Thursday June 6, 1985

Waltergarth, Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Waltergarth.

Wet. A long drive from Winchester to Horton-in-Ribblesdale consumed the whole of the day. Samuel was remarkably good and sat in the car without so much as a murmur for the whole journey. Up the wet M1 to Leeds, through Guiseley, Skipton, and finally dear old Waltergarth was reached. We ate cheese and bread. Samuel slept soundly after his long journey. We sat tonight and helped Dad write letters in response to the many messages of sympathy he has received from family and friends. I sat and read them all. A tearful experience. Messages from Gerald Werrett, Martin O'Neill , Uncle Arnold, Dorothy, &c. All touching. A letter from Uncle Bert too. He became the grandfather of twin girls recently. I did the writing, dictated by Dad, sat next to a blazing fire. Dad couldn't bring himself to write anything and was appreciative of my efforts. We were working until after 12. You can almost see and hear Mum about the place. How the old china cabinet used to rattle as she thundered past in that busy, happy manner. Happy ghosts everywhere.

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Wednesday June 5, 1985

 Chillandham Cross

Chillandham Cross.

Dull, but warm. We went to Alfresford - we walked by the river and inspected the Watercress Line again. Steam trains do absolutely nothing for me. I complained of tiredness and they joked about it.Blimey, I am 30. Back at Chillandham Cross Bessie was dropping hints about the ever increasing garden foliage and Dad, itching for employment, suggested we do a bit of tree surgery, which took up the afternoon. We loved it. Swinging in the trees with saws and axes. It was a weight off Bessie's mind. Sam slept in his pushcahir on the lawn. 

Hot baths and tea on the lawn. Frank returned from Southampton to see his grandson for the first time this visit. Such a quiet chap he is. Watched TV tonight. Dad and I sat up until 1am watching a rude US film called 'Choirboys'. Naughty, but a giggle.

News: Read in the DT that the 11th Duke of Manchester has pegged out to be succeeded by his brother  who is awaiting trial for fraud.

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Tuesday June 4, 1985

Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

Winchester Cathedral

Bessie's 63rd birthday. We went into Winchester and Ally and Bessie went shopping  and Dad, Samuel and I went to inspect the cathedral. I sat on the grass in front of the war memorial and Dad chased Samuel around. Lots of new trees planted in the cathedral grounds which are very well kept. Looking up at the fine Norman erection one is immediately struck by the overwhelming feeling that man is so small and insignificant. Like flies on a wedding cake. 

To the Bush for lunch. Sat in the garden. I had trout. Surrounded by old army colonels discussing the youth of today. A party of Canadians spoke to us. Dad does very well, but looks lost. 

Out with Dad to Alresford tonight. The Horse and Groom and then the Globe. Just for the last hour or so. Hampshire ale is always diabolically flat. A very wet night. We didn't pack any pullovers, so Ally was wearing one of Bessie's cardigans.

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Monday June 3, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn

Warm. Ron Brooks appeared and so did the new, odd stocktaker. His name escapes me. We have a £50 defecit but I do not worry. The stock is invariably up. We went skipping out into the sun at 12:30 and Ally, Sam, Dad and I escaped down the M1 to freedom. A holiday for 10 whole days. We broke off at the Crossroads Motel at Weedon and sat outside with a £2 ploughman's lunch consisting of a tiny brown roll and half a tomato. Samuel beat his grandad with a large stick.

Near the Bush at Ovington.

At Chillandham Cross we sat in the garden with tea and buns and Bessie. She said nothing about Mum at first and seemed stuck with how to handle it. What can she say? Frank was struck similarly dumb. We ate. We went to the Bush at Ovington with Dad. Sat in a corner. The place is grubby as ever.

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Sunday June 2, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn

Trinity Sunday

Sunshine. At lunchtime we bombed over to Thorpe Lane and found everyone sprawled out on the lawn at Thorpefields. The children were all blond and red. Sam looked so 'wishy washy' in comparison. They all played together in the Wendy house. Dad, red from the sun too, had been converting the lounge into Brighton Pavilion. Dave B is such a good man about the house. We brought Dad with us back to Leeds. Samuel looking very superior sitting with his idol in the back of the car. 

Gary worked with Ally. Dad and I stood at the bar chattering. He worries about money. He had Mum insured for £1700 but this will not cover the funeral bills, &c. We will lend him some cash of course. He didn't shed a tear until after 11 when he and I were left alone in the pub. At times he says he cannot go on.

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Saturday June 1, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn

Ally went to do lots of shopping and I entertained Samuel. No sooner had she gone when in came joiners who removed our lounge window, supposedly rotten. Samuel loved it.

I tend to drift around in a daze for most of the time. I must be shocking company. Thank God May is out of the way. What a hideous month. _________. Roll on Monday. We don't even know who is coming to do the relief management. They can send Josef Mengele for all I care. The last one (relief manager) was a little prick. Pink track suit, &c.

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Friday May 31, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn

Toe awful. Ally took me at 9 to see Dr Smith. I queued and then went in and he smiled and said: "How's your Mum?" in answer to which I told him that she had died - "faded away" on May 18. He just said: "Brave lady" and put away his fountain pen and shuffled the papers on his desk, like Jan Leeming does at the end of the Nine O'clock news on the BBC. He gave me anti-biotics which seem to have done the trick immediately. Ally has been very unsympathetic about my toe. She always brushes minor illnesses to one side. On top of everything I have a really snotty nose, heavy head, green slime, &c. Phoned Dad. He is spending the weekend with Lynn papering the lounge ceiling, inhabiting the attic bedroom. Susan did him the world of good at Horton and Peter had him mowing the lawns, &c. I do hope we all are not pushing him too hard. Lynn is eager to parcel up all Mum's things and send them to the Ethiopia appeal. It's far too early. Mum's things should be left alone.

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