In 1924, Edward is 48 years old, Kate is 45 years old and Alys is 40 years old. Eva is 15 years old and Philip is 11 years old (Alys and Dennis’ daughter and son).
Newcastle
Tuesday 1st January 1924
Arthur Sandeman and Kathy, his wife in. Then Post and Ella and I out for walk. Ernest (David) Reid to dinner 1. Turkey (uninvited). Ella and I to Cullercoats (train). Walked to Tynemouth. tea with Walter Reid’s. Home at 8. Supper. To bed 10.
Wednesday 2nd January 1924
Mild. Rain in p.m.
Worked in a.m. Ella’s elbows. Out for walk. In to dinner. Quiet p.m. Read and dozed. Late tea, with cheese. Maggie out. Dressed, shot silk. Ella and I walked and tram to Chris and Edith. The Eves, Osborne Road. 26 in all. Games and Bluebeard. Roly and Gilbert Roger 11. Home in car with Walter 11 and Elise.
Thursday 3rd January 1924
Perfect day. Frost and sun.
Ella and I walked all the way to Grainger Street. Ella bought coat and skirt (navy) at Dunn’s. I to Reid and Sons. Walked to Aunt Ellen’s – called. Home at 1. Read May and Arthur Young in at 3. Cecil Reid came tea, and he and Ella to “Meeting” at Arthur Sandeman’s. I washed my head. Quiet evening. Ella did Fair Isle pattern.
Friday 4th January 1924
Fine. Frost then thaw.
Rather busy preparing for tea party. Out to shops with Ella, again alone with things to Martin’s to sell. Bought flowers 5/6. In p.m. came Elsie Reid (Ken’s bride). Charlotte, Hilda, Bella Bell, Hannah, Nancy, Mary, Molly Reid, Eva and Poppy, Amy, Kathy. Tea upstairs. Music. Eva and Poppy stayed to supper. Read after.
Saturday 5th January 1924
Dark
Wrote Mrs Vince and Dorothie. Out to shops. After dinner rested and then Ella and I walked (2 miles) to 33 Claremont Place. Tea with Cousin Ida, Mary and Selby. Cousin George there. Saw rugs. Home by tram. Called at Sidney’s (26) but not in. William Bell in evening and supper. Mended blind. Opened Mink’s box. He sang Somerset’s Sleep and Rubenstein’s Asra.
Memoranda:
Wrote Dorothy Barnard – 23rd about £1.00 a week to help them
Wrote E.P. – 30th
Wrote Tante – 28th
Sunday 6th January 1924
Very fine. Cold.
Out with Ella and then I to All Saints Church. Kenneth Young read lessons. Vicar preached. Mutual Service. Stayed for Communion. Dinner. Read. Wrote E.P. Hannah and Nancy called. Selby and Stanley Warren to tea and stayed till 7. Cecil Reid called. Supper. Ella read great grandmother’s letters (me: Margaret Faraday, married to Robert Faraday – Michael Faraday’s brother) to Aunt Faraday 1815 – 1821.
Monday 7th January 1924
Cold. Dull.
Did up Hong Kong parcel. Took it to post. Out with Ella to town. To Studio and Reid and Sons. Met Cecil Reid. He gave us lunch at Bainbridge’s. To Laing Art Gallery. Home to tea. Quiet evening. Knitting. Ella played Chopin’s Nocturnes 6 and 7.
Tuesday 8th January 1924
Very cold and dark.
Wrote Tante. Out with Ella. Called on Elsie (Ken’s wife) and at West Avenue. Norah and Nelly. Both rested in p.m. Tea. Talk. Fire in bedroom and packed a little.
London
Wednesday 9th January 1924
Cold. Snow.
Packed and talked to Ella. At 12 taxi to station. I off to King’s Cross 12.39. Lunch on train 4/-. Wade met me 6.15. Taxi to Chelsea 5/6. Stayed 6 Elm Park Road. Lucy Brewtnall there. Polly at Violet’s (Ormond).
Thursday 10th January 1924
Dull. Thaw. Raw.
Dusted and muddled about. Polly in. Lucy out to lunch at Violet’s. Aunt Alice rested in p.m. I wrote Ella. Quiet evening.
Friday 11th January 1924
High wind.
Workman to lay linoleum, and do cupboard. Aunt Alice up about 11. Polly in, and away again. Aunt Alice out, I too, and she talked to chauffeur. Lucy and I lunched at “Gourmet”, Fulham Road. Back and then to Regent Street, Bond Street sales. Shops, buses. Back at 4.15. Aunt Alice to bed about 9.30.
Saturday 12th January 1924
Mild.
Gave Aunt Alice breakfast. She dozed off again. Dorothy to Coles’ to Badminton at 3. Polly and Violet all p.m. Aunt Alice only up at 3.30. about. Lucy way to Broadway. 4 in taxi. Violet Ormond to tea. Dorothy back at 5.30. Slept in Aunt Alice’s room. Dorothy upstairs.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. – 6th (about songs and politics. 17,000 out of work).
Received cheque 4.95 from Nichol’s.
Wrote Tante – 8th.
Sunday 13th January 1924
Mild.
Very good night. Gave Aunt Alice breakfast 9.30. Finally she slept most of a.m. Polly back at 11. She and Dorothy did cupboards upstairs. Aunt Alice down to tea (lunch in bed at 3). After tea, I back to Golders Green. Dorothie King there and Peter. I unpacked trunk, supper.
Monday 14th January 1924
Dull, mild.
To 6 Elm Park Road at 10. Sat with Aunt Alice and then washed and dressed her. Away at 1 o’lcock. To Mealand’s. Lunch at Buzzard’s. To Kettle’s. Home. Alys, Dennis, Phil and Eva arrived from Switzerland, Campfer at 6. Tea, talk, unpacking and dinner and to bed.
Tuesday 15th January 1924
Mild.
Muddling about. Dennis off to Lab. At 2, Alys and I with Eva and Phil to Thew’s. Then Alys and Eva shopped. I took Phil to Hamley’s and to tea at 6 Elm Park Road. Home by 96 and 48 buses. Dinner. Krohn’s in. To bed early – 10.
Wednesday 16th January 1924
Busy doing sewing for Eva’s clothes. Alys to shops. After lunch, Alys and Eva to Dr Grays about paperlomies (me: papillomas – warts on feet). Phil and I walked by Mutton Brook with Peter and had tea alone.
Thursday 17th January 1924
Alys pains all a.m. Over to Chelsea for morning. Left at 1. Got some lunch at Waterloo. Met Dennis, Eva, Alys and Phil. All saw Eva off to Sherborne 3. Back in car to Lab. Left Phil with Dennis. They back at 6.30. Bricks.
Friday 18th January 1924
Dull.
Helped with Phil’s things and all 3 to shops. Packing. Lunch. Dennis with car at 4 and all to Victoria. Saw Phil off to Windlesham House. Back. Alys and I coffee at Evans’ and shopped. Home with Dennis in car (to Lab) at about 7.30.
Saturday 19th January 1924
Showers.
I over at 9 to Chelsea. Dorothy out. I all day, helping with Aunt Alice. Too wet for Dorothy’s Badminton and Mr C. ill. Alys and Dennis in after Badminton with Leggett’s for a few minutes. Polly and I out with Aunt Alice along road and back. Supper upstairs. Dorothy to Merry Wives of Windsor and dine with de Glehn’s.
Memoranda:
Badminton – 19th (for 10 Saturday’s)
Paid £1.1.0 to H. A. Leggett.
Labour Government got in: Ramsay MacDonald, Prime Minister.
Sunday 20th January 1924
Fine. Mild.
All day helping with Aunt Alice. Polly to lunch with Fan Rogers and she back at 3 to show bed-making. Aunt Alice out with Polly and me, very difficult. To King’s Road. She slept on sofa later. Violet came. Polly and Dorothy busy changing rooms, cupboards. I slept upstairs, front room.
Monday 21st January 1924
Drizzly, mild.
Unwell. Tried to hep with Aunt Alice. Gave her her breakfast and washed her. Polly and then Dorothy went on. Mrs Falcon in. I stayed lunch and in drawing room after. Aunt Alice on sofa asleep. I wrote Tante. Away at 3.40. To get tin box. Home to 47 Hampstead Way. Tea with Alys. Sat and talked. Tired. Read after dinner. Hot bath and in bed 10.40.
Tuesday 22nd January 1924
Dull and rain.
Out with Alys to shops and then did Barbola all day, hard. Alys did accounts and bills. Both to Post Office after tea. Dennis in at 8. Read. I wrote Polly and Dorothy about check for Aunt Alice and to Bank for Aunt Alice, and to Smith and Sons.
Wednesday 23rd January 1924
Very dark.
To shop with Alys and did Barbola. Alys to Dorrie’s. Lunch. Did Barbola all p.m. Quiet evening reading “The Last of the Vikings”.
Thursday 24th January 1924
Pouring rain.
New maid, “May” at Chelsea. To 6 Elm Park Road at 10. All a.m. with Aunt Alice. After dinner to stores, Army and Navy, and look at shop with Barbola? Saw our tablecloth at Sassoon’s for £18! Back to tea 6 Elm Park Road. Dorothy to her Handel Choir 5 – 7.15. Polly to dine at Ginx’s. Dorothy and I restless evening with Aunt Alice. To bed about 11.15.
Friday 25th January 1924
Fine day.
Gave Aunt Alice her breakfast. Busy a.m. with “B.O.” (washing). Men to do fireplace. Dorothy in, doing dressing gown. She out after dinner. I wrote E.P. Lainey came at 3. So I away to Golders Green. Tea there alone. Did up tins for Nichol’s and to Post Office. Met Alys. Dinner. Alys and Dennis to Laughton’s in evening.
Saturday 26th January 1924
Foggy.
Did Barbola, and with Alys to shops. After lunch, Alys and I to Lab and all 3 on to Badminton. Jolly. Wolcomb’s, Elcott (like Harvey Webb). Home at 6. Did more Barbola. Toad. Dinner. Read and to bed at 9.50.
Memoranda:
Sent £25 – to Aunt Alice’s account (22nd)
Wrote Tante – 21st (pencil)
Wrote E.P. – 25th – Labour
Wrote Busy – 24th
Sunday 27th January 1924
Fine. Lovely. Cold.
In car with Alys and Dennis to Hospital. Alys to see Doris Gardener and baby. Dennis and I walked with Peter in Regent’s Park. Home via Finchley to dinner 1. Did Barbola. Deedie called. Alys and Dennis to tea at Ayrton’s. I at home. Washed head. Iris Harmar to supper.
Monday 28th January 1924
Fine. Cold.
I to Chelsea at 9. Gave Aunt Alice breakfast. She up. Rather unconsecutive morning. Odd sewings. Lunch. Polly and I out with Aunt Alice at 3. At 3.30 she rested on sofa. Polly out to Stores. Lainey to tea. Dorothy out to dinner and glees at Lubbock’s. Polly and I got ready for sweep and Mrs Marsh came.
Tuesday 29th January 1924
Dull. Drizzly.
Gave Aunt Alice breakfast and in her room all a.m. Couldn’t get her dressed, so she back to bed for lunch. She slept all p.m. upstairs. I sewed in drawingroom. Tea. Aunt Alice upstairs. She down at 6. In dressing gown. New maid, Anne Burge came. I home to Golders Green at 8. Dinner. Quiet evening. To bed and bath 10.
Wednesday 30th January 1924
Foggy.
Out to town with Alys. To Church Street and lunch Chinese Restaurant. To Hampton’s and Lafayette’s. Back to tea. Dorothie out. Dennis in early, supper in kitchen. All 3 to “Outward Bound” at Hippodrome, Golders Green. Queer.
Thursday 31st January 1924
To town. Alys and Dennis and I in car. To Mrs Hunt’s Registry (me: for servants). To Winsor and Newton. Lunch in Charlotte Street. Bought shoes at Lilley and Skinner. To Borst’s for paperweights. Home to tea. Margaret Douglas to dinner.
Friday 1st February 1924
Very fine. Frosty. Sunny.
Alys and I to shops in car. Walked back and then walked up to Hampstead Library and back. Lunch. Did lacquering, in Eva’s room. Alys and I called on Ethel and Josephine. All sat in playroom all evening.
Saturday 2nd February 1924
Fine.
Busy writing. With Alys down to shops and to Lab. Lunch there with Alys and Dennis. On to Badminton. Jolly play and tea. Young Leggett, and young Woollcoombe and Sir Humphrey there. Brickroom. Margaret Barwick in evening. Teddy Berry.
Memoranda:
Wrote Aunt Bella – 2nd
Woodrow Wilson died – 3rd
“Sympathy – love Kate”
Sunday 3rd February 1924
Very fine.
Breakfast 8. All in car to Brighton. To Windlesham House. Phil to picnic lunch with us at Club House. Out in car along front to beach. Took Phil back 4.15. Tea, and started 5.5 back by Crawley and Reigate. Piccadilly by 7.20. Dined at Chinese Restaurant. Sent cable to Davises about Wilson’s death (8/3).
Monday 4th February 1924
Very fine.
Alys and I to shops. Did some Barbola in Eva’s room all p.m. Alys to tea at Dorrie’s. I wrote letters.
Tuesday 5th February 1924
Cold, windy, dull.
Out with Alys in car; to Hendon, Finchley. Home at 1. After lunch, Alys to town, Souttar’s and to tea. I to Wadie’s to tea, and sat with her till 7, talking and knitting. Quiet evening, reading at home.
Wednesday 6th February 1924
Rain, then dry.
Sewed a little. Alys late as headachey. She and I, in rain, to town. She to Wedding Breakfast of Margaret Barwick and Douglas Cox, Dennis too. I lunched at English Speaking Union 1/-. Alys and I to tea at Nell Sime’s. Saida and Miss Huxtable there. Necklace spiritualism! Alys and I in car to fetch Dennis and bricks at Wimpole Street. Supper, Dorothie out. Oliver’s in evening.
Thursday 7th February 1924
Dull. Mildish.
To town. To Memorial Service to Woodrow Wilson at St Margaret’s 12.15. On to 6 Elm Park Road to dinner – 1.30. Sat with Aunt Alice all p.m. Did sewing. Ginx to tea, late. Dorothy out to Handel Society. Stayed supper, and home at 10 to Golders Green.
Friday 8th February 1924
Mild. Dull.
Wrote Tante and Auntie Kate. Did Barbola. Alys to shops. Lunch. At 4, Alys and I to tea at Mrs Stanley Evans’ shop in Baker Street. Home at 6.30. Dennis in, and he and Alys boiled bricks in oil all evening. I Barbola.
Saturday 9th February 1924
Dull.
Did some sewing. To shops for blue silk. Putting neck-piece to cross stitch jumper. Alys and I to Lab. All 3 to lunch at Karaway’s. To Badminton. Ays and Dennis on to Cave’s at Bickley for weekend. Mrs Acland at Badminton. I home by 28. Sewed all evening at jumper. To bed 10.15. Letters from E.P.
Memoranda:
Sent of parcel to K.H.D. – 5th
To Nell’s – 6th 4 p.m.
Gave Alys 30/- 4th
To C.H.W. – 5th
Wrote E.P. – 4th.
Wrote Tante – 8th.
Wrote Cyrus – 4th
To Aunt Alice’s – 7th
Sunday 10th February 1924
Damp. Mild. Dull.
Took Peter out and lost him. Sewed jumper and ironed it. Did lacquering. Lunch in drawingroom. To tea at Styers. Vera engaged. Home and more lacquering. Supper. Wrote to E.P. To bed 10.
Monday 11th February 1924
Cold. Raw. Dull.
Out to shops. Alys and Dennis back in car at 11.15. Dennis off to Lab. Alys to lunch at 26 Compayne. I lacquered. Alys back with Mrs Russell Smith to tea. I called on Aunt Louie. Met Alys and to shops.
Tuesday 12th February 1924
Cold.
Did Barbola. Mrs Coombs, and 2 daughters to tea (New Zealand). Bricks in evening.
Wednesday 13th February 1924
Frightfully cold.
Did barbola all a.m. Tommy Cutmore to tea (Dobbie’s sister). Alys and I to Chinese Restaurant. Dined with Dennis. Jennertt. Bricks all evening. Boiling. New ones!
Thursday 14th February 1924
Very cold.
To Chelsea. Mealand was with Aunt Alice all day (Miss Fanning to tea with Alys). Dorothy out to Handel Society. Home at 10. Bricks, bricks!
Friday 15th February 1924
Very cold and snow.
To shops with Alys. Peter naughty. Wrote K.H.D. Susie, Shoolbred, Aunt Bella. In p.m. Taylor’s came to tea and sat and talked.
Saturday 16th February 1924
Very cold.
Alys to town in car with Dennis. I did Barbola. To Badminton after lunch. Met Dennis there. Home. Supper. They changed and to dance at the Harmar’s. I read “Jennie Essendean”.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. – 10th (with cutting of whale).
Wrote Shoolbred – 15th
Wrote Aunt Bella – 15th
Sunday 17th February 1924
Very cold. Fine.
Did Barbola and they did bricks all a.m. Dinner. Sidney and Dorrie and M. Douglas to tea. I out (unwell) to tea and supper at Ayrton’s. Lady F? Seymour? there, and Bell’s to supper. Nice. Home at about 10. Tommy and Nita Paul to supper. Alys and Dennis took them to Brent Bridge. To bed 11.40.
