_. John MacMurray is hosting a party at the Eagle on Thursday to mark his departure from the YP to London and world-wide fame on Fleet Street. It was inevitable that he should leave us. He is quite brilliant in the field of music but can go no further at the YP because Ernest Bradbury blocks all the musical opportunities.
The Queen is fifty four today, behind her desk, piled high with Foreign Office telegrams and parliamentary papers. Queen Juliana [of the Netherlands] goes into retirement next week and I wince at the thought of our monarch similarly handing over the reins. I have every confidence in the abilities of the Prince of Wales, but I could not switch my allegiance to him during his mother's life time. Old fashioned probably, but aren't the old, well established ways the best! So, 'Go it, Old Girl, Go it!'
Just Sue and I at home this evening. Mum and Dad went out with Lynn and Dave to Burley. Lynn, we are told, became horribly intoxicated on barley wine and had to be put to bed. Dave puts her staggering down to excitement brought on planning a Spanish holiday.
-=-
20200511
Sunday April 20, 1980
_. 2nd Sunday after Easter
Ally dropped me on Manningham Lane and drove off to her labours at the Belfry. 10:30 on a sunny morn in Bradford, my lungs full of curry fumes, and my heart singing along with the birds.
At home Mum and Dad are full of excitement about an old pub they visited near Pateley Bridge last night. The Stone House Inn at Thruscross is owned by an 86-year-old doddering gent and his daughter. They told my parents that the place will shortly be up for sale.
Glynnie has been very quiet since the Grassington weekend. Has he tired of our company?
-=-
Ally dropped me on Manningham Lane and drove off to her labours at the Belfry. 10:30 on a sunny morn in Bradford, my lungs full of curry fumes, and my heart singing along with the birds.
At home Mum and Dad are full of excitement about an old pub they visited near Pateley Bridge last night. The Stone House Inn at Thruscross is owned by an 86-year-old doddering gent and his daughter. They told my parents that the place will shortly be up for sale.
Glynnie has been very quiet since the Grassington weekend. Has he tired of our company?
-=-
Saturday April 19, 1980
_. Clad in my finest gear I set out at 11 to pay court to Miss Dixon. I found her reclining in her boudoir. She pottered around upstairs and I sat twiddling my thumbs. This set the scene for the day.
A little man appeared at 1:30, with a sizeable tool box, and he went up into the loft in search of damp patches.
At 9pm we went to a couple of pubs in Thornton. Ally thought she might bump into her office mate, the demure, tiny, mouse-like Catherine and her fiance, David. But we were left alone for the night. We did a fair bit of giggling. I now look as though I've just flown in from Nassau, Bahamas, thanks to the infrared sun lamp. Fish and Chips in Lidget Green and then back to Club Street, where I discovered a wonderful delicacy: blackcurrant jelly flooded in gin. It's an ideal way to get shy and innocent people to discard all their clothing.
-=-
A little man appeared at 1:30, with a sizeable tool box, and he went up into the loft in search of damp patches.
At 9pm we went to a couple of pubs in Thornton. Ally thought she might bump into her office mate, the demure, tiny, mouse-like Catherine and her fiance, David. But we were left alone for the night. We did a fair bit of giggling. I now look as though I've just flown in from Nassau, Bahamas, thanks to the infrared sun lamp. Fish and Chips in Lidget Green and then back to Club Street, where I discovered a wonderful delicacy: blackcurrant jelly flooded in gin. It's an ideal way to get shy and innocent people to discard all their clothing.
-=-
Friday April 18, 1980
_.Decidedly hung over. I won't dwell on it because I know how boring it must be for you all in the twenty third century busily topping up on anti-hangover pills.
Carol J took her leave of us this afternoon to begin a European tour of Earl Bathurst proportions. [Wasn't it Allen Bathurst who started the craze for the aristo European tours in the eighteenth century?] The Russians are waiting like vultures for President Tito to give up the ghost. Let us hope that Carol is in the right place at the right time and is conscripted into the Yugoslav army, and helps save Europe from Soviet domination.
A night in front of a blazing television. Saw 'Soap' a funny American spoof.
