Friday March 9, 1973

John woke me at 7.20 when he was getting ready for work. But I was quite pleased to be up in good time. Had a little breakfast and came to school on the 8.30 bus. Benita was the only other person there. Christine Braithwaite arrived shortly after and she helped me put the finishing touches to my 'demand and suppy' essay - the mathematical bit. Ughh! She went out last night and didn't manage to start her essay (Monopoly) until 12 - finishing it at 2.30am! I'd have still been scribbling at 4.30 if I'd gone out first. Double Economics was quite enjoyable - believe it or not, and Groves must have told Mr Ayling of my acceptance into college - because he suggested that I do extra economics, much to the amusement of all the others.

At lunchtime June and I went for a walk in the park. Very romantic. The weather is absolutely beautiful. Spring is with us at last. We walked hand in hand back to school. Saw Chid.

In the afternoon Christine and Maggie Edwards gave one of their OAP orgies. June and I were doing nothing for the first lesson and we therfor decided to entertain the old dears. Anyway, it was a good excuse to knock back a few cups of tea. Louise and I were then dragged off to Biology by Mrs Stancliffe. It was a great 2 lessons! We did a question on heredity and disease and the haemophiliac line of the Royal Family. I knew more on this than Mrs Stancliffe did! It was very interesting and made a change from the usual clap-trap about plants and gas.

June and I walked hand in hand to the bus stop at 4.50. I will not be seeing her until Sunday! How awful!

Back to work at 7.30. A terribly long night. Even Sue R admitted that she had never known a night drag on so long. She has asked me to work on Tuesday nights as well as Friday and Saturday - pushing my weekly wage up to £5. They were very pleased to hear I had got into college - so I therefor gave them 4 months notice! Toffer brought me home at 12.15. Watched the end of a film and came to bed at 12.40.

--=--

Wednesday March 7, 1973

Awoke at 8. Rushed down the lane for the 8.30 bus. Arrived in good time. Got to school about 8.50. Sat with Christine Braithwaite. June came in with Linda W at 9.35. Linda saw those poor passengers getting on the plane which crashed at Nantes in France soon after. She was very nervous on her flight. She says she's fallen in love. Yes, with a sex-mad Spanish waiter after only 5 days. June and I tell her that these waiters have a new romance every week but Linda simply will not listen. She has written to him already. I bet he won't reply.

Talking at break we decide to go to the Emmotts tonight - for the first time on a Wednesday. However, love-struck Linda will not go, and so Cowie won't go. That means June and I will be going up on our own again - how romantic!

At lunchtime June and I went down into Rawdon for the lunches. We always enjoy the chase to and from school with the pile of liver-sausage sandwiches and warm, dripping pork pies. Ughh!
Dave, Louise, Christine and I had a very good laugh this afternoon gossiping about WW (the rabid homosexual) who just happened to be sitting behind Dave. We also played Chinese-whispers but not very successfully.

At 4.30 June and I walked hand in hand to the bus stop. Called at Cleggs sweet shop on the way - the bloke knows what we want before we even have the chance to ask! My dreaded bus came at 4.50. Came home and rang Dave. We decide to go to the Emmotts (or at least I persuaded him to go). We went up on the 7.30 bus. Dave was wearing a new jacket - very trendy. We arrived at 8. June was waiting outside for me. We passed a very nice 2 and a half hours spending very economically. June was on Britvics and I was on lager. Dave however, drank Martinis - very rich!

Ivy, bless her, was very tactful to sugegst to Dave that June and I wanted to "do some courting" and he left on the 10.40 55 bus. 10 minutes later June and I went but on the way I encountered Dad's workmate, PC Copsey - I ignored him, but whether he recognised me is a different matter.

My bus came at 11.10. After 20 minutes on a seat with June. Got in at 11.40. Everyone was in bed and I proceeded to do the same, without any supper. Somehow I have no apetite.

--==--

Thursday March 1, 1973

Our first month together!!! June and I began this historic day by playing several rounds of cheat quite alone in the common room. I won both games much to her annoyance. She says I do it too well. Groves came in and advised us to stop playing cards as one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools was coming round - "somehow", said Groves, "the sight of you gambling might not go down too well". June had a busy timetable for the day I didn't see her until lunchtime.

Sadly we finished the History Syllabus today - and the rest is up to us! The 'A' level comes in the second week in June - three short, hard months to go.

