_. Sarah has terminated her relationship with Richard Burke. Does this mean the end of the Regent?
Sharon joined us in the library today. She is to replace Eileen who departs in three weeks to have her baby. Sharon is Jewish, and prone to violent mood swings. Kathleen came in to the office, but left early to have something done with her wisdom teeth.
A gloomy cloud hangs over the YP. The NGA are on strike, and Paul Vallely tells us it could go on for a couple of months and result is us all being laid off.
Went into the City Library at lunchtime and took out 'The Prince and the Lily', by James Brough. The story of the relationship between King Edward VII and Lillie Langtry. Lingering behind the book shelves I forgot the time and had to jog back to the YP at 2. Bought cousin Jill a birthday card and posted it.______.
Dave L phoned for the nettle wine recipe. He was evasive about the weekend agenda.
Cyrus Vance, the US Secretary of State has resigned over the hostage crisis leaving poor President Carter alone and desolate. A particularly spineless and cruel thing to do. Abandoning the sinking ship, and all that.
Coronation Street followed by President Nixon on 'Panorama'. I cannot help admiring the old crook.
Retired at 12:20 with 'The ABC Murders', but half way in I suddenly remembered who it was that committed them.
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20200512
Sunday April 27, 1980
_. 3rd Sunday after Easter
Ally and I were the first up at 9:25. We fried eggs and bacon. At 10:30 Ally went off to the Belfry and I returned home with Lynn and Dave. I sat reading the Sunday papers. Lynn discussed life with Mum and Dad and poor Dave was laid flat out like a 13th century effigy in Westminster Abbey. Back to the Sunday papers. President Carter is up to his knees in merde over Iran and his failure to release the hostages. It's been a complete cock-up, in fact. I do feel very sorry for the president. My opinion of Jimmy Carter has changed in the past 6 months, and I am sure he will be re-elected in November. Can you imagine Ronald Reagan as president?
Lynn and Dave went home at lunchtime. I sat reading 'The ABC Murders' [again] by Dame Agatha Christie. Saw Rosamond John in an old film. Isn't she the wife of would-be Labour party leader John Silkin, MP? Later saw Liv Ullman in the film 'Pope Joan', based on the legend of the 9th century female who ascended the throne of St Peter, and died in childbirth. 'Pope dies in childbirth', just imagining the headline in the EP.
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Ally and I were the first up at 9:25. We fried eggs and bacon. At 10:30 Ally went off to the Belfry and I returned home with Lynn and Dave. I sat reading the Sunday papers. Lynn discussed life with Mum and Dad and poor Dave was laid flat out like a 13th century effigy in Westminster Abbey. Back to the Sunday papers. President Carter is up to his knees in merde over Iran and his failure to release the hostages. It's been a complete cock-up, in fact. I do feel very sorry for the president. My opinion of Jimmy Carter has changed in the past 6 months, and I am sure he will be re-elected in November. Can you imagine Ronald Reagan as president?
Lynn and Dave went home at lunchtime. I sat reading 'The ABC Murders' [again] by Dame Agatha Christie. Saw Rosamond John in an old film. Isn't she the wife of would-be Labour party leader John Silkin, MP? Later saw Liv Ullman in the film 'Pope Joan', based on the legend of the 9th century female who ascended the throne of St Peter, and died in childbirth. 'Pope dies in childbirth', just imagining the headline in the EP.
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Saturday April 26, 1980
_. Hot day. Went to Ally's at 11:30 and spent a hideous afternoon stripping the wallpaper from her bedroom walls. She busied herself with the vacuum cleaner. All very domesticated. Took at hot bath at 5:30 and sat aching from the strain of my labours.
Lynn and Dave came over at 8. We went for a few drinks to Thornton and then on to the Belfry for dinner - a treat from Ally no less. Ally disagreed with me when I said I thought the owner, Mrs Hartley, was a ______. Ally looked lovely in a new gown. Dave drank like a fish but Lynn abstained in order to chauffeur us back to Club Street. Lynn clutching a glass of tonic water, a rare sight.
Back at Slumber Towers we danced and talked until dawn. Dave came upstairs to inspect the damp patches.
-=-
Lynn and Dave came over at 8. We went for a few drinks to Thornton and then on to the Belfry for dinner - a treat from Ally no less. Ally disagreed with me when I said I thought the owner, Mrs Hartley, was a ______. Ally looked lovely in a new gown. Dave drank like a fish but Lynn abstained in order to chauffeur us back to Club Street. Lynn clutching a glass of tonic water, a rare sight.
