20090325

Saturday February 17, 1973

John got me up at 11. I was surprised to see him. He usually works Saturdays but he has slept in. He tells me he wants to go to Otley or Bradford. We select Bradford catching the 12.20 bus to the city centre - 14p each way!
John bought an LP - Diana Ross's Greatest Hits. I would have preferred the Monty Python record, or the BBC 1922-1972 record - but it was his cash. After spending an hour in the record shop we went for lunch to a small cafe - sausages, chips, peas and tomatoes for 20p - can't be bad, can it? We then set off on the near impossible task of finding a hairdresser for John. We did find one, but after a search of 45 minutues. It was in a tiny back street miles from anywhere. He was only in for 10 minutes and charged 40p. That's inflation for you. We then went down to the Library and sat for nearly an hour browsing through Debrett's Peerage 1973 and Burke's Peerage 1970. John was very bored and eventually dragged me out at 4.30. We arrived home and had dinner at 5. Mutton, roast spuds, turnip, etc. I then collapsed into an easy chair in the lounge to watch "Dr Who" - my very favourite programme. Arrived at work at 7. The usual rush at 10 o'clock. We went through the usual rigmarole sitting about waiting for them to go. At least I got paid. Sue (Riley) is now very excited about the extension which is to be done in October. The CW will hold twice as many people as it does already. Saints Preserve us! It's bloody big enough already.
Lately I feel terribly restless and unsure of everything. I arrived home at 1.30 and sat feeling untired until 2.40. Dad, who is on nights, got home at 1.40 - and I had some supper with him. He says work has been dead since Christmas. He cannot understand why everything is so quiet. We have only had a murder, a rape, and several indecent assaults in Guiseley in the past few weeks.
June and I are of course going to the Emmotts on Sunday. You may have already guessed my main reason for going there - yes, Ivy (Ha Ha).
Byee!

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Friday February 16, 1973

Susan woke me at 7.45. I had a boiled egg and ran down the lane. The snow has now turned into an icy sheet & it refuses to be melted by the bright sunshine. On arriving at school I sat with Christine until 9.30. It was a boring morning. Economics dragged on until 11.45. Ayling really gets up my nose at times. At 12.25 Dave, Christine and myself went down to the chippie. She certainly enjoys seeing us walk through the door. We spent £1.35! I carried all the fish and chips back to school in a cardboard box.
Luncheon was ruined by Mr P.G. Groves, who handed out reports at 2. Mine had very disappointing results, but not one single teacher could say that I hadn't tried my best at all times, which cannot be bad. The 1st lesson after lunch was spent with June who thought I was depressed about my report when in fact I was miserable at the thought of Double Biology without her. Biology passed fairly quickly. I sat with Louise. Came back to the 6th form block at 4pm. June, Linda, Cowie, Janet and myself had a couple of rounds of 'cheat' in the study area - I lost both times. We all went down for the buses at 4.35. Linda was in a very jovial mood. J and I always hate parting on a Friday knowing we have to wait until Sunday to meet again.
Arrived home at 5.15. Mum told me that they were going to Pudsey on Sunday for tea. I would have gone willingly, but my love life is more important. I would not survive without my regular rendezvous with June at the Emmotts.
The Chuck Wagon was dead until 10 o'clock. Why do they always want to go out an eat at such a late hour? Inconsiderate of them. Home at 12.30.
John opened a bank account at the Yorkshire Bank today. He deposited £30. He also has about £46 worth of premium bonds. Mum has £44 of premium bonds. We are becoming a family of fortune and property!
The Prince of Wales is now on his way to the Med. where he will be stationed with his ship until September. The Queen seems to be relieving him of many royal duties, which fall to Princess Anne instead. But he will have the full burden in the years to come, and it is only right for him to have a good time while he is young and unattached. The subject of the prince's romantic life has certainly puzzled the Press. He has been linked with many female names, such as Georgiana Russell, Angela Nevill, etc, etc. But old Charles has admitted that he intends to marry someone with a royal background and who "already knows the ropes". I have had my eye on Princess Caroline of Monaco, who is 16, and is certainly a good prospect for the title Princess of Wales. Within 5 years she could make a very attractive bride. In 1978 the Prince of Wales will be 30. An ideal age for a royal groom. Grace Kelly should certainly have something to be pleased about.
On the subject of royals I have recently discovered a remarkable coincidence. The Duchess of Gloucester is descended from King Charles I, whilst her niece-in-law is descended from his arch-enemy Oliver Cromwell. Guess who? Yes, our very own Duchess of Kent. How can these two regal ladies keep their hands from each others throats?