Calamity and disaster! A photograph fell from my wallet and into June's hands. Yes, it was one of Barbara, dated February 18, 1971 inscribed: "To Michael. Much Love. Barbara xxx". June wanted to know all the sordid details. I cannot actually recall why we finished going out together - it must have been around the middle of May last year. It would have been a lot better if June had never seen the photo, but what does it matter. It's not as if I'm two timing her.

In the afternoon high farce indeed. Christine Braithwaite set fire to my Economics essay! I told her to be careful but the thing got out of control and the smouldering essay fell to the floor, burning one of the tiles. That's one of the reasons why I voted against a new carpet.

Linda was not at school today. She is preparing for her holiday tomorrow - she's going to Spain for 5 days. Lucky kid!

We had our usual bus stop liaison, and you've guessed it .....Cadbury creme eggs. My bus came early. Rushed home and had dinner then climbed into the bath and washed my hair. Was suitably spruced up for 7.15 when I set off back to Rawdon. Just June and I at the Emmotts. I arrived at 7.50 and she at 8.10. A quiet night. Sue Crosby and Liz Peddie came in but only came across to say hello. Saw old Ivy, a sweet old girl, but she ceases to be amusing after the first 2 hours. At 10.30 it was back to the bus stop but Peter Hurst came and so June and I decided to wait for the next No. 55 at 11.20. Very romantic. We walked down to the bottom road and sat on the uncomfortable seat. We kisses farewell. I got the 33 Ilkley bus to Guiseley and was home for midnight. Mum and Dad were watching the Lincoln by-election results. Evidently, Dick Taverne, the Democratic Labour candidate won! He was kicked out of the Labour party in October for placing his loyalties with the pro-Common Market men. I bet Harold Wilson is choked. I had my money on Jonathan Guinness, the Conservative.

(The offending photo of Barbara Woodhead is published above)

--==--

Tuesday February 27, 1973

Susan woke me up at 7.45. For the first hour I felt completely dead to the world - and went through breakfast in a complete daze - much to Mum's annoyance. Went down on 8.30 bus. Christine B and I had our usual morning gossip. Also had a chat with Denise for the first time in about a month. The lovely June arrived at about 9.45 - alas, she and Linda were in silly moods for the greater part of the day. For the first two lessons I revised British politics 1945-51 - for the test at 11.45. The test itself was perfect -well, the first bit was. It said: " a. Account for the Labour victory of 1945, and, b. the Labour defeat of 1951." I woffled on for three quarters of an hour - Mrs Lane will no doubt find space to tear it to bits in tomorrow's lesson. June was still off at lunch - she still is cool towards me.

Princess Anne and Lieut. Phillips are "jumping" at the Duke of Beaufort's pad at Badminton. Not sexually of course, but equestrian jumping.

June and I are back on speaking terms by 2.30. She went off for lessons leaving me alone with Louise and Martin V-B. Later, Dave, Christine Chid, Louise and I messed about in the common room until nearly 4. I did manage to fill in my college application forms and get them posted.

Chris was disturbed when he heard I'd been acting the fool with Louise. But he pulled round when he mentioned that Louise had gone in for the young farmers' Dairy Queen Contest - I made the quip: "Cow of the Year 1973" - we all had a good laugh.

June and I both agreed today that we spend far too much time pulling people to bits over one thing or another. It's either Janet Roots, Louise or some unsuspecting fellow scholar - and our derogatgory comments are only growing worse with the passing days. Poor Janet is said to be really upset about what I have said of her in recent weeks - I should have a guilty conscience. I must now make a solemn promise that never again will I say anything nasty about ____ because really she is a nice natured girl. In fact, if it was not for her ugly face I could quite fancy her.

June accompanied me to the bus stop at 4.30 where we stood hand in hand until the dreaded No. 55 bus came. Louise and Denise were with us. Before we parted June promised not to fall out with me tomorrow.