-=-
Carol J took her leave of us this afternoon to begin a European tour of Earl Bathurst proportions. [Wasn't it Allen Bathurst who started the craze for the aristo European tours in the eighteenth century?] The Russians are waiting like vultures for President Tito to give up the ghost. Let us hope that Carol is in the right place at the right time and is conscripted into the Yugoslav army, and helps save Europe from Soviet domination.
A night in front of a blazing television. Saw 'Soap' a funny American spoof.
-=-
Thursday April 17, 1980
_. A traditional Thursday with the full works that included a visit to Oakwood Hall. I glowed like a jubilee beacon all day thanks to Sue's infrared sun lamp.
Ally came at 8. We went to the New Inn. Drank gallons of Tetley's bitter. It was particularly favourable.
At 10:30 to Oakwood for cider with ice and dance. I become increasingly jealous of others who crawl around Ally. Philip Wilson, very drunk, tried several times to dance with her. Pete came in with Gus. The latter threw his arms round me and kissed me. Gus then proceeded to dance like an eastern tart. He wants to go to a party in Lincoln on Saturday, but of course this is quite impossible. I was looking particularly attractive. Nothing short of stunning. Your average stud at Oakwood Hall is about 18 these days. Later events are not clear - opaque in fact. Naomi was squealing with delight. Big Jill came over, gave me a knowing wink and a grope.
-=-
Ally came at 8. We went to the New Inn. Drank gallons of Tetley's bitter. It was particularly favourable.
At 10:30 to Oakwood for cider with ice and dance. I become increasingly jealous of others who crawl around Ally. Philip Wilson, very drunk, tried several times to dance with her. Pete came in with Gus. The latter threw his arms round me and kissed me. Gus then proceeded to dance like an eastern tart. He wants to go to a party in Lincoln on Saturday, but of course this is quite impossible. I was looking particularly attractive. Nothing short of stunning. Your average stud at Oakwood Hall is about 18 these days. Later events are not clear - opaque in fact. Naomi was squealing with delight. Big Jill came over, gave me a knowing wink and a grope.
-=-
20200510
Wednesday April 16, 1980
_. Mummy and Daddy went off to Fieldhead Road to see Jim and Margaret. ______. I had a bath this evening and afterwards Sue insisted I try out her sun lamp, an infrared thing. With a bit of luck I might fade to a more acceptable colour by morning.
-=-
-=-
Tuesday April 15, 1980
_. Toast and marmalade. Had no lunch, to save money for the holiday.
Speculation is running thick and fast regarding a certain marriage. Lady Amanda Knatchbull is not the lady in question, but Lady Alison Dixon, and I am my mother's answer to the heir apparent.
Mother has started questioning me regarding my marital intentions, and is quite breathless from the excitement of it all. The whole thing is nicely sewn up as far as she is concerned. She knows, or thinks she knows that I will marry Ally, but the time and place eludes her. I sat in silence, stony faced. It is a pity that such an intelligent woman has fallen for idle, trivial and dangerously speculative nonsense.
-=-
Speculation is running thick and fast regarding a certain marriage. Lady Amanda Knatchbull is not the lady in question, but Lady Alison Dixon, and I am my mother's answer to the heir apparent.
Mother has started questioning me regarding my marital intentions, and is quite breathless from the excitement of it all. The whole thing is nicely sewn up as far as she is concerned. She knows, or thinks she knows that I will marry Ally, but the time and place eludes her. I sat in silence, stony faced. It is a pity that such an intelligent woman has fallen for idle, trivial and dangerously speculative nonsense.
-=-
Monday April 14, 1980
_. Sarah came into the office and apologised for abandoning us on Saturday. She didn't want to go to Black Louis's party, but Richard insisted.
Papers full of speculation about the Prince of Wales and Lady Amanda Knatchbull. Can this be it?
-=-
Papers full of speculation about the Prince of Wales and Lady Amanda Knatchbull. Can this be it?
-=-
20200509
Sunday April 13, 1980
_. Low Sunday
The Observer has a piece on the Prince of Wales and Lady Amanda Knatchbull's relationship. When the boring old Observer gets on the bandwagon I feel it must be serious. They say she'll use one of her middle names and be 'Queen Victoria.'
Ally and I watched 'The Dam Busters'.
Ally went off to the Belfry. I spent the evening compiling a lengthy letter to her. Watched 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' on BBC2, the funniest thing on TV at the moment. An up and coming actress called [Pamela] Stephenson gave a remarkable impersonation of Angela Rippon.