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Thursday February 15, 1973

Got up at 7.20. Evidently last night had been the coldest time in Britain since the winter of 1963 which was a very bad year. Went out for the 8.50 bus but it didn't come. Waited in the freezing conditions until 9.05. Arrived at school at 9.25. At the 6th form meeting Katie announced that the 6th form had some spare cash - the majority voted for a carpet for the block. I voted against. After all, in a week or two the thing will be full of cig burns and water-logged with coffee and other light refreshment. I may seem awfully reactionary but I think the money would be better spent on books or working ameneties - not more luxuries! After all this place is like a holiday camp now. God only knows what it will be like with more thick, warm shag-pile to lay on. Geddit!
Mr Ayling pulled me to bits in Economics - I failed to understand the ethics of supply, demand, and price - I think it sank in at the end, but only after hideous humiliation - to the great amusement of the rest of the mob. MM was in hysterics.
Chid (aka Paul Cheetham), Christine B, Louise and myself continue our debate on religion, life, anarchy, etc. Chid certainly is a sorry, sad case!
My Valentine's Day card got to June yesterday afternoon. She was thrilled with it. I do have good taste. We sat together at lunch eating minestrone soup and ogling the delicious recipes in Benita's weekly cookery magazine. We planned an evening out at the Emmotts - my weekly excuse to enjoy myself. At 4.30 June, Linda and myself went down to the bus stop where we each devoured three Cadbury's creme eggs. Chris, Louise and Denise were also waiting in the bleak cold. We all had a laugh. June and I were waving at each other from the usual vantage points as our buses moved off - the others think we are insane.
Home at 5.15. Bacon and eggs for tea. Walked back down Hawksworth Lane and caught the 7.30 bus back to Rawdon. Arrived at the pub at 7.50. June and Linda were inside. Ivy was once again absent. June says the old girl must have been affected by the gas strike. The first of the striking gas men's victims perhaps. Linda thinks the cold weather is keeping her indoors.
Cowie came in ten minutes later. In total I had one and a half pints of beer and a brandy - not much really considering I was there for two and half hours. June is her usual delectible self. She kept apologising for being rude to me. We sat holdings hands. Very romantic. The dreaded______________came in at about 9 o'clock. He had six brandy and sodas. June jokingly said that somone who could afford six brandy and sodas must be a worthy asset. June gave me a ring - an imitation diamond cluster one, with one stone missing. I intend putting it on a chain and wearing it around my neck - and have pledged myself to wear it forever - How romantic get you get!! From the window at about 10 we could see driving snow belting down over Rawdon. But on going out at 10.30 the rain had melted it all.
I bought fish and chips and sat in the bus shelter with June. Linda and Cowie were arguing as usual. June was screaming at Linda when they had to catch the 10.40 bus. We kissed goodbye.
Cowie and I caught the 11.10 bus - I was safely home by 11.45. Mum and Dad were at the Smith's house until 3.30. They are very nice people. Maj. Smith wanted us four to go round, but Mum said we'd all be in bed.

