_. I cannot write much because I'm slung between two deck chairs in the garden and it doesn't encourage me to scribe in any way. (By the way, it isn't Thursday. I left this page blank and have come back to it a few days later. In fact, it's the weekend and that's why I am in a deck chair).
I met Jacq at lunchtime at Len's Bar. I told her of Sarah and Richard's split, and a gleam appeared in her eye. Will Mr Burke, now free, escape Jacq's grasp?
Alison arrived at about 6pm to take up her new existence in Yorkshire. Mrs Dixon phoned Mum this morning and was quite upset by her daughter's departure. It is all for the best. Lynn and David B came a couple of hours later and so too did Jim & Margaret. ([Papa just walked past with a box full of lawn clippings and I am now a sticky mass of green. Some people have an odd sense of humour, don't they?)
Back to Thursday: Susan was out with Janet Simon at the Fox until about 10. I felt exhausted and by midnight and made my exit from the company. As I went I overheard people saying 'he has no stamina' and that 'it must be his age'.
-=-
20180611
Wednesday June 6, 1979
_. The Queen failed to win the Derby and I lost 50p because of it. Some upstart by the name of Willie Carson riding Troy achieved victory by seven heads, or was it seven lengths? It certainly wasn't seven arm chairs or seven salmon sandwiches. King Edward VII is the only sovereign to have won the Derby, but no doubt our own dear Queen will succeed one day. Saw HM on the news at last night's concert in honour of Sir Robert Mayer's 100th birthday and thought how wonderful it would be if she could live to climb out of bed on the morning of April 21, 2026, in the 75th year of her reign. To equal Victoria's 64 years she has to live to be a mere 89, which isn't an impossibility. The Queen Mother must stay with us until she's 85 years 304 days to be our longest lived Queen Consort. The present record holder here is the Queen's grandmother, Queen Mary. Crikey, I could go on all night with royal statistics.
Alison phoned tonight and confirmed she is moving north tomorrow. She has put a letter in the post to Mama, but it has yet to arrive here. She starts working in Bradford on Monday. She didn't sound enthusiastic ____________.
Mummy has given me detailed instructions on how to behave and conduct myself when Ally is here. A sort of 'Scarborough warning' which made me feel almost like a small child, or unruly Labour Cabinet minister on the carpet at Number 10. In fact, Mother was in one of her critical moods all evening and was quite ridiculous. Most of the time I think her flared tempers can be laid at the door of high blood pressure, so I don't put such flare ups down to insanity.
On the other hand Dad is too placid for comfort. He would make an ideal archbishop of Canterbury. In fact, when old Dr Cobweb retires in January I really think that Dad should put himself forward for election. Just one problem here. He says he's a Methodist, whatever that is.
To bed at 11:15 after viewing the running of the Derby no fewer than seventeen times. A hoodlum hurled a toilet roll at Yves St Martin and he rocketed around Epsom trailing ten yards of Andrex behind him.
Came to bed with 'Bloody Mary' by Carolly Erickson. She must be an American writer because she is almost illiterate. "The duchess of Norfolk and marchioness of Salisbury fell from favour", &c. Don't they do capital letters in Pennsylvania?
-=-
Alison phoned tonight and confirmed she is moving north tomorrow. She has put a letter in the post to Mama, but it has yet to arrive here. She starts working in Bradford on Monday. She didn't sound enthusiastic ____________.
Mummy has given me detailed instructions on how to behave and conduct myself when Ally is here. A sort of 'Scarborough warning' which made me feel almost like a small child, or unruly Labour Cabinet minister on the carpet at Number 10. In fact, Mother was in one of her critical moods all evening and was quite ridiculous. Most of the time I think her flared tempers can be laid at the door of high blood pressure, so I don't put such flare ups down to insanity.
On the other hand Dad is too placid for comfort. He would make an ideal archbishop of Canterbury. In fact, when old Dr Cobweb retires in January I really think that Dad should put himself forward for election. Just one problem here. He says he's a Methodist, whatever that is.
To bed at 11:15 after viewing the running of the Derby no fewer than seventeen times. A hoodlum hurled a toilet roll at Yves St Martin and he rocketed around Epsom trailing ten yards of Andrex behind him.