Back at Slumber Towers we danced and talked until dawn. Dave came upstairs to inspect the damp patches.
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Friday April 25, 1980
_. Ghastly hangover. To the YP but took a half day and left at 12 to a lecture from Mama on how to behave at her social gatherings. Peter and I became somewhat over excited last night and had a bit of a beer fight in the kitchen. She said she'd spent all morning cleaning up the mess caused by my 'mindless behaviour'. I ruined her evening, evidently. She then walked out and up the lane to administer comfort and lend her sparkling charm to Muriel Rawnsley, who is in a state of severe depression.
Ally phoned when I was in the bath. The phone always rings when I'm submerged.
Out tonight with Dave L. Had a few drinks with Sue and Pete at the Fox and Hounds and then Dave and I went to the New Inn. Saw Ken, the projectionist. MM and Marita dominated our conversation.
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Ally phoned when I was in the bath. The phone always rings when I'm submerged.
Out tonight with Dave L. Had a few drinks with Sue and Pete at the Fox and Hounds and then Dave and I went to the New Inn. Saw Ken, the projectionist. MM and Marita dominated our conversation.
-=-
20200511
Thursday April 24, 1980
_. John MacMurray's party at the Eagle on North Street to celebrate his forthcoming departure for London.
Kathleen and I had been alone at the YP all day whilst Sarah and Eileen had a glittering day in Sheffield at the YP Literary Luncheon setting tables and running around for Richard Douro, our very own 'Mr Durex'. They returned at 5 looking sozzled with tales of some of the VIP guests. They fell foul of Laura, Duchess of Marlborough, a hideous and suicidal alcoholic who married the 10th Duke of Marlborough [as her fourth husband] in January, 1972, and 'killed him off' eight weeks later.
At 5:30 Eileen, Kathleen, Lynne Bateson and I got a lift to the Eagle with Stephanie Ferguson. The general topic en route being sex, and more specifically the sex life of C______ M______. He is a pain in the neck, but a very close friend of Kathleen. Stephanie laughed as she told us that C had remained a virgin until he was 28. He phoned ATV on Monday to complain about a naughty word he'd heard used in a TV drama. Eileen and I agreed that C is pathetic, and probably insane, but Kathleen sat shuffling uncomfortably in her seat, looking shifty, and rather like how St Peter might have looked when denying his relationship with Christ.
At the Eagle I drank like a fish and spent far too much. Ally joined us at 7. We sat on a table with Lynne B and Sarah. We left at 9 and Ally dropped Sarah and West End Lane. On to Pine Tops for Mum's gathering. A full company of Gadsbys were assembled but I was too pissed to appreciate anyone. Have you ever tried home made nettle wine with carrot garnish? I have.
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Kathleen and I had been alone at the YP all day whilst Sarah and Eileen had a glittering day in Sheffield at the YP Literary Luncheon setting tables and running around for Richard Douro, our very own 'Mr Durex'. They returned at 5 looking sozzled with tales of some of the VIP guests. They fell foul of Laura, Duchess of Marlborough, a hideous and suicidal alcoholic who married the 10th Duke of Marlborough [as her fourth husband] in January, 1972, and 'killed him off' eight weeks later.
At 5:30 Eileen, Kathleen, Lynne Bateson and I got a lift to the Eagle with Stephanie Ferguson. The general topic en route being sex, and more specifically the sex life of C______ M______. He is a pain in the neck, but a very close friend of Kathleen. Stephanie laughed as she told us that C had remained a virgin until he was 28. He phoned ATV on Monday to complain about a naughty word he'd heard used in a TV drama. Eileen and I agreed that C is pathetic, and probably insane, but Kathleen sat shuffling uncomfortably in her seat, looking shifty, and rather like how St Peter might have looked when denying his relationship with Christ.
At the Eagle I drank like a fish and spent far too much. Ally joined us at 7. We sat on a table with Lynne B and Sarah. We left at 9 and Ally dropped Sarah and West End Lane. On to Pine Tops for Mum's gathering. A full company of Gadsbys were assembled but I was too pissed to appreciate anyone. Have you ever tried home made nettle wine with carrot garnish? I have.