-=-
The Observer has a piece on the Prince of Wales and Lady Amanda Knatchbull's relationship. When the boring old Observer gets on the bandwagon I feel it must be serious. They say she'll use one of her middle names and be 'Queen Victoria.'
Ally and I watched 'The Dam Busters'.
Ally went off to the Belfry. I spent the evening compiling a lengthy letter to her. Watched 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' on BBC2, the funniest thing on TV at the moment. An up and coming actress called [Pamela] Stephenson gave a remarkable impersonation of Angela Rippon.
-=-
Saturday April 12, 1980
_. Ally and I ate toast and marmalade and made faces across the dining table. We wanted to do something exciting and so I suggested we go Bramley in search of the cemetery to locate my great-grandfather, John Rhodes, and his wife Christiana Ross, who died nearly 40 years ago. Ally spent hours in the bathroom making herself look pretty. One would think we were having cocktails with Princess Michael of Kent and not grovelling around in the graveyard of a muddy Leeds suburb.
We got to Bramley for about 1pm and soon located the Baptist Chapel. We found it quite easily considering I haven't been since Dad took me there about 10 years ago. We trudged around in the long grass. It was a futile search and we gave up. It seems that John and Christiana are at rest, in secret. We went on to Pudsey for a drink at the Boar's Head. Ally posted some cash through Auntie Hilda's door for some reason, and then we returned home to see Sue and Peter.
I phoned Sarah and told her about the 'film show' tonight and she was beside herself with excitement. Ally and I met Dave L at the Cow & Calf. They do get on very well. At 10 we joined Sue, Pete and co at the White Cross, and we all went back to Pine Tops for a 'blue film' marathon at 11. Sue, Pete, Ally, Dave L, Dave W, Chippy, Debbie, Frank, Gus, Sarah, Richard Burke, Ken [the projectionist] and his lady wife. After 10 minutes I was thoroughly bored. In fact it was quite revolting. Like looking in a butcher's shop window.
We all smoked and drank profusely and did a good deal of tittering on the settee. Sarah found the whole thing an education, but Richard's jaw dropped at my joke about the Pope and Ursula Andress. He is a good catholic, I think.
As soon as the film reached it's climax the house cleared as if we'd been raided by the vice squad. Sarah and Richard excused themsevles and shot off to Black Louis's party in Leeds. We were invited too, but Ally pulled a face and declined the offer. Just Dave L, Ally and I remained and we decided to eat. Dave refused to share my garlic beans and stuck to poached eggs, fruit cake, and a pot of tea. Pornography certainly gave me an appetite, if nothing else. We sat around the record player having a 'sing along'. 'Sweet Takin' Guy' by the Chiffons has a good chorus for dabbling in descant. Dave departed in full voice.
-=-
We got to Bramley for about 1pm and soon located the Baptist Chapel. We found it quite easily considering I haven't been since Dad took me there about 10 years ago. We trudged around in the long grass. It was a futile search and we gave up. It seems that John and Christiana are at rest, in secret. We went on to Pudsey for a drink at the Boar's Head. Ally posted some cash through Auntie Hilda's door for some reason, and then we returned home to see Sue and Peter.
I phoned Sarah and told her about the 'film show' tonight and she was beside herself with excitement. Ally and I met Dave L at the Cow & Calf. They do get on very well. At 10 we joined Sue, Pete and co at the White Cross, and we all went back to Pine Tops for a 'blue film' marathon at 11. Sue, Pete, Ally, Dave L, Dave W, Chippy, Debbie, Frank, Gus, Sarah, Richard Burke, Ken [the projectionist] and his lady wife. After 10 minutes I was thoroughly bored. In fact it was quite revolting. Like looking in a butcher's shop window.
We all smoked and drank profusely and did a good deal of tittering on the settee. Sarah found the whole thing an education, but Richard's jaw dropped at my joke about the Pope and Ursula Andress. He is a good catholic, I think.