Monday 18th February 1924
Very cold. Drizzly.
Peter lost all Sunday. Alys and I to Finsbury Park Cinema to find him. Wrote Tante. After lunch, I on my bed all p.m. Dennis in brickroom, with cold. Mrs Krohn to tea. All 3 of us to Benmore at . To see 3 plays by Ted. Home 11.
Tuesday 19th February 1924
Very cold. Some snow.
Cut up oranges for marmalade with Alys. She sick and Dennis not to town – coldy and indigestion. Alys rested all p.m. and ate no tea. Dennis in brickroom, and in evening he drew the brick model from photo. All in drawingroom all evening. I read William Hickey Memoirs.
Wednesday 20th February 1924
Cold. Dull.
Alys in bed to breakfast. I did barbola and to shops. Lunch. Dennis to town. Marmalade boiled. Alys and I to tea at Mrs Russell Smith’s. Dorothie out, so we got supper. Gramophone record, gymnastics. To bed 11. Covered marmalade.
Thursday 21st February 1924
Cold, dull.
Alys spent day with Dolly Willis. I to shops, and then barbola. Wade appeared at lunch-time and stayed with me till 5.30. To station with her. Quiet evening.
Friday 22nd February 1924
Cold, dull.
Very shivery all a.m. Did barbola by fire and took Rhinitis. Over to Harrod’s with Alys in p.m. to see Barbola demonstration. To Cottar’s Mart in Beauchamp Place, felt better.
Saturday 23rd February 1924
Cold. Dull.
Did Barbola and trimmed hat all a.m. Alys to shops. Lunch, and then both met Dennis at Badminton. Fun. Thirteen there – Buckley’s, Woollcoombe’s, Elbert and friend, Molly Acland. Home in car. Crocheted and read William Hickey in evening.
Memoranda:
Wrote Tante – 18th
Wrote E.P. – 21st about poem.
Sunday 24th February 1924
Very cold. Some rain.
Did lacquering and washing Ronuk Tins all a.m. Gertrude Chamberlain called. Quiet p.m. Out with Alys in rain to take Peter. Dennis out twice with Peter and built upstairs all rest of day. Read in evening.
Monday 25th February 1924
Cold
Did Barbola all a.m.
Tuesday 26th February 1924
Very cold wind.
Barbola. Out to shops with Alys. Felt coldy. All p.m. till 3.30 on bed. Then with Alys to tea with Mrs May (Otto’s mother). Home. Felt illish and lay down on Chesterfield.
Wednesday 27th February 1924
Cold. Snow in evening.
I to Chelsea, taking Barbola to show. Took it to Miss Fortescue’s. Lunch with Barnard’s. Dorothy to “The Way of the World” with Benecke. Polly and with Aunt Alice all p.m. Tea, supper. I home at 11 in snow. Pretty. Alys and Dennis bricks. Alys with Polly Willis all day in town.
Thursday 28th February 1924
Cold. Some snow.
Alys pain at breakfast, so Dennis phoned Dr Tidy and at 12.15 we went to him. He examined Alys – appendicitis? Cyclical sickness? Met Dennis at Karaway’s for lunch. To Regent Street and home to tea. I dressed and to Leggett’s to supper 6.30, and with them in Daimler to King George’s Hall and saw Accountant General’s* Department Dramatic Society play “Dear Brutus” – they drove me home.
Friday 29th February 1924
Cold. Rain.
Sore throat and cold all day, so indoors, doing Barbola. Alys to shops. Lunch – at about 4. Dennis back in car and he and Alys to Salisbury (for Sherborne weekend). Rainy. I read Algernon Blackwood’s Episodes before 30. Wote E.P.
Saturday 1st March 1924
Dull, cold.
Aunt Alice’s 77th birthday.
Breakfast in bed. In all a.m. doing Barbola. Out to Badminton, though feeling rather ill. Home at 6.30. Quiet evening, reading. To bed 9.30.
Memoranda:
* Sir Alfred Woodgate, Mr Leggett’s immediate chief.
Sir William? Robinson, back in car with us.
Wrote E.P. Friday 29th – “Sole cure” – can’t arrange our destinies.
Sunday 2nd March 1924
Cold.
Took Peter out. Did Barbola, Dorothie out to Albert Hall, and until 9.30. I quietly worked and read “Episodes before Thirty” Algernon Blackwood. Got own tea and supper. Took Peter out thrice more. To bed 9.45.
Monday 3rd March 1924
Fine. Snowy.
Out by Tube to Kettle’s. Bought tin boxes and handkerchiefs. Back by 48 bus. Mrs Vince here. Ethel Miles called at 2.30 or so. Did humbug boxes and wrote Tante. Alys and Dennis back at 9.15 from Sherborne via Poole and Bournemouth.
Tuesday 4th March 1924
Fine, cold.
With Alys to Ted’s for x-ray and bismuth meal; on to lunch at Court Restaurant. To choose cretonne’s. Heal’s. Home to tea. Geoff Bumphrey ‘phoned. Alys interviewed Lily (new cook). Alys and I to meet Dennis and Bumphrey’s at Chinese Restaurant. Supper. Home in car. Telephone-cable – “Tante died today pneumonia – Davis”.
Wednesday 5th March 1924
Fine.
To Ted’s again with Alys – x-ray. Lunch at Lab. Home, buying cakes. Cable from Cyrus. Josephine and Pamela to tea and to see Barbola. Alys and I to Laughton’s. Only Gertrude and Baby. Home. Dennis in to dinner and Peter went away
Thursday 6th March 1924
Dull. Cold.
Alys and I to 6 Elm Park Road. Took bed-rest and flowers. Alys away. I stayed all day. Premp (me: Wilfrid) de Glehn to tea, in upstairs sittingroom. I with Aunt Alice. She very weak at walking. New maid “Blanche” there. I home at about 11.
Friday 7th March 1924
Fine. Cold.
To town for Dorothy Barnard’s umbrella. Lost property. To Gamage’s, Alys too. Lunch at English Speaking Union. Home to tea. Needlework. Lined bag. Alys did Eva’s dress. Letter about Peter from Vauxhall. Dennis not in to dinner, or until 11.30. We to bed 11.15.
Saturday 8th March 1924
Fine. Cold. Did up parcels for Minnil .Down to Lab with Alys and Dorothie. In car to Vauxhall Park. Fetched Peter! Dorothie took him home by 28. We all to Badminton. Fun. tea. Home. S.O.S. after supper from Phoebe so all to Benmore, tho’ very tired and danced! Home at 12.30.
Memoranda:
Wrote Tante 3rd – heard of her death
Wrote E.P. 5th by cable – 4th and 5th – E.P. and Cyrus.
Sunday 9th March 1924
Fine, warmer. Cold in evening.
Up to Elsa’s and Styer’s with Alys and Peter. Elsa ill. Wedding presents to Vera Styer. Dinner 1. Rested. Wrote Kitty and Minnie. I to Nell Sime’s to tea, and on with her to supper at hill and Adine’s. Alys and Dennis to tea at Laughton’s. Baby Richard very ill.
Monday 10th March 1924
Very fine, frost.
Did up parcels for Nichol’s all a.m. and wrote Ella and Cyrus. After lunch, Alys and I to town. I to get Dorothy’s umbrella, Alys to tea at Tommy Cutmore’s, and Mrs Binney. I home to tea. Heard of Richard’s death. Alys brought Mrs Binney back to dinner. Alys and Dennis to Laughton’s after dinner.
Tuesday 11th March 1924
Very fine. Warmer.
In car to Post Office and sent off parcels to Minnie and Nichol’s. Pamela came for Barbola lesson, 10.45 till 12.30. Alys to Laughton’s. After lunch, Alys and I walked to Hampstead Library, and Elsa’s. Dennis and Alys to Laughton’s again at 9. Brought them back at 10. I had bath so up earlier.
Wednesday 12th March 1924
Perfect day. Cool wind.
Sewed a little. With Alys to Laughton’s. Up with Dorrie to see Baby. On to shops. Home. Out with Alys to Golders Hill Park and ate lunch there, in garden. Home. Sewed. Dolly Willis to tea and supper (in kitchen). Dennis very late and missed Dolly. Dorothie out. Dennis and Alys up in brickroom.
Thursday 13th March 1924
Fine. Perfect day.
I over to Elm Park Road for day. Helped Polly to dress Aunt Alice. Sat with her. Lunch. Sat upstairs with Aunt Alice all p.m. Polly to Steer’s private view. Dorothy gave lesson and after tea to Handel Society. Supper. Aunt Alice to bed. I watched. I home 10.30. Dennis had been to Baby Laughton’s funeral.
Friday 14th March 1924
Fine.
Took Peter out. Helped Alys paint bathroom. Dennis’ 43rd birthday. After lunch, Alys and I to Medical School and took Dennis to Gamage’s about brick cupboard. Tea there. Home. Dinner. Dennis in brickroom. To bed 10.30. Sleepy.
Saturday 15th March 1924
Warmer!! Very fine. Fog in town.
Dennis and Alys off at 11.30 to Brighton in car to Phil. I painted bathroom and then to Beatrice Bland’s show at Leicester Galleries. Lunch at English Speaking Union. Read there. To Badminton. Tea at Leggett’s. Home by 27 and 2 bus. Crocheted on coat. Letter began by Tante February 27th, Sent off March 1st.
Memoranda:
Wrote Ella – 10th
Wrote Cyrus – 10th
Parcels to Nichol’s – 11th
Sunday 16th March 1924
Warm and fine then dull.
Walked to Elsa’s with Peter, took “Chic Parisien”. Painted 3rd coat on bathroom. Lunch. Styer’s came while I ate it. Ironed coat (knitted one). Rested. Unwell. Sang hymns. Wrote Aunt Bella. Got own tea and supper.
Monday 17th March 1924
Very fine. Cold.
All day doing eiderdown. Alys and Dennis back at 11.40. Lunch. Alys and I to shops and had tea at Chapman’s. New Cook. Lily Liddington came at 5. Sewed eiderdown after tea. Alys sleepy on sofa. Dennis in at 8. Up in brickroom. I up there at 10 (waiting for letter, and none came). To bed 10.40.
Tuesday 18th March 1924
Very fine. Cold.
Letter from Edith Bache. Phoned Susie. Pamela came for Barbola all a.m. After lunch. Alys and I met Dorrie and over house. Home. Sewed (all 3 of us) all p.m. Tea. I lined knitted coat. Dennis back very late 8.20. Dennis drew roof angle. To bed 10.30.
Wednesday 19th March 1924
Very fine.
Alys cleared out pantry. I finished eiderdown. To shops with Alys. Washed glass with Alys after lunch. To town. Looked at dogs. Met Dorothy Barnard at Goupil. Steer’s show. Tea with her at English Speaking Union. Home. Peter away to Highgate. Lily’s day out. Photographed building.
Thursday 20th March 1924
Very fine, cold.
After lunch, we met Dennis at Lab and all to Gamage’s and then to dog shop in car. Bought Sealyham pup – 9 weeks. Alys and I to Shoolbred’s Fashion Show and Vogue lecture. Dorrie, Gertrude and Margaret Willson (niece of Marian Smith).
Friday 21st March 1924
Very fine.
To 6 Elm Park Road (with Dennis in car to Warren Street). With Aunt Alys all day. Polly to call on Susie. Dorothy out to lunch. Both in to tea. Did “Bird’s Bill of Divorce”. I away at 9.30. Alys and Dennis dined at the Stanley Evans’. Rip in my room.
Saturday 22nd March 1924
Very fine. Milder.
With Alys to shops, twice. Rip no appetite and cough. No Badminton. Dennis home to lunch. All sat and sewed in brickroom till tea. Letters from E.P. and Cyrus 4.30. Out in car to Black wall (Tunnel) Bus and tram strike so no traffic. Dr Warren to dinner, and till 11.15!
Memoranda:
Wrote Aunt Bella – 16th
Tram and bus strike all week.
Sunday 23rd March 1924
Dull. Some rain.
Puppy better. I wrote E.P. Laughton’s in. Alys and Dennis to station. I did basket and out on heath at 3-4. Dorrie and Sidney to tea and stayed to supper. Did “Bird’s Divorce” and puzzles. Dennis put away bricks. Puppy developed distemper.
Monday 24th March 1924
Rainy. Clear later.
Alys in bed and no breakfast. I to shops. Looked after puppy. Vet came. Distemper. Alys up to tea. Alys out to Dorrie’s for massage at 5. Dorothy ‘phoned. Aunt Alice not at all well. Dennis back early. Dinner. All in car to 6 Elm Park Road. Aunt Alice pneumonia. Home at 11.15.
Tuesday 25th March 1924
Cold. Foggy.
I to Chelsea 9.45. Helped with Aunt Alice and postponed pupils. Wrote Ella, wired Tades. She arrived from Storrington at 4.30. Ginx in. I slept in Dorothy’s bed in drawingroom. Went upstairs at 3 a.m. Blanche helping them too.
Wednesday 26th March 1924
Cold. Dark.
Nurse came at 9.30 to give enema, All helped. Very difficult. Dr Low 10.30. Alys over and back at once. All tried to rest in turns. Peter Harrison to tea. Ginx after. Aunt Alice very ill, and restless, babbling all night. Polly called me 3 a.m. but to bed again.
Thursday 27th March 1924
Very cold and grey.
Nurse at 9.15. Doctor at 10.30. Very bullying. Enema given. I rubbed sores on back (castor oil and oxide of zinc). Phoned Alys and Dennis. Got day-nurse in. Dorothy overwrought. Ginx in. Night-nurse (Bell) at 8.30. Dennis and Alys came over 8.45. Dr Low gave consultation and Dennis great help. I taxi to Susie’s and slept there.
Friday 28th March 1924
Very cold. Grey.
Breakfast 8.15 at Susie’s. To 6 Elm Park Road. Read. Two nurses to change Aunt Alice. Out with Tades to Tulley’s. Dorothy to Bank for £25.00. Polly out a little. Lunch. All rested in p.m. I up and helped Nurse McEaster to move Aunt Alice several times. Dr Low at 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Phil Carr. Ginx. I to Susie’s to sleep. Dorothy in bed to supper.
Saturday 29th March 1924
Some sunshine. Very cold.
Dr Low at 10.30. At 11 Nurse called us in. Aunt Alice died at 11.10. Aunt Ada in bed all day with cold. Ginx in and to lunch and tea, about arrangements. I Executor. Sent telegrams. Ella, Lucy, Teeds. Dennis and Alys in car at 8.45. I back with them to sleep at Golders Green. Puppy better. To bed 10.30.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. – 23rd
Primary cause – arterio-sclerosis
Secondary cause – cerebral thrombosis.
Dennis said heart failure.
Bus and Tram strike over on 1st April
Sunday 30th March 1924
Cold. Dull.
Tades in bed all day with cold. Dennis, Alys and I over to Chelsea in car. They up to see Aunt Alice. Kitty there, and she back with Alys to dinner at Golders Green. I long rest in p.m. and at 4 with Ginx to Lord Enrle’s (Prothero) to sign cremation application (he a J.P.). Tea. Supper. Dennis and Alys called for me, home to Golders Green 9.20. Letter from E.P.
Monday 31st March 1924
Cold. Grey.
To Chelsea by tube 11. At 11.30 Polly and Dorothy to town to buy mourning, and out to lunch. I received Mrs Homes Spicer and Anna Tadema. Tades in bed till teatime. I wrote E.P. Anna back to draw Aunt Alice’s face and stayed to tea. Quiet evening. Ginx to tea. Alys and Dennis called for me at 9.30 in car. Fed puppy.
Tuesday 1st April 1924
Cold
Over to Chelsea by tube and bus. Sewed Polly’s skirt. Anna drawing all a.m till 2 p.m. Mrs Lewis Day came at 3. Alma Harrison. At 4 Lainey and Cissy. At 6 Phil Carr. Ginx too. Tades and I downstairs by fire. Supper. Dennis and Alys called for me 9.35. Fed puppy. To bed 11.15
Wednesday 2nd April 1924
Very cold.
Fed puppy. Alys in bed to breakfast. With her to shops. Bought black hat at Elise’s. Lunch. Kit came in car. I with her, and Dennis with Alys to Crematorium at 3. Service and Cremation of Aunt Alice. Polly and Dorothy, Tades, Harrison’s, Grosvenor. Kit back to tea. Dennis to see ashes and to Lab. Alys and I read and I packed up. Dennis back at 11.
Thursday 3rd April 1924
Cold.
Finished packing. Dennis took trunk. Alys and I to Waterloo and Dennis too. Met Eva from Sherborne at 10. Home. Lunch. I off to Paddington to see Tades off to Broadway 2.10. Home. Tea. Supper. I read, others in brickroom. Colls came. Hot bath.
Chale
Friday 4th April 1-924
Cold. Drizzly.
To Waterloo, met Poz and Doz at 12.50. All 1st class to Portsmouth. Lunch on train. Boat to Ryde. Ridley Roberts met us with car. Drove to Chale. Tea. Unpacked. Walked to shore. Rainy. Muddy. Supper. To bed about 9.45.
Saturday 5th April 1924
Cold, grey. Sun later.
