Sunday January 25, 1981

 _. 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Ally and I went to the Cow & Calf at 1:30 and placed a provisional booking for a wedding reception. Returned to Pine Tops and went to bed for the afternoon. Ally had lunch with Mum and Dad. I got up at 5 with a clear head.

Sue and Pete were summoned [under false pretences], and we waited for Lynn and Dave to come from Audrey and Henry's. It seemed like an eternity. They came at 11:30. John and Maria came too, straight from Lochans. When all were assembled I walked in with a tray full of sherry, and all were informed of our plans. They all seemed so happy.

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Saturday January 24, 1981

 _. At the YP from 9am-1:45. Dull isn't the word. Sunny, almost warm. Out into town at 2 and bought a two-stone diamond engagement ring, and a gold wedding ring from Maxfield's 'the wedding ring specialists' in the Merrion Centre. 

Back to Club St. Hot bath. On to Esholt to see the Rev Calvin Ward in his cold vestry. He agrees to our date, June 27, but says that he can only fit us in at noon. We wanted 2pm, but he's tied up at a tea party, or something. He was very agreeable and put us at our ease.

We went on to the Fox and Hounds and drank Stella Artois until 10. Back at Pine Tops we waited for Dad to walk in at midnight and then I told them that I had finally popped the question. Much excitement, joy, elation, &c. Mum said she thought I might be waiting for the Prince of Wales to do it first. Papa was close to tears. After all, I am his first born. Or was it the home brewed 'Japanese' Sake?

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Friday January 23, 1981

 _. Brief. To Ally's after the YP. She collected her pay cheque today and found a £200 tax rebate within. Speechless. We celebrated with a lasagne at Mamma Mia's on Manningham Lane. Ally beautiful with her hair tied up. On to the Bod, but didn't over do things. Home for 11. 

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Thursday January 22, 1981

 _. At 8pm Ally and I went out to the Drop, then the New Inn. Saw Susie, Janet, and Audrey, and little Biff. I do not like how Sue hangs around with these girls. Back to Pine Tops, quite merry, and watched Robin Day on the BBC.

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Wednesday January 21, 1981

 _. Ally collected me from the YP at 5. She had been into Leeds to renew a contract on something, but had messed the whole thing up. We went on to Guiseley for dinner with Mum and Dad and afterwards fell in front of the TV to watch another episode of D.H. Lawrence's 'Sons and Lovers'. Papa came home in the midst of this with a sad tale. The baby of a local doctor was found dead in its cot this evening after spending a damp afternoon with its mother shopping in Leeds strapped to its mother in one of those ridiculous red-Indian-type baby carrying things. Dad says he found her quite dazed cradling the child.

Mum and Dad went to bed and Ally I sat whispering about the coming holocaust, namely our engagement.

Ode to Ronald Reagan

Ron and Nancy you're the best,

I've watched you on the telly,

You make me want to head out west,

But it's all so flat and smelly.

-=-

Tuesday January 20, 1981

 _. Out of bed at 7. Worked very unenthusiastically, and paced up and down the office. Phoned Ally at 4 and spoke just for a few minutes. She is thinking about a honeymoon, definitely abroad, and we discussed the plot to cover our tracks on Saturday when we go see Ward at Esholt. All exciting stuff. If, or when asked about our visit to Winchester Jan 30-31, it is for Ally to have a fitting for her bridesmaid dress for Gill's wedding. I cannot wait to see the look on the faces at home when the news breaks. Hawksworth Laner will be reminiscent of VE Day in Trafalgar Square.

Both Sue and John phoned tonight. J is coming down from Scotland on Sunday to take Maria for her gynaecological x-ray, or whatever.

Royal New: Poor Lady Diana [Spencer] is back teaching at her kindgergarten whilst the Prince of Wales prepares for his annual Klosters visit with the Gloucesters. They go on Friday. Last week Lady D was spotted in Harrods purchasing items of fancy underwear, and laughed off the recognition with skill. John MacMurray has told Sarah that the permanent entourage of reporters camping outside Lady D's flat have all been captivated by her charm, good humour, and beauty. The girl is definitely Queen material. The prince would be a bloody fool to let her go.

News from the US: President Carter goes out of office and simultaneously the US hostages held in Iran were released after a captivity of 444 days. Four years ago I referred to Carter as 'a slug'. But now I admire him and feel profoundly sorry for the disasters and misfortunes that have dogged him. Ronald Wilson Reagan, who is 70 next month, becomes the 40th president. I am unsure about him. I won't call him a slug because I haven't seen much of him to attach any labels. 

