_. Rogation Sunday
What does Rogation Sunday actually mean? Not long ago I would have been sufficiently knowledgeable in the religious bracket to have been able to make an education guess, but not now.
Out of bed feeling delicate, but so too is everyone else. I sat watching the telly. A film starring Sylvia Syms, John Mills and Anthony Quayle [Ice Cold in Alex] circa 1958. Was joined by Allikins, and we went out for a constitutional. Aren't salads abominable?
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20200515
Saturday May 10, 1980
_. Slept until 12:30. Mum and Dad went off with Dave B, Jim and Margaret to the Hermit at Burley Woodhead [Lynn was out with Sue & Ally purchasing bridesmaid gowns in Bradford].
Peter came up for me and we went to collect Chippy, supposedly to go to Menston to be measured for morning suits, but fate took us, surprise, surprise, to the Shoulder of Mutton, where we sat reminiscing. At 3 we went into the tap room there to watch the start of the FA Cup final and saw West Ham score what proved to be the only goal of the match against Arsenal.
In the mood for more frivolity we returned to Chippy's for tequila sunrises and Cointreau. Mrs Ash, Chippy's mother, was furious and screamed at us playing the stereo at full volume. We were so far gone that we talked Chippy out of working his night shift at the asylum, and we went into Guiseley and fell in with the doors as the White Cross opened. I believe that the proprietor asked us to leave, which we did peaceably. Our next port of call was the New Inn where the incumbent landlord was also similarly displeased with our near paralytic behaviour. I lifted a very large ash tray from the bar and inserted it down my trousers and afterwards presented it to Peter as an early wedding present.
From the New Inn we went to Peter's and I phoned High Royds, and told Chippy's superior at the asylum that the poor boy had been inflicted with botulism, and obviously couldn't carry out his nursing duties. I laughed down the phone because as I was speaking Chippy was standing on his head in the corner of the room. Later we bumped into Jim and met Sue and Ally at the White Cross. On to a pub in Leeds, I think in Headingley. Chippy collapsed and vomited everywhere.
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Peter came up for me and we went to collect Chippy, supposedly to go to Menston to be measured for morning suits, but fate took us, surprise, surprise, to the Shoulder of Mutton, where we sat reminiscing. At 3 we went into the tap room there to watch the start of the FA Cup final and saw West Ham score what proved to be the only goal of the match against Arsenal.
In the mood for more frivolity we returned to Chippy's for tequila sunrises and Cointreau. Mrs Ash, Chippy's mother, was furious and screamed at us playing the stereo at full volume. We were so far gone that we talked Chippy out of working his night shift at the asylum, and we went into Guiseley and fell in with the doors as the White Cross opened. I believe that the proprietor asked us to leave, which we did peaceably. Our next port of call was the New Inn where the incumbent landlord was also similarly displeased with our near paralytic behaviour. I lifted a very large ash tray from the bar and inserted it down my trousers and afterwards presented it to Peter as an early wedding present.
From the New Inn we went to Peter's and I phoned High Royds, and told Chippy's superior at the asylum that the poor boy had been inflicted with botulism, and obviously couldn't carry out his nursing duties. I laughed down the phone because as I was speaking Chippy was standing on his head in the corner of the room. Later we bumped into Jim and met Sue and Ally at the White Cross. On to a pub in Leeds, I think in Headingley. Chippy collapsed and vomited everywhere.
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20200514
Friday May 9, 1980
_. Up at 9. Dad drove me at 9:50 to see Dr Purdy. He prodded around under my shirt and gave me a note to take back to the office on Monday.
Later spent a few hours giving Dad some assistance in the garden.
Phoned Ally at the AHA and then set about compiling a massive epistle to her [well over 10 pages], much to Mummy's amazement, who sat gasping in wonderment at my literary capabilities. She was in fact viewing me through he her new £56 spectacles. Peter would call them 'spregs'.
John phoned from Lochans with JPH. He's found a job working evenings as a paint sprayer at a Scottish crash helmet factory [Kangol]. At least he can spend his days getting on with the renovations at Corner House Cottage. Little JPH was amusing, and explained he'd been helping his Dad plastering.