As soon as the film reached it's climax the house cleared as if we'd been raided by the vice squad. Sarah and Richard excused themsevles and shot off to Black Louis's party in Leeds. We were invited too, but Ally pulled a face and declined the offer. Just Dave L, Ally and I remained and we decided to eat. Dave refused to share my garlic beans and stuck to poached eggs, fruit cake, and a pot of tea. Pornography certainly gave me an appetite, if nothing else. We sat around the record player having a 'sing along'. 'Sweet Takin' Guy' by the Chiffons has a good chorus for dabbling in descant. Dave departed in full voice.
-=-
Friday April 11, 1980
_, I spent the small hours washing glasses and was joined by Dmitri, the Persian cat from next door.
By the time I climbed into bed I already had a hangover. At 7 I regained consciousness and ignored Ally's pleas that she may be excused her daily labours at Bradford AHA. I was firm and poured hot, black coffee over her to persuade her to quit the festering pit. Once up she scampered around and left at high speed at 8am.
I had lunch with Jacq at the Ostlers. She arrived looking very dull and proceeded to describe how her house has been burgled and stripped of every item of value over the Easter holiday. She and Paul returned from Trixie's in London to find a desolate ruin. The thieves swiped all her record collection, and even her leaking iron. Saturday's party is now cancelled. The poor girl is really disillusioned with mankind. Had a few pints in the dismal atmosphere and returned to the YP at 2.
Mum and Dad left for a weekend of peace and tranquillity in Northumberland. At 7 I phoned John at Molly's and he came over at 8:30 - Maria drove him to ours with Janette. We went to the White Cross , then the Fox and Hounds (with Sue and Pete) and then on to the New Inn at Guiseley, which was packed. We saw Ken, and I asked him to come show a few 'films' tomorrow. John and I were quite pissed, whisky. On the way to the New Inn we saw Maria parked up there, gassing with Christine Airey. _______. Ally came at midnight and stayed the night. We drove John back to Ridgeway and the two of us sat in the car, still open roofed._______.
-=-
By the time I climbed into bed I already had a hangover. At 7 I regained consciousness and ignored Ally's pleas that she may be excused her daily labours at Bradford AHA. I was firm and poured hot, black coffee over her to persuade her to quit the festering pit. Once up she scampered around and left at high speed at 8am.
I had lunch with Jacq at the Ostlers. She arrived looking very dull and proceeded to describe how her house has been burgled and stripped of every item of value over the Easter holiday. She and Paul returned from Trixie's in London to find a desolate ruin. The thieves swiped all her record collection, and even her leaking iron. Saturday's party is now cancelled. The poor girl is really disillusioned with mankind. Had a few pints in the dismal atmosphere and returned to the YP at 2.
Mum and Dad left for a weekend of peace and tranquillity in Northumberland. At 7 I phoned John at Molly's and he came over at 8:30 - Maria drove him to ours with Janette. We went to the White Cross , then the Fox and Hounds (with Sue and Pete) and then on to the New Inn at Guiseley, which was packed. We saw Ken, and I asked him to come show a few 'films' tomorrow. John and I were quite pissed, whisky. On the way to the New Inn we saw Maria parked up there, gassing with Christine Airey. _______. Ally came at midnight and stayed the night. We drove John back to Ridgeway and the two of us sat in the car, still open roofed._______.
-=-
Thursday April 10, 1980
_. Lynn and Dave came to eat and were singing the praises of Stranraer to the extent that I thought they may soon be crossing the border and join the prodigal John Rhodeses in the heather.
Ally came at 7:30. We went to the Menston Arms. Joined by Mum, Dad, Sue, Pete. John & Maria didn't arrive until almost 10 o'clock accompanied by Jimmy Macdonald, Karim and her sister. Jimmy and I had our usual political debate. This one concerned the House of Lords and the hereditary principle. Why should the upper house be dominated by life peers, retired MPs and personal friends of Sir Harold Wilson? The hereditary element brings younger people, not just professional politicians into the chamber.
At 10:30 we returned home to continue the party. Neither Karim or her sister joined us but Jimmy came along and the heated debate continued. I sat smoking on the fireplace. Maria, in good form, asked me from which jumble sale I'd bought my white jeans.
Ally, exhausted, collapsed in my bed. I carried on smoking and putting the world to rights.