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Wednesday February 14, 1973

St Valentine's Day. Awoke at 7.45. The lane looked like something pictured on a Christmas card. Perfectly picturesque. Nothing looks nicer than a beautiful snow scene. Waiting for me downstairs was the Valentine's card from June - I recognised the writing on the envelope.
A pleasant walk to the bus stop through crisp snow. Got to school at 9. Chris had not forgotten Louise's card after all - he had spent 75p on one. June arrived at 9.30. My card to her had not been delivered. She looked awfully upset. I had to explain that it would probably be a late delivery. She cheered up. At 10 Chris and I went for an interview with Mr Gaunt - he arranged for two interviews at Lewis's and Debenham's for a week on Saturday.
At lunchtime Pee Wee, Willy, June, Janet and myself went for a play in the snow - it was fantastic but very cold. June sure is a good shot with a snowball, and Janet Roots is a devil, she got everywhere and resembled a snowman.
Louise, Chid, Irene and myself had a discussion on religion during the afternoon. Chid said our sole purpose in life is to reproduce. He would say that. He added that we humans are only well educated animals. Louise and I, Christians, got really narked. Irene abstained.
At 4.15 Michael Stott, Janet, Linda, June and I went out into the snow once again. What a laugh. It's been a really wonderful day. June, the weather, everything! Since last month things have become much more enjoyable. I feel a poem coming on:

When all the world is young, lad
And all the trees are green
with every goose a swan, lad
And every lass a Queen
Then hey for boot and horse, lad
Around the world away
Young blood must have its course, lad
and every dog his day

Quiet evening at home. Bath. Bed at 11.20. June and I are going to the Emmotts tomorrow. Linda might be dropping out leaving us alone. It's probably part of the Bottomley/West scheme. Of course I will need to borrow the usual £1 until Saturday night again - no difficulties with this at all now. I am much too tired to write any more. I have outlined the day thoroughly enough.
Good night all!

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Tuesday February 13, 1973

Awoke at 7.45 to blinding snow banging against my bedroom window. However, the sun came out at about 8.30 - a beautiful contrast with the thick, white carpet shrouding the area. The sky was china blue. Groves gave one of his usual lectures. I have forgotten on what subject, but it was something barely worth mentioning. In the common room I attempted to play "Big Six" on the record player. It's been banned by the BBC, and Judge Dread has now released "Big Seven" - even dirtier. Irene, self-styled guardian of the 6th form morals, found it most distasteful.
June arrived at 9.50. During the 1st lesson I attempted to discover June's address, which was fixed at 72 Featherbank Lane, Horsforth. We spent the first 2 lessons together and at 11.10 we walked out in the crisp, cold snow. June went without her coat. I was shivering inside my "budgie" jacket. I deposited £1.60 at the Post Office. However, my main intention on journeying out was to buy June a Valentine's card. I had not accounted for her accompanying me on the excursion. I escorted her back to school only to leave once again for Rawdon quite alone. I found a nice card costing 25p - very classy. On arriving back I told her that the woman at the Post Office had given me the wrong change - I could tell she knew otherwise. For lunch I shared a can of soup with Cowie. June also purchased a salmon sandwich and French bun for me - which I duly consumed. Some of the 6th form lads envy me being with June. Chid says he's amazed what June sees in me.
Dave really has caught the card bug - everyone are gambling like mad fiends and he certainly has caught the disease. He delayed buying his lunch until 1.35.
June and I sat at the same table all afternoon - our eyes kept meeting. Chris and Louise have been fighting again. Chris has forgotten to buy Louise a Valentine's card... heads will roll tomorrow.
A mass clean-up campaign began in the 6th form today. Mr Elliott (the headmaster) is paying us a Royal visit at morning break tomorrow. We all suspect he's doing this for ulterior motives - i.e. it's Valentine's Day and he fancies his chances with some of the girls.
Mrs Lane came across for History today. They all dissolved in fits of laughter when I told them that Churchill had resigned on the day that I was born. She said he's been able to stand up to Hitler but I was just the limit.
June and I went to Rawdon Library at 4.30 - emerging 10 minutes later for our dreaded buses.
Arrived home at 5.15 and spent a quiet evening in front of the telly. Snow carried on all evening.The gas men went on strike as soon as this weather arrived. The Daily Mail predicts that many old age pensioners will die from cold this winter due to the ignorance of the trade unions. The gas men are murderers. They will pay for this before God. Vic Feather has a lot on his conscience.

