Saturday February 24, 1973

Mum got me up at 10.30. My interviews in Leeds. Set off at 11 but Mr Rawnsley gave me a lift into Guiseley, and then made my way to the train station - my Leeds train came at 11.15. My first interview with a Miss Cook at Debenham's was quite satisfactory - it lasted 20 minutes. She gave me an application form and told me to come back in July. I spent the next 2 and a half hours walking round Leeds. The large indoor market and the many pedestrian precincts are a lot better than the traffic filled streets. Bought some sandwiches and ate them in the park.I then went to look at the parish church where my great-grandfather, John Rhodes married Christiana Ross in 1890. Quite an elaborate pile.

2nd interview was not quite satisfactory. She said I would need "O" Level Maths before they would accept me. That's out for a start! The afternoon seemed such a drag and I was on the Ilkley train at 4.30.

Once again I was almost starving to death on my arrival home. I ate a large dinner whilst Mum sat by demanding to know the results of my interviews. I told her that they had hardly been successful.

It was on the news tonight, the headlines to be precise, that Marion, Countess of Harewood, who was divorced from the Queen's cousin in 1967, is to wed the Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, whose 1st wife died in 1970. They seem to make a nice couple. However, Lord Harewood has fallen from Royal favour since his re-marriage in 1967 to Patricia Tuckwell, whom Dad always calls "Miss Barnworthy" for some unknown reason. Old Harewood had a son to Miss Tuckwell back in 1964 - they very year before his late mother the Princess Royal died. I wonder if she knew? H must certainly be an embarrassment to the Queen.

Went down to the Chuck Wagon at 7. Pauline has refrained from her usual course of making passes at me. She remains a spinster, and talks even more. Toffer threatens to gag her one of these days. I was home by 1.15. Strange for Saturday nights. Came to bed 2.15.

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Friday February 23, 1973

Awoke at 6.30. My throat was on fire so I went to the kitchen and poured a large glass of orange juice with ice - it was beautiful. I then went back to bed until 7.45. Mum awoke me with a letter from the teacher training college at Middleton St George. - I have to go for an interview on Friday March 2 at Darlington again! Went to catch the 55 bus at 8.20 and a freak snowstorm set in when I walked down the lane. Marian Lister and her son, Nigel (Susan's ex) were waiting for the bus. She told me that Dave was working at the pet shop whilst she took her driving test. (She failed).

The morning was very unlucky from my point of view. I was so unlucky meeting the same bus inspector 3 times on 3 different buses. I decided to use my pass to get to Rawdon and told the bus inspector that I was going to school to do an exam. He fell for it, but said he thought the schools were on holiday, and most schools are on holiday. How was I to know that he would change to the very same bus I and June were to get? He called me a liar and a cheat, and said I wouldn't get away with it again, etc.

We all went to the Magistrates Court in Bradford by 10.30. Mrs Telford was there, coming to gloat at peoples crimes and misfortunes. Passed a very interesting morning sitting next to June in the public gallery. We then went into Bradford Library had had a laugh playing in the lifts.

At about 12.30 June, Janet and I left to get a 55 bus, but Dale persuaded us to go for a drink in a bllody awful pub. It looked like a brothel with girls sprawled over the juke boxes - we left after 10 minutes. Snow set in at 12.40. June and I managed to get a bus to Rawdon traffic lights. It was imposibble to see anything but snow through the bus windows. We laughed at the snow-covered people mounting the bus. At Rawdon June came with me to my bus stop. We drew pictures in the snow. Steve Tate was also waiting with us.

I went at 1.10 saying my goodbyes to June. Dave, Michael Jackson, Ian Morby, P. Robertson, Tat, MM, Christine, M. Price, Michael Attenborough, Mr Ayling joined the party in viewing the Gas HQ in Leeds - very boring. Came home on the 33 bus at 4.30. Dave came with me. Rushed up the lane and had something to eat, the first I'd eaten since breakfast.