--==--

Friday February 16, 1973

Susan woke me at 7.45. I had a boiled egg and ran down the lane. The snow has now turned into an icy sheet & it refuses to be melted by the bright sunshine. On arriving at school I sat with Christine until 9.30. It was a boring morning. Economics dragged on until 11.45. Ayling really gets up my nose at times. At 12.25 Dave, Christine and myself went down to the chippie. She certainly enjoys seeing us walk through the door. We spent £1.35! I carried all the fish and chips back to school in a cardboard box.
Luncheon was ruined by Mr P.G. Groves, who handed out reports at 2. Mine had very disappointing results, but not one single teacher could say that I hadn't tried my best at all times, which cannot be bad. The 1st lesson after lunch was spent with June who thought I was depressed about my report when in fact I was miserable at the thought of Double Biology without her. Biology passed fairly quickly. I sat with Louise. Came back to the 6th form block at 4pm. June, Linda, Cowie, Janet and myself had a couple of rounds of 'cheat' in the study area - I lost both times. We all went down for the buses at 4.35. Linda was in a very jovial mood. J and I always hate parting on a Friday knowing we have to wait until Sunday to meet again.
Arrived home at 5.15. Mum told me that they were going to Pudsey on Sunday for tea. I would have gone willingly, but my love life is more important. I would not survive without my regular rendezvous with June at the Emmotts.
The Chuck Wagon was dead until 10 o'clock. Why do they always want to go out an eat at such a late hour? Inconsiderate of them. Home at 12.30.
John opened a bank account at the Yorkshire Bank today. He deposited £30. He also has about £46 worth of premium bonds. Mum has £44 of premium bonds. We are becoming a family of fortune and property!
The Prince of Wales is now on his way to the Med. where he will be stationed with his ship until September. The Queen seems to be relieving him of many royal duties, which fall to Princess Anne instead. But he will have the full burden in the years to come, and it is only right for him to have a good time while he is young and unattached. The subject of the prince's romantic life has certainly puzzled the Press. He has been linked with many female names, such as Georgiana Russell, Angela Nevill, etc, etc. But old Charles has admitted that he intends to marry someone with a royal background and who "already knows the ropes". I have had my eye on Princess Caroline of Monaco, who is 16, and is certainly a good prospect for the title Princess of Wales. Within 5 years she could make a very attractive bride. In 1978 the Prince of Wales will be 30. An ideal age for a royal groom. Grace Kelly should certainly have something to be pleased about.
On the subject of royals I have recently discovered a remarkable coincidence. The Duchess of Gloucester is descended from King Charles I, whilst her niece-in-law is descended from his arch-enemy Oliver Cromwell. Guess who? Yes, our very own Duchess of Kent. How can these two regal ladies keep their hands from each others throats?

--==--

Thursday February 15, 1973

Got up at 7.20. Evidently last night had been the coldest time in Britain since the winter of 1963 which was a very bad year. Went out for the 8.50 bus but it didn't come. Waited in the freezing conditions until 9.05. Arrived at school at 9.25. At the 6th form meeting Katie announced that the 6th form had some spare cash - the majority voted for a carpet for the block. I voted against. After all, in a week or two the thing will be full of cig burns and water-logged with coffee and other light refreshment. I may seem awfully reactionary but I think the money would be better spent on books or working ameneties - not more luxuries! After all this place is like a holiday camp now. God only knows what it will be like with more thick, warm shag-pile to lay on. Geddit!
Mr Ayling pulled me to bits in Economics - I failed to understand the ethics of supply, demand, and price - I think it sank in at the end, but only after hideous humiliation - to the great amusement of the rest of the mob. MM was in hysterics.
Chid (aka Paul Cheetham), Christine B, Louise and myself continue our debate on religion, life, anarchy, etc. Chid certainly is a sorry, sad case!
My Valentine's Day card got to June yesterday afternoon. She was thrilled with it. I do have good taste. We sat together at lunch eating minestrone soup and ogling the delicious recipes in Benita's weekly cookery magazine. We planned an evening out at the Emmotts - my weekly excuse to enjoy myself. At 4.30 June, Linda and myself went down to the bus stop where we each devoured three Cadbury's creme eggs. Chris, Louise and Denise were also waiting in the bleak cold. We all had a laugh. June and I were waving at each other from the usual vantage points as our buses moved off - the others think we are insane.
Home at 5.15. Bacon and eggs for tea. Walked back down Hawksworth Lane and caught the 7.30 bus back to Rawdon. Arrived at the pub at 7.50. June and Linda were inside. Ivy was once again absent. June says the old girl must have been affected by the gas strike. The first of the striking gas men's victims perhaps. Linda thinks the cold weather is keeping her indoors.
Cowie came in ten minutes later. In total I had one and a half pints of beer and a brandy - not much really considering I was there for two and half hours. June is her usual delectible self. She kept apologising for being rude to me. We sat holdings hands. Very romantic. The dreaded______________came in at about 9 o'clock. He had six brandy and sodas. June jokingly said that somone who could afford six brandy and sodas must be a worthy asset. June gave me a ring - an imitation diamond cluster one, with one stone missing. I intend putting it on a chain and wearing it around my neck - and have pledged myself to wear it forever - How romantic get you get!! From the window at about 10 we could see driving snow belting down over Rawdon. But on going out at 10.30 the rain had melted it all.
I bought fish and chips and sat in the bus shelter with June. Linda and Cowie were arguing as usual. June was screaming at Linda when they had to catch the 10.40 bus. We kissed goodbye.
Cowie and I caught the 11.10 bus - I was safely home by 11.45. Mum and Dad were at the Smith's house until 3.30. They are very nice people. Maj. Smith wanted us four to go round, but Mum said we'd all be in bed.