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Wednesday April 23, 1980
_. St George's Day
Sarah was very miserable today and out of humour. She told me in confidence, and with sagging features, that both her 'chaps' have deserted her. She hasn't seen Richard Burke since the naughty film show at Pine Tops, and the inter galactic rugby league star, John Holmes, hasn't contacted her since he went to Ireland for a few days last week. She snapped that she couldn't possibly attend Eileen's leaving do because she would be the only single reveller. How very childish of her.
St George's Day, &c. The BBC made a contribution to our saint's day by showing Shakespeare's 'Henry V' - I haven't seen it before. Mum and Dad sat in silence throughout the pageant.
The Queen created two new Knights of the Garter today. Sir Richard Hull, a general, and former Lord Lieutenant for Devon, and Sir Keith Holyoake, Governor-General of New Zealand. They fill the vacancies in the order brought about by the deaths of Earl Mountbatten and Sir Gerald Templar.
'Coronation Street' has reached a fever pitch of excitement. I will not discuss the antics of Len Fairclough here, but I thought I'd let you know that I do look in occasionally at the endless round of soap operas churned out by the broadcasting authorities.
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Sarah was very miserable today and out of humour. She told me in confidence, and with sagging features, that both her 'chaps' have deserted her. She hasn't seen Richard Burke since the naughty film show at Pine Tops, and the inter galactic rugby league star, John Holmes, hasn't contacted her since he went to Ireland for a few days last week. She snapped that she couldn't possibly attend Eileen's leaving do because she would be the only single reveller. How very childish of her.
St George's Day, &c. The BBC made a contribution to our saint's day by showing Shakespeare's 'Henry V' - I haven't seen it before. Mum and Dad sat in silence throughout the pageant.
The Queen created two new Knights of the Garter today. Sir Richard Hull, a general, and former Lord Lieutenant for Devon, and Sir Keith Holyoake, Governor-General of New Zealand. They fill the vacancies in the order brought about by the deaths of Earl Mountbatten and Sir Gerald Templar.
'Coronation Street' has reached a fever pitch of excitement. I will not discuss the antics of Len Fairclough here, but I thought I'd let you know that I do look in occasionally at the endless round of soap operas churned out by the broadcasting authorities.
-=-
Tuesday April 22, 1980
_. Industrious day at the YP. Home at 5:20 to a delightful rump steak. Dad seemed to devour his in seconds, and he sat smacking his lips like some carnivorous jungle beast.
I phoned Ally at breakfast time [as I always do] and she phoned me in the afternoon. We plan to lunch in Leeds tomorrow. I arranged to meet her at Whitelocks.
This evening I spoke to Dave L. His new teaching job in going down quite nicely. He's teaching first formers and spends day after day just repeating himself. I am thankful that I was spared becoming a teacher. I am sure that by now I would have been in Broadmoor. We may be going out on Friday, but details have yet to be discussed.
Lynn appeared here this morning to prove to Mama that she is in fact fit and well. The Bakers are going to Spain on July 1.
Mrs Thatcher completes her first year as prime minister next week. I think she is doing a remarkable job.
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I phoned Ally at breakfast time [as I always do] and she phoned me in the afternoon. We plan to lunch in Leeds tomorrow. I arranged to meet her at Whitelocks.
This evening I spoke to Dave L. His new teaching job in going down quite nicely. He's teaching first formers and spends day after day just repeating himself. I am thankful that I was spared becoming a teacher. I am sure that by now I would have been in Broadmoor. We may be going out on Friday, but details have yet to be discussed.
Lynn appeared here this morning to prove to Mama that she is in fact fit and well. The Bakers are going to Spain on July 1.
Mrs Thatcher completes her first year as prime minister next week. I think she is doing a remarkable job.
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Monday April 21, 1980
_. John MacMurray is hosting a party at the Eagle on Thursday to mark his departure from the YP to London and world-wide fame on Fleet Street. It was inevitable that he should leave us. He is quite brilliant in the field of music but can go no further at the YP because Ernest Bradbury blocks all the musical opportunities.
The Queen is fifty four today, behind her desk, piled high with Foreign Office telegrams and parliamentary papers. Queen Juliana [of the Netherlands] goes into retirement next week and I wince at the thought of our monarch similarly handing over the reins. I have every confidence in the abilities of the Prince of Wales, but I could not switch my allegiance to him during his mother's life time. Old fashioned probably, but aren't the old, well established ways the best! So, 'Go it, Old Girl, Go it!'