Breakfast 9.15. All out past Blackgang and towards Rocken End. Back to lunch. Rested all p.m. On verandah in sun. Tea. All out up to Russian Monument. Talked to Mr Roberts. Read in evenings.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. – 30th
Sunday 6th April 1924
Sun, but cold.
Wrote Ginx. All out to shore by Ladder Chine. Lovely warm sunshine. On beach. Dinner 1. Slept in p.m. Wrote Alys. Tea. Out on cliff, to Whale Chine and back. Read. Supper at 8.15. Read. To bed 10.
Monday 7th April 1924
Foggy.
Radiogram from Cyrus from Berengaria. Wrote Letters. Out. Walk in mist. After dinner in car at 3.30 to Ventnor. Shopped and tea at Marine Hotel. Home 6. Supper. Read. To bed 10.
London
Tuesday 8th April 1924
Changeable, cold.
All in car at 9.45 to Ryde. I off to Portsmouth 11.5 Train to Waterloo. Lunch on train. To Cook’s Charing Cross for ticket. To Bourne and Hollingsworth. 48 bus home. Tired. Tea with Alys and children. Arranged evening dress sleeves. Hot bath.
Paris
Wednesday 9th April 1924
Fine. Warm in Paris.
I in Hirst car 9; to Victoria. 10 train. Newhaven. Cross in “Dieppe” to Dieppe. Good crossing. Lunch on board. Train to Paris, arrived 7.20. Met by Cyrus. Taxi to Hôtel de Crillon. Out to supper 8.30 at Café sur Madeleine. To “Palace” Boulevard, Montmartre to see “Dolly Sisters”. To Crillon at 12. To bed. Sweets.
London
Thursday 10th April 1924
Warm. Cold in England and dark.
Eggs and coffee in room 560 at 9. Taxi to St Lazarre. Train 10.30 to Dieppe. Lunch on train. Steamer “Paris” very good. I rested in private cabin. Arrived Newhaven 3.45. Train to Waterloo 1st class to myself. Arrived 5.45. Taxi 8/- home. Dinner. Dennis read “Owd Bob” aloud. To bed 10. Sweets again.
Chale
Friday 11th April 1924
Snow. Very cold.
Snow. I off at 11.30 to Bank and to Waterloo. 12.50 to Portsmouth. Lunch on train. “Duchess of Norfolk” to Ryde. Polly and Dolly met me with Ridley and car. To Godshill, over Arreton Down. Tea at The Griffin. Dead cow picture. Captain Worsley de Worsley took us over Church. Back to supper. Mr Hemming saw Mauretania towed out there.
Saturday 12th April 1924
Gale. Hail.
Great gale, hail, rain, cold. Not out but read and wrote letters. Rested in p.m. New couple arrived. Out after tea to Corve. No rain then. Talked with new lady in evening.
Memoranda:
“Paris” best boat – Newhaven/Dieppe route.
The Old George, Salisbury, Best
The Old Hostel or Godbegot House, Winchester – Mr Barton’s recommendations.
Sunday 13th April 1924
Fine a.m. Rain in p.m.
Summer Time
Breakfast an hour earlier! All walked to Rocken End and sat there a little. Saw yellow wagtail. Home dinner 1.Rested. Slept heavily. Tea. Wrote Alys and Miss James. Out in evening.
Monday 14th April 1924
Dull, then lovely.
Wrote letters. Out in high wind to Ladder Chine. Not down. Back by Chapel. Dinner. Read Ariel “Maurois”. Rested . Letters from Alys and Cyrus. Tea. Women and boy arrived. Out to Blackgang. Lovely evening. Rough sea. Through Geiss. Bath.
Tuesday 15th April 1924
Rain then lovely.
Wrote letters. Out along road. Drizzly. After lunch in car to St Lawrence. Walked by undercliff near sea to Niton. Tea at the Royal Sandrock. Good. Walked home by top cliff. Glorious evening. Dinner in big room.
Wednesday 16th April 1924
Very fine all day.
In car towards Freshwater. Walked thro’ Brightstone and then over down about Brook into Freshwater. Lunch at Hotel. Drove to Alum Bay, Totland, Yarmouth Shorewell and home to tea at Chale. Sat on verandah. Mr Hemming in all evening. Talking of Scarboro’ raid.
Thursday 17th April 1924
Lovely day.
Wrote E.P. All out over downs to Niton. Lunch at Sandrock. Not very good. Walked on to Ventnor on top of cliff. Tea at Booth’s. Home by Sparke’s wagonette. Sat by tennis lawn. Dr Woodwark and family, 4 Harley Street. Friend of Renton’s. Read in evening.
Memoranda:
Royal Sandrock, Niton – £3.18 from now on, all through summer. Lovely. Not hot bath.
Wrote E.P. 17th (Bridgeman’s) nice bird people.
Sunday 20th April 1924
Lovely day.
Read. Polly and Dorothy wrote. Walked up to Pepperpot. Lay there. Dinner 1.30. rested. Read “Olga Bardel” by Stacy Ammonier. Tea. Out on beach. Supper. Talked and the Woodwark’s in evening. To bed 10.
Monday 21st April 1924
Lovely day.
Out to Rocken End, and sat on cliff and rocks. Saw puffin, cormorant, “Isle of Wight parson” (me: local name for cormorant or shag, apparently) drying wings. Lunch on cliff. Along to Lighthouse. To Sandrock to tea. Back by sea, Rocken End, home. Clock-golf after dinner and in smoking room, with Bridgman’s. To bed 10.10.
Tuesday 22nd April 1924
Dull, warm.
Up to “Hermitage” about Consumption Home. Lunch. Sat in garden, talking to Woodwarks and hemming. Walked round 2 spurs of downs to Whitewell. Chocolate on tree-trunk. No tea. Home by “Georgia Gardens” Supper. (Hot bath I had first). 2 letters from E.P. To bed 10.10.
Wednesday 23rd April 1924
Much colder. Grey.
All 3 off at 10.30 in closed car with Ridley to Shanklin (via Daffodil Valley) and to Jesmond and to old church. Saw Register, with names. Lunch at Crab Inn (not at Daishe’s), to Roman Villa. Home, walking from Niton, Tea 5.30. Sat on verandah. Awful clergyman Howard (Miss Porter’s brother-in-law), and wife and child. Bridgeman’s amusing.
Thursday 24th April 1924
Fog. Then clearer.
Mr Hemming away. Read till 12. Polly and Dorothy letters. All out on undercliff, about Lighthouse. Back to lunch. Slept in afternoon and read. After tea out to Blackgang Chine. Slight rain, getting worse. Back at 6.50. Dorothy had bath. Read D.H. Lawrence’s “Lady Bird” in evening. “The Fox”. Good. “Captains Delight.”
London
Friday 25th April 1924
Fine on the whole. Lovely.
Packed up. Then out on cliff towards Chines. And lunch 1. In car to Ryde. £1.7.6. Boat 3-5 to Portsmouth. Train to Waterloo. Polly and Dorothy in taxi home. Alys and Dennis and Eva to met Helen and Rufus so met me too. Home in car. Unpacked. Dorothie in bed, flu.
Saturday 26th April 1924
Wet. Mild.
Unpacked large crate of clothes of Tante’s from E.P. Dorrie in. Out to shops. Lunch. Still unpicking and arranging clothes 3 Krohn’s (and Teddy Berry and Eve Amstein in to tea! (Lalila operation for tonsils).
Memoranda:
Jesmond, Highfield Road, Shanklin
Sunday 27th April 1924
Changeable. Rain and gales.
Lalila developed German measles. Wrote Ginx and Wade. With Dennis in car to Nell Sime’s. Lunch with her. At 2.15 with Saida to Albert Hall. 16 and 73 bus. Evelyn Scotney, Umberto Urbano sang. Lull violinist. Home. Helen, Rufus and Tony all day with Alys. Dennis took them back at 7. Read in evening. Very windy.
Monday 28th April 1924
Showery.
Cleared out furs. Wrote E.P. To Barnard’s to lunch and p.m. At 4 to Miss Fortescue’s for barbola and at 4.30 to Susie’s .Tea with her, and talked till 6.15. Home. Dennis not in till 11.15.
Tuesday 29th April 1924
Showery.
To shops with Alys. Lunch. Did unpicking on verandah. To tea with Elsa and talk about Varenna. Back. Alys with Helen to nursing-home, and home 7.30. Dennis not in till 11.15 again.
Wednesday 30th April 1924
Showery.
Up to Elsa’s, Alys too about tickets and with her umbrella. Alys brought Helen back to lunch. Rufus to nursing-home. Tidied up and cleared Tante’s things from packing-case. Put up hooks for Eva. Dennis not in till 11.30. Alys read aloud in evening.
Thursday 1st May 1924
Mild. Rainy.
Out at 11 or so to town. To Cook’s for tickets to Varenna. Lunch at Lyons. To Lafayette’s for evening dress but bought day one. Home to tea. Dennis actually in to dinner.
Friday 2nd May 1924
Finer.
Busy in a.m. changing beds and putting mine up for Helen. Miss Wilson brought Tony over, for lunch. She away after. Tony to stay. Helen came to stay, after tea. I to tea at Wadie’s. Home. Good news of Rufus after consultation. Dennis in to dinner about 8. Dorothie out.
Saturday 3rd May 1924
Mild. Fine.
Busy clearing up and doing odd sewings. Making beds and Helen to Rufus at 11. Alys to shops. I out with Alys at 12, Eva looking after Tony. Helen to Rufus’ again in p.m. Alys and I ironed. Tony slept. Dennis and Alys to Benmore. 4 – 6.30 dance.
Memoranda:
Eva to school – May 1st
Wrote E.P. 27th – 28th about Tante’s things.
Sunday 4th May 1924
Showers.
Not out all a.m. Sewed jersey frocks. Dennis motored Helen and Tony to see Rufus. All back to lunch. He out again to Rufus. Alys rested. Eva and I after tea for walk in wood, and Aunt Louie’s. Alys and I in car to meet Helen 6.30. All to bed at 9.40 after phone calls, Elsa, Dorothy.
Monday 5th May 1924
Cold. Fine. Showers.
Mrs Vince to wash. I to Elsa’s and with her to Kenneth Durward’s in car. To Passport Office. Met Kit and Kath lunch. Debenham and Freebody’s . To Eva’s, Gordon’s and Bourne and Hollingsworth. I bought 2 frocks. Home. Met Alys.
Tuesday 6th May 1924
Dull. Alys to town with Eva. I to shops with Helen and Tony and Phil. Sewed. Phil and Tony played. Lunch, Helen back and out again to Rufus. Phil and I in attic, and doing various things. Alys and Eva back to tea. I to shops again and to see Aunt Louie. Read in evening. Hot bath.
Wednesday 7th May 1924
Fine. Showers.
I to Chelsea via Woollands. With Dorothy to Coles’ to see puppy. Lunch at 6 Elm Park Road. To Harrod’s, wrote Ella. Unwell. Home to tea. Dolly Willis, Karl there and Karl and Margaret and Dolly stayed to supper! 9 in all!
Thursday 8th May 1924
Fine.
To shops with Alys. Then out on Heath with Tony. Alys to Chiswick to see cook. Helen back to lunch. Alys out till teatime. I sewed sand serge skirt all day. Out with Eva and Phil on flats and Heath at 7. Dennis in 8.20. Fetched Helen from station. Read all evening.
Friday 9th May 1924
Fine.
Helen, Eva and Alys to shops. Parcel from E.P. I wrote letters. Fortescue, etc. After lunch, Alys and Eva to Kensington for shoes. Back to tea. I took Tony out on heath. Sheep.
Saturday 10th May 1924
Dull. Showery.
Alys to shops. I sewed Then Alys, Helen and Tony to Cleminson’s, and out to lunch. I to shops. Lunch with Eva and Phil alone. Dennis back. Teddy Berry in, working and to tea. I tried on and sewed all p.m. in my room. Reading in evening. To bed 10. Letter from E.P. written about 30th.
Memoranda:
Phil to school – 9th
Wrote Ella – 7th
Sunday 11th May 1924
Dullish. Rain, evening.
Wrote. Not out all day, till after tea. Then with Alys over some houses in Golders Green. Helen twice to Rufus. Dennis making boxes all day on verandah. Margaret Douglas to supper, self-invited. Rain at 10. Hard.
Monday 12th May 1924
Dull.
To shops. To ice cream with Eva and Phil. But sewing altering black dress hem. Ironing in Alys room. Helen, Alys and Tony to see Larkin’s. All back at 1. Alys rested in p.m. Helen to see Rufus, who very depressed (on diet). To shops with Alys again after tea. Dennis not home til 11.45.
Tuesday 13th May 1924
Fineish. Milder.
To shops with Alys and Dorrie. Home. Mrs Vince. Sewed. Took Tony, Eva and Phil to buy pigs for farm at 12. Helen to see Larkin’s so out to lunch, and until 8.30. Alys rested. I sewed in p.m. Dennis in at 8.10. Tony on heath with Eva. Fire only lighted at 8.30. Warmer day.
Wednesday 14th May 1924
Hot and fine – 70 degrees.
Helen to Dr Larkin’s and out to lunch with Aunt Bea. Alys on heath with Tony. I washed my head; then on heath. In p.m. ironed. Alys to meet Poz and Doz at Refectory, and then on to Rufus. Weston called (Waterlow maid). No fire in evening. Quite warm. All to garage. Hot bath. To bed 10.
Thursday 15th May 1924
Hot and fine.
I in car to my Bank, and then to Elsa’s, with hats and Hickey! On to Strand, to get Italian money. Lunch at Lyons, Oxford Street. Bought bathing-caps at Selfridge’s. To Heath’s. Home in 48 bus to tea. Alys packed Eva’s box. Warm evening. No fire. Dennis, Alys and Phil in car to Wembley. We 3 to bed 10.
Friday 16th May 1924
Fine. Lovely.
Alys with Eva and Phil to Thew’s in car with Dennis at 9.30 . I did shopping for house. At 11 I out with Tony, Helen to Rufus. Lunch. All home to it. Did skirt for Eva. Alys packed Phil’s box. Eva with Alys to Oculist, Fleming at 6. I on heath with boys. Dennis not back till very late.
Saturday 17th May 1924
Fine and warm.
Packed. To shops with Alys and Phil. I to lunch at 26 Compayne 1.30. Alys, Dennis with children in car to Brighton and to leave Phil at school and on to Sherborne with Eva on Sunday. I with Tony for tea, and Helen and I supper alone. Jeannette left. To bed and packed.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. 11th
Varenna, Italy
Sunday 18th May 1924
Hot. Stormy – 88 degrees.
9.15 in car to Elsa’s. To Victoria. Max and Virginia saw us off 10.45. Dover – Calais. I lunched on board. To Paris. Arrived 6.15. To Terminus Hotel (Nord Station). Dinner. Very good 12 francs each. To bed. Hot.
Monday 19th May 1924
Hot. Fine.
Café Complet (me: a light breakfast including coffee) 7 a.m. Taxi to Est Station. Train 8.15 to Bale. Lunch at 11 on train. 10 francs each. To Hotel Euler (arrived Bale 4.15). To shop for coffee and cakes. Rested. Dinner, out of doors. Very good. Wrote postcards. To bed.
Tuesday 20th May 1924
Very hot, fine.
Up 5.30. Coffee 6. To station 6.30. Train 7.5. Clergyman and Dutchman (cigars). Lunch 11 a.m. on train. Arrived Chiasso 1. All out for douane. Everything examined Italian frontier. Very hot. Arrived Como 1.38. To Lake. 15 lire to porter. Lemonade and cake café. Boat 3.55 all down Lake Menaggio and to Varenna 7. Dinner and to bed.
Wednesday 21st May 1924
Coffee in bed 9.30. Up. Looked at other rooms. Out for walk. Lunch 12.30. Rested. Wrote Alys and Dorothy Barnard. Out and coffee at Albergo Milano 7.60. Walked. Fossil man, and on quay. Dinner 7.30. Sat on verandah. To bed 10.
Thursday 22nd May 1924
Hot and fine.
I down to breakfast 9. Elsa had her’s in bed. In rooms in a.m. Then at 12 had lunch. Walked to “pier”. Steamer 10 o’clock to Lenno. To San Giorgio Hotel to call on Emma Wetherbee. Out. Sat in garden and lemonade indoors (4.25 lire). On by boat to Menaggio. Bought sunshades – 25 lire. Coffee and biscotte 9.90. Home 7.50 steamer. Dinner. To bed 9.30.
Friday 23rd May 1924
Warm. Thunder and rain.
Down at 9.30 to breakfast then in garden (Terrace). Read Times. Helped Elsa to move to room 3. Bathed!! In lake with girl and officer-man. Lovely. Lunch. Rested. Thunderstorm. Tea in drawing room. Nice. Dressed for dinner! (indoors). Sat in drawingroom till 9.30. To bed.
Saturday 24th May 1924
Fine then dull.
Breakfast 8 on verandah. Wrote Ella, in garden, then E.P. In my room. Lunch 12. In boat 1, to Bellagio. Shopped. At strawberries and cream. Shopped again 6.29 boat back. Dinner indoors. Windy and cool. Sat on Esla’s balcony. To bed 9.40.
Memoranda:
Royal Victoria Hotel, Varenna.