--==--

Friday February 9, 1973

Awoke at 7.30. The weather has taken a turn for the better and the dullness of yesterday is gone. The sun came out, filtering through the clouds at 8 o'clock. Caught the 8.30 bus to school. I was witness at 9 to a truly remarkable incident. Groves walked into the common room where Irene and Margaret Edwards were having a quiet game of snooker and he said to Irene: "sorry, but that was the last shot". He then confiscated the cues. We reactionaries began applauding this worthy action by Groves - however the majority of students were narked. At 9.30 he was back in the common room lecturing us on the vices and general bad behaviour of the 6th form - very appropriately it began to snow. In the third lesson we re-arranged the study booths creating an atmosphere of work about the place. It was rather successful. At lunchtime I sat in the new study area with June. Cowie was also there working busily. Dave and I went once again to the chippie. I am determined that someone else should go next Wednesday. I think it's about time that Chid had a turn, the lazy sod. At 2pm Groves and I went down to Guiseley to collect the OAPs for Christine's little rave-up in the Further Education block. The first we picked up lived in great splendour on Tranmere Park. Groves was fuming and was embarrassed by his filthy car. We then collected a further two from St Oswald's Terrace. I helped an old lady down the garden path and into the car. Bloody hell, he had no room for me in the car and so Groves told me to walk in the direction of Rawdon and that he would pick me up after taking the old folk to school.
I walked all the way back to Benton Park in 25 minutes. Groves was frantic with apologies saying that I would probably hold a grudge against him forever. I did Biology until 4.
June and I walked down to the traffic lights at 4.35. My bus passed me on the way down. June said she would wait with me until the next one came along - 30 minutes later. Her buses run every ten minutes. We agreed to meet at the Emmotts at 8 on Sunday. I hated the moment when my bus arrived. I waved at her from the rear window until I turnedf the corner at Benton Park.
After tea Dad and Mum gave me a lift down to the Chuck Wagon. Lynn and Susan were spending the night at the Saxton residence on Silverdale, and John was watching the telly at home. It was very quiet until 10.30 when the place suddenly filled up with all the drunks from the White Cross pub over the road. Sue (Riley) retired as usual at 11.30 with a book and a couple of beers. Toffer and I sat around until 1am. I arrived home at 1.30. Everyone was in bed. My supper consisted of two boiled eggs and toast. I came to bed at 2am.
Tomorrow will most likely be another busy night at the Chuck Wagon, but what is even worse, Pauline - or "The Mouth" -will be there. I can hardly wait for Sunday. Two whole days without seeing June is unbearable. The thought of going to college in September is too horrid for words.
June and I keep kidding each other about Peter Hurst and Janet Roots. But we grow more and more to like each other every day. Besides, old Ivy would be most upset if she did not see us a couple of times a week...

