_. St Patrick's Day
Out of bed at 7:10am and to my horror the lane is shrouded in a blanket of snow. Ally woke up with a glowing nose, heavy eyes and a cold. I gave her a cup of tea and a couple of asprin, and she disappeared into the blizzard driving a car with next to no petrol in the tank. I went out with a spade and cleared the drive before moving on to Jim's to perform my good deed of the day for my chauffeur.
At the YP I expected a raging, screaming mob, but was thrown into confusion by the silence and complete lack of interest in my so-called sudden illness on Friday. I phoned Ally at 12:30 and she says Derek Jenkins has been similarly quiet on the subject of her absence.
The Daily Mail this morning reported that the Queen is to pay a state visit to Liechtenstein in May primarily to organise a marriage between the Prince of Wales and Princess Nora of that pin-prick of a principality. This is outrageous. Princess Nora is 30 years old, far too old for our Wales, because his bride must necessarily have many years of child bearing years ahead of her, and of course Nora is a Roman Catholic. The Prince of W has said that if he marries a RC he is technically 'dead' and no way will he rock the apple-cart. Just imagine 'Queen Nora'. Mum would be ecstatic, I do suppose. They, Mum and Dad, returned from snow-bound Grassington at 9:30 looking bedraggled, but healthy.
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20200427
Sunday March 16, 1980
_. 4th Sunday in Lent - Mothering Sunday - Summer Time Begins
Up at 9:30 to make a leisurely breakfast only to discover that it is 10:30, and poor Ally is already late for her shift at the Belfry. She discarded the breakfast and left the house in a frenzy.
Sue and Pete spent the day 'courting' in the sitting room, and so I took the typewriter into the dining room and bashed out a feeble letter to Allykins, which took a chunk out of the afternoon.
My grandfather was given life 90 years ago today. Born at the height of the British Empire, he died long after it's demise and yet the span of Britain's change in fortunes affected his life in no way whatsoever. Born near to poverty, he laboured for over 50 years to make ends meet and died in 1961, leaving no money, property - but seven children and numerous grandchildren. He smoked a pipe, wore a flat cap, and always took to his bed at 9:30pm, you know. John Wilson 1890-1961 is probably condemned to obscurity, as if he never existed. Perhaps writing about him here helps to prevent this somewhat.
'Cromwell' on the telly - Richard Harris. Out with Ally to the White Cross.
-=-
Up at 9:30 to make a leisurely breakfast only to discover that it is 10:30, and poor Ally is already late for her shift at the Belfry. She discarded the breakfast and left the house in a frenzy.
Sue and Pete spent the day 'courting' in the sitting room, and so I took the typewriter into the dining room and bashed out a feeble letter to Allykins, which took a chunk out of the afternoon.
My grandfather was given life 90 years ago today. Born at the height of the British Empire, he died long after it's demise and yet the span of Britain's change in fortunes affected his life in no way whatsoever. Born near to poverty, he laboured for over 50 years to make ends meet and died in 1961, leaving no money, property - but seven children and numerous grandchildren. He smoked a pipe, wore a flat cap, and always took to his bed at 9:30pm, you know. John Wilson 1890-1961 is probably condemned to obscurity, as if he never existed. Perhaps writing about him here helps to prevent this somewhat.
'Cromwell' on the telly - Richard Harris. Out with Ally to the White Cross.
-=-
Saturday March 15, 1980
_. Don't worry. I didn't tell the staff at Bradford AHA that Ally has VD. Just to put your mind at rest.
Peter phoned me early on and said that he, Chippy and Dave W were going to Menston to inspect some morning suits for the July wedding, and did I want to join them? I readily agreed, but suggested that perhaps we should meet in the White Cross to discuss the cut and style of the proposed suits. I fried eggs and bacon before Pete and Chippy appeared at 12 o'clock. Ally phoned and I told her to come over and meet us at the White Cross, with Sue, at 1:30. The usual afternoon piss-up followed with only a fleeting visit to the tailor, who told us to return in May. Chippy Came back to lunch at ours [flat Yorkshire puddings] because Susan used the wrong flour. Afterwards we sat watching a film starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. It was so old, Clark Gable was in short pants.
This evening to the Shoulder of Mutton where we sat next to the juke box shovelling in money. The youngsters had never heard of Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstein, two nineteenth century vocalists. A good laugh was had by all. At 10 we moved on to the White Cross, full of yobs of varying degrees of nastiness. This Punk Rock craze seems so old fashioned already, but they cannot seem to see this. Gus told me a very funny joke about Jackie Onassis, but the details are vague. Afterwards, just Ally, Sue, Pete and I back to Pine Tops for a wild supper of baked beans [with garlic] and friend luncheon meat. To bed reeking like French peasants.