-=-
Ally came at 7:30. We went to the Menston Arms. Joined by Mum, Dad, Sue, Pete. John & Maria didn't arrive until almost 10 o'clock accompanied by Jimmy Macdonald, Karim and her sister. Jimmy and I had our usual political debate. This one concerned the House of Lords and the hereditary principle. Why should the upper house be dominated by life peers, retired MPs and personal friends of Sir Harold Wilson? The hereditary element brings younger people, not just professional politicians into the chamber.
At 10:30 we returned home to continue the party. Neither Karim or her sister joined us but Jimmy came along and the heated debate continued. I sat smoking on the fireplace. Maria, in good form, asked me from which jumble sale I'd bought my white jeans.
Ally, exhausted, collapsed in my bed. I carried on smoking and putting the world to rights.
-=-
20200507
Wednesday April 9, 1980
_. Phoned Dave L. He is up for Jacq & Paul's party on Saturday. He is returning to the swing of things since defecting to the south. Marita phoned from Scarborough to apologise for missing my Silver Jubilee party. She excused herself by saying she and MM had to be on guard at the shop in case rioting mods and rockers decided to put the windows in, or go on a looting spree at the Bank Holiday. If anyone can bring that litter-strewn resort back under the rule of law it's Marita.
-=-
-=-
Tuesday April 8, 1980
_. To the YP. Leeds still dead because most of the populace are away for Easter. Newspapers are a bloody nuisance at Bank Holiday times. At 1pm I met Ally at the Central for drinkies, and took with me a batch of photographs which arrived this morning from Shropshire. [Oh yes, I always get my snaps developed in Shropshire]. Ally looked a little dot clad in my cobalt blue woolly sweater. We discussed the events of Saturday night, Sunday morning. Ally moaned about her hair. The perm hasn't taken properly. Like Lynn she is quite neurotic where hair is involved. She went off at 2:20 to buy a new dress and I returned to the YP. She came back for me at 4:45. She is so much happier now her finances are in a healthier state. We got to Guiseley in 15 minutes.
John is home from Stranraer and he and Maria were at Pine Tops, with bottles, babies, linen and food stuffs. 'Hello kid' was his welcome to me. Hard to believe we haven't seen him since Christmas.
Ally went off to the Belfry at 6:30. We arranged to go out with John and Maria on Thursday.
-=-
John is home from Stranraer and he and Maria were at Pine Tops, with bottles, babies, linen and food stuffs. 'Hello kid' was his welcome to me. Hard to believe we haven't seen him since Christmas.
Ally went off to the Belfry at 6:30. We arranged to go out with John and Maria on Thursday.
-=-
Monday April 7, 1980
_. Bank Holiday in England, Ireland & Wales
Warm day. I spent what seemed like hours in Guiseley waiting for a bus. The roads were deserted. The journey to Leeds gave me the feeling of how things will be the seconds after a nuclear attack.
It was a pointless day at the YP. For a couple of hours we played cards and drank tea reminiscent of British Leyland workers. At 3 I made my escape and secured safe passage to Guiseley by omnibus.
Poor Ally is working day and night at the Belfry, Bolton Junction, for a sizeable fortune, I believe. The usual Bank Holiday trash on the TV. Old films and panel games. Sue and Pete went out with Chippy and Deborah, and I sat with Mum and Dad in a lifeless sitting room, Fred Astaire prancing around on the box. I find tap dancing very irritating. At 10:30 we settled down to 'Some Like It Hot' starring Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. Still hilarious after 20 years.
-=-
Warm day. I spent what seemed like hours in Guiseley waiting for a bus. The roads were deserted. The journey to Leeds gave me the feeling of how things will be the seconds after a nuclear attack.
It was a pointless day at the YP. For a couple of hours we played cards and drank tea reminiscent of British Leyland workers. At 3 I made my escape and secured safe passage to Guiseley by omnibus.
Poor Ally is working day and night at the Belfry, Bolton Junction, for a sizeable fortune, I believe. The usual Bank Holiday trash on the TV. Old films and panel games. Sue and Pete went out with Chippy and Deborah, and I sat with Mum and Dad in a lifeless sitting room, Fred Astaire prancing around on the box. I find tap dancing very irritating. At 10:30 we settled down to 'Some Like It Hot' starring Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. Still hilarious after 20 years.