Came to bed with 'Bloody Mary' by Carolly Erickson. She must be an American writer because she is almost illiterate. "The duchess of Norfolk and marchioness of Salisbury fell from favour", &c. Don't they do capital letters in Pennsylvania?
-=-
Tuesday June 5, 1979
_. Further horrible and traumatic developments regarding Susan and Peter. He came waltzing in here at 8pm saying nuthin', and for a few moments we sat in embarrassed silence. I pulled my volume on Bloody Mary closer to my face and peered at the scene from page 195. Susan leapt from her chair and dragged him outside only to return after minutes alone, and Peterless. Like Neville Chamberlain she has been issuing ultimatums. ___________. I think it has come down to this - 'the lads or Susan'. He's going to have to pick Sue. After all can 'the lads' comfort you in sickness and in health, make Yorkshire puddings, or raise your fat, bouncing blue-eyed children?
On the topic of broken romances, Sarah has gone and kicked Mr Richard Burke into touch. She's been going about the office threatening to jump from the roof and behaving generally irresponsibly all round. Once again it falls to me to bind her wounds and restore some level of sanity and stability into her existence.
Alison is supposed to be coming here on Thursday. She got the job at Bradford Area Health Authority and has been in touch with Lynn, but we have heard nothing.
What a soddin' week. Christine's cataclysmic tidings; Sue and Peter's dispute; Sarah's delicate matter. Whatever next? Oh yes. The sudden rise to power of the Ayatollah Rawnsley. No doubt his revolutionary council will be executing NALGO members in City Square.
To be at 12 with Mary Tudor. Is the Queen going to win the Derby tomorrow?
-=-
On the topic of broken romances, Sarah has gone and kicked Mr Richard Burke into touch. She's been going about the office threatening to jump from the roof and behaving generally irresponsibly all round. Once again it falls to me to bind her wounds and restore some level of sanity and stability into her existence.
Alison is supposed to be coming here on Thursday. She got the job at Bradford Area Health Authority and has been in touch with Lynn, but we have heard nothing.
What a soddin' week. Christine's cataclysmic tidings; Sue and Peter's dispute; Sarah's delicate matter. Whatever next? Oh yes. The sudden rise to power of the Ayatollah Rawnsley. No doubt his revolutionary council will be executing NALGO members in City Square.
To be at 12 with Mary Tudor. Is the Queen going to win the Derby tomorrow?
-=-
Monday June 4, 1979
_. Bank Holiday in Irish Republic
Back to the YP this morning feeling grubby and greasy from my weekend away. ________.
Read in the paper this evening that Jim Rawnsley is to succeed Ken Potts as Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, although Jim says he won't assume that title or take the extra £3,000 per annum. Posh, isn't it? Going to work chauffeured by the top brass at Leeds City Council. "My Chauffeur is the Chief executive" sounds like the opening line of a Victorian music hall song.
Uncle Arnold's visit in greater detail: he arrived looking pale and thin, saying he could not get dad out of his mind so that he had to come and see him. Mum invited him to the Silver Wedding party and he leapt at the chance to see us all again._____. He insisted on referring to Mum as 'Duchess' in the charming manner the Rhodes gents have.
-=-
Back to the YP this morning feeling grubby and greasy from my weekend away. ________.
Read in the paper this evening that Jim Rawnsley is to succeed Ken Potts as Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, although Jim says he won't assume that title or take the extra £3,000 per annum. Posh, isn't it? Going to work chauffeured by the top brass at Leeds City Council. "My Chauffeur is the Chief executive" sounds like the opening line of a Victorian music hall song.
Uncle Arnold's visit in greater detail: he arrived looking pale and thin, saying he could not get dad out of his mind so that he had to come and see him. Mum invited him to the Silver Wedding party and he leapt at the chance to see us all again._____. He insisted on referring to Mum as 'Duchess' in the charming manner the Rhodes gents have.
-=-
Sunday June 3, 1979
_. Whit Sunday
Up at 11:30 for one of Dave granddad's greasy breakfasts. Quite exceptional they are. At 12 we were transplanted from the dining room to the bar for the ritual of Sunday drinking. Joined by Garry and Steve (from a game of tennis) and then Neil (the Hulk) and Willy. By now I'm in the embarrassing position of being out of cash and have to rely on charity. Dave didn't give me the £2 he owes me until the second before my departure because he says he knows what I am like with money. Only the Prince of Wales and I can go out into the world without a single penny piece in our pockets.