Went down to the Chuck Wagon as ususal. Boring evening but the money is all right, and that's what really matters. Nothing else much to say, so that's all. Byee!

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Thursday February 22, 1973

Our third anniversary! Yes, three weeks ago tonight June and I began our romance. One of the best three weeks I have ever known. Mum accidently woke me up at 7.30 when she was waking John for work. I staggered downstairs for a drink and then returned to the comfort of my bed. Sat reading and reminiscing until nearly 9 o'clock. I fell asleep waking up at noon with a book on my chest and the lamp burning brightly.

Dad took me out for a driving lesson at 12.30. I picked Mum up at 1 o'clock and we had lunch at 1.15. I can't wait for tonight. What will June say about my letter? I grow to love her more as each day passes.

At 3 I went down to Westgate on Tranmere Park to see my old friend Mrs Perfect. I have made a point of visiting her at least 3 times a year since I was her paper boy back in 1970. She's lonely. The old dear tends to get a bit boring after an hour or so, but my visits make her happy and that's all that matters. We usually start by discussing the aristocracy and today it was the latest romance of the Duke of Fife and a 27-year-old Wiltshire girl. The other subject of discussion was the Duchess of Kent, the Yorkshire lass, who is 40 today. She isn't one of my favourite royals.

Came home and had tea at 6. Dave rang at 6.30 he reminded me about tomorrow's excursion to the Gas Showrooms in Leeds with Mr Ayling - which should be a laugh. Cowie rang immediately after to enquire about tonight. I went on the 7.30 bus after watching "Top of the Pops" on the telly. Arrived at 8. Ivy Fitton was the only one of our crowd in the window seat. She was pleased to see me. Cowie arrived not long after - he thought it odd that June and Linda had not yet arrived - I have only once arrived at the pub before June. They came soon after. On my way to the Emmotts I was shocked to see _____mum behaving familiarly with one of her husband's friends. They were walking down Yeadon arm in arm. I was shocked to say the least. Poor ____must be completely ignorant of the affair. We had a lovely evening. June kept making sarcastic comments about my letter - but I managed to keep a straight face. Andy Graham (who is now going out with Linda Smith) and Sue Crosby arrived. We left at 10.40 and Sue C followed us across the road to the bus stop - gloating at the fact that she could disrupt June and me from any intimacies there. We soon put a stop to that by crossing to the shelter on the other side of the road. Her bus came at about 11 o'clock. She left with Linda and Sue Crosby. Cowie and I walked into Rawdon and I got a 55 at 11.15. He thumbed a lift to Addingham almost immediately.

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Wednesday February 21, 1973

Dad woke me up at 9 o'clock but I went straight back to sleep & he did not pursue the matter further. Awoke finally at 11. Staggered downstairs and had a cup of coffee, then staggered back up to my room. The weather is beautiful. Sun is shining brightly and the air is fresh and clear. Lynn, Sue and Alison went at 9 to walk to Auntie Hilda's at Pudsey. I have made this trip before and it should take 3 to 4 hours. Finally started on some homework at 11.30.

Chris rang at 12 with the long awaited news that he and Louise had finished. I was shocked to hear that Louise had made the final move because on Sunday Chris was determined to do all the finishing. Evidently someone probably ___, had rung Louise and told her what Chris had said in the Emmotts on Sunday. So L, armed with this information, made the final move.

Dad watched me whilst I made the lunch which consisted of fish fried and batter and crunchy chips - very tasty. Mum came in from work at 1. Lynn phoned at 1.30 to say they had arrived safely at Auntie Hilda's. The weather was perfect for walking.

What could have been a good afternoon was ruined by Dad's stubborness. Mum wanted to go see Auntie Mabel. But Dad dragged her out on an aimless journey around Otley and eventually Mum got sickened off and asked to be taken home. Dad then made me go out driving on the Tranmere estate with him. I hated every minute of it. Somehow the thought of driving really puts me off. He objects to the way I handle the steering wheel, and queries my dodgy corners, etc. Came home for tea at 5.15. I rang Dave L at 6 and he suggests we go to Chris's - the latter feeling depressed following his divorce from Louise. I am relieved at this suggestion. The thought of staying at home all evening is quite depressing.