Lago di Como
Wrote Ella – 24th
Wote E.P. – 24th
Sunday 25th May 1924
Fine, warm. Then wet, cloudy. Thunder.
Sat in garden and wrote to Alys, and read. Lunch at 12. Both on steamer to Colico, by Gravedone. Coffee on boat, bad. Nice American man (and wife). Brown. In saloon most of way back. Home 5.15? Rested. Dressed. Sat in drawing-room with Baedeker. To bed 9.30. Dinner indoors. Thunderstorm.
Monday 26th May 1924
Dull, rain. Thunder.
Breakfast indoors (First time). All a.m. in my room writing and washing gloves and chemise. Lunch. Rested, read and dozed. Tropical rain. Out for coffee in village at little shop. 2.50 each!! (5d). Home. Then walked to Fiume Latte at 6. Great waterfall. Dinner. In Elsa’s room on beds after. To bed 9.30. Wakened by funeral chanting at 5.30.
Tuesday 27th May 1924
Turned lovely in p.m.
Breakfast 9. Washed stockings. Wrote Aunt Bella. Lunch. At 3.45 boat to Cadenabbia. Coffee there on lake, shopped, lace. Hoped to meet Max but he took early boat. Home to Varenna 8.10. He met us! Dinner. Coffee in drawing-room. To bed 9.15.
Wednesday 28th May 1924
Rain and then finer.
Breakfast with Max 8.45. Wrote E.M.M. Lunch 12. On boat 1 to Bellagio. Walked about there and bought grey hat. Coffee and strawberries (10 lire with tip). Home at 5.30. Rested. Dined. Sat in lounge. To bed 9.40.
Thursday 29th May 1924
Very fine after 1 o’clock.
Breakfast on verandah. Wrote letters. Lunch 12. To boat, and to Lenno. Walked to Balbianello Gardens. But closed! To San Giorgio. Lemonade and strawberries fragoli. Walked about. Missed boat and sat on seat waiting for 6 p.m. Home by 7.30. Dinner indoors. Up at 9.45 to bed.
Friday 30th May 1924
Perfect day. Warm.
Breakfast 8.10 on verandah. Letter from E.P. (Homestead). Wrote Doz at 10.15. All of us walked up to little tower 6th century. Back to lunch 12.30. Rested and wrote E.P till 4.30. Out to coffee at little shop. On quay. Max sketched. Elsa and I in garden. I sketched. Dinner outside. To bed 9.15.
Saturday 31st May 1924
Perfect day.
Quiet a.m. washing. Lunch 12. At 1 in Volta to Argegno. Walked about. Coffee. Boat back to Bellagio (Alan not on it). Strawberries at Rossi Café. Sat about and waited for 6.30 boat. Alan Baumer came by it. All back to dinner on verandah. To bed 9.30.
Memoranda:
Wrote Alys – 25th
Wrote Wade – 26th
Postcard – Aunt Bella – 26th
Letter Aunt Bella – 27th
Letter E. M. Miles – 28th
Letter Mrs Leggett – 28th
Letter Tades – 29th
Wrote Alys – 29th
Wrote E.P. – 30th
Wrote Dorothy Barnard – 30th
Sunday 1st June 1924
Lovely day .Hot and wind.
Faschisti (me: Fascists) on boat, song.
Breakfast 8.15. Max down. Spent long time in Elsa’s room about return route. Sat in garden. Lunch early. All 4 to Gravedona. Coffee and strawberries there at Victoria (English woman, Italian husband). A lovely old Church. Boat back. Home. Rested. Dined – very good dinner. Sat on terrace. To bed 10.
Monday 2nd June 1924
Perfect day.
Breakfast 8.15. Mostly alone. At 9.50 all of us walked to Castle (6th century) and then on to Perledo. Lovely place. Had lunch at Albergo Gelsomino. Lovely chianti, cutlets, omelette. Walked back and rested. Coffee at Albergo Olivedo, by wharf. Home by rowing boat, Rested, Dinner indoors. Thundery.
Tuesday 3rd June 1924
Very fine and hot.
Discussions about boat. Finally took lunch from Hotel. Rowed to pier. 12.15 boat to Lenno; ate lunch on deck. Rowed to Balbianello. Disappointing. Rowed all across to Bellagio. Shopped and I to Banca Lariana, changed money. Tea. 6.25 back. Dinner on terrace and sat out and to see fireflies on road.
Wednesday 4th June 1924
Rain, then fine.
Discussed plans in Elsa’s room. (I unwell). I out to buy oranges 4 lira. All caught 11.30 train to Lecco. Walked about, and lunch. Very good. 15 lire each. To “Pontevecchio”. Train 3 to Fiumelatte. Home. Coffee at Hotel. Rested. Dinner. Sat in lounge. To bed 9.30.
Thursday 5th June 1924
Some heavy rain. Thunder. Windy.
Max and Alan walked all a.m. Elsa and I quiet. I read (on my bed) Paid bill. Lunch 12.30. Rested again; caught 3.59 boat to Cadenabbia. Difficult to land at Menaggio, so rough! Tea at Cadenabbia. Shopped. Took fly to Menaggio. Boat 6.30 (1/2 hour late or more) to Varenna. Dinner, without changing. Sat in drawing-room. Alan talked to Netta Syrett.
Friday 6th June 1924
Very fine and hot.
Took lunch and wrote in open and to Menaggio, 12.15 boat. Took Victoria up till Laveno. Walked on. Very hot path. Ate lunch on grass. Sat under chestnut trees all p.m. Down to Menaggio at 4 and lemonade at café. Shopped. Coffee at another. Max sketched. I bought old Venetian bottle 50 lire. 6.30 boat back.
Saturday 7th June 1924
Very fine, warm.
Elsa’s birthday. Miss Gaddum to vettura place. All by 11.10 boat to Bellano. Lunch there. Very nice, slow. Wandered about in the town. Very picturesque. Coffee, lemonade. Boat home. Arrived 5.30 . Rested, washed clothes. Dinner. Sat in drawing-room till 9.50. To bed.
Memoranda:
Read “Great Waters” Vere Hutchinson
Cyrus sails for US 4th
Elsa’s birthday 7th
Wrote Alice 3rd (with Alan)
Wrote Dorothy Barnard 6th
Sunday 8th June 1924
Very fine. Hot. Thunder in evening.
Breakfast on verandah. Sat in garden. Alan away at 9.40. Max sketched. Lunch. All rested. Max whistled at 3! Out. Coffee at Milano. To Vezio. Very hot and tired. White shoes. Stormy damp heat. Back. Rested. Dinner on verandah, but thunder and lightning at end. Electric light broke. To bed 9.30.
Monday 9th June 1924
Perfect day.
At 9.50 all in trap to Esino. 2 hours walking horse uphill. Long military road. Lunch (students and bowls). Rosa Delle Alpi. Drove and walked down to Perledo. Wine and bread and butter there. Back to Hotel at 6. Rested, dined on terrace. To bed 9. Wrote Mrs Leggett.
Tuesday 10th June 1924
Perfect day.
Rolls and coffee in bedroom 7.30. All to boat 8.30 to Gravedona “Unione”. Sketched in Baptistry and saw Temple of Venus. Romaine – 5th century. Lunch at Hotel d’Italia. Rested on terrace. Walked in village. 3.40 boat home. No tea. Rested. Dinner outdoors.
Wednesday 11th June 1924
Dull. Mild.
Quiet a.m. Discussed Tante’s hat and mauve dress with Elsa. Tried on. Lunch 12. Boat to Menaggio. Ayrton’s drew £30 from Banca Lariana. Carriage to Cadenabbia. Antiquity shop. Savona Vases and my dish! Coffee there. Home. Rested. Washed. Dinner indoors. Rain. Hot bath.
Thursday 12th June 1924
Dull then better.
Coffee and rolls in bed 9 a.m. Max and I saw Miss Gaddum’s sketches in a.m. Elsa not well and very dull day, so quiet and lunched 12.30. Packed. Short note from E.P. Took 2.25 boat to Bellagio. To band and bookshop. Tea, strawberries. Drove to Saint Giovanni. Max sketched. Boat back. Dinner indoors. Thunderstorm. Talked to Salisbury Beresford. Nice.
Friday 13th June 1924
Dull, then lovely and hot.
Breakfast at Victoria Hotel. Wrote Cyrus. All by 11.45 train to Dervio. Lunch at Olievo Restaurant. Walked to Corenno. Lovely. Max sketched. Walked back. Lemonade at Dervio and 4.56 train to Varenna. Rested. Dinner at Victoria Hotel. Talked. To bed. Read.
Saturday 14th June 1924
Dull, then lovely.
Breakfast in room. Packed. Lunch 12. Paid bills. In launch to Menaggio at 1. Fiat car from there to Chiasso. Coffee and waited an hour. Through Customs. Train 4.50 or so to Bale (Switzerland) in train, 2nd class carriage; pretty good night (registered trunks thro’ from Chiasso to Victoria).
Memoranda:
Wrote Mrs Leggett – 9th
Wrote Alys – 8th
Wrote Cyrus – 13th
Sunday 15th June 1924
Very fine and warm.
Through Battlefields for hour or so. Through Belfort, Laon to Amiens. Got out suddenly, coffee and rolls at station 10.30. To Belfort Hotel. Washed. To see Cathedral. Lunch at Eau de France. Rested, no tea. Slept. Max out and sketched. Dinner at Hotel du L’Univers. Expensive and mediocre. To bed 9.20.
London
Monday 16th June 1924
Fine. Fog on sea. Warm.
Breakfast in room 8. Packed. 9.29 train to Boulogne. Axle broke, ½ hour late. On “Maid of Orleans”. Lunch with Max. On deck, sun tho’ foggy. Train to Victoria 2.15 to London. Tea at Victoria. Motor to Church Row and then I on home. Alys and Tony. Dennis in. Dorrie in. In car to Wembley in evening.
Tuesday 17th June 1924
Fine. Warm.
Dennis up early and out. Alys and I to shops. Lunch. Did unpacking and washed gloves. To shops with Alys in p.m. again. Tea. Sewed on verandah. Dressed and to Styer’s to dinner. Corbin from New Jersey there and Jaffe. Dennis and Alys called in car for me.
Wednesday 18th June 1924
Fine. Warm.
Did washing. To shops to buy Tony’s scooter. I to town and to Burrow’s Travel Bureau. Lunch at English Speaking Union. Looked in shops. Home by tube. Dolly Willis to tea and dinner. Dennis and Alys to Tennis Club Dance.
Thursday 19th June 1924
Fine and warm.
In car with Alys. On to Hampstead and at Belsize aIl tubed to Barnard’s. Lunch and tea there. Sat in garden all p.m. with Polly and then with Dorothy. Home 6.15. Put Tony to bed. Alys and Dennis to Rodeo with the Coxes. Dorrie in, and spent evening with me.
Friday 20th June 1924
Fine and warm.
To shops with Alys and Tony. Altered ostrich feather hat. To shops again in p.m. with Alys to buy strawberries. Dennis home 6.30. Dinner 7. Alys and Dennis played tennis in tournament till dark. I wrote Busy.
Saturday 21st June 1924
Alys up early and out with Dennis. I to shops alone. Dorrie in. Helen home from Hays. Alys tennis tournament. I met Ayrton’s and Emma Wetherbee and in car to British Empire Exhibition.
To Rodeo in Stadium. Alan and Alfred and Gywn – Rodeo too. Back to supper at Church Row. Alys and Dennis to Rowland’s. I home 9.45.
Memoranda:
Note and bill to E.P. – 17th
Poem from E.P. – 20th
77,000 at Rodeo, Stadium holds 125,000
Sunday 22nd June 1924
Very fine and hot.
Alys and Dennis out all day in car to Mrs Delmas-Ratcliffe’s, Maidstone. I tidied up cupboards. Sewed in garden. Helen to Rufus in p.m. I rested on verandah. Tea alone. Tony not up. Took Tony to Aunt Louie’s after tea. Helen back 6.30. She and I to flats after supper. To bed 10.30.
Monday 23rd June 1924
Lovely day. Perfect.
Alys in bed to breakfast. Tired. Helen out to see Dr Larkin and to lunch and not in till 7.30. Alys and I to shops. After lunch, I put away Tante’s fur-coat in Keating, and cleared boxes out. To Hampstead with Alys – library. Took 110 bus. Tea. Consultation on Rufus. Hopeless case. After supper in car to Meta’s and Harmar’s Home at 10.25. Lovely light evening.
Tuesday 24th June 1924
Lovely day. Warm.
Alys and I to driving license place and stores. Alys to meet Violet Grant. I to get Fellowship of the British Empire (tickets) 2.2.0. Lunch at Selfridge’s. Bought bag top. Home at 2.30. Washed things. Wrote E.P. all 4 of us in car to Exhibition and to Rodeo in evening 5/6 seats. Home 11.20.
Wednesday 25th June 1924
Hot. Fine.
Alys early out to Rose – servant. I ironed. Alys and Helen to school (Tony). I sewed with Tony on verandah. Lunch. Alys and I to 2.25 train, Euston to Chester (U.S. lady, Miss Thomason from Duluth). We dined at Grosvenor Hotel, good. 7/- each. On at 9.12 to Conway. To Castle Hotel. Slept there. Comfortable. Old fashioned.
Thursday 26th June 1924
Hot and fine.
Walked by Castle to station. 9.54 train to Llanfairfechan. Walked to Bryn y Neuadd. Talked to Head Attendant and Atkinson. Edward Barnard very bright. Sat and walked in grounds. Nice visit. Lunch in a “field”. Train 1.26 to Crew. Changed. Arrived Euston 7.30. Dinner at Canuto’s. Home on top of bus. To bed 10.
Friday 27th June 1924
Duller, mild.
Mrs Steel away. I to Prize-giving at Chalk Farm Schools (P.D.) with Ethel, Pamela and Doreen. Home to lunch. Alys to shops in p.m. Dorothie out, so I at home, with Tony. Read on verandah. Got tea in kitchen. Dennis home 6.30. After dinner, he and Alys to Rodeo and Helen and I washed up. Deedie called in evening.
King’s Langley
Saturday 28th June 1924
Fine on whole. Dullish.
Alys to shops, also Helen and Tony. I later to meet Alys. After lunch, Dennis home and he, Alys and I all to King’s Langley. Tennis at Kitty’s. Other Buchanan’s (no relation) there. And Allen’s. New pup – Batzinda. Tea. Supper. Tom Buchanan also to stay. Alys and Dennis away at 9. I stayed on.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. – 24th about poem
Sunday 29th June 1924
Fine. Windy.
Wandered in garden, and then to Cousin Mary’s. She out. Kitty and Katharine and Barbara to William Archer. Tom and I waited outside. Sat in garden after dinner. Early tea (ate strawberries in garden). All in car to High Wycombe to take Katharine back. Late to bed. Marking Barbara’s things.
Monday 30th June 1924
Fine. Cooler.
All of them off at 8.45. Barbara to school (Watford). 1st time. I in garden and read. I unwell. In p.m. I to tea at Cousin Mary’s. Mrs James Blaikley there. Kit and Edward called for me with Barbara. Quiet evening.
Tuesday 1st July 1924
Fine.
In car with Kate and Edward and Barbara to ‘bus. Back. Played some tennis. Lunch. Rested. Tea. To station. I off 5.26 to London. Home to dinner. Rufus very ill.
Wednesday 2nd July 1924
Changeable.
Off early to Committee Meeting and prize-giving at Northcourt (Swiss Cottage). On to lunch Elm Park Road. Peter Harrison there. All to tennis at Wimbledon. Lovely p.m. with Dorothy Barnard. Saw Miss McKane, Mrs Wightman, Woosnam, Borotra (Basque) Alonzos, Richards, U.S. Miss Williams? After dinner to Rufus’. Home in car and on Primrose Hill.
Thursday 3rd July 1924
Dull, some rain.
With E.M.M. and Doreen to school at Gospel Oak, Mansfield Road. Myopic and P.D. Home to lunch. Alys and Dorothie to Rodeo. Rained hard. Helen out. I got Tony up, and C.H.Wade to tea. Dorothy Barnard phoned not Chamonix! Alys back – very wet. Dolly Willis to supper. Took her to Waterloo after and Helen to Rufus. Home 10.30.
Friday 4th July 1924
Fine. Wet early. Fair and warm.
Alys’ 40th birthday. Gave her English Speaking Union membership. I to Kingsgate School (M.D.) E.M.M. gave prizes 10.45. Dancing and singing. Home to lunch. Alys and Dennis to Sherborne in p.m. I to town to talk to Ross about Holland. Coffee at English Speaking Union and read Atlantic Monthly there. Helen had Ena Wilson and Mr Wilson to tea. Helen out to see Rufus after dinner and not back till 10.20. I met her.
Saturday 5th July 1924
Showers. Fine on whole.
I to shops for housekeeping. Took care of Tony. Helen to Rufus. Took Tony on Heath. Helen back 1.40! Out again to Rufus in p.m. I sewed. Mr and Mrs Styer to tea with Tony and me. Sat on verandah. Helen again to Rufus in evening. I sat up for her. To bed 10.35.
Sunday 6th July 1924
Fine, very windy.
Helen to Rufus. I sewed jumper and crocheted cuffs. Tony good in garden. Lunch. Helen out again. Tony, after rest, to tea with Ena Wilson who called for him. I quietly alone. On verandah. Then washed petticoat and knickers. Helen not again in evening. To bed early.