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Peter phoned me early on and said that he, Chippy and Dave W were going to Menston to inspect some morning suits for the July wedding, and did I want to join them? I readily agreed, but suggested that perhaps we should meet in the White Cross to discuss the cut and style of the proposed suits. I fried eggs and bacon before Pete and Chippy appeared at 12 o'clock. Ally phoned and I told her to come over and meet us at the White Cross, with Sue, at 1:30. The usual afternoon piss-up followed with only a fleeting visit to the tailor, who told us to return in May. Chippy Came back to lunch at ours [flat Yorkshire puddings] because Susan used the wrong flour. Afterwards we sat watching a film starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. It was so old, Clark Gable was in short pants.
This evening to the Shoulder of Mutton where we sat next to the juke box shovelling in money. The youngsters had never heard of Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstein, two nineteenth century vocalists. A good laugh was had by all. At 10 we moved on to the White Cross, full of yobs of varying degrees of nastiness. This Punk Rock craze seems so old fashioned already, but they cannot seem to see this. Gus told me a very funny joke about Jackie Onassis, but the details are vague. Afterwards, just Ally, Sue, Pete and I back to Pine Tops for a wild supper of baked beans [with garlic] and friend luncheon meat. To bed reeking like French peasants.
-=-
20200426
Friday March 14, 1980
_.We were out of bed at 8 o'clock to launch our devious plot to cheat our employers out of our daily labours. I phoned Ally's office and she phoned mine. Both workhouses were very suspicious. I decided my ailment was Legionaries disease, and that Ally had an unfortunate STD.
Took cups of tea up to Mum and Dad, lounging in bed. My mother disapproves of my 'Dai Llewellyn-like' lifestyle, but couldn't help laughing at my cheek.
At 10:30, with the car roof peeled back, we took off in the direction of Ilkley, on to Kettlewell and to Starbotton. I felt under the weather, but Ally was bright and cheerful in a borrowed hat from mother. We sat by a log fire in the pub and Starbotton [the Fox & Hounds]. The place was far too quiet and we spoke in whispers. Lynn Lally [a girl who works with Sue] gave birth to a Mongol child about a month ago, and the poor thing died the other day. _____. At 2 we drove back to Skipton, market day, and sat in a pub where the proprietor strongly resembled a hedgehog and the atmosphere was eerie. It was as if everybody was watching us. Our guilty consciences perhaps? We soon escaped the beady-eyed hedgehog and came home.
Ally left at 4:30 to work at the Belfry. Mum and Dad went off to a cottage in Grassington with the car laden with booze.
-=-
Took cups of tea up to Mum and Dad, lounging in bed. My mother disapproves of my 'Dai Llewellyn-like' lifestyle, but couldn't help laughing at my cheek.
At 10:30, with the car roof peeled back, we took off in the direction of Ilkley, on to Kettlewell and to Starbotton. I felt under the weather, but Ally was bright and cheerful in a borrowed hat from mother. We sat by a log fire in the pub and Starbotton [the Fox & Hounds]. The place was far too quiet and we spoke in whispers. Lynn Lally [a girl who works with Sue] gave birth to a Mongol child about a month ago, and the poor thing died the other day. _____. At 2 we drove back to Skipton, market day, and sat in a pub where the proprietor strongly resembled a hedgehog and the atmosphere was eerie. It was as if everybody was watching us. Our guilty consciences perhaps? We soon escaped the beady-eyed hedgehog and came home.
Ally left at 4:30 to work at the Belfry. Mum and Dad went off to a cottage in Grassington with the car laden with booze.
-=-
20200424
Thursday March 13, 1980
_. Feeling remarkably efficient I went out at lunchtime and bought Mama a Mother's Day gift from one of our better china shops.
Ally came over tonight and we went down to the White Cross until 10:30. Back at Pine Tops Mum and Dad were entertaining Hilda and Tony, Margaret, Jim, Lynn and David. Lynn is such a talker at the table. Jim and Tony Gadsby like a comedy duo. The prominent Pudsey Liberal and I squabbled about employer-worker relations, much to the amusement of my aunt who called her husband an 'arse-licker'.
To bed at 3am. Ally and I decided to take tomorrow off. We intend venturing to the moors for an afternoon of romance. The days of the Triumph Spitfire might be drawing to a close.
-=-
Ally came over tonight and we went down to the White Cross until 10:30. Back at Pine Tops Mum and Dad were entertaining Hilda and Tony, Margaret, Jim, Lynn and David. Lynn is such a talker at the table. Jim and Tony Gadsby like a comedy duo. The prominent Pudsey Liberal and I squabbled about employer-worker relations, much to the amusement of my aunt who called her husband an 'arse-licker'.
To bed at 3am. Ally and I decided to take tomorrow off. We intend venturing to the moors for an afternoon of romance. The days of the Triumph Spitfire might be drawing to a close.
