pre-nuptial Ball at Windsor where 'Fergie' introduced Paddy McNally to Prince Andrew. All good stuff. The Telegraph leads with a train crash. In other news, Averell Harriman has died aged 94.

A warm afternoon. We put a chicken in the oven and took Clemmie out in her pram. Her first walkies. We went of all places to Scholemoor cemetery where the roses were beautiful and where Samuel could run around unhindered. The dead don't mind, I'm sure. Looking at tombstones both old and new one thing emerges very clear and frightening. One is so very lucky now to reach three score years and ten. People are not living longer despite the NHS, Giros, British Rail, Concorde, PVC, penicillin, or Margaret Thatcher. Most disturbing. Bessie phoned. Ate an enormous dinner. Our washing machine went kaput. I phoned Dad who said automatic machines are too complex for the amateur and I will have to call in Philips. Sod it. Sue goes to Scotland tomorrow.

-=-

Saturday July 26, 1986

 5, Club Street, Lidget Green

Susan and Peter's sixth anniversary of blissful wedlock _______. We phoned tonight and Sue seemed cheerful. They were both drinking whisky, a present from Jim Nason. The boys both have spots and they are going to Horton in the morning and then to Scotland in Dad's car. Jill and Tim came here at 7 o'clock with Thomas. Clementine's first visitors. "Where have you got Clementine from -- the name that is?", Jill asked. 

-=-

Friday July 25, 1986

 Club Street, &c.

Went again in the car again to Duckworth Lane with Samuel clinging on in the back of the car wide-eyed with amusement at my new found mobility. The Co-op is doing very nicely out of me this week. We went to Cheap 'n Cheerful to give our glad tidings to Mrs Whitehead but it was her day off. Bought some notelets for announcing our child's arrival to friends we haven't phoned. Sarah C and the Rawnsleys, &c. She is a gorgeous fat little thing - like Samuel, but rounder and with a different nose. The little girl has no eye-lashes and of course her eyes are blue. They always are. Clementine has a perfectly shaped head, so unlike some babies, but am I slightly biased? Just think if I go along and collect my grandmother's birth certificate and find that she is really spelt 'Lavinia'! Dad says that his mother-in-law was a rotten speller too. Was she spelling her name 'Levinyer' because she knew no other? Mum's birth certificate definitely says her mother was Levinyer, but I am gripped with paroxysms of doubt.

-=-