Monday January 19, 1981

 _. Historic day. Ally and I had breakfast together at 7. Giggling together over cups of tea. Dad joined us. I pushed her down the lane.

12:40pm: Ally phoned to say she had spoken to the Rev Calvin Ward, Vicar of Esholt, and booked an appointment for us to see him on Saturday evening at 7:30. The ball is rolling. Feel very elated. Why didn't we think of this sooner?

9pm: Phoned Ally. She was in bed with a book and sore throat. A luscious little chat. How can we remain silent until February?

Other news: The US hostages in Iran are to be freed soon. President Carter leaves office tomorrow.

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Sunday January 18, 1981

 _. 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Up at 11. We headed out to see the Stonehouse Inn with Mum, Dad, Sue, Pete, Margaret, Jim and Julie. We drove there and looked at it without going on [it wasn't the time to do so with Margaret]. I can picture it renovated, nestling there in the sun surrounded by umbrellas, bustling with hikers. I pray this will come off for Mum and Dad. To the Miner's Arms for lunch. Bleak, and pouring rain. I stopped for a wee in a field on the way back and we lost the others. We returned home via Leathley, Farnley, &c. 

Back at Pine Tops Ally and I were interrogated mercilessly by the party re a possible wedding. Little do they know. One particular 'hairy' incident was when Jim and Margaret were discussing their pearl wedding anniversary, on June 30. Without thinking I immediately said that June 30 is a Tuesday. Jim's eyes glistened. He leapt upon it. Why have I been looking at the June '81 calendar?

Dad breathalysed all the party, just by way of a joke. I blew an alcohol-free bag as if I hadn't had a drop all day.

Tonight a momentous decision was made. The party disbanded at 9 and Mum and Dad retired at 10:30 and Ally and I took out a diary and decided to marry on June 27 at Esholt [my parish] because she doesn't like the look of Lidget Abbey [sic]. On January 30-31 we are going to Hampshire to seek parental approval and on Saturday February 7 we will go public. I'll tell Mum and Dad immediately on our return from Hampshire. How's that?

-=-

Saturday January 17, 1981

 _. Slept until lunchtime, but then erupted in a flurry of activity. I cleaned out the imitation log gas burning fire, and did the carpets with the vacuum cleaner. Ally washed her smalls and dried them in the new spin dryer. I even found time to split some spider plants and swept the leaves and litter from her slippery pathway. A real hive of industry, it was.

Home to Guiseley by 5pm to find Pine Tops deserted.Then Mum and Dad returned from a visit to the Stonehouse Inn at Thruscross, very enthusiastic about the place, saying that the owner, 87 year-old George Deakin, is considering selling the place and that Mum and Dad are his heir presumptives in the business. Great excitement. 

At 8:30 we went with Sue and Pete to meet Lynn, Dave, Dave Allinson and the delightfully vulgar Elaine, at the Nunroyd, a new pub in Nunroyd Park, Guiseley. Not very nice. Certainly doomed to failure. All the yobs from Guiseley and Yeadon were 'casing the joint'. On to the Stone Trough at Rawdon [full of teenagers], and finally to the White Cross. Saw Mick Lynch and Carole, with a new boyfriend, a hairdresser. Back to Pine Tops with Sue and Pete for a drink. Watched a lousy film starring Sarah Miles.

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Friday January 16, 1981

 _. Didn't hear the alarm clock and woke up at 8. Unbelievably, I was at my desk at the YP at 8:50 looking well turned out, and efficient. However, by lunchtime I was exhausted. I put a couple of chairs together to make a makeshift hammock and sprawled out behind the filing cabinets [Africa: Zambia politics 17197], and slept for an hour emerging at 2:30 feeling bog-eyed and with a pulsating brain. Did no work and sat with my head in my hands.

Ally phoned to say she was leaving the AHA at 2:30 because of the snow. The girls quit the office at 4 and Ally came to the office at 4:30. I gave her some photo files to look at until 5:30 and then we went out into a blizzard to join Lynne Bateson at her leaving party in the Harrogate suite at the Wellesley. Joined by Peter Lazenby, Gavin Summers, Roy Holland, Nichola Gould, Stephanie Ferguson & Dave, &c. Put away a good deal of booze [again] but felt remarkably well considering I was so dead this afternoon. Ally got on like a house on fire with Pete and Roy. Somebody [the name escapes me] analysed by horoscope. Evidently, Pisces was in ascendant at the moment of my birth which dilutes some of the nastiness of Aries. What clap trap. On to an Indian restaurant on Eastgate with a party including a dreadful Jewish solicitor and his tarty wife. Ally was furious about her. The solicitor's wife took exception to Stephanie, for some reason, call it jealousy, and a slanging match, or battle of wits, ensued in which the indomitable Stephanie came out on top as one would expect. The bill in the restaurant was far too steep, and left me almost destitute. Ally gave a couple a lift to Roundhay and on we went to Club St, feeling tired, full and content.