At 2:30 we ate one of Lil's Sunday dinners (lamb) and then went for a walk in Alexandra Park and collapsed, sweating upon a park bench for almost an hour. Then, on to Garry's where we sat in his garden with cups of tea. Garry's dad is something of a joke, and we sat sniggering. Garry was sprawled upon a camp bed virtually naked.
They (the boys) came with me to Manchester at 7pm and we had a few more pints. Then it was bye bye, and over the Pennines and back to Guiseley. Home by 11. The family are sitting around looking quite miserable. Uncle Arnold called to see them yesterday after a lapse of almost 5 years. Upstairs my old bed had disappeared and the Victorian article, from the Baker family, is erected in place. I'm now going to try it out.
-=-
Up at 11:30 for one of Dave granddad's greasy breakfasts. Quite exceptional they are. At 12 we were transplanted from the dining room to the bar for the ritual of Sunday drinking. Joined by Garry and Steve (from a game of tennis) and then Neil (the Hulk) and Willy. By now I'm in the embarrassing position of being out of cash and have to rely on charity. Dave didn't give me the £2 he owes me until the second before my departure because he says he knows what I am like with money. Only the Prince of Wales and I can go out into the world without a single penny piece in our pockets.
At 2:30 we ate one of Lil's Sunday dinners (lamb) and then went for a walk in Alexandra Park and collapsed, sweating upon a park bench for almost an hour. Then, on to Garry's where we sat in his garden with cups of tea. Garry's dad is something of a joke, and we sat sniggering. Garry was sprawled upon a camp bed virtually naked.
They (the boys) came with me to Manchester at 7pm and we had a few more pints. Then it was bye bye, and over the Pennines and back to Guiseley. Home by 11. The family are sitting around looking quite miserable. Uncle Arnold called to see them yesterday after a lapse of almost 5 years. Upstairs my old bed had disappeared and the Victorian article, from the Baker family, is erected in place. I'm now going to try it out.
-=-
Saturday June 2, 1979
_. Out of bed at nearly lunchtime. Dave was hung over. He took a couple of headache pills to smooth the ridges of his aching brain. Joined by Garry we went off for a jaunt in the sun across Stockport. Of course, we stopped off at a pleasant tavern for refreshment. Dave was extremely pale. He started to sweat and almost collapsed. Most unhealthy.
Tonight: Out to Enzo's Pizzeria with Dave Garry and Steve. Dave and I had pizzas, but Garry and Steve demanded something 'English'. God knows what Garry will eat in Ibiza.
Afterwards it was more booze and a farewell to Steve who didn't want to join us at a disco. I was refused entry into 'Rumours' because of my dress which wasn't up to standard apparently. They classed my Lee Cooper trousers as jeans. So we went to 'Ups and Downs', which perhaps should really be called 'Down and Unders'. Never have I been to such a diabolical, atrocious and rough club. Drunken old tarts and heavily tattooed yobs filled the place. I had that niggling feeling throughout that I was about to have my head kicked in. We had a few drinks and a view of that other world of vice and poverty.
-=-
Tonight: Out to Enzo's Pizzeria with Dave Garry and Steve. Dave and I had pizzas, but Garry and Steve demanded something 'English'. God knows what Garry will eat in Ibiza.
Afterwards it was more booze and a farewell to Steve who didn't want to join us at a disco. I was refused entry into 'Rumours' because of my dress which wasn't up to standard apparently. They classed my Lee Cooper trousers as jeans. So we went to 'Ups and Downs', which perhaps should really be called 'Down and Unders'. Never have I been to such a diabolical, atrocious and rough club. Drunken old tarts and heavily tattooed yobs filled the place. I had that niggling feeling throughout that I was about to have my head kicked in. We had a few drinks and a view of that other world of vice and poverty.
-=-
20180502
Friday June 1, 1979
_. The first of bleedin' June. To the YP with my suitcase because after work I begin my pilgrimage to the shrine of St David of Stockport, patron saint of warm beer.