Just Sue and I at home this evening. Mum and Dad went out with Lynn and Dave to Burley. Lynn, we are told, became horribly intoxicated on barley wine and had to be put to bed. Dave puts her staggering down to excitement brought on planning a Spanish holiday.
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The Queen is fifty four today, behind her desk, piled high with Foreign Office telegrams and parliamentary papers. Queen Juliana [of the Netherlands] goes into retirement next week and I wince at the thought of our monarch similarly handing over the reins. I have every confidence in the abilities of the Prince of Wales, but I could not switch my allegiance to him during his mother's life time. Old fashioned probably, but aren't the old, well established ways the best! So, 'Go it, Old Girl, Go it!'
Just Sue and I at home this evening. Mum and Dad went out with Lynn and Dave to Burley. Lynn, we are told, became horribly intoxicated on barley wine and had to be put to bed. Dave puts her staggering down to excitement brought on planning a Spanish holiday.
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Sunday April 20, 1980
_. 2nd Sunday after Easter
Ally dropped me on Manningham Lane and drove off to her labours at the Belfry. 10:30 on a sunny morn in Bradford, my lungs full of curry fumes, and my heart singing along with the birds.
At home Mum and Dad are full of excitement about an old pub they visited near Pateley Bridge last night. The Stone House Inn at Thruscross is owned by an 86-year-old doddering gent and his daughter. They told my parents that the place will shortly be up for sale.
Glynnie has been very quiet since the Grassington weekend. Has he tired of our company?
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Ally dropped me on Manningham Lane and drove off to her labours at the Belfry. 10:30 on a sunny morn in Bradford, my lungs full of curry fumes, and my heart singing along with the birds.
At home Mum and Dad are full of excitement about an old pub they visited near Pateley Bridge last night. The Stone House Inn at Thruscross is owned by an 86-year-old doddering gent and his daughter. They told my parents that the place will shortly be up for sale.
Glynnie has been very quiet since the Grassington weekend. Has he tired of our company?
-=-
Saturday April 19, 1980
_. Clad in my finest gear I set out at 11 to pay court to Miss Dixon. I found her reclining in her boudoir. She pottered around upstairs and I sat twiddling my thumbs. This set the scene for the day.
A little man appeared at 1:30, with a sizeable tool box, and he went up into the loft in search of damp patches.
At 9pm we went to a couple of pubs in Thornton. Ally thought she might bump into her office mate, the demure, tiny, mouse-like Catherine and her fiance, David. But we were left alone for the night. We did a fair bit of giggling. I now look as though I've just flown in from Nassau, Bahamas, thanks to the infrared sun lamp. Fish and Chips in Lidget Green and then back to Club Street, where I discovered a wonderful delicacy: blackcurrant jelly flooded in gin. It's an ideal way to get shy and innocent people to discard all their clothing.
-=-
A little man appeared at 1:30, with a sizeable tool box, and he went up into the loft in search of damp patches.
At 9pm we went to a couple of pubs in Thornton. Ally thought she might bump into her office mate, the demure, tiny, mouse-like Catherine and her fiance, David. But we were left alone for the night. We did a fair bit of giggling. I now look as though I've just flown in from Nassau, Bahamas, thanks to the infrared sun lamp. Fish and Chips in Lidget Green and then back to Club Street, where I discovered a wonderful delicacy: blackcurrant jelly flooded in gin. It's an ideal way to get shy and innocent people to discard all their clothing.
-=-
Friday April 18, 1980
_.Decidedly hung over. I won't dwell on it because I know how boring it must be for you all in the twenty third century busily topping up on anti-hangover pills.
Carol J took her leave of us this afternoon to begin a European tour of Earl Bathurst proportions. [Wasn't it Allen Bathurst who started the craze for the aristo European tours in the eighteenth century?] The Russians are waiting like vultures for President Tito to give up the ghost. Let us hope that Carol is in the right place at the right time and is conscripted into the Yugoslav army, and helps save Europe from Soviet domination.
A night in front of a blazing television. Saw 'Soap' a funny American spoof.
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Carol J took her leave of us this afternoon to begin a European tour of Earl Bathurst proportions. [Wasn't it Allen Bathurst who started the craze for the aristo European tours in the eighteenth century?] The Russians are waiting like vultures for President Tito to give up the ghost. Let us hope that Carol is in the right place at the right time and is conscripted into the Yugoslav army, and helps save Europe from Soviet domination.
A night in front of a blazing television. Saw 'Soap' a funny American spoof.
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Saturday May 19, 1984
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