_. Swimming today at the International pool with Sarah, Shazzo and Trevor. The announcement of Frances's birth appeared in the YP and EP today.
On afterwards to the Shoulder of Mutton for a couple of hours. Dave, still puffing on a cigar, told everybody in the pub of his good news. Home at 10:30 and Ally, Dave and I had a conference with Mama and Papa in their bedroom.
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_. Warm day. At the YP I decided I wanted a half-day and so headed for home. Joined by Ally at 1pm. We had eggs and toast. At 2 we collected Sue at Carter and Parker and went to see Lynn and baby Frances at Airedale Hospital. Lynn looked very bright and not at all miserable about being in hospital. The tiny baby is like a new-born rabbit, pink, and wrinkled, but with large alert eyes. She has a button nose, but don't all babies? Susie called the infant 'Fanny Annie', which I think will undoubtedly stick.
Tonight David took his Mum and Dad to the hospital.
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_. Not much work was done today. Mum phoned me at about 11 to say Lynn was in hospital, but had no further details. She phoned again at 1 to say Lynn was in labour and that David was with her and added 'I don't know whether to laugh or cry'. She decided on the latter option and hung up on me such was the violence of her emotion. I phoned Ally, who was similarly on the verge of collapse with excitement. Jacq phoned, and I told her I'd speak to her tomorrow.
Back in Guiseley I bought bread and other vital provisions and was home at about 5:30. David had phoned at 5 saying Lynn would be labouring for another two hours or so, and we were settling down for a gripping and tortuous evening when he phoned again at 6:05pm. Lynn gave birth to a daughter at 5:40pm weighing 5lb 13oz and she is to be called Frances Anne Baker. Such a relief. Dad wept like a baby, and did so for the remainder of the evening. Ally appeared and she too burst into tears. The whisky bottle came out. Ally and I went to see Muriel and Jim to convey the news, and they kept us too long and made us drink sherry. Maureen Eccles, from next door, came in for a drink, just as David returned from Airedale Hospital. He puffed on a cigar looking very proud. We sat until after 12. Frances is a name we never expected. I had a great-aunt, Frances Wilson, born in August, 1874, who died in infancy. It's not a name I'd ever pick, but quite pretty and certainly sensible.
To bed, merry and late, full of joy.
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_. Passion Sunday
My twenty sixth birthday. Up in the region of 10 and ate a fried breakfast with Mum, Dad and Ally. Ally gave me the Madness LP 'One Step Beyond' and a batch of ten cassettes upon which I can tape for the next 50 years, she says. All my birthday cards have an air of lunacy about them. Most of them would look acceptable to a three year-old. Lynn and Dave phoned with a singing telegram. Sue is knitting me a cardigan, but as yet it is unfinished.
Mum and Dad had visited Lynn before coming to Ilkley. Mum's opinion was that Lynn is 'edgy' and on the verge of giving birth.
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_. New Moon
Grand National Day. Ally put 25p each wayon the winning horse, and scooped over £3. My horse refused half way round the course. Mum's set off in the opposite direction.
Tonight Ally and I dined with Mum and Dad, and Ally stayed over in her suite. At midnight, in my bed, she handed me the first of my birthday presents, viz: [1] a new watch bracelet, [2] The Old Man of Lochnagar, by the Prince of Wales. My birthday card is a painting by Beryl Cook entitled 'My New Fur Coat'. We sat giggling. I do not feel twenty-six.
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_. To Burley-in-Wharfedale with Ally to see the expectant Lynn and Dave. Joined by Sue and Pete, and we all had fish and chips for supper. Lynn's baby is due tomorrow. She looked happy, which is the main thing. But a little nervous. Lynn gave me two chamber pots as a birthday present. She gave them today because she hopes to be indisposed on Sunday. Perhaps I 'll get a beautiful nephew or niece. What a gift that would be.
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_. To Ally's from the YP. We had a gigantic lasagne. A quiet, domestic evening 'at home'. These are the sort of nights I take great pleasure in. Living it up in some crowded tavern no longer has the hold or grip on me that it once did. I do however love parties. They will be in my blood forever.
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