-=-
20200421
Wednesday March 12, 1980
_. A wet morning. To Leeds with Jim. He asked me to research information of the early life of William Hudson, Lord Mayor of Leeds 1977-8, whom he tells me in strictest confidence, has been nominated for an honour in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June. He also says that the betting shop tycoon Jim Windsor, is also in the running for a gong from the fount of all honour. I have always assumed that one had to suck up to the prime minister when one fancied ones chances for an MBE, or life peerage, but evidently it's been James Rawnsley, Esq, all along.
I would never accept an MBE, or OBE for that matter. Such trinkets I associate with long serving executives at the local water authority, or school caretakers. And as for life peerages I'd no sooner join the likes of Lord George-Brown and Joe Kagan, than fly. Gone are the days when honours really were honours. It's the poor Queen I feel sorry for. How ghastly must it be for her, with those endless queues of social workers, and canteen supervisors, lining up for recognition?
I posted a letter to John and Maria telling them of my Easter plans. It was pouring with rain and so John MacMurray kindly offered to post it for me as he left the office.
Typed a letter to Ally tonight. She wanted information on the subject of George III's children.
At 9 I watched a new drama on BBC2 starring Kate Nelligan. Lots of bare buttock fondling.
Mum and Dad borrowed Pete's car and went to Morrison's.
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I would never accept an MBE, or OBE for that matter. Such trinkets I associate with long serving executives at the local water authority, or school caretakers. And as for life peerages I'd no sooner join the likes of Lord George-Brown and Joe Kagan, than fly. Gone are the days when honours really were honours. It's the poor Queen I feel sorry for. How ghastly must it be for her, with those endless queues of social workers, and canteen supervisors, lining up for recognition?
I posted a letter to John and Maria telling them of my Easter plans. It was pouring with rain and so John MacMurray kindly offered to post it for me as he left the office.
Typed a letter to Ally tonight. She wanted information on the subject of George III's children.
At 9 I watched a new drama on BBC2 starring Kate Nelligan. Lots of bare buttock fondling.
Mum and Dad borrowed Pete's car and went to Morrison's.
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Tuesday March 11, 1980
_. Jennie brought a magic set with her on the journey to Leeds this morning, and so we, her captured audience in the car, endured a Paul Daniels-like display. You know the sort I mean. Card tricks, and under which cup will you find the ball. Jim was so proud of her. The glow of pride on his face was so reminiscent of the shining adoration Winifred Wagner had for Adolf Hitler. Blinded by devotion. I do sincerely hope that when my time comes I will not be blinded by the faults and blemishes of my offspring.
YP uneventful. Lynne Bateson was very kind and tactful on the subject of Ally vomiting on her continental quilt last weekend. Lynne denies suffering any inconvenience because of it. I cannot help thinking that she is just being very kind. Anyway, I have invited her to Club St on April 5, and so she can seek vengeance there if she wishes.
A letter from Maria includes a couple of pages of scribble from JPH. The little lad is obsessed with lists, and I think he may have been severely influenced by the numerous shopping lists he's observed his mother writing. Dad collided with Molly somewhere in Guiseley today and she reminded him that Maria and the children and coming back to Yorkshire for Easter, without John. This means John will miss my 'silver jubilee' birthday party.
Good television this evening. A documentary on Graham Sutherland, the artist, whose painting of Winston so 'delighted' Winnie and Clem back in the 50s - not. The chap is obsessed by thorns and holes in drystonewalls. At 11:30 - an interview with Kingman Brewster, the US Ambassador to the Court of St James's. A excellent speaker. I decided that he should get on the next plane to Washington and put himself forward as a candidate in the coming presidential election. Surely, a better alternative to Ronald Reagan?
To bed at 12 o'clock.
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YP uneventful. Lynne Bateson was very kind and tactful on the subject of Ally vomiting on her continental quilt last weekend. Lynne denies suffering any inconvenience because of it. I cannot help thinking that she is just being very kind. Anyway, I have invited her to Club St on April 5, and so she can seek vengeance there if she wishes.
A letter from Maria includes a couple of pages of scribble from JPH. The little lad is obsessed with lists, and I think he may have been severely influenced by the numerous shopping lists he's observed his mother writing. Dad collided with Molly somewhere in Guiseley today and she reminded him that Maria and the children and coming back to Yorkshire for Easter, without John. This means John will miss my 'silver jubilee' birthday party.
Good television this evening. A documentary on Graham Sutherland, the artist, whose painting of Winston so 'delighted' Winnie and Clem back in the 50s - not. The chap is obsessed by thorns and holes in drystonewalls. At 11:30 - an interview with Kingman Brewster, the US Ambassador to the Court of St James's. A excellent speaker. I decided that he should get on the next plane to Washington and put himself forward as a candidate in the coming presidential election. Surely, a better alternative to Ronald Reagan?
To bed at 12 o'clock.
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