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Monday February 12, 1973

The filthiest day of the year. Awoke at 7.50 leaving for school on the 8.33 bus. I had to walk down the lane which is open to God's elements. I arrived at the bus stop having experienced them all. I was soaked to the very skin. Arrived at school at 8.55. We received another lecture from Groves concerning the legitimate case of IOUs in the common-room servery. Evidently, Irene is tightening up following her coup d'etat last week. June arrived at 9.35 and we discussed yesterdays events. What had happened to Ivy missing from the Emmotts last night? June suspects she is dead. The weather was a contrast of rain, snow, sun, hail, frost, and driving wind - my optimistic view of a possible mild winter may be proved to be quite wrong after all. June has changed since Friday. She's much more serious and the way she looks at me is different. Her eyes devour me altogether. I feel so inadequate and immature. But I have a lot to be happy for.
Princess Anne is now reported to be aboard a battleship on the Black Sea, the guest of a fat, bombastic Commie! God, what will Heath do next to get on the right side of the Reds? He'll be packing the poor Queen off to Moscow next! The poor princess is having to converse with one of the pigs who killed in cold blood the Tsar in 1917, and his innocent wife and children, who were the cousins of our very own Mountbatten family - the Tsarina being a great-aunt of the Duke of Edinburgh. Just because President Nixon of the USA and the so called ex-earl Sir Alec Douglas-Home, MP, can go off making amiable noises in Peking I see no earthly reason why an innocent young princess should be placed up the creek with a fat commie saying nice things to HRH when everyone knows he doesn't mean it! Obviously, our dear Press are full of things about improvements in Anglo-Russian affairs - how positively naive!
June and I walked just the two of us down to the bus stop again. All we seem to do is walk backwards and forwards to ruddy bus stops - and they always come when you least want them to (the buses).
A quiet evening at home. John and I listening to the Diana Ross LP. Retired at 10.45 to bed. Mum and Dad are finally going out with the Smiths on Thursday. Also on Thursday Susan is throwing a rave-up for some of her contemporaries - it is usually my night out, but in the name of romance I would rather go out on Wednesday (Valentine's Day). I will ask June tomorrow.

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Sunday February 11, 1973

Dad woke me up with a lovely cup of tea at noon. I sat until 12,30. Had breakfast of bacon and eggs. All the family had a cosy afternoon in front of the TV. John, Lynn, Sue and Dad were watching a Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis film. Mum sat with the Sunday Express. At 4 o'clock I decided to have a bath and wash my hair. By 5 I was suitably spruced up and prepared for my evening on the town with June. We have been going out together for 2 weeks. Today Chris and Louise celebrate one month together. I certainly do not envy Chris.
At home we all watched the final part of Sir Walter Scott's "Woodstock" -drama based on the intrigue surrounding the flight of Charles II from the Battle of Worcester. Obviously, the cavaliers and royalists came out of the whole thing best. At 7.20 I went down the lane in the wind and torrential rain to catch the 7.30 bus which never arrived! I subsequently waited in the broken and dilapidated bus shelter until 8.05. Arrived at the Emmotts at 8.30. June, Linda and Cowie had been there since 8. Chris, Louise and Denise were sitting at the other side of the pub. They came over for a natter at 9.03 - the exact time one month ago that Chris and Lousie began their romance. June looked overpoweringly beautiful as usual - wearing her pretty purple coat with the black fur-lined hood. She almost brought the house down when at 9.30 she purchased a brandy and Babycham at the exorbitant cost of 39p!! Lord, what a price. Cowie and I finished by drinking brandy (23p) - a much more refined flavour than whisky. At about closing time I bumped into Ian Appleyard. He went into the sordid details about his father's death, which occurred last month. Linda said something about "all Guiseley Secondary School boys being the same". What she meant by that I really don't know. At 10.30 we walked to the bottom road. It was very cold and raining. Cowie and Linda went through the usual rigmarole of fighting, then making up, etc. whilst June and I were quite content to be in each others company. We sat there on the same seat as last Sunday not caring about the weather - just one another. June's bus came at 11.10. Cowie and I walked to Westfield where we got a lift from a bloke saying: "it's no night to be out walking". We couldn't have agreed more. I got home at 12 and had some supper and came immediately to bed.

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Monday May 21, 1984

 Bank Holiday in Canada Moorhouse Inn, Leeds Lord Willoughby de Broke is 88; Lord Clydesmuir 67; Lord Maxwell 65, Mr J. Malcolm Fraser 54, a...