-=-

Thursday January 15, 1981

 _. Kathleen put in an appearance today for 10 minuties in the afternoon and looked really shocking. She told us she is down to 8 stone, and resembles a Kampuchean refugee. She has been granted leave of absence by W.J. Austin-Clarke, and said goodbye knowing we won't be seeing her again until after her father's death, which could come any time. Sarah is left in charge and is far from happy with the situation because although she will have full powers she will not be receiving Kathleen's money. Trouble brewing here no doubt.

To Ally's at 6. She was scampering around in nothing but a towel looking very sexy, with her curls dripping wet. At 8 we went to a fish and chip shop and ate them sitting in the steamed up car watching the Bradford peasants frequenting the off-licence premises nearby. Why is it that very poor people, who can barely afford to feed themselves, always seem to have packs of Alsatian dogs, and canine half-breeds? Dogs, I think, are associated with the upper classes and the lower classes, but not those in the middle.

Onwards to the Drop where we over-did things with booze and frittered away over £7, which I can ill afford. We discussed the wedding and thought of going on to Oakwood Hall but returned to Rue Club instead and sat by the fire studying the calendar. June was suggested, and so was September, but July and August were not.

-=-

Wednesday January 14, 1981

 _. Freezing rain which occasionally looks like snow. Frank Metcalfe, a weather expert, tells me that tomorrow 'it will snow like buggery'. 

My alarm clock sounded at 6:50, and by 7:30 I was twiddling my thumbs, raring to go. I put through my morning alarm call to Ally and she took the traditional twenty minutes to struggle to the blower. She said it was the postman dropping a letter through her box that finally woke her, not the ringing telephone from her desperate lover 10 miles away.

Ronald Reagan is to be inaugurated US president next Tuesday. His friendship with Frank Sinatra could prove to be quite embarrassing because it's obvious that 'old blue eyes' is buried up to his neck in shady underground activities. Beleive it or not, I am now warming to this ageing old 'has been'. Carter was ineffectual and a bungler, and I think America is well rid. I did feel sad, nay -dismayed - in November, but it's January now. General Haig seems to be a decent chappie too. Someone who'll give the Iranians a kick in the sensitive area.

Ally came here at 7:30 and we watched 'Coronation Street'. Mum remarked that I must have been watching the programme all my life. It certainly feels like it. We glued photographs in a new album and reminisced about our last holiday and Sue & Pete's wedding.

Sue and Pete came to see Mum for ten minutes. She complained of feeling ill [again].

Afterwards I helped Ally insert her new earrings. She behaved as though it was a major operation. She had her ears pierced on Dec 1, and so the sleepers have had a good six weeks.

On the 9 o'clock news we heard that Lady Diana Spencer has joined the Prince of Wales at Sandringham for dinner tonight. The report claimed she went to Norfolk by train and was collected at the station before Sandringham by a member of the royal household. She'll be at the estate for two or three days. Is this it? It is interesting to note that the future King George VI proposed to Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon at Sandringham on January 13, 1923.

-=-

Tuesday January 13, 1981

 _. Very cold. Biting in fact. Phoned Ally at 7:30 [I'd regained consciousness at 6:30 on hearing Dad making his way to bed after a 12 hour shift guarding prisoners at Otley]. 

The joke now, when talking to Ally is the colour of the bridesmaid dresses, i.e. the dresses for HER bridesmaids. Today it was lemon with white spots. This wedding talk seems so unreal. When will it be? Ally wants to name a date, but I don't think it's down to her. What about an engagement?  I don't really think one is necessary, but to go without one altogether might not go down well in some quarters.

At the YP Kathleen has applied for indefinate leave of absence from her duties as chief librarian to look after her dying father who is lingering close to the abyss. Sarah is now ruler of all she surveys.

Tonight when Mum was heading off to bed and for the second night in succession she asked me how Ally can tolerate living on her own. I said: 'Oh, she's used to it'. She would like nothing better than to see us settled.

A foreign holiday this years seems lost and forgotten, and I don't give a damn. She looked at a house [£17,500] at Rawdon on her way home last night. Club Street is all very well but she is buying it with a Barclays bank loan [thanks to her Dad] and this cannot be converted into a mortgage because building societies do not give mortgages to properties without a back, side, or rear door. Don't ask me why, but this is the case. So, when we marry we might look for some other place to dwell, and in both our names of course.