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Later spent a few hours giving Dad some assistance in the garden.
Phoned Ally at the AHA and then set about compiling a massive epistle to her [well over 10 pages], much to Mummy's amazement, who sat gasping in wonderment at my literary capabilities. She was in fact viewing me through he her new £56 spectacles. Peter would call them 'spregs'.
John phoned from Lochans with JPH. He's found a job working evenings as a paint sprayer at a Scottish crash helmet factory [Kangol]. At least he can spend his days getting on with the renovations at Corner House Cottage. Little JPH was amusing, and explained he'd been helping his Dad plastering.
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Thursday May 8, 1980
_. Cold, cloudy day.
Sarah phoned on a matter of business. The YP want to interview any peer of the realm who lives a normal life in a semi-detached house in Yorkshire. The YP are doing a piece comparing the life-style of a wealthy landowning Tory peer and his lefty working class counterpart in the Lords. The Labour peeress Baroness Bacon lives in humble circumstances.
Spoke to Glynnie. His opening words were 'we have had a spot of bother with Billy'. ___________. Obviously, I promised never to tell a living soul of this.
From 12 until 4 Mum and I endured the very dull, boring drawn out 'spectacle' of President Tito's funeral on TV. The poor Yugoslavs did their best, but have absolutely no idea how to arrange a state funeral. The old dictator's coffin was thrown around like a sack of coal. The funeral was attended by many world leaders and crowned heads of Europe. Her Majesty was represented by the Duke of Edinburgh, who flew out with Mrs Thatcher and James Callaghan. It must be said that old Tito was crafty old fox for standing between east and west and managing to appease both sides.
Ally came at 7:30. Lynn and Dave arrived in D's new company car.________.
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Sarah phoned on a matter of business. The YP want to interview any peer of the realm who lives a normal life in a semi-detached house in Yorkshire. The YP are doing a piece comparing the life-style of a wealthy landowning Tory peer and his lefty working class counterpart in the Lords. The Labour peeress Baroness Bacon lives in humble circumstances.
Spoke to Glynnie. His opening words were 'we have had a spot of bother with Billy'. ___________. Obviously, I promised never to tell a living soul of this.
From 12 until 4 Mum and I endured the very dull, boring drawn out 'spectacle' of President Tito's funeral on TV. The poor Yugoslavs did their best, but have absolutely no idea how to arrange a state funeral. The old dictator's coffin was thrown around like a sack of coal. The funeral was attended by many world leaders and crowned heads of Europe. Her Majesty was represented by the Duke of Edinburgh, who flew out with Mrs Thatcher and James Callaghan. It must be said that old Tito was crafty old fox for standing between east and west and managing to appease both sides.
Ally came at 7:30. Lynn and Dave arrived in D's new company car.________.
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Wednesday May 7, 1980
_. An industrious day in bed writing letters to Ally, Dave L and Auntie Delia - it's Delia's birthday today.
My letter to David was a lengthy reply to the masterpiece he sent me way back in March in his famous 'olde worlde' hand.
I didn't wake up until 10. Sat with boiled eggs and toast reading the hideous Daily Mail, which can be digested in total in three minutes. Why Mama insists upon this shocking paper I will never know.
This afternoon I finished reading the laborious tale of Lillie Langtry's romance with Edward VII. From start to finish I had no interest in the book and but for the fact that I am a captive audience [after all I am bed bound] I would have discarded it days ago.
I phoned Sarah at 2:30 and told her she wouldn't be seeing me again until Monday. 'Keep in touch' were her parting words.
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My letter to David was a lengthy reply to the masterpiece he sent me way back in March in his famous 'olde worlde' hand.
I didn't wake up until 10. Sat with boiled eggs and toast reading the hideous Daily Mail, which can be digested in total in three minutes. Why Mama insists upon this shocking paper I will never know.
This afternoon I finished reading the laborious tale of Lillie Langtry's romance with Edward VII. From start to finish I had no interest in the book and but for the fact that I am a captive audience [after all I am bed bound] I would have discarded it days ago.