This week has been too terrible for words without seeing June. As far as I am concerned tomorrow cannot come too quickly.

I set off for Dave's and arrive half an hour later. He and his dad are putting a radio in the car. I waited until 8.15 for them to finish. Mr Lawson gave us a lift to Christopher's. Chris seemed unusually cheerful. We sat round the record player. We played "Raphsody on a theme by Paganini" by Serge Rachmaninov plus his "piano concerto number 2 in c flat minor". The remainder of the evening was dedicated to Tamla Motown, i.e. Diana Ross and the Supremes - the latter always reminds me of the old days with Barbara Woodhead and Shelley Masterson back in '71. Dave especially gets very nostalgic about it. We sat until after 11. Dave suddenly remembered that our bus comes at 11.10. We dived into our coats and fled to Horsforth Town Street. A 33 bus came at 11.25. Chris came past to see us off with DD (his dog).
I arrived home at midnight. Lynn and Sue came in from babysitting ten minutes later. Sue made a cup of coffee and disappeared to bed. Lynn and I shared a pan of baked beans - I made the toast. We discussed things until 12.35. Mum called us up to bed.
Thursday is here at last!!!

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Tuesday February 20, 1973

Mum woke me at 8.50. She says a letter had come for me. I immediately thought it was the long-awaited letter from college. "No", she said. "It's a girl's handwriting". I was downstairs before I knew what I was doing. Yes, it was June's handwriting. It was such a beautiful letter. As I suspected, she was not at work yesterday, but looking after her auntie Nellie who has a bad knee or something. I immediately reply to her letter, but alas I don't even have the money for a stamp. So I have to wait until Mum comes home to post it. I began doing a bit of homework at 11.15, but my thoughts keep going back to June. It's such a beautiful day!
I have just been going through this weeks "Economist" and I am surprised - nay shocked -to read one certain paragraph which states that the majority of the British people would be behind the Prime Minister if he decided on a general election over the ruddy gas workers union plot etc. It is horrifying to think that in such an election the government might be defeated, thrusting that infernal little creep Wilson back into office. God! I couldn't stand it. Actually, the British people are sick to death of the unions laying down the law and the time has come for us to stop them. They pick and choose which acts of parliament to obey. Besides, if the gas workers do on strike for a month, which they intend doing, a large proportion of the country will decide that they would prefer to suffer real discomfort for the long term national interest. What with Ireland, the currency crisis, and the gas board - poor Ted Heath certainly has a lot on his plate.


Revised the Labour Govt 1945-51 this afternoon. Ate at 5. Watched the tv until 9.30 and then drifted aimlessly upstairs where I now sit scribbling my diary. I will make a start on Mrs Harris's project tomorrow. It must be finished by all costs on Monday. With a bit of luck June might get my letter tomorrow but one can no longer rely on the GPO to get the Queen's mail through - the same applies to everything else which is nationalized. The government soon forget about them and they fall into a state of disrepair. This week is dragging without school. I have become attached to it sinceI first went there in Sept 1971. But I have to go out into the big wide world sooner or later.