Monday 7th July 1924
Fine on whole.
I to shops. Helen took Tony to school. I called for him. Lunch. Did needlework. Dorrie called and stayed to coffee. I took Tony to shops to buy his gun and wristwatch for 3 1/2d. Dennis and Alys not back till 1 a.m. on 8th. All breakfast together.
Tuesday 8th July 1924
Fine. Hot.
I to shops with Alys. She to Thew. I up to Dorrie’s and then to call for Tony. Alys lunch at Lab. I walked down with Helen. Alys back to tea. Sewed on verandah. Dennis back 8. All to Rufus. Alys taught me drive car down road On to Lab. Dennis did Rufus’ blood. Home via Rufus, at 10.30.
Wednesday 9th July 1924
Fine. Hot.
I took Tony to school. On to town. Bought coats at C&A. Met Dorothy Barnard at English Speaking Union. Lunch there. Together to Burrows’ – To Stewart’s (strawberries). To Fenwicks and Debenham’s with Dorothy. Home.
Thursday 10th July 1924
Hot and fine.
Alys out early with Dennis. Alys took Tony to school. I to shops. Alys to meet Sissie at new house. I washed my hair. C.H.Wade and Dorrie came. Helen washed hair too. After lunch, she to Rufus. I sewed. Alys rested. Took Helen to Rufus in evening and Dorothy, Alys and I on to Exhibition to Fireworks in Stadium. Home at midnight. Tired.
Friday 11th July 1924
Fine, very hot.
Alys and Dennis for early walk. Alys and I took Tony to school. On to town. To Evans’ for boat equipment. Blankets. To English Speaking Union for lunch. To shops on way home. Tea at home with Tony. Alys on cycle again to shops and then to dine in town with Dennis, who late.11.
Saturday 12th July 1924
Very hot and fine – 86 degrees.
With Alys, who on to meet Dennis at Lab and they to Philip’s school for weekend. I shopped. Home. Ironed. Lunch with Helen and Tony. She to Rufus. I with Tony. Hot walk to get strawberries. Began his bath. Quiet evening on verandah with Helen. To bed 10. Very hot night.
Memoranda:
Letter from E.P. 9th about West Chop.
Might hear from Busy this week or next.
Wrote Aunt Bella 5th
Wrote E.P. 11th
Sunday 13th July 1924
Very windy. Cooler. Fine.
Quiet day. Tony in garden all a.m. I sewed. Helen to Rufus. Lunch. Tony rested, and then to tea with Ena Wilson again. I sat on verandah. Tony, and then Helen back. Quiet evening indoors as cooler. To bed 9.45.
Monday 14th July 1924
Fine. Warm.
To shops, first taking Tony to school. Met Sissie, with her to 50 Erskine Hill. Home. Alys back. Lunch (Helen fetched Tony). Alys rested and then we to Rodborough Road to see rooms. Back to tea with Tony. Dinner. Dennis’ knee bad. Alys drove Helen and me to Rufus. To Blaikley’s and drove Grosvenor and Louis home at 10.
Tuesday 15th July 1924
Hot. Fine.
Alys drove Dennis to Lab. Then took Tony to school. Then Helen to Home. Shopped in Hampstead. I drove car a little and to Quantock House. Lunch. Helen out in town. I with Alys in car to Lab. To Bolton Street to see Club. I home. Alys to Thew and Dennis. I tea with Tony. Sat on verandah with him. Bathed him.
Wednesday 16th July 1924
Very hot.
Alys off early to drive. Dennis to town. I took Tony to school, and met Alys at shops. Home; out again with Alys and both to town. Lunch Chinese Restaurant. To shoe-shops, and to Club at Vicarage Gate to see rooms. I home by tube and tea with Tony and sat with him on verandah. Alys to Lab and home with Dennis.
Thursday 17th July 1924
Cooler. Rain in p.m.
I with Dennis and Alys to town in car and to see Miss Warren at 18 Langham Street about rooms. Home. Lunch. Did a lot of clearing out of big trunk, tearing up. Alys to town after lunch. I tea with Tony and with him after tea in drawing-room, and bathed him. Alys and Helen very wet. Dinner 8. Dennis did stoves after dinner.
Friday 18th July 1924
Fine. Cool windy.
Alys with Dennis in the car. I took Tony to school. Met Alys and Dorrie at shops. Home. Did more clearing out. Lunch. Alys to have hair washed, and to Compayne but back to tea. Dennis in 7.20 very cheerful. Tried camping beds.
Saturday 19th July 1924
Fine, warm.
Alys and Dennis off early in car to Lab and Poole. I settled dinners and to shops and then on to Gamage’s and English Speaking Union (ate own sandwich). To Chelsea, rested and tea with Polly and Dorothy in garden. Home. Tony with Meta to lunch and tea. Helen again to Rufus in evening. I learnt Dutch and read.
Memoranda:
Letter from E.P. from West Chop – 17th
Wrote Cyrus with address 6 Elm Park Road – 14th
Wrote E.P. 11th.
Sunday 20th July 1924
Fine and warm.
Sat on verandah in a.m. Tony playing with his “pond”. Helen back to lunch. Tony rested. I washed and ironed silk dress. Tony to tea with Ena Wilson. Miss Smythe and sister, Miss Hutchinson called. Helen back and sat on verandah till 9.30. To bed 10.30. Dennis and Alys home 11.20.
Monday 21st July 1924
Rain, then fine and hot.
Alys took Tony to school. I met her, shopped and home. Lunch. I alone to Exhibition at 3. Palace of Industry. Dairy. Coffee at Jamaica “Blue Mountain”. Chocolate at Trinidad, Tobago! Home on 83 by 7.40. With Dennis and Alys on car and Helen to Rufus. We to the Ayrton’s till 10.
Tuesday 22nd July 1924
Fine. Warm a.m. Hail and thunder p.m.
I to Sissie’s on cycle. Help measuring for curtains. With Alys to fetch Tony. Alys to Thew’s and Harmar’s in p.m. I with Tony. Great rainstorm and thunder. I to dine 7.30 with Ayrton’s to meet Mrs and Elizabeth Bruce from Kentucky. Friend of General Lee.
Wednesday 23rd July 1924
Fine. Warm.
I took Tony to school. On to Health Institute. Kingsgate Road. On to Wembley by Metropolitan Railway. Lunch there by self. Home via Marylebone and bought Designograph and fish cakes. Not out in evening.
Thursday 24th July 1924
Fine.
With Alys (took Tony) and on to Baker Street with Designograph. To Baths. I alone (swam to try silk bathing gown). Home to lunch. (Fetched Tony). Out to meet C.H.W. at Queen’s Hall. R.A.M Prize giving. Took her to tea at English Speaking Union. Home. Dinner. Dennis to Douglas Horley. Laughton’s in. Helen and I with Alys in car to London Bridge to meet Dennis. He to Victoria. Lights gave out. All home at 1 a.m.
Friday 25th July 1924
Fine. Cooler. Wet p.m.
Took Tony to school. With Alys to shops. Home. Got trunk down. Fetched Tony with Alys after lunch. Alys to Lab to meet Hewat and she and Dennis to dine with Dorrie. Later to meet Chas Simpson’s. I tea with Tony and music with him till 6.30. He to bed. Helen and I supper alone and early to bed. Alys and Dennis very late. To Lab after dinner.
Saturday 26th July 1924
Cool. Heavy rain and thunder 4.
Did some packing and with Alys, Helen and Tony to shops. I did house shopping. Alys and Dennis to Poole to boat, in car at 11.45. Helen took Tony to Rufus. Back lunch. Rested in p.m. Took Tony to Ethel Miles’ to tea. Home. Bathed him. Supper. Sewed, to bed 9.30. Helen tired.
Memoranda:
Good car stories of Mrs Bruce and Max about police.
Also General Lee and Mrs Bruce’s father “in bed with Angel Gabriel”.
Scotch story of Scotch man’s good very record but not allowed in Heaven. “Can’t upset Commissariat to make porridge for one Scotsman.”
Satan and golf course. Hell of it, not balls.
Sunday 27th July 1924
Fine on whole. Rain at 9.30.
I unwell. Tony in garden, fell before breakfast. Screamed. Got Dr Ensor. Put leg in splint. Helen to Rufus. I read to Tony. Helen back to lunch and in p.m. Tea. I out at 7 to Ayrton’s to supper, to meet Colonel and Mrs Stone. He was with Younghusband in Tibet. Alan Baumer there. Alys and Dennis back from Poole at 11.20 p.m.
Monday 28th July 1924
Wet day.
With Alys to shops. She to meet Philip 11.30. At 2 Hearst car to take Tony, Helen and Alys to Ted’s for x-ray. I with Phil all the afternoon. Alys back to tea. Tony’s leg badly broken! He to nursing home in Belsize. After tea, I to 6 Elm Park Road to stay with suitcase. Dorothy Barnard alone there.
Tuesday 29th July 1924
Fine, with heavy thunderstorm.
Breakfast with Dorothy Barnard. Then I to Golders Green. Met Alys. Home with her, and did things in my room. Dorothy Barnard to Sissie’s. Lunch at Aunt Louie’s. Lunch with Alys and Philip. To town with Alys. Evans’ and to Ross for tickets. Back to tea with Dorothy Barnard at 6 Elm Park Road and dinner. She to theatre with Sargent’s.
Wednesday 30th July 1924
Fine.
I to Victoria Station to get Tades’ ticket and seat to Brussels. Back. Lunch. Tades to see about Uncle Charlie all p.m. I rested. Dorothy too. Tea. Dorothy and I, Coles and played Badminton till 7.10. Mrs Falcon and Tades to supper.
Thursday 31st July 1924
Fine with showers.
Dorothy Barnard and Tades off at 8 a.m. Tades to Brussels. I to Golders Green. Met Alys and Eva at Scherf’s. To 47 Hampstead Way to lunch. Packing Alys in p.m. Kitbags. Alys and children to see Tony after tea. I to Barnes’. Dinner at 47 Hampstead Way. Alys and I to see Aunt Louie and Sissie at 9 p.m. I back to Chelsea at 10.30. Dorothy Barnard out but in at 11.
Friday 1st August 1924
Fine on whole. Showers.
I over to Alys’ shopping in Golders Green on the way. Helped to get things ready to leave. Lunch. At about 3.40 all off in car. Embleton’s to Poole to boat. I back to Chelsea. Tea with Dorothy Barnard. Rested after, on sofa. She to Coles’s. Supper and sewed in evening. To bed 10.30.
Saturday 2nd August 1924
Fine. Showery.
Quiet a.m. Wrote letters and to Tulley’s. To Boot’s with Dorothy. Rested in p.m. And to Badminton at Coles’s after tea. Showers which interrupted but great fun. Home to supper. I read comic poems to Doz.
Memoranda:
Wrote Ella – 2nd (6 weeks and 2 days had elapsed before she received my Italy letters).
Sunday 3rd August 1924
Fine a.m. Rain p.m.
In garden all a.m. with Dorothy Barnard. Gardening, sewing. Rested in p.m. Rain teatime. Mr and Mrs Coles arrived after tea. Walked back with them and played Badminton till 7.45. Home to supper. Mabel out. I read “Germany Today” aloud.
Monday 4th August 1924
Fine.
Trial suitcase packing, and in garden, and sewed in drawing-room. Rested 35 minutes after lunch. Out to tea at Coles’ and about 7 exciting sets of Badminton. Home in taxi. Mrs Falcon to supper.
Utrecht
Tuesday 5th August 1924
Fine. Windy.
Packed up, and walked to Susie’s. Back. Lunch. Rested a little. Tea. Supper at 6.30. At 7.15 in taxi with Dorothy Barnard to Liverpool Street Station. Train 8.30 to Harwich. In boat, St Denis, all night (11 – 6.20) to Hook of Holland. Calm sea.
Wednesday 6th August 1924
Fine.
Through Customs. Train to Utrecht. Arrived 10.30. To Hotel des Pays Bas. Lunch. Slept. Out and about. To Maliebaan and Nieuwe Gracht. Dined. To bed about 9. Good food and beds. Room 8 gulden (double bedded – 2 beds) for 2 (no meals included).
Thursday 7th August 1924
Greyish.
Breakfast 8.30. Out to see Domtoren (Dom Tower) and up it, 400 odd steps – great view. To Hotel and taxi to train 10.13 to Zwolle; changed at Kampen. Arrived 12.40. To Hotel de Moriaan. Lunch. Out, in and rested. Dinner with 3 Dutch men and 3 Dutch women. Out again in evening by canal
Friday 8th August 1924
Very fine.
Breakfast 8.45. Out. Back out by steam tram at 12.4 to Elburg. Lunch at Het Scheepje Hotel. Walked about and back by 3.41 tram. (Engaged rooms). Rested 50 minutes. Dinner alone. Out on quay. Lovely evening. Read Fombombo aloud. Dorothy sewed.
Saturday 9th August 1924
Lovely day.
Out at 9.30 to quay. Took steamboat at 10. (Directeur-Generaal Jonkheer von Geusau) to Island of Urk. Wonderful day there. Lunch (cold gebakte fisch). Lovely men and women in costume. Back at 4. Up river IJssel. Rested. Dinner 6 with Dutch teacher in military school – captain. Out over bridge. Lovely sunset. Had coffee and sirup in café. Place crowded – Kampen in evening.
Memoranda:
5th – Dorothy and I to Holland
Sunday 10th August 1924
Hot. Fine day.
Out on hired bicycles over bridge and rode in country, towards Genemuiden, IJsselmuiden and back (about 12 miles in all) at 1.30 for dinner. Rested in beds in p.m. Room hot. Wrote some postcards. Supper 6.30. Captain Koorevaar took us to hear band in gardens 7.45 – 10. Crowds.
Monday 11th August 1924
Fine, warm.
Out to watch market, people and to Stadhuis. At 12 away in stoomtram to Elburg. Arrived 1.10. Rooms not ready. Had lunch and out lay on dyke by harbour. Dorothy Barnard’s cold very bad. Supper 7 (late). Sat outside and I read Fombombo aloud. Dorothy woolwork.
Tuesday 12th August 1924
Fineish. Rain night.
Walked to Zee and sat in two bee-hive chairs, read and sewed. Back to lunch 12.30. Rested in p.m. Walked out in country and sat in field, past the Remise. Sat in garden and wrote to Hotels in Amsterdam. Read and worked upstairs, candlelight. Smells bad in gutters.
Wednesday 13th August 1924
Very fine.
To Bad-huis and both had lovely bathe, (in spite of colds). Back to lunch 12.15. By 1.11 tram to Nunspeet. Wandered about there. Lemon squash and coffee at Ittmann Hotel. Back 5.35 tram to Elburg. Sat in garden, and out to see sunset. Lovely. Wrote Kitty.
Thursday 14th August 1924
Fine, lovely.
Along to “beach”. Sat, read and worked in bee chairs. Back to lunch. Out to Post Office. Dorothy Barnard posted washing home. Wrote E.P. Doz rested. At 4 both to Badhuis and bathed. Water 72 degrees Farenheit! Back. Sat in garden – supper. To underground passage 1580, very interesting. Old guns. Walked round village. Read. To bed 10.
Friday 15th August 1924
Rain then perfect.
Out about village, and to sea. Over Museum, tortures – rack, thumbscrews. Into Kerk 1392! Very high roof. No altar or font. Lunch. On to “beach”. Back. Rested 40 minutes. Walked to Doornspijk (about 2 miles) by Avenue. Lemonade at Café. Tram back, home 6.15. Supper very late, about 7.20. Out again, and read aloud in bedroom.
Saturday 16th August 1924
Fine.
Late to breakfast. Father of girls and Adolf arrived. Birthday (40) of Mevrouw (Mrs). For country walk. Then bathed. Lovely. After big dinner – 1.30, we off by tram at 3 to Zwolle. Coffee at ‘t Heerenlogement Hotel. Then to Keizerskroon. Dinner. Walked up Dieser Street. Home to bed.
Memoranda:
Wrote Kit – 13th
Wrote E.P. – 14th
Fombombo – by Stribling
Sunday 17th August 1924
Fine. Showers.
Out in a.m. By Grachts and Gardens. Lunch 12.30. Rested in p.m. Out by canals, seeing large barges and steamers for Zuyderzee. Dinner 7. Read aloud. Rainy. To bed early.
Amsterdam
Monday 18th August 1924
Rain. Squalls.
Pouring, so not by steamer, but train 10.45 to Amsterdam. Walked to Krasnapolski Hotel. Lunch. To Cook’s. Then in motor-boat round canals and out into River Ij Docks. Back. Coffee. Rested. Dinner. Watched dancing.
Tuesday 19th August 1924
Fine. Showers.
Out to Western Kerk and Rijks Museum (Rembrandt’s) UP tower of Western Church, after cheap lunch at Insulindestraat. To De Nieuwe Kerk, down Kalverstraat. No tea. Back, rested across bed. Packed. Out Dinner 6.30. To station, walked. Took 8.30 train to Hook. On board and off at 11.30. Good night 1st class cabin to ourselves.
London
Wednesday 20th August 1924
Fine. Cold.