I phoned Sarah at 2:30 and told her she wouldn't be seeing me again until Monday. 'Keep in touch' were her parting words.
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20200513
Tuesday May 6, 1980
_. I failed to mention yesterday that we stormed the Iranian embassy and freed the hostages, held captive since last Wednesday. We observed the drama on the Makin's telly in Windermere. It was a bit of decent Bank Holiday viewing that put 'Disney Time' and the 'Alan Whicker Special' to shame.
I woke up at 8, and feeling no better, I phoned Sarah with the news that I would not be in the office today. I sat in bed all day reading.
Mum and Dad went out at 5:30 after laying a new pink carpet in the lavatory [it now resembles the Petit Trianon]. Susan made eggs and bacon.
Dave L phoned. He told me that MM and Marita cannot make it to Ally's on May 17. I suppose I will be hearing from them this week. I will write a violent letter to them on the subject.
Ally phoned for a bulletin. I have replaced President Tito as far as medical bulletins are concerned.
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I woke up at 8, and feeling no better, I phoned Sarah with the news that I would not be in the office today. I sat in bed all day reading.
Mum and Dad went out at 5:30 after laying a new pink carpet in the lavatory [it now resembles the Petit Trianon]. Susan made eggs and bacon.
Dave L phoned. He told me that MM and Marita cannot make it to Ally's on May 17. I suppose I will be hearing from them this week. I will write a violent letter to them on the subject.
Ally phoned for a bulletin. I have replaced President Tito as far as medical bulletins are concerned.
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Monday May 5, 1980
_. Bank Holiday in England, N. Ireland, Scotland & Wales.
Suffering from a severe cold. The disease didn't take hold until Ally and I were well on the way to Windermere to spend the day with her parents at the mansion of Frank and Barbara Makin. I could barely focus on the lake and it's beautiful, if crowded, surroundings, due to the constant streaming of mucus.
A pleasant day. Andrew was there with parents. He's 16, and seems insecure.
Home at 11:30. We were held up in Giggleswick by a horrendous car accident. Collapsed in bed wheezing like a fading octogenarian.
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Suffering from a severe cold. The disease didn't take hold until Ally and I were well on the way to Windermere to spend the day with her parents at the mansion of Frank and Barbara Makin. I could barely focus on the lake and it's beautiful, if crowded, surroundings, due to the constant streaming of mucus.
A pleasant day. Andrew was there with parents. He's 16, and seems insecure.
Home at 11:30. We were held up in Giggleswick by a horrendous car accident. Collapsed in bed wheezing like a fading octogenarian.
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Sunday May 4, 1980
_4th Sunday after Easter
President Tito finally died today. It is quite amazing how the old dictator has kept going for so long, minus a leg, and at such an advanced age. What will the EP put on the foreign news page now without those hilarious daily bulletins? Carol J, for one, will be mortified.
Up at 10:30. I went into the garden with the bathroom carpet and gave it a good beating, and it befell me to get the room back into shape. Afterwards I retired with Lillie Langtry, an ill-written bitty piece of work. I remember the TV series, some years ago, with Francesca Annis playing Mrs Langtry.
Out with Sue and Pete at 7:30 to the Belfry to meet Ally, Graham, and Gill, who had dined there. After watching Graham and Gill playing at space invaders [a glorified, computerised version of a fruit machine] we went to Thornton to join Richard and Eileen [from London], and Anthony, a friend of Graham's from his Bradford Grammar School days. Tetley's bitter flowed. Back to Club St at 10:30. Richard attempted to tune the piano, and we all sat laughing at the contents of a 1971 newspaper. A Georgian mansion, with paddock, set in 2,000 acres could be had for a mere £15,000.
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President Tito finally died today. It is quite amazing how the old dictator has kept going for so long, minus a leg, and at such an advanced age. What will the EP put on the foreign news page now without those hilarious daily bulletins? Carol J, for one, will be mortified.
Up at 10:30. I went into the garden with the bathroom carpet and gave it a good beating, and it befell me to get the room back into shape. Afterwards I retired with Lillie Langtry, an ill-written bitty piece of work. I remember the TV series, some years ago, with Francesca Annis playing Mrs Langtry.