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Monday February 19, 1973

Prince Andrew, the 2nd in line of sucession to the throne, became a teeny-bopper today. He's 13. He's spending the day at school. In the old days a prince would have "had all the works" on his birthday.
Mum got me up at 8.30 and then left for work. I suspect that she had a lift in Major Smith's car.
After breakfast I walked down to White Cross Post Office with £1.55. I must keep up the deposits until June. The weather is cloudy and overcast. The walk down Thorpe Lane gave some exercise at least. I don't do enough walking, not like a few years ago when I had the paper round - I must have walked miles every morning. At about 12.30 Sue made my lunch which consisted of beans on toast. Mum came home at 1pm just as I was leaving for Bradford Library.
I was in Bradford for 2 o'clock and the clock in the centre chimed out two strokes as I crossed the courtyard of the impressive Central Library. I remained there until nearly 4. I took out 2 books on the Labour Government 1945-51. Dad almost had a fit when he saw these books. Both of them state that the British public rejected the Conservative party in 1945 and not Winston Churchill. The general drift being that Churchill was above party politics - an international statesman and not just a Tory. Dad went berserk, saying Churchill was a "Blue Tory just like Enoch Powell is today..." and "a War Monger". A typical socialist viewpoint. In my opinion Churchill was a great man and this cannot be denied by anybody.
Arrived home at 4.30. Sat about watching Blue Peter. Ate at 5.15.
A boring evening watching the television which was most uninteresting. Alison came round at 8 to watch the cowboy series "Alias Smith and Jones", a very far-fetched comedy style western. Not a good programme. See on the news that the French World War One hero, Marshal Petain, has been stolen from his grave - some people will do anything for publicity!
Had some supper at 10.30 and came to bed. I cannot wait until Thursday. June is the longest surviving girlfriend I have ever had. She doesn't realise that I have always had my eye on her. I remember last year when all the boys used to fancy her. Now she's my girlfriend. What a month it has been.

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Sunday February 18, 1973

Septuagesima. Got up at 11 o'clock again. I sat around until lunchtime in my dressing gown type of thing. Very luxurious. Mum and I had a set-to. She called me a "brainless idiot" simply because I complained about lack of finances and clothes. She also said I was a "snob" for suggesting having two separate 18th birthday parties - one for family and one for friends. She must have got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning. The family went to Pudsey at 3.30 - leaving me alone to scrounge around for my own tea. The afternoon didn't half drag. I had a bath and washed my hair - which incidentally Mum says needs cutting.
Left for the Emmotts at 7.30. The bus came at 8 and I was sitting next to June Margaret Bottomley at 8.30. I was shocked beyond belief when I met Chris outside the pub. He tells me outright that he intends to finish with Louise! He's bored with her after 5 weeks! He sat with us until he finally plucked up the courage to go to her (who was sitting with Dave at the opposite side of the pub) but by 10 o'clock they had made up and were smooching in usual Chris and Louise style. I had £1 with me but I only had 2 pints of Sovereign bitter. I enjoyed it tremendously. Chris asked June how long we had been going out. She said it was three weeks on Thursday, but I would have dated it from January 29, but on that date we never even kissed, which makes her claim much more sound. Linda, Cowie and Janet all left at 10.15. Poor Linda is having to work in the morning, while we all have the first day of our half-term. June and I intended sitting on our own for a chat but sadly that was not to be. Keith Harrison, an ex-boyfriend of June's twin sister Susan, came across to talk to June. Ian Appleyard was also in. I suddenly realised that he might tell his sister Margaret, who works with Mum, that he has seen me. So if I don't tell Mum where I have been - all Hell will break loose. I eventually dragged June out at twenty to eleven, and we walked down the lane with linked arms. We sat on the seat at the bottom. She was touched to see her ring on a chain around my neck.
We almost let her 33 bus sail past at 11 but chased after it. She left safely for Horsforth. I got a 35 Bus at Benton Park, and arrived home at 11.35. Mum, Dad, John, Lynn and Sue were at home and had been since 9.30. Dad had gone to work on nights. Auntie H had sent a box of goodies for her favourite nephew for my own consumption. I devoured about a third of them before retiring to bed.
It was on the news today that Princess Anne is ill in Ethiopia following some sort of trek over the mountains - she cancelled todays engagements. For the minute I thought the nasty little Russians had poisoned her. She seems to have lots of stomach problems. The operation last year worried many people. Mum wondered whether it will affect her ability to have children. An overian cyst must be very dangerous.

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