--==--

Thursday February 8, 1973

Got up at 7.50. Caught the 8.33 bus to school. Had such a laugh with Christine and Irene. June came at 9.20. Chris and Louise were having one of their usual tiffs. Sadly, I hear from Linda that she only wants to go out with Cowie as a friend and did not want to become involved with him, or indeed with anyone. Did History until lunchtime. I went down to the shops alone at 12.30, bringing Christine her sandwiches. Dave didn't arrive until 1.30. He'd been to Leeds for his medical for entry into college. He also took his urine sample. I have been joking with him about the size of the bottle to use for weeks. He refused my offer of a large lemondale bottle. Generally a depressing day. The rainy weather and damp atmosphere has only added to everyones misery. Cowie had a face like a wet weekend - hardly surprising really. Chris and Louise are coming into school tonight in order to act as ushers for parents nights when mums and dads from all over Aireborough to find out how "little Tommy" is coping with his mathematics, etc, etc. Chris and Louise are then going up to the Emmotts where June, Cowie and Linda are heading at 8. Arrived home from school at 5.10 - June and I walked down to the bus stop alone in pouring rain. She waited with me until the dreaded number 55 bus came. She is sure the best girl in the whole wide world. Had tea at 5.30 and then caught the 7.33 bus back to Rawdon. June and Linda were already in the seat in the bay window with dear old Ivy Fitton. Cowie came in minutes later and bought me a pint of keg. In the next 2 hours I had 3 whiskies. June and I were sitting next to each other and Ivy kept giving me the get stuck in" nod. Chris, Lousie, Andy Graham and Andy Flesher came in at 9.30 - we all had a cosy hour. Peter Hurst caused a sensation by coming in and then rushing out, only to come belting back in again and leave by the back door! The evening ended on a sad note for Cowie and Linda. At the bus stop Linda finally told C that she would rather be his friend as opposed to girlfriend in the strictest sense of the word. She had a good cry. When June and I tried to investigate L banged her brolly on the bus stop window and screamed at us to go away. J and I ran back to my bus stop where we sat (very romantically) until J's bus came at 11.15. Mine arrived at 11.20. On arriving home I found Uncle Harry cavorting in the kitchen with Mum and Dad. They had fish and chips. I devoured a fish sandwich. Uncle H is so pathetic. I haven't seen him sober since 1971 - he seems happy enough however. He is easily upset by things which bring back nostalgic memories, i.e. the record "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town" and things like Mum's home-made bread. We all sat listening to my records until 1.30. Uncle H then bedded down on the camp bed in the lounge. I retired to my cosy, yet unmade divan. John was snoring loudly. --==--

Wednesday February 7, 1973

Another cold, blustery day. Got up at 8am, Went on the 8.33 bus. Another mixed up and frustrating day.June was in lessons all day, and I had 3 out of 6 of mine. Vey busy.
What makes me laugh is that June always doubts that I am keen on her. When I suggested going up to the Emmotts tomorrow she said yes, but that I'd be bored, and she was not wantingt to push me into something "disagreeable" to me! She could not get much further from the truth. I would not miss going to the Emmotts with her for anything. I have a feeling that a romance is blossoming between Denise and Dave L.
At lunchtime Dave and I went down to the chippie to get the weekly order - fish and chips six times and fishcake and chips once - the price came to 98p. I am almost sure that we keep the old woman there in business. Groves went out in the afternoon leaving his 6th formers to the vices of the card table and Christine Braithwaite. I refused to play cards and sat with Cowie instead discussing the qualities of June and Linda W.
At 4 we were all re-united and messed around for half an hour before we went for our buses. June and Linda missed there buses and so waited with Cowie and myself. When the 55 came at 4.45 we were in two minds whether to catch it or not - June looked most depressed when we did. Cowie and I were waving violently from an upstairs window until they disappeared from sight. We hardly spoke on the journey home. Cowie was worried that L had fallen out with him.
With Divine assistance I should be going to the Emmotts with June tomorrow evening. Sadly, however, I am completely out of solid cash. Mum or John will have to deal out some lolly. If not, my marital prospects with Miss Bottomley may be at stake. In our case however, I suspect that the bliss and contentment of our meetings at school alone will usurp the purge of my not attending the Emmotts.
My reputation as a "lady killer" may have been severely weakened today by the rumour put about by the lower 6th that _______had finished with me because of a refusal on my part to go to bed with her. This sordid question never once entered into our relationship and I proceed to treat it with the contempt it deserves. On reflection it is amusing.