Out with Sue and Pete at 7:30 to the Belfry to meet Ally, Graham, and Gill, who had dined there. After watching Graham and Gill playing at space invaders [a glorified, computerised version of a fruit machine] we went to Thornton to join Richard and Eileen [from London], and Anthony, a friend of Graham's from his Bradford Grammar School days. Tetley's bitter flowed. Back to Club St at 10:30. Richard attempted to tune the piano, and we all sat laughing at the contents of a 1971 newspaper. A Georgian mansion, with paddock, set in 2,000 acres could be had for a mere £15,000.
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Saturday May 3, 1980
_. We over slept [again] and Graham and Gill left in a state of panic to attend the wedding in Knaresborough. We had a leisurely breakfast, eggs and bacon.
A warm, sunny day, and we drove over to Haworth. We sat in the corner of a pub laughing at the other drinkers. Scornful is Beautiful, that's our motto. At 4 we returned to Club St for garlic beans on toast. All slept on the sofa afterwards, cuddling Phil, the stuffed dog.
Ally went to the Belfry at 6:30 and I returned home in the evening sunshine. Took to my bed after a few hours in front of the TV. Attempt to read the Lillie Langtry biography, but sleep crept upon me.
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A warm, sunny day, and we drove over to Haworth. We sat in the corner of a pub laughing at the other drinkers. Scornful is Beautiful, that's our motto. At 4 we returned to Club St for garlic beans on toast. All slept on the sofa afterwards, cuddling Phil, the stuffed dog.
Ally went to the Belfry at 6:30 and I returned home in the evening sunshine. Took to my bed after a few hours in front of the TV. Attempt to read the Lillie Langtry biography, but sleep crept upon me.
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Friday May 2, 1980
_. No horrible after effects this morning and I rolled into the YP from my Bradford shooting box leaving a scantily clad Ally waving on her doorstep, creating juicy gossip for the other residents of Rue Club.
Kathleen, our beloved chief librarian, having no affiliation to a trade union, and with no desire to join one, disappeared down into the case room to carry out work which has been abandoned by the NGA members. Because of this desertion she expects me to work tomorrow morning, taking her place in the library. This is distasteful. I am no muggins. I took a half day to go home and decorate and instructed Mum that should the office ring and ask for me she is to advise them that I have gone to Windermere until Monday morning. The office did indeed phone, and Mum did inform them of my sudden departure for the Lake District. I feel that I have the moral high ground withholding my labours, and Papa agrees with me.
Mum and Dad took me to the Belfry at 10pm and when Ally finished her shift at 10:30 the two of us went over to the 'In Time' disco in Leeds to join Graham and Gill, who are in Yorkshire with a party of friends attending a wedding. We all went back to Club St after 2. Graham and Gill saw the house for the first time and both were very impressed. In Hampshire you can pay £50,000 for a shoe box.
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Kathleen, our beloved chief librarian, having no affiliation to a trade union, and with no desire to join one, disappeared down into the case room to carry out work which has been abandoned by the NGA members. Because of this desertion she expects me to work tomorrow morning, taking her place in the library. This is distasteful. I am no muggins. I took a half day to go home and decorate and instructed Mum that should the office ring and ask for me she is to advise them that I have gone to Windermere until Monday morning. The office did indeed phone, and Mum did inform them of my sudden departure for the Lake District. I feel that I have the moral high ground withholding my labours, and Papa agrees with me.
Mum and Dad took me to the Belfry at 10pm and when Ally finished her shift at 10:30 the two of us went over to the 'In Time' disco in Leeds to join Graham and Gill, who are in Yorkshire with a party of friends attending a wedding. We all went back to Club St after 2. Graham and Gill saw the house for the first time and both were very impressed. In Hampshire you can pay £50,000 for a shoe box.
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Thursday May 1, 1980
_. Did you know that Queen Anne was buried in a square coffin and that George Washington had metal false teeth which eventually turned rusty?