I phoned Mother this morning. We had a fiery exchange on my arrival home last night over the 'new' bed I have acquired from the Baker residence. She thinks it's an atrocious piece of furniture but I stood firm and demanded my right to keep it, pleading for my civil liberties, human rights, and all that. At times dear Mama plays President Brezhnev to my Russian Jew.
A hot day. Left at 5. Sat in the coach depot until my coach left at 6. By 8 I was languishing in the Hollywood with a glass of heavily polluted lager. Dave was in fine form. Joined by Billy and Garry. Poor Dave fancied a night on the town, but once again he was trapped in his own pub. Jim Glynn didn't look well.
--=-
I phoned Mother this morning. We had a fiery exchange on my arrival home last night over the 'new' bed I have acquired from the Baker residence. She thinks it's an atrocious piece of furniture but I stood firm and demanded my right to keep it, pleading for my civil liberties, human rights, and all that. At times dear Mama plays President Brezhnev to my Russian Jew.
A hot day. Left at 5. Sat in the coach depot until my coach left at 6. By 8 I was languishing in the Hollywood with a glass of heavily polluted lager. Dave was in fine form. Joined by Billy and Garry. Poor Dave fancied a night on the town, but once again he was trapped in his own pub. Jim Glynn didn't look well.
--=-
Thursday May 31, 1979
_. Out tonight with Peter, Chippy, Dave W, &c. It was a pleasant start but at Oakwood Hall we encountered Sue with her friend Janet Simon, and a bunch of ladies. Immediately the trouble began. Peter, for reasons I do not understand, cannot talk to Susan on a Thursday night. Monday yes, Tuesday yes, Wednesday is all wine and roses. Friday is nothing but euphoric. On Saturday it is a delight to witness the banter, and Sunday is conversationally astounding. But not today.
Dave W told me that Debbie finished with Chippy earlier in the week, but had phoned him and changed her mind by the morning. __________. Home after 2am.
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Dave W told me that Debbie finished with Chippy earlier in the week, but had phoned him and changed her mind by the morning. __________. Home after 2am.
-=-
Wednesday May 30, 1979
_. To the library and renewed my lease on Queen Mary I and collected Agnes Strickland's 'Lives of the Queen's of England' Volume 1, published in the 1850s, but now an undoubted classic. This first volume covers the period from the wife of William the Conqueror to the last Plantagenet Queen Consort. My only knowledge of the Conqueror's wife, Matilda, is that she was perhaps the most diminutive consort and that she hailed from Flanders. No doubt Agnes Strickland with broaden my knowledge.
Pouring rain. Home at 5pm, and straight out to the White Cross with Sue and Pete. At 6pm we went over to the indian restaurant (Prachee) for curries. My prawn dish was far too hot and I didn't enjoy it one bit. Tears rolled down my red, sweaty face. Later, back at the White Cross. Whisky by this time. Alas, Peter wanted to watch the European Cup final on TV and he had to have his way, of course. I sat reading of the murderous exploits of 'Bloody Mary' with Brian Clough droning on as a backcloth. Poor Mary had an unfortunate existence, but who could have anything otherwise with Henry VIII as a father? Bed at about 11.
-=-
Pouring rain. Home at 5pm, and straight out to the White Cross with Sue and Pete. At 6pm we went over to the indian restaurant (Prachee) for curries. My prawn dish was far too hot and I didn't enjoy it one bit. Tears rolled down my red, sweaty face. Later, back at the White Cross. Whisky by this time. Alas, Peter wanted to watch the European Cup final on TV and he had to have his way, of course. I sat reading of the murderous exploits of 'Bloody Mary' with Brian Clough droning on as a backcloth. Poor Mary had an unfortunate existence, but who could have anything otherwise with Henry VIII as a father? Bed at about 11.
-=-
Tuesday May 29, 1979
_. They, the hungry mob, left at about 3am, and Sue and Pete retired to her suite for a night of passion. I collapsed in bed after threatening to photograph my dear sister and common-law squash playing lover and sell the negs to a leading Sunday newspaper. She thinks I'm the most extremely vulgar chap she's ever laid eyes on. She is taking this a bit far. I may be occasionally lewd and shocking, but vulgar never.