Phoned Ally at 8. She's booked Hill Top Cottage, at Grassington, for February 6,7 and 8. Phoned Dave G to confirm his presence.

Monday January 12, 1981

 _. I am cultivating something closely resembling a beard, and although many people fall about laughing at it, I think Ally likes it, and is happy, and the more they mock it, the more I shall grow it, or attempt to grow it, because I'm driven on by comment. At least people are noticing me.

Royal news: The Daily Mail reports that Lady Diana [Spencer] with her sisters and father will be spending next weekend at Sandringham. If this is so then it could have very exciting possibilities. The more I see of Lady D the more I realise she is the girl to be Queen.

Prince Welf Ernst of Hanover, a nephew of the Duke of Edinburgh, and contemporary of the Prince of Wales at Gordonstoun has died suddenly in India, whilst playing karate, aged 33. He has been cremated on the banks of the Ganges in a Hindhu ceremony. Queen Victoria was very fond of Indians, and one, whose name escapes me, rose to be a private secretary and wielded great power over her.

Freezing rain today. Ally's car wouldn't start so she dumped it until this evening and collected it when she came to dinner at 6. I went with Dave G to Leeds and saw him off back to Stockport. We are thinking about Grassington in February.

Poor Dad is working a 12 hour shift from 6am tomorrow, guarding prisoners at Otley. Mum loathes his lengthy absences. Ally and I had a candlelit dinner, and later she went off to Club Street. I hate the Citroen for it's constant indecision. Saw TV. 'The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes' until 11:30. To bed.

-=-

Sunday January 11, 1981

_. 1st Sunday after Epiphany

Out of bed late and again. We went down to the chemist in Guiseley for something for Mum, who was writhing in bed with an upset stomach. Mr Ussher made up some potion and we took it back to Mum, tucked up safely in bed. To preserve the tranquility of the house we took Dave to Burley where we sat drinking sherry with my ever widening sister. Dave B was nowhere to be seen. He was out in his garage playing with the engine of Lynn's car. We sat with our drinks in one room whilst Lynn and Dave had roast lamb for lunch in another. Ally thought that this was perhaps a trifle rude. When we did have conversation it centred on babies and houses. Christine Dibb has told Lynn that Ally was moving from Bradford. Highly amusing.

Back to Pine Tops at 6 for dinner with Dad. Mum still laid up, but slightly better. Pork chops by candlelight. Watched TV until almost 1am. We started with 'Houseboat' starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren, then Vanessa Redgrave playing Fania Fénelon in 'Playing for Time', a horrific tale about the Auschwitz concentration camp. Finally, James Mason and Diana Coupland in 'Spring and Port Wine'. To bed at 1. Ally looked exhausted and Dave, full of cold, sniffed throughout the epic TV session.

-=-

Saturday January 10, 1981

 _. Out of bed at almost 12. Breakfast on eggs, bacon, &c. As soon as it was decently possible we escaped to the Bod for a drink. A pleasant session. Afterwards we drove to Guiseley and sat with Mama and Sue and Pete. Sue clad in a new fur coat - a Christmas present from Pete. Wine flowed. Snow fell. Night fell.

Out at 8 [Ally driving] Dave, Sue, Pete and I to the Fox & Hounds and then the New Inn. Saw George W and Jayne [again], but we left the Fox after just two drinks because it's such a dull, old place. The New Inn is delightfully rough, and packed. Sat with Dave W, Gus, Johnny, and a guy from Hull. The usual mob were in pouring drink all over each other. I was revolted to see a heap of genuine vomit on the bar at the end of the evening - carrots, the lot. Came home to Pine Tops afterwards. I was feeling damp after Johnny had pushed me into a urinal at the New Inn. It was flushing at the time reminiscent of going over the Niagara Falls. We made a good deal of noise before going to bed.

-=-

Friday January 9, 1981

 _. To Leeds from Bradford. Felt tatty - wearing the same shirt from the day before. Spent the day 'running' the library. Home at 6 after meeting Dave G at the station. He has a glowing nose and had even less hair. We both dined with Mum, Dad and JPH. They'd been looking after my nephew for the day because Maria had an appointment with a gynaecologist. JPH behaved himself very well, whilst David spilled his wine over the table and slopped around like a three year-old. JPH told me that I have a funny voice. I probably do.

Ally came over at 8 and the three of us went to the Fox. We met George Waite again. He was drunk and didn't say much. To the New Inn at 9:30 to meet John, Maria and Chris Ratcliffe. The place was packed and noisy. Chris hated it.