Out this evening to Club St for dinner with Ally. At lunchtime I had ventured to Safeways and bought asparagus, butter beans, cheese, and rump steak. We ate at about 7, and afterwards went to Bingley to the White Horse and then Oakwood Hall. We saw no familiar faces at Oakwood. Cider with ice. Back to Club St at 2:15. Blimey, you should see the things we wrote on the bedroom wall on Tuesday night! The sooner it's covered in wallpaper the better.
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Out this evening to Club St for dinner with Ally. At lunchtime I had ventured to Safeways and bought asparagus, butter beans, cheese, and rump steak. We ate at about 7, and afterwards went to Bingley to the White Horse and then Oakwood Hall. We saw no familiar faces at Oakwood. Cider with ice. Back to Club St at 2:15. Blimey, you should see the things we wrote on the bedroom wall on Tuesday night! The sooner it's covered in wallpaper the better.
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Wednesday April 30, 1980
_. Regained consciousness at 10am. Panic reigned. My head, my eyes, my everything. I phoned the YP to be told that the boss is far from happy. Well, I wasn't exactly jubilant either. I went out and got a train to Leeds, and walked into the office at 11:25am. A day of rumblings and deep trauma. I really wanted to take the afternoon off, but thought better of broaching the subject. I couldn't eat my sandwiches and cast them into the bin.
The NGA strike continues and at 2:20 we [that is NATSOPA members] were summoned to a ridiculous meeting in the appropriately named theatre. A silly bitch in sunglasses, a union official, requested that we only carry out our own set of menial duties, and if the NGA ask us to perform any task we have to say 'no'. Ludicrous, if you ask me. By tea time I had recovered enough to walk out of the building and venture homeward. I helped Dad daub paint on the staircase.
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The NGA strike continues and at 2:20 we [that is NATSOPA members] were summoned to a ridiculous meeting in the appropriately named theatre. A silly bitch in sunglasses, a union official, requested that we only carry out our own set of menial duties, and if the NGA ask us to perform any task we have to say 'no'. Ludicrous, if you ask me. By tea time I had recovered enough to walk out of the building and venture homeward. I helped Dad daub paint on the staircase.
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Tuesday April 29, 1980
_. A glittering gathering at Tong for Jill's eighteenth birthday party. People too numerous to mention. By now you must have a very good idea who attended, and who did not. The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Windsor and Isaac Bashevis Singer fall into the latter category. I was unaccompanied because Ally was at the Belfry until 11. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Karen was wearing an alluring gown which at one point detached itself from her cleavage and plunged to the carpet. The Bacardi and coke flowed. Back at Wilsby at 10:30 we were joined by Ally - I named her 'Alicia' for the night. Steve's friend Phil thought I was calling her 'elixir'. That's near enough. By 2am people were drifting off but Ally and I sat with Hilda and Tony discussing local politics and Yorkshire terriers. Back to Club St at 3:30. We wrote messages on Ally's bare bedroom walls for future generations to marvel upon.
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20200512
Monday April 28, 1980
_. Sarah has terminated her relationship with Richard Burke. Does this mean the end of the Regent?
Sharon joined us in the library today. She is to replace Eileen who departs in three weeks to have her baby. Sharon is Jewish, and prone to violent mood swings. Kathleen came in to the office, but left early to have something done with her wisdom teeth.
A gloomy cloud hangs over the YP. The NGA are on strike, and Paul Vallely tells us it could go on for a couple of months and result is us all being laid off.
Went into the City Library at lunchtime and took out 'The Prince and the Lily', by James Brough. The story of the relationship between King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry. Lingering behind the book shelves I forgot the time and had to jog back to the YP at 2. Bought cousin Jill a birthday card and posted it.______.
Dave L phoned for the nettle wine recipe. He was evasive about the weekend agenda.
Cyrus Vance, the US Secretary of State has resigned over the hostage crisis leaving poor President Carter alone and desolate. A particularly spineless and cruel thing to do. Abandoning the sinking ship, and all that.
Coronation Street followed by President Nixon on 'Panorama'. I cannot help admiring the old crook.
Retired at 12:20 with 'The ABC Murders', but half way in I suddenly remembered who it was that committed them.