-=-
Sunday April 6, 1980
_. Easter Day
This is supposed to be a continuation of the previous entry. For most of the night I was out of it, on another planet. It's all very vague. The shaving foam orgy must have brought me round. We spent some time down in the cellar, me wearing Susan's underskirt. Dave L had a whale of a time. My last sighting of him was as he drove down Club Street smeared in toothpaste. He had passed the last few hours in a mound of soil from a broken plant pot under the piano.
Ally left at 10 to go to the Belfry. How she did that I will never know. We survivors cleared the debris. I sat under the dining table drinking gin and lime. Johnny joined me, with a glass of water, just because he wanted to 'drink me under the table'. Some folk danced around the rotating washing pole thing in the garden, in maypole style.
From Bradford we drove to Guiseley depositing the lads at various spots en route to Pine Tops. I stood around for a while, looking pained, and eventually gave in and went to bed. Maria and the children arrived and the noise was too hideous for one so delicate. Baby Catherine slept for a couple of hours in Mum's bed, and looked like a little peach.
Ally finished her shift and came over at 3. We went over to Ilkley, roof down, and had ice creams and bottles of pop on the moor. She did an evening shift from 6:30.
I helped JPH eat his Easter eggs.
-=-
This is supposed to be a continuation of the previous entry. For most of the night I was out of it, on another planet. It's all very vague. The shaving foam orgy must have brought me round. We spent some time down in the cellar, me wearing Susan's underskirt. Dave L had a whale of a time. My last sighting of him was as he drove down Club Street smeared in toothpaste. He had passed the last few hours in a mound of soil from a broken plant pot under the piano.
Ally left at 10 to go to the Belfry. How she did that I will never know. We survivors cleared the debris. I sat under the dining table drinking gin and lime. Johnny joined me, with a glass of water, just because he wanted to 'drink me under the table'. Some folk danced around the rotating washing pole thing in the garden, in maypole style.
From Bradford we drove to Guiseley depositing the lads at various spots en route to Pine Tops. I stood around for a while, looking pained, and eventually gave in and went to bed. Maria and the children arrived and the noise was too hideous for one so delicate. Baby Catherine slept for a couple of hours in Mum's bed, and looked like a little peach.
Ally finished her shift and came over at 3. We went over to Ilkley, roof down, and had ice creams and bottles of pop on the moor. She did an evening shift from 6:30.
I helped JPH eat his Easter eggs.
-=-
20200506
Saturday April 5, 1980
_. A warm, sunny day. I was no sooner out bed when Ally carried me off to the White Cross where we were joined outside in the sun by Sue, Pete, Chippy, Gus, Johnny and Dave W. My first drink was a pint of pils lager with a double whisky chaser, at Johnny's instigation. This set the tone for the remainder of the day. From the Cross we all went to the Junction in Otley where we stood drinking on a busy street corner. Afterwards Ally and I collected a few bottles of wine and went to Rue Club to inflate balloons, and hide various items of precious Dixon memorabilia, in readiness for the party. Spent hours in the bath ______. The evening is very much lost to oblivion. To Mucky Willie's in Lidget Green where we were joined by Dave L and Tim and Jill. The assembled crowd toasted me at 9:20pm, the time of my birth, and afterwards I made a short speech, the contents of which evade me. Lynne Bateson bought me an [Easter] egg. Back to Club St for 11. It was a roaring success. Pete's friend Ken brought a camera and blue movies were screened on the chimney breast, for the survivors. A German girl performing with what looked like an Alsatian dog brought some gasps from some of the more sensitive party goers. The night ended in an orgy of shaving foam and squirty cream. Sarah and Carol J chose to arrive at about 1am at a very crucial moment in the porno screening. Words fail me.
-=-
-=-
Friday April 4, 1980
_. Good Friday
A sunny day. Mum remained in bed, citing illness. Is she perhaps in her menopause? Is 45 a little early, perhaps? How should I know?
We peeled the roof from the Spitfire and, after the traditional hot cross buns, we went to the Commercial which was busy but lacking in atmosphere. This was always on the cards following Annie and Ron's departure. From here we went to the Drop, which resembled the Albert Mausoleum at Frogmore. Then onto the Ings to join Sue and a band of girls from Wendy Wools. I can see why Sue enjoys life so much at Wendy Wools - they are all tarred with the same brush and are insane.