I stayed in bed until almost noon, and then we went to Burley-in-W to eat fish and chips and have a couple of drinks at the Red Lion. Then on to the Shoulder of Mutton. Felt much better today, but dull because I had an evening at the YP ahead of me. Sue and Pete went up to Morrison's to buy prawns and steak for tonight, and I wallowed in the bath.
To the YP at 5pm for a quiet, almost pointless evening. Spent the entire time filing cuttings. Home at 12 in a taxi with a silent, brooding driver, who just said 'hello' and then 'goodbye'. Previous drivers have given me graphic details of their sex life, of pet snakes, and tales of WAAFs in far-off Burma and BFPO Hamburg. Colourful experiences. But tonight's was the worst.
Sue made me a glorious prawn cocktail and a very bloody steak. Sue and Peter succumbed to the call of the bedroom, and so I sat noshing, quite alone.
Read an interesting article in one of the papers about Lady Soames and her forthcoming biography of her mother, Clementine Churchill. Should be interesting, though Clem isn't one of my favourite personalities.
-=-
I stayed in bed until almost noon, and then we went to Burley-in-W to eat fish and chips and have a couple of drinks at the Red Lion. Then on to the Shoulder of Mutton. Felt much better today, but dull because I had an evening at the YP ahead of me. Sue and Pete went up to Morrison's to buy prawns and steak for tonight, and I wallowed in the bath.
To the YP at 5pm for a quiet, almost pointless evening. Spent the entire time filing cuttings. Home at 12 in a taxi with a silent, brooding driver, who just said 'hello' and then 'goodbye'. Previous drivers have given me graphic details of their sex life, of pet snakes, and tales of WAAFs in far-off Burma and BFPO Hamburg. Colourful experiences. But tonight's was the worst.
Sue made me a glorious prawn cocktail and a very bloody steak. Sue and Peter succumbed to the call of the bedroom, and so I sat noshing, quite alone.
Read an interesting article in one of the papers about Lady Soames and her forthcoming biography of her mother, Clementine Churchill. Should be interesting, though Clem isn't one of my favourite personalities.
-=-
Monday May 28, 1979
_. Bank Holiday in England, N. Ireland, Scotland & Wales.
Got out of bed with what looked and sounded like a cold but is probably more of an allergy. I felt in perfect health yesterday.
Hilda and Tony came here at 10 and they collected Mum & Dad and set out for Diss, Norfolk, and the delights of Ruby & Arthur.
I drank lots of coffee and sent myself deaf with the thumping of the stereo, and sat by the window in glum posture. Sue and Peter came home at 5pm, very bedraggled and damp, from Whitby. They asked me to join them tonight, but I didn't feel like it.
I sat, quite alone, with slices of cheese on toast, watching 'The Great Gatsby' starring Robert Redford. I first saw it with Denny (Denise) and MM in 1974 when it was released. I liked it then, and I like it now.
At midnight a drunken mob converged on the house. Sue, Pete, Chippy, Debbie, Flu, Sharon, Shaun, John (Sumpton?) &c. They made a noisy entry, and concocted a revolting snack by opening several tins of corned beef and adding curry powder, and the remains of a lamb casserole that's been hanging around for days. My head cleared quite considerably. I must have sweated it out.
-=-
Got out of bed with what looked and sounded like a cold but is probably more of an allergy. I felt in perfect health yesterday.
Hilda and Tony came here at 10 and they collected Mum & Dad and set out for Diss, Norfolk, and the delights of Ruby & Arthur.
I drank lots of coffee and sent myself deaf with the thumping of the stereo, and sat by the window in glum posture. Sue and Peter came home at 5pm, very bedraggled and damp, from Whitby. They asked me to join them tonight, but I didn't feel like it.
I sat, quite alone, with slices of cheese on toast, watching 'The Great Gatsby' starring Robert Redford. I first saw it with Denny (Denise) and MM in 1974 when it was released. I liked it then, and I like it now.
At midnight a drunken mob converged on the house. Sue, Pete, Chippy, Debbie, Flu, Sharon, Shaun, John (Sumpton?) &c. They made a noisy entry, and concocted a revolting snack by opening several tins of corned beef and adding curry powder, and the remains of a lamb casserole that's been hanging around for days. My head cleared quite considerably. I must have sweated it out.
-=-
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