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Sharon joined us in the library today. She is to replace Eileen who departs in three weeks to have her baby. Sharon is Jewish, and prone to violent mood swings. Kathleen came in to the office, but left early to have something done with her wisdom teeth.
A gloomy cloud hangs over the YP. The NGA are on strike, and Paul Vallely tells us it could go on for a couple of months and result is us all being laid off.
Went into the City Library at lunchtime and took out 'The Prince and the Lily', by James Brough. The story of the relationship between King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry. Lingering behind the book shelves I forgot the time and had to jog back to the YP at 2. Bought cousin Jill a birthday card and posted it.______.
Dave L phoned for the nettle wine recipe. He was evasive about the weekend agenda.
Cyrus Vance, the US Secretary of State has resigned over the hostage crisis leaving poor President Carter alone and desolate. A particularly spineless and cruel thing to do. Abandoning the sinking ship, and all that.
Coronation Street followed by President Nixon on 'Panorama'. I cannot help admiring the old crook.
Retired at 12:20 with 'The ABC Murders', but half way in I suddenly remembered who it was that committed them.
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Sunday April 27, 1980
_. 3rd Sunday after Easter
Ally and I were the first up at 9:25. We fried eggs and bacon. At 10:30 Ally went off to the Belfry and I returned home with Lynn and Dave. I sat reading the Sunday papers. Lynn discussed life with Mum and Dad and poor Dave was laid flat out like a 13th century effigy in Westminster Abbey. Back to the Sunday papers. President Carter is up to his knees in merde over Iran and his failure to release the hostages. It's been a complete cock-up, in fact. I do feel very sorry for the president. My opinion of Jimmy Carter has changed in the past 6 months, and I am sure he will be re-elected in November. Can you imagine Ronald Reagan as president?
Lynn and Dave went home at lunchtime. I sat reading 'The ABC Murders' [again] by Dame Agatha Christie. Saw Rosamond John in an old film. Isn't she the wife of would-be Labour party leader John Silkin, MP? Later saw Liv Ullman in the film 'Pope Joan', based on the legend of the 9th century female who ascended the throne of St Peter, and died in childbirth. 'Pope dies in childbirth', just imagining the headline in the EP.
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Ally and I were the first up at 9:25. We fried eggs and bacon. At 10:30 Ally went off to the Belfry and I returned home with Lynn and Dave. I sat reading the Sunday papers. Lynn discussed life with Mum and Dad and poor Dave was laid flat out like a 13th century effigy in Westminster Abbey. Back to the Sunday papers. President Carter is up to his knees in merde over Iran and his failure to release the hostages. It's been a complete cock-up, in fact. I do feel very sorry for the president. My opinion of Jimmy Carter has changed in the past 6 months, and I am sure he will be re-elected in November. Can you imagine Ronald Reagan as president?
Lynn and Dave went home at lunchtime. I sat reading 'The ABC Murders' [again] by Dame Agatha Christie. Saw Rosamond John in an old film. Isn't she the wife of would-be Labour party leader John Silkin, MP? Later saw Liv Ullman in the film 'Pope Joan', based on the legend of the 9th century female who ascended the throne of St Peter, and died in childbirth. 'Pope dies in childbirth', just imagining the headline in the EP.
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Saturday April 26, 1980
_. Hot day. Went to Ally's at 11:30 and spent a hideous afternoon stripping the wallpaper from her bedroom walls. She busied herself with the vacuum cleaner. All very domesticated. Took at hot bath at 5:30 and sat aching from the strain of my labours.
Lynn and Dave came over at 8. We went for a few drinks to Thornton and then on to the Belfry for dinner - a treat from Ally no less. Ally disagreed with me when I said I thought the owner, Mrs Hartley, was a ______. Ally looked lovely in a new gown. Dave drank like a fish but Lynn abstained in order to chauffeur us back to Club Street. Lynn clutching a glass of tonic water, a rare sight.
Back at Slumber Towers we danced and talked until dawn. Dave came upstairs to inspect the damp patches.