Breakfast 5.30. At 6.30 off to Harwich – Liverpool Street 8. Taxi to 6 Elm Park Road. Unpacked. Lunch. Slept. Quiet evening. Fire. Wrote Alys.
Winterton, Norfolk
Thursday 21st August 1924
Fine.
Packed in a.m. and in garden. Unwell. Dorothy Barnard out. At 12.30. taxi to Liverpool Street. Hurry. 1 o’clock train to Yarmouth, Norfolk. Lunch on train. 1st class. Met 4.22 by Mr Leggett and Molly. Motor to Winterton – 9 miles. The Hall. Both Mrs Leggett’s. Mother and wife there. Lovely walk after tea on dunes. Dinner, card games. 31 in evening. To bed 10.
Memoranda:
Letter from Edith Bache – 22nd or 23rd
To Leggetts – 21st to 27th August
20th return from Holland
Wrote E.P. 20th from Amsterdam
10% service charged at Krasnapolski.
Friday 22nd August 1924
Fine. Thunder in p.m.
Breakfast 9. Wrote Dorothy Barnard. Out on sands with H.A.L. and dug by sea. Molly and Mademoiselle too. Molly bathed. Lunch 1.15. All rested in bedrooms. Tea 4.30. Up to The HIll House. Marked tennis court, and played a little with H.A.L. and Mademoiselle (and Molly). Dinner 7.30. Read all evening. To bed 10.15.
Saturday 23rd August 1924
Fine. Thunder p.m. Showery.
All on beach (not Mrs L. Jr). Molly bathed. We dug. Lunch. All rested. Tea t 4. Mr Greenhow to tea and tennis after at HIll House. Fun. Lots of good sets. Dinner 7.30. Read in evening “Fishpingle”. Vachell and watched H.A.L. do patiences. “Chinaman”.
Sunday 24th August 1924
Showery. Cool.
Wrote to Amy about Violet’s death and to Sandeman’s about Norah’s. To Church with Mrs Leggett Senior and Junior. Mademoiselle and Molly on beach. Rested in p.m. Slept hard. For a walk after tea with Mr and Mrs Leggett. Muddy. Pretty. To Church 6.30 with Mr and Mrs and Mrs Leggett. Supper 8. Read and patience. To bed 10.30.
Monday 25th August 1924
Cold.
On sands (not Mrs Leggett Junior). I bathed with Mademoiselle and Molly. Dug. Lunch and rest. Tea. All up to Hill House and had good tennis with Mr Greenhow. Home to dinner and and read and patience games. Mrs Leggett played too.
Tuesday 26th August 1924
Dull.
Wrote Dorothy Barnard on sands. First to Boffin’s for cards. Low tide. Dug, with Molly, and bathed. Mrs Robertson too, and Nurse Courr. Lunch and rest till tea. After tea, Badminton in Hall garden; Mr Greenhow too. Dinner. Read “Fishpingle”. Patience. To bed 10.30.
Wednesday 27th August 1924
Fine. Thunder. Fine.
Lovely a.m. To sands. Dug in dunes. Rain and thunders, so in Wendy hut. Home. Lunch. Rest. Fine, so after tea up to Hill House and played 3 setts tennis. Mr Greehow too. Dinner. Bloaters, beef steak pud, pears.
Thursday 28th August 1924
Lovely a.m.
To Goffin’s with Molly. To sands. Dug and bathed (3rd here). Home. Rested. Finished “Fishpingle”. Tea. All up to Hill house. Mrs Robertson showed us her poster paintings of France and Egypt. We played tennis, with Mr Greenhow. Back late to dinner. Flounders, chops, pear. I played patience. Began Blackgang.
Friday 29th August 1924
Rain till 4.
Wet. To post with Mademoiselle and bought cards. To Hill House with H.A.L. and back in rain. Ping-pong in dining-room. Lunch. Rested. Read Black Gang (Bulldog Drummond). After tea, played cricket in garden. Sat and worked till nearly 7. Dinner. Read patience. Settled to say “Kate” and “Marjorie”.
Saturday 30th August 1924
Pouring rain.
Sat and crocheted hat. Out at 11.30 with H.A.L. to Hill House and then bathed (4th) with Mrs Bessie Robertson. Alec and H. talking on sands. Lunch. Rested, read, slept. After tea, played Badminton in garden with Mr Greenhow. Dinner, rabbit pie. Read and patience with Marjorie.
Memoranda:
Bessie Robertson (nee McCrory – cousin of Almroth Wright)
Wrote Alys – 25th
Wrote Ella – 22nd
Postcard to Ella – 29th
Wrote Doz – 26th
Sunday 31st August 1924
Hot. Changeable. Showery.
Wrote. To Church with Mrs Leggett and Marjorie. Up to Hill House. Quite hot. Others had bathed. Home. Lunch. Rest. Tea. Hot and steamy. So sat in garden and talked. Some thunder so in. To Church. Master of the Temple preached. Supper. Read. To bed.
Monday 1st September 1924
Showers. Cooler. Grey.
To ping-pong with Molly. To Beach. Dug. Majorie paddled. We bathed (5th here). Walked home with Marjorie and talked about Mother, prayers. Lunch. Rest. Up to Hill House for tennis. Greenhow’s to dinner. Mrs Robertson came and showed Shackleton pictures; interesting talk.
Tuesday 2nd September 1924
Dull. Cool.
Breakfast 8.30 and early to beach, but no good for tide. Lovely bathe with Mrs Robertson. Rough. Lunch. Packed. Rest. Tea. Up to Hill House and played tennis. Mademoiselle Traxler and I versus H.A.L. Windy. Back after seeing Pasteur pictures by Mrs Robertson. Dinner. Read and played patience.
London
Wednesday 3rd September 1924
Dull. Dark.
Packed. Down village and said goodbye to H.A.L. Molly and Mademoiselle. 11. Waited for motor which didn’t come. So ordered one from Caister, missed train. Mrs L. & M. in with me, and I caught 12.50 from Vauxhall, Yarmouth. Sandwich lunch. Tea on train. Liverpool Street 5.19. Tube to Golders Green. To 17 Meadway. Dinner. Round to 47 and back to Meadway to sleep. Wrote Marjorie.
Thursday 4th September 1924
Showery and dark.
Breakfast 8.30. To 47 Hampstead Way and then to shops. In to Moir’s (met Nelly). Had my lunch in my room; rested and slept. “tea” in room. Out to Belsize Grove (4) to see Helen, Tony and sat with Belsize too a while. Back to dinner. Talked to Mrs McAlery, Mr Kelly, Miss Grainger.
Friday 5th September 1924
Stormy. Hot. Dark.
To 47 Hampstead Way and to shops. Back; read and rested. First at 9.40 to Sissie’s. To shops after. Lunch in my room. Rested, slept. Tea. Then to Aunt Louie’s. Sat talking, Maud, Pauline there. Dinner. Alone to Everyman Theatre to see “The Man of Destiny and How he Lied to her Husband” – Bernard Shaw. 5/9 seat.
Saturday 6th September 1924
Fine on whole – dully mostly.
To 47 Hampstead Way. Then on 83 bus to Exhibition and all a.m. in Palace of Arts. Lunch outside. At 2 coffee in Jamaica. 2.45 Zeebrugge. Very good. Sat about and in and out. New Zealand for apples – Ross Nonpareils. Home by 83. Dressed. Dinner.
Memoranda:
Room £3.18.6 a week with breakfast and dinner only.
Wrote Edith Bache 2nd
Letter to E.P. with cards 1st for his birthday. To Raquet.
Sunday 7th September 1924
Showery.
Breakfast in bed at 9. Bath, to St Jude’s 10.30 till 12.45!!!! Dinner 1. Rested, read “Du côté Le Chez Swann”, Marcel Proust. At 4.30 tea with Sissie 50 Erskine Hill. Stayed till 7.30. Supper at Meadway, Miss Coombs Senior there. Round to 47 Hampstead Way in evening in rain for clean clothes.
Monday 8th September 1924
Fine. Windy.
To Hampstead Way. Letter from E.P. On to Kingsgate Road and at all a.m. looking over files. Lunch at Bridge Café. Train to Piccadilly. To English Speaking Union. Read Literary Digest. To Nell Simes’ to tea 4. Away 5.20. To 47 Hampstead Way and washed clothes. 6.30 Embleton’s arrived from Lancaster. Back to dinner at Meadway and back to Alys’ after till 9.30.
Tuesday 9th September 1924
Changeable. Windy. Thunder.
Round to Alys; with her to shops. Back to Meadway for my lunch. Rested at 3.15. To Victoria to meet Tades from Brussels. She 75 minutes late. Arrived at 5.45. Taxi to 6 Elm Park Road. Mrs Cole got us supper; eggs. Talked and to bed 9.20. I slept in drawing-room on sofa.
Wednesday 10th September 1924
Fine day.
Got breakfast for both. Mrs Cole out at 6 a.m. Did shopping for Tades’ lunch. Out to Golders Green. Wrote Dorothy Barnard and got things. To Shoolbred’s 1.30. Met Nell Sime, gave her lunch; together to Sarijaarvi’s Spiritualistic Science – 3 till 5.15. To Kardomah and back to 6 Elm Park Road. Tades back from seeing C.F. Supper, talked., to bed 9.30.
Thursday 11th September 1924
Showers.
Got breakfast for Tades and self. Taxi at 9 to Paddington. Saw Tades off to Broadway. To 47 Hampstead Way and to 17 Meadway. Called at Aunt Louie’s. Wrote letters at Meadway. Lunch in room, rested. To Alys’ for tea. Kitty and Barbara called. Helen and Tony there. Back to dinner at Meadway and to 47 again in evening. Lucy Brewtnall and Laurie there.
Friday 12th September 1924
Showers. Dull.
After breakfast, to 47. Tried to help Alys, who sore throat, with packing. To shops with her and taxi back. Stayed to lunch; at 3.50 Embleton’s off in car to Poole for week-end. I had tea with Helen and Tony. Then to Meadway. Sewed and read: dinner. To Sissie’s after til 9.15. Home to Meadway.
Saturday 13th September 1924
Dull.
45th birthday. To pay books for Alys. To 47 Hampstead Way. Saw Helen; sat with Tony. To Meadway at 12. Aunt Louie and Maud came. Had my lunch 1. Rested. To 8 Abingdon Court to tea with Leggett’s. Mademoiselle Traxler and Major Bell there. Old Maid and Race game. Home. Dinner. Sat and talked to Miss Grainger and Mrs McAlery till 9.15.
Memoranda:
Letter from E.P. – 8th.
Letter from E.P. – 13th
Paid £3.18.6 for week to September 10th – 17 Meadway
Wrote Polly
Wrote Ella
Wrote Tades – 14th Sunday
Sunday 14th September 1924
Lovely day. Warm.
Breakfast in bed. Out to feed squirrels. Met Sissie and to Free Church. Major Scott preached. With Sissie, then back to dinner 1. Rested. Tea at Meadway. In to Aunt Louie’s. Pauline with me to Meadway. Wrote letters till 8. Supper. Talked and to bed. Wrote E.P.
Monday 15th September 1924
Dull, some sun.
Round to 47 Hampstead Way. To shops and back there. To Meadway. Took hat crochet and book out and sat. Back for lunch at Meadway. Read till 2.30. To 47 again and with Tony for tea. On verandah. Embleton’s back from Poole at 7.30. Round to Meadway in car. Dinner. Upstairs and wrote Aunt Bella. To bed 10.
Tuesday 16th September 1924
Dull. Rain in evening.
Out all a.m. Visiting for Care Committee work. Back at 12.30 to Meadway. Lunch and rested. At 3.30 all Embleton’s in car took me to Wembley – Amusement Park, Government Building. Supper at 7. Tattoo and Torchlight in Stadium in rain til 10.15. Home in car.
Wednesday 17th September 1924
Dullish.
Round to 47 and to shops, with Alys. Back to lunch, and rest at Meadway. To tea at 47. Phil’s birthday cake. Back to dinner Meadway. Miss Emily Stones there. Talked to her all evening.
Thursday 18th September 1924
Lovely day. Warm.
To shop with Alys. Back and then to see Rufus at 12 till 1.30. Lunch at Pritchard’s. To 47 Hampstead Way. Marked things for Phil. Alys packing his box. Had tea there. Helen out. back to dinner at Meadway. To 47 again at 9. All in car to Harmar’s to take wireless, except Eva and me. Stayed till 10.45.
Friday 19th September 1924
Fine.
To shops, and then to 47. To shops again with Alys. Back to lunch. Karl to Alys. Round to 47, they all to meet me. Eva and I by train to Victoria. Dennis, Alys and Phil with box and cycle on car. Saw Phil off at 4.30 to school. Met Dolly. Tea at Gorringe’s. Home. Dolly supper at Alys’. I to Meadway. Saw Miss Stones’ sketches after dinner.
Saturday 20th September 1924
Showers.
To Alys’. To shops with her and on to Selfridge’s alone. Got energen bread for Rufus. To Scotland Yard. To English Speaking Union. Lunch there 6d. Read. Back to 47. Tony’s 6 year birthday party. Meta and Ena Wilson and Miss Stones to tea. Candles, cake. I back to dinner and round again to 47. Read aloud to Alys. Helen and Eva. Home at 10.15. Dennis on Friday to boat with Van, Stevens for weekend. Bardsley, McAlery, Chipperfield, Kelly, Grainger.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. – 15th
Wrote Aunt Bella – 15th
Wrote Doz – 19th
E.P.’s 68th birthday – 16th
Sunday 21st September 1924
Fine. Rain in evening.
Summer time end.
Unwell. Round to Alys’. Sat there and then all walked with Tony in pram on heath. Met Lucy Brewtnall. Dinner 1 at Meadway. Rested. Tea there too (Alys round with my washing). Out to supper at Ayrton’s and back in rain at 10.
Monday 22nd September 1924
Fine. Showery later.
Up to Elsa’s with umbrella that she lent me. Walked to Finchley Road with them. Back and to 47. Washed stockings. With Tony, Alys and Eva to town. Back and lunch at Meadway. At 2.45 to Gospel Oak to Mansfield Road Special Schools. Visit as “Manager”. To tea at 47. Alys and Eva in too. Sewed on verandah. Dinner at Meadway. To 47 again. Dennis back. Darned. Home at 10.
Tuesday 23rd September 1924
Showery, fine intervals.
To Alys. To town with Dennis in car, and all a.m. in Scotland Yard for lost keys. Back to lunch at Meadway. Eva and Helen to Exhibition all p.m. I with Alys. She to shops. I sewed. Eva’s clothes all p.m. On verandah too. Back to dinner, talked to Miss Stones in evening. Miss Coombs to Holland.
Wednesday 24th September 1924
Fine. Cool.
To Alys, and Alys and Eva to shops. I with Tony then to lunch at Miles’ 26 Compayne Gardens. 1 with Josephine to Netherwood Street Schools. To Medical Inspection 2 until 4. Alone. Dr Balmer and nurse. To tea with Alys and Eva and Tony. Back to dinner at Meadway. Alys, Denis and Eva came round in evening.
Thursday 25th September 1924
Rainy (very).
To Alys. She and Eva to shops. I with Tony also, and pram and met the. All back to lunch. Read to Eva! At 2 Dennis with car and he and I with Eva to Waterloo. She to Sherborne by 3.4 train. Back to 47. Alys to Mrs Styer’s to tea. I with Tony. Mrs Steele and Dennis to Exhibition. Tony and I weeded garden. I stayed supper. Dennis late.
Friday 26th September 1924
Very wet. Again to fetch partridges. Back to lunch Meadway. Rested. To 47 at 3.30. Miss Stones to tea there with Tony and me. Alys and Dennis to Poole on car at 4.30. I with Tony, and bathed him; Helen in 6.45. I to Meadway for dinner. Talked Miss Stones.
Saturday 27th September 1924
Fine.
To Police Station and then to 47. With Tony and Helen to shops; home with Tony and pram, via Dorrie’s. To lunch Meadway. Rested. To tea at Elsa’s. Sir Edward and Lady Busk and Josephine and Pamela and Mr Burnand (Zeebrugge) and girl Carter. Nice. Bought Elsa’s French hat. Paid 5/6. Home to Meadway, dined and talked in evening.
Memoranda:
Lunch at 26 Compayne Gardens. Medical Inspection 24th. Netherwood Street.
Tea at Elsa’s 4 – 27th
Pay Elsa 4/6 or 5/- more later.
Sunday 28th September 1924
Fine all day. Fog in a.m. early.
Breakfast in bed. Round to look after Tony at 10.30 – 12.20. Back to Meadway for dinner 1. Rested all p.m. Tea 4. Out and called on Sissie and then on Miss Chadwick and then Moir’s till 7.10. Back to supper Meadway. Talked to Mrs Chipperfield Kelly in evening (Rose O’Neill the Kewpie inventor like me).
Monday 29th September 1924
Fine all day.
To shops and 47. Touched up barbola things, and with Tony till 1. Lunch at Meadway. Rested. Read Couperus “Old People”. To tea with Tony. Took him in pram to Meadway. Sissie came to call on me there. Miss Stones. Home with Tony and bathed him. Alys and Dennis back from Poole at 7. I to Meadway to dinner. Fetched Helen later and took her back.
Tuesday 30th September 1924
Showery. Much rain later.