--==--

Monday February 5, 1973

Arose at 7.30. Went on the 8.30 bus. June and Linda came at 9.30 and Cowie, looking very tired, came at 9.50. Evidently, he didn't arrive home until 1.30am. Last nights events have triggered a romance between Cowie and Lynda, and she has now cast off her crush on Andy Graham. Chris wants me to go with him and Louise to Leeds this afternoon, but I'd feel like a goosberry, or whatever fruit it is. June wants me to go with her but she is meeting her sister who is in her late twenties, and they'll be on a wild goose-chase around the female boutiques. June, Benita and Lynda are doing the servery this week, and I sat with them throughout break - Dave thinks I'm being anti-social avoiding him. Saw Denise and MM at lunchtime. Dave Chris, Louise and Christine all tramped up to the library. Janet Roots, trying to chat me up, got under my feet. June, Lynda and Cowie all went to Leeds at 2.30. For me a boring and wasteful afternoon.

My evening was spent playing records. "Saturday Night at the Movies" reminds me of Mrs Cuthbert's biology classes last March when June, Johnny and I, plus David Stuttard all messed about together. Talking about Dave Stuttard - and who isn't these days? - I saw him in the tap room at the Emmotts last Thursday. He waved through the hatch to me in the lounge where I am always situated.

June and I fancy going out on Thursday but I will first have to throw myself upon the mercy of Mum and John to give me a substantial loan until Saturday night. I did this last week and can see no reason why I can't do it again. Had a bath. Had supper. Came to bed at 10.30.

--==--

Wednesday January 31, 1973

Got up at 8 this morning. Arrived at school at 9.20. I spent the morning waiting for an interview with Mr Gaunt, the careers bod. I finally saw him at 11.25. After 35 minutes we had sorted something out about going into the retail business - not a very good alternative to teaching. Mr Ayling was in a very good mood in Economics. Had a laugh with Louise and Christine Braithwaite. The 6th form will be back on its feet by tomorrow. Mrs Lane will kill me in the Thursday lesson. I made a soddin' mess of the exam. But one can only say "do ones best" dats what I say. June was in her usual jolly mood. She tries to make me jealous and keeps saying she wants to invite _____to the Emmotts on Sunday. She even tells me she likes him, which cannot be true.

All the newspapers are making a huge fuss over Princess Anne and Mark Phillips.

Groves didn't turn up this afternoon and we had a couple of free lessons to play around in. June was in exams so I amused myself with Louise and Christine. Johnny Hart-Woods was in high spirits. We seem to share the same Monty Python type of humour. He always raises a laugh.

I hear a rumour that Dave is going out with one of the birds from Woolworths. She can't be a very classy dame if she works in that joint.

Came to bed at 11.30. I haven't half written some ridiculous things in this diary.

--==--

Tuesday January 30, 1973

Charles 1 was murdered by Parliament on this day in 1649. I did not get up until 8.30 this morning. Susan was crouched on her bedroom floor putting her face on. She said that Mum had been trying to get me out of bed since 8. I had a bit of breakfast and caught the 9.30 bus to school. June looked radiant as usual. However_______disturbs me very much. He stares at June and follows her wherever she goes. I was dreading seeing Mrs Lane. What will she say about my exam? However, Mr Ayling saw me coming into school and he just happened to mention that Mrs Lane was absent. I was most relieved. I could have kicked myself, because I came out without a penny on me. I thought I was starving to death by the time lunchtime came around. Luckily, Chris offered me a third of a can of soup. Louise warmed it for us. He certainly has her trained. Christine B said it looked like "witches piss and bile juice".
Dad and Lynn went to the dentist at Rawdon at 4.15. I went down with June and Lynda to the bus stop at 4.30 but they had already left the dentist and gone home. Denise and Louise were at the bus stop and so I waited with them until 4.50.
I watched a very disturbing documentary on the telly last night concerning the Bentley/Craig murder of Nov. 1952. Bentley was hanged for simply being with Craig. Craig himself was only 16 - too young to be hanged - but it was he who had pulled the trigger. Hanging is so pagan. Why can't they be injected with a drug, or whatever. Lessons start on Wednesday afternoon. I'll go to Economics at 11.45.
I came up to bed at 11.30. Chris suggested that he and Louise and me and June go out on Sunday.


--==--

Friday January 26, 1973

I couldn't be bothered to catch the 8.30 bus so I waited until 9 o'clock. Mr Groves gave us a lecture on the vices of the 6th form. Evidently, Mrs Capstan-Fullstrength has been complaining about someone spilling salt in the study area. I have never been so embarrassed. It was June and me yesterday afternoon. What's more, everyone except Groves knew who the culprits were.