Ally dropped me at home and went to the Belfry. I had a pleasant night at the White Cross, where old friends are gathered for the start of the Bank Holiday binge. Revellers include: Johhny, Gus, Chippy, Phil Goya, Debs, Michael Dixon, &c. I recall a disgraceful groping session with Jill, Naomi's live-in companion. Back at home Mama is still in her bed. We watched a Hitchcock film. Ally appeared at about 11 in readiness for the clock to chime midnight and herald the start of my 25th birthday. Dear God.
-=-
A sunny day. Mum remained in bed, citing illness. Is she perhaps in her menopause? Is 45 a little early, perhaps? How should I know?
We peeled the roof from the Spitfire and, after the traditional hot cross buns, we went to the Commercial which was busy but lacking in atmosphere. This was always on the cards following Annie and Ron's departure. From here we went to the Drop, which resembled the Albert Mausoleum at Frogmore. Then onto the Ings to join Sue and a band of girls from Wendy Wools. I can see why Sue enjoys life so much at Wendy Wools - they are all tarred with the same brush and are insane.
Ally dropped me at home and went to the Belfry. I had a pleasant night at the White Cross, where old friends are gathered for the start of the Bank Holiday binge. Revellers include: Johhny, Gus, Chippy, Phil Goya, Debs, Michael Dixon, &c. I recall a disgraceful groping session with Jill, Naomi's live-in companion. Back at home Mama is still in her bed. We watched a Hitchcock film. Ally appeared at about 11 in readiness for the clock to chime midnight and herald the start of my 25th birthday. Dear God.
-=-
Thursday April 3, 1980
_. Mum and Dad have severed diplomatic relations and the atmosphere at home is far from deliriously happy. I arranged to go out with Ally and sat underneath the heavy, menacing cloud awaiting her arrival. She arrived after 9 and Jim and Margaret walked in at the same time. Jim goes into hospital on Tuesday to have the varicose veins torn from his ailing legs.
Ally and I went out for a drink for the first time since out trip to Cracoe on March 23. Had a couple of drinks with Sue and Janet Simon at the Fox [they were drinking cherry brandy at £1.70 a round!], and then to the White Cross. It was like a scene from the Crimean War. Chaos and maladministration throughout, and we only just made it for last orders at the bar.
Back at home the house continued frosty and dull.
-=-
Ally and I went out for a drink for the first time since out trip to Cracoe on March 23. Had a couple of drinks with Sue and Janet Simon at the Fox [they were drinking cherry brandy at £1.70 a round!], and then to the White Cross. It was like a scene from the Crimean War. Chaos and maladministration throughout, and we only just made it for last orders at the bar.
Back at home the house continued frosty and dull.
-=-
20200505
Wednesday April 2, 1980
_. A slight headache today which I put down to the plethora of wine last night. At lunchtime I found solace in the City library. I emerged blinking like a mole half an hour later with 'Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester' by Noble Frankland, a new biography of the semi-obscure uncle of the Queen. Back at the office Derek Naylor spotted the book on my desk. He winced and cringed and looked as though he might vomit. It's funny how the subject of royalty can bring on such violent emotions. Reading it tonight I couldn't help thinking that I've read it all before. John and I were in Windsor in June, 1974, when the duke conveniently died, and we watched his funeral procession through the town.
Frost and ice in the atmosphere at Pine Tops tonight. Mum and Dad spent the afternoon in Masham and had a difference of opinion over something which disrupted relations for the remainder of the evening. Lynn and Dave came to tea, but the frost didn't thaw. Lynn however was just as chirpy. Lynn and Dave go to Stranraer tomorrow to spend Easter with John and Maria. L left a bunch of fivers with Mum to hand over to me on my birthday.
Dad is very brooding and irritating when he choses to be. He is very like his father.
-=-
Frost and ice in the atmosphere at Pine Tops tonight. Mum and Dad spent the afternoon in Masham and had a difference of opinion over something which disrupted relations for the remainder of the evening. Lynn and Dave came to tea, but the frost didn't thaw. Lynn however was just as chirpy. Lynn and Dave go to Stranraer tomorrow to spend Easter with John and Maria. L left a bunch of fivers with Mum to hand over to me on my birthday.
Dad is very brooding and irritating when he choses to be. He is very like his father.
-=-
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