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Lynn and Dave came over at 8. We went for a few drinks to Thornton and then on to the Belfry for dinner - a treat from Ally no less. Ally disagreed with me when I said I thought the owner, Mrs Hartley, was a ______. Ally looked lovely in a new gown. Dave drank like a fish but Lynn abstained in order to chauffeur us back to Club Street. Lynn clutching a glass of tonic water, a rare sight.
Back at Slumber Towers we danced and talked until dawn. Dave came upstairs to inspect the damp patches.
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Friday April 25, 1980
_. Ghastly hangover. To the YP but took a half day and left at 12 to a lecture from Mama on how to behave at her social gatherings. Peter and I became somewhat over excited last night and had a bit of a beer fight in the kitchen. She said she'd spent all morning cleaning up the mess caused by my 'mindless behaviour'. I ruined her evening, evidently. She then walked out and up the lane to administer comfort and lend her sparkling charm to Muriel Rawnsley, who is in a state of severe depression.
Ally phoned when I was in the bath. The phone always rings when I'm submerged.
Out tonight with Dave L. Had a few drinks with Sue and Pete at the Fox and Hounds and then Dave and I went to the New Inn. Saw Ken, the projectionist. MM and Marita dominated our conversation.
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Ally phoned when I was in the bath. The phone always rings when I'm submerged.
Out tonight with Dave L. Had a few drinks with Sue and Pete at the Fox and Hounds and then Dave and I went to the New Inn. Saw Ken, the projectionist. MM and Marita dominated our conversation.
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20200511
Thursday April 24, 1980
_. John MacMurray's party at the Eagle on North Street to celebrate his forthcoming departure for London.
Kathleen and I had been alone at the YP all day whilst Sarah and Eileen had a glittering day in Sheffield at the YP Literary Luncheon setting tables and running around for Richard Douro, our very own 'Mr Durex'. They returned at 5 looking sozzled with tales of some of the VIP guests. They fell foul of Laura, Duchess of Marlborough, a hideous and suicidal alcoholic who married the 10th Duke of Marlborough [as her fourth husband] in January, 1972, and 'killed him off' eight weeks later.
At 5:30 Eileen, Kathleen, Lynne Bateson and I got a lift to the Eagle with Stephanie Ferguson. The general topic en route being sex, and more specifically the sex life of C______ M______. He is a pain in the neck, but a very close friend of Kathleen. Stephanie laughed as she told us that C had remained a virgin until he was 28. He phoned ATV on Monday to complain about a naughty word he'd heard used in a TV drama. Eileen and I agreed that C is pathetic, and probably insane, but Kathleen sat shuffling uncomfortably in her seat, looking shifty, and rather like how St Peter might have looked when denying his relationship with Christ.
At the Eagle I drank like a fish and spent far too much. Ally joined us at 7. We sat on a table with Lynne B and Sarah. We left at 9 and Ally dropped Sarah and West End Lane. On to Pine Tops for Mum's gathering. A full company of Gadsbys were assembled but I was too pissed to appreciate anyone. Have you ever tried home made nettle wine with carrot garnish? I have.
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Kathleen and I had been alone at the YP all day whilst Sarah and Eileen had a glittering day in Sheffield at the YP Literary Luncheon setting tables and running around for Richard Douro, our very own 'Mr Durex'. They returned at 5 looking sozzled with tales of some of the VIP guests. They fell foul of Laura, Duchess of Marlborough, a hideous and suicidal alcoholic who married the 10th Duke of Marlborough [as her fourth husband] in January, 1972, and 'killed him off' eight weeks later.
At 5:30 Eileen, Kathleen, Lynne Bateson and I got a lift to the Eagle with Stephanie Ferguson. The general topic en route being sex, and more specifically the sex life of C______ M______. He is a pain in the neck, but a very close friend of Kathleen. Stephanie laughed as she told us that C had remained a virgin until he was 28. He phoned ATV on Monday to complain about a naughty word he'd heard used in a TV drama. Eileen and I agreed that C is pathetic, and probably insane, but Kathleen sat shuffling uncomfortably in her seat, looking shifty, and rather like how St Peter might have looked when denying his relationship with Christ.