Dave and myself had one hell of a laugh with Christine Braithwaite. Chris and Louise had some sort of argument this afternoon. I think it was because Louise had lost Chris's expensive Parker pen. If that's all they can find to fight about it's a bloody pity.

June was in lessons all afternoon. I was kept amused by Christine and Dave. I stayed at school until 4.35 walking June, Linda, Benita and Janet to the bus stop. It wasn't until June had gone that I realised it was the last I had seen of her until Monday. I therefor, with great presence of mind, instructed Janet to tell June (they work at the same bakery in Horsforth on Saturdays) to meet me at the Emmott Arms at 8.30 on Sunday. I pass on my phone number just in case June wants to speak to me first. I arrived home at 5.30. Janet rang me at 6 for final instructions. She was worried that June would think she is being nosey.

I worked at the Chuck Wagon from 7. A boring evening. A couple sat pouring over their bill until 12.30 - silly sods. I missed the Frankenstein film on the telly.

Will June go to the Emmotts on Sunday? Will she ring tomorrow night? When I threw these questions at Janet she was positive that June would turn up.

I intend revising on Saturday and Sunday. European History is sometime on Monday. Let's hope it's in the afternoon. It will give me time to revise just that bit extra.

Dave may be leaving Woolworths tomorrow. He is ringing me to give a full report on his final and irrevocable decision.

Got home from the Chuck Wagon at 12.45. Made poached eggs on toast with fresh coffee. Somehow I do not feel like sleeping. All day I have felt a strange sinking feeling in my stomach. Excitement mingled with fright. Is this love?

--==--

Thursday January 25, 1973

I learned today that June isn't the only one to fancy me. Add Janet Roots and Christine Jennings to the list. Today is Sue Crosby's 18th birthday. Dave, Denise, Louise, Chris, Martin Vere-Bujnowski, Skinhead, Malcolm, Tim, Liz, MM, Judith Lea, Roy Molkin and me went up to the Emmott Arms at 1pm. Denise and I went out at the back of the pub and I told her that I didn't want to go out with her. Inside I bought Denise a Britvic orange and myself a pint of lager. Sue was really pissed. We had a sing song in the Emmotts before returning to school & Denise and I were able to squeeze into the back of Skinhead's car. However, we were pushed with force into the back and he had to drive with the doors open. Denise saved us both from being dashed to pieces on the road surface by holding both doors together with her hands. A pretty sight.

On arriving back at school Denise set to work on Paul Denby. June was very sweet when I told her I had failed my biology (Louise and I failed the mock. Denise got a grade 5). Dave, Christine Braithwaite, Chris and Louise nicked off at 2.30. It was fun watching them all scatter down the drive at Benton Park.

Later June and I walked to the bus stop together at 4.30 and we watched each other until our buses separated us for many hours to come.

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Wednesday January 17, 1973

Day of rejoicing and excitement because Denny brought £6 deposit for the holiday. Got up at 6.30. and revised until nearly 8. I had a quick breakfast (boiled egg) and rushed off to school on the 8.30 bus. Revising by 9, as was Irene, Christine B, Christine J, and MM. I was very satisfied by the exam paper, and managed to answer four questions. Mr Ayling actually came across from the main school in person at about 11.30. Honour for us all indeed. We spent the afternoon relaxing after the exam and Louise, Denny, Dave, Chris and myself joined in with the lower sixth. June and Janet were in usual form. June is such a nice person. We all went through the usual procedure of being ejaculated from the common-room by Mrs Capstan Fullstrength and the caretaker at 4.15. Groves was away. Lousie wants me to go to Denny's tomorrow afternoon. I don't really want to. Things are much more amusing at school. Besides, I promised I would take my "Fog Theory, by Wyndham-Logg" in. I am still awaiting a reply from Darlington College of Ed. They've been considering me for a week as from Thursday. I think they are waiting for my Biology results which should be out on Monday/Tues. I hope to God that I have passed. I doubt very much whether they'll accept me if I fail. Ah well, that's life. I have done no revising tonight. I consider my daily quota to be done for today. History mock A -level is the next thing, and if I don't begin revising I'll be in for it. But I take life as it comes and stuff the consequences.


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