Out with Miss Stones to Miss Chadwick’s to show her my work and enrol in Distaff Guild. To Wood, then to Alys! To shops. Alys and Tony there. Back in rain, and back to Meadway to lunch. Packed; to Alys’ at 3.30. Tea there with Alys and Tony. Sat with them. Dennis back 6.30. He took me to Meadway and brought my trunk back. I dined Meadway. Talked all evening to Stones, Kelly and McAlery.
Wednesday 1st October 1924
Fineish.
Packed up, and early to 47 Hampstead Way. At 10.30 Meeting at North Court School (Managers). Back with Ethel to 26 Compayne. Then to meet Kitty and Handy at Debenhams. Lunch at Court Restaurant with them and to Globe Theatre “Our Betters” Somerset Maugham. Good. Constance Collier. Margaret Bannerman. Home to 47. Unpacked trunk. Dinner.
Thursday 2nd October 1924
Dull, then some sun.
All a.m. writing advert to Times’, Smith’s. Then out (Alys and Tony) to town. Cardinal and Harford, Scala. Lunch with Marjorie Leggett. Met Alys at Gamage’s. To Selfridge’. Bought 2 tables – 4/3 each. Back to tea 5. Read “Peeps at History” – Japan Samurai. After dinner, Dennis and Alys to Cutmore’s with wireless. Helen and I to bed 10.20.
Friday 3rd October 1924
Dull.
Out with Tony and Alys. Did various dress-altering jobs. Tante’s blue jersey dress. Lunch. Dolly came to tea, also Robert Bramwell to play with Tony. Dolly stayed supper. Brought sweet peas! Talked and knitted in evening.
Saturday 4th October 1924
Dull.
Out to town. Bought expanding suitcase at Selfridge’s. To Army and Navy for Alys’ watch. To lunch with Polly and Dorothy at Chelsea. Home to tea; with Alys. To Sissie’s. Brought Nelly back in car. Dobbinson to dinner. Laughton’s and Yvonne de Vilmar after. To bed 11.45.
Memoranda:
30th – to 124 Hampstead Way, Chadwick.
10.30 a.m. Northcourt October 1st
p.m. Theatre – Buchanan 1st
1.30. Leggett’s lunch 2nd.
4th – 6 Elm Park Road to lunch
Paid Alys £2.5.0 for this week.
Sunday 5th October 1924
Dull.
Wrote E.P. Otto and Mabel called. Dennis did radio. Quiet p.m. Out to see flats with Alys. Helen took Tony to Rufus. Wireless in evening. Listened in. Sermon, music. Very good. Read Couperus.
Monday 6th October 1924
Dull. Terrible rain in evening.
Helen took Tony to school. 1st time this term. To shops with Alys. After lunch to Euston with Helen. To Chalk Farm. P.D. School. Miss Enright, Mrs Brown. To see Rufus, on way back. Home to tea at 5.10. To dinner at Loosebegger? All 4 of us to “Love and Sacrifice” at Scala. Home in car.
Tuesday 7th October 1924
Fine then rain later.
I took Tony to school. Met Alys at shops. To Hampstead and bought jumper. Alys out to lunch for the goose. I washed my hair at 3. Friede Slater in. Alys brought Mrs Smith and Roy to tea. I did some Barbola. Quiet evening reading “Old People and the Things That Pass”.
Wednesday 8th October 1924
Rain.
I took Tony and Harold to school. Met Alys and to shops. Did Barbola. To fetch boys. With Alys to lunch at 26 Compayne. Lady Cochrane, Mrs Barry (arctic conversations), Mrs Nicholls? Home. Robert to tea with Tony. Alys and Dennis to Souttar’s to dinner. Helen out to friends after dinner. I wrote letters.
Thursday 9th October 1924
Fine, showers later.
Mrs Nixon took Tony to school. I with Alys and Helen to shops. They to nursing homes and Alys lunch at 6 Elm Park Road. I barbola a.m. and p.m. Lunch alone with Tony. Wade to tea. Alys back to tea. Tony tea with Harold. Dorothie failed in exam! Dobbinson accident. Helen to Westminster Hospital. She and I dinner alone. Alys and Dennis to Thompson’s in evening. Helen out again to Dobbinson’s rooms.
Friday 10th October 1924
Fine. Lovely.
Helen took boys to school. Alys and I to shops and to Hampstead. Library and over Burgh House. Walked back calling for boys. Helen out to lunch with Withall. Alys slept in p.m. I did barbola all p.m. and evening, till 7.15. Dennis back with fish and cockles from Wills. Read in evening.
Saturday 11th October 1924
Dull, damp. Mild.
Alys not feeling well, but to shops and I with her. She lay down, and I barbola and Tony in my room, painting. To Badminton. Met Dennis there. Tea. Back via Harmar’s and Nursing home; fetched Helen. Wireless, Rooster’s and cowboys. Alys and Helen both felt ill. Helen no dinner but to bed.
Memoranda:
Paid Alys £2.10.0 till 15th.
Letter from E.P. 9th. Wrote him 10th.
Wrote P. Lanford 8th.
Wrote Sissie – 8th.
Sunday 12th October 1924
Very fine and sunny and warm.
Alys sick and in bed. I took Tony out in wood. Did barbola in p.m. Dennis drove Helen and Tony up to Rufus and Tony back. Tea. Dennis did bricks. Alys got up to tea. Listened in all evening. Service, concert, and stayed up till midnight for Pittsburgh. No use.
Monday 13th October 1924
Very warm and fine.
With Alys to shops and Army and Navy and Selfridge’s. Fetched Tony. Helen out to lunch. Rufus moved to Wimpole Street. Home. Did barbola. Alys rested, Dorrie on verandah to tea. Dennis brought Van Burgh back to dinner. Listened in to MacDonald’s speech at Glasgow 1 hour till 8.45. To bed 11 Alys to bed earlier.
Tuesday 14th October 1924
Warm. Fine.
Kept Alys in bed all day. Helen took boys to school. I to shops and then worked, washing. Lunch alone with Tony. I worked all p.m. Miss Stones to tea. Alys in bed. Dennis in 8.15. I gave Tony his bath. Helen in 7.35. Listened in and hot bath 9.30.
Wednesday 15th October 1924
Dull. Mild.
Alys in bed, dazzles. I to shops. Mrs Nixon took boys. Did work all day. Polly and Dorothy Barnard to tea. Alys in bed all day. Tony with Harold’s after tea. I to Moir’s with grapes. Dinner 8. Listened in. Helen very tired. I to bed 10. Dennis 9.
Thursday 16th October 1924
Dull.
Took boys to school and on to shops. Sewed blue shot dress in Alys’ room. Gave Tony lunch, after fetching him. Two wires re Galli-Curci! Alys in bed till 4.30. I to Care Committee Meeting 2.30. Netherwood Street. Gave Tony his bath – 5th time running. Alys up in evening. Listened to Baldwin’s speech on wireless.
Friday 17th October 1924
Alys up, and to shops. “Harold Darling” (Nixon) to play with Tony after tea.
Saturday 18th October 1924
Dull.
I unwell. To shops with Alys. Did some barbola. Lunch. l then to Badminton, with Alys. Dennis came there. Fun, but very few. Tea. To Lab. Changed (Dennis). Dined at Chinese Restaurant, Piccadilly; to Drury Lane to see Douglas Fairbanks in “Thief of Bagdad”. Good. Home. Helen with Bridger’s, dine and evening.
Memoranda:
16th Care Committee
19th Galli-Curci.
To Elsa’s to supper.
15th Dutch lesson?
Bought underbed wardrobe for Sissie 45/-
Alys gave Mrs Steele notice 13th
Car to be painted 12th
Sunday 19th October 1924
Rain. Muggy.
Wrote Ella. Tried on dresses. Alys did photos in album, Dennis boiled bricks. Helen out all day. Tony too, with Ena Wilson. Read aloud “Three Hostages” to Alys and Dennis upstairs. I to supper at Ayrton’s. Alan and Mrs MacReay there; jolly evening. Home at 10.15.
Monday 20th October 1924
Dull, mild.
To shops with Alys and Dennis. Alys and I on to choose evening frocks, Lafayette’s. Dickens and Jones, and hats at Harries! Lunch Chinese Restaurant – bad – Oxford Street. Alys home to Tony. I to 29 Wimpole Street to see Rufus. Stayed an hour. Home. Bathed Tony. Alys and Dennis out to dinner at Laughton’s to meet Staples. Helen with Dobbinson.
Tuesday 21st October 1924
Rain.
I took Tony to school. Met Alys at shops. To Louie Grosvenor’s – inquire after Norah. Home. Alys fetched Tony. I barbola’d. Lunch. Alys slept. I wrote Eva. Worked in drawing-room after tea. Dennis out at medical meeting. Read in evening. To bed 10.30.
Wednesday 22nd October 1924
Cold, windy.
To shops with Alys. Both on and to North Court Hospital School P.D. Back to lunch. Alys rested. I did Barbola. Dolly Willis to tea and supper. Sewed. Talked. Dennis in at 9.30 and had dinner in drawing-room. Miss Roland engaged.
Thursday 23rd October 1924
Very cold. Fine.
Helen took Tony to school. Alys and I to shops. Did barbola and then to fetch Tony. Alys to Lab and to see Rufus. I worked all p.m. Tea with Tony, and then with him and books. And put him to bed. Helen in at 7.15. Alys and Dennis together at 8.10. Supper. To bed.
Friday 24th October 1924
Cold. Frosty. Fine.
Barbola, then to M.D. School Kingsgate Road, saw Miss Harvey. To sub-Committee with Eden and Parsons. Called on Sillence. To town. Lunch at A.B.C. (7d with tip!). Walked down Bond Street. To tea with Miss Stones at Halcyon Club, Cork Street. Home. Tired. Read 3 Hostages. Buchan. Wireless. Dennis out to Medical Dinner.
Saturday 25th October 1924
Dull, damp.
Barbola all a.m. Alys out with Tony. Lunch; dressed. Over to Kensington. Badminton. Dennis came late, and had knee bad. Tea. Fun. Home by 28 bus. Helen out with Bridger’s all evening. Alys put Tony to bed. Listened in, and to bed 11.15.
Memoranda:
Health Institute 11 a.m. 24th Eden
To Miss Stone’s to tea. Halycon 3.30.
Wrote E.P. – 20th Selfridge’s.
Sunday 26th October 1924
Rain. Dark.
Walked with Helen to station at 11 and round by flats. Did barbola. Dennis and Alys busy with new wireless all day. Rested in drawing-room, reading “Three Hostages”. K. and Dobbie Thomson to tea. Music. Quiet evening, wireless and reading.
Monday 27th October 1924
Fine. Warm.
Out to Kilburn. H. and I. talk. Mr Eden and looked up cases. Called on Mrs Sillence and Mrs Couson. Home to lunch. Worked all p.m. Barbola. Rufus had blood infusion from Meta in a.m. Dennis busy with wireless in evening. Helen put Tony to bed!! In at 6.15.
Tuesday 28th October 1924
Warm, fine, some showers.
I took Tony to school; walked Hampstead. Tube to Knightsbridge. Bought things Mealand’s. To C.H. Wade’s. To Academy. Talked in road to her. Home to lunch, fetching Tony. Aberdeen terrier too! Barbola and wrote E.P. Helen home early. Dennis did wireless evening. Polling Day.
Wednesday 29th October 1924
Dull, showers. Mild.
Over to Chelsea and with Polly and Dolly and Magdalen in car to Burnham Beeches. Walked in woods and ate lunch there outdoors. Tea at The Stag Hotel, East Burnham, Slough. Walked to Burnham Beeches station 2 miles or so and 4.49 train back. Home to dinner. Helen home early-ish. Dennis out till 11. Polly results on wireless till 12 or 1.
Results: Conservative majority 200 (and over). Great landslide.
Thursday 30th October 1924
Mild. Showery. Thunder.
Rufus operated on by Bill Williams 8.30. Dennis and Helen out at 9.30. I took Tony to school. Barbola. Met both boys. Alys out with Mrs Renton all p.m. Helen home to lunch and tea. I did barbola all p.m. Harold in after tea. Helen to Rufus at 5 and back with Alys and Dennis at 8.20. I bathed Tony. Read and listened in to Dartmoor story. Dennis did wireless. To bed 11.40.
Friday 31st October 1924
Dull. Mild.
Alys to shops. I washed things. Met Alys at shops and to Hampshire Library. Mrs Krohn to lunch. Helen to Rufus. Rufus died at 2.30. I to County Hall to L.C.C. (me: London Care Committee) Meeting of Managers. Tea at English Speaking Union late. Sad evening with Helen. Dennis doing wireless.
Saturday 1st November 1924
Heavy rain in p.m.
Alys and Helen to town for mourning and mortuary. I took Tony to shops. Margaret Archibald to lunch and tea and dinner. Sat about in p.m. Listened in to Wembley closing and Prince of Wales’ speech. I walked to station with Margaret at 9. To bed 11 or so. Helen very upset all day.
Memoranda:
Wrote E.P. 28th in tube.
Letter from him 28th.
Sunday 2nd November 1924
Mild, dull, Gale.
I over to 6 Elm Park Road with suitcase for Dorothy Barnard’s birthday. They out. Back to dinner 1. Helped Dennis with wireless in p.m. Dolly Willis to tea, and see Helen. We all listened in. Got Paris on Dennis’ new set. Helen and Alys for walk after supper.
Monday 3rd November 1924
Fine. Cold.
To shops with Alys and Helen. Tony’s ½ term. He with Harold all a.m. Margaret Archibald came to stay. After lunch, Alys and I to Shearn’s to get wreaths. Home to tea. Sat around, all of us. Dennis back at 8. Listened-in all evening. 1870 songs. And Captain Eckersleigh’s talk on Broadcasting in U.S.A.
Tuesday 4th November 1924
Lovely. Very cold. Frosty.
I off at 9.30 to Shearn’s with card. Back. Dolly came. She, Karl and I to Crematorium. Helen, Alys, Margaret and Dennis in a car. Mr Millar read service. Rufus cremated. 12. All back to lunch and Mr Withall too. Dolly away at 3. Alys, Dennis, Margaret, for walk. Listened-in in evening. Dennis in late. 11.30. Meta took Helen for walk after tea.
Wednesday 5th November 1924
Lovely. Very cold. Frosty.
Margaret and Helen took Tony to school. Alys to Army and Navy with watch. I to visit for Care Committee all a.m. Lunch at Barnes’. Visited Mansfield Road Schools in p.m. Home to tea Margaret away at 3. Alys to call on Mrs Souttar. Listened-in in evening and read.
Thursday 6th November 1924
Fine. Warmer.
Helen took Tony to school. I did work in a.m. Then out shops alone and back, meeting Helen and Tony and Alys from school. Worked all p.m. Miss Ena Wilson to tea.
Friday 7th November 1924
Dull.
To shops with Alys. Helen to shop I town with Meta. Did some Barbola. To 26 Compayne and had lunch with Ethel alone. Home, Mr Withall to see Helen. Harold for Tony. Read Marcel Proust. Wireless. To bed 10.10. (Helen’s birthday 30th. Watch from Rufus).
Saturday 8th November 1924
Fine.
Did barbola in a.m. Alys and Helen to shops. After lunch, Alys and I to Badminton; Dennis met us there. Fun and tea. Home by 28. Man came about radio. Listened-in all evening.
Memoranda:
Arctics arrived from E.P. 4th.
Wrote him 5th, 6th.
Sunday 9th November 1924
Dull, not cold.
Did Barbola most of the day. Dennis, Alys and Helen washed bricks and put up aerial for kitchen. Sissie called in a.m. I went to tea at Aunt Rosa’s!!! Kenneth Moir there. Heard Paris and Madrid on radio!!!
Monday 10th November 1924
Fine, then dull.
To shops with Helen and Alys. Then they went to Dolly Willis’. I fetched Tony and to Ena’s to lunch and tea. I lunch alone. Wrote letters. Tony back at 6.20. I put him to bed. Dennis in at 8. Did bricks all evening in drawing-room and listened-in to speeches at Lord Mayor’s Banquet. Alys and Dennis in at 11.
Tuesday 11th November 1924
Dull. Mild.
Rain all day.
I with Alys to Miss Warren’s to see rooms 11.30. I on alone to R.B.A. (Royal Society of British Artists) to see C. (me: Claude) Flight’s pictures. Lunch at English Speaking Union. Past Cenotaph to Page Memorial lecture. Auckland Geddes, Baldwin, Balfour. At 5.15. to 25 Norfolk Street to see Quits (Elinor Barnard-Komroff) and her pictures. Home. Listened in after dinner. To bed 10.30.
Wednesday 12th November 1924
Rain all day.
Car not ready, so Alys, Dennis and Helen by train to Brighton. I took Tony to 6 Elm Park Road via Trafalgar Square fountains. Lunch. Tony rested all p.m. Tea. Then back via Piccadilly Circus, Electric signs! And tube. Bathed him and put him to bed. Listened-in Prince of Wales. To bed 10.30. Others in at 12.
Thursday 13th November 1924
Dull.
Did barbola in a.m. Out to lunch at 26 Compayne Gardens at 1. On alone to Med. Inspection at Kingsgate Road Schools 2 – 4. Back to tea. Mrs Krohn and Eva (Reid) Standring to tea. Helen out till 7.30 at Withall’s. Meta to lunch here. Dennis not in till 8. Alys to meet him. Bricks in evening.