Maria told me of her gynaecological problem __________, and because of this she has to come back to Yokshire in a fortnight to see the quack again. She had told this story to Mum and Dad this afternoon, and Dad [poor man] bolted red-faced from the room. He embarrasses so easily. 

John was very talkative and on leaving he kissed Ally, which touched her. He isn't a kisser.

We left at 11 and took David to Club Street. Had a few drinks and listened to the Specials before bed.

-=-

Thursday January 8, 1981

 _. Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone was buried at Frogmore today. Her daughter looks older than she did.

To Ally's from the YP at 5. The bus was packed with smokers puffing out clouds of smoggy effluence. A real 'pea souper' in fact. Ally made a rabbit stew and we ate by candlelight. We rarely speak at these dinners. She cooks and I listen to the radio, and then we eat and look at each other across the table.

Afterwards we went to the Bod, vibrating to the sound of its juke box. We stood in the top bar looking down on the main body of the revellers. ____________. Back to Ally's at 10:30. Thought of going to Oakwood Hall, but didn't. Bed before 2.

-=-

Wednesday January 7, 1981

 _. Tired and hungover all day. Up at 7:45 and out at 8. I told Ally I would give her a ring [in more ways than one], and she giggled.

Already I'm quite sick of the Ripper news. The Solicitor-General has criticised certain organs of the press for naming Sutcliffe before he had been charged. Let's face it, he'll never have a fair trial anyway.

The Daily Mail Dempster column says that Lady Diana [Spencer] may not be in the Klosters skiing party next month, and goes on to say that Charles's ardour for Lady D is waning. Oh God, has another one bitten the dust?

Spoke to Ally at 12. We both agreed that last night's proposal or the acceptance thereof was not made because of excess alcohol intake and we both stick to our guns. Knee knocking isn't it?

Home at 6 for dinner. Thirsty all night. Must be dehydration. Watched a bit of TV, climbed the stairs at 9:15 and hit the sack. Christmas has really taken it's toll.

Kathleen has been off since Wednesday. Her father is dying of a brain tumour.

-=-

Tuesday January 6, 1981

 _. Epiphany. New Moon.

Rain and snow. Took Thomas Hardy back to the Central Library. I just have not had time to look at him.

Phoned Ally. She agreed to come over tonight. She bought new trousers and a pullover today. The girl's a spendthrift. Phoned Dave L at 7. He's a bit of fun. Ally came clad in blue at 8 and by 8:30 we were in the Fox & Hounds. Bumped int George Waite, and he stayed with us for the evening. He is a lecherous bounder. _____. Ally was Little Red Riding Hood to George's wolf. Or was it a fox?

Saw Jim and Margaret with Julie celebrating her 17th birthday. Bought the girl a drink. Jim's eyes lit up when I told him I have a photostat of [Peter] Sutcliffe showing him sat at the wheel of his lorry. He'll see it on Thursday. 

On to the Hare. John, Maria, Dave L, Christine Dibb, Graham Airey, Chris Rat, Pete Mather, Carol Smith and husband, Andy and Linda Graham, &c. A pleasant chat with old friends over a few pints..... Or that's how it should have been. Ally and I then went to Ridgeway with John and Maria until 1.

In bed tonight I proposed marriage to Ally. This isn't a new thing. We take it in turns to spasmodically propose marriage to each other, but tonight was quite the most serious attempt to date. I was accepted and now the only thing to do is decide upon a date. June is nice.

-=-

Monday January 5, 1981

 _.The Yorkshire Ripper [Peter William Sutcliffe, born June 2, 1945], a Bradford man, was charged, at Dewsbury police station, with Jacqueline Hill's murder this evening. A mob exceeding 2,000 thronged the streets shouting abuse, and behaving likes wolves. It hasn't sunk in yet. Quite amazing. The Ripper has been at the forefront of our lives, hanging over our every move, since '75, and now we know he's a 'respectable' chap from the Bradford suburb of Heaton who wouldn't say 'boo to a goose'. Jim Rawnsley reckons that Mrs Ripper will easily make £250,000 out of the case. Obviously, Sutcliffe isn't an engineer with a Tyneside accent, and neither does he stutter or have a gap in his front teeth. I imagine George Oldfield will be having a skinful tonight. Busy day at the YP, naturally. Home at 6.

Stick photos into my new album. John and Maria walked round from Ridgeway at 9 and sat until 1am. Mum departed suddenly to her chambers at 11. Maria informed me that an 'old style' gathering is taking place at the Hare & Hounds tomorrow at which my presence is a necessity. I've no money, but agreed to go.

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