_. 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.
-=-
20200512
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
-=-
Monday April 21, 1980
_. 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.
-=-
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.
-=-
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.
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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.
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