Friday 14th November 1924
Dull. Rainy.
With Alys to shops and to York Street and Oxford Terrace about my rooms!!! Lunch. Then Alys to meet Dennis at Hospital and they to Sherborne. Helen to Withall again and back at 6.30. I painted and Tony too in dining-room. Listened-in to B.B.C. birthday in evening.
Saturday 15th November 1924
Dull, cooler.
Out at 9.15 to E.V. Miles for advice about rooms. To 25 York Street and to 21 Oxford Terrace. Lunch at Leggett’s and then Badminton all p.m. Home at 6.45.
Memoranda:
Care Committee – 13th
Kingsgate Road Med Inspection 2 p.m. – 13th
Away with Ayrton’s party – 14th?
Letter from E.P. – 12th
Sunday 16th November 1924
Cold.
Elsa and Max over and Virginia and Miss Dale, to see my work. I unwell. Helen, Tony and I to tea at Ayrton’s and back at 6.40. Listened-in to Gipsy Smith in evening and De Groot. Alys and Dennis back at 2 a.m. from Sherborne.
Monday 17th November 1924
Very cold. Frosty.
Alys in bed to breakfast. I to E.V. Miles with agreement and then Shoolbred’s. Home to lunch. Painted in p.m. Alys to Paine’s. Helen to Withall. I tea with Tony and bathed him. Dennis very late 8.30. Listened-in, about airships. Phoned 6 Elm Park Road.
Tuesday 18th November 1924
Very, very cold. Frost. Fog.
With Alys to Edgware Road about electricity. To landlord’s and signed Agreement!!! Alys and Helen to shop in town, lunch. Dorothie fetched Tony. He and I lunch and tea alone together and painted. I wrote E.P. long letter. Alys and Helen home 7. Tired. Dennis not home til 10.15.
Wednesday 19th November 1924
Very cold. Dull.
Alys with me to 21 Oxford Terrace. Electrician for estimate. Talked to Colonel Claringe. I home to lunch. Alys to town and to Thew. Helen and Tony to Ena’s to tea. I painted. Dolly Willis to tea and till 7. Listened-in.
Thursday 20th November 1924
Dull.
I to Oxford Terrace for 2nd electrician: On to Shoolbred’s warehouse. Heal’s. Lunch at Woolworth’s 7d. To Marshall’s and Lewis’. Met Alys there (she lunched with Hays). To Paddington. Saw off Helen and Tony to Farnham Royal! Alys and I back to shops and then to Lab and home in car with Dennis (car bad). Home 8.30. Bernard Shaw.
Friday 21st November 1924
Dull. Raw.
Indoors doing lamp-shades all a.m. Dorrie back with Alys to lunch and stayed to tea too, and Gertrude came I to tea. I out shops in p.m. Felt tired and rather coldy. Dennis back at 7.30. Dorothie out. Helped Dennis with gold slippers for fancy dress.
Saturday 22nd November 1924
Painted calendars in a.m. With Alys to Lab, after lunch and with Dennis in car to Badminton. Home after tea, and they dressed for Walker’s dance, East of Suez. Dennis Embleton black and turban. I alone after dinner. Wrote Ella and listened-in to Pittsburgh USA!!! To bed 1.10 a.m.
Memoranda:
Letter from E.P. (long) 18th wrote him.
Miss Grey – buyer at Debenham’s.
Sunday 23rd November 1924
Mild.
Tidied up Barbola things and packed them for show. Alys and Dennis did bricks nearly all day. I to tea with Sissie. Quiet evening.
Monday 24th November 1924
Out with Alys to town and to Oxford Terrace in car. To Stratford Place. Lunch at English Speaking Union. I home and Alys to Thew’s. I with Dorothie and Jessie to take all my work to Club House.
Tuesday 25th November 1924
Dull.
Show at Club House 3 till 9! Alys there till 7.
Wednesday 26th November 1924
Rainy.
Worked in a.m. at Barbola. Show at Club House. 3 till 9. Dolly Willis to supper and to show.
Thursday 27th November 1924
Wind.
Worked all a.m. Kitty came at 11 and had lunch. Alys to have teeth x-rayed again. To Club House 3. Kit left at 3.10. Ethel Miles came; stayed on and sold nearly everything. Sissie in and Miss Eves. Dennis called for Alys at 7 and for me at 9.20. Krohn’s in evening to hear Radio Brussels.
Friday 28th November 1924
Very dull. Some rain.
Took dragon dish to Mrs Riggs, Glenties. Worked all a.m. Alys out to town, and back to tea only. I worked all p.m. too. At 5 to Town Hall, Hampstead Education Committee Meeting. Mayor in chair. Home. Dennis and Alys to Wireless Exhibition in evening. I phoned Dorothy Barnard. Speeches – Baldwin, Eustace Percy on radio.
Saturday 29th November 1924
Dull, mild.
With Alys to shops and over house in Park. Lunch and then to Badminton via 21 Oxford Terrace. Dennis took Max to Badminton. I to Galli Curci, and sold other seat outside for 2/6! Played Badminton. Tea. Home on car. Max too. To bed early. 10.30.
Memoranda:
Krusler 23rd.
Galli Curci 29th 2.30.
Distaff Guild 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th
L.P.C. Town Hall Hampstead – 28th 5.30.
Sunday 30th November 1924
Dull. Mild.
Busy doing barbola, and then making chicken-salad and in p.m. – mayonnaise which curdled. Alys and Dennis to Laughton’s. I in car with Dennis to buy mayonnaise at Appendrodt’s at 4.15. Deedie to tea. At 7 came Dr and Mrs Renton and Elsa and Max to supper. Stayed til about 10 and 10.30.
Monday 1st December 1924
Fine, mild.
Dennis took Alys and me to 21 Oxford Terrace and to Star Electric. Then Alys and I home. I worked. After lunch, Alys and I to Dorrie’s with beer! Alys tidied and I worked till tea. Alys to Mrs Binney’s and I wrote 5 letters.
Tuesday 2nd December 1924
Worked at Barbola nearly all day.
Wednesday 3rd December 1924
Mild, dull.
To Mansfield Road Managers’ Meeting; Walked to Chalk Farm. Dennis and Alys in car. Alys had 3 teeth out with gas. Home. I to meet Doz, 21 Oxford Terrace. Then to Leicester Galleries. Metal flowers. Mrs Avery Robinson. Tea at Jones. Home.
Thursday 4th December 1924
Rain, warm.
Worked in a.m. Alys to shops and later on to William Miles’ with my Barbola. I to tea at Mrs Story’s, 91 Templewood Road. Stayed 2 hours, home over heath in rain. Dr. and Mrs Tidy to dinner at 7.45. Rather hard-sledding.
Friday 5th December 1924
Fine, lovely.
Alys and I to town with Dennis in car to try to buy electric lamps and to Handicrafts Exhibition, Vincent Square. Met Quits and Americans, H Radford, Ingles. Lunch at Army and Navy. Home Out to Finchley with Barbola. Home to tea. Polly and Dorothy to dinner. Wireless. Back on car with them 10.45.
Saturday 6th December 1924
Very fine.
Alys and Dennis off to Brighton to Phil in car. I did barbola and shades. To lunch at M. Leggett’s. Rested after and then to Badminton. Tea. Back after and shopped in Golders Green. Packed cabin trunk (small). To bed about 9.30.
Memoranda:
3rd Managers’ Meeting? Mansfield, Chalk Farm 10.30 a.m. to 5.30. p.m.
3 p.m. Meet Dorothy Barnard at Oxford Terrace.
Wrote E.P. December 1st (received cheque and letter from him 1st).
Sunday 7th December 1924
Fine.
All day packing up. Pretty tired. After tea, took barbola to Faraday’s. Called at Aunt Louie’s, till 6.45. Home at 7. Washed head. Listened in all evening and read Marcel Proust.
Monday 8th December 1924
Dull.
Went on with packing, all morning. Alys back at 1.30. Lunch. I rested on bed all p.m. Tired and sore toe. Dennis back 7.15. Playlet on radio. Alys and I sewed rings on curtains all evening. Dennis did bricks.
Tuesday 9th December 1924
Dull, very, very thick fog in evening.
Dennis took us over to 21 Oxford Terrace at 9.30. Van and men from Shoolbred’s with furniture. Picnic lunch there. Things sent up there and some from here – 47 Hampstead Way. Back at 7. Very thick fog. Dozed all evening. To bed and bath at 11.10. Dennis in at 11.45 or so.
Wednesday 10th December 1924
Dark and foggy all day.
Alys and I by tube and bus to Oxford Terrace. Worked there. Lunch there. I to Medical Inspection, Kingsgate Road School 2 – 4. Back in thick, black fog – to tea. Alys to town and back to tea too.
Thursday 11th December 1924
Very foggy and chilly.
Third day of fog! Over with Alys to Oxford Terrace (to stop)! We had picnic lunch, and then out later to tea at Evans’ and to various shops. Bought knife-box*. Back to Oxford Terrace and Dennis came there at 7.30. Dinner (Very nice, 3 courses 7/- for all of us). Dennis slept in chair and we moved furniture.
Friday 12th December 1924
Alys came over and we hung pictures all day. *Went out to Evans’ this day and not Thursday, I think. On Thursday I to care Committee in p.m. in fog and back 5. Dennis called for Alys in car. I dined alone. Waited on by “Mr C”.
Saturday 13th December 1924
Fine.
Got my breakfast, and did all sorts of things. Out to W’s for lunch ½ with tip. Back and Alys same, then Dennis in car and we all to Badminton. Fun, but tired. Dennis to weekend at Cox’s at Goring. I home by 27 bus. Dinner, currie! To bed 10.30. Tired.
Memoranda:
Medical Inspection 10th 2 p.m. Kingsgate Road.
Care Committee 11th
C.H.W.’s holidays begin 13th till January 12th.
Sunday 14th December 1924
Fine.
Breakfast 9.30. Very busy taking up curtains, and cleaning silver. Dorothy came at 1, and we had dinner at nearly 2. Sat and talked over fire. l then out, bus to Marble Arch. Walked across Hyde Park to Knightsbridge. Bus to Elm Park Road. Got tea there. Polly out. I back home via Lyons’ at 8. Colonel Claridge did my electric bell and talked.
Monday 15th December 1924
Some rain, muddy.
Unwell. Busy all a.m. Out to lunch with Alys – Selfridge’s. Met her there (she from Goring).She to Thew 2.30. I on to search for present for Margery Leggett. Home at 4. Milk and toast. Slept in big chair. Saddlebag arrived. Dinner from Christenden’s. Wrote Enright. Too tired to post so to bed.
Tuesday 16th December 1924
Dull. Muddy.
Busy doing drawers and books all a.m. Out at 12.30. Lunch Woolworth’s 1/1. with tip. Home. Out at 2 to visit Kilburn, Care Committee. Walked to 26 Compayne. On with Ethel and Pamela and Doreen to Northcourt Hospital – breaking up party, 3.30 – 6. Alys there. Home and wrote E.P. Dinner 7.20. Dorothy Barnard phoned about Edward’s health. To bed about 11. Miss Palmer called and talked.
Wednesday 17th December 1924
Dull.
In all a.m. polishing brass. Got eggs for lunch at 1.30. Out to Harrie’s. Bought hat. To Kardomah for coffee. To Owles and Beaumont for Aunt Bella’s knickers. Harrods. Home buns and milk for tea. Got presents out of big trunk. Dinner. Did bass basket. Read. Bath upstairs.
Thursday 18th December 1924
Fine. Mild.
(Eva and Phil back from school). Busy getting things cleaned up. Out to shops for cakes. Polly to lunch 1.30 till 3.15. Then Nell Sime to tea 3.45 till 6. Then I opened silver crate and looked over things. Had supper. Read Marcel Proust “Swann”. To bed about 10. Read in bed.
Friday 19th December 1924
Mild. Dull.
Out at 11 and walked to Baker Street, Dubois for cakes. Home. Lunch at Woolworth’s. In p.m Alys, Eva and Phil came. Phil did sawing up canvases and they shopped. All had tea with me here. Dennis called for them very late 8! I had dinner from C’s. To bed 9.45.
Saturday 20th December 1924
Fine.
Busy all am. Got own lunch, egg at 3.15. Dennis and Phil called for me in car, and I out with them to Badminton. Some play and Xmas tea. Alys and Eva called for us, and all to Waterloo (for fish) and then I was left at 21 Oxford Terrace and they home. I had dinner from Chr’s and hot bath, after arranging curtain. Cried at thought of E.B (Edward Barnard) getting well, i.e. dying.
Memoranda:
Dorothy Barnard to dinner 1.
16th – Party at Northcourt.
Eva and Phil back 18th.
Wrote E.P. 16th
Polly to lunch 1.30 Thursday 18th
Nell to tea – 18th
Alys, Eva and Phil to tea Friday.
Sunday 21st December 1924
Dark all day, damp.
Over to 6 Elm Park Road at 11.20. Discussed and read reports on Edward with Dorothy. Home at 1. C.H. Wade to dinner 1.45 with me. Talked all p.m. She away at 4. I tea, and then did up parcels for K.H.D, Leggett’s, Buchanan’s, Tades, till 7.45. Embletons in car with coat, but not up. Supper by fire. To bed 10.
Monday 22nd December 1924
Fine, Lovely. Cooler.
Out to Post Office with parcel 9.30. Washed linen basket in bath. Alys and Eva and Phil to dinner 1.30. Kit ‘phoned but didn’t come. Hung pictures and hooks. Out at 4 to Cook’s at Charing Cross about ticket. Postponed going to Brussels. Walked home. Had high tea at 6.30. Wrote Ella and Doz.
Tuesday 23rd December 1924
Rain. Milder.
Out to shops and then to Golders Green. Lunch with Alys and children, Tony in bed, Helen out. Alys and I to Fleet Street for present for Dennis and then to Fuller’s. Tea there. Bourne and Hollingsworth for umbrella for C.H.W. Home to Oxford Terrace together. Dennis in car for Alys at 8.30. I did up parcels and had supper. Christensen’s out, so I answered bell for Colonel Claridge.
Wednesday 24th December 1924
Showery.
Walked to Bourne and Hollingsworth to change Helen’s stockings. Soup at Flenny’s. Home at 1.45. Phoned Dorothy about Edward’s operation. After 6 out to Post Office. Telegraphed Brussels. To Elsa’s. Supper (12 of us). Lloyds, Bells, Adrian. To Aly’s to sleep. Max took me in taxi.
Thursday 25th December 1924
Mild, Changeable.
Alys in bed till 1.30. Tree decked by children and Helen. Tony Ayrton over. Dinner 1.30. Tree and presents. Tea 5. Supper 8. I coldy. Krohn’s and Huddlestones in at 9 till 12. Games and dancing. Eva in Alys’ dress with hair up.
Friday 26th December 1924
Showers.
I to breakfast in dressing gown and back to bed late. Up to lunch. Elsa, Max Alan and Virginia over in a.m. C.H.W. to lunch. Alys to Sissie’s in p.m. with Eva and Phil. I talked to Helen and Wade. Dennis worked at his wireless. Wade to tea too. I to bed at 9.30.
Saturday 27th December 1924
Gales and rain. Mild.
Wrote 4 letters. Helen to shops for Alys, whose voice gone. Dennis to Lab but back at 11.30. Eva slept on till 12.30. Helped Dennis with my wireless all p.m. After tea he took me to Oxford Terrace with Alys in car. Dinner from C’s. and wrote in evening. To bed 10 p.m.
Memoranda:
To 47 Hampstead Way 24th till 27th
Must get ticket before 24th for Brussels.
C.H.W. lunch Sunday or tea Monday?
Wrote E.P. 27th
Sunday 28th December 1924
Fine. Cold.
All a.m. quietly arranging and packing. Lunch 1.30 from C’s. Out to Bayswater Road and back at 3.15. In Church. Southwick Road. Tea and supper. Finishing packing. To bed 9.45.
Monday 29th December 1924
Perfect day.
Up at 6.45. Got breakfast 7. Taxi 8.15 to Victoria. To Dover 8.50 – Ostend to Brussels. Nice lady going to Cologne. Lunch on boat “Stad Antwerpen”. Tea on train. Aunt Bella met me. To 616 Chaussée de Waterloo.
Tuesday 30th December 1924
Gales and rain.
Out to shops. Chose chicken. Window smashed. Rested in p.m. upstairs. Not out Too bad weather. Patience and cards in evening.
Wednesday 31st December 1924
Fine a.m. Showery p.m.
To Monnaie Theatre and Monsieur Georges Storfis. After dinner to Madame Vandamme’s. Monsieur and Madame Hymans there. Margot Verboeckoven to dinner. Home and supper and to bed.
Memoranda:
To Brussels till 12th 9.40 a.m. Victoria. Ticket 3.19.6.
Soliloquie’s in England by Professor George Santayana – well known American philosopher, recommended by Dean Inge:
“Full of jokes at our expense, general impression most kindly and I think very just. Whitaker divides nations of world into British Empire, U.S. and foreign countries. “We possess not only an island on which the sun seldom rises but an empire on which it is reputed never to set”.
The Diaries of my Great-Great-Aunt Kate 