At the Eagle I drank like a fish and spent far too much. Ally joined us at 7. We sat on a table with Lynne B and Sarah. We left at 9 and Ally dropped Sarah and West End Lane. On to Pine Tops for Mum's gathering. A full company of Gadsbys were assembled but I was too pissed to appreciate anyone. Have you ever tried home made nettle wine with carrot garnish? I have.
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Wednesday April 23, 1980
_. St George's Day
Sarah was very miserable today and out of humour. She told me in confidence, and with sagging features, that both her 'chaps' have deserted her. She hasn't seen Richard Burke since the naughty film show at Pine Tops, and the inter galactic rugby league star, John Holmes, hasn't contacted her since he went to Ireland for a few days last week. She snapped that she couldn't possibly attend Eileen's leaving do because she would be the only single reveller. How very childish of her.
St George's Day, &c. The BBC made a contribution to our saint's day by showing Shakespeare's 'Henry V' - I haven't seen it before. Mum and Dad sat in silence throughout the pageant.
The Queen created two new Knights of the Garter today. Sir Richard Hull, a general, and former Lord Lieutenant for Devon, and Sir Keith Holyoake, Governor-General of New Zealand. They fill the vacancies in the order brought about by the deaths of Earl Mountbatten and Sir Gerald Templar.
'Coronation Street' has reached a fever pitch of excitement. I will not discuss the antics of Len Fairclough here, but I thought I'd let you know that I do look in occasionally at the endless round of soap operas churned out by the broadcasting authorities.
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Sarah was very miserable today and out of humour. She told me in confidence, and with sagging features, that both her 'chaps' have deserted her. She hasn't seen Richard Burke since the naughty film show at Pine Tops, and the inter galactic rugby league star, John Holmes, hasn't contacted her since he went to Ireland for a few days last week. She snapped that she couldn't possibly attend Eileen's leaving do because she would be the only single reveller. How very childish of her.
St George's Day, &c. The BBC made a contribution to our saint's day by showing Shakespeare's 'Henry V' - I haven't seen it before. Mum and Dad sat in silence throughout the pageant.
The Queen created two new Knights of the Garter today. Sir Richard Hull, a general, and former Lord Lieutenant for Devon, and Sir Keith Holyoake, Governor-General of New Zealand. They fill the vacancies in the order brought about by the deaths of Earl Mountbatten and Sir Gerald Templar.
'Coronation Street' has reached a fever pitch of excitement. I will not discuss the antics of Len Fairclough here, but I thought I'd let you know that I do look in occasionally at the endless round of soap operas churned out by the broadcasting authorities.
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Tuesday April 22, 1980
_. Industrious day at the YP. Home at 5:20 to a delightful rump steak. Dad seemed to devour his in seconds, and he sat smacking his lips like some carnivorous jungle beast.
I phoned Ally at breakfast time [as I always do] and she phoned me in the afternoon. We plan to lunch in Leeds tomorrow. I arranged to meet her at Whitelocks.
This evening I spoke to Dave L. His new teaching job in going down quite nicely. He's teaching first formers and spends day after day just repeating himself. I am thankful that I was spared becoming a teacher. I am sure that by now I would have been in Broadmoor. We may be going out on Friday, but details have yet to be discussed.
Lynn appeared here this morning to prove to Mama that she is in fact fit and well. The Bakers are going to Spain on July 1.
Mrs Thatcher completes her first year as prime minister next week. I think she is doing a remarkable job.
-=-
I phoned Ally at breakfast time [as I always do] and she phoned me in the afternoon. We plan to lunch in Leeds tomorrow. I arranged to meet her at Whitelocks.
This evening I spoke to Dave L. His new teaching job in going down quite nicely. He's teaching first formers and spends day after day just repeating himself. I am thankful that I was spared becoming a teacher. I am sure that by now I would have been in Broadmoor. We may be going out on Friday, but details have yet to be discussed.
Lynn appeared here this morning to prove to Mama that she is in fact fit and well. The Bakers are going to Spain on July 1.
Mrs Thatcher completes her first year as prime minister next week. I think she is doing a remarkable job.
-=-
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